bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbiability of meat quality and carcass composition traits in swine
Authors: Khanal Piush , Maltecca Christian , Schwab Clint , Fix Justin , Tiezzi Francesco
Published: April 2020

BackgroundSwine gut microbiome constitutes a portion of the whole genome and has potential to affect different phenotypes. More recently, research is more directed towards association of gut microbiome and different traits in swine. However, the contribution of microbial composition to the phenotypic variation of meat quality and carcass composition traits in pigs has not been explored yet. The objectives of this study are to estimate the microbiabilities for different meat quality and carcass composition traits; to investigate the impact of intestinal microbiome on heritability estimates; to estimate the correlation between microbial diversity and meat quality and carcass composition traits; and to estimate the microbial correlation between the meat quality and carcass composition traits in a commercial swine population.ResultsThe contribution of the microbiome to carcass composition and meat quality traits was prominent although it varied over time, increasing from weaning to off test for most traits. Microbiability estimates of carcass composition traits were greater than that of meat quality traits. Among all of the traits analyzed, belly weight had higher microbiability estimate (0.29 ± 0.04). Adding microbiome information did not affect the estimates of genomic heritability of meat quality traits but affected the estimates of carcass composition traits. Fat depth had greater decrease (10%) in genomic heritability. High microbial correlations were found among several traits. This suggested that genomic correlation was partially contributed by genetic similarity of microbiome composition.ConclusionsResults indicate that better understanding of microbial composition could aid the improvement of complex traits, particularly the carcass composition traits in swine by inclusion of microbiome information in the genetic evaluation process.
Comparing the differences in three measures of healthy life expectancy, effects of mortality, and proportions of unhealthy people according to prefectures in Japan: An Ecological study
Authors: TAIRA KAZUYA , Ogata Soshiro , Kamide Kei
Published: April 2020

Objective
Ecological study using open data collected, compiled, and published in government statistics in Japan was conducted. The study aimed to verify the differences in these three measures of healthy life expectancy (HLE), namely disability-free life expectancy without activity limitation (DFLE-AL), life expectancy with self-perceived health (LE-SH), and disability-free life expectancy without care need (DFLE-CN), in relation to appropriate policymaking.
Results
Using data from 47 prefectures in 2010, 2013, and 2016, the three types of HLE were extended over time. There were strong correlations between DFLE-AL and LE-SH (r = 0.69–0.83) as well as LE and DFLE-CN (r = 0.75–0.98) in both sexes. However, the other correlations were either weak or not significant. Regression analysis examining the association between the aging rate, mortality, the proportion of unhealthy people and three types of HLE showed that the “subjective unhealthy rate” was significant (the standardized partial regression coefficients = -0.56– -0.34) in models with DFLE-AL and LE-SH as dependent variables. Therefore, DFLE-CN was suggested to be a different indicator from the other two HLEs. The “subjective unhealthy rate” had a significant influence on the prefectural DFLE-AL and LE-SH.
Activation of EGFL7 within High Grade Ovarian Serous Carcinoma is Associated with Lower Tumor Infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ Lymphocytes
Authors: Sznurkowski Jacek Jan , Żawrocki Anton , Krawczyńska Natalia , Bieńkowski Michał , Wasąg Bartosz , Biernat Wojciech
Published: April 2020

It has been suggested that Epidermal Growth Factor like domain 7 (EFFL7) promotes tumor cell escape from immunity by downregulating the activation of tumor blood vessels. Aim: to analyze mRNA expression of EGFL7 within tumor microenvironment of high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma and its association with number of intraepithelial CD4+/CD8 + lymphocytes and expression of molecule involved in diapedesis ICAM-1. Methods: qPCR analysis of EGFL7 mRNA in cancer cells and adjacent stromal endothelium microdissected from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumors of 59 high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma patients, was performed. Infiltration of intraepithelial lymphocytes (CD4+/CD8+) and expression of ICAM-1 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and compared between tumors with different status of EGFL7 expression. Results: EGFL7 was expressed in cancer cells (9/59, 15.25%), endothelium (8/59, 13.56%), or both cancer cells and adjacent endothelium (4/59, 6.78%). ICAM-1 was expressed on cancer cells (47/59, 79.66%), stromal endothelium (46/59, 77.97%), or both epithelium and endothelium (40 of 59, 67.8%). EGFL7-positivity of cancer cells and endothelium was associated with lower intraepithelial inflow of CD4+ (p = 0.022 and p = 0.029, respectively) and CD8 + lymphocytes (p = 0.04 and p = 0.031, respectively) but impact neither epithelial nor endothelial ICAM-1 expression (p = 0.098 and p = 0.119, respectively). Patients’ median follow-up was 23.83 months (range 1.07–78.07). Lack of prognostic significance of EGFL7-status and ICAM-1 expression was notified. Conclusion: EGFL7 was independently activated in the cancer epithelium as frequently as in endothelium of human high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma. Activation of EGFL7 on cancer cells and/or endothelium impairs influx of immune cell effectors into cancer nest.
A cross-sectional nationwide survey of congenital and infantile nephrotic syndrome in Japan
Authors: Hamasaki Yuko , Hamada Riku , Muramatsu Masaki , Matsumoto Shinsuke , Aya Kunihiko , Ishikura Kenji , Kaneko Tetsuji , Iijima Kazumoto
Published: April 2020

