bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of verbal and illustrative representation on solving statistical problems by students in elementary school
Authors: Moskofoglou-Chionidou Maria
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of verbal and illustrative representation of the same statistical problems experienced by 56 elementary school students. Students were evaluated on problem-solving skills through six statistical problems as presented in school textbooks. One week later, the students were re-evaluated on problem-solving skills using the same problems that had been illustratively and verbally represented by the researchers. At the same time, we examined the correlation of students' performance to the six given problems in relation to their reading comprehension, verbal and mathematical competence (based on teachers' grade assignment). From the results of the quantitative research method that was used, there was a statistically significant correlation between the verbal representations in a) two out of six problems related to the mean value calculation using Î± representational table format and b) a bar graph construction based on a representational table format. However, an important finding of the research was the high correlation between students' performance and their reading comprehension, verbal and mathematical competence.

Keywords: Verbal representation of a problem, illustrative representation of a problem, statistics.
Appropriateness of Radiology Test Requests by an Emergency Department: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Martins Rute , Raimundo Pedro , Alves Pedro , Monteiro Rodrigo , Silva Luís Duarte , Gomes André , Afonso Graça
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Imaging tests are essential for diagnosis in the emergency context and convey clinical information that is essential to assess the appropriateness of the tests and improve their interpretation. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the imaging tests requested by the Emergency Department in a district hospital.Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed computed tomography and ultrasound scans requested by the Emergency Department at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve and considered the following variables: requested test, clinical information provided (complete/incomplete), appropriateness of the test (appropriate/inappropriate), outcome (presence/absence of relevant findings) and findings related to the clinical information (yes/no). Pearson’s chi-squared and odds ratio association tests were used to evaluate the statistical association between the variables.Results: Out of 1427 requests, only 219 (15.3%) were considered to have complete clinical information. Nonetheless, 1075 (75.3%) requests were considered appropriate. Relevant findings were present in about one-third (n = 453; 31.7%) and most of these findings were related to the clinical context (n = 410; 90.5%). There was a significant association between test appropriateness and the presence of relevant findings in the test (p < 0.001). The odds ratio of having a relevant finding was 5.0 times higher in the tests considered appropriate when compared with those classified as inappropriate (CI = 3.4 - 7.3; p < 0.001).Discussion: The fact that appropriate tests potentiate the probability of having a relevant finding emphasizes the importance of defining guidelines so that only the adequate tests are performed.Conclusion: Creating guidelines should improve the appropriateness of imaging tests requested in the Emergency Department, yielding their result, with the consequent rationalization of the available resources.
Halal certification in Indonesia; history, development, and implementation
Authors: Faridah Hayyun Durrotul
Published: January 2020

Indonesia's population with a Muslim majority (87.18%) makes the need for halal products very large. There is a need for halal product guarantees for products entering or circulating in Indonesia. Halal guarantee in Indonesia is regulated by the Government through legislation. The halalness of a product can be determined by conducting halal certification by inspecting the product from the selection of raw materials, the production process, to the final product. The halal certification process in Indonesia has been developing. This study aims to describe the history, development, and implementation of halal certification in Indonesia, one of which is before and after the issuance of law on Halal Product Guarantee (Halal Law). Initially, halal certification in Indonesia was taken over by the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) which is a civil society movement that has the support of the state. But after the issuance of the Halal Law, the authority for halal certification was transferred to the Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH) which is an independent state institution under the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia. This was also followed by several changes in several policies related to halal certification. Halal certification which was initially voluntary and does not yet have strong legal legitimacy has now become mandatory for business actors. Implementation of the Halal Law began on October 17, 2019, and will be carried out in stages. In the implementation effort, there needs to be a good collaboration between the government, business actors, and the community.
DIFFERENT AMOUNT OF THROMBOCYTES ON BLOOD STORAGE FOR 24 HOURS IN ROOM AND REFRIGERATOR
Authors: Lestari Ayu Indah
Published: January 2020

Background: Storage is a pre-analytic part that plays a role in maintaining cell quality functionally. Examination of platelet count is influenced by pre-analytic factors, namely time and temperature since specimen collection so that the specimen storage guidelines are needed to obtain accurate laboratory results. Delays in examinations often occur and are caused by the lack of medical personnel, heavy volume of work, or non-technical problems that occur during examination. Purpose: Analyze the effect of storing blood samples at room temperature (18-24oC) and refrigerator (2-8oC) for 24 hours on platelet count. Methods: Analytical observations, 30 samples with normal criteria, thrombocytosis, and thrombocytopenia that were examined at Laboratorium Patologi Klinik RSU Haji Surabaya. The method used is analytical observations and the study used a different test of friedman with SPSS 16.0 program to determine whether there is a significant difference in platelet count in blood samples at room temperature and refrigerator temperature for 24 hours with the initial examination. Result: The results of the friedman test analysis of the differences in the results of platelet count for 30 samples showed significant differences with sig. (2-tailed) of 0.00 (p <0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant difference between the results of the platelet count at the beginning of the examination with a delay in the refrigerator storing temperature (2-8oC) and room storing temperature (18-24oC) for 24 hours.
INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF ALLIUM SATIVUM L. EXTRACT AGAINST STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES AND PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA
Authors: Savitri Natasha Hana , Indiastuti Danti Nur , Wahyunitasari Manik Retno
Published: January 2020

