bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Research on the Use of Audio-Visual Aids among Learners’ English Language
Authors: Et.al Charanjit Kaur Swaran Singh
Published: April 2021

This paper reviews the literature on the use of audio-visual to improve lower proficiency learners’ English Language. Audio-visual aids have been very beneficial to make learning interesting among the English as a second language (ESL) because it facilitates learning. Teachers have to be innovative in their pedagogy approach to make language teaching effective. Today, teachers are no longer dependent on traditional method of teaching instead they have adapted different techniques to teach language. Past studies have reported that teachers opted to use audio-visual because students showed less interest towards English language, students view English language as subject to fulfil the examination requirement, students’ displayed reluctance to speak due to their fear to make mistakes in pronunciation and other. Hence, this paper further analyses the need to investigate the issues that are related on the usage of audio-visual aids to the teaching of English language which needs immediate attention.
A Review of Data Analysis for Gamification: Challenges, Motivations, Recommendations and Methodological Aspects
Authors: Et.al Charanjit Kaur Swaran Singh
Published: April 2021

Gamification is a significant pedagogical approach employed to facilitate learning not limited in educational setting but also across other domains. This pedagogical approach is a hot topic among academics from various disciplines. Various studies domains including education, social sciences, healthcare, tourism, engineering, translation, nursing, arts and applied arts have ventured into gamification to aid learning. Different analysis measures were employed by the researchers to carry out studies on experimental research using different samples to develop the articles. This study is developed with the aims to review and analyse the existing literature related to gamification adding to the research methodologies, types of data analyses, significant findings and also samples used to collect the data. The taxonomies developed based on the reviews made have been categorised based on challenges, motivations and recommendations extracted from the researchers who want to take gamification to the next level in different areas of studies. The researchers of this study conducted a systematic search on topics related to gamification, approaches used for the data analysis and studied on the types of data employed. Search on five main databases were carried out namely Scopus, EBSCHO, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and Taylors and Francis from 2012 September to January 2020. These databases searched were sufficient and dependable to write on gamification. Articles were carefully selected on the basis the researchers’’ inclusion and exclusion criteria (n = 312). The first percentage of the studies (n=19/312) focused on game elements in relation to the implementation of gamification across different age of the learners. This portion of the studies (n=107/312) discuss on digital badges, digital gamification/digital tool, game like educational apps. The second section of the study describe about game-based learning in relation to gamification that emphasised on pedagogies, teaching skills, teaching beliefs, lesson outcomes, theories, learners, emotional engagement, innovative teaching and environment. The portion of the studies (n=43/213) discuss on serious games specifically game principles, behaviour, collaborative work, video games and accommodation of psychological needs. The fourth portion (n=66/312) is on novel emerging trends in gamification namely flipped classroom, blended learning in gamification, collaborative learning and gamification, mobile learning and gamification, CLIL and gamification, MOOC and problem solving that led to transformative pedagogy. The fifth portion (30/312 is on game based eLearning and the last portion is on motivation (47/312). Technological advancement and rapid development in information and communication technologies has increase researchers’ interest to pursue research in gamification to use it as a meaningful pedagogical tool to sustain students’ learning.
A Pilot Study Using Chaos Theory to Predict Temperature Time Series in Malaysian Semi Urban Area
Authors: Et.al Nor Zila Abd Hamid
Published: April 2021

Chaos theory draws more attention since it has been widely used in modeling various time series. Changes in temperature can cause bad effect on health and lead to death. Therefore, in this study, chaos theory was applied to the temperature time series. The temperature time series is observed hourly in one of Malaysiansemi urban area namely Tanjong Malim,located in the state of Perak. This pilot study begins by detecting the chaos nature in time series through phase space approach and Cao method. Next, the time series was predicted through the local approximation method, a method based on chaos theory. This study resulted that the nature of the observed temperature time series was chaos. Prediction through the local approximation method was success with correlation coefficient value 0.9138. This shows that there exist a strong relationship between the predicted and observed temperature time series. Therefore, chaos theorywas a good approach that can be used to determine the nature and predict temperature time series in the semi urban area. In implication, this findingwas expected to serve stakeholders such as Ministry of Higher Education, Meteorological Department as well as Department of Environment in temperature time series management.
Analysis of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) for Financial Literacy on Kids Application Technology
Authors: Et.al Nurhanani Romli
Published: April 2021

Financial literacy was very important to be introduced since the early children. In Malaysia, the children began to start for formal education of the stage in preschool. This paper will discuss about the acceptance of technology as a method to teach that kids for financial literacy. With the development in technology at present, using of teaching based on technology was very important for all levels including children at preschool age. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was widely used in studies related to the use of technology applications in society. There are two factors variables that will test on this paper. The first one was perceived useful and the second one was easy to use. Quantitative method will be used to collect all of data. The questionnaire survey was distributed to a total of 136 respondents which it’s have been use the financial literacy application incorporated as a tools to teach the kids. Findings of the study indicate the importance of technology as a medium to teach kids regarding the financial literacy.
Determination of Suitable Candidate Genes as Endogenous Control for Gene Expression Analysis in Local Capsicum Annuum MC11
Authors: Et.al Marina Mokhtar
Published: April 2021

