bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient-Centered Practices for Engaging Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients in Clinical Research Studies
Authors: Asquith Andrew , Sava Lauren , Harris Alexander B. , Radix Asa E. , Pardee Dana J. , Reisner Sari L.
Published: December 2020

Background: The purpose of this formative study was to assess barriers and facilitators to participation of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients in clinical research to solicit specific feedback on perceived acceptability and feasibility of research methods to inform creation of a multisite longitudinal cohort of primary care patients engaged in care at two community health centers.Method: Between September-November 2018, four focus groups (FGs) were convened at two community health centers in Boston, MA and New York, NY (N=28 participants across all 4 groups; 11 in Boston and 17 in New York). FG guides asked about patient outreach, acceptability of study methods and measures, and ideas for study retention. FGs were facilitated by TGD study staff, lasted approximately 90 min in duration, were audio recorded, and then transcribed verbatim by a professional transcription service. Thematic analyses were conducted by two independent analysts applying a constant comparison method. Consistency and consensus were achieved across code creation and application aided by Dedoose software.Results: Participants were a mean age of 33.9 years (SD 12.3; Range 18-66). Participants varied in gender identity with 4 (14.3%) male, 3 (10.7%) female, 8 (28.6%) transgender male, 10 (35.7%) transgender female, and 3 (10.7%) nonbinary. Eight (26.6%) were Latinx, 5 (17.9%) Black, 3 (10.7%) Asian, 3 (10.7%) another race, and 5 (17.9%) multiracial. Motivators and facilitators to participation were: research creating community, research led by TGD staff, compensation, research integrated into healthcare, research applicable to TGD and non-TGD people, and research helping TGD communities. Barriers were: being research/healthcare averse, not identifying as TGD, overlooking questioning individuals, research coming from a ‘cisgender lens”, distrust of how the research will be used, research not being accessible to TGD people, and research being exploitative.Conclusion: Though similarities emerged between the perspectives of TGD people and research citing perspectives of other underserved populations, there are barriers and facilitators to research which are unique to TGD populations. It is important for TGD people to be involved as collaborators in all aspects of research that concerns them.
Combining targeted instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applications and neuromuscular exercises can correct forward head posture and improve the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized control study.
Authors: Mylonas Konstantinos , Angelopoulos Pavlos , Billis Evdokia , Tsepis Elias , Fousekis Konstantinos
Published: December 2020

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and intermediate-term effects of the combined application of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques andneuromuscular exercises of the cervical and thoracic area on the improvement of the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP).Methods: Twenty patients with neck pain and FHP were randomized and received eight treatment sessions of either targeted IASTM in combination with neuromuscular exercises (Group A) or a classical massage and the same set of exercises (Group B). The cervical vertebral angle, cervical range of motion (ROM) and strength, and pain and disability were measured throughout the treatment period and in the two- and four-week post-treatment periods.Results: The combined application of IASTM and neuromuscular exercise (Group A) contributed to a significant improvement in FHP and disability. Both interventions improved cervical ROM and strength in the short term. Pain was also improved in both groups in both the short and intermediate term.Conclusions: Combining IASTM and exercises for the cervical and thoracic area can induce positive postural adaptations and improve the functional status of neck pain patients. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN54231174. Registered 19 March 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN54231174
Existence of Hidden Pulmonary Arteries in Tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary artery hypertension in patients Operated with one Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Edraki Mohammadreza , Ghasemzadeh Bahram , Keshavarz Kambiz , Amirghofran Ahmadali , Mohammadi Hamid , Kheirandish Zahra , Amoozgar Hamid , Nirooei Elahe , Ajami Gholamhossein , Mehdizadegan Nima , Naghshzan Amir , Peiravian Farah , Cheriki Sirous , Nobahkti Mohammadjavad
Published: December 2020

Introduction:The absence of a pulmonary artery is a rare congenital anomaly that occurs isolated or with other congenital cardiac disorders, particularly tetralogy of Fallot (TOF); meanwhile, a hidden pulmonary artery might exist and originate from a closed ductus arteriosus (DA), which can be stented to reach the artery.Material and methods: This prospective study describes cardiac catheterization of nine TOF patients diagnosed with the absence of the left pulmonary artery before the operation. The patients were stratified into three groups: group one, whose closed DA was found and connected to the hidden pulmonary artery with a stent; group two, whose hidden pulmonary arteries were found via the pulmonary vein angiography; and group three, for whom we could not find the remnant of the DA, or our attempt to stent the DA to the hidden pulmonary artery was not successful.We also evaluated outcomes of six other surgically-corrected TOF patients who were operated with the absent left pulmonary artery.Results: The first group included the patients aged 1, 24, and 30 months, whose CT angiography 6-9 months after stenting showed acceptable left pulmonary artery diameter for surgical correction, and the pulmonary vein angiography of the second group showed a hidden left pulmonary artery with a suitable diameter for surgical correction.However, we were unable to find or stent the DA of group three patients, aged 12, 38, 60, and 63 months. Earlier Angiography might have increased the chance of access to the hidden vessel. Apart from these three groups, follow-ups of six other patients previously corrected with only the right pulmonary artery revealed pulmonary artery hypertension in all patients.Conclusion: The concealed pulmonary artery might be found, and stenting of the closed DA to it might be performed to improve the diameter of the diminutive pulmonary artery. This procedure may allow TOF total surgical correction with two pulmonary arteries. Besides, pulmonary vein angiography can reveal the hidden pulmonary artery.
Bariatric surgery can acutely modulate ER-stress and inflammation on subcutaneous adipose tissue in non-diabetic patients with obesity
Authors: Ferraz-Bannitz Rafael , Welendorf Caroline Rossi , Coelho Priscila Oliveira , Salgado Wilson , Nonino Carla Barbosa , Beraldo Rebeca , Foss-Freitas Maria
Published: December 2020

