bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualization and Understanding of Traffic Flow and Congestion in India
Authors: Tsuboi Tsutomu
Published: November 2020

This study focuses on traffic condition analysis, especially in under developing country India and makes more visible of traffic flow by using traffic flow theory in order to understand real traffic condition. India is one of rapid economic growing countries and large market with second largest population 1.3 billion in 2018. On the other hand, there are social issues such as environment air pollution and global warming by traffic CO2 emission of transportation. This kind of condition is not only in India, but in other South East Asia and Africa in future. From recent more than one-month traffic observation in a typical major city Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, which has about 8 million population and industrialized city. In terms of traffic data collection, 14 CCTV cameras are used in the city. Based on multiple traffic cameras monitoring, author found the unique traffic flow characteristics and compares traffic flow theory. In this study, it is described what is key parameters to show real traffic congestion condition and how these congestion occurs.
In search of Makara, an Extirpated Freshwater Crocodile Crocodylus siamensis (Schneider, 1801) of Java Island, Using Temple Reliefs, ᴪ AIC and Habitat Modeling
Authors: Wibowo Andri
Published: November 2020

Ancient reliefs in temple can provide information of past ecosystem along with biodiversity including Makara relief representing crocodile figure. In here, this study aims to identify and model the population of freshwater Crocodylus siamensis as portrayed in reliefs in 6 temples. The result shows that the crocodile reliefs in temples were having similar pattern to the freshwater Crocodylus siamensis fossils in term of locality. The temples and the fossils were located in the inland and near the rivers. While the temple locality patterns were in contrast to the locations where extant saltwater Crocodylus porosus has occurred. These contradictions strengthen the possibility that the crocodile portrayed in reliefs was made based on the C. siamensis occurrences. Based on the analysis, it is estimated that the C. siamensis once has occupied river and wetland in Java and its presence has been recorded in the reliefs. This occurrence at least happened from 1280 to 700 BC. From assessments of habitats near the temples using ᴪ AIC, most surrounding habitats have high detection probability and occupancy for C. siamensis from ᴪ 0.500 (95%CI:0.058-0.941). to ᴪ 1.000 (95%CI:0.000-1.000).
The Effects of Caffeinated Beverage Consumption on the Sleep Habits and Lifestyle of Medical Students in Public and Private Medical Universities in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Afroz Maham Noor , Asghar ayesha , Kamal Shaheera , Ishfaque Saneea , Chandar bhan Shueeta , kamal anum , tariq hira
Published: November 2020

Objectives: To determine the effects of caffeine consumption on the sleep habits and lifestyle of medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) and Hamdard College of Medicine. On 422 undergraduate students aged 18-25 years, through random sampling. The duration of the study was from January 2019 to June 2019. The data was collected through self-administered questionnaire which included data regarding sleep habits and lifestyle of medical students. Results: Majority (81.6%) of the students consumed caffeine while only (18.4%) did not. One third of the participants (31.8%) reported caffeine consumption increased their academic performance and (57.3%) reported that it does not. More than half of the participants (63.3%) who consumed caffeine slept during class, whereas (47.2%) never had difficulty in falling asleep during the night. Conclusion: This research concluded that caffeine does have some role on sleep habits of medical students as they tend to have less sleep hours, experience day time dysfunction, average quality of sleep, and falling asleep during class. It has been concluded that caffeine has no effect on eating habits of medical students however, it does increase the screening time, keeping them active.
Brain Tumor Diagnosis Support System: A Decision Fusion Framework
Authors: Shantta Kalifa , Basir Otman
Published: November 2020

The early and accurate detection of brain tumors is important in providing effective and efficient therapy and thus can result in increased survival rates.  Current image-based tumor detection and diagnosis methods depend heavily on the interpretation of the neuro specialists and/or radiologists.  Therefore, it is quite possible for the interpretation process to be time-consuming, and prone to human error and subjectivity. Automatic detection and classification of brain tumors have the potential to achieve efficiency and higher degree of predictable accuracy. However, it is well established that the accuracy performance of automatic detection and classification techniques varies from technique to technique, and tends to be image modality dependent. Thus, it is prudent to explore the variability in the performance of these techniques as a means to achieve consistent high accuracy performance. This paper presents a framework for fusing multiple tumor classifiers. The fusion process is based on the Dempster Shafer evidence fusion theory. Several tumor classifiers are employed. Experimental results will be presented to validate the efficiency of the proposed framework. It is concluded that fusing the classification decisions made by the various classifiers it is conceivable that efficient and consistent high accuracy classification performance can be attained.
The protection of human rights in connection with working possibilities of special group of employees
Authors: Orosz Flóra
Published: November 2020