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is one of the most common methods for gene expression studies. Data normalization based on reference genes is essential for qRT-PCR assays. This study identifies suitable reference genes for local chilli, Capsicum annuum var MC11 under incident of Cucumber mosaic virus infection. Six candidate genes actin, tub, EF1α, GAPDH, TEF1α and 18SrRNA and three validated Capsicum reference genes UBI-3 ref, β-tub ref and gapdhref were tested against five chilli plant parts stem, shoot, leave, flower and root.  The PCR/qRT-PCR results demonstrate only five candidate references genes actin, EF1α, GAPDH, 18SrRNA, and TEF1α that show specific single band of amplicon, without primer dimers and at the targeted sizes. Through qRT-PCR, GAPDH gives single peak in dissociation curve in all plant parts used further fulfilling the characteristic of reference genes.Previous work on validation of reference genes in pepper shows that only UBI-3 suits to C. annuum var MC11 infected CMV, thus we suggest that GAPDH has a potential to be a validated reference gene for C. annuum var MC11 and can be used together UBI-3 for the purpose of data normalization.
A Classification of Computational Thinking Model Based on Computational Thinking Abilities in Game-Based Learning Activities
Authors: Et.al Maizatul Hayati Mohamad Yatim
Published: April 2021

This article reports a structural classification taxonomy on computational thinking abilities among tertiary students in game-based learning activities focusing on the playing games approach. The computational thinking abilities among tertiary students involves with the two main constructs which are solving problem creatively and making decision in game-based learning activity for their learning purposes. This study described the fundamental issue of applying computational thinking to tertiary students in university setting towards nurturing 21st Century skills. The issues were then analysed using attributes embedded in three different areas which are the computational thinking, game-based learning activities, and the 21st Century skills. A case study with ten students was used as the qualitative research design, and subsequently through interview protocol and observations. From the case study conducted, a taxonomy of computational thinking for enhancing 21st Century skills in game-based learning (playing games) approach was developed to classifying computational thinking with student’s experiences in game-based learning activity. It is believed that this research can helps educators and curriculum decision makers in identify the appropriate computing activities for tertiary students in university.
Bayesian Hierarchical Growth Model for Experimental Data on the Effectiveness of an Incentive-Based Weight Reduction Method
Authors: Et.al Md Azman Shahadan
Published: April 2021

The objective of this current research is to model the experimental data on the effectiveness of an incentive-based weight reduction method by using Bayesian hierarchical growth models. Three Bayesian hierarchical growth models are proposed, namely parametric Bayesian hierarchical growth model with correlated intercept and slope random effects model, parametric Bayesian hierarchical growth model with no correlated intercept and slope random effects model and semi-parametric Bayesian hierarchical growth model with Dirichlet process mixture prior model. The data is obtained from forty eight (48) students who had participated in an experiment on weight reduction method. The students were divided equally into two groups: single and pair groups. The experiment was carried out over the period of three months with a weight reading session for every two weeks.  At the end of the study, we had six repeated measures of each student’s weight in kg and some measures of covariates and factors.  Our results showed that the best model for the above data based on the Bayesian fit indexes and the models’ flexibility is the semi-parametric Bayesian hierarchical growth model with Dirichlet process mixture prior model. The results of the semi-parametric model showed that the ‘growth’ or reduction rates of the weight reduction experiment relate to the students’ gender, height in cm, experimental group (single or pair) and time in term of weeks.
Flipping The Classroom: A Step Forward towards Understand its Impact on Students’ Learning Satisfaction
Authors: Et.al Noraini Mohamed Noh
Published: April 2021

The latest technology development has brought various changes to the education world to replace the traditional method in teaching and learning. The Flipped Learning model is one of the approaches which utilises technology and it has become popular for teaching and learning. This study aimed to assess the effects of the Flipped Classroom on students’ academic achievement and learning satisfaction in the history subject. The study was conducted on Primary 5 students. Two groups of Primary Five students with the same ability had been chosen and placed in the control group which used the usual method of learning the history subject. As for the treatment group, this involved 30 students who learned history using the flipped classroom method. This study utilized the quasi-experimental design. The study instruments comprised one set of topical questions for the pre-test and post-test and the questionnaire to assess the students’ satisfaction level in learning history. The paired t-test was used in this study to answer all the research questions. The findings showed that the usage of the Flipped Classroom gave a positive effect to the students’ learning satisfaction. The students who studied using the Flipped Classroom had a high mean of satisfaction level compared to students who studied using the usual method. It could be concluded that flexible learning, usage of learning materials with various formats, an active learning environment, students having the opportunity to activate their existing knowledge before the class started, teacher guided self-learning and organized and planned implementation of activities had given a positive effect towards the students’ satisfaction level in learning history; in turn this affected the students’ academic achievement.
The Roles of Penghulu on Small Estate Distribution
Authors: Et.al Mohamad Ali RoshidiAhmad
Published: April 2021

