bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infection prevention and control (IPC) implementation in low-resource settings: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Tomczyk Sara , Storr Julie , Kilpatrick Claire , Allegranzi Benedetta
Published: July 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has again demonstrated the critical role of effective infection prevention and control (IPC) implementation to combat infectious disease threats. Standards such as the World Health Organization (WHO) IPC minimum requirements offer a basis, but robust evidence on effective IPC implementation strategies in low-resource settings remains limited. We aimed to qualitatively assess IPC implementation themes in these settings.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with IPC experts from low-resource settings, guided by a standardised questionnaire. Applying a qualitative inductive thematic analysis, IPC implementation examples from interview transcripts were coded, collated into sub-themes, grouped again into broad themes, and finally reviewed to ensure validity. Sub-themes appearing ≥ 3 times in data were highlighted as frequent IPC implementation themes and all findings were summarised descriptively.

Results

Interviews were conducted with IPC experts from 29 countries in six WHO regions. Frequent IPC implementation themes including the related critical actions to achieve the WHO IPC core components included: (1) To develop IPC programmes: continuous advocacy with leadership, initial external technical assistance, stepwise approach to build resources, use of catalysts, linkages with other programmes, role of national IPC associations and normative legal actions; (2) To develop guidelines: early planning for their operationalization, initial external technical assistance and local guideline adaption; (3) To establish training: attention to methods, fostering local leadership, and sustainable health system linkages such as developing an IPC career path; (4) To establish health care-associated (HAI) surveillance: feasible but high-impact pilots, multidisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, careful consideration of definitions and data quality, and “data for action”; (5) To implement multimodal strategies: clear communication to explain multimodal strategies, attention to certain elements, and feasible but high-impact pilots; (6) To develop monitoring, audit and feedback: feasible but high-impact pilots, attention to methods such as positive (not punitive) incentives and “data for action”; (7) To improve staffing and bed occupancy: participation of national actors to set standards and attention to methods such as use of data; and (8) To promote built environment: involvement of IPC professionals in facility construction, attention to multimodal strategy elements, and long-term advocacy.

Conclusions

These IPC implementation themes offer important qualitative evidence for IPC professionals to consider.
Impact of a total lockdown for pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) on deep surgical site infections and other complications after orthopedic surgery: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Unterfrauner Ines , Hruby Laura A. , Jans Peter , Steinwender Ludwig , Farshad Mazda , Uçkay Ilker
Published: July 2021

Background

A total lockdown for pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) entailed a restriction of elective orthopedic surgeries in Switzerland.  While access to the hospital and human contacts were limited, hygiene measures were intensified. The objective was to investigate the impact of those strict public health guidelines on the rate of intra-hospital, deep surgical site infections (SSI), wound healing disorders and non-infectious postoperative complications after orthopedic surgery during the first Covid-19 lockdown.

Methods

In a single-center study, patients with orthopedic surgery during the first Covid-19 lockdown from March 16, 2020 to April 26, 2020 were compared to cohorts that underwent orthopedic intervention in the pre- and post-lockdown periods of six months each. Besides the implementation of substantial public health measures (promotion of respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene), no additional infection control bundles have been implemented.

Results

5791 patients were included in this study. In multivariate Cox regression analyses adjusting for the large case-mix, the lockdown was unrelated to SSI (hazard ratio (HR) 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6–4.8), wound healing disorders (HR 0.7; 95% CI 0.1–5.7) or other non-infectious postoperative complications (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.3–1.5) after a median follow-up of seven months.

Conclusion

The risks for SSI, wound healing disorders and other complications in orthopedic surgery were not influenced by the extended public health measures of the total Covid-19 lockdown.

Trial registration BASEC 2020–02646 (Cantonal Ethics Commission Zurich).

Level of evidence: Level III.
Behaviour of cranes (family Gruidae) mirrors their phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Nováková Nela , Robovský Jan
Published: July 2021

Background

The behavioural repertoire of every species evolved over time and its evolution can be traced through the phylogenetic relationships in distinct groups. Cranes (family Gruidae) represent a small, old, monophyletic group with well-corroborated phylogenetic relationships on the species level, and at the same time they exhibit a complex and well-described behavioural repertoire.

Methods

We therefore investigated the evolution of behavioural traits of cranes in a phylogenetic context using several phylogenetic approaches and two types of trait scoring. The cranes exhibit more than a hundred behavioural displays, almost one third of which may be phylogenetically informative.

Results

More than half of the analysed traits carry a significant phylogenetic signal. The ancestor of cranes already exhibited a quite complex behavioural repertoire, which remained unchanged in Balearicinae but altered greatly in Gruinae, specifically by the shedding of traits rather than their creation. Trait scoring has an influence on results within the Gruinae, primarily in genera Bugeranus and Anthropoides.

Conclusions

Albeit the behavioural traits alone cannot be used for resolving species-level relationships within the Gruidae, when optimized on molecular tree, they can help us to detect interesting evolutionary transformations of behaviour repertoire within Gruiformes. The Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) seems to be the most enigmatic species and should be studied in detail for its behavioural repertoire, which may include some precursors of crane behavioural traits.
Optimisation of CT protocols in PET-CT across different scanner models using different automatic exposure control methods and iterative reconstruction algorithms
Authors: Gould Sarah-May , Mackewn Jane , Chicklore Sugama , Cook Gary J. R. , Mallia Andrew , Pike Lucy
Published: July 2021

Background

A significant proportion of the radiation dose from a PET-CT examination is dependent on the CT protocol, which should be optimised for clinical purposes. Matching protocols on different scanners within an imaging centre is important for the consistency of image quality and dose. This paper describes our experience translating low-dose CT protocols between scanner models utilising different automatic exposure control (AEC) methods and reconstruction algorithms.