Background: Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) and infantile nephrotic syndrome (INS) cause substantial morbidity and mortality. In Japan, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the characteristics of CNS and INS. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of CNS and INS in Japan.Methods: This cross-sectional nationwide survey obtained data from 44 institutions in Japan managing 92 patients with CNS or INS by means of two survey questionnaires sent by postal mail. Patients aged <16 years by 1 April 2015, with a diagnosis of CNS or INS, were included in this study. The primary outcome was end-stage kidney disease.Results: A total of 83 patients with CNS or INS were analyzed. The most frequent disease type was non-Finnish (60.2%); 33 patients (39.8%) had Finnish type. Among those with non-Finnish-type disease, 26 had no syndrome and 24 had a syndrome, of which the most frequent was Denys–Drash syndrome (70.8%). Patients with non-Finnish-type disease with syndrome showed the earliest progression to end-stage kidney disease compared with the other two groups, whereas patients with non-Finnish-type disease without syndrome progressed more slowly compared with the other two groups. In the Finnish-type group, the disease was diagnosed the earliest; a large placenta was reported more frequently; genetic testing was more frequently performed (93.8%); mental retardation was the most frequent extra-renal symptom (21.2%); and thrombosis and infection were more frequent compared with the other groups. Patients with non-Finnish-type disease with syndrome had a higher frequency of positive extra-renal symptoms (79.2%), the most common being urogenital symptoms (54.2%). Treatment with steroids and immunosuppressants was more frequent among patients with non-Finnish-type disease without syndrome. Two patients with non-Finnish-type disease without syndrome achieved complete remission. In all groups, unilateral nephrectomy was performed more often than bilateral nephrectomy and peritoneal dialysis was the most common renal replacement therapy.Conclusions: The present epidemiological survey sheds light on the characteristics of children with CNS and INS in Japan. A high proportion of patients underwent genetic examination, and patient management was in accord with current treatment recommendations and practices.Trial registration: Not applicable.
Outcomes of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Hypothyroidism and Heart Failure
Authors: YANG MEI , Li Xuping , III John C. Morris , Liang Jinjun , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , Hodge David , Li Yi-Gang , Cha Yong-Mei
Published: April 2020

Background Hypothyroidism is known to be associated with adverse clinical outcomes in heart failure. The association between hypothyroidism and cardiac resynchronization therapy outcomes in patients with severe heart failure is not clear. Methods The study included 1,316 patients who received cardiac resynchronization therapy between 2002 and 2015. Baseline demographics and cardiac resynchronization therapy outcomes, including left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association class, appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy, and all-cause mortality, were collected from the electronic health record. Results Of the study cohort, 349 patients (26.5%) were classified as the hypothyroidism group. The median duration of follow-up was 3.6 years (interquartile range, 1.7-6.2). Hypothyroidism was associated with a greater all-cause mortality than euthyroidism (hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.01-1.38; P=0.04). In this group, the risk of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy significantly increased in association with increased baseline thyroid-stimulating hormone level (hazard ratio, 1.27 per 5 mIU/L increase, 95% CI, 1.00-1.53, P=0.04). Conclusions Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves cardiac function in hypothyroid patients. Hypothyroidism has adverse effects on cardiac resynchronization therapy outcomes with reduced survival and increased implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapies for ventricular arrhythmic events.
Identification of novel pig and human immunoglobulin G-binding proteins and characterization of the binding regions of enolase from Streptococcus suis serotype 2
Authors: Li Quan , Fu Yang , Guo Genglin , Wang Zhuohao , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2020

