bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11  PET before and after initial long term androgen deprivation in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer: a retrospective single-center study.
Authors: Hoberück Sebastian , Löck Steffen , Winzer Robert , Zöphel Klaus , Froehner Michael , Fedders Dieter , Kotzerke Jörg , Hölscher Tobias
Published: September 2020

Purpose:The study aimed to evaluate the effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on PSMA imaging and its correlation to the PSA concentration by comparing qualitative and quantitative parameters: SUVmax, SUVmean, PSMA-derived tumor volume (PSMA-TV), total lesion PSMA (TL-PSMA) and molecular imaging (mi)PSMA score.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 21 therapy-naïve patients with oligometastatic prostate cancer (median age 70 years) who underwent either [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11-PET/CT or -PET/MRI before initiation of (T1) as well as during ADT (T2). The median duration of ADT was 155 days (range: 61-289 days). All lesions were analyzed using several qualitative and quantitative PET parameters.Results:A total of 109 PSMA-positive lesions (24 intraprostatic, 56 lymphonodal, and 29 osseous) were visually detected at any of the examinations, while at T2, two new bone lesions were detected in one patient. During ADT, all patients experienced a decrease in their PSA level (median: 29.1 before vs. 0.71 after; p<0.001). During long-term ADT, a relevant decrease in lesion count occurred, especially in patients with a T2 PSA value < 1 ng/ml (median: 4 vs. 0.9; p=0.007) and PSMA expression, which resulted in miN- and/or miM-downstaging in 11 patients (52.7%).All analyzed PET parameters correlated strongly with each other. The PSA level at T2 correlated modestly with the decrease in PSMA expression and its derived volumes.Conclusion:Post-ADT scans detected, especially in patients with a residual PSA < 1 ng/ml, fewer PSMA-positive lesions with overall lower PSMA expression, regardless of primary tumor site or metastatic sites. None of the PET parameters has proven to be superior, as they all correlated modestly with the PSA value at T2. Thus, the simply acquirable miPSMA score seems to be the most suitable for evaluating the effect of ADT on PSMA expression.
Parallel processing of sensory cue and spatial information in the Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Tuncdemir Sebnem , Grosmark Andres , Turi Gergely , Shank Amei , Bowler John , Ordek Gokhan , Losonczy Attila , Hen Rene , Lacefield Clay
Published: September 2020

During exploration, animals form an internal map of an environment by combining information about specific sensory cues or landmarks with the animal’s motion through space, a process which critically depends on the mammalian hippocampus. The dentate gyrus (DG) is the first stage of the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit where self-motion and sensory cue information are integrated, yet it remains unknown how neurons within the DG encode both cue related (“what”) and spatial (“where”) information during cognitive map formation. Using two photon calcium imaging in head fixed mice running on a treadmill, along with on-line sensory cue manipulation at specific track locations, we have identified robust sensory cue responses in DG granule cells largely independent of spatial location. Granule cell cue responses are stable for long periods of time, selective for the modality of the stimulus and accompanied by strong inhibition of the firing of other active neurons. At the same time, there is a smaller fraction of neurons whose firing is spatially tuned but insensitive to the presentation of nearby cues, similar to traditional place cells. These results demonstrate the existence of “cue cells” in addition to the better characterized “place cells” in the DG, an important heterogeneity that has been previously overlooked. We hypothesize that the observed diversity of representations within the granule cell population may support parallel processing of complementary sensory and spatial information and impact the role of the dentate gyrus in spatial navigation and episodic memory.
Simvastatin improves the prognosis of endotoxin-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation by regulating the intestinal microenvironment
Authors: Xu Min , Luo Lili , Du Mengyi , Tang Lu , Zhou Jie , Hu Yu , Mei Heng
Published: September 2020

Background: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is characterized by extensive endothelial injury and coagulation activation that is primarily caused by infection and can be aggravated by the gut due to increased permeability and bacterial translocation. Studies have shown that statins play an important role in reducing inflammation, protecting the endothelium and improving coagulation. In addition, statins regulate tight junction (TJ) proteins and gut microbes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether simvastatin improves DIC prognosis by regulating the intestinal microenvironment. Methods: Mice were administered 20 mg/kg simvastatin by gavage for 2 weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with 50 mg/kg endotoxin. Twelve hours later, cytokine release, coagulation dysfunction, multiple organ damage and survival were assessed. In addition, intestinal barrier and permeability and bacteria and bacteria translocation were evaluated. Results: We found that the severity of endotoxin-induced DIC was significantly improved in simvastatin-pretreated mice, who showed attenuated depletion of coagulation factors and platelets, decreased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression, reduced organ fibrin deposition and an improved survival rate. In addition, simvastatin reduced epithelial apoptosis, increased TJ gene expression, and upregulated antimicrobial peptides, lysozyme and mucins. Simvastatin-pretreated mice showed increased Lactobacillales counts, while the LPS group had increased numbers of Desulfovibrio and Mucispirillum, which produce harmful toxins and damage the intestinal epithelium and mucosa. Finally, with the decreased intestinal permeability in the simvastatin group, bacterial translocation in the organs and blood was significantly reduced, both in quantity and species. Conclusions: Simvastatin improves DIC prognosis, and the intestinal microenvironment participates in this process.
Polar nematic state in an iron-based superconductor LaFeAsO1-xHx
Authors: Maki Sachiko , Yamaura Jun-ichi , Iimura Soshi , Abe Hitoshi , Sagayama Hajime , Kumai Reiji , Murakami Youichi , Matsuishi Satoru , Hosono Hideo
Published: September 2020

