bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular basis of carrageenan-induced cytokines production in macrophages
Authors: Lopes Alexandre H. , Silva Rangel L. , Fonseca Miriam D. , Gomes Francisco I. , Maganin Alexandre G. , Ribeiro Lucas S. , Marques Lucas Maciel Mauriz , Cunha Fernando Q. , Alves-Filho Jose C. , Zamboni Dario S. , Lopes Norberto P. , Franklin Bernardo S. , Gombault Aurélie , Ramalho Fernando Silva , Quesniaux Valerie F. J. , Couillin Isabelle , Ryffel Bernhard , Cunha Thiago M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Low molecular weight carrageenan (Cg) is a seaweed-derived sulfated polysaccharide widely used as inflammatory stimulus in preclinical studies. However, the molecular mechanisms of Cg-induced inflammation are not fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular basis involved in Cg-induced macrophages activation and cytokines production.

Methods

Primary culture of mouse peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with Kappa Cg. The supernatant and cell lysate were used for ELISA, western blotting, immunofluorescence. Cg-induced mouse colitis was also developed.

Results

Here we show that Cg activates peritoneal macrophages to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF and IL-1β. While Cg-induced TNF production/secretion depends on TLR4/MyD88 signaling, the production of pro-IL-1β relies on TLR4/TRIF/SYK/reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathway. The maturation of pro-IL1β into IL-1β is dependent on canonical NLRP3 inflammasome activation via Pannexin-1/P2X7/K+ efflux signaling. In vivo, Cg-induced colitis was reduced in mice in the absence of NLRP3 inflammasome components.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we unravel a critical role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in Cg-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines production and colitis, which is an important discovery on the pro-inflammatory properties of this sulfated polysaccharide for pre-clinical studies.

Graphical Abstract

Carrageenan (Cg) is one the most used flogistic stimulus in preclinical studies. Nevertheless, the molecular basis of Cg-induced inflammation is not totally elucidated. Herein, Lopes et al. unraveled the molecular basis for Cg-induced macrophages production of biological active IL-1β. The Cg-stimulated macrophages produces pro-IL-1β depends on TLR4/TRIF/Syk/ROS, whereas its processing into mature IL-1β is dependent on the canonical NLRP3 inflammasome.
Factor VIII inhibitor development in Egyptian hemophilia patients: does intron 22 inversion mutation play a role?
Authors: Sherief Laila M. , Gaber Osama A. , Youssef Hala Mosaad , Sherbiny Hanan S. , Mokhtar Wesam a , Ali Asmaa A. A. , Kamal Naglaa M. , Abdel Maksoud Yehia H.
Published: September 2020

Background

Hemophilia A (HA) is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder characterized by qualitative and quantitative deficiency of factor VIII (FVIII). The development of inhibitor antibodies against FVIII is the most challenging complication of treatment. Mutations in the FVIII gene is one of the genetic factors that leads to development of FVIII inhibitors especially intron 22 inversion (Inv22).

Objectives

This study was carried out to assess the frequency of Inv22 of FVIII gene in Egyptian patients with hemophilia A and its role as a risk factor for developing inhibitors.

Patients and methods

Seventy-two patients with severe HA and 48 patients with moderate HA were enrolled in the current study. All patients were treated on demand with either plasma-derived factor VIII or recombinant factor VIII concentrates. Genotyping of FVIII Inv22 was performed by LD-PCR while the presence and magnitude of inhibitor activity in blood was determined by the Bethesda assay.

Results

Around 23% of all hemophilia cases had positive Inv22. Intron 22 inversion mutation was detected in 6 and 33% of patients with moderate and severe HA respectively. Twenty-one cases (18%) of all hemophilic patients developed inhibitors. Thirty-7% of patients with Inv22 had inhibitor in their blood, almost all, but one, had severe HA. The risk of an inhibitor development during replacement therapy was four folds higher among Inv22 positive cases as compared with mutation negative peers (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.6–11.9,P = 0.003).

Conclusions

The prevalence of Inv22 of F VIII in Egyptian hemophiliacs is nearly like that of other population. This mutation was more frequently detected among severe hemophilic patients as compared with moderately affected peers. The presence of Inv22 mutation significantly predispose to FVIII inhibitor development.
Enterotropism of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N8 from the 2016/2017 epidemic in some wild bird species
Authors: Caliendo Valentina , Leijten Lonneke , Begeman Lineke , Poen Marjolein J. , Fouchier Ron A. M. , Beerens Nancy , Kuiken Thijs
Published: September 2020