The author intends to analyse the special protection of disadvantage people – in particular to disabled people and people with changed working ability. These people are often cut off from the labour market, therefore, they can not participate there and even in the society. However, human rights, regulated in the Fundamental Law of Hungary, provide the opportunity for these people as well to work. Thus, these rights are essential for these people in order to ensure their employment. Labour law and social law protection confirms this constitutional protection. The study examines these three areas of protection.
The legal protection of environment in ancient Rome
Authors: Sáry Pál
Published: November 2020

The paper wants to give an overview of the moral and legal rules which protected the natural and built environment in ancient Rome. These rules prove that environment protection is not a modern invention. A bonus et diligens pater familias was morally obliged to cultivate his own agricultural land carefully. Both air and water pollution was legally sanctioned. A house-owner had to keep his own building in good condition. Each person was to keep the street outside his own house in repair and clean. Demolition of both private and public buildings was strictly restricted. It is true that in ancient Rome environment protection was not full scope (e.g., animal protection was absent from Roman law), but many elements of environment were legally protected.
Encounter between the Prophet’s Sunna and the Society Tradition: a Study of Living Sunna in Puncu Sub-District, Kediri District
Authors: Anam Wahidul
Published: November 2020

Sunna, the prophet Muhammad’s traditions and practices, always develop and come to the attention of the next generation of Muslims. Indonesian Muslims as followers of the largest Islamic religion in the world have a unique concept in terms of the struggle of tradition from the relics of local religions with the teachings of Islam. The dialectics proceed dynamically as developed by Walisanga (the nine revered saints of Islam in Indonesia), which was known later as the cultural and religious acculturation model. This paper will describe how the process of religious acculturation with local culture in Puncu Sub-District, Kediri can be implemented well, especially related to their practice in carrying out the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad in their various religious lives. Some fundamental questions to be answered are how the process and form of living Sunna as well as the factors that influence the acculturation process applied in these. For this reason, this type of research is interdisciplinary, by not only based on the science of hadith, but also using an anthropological approach and cultural acculturation theory. The results found include: (1) traditions practiced in Puncu such as rituals in the process of birth, marriage, and body management are forms of living Sunna that have become customs and become part of the acculturation of local religion and culture that is going well; (2) this can be realized with at least a number of factors, including: the role of religious scholars and religious leaders with moderate characters, government officials who care about diversity, the existence of religious institutions that contribute to the cultivation of acculturation so as to minimize conflicts between local religions and cultures, as well smooth the agenda of faith and community traditions simultaneously.
Development and Contextualization of Multicultural Insight-Based Quran Hadith Materials in Madrasah Aliyah
Authors: Sukino Sukino , Wahab Wahab , Murliji Ahmad Fauzi
Published: November 2020

 

Indonesian Muslims are faced with the realities of life that are multi-ethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic. It must be responded critically as early as possible. The understanding of diversity (multiculturalism) should truly be the foundation of all components of the Muslim community without exception for the students. Therefore this paper intends to answer 1) material content of Quran Hadith with a multicultural perspective at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 2 Pontianak, and 2) Development and contextualization of Qur'an Hadith material in daily life. This research was categorized as field research and literature study. Data collection methods used were observation, interviews and document analysis. Data analysis was through two models, namely content analysis and Miles and Huberman's model which involved analysis steps, namely: data collection, data reduction, data display, and verification. The authors’ findings on this study are that the content of the Quran Hadith with a multicultural perspective in Madrasah Aliyah is carried out by expanding the reading, the meaning of the implementation of tolerance, social ethics, justice, deliberation / democracy concepts which are constructed from the Islamic universal values and moderation (washathiyah) so they can foster a tolerant and empathy (alturism) attitutes to human beings as a manifestation of an obedient servant.
Third pipe water recycling
Authors: Livingston Daniel Livingston
Published: November 2020

