bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of the systemic immune-inflammation index in patients with breast cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yantao , Sun Yong , Zhang Qiwen
Published: June 2020

Background

Although previous studies have evaluated the prognostic role of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in patients with breast cancer, the results were inconsistent. Therefore, in this context, we aimed to identify the prognostic and clinicopathological value of the SII in patients with breast cancer by performing a meta-analysis.

Methods

A literature search was using PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant articles, from their inception to May 12, 2020. The prognostic value of the SII in breast cancer was assessed by pooling the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The clinical outcomes included the overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). The methodological quality of all the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment scale. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were combined to evaluate the correlation between the SII and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with breast cancer. Publication bias was evaluated using the Begg funnel plot and the Egger linear regression test. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata software, version 12.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Eight studies involving 2642 patients were included in the current meta-analysis. The combined data showed that patients with a high SII had worse OS (HR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.33–2.42, p < 0.001), poorer DFS/RFS (HR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.31–2.46, p < 0.001), and inferior DMFS (HR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.32–2.03, p < 0.001) than patients with a low SII. In addition, a high SII was correlated with the presence of lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.12–1.69, p = 0.002), higher T stage (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.17–1.89, p < 0.001), advanced TNM stage (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.07–1.77, p = 0.014), and higher histological grade (OR = 3.71, 95% CI 1.00–13.73, p = 0.049). However, there was no significant association between the SII and the pathological type (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.55–1.23, p = 0.345) or lymphatic invasion (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 0.82–2.08, p = 0.266).

Conclusions

The results of our meta-analysis suggest that an elevated SII predicts poor survival outcomes and is associated with clinicopathological features that indicate tumor progression of breast cancer.
Validation of the Arabic version of the breastfeeding behavior questionnaire among Lebanese women
Authors: Charafeddine Lama , Masri Saadieh , Shamsedine Lama , Ghandour Lilian , Tamim Hani , El Khoury Nathalie , Hachem Zahraa , Nabulsi Mona
Published: June 2020

Background

The Breastfeeding Behavior Questionnaire (BBQ) assesses women’s perceptions of their breastfeeding behavior. It was adapted to several languages and used in different settings, but has not been validated in Arabic-speaking populations. None of the previous studies that used the BBQ in other cultures examined its ability to predict the actual breastfeeding behaviors of mothers postpartum. This study validated the BBQ in a cohort of Lebanese pregnant women between December 2013 and January 2016, and examined whether it can predict exclusive breastfeeding at one, three and six months.

Methods

The internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Arabic BBQ (BBQ-A) were tested on 354 pregnant women. Its predictive ability was assessed by correlating the women’s BBQ-A scores with their breastfeeding outcomes at one, three and six months post-delivery.

Results

The BBQ-A had a good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.78). Exploratory factor analysis revealed that it is unidimensional. Inter-item correlations ranged between − 0.016 and 0.934, with corrected-item total correlations ranging from 0.273 to 0.678. Perceived positive breastfeeding behavior correlated with positive breastfeeding attitudes, good breastfeeding knowledge and stronger breastfeeding intention supporting its external validity. However, in binomial multivariate logistic regression analysis, the BBQ-A did not predict exclusive breastfeeding at one, three or six months.

Conclusions

The BBQ-A is a reliable and valid instrument to assess women’s perceptions of their breastfeeding behavior in an Arab context. Availability of this instrument is important for investigators conducting breastfeeding research in the Arab world. However, the BBQ-A does not predict exclusive breastfeeding at one, three or six months. Further research on the Breastfeeding Behavior Questionnaire is needed to examine its predictive validity in other cultures.
Chimney grafts in renal arteries: a clinical model for coronary perfusion in future transcatheter aortic root repair techniques
Authors: Ferrari Enrico , Wang Changtian , Berdajs Denis , von Segesser Ludwig Karl
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Given the similarities between coronary ostia and renal arteries, chimney grafts (CG) for kidney perfusion during abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) can be considered for coronary perfusion in future transcatheter aortic root repair (TARR) techniques. We analysed the results of renal CG and compared anatomic and technical details with root and coronary anthropometric data.

Methods

Current status of kidney perfusion with CG was reviewed from literature. Anatomic details, technical data, CG performance and clinical outcome were collected and analysed. Anatomic details of aortic landing zone and renal arteries were compared with human anthropometric data of aortic root, ascending aorta and coronary ostia.

Results

Seventeen articles reported 430 patients (mean age:74.5 ± 2.9 years) treated with renal CG. Mean length and diameter of proximal landing zone were 2.0 ± 2.0 mm and 26.4 ± 4.3 mm, respectively (anthropometric correspondence: ascending aorta diameter of 29.3 mm). Aortic endograft mean diameter was 26.4 ± 7.3 mm with reported oversize of 19.5 ± 6.0%. In total, 590 renal arteries were treated (left:325; right:265; bilateral:139 cases). Mean left and right renal artery diameters were 5.7 ± 0.6 mm and 5.8 ± 0.7 mm, respectively (anthropometric correspondence: coronary ostia diameters of 4.8 mm (left) and 3.7 mm (right)) with reported CG oversize of 19.75 ± 6% (left) and 18.1 ± 5.1% (right). Mean follow-up time was 16.5 ± 8.5 months, CG occlusion rate was 3.2% and endoleak I or II was reported in 83 patients (19.3%), requiring 7 procedures.