In 2016/2017, H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus of the Goose/Guangdong lineage spread from Asia to Europe, causing the biggest and most widespread HPAI epidemic on record in wild and domestic birds in Europe. We hypothesized that the wide dissemination of the 2016 H5N8 virus resulted at least partly from a change in tissue tropism from the respiratory tract, as in older HPAIV viruses, to the intestinal tract, as in low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses, allowing more efficient faecal-oral transmission. Therefore, we determined the tissue tropism and associated lesions in wild birds found dead during the 2016 H5N8 epidemic, as well as the pattern of attachment of 2016 H5N8 virus to respiratory and intestinal tissues of four key wild duck species. We found that, out of 39 H5N8-infected wild birds of 12 species, four species expressed virus antigen in both respiratory and intestinal epithelium, one species only in respiratory epithelium, and one species only in intestinal epithelium. Virus antigen expression was association with inflammation and necrosis in multiple tissues. The level of attachment to wild duck intestinal epithelia of 2016 H5N8 virus was comparable to that of LPAI H4N5 virus, and higher than that of 2005 H5N1 virus for two of the four duck species and chicken tested. Overall, these results indicate that 2016 H5N8 may have acquired a similar enterotropism to LPAI viruses, without having lost the respirotropism of older HPAI viruses of the Goose/Guangdong lineage. The increased enterotropism of 2016 H5N8 implies that this virus had an increased chance to persist long term in the wild waterbird reservoir.
Stego key recovery method for F5 steganography with matrix encoding
Authors: Liu Jiufen , Yang Chunfang , Wang Junchao , Shi Yanan
Published: September 2020

When embedding secret message into image by steganography with matrix encoding, there are still no effective methods to recover the stego key because it is difficult to statistically distinguish the stego coefficient sequences selected by true and false keys. Therefore, this paper proposes a method for recovering the stego key of a typical JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) image steganography—F5 which composes of the check matrix and shuffling key. Firstly, the check matrix is recovered based on the embedding ratio estimated by quantitative steganalysis. The shuffling key is then recovered based on the distribution difference between the bit sequences extracted by the true and false shuffling keys. Additionally, the cardinality of the shuffling key space is significantly reduced by examining the extracted encoding parameter and message length. Experimental results show that the proposed method can recover the stego key accurately and efficiently, even when the existing Xu’s method fails for the high or very low embedding ratio.
Motor performance and back pain in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Noll Matias , Wedderkopp Niels , Mendonça Carolina Rodrigues , Kjaer Per
Published: September 2020

Background

The relationship between motor performance and back pain in children and adolescents remains unclear. This article describes the protocol for a systematic review to summarize the knowledge about the association between motor performance, such as agility, flexibility, balance, strength, muscle endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness, and back pain. Thus, our aim is to identify the influence of motor performance on back pain among children and adolescents.

Methods

Two independent researchers will search MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL databases, with no period or language restrictions. We will include cross-sectional, cohort, case-control, and controlled clinical trial studies based on the following criteria: (a) participants from 6 to 19 years of age, (b) assessment of motor performance, (c) assessment of back pain, and (d) report measures of associations between motor performance and back pain. Study quality and risk of bias will be assessed using an adapted version of the Downs and Black instrument. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations will be used to assess the strength of the body of evidence. Meta-analyses of association measures will be performed for each type of motor performance, separately for different study types. The results will be reported using forest to show the pooled effect of findings and funnel plots to assess precision of the data. If studies are not homogeneous, results from the meta-analyses will not be reported. Associations will then be synthesized descriptively using a pragmatic approach.

Discussion

This systematic review will provide critical insights into the association between motor performance and back pain among children and adolescents; this information may help support clinical practice guidelines as well as public health programs.

Ethics and dissemination

Protocol was written according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

Systematic review registration

PROSPEROCRD42020178496
IoT-enabled directed acyclic graph in spark cluster
Authors: Koo Jahwan , Faseeh Qureshi Nawab Muhammad , Siddiqui Isma Farah , Abbas Asad , Bashir Ali Kashif
Published: September 2020

Real-time data streaming fetches live sensory segments of the dataset in the heterogeneous distributed computing environment. This process assembles data chunks at a rapid encapsulation rate through a streaming technique that bundles sensor segments into multiple micro-batches and extracts into a repository, respectively. Recently, the acquisition process is enhanced with an additional feature of exchanging IoT devices’ dataset comprised of two components: (i) sensory data and (ii) metadata. The body of sensory data includes record information, and the metadata part consists of logs, heterogeneous events, and routing path tables to transmit micro-batch streams into the repository. Real-time acquisition procedure uses the Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) to extract live query outcomes from in-place micro-batches through MapReduce stages and returns a result set. However, few bottlenecks affect the performance during the execution process, such as (i) homogeneous micro-batches formation only, (ii) complexity of dataset diversification, (iii) heterogeneous data tuples processing, and (iv) linear DAG workflow only. As a result, it produces huge processing latency and the additional cost of extracting event-enabled IoT datasets. Thus, the Spark cluster that processes Resilient Distributed Dataset (RDD) in a fast-pace using Random access memory (RAM) defies expected robustness in processing IoT streams in the distributed computing environment. This paper presents an IoT-enabled Directed Acyclic Graph (I-DAG) technique that labels micro-batches at the stage of building a stream event and arranges stream elements with event labels. In the next step, heterogeneous stream events are processed through the I-DAG workflow, which has non-linear DAG operation for extracting queries’ results in a Spark cluster. The performance evaluation shows that I-DAG resolves homogeneous IoT-enabled stream event issues and provides an effective stream event heterogeneous solution for IoT-enabled datasets in spark clusters.
Co-expression of C9orf72 related dipeptide-repeats over 1000 repeat units reveals age- and combination-specific phenotypic profiles in Drosophila
Authors: West Ryan J. H. , Sharpe Joanne L. , Voelzmann André , Munro Anna L. , Hahn Ines , Baines Richard A. , Pickering-Brown Stuart
Published: September 2020