Methods

The scanners investigated were a newly installed Siemens Biograph mCT PET with 64-slice SOMATOM Definition AS CT using sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) and two GE Discovery 710 PET scanners with 128-slice Optima 660 CT using adaptive statistical reconstruction (ASiR). Following exploratory phantom work, 33 adult patients of various sizes were scanned using the Siemens scanner and matched to patients scanned using our established GE protocol to give 33 patient pairs. A comparison of volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol) and image noise within these patient pairs informed optimisation, specifically for obese patients. Another matched patient study containing 27 patient pairs was used to confirm protocol matching. Size-specific dose estimates (SSDEs) were calculated for patients in the second cohort. With the acquisition protocol for the Siemens scanner determined, clinicians visually graded the images to identify optimal reconstruction parameters.

Results

In the first matched patient study, the mean percentage difference in CTDIvol for Siemens compared to GE was − 10.7% (range − 41.7 to 50.1%), and the mean percentage difference in noise measured in the patients’ liver was 7.6% (range − 31.0 to 76.8%). In the second matched patient study, the mean percentage difference in CTDIvol for Siemens compared to GE was − 20.5% (range − 43.1 to 1.9%), and the mean percentage difference in noise was 19.8% (range − 27.0 to 146.8%). For these patients, the mean SSDEs for patients scanned on the Siemens and GE scanners were 3.27 (range 2.83 to 4.22) mGy and 4.09 (range 2.81 to 4.82) mGy, respectively. The analysis of the visual grading study indicated no preference for any of the SAFIRE strengths.

Conclusions

Given the different implementations of acquisition parameters and reconstruction algorithms between vendors, careful consideration is required to ensure optimisation and standardisation of protocols.
Characteristics and chemical reactivity of biogenic volatile organic compounds from dominant forest species in the Jing-Jin-Ji area, China
Authors: Lin Ying , Lun Xiaoxiu , Tang Wei , Zhang Zhongzhi , Jing Xiaoxi , Fan Chong , Wang Qiang
Published: July 2021

Background

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) play an essential role in tropospheric atmospheric chemical reactions. There are few studies conducted on BVOCs emission of dominant forest species in the Jing-Jin-Ji area of China. Based on the field survey, forest resources data and the measured standard emission factors, the Guenther model developed in 1993 (G93) was applied in this paper to estimate the emission of BVOCs from several dominant forest species (Platycladus orientalis, Quercus variabilis, Betula platyphylla, Populus tomentosa, Pinus tabuliformis, Robinia pseudoacacia, Ulmus pumila, Salix babylonica and Larix gmelinii) in the Jing-Jin-Ji area in 2017. Then the spatiotemporal emission characteristics and atmospheric chemical reactivity of these species were extensively evaluated.

Results

The results showed that the total annual BVOCs emission was estimated to be 70.8 Gg C·year− 1, consisting 40.5 % (28.7 Gg C·year− 1) of isoprene, 36.0 % (25.5 Gg C·year− 1) of monoterpenes and 23.4 % (16.6 Gg C·year− 1) of other VOCs. The emissions from Platycladus orientalis, Quercus variabilis, Populus tomentosa and Pinus tabulaeformis contributed 56.1 %, 41.2 %, 36.0 % and 31.1 %, respectively. The total BVOCs emission from the Jing-Jin-Ji area accounted for 61.9 % and 1.8 % in summer and winter, respectively. Up to 28.8 % of emission was detected from Chengde followed by Beijing with 24.9 %, that mainly distributed in the Taihang Mountains and the Yanshan Mountains. Additionally, the Robinia pseudoacacia, Populus tomentosa, Quercus variabilis, and Pinus tabulaeformis contributed mainly to BVOCs reaction activity.

Conclusions

The BVOCs emission peaked in summer (June, July, and August) and bottomed out in winter (December, January, and February). Chengde contributed the most, followed by Beijing. Platycladus orientalis, Quercus variabilis, Populus tomentosa, Pinus tabulaeformis and Robinia pseudoacacia represent the primary contributors to BVOCs emission and atmospheric reactivity, hence the planting of these species should be reduced.
Numerical model development to predict the behaviour of infant/neonate crash dummy restrained inside of an incubator under deceleration
Authors: Rabiee A. , Ghasemnejad H. , Hitchins N. , Watson J. , Roberts J. , Khoory M.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, advanced finite element (FE) methods are developed to investigate the effect of deceleration on the crash dummy test complied with British Standard Engineering (BS EN 1789). These techniques, which are related to material modelling, joints and contacts, offer an advanced numerical model representing an infant incubator with all complex boundary conditions and design contents. It is shown that the response of an infant incubator is a function of the ratchet straps, the tension on the belts, the belt type and the distance of the belts from the edges of the incubator, which can significantly affect the experienced acceleration, by the infant. The validation process is performed against experimental studies and various case parameters such as crash dummy mass and negative acceleration impulse are discussed in detail. The developed numerical model is capable to predict the behaviour of the crash dummy and the incubator in terms of acceleration, trajectory and kinematics by less than 8% error.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Retired Great British Olympians (Berlin 1936–Sochi 2014): Olympic Career Injuries, Joint Health in Later Life, and Reasons for Retirement from Olympic Sport
Authors: Cooper Dale J. , Batt Mark E. , O’Hanlon Mary S. , Palmer Debbie
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background