Background: One of the most common health problems is infectious diseases. Infectious disease can be caused by bacteria. There were two groups of bacteria based on the staining, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Purpose: Antibiotics are the main therapy used in the incidence of bacterial infections. But over time, some antibiotics became resistance. Several studies have shown that garlic has an antibacterial effect. The content of allicin, ajoene, saponins, and flavonoids is found in garlic which has antibacterial properties. The antibiotic activity test of garlic was carried out on the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The goal of this study is to investigate the antibacterial effect of Allium sativum L. extract against Streptococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: Garlic extract was made using the maceration method using 96% alcohol as the solvent. Tube dilution method elected to observe garlic antibiotic activity. This test aims to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). There were eight different concentration used, i.e. 2 grams/ml, 1 gram/ml, 0.5 gram/ml, 0.25 gram/ml, 0.125 gram/ml, 0.0625 gram/ml, 0.03125 gram/ml, and 0.015625 gram/ml. Replication is done three times. Results: In this experiment, the extract produced was turbid that MIC could not be determined and there was no momentous differentiation between before and after treatment. There was no growth of Streptococcus pyogenes in 1 gram/ml and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 0.5 gram/ml. This number indicates the MBC for each bacteria. Conclusion: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has an effect of bactericidal activity, it can perform as an antibacterial for Streptococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Garlic extract was more effective for Pseudomonas aeruginosa than Streptococcus pyogenes.
İSLAM BİLİM TARİHİNE ADANMIŞ BİR ÖMÜR: PROF. DR. FUAT SEZGİN
Authors: AK Mahmu
Published: January 2020

İslam bilim tarihi alanında dünya çapında ismini duyurmuş bir ilim adamı

olan Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fuat Sezgin, 24 Ekim 1924 tarihinde beş kardeşin

üçüncüsü olarak Bitlis’te dünyaya gelmiştir. Babası Mehmet Mirza Efendi

1888 Siirt, annesi Cemile Hanım 1897 Bitlis doğumludur. Fuat Sezgin, ilkokulu

Doğubayazıt’ta, ortaokul ve liseyi burslu ve yatılı olarak Erzurum’da

okumuştur. 1942 yılında Erzurum Lisesi Fen Bölümü’nü pekiyi dereceyle

bitirdi. 1943 yılında matematik okuyup mühendis olma isteğiyle İstanbul’a

gelmiştir.
An assessment on faculty sustainability reporting guideline (FRSP)
Authors: Anugerah Eza Gusti , Miqdad Muhammad , Sulistiyo Agung Budi Sulistiyo Budi , Wardhaningrum Oktaviani Ari
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study is to construct a faculty sustainability reporting (SR) guideline to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A prior study found sustainable activity followed by voluntary disclosure increasing the trust from stakeholders. Faculty as a part of the university can also take their role to support the SDGs from their own sustainable activity. Based on that finding, to support the SDGs and increasing the trust from stakeholders, the Faculty may disclose their sustainable activity to a stand-alone report. Because the faculty is a different entity from the company, it is necessary to create its own SR guidelines. This study uses GRI Standard as the main reference to make the faculty SR guideline and compares the guideline with faculty abilities in daily operation. The results of this study found that not all the GRI Standard items relevant to faculty daily operation. There are 26 items that the faculty can do and can be disclosed from its daily operation.
Teaching sociology in large classes
Authors: Anny Nusrat Zerin , Mishra Pradip Kumar , Rahman Md. Sajedur Rahman
Published: January 2020

This study attempts to explore a major issue of higher education in Bangladesh that is, problems related to large size classes. The objectives of the study are to identify the problems faced by the students and the teachers; and to find out the ways of teaching effectively in large Sociology classes. This is a literature review article which has investigated the current teaching practices in the Sociology Classes at the affiliated colleges of the National University of Bangladesh. This paper also discussed the issue from the global perspective. It identified that large classes create a lot of problems for the students and the teachers resulting in the lower quality of higher education. Finally the paper concluded that teachers’ training, appointing supporting stuffs and ensuring necessary logistic support can be the possible solution of this great problem.
Effect of customer loyalty program on customer satisfaction and its impact on customer loyalty
Authors: Khairawati Salihah
Published: January 2020