A large intronic hexanucleotide repeat expansion (GGGGCC) within the C9orf72 (C9orf72-SMCR8 Complex Subunit) locus is the most prevalent genetic cause of both Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Motor Neuron Disease (MND). In patients this expansion is typically hundreds to thousands of repeat units in length. Repeat associated non-AUG translation of the expansion leads to the formation of toxic, pathological Dipeptide-Repeat Proteins (DPRs). To date there remains a lack of in vivo models expressing C9orf72 related DPRs with a repeat length of more than a few hundred repeats. As such our understanding of how physiologically relevant repeat length DPRs effect the nervous system in an ageing in vivo system remains limited. In this study we generated Drosophila models expressing DPRs over 1000 repeat units in length, a known pathological length in humans. Using these models, we demonstrate each DPR exhibits a unique, age-dependent, phenotypic and pathological profile. Furthermore, we show co-expression of specific DPR combinations leads to distinct, age-dependent, phenotypes not observed through expression of single DPRs. We propose these models represent a unique, in vivo, tool for dissecting the molecular mechanisms implicated in disease pathology, opening up new avenues in the study of both MND and FTD.
Error propagation analysis of seven partial volume correction algorithms for [18F]THK-5351 brain PET imaging
Authors: Oyama Senri , Hosoi Ayumu , Ibaraki Masanobu , McGinnity Colm J. , Matsubara Keisuke , Watanuki Shoichi , Watabe Hiroshi , Tashiro Manabu , Shidahara Miho
Published: September 2020

Background

Novel partial volume correction (PVC) algorithms have been validated by assuming ideal conditions of image processing; however, in real clinical PET studies, the input datasets include error sources which cause error propagation to the corrected outcome.

Methods

We aimed to evaluate error propagations of seven PVCs algorithms for brain PET imaging with [18F]THK-5351 and to discuss the reliability of those algorithms for clinical applications. In order to mimic brain PET imaging of [18F]THK-5351, pseudo-observed SUVR images for one healthy adult and one adult with Alzheimer’s disease were simulated from individual PET and MR images. The partial volume effect of pseudo-observed PET images were corrected by using Müller-Gärtner (MG), the geometric transfer matrix (GTM), Labbé (LABBE), regional voxel-based (RBV), iterative Yang (IY), structural functional synergy for resolution recovery (SFS-RR), and modified SFS-RR algorithms with incorporation of error sources in the datasets for PVC processing. Assumed error sources were mismatched FWHM, inaccurate image-registration, and incorrectly segmented anatomical volume. The degree of error propagations in ROI values was evaluated by percent differences (%diff) of PV-corrected SUVR against true SUVR.

Results

Uncorrected SUVRs were underestimated against true SUVRs (− 15.7 and − 53.7% in hippocampus for HC and AD conditions), and application of each PVC algorithm reduced the %diff. Larger FWHM mismatch led to larger %diff of PVC-SUVRs against true SUVRs for all algorithms. Inaccurate image registration showed systematic propagation for most algorithms except for SFS-RR and modified SFS-RR. Incorrect segmentation of the anatomical volume only resulted in error propagations in limited local regions.

Conclusions

We demonstrated error propagation by numerical simulation of THK-PET imaging.

Error propagations of 7 PVC algorithms for brain PET imaging with [18F]THK-5351 were significant. Robust algorithms for clinical applications must be carefully selected according to the study design of clinical PET data.
Specific airway management for SVC replacement during giant anterior mediastinal tumor resection
Authors: Kawagoe Izumi , Satoh Daizoh , Mitaka Chieko , Fukuda Masataka , Kochiyama Tsukasa , Hayashida Masakazu
Published: September 2020

Background

Giant anterior mediastinal tumor (GAMT) resection is a challenging procedure, for which anesthesiologist might take to need special precautions.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old male patient had been scheduled to undergo GAMT resection and superior vena cava (SVC) replacement. The tumor spread surrounding SVC and left main bronchus (LMB), resulting in small volume of his left lung. A soft left-sided double lumen tube (DLT) was selected to keep the patency of LMB during left one lung ventilation (OLV) against the tumor weight. Semi-awake intubation with spontaneous breathing was selected for DLT insertion to avoid lower airway occlusion. During left OLV after right open thoracotomy, his SPO2 decreased below to 90%. We performed selective right upper lobe bronchial blockade using the combination of DLT and bronchial blocker. The surgery was successfully completed with this strategy.

Conclusions

Although such cases are rare, they are informative for anesthesiologists, providing optional strategies.
Genetic diversity of avocado from the southern highlands of Tanzania as revealed by microsatellite markers
Authors: Juma Ibrahim , Geleta Mulatu , Nyomora Agnes , Saripella Ganapathi Varma , Hovmalm Helena Persson , Carlsson Anders S. , Fatih Moneim , Ortiz Rodomiro
Published: September 2020

Background

Avocado is an important cash crop in Tanzania, however its genetic diversity is not thoroughly investigated. This study was undertaken to explore the genetic diversity of avocado in the southern highlands using microsatellite markers. A total of 226 local avocado trees originating from seeds were sampled in eight districts of the Mbeya, Njombe and Songwe regions. Each district was considered as a population. The diversity at 10 microsatellite loci was investigated.