Streptococcus suis, a major emerging pathogen in swine and humans, expresses immunoglobulin G (IgG)-binding proteins (IBPs), which contribute to the ability of organism to evasion of host immune system. The objective of this study was to identify novel pig IgG (pIgG) and human IgG (hIgG)-binding proteins and characterize the binding regions of enolase from Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (S. suis 2). Here, four pIgG-binding proteins (pIBPs) and five hIgG-binding proteins (hIBPs) were identified from S. suis 2 surface proteins by 2D-Far-western blot assays. All the newly captured proteins were expressed and further confirmed their binding activity to pIgG or hIgG by Far-western blot and dot blot. In addition to previously identified factor H, fibronectin, collagen, fibrinogen, plasminogen and laminin, we also found that both pIgG and hIgG can specifically interact with enolase. Binding assays indicated that interactions of S. suis 2 enolase with pIgG and hIgG is primarily mediated by the enolase C-terminal portion (Enolase-C, a.a. 142-432). We found that hIgG exhibited stronger binding ability to Enolase-C than pIgG. Further analysis of the C-terminal regions of enolase (Enolase-C1 and Enolase-C2) suggested that the C-terminus possessed two different binding domains with distinct host IgG proteins. Strikingly, we confirmed that pIgG interacted with the Enolase-C1 (a.a. 142-271) and hIgG interacted with the Enolase-C2 (a.a. 271-432). These observations of enolase provide interesting insights in the pathogenesis of S. suis infection.
Observation of the effects of moxibustion on acute and chronic radiation enteritis in cervical patients
Authors: Wu Xiaoxin , Xiao Cheng , Li Gong , Qiu Shenghong , Gao Lei
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThe present prospective, observational study evaluated the safety and efficacy of moxibustion in preventing acute and chronic radiation enteritis post-radiation in patients with cervical cancer.MethodsBetween March 2015 and October 2018, 90 patients with stage I-IV cervical cancer were treated with radiation at the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Second Affiliated Hospital (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine). The patients were randomly divided into a moxibustion group and a control group. The moxibustion group received moxibustion on Guānyuán (RN4), Qìhǎi (RN6), Shénquē (RN8) and Tiānshū (ST25) during radiation. The control group received radiotherapy only. We observed and compared the occurrence of acute radiation enteritis (ARE) between the two groups of patients during radiotherapy. Then, the patients were followed-up 1-1.5-year after radiation, and we observed and compared the occurrence of chronic radiation enteritis (CRE) between the two groups.ResultsThe incidence of ARE was significantly lower in the moxibustion group (10.9%) than the control group (36.4%; P < 0.05). At follow-up post-radiotherapy, the incidence of CRE was significantly reduced (15.2%) in the moxibustion group compared with the control group (35.7%; P < 0.05).ConclusionsMoxibustion significantly improved physical function and reduce the gastrointestinal response caused by radiotherapy, thus the occurrence of acute and chronic radiation enteritis was reduced. These results can improve the therapeutic effect of radiation and improve the patient’s quality of life.Trial registrationProspective clinical trial for the effects of moxibustion on acute and chronic radiation enteritis in cervical patients. ChiCTR2000029650. Registered: February 9, 2020-Retrospectively registered.
The differences of clinical characteristics and outcomes between imported and local patients of COVID-19 in Hunan: A two-center retrospective study
Authors: Wang Chang , Zhou Lizhi , Chen Juan , Yang Yong , Huang Tianlong , Fu Min , Li Ya , Chen Xiangyu
Published: April 2020

Background: The clinical characteristics and outcomes of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia are different in Hubei and out of Hubei in China. But there are few comparative studies on the imported and local patients.Methods: We investigated 169 patients of COVID-19 pneumonia in two centers in Hunan Province, and divided into two groups according to epidemiology history, aiming to analyze the difference of clinical characteristics and outcomes in the two groups. All the epidemiological, clinical, imaging, and laboratory data were analyzed and contrasted.Results: The incidence of fever on admission in imported patients was significantly higher than local patients. The proportion of abnormal pulmonary signs was also significantly higher in imported patients. There was a significantly higher proportion of hypokelamia, hyponatremia in imported patients than that in local patients. Compared with local patients, the imported patients using antibiotics, glucocorticoids and gamma globulin were significantly higher. The moderate type was more common in local patients, and the severe type are more frequent in imported patients. In addition, the median duration of viral clearance was longer in imported patients.Conclusions: In summary, we found that imported patients more likely developed into severe patients than local patients and required more powerful treatments.Trial registration: We registered 21 March, 2020, and this study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee (Approved Number. 2020017).
The Influence of the Accreditation Reports from the European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE) on Improvements/Changes to the Chiropractic Programmes that they Evaluate: An Audit study and Thematic Analysis
Authors: Peterson Cynthia , Miller Joyce , Humphreys B. Kim , Vall Ken
Published: April 2020

Background: The European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE) has been in existence since 1981 and currently accredits 10 chiropractic programmes throughout Europe and South Africa. Although it has always been assumed that the ECCE evaluation events and subsequent reports have resulted in improvements and growth to the individual chiropractic programmes, no systematic evaluation as to whether this is true and the extent of any improvements has previously been done. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to collect data from the accredited programmes regarding the degree of changes made to the 10 sections of the ECCE Standards as well as which specific improvements were done.Methods: This was a mixed methods audit study using questionnaires which included 10 closed statements requesting the degree of change (substantial, some, none) to the 10 sections of the ECCE ‘Standards’ based on previous evaluation reports. The proportion of responses falling into the three categorical options for each question was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The second part of the survey collected written responses identifying the specific ‘substantial’ or ‘some’ changes made based on previous evaluation reports. The analysis of the written statements used a modified ‘thematic analysis’ approach. Three researchers independently evaluating all statements and identified ‘themes’ from the written responses. These researchers then met to discuss and agree final themes.Results: There was a 100% response rate. Seven programmes (i.e. 70%) reported ‘some’ or ‘substantial’ changes to 6 or more of the 10 sections of the ECCE Standards. The most common section of the Standards for programmes to report changes was ‘Educational Programme’ (8 of 10 programmes). ‘Educational Resources’ had the largest number of programmes reporting ‘substantial changes’ (4) and was the second most common section of the Standards to have reported changes. The main themes identified emphasized the improvements in ‘infrastructure, equipment and faculty’, ‘increasing the teaching and use of ‘evidence-based practice’, ‘instilling a research culture in faculty and students’.Conclusions: This study documents that ECCE accreditation reports are useful in facilitating improvements to the chiropractic programmes, particularly in the areas of improved infrastructure and faculty as well as research and evidence-based practice.
Attitudes and preferences toward fecal microbiota transplantation among patients with cancer
Authors: Zheng Rujun , Yue Zhiying , Fu Yan , Xiang Qiufen , Zhu Jiang , Chen Lin , Yu Chunhua , Li Junying
Published: April 2020