High critical temperature (Tc) superconductivity is generally considered to result from a fluctuation-mediated Cooper-pairing derived from a parent phase. The question of what type of fluctuation forms in materials thus plays a key role in understanding the mechanism of superconductivity. The iron-based superconductor LaFeAsO1-xHx possesses bipartite magnetic parent phases with centrosymmetric (x ~ 0) and non-centrosymmetric (x ~ 0.5) structures. The latter is an intriguing polar-metal phase induced by temperature and carrier doping. Here, we investigate average and local structures of LaFeAsO1-xHx using X-ray diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure measurements. We found lattice C4 symmetry breaking far above the structural transition temperature, and the signature of a tiny split in As–Fe bond distances with broken spatial inversion symmetry in a wide temperature/doping range. The former reveals a nematic state, and the latter highlights a fluctuated state of polar structure which can be appropriately called polar nematic state.
Assessment of the change in accuracy of an artificial intelligence algorithm for the detection of skin cancer in camera images following diversification and training
Authors: Phillips Michael , Greenhalgh Jack
Published: September 2020

Background The US FDA recently stated in its Proposed Regulatory Framework for software as a medical device (SaMD) that “One of the greatest benefits of AI/ML in software resides in its ability to learn from real-world use and experience, and its capability to improve its performance.” This study follows two previous publications which addressed the accuracy of a machine learning algorithm for the detection of malignant melanoma. The aim of this study was to quantify the change in the accuracy following modifications to the algorithm (DERM) for the detection of non-melanoma skin cancers and potential precursors of skin cancer. A secondary aim was to assess any improvement in accuracy associated with continued training of the algorithm.Methods A total of 16,550 images of skin lesions with histopathology based assessment were available for assessment. The primary indicator of diagnostic accuracy was the area under the ROC curve with 95% confidence intervals. Sensitivity and specificity at the most efficient cut-point was also estimated together with the numbers of false negative and false positive results.Results The inclusion of squamous cell cancer, basal cell cancer and intra-epidermal carcinoma in addition to melanoma results in an improvement in the scope of the algorithm. For the most recent version of the algorithm all skin cancers show an area under the ROC curve greater than 95%. For melanoma sensitivity=91% and specificity = 89%; for all non-melanoma skin cancers sensitivity=97% and specificity=94%. Continued training of the algorithm results in a statistically significant (p<0.01) improvement in accuracy which diminishes as the ROC area approaches 100%. Conclusions The results indicate that as the algorithm is used in clinical practice it will become more accurate with continued training but the rate of improvement will diminish as the ROC area approaches 100%. A smartphone or other camera fitted with a dermoscopic lens and with internet access to the algorithm can provide an accurate additional assessment of a suspected skin cancer lesion or precursor for primary care physicians and dermatologists.
Routine Health Information System Utilization for Evidence-Based Decision Making in Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia: a multi-level analysis.
Authors: Chanyalew Moges Asressie , Yitayal Mezgebu , Atnafu Asmamaw , Tilahun Binyam
Published: September 2020

Background: Health Information System (HIS) is the key to making evidence-based decisions. Ethiopia has been implementing the Health Management Information System (HMIS) since 2008 to collect routine health data and revised it in 2017. However, the evidence is meager on the use of routine health information for decision making among department heads in the health facilities. The study aimed to assess the proportion of routine health information systems utilization for evidence-based decisions and factors associated with it. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 386 department heads from 83 health facilities in ten selected districts in the Amhara region Northwest of Ethiopia from April to May 2019. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics mean and percentage were calculated. The study employed a generalized linear mixed-effect model. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and the 95% CI were calculated. Variables with p-value <0.05 were considered as predictors of routine health information system use. Result: Proportion of information use among department heads for decision making was estimated at 46%. Displaying demographic (AOR= 12.42, 95% CI: [5.52, 27.98]) and performance (AOR= 1.68; 95% CI: [1.33, 2.11]) data for monitoring, and providing feedback to HMIS unit (AOR= 2.29; 95% CI: [1.05, 5.00]) were individual (level-1) predictors. Maintaining performance monitoring team minute (AOR= 3.53; 95% CI: [1.61, 7.75]), receiving senior management directives (AOR= 3.56; 95% CI: [1.76, 7.19]), supervision (AOR= 2.84; 95% CI: [1.33, 6.07]), using HMIS data for target setting (AOR= 3.43; 95% CI: [1.66, 7.09]), and work location (AOR= 0.16; 95% CI: [0.07, 0.39]) were organizational (level-2) explanatory variables. Conclusion: The proportion of routine health information utilization for decision making was low. Displaying demographic and performance data, providing feedback to HMIS unit, maintaining performance monitoring team minute, conducting supervision, using HMIS data for target setting, and work location were factors associated with the use of routine health information for decision making. Therefore, strengthening the capacity of department heads on data displaying, supervision, feedback mechanisms, and engagement of senior management are highly recommended.
3D Printing Technology-Assisted Endoscopy Surgery in the Treatment of Skull Base Tumors : A retrospective study
Authors: Gao Peng , Liu Angsi , Zuo Fuxing , Kong Jianxin , Li Xueji
Published: September 2020