Conclusions

CG provides satisfactory results in patients with suitable renal artery diameter. Based on aortic root and coronary anthropometric data, CG can be considered in future TARR technologies for coronary perfusion but further tests for flow evaluations are mandatory.
Sex-dependent calcium hyperactivity due to lysosomal-related dysfunction in astrocytes from APOE4 versus APOE3 gene targeted replacement mice
Authors: Larramona-Arcas Raquel , González-Arias Candela , Perea Gertrudis , Gutiérrez Antonia , Vitorica Javier , García-Barrera Tamara , Gómez-Ariza José Luis , Pascua-Maestro Raquel , Ganfornina María Dolores , Kara Eleanna , Hudry Eloise , Martinez-Vicente Marta , Vila Miquel , Galea Elena , Masgrau Roser
Published: June 2020

Background

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene exists in three isoforms in humans: APOE2, APOE3 and APOE4. APOE4 causes structural and functional alterations in normal brains, and is the strongest genetic risk factor of the sporadic form of Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). Research on APOE4 has mainly focused on the neuronal damage caused by defective cholesterol transport and exacerbated amyloid-β and Tau pathology. The impact of APOE4 on non-neuronal cell functions has been overlooked. Astrocytes, the main producers of ApoE in the healthy brain, are building blocks of neural circuits, and Ca2+ signaling is the basis of their excitability. Because APOE4 modifies membrane-lipid composition, and lipids regulate Ca2+ channels, we determined whether APOE4 dysregulates Ca2+signaling in astrocytes.

Methods

Ca2+ signals were recorded in astrocytes in hippocampal slices from APOE3 and APOE4 gene targeted replacement male and female mice using Ca2+ imaging. Mechanistic analyses were performed in immortalized astrocytes. Ca2+ fluxes were examined with pharmacological tools and Ca2+ probes. APOE3 and APOE4 expression was manipulated with GFP-APOE vectors and APOE siRNA. Lipidomics of lysosomal and whole-membranes were also performed.

Results

We found potentiation of ATP-elicited Ca2+responses in APOE4 versus APOE3 astrocytes in male, but not female, mice. The immortalized astrocytes modeled the male response, and showed that Ca2+ hyperactivity associated with APOE4 is caused by dysregulation of Ca2+ handling in lysosomal-enriched acidic stores, and is reversed by the expression of APOE3, but not of APOE4, pointing to loss of function due to APOE4 malfunction. Moreover, immortalized APOE4 astrocytes are refractory to control of Ca2+ fluxes by extracellular lipids, and present distinct lipid composition in lysosomal and plasma membranes.

Conclusions

Immortalized APOE4 versus APOE3 astrocytes present: increased Ca2+ excitability due to lysosome dysregulation, altered membrane lipidomes and intracellular cholesterol distribution, and impaired modulation of Ca2+ responses upon changes in extracellular lipids. Ca2+ hyperactivity associated with APOE4 is found in astrocytes from male, but not female, targeted replacement mice. The study suggests that, independently of Aβ and Tau pathologies, altered astrocyte excitability might contribute to neural-circuit hyperactivity depending on APOE allele, sex and lipids, and supports lysosome-targeted therapies to rescue APOE4 phenotypes in LOAD.
A novel M phase blocker, DCZ3301 enhances the sensitivity of bortezomib in resistant multiple myeloma through DNA damage and mitotic catastrophe
Authors: Hu Liangning , Li Bo , Chen Gege , Song Dongliang , Xu Zhijian , Gao Lu , Xi Mengyu , Zhou Jinfeng , Li Liping , Zhang Hui , Feng Qilin , Wang Yingcong , Lu Kang , Lu Yumeng , Bu Wenxuan , Wang Houcai , Wu Xiaosong , Zhu Weiliang , Shi Jumei
Published: June 2020

Background

DCZ3301, a novel aryl-guanidino compound previously reported by our group, exerts cytotoxic effects against multiple myeloma (MM), diffused large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. However, the underlying mechanism of its action remains unknown.

Methods

We generated bortezomib (BTZ)-resistant cell lines, treated them with various concentrations of DCZ3301 over varying periods, and studied its effect on colony formation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA synthesis, and DNA damage response. We validated our results using in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

Results

DCZ3301 overcame bortezomib (BTZ) resistance through regulation of the G2/M checkpoint in multiple myeloma (MM) in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, treatment of BTZ-resistant cells with DCZ3301 restored their drug sensitivity. DCZ3301 induced M phase cell cycle arrest in MM mainly via inhibiting DNA repair and enhancing DNA damage. Moreover, DCZ3301 promoted the phosphorylation of ATM, ATR, and their downstream proteins, and these responses were blocked by the ATM specific inhibitor KU55933.