The aim of this research is to examine the effect of the customer loyalty program on customer satisfaction and its impact on customer loyalty. This program is developed by the company in order to increase customer satisfaction. Optimal customer satisfaction will be able to create customer loyalty. For a company, customer loyalty will guarantee the company’s income to be constantly optimal. The research is conducted using the survey method involving 110 customers and 100 feasible data used. The sampling technique used is judgment sampling and data collected through the questionnaire. It uses SEM in examining hypotheses assisted by software AMOS version 20.0. Member card significantly affects customer satisfaction, while discount promo has no significant effect on customer satisfaction and it also doesn’t affect customer loyalty. Member cards and discount promo have a direct effect on customer loyalty. In general, it can be understood that the customer loyalty program applied by Alfamart either member card or discount promo affects customer satisfaction and has an impact on customer loyalty. This research gives input to retail business managers in managing customer satisfaction through the proper development of customer loyalty programs.
Resultados preliminares do manejo integrado do fogo nas terras indígenas Paresi
Authors: Santa Rosa Ananda , Daldegan Raquel Antunes , Marchetti Ramos Rossano , Laranja Ruth Elias de Paula , Franca Rafael Rodrigues da
Published: January 2020

O manejo integrado do fogo considera as práticas locais, as informações ecológicas e científicas e o manejo institucional para conservar a biodiversidade, reduzir a prevalência de incêndios florestais e proteger a vegetação sensível ao fogo. Nas terras indígenas, a gestão do manejo ocorre por meio do Programa de Brigadas Florestais, que é respaldado pelo Acordo de Cooperação Técnica entre o Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis e pela Fundação Nacional do Índio. Ainda são escassas avaliações sobre a implementação deste paradigma em Terras Indígenas com enfoque ao regime de queima e aos danos causados em espécies vegetais, considerando os períodos de tratamento de fogo. Por isto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os primeiros resultados do manejo integrado do fogo nas terras indígenas Juininha, Paresi e Utiariti, todos ocupadas pelo povo indígena Paresi e localizadas no estado do Mato Grosso, por meio da análise das fitofisionomias afetadas pelas queimas, dos danos na vegetação causadas pelo fogo e pela distribuição sazonal do dado de fogo ativo, nos anos de 2016 a 2018. Os resultados apresentaram que as queimas nas terras indígenas foram deslocadas para a estação do fogo precoce e que a maioria das espécies avaliadas não tiveram danos causados pelas queimas de ambos os períodos. Quando com algum nível de impacto, este foi mais elevado no período de fogo precoce. Por isto, concluiu-se que apesar das queimas estarem deslocadas para o período de fogo precoce, as técnicas de queimas prescritas não abrangem a frequência e histórico das superfícies atingidas para considerar uma abordagem de mosaicos além da redução dos grandes eventos na estação de fogo modal-tardio.
Robot-Assisted Therapy Influence on Kinematic and EMG Activity in the Upper Limb for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Raouafi Sana , Raison Maxime , Achiche Sofiane
Published: January 2020

Aim: To develop an index for quantitative assessment of the upper limb motor function in children with cerebral palsy before and after robot-assisted therapy. Method: An upper limb motor function index was developed using kinematic, surface electromyography and three-axis inertial measurements unit data collected from 15 children with cerebral palsy (CP) and 15 typically developed children. Children with CP underwent 18 robot-assisted therapy sessions with the REAplan device. All children were evaluated, using kinematic data from the REAplan, electromyography and three-axis inertial measurements unit readings from its accelerometer. A principal component analysis was conducted to produce an evaluation index, which is able to detect the deviation from the upper limb motor function of typically developing children group. Children with CP were evaluated twice before and after the intervention with Box and Blocks test and Finger-To-Nose test. The discriminative and concurrent validity of the upper limb motor function index were investigated. Results: The upper limb motor function index was higher in children with CP post therapy (p<0.001). Finger-To-Nose test values improved after robot-assisted therapy (p<0.03). A weak but positive correlation was observed between upper limb motor function index and clinical tests (r=0.012, p=0.95 and r=0.13, p= 0.54 for Box and Blocks test and Finger-To-Nose test respectively). Interpretation: The upper limb motor function index successfully differentiated between the typically developing children and children with CP and was effective in assessing the improvement of the upper limb motor function after robot-assisted therapy. The upper limb motor function index could be extended to assess and monitor rehabilitation therapies of other populations, such as those with stroke and Parkinson’s disease.
Long Segment, Mixed Sensorimotor Nerve Reconstruction with Allograft
Authors: Lauder Alexander , Leversedge Fraser J.
Published: January 2020

Case:

A 35-year-old man sustained a Grade I open right mid-diaphyseal humerus fracture and high radial nerve transection from a motor vehicle accident. Acute humeral plate osteosynthesis and radial nerve reconstruction using an intercalary 4-cm processed nerve allograft (PNA) was performed. Five years postoperatively, elbow extension, forearm supination, and wrist extension were 5/5 strength and independent digital extension was 5−/5. Radial nerve sensation recovered to 90% of the uninjured side.