Background: To investigate the attitudes and preferences toward fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) among patients with cancer, during anti-tumor treatment in the hospital.Methods: A self-report questionnaire was administered to survey 101 patients with cancer at the Cancer Center of West China Hospital during their hospitalization and treatment. The patients were asked about their willingness to undergo FMT, and their preferences and attitudes regarding the donor, route, expenditure, and possible adverse effects. Results: Most of the patients were willing to accept FMT. Patients with younger adults (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.853-0.985, P = 0.018), a higher educational level (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.101-0.576; P = 0.001) and later tumor stage (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.058-0.568; P = 0.003) were more likely to select FMT as a treatment option. PS score was one of the most important factors that affecting the patients’ choice of donor for FMT (χ2 = 8.69, P = 0.013), willingness to pay for FMT (χ2 = 13.02, P = 0.005), and concerns about adverse effects for FMT (χ2 = 12.18, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Clinical characteristics of patients with cancer may influence whether they choose FMT as therapy, and if willing, attitudes regarding donor, route, expenditure, and adverse effects. Nurses and other healthcare providers should assess the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with cancer to help them make appropriate medical decisions.
Stability and Bifurcations in a Discrete-Time Epidemic Model with Vaccination and Vital Dynamics
Authors: Parsamanesh Mahmood , Erfanian Majid , Mehrshad Saeed
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThe spread of infectious diseases is such important that changes the demography of the population. Therefore, prevention and intervention measures are essential to control and eliminate the disease. Among the drug and non-drug interventions, vaccination is a powerful strategy to preserve the population from infection. Mathematical models are useful to study the behavior of an infection when it enters a population and investigate under which conditions it will be wiped out or continued.ResultsA discrete-time SIS epidemic model is introduced that includes a vaccination program. Some basic properties of this model are obtained; such as the equilibria and the basic reproduction number $\mathcal{R}_0$ . Then the stability of the equilibria is given in terms of $\mathcal{R}_0$ , and moreover, the bifurcations of the model are studied. By applying the forward Euler method on the continuous version of model, a discretized model is obtained and analyzed. ConclusionIt is proved that the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium are stable if $\mathcal{R}_0<1$ and $\mathcal{R}_0>1$ , respectively. The system has a transcritical bifurcation when $\mathcal{R}_0=1$ and it might also have period-doubling bifurcation. The sufficient conditions for the stability of equilibria in the discretized model are established. The numerical discussions verify the theoretical results.
A health care record review of early mobility activities after fragility hip fracture: Utilizing the French systematic method to inform future interventions
Authors: Haslam-Larmer Lynn , Woo Kevin , Auais Mohammad , Donnelly Catherine , DePaul Vincent
Published: April 2020

Background A fragility hip fracture is a serious injury in older adults. Following a fragility fracture, a large percentage of patients are unable to regain their pre-fracture level of mobility. There are several international guidelines recommending early mobility after surgery. We do not know the utilization of these early mobility recommendations by health care providers within our institution. An evidence to practice gap occurs when there is a failure to implement best practices. Utilization of a systematic method allows for a strategic approach to assessment of an evidence to practice gap. A recent publication of quality standards in Ontario provides an opportunity for a local needs assessment of potential evidence to practice gaps. The aim of this project was to identify evidence to practice gaps in health care provider implementation of recommendations for early mobility after fragility hip fracture surgery.Methods A retrospective chart review was performed to document the rates of early mobility activities during the first five days after hip fracture surgery at a large tertiary centre in Toronto, Ontario. Patients with cognitive impairment were included.Results Early mobility activities in this older adult population are initiated in the first five days after surgery to varying degrees. Between 11% - 50% of patients are not participating in early mobility activities, thereby not meeting recommendations. Those with low pre-fracture function and cognitive impairment have lower rates of participation when compared to those with a high pre-fracture function and no cognitive impairment.Conclusions The chart review has identified a paucity of contextual information which may influence health care providers’ behaviours related to early mobility. The chart audit is limited in its ability to assess the systems issues, which may have an influence on the health care provider behaviour. Considering the lack of information in these areas, we have identified that further work is required to explore factors which may be having an impact on the health care provider’s ability to engage the patients in early mobility activities.
Being active 1½ years after hip fracture: A qualitative interview study of aged adults’ experiences of meaningfulness
Authors: Rasmussen Birgit , Nielsen Claus Vinther , Uhrenfeldt Lisbeth
Published: April 2020