Background: Bariatric surgery, especially Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), is the most effective and durable treatment option for severe obesity. The mechanisms involving adipose tissue may be important to explain the effects of surgery.Methods: We aimed to identify the genetic signatures of adipose tissue in patients undergoing RYGB. We evaluated 13 obese, non-diabetic patients (mean age 37 years, 100% women, Body mass index (BMI) 42.2 kg/m2) one day before surgery, 3 and 6 months (M) after RYGB. Results: Analysis of gene expression in adipose tissue collected at surgery compared with samples collected at 3M and 6M Post-RYGB showed that interleukins (Interleukin 6, Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP1)) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) genes (Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3 (EIF2AK3) and Calreticulin (CALR)) decreased during the follow-up (P≤0.01 for all). Otherwise, genes involved in energy homeostasis (Adiponectin and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)), cellular response to oxidative stress (Sirtuin 1, Sirtuin 3, and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)), mitochondrial biogenesis (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α)) and amino acids metabolism (General control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2)) increased from baseline to all other time points evaluated (P≤0.01 for all). Also, expression of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARϒ) (adipogenesis regulation) was significantly decreased after RYGB (P<0.05). Additionally, we observed that PGC1α, SIRT1 and AMPK strongly correlated to BMI at 3M (P≤0.01 for all), as well as ADIPOQ and SIRT1 to BMI at 6M (P≤0.01 for all). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that weight loss is associated with amelioration of inflammation and ERS and increased protection against oxidative stress in adipose tissue. These observations are strongly correlated with a decrease in BMI and essential genes that control cellular energy homeostasis, suggesting an adaptive process on a gene expression level during the caloric restriction and weight loss period after RYGB.
The transverse diameter of right common femoral vein by ultrasound in the supine position for predicting post-spinal hypotension during cesarean delivery.
Authors: Yao Shi-Fa , Zhao Yan-Hong , Zheng Jing , Qian Jie-Yan , Zhang Chen , Xu Zifeng , Xu Tao
Published: December 2020

Background: Post-spinal anesthesia hypotension during cesarean delivery is caused by decreased systemic vascular resistance due to the blockage of the autonomic nerves, which is further worsened by inferior vena cava (IVC) compression by the gravid uterus. This study aimed to assess whether peak velocity and diameter of the IVC below the xiphoid or right common femoral vein (RCFV) in the inguinal region, as measured on ultrasound, could reflect the degree of IVC compression and further identify parturients at risk of post-spinal hypotension.Methods: Fifty-six parturients who underwent elective cesarean section with spinal anesthesia were included in this study; peak velocities and anteroposterior diameters of the IVC and peak velocities and transverse diameters of the RCFV were measured using ultrasound before anesthesia. The primary outcome was the ultrasound measurements of IVC and RCFV acquired before spinal anesthesia and their association with post-spinal hypotension. Hypotension was defined as a drop in systolic arterial pressure by >20% from the baseline. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between the measurements of IVC, RCFV, and post-spinal hypotension during cesarean delivery. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to test the abilities of the identified parameters to predict post-spinal hypotension; the areas under the curve and optimum cut-off values for the predictive parameters were calculated.Results: A longer transverse diameter of the RCFV was associated with the occurrence of post-spinal hypotension (odds ratio = 2.022, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.261–3.243). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the prediction of post-spinal hypotension was 0.759 (95% CI 0.628–0.890, P = 0.001). A transverse diameter of >12.2 mm of the RCFV could predict post-spinal hypotension during cesarean delivery.Conclusions: A longer transverse diameter of RCFV was associated with hypotension and could predict parturients at a major risk of hypotension before anesthesia.
First insights into the molecular basis association between promoter polymorphisms of the IL1B gene and Helicobacter pylori infection in the Sudanese population: computational approach
Authors: Idris Abeer Babiker , Idris Einas Babiker , Ataelmanan Amany Eltayib , Mohamed Ali Elbagir Ali , Arbab Bashir M. Osman , Ibrahim El-Amin Mohamed , Hassan Mohamed A.
Published: December 2020