Third pipe systems for recycled water are on the periphery of options for more resilient urban water management in the face of water scarcity. A number of schemes in the Australian water industry provide useful learnings. Even though direct supply costs are often higher than the potable water price, there are distinct circumstances where such schemes can be justified economically. Even where schemes have not been economic, there can be valuable lessons around the institutional alignment required to enable innovation for integrated urban water management.
An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Amaya District, South West Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Desalegn Derese , Moges Admasu
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the study was to identify medicinal plants and document associated indigenous knowledge of the Amaya District’s people related to differentiating the parts of medicinal plants, and their modes of preparation and administration to treat human and livestock diseases in South West Ethiopia. A total of 112 medicinal plant species belonging to 96 genera and 56 families were identified and documented. Most of the medicinal plants harvested were herbs followed by trees. Leaves were the most frequently used medicinal plant parts, followed by seeds and roots to prepare traditional remedies. Pounding was the most widely used mode of preparation in the study area, followed by crushing and chewing. The most commonly used route of administration was oral. The majority of medicinal plants were used in fresh condition to treat diseases. A Pearson correlation test indicated a significant difference between age of informants and number of medicinal plant species cited, and between level of education and number of medicinal plant species cited in the District. Ocimum lamiifolium specie was cited by the highest proportion of informants, and ranked first in treating febrile illness human disease in the study area. Malaria disease category scored the highest number of informant consensus factor value. Acmella caulirhiaz ranked first to treat tonsillitis infections. Cordia africana ranked first as a multipurpose medicinal plant. Farm expansion, firewood collection and lack of interest of the young and learned groups towards traditional medicines were the major threats to medicinal plants. Hence, identification and documentation of the medicinal plant species and the knowledge of the local people on how to prepare and use them is so vital for preserving them. Community based cultivation in home gardens and farmlands besides conserving them in wild, where they grow, are recommended to minimize the loss of those medicinal plants.
A betacoronavirus multiplex microsphere immunoassay detects early SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion and antibody cross reactions
Authors: Laing Eric , Sterling Spencer , Richard Stephanie , Epsi Nusrat , Phogat Shreshta , Samuels Emily , Yan Lianying , Moreno Nicole , Coles Christian , Drew Matthew , Mehalko Jennifer , English Caroline , Merritt Scott , Mende Katrin , Chung Kevin , Clifton G. , Munster Vincent , Wit Emmie de , Tribble David , Agan Brian , Esposito Dominic , Lanteri Charlotte , Mitre Edward , Burgess Timothy , Broder Chritopher
Published: November 2020

Sensitive and specific SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays remain critical for community and hospital-based SARS-CoV-2 surveillance. Here, we developed and applied a multiplex microsphere-based immunoassay (MMIA) for COVD-19 antibody studies that incorporates spike protein trimers of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and the seasonal human betacoronaviruses, HCoV-HKU1 and HCoV-OC43, that enables measurement of off-target pre-existing cross-reactive antibodies. The MMIA performances characteristics are: 98% sensitive and 100% specific for human subject samples collected as early as 10 days from symptom onset. The MMIA permitted the simultaneous identification of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion and the induction of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody cross reactions to SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. Further, synchronous increases of HCoV-OC43 IgG antibody levels was detected with SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion in a subset of subjects for whom early infection sera were available prior to their SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion, suggestive of an HCoV-OC43 memory response triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Star-forming galaxies dominate the diffuse, isotropic γ-ray background
Authors: Roth Matt , Krumholz Mark , Crocker Roland , Celli Silvia
Published: November 2020

The Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope has revealed a diffuse, isotropic γ-ray background at energies ranging from 0.1 GeV to 1 TeV [1] whose astrophysical sources remain uncertain. Previous efforts to understand the origin of this background have been hampered by the lack of physical models capable of predicting the γ-ray emission produced by the many candidate sources, which include star-forming galaxies (SFGs) [2–6], active galactic nuclei (particularly blazars [7–9]), millisecond pulsars[7], and dark matter annihilation [10]. In the absence of predictive models, estimates of the contribution from potential sources have relied on a highly-uncertain process of empirically scaling the emission from a small sample of local, resolved sources by their estimated cosmological abundances. Here we present the first calculation of the contribution of SFGs to the γ-ray background that is based on a physical model for the γ-ray emission produced when cosmic ray ions accelerated in supernova remnants interact with the interstellar medium [11]. We validate the model by showing that it reproduces the γ-ray spectra, source count distribution and far infrared-γ-ray correlation observed for nearby, resolved SFGs. When we apply the model to the observed cosmological SFG population, we recover an excellent match to the γ-ray background from 1 GeV to 1 TeV. Our result shows that SFGs alone can explain the full diffuse γ-ray background over this energy range, and strongly suggests that emission in excess of our model at energies <1 GeV originates from cosmic ray electrons produced in the same galaxies.
Development of a Novel Simple Heat Mapping Method for Curriculum Mapping, Using Pathology Teaching as the Exemplar
Authors: Clark Ryan , Bell Sarah , Roccisana Jennifer , Oien Karin , Sneddon Sharon
Published: November 2020