Object 3D printing technology has becoming more and more popular in medicine, we aim to describe the application experiences of 3D printing technology in endoscopic surgery for skull base tumors, with the assessment of 3D-printed models in skull base endoscopic surgery simulation and anatomy learning.Method Five patients with 3D-printed models were enrolled in our institution from October 2015 to March 2019. 5 individual models, created by different 3D printing methods and printing materials, were used to design the optimal surgical approach before surgery. Besides, the 3D-printed models were applied in endoscopic surgery simulation and anatomy learning. Likert scale questionnaires (1 indicating strongly disagree; 2, disagree; 3, neutral; 4, agree; and 5, strongly agree) were administered to 9 neurosurgeons in our institution to evaluate the application of 3D printed models. Result We successfully printed 5 cases of complex skull base tumor 3D models and performed endoscopic surgery with the help of information of the 5 3D-printed models. Evaluation of the Likert scores showed that model 4 which was printed by the mixed photosensitive resin material was the most conducive in surgery simulation and anatomy learning. The mean (standard deviation) 3D printing time is 16.3 (4.96) hours, and the mean (SD) printing cost is 4,500 (1183.22) RMB.Conclusion 3D printing technology has a high value in the application of endoscopic surgery for skull base tumors. The fast 3D printing time can satisfy the requirement of tight preoperative inspection time. Besides, the average price is acceptable for patients and clinical anatomy learning. The combination of the technology of 3D printing and the techniques of skull base endoscopy shows many unique advantages.
Inhalation of Heliox as a potential treatment for the ARDS caused by COVID-19
Authors: Ma Juan , Shi Yuan , Mao Qing , Liu Hui-Min
Published: September 2020

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently a global pandemic It presents as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to COVID-19 infection. Despite the widespread use of symptomatic, antiviral, , and supportive treatment, the daily death toll from COVID-19 is still rising. The most common lethal complication is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Mechanical ventilation is one of the necessary support methods of treating ARDS. Heliox (Helium-oxygen mixture) inhalation can reduce respiratory work of breathing, improve oxygenation, improve lung compliance, and effectively optimize the treatment of ARDS. Heliox also has potential anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardiac effects, and could reduce the inflammatory storm caused by SARS-CoV-2. This article reviews the properties of heliox, the therapeutic mechanism for ARDS, and the effects of heliox on inflammation, nerves, and the heart. Conclusion We suggests that heliox is a potential treatment for COVID-19.
Differential Protein Expression in Exponential and Stationary Growth Phases of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis 104
Authors: Enany Shymaa , Ato Manabu , Matsumoto Sohkichi
Published: September 2020

Background:Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most common non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) causing different types of pulmonary diseases. Although, genomic and transcriptomic analysis of Mycobacterium avium 104 (M. avium 104) have extensively done, little is known about the proteomics of M. avium 104. Methods:We utilized the proteomics technology to analyze the changes in the whole proteome of M. avium 104 during exponential and stationary growth phases. Results:We found 12 dys-regulated proteins; the up-regulated protein hits in the stationary phase were involved in aminopeptidase, choline dehydrogenase, oxidoreductase, and ATP binding, while, the down-regulated proteins in the stationary phase were acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase, universal stress protein, catalase peroxidase, and elongation factor (Tu). The differently expressed proteins between exponential and stationary phases were implicated in metabolism and stress response pointing to the functional adaptation of the cells to the environment. Conclusion:Proteomic analysis in different growth phases could participate in understanding the course of infection, the mechanisms of virulence, the means of survival, and the possible targets for treatment.
Eudiplozoon Nipponicum : Morphofunctional Adaptations of Diplozoid Monogeneans for Confronting Their Host
Authors: Valigurová Andrea , Vaškovicová Naděžda , Gelnar Milan , Kováčiková Magdaléna , Hodová Iveta
Published: September 2020