The relationship between Olympic career sport injury and the long-term musculoskeletal health of the elite athlete remains unclear. This study describes the lifetime prevalence of medical attention injuries that occurred during training and/or competition as part of the athlete’s Olympic career, reasons for retirement from Olympic sport, and the point prevalence of pain and osteoarthritis (OA) among retired Great Britain’s (GB) Olympians.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved distributing a questionnaire to retired GB Olympians who had competed at 36 Olympic Games between Berlin 1936 and Sochi 2014. The questionnaire captured Olympic career injury history (lasting ≥ 1 month), sport exposure, musculoskeletal pain (last 4 weeks), physician-diagnosed OA, and joint replacement. Injury prevalence was calculated for sports with a minimal of 15 respondents. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated in logistic regression for pain, OA, and joint replacement. Models were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and career duration.

Results

Six hundred fifty (57.8% male; 42.2% female) retired athletes representing 40 sports (29 summer; 11 winter), aged 60.5 years (range 23–97), completed the questionnaire. Overall, 721 injuries (368 athletes) were self-reported equating to a lifetime Olympic career injury prevalence of 56.6%. Injury prevalence was highest in field athletics (81.0%), gymnastics (75.0%), and track athletics (67.7%). Injuries most frequently occurred at the knee (19.0%), lower back (15.4%), and shoulder (11.5%). Of those injured, 19.5% retired from sport due to injury. Pain was most prevalent at the lumbar spine (32.8%), knee (25.3%), and hip (22.5%), and OA at the knee (13.4%), hip (10.4%), and lumbar spine (4.6%). Injury was associated with pain at the hip (aOR 4.88; 95% CI, 1.87–12.72, p = 0.001), knee (aOR 2.35; 95% CI, 1.45–3.81, p = 0.001), and lumbar spine (aOR 2.53; 95% CI, 1.63–3.92, p < 0.001); OA at the hip (aOR 5.97; 95% CI, 1.59–22.47, p = 0.008) and knee (aOR 3.91; 95% CI, 2.21–6.94, p < 0.001); and joint replacement at the hip (aOR 8.71; 95% CI, 2.13–35.63, p = 0.003) and knee (aOR 5.29; 95% CI, 2.39–11.74, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The lifetime prevalence of Olympic career injury was 56.6%, with those injured more likely to self-report current pain and/or OA at the hip, knee, and lumbar spine and joint replacement at the hip and knee.
Two Philippine Photorhabdus luminescens strains inhibit the in vitro growth of Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, and Colletotrichum spp.
Authors: Alforja Samantha Izabelle R. , Rico Paolo Miguel B. , Caoili Barbara L. , Latina Romnick A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Fungal phytopathogens are one of the leading causes of loss in global food production. Chemical fungicides have always been used to control the phytopathogens to mitigate losses. However, it is widely known that this approach is not sustainable. Thus, it is essential to develop alternative control methods, such as the use of biological control agents.

Results

This study provided a preliminary data on the efficacy of 2 local Photorhabdus strains, associated with Heterorhabditis indica BSDS and H. indica MAP, against selected post-harvest fungal phytopathogens, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Colletotrichum musae, and another Colletotrichum sp., by measuring their in vitro inhibitory activity. The Photorhabdus strains were isolated from the hemolymph of Ostrinia furnicalis infected with H. indica BSDS and H. indica MAP and grown selectively on NBTA media. Firstly, the bacterial endosymbionts' generic identity was confirmed through colony PCR based on a Photorhabdus Txp40 toxin-specific marker. Species identity was then elucidated through 16s marker-assisted GenBank mining as P. luminescens, sharing 99.51–99.58% similarity with P. luminescens subsp. akhurstii (Accession no. AY278643.1). Anti-fungal activity was observed by the bioassay experiments, using cell-free culture filtrates (CFCs), obtained from P. luminescens tryptic soy broth suspensions (OD600 = 2.0) amended in PDA medium (25%v/v) based on percentage growth inhibition. The CFCs of P. luminescens BSDS showed a significantly higher suppressive activity against Colletotrichum musae, Colletotrichum sp., and Lasiodiplodia theobromae, with 93.18 ± 0.46%, 74.15 ± 0.54%, and 60.51 ± 2.04% growth inhibition, respectively, while the CFC of P. luminescens MAP showed a significantly higher suppressive activity against F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici with 21.87 ± 0.71% growth inhibition.

Conclusions

The results strongly showed that these strains of Photorhabdus can be promising biological control agents against these fungal phytopathogens. Further extensive research is warranted for the development of these promising biofungicides into a practical, economically viable, and environment-friendly control strategy that can be incorporated into any integrated pest management program.
Predicting running time of aerodynamic jobs in HPC system by combining supervised and unsupervised learning method
Authors: Wang Hao , Dai Yi-Qin , Yu Jie , Dong Yong
Published: July 2021