Results

A total of 167 alleles were detected across the 10 loci with an average of 16.7 ± 1.3 alleles per locus. The average expected and observed heterozygosity were 0.84 ± 0.02 and 0.65 ± 0.04, respectively. All but two loci showed a significant deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg principle. Analysis of molecular variance showed that about 6% of the variation was partitioned among the eight geographic populations. Population FST pairwise comparisons revealed lack of genetic differentiation for the seven of 28 population pairs tested. The principal components analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis showed a mixing of avocado trees from different districts. The model-based STRUCTURE subdivided the trees samples into four major genetic clusters.

Conclusion

High diversity detected in the analysed avocado germplasm implies that this germplasm is a potentially valuable source of variable alleles that might be harnessed for genetic improvement of this crop in Tanzania. The mixing of avocado trees from different districts observed in the PCA and dendrogram points to strong gene flow among the avocado populations, which led to population admixture revealed in the STRUCTURE analysis. However, there is still significant differentiation among the tree populations from different districts that can be utilized in the avocado breeding program.
Detection of imported COVID-19 cases worldwide: early assessment of airport entry screening, 24 January until 17 February 2020
Authors: Mouchtouri Varvara A. , Bogogiannidou Zacharoula , Dirksen-Fischer Martin , Tsiodras Sotirios , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of entry screening measures applied at airports in response to the COVID-19 epidemic worldwide. Between 24 January and 17 February 2020, 5.2% (95% CI 3.1–8.5) of the 271 total imported COVID-19 cases worldwide (excluding imported cases arriving in China, Macao, and Hong Kong) with known detection location were captured through airport entry screening. The majority of imported COVID-19 cases (210) were identified by the health care system (77.5%). Efforts should focus on health care system preparedness for early case detection, since according to our and previous studies health care facilities are the actual point of entry of imported cases.
Joint line reestablishment in revision total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Akça Mustafa Çınar , Akalın Yavuz , Çevik Nazan , Şahin İsmail Gökhan , Avcı Özgür , Öztürk Alpaslan
Published: September 2020

Background

In this study, the traditional “Anatomical Landmark-Distance Method (AL-DM)” in the formation of joint line (JL) was compared with “Adductor Tubercle-Ratios method” (AT-RM), and the effect of reestablishment of JL on clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated.

Materials and methods

16 revision total knee arthroplasties (rTKAs) were performed by using “AT-RM” (group 1) and 16 rTKA by using “AL-DM” (group 2) in our clinic between 2015 and 2018. The data were prospectively collected and a total of 32 knees of 31 patients were analyzed. At the final follow-up, knee functions were evaluated by using Knee Society Score (KSS) knee and function, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires and physical examinations.

Results

Postoperative flexion arc was higher in Group 1. KSS knee and function scores were better in group 1. In group1, JL was reestablished successfully in all revision rTKAs in terms of ATJL and the tibial tubercle TT-JL ratios. The improvement in KSS knee and function scores and WOMAC scores were also better in group 1. Measurements showed that the improvement in KSS scores increased as AT-JL and TT-JL distances approached the calculated values.

Conclusion

“AT-RM” was shown to be superior to the traditional distance method in terms of JL reestablishment. Functional results and patient satisfaction increased when JL was reestablished.
Implementation of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes in Routine Cancer Care at an Academic Center: Identifying Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Sandhu Sahil , King Zoe , Wong Michelle , Bissell Sean , Sperling Jessica , Gray Megan , Ratliff William , Herring Kris , LeBlanc Thomas W.
Published: September 2020

PURPOSE:

Electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) can help clinicians proactively assess and manage their patients’ symptoms. Despite known benefits, there is limited adoption of ePROs into routine clinical care as a result of workflow and technologic challenges. This study identifies oncologists’ perspectives on factors that affect integration of ePROs into clinical workflows.

METHODS:

We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 16 oncologists from a large academic medical center, across diverse subspecialties and cancer types. Oncologists were asked how they currently use or could imagine using ePROs before, during, and after a patient visit. We used an inductive approach to thematically analyze these qualitative data.

RESULTS:

Results were categorized into the following three main themes: (1) selection and development of ePRO tool, (2) contextual drivers of adoption, and (3) patient-facing concerns. Respondents preferred diagnosis-based ePRO tools over more general symptom screeners. Although they noted information overload as a potential barrier, respondents described strong data visualization and ease of use as facilitators. Contextual drivers of oncologist adoption include identifying target early adopters, incentivizing uptake through use of ePRO data to support billing and documentation, and emphasizing benefits for patient care and efficiency. Respondents also indicated the need to focus on patient-facing issues, such as patient response rate, timing of survey distribution, and validity and reliability of responses.