BackgroundMonogeneans, in general, show a range of unique adaptations to a parasitic lifestyle, making this group enormously diverse. Due to their unique biological properties, diplozoid monogeneans represent an attractive model group for various investigations on diverse biological interactions. However, despite numerous studies, there are still gaps in our knowledge of diplozoid biology and morphofunctional adaptation.ResultsIn this study, we provide a complex microscopic analysis of systems/structures involved in niche searching, sensing and self-protection against the host environment, and excretory/secretory processes in Eudiplozoon nipponicum. Freeze-etching enabled us to detect syncytium organisational features not visible by TEM alone, such as the presence of a membrane subjacent to the apical plasma membrane (separated by a dense protein layer) and a lack of basal plasma membrane. We located several types of secretory/excretory vesicles and bodies, including those attached to the superficial membranes of the tegument. Giant unicellular glands were seen accumulating predominantly in the apical forebody and hindbody haptor region. Muscle layer organisation differed from that generally described, with the outer circular and inner longitudinal muscles being basket-like interwoven by diagonal muscles with additional perpendicular muscles anchored to the tegument. Abundant muscles within the tegumentary ridges were detected, which presumably assist in fixing the parasite between the gill lamellae. Freeze-etching, alongside transmission electron and confocal microscopy with tubulin labelling, enabled visualisation of the protonephridia and nervous system, including the peripheral network and receptor innervation. Three types of receptor were identified: 1) uniciliated sensory endings with a less prominent (or missing) tegumentary rim, 2) obviously raised uniciliated receptors with a prominent tegumentary rim (packed with massive innervation and muscles) and 3) non-ciliated papillae (restricted to the hindbody lateral region). ConclusionsThis study points to specific morphofunctional adaptations that have evolved in diplozoid monogeneans to confront their fish host. We clearly demonstrate that the combination of different microscopic techniques is beneficial and can reveal hidden differences, even in much-studied model organisms such as E. nipponicum.
Simplified Regional Citrate Anticoagulation Using a Calcium-Containing Replacement Solution for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wei Tiantian , Tang Xin , Zhang Ling , Lin Li , Li Peiyun , Wang Fang , Fu Ping
Published: September 2020

Introduction A simplified protocol for regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) using a commercial calcium-containing replacement solution, without continuous calcium infusion, is more efficient to be used in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). We aim to design a randomized clinical trial (RCT) to compare the safety and efficacy between calcium-free and calcium-containing replacement solution in CRRT with RCA. Methods Of the 64 patients receiving RCA-based post-dilution continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) enrolled from 2017-2019, 35 patients were randomized to calcium-containing group and 29 to calcium-free replacement solution group. Primary endpoint was circuit lifespan. Secondary endpoints included mortality, kidney function recovery and complications. The amount of 4% trisodium citrate solution infusion was recorded. Serum and effluent total and ionized calcium concentration were measured during CVVHDF. Results Total 149 circuits (82 in calcium-containing group and 67 in calcium-free group) and 7609 circuit hours (4335 versus 3274 hours) were included. Mean circuit lifespan was 58.1 hours (95% CI 53.8-62.4) in calcium-containing group versus 55.3 hours (95% CI 49.7-60.9, log rank P=0.89) in calcium-free group. The serum total (tCa) and ionized (iCa) calcium concentration was slightly lower in calcium-containing group during CRRT, whereas the post-filter iCa concentration was lower in calcium-free group. Moreover, mean 4% trisodium citrate solution infusion doses had no difference between groups (171.1±15.9 versus 169.0±15.1 ml/h, P=0.49). The mortality (40.0% versus 44.8%, P=0.70) and kidney function recovery rates (54.3% versus 48.3%, P=0.63) were similar in calcium-containing and calcium-free group during hospitalization, respectively. Six (3 in each group) patients showed the signs of citrate accumulation in this study. Conclusions When compared with calcium-free replacement solution, RCA based CVVHDF with calcium-containing replacement solution had similar circuit lifespan, hospital mortality and kidney outcome. Since the calcium-containing solution obviates the need for a separate venous catheter and large dose of intravenous calcium solution preparation for continuous calcium supplement, it is more convenient to be applied in RCA-CRRT practice.Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. ChiCTR-IPR-17012629, registered on 10th September 2017. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=17644
Small Business and the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Work from Home
Authors: Zhang Ting , Gerlowski Dan , Acs Zoltan
Published: September 2020

While work from home (WFH) becomes the new norm in the COVID-19 pandemic and while small businesses could be more vulnerable in crisis, whether the WFH norm will fade after the stay-at-home mandate ended and whether WFH could be a Schumpeterian “creative” force that helps small businesses do well in the pandemic is unknown. The study first builds a theoretical framework based on marginal revenue product cost utility theory subject to a “contagion” agglomeration parameter and argues that WFH is a rational choice for businesses. Then, we compiled from multiple data sources an up-to-date real-time daily and weekly multifaceted data set tracking WFH propensity from March 20 through July 28. Our empirical analysis estimated a variety of fixed-effects panel data models, population-averaged generalized linear panel-data models with the generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach, and two-level mixed-effects panel-data models. After controlling for the local pandemic, economic, and demographic factors, we find (1) after the stay-at-home order ended, WFH rate got higher; (2) small businesses in states with higher WFH rate are more likely to have higher increases in operating revenue, better cash flow and lower chances of temporary closure. Our robust empirics confirm our theories and hypotheses and demonstrate WFH as a potential force that expedited the “creative destruction” into a new efficient work paradigm.
Near-complete resolution of Nerve Constriction in Neuralgic Amyotrophy on Magnetic Resonance Neurography
Authors: Warner DO Robin , Zusstone Esther , Feinberg Joseph , Nwawka Ogonna , Sneag Darryl
Published: September 2020