Background The undergraduate five-year MBChB programme at the University of Glasgow has a high volume of pathology teaching integrated into the course. The ability to better understand what pathology is taught and when, so as to build a picture of the types and depth of pathology topics covered across the programme stages is crucial, especially in a spiral curriculum. A novel method of curriculum mapping, known as curriculum heat mapping, was developed as a way to visualise where and when topics are taught, in an easier to understand format.Methods This method involved comparing the Glasgow curriculum to a pre-determined standard of what should be taught. In this case, The Royal College of Pathologists’ ‘Pathology Undergraduate Curriculum’ was used as a comparison of what a graduating doctor should know about pathology. Results Following the developed template, heat maps showcasing the range of pathology topics covered, and where they are covered, were developed for local use. These heat maps provided a clear visual representation of where and when topics are taught, and how they cluster.Conclusions Heat mapping is a novel low-cost, high-input method of curriculum mapping. It requires a person to input the data which can take a long time for large curricula. There are no other upfront financial costs. It can be used in any area with a curriculum and an external or internal comparator. Examples of gold standard external comparators include validated national or international curricula.Heat mapping can help integrated, spiral curriculum programmes to identify where core topics are taught throughout their course. The heat maps themselves successfully demonstrate the required information and are easy to interpret. The process of mapping, as well as the final heat map, can yield important information. This includes information about trends within the curriculum, areas for potential improvement in sessional design and a clearer understanding of the depth to which each topic is covered in each lecture.Overall, it is a viable novel method, which has been successful locally and is easily transferable to other areas such as pharmacology.
Mapping of Outdoor Food and Beverage Advertising Around Primary and Secondary Schools in Kampala City, Uganda
Authors: Dia Oumy Erica , Løvhaug Anne , Rukundo Peter , Torheim Liv
Published: November 2020

Background: Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents are rising rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. Among the contributing factors for this increase is the marketing of unhealthy food products, which affects children’s dietary preferences, food choices, purchasing requests, and consumption patterns. Given that little is known about food marketing in Africa, including in Uganda, monitoring children’s exposure to food marketing is essential to generate evidence on the problem and develop meaningful policy responses. The aim of this study was to describe the food and beverage marketing environment surrounding schools in urban and peri-urban areas of Kampala city. Methods: Outdoor advertising around 25 randomly sampled primary- and secondary schools within a radius of 250 meters of each school was mapped. Information on size, setting, type, and position of the advertisements and the healthiness of the food and beverage promoted was collected using the INFORMAS Outdoor Advertising Protocol. The occurrence of advertising was described using frequencies, median, and density per 100m2. Results: A total of 1,034 branded advertisements was identified around the schools. Of these, 86% featured unhealthy products, 8% healthy, and 6 % miscellaneous. The most advertised products were sugar-sweetened beverages and alcoholic beverages (51% and 23%, respectively). Schools in the urban area were surrounded by more unhealthy ads than those in the peri-urban areas (median of 45 vs 24 ads). Conclusion: The considerable extent of unhealthy food and beverage advertisements around primary and secondary schools highlights the need for food marketing regulation in Uganda, in line with the World Health Organization’ recommendations, to ensure that young people are protected from unhealthy food marketing messages.
Enhanced Ca2+ Influx in Mechanically Distorted Erythrocytes: Measurements with 19F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Kuchel Philip , Romanenko Konstantin , Shishmarev Dmitry , Galvosas Petrik , Cox Charles
Published: November 2020

We present the first direct nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) evidence of enhanced entry of Ca2+ ions into human erythrocytes (red blood cells; RBCs) when these cells are mechanically distorted. For this we loaded the RBCs with the fluorinated Ca2+ chelator, 1,2-bis(2-amino-5fluorophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N ′ ,N ′ -tetraacetic acid (5FBAPTA), and recorded 19F NMR spectra. The RBCs were suspended in gelatin gel in a special stretching/compression apparatus. The 5FBAPTA was loaded into the cells as the tetraacetoxymethyl ester; and 13C NMR spectroscopy with [1,6-13C]D-glucose as substrate showed active glycolysis albeit at a reduced rate in cell suspensions and gels. The enhancement of Ca2+ influx is concluded to be via the mechanosensitive cation channel Piezo1. The increased rate of influx brought about by the activator of Piezo1, 2-[5-[[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)methyl]thio]-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-pyrazine (Yoda1) supported this conclusion; while the specificity of the cation-sensing by 5FBAPTA was confirmed by using the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187.
Downregulation of Immune Response- and External Stimulus-Related Genes in CRC Organoids, and Their Re-Expression by Co-Culturing with CAFs
Authors: Naruse Mie , Ochiai Masako , Sekine Shigeki , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Yoshida Teruhiko , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Sakamoto Hiromi , Kubo Takashi , Matsumoto Kenji , Ochiai Atsushi , Imai Toshio
Published: November 2020

Organoids derived from epithelial tumors have recently been utilized as a preclinical model in basic and translational studies. This model is considered to reproduce the features of cell-cell contacted and differentiated original tumor cells, but not the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we established organoids and paired cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) from surgical specimens of colorectal carcinomas (CRCs), and evaluated gene expression profiles in organoids with and without co-culture with CAFs to assess interactions between tumor cells and CAFs in tumor tissues. We found that the expression levels of several genes, which are highly expressed in original CRC tissues, were downregulated in organoids but re-expressed by co-culturing with CAFs. They comprised immune response- and external stimulus-related genes, e.g., REG family and dual oxidases (DUOXs), which are known to have malignant functions, e.g., cell-proliferation and/or reducing apoptosis of epithelia and drug resistance for anti-cancer drugs in tumors. In addition, the degree of re-production of REG1 and DUOX2 in the co-culture system varied depending on CAFs from each CRC case. In conclusion, the co-culture system of CRC organoids with paired CAFs was able to partially reproduce the tumor microenvironment.
Study on Interaction Mechanism of Different Atomic Ratio of Neodymium, Arsenic and Iron
Authors: Mao Juncheng , Huang Run , Fu Chenghui , Lv Xiaodong , He Lihua , Zhang Jinzhun
Published: November 2020