DISCUSSION:

Respondents identified several barriers and facilitators to successful uptake of ePROs. Understanding oncologists’ perspectives is essential to inform both practice-level implementation strategies and policy-level decisions to include ePROs in alternative payment models for cancer care.
Retained Intrathecal Catheter in a Patient With Baastrup Disease
Authors: Powers Kristin , Elmofty Dalia
Published: September 2020

Neuraxial catheters are typically removed without complications. In rare cases, however, breakage of the catheter may lead to a retained catheter fragment. We present a case of an epidural catheter inadvertently placed in the intrathecal space. The catheter sheared on attempted removal. The computed tomography scan of the lumbar spine revealed hypertrophic spinous processes (Baastrup disease) and a retained catheter fragment located in the thecal sac at L3–L4, terminating at the anterior portion of the interspinous ligament at L4–L5. Proper precautions should be taken when removing neuraxial catheters to prevent this complication.
Gsx2 is required for specification of neurons in the inferior olivary nuclei from Ptf1a-expressing neural progenitors in zebrafish
Authors: Itoh Tsubasa , Takeuchi Miki , Sakagami Marina , Asakawa Kazuhide , Sumiyama Kenta , Kawakami Koichi , Shimizu Takashi , Hibi Masahiko
Published: September 2020

Neurons in the inferior olivary nuclei (IO neurons) send climbing fibers to Purkinje cells to elicit functions of the cerebellum. IO neurons and Purkinje cells are derived from neural progenitors expressing the proneural gene ptf1a. In this study, we found that the homeobox gene gsx2 was co-expressed with ptf1a in IO progenitors in zebrafish. Both gsx2 and ptf1a zebrafish mutants showed a strong reduction or loss of IO neurons. The expression of ptf1a was not affected in gsx2 mutants and vice versa. In IO progenitors, the ptf1a mutation increased apoptosis whereas the gsx2 mutation did not, suggesting that ptf1a and gsx2 are regulated independently of each other and have distinct roles. The fibroblast growth factors (Fgf) 3/8a and retinoic acid signals negatively and positively, respectively, regulated gsx2 expression and thereby the development of IO neurons. mafba and hox genes are at least partly involved in the Fgf- and retinoic acid-dependent regulation of IO neuronal development. Our results indicate that gsx2 mediates the rostro-caudal positional signals to specify the identity of IO neurons from ptf1a-expressing neural progenitors.
An interview with Celina Juliano
Authors: Eve Alex
Published: September 2020

Celina Juliano is an Assistant Professor at UC Davis, where she uses Hydra as a model system to understand development and regeneration. She is co-founder of the Cnidarian Model Systems Meeting (Cnidofest) biennial conference and the OpenHydra Hydra resource platform. This year, she was awarded the Elizabeth D. Hay New Investigator award for outstanding developmental biology research during the early stages of her independent career by the Society for Developmental Biology (SDB). Following the virtual SDB 2020 meeting, we met with Celina over Zoom to hear more about her life and career.
Association Among Blood Transfusion, Postoperative Infectious Complications, and Cancer-Specific Survival in Patients with Stage II/III Gastric Cancer After Radical Gastrectomy: Emphasizing Benefit from Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Xiao Hua , Xiao Yanping , Chen Pan , Quan Hu , Luo Jia , Huang Gang
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the potential additive influence of perioperative blood transfusion (BTF) and postoperative infections on cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with stage II/III gastric cancer (GC) after radical gastrectomy.

Methods

The medical records of 2114 consecutive stage II/III GC patients who underwent curative resection and planned to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) were retrospectively reviewed. The independent predictive factors for infections were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. Cox regression analysis was used to assess any associations between BTF, infection and CSS.

Results

A total of 507 (24.0%) received perioperative BTF and 148 (7.0%) developed infections with BTF being identified as an independent predictor for infections. Both BTF and infections independently predicted poor CSS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.193, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.007–1.414; HR 1.323, 95% CI 1.013–1.727) and an additive effect was confirmed as patients who had both BTF and infection had even worse CSS. Further stratified analyses showed that complete AC (≥ 6 cycles) could significantly improve CSS in patients who had BTF and/or infection, which was comparable to those without BTF and/or infection (P = 0.496).

Conclusions

Infection was the most common complication after gastrectomy and BTF was identified as an independent risk factor. BTF was associated with shorter CSS in stages II/III GC, independent of infections, and receiving BTF and developing infections had an additive effect that was associated with even worse CSS. However, complete AC could significantly improve CSS in these patients. Thus, strategies designed to ensure the completion of AC, such as neoadjuvant chemotherapy, should be further investigated.
Improving the leptospirosis disease burden assessment by including ambulatory patients from outpatient departments: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Warnasekara Janith , Aberathna Parami , Nanayakkara Geetha , Vinetz Joseph , Agampodi Suneth
Published: September 2020

Background: In Sri Lanka, the disease burden of leptospirosis is estimated based on a routine notification system, which is predominated by patients ill enough to be hospitalized. The notification system does not function well with ambulatory patients in outpatient departments (OPDs). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis in an OPD setting in a regional public hospital in Sri Lanka to provide further estimation of disease burden estimations

Methods: This study was conducted in the OPD of the Rathnapura Provincial General Hospital from August to September 2017. Suspected leptospirosis patients were recruited based on standardized criteria and tested using the microscopic agglutination test and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The number of OPD patients was compared with the reported patient numbers with leptospirosis from the hospital during the same period as the denominator, and the 95% confidence interval was calculated for the proportions using Poisson distribution.