Conclusions

Our study provides a proof-of-concept that warrants the clinical evaluation of DCZ3301 as a novel anti-tumor compound against BTZ resistance in MM.
Modulation of gut microbiota through nutritional interventions in Behçet’s syndrome patients (the MAMBA study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pagliai Giuditta , Dinu Monica , Fiorillo Claudia , Becatti Matteo , Turroni Silvia , Emmi Giacomo , Sofi Francesco
Published: June 2020

Background

Behçet’s syndrome (BS) is a systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, and it is characterized by a wide range of potential clinical manifestations. Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiota (GM) in BS has low biodiversity with a significant depletion in butyrate producers. The aim of the present project is to investigate whether a dietary intervention could ameliorate the clinical manifestations and modulate the GM of individuals with BS.

Methods

This is a randomized, open, cross-over study that involves 90 individuals with BS, who will be randomly assigned to one of three different diets for 3 months: a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet (VD), a Mediterranean diet (MD), or a Mediterranean diet supplemented with butyrate (MD-Bt). The VD will contain inulin-resistant and resistant-starch-rich foods, eggs, and dairy in addition to plant-based food, but it will not contain meat, poultry, or fish. The MD will contain all food categories and will provide two portions per week of fish and three portions per week of fresh and processed meat. The MD-Bt will be similar to the MD but supplemented with 1.8 g/day of oral butyrate. The three different diets will be isocaloric and related to the participants’ nutritional requirements. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, blood, and fecal samples will be obtained from each participant at the beginning and the end of each intervention phase. The primary outcomes will be represented by the change from baseline of the BS gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms. Changes from baseline in GM composition, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and the inflammatory and antioxidant profile will be considered as secondary outcomes.

Discussion

BS is a rare disease, and, actually, not all the available treatments are target therapies. A supportive treatment based on dietary and lifestyle issues, able to restore immune system homeostasis, could have a high impact on cost sustainability for the treatment of such a chronic and disabling inflammatory condition.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03962335. Registered on 21 May 2019.
Non-histologic factors discriminating proliferative lupus nephritis from membranous lupus nephritis
Authors: Kwon Oh Chan , Park Jung Hwan , Park Hyeong-Cheon , Jung Seung Min , Lee Sang-Won , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Park Min-Chan
Published: June 2020

Background

To investigate non-histologic factors that can discriminate proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) from membranous LN in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with renal manifestations.

Methods

Patients with biopsy-proven proliferative LN (class III ± V and class IV ± V) and membranous LN (class V) were included. Non-histologic factors were compared between the two groups. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with proliferative LN. To assess the accuracy of these factors in discriminating between proliferative LN and membranous LN, we performed a receiver-operating characteristic analysis.

Results

Of the total 168 patients with biopsy-proven LN, 150 patients (89.3%) had proliferative LN, and 18 patients (10.7%) had membranous LN. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, positive anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody (adjusted OR = 11.200, 95% CI = 2.202–56.957, p = 0.004) was associated with proliferative LN, while positive anti-U1RNP antibody (adjusted OR = 0.176, 95% CI = 0.040–0.769, p = 0.021) and higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (adjusted OR = 0.973, 95% CI = 0.951–0.994, p = 0.013) were inversely associated with proliferative LN. Among these covariates, the anti-dsDNA antibody (area under the curve = 0.806, 95% CI = 0.695–0.916) had the highest accuracy in discriminating between proliferative LN and membranous LN.

Conclusion

The positivity of anti-dsDNA antibody was associated with proliferative LN, while the positivity of anti-U1RNP antibody and GFR were inversely associated with proliferative LN. The anti-dsDNA antibody had a good accuracy in discriminating proliferative LN from membranous LN.
Point-of-care ultrasound for the detection of hydronephrosis in emergency department patients with suspected renal colic
Authors: Sibley Stephanie , Roth Nathan , Scott Charles , Rang Louise , White Heather , Sivilotti Marco L. A. , Bruder Eric
Published: June 2020

Background

Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) by emergency physicians for renal colic has been proposed as an alternative to computed tomography (CT) to avoid ionizing radiation exposure and shorten emergency department length of stay. Previous studies have employed experienced or credentialed ultrasonographers or required advanced ultrasound skills. We sought to measure the diagnostic accuracy of PoCUS by physicians with varied experience using a simplified binary outcome of presence or absence of hydronephrosis. Secondary outcomes include assessment as to whether the presence of hydronephrosis on PoCUS is predictive of complications, and to evaluate possible causes for the reduced diagnostic accuracy such as body mass index (BMI) and time between PoCUS and formal imaging, and scanner experience.