Conclusions:

Use of PNA resulted in outcomes comparable with or superior to autograft reconstruction or secondary tendon transfers and is a reasonable reconstructive option for similar acute, mixed sensorimotor nerve injuries.
Conservation and Sustainable Use of PGRFA in Indonesia
Authors: Sabran Muhamad , Lestari Puji , Mastur Mastur
Published: January 2020

The high diverse of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) in Indonesia needs to be conserved for sustainable use to achieve food security despite a still growing population. Therefore, database and information system which could add value to the PGRFA have been developed by many international initiatives and conventions which impact to national level. Two international agreements that Indonesia intensively involved to govern access and share the benefit arising from the use of the valuable PGRFA are the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the Nagoya Protocol of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Agriculture development in Indonesia, however, is still faced many challenges. This review described and discussed the high biodiversity in Indonesia, utilization and conservation of PGRFA, supporting regulation and policy on PGRFA along with the progress of database and information system. Overall, promoting conservation and the sustainable use of PGRFA is a key goal of various national, regional, and global efforts, initiatives, and agreements governing them for human well-being.
Wpływ statusu społeczno-ekonomicznego na częstość występowania alergii
Authors: Stangret Anna , Żurawiecka Martyna
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTIntroduction: More than 30% of the population suffer from allergic disorders, making it a civilization disease. Allergies are conditioned not only by genetic factors but also by environmental factors such as socio-economic status (SES).The aim of study was to analyse the relationship batween the frequency of allergies and SES.Materials and methods: 700 female students from the University of Łódź, Jagiellonian University and University of Physical Education in Cracow took part in the study. Students answered questions about the occurrence of allergies and specific allergens. Socio-economic status was defined by the place of residence before studies, number of siblings and education level of parents.Results: In the studied group the occurrence of allergies was 29.71%. Women living in urban areas before studies suffered from allergies twice as often as those who had lived in rural areas. Children with siblings had allergies less often than only children. A higher level of education of parents was connected with more frequent allergic reactions, but the difference was not statistically significant. Generally, people with alower SES suffered less often from allergic reactions.Conclusions: People with higher socio-economic status more often suffered from allergic reactions.
Środki działające podobnie do alkoholu a aspekty bezpieczeństwa w ruchu drogowym na terenie Pomorza Zachodniego*
Authors: Potocka-Banaś Barbara , Wojtyś Michał , Banaś Tomasz , Semeniuk Urszula , Borowiak Krzysztof
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Nowadays automotive transport is the basis for the efficient functioning of society, thus road safety, which is dependent on many factors such as the technological condition of roads, weather or traffic regulations, has a substantial impact on its performance. It should also be emphasized that traffic safety depends primarily on the mental psycho-organic status of drivers.The presented retrospective study describes drugs and medicines known to act similarly to ethanol, and which can be detected in the blood of drivers.The study aimed to analyze statistical data on driver blood samples that were tested for the presence of substances acting like ethanol. The analysis focused on samples collected in the period 2011–2015 in the West Pomeranian province in Poland.Materials and methods: During the analyzed period, more than 3069 of toxicological tests were performed on driver blood samples at the Department of Clinical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (Poland).Results: Based on the blood test results obtained in the period 2011–2015, the studies revealed the presence of substances acting like ethanol: 9delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (9ΔTHC), amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, cocaine, opiates and benzodiazepines. Moreover, the percentage of drivers whose blood samples revealed the presence of such substances increased steadily along with the simultaneous increase in the percentage of road users under the influence of the detected substance.Within the analysis, the presence of 9ΔTHC in the blood of dri­vers decreased from 80.45% to 44.13%, whilst the percentage of drivers with the presence of amphetamines increased from 16.43% to 46.85%, and was the most commonly detected psychoactive substance in 2015.Conclusions: The percentage of drivers whose blood samples revealed the presence of opiates, cocaine and benzodiazepines in the analyzed period remained at a constant low level of 5.24% in contrast to the number of drivers detected with amphetamines or 9ΔTHC.
Anoreksja – jadłowstręt psychiczny
Authors: Bąba-Kubiś Agata , Pełka-Wysiecka Justyna , Liśkiewicz Paweł , Wroński Michał , Konopka Anna , Samochowiec Jerzy
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTThe problem of eating disorders was described in literature for the first time at the end of the 17th century. Nowadays, the term eating disorders means adisturbance to eating habits for which the common denominator is, among others, a characteristic way of thinking and behaviors observed in people who are ill. Anorexia is a disorder increasingly observed among young people, but in fact the problem of eating disorders affects each age group and gender, and this aspect is presented in the following article.
Causes of sleep disorders in patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit and strategies to minimize them
Authors: Lewandowska Katarzyna , Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska Wioletta , Kwiecień-Jaguś Katarzyna , Czyż-Szypenbejl Katarzyna
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Sleep plays an important part in human wellbeing. Sleep deprivation has serious deleterious effects on any subject of life. The most obvious and well documented adverse consequences are focused on the immune system, cardiopulmonary function and cognitive function. Sleep in critical ill patients is characterized by frequent disruptions and poor quality along with a reduction in the depth and restorative stages. In critical ill patients the prevalence of sleep disturbance has been shown to be more than 50%. Sleep disturbances seems to be due to environmental factors related to the intensive care unit (ICU) itself (light, noise level) patient’s condition and medical treatment.