Results: During the study period, of 2,960 fever patients presenting to the OPD, 33 (1.1%) were suspected to have leptospirosis; 8/33 suspected (22.3%) cases were confirmed as being due to leptospirosis. There were 82 notifications of leptospirosis cases from hospital inpatients during the same period, none from the OPD. The total missing proportion from the surveillance system was 28.6% (95% CI, 19.4-40.4%). Among OPD patients, 12 (36.4%) had been given antibiotics from a primary care center prior to the OPD visit. No OPD patient was admitted to the hospital for inward care.

Conclusions: More than 25% of cases of leptospirosis were not identified because they were not sick enough to be admitted nor subjected to routine leptospirosis diagnostic testing. Antibiotics given without a specific, treatable diagnosis interferes with leptospirosis disease burden assessment. These data have public health implications if the sources of leptospirosis transmission are to be controlled.
Mathematical analysis. Collection of problems and solutions using the Maple system
Authors: Kirsanov Mihail , Kuznecova Ol'ga
Published: September 2020

The collection contains theoretical material, conditions and examples of solutions to problems with answers, as well as more than 400 test questions on mathematical analysis to control the assimilation of theoretical and practical material. All tasks and test questions can be used both for independent solution, and as control works and standard tasks for full-time, part-time and distance learning. The manual contains recommendations for using the Maple computer mathematics system for solving problems and a short guide to the main commands of this system.
For students and teachers of technical and economic universities.
Basics of algorithmization and programming in Microsoft Visual Basic
Authors: Gurikov Sergey
Published: September 2020

This tutorial covers the basics of algorithmization and programming in Microsoft Visual Basic. Contains a description of such traditional material necessary for learning the basics of algorithmization as the operation of linear, branching, and cyclic structures, processing one-dimensional and two-dimensional arrays, programming using functions and procedures, string processing, and so on. We discuss the data types used in VB, review the main controls of the programming environment, and pay attention to data input and output methods. It also describes how to work with graphics based on the GDI+interface.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standards of secondary professional education of the latest generation.
It can be used by students and teachers of secondary professional and higher educational institutions.
Inatividade física, obesidade e COVID-19: perspectivas entre múltiplas pandemias
Authors: Pitanga Francisco José Gondim , Beck Carmem Cristina , Pitanga Cristiano Penas Seara
Published: September 2020

O presente ensaio teórico tem como objetivo analisar a interface entre as pandemias de inatividade física, obesidade e COVID-19, chamando a atenção para a importância de continuar e/ou aumentar a prática de atividade física como estratégia para minimizar os efeitos adversos da atual e de possíveis futuras pandemias, que possam exigir o distanciamento social. Considerando os benefícios da prática regular de atividade física para os sistemas cardiometabólico e imunológico, bem como para a saúde mental, é muito importante que as pessoas sejam conscientizadas para continuidade desse comportamento durante o período da pandemia do COVID-19, para assim, melhor suportar os efeitos de uma possível contaminação por infecções virais. O aumento dos níveis de atividade física na população pode ajudar a combater a obesidade e outros distúrbios cardiometabólicos, além de melhorar a saúde mental e a função imunológica, e, consequentemente nos preparar melhor, tanto para a atual pandemia de COVID-19, quanto para outras futuras pandemias com características similares.
A essencialidade das academias de ginástica para a saúde diante da pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil
Authors: Carvalho Fabio Fortunato Brasil de , Silva Rodolfo Guimarães da , Oliveira Ricardo Brandão
Published: September 2020

Em maio de 2020, por decreto presidencial, as academias foram incluídas no rol de atividades essenciais. Embora o decreto presidencial não tenha sido adotado por muitos estados e municípios, pressões e posicionamentos em favor da reabertura do setor têm ocorrido. Este ensaio discutiu a essencialidade destes serviços e propôs elementos para pautar esta decisão, tomando como base uma sucinta análise de benefícios e riscos sob a ótica individual e coletiva por meio de pesquisa exploratória. Os diversos efeitos positivos da atividade física sobre a saúde permitiriam pressupor a importância da reabertura de academias de ginástica, contudo há distinções entre benefícios e riscos a curto e longo prazos relacionados às doenças crônicas e ao COVID-19 que permitem afirmar que as atividades físicas em âmbito domiciliar são mais adequadas neste momento da pandemia. Assim, não é momento de reabertura de academias de ginástica no país, sobretudo, por não as considerarmos como atividades essenciais.
Announcing High Prices to Deter Innovation
Authors: Marshall Guillermo , Parra Álvaro
Published: September 2020

Price announcements—similar to the ones made by tech firms at media events—are effective in deterring innovation. By announcing (and setting) a high price, a firm increases its rivals’ short-run profits, reducing the rival firms’ incentives to innovate by magnifying their Arrow’s replacement effect. We show that the equilibrium prices are greater and research and development (R&D) investments lower relative to when price announcements cannot be used strategically. We call this the R&D deterrence effect of price and show that it induces equilibrium prices that may exceed the multiproduct monopoly prices and even dissipate the consumer benefits of innovation.