Distribution of the estate is one of the most important issues in the human life. The property acquired through the distribution of the estate can lead to an individual’s future. Some people assume that property is used as measure of the success of a person’s life, so there will be room for the disputation in the authority of the estate. The existence of a dispute in the inheritance division takes place in various forms, some of the which caused the inheritance to be divided only after so long as the inherited person died, some also due to the uncertain estate position, and some of the heirs who deliberately committed crucial documents such as death letter, agreement letter and soon. The delay in applying for settlement of the estate after the death of the property owner (deceased) is a common phenomenon occurring in our society. Many cases are not properly addressed by the heirs and have not been resolved immediately even though the death has taken place for several years. There are certain cases which took decades to complete, and even death cases that took place before the Japanese occupation period had not yet been resolved. The community of ours seems to be trivial about the settlement and division of this estate. They seem to be unaware that the postponement in the division creates a very large legal and law. Any estate that left by the deceased should be manage as soon as possible to avoid any other problem that might be occur in the future. There are several applicants who are eligible to apply and manage the estate by the deceased in the Small Estate Distribution Act 1955. Section 8 (1) of the Small Estate Distribution Act provides for the parties who may apply, one of them is head of community or penghulu or placement officer. This paper will discuss the roles of penghulu to assist the community in management of estate, especially unclaimed estate.
Malaysia Seaport Development towards Embracing Industrial Revolution 4.0: Enhancing the Quality and Competitiveness of Seaport Industry
Authors: Et.al Mohamad Rosni Othman
Published: April 2021

Seaport industry is a dynamic industry which is experiencing a rapid growth. Industrial Revolution 4.0 merges the digital, physical and biological system to enhance the capabilities of the industry. It creates a platform which enables the seaport industry to build its effectiveness, reliability and governance towards improving the quality of seaport services. Accordingly, the evolution of seaport services entails the application of technologies so that the industry can fulfil its customer satisfaction goals. In line with this notion, the purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the quality of seaport services. This research employed the quantitative content analysis, covering seaport effectiveness, seaport reliability and seaport governance. The respondents of this research comprised expert individuals within the seaport industry cluster. The results revealed that there is a significant correlation between the adaption of IR 4.0 and seaport quality. This research offers a truly novel policy innovation towards achieving seaport competitiveness.
Fiber-Wireless Testbed using Software Defined Radio for Protocol and Algorithm Testing
Authors: Et.al Mohammad Azmi Ridwan
Published: April 2021

Fiber-Wireless (FiWi) network is able to provide abundant bandwidth capacity and mobility to the end-users. It also eliminates the needs of having complete tedious end-to-end fiber installation from the central office to the users which saves tremendous capital expenditure. However, FiWi is still progressing. Researchers worldwide are still developing experimental works for improvement on the network reliability, quality-of-services and security. Almost all recently proposed testbed designed for FiWi are using hardware that lacks in programmability feature, making it difficult to implement any protocols and algorithms. A testbed must be flexible, scalable and reprogrammable so that various experiments and testing can be implemented easily for testing purposes. In this paper, a reprogrammable FiWi testbed using software defined radio (SDR) is proposed. One of the most prominent SDR available in the market is Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP). It is chosen to be used in this paper as it is equipped with a user-friendly programming platform; LabVIEW. To test the testbed’s reprogrammability feature, two algorithms are implemented for proof-of-concept; collision avoidance and dynamic bandwidth allocation. The collision avoidance algorithm is implemented in the wireless side of the testbed using the concept of Carrier Sensing Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance. At the fiber domain, a dynamic bandwidth allocation-limited scheduling is incorporated in the testbed. The results show that algorithms implemented in the testbed are in-line with the expected results. It proves that the testbed can be used for future algorithm testing for research purposes.
Empirical Studies on Software Refactoring Techniques in the Industrial Setting
Authors: Et.al Abdullah Almogahed
Published: April 2021

Software refactoring is an approach that aims to improve software system quality by restructuring its internal design without altering the functionality of the software system. The software refactoring has gained comprehensive attention from the research community in software engineering since its emerging in 1999. Empirical studies were carried out to investigate whether the software refactoring indeed can achieve improvement in the software system quality. It is widely believed that refactoring has a favorable quality impact. However, several researchers have opposed this belief. This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of the empirical studies that have been conducted in the industrial setting. Twenty studies were chosen and analyzed in depth as primary studies.The objectives of this SLR are to identify the refactoring techniques examined, and software quality attributes investigated as well as to analyze the connection between the refactoring techniques and the software quality attributes based on the selected empirical studies to understand the situation. The findings showed a lack of empirical research on the effect of the refactoring on software quality. Additionally, the relationship between the refactoring techniques and software quality attributes is unclear. Thus, several recommendations have been proposed to address these gaps.
Diagnóstico e estudo da dinâmica socioambiental do Parque Ambiental Bernardo Berneck em Várzea Grande, Região Metropolitana vale do rio Cuiaba
Authors: Dalla Nora Giseli , Carvalho Soares Neta Aparecida Fátima , Barreto Emerson Luiz Felix , Taveira Yuri
Published: April 2021