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of brachial plexitis is based on history and clinical findings, supported by needle EMG and MRI. MR neurography can detect focal and multifocal inflammation within nerve.OBJECTIVE: To determine if MR neurography allows objective data mirroring clinical improvement in brachial plexitis.CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old man developed sudden onset pain in his left shoulder after a mild infection, which intensified over 3-4 days. Weakness followed, being unable to lift his left arm above the level of his shoulder. There were no sensory symptoms. There was a remote history of Bell’s palsy, but no relevant family history. Initial examination showed weakness of the left deltoid and infraspinatus (2/4). Reflexes were present. Needle EMG/NCSs showed left C5 radiculopathy, primarily involving the anterior ramus division with severe denervation of C5-innervated muscles, then progressive reinnervation of the C5 muscles through axonal regeneration. A left brachial plexus MR neurography with gadolinium showed an enlarged hyperintensity in the C5 nerve root at the level of the interscalene triangle with a denervation pattern edema of regional muscles. The patient was treated with IVIg. Ten months after onset, strength of all muscles is normal, although there is decreased muscle bulk in his deltoid and pectoral muscles. Serial MRIs show progressively decreasing nerve root hyperintensity and size in the post foraminal nerve root. The last MRI and needle EMG/NCSs were normal, correlating with the clinical syndrome.SUMMARY/CONCLUSION: MR neurography of the brachial plexus may be important in diagnosis and prognosis in patients with brachial plexitis.
A hybrid SIR model applied to “Covid- 19” pandemic
Authors: IV samuel Ismael BILLONG , Kouamou Georges Edouard , Bouetou Thomas
Published: September 2020

Modeling has become a tool capable of guiding public policies, especially in the area of health. Specifically, modeling in epidemiology makes it possible to follow the evolution of infections and to understand the behavior of viruses. Unfortunately, the traditional SIR models and the statistical prediction models commonly used suffer from the lack of accurate information and the unavailability of a large amount of data, also they do not take into account the interactions within the population. This paper proposes a hybrid SIR model which takes into consideration the spatio-temporal dynamics of individuals. The model is based on the discrete stochastic diffusion equations. To build the equation system, the 2D diffusion equations are coupled to the human displacement probability law pattern through a discretization made by the finite volume method for complex geometries. Beyond the health consequences it causes, COVID-19 (coronavirus) is a test case used to validate the proposed model. We used the case of a developed country before confinement to fit to the chosen displacement pattern, and to analyze the sensitivity of the parameters of the model taking into account the accuracy of the statistics provided.
Anti-SAE Autoantibody-Positive Japanese Patient with Juvenile Dermatomyositis complicated with Interstitial Lung Disease - A Case Report
Authors: Kishi Takayuki , Tani Yumi , Okiyama Naoko , Mizuochi Kiyoshi , Ichimura Yuki , Harigai Masayoshi , Nagata Satoru , Miyamae Takako
Published: September 2020

Background Clinical phenotypes and outcomes in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) have been defined by various myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs). One of the recently described MSAs associated with DM is targeted against the small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 activating enzyme (SAE). We report an anti-SAE autoantibody-positive JDM patient complicated with interstitial lung disease (ILD).Case presentation: An 8-year-8-month-old Japanese girl presented with bilateral eyelid edema and facial erythema. At 8 years 4 months, she had dry cough and a papule with erythema on the dorsal side of the bilateral phalangeal joints. Her facial erythema gradually worsened and did not improve with topical steroids. At the first visit to our department at 8 years 8 months of age, she had a typical heliotrope rash and Gottron’s papules, with no fever or weight loss, and a chest computed tomography scan showed ground-grass opacity under visceral pleura. There was no clinical evidence of myositis, muscle weakness, myalgia, or muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. She had mild dry cough, without any signs of respiratory distress. Laboratory tests showed no elevated inflammatory markers. She had a normal serum creatine kinase level with a slightly elevated aldolase level, and serum anti-SAE autoantibody was detected by immunoprecipitation—western blotting. She was diagnosed with juvenile amyopathic DM complicated by ILD and received two courses of methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by oral corticosteroid and cyclosporin A. We gradually reduced the corticosteroid dose as her skin rash tended to improve after treatment initiation. There was no progression of muscle symptoms, dysphagia, or disease flare during an 18-month follow-up period.Conclusions: We report a patient with anti-SAE autoantibody-positive JDM complicated by interstitial pneumonia. This patient had no progression of muscle symptoms and dysphagia during an 18-month follow-up period, which differs from previous reports in adult patients with MSAs. There have been no previous reports of pediatric patients with SAE presenting with ILD. However, ILD seen in this case was not rapidly progressive and did not require cytotoxic agents. To prevent overtreatment, appropriate treatment choices are required considering the type of ILD.
Multi-Objective Optimization Approach based on Deterministic and Metaheuristic Techniques to Resource Management in Health Crisis Scenarios under Uncertainty
Authors: Hernández-Pérez Luis Germán , Ponce-Ortega José María
Published: September 2020