Results

413 patients were enrolled in the study. PoCUS showed a specificity of 71.8% [95% CI 65.0, 77.9] and sensitivity of 77.1% [95% CI 70.9, 82.6]. Hydronephrosis on PoCUS was predictive of complications (relative risk 3.13; [95% CI 1.30, 7.53]). The time interval between PoCUS and formal imaging, BMI, and scanner experience did not influence the accuracy of PoCUS.

Conclusions

PoCUS for hydronephrosis in suspected renal colic has moderate accuracy when performed by providers with varied experience for the binary outcome of presence or absence of hydronephrosis. Hydronephrosis on PoCUS is associated with increased rates of complications. PoCUS for hydronephrosis is limited in its utility as a stand-alone test, however this inexpensive, readily available test may be useful in conjunction with clinical course to determine which patients would benefit from formal imaging or urologic consultation.

ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT01323842
The role of accountability in the performance of Jazia prime vendor system in Tanzania
Authors: Kuwawenaruwa August , Tediosi Fabrizio , Obrist Brigit , Metta Emmy , Chiluda Fiona , Wiedenmayer Karin , Wyss Kaspar
Published: June 2020

Background

Access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines for all is a central component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). However, the availability of quality medicines in peripheral healthcare facilities is often limited. Several countries have developed integrated complementary pharmaceutical supply systems to address the shortage of medicines. Nevertheless, there is little evidence on how accountability contributes to the performance of such complementary pharmaceutical supply systems in low-income settings. The current study analyses how accountability mechanisms contributed to the performance of Jazia Prime Vendor System (Jazia PVS) in Tanzania.

Methods

The study analysed financial, performance and procedure accountability as defined in Boven’s accountability framework. We conducted 30 in-depth interviews (IDIs), seven group discussions (GD) and 14 focus group discussions (FGDs) in 2018 in four districts that implemented Jazia PVS. We used a deductive and inductive approach to develop the themes and framework analysis to summarize the data.

Results

The study findings revealed that a number of accountability mechanisms implemented in conjunction with Jazia PVS contributed to the performance of Jazia PVS. These include inventory and financial auditing conducted by district pharmacists and the internal auditors, close monitoring of standard operating procedures by the prime vendor regional coordinating office and peer cascade coaching. Furthermore, the auditing activities allowed identifying challenges of delayed payment to the vendor and possible approaches for mitigation while peer cascade coaching played a crucial role in enabling staff at the primary facilities to improve skills to oversee and manage the medicines supply chain.

Conclusion

Financial, performance and procedure accountability measures played an important role for the successful performance of Jazia PVS in Tanzania. The study highlights the need for capacity building linked to financial and supply management at lower level health facilities, including health facility governing committees, which are responsible for priority-setting and decision-making at facility level.
Incidence and risk factors associated with injuries during static line parachute training in Royal Thai Army
Authors: Maneechaeye Watcharaphat , Deepreecha Kathawoot , Jiamjarasrangsi Wiroj
Published: June 2020

Background

Incidence and risk factors of parachute injuries has been studied in developed countries, but not in trainees of the airborne forces in the Royal Thailand Army.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among 992 military personnel who attended the basic airborne training program from February to July 2018. Information sheets were used to collect data about (a) personal demographics; (b) environmental conditions surrounding the parachute practice; and (c) parachute-related injuries. The incidence rate of injury was then calculated. Risk factors were examined using multilevel Poisson regression analysis and presented as incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

A total of 166 parachute-related injuries occurred in 4677 jumps. The incidence rate of injury was 35.50 per 1000 jumps (95%CI: 30.04–41.21). Factors significantly related to parachute injury included: jumping with equipment versus without equipment [adjusted IRR (95% CI): 1.28 (0.88–1.87)], higher wind speed [1.54 (1.27–1.87) per knot], airplane versus helicopter exit [1.75(0.68–4.55)], side versus rear exit [2.13 (1.43–3.23)], night versus day jumping [2.19 (0.81–5.90)], and presence of motion sickness [3.43 (1.93–6.92)].

Conclusions

To prevent military static line parachute injuries, the following factors should be taken into consideration: type of aircraft, aircraft exit, time of the day, equipment, motion sickness and wind speed.

Trial registration

The project was certified by the Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University (IRB No. 697/60).
Exploring the key influencing factors on college students’ computational thinking skills through flipped-classroom instruction
Authors: Gong Di , Yang Harrison H. , Cai Jin
Published: June 2020

To better understand students’ computational thinking skills (CTS) within the context of flipped-classroom instruction, a structural equation modeling analysis is employed to examine the key factors that influence student learning and students’ CTS when learning through flipped-classroom instruction. A total of 406 first-year college students responded to the survey. The results of this study show that student-to-student connectedness, learning motivation, and learning strategy have a direct impact on students’ CTS. In addition, indirect effects were found between student-to-student connectedness and CTS through learning motivation. Indirect effects were also found between learning motivation and CTS through the learning strategy in a flipped-classroom instruction situation. The findings of this research have practical implications for instructors, in that they should focus on the key factors that predict students’ computational thinking skills.
A systematic review on integration mechanisms in human and animal health surveillance systems with a view to addressing global health security threats
Authors: George Janeth , Häsler Barbara , Mremi Irene , Sindato Calvin , Mboera Leonard , Rweyemamu Mark , Mlangwa James
Published: June 2020

Background

Health surveillance is an important element of disease prevention, control, and management. During the past two decades, there have been several initiatives to integrate health surveillance systems using various mechanisms ranging from the integration of data sources to changing organizational structures and responses. The need for integration is caused by an increasing demand for joint data collection, use and preparedness for emerging infectious diseases.