This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.
Strategi komunikasi pariwisata dinas pariwisata kabupaten Bima dalam meningkatkan minat wisatawan
Authors: Asghary Haykal
Published: September 2020

Makalah ini bertujuan untuk mendiskripsikan bagaimana strategi komunikasi yang dilakukan oleh dinas pariwisata kabupaten Bima untuk meninhkatkan minat wisatawan. Penelitin dalam makalah ini menggunakan  penelitian kualitatif yang bertujuan untuk mendapatkan gambaran yang menyeluruh serta mendalam berdasarkan situasi wajar dari kasus yang diteliti. Dalam penelitian ini penulis mengambil kesi pulan bahwa  Dinas Pariwisata Kabupaten Bima telah melaksanakan strategi komunikasi dengan menggunakan unsur-unsur modern komunikasi pariwisata untuk meningkatkan minat wisatawan.
Integrated marketing communication “Gadis modis” sebagai usaha mikro kecil dan menengah dalam meningkatkan loyalitas konsumen
Authors: Akhyani Indriana
Published: September 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjabarkan strategi yang dibuat oleh Gadis Modis sendiri untuk meningkatkan loyalitas konsumen dalam pembelian sebuah produk dan mampu memaksimalkan proses transaksi jual beli.Metode Penelitian yang digunakan adalah Kualitatif Deskriptif yang bertujuan untuk mendapatkan gambaran secara mendalam berdasarkan situasi yang nyata dari apa yang diteliti. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Penelitian melakukan analisis data dengan menelaah data-data yang diperoleh dari hasil observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Untuk menguji keabsahan data, peneliti melakukan dengan cara membandingkan, menyatukan, dan menggabungkan seluruh data yang telah diperolehHasil dari Penelitian ini adalah Gadis Modis sampai saat ini telah melakukan bahkan melaksanakan sejumlah strategi pemasaran diantaranya dengan melaksanakan komunikasi pemasaran terpadu (Integrated Marketing communication) yang meliputi Promotion (promosi), Public Relations (Humas), Advertising, Direct Marketing, Personal selling, Publicity, Event, Interactive Marketing untuk mengkomunikasikan visi dan misi yang ada pada perusahaan.
Strategi komunikasi city branding pemerintah kota Pekalongan dalam mempromosikan world’s city of Batik
Authors: Faradies Hadanilla Ilma
Published: September 2020

Kota Pekalongan merupakan salah satu kota kreatif dunia yang diakui oleh UNESCO dalam kategori craft and folk art. Pembangunan di Kota Pekalongan terus ditingkatkan di berbagai sektor yaitu sektor industri dan pariwisata. Keunggulan Kota Pekalongan dibidang ekonomi dan pariwisata tingkat Internasional, membuat Kota Pekalongan harus meningkatkan kearifan lokal sebagai identitas utama dan daya tarik wisatawan dengan budaya batik yang khas sebagai jati diri daerah. Mengenalkan kebudayaan yang berkembang di Kota Pekalongan juga merupakan cara city branding Kota Pekalongan sebagai kota yang mempertahankan kearifan lokal atau budaya yang menonjol yaitu batik, maka dicetus slogan “World’s City Of Batik”.Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kualitstif dengan teknik pengumpulan data yang dilakukan dengan wawancara, observasi, dan studi pustaka. Adapun  tujuan  penelitian ini peneliti ingin mengetahui strategi city branding yang dilakukan oleh Dinas Pariwisata, Kebudayaan, Kepemudaan dan Olahraga Pemerintah Kota Pekalongan dalam mempromosikan World’s City Of Batik.Hasil penelitian ini adalah bahwa strategi komunikasi city branding  pemerintah Kota Pekalongan dalam mempromosikan World’s City Of Batik melalui 3 tahap diantaranya: perencanaan, pelaksanaan, dan evaluasi. perencanaan dimulai dari penggunaan strategi komunikasi dan penyusunan program oleh pemerintah Kota Pekalongan. Pelaksanaan diantaranya memfokuskan pada mengenalkan Kota Pekalongan sebagai Kota Batik Dunia dalam mendatangkan wisatawan dengan peningkatan program yang mendukung city branding kota pekalongan seperti pengelolaan museum batik, penyelenggaraan festival tahunan, pembentukan kampung wisata batik, pengelolaan pasar grosir batik setono. Pada penelitian ini juga ditemukan bahwa city branding yang telah dilakukan oleh pemerintah Kota Pekalongan secara bertahap dengan memfokuskan dalam peningkatan promosi pariwisata berbasis batik untuk menunjang city branding.
Repositioning for preventing pressure ulcers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Avsar Pinar , Moore Zena , Patton Declan , O'Connor Tom , Budri Aglecia MV , Nugent Linda
Published: September 2020

Objective:

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of different repositioning regimens on pressure ulcer (PU) incidence in at-risk adult individuals without existing PUs.