This paper presents an optimization strategy based on mathematical programming to solve resource management problems regarding hospitalization of sick patients, considering emergency scenarios, such as those that can occur in a pandemic. This optimization strategy is based on the use of efficient optimization tools in solving complex problems in which other strategies are not efficient. The mathematical modeling of epidemiological phenomena is a very useful tool to predict the direction of a disease, as well as to adequately and timely manage the available resources and thus save as many lives as possible. This work uses a mathematical model formulation based on deterministic optimization developed in general algebraic modelling system (GAMS) environment. The main user interface has been developed in a MicrosoftTM (MS) Excel worksheet, which is familiar to many users. The linking code to send values from MS Excel to GAMS has been programmed in visual basic for applications (VBA) and it uses GAMS data exchange (GDX) files. The proposed optimization methodology is applied to case studies based on data obtained from affected people by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The distances were taken as example from severely affected cities in USA. The obtained results offer attractive alternatives for the specified objective function in an acceptable computation time.
Pollution Control for Nature Surface Water 
Authors: Fakron Malik
Published: September 2020

The huge amounts of pollutants in nature surface water in. This contaminates due to different operations in surface water. During the past fifty years, increasing attention has centered on the discharge of sewage into coastal waters. This practice has been widely criticized on the grounds that sewage-polluted seawater is a health hazard to bathers. The pollution of the surface water is becoming more and more serious. The marine environment has undergone great changes. This research is presented two methods to control pollution and rehabilitation environment. First method by using temporary floating a waterfall for removing containment from the surface water and reducing concentration total suspended matter in surface water and reducing concentrations for phosphate, nitrogen, organic carbon. Second method by using towed rotating biological contactors to reducing concentrations for phosphate, nitrogen, and organic carbon. To control effects of algae bloom occurs. These two methods are converted to heterogeneous reactor with solid catalysts; this reactor is multi step treatment. First step is screening and second step is solid catalyst bed reactor. As waterfall or towed rotating biological contactor is multi bed reactor. The water quality assessment for selection best scheme for enhancement water quality for surface water is based on acceptable japan environmental ministry guidelines for surface water quality level for bathing.
Evaluating the effectiveness of local materials for the wild oyster (Crassostrea tulipa Lamarck, 1819) spat collection in four coastal waterbodies in Ghana
Authors: Chuku Ernest Obeng , Yankson Kobina , Obodai Edward Adzesiwor , Acheampong Emmanuel , Boahemaa-Kobil Eunice Efua
Published: September 2020

The West African mangrove oyster, Crassostrea tulipa (Lamarck, 1819), has the potential to improve global shellfish food production and is being considered for commercial farming in many countries in West Africa. The current background information to support this venture is, however, inadequate especially with respect to identification of suitable materials for optimal collection of spat for large-scale production. We assessed the effectiveness of five locally available materials (coconut shell, oyster shell, nylon mesh, PVC, and ceramic tile) for harvesting C. tulipa spat from the Densu Delta, Narkwa Lagoon, Benya Lagoon and Whin Estuary, along the coast of Ghana from November 2017 to October 2018. Ceramic tile had the highest mean monthly spat settlement in the Narkwa Lagoon (3451 ± 206 spat m-2), Benya Lagoon (1769 ± 145 spat m-2) and Whin Estuary (373.1 ± 52.4 spat m-2). This settlement was not significantly different from settlement on PVC slats (P > 0.05). Coconut shell consistently had the least C. tulipa spatfall in all four coastal water bodies (P < 0.05). The under-horizontal surfaces of collectors, [mean (S.E.); 2523.7 ± 66.9 spat m-2] had significantly more C. tulipa spatfall than upper-horizontal surfaces [mean (S.E.); 775.2 ± 33.4 spat m-2] in the main experiment (P = 0.000). In a separate experiment, a change of orientation from “Face down”/0° to “Face up”/180° did not change the observed profuse under-horizontal settlement of C. tulipa spat on the collectors, suggesting that under-horizontal surfaces were more attractive to C. tulipa spat. Larger-sized C. tulipa spat on under-horizontal surfaces, mean (S.E.) 9.88 ± 0.5 mm, compared to upper-horizontal surfaces, mean (S.E.) 5.99 ± 0.5 mm, of the collectors suggest earlier settlement on the undersides. Ceramic tiles and PVC slats were the most effective materials for C. tulipa spat collection, hence, their use recommended for large-scale C. tulipa farming.
Are "fibrosis-like" strips on chest CT in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia true fibrosis?
Authors: Sun Qiulian , Xu Xinjian , Yang Hai , Wang Guanliang , Li Jingjing , Wu Juan
Published: September 2020