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects nearly half of the world’s population with a variation in incidence among different geographic regions. Genetic variants in the promoter regions of the IL1B gene can affect cytokine expression and creates a condition of hypoacidity which favors the survival and colonization of H. pylori. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the polymorphic sites in the 5’- region [-687_+297] of IL1B in H. pylori infection using in silico tools.Results: A total of five nucleotide variations were detected in the 5’-regulatory region [-687_+297] of IL1B which led to the addition or alteration of transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) or composite regulatory elements (CEs). Genotyping of IL1B-31 C>T revealed a significant association between -31T and susceptibility to H. pylori infection in the studied population (P=0.0363). Comparative analysis showed conservation rates of IL1B upstream [−368_+10] region above 70% in chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, a domesticated dog, cow and rat.Conclusions: In H. pylori-infected patients, three detected SNPs (-338, -155 and -31) located in the IL1B promoter were predicted to alter TFBSs and CE, which might affect the gene expression. These in silico predictions provide insight for further experimental in vitro and in vivo studies of the regulation of IL1B expression and its relationship to H. pylori infection. However, the recognition of regulatory motifs by computer algorithms is fundamental for understanding gene expression patterns.
Using behavioral insights to design implementation strategies in public mental health settings: a qualitative study of clinical decision-making
Authors: Last Briana S , Schriger Simone H , Timon Carter E. , Frank Hannah E , Buttenheim Alison M. , Rudd Brittany N , Fernandez-Marcote Sara , Comeau Carrie , Shoyinka Sosunmolu , Beidas Rinad S.
Published: December 2020

Background: Trauma focused-cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based intervention for youth with posttraumatic stress disorder. An important component of TF-CBT is the trauma narrative (TN), a phase in the intervention in which youth are guided to process the memories, thoughts, and feelings associated with their traumatic experience(s). Previous work has shown that TF-CBT clinicians complete TNs with only half of their clients, yet little is known about what determines TF-CBT clinicians’ use of TNs. The behavioral insights literature—an interdisciplinary field studying judgment and decision-making—offers theoretical and empirical tools to conceptualize what drives complex human behaviors and decisions. Drawing from the behavioral insights literature, the present study seeks to understand what determines clinician use of TNs and to generate strategies that target these determinants. Methods: Through semi-structured qualitative interviews, we sought the perspectives of trained TF-CBT clinicians working in public mental health settings across the city of Philadelphia (N =17) to understand their decisions to use TNs with clients. We analyzed the qualitative data using a coding approach informed by the behavioral insights literature. We used an iterative process of structured hypothesis generation, aided by a behavioral insights guide, and rapid validation informed by behavioral insights to uncover the determinants of TN use. We then generated implementation strategies that targeted these determinants using the “Easy Attractive Social Timely” framework, a behavioral insights design approach. Results: We generated and validated three broad themes about what determines clinician implementation of TNs: decision complexity, clinician affective experience, and agency norms. We hypothesized behavioral insights that underlie these implementation determinants and designed a list of nine corresponding behavioral insights strategies that may facilitate TN implementation. Conclusions: Our study investigated why an effective component of an evidence-based intervention is difficult to implement. We leveraged robust scientific theories and empirical regularities from the behavioral insights literature to understand clinician perspectives on TN implementation. These factors were theoretically linked to implementation strategies. Our work revealed the potential for using behavioral insights in the diagnosis of evidence-based intervention determinants and the design of implementation strategies.
Pregnancy Complications In G20210A Mutation Carriers Associated With High Prothrombin Activity
Authors: Nikolaeva Mariya , Momot Andrey Pavlovich , Zainulina Marina Sabirovna , Yasafova Natalia Nikolaevna , Taranenko Irina Alekseevna
Published: December 2020

Objective to study the association between high activity of Factor II (prothrombin) in blood plasma with G20210A mutation and the development of great obstetrical syndromes. Material and methods A prospective clinical cohort study was conducted on 290 pregnant women (average age 31.7±4.7 years old). The main group was made up of 140 G20210A patients, while the control group comprised 150 women with the wild G20210G type. The aim was to evaluate the activity of Factor II in the venous blood plasma during the stages of pregnancy with regard to trophoblast invasion waves. As per results, association analysis of Factor II activity value and gestational complications was carried out. Results In the control group, the median (Me) of Factor II activity ranged from 108% (preconception period) to 144% (pregnancy) [95% CI 130-150]. In patients with the GA type, the value was significantly higher in related periods, ranging from 149% to 181% [95% CI 142-195], p<0.0001. With Factor II activity ranging from 148.5% to 180.6%, pregnancies in the main group had no complications. Higher levels of Factor II activity were associated with the development of early and/or severe preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth retardation (FGR). Conclusion The data obtained regarding Factor II activity in blood plasma, juxtaposed with the development of great obstetrical syndromes, allow to assume that manifestation of G20210A in early and/or severe PE and FGR is associated with this coagulation factor's level of activity. Threshold value of the Factor II activity with G20210A mutation, allowing to predict the development of PE, comprised 171.0% at the preconception stage (AUC – 0.86; p<0.0001) and within 7-8 weeks of gestation it was 181.3% (AUC – 0.84; p<0.0001).
Screening for proteins related to the biosynthesis of hispidin and its derivatives in Phellinus igniarius using iTRAQ proteomic analysis
Authors: Guo Jinjing , Liu Xiaoxi , Li Yuanjie , Ji Hongyan , Liu Cheng , Zhou Li , Huang Yu , Bai Changcai , Jiang Zhibo , Wu Xiuli
Published: December 2020