The aim of the presented study was to present the cause of sleep disorders in patients treated in the intensive care unit and to present activities that would improve the sleep quality of patients.

Material and methods: The work is of an illustrative nature. For the needs of the work, the Polish and English-language literature available in medical databases over the last 15 years has been analyzed.

Results: Analysis of the collected literature has shown that pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of patients in the intensive care unit can potentially affect sleep disorders. Respiratotherapy is one of the main factors disturbing ICU sleep. Factors such as noise and care activities have been classically recognized as the main causes of sleep disorder in critically ill patients.

Conclusions: Nursing staff who have constant contact with the patient plays a key role in minimizing factors that disrupt the patient’s sleep. Therefore, it is important to raise the awareness of nursing staff about possible activities that can minimize sleep disorders.
Rationality in the context of emotional brain concept
Authors: Dyk Wiesław
Published: January 2020

Emotions are integral part of living entities, to primates and human in particular. In M. Tulli Ciceronis “Disputationum Libri Quinque”, Third Book there is a fragment about the condition of spirit (adefectus, now: affectus). In this dialogue following statement is being forwarded: “quails autem homo adfectus esset, talem eius esse orationem”. Even that from the text does not arise directly that is refers to emotions as sensibilis in the title of my article I use homo affectus as a term to describe a human. In his research neurobiologist Joseph LeDoux is clearly pointing out that the origination of emotion occurs independently to rationality. However in human brain as he claims emotions and thoughts combine together giving a foundation for human spirituality creation.

In search for what could be a foundation for contemporary man spiritual condition I would define it with LeDoux’s emotional the brain. The title and analysis carried out seems to indicate a difference between the primates and human. Neocrtex evolution in brain offers great hopes for spiritual development of human kind. In this development emotions (feelings) cannot be discarded), because they are a vital part of the evolutionary process of homo spiritual or in creativity aspect – homo creator (in intellectual aspect homo sapiens is expected to become homo sapientissimus). It seems that attributing human with the status of Homo Sapiens on this stage of evolution is a hopeful wish and according to neurobiological research, it is a huge leap into the future.
Rare cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding. A case of metastatic melanoma
Authors: Dąbkowski Krzysztof , Michalska Karolina , Rusiniak-Rossińska Natalia , Białek Andrzej , Kołaczyk Katarzyna , Graca-Pakulska Katarzyna , Starzyńska Teresa
Published: January 2020

The case of a 76-year-old patient, with a history of melanoma, admitted to the department of gastroenterology with symptoms of hypovolemic shock, caused by massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Clot-covered melanoma metastases were detected in both gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. Gastrointestinal melanoma metastases are found in the majority of patients with advanced melanoma during autopsy; however, they are rarely detected in intravital studies and can be misdiagnosed as other benign lesions in endoscopy. In cases of patients with history of melanoma, metastases should be considered as the cause of non-specific abdominal symptoms, anemia, or bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
Posture and physical activity in dialysis patients
Authors: Szałowska-Bojarun Magdalena , Gawlikowska-Sroka Aleksandra
Published: January 2020

A review of the literature concerning posture and physical activity among dialysis patients was performed in order to determine strategies for improving physical activity and thus quality of life in this group of patients.

Correct posture ensures harmonious functioning of the body with optimal efficiency. A sedentary lifestyle has a negative effect on posture and reduces a person’s physical fitness. Haemodialysis forces patients to sit or lie down for long periods of time, while the consequences of chronic disease additionally predispose them to a sedentary lifestyle. Patients with chronic kidney disease treated by dialysis are particularly likely to exhibit sedentary behaviour, and thus are less physically active. The physical fitness of dialysis patients deteriorates due to kidney disease, but also because of concomitant diseases. It is very important to educate patients about the positive effects of physical activity, as well as to promote exercise as a necessary element of treatment for improving their quality of life.
Immunotherapy in head and neck cancer
Authors: Sikora Mateusz , Becht Rafał
Published: January 2020

Immunotherapy is a method for the systemic treatment of malignant neoplasms. It is based on the abolition of the immunosuppressive effect of cancer cells and is meant to mobilize the host’s immune system to actively combat with the disease. The group of cancers which are closely connected with the immune system includes: melanoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), renal cancer, colon cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Currently, cancer immunotherapy involves treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic cancer vaccines, oncolytic virotherapy, and monoclonal antibodies. In the case of HNSCC, the most frequently used method is treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. An example of an immunological checkpoint is programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), which may be activated in the process of carcinogenesis to repeal immune surveillance, favouring the development of neoplasm. The function of immune checkpoint inhibitors is based on abolition of the immunosuppressive influence of cancerous cells. Clinical trials show the positive effects of treating HNSCC with immunotherapy in certain patients. In comparison to standard systemic treatment with chemotherapy, immunotherapy rarely causes treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Greater survival and treatment response are factors which encourage the further development of immuno-oncology. In this article, we present a review of literature concerning the use of immunotherapy in the treatment of HNSCC.
Analysis of selected factors affecting the life situation of persons with moderate intellectual disability
Authors: Radlińska Iwona , Karakiewicz Beata , Kolwitz Marcin , Kemicer-Chmielewska Ewa , Flaga-Gieruszyńska Kinga
Published: January 2020

Introduction: The aim of this work was to assess the situation of people with moderate intellectual disability (MID), considering the legal, political, economic, social and technological determinants (PEST factors).