Background: Being active is vital and a source of well-being. However, 18 months after hip fracture (HF), progress seems to have come to a halt. Aged adults may feel vulnerable, experiencing ongoing dependency and limited possibilities for socializing. How they experience the meaningfulness of being active during these circumstances is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of the meaningfulness of being active for aged adults 18 months after HF. Methods: A phenomenological-hermeneutic methodology based on the philosophies of Heidegger and Gadamer was applied. Data were collected using individual interviews conducted in participants’ homes. The study was part of a longitudinal study, and three former interviews helped build trusting relationships with participants and focus the semi-structured interview guide. An existential theory of well-being and suffering considering health to be a balancing of mobility and dwelling was applied. Participants were nine aged adults 65 years or older with pre-fracture dependency included in the study 18 months earlier while still in hospital after HF. The interpretation was a process of analyzing data by moving between the parts and the whole as a means of gaining a deeper understanding and continuously testing pre-understandings. The analysis followed five steps: a) getting a sense of the whole b) delineating and condensing meaning units, c) interpreting meaning units, d) relating to study purpose, and e) developing themes and sub-themes. Results: Two main themes emerged. The main-theme “Feeling the continuity of life“ had four sub-themes: “Gratitude for present possibilities,“ “Connected with earlier life-experience,“ “Thoughtfully managing vulnerability,“ and “Belonging with other people.“ The main-theme “Feeling vulnerable“ had two sub-themes: “Thwarted“ and “Sad and regretting lost continuity in life.“ Conclusions: Eighteen months after HF, aged adults seem to be struggling on their own to be active in meaningful ways. To maintain hope, relieve the strain in everyday life, and maintain a sense of safety and self-confidence, they may need help. However, to avoid suffering, there is a need to balance additional training and a struggle for progress with well-being experiences in terms of feeling gratitude, restoring a sense of normality, and feeling kinship with other people.
Trauma Team Conformation in a War-influenced Middle-income Country in South America: Is It Possible?
Authors: Carvajal Sandra , Uribe-Buritica Francisco , Angel Ana Maria , Lopez Maria Camila , Gonzalez Andres , Chica Julian , Benitez Manuel , Garcia Alberto
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Trauma teams (TTs) improve outcomes in trauma patients. A multidisciplinary TT was conformed in September 2015 in a tertiary Level I trauma university hospital in southwestern Colombia, a middle-income war-influenced country. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a TT in admission-tomography and admission-surgery times as well as mortality in a tertiary center university hospital in a middle income country war influenced country. Material & Methods: Retrospective analytical study. Patients older than 17 years, admitted to the emergency room 15 months prior and 15 months after the TT implementation were included. Patients prior to the TT implementation were taken as controls. No exclusion criteria. 464 patients were included, 220 before the TT implementation (BTT) and 244 after (ATT). Demographic data, trauma characteristics, admission-tomography, and admission-surgery time interval as well as mortality were recorded. Requirement of CT scan or surgery was based on physician decision. The analysis was made on Stata 15.1®. Categorical variables were described as quantities and proportions, continuous variables as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range (IQR). Categorical variables were compared using Chi2 or Fisher's test and continuous variables using Student's T-test or Wilcoxon-Mann-Withney. A multiple logistic regression model was created to evaluate the impact of being treated in the ATT group on mortality, adjusted by age, trauma severity, and physiological response upon admission. Results: The admission-tomography time interval was 56 min (IQR 39-100) in the BTT group and 40 min (IQR 24-76) in the ATT group, p<0.001. The admission-surgery time interval was 116 min (IQR 63-214) in the BTT group and 52 min (IQR 24-76) in the ATT group, p<0.001. Mortality in the BTT group was 18.1% and 13.1% in the ATT group. Adjusted OR was 0.406 (0.215 - 0.789) P = 0.006 Conclusions: A trauma team conformation in a war-influenced middle-income country is feasible and reduces mortality as well as admission-surgery and admission-tomography time intervals in polytrauma patients.
Patient safety issues from information overload in electronic medical records: A systematic review
Authors: Nijor Sohn , Gokcen Eric , Lad Nimit
Published: April 2020

Background and Objective: Electronic health records (EHR) have become ubiquitous in medicine and continue to grow in informational content. Little has been documented regarding patient safety from the resultant information overload. The objective of this literature review is to better understand how information overload in EHR affects patient safety.Methods: A literature search was performed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) standards for literature review. PubMed and Web of Science were searched and articles selected that were relevant to EHR information overload based upon keywords. Results: The literature search yielded 31 articles meeting criteria for the study. Information overload was found to increase physician cognitive load and error rates in clinical simulations. Overabundance of clinically irrelevant information, poor data display, and excessive alerting were consistently identified as issues that may lead to information overload. An addition, information overload increased the risk of physician burnout due to clerical burden leading to significantly higher rates of medical error. Conclusion: Information overload in EHR may result in higher error rates and negatively impact patient safety. Further studies are necessary to define the EHR role in adverse patient safety events and to determine methods to mitigate these errors.
The Mental Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak: A Population-Based Survey in Iran
Authors: Shahriarirad Reza , Erfani Amirhossein , Ranjbar Keivan , Bazrafshan Amir , Mirahmadizadeh Alireza
Published: April 2020