Em No espaço-tempo no qual as selvas de pedra são o reflexo das idealizações da mente humana, e que a tecnologia uma extensão de suas relações, a natureza se torna uma fuga, não somente física, mas psicológica de todo o contexto tóxicos das cidades. O ser humano transforma o meio de acordo com suas necessidades, e o mesmo distanciamento do natural que contribuiu para a evolução, motivou a existência dos parques urbanos, tanto para a construção do conhecimento ambiental, quanto para o lazer. Logo o presente artigo, resultado de pesquisas teórico-metodológicas e de campo, tenta refletir o papel do Parque Ambiental Bernardo Berneck no município de Várzea Grande, localizado na região metropolitana Vale do Rio Cuiabá, em Mato Grosso, Brasil, tanto como área de estudo ambiental como agente organizador do espaço que apresenta potencialidades e fragilidades que devem ser utilizadas para que o poder público promova a sustentabilidade desta área.
Aplicación de tecnoloxías sustentables nas novas empresas en México
Authors: Ramírez Coronado Adrián Oswaldo , Vargas-Hernández José G.
Published: April 2021

O obxectivo principal para esta investigación é aplicar tecnoloxías sustentables ás novas empresas en México. A hipótese suscitada neste traballo é que a aplicación de tecnoloxías sustentables nas empresas inflúe positivamente no coidado do medio ambiente, no aforro de enerxía e na produción de mellor calidade e de baixo costo. A metodoloxía utilizada para a realización desta investigación foi cualitativa, que consistiu en recompilar, analizar e revisar literatura de diversos autores e investigacións. O cambio de actitude por parte das empresas viuse reflectido en toma de conciencia que se está tendo respecto de este tema. As empresas comezaron a establecer e a adoptar unha serie de compromisos ecolóxicos e de protección dos ecosistemas mediante o deseño e aplicación dos seus propios programas de xestión ambiental, véndose como unha oportunidade para a mellora da súa situación ambiental presente e futura.
Eficiencia de un sistema combinado para la remoción de carga orgánica de efluentes
Authors: APAZA-AQUINO Hugo
Published: April 2021

Uno de los principales residuos que se genera en la industria láctea es el lactosuero, por su alta carga orgánica representa un serio problema ambiental cuando es desechado a cuerpos naturales receptores, alterando su calidad ambiental. Se evaluó la eficiencia de un sistema combinado compuesto por laelectrocoagulación y filtro biológico; para lo cual se realizó el proceso de electrocoagulación en un reactor de régimen batch con electrodos de aluminio y hierro, el filtro biológico fue empaquetado con biomasa compuesta por: Bacillus spp, Acinetobacter spp, Lactobacillus spp y Streptococcus spp. La electrocoagulación fue el responsable de disminuir en más del 80% de la carga orgánica y el filtro biológico trabajando con una carga orgánica promedio de 1405 mg/L de DBO5 contribuyó en la disminución del remanente de la carga orgánica; el sistema combinado de electrocoagulación - filtro biológico con recirculación logró una eficiencia de remoción para la DQO del 89,7 % y para la DBO5 del 89,8 %, con un pH final de 7,37. Existen diversas tecnologías para tratar aguas residuales de la industria láctea, pero la aplicación un sistema combinado podría ser una alternativa para tratar aguas residuales lácteas por la eficiencia que se obtuvo.Palabras clave: Aguas residuales, electrocoagulación, filtro biológico, lácteo, lactosuero.
Resiliencia en estudiantes adolescentes de una institución educativa de una zona urbano-marginal durante el covid-19
Authors: CUNIAS RODRÍGUEZ Marita Yannyna , MEDINA CARDOZO Ingrid Isabel
Published: April 2021

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo medir el nivel de resiliencia en adolescentes de una institución educativa ubicada en una zona urbano-marginal durante la pandemia producida por el Covid 19, con el propósito de identificar los niveles de competencia emocional y de aceptación de uno mismo durante la emergencia sanitaria, mediante la aplicación de la Escala de Resiliencia de Wagnild y Youn, a 143 adolescentes. El método de investigación empleado fue el descriptivo, con un diseño no experimental. Los resultados señalan que los estudiantes son capaces de adaptarse de forma positiva ante contextos adversos, logrando desarrollar su competencia emocional; asimismo, poseen la habilidad para construir su propia identidad y aceptarse a sí mismos, factores esenciales para el desarrollo de una autoestima adecuada y cumplimiento de metas a largo plazo, por lo que disponen de recursos suficientes para afrontar su futuro.Palabras clave: resiliencia, adolescentes, Covid 19, zona urbano marginal.
The effect of age and genotype on lung function in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Shadrina V. V. , Voronkova A. Yu. , Starinova M. A. , Simonova O. I. , Sergienko D. F. , Semykin S. Yu. , Kashirskaya N. Yu. , Kondratyeva E. I.
Published: April 2021

Identifying the initial manifestations of pulmonary functional disorders associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) is essential for timely correction of the therapy and improvement of the prognosis.