Materials and methods: This work consisted of an in-depth legal analysis based on the Community Action Board (CAB) model, which is a part of the Rapid Policy Assessment and Response (RPAR) methodology. Having analyzed the PEST factors, as part of the analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT), the CAB identified the strengths and weaknesses of the situations of persons with MID.

Results: The following deficiencies were identified in the provisioning of legal and political assistance to persons with MID: disability definitions were incompatible with international law, lack of legal provisions comprehensively regulating the situation of persons with intellectual disability (ID), two-instance disability evaluation system, lack of sufficient coordination of state bodies, lack of supervision over decisions on the need for special education, poor employment opportunities after completing education. Optimal conditions for education in a special school have a positive impact on the situation of persons with MID, but their lack in a public school setting proves to have adverse effects. The most important forms of support include: places of daily stay, sheltered employment, supported employment on the open labor market, protected flats, support from an assistant.

Conclusions: 1. The deficiencies in legal and political regulations in Poland make it difficult or impossible for persons with MID to receive adequate assistance. 2. Investing in special schools and ensuring their formal cooperation with public schools offers adequate education to persons with MID. 3. Poor access to special forms of support for people with MID causes their social exclusion.
The specificity of work at the Emergency Medical Services and the psychological support of medical rescuers
Authors: Wójcik Grzegorz , Kaczmarek Izabela , Zdziarski Krzysztof , Jakubowski Konrad
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Professional work is an extremely important aspect of the life of an adult. Probably we all want to be satisfied with this, and not just financially. It can be a source of positive experiences, but also a huge negative burden. It often generates and provides us with many adverse reactions, strains or stresses. The aim of the study was to determine the current status of psychological support to Medical Rescue Teams, and the opinions of medical rescuers on the need for psychological help in their work.

Materials and methods: A questionnaire was addressed to medical rescuers across the country; 115 respondents participated in the study. It was conducted in April 2016. A statistical analysis of results was performed using the statistical package PQStat ver. 1.6. Analyses of dependences were carried out with χ2 tests. Significance was considered at p < 0.05, and highly significant was taken at p < 0.01.

Results: Almost 90% of respondents had never taken part in a psychological workshop. About 80% of medical rescuers had never participated in training courses on the techniques of relieving tension. In the workplaces of 98 (85.2%) of the medical rescuers, there had never been any group meetings held in which stress was relieved via conversation. Sometimes such meetings were held in the workplaces of 17 (14.8%) of the medical rescuers. More than the half of respondents, 72 (62.6%) people, believe that such meetings are definitely needed and could be effective.

Conclusions: 1. The current level of psychological support for Medical Rescue Teams is negligible. Only in a few workplaces it is offered to the medical rescuers. The majority of the study group were not provided access to a psychologist. 2. Medical rescuers believe that the profession requires working with a psychologist, and this cooperation should be ensured by the employer. 3. In 85.2% of cases there were no conversational meetings after difficult actions, with analysis and relieving of emotional tensions. If such meetings were held, almost 90% of respondents would participate. 4. The current ways of reducing stress for medical rescuers are not always safe for their health and can lead to addictions. A possible cause is non-attendance by the majority in workshops on the techniques of relieving tension and psychological training.
The use of visual risk communication and its significance for risk understanding and health literacy in out-clinic settings – a literature review
Authors: Jensen Louise Drejer , Nielsen Jesper Bo , Jensen Anders Elkær
Published: January 2020

Background Patients frequently experience difficulties understanding communicated risks. The aim of this study was through a literature review to analyze if the use of visual risk communication tools improve risk understanding among patients in outpatient settings or general practice, and if one tool appears more useful than others. Method The electronic databases PubMed and PsycINFO were systematically searched. Relevant references were used for chain search to make sure all relevant literature was included. Results The main search revealed 1,157 titles. There were 13 eligible studies concerning visual risk communication in outpatient clinical settings. The design, quality and main findings of the studies were heterogeneous. However, most of the analysed studies found a significant positive effect of graphical, interactive and dynamic visual aids on risk communication. Conclusion There is currently not enough evidence to endorse one graphical format above others. Personalising the graph format to the type of risk information presented may facilitate a better understanding of risk and contribute to improve health and cost-efficacy.
Diagnosis and treatment of metastatic alveolar echinococcosis in the brain of a Tibetan patient : A case report
Authors: Du Chaonan , Zhang Qiang , Yang Mingfei , Han Xiumin , Sun Yanqiu , Ju Zhanying , Wei Xiaoxing
Published: January 2020