Improving resource utilization is an important goal of high-performance computing systems of supercomputing centers. To meet this goal, the job scheduler of high-performance computing systems often uses backfilling scheduling to fill short-time jobs into job gaps at the front of the queue. Backfilling scheduling needs to obtain the running time of the job. In the past, the job running time is usually given by users and often far exceeded the actual running time of the job, which leads to inaccurate backfilling and a waste of computing resources. In particular, when the predicted job running time is lower than the actual time, the damage caused to the utilization of the system’s computing resources becomes more serious. Therefore, the prediction accuracy of the job running time is crucial to the utilization of system resources. The use of machine learning methods can make more accurate predictions of the job running time. Aiming at the parallel application of aerodynamics, we propose a job running time prediction framework SU combining supervised and unsupervised learning and verify it on the real historical data of the high-performance computing systems of China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center (CARDC). The experimental results show that SU has a high prediction accuracy (80.46%) and a low underestimation rate (24.85%).
Flow and heat transfer in a rectangular converging (diverging) channel: new formulation
Authors: Laila Roohi , Marwat Dil Nawaz Khan , Ali Azhar
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a model problem of viscous flow and heat transfer in a rectangular converging (diverging) channel has been investigated.
The governing equations are presented in Cartesian Coordinates and consequently they are simplified and solved with perturbation and numerical methods. Initially, symmetrical solutions of the boundary value problem are found for the upper half of the channel. Later on, these solutions are extended to the lower half and then to the whole channel. The numerical and perturbation solutions are compared and exactly matched with each other for a small value of the parameters involved in the problem. It is also confirmed that the solutions for the converging/diverging channel are independent of the sign of m (the slope). Moreover, the skin friction coefficient and heat transfer at the upper wall are calculated and graphed against the existing parameters in different figures. It is observed that the heat transfer at walls is decreased (increased) with increasing $${c}_{1}$$

c
1

(thermal controlling parameter) for diverging (converging). It is also decreased against Pr (Prandtle number). For $${c}_{1}=0$$

c
1

=
0

, the temperature profiles may be exactly determined from the governing equations and the rate of heat transfer at the upper wall is $$\theta^{\prime } (1) = \frac{m}{{(1 + m^{2} )\tan^{ - 1} m}}$$

θ
′

(
1
)

=

m

(
1
+

m
2

)

tan

-
1

m

. It is confirmed that the skin friction coefficient behaves linearly against Re* (modified Reynolds number) and it is increased with increasing of Re* (changed from negative to positive). Moreover, it is increased asymptotically against m and converges to a constant value i.e. zero.
SARS-CoV-2-associated gastrointestinal and liver diseases: what is known and what is needed to explore
Authors: Sweed Dina , Abdelsameea Eman , Khalifa Esraa A. , Abdallah Heba , Moaz Heba , Moaz Inas , Abdelsattar Shimaa , Abdel-Rahman Nadine , Mosbeh Asmaa , Elmahdy Hussein A. , Sweed Eman
Published: July 2021

Background

The pandemic of COVID19 which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first described in China as an unexplained pneumonia transmitted by respiratory droplets. Gastrointestinal (GI) and liver injury associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported as an early or sole disease manifestation, mainly outside China. The exact mechanism and incidence of GI and liver involvement are not well elucidated.

Main body

We conducted a PubMed search for all articles written in the English language about SARS-CoV-2 affecting the GI and liver. Following data extraction, 590 articles were selected. In addition to respiratory droplets, SARS-CoV-2 may reach the GI system through the fecal-oral route, saliva, and swallowing of nasopharyngeal fluids, while breastmilk and blood transmission were not implicated. Moreover, GI infection may act as a septic focus for viral persistence and transmission to the liver, appendix, and brain. In addition to the direct viral cytopathic effect, the mechanism of injury is multifactorial and is related to genetic and demographic variations. The most frequently reported GI symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding. However, liver infection is generally discovered during laboratory testing or a post-mortem. Radiological imaging is the gold standard in diagnosing COVID-19 patients and contributes to understanding the mechanism of extra-thoracic involvement. Medications should be prescribed with caution, especially in chronic GI and liver patients.

Conclusion

GI manifestations are common in COVID-19 patients. Special care should be paid for high-risk patients, older males, and those with background liver disease.
PSMA Expression in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Association with Radioiodine, 18FDG Uptake, and Patient Outcome
Authors: Ciappuccini Renaud , Saguet-Rysanek Virginie , Giffard Florence , Licaj Idlir , Dorbeau Marine , Clarisse Bénédicte , Poulain Laurent , Bardet Stéphane
Published: July 2021

Context

Little is known about prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression in patients with cervical involvement of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Objective

We investigated PSMA expression in neck persistent/recurrent disease (PRD) using immunohistochemistry and the association with radioiodine (RAI) or 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) uptake, and patient outcome.

Design, Setting, and Patients

Data from 44 consecutive DTC patients who underwent neck reoperation from 2006 to 2018 in a comprehensive cancer center.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Immunostaining was performed with vascular endothelial marker CD31 and PSMA. PSMA expression was quantified using the immunoreactive score (IRS). RAI and 18FDG uptake were assessed before surgery using posttherapeutic RAI scintigraphy and 18FDG positron emission tomography with computed tomography. Mean follow-up after reintervention was 6.5 ± 3.7 years.

Results

Thirty patients (68%) showed at least 1 PSMA-positive lesion (IRS ≥ 2) with similar proportions in RAI-positive and RAI-negative patients (75% vs 66%). In RAI-negative patients, however, the proportion of PSMA-positive disease (79% vs 25%, P < 0.01) and the mean IRS (4.0 vs 1.0, P = 0.01) were higher in 18FDG-positive than in 18FDG-negative patients. Furthermore, mean IRS was higher in patients ≥ 55 years, large primary tumors (>40 mm) or aggressive subtypes, and was correlated with structural disease at last follow-up. Strong PSMA expression (IRS ≥ 9) was associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS).