Background: In March 2020, WHO has declared pandemic on COVID-19. Although the number of infected cases is increasing, information about its clinical characteristics in the Middle East especially in Iran, a country which is considered as one of the most important foci of the disease in the world is lacking. Till date, there is no available literature on the clinical data on COVID-19 patients in Iran. Method and Material: In this multicenter retrospectively registered study, 113 hospitalized confirmed cases of COVID-19 admitted in university affiliated hospitals in Shiraz, Iran in from February 20 to March 20 were enrolled. Results: The median age was 53 years and 71 (62.8%) were males. The most common symptoms at onset were fatigue (75: 66.4%), cough (73: 64.6%), and fever (67: 59.3%). Laboratory data revealed significant correlation between lymphocyte count, partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio with the severity of the disease (P value = 0.003, 0.000, 0.000, respectively). The most common abnormality in chest CT scan was ground-glass opacity (77: 93.9%), followed by consolidation (48: 58.5%). Our results revealed an overall 8% (9 out of 113 cases) mortality rate among the patients, in which the majority was among the ICU admitted patients (5: 55.6%). Also, 68 (60.2%) of our patients achieved total recovery and 7 (6.2%) were discharged with follow-up and home isolation.Conclusion: In this multi-center study which included 113 hospitalized patients with diagnosis of COVID-19, 9.7% of cases were transferred to ICU and mortality rate was 8%. Furthermore, finding the source of infection and studying the behavior of COVID-19 is crucial for understanding the pandemic.
Are tagged fish like others? Insights from growth and stress physiological profile of two marine fish species
Authors: Alfonso Sébastien , Zupa Walter , Manfrin Amedeo , Fiocchi Eleonora , Dioguardi Maria , Dara Mariano , Cammarata Matteo , Lembo Giuseppe , Carbonara Pierluigi
Published: April 2020

Background
Recently, telemetry applied to the aquatic organisms had a great development. Progressively, physiological sensors were used, as tools for fish welfare monitoring. However, it is important that tagging procedure does not disrupt fish physiology, behavior and performances to be used as a reliable non-invasive welfare indicator. In this communication, we share our mid-term data about stress physiological profile and growth performances following tag implantation in two important marine fish species of the European aquaculture, sea bream (Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).
Results
Mid-term blood samples post-tag implantation (46 days for sea bream and 95 days for sea bass) revealed no difference between tagged and untagged fish in the cortisol, glucose and lactate levels, suggesting that the tag implantation does not induce prolonged stress in these species. Moreover, the specific growth rate was similar for tagged and untagged fish in both species.
Conclusion
As a conclusion, the tag implantation does not induce mid-term consequences on the stress physiology and the growth performances of these two marine fish species under controlled environment. These observations first support accelerometer tags as useful tools for welfare monitoring in aquaculture condition because they do not affect the welfare and health of implanted fish. Secondly, this study shown that tagged fish can be sampled during experiments and be considered as a representative portion of the population, displaying similar growth and physiological parameters compared to untagged fish.
Screening Thermal Shock as an Apple Blossom Thinning Method. I. Stigmatic Receptivity, Pollen Tube Growth, and Leaf Injury in Response to Temperature and Timing of Thermal Shock
Authors: Kon Thomas M. , Schupp Melanie A. , Winzeler Hans E. , Schupp James R.
Published: April 2020

The use of short-duration applications of thermal energy (thermal shock; TS) as an apple blossom thinning strategy was investigated. Effects of TS temperature and timing on stigmatic receptivity, pollen tube growth in vivo, and visible leaf injury were evaluated in multiple experiments on ‘Crimson Gala’. TS treatments were applied to blossoms and spur leaves using a variable temperature heat gun. TS temperatures ≥86 °C had a strong inhibitory effect on pollen tube growth on the stigmatic surface and in the style. TS temperatures >79 °C reduced average pollen tube length to less than the average style length. Timing of TS treatment (0 or 24 hours after pollination) was not an influential factor, indicating that effective TS temperatures reduced pollen tube growth up to 24 hours after the pollination event. The onset of thermal injury to vegetative tissues occurred at similar TS temperatures that inhibited pollen tube growth in vivo. Excessive leaf injury (>33%) was observed at 95 °C, suggesting relatively narrow differences in thermal sensitivity between reproductive and vegetative tissues. Inconsistent TS temperatures and/or responses were observed in some experiments. Ambient air temperature may have influenced heat gun output temperatures and/or plant susceptibility. While results suggest some promise, additional work is required to validate and further develop this concept.
Assessments of Humic Substances Application and Deficit Irrigation in Triploid Watermelon
Authors: Qin Kuan , Leskovar Daniel I.
Published: April 2020

Soil organic matter degradation and water limitation caused by intense farming activities are some of the major threats affecting agricultural production. Accordingly, the concepts of sustainable agricultural systems with optimized irrigation and improved soil quality can be adapted to address these issues. During this 2-year field study, two management factors—humic substances (HS) as organic inputs (HS vs. control) and deficit irrigation as the irrigation method (50% vs. 100% based on evapotranspiration)—were evaluated based on triploid watermelon (Citrullus lanatus cv. Fascination) yield and soil property changes. HS application increased watermelon early yield by 38.6% and total yield by 11.8% compared with the control; the early yield mainly increased under deficit irrigation. Compared with full irrigation, deficit irrigation increased water use efficiency (WUE) without significantly affecting total yield. In addition, HS application significantly increased the soil organic carbon (SOC) content, which was found to be positively correlated with crop WUE. These results indicate that soil organic inputs with HS and deficit irrigation are valuable strategies to establish sustainable systems for watermelon production, which will not only increase yield and WUE but also significantly improve soil quality and save irrigation water.
Direct Measurement of Sweetpotato Surface Area and Volume Using a Low-cost 3D Scanner for Identification of Shape Features Related to Processing Product Recovery
Authors: Villordon Arthur , Gregorie Jeffrey C. , LaBonte Don
Published: April 2020