Objective

To review the integration mechanisms in human and animal health surveillance systems and identify their contributions in strengthening surveillance systems attributes.

Method

The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 checklist. Peer-reviewed articles were searched from PubMed, HINARI, Web of Science, Science Direct and advanced Google search engines. The review included articles published in English from 1900 to 2018. The study selection considered all articles that used quantitative, qualitative or mixed research methods. Eligible articles were assessed independently for quality by two authors using the QualSyst Tool and relevant information including year of publication, field, continent, addressed attributes and integration mechanism were extracted.

Results

A total of 102 publications were identified and categorized into four pre-set integration mechanisms: interoperability (35), convergent integration (27), semantic consistency (21) and interconnectivity (19). Most integration mechanisms focused on sensitivity (44.1%), timeliness (41.2%), data quality (23.5%) and acceptability (17.6%) of the surveillance systems. Generally, the majority of the surveillance system integrations were centered on addressing infectious diseases and all hazards. The sensitivity of the integrated systems reported in these studies ranged from 63.9 to 100% (median = 79.6%,n = 16) and the rate of data quality improvement ranged from 73 to 95.4% (median = 87%,n = 4). The integrated systems were also shown improve timeliness where the recorded changes were reported to be ranging from 10 to 91% (median = 67.3%,n = 8).

Conclusion

Interoperability and semantic consistency are the common integration mechanisms in human and animal health surveillance systems. Surveillance system integration is a relatively new concept but has already been shown to enhance surveillance performance. More studies are needed to gain information on further surveillance attributes.
BDS satellite clock offset prediction based on a semiparametric adjustment model considering model errors
Authors: Yan Xiong , Li Wentao , Yang Yufeng , Pan Xiong
Published: June 2020

In view of the influence of model errors in conventional BeiDou prediction models for clock offsets, a semiparametric adjustment model for BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) clock offset prediction that considers model errors is proposed in this paper. First, the model errors of the conventional BeiDou clock offset prediction model are analyzed. Additionally, the relationship among the polynomial model, polynomial model with additional periodic term correction, and its periodic correction terms is explored in detail. Second, considering the model errors, combined with the physical relationship between phase, frequency, frequency drift, and its period in the clock sequence, the conventional clock offset prediction model is improved. Using kernel estimation and comprehensive least squares, the corresponding parameter solutions of the prediction model and the estimation of its model error are derived, and the dynamic error correction of the clock sequence model is realized. Finally, the BDS satellite precision clock data provided by the IGS Center of Wuhan University with a sampling interval of 5 min are used to compare the proposed prediction method with commonly used methods. Experimental results show that the proposed prediction method can better correct the model errors of BDS satellite clock offsets, and it can effectively overcome the inaccuracies of clock offset correction. The average forecast accuracies of the BeiDou satellites at 6, 12, and 24 h are 27.13%, 37.71%, and 45.08% higher than those of the conventional BeiDou clock offset forecast models; the average model improvement rates are 16.92%, 20.96%, and 28.48%, respectively. In addition, the proposed method enhances the existing BDS satellite prediction method for clock offsets to a certain extent.
Burnout syndrome among psychiatrists in Egyptian mental health hospital
Authors: Abu zied Mohamed , Fekry Mohamed , Mohsen Nesreen , Morsy Mahmoud , El Serafy Doha , Salah Mohamed
Published: June 2020

Background

Burnout is a special type of work-related stress—a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity (Lancet 388:2272-2281, 2016).

Burnout is a syndrome of state of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and feelings of low personal accomplishment (Maslach C and Jackson S, Maslach burnout inventory manual, 1986).

Burnout syndrome leads to severe problems. It may cause psychosomatic problems, family and marital conflicts, and substance misuse and also may result in complications such as late coming and early leaving of employees, quitting, having frequent medical reports, and the lack of productive and constructive ideas and criticism in the occupational settings (Sayil et al, Kriz Dergisi, Cilt 5, Say 1:2 ss.71-77, 1997).

So, we aimed to estimate the rate of occurrence of burnout among a sample of psychiatrists in one of the governmental psychiatric hospitals in Egypt.