Background: A case of primary alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in the liver with kidney and brain metastases was treated at our hospital. The analysis of this case might provide suggestions for the diagnosis and treatment of other cases of AE in the brain. Methods : To determine the disease status of AE in the liver and brain in this patient, computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed before surgery. Additionally, the serum of the patient was analyzed using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibodies against echinococcus. The left pterional approach was selected for head surgery. Along the edema zone around the lesion, complete excision was performed encompassing an area of about 5 mm surrounding the lesion. After surgery, pathological and immunohistochemical examinations of the lesion were performed, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted for molecular identification. This patient was followed up regularly post-discharge to evaluate the outcome. Results: Anti-echinococcus antibodies were strongly positive in the patient’s serum, and the eosinophil ratio was 20%. The head MRI showed a single lesion in the left temporal lobe. Multiple nodular and small cystic long T 1 short T 2 signals were seen in the lesions. An enhanced scan indicated multiple ring-enhancements, the boundary was unclear, and the size of lesion was 3.2 mm×1.8 mm. Neurological symptoms improved after the surgery. The result of histopathological examination was consistent with the characteristics of AE. Immunohistochemistry showed that the peripheral glial cells were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the Ki-67 index was <3%. DNA analysis identified the parasite as the Asian strain of Echinococcus multilocularis, and the sequence identity with the reference strain was practically 100.00%. Conclusion: Surgery is still the first choice of treatment for single, superficial AE lesions, and those located in nonfunctional areas of the brain. It is suggested that early radical treatment and standard drug treatment of primary hepatic AE are important steps to avoid secondary encephalic AE. Patients need to take albendazole for a long time after the operation, and should be followed-up regularly.
Is conservative treatment really the best option for all thoracolumbar injury patients with a thoracolumbar injury classification and severity scale score<4?
Authors: Xu Yang , Zeng Zhiyuan , Ye Fubiao , Lin Feiyue , Xu Chuncai , Huang Jianghu , Lin Xi
Published: January 2020

Objectives: The conservative treatment recommendation for patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures with a TLICS score<4 has always been controversial. This retrospective review was conducted to investigate the reliability and validity of thoracolumbar injury classification and severity scale(TLICS) recommendations for thoracolumbar burst fracture patients with a score<4. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted from Jan. 2010 through Jun. 2018 for patients with thoracolumbar fractures in a single local institute; patients with a TLICS score <4 were enrolled and grouped according to the therapeutic strategy (surgical or nonsurgical). Imaging and clinical data were collected and compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: In total, 119 patients were enrolled (75 in the nonsurgical group and 44 in the surgical group). There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to both the VAS and ODI values ( p =0.91 and 0.79, respectively) at the last follow-up. Importantly, despite no improvements in the local sagittal angle (LSA, α) of the spine( p =0.09),a worsened regional sagittal angle (RSA, β) ( p =0.03)was observed in the nonsurgical group, while significant improvements in the LSA and RAS were both observed in the surgical group( p <0.01). Conclusions: There were no clinical quantifiable benefits (VAS pain and ODI scores) between nonsurgical and surgical patients with comminuted thoracolumbar fractures (TLICS score<4). However, this type of patient deserves a very careful preoperative evaluation if a nonoperative decision is made; a close follow-up is mandatory due to the high likelihood of long-term kyphotic deformities.
Blood amyloid β oligomerization as a biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease: a blinded validation study
Authors: Youn Young Chul , Lee Byoung Sub , Kim Gwang Je , Ryu Ji Sun , Lim Kuntaek , Lee Ryan , Suh Jeewon , Park Young Ho , Pyun Jung-Min , Ryu Nayoung , Kang Min Ju , Kim Hye Ryoun , Kang Sungmin , An Seong Soo A. , Kim SangYun
Published: January 2020

INTRODUCTION: Oligomeric amyloid ß (Aß) is one of the major contributors to the pathomechanism of AD; Aß oligomerization in plasma can be measured using a Multimer Detection System-Oligomeric Aß (MDS-OAß) after incubation with spiked synthetic Aß.

METHODS: We evaluated the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the MDS-OAß values by inBlood TM OAß test using heparin-treated plasma samples from 52 AD patients in comparison with 52 community-based subjects with normal cognition (NC). The inclusion criterion was proposed by the NINCDS-ADRDA and additionally required for the least 6 months of follow-up from the initial clinical diagnosis in the course of AD.

RESULTS: The MDS-OAβ values were 1.43 ± 0.30 ng/ml in AD and 0.45 ± 0.19 ( p <0.001) in NC, respectively. Using a cut-off value of 0.78 ng/ml, the results revealed that 100% sensitivity 92.31% specificity.