Objective: To investigate the evolution and characteristics of "fibrosis-like" strips on chest CT in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.Methods: From January 17, 2020, to February 27, 2020, inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia in Enze Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, were selected. The chest CT data of the patients were collected, and patients were included in the present study according to the predefined inclusion criteria. The dynamic evolution process and outcome of "fibrosis-like" strips on chest CT were analyzed.Results: A total of 36 patients (20 males and 16 females) with COVID-19 were included in the study, all of whom were diagnosed with mild or common COVID-19; "fibrosis-like" strips were observed in 29 patients (80.6%) on the first chest CT scan, and "fibrosis-like" strips were observed in 7 patients (19.4%) on the second chest CT scan, Repeated chest CT during the course of treatment showed that all patients with "fibrosis-like" strips had varying degrees of absorption. "Fibrosis-like" strips in 15 patients demonstrated a trend of first increasing in number, and then decreasing in number; "fibrosis-like" strips in 3 patients demonstrated a trend of first decreasing in number first, followed by an increase in number and then a decrease in number; and "fibrosis-like" strips in 18 patients demonstrated a trend of a gradual decrease in number. Follow-up chest CT after treatment showed that "fibrosis-like" strips in 15 patients completely disappeared in both lungs, and "fibrosis-like" strips completely disappeared in unilateral lung of 8 cases.Conclusion: In the present study, we observed that "fibrosis-like" strips in COVID-19 patients had characteristics of early appearance and rapid morphological changes as well as rapid absorption, suggesting that "fibrosis-like" strips may be a sign of subsegmental atelectasis rather than fibrotic changes.
MiR-223 improves intestinal inﬂammation through inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway in dextran sodium sulfate-induced experimental colitis
Authors: Zhang Juanjuan , Wang Chenyang , Guo Zhen , Da Binlin , Zhu Weiming , Li Qiurong
Published: September 2020

Background: The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not yet been clarified and is closely related to several proinflammatory factors. MicroRNA-233 (miR-223) might be involved in the development of IBD; however, the mechanism underlying its pathogenesis is unclear. In this study, we attempted to determine the role of miR-223 in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and explore the involvement of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway in the development of intestinal mucosal inflammation.Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups: control (WT) group, DSS group, DSS+miR-223 agomir (DSS+A) group, DSS+miR-223 agomir negative control (DSS+A+NC) group, DSS+miR-223 antagomir (DSS+AN) group and DSS+miR-223 antagomir negative control (DSS+AN+NC) group. Body weight, stool consistency, fecal blood and the disease activity index (DAI) score were recorded daily. The length of each colon was measured, and colonic inflammation was evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and histopathological scoring. The expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17 in the colonic tissues was measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The mRNA expression of gp130, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl in the colon was measured using RT-qPCR. The colonic levels of STAT3 and p-STAT3 were determined by Western blotting.Results: MiR-223 expression in the terminal ileum and colon was increased in the DSS group compared with the WT group. Colitis symptoms were significantly alleviated in the DSS+A group and exacerbated in the DSS+AN group after administration of the miR-223 agomir and antagomir, respectively. MPO, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 were decreased and IL-10 was increased in the DSS+A group, but these changes were reversed in the DSS+AN group. Gp130 mRNA, p-STAT3, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl in the colon declined in the DSS+A group, but these levels increased in the DSS+AN group.Conclusion: The upregulation of miR-223 by agomir administration alleviated colonic inflammation in a DSS-induced colitis model, which was likely mediated by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines via the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. These findings provide evidence that miR-223 might have potential therapeutic implications in IBD.
Practice of Coronavirus Disease-19 Prevention Methods and Associated Factors in Three Zones of Southwest Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Wondimu Wondimagegn , Ejigu Amare Genetu , Mekonen Mengistu Ayenew , Weldu Angesom , Asmare Wondwossen Niguse , Geremew Mesfin , Manaye Gizachew Ayele , Berchedi Ashenafi Asefa
Published: September 2020

Background Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is an emerging contagious respiratory infection that brings a big puzzle to global health. In Ethiopia, the number of cases and related deaths are increasing exponentially. Prevention is currently available effective management, and its implementation has not been assessed adequately.Objective To assess the COVID-19 prevention practices in three zones of Southwest Ethiopia.Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bench Sheko, Kafa, and West Omo zones. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 845 study participants. The data collection tool was adapted from the WHO resources and related literature. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. Participants who scored at least a mean score of practice questions were categorized as having good practice. Binary logistic regression was fitted to identify factors associated with the practice.Results In this study, 803 participants participated. About two-thirds (64.7%) of the respondents had a history of going to crowded places, while only 30.3% of the participants had a history of wearing a mask when leaving home. Two-thirds of the respondents had a history of maintaining their distance at 2 meters (64.4%) and washing their hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers (64.8%). Generally, less than two-thirds (59.4%) of study participants had a good practice of COVID-19 prevention methods. Urban residence, good knowledge, positive attitude, intention to seek care, and perceived mortality were positively associated with good practice.Conclusion The proportion of individuals who had good COVID-19 prevention practices was inadequate. For such highly infectious diseases, prevention should be the priority intervention, and improving its implementation needs further effort. Community-based interventions such as risk communication and mass education should center on scaling up community knowledge and practice by prioritizing vulnerable groups such as rural residents.
Theoretical foundations, practice, and empirical approaches to assessing the economy of happiness
Authors: Vereshchahina Hanna , Shigol Fedir
Published: September 2020