Results

Result shows that 56.2% of study sample were males and 43.8% were females. Their mean age was 32 ± 6, and 57.5% were married and 42.5% were single. Mean score of emotional exhaustion was 28.25 ± 10.45 (high). Mean score of depersonalization was 8.5 ± 6.1 (moderate). Mean score of personal accomplishment was 31.78 ± 8.5 (low)

Conclusion

Burnout rate among psychiatrists of Al-Abbassia Hospital is higher than in western countries. Marriage and sleeping in home have protective effects. There is a significant association between high number of working hours per week and quality of the relationship with seniors and burnout.
Radiological features and management of retained needles
Authors: Contegiacomo Andrea , Conti Marco , Trombatore Pietro , Dezio Michele , Muciaccia Massimo , Lozupone Emilio , Natale Luigi , Manfredi Riccardo
Published: June 2020

The identification of retained needles is essential because of their sharp structure with possible life-threatening complications. However, radiological evaluation could be challenging, especially in case of needles’ relatively poor conspicuity and small dimension. This pictorial essay focuses on clinical issues (needle features, retention mechanisms and associated complications) and technical aspects (choice of the best diagnostic modality and technique) that can lead the radiologist to an earlier and proper diagnosis of needle retention in order to provide the best treatment for the patient.
Effect of rehabilitation training on an elderly population with mild to moderate hearing loss: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Rasouli Fard Parisa , Jarollahi Farnoush , Sameni Seyyed Jalal , Kamali Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Background: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a form of hearing loss in over 60-year-olds and has a negative impact on quality of life. The pathophysiology of presbycusis is multifactorial and is predominately characterised with a loss of speech perception in noise. In the cochlea, auditory filters decompose broadband sound into a series of narrowband output signals, which contains two kinds of temporal information: slow changes in overall amplitude envelope (ENV) and faster variations in temporal fine structure (TFS). TFS is important for recognition of target speech in noise. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of TFS rehabilitation training in participants over the age of 60 years with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Methods: A randomised clinical trial will be conducted on 30 participants with mild (loss of 20-39dB) to moderate (40-69dB) hearing loss, aged between 60 and 75 years old. Participants with conductive hearing loss, abnormal middle ear pathology and central nerve system disease will be excluded. Participants will be randomly selected to an intervention and control group with a 1:1 ratio. Rehabilitation for the intervention group will be 30-minute sessions three times a week for a total five weeks of vowel consonant vowel words that are used to eliminate ENV and keep only TFS. Word in noise test, binaural TFS test, and Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale scores will be performed at the beginning and end of study to evaluate the effect of rehabilitation training.

Conclusion:  Life expectancy in the elderly has improved, leading to an increased prevalence of age-related diseases including presbycusis. A literature review highlighted that TFS damage is permanent; however, in this study we will attempt to prove that TFS training may lead to speech in noise perception restored.

Trial registration: Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2019625044006N1 (7th August 2019).
Reinterpretação Do Externo Na Lei De Defesa Nacional Argentina
Authors: Succi Junior David
Published: June 2020

O caso argentino é emblemático para os estudos sobre relações civis-militares e missões das forças armadas na América do Sul. É considerado o país que, após o fim ditadura, teve maior sucesso em controlar politicamente suas forças armadas e restringir a atuação interna das mesmas, sendo a Lei de Defesa Nacional central neste processo. Em 2018, houve uma reinterpretação desta norma, pela qual a noção de “ameaça externa” passou a se pautar por uma perspectiva territorial e não mais relativa à natureza da ameaça. Essa ressignificação abriu margem para a alocação das forças armadas em operações de segurança pública. No artigo tem-se o objetivo de mostrar como este processo de reinterpretação tensiona duas concepções consolidadas na bibliografia: a relação entre controle político e redução das missões domésticas dos militares e a divisão interno/externo como parâmetro da organização dos instrumentos de força do Estado.Palavras-chave: Forças Armadas; Argentina; Defesa. ABSTRACTThe Argentine case is emblematic for the studies of civil-military relations and armed forces’ missions in South America. It is deemed the country that, after the dictatorship, had the greater success in politically controlling its military, as well as restricting their domestic activities. The National Defense Law was central in this process. In 2018, the reinterpretation of this rule grounded the notion of “external threat” on a territorial perspective, and no longer on the nature of the threat. This reframing opened the way for the armed forces deployment in public security operations. The aim of the current paper is to show how this process of reinterpretation challenges two arguments consolidated in the literature: the relationship between political control and the reduction of military domestic missions and the inside/outside division as a parameter for the organization of the State's instruments of force.Keywords: Military Forces; Argentina; Defense.
A Checklist for the Evaluation of Web Accessibility and Usability for Brazilian Older Adults
Authors: Rodrigues Sandra Souza , Fortes Renata Pontin de Mattos
Published: June 2020