Method:

Using systematic review methodology, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster-RCTs, prospective non-RCTs, pre–post-studies and interrupted-time-series studies were considered. Specifically explored was the impact of the frequency of repositioning, use of repositioning systems and use of turning teams. The search was conducted in January 2019, using PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane and EMBASE databases. Data were extracted using a pre-designed extraction tool and analysis was undertaken using RevMan.

Results:

A total of 530 records were returned, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria. Half of studies were conducted in intensive care units (50%). The mean sample size was 629±604 participants. Frequency of repositioning was explored in nine studies. PU incidence was 8% (n=221/2834) for repositioning every 2–3 hours, versus 13% (n=398/3050) for repositioning every 4–6 hours. The odds ratio (OR) was 0.75 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61–0.90, p=0.03), suggesting that there is a 25% reduction in the odds of PU development in favour of more frequent repositioning. Use of a repositioning system was explored in three studies. PU incidence was 2% (17/865) for the repositioning system, versus 5.5% (51/926) for care without using the repositioning system. The OR was 0.26 (95% CI: 0.05–1.29, p=0.10); this finding was not statistically significant. Use of a turning team was explored in two studies. PU incidence was 11% (n=22/200) with use of a turning team versus 20% (n=40/200) for usual care. The OR was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.27–0.86, p=0.01) suggesting that there is a 51% reduction in the odds of PU development in favour of use of a turning team. Using GRADE appraisal, the certainty of the evidence was assessed as low.

Conclusion:

The results of this systematic review indicate that more frequent repositioning and use of a turning team reduce PU incidence. However, given the low certainty of evidence, results should be interpreted with caution.
Vacuum sealing drainage with instillation in the treatment of necrotising soft-tissue infection: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Duan Hongjie , He Yanqi , Zhang Hengbo , Wang Fang , Chen Shuai , Wang Jue
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Necrotising soft-tissue infection is a rare but life-threatening infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality. It is typically caused by toxin-producing bacteria and characterised clinically by a very rapid progression of the disease with significant local tissue destruction. In this study, we intend to explore effective wound management to control the invasive infection and to decrease the high mortality.

Method:

This retrospective analysis explored the wound management and mortality in patients with necrotising soft-tissue infection. Extensive debridement, vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) with normal saline instillation combined with broad-spectrum or sensitive antibiotics, and supportive therapies were used.

Results:

All 17 patients included in the analysis survived. The microbiology of 11 patients was found to be polymicrobial. Of the patients, 14 were discharged with completely healed wounds and three were transferred to a local hospital after the systemic and invasive wound infection was controlled.

Conclusion:

Our experiences revealed the outstanding effect of VSD with instillation in removing the debris of necrotising tissue on the wound bed, in the continual and complete drainage of wound exudates, and in prompting wound healing.
Persistent venous leg ulcers complicated by linear morphea: a case report
Authors: Cornell Georgeanne , Hardy Martin Kade , Wilson Jonathon
Published: September 2020

Soft tissue ulceration resulting from chronic venous insufficiency is a common condition that requires standardised long-term therapy, which has been thoroughly established. We report a patient with a five-year history of persistent venous stasis ulcers despite treatment consistent with traditional wound care. Resolution of the ulcers began only upon deviation from conventional therapy. This report considers non-standard treatments in patients with venous ulcers that do not progress.
Impaired dermal microvascular reactivity and implications for diabetic wound formation and healing: an evidence review
Authors: O'Brien Todd D
Published: September 2020

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are among the most consequential and costly complications faced by patients with diabetes and the global healthcare system. Acknowledged risk factors for DFUs include diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), microtrauma and foot deformities. Research on additional risk factors for DFUs has recently focused on dysregulated, autonomic vasomotor control in the skin of patients with DPN. In particular, impaired dermal microvascular reactivity (IDMR) with its attendant reduction in nutritive capillary blood flow has been identified as an emerging risk factor. This especially relates to refractory wounds noted in patients without overt PAD signs. In this paper, evidence will be reviewed supporting the evolving understanding of IDMR and its impact on DFU formation and healing. Advances in diagnostic instrumentation driving this research along with the most promising potential therapies aimed at improving microvascular function in the diabetic foot will be discussed in brief.
Crosstalk-Aware Global Routing in VLSI Design by Using a Shuffled Frog-Leaping Algorithm
Authors: Terapasirdsin Apichat , Kiattisin Supaporn
Published: September 2020

Nowadays, very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit technology is developing rapidly. It is necessary to consider many factors related to the VLSI circuit design. Interference is one of the factors that must be considered in high-frequency systems. The parasitic elements become serious limiting factors in the circuit. This research provided a method to reduce crosstalk energy by considering the transition of the signal. Crosstalk is the main capacitive effect which is elected by a high-coupling capacitance between lines. This study considers the wiring path signal with disturbance using the theory of optimization model, assisting in the search of the best sort in signal lines. The technique of a shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA) is being used to search for the best value in arranged signal lines. The result will be minimal noise. The study finds that the arrangement using the SFLA causes only 36.42% of the noise. It was initially evident and 13.06%, when compared with the average all, is born noise value. These techniques can be applied in the design of arranging signal line in the VLSI circuits.