Conclusions

Our findings show that PSMA expression was present in two-thirds of patients with neck PRD, that it was related to poor prognostic factors and that very high expression was associated with poorer PFS. This preliminary study may offer new perspectives for the management of RAI-refractory DTC.
ESTUDIO INTERREGIONAL COMPARADO DE LA EDUCACIÓN MATEMÁTICA EN LA FORMACIÓN INICIAL DEL PROFESORADO DE EDUCACIÓN PRIMARIA
Authors: Naya-Riveiro Ma.  Cristina , Gómez-Sánchez Tania F. , Rumbo-Arcas Ma Begoña , Segade-Pampín Ma.  Elena
Published: July 2021

En este artículo se analiza la formación inicial en Educación Matemática del Grado en Educación Primaria en las universidades públicas de España. El objetivo es estudiar el tipo de conocimiento matemático presente en los planes de estudio de estas titulaciones. Para ello se realiza un estudio comparado de las guías docentes, cuyo análisis parte de dos parámetros de comparación, basándose en el informe TEDS-M International: el conocimiento del contenido matemático y el conocimiento del contenido pedagógico. Los principales resultados obtenidos muestran una gran variabilidad en la distribución del número y carácter de ECTS ofertados; y el predominio del conocimiento del contenido matemático en relación al contenido pedagógico.
Evaluation of Immunomodulatory Effect of a Novel Test Formulation in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Dysfunction in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Trivedi Mahendra Kumar , Branton Alice , Trivedi Dahryn , Jana Snehasis
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of the Biofield Treated/Blessed proprietary test formulation consisting of essential ingredients viz. minerals (zinc, magnesium, iron, and copper) and vitamins (B6, B12, and D3) in male Sprague Dawley rats. Each ingredient of the test formulation was divided into two parts. One part was denoted as the control without any Biofield Energy Healing Treatment/Blessing, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed sample, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment/Blessing by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi remotely. Additionally, three group of animals were also received Biofield Energy Treatment per se (at day -15) under similar conditions. The parameters were assessed such as immune biomarkers (IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE, CD4+, CD8+, and CD28+), biochemistry and hematology and histopathology. The experimental results showed IgG level was significantly increased by 10.70% and 8.03% in the G6 (Biofield Energy Treatment per se at day -15) and G8 (Biofield Treatment per se to animals plus Biofield Treated test formulation from day -15) groups, respectively as compared with untreated test formulation (G4). Additionally, CD8+ count was significantly increased by 20.67% in the G8 group, while CD28+ count was significantly increased by 11.70%, 8.32%, and 9.82% in the G7 (Biofield Energy Treated test formulation at day -15), G8, and G9 (Biofield Treatment per se (day -15) to animals plus untreated test formulation) groups, respectively after Biofield Energy Treatment to the animals as compared with the untreated test formulation. In hematological analysis, platelet count was increased in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups by 40.69%, 27.95%, 26.67%, 38.58%, and 28.28%, respectively compared with the disease control (G2) group. Biochemical parameters showed significant decrease in the level of creatinine by 32.14% in the G9 group as compared with the G2 group. Further, animal body weight, feed intake, relative organ weight, and histopathological findings of all the tested groups did not show any abnormal findings with respect to the safe and non-toxic treatment strategies. Overall, the experimental data concluded that the Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed test formulation showed considerable improved cellular and humoral immune response as compared with the untreated test formulation. Thus, the Trivedi Effect®-Biofield Energy Healing Treatment per se and the test formulation has the significant capacity for immunomodulatory effect, stress management and anti-aging by improving overall health.
Elasticity Profile of Skin, Neuronal, Cardiac, and Skeletal Muscle Cells after Treatment with the Biofield Energy Healing-Based Proprietary Test Formulation
Authors: Trivedi Mahendra Kumar , Branton Alice , Trivedi Dahryn , Jana Snehasis
Published: July 2021