The constant evolution of the Web has covered various segments of society and, as it evolves, its content must be accessible to different users’ profiles. Older adults (60+) are the fastest growing population of users who face difficulties in interacting with websites, due to limitations in their abilities caused by the aging process. Despite the legislation and guidelines established for the development of accessible and usable web contents, several problems of accessibility and usability still must be solved. In particular, most website designers do not take into account the older adult’s profile. This paper introduces Sene-check checklist, a support to web accessibility and usability evaluations for the Brazilian older profile developed according to scientific procedures, including the following three perspectives: (1) literature review, (2) point of view of experts and developers and (3) point of view of Brazilian older adults. The results enabled an investigation into the main problems encountered by older adults regarding web interaction and reinforced the relevance of a support for the evaluation of web accessibility and usability.
Developing Web-based Geographic Information Systems with a DSL: Proposal and Case Study
Authors: Alvarado Suilen H. , Cortiñas Alejandro , Luaces Miguel R. , Pedreira Oscar , Places Ángeles S.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we present a declarative domain-specific language (DSL) for the development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS applications manage information with a spatial component, usually in the form of points, lines, polygons, or variants of these basic data types, in domains where the spatial information plays a central role. They provide the user with different functionalities on different application domains, but they are usually developed according to a common architecture and using a common set of technologies. Hence, they share a significant number of elements that make some aspects of their development quite repetitive. Our DSL allows developers to specify the entities, geographic layers, and maps of the applications using a declarative language. Then, the specification is transformed into a working GIS application. We present the language, its implementation, and a case study on two sample projects that allowed us to evaluate the resulting software, paying special attention to the savings in the development effort.
Machine Learning and Semantic Orientation Ensemble Methods for Egyptian Telecom Tweets Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Shoukry Amira , Rafea Ahmed
Published: June 2020

The vast amount of data currently available online attracted many parties to analyze sentiments expressed in these data extracting valuable knowledge. Many approaches have been proposed to classify the posted content utilizing a single classifier. However, it has been proven that ensemble learning and combining multiple classifiers may enhance classification performance. The aim of this study is to improve the Egyptian sentiment classification by combining different classification algorithms. First, we investigated the benefit of combining multiple SO classifiers using different subsets from SATALex Egyptian lexicon. Second, we investigated the benefit of combining three classification algorithms; Naïve Bayes, Maximum Entropy and Support Vector Machines, adopted as base-classifiers. The experimental results show that combining classifiers can effectively improve the accuracy of Egyptian dataset sentiment classification. However, building these ensembles require more time for processing than the individual classifiers. The time needed depends on the number of classifiers used and the combination method used to combine these classifiers. Thus, the more classifiers used, the more time needed.
The Importance of Testing in the Early Stages of Smart Contract Development Life Cycle
Authors: Sánchez-Gómez N. , Morales-Trujillo L. , Gutiérrez J. J. , Torres-Valderrama J.
Published: June 2020

The use of smart contract augurs a world without intermediaries because the code and the agreements contained therein exist across a distributed, decentralized blockchain network. In software engineering, this collaboration is usually represented by using business process models and smart contracts can be used to implement business collaborations in general and inter-organizational business processes. The validation of this contract and the assurance of its quality are critical for its right application. Early testing in smart contract definition is the fact of this paper. The paper discusses the possibility to use transformation protocols to obtain derived artefacts like test case definitions and smart contract code scaffolds. Generation of derived artefacts significantly reduces the number of defects before deploying the smart contract code in the blockchain network. Transformations protocols are created using model-based software development and modelling techniques. This approach allows to simplify and improve the management and execution of collaborative business processes. This would allow, in addition, the application of systematic mechanisms to evaluate and validate the smart contract and, particularly, the application of early testing techniques which would help to reduce the number of defects and, ultimately, the cost of the final review.
Applying Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) to Interpret the Results of the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ)
Authors: Hinderks Andreas , Domínguez-Mayo Francisco José , Meiners Anna-Lena , Thomaschewski Jörg
Published: June 2020

In recent years, user experience questionnaires have established themselves to measure various aspects of User Experience (UX). In addition to these questionnaires, an evaluation tool is usually offered so that the results of a study can be evaluated in the light of the questionnaire. As a rule, the evaluation consists of preparing the data and comparing it with a benchmark. Often this interpretation of the data is not sufficient as it only evaluates the current User Experience. However, it is desirable to determine exactly where there is a need for action. The User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) is a common and valid questionnaire with an evaluation tool to measure and analyse the User Experience for a product or service. In our article we present an approach that evaluates the results from the User Experience Questionnaire using the importance-performance analysis (IPA). The aim is to create another possibility to interpret the results of the UEQ and to derive recommendations for action from them. In a study with 467 participants, we validated the approach presented with YouTube, WhatsApp, and Facebook. The results show that the IPA provides additional insights from which further recommendations for action can be derived.
FlakyLoc: Flakiness Localization for Reliable Test Suites in Web Applications
Authors: Morán Jesús , Augusto Cristian , Bertolino Antonia , Riva Claudio De La , Tuya Javier
Published: June 2020