In this study, neodymium and arsenic were sealed into industrial pure iron cylinders at a temperature of 1223 K for 50 h. The interaction mechanism of the Nd-Fe-As system at various atomic ratios was investigated by optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy. Binary compounds Fe12As5, NdAs, Fe2As, and Fe17Na2 were the main products formed, with traces of NdFeAs compounds. In addition, at high temperatures, As content affected the diffusion of Fe atoms; the diffusion of Fe increased with an increase in the atomic ratio. Furthermore, the diffusion ability of Nd was weaker than that of As. The major diffusion mechanism of Nd was through the Fe atomic vacancy mechanism. As mainly bind to Fe to form Fe and As compounds. The formation of ternary compounds was confirmed by laboratory experiments and mismatch calculations.
Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase is A Possible Regulator of Cross-Talk Between Oocytes and Granulosa Cells Through GDF-9 and SCF Feedback System
Authors: Iizuka Takashi , Wakae Kousho , Suzuki Takuma , Ono Masanori , Kitamura Koichi , Horike Shin-ichi , Muramatsu Masamichi , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID, Aicda) is a master gene regulating class switch of immunoglobulin genes. In this study, we investigated the significance of AID expression in the ovary. Immunohistological study and RT-PCR showed that AID was expressed in murine granulosa cells and oocytes. However, using the Aicda-Cre/Rosa-tdRFP reporter mouse, its transcriptional history in oocytes was not detected, suggesting that AID mRNA in oocytes has an exogenous origin. Microarray and qPCR validation revealed that mRNA expressions of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) in oocytes and stem cell factor (SCF) in granulosa cells were significantly decreased in AID-knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. A 6-hour incubation of primary granuloma cells markedly reduced AID expression, whereas it was maintained by recombinant GDF-9. In contrast, SCF expression was induced by more than 3-fold, whereas GDF-9 completely inhibited its increase. In the presence of GDF-9, knockdown of AID by siRNA further decreased SCF expression. However, in AID-suppressed granulosa cells and ovarian tissues of AID-knockout mice, there were no differences in the methylation of SCF and GDF-9. These findings suggest that AID is a novel candidate to regulate cross-talk between oocytes and granulosa cells through a GDF-9 and SCF feedback system, probably in a methylation-independent manner.
Pollution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Road-Deposited Sediments Around the Active Smelting Industry of Korea
Authors: Jeong Hyeryeong , Choi Jin Young , Ra Kongtae
Published: November 2020

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were investigated in the different sizes of road deposited sediments (RDS) around the active smelting industry to understand their sources and to assess the pollution and ecological risk levels. The highest PTEs concentrations was shown near the raw materials import port and the smelting facilities. The fine particles of RDS showed extremely high PTEs concentrations. Zn has the highest mean concentration in the <63 mm particle size of RDS, followed by Pb>Cu>As>Cr>Ni>Cd>Hg. The PTEs concentrations of this study were the highest values compared to the soils around the smelter and the RDS in urban and industrial areas in the world. This indicates that these PTEs pollution in RDS were mainly attributed to the transportation of raw materials for the smelting industry. According to nemerow pollution index calculation, RDS at all sampling sites with particles of less than 250 mm was seriously polluted with PTEs. The ecological risk was also found to be very high in all RDS fractions and highly toxic elements such as Cd, Pb and Hg pose extremely risk. Given the total amounts PTEs in the road surface, it is necessary to apply RDS removal management plan to reduce the PTEs pollution.
Three-Year Clinical Results of a Cruciate-Retaining Type of the Knee Prosthesis with Anatomical Geometry Developed in Japan
Authors: Nakajima Arata , Yamada Manabu , Sonobe Masato , Akatsu Yorikazu , Saito Masahiko , Yamamoto Keiichiro , Saito Junya , Norimoto Masaki , Koyama Keita , Takahashi Hiroshi , Aoki Yasuchika , Suguro Toru , Nakagawa Koichi
Published: November 2020