The aim of the study was to identify the age periods with the highest risk of a decrease in lung function in children with different CF genotypes.

Methods. Lung function (LF) was analyzed using spirometry results in CF patients aged 6 to 18 years from the Registry of patients with cystic fibrosis in the Russian Federation 2018.

Results. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was statistically significantly lower in children aged 6 – 10 years with “severe” genotypes than in the children with “mild” genotypes. The lung function was reduced at 11 – 14 years of age in both “severe» and “mild” genotypes without any statistically significant difference. In general, the trend of a decrease in lung function in “severe” genotypes persists in the adolescent period from 15 to 18 years. The lung function is better in adolescents aged 15 – 18 with the “mild” variants of genotypes compared to the patients aged 11 – 14 years.

Conclusion. The “severe” variants of CFTR negatively affect LF of CF patients in all age groups. The LF values in patients with “mild” genotypes at the age of 15 – 18 years were higher than in children aged 11 – 14 years with the same genotypes. There is a need for improved programs of medical care for adolescents with CF.
Functional tests for assessment of residual CFTR channel activity and personalized selection of efficacious CFTR-modulators for cystic fibrosis patients with ‘mild’ and ‘severe’ genetic variants
Authors: Amelina E. L. , Efremova A. S. , Melyanovskaya Yu. L. , Bulatenko N. V. , Bukharova T. B. , Kashirskaya N. Yu. , Krasovskiy S. A. , Goldshtein D. V.
Published: April 2021

Intestinal current measurement (ICM) and forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) assay in human intestinal organoids from rectal biopsies of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are the new functional tests for assessment of CFTR channel activity that are widely used in the leading laboratories worldwide for scientific and clinical studies.

The aim of the study was to assess the use of the new functional tests in adult CF patients with identified N1303K and R334W CFTR gene variants.

Methods. Rectal suction biopsies were obtained from the two CF patients aged 36 and 27 years with N1303K/3821delT and R334W/F508del CFTR mutations, respectively. Results of the ICM and FIS assay in intestinal organoids were compared to the clinical data.

Results. ICM has demonstrated that R334W is a ‘mild’ genetic variant with high residual CFTR channel activity. At the same time, N1303K is a ‘severe’ genetic variant and leads to a severe loss of CFTR channel function. These findings correlate with the clinical data. CFTR modulators compensate for the reduced activity of the R334W CFTR variant, as shown by the FIS assay. But there was a limited response of the forskolin-stimulated organoids to VX-770 potentiator and VX-809 corrector in the cells with N1303K genetic variant.

Conclusion. ICM and FIS assay in human intestinal organoids are reliable methods for quantification of CFTR channel activity. They can also predict the efficacy of the targeted therapy in CF patients in vivo.
Description of rare alleles of the CFTR gene in cystic fibrosis using functional tests and forskolin-induced swelling assay in rectal organoids
Authors: Efremova A. S. , Melyanovskaya Yu. L. , Bulatenko N. V. , Odinaeva N. D. , Orlov A. V. , Pashkevich A. A. , Adyan T. A. , Kondratyeva E. I.
Published: April 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a systemic hereditary disease caused by a mutation of the CFTR gene and characterized by damage to the glands of external secretion and severe dysfunctions of the respiratory system. The “severe” genotypes are associated with more pronounced and early clinical manifestations. The “mild” genotypes are associated with a delayed onset of clinical manifestations.

Methods. An analysis of the medical history of patients with asymptomatic CF from the Russian CF centers was carried out. Rectal biopsy specimens were used for intestinal current measurement (ICM) and forskolin-induced swelling assay in intestinal organoids. DNA for sequencing was isolated from the venous blood leukocytes.

Results. 2 CF patients with genotypes F508del/c.1584+18672A>G (patient 1, 12 years old) and F508del/G509D-E217G (patient 2, 3 years old) were examined. The diagnosis was based on neonatal screening. The ICM assay showed a reduced function of the CFTR channel: ΔISC for forskolin was 12.33 ± 2.35 μA/cm2 in patient 1 and 25 ± 3.37 μA/cm2 in patient 2. The negative response to carbachol and histamine reflects the entry of potassium ions into the cells, which is typical for CF. The assay in intestinal organoids showed that the amount of functional protein on the apical membrane of the intestinal epithelium increases both under the action of the potentiator and the corrector in both patients. The greatest effect is observed when the VX-770 and VX-809 are used together.