The growing demand for sweetpotato French fry and other processed products has increased the need for producing storage roots of desired shape profile (i.e., blocky and less tapered). Length-width ratio (LW) is the current de facto standard for characterizing sweetpotato shape. Although LW is sensitive and descriptive of some types of shape variability, this index may be inadequate to measure taper and other subtle shape variations. Prior work has shown that surface area (SA) and volume (VOL) are important shape descriptors but current direct measurement methods are tedious, inconsistent, and often destructive. A low-cost three-dimensional (3D) scanner was used to acquire digital 3D models of 210 U.S. No. 1 grade sweetpotato storage roots. The 3D models were imported into Meshmixer, a free software for cleaning and processing 3D files. Processing steps included gap filling and rendering the models water-tight to facilitate VOL measurements. The software includes a tool that enables automatic measurements of length (L), width (W), SA, and VOL. LW and SA-VOL ratio (SAVOL) were subsequently calculated. Separately, a digital caliper was used for manual measurements of L and W. The shrink-wrap method was used to measure SA, and water displacement was used to measure VOL. 3D scanner-based and manual L measurements showed high correlation, whereas VOL was lowest. Principal component analysis (PCA) of 3D scanner-based measurements showed that the first two principal components (PCs) accounted for 96.2% of the total shape variation in the data set, named Ib3D. The first PC accounted for 62.15% of the total variance, and captured variation in storage root shape through changes in VOL, SA, SAVOL, and W. The second PC accounted for 34.4% of the variance, and the main factors were LW and L. Most storage root samples that were classified as processing types were located in the fourth quadrant. The methods described in this work to nondestructively acquire 3D models of sweetpotato also can be adopted for analyzing shape in other horticultural produce like fruits, vegetables, tubers, and other storage roots that meet the specifications for 3D scanning. The data support the hypothesis that knowledge of variables that determine storage root L and W can lead to the development of methods and approaches for enhanced processing product recovery and size assortment for fresh market.
Stratigraphy and age of Karoo basalts of Lesotho and implications for correlations within the Karoo igneous province. Oxbow Section.xls
Authors: Marsh Julian S , Hooper Peter R , Rehacek Jakub , Duncan Robert A. , R. Duncan Alasdair
Published: April 2020

The Lesotho remnant contains the type succession for Karoo low-Ti
basalts of central southern Africa. The 40Ar/39Ar dating indicates that
the sequence was emplaced within a very short period at about 180 Ma and
consists of a monotonous pile of compound basalt lava flows which lacks
significant palaeosols and persistent sedimentary intercalations. We have used
geochemistry to establish a stratigraphic subdivision of the lava pile. Thin
units of basalt flows, the Moshesh's Ford, Golden Gate, Sani, Roma, Letele, and
Wonderkop units, with diverse geochemical character and restricted geographical
distribution, are present at the base of the succession.

Location of this section is
described in Marsh et al. (1997) AGU Geophysical Monograph, 100, 247-272.

Title of data set: Oxbow Section

The Mahlasela Pass road has been
reconstructed and lies to the N of the stream whereas the old pass, sampled for
this collection, lay to the south.

Rahacek (1995) PhD thesis.
Washington State University, designated samples OXB54-60 as belonging to the
Pitseng Unit.
Organización comunitaria de los yumanos occidentales: Una revisión etnográfica y prospecto arqueológico
Authors: Laylander Don
Published: April 2020

Existe actualmente múltiples aspectos sobre la cultura de las sociedades aborígenes de Baja California antes del contacto europeo que se desconocen en gran medida. Uno de estos aspectos es la organización de la comunidad ¿Cómo podemos aproximarnos a esta información?El autor de este trabajo presenta de una forma crítica las experiencias de distintos etnógrafos de este siglo con respecto a este tema y en base al análisis cuidadoso de la información propone una hipótesis. Finalmente, demuestra que el uso de estudios arqueológicos es útil como apoyo en el conocimiento de este aspecto sociocultural de los pueblos indígenas.
Síntesis histórica del poblamiento de la región fronteriza México-Estados Unidos
Authors: Ceballos Ramírez Manuel , Taylor H Lawrence Douglas
Published: April 2020

En este artículo se describe la trayectoria del poblamiento en los estados fronterizos del norte de México, así como, en forma resumida, la del pueblo mexico-americano de Texas y los estados del suroeste de Estados Unidos. Se destaca, sobre todo, la época porfiriana como etapa clave en este proceso. También se hace hincapié en el extraordinario incremento de la población fronteriza mexicana, especialmente la de los centros urbanos situados a lo largo de la línea divisoria, durante la década de 1920, la segunda guerra mundial y los años de posguerra Se dedica atención, en particular, a los cambios en los patrones de inmigración y colonización para el período estudiado, así como el fenómeno de la repatriación de mexicanos desde el fin de la guerra México-Estados Unidos hasta la crisis económica de la década de 1980
PENGOLAHAN AIR LIMBAH INDUSTRI TEH BOTOL DENGAN TEKNOLOGI BIOLOGIS ANAEROBIK UASB – WETLAND
Authors: Moenir Misbachul , Sartamtomo S , Moertinah Sri
Published: April 2020