Background: The FINE total knee was developed in Japan and clinical use began in 2001. It has unique design features, including an oblique 3o femorotibial joint line that reproduces anatomical geometry. Although 20 years have passed since the FINE knee was clinically used for the first time in Japan, a formal clinical evaluation including patient-reported and radiographic outcomes has not been undertaken.Methods: A total of 175 consecutive primary cruciate-retaining (CR)-FINE total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) at our hospital between February 2015 and March 2017 were included in this study. Three years postoperatively, range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) were recorded and compared with preoperative scores. Radiographic analyses including mechanical alignment, component alignment, and incidence of radiolucent lines also were undertaken based on the radiographs three years postoperatively.Results: One-hundred twenty-two knees (70%) were available for 3-year follow-up data using KOOS, except for the sports subscale. Postoperative KOOS-symptom, -pain and -ADL were > 85 points, but KOOS-sports, -QOL and FJS were less satisfactory. ROM, KSS and all the subscales of KOOS were significantly improved compared with preoperative scores. Postoperative mean FJS was 66 and was significantly correlated with all the subscales of KOOS, but not with postoperative ROM. Radiolucent lines ≧1 mm wide were detected in five knees (4.1%). There were no major complications needing revision surgeries.Conclusions: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for symptoms, pain and ADL after the CR-FINE TKA were generally improved, but those for sports, QOL and FJS were improved less. The incidence of radiolucent lines was rare but detected around the femoral components. Improvements of surgical technique or innovation of the implant design with mid- to long-term follow-up will be necessary to achieve better PROs from patients receiving the FINE knee.
Safety, Biodistribution and Viral Shedding of Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus TG6002 Administered Intravenously in Healthy Beagle Dogs
Authors: Béguin Jérémy , Gantzer Murielle , Farine Isabelle , Foloppe Johann , Klonjkowski Bernard , Maurey Christelle , Quéméneur Eric , Erbs Philippe
Published: November 2020

Oncolytic virotherapy is an emerging strategy that uses replication-competent viruses to kill tumor cells. We have previously reported the oncolytic effects of TG6002, a novel recombinant oncolytic vaccinia virus, in various preclinical human xenograft models and canine tumor explants. To assess the safety, biodistribution and shedding of TG6002 administered by the intravenous route, we conducted a study in four immune-competent healthy dogs. Three dogs each received a single intravenous injection of TG6002 at 1 x 105 PFU/kg, 1 x 106 PFU/kg or 1 x 107 PFU/kg, and one dog received three intravenous injections at 1 x 107 PFU/kg. The injections were well tolerated without any clinical, hematological or biochemical adverse events. Viral genomes were only detected in blood one hour after injection. Post mortem analyses allowed detection of viral DNA in the spleen of one dog. Viral genomes were not detected in the urine, saliva or feces of any dogs. Seven days after the injections, a dose-dependent immune response was identified. In conclusion, intravenous administration of TG6002 shows a good safety profile, a finding that supports the initiation of clinical trials in canine cancer patients as well as further development of TG6002 as a human cancer therapy.
Plasma Interleukin-21 Levels and Genetic Variants Are Associated With Susceptibility to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Hao Youguo , Xie Lijun , Xia Jing , Liu Zhen , Yang Baoxiu , Zhang Minqin
Published: November 2020

Background Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA ) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterised by the development of autoantibodies and an elevated spectrum of proinflammatory cytokines. Previous reports highlighted a relationship between IL-21and pathogenesis of RA. Although elevated IL-21 levels have been reported in RA patients, the association of common IL-21 genetic variants with a predisposition to RA development in the Chinese population is lacking. Materials and methods Five hundred and fourteen Chinese subjects (healthy controls: 303 and rheumatoid arthritis patients: 211) were enrolled in the study. Clinical data of patients were collected from medical records, and patients were treated as per the guidelines. IL-21 level in plasma of RA patients and healthy subjects was measured by ELISA. Results The plasma level of IL-21 was significantly higher in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis relative to healthy controls. A positive correlation was observed between IL-21 level and DAS28 score, indicating the association of the cytokine with the worsening of the disease. The prevalence of AA genotype (rs2055979) was significantly higher in RA subects compared to controls. Furthermore, elevated plasma IL-21 was observed in the rs2055979-AA genotype compared to CC type. Conclusion IL-21 plays a key function in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. IL-21 rs2055979 polymorphism is associated with IL-21 plasma levels and is predisposed to RA development in Chinese population.
Child Injuries in Lebanon: Assessing Mothers Injury Prevention Knowledge Attitude and Practices – A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Al-Hajj Samar , Haj Rawan El , Chaaya Monique , Chami Rana Sharara- , Mehmood Amber
Published: November 2020