Since the end of the twentieth century, a new, relevant, and promising trend in economic science has been actively developing – the economy of happiness that arose at the junction of psychology and economics. Understanding the essence and content of social well-being is associated with such a development of a society where the social and spiritual needs of people are met, the resources and benefits of society are used as effectively as possible and favorable conditions for a full-fledged life and comprehensive development of each person are created. If earlier the main task and priority of any national policy was considered an intensive GDP growth, now the GNH – Gross National Happiness is increasingly considered as a priority, that is, the level of satisfaction with the life of the population, as evidenced even in the resolution of the UN General Assembly. However, the methodological ap¬proaches to assessing the economy of happiness are not perfect, first of all because this area is new in economic science. The study aims to summarize and further develop the principles and approach¬es to assessing the economy of happiness. The article analyzes existing practical approaches to the economy of happiness. A test was developed to assess the level of happiness of citizens from different countries; a survey was conducted based on this test from 2017 to 2018. Methodical approaches to assessing the economy of happiness have been improved based on obtaining correlation-regression models that show the dependence of happiness level on creativity, level of health, level of prosperity, level of satisfaction of needs, which enables to define creativity as the main factor affecting the level of happiness; and, unlike the known ones, it allows regulating the level of happiness as a final economic indicator.
Data science methods for comprehensive assessment of regional economic development
Authors: Chagovets Liubov , Prokopovych Svitlana , Kholod Viktor
Published: September 2020

The paper deals with the assessment of the socio-economic development of Ukrainian regions using Data Science methods and multidimensional analysis, including taxonomy, n-dimensional classification, and ensemble decision trees methods. The methodological bases of economic regions devel¬opment by the economic and mathematical modeling methods were investigated. The necessity of improving and further developing estimation models of the regional economic development using business analytics tools and multidimensional scaling methods was investigated. The ensemble decision trees methods was applied for the classification model of economic development of the Ukrainian regions according to the conceptual base of the research on regional econom¬ic development. It will increase the quality level of administrative decisions making on regional de¬velopment asymmetry equalization. It is determined that in Ukraine, there is a significant imbalance of regions clusters with high and low economic level. Here was investigated the relationship between the two groups of economic development indicators – the indicators of the economic development regional performance and the group of economic potential. The results of the classification model allow identifying the set of indicators that have significant impact on the overall economic development. The developed ensemble model allows carrying out qualitative recognition and prediction of the state probability of economic development. It will improve the quality of decision making pro¬cesses on equalization of regional development asymmetry. The further research gives the possibility to develop the system of levers directions of regional development imbalance equalization, to determine priority vectors of sustainable development of both the regions and the country.
Trade Integration Indonesia-ASEAN4 in AEC Era: A Case of Wood-based Products
Authors: Tan Pauline Henriette Pattyranie
Published: September 2020

The research was conducted to find out the level integration intensity using Grubel-Lloyd index. Moreover, since Horizontal and Vertical Intra-Industry Trade (IIT) could be distinguished, it was important to find out whether Indonesia-ASEAN4 IIT of wood-based products was in one of these categories. The Hufbauer index had been used as the measurement of product differentiation. Therefore, it could be the basic information for taking policy to boost Indonesia-ASEAN IIT for this industry. The data used comprise annual statistics of wood-based product export and import between Indonesia and ASEAN4 from 2010 to 2016 which were divided into eight categories of five digits ISIC. The Grubel-Lloyd index result shows that only ISIC 16102 has achieved strong integration, the others are still in mild and even weak integration. The Hufbauer index results show that all the values approached to zero, indicated that overall wood-based products traded by Indonesia-ASEAN4 are horizontally differentiated.
Analysis of Remote Sensing based Vegetation Indices (VIs) for Unmanned Aerial System (UAS): A Review
Authors: Bhagat Vijay , Kada Ajaykumar , Kumar Suresh
Published: September 2020

Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is an efficient tool to bridge the gap between high expensive satellite remote sensing, manned aerial surveys, and labors time consuming conventional fieldwork techniques of data collection. UAS can provide spatial data at very fine (up to a few mm) and desirable temporal resolution. Several studies have used vegetation indices (VIs) calculated from UAS based on optical- and MSS-datasets to model the parameters of biophysical units of the Earth surface. They have used different techniques of estimations, predictions and classifications. However, these results vary according to used datasets and techniques and appear very site-specific. These existing approaches aren’t optimal and applicable for all cases and need to be tested according to sensor category and different geophysical environmental conditions for global applications. UAS remote sensing is a challenging and interesting area of research for sustainable land management.