Background: Hispidin (HIP) and its derivatives, a class of natural fungal metabolites, possess complex chemical structures with extensive pharmacological activities. Phellinus igniarius, the most common source of HIP, can be used as both medicine and food. However, the biosynthetic pathway of HIP in P. igniarius remains unclear and we have a limited understanding of the regulatory mechanisms related to HIP. In this work, we sought to illustrate a biosynthesis system for hispidin and its derivatives at the protein level. Results: We found that tricetolatone (TL) is a key biosynthetic precursor in the biosynthetic pathway of hispidin and that its addition led to increased production of hispidin and various hispidin derivatives. Based on the changes in the concentrations of precursors and intermediates, key timepoints in the biosynthetic process were identified. We used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) to study dynamic changes of related proteins in vitro. The 270 differentially expressed proteins were determined by GO enrichment analysis to be primarily related to energy metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and environmental stress responses after TL supplementation. The differentially expressed proteins were related to ATP synthase, NAD binding protein, oxidoreductase, and other elements associated with electron transfer and dehydrogenation reactions during the biosynthesis of hispidin and its derivatives. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) technology was used to selectively verify the iTRAQ results, leading us to screen 11 proteins that were predicted to be related to the biosynthesis pathways.Conclusion: These findings help to clarify the molecular mechanism of biosynthesis of hispidin and its derivatives and may serve as a foundation for future strategies to identify new hispidin derivatives.
Foliar Application of Defoliants before Winter Chill Accumulation Advances Budbreak and Improves Fruit Earliness of Blackberry under Subtropical Climatic Conditions
Authors: Lin Syuan-You , Agehara Shinsuke
Published: December 2020

In subtropical blackberry (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus Watson) production, inadequate winter chill causes poor and erratic budbreak, whereas high temperatures and heavy rainfall deteriorate late-season fruit quality. We examined the effects of four defoliants [zinc sulfate (ZS), potassium thiosulfate (KTS), urea, and lime sulfur (LS)] on defoliation, budbreak, yield, and fruit quality of ‘Natchez’ blackberry grown under inadequate chilling conditions in two consecutive growing seasons. Plants were treated with defoliants at 187 kg·ha−1 via spray application (1870 L·ha−1) at the beginning of chill accumulation (late December). A nonionic surfactant (Agri-Dex) was added at 0.5% (v/v) to all treatments including the water control. Cumulative chilling hours (<7.2 °C) at the experiment site were 209 and 134 in the first and second growing seasons, respectively. Defoliation was only 40.2% to 55.5% in the control, but it was induced moderately by LS (69.7% to 84.7%) and severely by the other defoliants (81.7% to 94.7%). Budbreak was induced most rapidly by urea application, followed by LS, KTS, and ZS, advancing by 17 to 66 days compared with the control. Consequently, urea, KTS, LS, and ZS increased early season yield by 2.79, 2.55, 0.87, and 0.31 t·ha−1, respectively, compared with the control (0.12 t·ha−1). By contrast, the final percentage of budbreak and total-season yield did not show significant treatment effects. KTS caused cane dieback and increased bud mortality, resulting in the lowest total-season yield among the treatments. Importantly, defoliants had no negative impact on berry size and soluble solids concentration. These results suggest that urea, LS, and ZS are effective bud dormancy-breaking agents for blackberry and that they could be an important adaptation tool for subtropical blackberry production. Among the three defoliants, urea appears to be the ideal chemical option because of its consistent efficacy, favorable safety profile, and low application cost.
OPTIMAL SEQUENCE OF APPLICATION OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR INHIBITORS IN ADVANCED NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER PATIENTS WITH ACTIVATING EGFR MUTATIONS
Authors: Kolomeytseva A. A. , Fedenko A. A.
Published: December 2020

Background. Successful treatment of patients with EG FR-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC ) is directly related to epidermal growth factor receptor (EG FR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Currently, three generations of EG FR TKIs are used for treatment of EG FR-positive NSCLC . The issue of what drug or what sequence of its administration will be the optimal treatment option for a particular patient seems relevant.

Purpose: To analyze available data on the use of TKIs for the treatment of advanced EG FR-positive NSCLC patients, as well as to assess the possible mechanisms of resistance to them and determine the optimal sequence of EG FR TKI therapy.

Material and Methods. The review includes data from randomized controlled trials, as well as data from real-world studies on the efficacy of EG FR TKIs and subsequent therapy options in cases of drug resistance.

Results. The choice of the optimal first-line treatment option for patients with EG FR-positive NSCLC depends on many factors. To our opinion, afatinib therapy with subsequent osimertinib therapy allows maximal prolongation of low-toxic targeted therapy and delayed administration of cytostatic drugs in patients with T790M mutation.