Background: Childhood injury is a neglected public health problem. This study aims to describe the patterns of childhood injury and to determine mothers' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) towards childhood injury prevention in Lebanon. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited working and non-working mothers of children aged 0-10 years from multiple sites (i.e. medical center, private clinic, healthcare facility, refugee camp) to cover all socioeconomic backgrounds. A self-administrated questionnaire collected data on mothers' KAP toward childhood injuries. We analyzed the data and performed a summation score calculation for KAP correct answers. Results A total of 264 mothers were surveyed and injury data were collected on their 464 children. The prevalence of childhood injury was 20% in the past 12 months, mostly sustained by males (53.8%) aged 5-10 years (38.7%). The most common injury type was fall (48.4%), followed by burns (7.5%) and sports injuries (7.5%). Hospitalized injured children were more likely to be males and older than 5 years. More than one-third of the mothers demonstrated poor knowledge, while the majority showed poor practice (54.4%) and a fair attitude (45.6%) towards child injury prevention. Children of working mothers have 3 times higher odds of sustaining injuries (OR:2.95, 95% CI: 1.60;5.47) compared to those of non-working mothers. Conclusion Childhood injury is a major health problem that overburdens the young population, yet mothers lack preventive knowledge and adequate preparedness. Educational programs are recommended for mothers and caregivers. Further studies are needed to understand the cultural context and identify effective strategies for preventing childhood injuries.
Differing Effects of Beta-Blockers on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Between Patients with Mid-Range and Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Shitara Jun , Naito Ryo , Kasai Takatoshi , Endo Hirohisa , Wada Hideki , Doi Shinichiro , Konishi Hirokazu , Tsuboi Shuta , Ogita Manabu , Dohi Tomotaka , Okazaki Shinya , Miyauchi Katsumi , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: November 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the difference in effects of beta-blockers on long-term clinical outcomes between ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients with mid-range EF (mrEF) and those with reduced EF (rEF).Methods: Data were assessed of 3508 consecutive IHD patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 1997 and 2011. Among them, 316 patients with mrEF (EF = 40-49 %) and 201 patients with rEF (EF < 40%) were identified. They were assigned to groups according to users and non-users of beta-blockers and effects of beta-blockers were assessed between mrEF and rEF patients, separately. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death and non-fatal acute coronary syndrome. Results: The median follow-up period was 5.5 years in mrEF patients and 4.3 years in rEF patients. Cumulative event-free survival was significantly lower in the group with beta-blockers than in the group without beta-blockers in rEF (p = 0.003), whereas no difference was observed in mrEF (p = 0.137) between those with and without beta-blockers. In the multivariate analysis, use of beta-blockers was associated with reduction in clinical outcomes in patients with rEF (hazard ratio (HR), 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.36–0.97; p = 0.036), whereas no association was observed among those with mrEF (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.49–1.10; p = 0.137).Conclusions: Our observational study showed that use of beta-blockers was not associated with long-term clinical outcomes in IHD patients with mrEF, whereas a significant association was observed in those with rEF.
Acute Megakaryocytic Leukemia with or Without Acquired Trisomy 21 in 15 Pediatric Patients
Authors: ZHANG Wenzhi , LI Hui , LIU Jingzhen , XU Jiawei , HAO Jinjin , CHEN Hongbo , WU Xiaoyan , YU Hui
Published: November 2020

The knowledge of clinical characteristics and prognosis of pediatric acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMKL) with or without acquired +21 was limited. We reported 15 AMKL pediatric patients without Down Syndrome (four cases with acquired +21 and 11 cases without acquired +21) with the clinical manifestations, laboratory data, and prognosis. The clinical features and laboratory data between patients with acquired +21 and patients without acquired +21 are similar. As for prognosis, three of the 11 cases without acquired +21 obtained complete remission (CR) after 1st induction. The median follow-up time of the 11 cases was 9 months. Among four cases with acquired +21, one case gave up treatment during 1st induction, one obtained CR after 1st induction and was still alive after 49 months of follow-up. One case obtained CR after 2nd induction and was still alive for 15 months of follow-up after bone marrow transplantation, the other patient was planning for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) without CR. The median follow-up time of the four cases was 12 months. None relapsed in our study. In conclusion, acquired trisomy 21 may not be an indicator for poor prognosis. Cytogenetics analysis can help us for diagnosis stratification, prognostic judgment and individualized treatment of AMKL.
Attitudes, Skills and Use of Evidence-Based Practice Amongst Spanish Osteopaths: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Alvarez Gerard , Justribo Cristian , Sundberg Tobias , Thomson Oliver , Leach Matthew
Published: November 2020