Industri minuman ringan merupakan salah satu industri yang mengeluarkan air limbah dengan beban organik yang cukup tinggi. Sistem pengolahan air limbah yang berkategori low rate seperti sistem activated sludge yang sekarang diterapkan di industri kurang sesuai lagi untuk mengolah air limbah yang mengandung cemaran organik tinggi dan bersifat kompleks terlarut. Sistem Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) adalah salah satu proses anaerobik dengan efisiensi tinggi yang dapat beroperasi pada beban organik tinggi. Proses pengolahan dengan wetland sebagai pengolahan lanjutan dapat menurunkan kadar cemaran organik lebih lanjut. Pada penelitian digunakan air limbah yang berasal dari salah satu industri teh botol di Jawa Tengah. Sumber mikroba anaerob yang digunakan sebagai seeding reaktor UASB (2 unit paralel) berasal dari lumpur anaerob yang terbentuk pada pengolahan air limbah industri tahu yang telah berfungsi dengan baik. Waktu tinggal dalam reaktor UASB secara total selama 19 jam dengan debit 2.297 l/hari. Pengolahan lanjutan dari reaktor UASB dilakukan dengan pengolahan wetlandHasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa reaktor UASB I dan II dapat mereduksi COD dengan efisiensi tertinggi 88,51% dan pengolahan dengan wetland tertinggi 85,02%, selanjutnya pengolahan air limbah dengan kombinasi UASB dan wetland dapat mereduksi beban cemaran COD antara 97,65 – 98,90 %  dan hasil effluen sudah memenuhi baku mutu air limbah industri minuman dalam botol menurut Peraturan Daerah Provinsi Jawa Tengah Nomor 5 Tahun 2012,  yaitu COD = 35,44 mg/l, TSS = 16 mg/l, dan BOD5 = 13,44 mg/l.
PEMANFAATAN LIMBAH CAIR GARAM BAHAN BAKU 30˚ Be UNTUK PENGASINAN IKAN GABUS RENDAH NACl DAN MENGANDUNG Mg
Authors: Nilawati Nilawati
Published: April 2020

Pengasinan merupakan metode pengawetan yang sudah lama dengan menggunakan garam krosok namun pengasinan dengan  limbah cair garam 30˚ Be belum banyak dilakukan. Keuntungan dengan metode ini akan menghasilkan produk ikan asin yang rendah NaCl dan tinggi kandungan Mg. Penelitian ini menggunakan 1 variabel yaitu konsentrasi limbah cair garam 30˚ Be  yaitu B0 (0 persen- kontrol), B10 (10 persen). B20 (20 persen), B30 (30 persen),  B40(40 persen), B50 (50 persen)  dan kontrol  B100 (100 persen)  serta kontrol pembanding penggaraman kering dengan garam bahan baku G100 (100 persen) atau dikenal garam krosok. Hasil penelitian diperoleh kandungan NaCl murni pada pemakaian larutan 30˚ Be sebanyak 10 persen  sebesar 6,952 persen. Dan pada konsentrasi limbah cair garam 30˚ Be dengan konsentrasi   50 persen diperoleh kndungan NaCl murni sebesar 15,478 persen, namun untuk kontrol yang menggunakan garam krosok maka NaCl nya paling tinggi, sedangkan kontrol dengan 100 persen larutan 30˚ Be kandungan NaCl murninya sampai 25,134 persen, yang menggunakan garam bahan baku  kandungan NaCl sebesar 43,864 persen.  Perlakuan yang terbaik diperoleh pada pemakaian larutan garam 30˚ Be pada konsentrasi 40 persen. Kandungan Magnesium pada     penelitian ini berkisar antara 0,387 Sampai  3,444  persen.  Perlakuan mulai konsentrasi 30 persen keatas   penampakan ikan asin putih kecoklatan , empuk, bersih, namun kalau dibawah 30 persen penampakannya kecoklatan muda, daging liat agak keras namun NaCl nya rendah
APLIKASI PENGOLAHAN AIR LIMBAH INDUSTRI TAPIOKA DENGAN SISTIM ABR DAN UAF
Authors: Djarwanti Djarwanti
Published: April 2020

Dalam rangka mencegah pencemaran lingkungan beberapa industri tapioka telah menerapkan IPAL dengan sistim biologi anaerob. Pada umumnya pembuatan IPAL ini tidak dilandasi kajian faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi dalam disain reaktor,  sehingga  pemilihan jenis reaktor menjadi kurang tepat.Kajian ini bertujuan  membandingkan kelayakan teknis dan kelayakan ekonomis penerapan pengolahan air limbah tapioka dengan sistem ABR (Anaerobic Baffled Reactor) dan sistem UAF (Upflow Anaerobic Filter). Sistim ABR telah diterapkan di Sentra Sekalong dan sistim UAF diterapkan di Sentra Margoyoso, Jawa TengahData yang digunakan untuk penelitian bersumber pada hasil penelitian dan penerapan prototipe IPAL industri tapioka di sentra Sekalong dan sentra Margoyoso.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sistem UAF layak menggantikan sistem ABR dalam pengolahan air limbah industri tapioka ditinjau dari segi teknis maupun ekonomis. Waktu tinggal proses degradasi bahan organik didalam sistim UAF lebih pendek sehingga volume bangunan lebih kecil, kebutuhan lahanpun menjadi lebih kecil. Untuk kapasitas 20 m3/hari biaya konstruksi sistem UAF lebih murah 47,77% dibanding sistem konvensional menggunakan ABR.