Conclusion. Considering the dominant mechanism of resistance development (presence of EG FR -T790M mutation), the use of the second- and third-generation EG FR inhibitors seems to be an optimal treatment option for patients with activating EG FR mutations.
DISSEMINATED GASTROINTESTINAL STROMAL TUMOR IN PREGNANCY. A CASE REPORT
Authors: Abdullaev A. G. , Kurbanov A. A.
Published: December 2020

Background. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST ) is a rare neoplasm with an incidence of only 10–20 cases per million population. All gastrointestinal neoplasms may have malignant potential and most of them are sporadic tumors. GIST occurring during pregnancy is extremely rare, therefore, surgeons face challenging ethical, surgical and oncological issues. Case. We describe a clinical cause of GIST found at the 16–17-th week of pregnancy in a 31-year-old woman. The patient was under the supervision of obstetricians-gynecologists, radiologists and oncologists, and a weekly ultrasound examination was performed. Caesarean delivery was performed at the 26th week of pregnancy due to disease progression and in order to start anticancer therapy as soon as possible. Conclusion. We described the first reported case of a successful treatment in a 31-yearold pregnant patient with GIST of the small intestine complicated by peritoneal carcinomatosis and ascites. We compared our case with other reported cases of GIST during pregnancy and discussed the problems faced by both patients and surgeons. There are no recommendations on the optimal timing of tumor resection during pregnancy, and therefore key decisions must be made in a multidisciplinary team (MDT ), taking into account the wishes of the patient. Our clinical case demonstrates the feasibility of changing the approaches to the management and treatment of patients with intraperitoneal dissemination, as well as emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary team including oncologists, obstetricians, gynecologists, neonatologists and other specialists.
CANCER INCIDENCE AND MORTALITY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN PRIMORSKY KRAI FOR THE 2008–2018 PERIOD
Authors: Minkina L. M. , Tsvetkov M. M. , Tikhonova Ya. S. , Postoykina M. A.
Published: December 2020

Background.Cancer is a leading cause of death in children and adolescents worldwide. The cancer incidence rate in children and adolescents has been on the rise for decades. Climatic, geographic and social factors of the region play an important role for cancer incidence.

Objective:to analyze the cancer incidence and mortality rates in children and adolescents of Prymorsky krai.

Methods.Cancer incidence rates in Russia for 2008–2018 as well as cancer incidence among children treated at the regional pediatric hematology/oncology center (Vladivostok, Russia) for 2014–2019 were analyzed.

Results.No statistically significant differences in the cancer incidence rates for the 2008–2018 period between children and adolescents of Primorsky krai and the russian federation in the whole and the far-eastern federal district were found. In in Primorsky krai, there was a variability in the incidence rate during the analyzed period, a negative average annual growth rate in the group of children under 14 years of age (-0.86 %). For the 2008–2018 period, the cancer mortality rate in children and adolescents of Primorsky krai significantly decreased (from 5.65 ‰ in 2008 to 2.6 ‰ in 2018), with the average annual increase rate in children aged 017 years of -9.17 %. In 2014–2019, the quality of cancer detection improved significantly, and the number of children and adolescents with stage iiiiv cancer reduced.

Conclusion.Cancer prevention and early detection can potentially reduce the cancer incidence and mortality rates in children and adolescents in Primorsky krai. Population-based cancer registries are needed for quantifying the burden of cancer in children and adolescents and assessing prevention and control programs.
STUDY OF CHANGES IN TUMOR BLOOD FLOW FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF EARLY RESPONSE TO NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS
Authors: Pavlov M. V. , Rykhtik P. I. , Ilyinskaya O. E. , Subochev P. V. , Kreinina Yu. M. , Maslennikova A. V.
Published: December 2020

Background. Over the past 20 years, there has been a change in approaches to the treatment of breast cancer, in particular, a significant increase in the role of drug therapy. Breast cancer response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is currently considered as a surrogate biomarker, which allows evaluation of the clinical course and prognosis of the disease. To solve this problem, it is necessary to assess the functional and metabolic changes in tumor tissue during treatment. Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive, affordable, and low-cost imaging technique that can be safely used for repeated measurements.

The purpose of the study was to study vascular changes in the tumor by power Doppler ultrasound for the evaluation of the early breast cancer response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Material and Methods. From May 2017 to August 2019, 63 patients with breast cancer received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Changes in the tumor blood flow were assessed before starting the treatment and prior to the second course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using Doppler scanning. Changes in tumor blood floor after chemotherapy were compared with the pathological tumor response after surgical treatment.

Results. In the vast majority of cases (78 %), there was a decrease in the number of tumor vessels after the first cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy independent of the grade of pathological response. In 8 cases with increased vascularization after the first cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, histological examination of the removed tumor showed no response / weak response to treatment in the absence of peritumoral inflammation. In 5 cases, a sharp increase in the number of vessels around large areas of intranodular necrosis and peritumoral inflammation was observed. In general, a comparison of changes in tumor vascularization and pathological response revealed a weak, although statistically significant, negative correlation between changes in the tumor blood flow after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and pathological response.