Conclusion. The ICM functional assay and the forskolin-induced swelling assay in intestinal organoids are sensitive enough to determine the residual functional activity of the CFTR channel and clarify the diagnosis in difficult cases. The studied genetic variants c.1584+18672A>G and G509D-E217G belong to class IV – VI mutations. The clinical picture corresponds to the manifestations of “mild” mutations. The studied patients still attend the Russian cystic fibrosis centers.
Study of efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction with inhaled tobramycin (Tobramycin-Gobbi) in children with cystic fibrosis and pseudomonas infection
Authors: Kondratyeva E. I. , Voronkova A. Yu. , Trishina S. V. , Snetkova N. S. , Safonova T. I. , Pavlinova E. B. , Chepurnaya M. M. , Kharakhashyan L. E. , Golubtsova O. I. , Skachkova M. A. , Kondakova Yu. A. , Enina E. A. , Vodovozova E. V.
Published: April 2021

Study of efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction with inhaled tobramycin (Tobramycin-Gobbi) in children with cystic fibrosis and pseudomonas infection

Aim of the study was to assess efficacy and safety of Tobramycin-Gobbi in CF, as well as the patients’ satisfaction with the treatment.

Methods. 35 children from 6 to 18 years with CF were enrolled in this non-interventional prospective cohort multicenter study. All children had P. aeruginosa in the respiratory tract (newly diagnosed, recurrent, or chronic infection). The children received inhalation treatment with Tobramycin-Gobbi in the following cycles: 28-day treatment/28-day break, for 6 months. The studied parameters included respiratory function, bacterial cultures of the respiratory tract with a bacterial count, growth and body weight, antibiotic therapy for the respiratory episodes. The children and parents filled in a questionnaire “Treatment satisfaction assessment” and assessed their state of health on the visual-analog scale before and after each treatment cycle.

Results. P. aeruginosa was eradicated in 17.7% of cases (6 patients, including 2 newly diagnosed, 3 recurrent infections, and 1 chronic infection), reduced bacterial count, decreased number of courses of antibiotic therapy, improvement of FEV1. Adverse reactions were reported by one patient.

Conclusion. The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of Tobramicine Gobbi were confirmed in the patients with newly diagnosed, recurrent, and chronic infection caused by P. aeruginosa.
The effect of dual bronchodilatory therapy on the clinical control of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in real clinical practice
Authors: Trushenko N. V. , Avdeev S. N. , Nuralieva G. S. , Aisanov Z. R. , Suvorova O. A.
Published: April 2021

Today, achieving clinical control in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains relevant. Thus, the results of a large multicenter study of clinical efficacy of dual bronchodilatory therapy in real practice conducted in Eastern Europe, including the Russian Federation, are of great interest.

Aim. Assessment of changes in the clinical control in patients with COPD receiving treatment with LABA/LAMA combination (tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 μg via the Respimat® inhaler) in real clinical practice.

Methods. The study included patients (n = 1 476) with COPD older than 40 years who were prescribed tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 μg via the Respimat® inhaler according to the current Russian and foreign clinical guidelines. The observation period was 6 weeks. The clinical control of COPD was assessed by the CCQ questionnaire, the patient’s general condition, the severity of dyspnea according to the mMRC scale, the incidence of using short-acting bronchodilators to relieve symptoms. The criterion for therapeutic success was a 0.4 point decrease in the CCQ score, the minimal clinically important difference

Results. The treatment with tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 μg was successful, i.e., led to a decrease in the number of CCQ points by more than 0.4 points, in 89.84% of patients (95% CI 88.2 – 91.3 %; p < 0.0001). On average, the overall CCQ score between the first and second visit decreased by 1.31 ± 0.97 points, the severity of symptoms – by 1.39 ± 1.03 points, the functional state – by 1.2 ± 1.1 points, the mental condition – by 1.38 ± 1.31 CCQ points. Achievement of clinical control did not depend on comorbid pathology, disease severity, patient age, and the previous therapy.

Conclusion. The results obtained on a wide sample of patients from real practice confirmed the high clinical efficacy of tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 μg in achieving clinical control of COPD.
Targeted therapy for cystic fibrosis
Authors: Kutsev S. I. , Izhevskaya V. L. , Kondratyeva E. I.
Published: April 2021

The basic therapy of cystic fibrosis is currently aimed at slowing down the pathological processes associated with a decrease in the CFTR protein activity (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) in the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system. The pancreatic insufficiency is well compensated by replacement therapy with microsphere enzyme preparations and a high-calorie diet rich in proteins and fat. Chronic treatment of cystic fibrosis-related lung disease aims to improve the clearance of the bronchial tree, suppressing chronic bacterial infection and local chronic inflammation. However, no therapy was available to correct the defect in the gene or its product until 2012.