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Trivedi Effect®- Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed Test formulation/item (TI) composed of minerals (magnesium, zinc, copper, calcium, selenium, and iron), vitamins (ascorbic acid, pyridoxine HCl, alpha tocopherol, cyanocobalamin, and cholecalciferol), Panax ginseng extract, CBD isolates, and β-carotene on elasticity of skin, heart, muscle, and neuronal cells in the H9C2 (rat cardiomyocytes), C2C12 (mouse myoblast cells), HaCaT (human keratinocytes), and SH-SY5Y (human neuroblastoma cells) cell line in DMEM medium. The test formulation constituents were divided into two parts; one section was defined as untreated test formulation (UT), while the other portion of test formulation received Biofield Energy Healing/Blessing Treatment (BT) by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The test items were treated with Biofield Energy Healing/Blessing Treatment and divided as Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed (BT) and untreated (UT) test items. MTT data showed that the test formulation in various concentrations was found as safe and nontoxic in the tested concentrations with viability range from 73% to 307%. Young’s modulus (YM) is a measure of cell stiffness, a decrease in YM value indicates increase elasticity of the cells and vice-versa. YM in H9C2 cells were decreased by 9.6% and 66.1% in the BT-DMEM + UT-TI group at 0.1 and 1 µg/mL respectively, as compared with untreated test group. However, C2C21 cells showed increased YM by 443.9% at 1 µg/mL in the UT-DMEM + BT-TI group, while 869.6% increased YM in the BT-DMEM + UT-TI group at 1 µg/mL as compared with untreated test group. However, 314% increased YM was reported in the BT-DMEM + BT-TI group at 1 µg/mL as compared with the untreated test group. However, the value of YM was significantly decreased in the HaCaT cell line by 247.7% (at 1 µg/mL), 225.8% (at 0.1 µg/mL), and 97.9% (at 1 µg/mL) in the UT-DMEM + BT-TI, BT-DMEM + UT-TI, and BT-DMEM + BT-TI group respectively, as compared with the untreated group. In addition, YM was significantly decreased in the SH-SY5Y cell line by 92.6%, 18.1%, and 26.6% at 1 µg/mL in the UT-DMEM + BT-TI, BT-DMEM + UT-TI, and BT-DMEM + BT-TI group respectively, as compared with the untreated group. Overall, the results showed the significant decreased YM among the SH-SY5Y, HaCaT, and H9C2 cells, while it was increased in the C2C21 cell line. Thus, the mechanical properties of cells such as cellular function, including shape, motility, differentiation, division, and adhesion to its surrounding extracellular matrix were improved. Overall, it can be useful in many disease progressions with improved cellular elasticity and its associated complications/symptoms.
Diagnostic value of supersonic shear impulse elastography for malignant cervical lymph nodes: a Bayesian analysis
Authors: Qiu Yuxuan , Xing Zhichao , Yang Qianru , Luo Yan
Published: July 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of supersonic impulse (SSI) elastography in differentiating malignant and benign cervical lymph nodes.Methods: The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched until December 1, 2020. Two different reviewers checked the studies and extracted the data. The diagnostic yields were quantitatively synthesized using a Bayesian bivariate model with an integrated nested Laplace approximation in R.Results: In total, 590 patients with 892 cervical lymph nodes who underwent SSI elastography were included. The total prevalence of malignancy was 33.7% (301/892), and the four elastic modulus values (mean, maximum, minimum, and standard deviation) were significantly different between malignant and benign lymph nodes. For the mean elastic modulus, the summary estimates for sensitivity and specificity were 0.720 (95% credible interval [CrI], 0.592 to 0.824) and 0.877 (95% CrI, 0.727 to 0.969), respectively. The estimated area under the curve (AUC) was 0.845 (95% CrI, 0.672 to 0.914). For the maximum elastic modulus, the sensitivity and specificity were estimated to be 0.809 (95% CrI, 0.698 to 0.899) and 0.816 (95% CrI, 0.643 to 0.924), respectively. The estimated AUC was 0.834 (95% CrI, 0.579 to 0.938). The minimum and standard deviation of the elastic modulus and the outcomes of the positive and negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and risk difference were also calculated.Conclusion: SSI elastography is an acceptable imaging technique for diagnosing malignant cervical lymph nodes, and it can play a complementary role today. Both maximum and mean elastic modulus values should be taken into consideration to make a clinical judgment.
Evaluation of ultrasound point shear wave elastography reliability in an elasticity phantom
Authors: Sultan Salahaden R. , Alghamdi Amer , Abdeen Rawan , Almutairi Fahad
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To date, limited studies have specifically addressed the reliability of ultrasound point shear-wave elastography (pSWE). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the reproducibility of ultrasound pSWE within and between operators using two ultrasound scanners.Methods: iU22 and EPIQ7 ultrasound scanners were used to assess the reliability of pSWE measurements of four inclusions [L I (8 kPa), L II (14 kPa), L III (48 kPa), and L IV (80 kPa)] at a depth of 3.5 cm in an elasticity phantom using a curvilinear 5-1 MHz transducer. The intraoperator, inter-operator, and inter-scanner reproducibility of pSWE was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Bland-Altman plots were used to establish bias and limits of agreement (LoA) between measurements. The accuracy of pSWE from manufacturer values was determined using the one-sample t-test.Results: Intra-operator agreement was excellent, with an ICC >0.90. The bias in measurements for operator A was -0.36±3.13 kPa (LoA, -6.47 to 5.75), and for operator B it was 1.97±6.29 kPa (LoA, -10.25 to 14.21). Inter-operator agreement was excellent, with an ICC of 0.95. The bias in measurements between operators was -0.42±5.00 kPa (LoA, -10.24 to 9.38). The inter-scanner agreement between EPIQ7 and iU22 was excellent, with an ICC of 0.96. The bias in measurements between scanners was 1.74±4.44 kPa (LoA, -6.95 to 10.45). There was significant overestimation for L I (17.75%) and L II (31.14%) and underestimation for L III (-15.28%) and L VI (-98.00%) relative to the manufacturer-reported values.Conclusion: Phantom ultrasound pSWE was reproducible within and between operators, and between Philips ultrasound scanners; further studies using different ultrasound systems and transducers are required.
PERAN PENDIDIKAN TINGGI HUKUM DAN URGENSI MAHASISWA DALAM MEWUJUDKAN HUKUM YANG BERKEADILAN
Authors: Romadan Syahrul
Published: July 2021

Penulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kapasitas pendidikan tinggi hukum dan mahasiswa hukum dalam menciptakan penegak hukum yang berintegritas, profesional, serta mampu mewujudkan keadilan hukum. Penegakan hukum di Indonesia yang tidak saling bersinergi satu sama lain akan menghambat terwujudnya keadilan. Oleh karenanya eksistensi pendidikan tinggi hukum dan mahasiswa hukum sebagai cikal bakal penegakan hukum harus dipertanyakan. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa penegakan hukum di Indonesia masih menunjukkan adanya ketidakefektifan dalam keberjalanannya. Sehingga penulis menyarankan kepada pendidikan tinggi hukum yang harus berorientasi kepada upaya memberikan stimulus kepada mahasiswa supaya mampu memiliki daya pikir kritis, analitis, inovatif dan progresif sehingga esensi dari penegakan hukum yaitu keadilan dapat tercapai.
PENGARUH PEMBERIAN AJUVAN ASAM FOLAT TERHADAP FUNGSI PERSONAL DAN SOSIAL PASIEN SKIZOFRENIA KRONIK
Authors: Suprapti Rini , Fitrikasari Alifiati , Pudjo Rihadini , Asikin Hang Gunawan , Noerhidajati Elly
Published: July 2021