Conclusion. It was not possible to establish an unambiguous relationship between the reaction of the vascular bed and the tumor response to the cytostatic effect. An increase in the number of tumor vessels in the absence of peritumoral inflammation was the only situation when changes in tumor blood flow during chemotherapy can be unambiguously interpreted as a predictive criterion for the absence / weak response of the tumor to treatment.
BANKACILIK VE FİNANSAL HİZMETLERE ERİŞİM GÖSTERGELERİNİN İNCELENMESİ: AFYONKARAHİSAR İLİ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: GERMİR Hatice
Published: December 2020

Bir ülkede bölgeler hatta iller bazında ortaya çıkan sosyo-ekonomik gelişmişlik farklarının bölgesel kalkınmanın önünde bir engel olarak yer aldığı, bu durumun da fırsat eşitliğini ortadan kaldırdığı ifade edilmektedir. Sosyo-ekonomik gelişmişlik farklarına yol açan birçok sebep bulunmakla birlikte; bilimsel çalışmalarda finansal hizmetlere erişim ve kullanım düzeyinin, en önemli parametreler arasında yer aldığı bildirilmektedir. Literatürde yaygın olarak kullanılan Dünya Bankasının finansal hizmetlere erişim ve kullanım göstergeleri ile hizmet noktalarının coğrafi ve demografik olarak yayılımı yanı sıra bölgelere göre şube ve ATM dağılımları, potansiyel müşterilerin, fiziksel olarak en yakın hizmet noktasından ortalama ne kadar uzakta olduğu ele alınarak değerlendirmede bulunulmaktadır. Çalışmamızda Türkiye Bankalar Birliği verilerinden yararlanılarak Afyonkarahisar ilindeki merkez ilçe dahil toplam onsekiz adet ilçedeki ticari bankacılık faaliyetinde bulunulan banka şube ve ATM’leri erişilebilirlik yönünden mercek altına alınmıştır. Afyonkarahisar ili ve ilçelerinde bankacılık faaliyetinde bulunan üç adet kamusal sermayeli, beş adet özel sermayeli ve dört adet yabancı sermayeli olmak üzere toplamda oniki adet bankanın aktif olarak yer aldığı, bu bankaların seksendokuz adet şube ve üçyüzotuzbir adet ATM ile bankacılık ve finansal hizmet faaliyetinde bulunduğu, erişilebilirlik yönünden incelendiğinde banka şubelerin kırküç adedinin ortopedik, yirmiyedi adedinin görme engelli erişimi olduğu, ATM’lerin ise otuziki adedinin ortopedik, yüzyirmibeş adedinin görme engelli erişimi olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Literatüre katkı sağlanması önceliğinde yapılan araştırma ile ilgili taraflara, kullanıcılara ve akademisyenlere faydalı olunması hedeflenmiştir.
PROJETO SISTEMA DE VELOCIDADE EMBARCADO: ESTUDO DE CASO NA DISCIPLINA DE CÁLCULO
Authors: Aguiar Giancarlo De França , Aguiar Bárbara De Cassia Xavier Cassins
Published: December 2020

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo de caso da construção de sistemas de velocidade embarcados em projetos de carrinhos desenvolvidos por estudantes de 1° ano do curso de Engenharia da Computação, da Universidade Positivo, em Curitiba, no Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Todo o projeto de construção do carrinho, assim como, do sistema de velocidade embarcado, pode ser considerado como uma metodologia Ativa de Aprendizagem, a Project Based Learning (PBL), que é um método que objetiva oportunizar ao estudante o protagonismo dentro do seu processo de ensino. Este texto faz uma reflexão sobre a prática e expõe alguns dos trabalhos desenvolvidos pelos estudantes como projeto bimestral da disciplina Cálculo Diferencial e Integral e que podem nortear novas pesquisas.
Pathways To Islamic Education Renewal In Aceh (A Case Study of Dayah Ma'had al Ulum Diniyyah Mesjid Raya Samalanga)
Authors: Asari Hasan , Mukti Abd. , Kahar Syadidul
Published: December 2020

This research examines the renewal initiative at Dayah Ma'had al Ulum Diniyyah Mesjid Raya Samalanga Islamic School. This study focuses on the renewal initiative during the leadership of Abon Abdul Aziz and Abu Hasanoel Bashri. This research is qualitative research with a historical approach. This research indicates that the Al Aziziyah Samalanga Islamic Education Foundation's modernization began during the leadership of Abon Abdul Aziz in 1958 and culminated in Abu Hasanoel Bashry in 1989. Social factors had been the most dominant factors of modernization of Islamic education in the foundation, including the birth of Islamic and public universities in Aceh, the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT), the requirement of diplomas for teachers and education personnel, and the involvement of alumni in the foundation.
Monitoring Ruangan Berbasis Internet of Things Menggunakan Thingsboard dan Blynk
Authors: Windarto Yudi Eko , Samosir Bryan Monang Wiener , Assariy Muhammad Richie
Published: December 2020