The aim was to analyze literature on CFTR modulators, including their efficacy and safety, and assess the potential for developing new modulators to treat cystic fibrosis.

Materials. The review included literature data (45 publications) on the use of CFTR modulators and international websites’ data.

Results. Since the discovery of the CFTR gene in 1989, more than 2000 mutations or variants of the CFTR gene (hereinafter referred to as genetic variants) have been described. They interfere with the synthesis of the CFTR protein, its transport to the apical membrane of the cell, or disrupt its function as a channel for chloride anions. Although it is currently not possible to completely replace the mutant gene with a normal copy, small molecules have been identified that can modify the mutant CFTR protein and amend its function. The potential therapeutic measures are determined by class of the mutation. In clinical practice, pharmacological modeling of ion transport is currently possible only with the use of CFTR modulators: correctors and potentiators. The review defines these groups of drugs and describes 4 licensed CFTR modulators, including molecules of ivacaftor, lumacaftor, tezacaftor, elexacaftor. The data on the promising emerging next generation modulators and the prospects for the personalized selection of drugs using the assays on intestinal organoids are presented.
Unilateral Lower Extremity Swelling as an Unusual Presentation of Non-hodgkin’s B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Sahraiyan Sepehr , Abbaszadeh Mahsa , Aminishakib Pouyan , Rahmani Tanha Rastegar , Karimpour Reyhan Sahar
Published: April 2021

Non-Hodgkin’s B-cell lymphoma is a hematological condition with different types based on clinical presentation, pathological features, and therapeutic response, like Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). We report A 33-year-old male presented with a complaint of unilateral leg swelling, firstly supposed to be a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT); however, in multiple Doppler ultrasonography, DVT was ruled out. The patient’s precise history revealed a swollen mass in the left knee region for two months that slowly enlarged and was confirmed with a physical examination. Doppler ultrasonography of the lower extremities conducted in our center presented no sign of deep vein thrombosis; however, it demonstrated some complex conglomerate lymph nodes in the left inguinal compressing the ipsilateral femoral and iliac vein. It also revealed bulky adenopathy, with a 95×65 mm left knee mass. The performed biopsy reported the existence of malignant lymphoma, suggesting the existence of DLBCL. Consequently, he was referred to a hematology/oncology department for appropriate treatment. This unusual presentation of DLBCL and the importance of noticing an accurate history taking and physical examination, instead of conducting unnecessary paraclinical tests (several Doppler ultrasonography in this case), have led us to report this case.
Rare Presentation of Gitelman Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Khajavirad Nasim , Shakiba Saeed , Abbaszadeh Mahsa , Karimpour Reyhan Sahar
Published: April 2021

Gitelman Syndrome (GS), also known as familial hypokalemia-hypomagnesemia, is a rare genetic disorder. GS presents with a specific defect in kidney function, that leads to hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, metabolic alkalosis, and hypocalciuria. Here, we present a 30-year-old woman without a medical history. She experienced an episode of tonic-clonic seizure, generalized muscle weakness, and severe hyponatremia as the first presentation of GS. The interesting point of this case was her late-onset presentation and the long period of her disease diagnosis; thus, it highlights the importance of considering this diagnosis.
A Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Parotid Gland: A Case Report
Authors: Sohrabpour Saeed , Erfanian Reza , Karimi Ebrahim , Heidari Farrokh
Published: April 2021

A Solitary Fibrous Tumor (SFT) is a soft tissue tumor that appears exceedingly rare in the parotid gland. The literature review suggested that approximately 12%-22% of these cases behave aggressively. Besides, only 4 cases of histological malignant parotid gland SFT are reported in the English literature. We presented a 65-year-old cigarette-smoker man with a fix and tender mass over the left parotid and submandibular areas. On physical examination, the marginal branch of the facial nerve was paralyzed. The left total parotidectomy and neck dissection levels 1 and 2 were performed with preoperative embolization procedure and adjuvant radiotherapy for the patient. The results of the follow-up examination were unremarkable after 11 months. In this case report, we aimed to increase awareness on SFTs, although rare, among clinicians and pathologists. Accordingly, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft-tissue tumors in the major salivary glands for better management.
Metastatic Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cancer With a Very High Serum Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 Level: A Case Study
Authors: Jafarinezhad Ali Reza , Aligoli Ghasemabadi Neda
Published: April 2021

Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is a tumor marker for the prognosis of colorectal and pancreatic cancers. The high level of this tumor marker in gastric cancer indicates the advanced stage and peritoneal metastasis of the tumor. We reported a case of gastric cancer with an extremely high serum level of CA19-9. We also measured the serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and Carbohydrate Antigen 125 in the reported case. Such tumor markers manifest the progression and poor prognosis of cancer. Computed tomography data indicated several lytic and sclerotic foci in the inferior thoracic, lumbar vertebrae, and the right iliac wing, along with invasion to lymph nodes and a right adnexal mass in the reported patient. Bone marrow biopsy results revealed that carcinoma cells were predominantly composed of signet ring cell carcinoma. The patient has expired before receiving any interventions for cancer.
Duodenal Metastasis From a Rectal Malignant Melanoma Primary: A Case Report
Authors: Shaker Ghazaleh , Alborzi Forough , Safaei Masoomeh , Moiini Samira
Published: April 2021