Latar Belakang : Hasil pengobatan skizofenia menunjukkan sebanyak 85% mengalami penurunan fungsi. Remisi klinis tidak selalu mengarah pada pemulihan fungsi. Defisiensi folat diidentifikasi sebagai salah satu faktor risiko skizofrenia.Tujuan : Mengetahui manfaat ajuvan asam folat dalam memperbaiki fungsi personal dan sosial pasien skizofrenia kronis.Metode : Penelitian eksperimental dengan desain double blind – randomized controlled trial, pre post test design. Semua subjek yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi diambil menurut waktu (consecutive sampling), kemudian secara blok random dikelompokkan dalam kelompok perlakuan dan kelompok kontrol. Perlakuan dengan ajuvan asam folat 2 mg / hari selama 4 minggu. Kelompok kontrol mendapatkan anti psikotik dengan plasebo. Anti psikotik yang digunakan tidak sama. PSP diukur sebelum dan sesudah perlakuan. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan kuesioner sosiodemografi dan kuesioner wawancara terstruktur Personal and Social Performance Scale versi Indonesia.Hasil :  Terdapat 66 subjek yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi, 2 diantaranya Drop Out karena kejang dan SNM. Uji komparatif karakteristik demografik kelompok perlakuan dan kelompok kontrol tidak ada perbedaan bermakna. Terdapat peningkatan skor PSP yang bermakna secara statistik p <0,01 di kedua kelompok dengan peningkatan skor PSP kelompok perlakuan lebih tinggi (p = 0,029).Simpulan : Ajuvan asam folat memperbaiki fungsi sosial dan personal pasien skizofrenia kronis.
INTERVENSI PERMAINAN MONOPOLI DAN DISKUSI GIZI SEIMBANG UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR DI KABUPATEN BOGOR
Authors: Fitriyanti Rita , Sriprahastuti Brian , Cicih Lilis Heri Mis
Published: July 2021

Latar belakang: Berdasarkan Data Riset Kesehatan Dasar (Riskesdas) 2018  masalah gizi Anak Usia Sekolah di Indonesia masih cukup tinggi. Salah satu cara yang paling efektif dalam menyosialisasikan pengetahuan gizi melalui lembaga pendidikan.Tujuan : Mengetahui efektivitas permainan monopoli gizi dan diskusi untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan gizi seimbang sekolah dasar di Kabupaten Bogor.Metode : Penelitian kuantitatif eksperimen dan kualitatif dengan jenis Quasi Eksperiment dipadukan diskusi dan observasi pada siswa sekolah dasar di Kabupaten Bogor. Penelitian dirancang dengan pre and post with control desain. Jumlah sampel masing masing sebanyak 64 orang pada kelompok kontrol SDN 01 dan intervensi SDN 02. Kelompok intervensi adalah siswa yang diberikan permainan monopoli dan diskusi. Subjek penelitian adalah siswa sekolah dasar kelas 4. Analisis data menggunakan uji t berpasangan dan  uji Wilcoxon.Hasil : Ada perbedaan yang signifikan peningkatan pengetahuan gizi seimbang pada skor pre test dan post test kelompok intervensi p-value <0,001 sedangkan skor pre test dan post test kelompok kontrol p value 0,001 (<0,05). Perbandingan skor pengetahuan pada kelompok intervensi dan kontrol didapatkan skor pre test p value 0,638 (>0,05), post test 1 p value 0,582 (>0,05), dan p value post test 2 0,106 (>0,05) tidak ada perbedaan yang signifikan Skor Pre test, Post test 1, dan Post test 2 pada peningkatan Pengetahuan gizi seimbang. Berdasarkan perhitungan N-Gain hasil efektivitas sebesar 1,40 dapat disimpulkan kelompok intervensi dinyatakan lebih efektif daripada kelompok kontrol.  Berdasarkan hasil tidak terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan rata-rata skor Sikap Gizi seimbang dan sikap terhadap media pada kelompok intervensi dan kontrol.Simpulan : Media monopoli dapat digunakan sebagai alat pembelajaran dibidang pendidikan sebagai sarana edukasi pengetahuan gizi seimbang.
KONSUMSI PROTEIN, VITAMIN A DAN STATUS GIZI SERTA KAITANNYA DENGAN HASIL BELAJAR ANAK SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Wadhani Luh Putu Prema , Wijaya Shiza Maunik
Published: July 2021