Technology designed to facilitate humans in a variety of work. A very popular technology today is the Internet of Things. The application of Internet of Things technology is widely used in various fields at present. One was used to monitor the room. The methodology used in this study is a Hardware Development Life Cycle (HDLC). The results of this research that the device can transmit ambient conditions via the Internet of Things with protocol Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT). In this study, Raspberry Pi serves as an intermediary between the media data is read by the sensor is then stored on the application Thingsboard. In addition the application Blynk used as a medium for monitoring the device remotely.
Sistem Pakar Pembagian Harta Waris Menurut Hukum Islam
Authors: Aksin Nur , Waliyansyah Rahmat Robi , Saputro Nugroho Dwi
Published: December 2020

In general, Muslims regarding the distribution of inheritance and calculation procedures lack understanding and the difficulty of also getting experts in the field of inheritance distribution according to Islamic law (faraidh), this is an issue for the Muslim community, especially for heirs who want to divide inheritance according to law Islam. The author uses backward chaining methods in designing expert systems. The result of this research is the design of an expert system for dividing inheritance that can be used by the general public to help Islam solve the problem of calculation & inheritance.
Pengaruh Prinsip Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Terhadap Kepuasan Pelanggan Aplikasi Ojek Online Xyz
Authors: Subowo, S.Kom., M.T.I. Moh Hadi
Published: December 2020

The use of the online taxibike XYZ application is based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory. The online taxibike XYZ application can be good if it has a good assessment based on the TAM variable. The purpose of this study is to obtain empirical evidence regarding the effect of the TAM principle on customer satisfaction. This study uses a quantitative causal research method to analyze the application of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) principle to online taxibike XYZ application customer satisfaction. The instrument in this study used a questionnaire instrument with a closed questionnaire type. The data analysis technique used three tests: data quality test, hypothesis test, and classical assumption test. All variables x, both reliability, flexibility, privacy, accessibility, ease to use, all positively influence customer satisfaction
Measurement of fuel consumption and harmful emissions of cars when using different types of fuel
Authors: Manko I. , Shuba Y. , Korpach A. , Gutarevyc S. , Ragulskiene J. , Pauliukas A.
Published: December 2020

The article presents the results of studies of energy, environmental and fuel efficiency indicators of a passenger car with a gasoline injection system. The engine is equipped with a device additionally supplying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and it has an ignition timing variator (ITV). As a result of research, an improvement in the fuel efficiency of a car in thermal equivalent was found when the engine was running on LPG and a slight increase in energy performance was observed. Emissions of pollutants with exhaust gases change in different ways: emissions of carbon monoxide practically do not change, emissions of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides are growing, carbon dioxide emissions from LPG operation are reduced, socio-economic damage when the engine is running on LPG is also reduced.
Dynamics of a two mass pipe robot with the self-stopping mechanism based on viscous friction
Authors: Ragulskis K. , Spruogis B. , Bogdevičius M. , Matuliauskas A. , Mištinas V. , Ragulskis L.
Published: December 2020

A model having two degrees of freedom and incorporating a specific type of nonlinearity is proposed for the analysis of dynamics of a pipe robot. Specific type of nonlinearity has different values of viscous friction depending on the sign of velocity of the system. Numerical investigations for various parameters of the system are presented. Optimal frequency of excitation of a pipe robot is determined. The obtained results are used in the process of design of pipe robots: it is especially important to choose the frequency of excitation in order to ensure effective operation of a pipe robot.
Photolysis of sodium chloride and sodium hypochlorite by ultraviolet light inactivates the trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba castellanii in the water matrix
Authors: Chaúque Beni J. M. , Rott Marilise B.
Published: December 2020

The present study aimed to investigate an effective, sustainable and accessible way to inactivate chlorine-resistant microorganisms, such as Acanthamoeba castellanii, through the photolysis of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in the water matrix. The trophozoites and cysts (2 × 107 per 8 mL) were exposed for 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min to the photolysis effect of NaOCl (1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mg/L) or NaCl (5.0, 10, 20 and 40 g/L) by ultraviolet light C (243 μW·cm2), then the viability was analyzed. The inactivation of all trophozoites was achieved by exposure to the photolysis effect of 2.0 mg/L of NaOCl or 20 g/L of NaCl, in 150 or 120 min, respectively. Inactivation of all cysts was achieved by double exposure to the photolysis effect of 1.0 mg/L NaOCl or 5.0 g/L NaCl from 90 min of each exposure round. The exposure time was a strong determinant in the inactivation of A. castellanii trophozoites or cysts. The photolysis of NaOCl or NaCl is an effective method to eliminate A. castellanii in water. These findings expand the list of chlorine-resistant microorganisms that can be inactivated by NaOCl photolysis and show that NaCl photolysis is a new and promising method for treating swimming pool water and wastewater.
Assessment of sunflower water stress using infrared thermometry and computer vision analysis
Authors: Nouraki Atefeh , Akhavan Samira , Rezaei Yousef , Fuentes Sigfredo
Published: December 2020