Web application testing is a great challenge due to the management of complex asynchronous communications, the concurrency between the clients-servers, and the heterogeneity of resources employed. It is difficult to ensure that a test case is re-running in the same conditions because it can be executed in undesirable ways according to several environmental factors that are not easy to fine-grain control such as network bottlenecks, memory issues or screen resolution. These environmental factors can cause flakiness, which occurs when the same test case sometimes obtains one test outcome and other times another outcome in the same application due to the execution of environmental factors. The tester usually stops relying on flaky test cases because their outcome varies during the re-executions. To fix and reduce the flakiness it is very important to locate and understand which environmental factors cause the flakiness. This paper is focused on the localization of the root cause of flakiness in web applications based on the characterization of the different environmental factors that are not controlled during testing. The root cause of flakiness is located by means of spectrum-based localization techniques that analyse the test execution under different combinations of the environmental factors that can trigger the flakiness. This technique is evaluated with an educational web platform called FullTeaching. As a result, our technique was able to locate automatically the root cause of flakiness and provide enough information to both understand it and fix it.
A Unified Model Representation of Machine Learning Knowledge
Authors: Enríquez J. G. , Martínez-Rojas A. , Lizcano D. , Jiménez-Ramírez A
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, Machine Learning (ML) algorithms are being widely applied in virtually all possible scenarios. However, developing a ML project entails the effort of many ML experts who have to select and configure the appropriate algorithm to process the data to learn from, between other things. Since there exist thousands of algorithms, it becomes a time-consuming and challenging task. To this end, recently, AutoML emerged to provide mechanisms to automate parts of this process. However, most of the efforts focus on applying brute force procedures to try different algorithms or configuration and select the one which gives better results. To make a smarter and more efficient selection, a repository of knowledge is necessary. To this end, this paper proposes (1) an approach towards a common language to consolidate the current distributed knowledge sources related the algorithm selection in ML, and (2) a method to join the knowledge gathered through this language in a unified store that can be exploited later on, and (3) a traceability links maintenance. The preliminary evaluations of this approach allow to create a unified store collecting the knowledge of 13 different sources and to identify a bunch of research lines to conduct.
Microsatellite polymorphism for molecular characterization of pomelo (Citrus maxima) accessions from Indonesia
Authors: Susandarini Ratna , Subandiyah Siti , Daryono Budi Setiadi , Rugayah
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Susandarini R, Subandiyah S, Daryono BS, Rugayah. 2020. Microsatellite polymorphism for molecular characterization of pomelo (Citrus maxima) accessions from Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 2390-2395. Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. (pomelo) as a minor fruit crop deserve attention on its phenotypic and genotypic variability to avoid the risk of extinction. Previous study showed that pomelo from Indonesia has high morphological variability, and thus it is interesting to explore its genotypic variability using molecular markers. Microsatellite is a molecular marker widely used in Citrus taxonomy studies. This study aimed at revealing microsatellite polymorphism and its potential application in cultivar characterization of C .maxima. Eighty accessions of C. maxima consisting of registered cultivars and landraces from Indonesia were used in this study. Analysis of microsatellite sequences from genomic DNA amplified using DY296883 primer showed that C. maxima microsatellite has high polymorphism in the form of repeat length variation of (GA)n, ranging from (GA)7 to (GA)19. This study proved the existence of high genotypic variability in C. maxima, and confirmed the role of microsatellite as a useful molecular marker for uncovering variability at intraspecific level. Observation of the microsatellite polymorphisms indicated that variability of (GA)n can be used to distinguish some pomelo cultivars.
Protein profile, amino acids and taurine composition of sea slug (Paromoionchis tumidus) from Sumenep sea waters, Madura, Indonesia
Authors: Hafiludin Hafiludin , SRI ANDAYANI  , HARTATI KARTIKANINGSIH  , MUHAMAD FIRDAUS
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Hafiludin, Andayani S, Kartikaningsih H, Firdaus M. 2020. Protein profile, amino acids, and taurine composition of sea slug (Paromoionchis tumidus) from Sumenep sea waters, Madura, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 2430-2436. Sea slug (Paromoionchis tumidus) is one of the marine gastropods and inhabits the intertidal zone. Sea slug has long been used by coastal communities as food and medicine for breast cancer. Sea slugs are rich in nutritional content, a protein with the composition of essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals, which are important as food and medicine in the future. The objective of the study was to investigate the composition of proximate and amino acids, protein profile, and taurine content of sea slug from the sea waters of Sumenep Madura. In this work, the sea slug collected from Sumenep was analyzed for protein, amino acids, and taurine. We compared the composition of proximate and amino acids before and after dried (fresh and dried), and part of the body of a sea slug (whole, muscle, viscera, and mucus) for the protein profiling and taurine content. The results showed that protein content reached 9.32% (fresh) or 60.82% (dried). The molecular weight of the protein was ranging from 22.53 kDa (viscera) to 49.61 kDa (viscera). The total amino acids were found at 6.14% (fresh) and 53.87% (dried). Furthermore, taurine was present at range from 53.568 µg/mL (viscera) to 158.784 µg/mL (whole). This experiment imparted a consistent result with previous studies regarding the richness of protein content in sea slug. Thus there is a wide opportunity for using it as taurine rich products in functional food and medicine.