DISCUSSION: MDS-OAß to measure plasma Aβ oligomerization is a valuable blood-based biomarker for clinical diagnosis of AD, with high sensitivity and specificity.
Short Neck, a new criterion for airway assessment A pilot, cohort single blind study
Authors: faraj jafar , Ahmed Yasir E. , Raval Chetankumar B. , Yousif Taisir M , Kumar Neeraj , Kamat Sandesh , Mahdi Saba K. , Aliyar Ahamed Lafir , Taha Ahmed M. R.
Published: January 2020

Purpose Short Neck is a term used by anesthesiologists to describe one of the risk factors for difficult airway management. However, the term Short Neck is very subjective and has not been standardized. We attempt to quantify Short Neck.Methods A pilot prospective single blinded study was conducted at Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar between March 2018 and October 2018. 97 adult patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were recruited. Measurements of airway assessment, including neck length, were documented prior to anesthesia. The operators (anesthesiologists) were blinded. Intubation Difficulty Scale was used. All data were documented and analysed afterwards. Patients were of three groups according to Intubation Difficulty Scale (IDS): Group A: IDS 0, Group B: IDS >0 - ≤5 and Group C: IDS >5.Results Five patients (5.2%) with intubation difficulty score >5 have a mean neck length 7.6 cm. Short Neck was found to have a significant p value 0.022 within the three groups.Conclusions Patient's features relevant to airway assessment are rather difficult to quantify. This is the first reported attempt to obtain an objective value for Short Neck in routine airway assessment.
Enhanced 2-phenylethanol production by newly isolated Meyerozyma sp. strain YLG18 and characterization of its synthetic pathways
Authors: Yan Wei , Qian Xiujuan , Zhang Wenming , Zhou Jie , Dong Weiliang , Xu Bin , Jiang Min , Xin Fengxue
Published: January 2020

Background2-Phenylethanol (2-PE) is an aromatic alcohol which has been widely used in cosmetics, perfume and food industries owning to its delicate rose scent. The newly isolated yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii YLG18 was able to tolerate high exogenous 2-PE and produce 2-PE with two different pathways.ResultsA unique Meyerozyma sp. strain YLG18 was obtained in this study, which was capable of tolerating 4.0 g/L exogenous 2-PE. Response surface methodology (RSM) was implemented to improve the maximum 2-PE production. At optimized conditions: temperature, 24.7℃; initial glucose, 63.54 g/L; initial L-phe, 10.70 g/L, 2-PE production was increased to 2.55 g/L, leading to 104% increase compared to the pre-optimized one. In situ product recovery (ISPR) could further help improve the final 2-PE production to 3.20 g/L with fatty acid methyl ester as the extractant, representing the highest 2-PE production by using Meyerozyma sp.. Furthermore, genes involved in 2-PE synthesis were identified and their expression levels between Shikimate pathway and Ehrlich pathway were compared. Based on the genomic and transcriptional analysis, a penta-functional enzyme AroM in Shikimate pathway and an aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) with the potential to convert phenylalanine into phenylpyruvate in Ehrlich pathway were identified.ConclusionsThese findings would help broaden our knowledge and add to the pool of known 2-PE generating microbes and genes. Moreover, this study describes a potential, new 2-PE producer that lays foundation for the industrial-scale production of 2-PE and its derivatives in the future. Key words: 2-phenylethanol; Meyerozyma guilliermondii; RSM; ISPR; gene analysis
Genome-wide identification, phylogeny, and expression profiling of RWP-RK gene family under low nitrogen and nodulation in Arabidopsis and legumes
Authors: Wu Zhihua , Liu Hong , Huang Wen , Yi Lisha , Qin Erdai , Li Yarui , Wang Jing , Qin Rui
Published: January 2020

Background Nitrogen, as a constituent of amino acids and nucleic acids, is an essential macronutrient for all living organisms. The nitrogen-fixation clade (NFC) is a clade, consisting of Fabales, Fagales, Cucurbitales, and Rosales, where all nodulating plants have been originated. The plant-specific RWP-RK family of transcription factors are involved in nitrate responses and play specific roles in nodule inception. In the present study, by investigation of RWP-RKs at genome-wide level and comparative coexpression networks, the roles of RWP-RKs involved in nitrate response and nodulation were analyzed to reveal evolution of RWP-RKs and a possible relationship between nitrogen signaling and nodulation.Results Here, we systematically investigated 292 RWP-RKs from 26 species of legumes and non-legumes of NFC by whole-genomic analysis and characterized their evolutionary relationships, protein motifs, and gene structures. We compared RWP-RK networks from Arabidopsis thaliana under N-starvation and N-supplementation conditions, as well as transcriptome atlases from Phaseolus vulgaris and Glycine max . This revealed that N starvation, which is essential for nodulation, alters the connectivity of RWP-RKs to other genes, including symbiosis-related genes. Meanwhile, appropriately low concentrations of nitrates stimulate nodulation by regulating RWP-RK expression in P. vulgaris .Conclusions Our comparative evolutionary analysis of RWP-RKs between A. thaliana and legumes revealed the evolutionary features and the relationship between the nitrate signaling pathway in a model organism and nodulation in legumes.