The objectives of the current study were to implement affordable and non-invasive measurements of infrared thermometry, leaf relative water content (RWC), crop water stress index (CWSI), leaf area index (LAI) from computer vision analysis and seed yield of sunflowers. The experiment was designed as split-plot based on randomized complete blocks with three replications. Treatments were four different levels of deficit irrigation as the main plots and three fertilization treatments were applied as sub-plots. Results showed a significant effect (P ≤ 0.01) of water stress and fertilizer on CWSI during different stages of sunflower growth. Changes in fertilizer amount and type resulted in a change in lower (dTLL) and upper (dTUL) limits of canopy-air temperature difference. A combination of chemical fertilizer with biofertilizer could help to decrease CWSI. From computer vision analysis, the normalized difference red blue index (NDRBI) had a strong linear relationship with RWC and CWSI for sunflowers (R2 of 0.87 and 0.93, respectively) and the normalized difference green blue index (NDGBI) had a linear relationship with seed yield (R2 = 0.79). Therefore, analysis of digital RGB images and CWSI were efficient, non-destructive and low-cost methods to assess crop water status for sunflowers under different irrigation and fertilizer treatments.
Ks. Stanisław Kisiel, „Kościół wierzący w naukę Chrystusa. Materiały na katechezy dla młodzieży licealnej i dorosłych o tematyce światopoglądowej, dogmatycznej, eklezjologicznej i o sektach”, wyd. IV, Bonus Liber 2019, ss. 350.
Authors: Wiśniewski Sebastian
Published: December 2020

Książka ks. S. Kisiela stanowi cenną pomoc dla duszpasterzy, liderów wspólnot i wszystkich, którym zależy na własnej formacji katolickiej. Przedstawiono w niej nauczanie Kościoła dotyczące prawd wiary zawartych w Credo. Każdy z tematów został rzetelnie opracowany i może stanowić konspekt katechez dla młodzieży i dorosłych. Książka zasługuje na uwagę i pozytywne przyjęcie.
On m-polar Diophantine Fuzzy N-soft Set with Applications
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Ali Shahbaz , Mahmood Muhammad Khalid , Mateen Muhammad Haris
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

In this paper, we present a novel hybrid model m-polar Diophantine fuzzy N-soft set and define
operations on it.

Methods:

We generalize the concepts of fuzzy sets, soft sets, N-soft sets, fuzzy soft sets, intuitionistic fuzzy sets,
intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets, Pythagorean fuzzy sets, Pythagorean fuzzy soft sets and Pythagorean fuzzy N-soft sets by
incorporating our proposed model. Additionally, we define three different sorts of complements for Pythagorean fuzzy Nsoft sets and examine few outcomes which do not hold in Pythagorean fuzzy N-soft sets complements unlike to crisp set.
We further discuss about (α, β, γ) -cut of m-polar Diophantine fuzzy N-soft sets and their properties. Lastly, we prove our
claim that the defined model is a generalization of soft set, N-soft set, fuzzy N-soft set, intuitionistic fuzzy N soft set and
Pythagorean fuzzy N-soft set.

Results:

m-polar Diophantine fuzzy N-soft set is more efficient and an adaptable model to manage uncertainties as it also
overcome drawbacks of existing models which are to be generalized.

Conclusion:

We introduced novel concept of m-polar Diophantine fuzzy N-soft sets (MPDFNS sets).
Breast Cancer Segmentation Recognition Using Explored DCT-DWT
based Compression
Authors: Goel Navnish , Yadav Akhilendra , Singh Brij Mohan
Published: December 2020

Background and Objective: Breast cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and its
early detection is usually performed with low quality clinical images. Due to unpredictable structure
of breast and characterization of cancer, disease in early stages is yet a difficult issue for specialists
and analysts. The accurate identification of breast cancer is an important step in its early
stage to avoid drastic death rate. With the advancement in the field of medical science, advancements
have been created to a phase where the medicinal services industry demonstrates to give best
outcomes most precisely.

Method: It is observed that the breast cancer images are analyzed after decompression during telecommunications.
In this paper, first we aimed to compress malignant cancer images so that it could
illuminate the motivation behind the telemedicine by applying preprocessing techniques and second
identification, classifications of breast cancer disease depend on segmentation using discrete
cosine transformation and discrete wavelet transformation.

Result: Segmentation addresses the problem to identify the characteristics of malignant cancer.
The segmented image eliminates the false positives, to obtain a clear-segmented image. Segmentation
methods are based on a structural approach to isolate the breast edge and a region approach to
extract the malignant portion. The result of image quality index achieved the output based on fusion
techniques.

Conclusion: Because of the unpredictable structure of the breast and low quality of clinical images,
a precise discovery, position, and characterization of the disease in early stages are considered a
difficult issue for specialists and analysts. The breast cancer could detect and segment if highly efficient
image compression is achieved successfully. The conclusion procedure of disease infection
is time taking and requires storage capacity limit in computer system. A large number of Magnetic
Resonance Imaging techniques were assembled as required and an enormous assortment for each
wiped out individual required huge space for capacity just as a wide transmission transfer speed for
computer system framework and again additionally for transmission over the web. Our proposed
method can be useful for accurate and automatic classification of malignant cells from medical images
by the specialist, with a goal that genuine cases would create novel outcomes and improve endurance
rates.