Duodenal melanoma constitutes a very small number of gastrointestinal malignant melanomas. The small intestine is a common site for the metastatic spread of cutaneous melanomas; however, its metastatic involvement from a primary rectal melanoma origin has seldom been reported. We present the histopathologic features of an unusual case of primary rectal melanoma metastasizing to the duodenum.
The Clinical Characteristics of Early Cases with 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease in Tabriz, Iran
Authors: Asghari Elnaz , Rahmani Farnaz , Hosseinzadeh Mina , Mahdavi Nader , Praskova Anna , Targhaq Shaqayeq , Khajehgoodari Mohammad
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose: COVID-19 is a new infectious-disease first identified in December 2019 in China, and since it spread globally, it resulted in a Pandemic. Much research is needed to understand the disease, and especially its clinical characteristics. The aim of present study was to explore the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 in Tabriz, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This was a case series single center study that focused retrospectively on the clinical characteristics of 140 early consecutive cases with confirmed COVID-19, who were hospitalized at one of the referral hospitals for COVID-19 patients of Tabriz, from March 20 to May 3, 2020. We used patients’ records to obtain the data, which were analyzed by SPSS Version 16 using descriptive and analytic statistics (Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney’s, and Chi-square test).
Results: Findings showed that 34 out of 140 patients deceased. The highest percentage of patients were in the age range of 65 years and over. The most common symptom on admission was dry-cough (67.9%), followed by shortness of breath (55.7%), and fever (51.5%). During hospitalization, 27.1% showed an increase in white-blood-cell count. Only 20% were ventilated and others received oxygen by cannula, and/or mask. Recovered patients reported significant lower rates of pre-existing comorbid conditions than patients who died (p= .02). 
Conclusion: This single center study with a relatively small sample size showed that the most common symptom on admission among patients with COVID-19 was dry-cough, shortness of breath, and fever. The finding is mostly in accordance with the current evidence seen around the World.
Designing a model of marketing strategies in Hafez Atieh Sazan Insurance Company
Authors: Valimi Fariba , Fatahi Majid , Ranjbar Mansour
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: In order to survive in the competitive market of various products and services, the use of marketing strategies is inevitable so that the success or failure of companies depends on it. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of presenting a model of insurance marketing strategies for Hafez Atieh Sazan Insurance Company.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted qualitatively using the grounded theory method. Participants were selected by purposive sampling method and after 11 semi-structured interviews, theoretical saturation was obtained and the gathered data were analyzed by Strauss and Corbin approach with Atlas.ti Software.
Results: As a result of data analysis, 1340 codes derived from open coding, 57 concepts and 13 categories were classified into six dimensions. "Strategic management" was identified as causal conditions, categories of "public relations", "personal selling", "direct marketing", "electronic marketing", "advertising", "technology tools", and "management tools" as strategic conditions "strategic marketing" as an axial phenomenon, "investment management" as context condition, "corporate social responsibility" and "market orientation" as intermediary/ intervening conditions, and "performance" was identified as outcome.
Conclusion: According to the identified concepts and categories related to the marketing strategies, it was suggested that Hafez Atieh Sazan Insurance Company must improve and expand the marketing strategies by providing the model conditions presented in this study.
Comorbidities in Patients with Chronic Urticaria; Clinical and Epidemiological Review Study
Authors: Ghaffari Javad , Dabbaghzadeh Abbas , Ghaffari Negar
Published: April 2021

Background and purpose: Urticaria is a pruritic cutaneous disease characterized by weal and flare.  Acute and chronic urticaria affects the quality of life. Some abnormalities are associate or comorbid with urticaria. The purpose of this study was to examine comorbid conditions in patients with urticaria.
 Materials and Methods: We searched in many databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Keywords were comorbid and urticarial. All full articles and the English language were included. We evaluated 500 articles that reported association or relation as comorbidity between urticarial and disorders in primary screening to be 250, 100, 80, and 70 articles in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, respectively.
 Results: Prevalence of psychiatric problem (according to SCID-1) was 60% in chronic idiopathic urticaria. Thyroid autoantibodies (anti-thyroglobulin and anti-peroxidase) were found to be positive about 5 to 15% of CU. Food allergy, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma were significantly higher in CSU. Eradication of H.pylori infection was a tendency to more rapid improvement of chronic urticaria.
Conclusion: Psychiatric disturbances, such as depression or anxiety and autoimmune thyroid disorders, were documented to be more common in chronic urticaria which should be considered as comorbidity.