Latar belakang: Masalah kesehatan dan prestasi anak usia sekolah yang rendah saat ini menjadi penentu kualitas suatu bangsa dimasa yang akan datang. Pertumbuhan dan perkembangan fisik, mental dan intelektual pada anak sangat membutuhkan asupan zat gizi seperti protein dan vitamin A dan status gizi yang baik.Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keterkaitan tingkat konsumsi protein, vitamin A dan status gizi dengan hasil belajar anak sekolah dasarMetode: Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian asosiatif dengan menggunakan metode pendekatan survey. Pengambilan data pada penelitian ini bersifat cross sectional. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan April hingga Juni 2019 di dua sekolah dasar yang ada di Kabupaten Badung-Bali. Teknik pengambilan menggunakan teknik random dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 50 orang yang dilakukan di kelas V. Data mengenai konsumsi protein dan vitamin A diperoleh dengan menggunakan instrument food recall selama 3x24 jam. Data status gizi dengan menggunakan indeks massa tubuh (IMT) menurut umur. Data hasil belajar menggunakan hasil ujian akhir semester ganjil. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan analisis korelasi sperman rank.Hasil: Terdapat 66% (33 orang) anak dengan kategori status gizi yang normal, 50% (25 orang) anak mengkonsumsi protein dengan kategori yang baik, dan 58% (29 orang) anak mengkonsumsi makanan sumber vitamin A dalam kategori yang sedang. Konsumsi protein (p<0,05) dan vitamin A memilki keterkaitan dengan hasil belajar (p<0,05) dan status gizi memilki keterkaitan dengan hasil belajar anak sekolah dasar (p<0,05).Simpulan: Konsumsi protein, vitamin A dan status gizi memilki keterkaitan dengan hasil belajar pada anak sekolah dasar.
Innervation Patterns of the Pronator Teres Muscle and Their Possible Role in Neurotization: A Systematic Review of Cadaveric Studies
Authors: Potu Bhagath Kumar , Ravishankar M. V.
Published: July 2021

Background: Contrary to the classic anatomical description, many recent studies have reported wide variations in branching patterns and location of motor branches that are supplying the pronator teres muscle. To understand these variations and their implications in surgical procedures of the nerve transfers, a systematic review was performed on the innervation of pronator teres muscle from cadaveric studies.Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in databases such as Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Cochrane reviews and orthopedics textbooks using the search terms “pronator teres nerve branches”; AND “number” OR “location” OR “length” OR “diameter” yielded 545 article links. Articles were evaluated according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of twenty cadaveric studies including 648 branches have registered 52.9% of two branch innervation pattern followed by 31.3%-single branch pattern; 13.5%-three branch pattern; 1.7%-four branch pattern, and 0.4%-five branch patterns, respectively. Of the 403 branches studied for their location in relation with the humeral intercondylar line, most branches were located distal to the line (50.3%), followed by 32.7% (proximal to it) and 16.8% at the line, respectively. The distance of branches located proximal and distal to humeral intercondylar line was in the range of 1.25–10 cm, and 1.1–7.5 cm, respectively. The mean length and diameter of nerves reported were 4.37 ± 2.43 cm, and 1.5 mm, respectively. Conclusions: Our data defined the morphometrics of nerve branches and they often met the required diameter for neurotization procedures. Our findings also demonstrated that the morphometrics, branching pattern and their location vary between populations and this information is very vital for surgeons during the nerve transfers.
The Effect of Lactobacillus casei on Experimental Porcine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Induced by Dextran Sodium Sulphate
Authors: Bureš Jan , Kohoutová Darina , Květina Jaroslav , Radochová Věra , Pavlík Michal , Tichý Aleš , Rejchrt Stanislav , Kopáčová Marcela , Douda Tomáš , Vysloužil David , Pejchal Jaroslav
Published: July 2021

Background: Gastrointestinal injury caused by dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) is a reliable porcine experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus casei DN 114001 (LC) on DSS-induced experimental IBD.Results: Eighteen female pigs (Sus scrofa f. domestica, weight 33–36 kg, age 4–5 months) were divided into 3 groups (6 animals per group): controls with no treatment, DSS, and DSS + LC. LC was administered to overnight fasting animals in a dietary bolus in the morning on days 1–7 (4.5 × 1010 live bacteria/day). DSS was applied simultaneously on days 3–7 (0.25 g/kg/day). On day 8, the pigs were sacrificed. Histopathological score and length of crypts/glands (stomach, jejunum, ileum, transverse colon), length and width of villi (jejunum, ileum), and mitotic and apoptotic indices (jejunum, ileum, transverse colon) were assessed. DSS increased the length of glands in the stomach, length of crypts and villi in the jejunum and ileum, and the histopathological score of gastrointestinal damage, length of crypts and mitotic activity in the transverse colon. Other changes did not achieve any statistical significance. Administration of LC reduced the length of villi in the jejunum and ileum to control levels and decreased the length of crypts in the jejunum. Conclusions: Treatment with a probiotic strain of LC significantly accelerated regeneration of the small intestine in a DSS-induced experimental porcine model of IBD.
Unintentional Opioid Overdoses Treated at University Clinic of Toxicology-Skopje in a Nine-Year-Period
Authors: Simonovska Natasha , Velik-Stefanovska Vesna , Babulovska Aleksandra
Published: July 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological profile of unintentional opioid overdoses, the prevalence and number of psychotropic substances involved in opioid overdoses.Methods: This was a descriptive study, in which 180 participants were enrolled, and covered a nine-years-period. For collecting data was used the National patient electronic system “My term”. The variables as gender, age, duration of opioid dependence, number of overdoses, type of substance, number of antidote ampoules, duration of hospitalization were analyzed. Severity of poisoning was made by using the Poison severity score. Results: Opioid overdose cases were significantly higher among males than females. Mean age with standard deviation (SD) was 32.23 ± 6.71 years. Mean years (±SD) of duration of opioid use disorder was 11.60 ± 5.89 years. The most commonly used primary substance was methadone in 68.89% and heroin in 31.11% cases. Twenty patients were treated with mechanical ventilation because of the severe respiratory depression. Poison severity score was moderate in 51.11%, severe in 45.56% and fatal in 3.33% of the cases. Conclusion: Most of the cases, predominantly males used one or two substances. The combination of methadone and benzodiazepine was most frequently used and the most common way was by injecting the abused substances. In most of the subjects PSS score was moderate and severe with no differences between genders.