Background: Although evidence-based practice (EBP) is largely supported across healthcare professions, its implementation in manual therapy professions such as osteopathy remains limited and debated. There is currently little knowledge of how EBP relates to osteopathy in Spain, and the attitudes, skills and utilisation of osteopaths.Objectives: The main aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes, skills and use of EBP among Spanish osteopaths. A secondary aim was to identify barriers and facilitators for the adoption of EBP in the Spanish osteopathic context.Methods: National cross-sectional survey of Spanish osteopaths registered and non-registered to an osteopathic association in Spain. Eligible participants were invited by a range of recruitment strategies including email and social media campaigns to complete the Spanish-translated Evidence-Based practice Attitude and utilization Survey (EBASE) anonymously online. Results: A total of 567 osteopaths completed the survey which represents an estimated response rate of approximately 9%. Participant’s attitudes toward EBP were largely positive. Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that EBP was necessary in the practice of osteopathy (89.6%) and professional literature and research findings were useful to their day-to-day practice (88.9%). Levels of perceived skill in EBP were reported as low to moderate with lowest levels for items related to ‘research conduct’. Except reading/reviewing professional literature and using online search engines to find practice-related literature, participant engagement in all other EBP-related activities was generally infrequent. The perceived proportion of clinical practice that was based on clinical research evidence was reported to be very small. Main barriers to EBP uptake included a lack of clinical evidence in osteopathy and insufficient skills for applying research findings. Main facilitators of EBP uptake included access to full-text articles, internet at the workplace and online databases.Conclusions: Spanish osteopaths were largely supportive of evidence-based practice, had low to moderate skills in EBP and engaged in EBP activities infrequently. Formal regulation of the profession in Spain and the inclusion of osteopathic programs into the university sector would potentially improve EBP adhesion.
Intraoperative Driving Pressure and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications After Abdominal Surgery – A Posthoc Propensity Score–Weighted Cohort Analysis of the LAS VEGAS Study Comparing Open to Closed Surgery
Authors: Mazzinari Guido , Neto Ary Serpa , Hemmes Sabrine , Hedenstierna Goran , Jaber Samir , Hiesmayr Michael , Hollmann Markus , Mills Gary , Melo Marcos Vidal , Pearse Rupert , Putensen Christian , Schmid Werner , Severgnini Paolo , Wrigge Hermann , Diaz-Cambronero Oscar , Ball Lorenzo , de Abreu Marcelo Gama , Pelosi Paolo , Schultz Marcus
Published: November 2020

Background: It is uncertain whether associations between driving pressure (ΔP) during and occurrence of pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery depend on the surgical approach. Our primary objective was to test the time–weighted average ΔP (ΔPTW) association with postoperative pulmonary complications and our secondary objective was to test the association between ΔPTW and intraoperative Adverse Events. Methods: We realized a posthoc retrospective propensity score weighted cohort analysis of the ‘Local ASsessment of Ventilatory management during General Anesthesia for Surgery’ (LAS VEGAS) study including patients undergoing abdominal surgery from the study database including data from 146 hospitals across 29 countries. The primary endpoint was a composite of postoperative pulmonary complications. The secondary endpoint was the occurrence of intraoperative adverse events. Results: The analysis included 1,128 and 906 patients undergoing open or closed abdominal surgery repsectively. Absolute postoperative pulmonary complications rate was 5%. While driving pressure was lower in open abdominal surgery patients, time-weighted driving pressure was not different between groups. The association of ΔPTW with occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications was significant in both groups, with a higher risk ratio in closed than in open abdominal surgery patients (1.11 [95%CI 1.10 to 1.20], P<0.001 vs. 1.05 [95% CI 1.05 to 1.05; P<0.001; risk difference 0.05: [95%CI 0.04 to 0.06], P<0.001). ΔPTW marginal effect estimation showed increased probability of pulmonary complication in both groups with a steeper increase in closed surgery patients at ΔPTW above 20 cmH2O∙hour-1. The association of ΔPTW with occurrence of intraoperative adverse events was also significant in both groups, with higher odds ratio in closed surgery (1.13 [95%CI 1.12 to 1.14]; P<0.001 vs. 1.07 [95%CI 1.05 to 1.10]; P<0.001; difference 0.05 [95%CI 0.03 to 0.07]; p<0.001). Conclusions: Our results show how driving pressure represents a marker for pulmonary complications and adverse events in abdominal surgery regardless of surgical approach.Trial registration: LAS VEGAS was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (trial identifier NCT01601223).
From the Core to the Border of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Novel MRI-based Clinical-Radiomic Model Early Predicts Treatment Response
Authors: Pizzi Andrea Delli , Chiarelli Antonio , Chiacchiaretta Piero , d'Annibale Martina , Croce Pierpaolo , Rosa Consuelo , Mastrodicasa Domenico , Trebeschi Stefano , Lambregts Doenja , Caposiena Daniele , Serafini Francesco , Basilico Raffaella , Cocco Giulio , Sebastiano Pierluigi Di , Cinalli Sebastiano , Ferretti Antonio , Wise Richard , Genovesi Domenico , Beets-Tan Regina , Caulo Massimo
Published: November 2020

Neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) represents the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced (³ T3 or N+) rectal cancer (LARC). Approximately 15% of patients with LARC shows a complete response after CRT. The use of pre-treatment MRI as predictive biomarker could help to increase the chance of organ preservation by tailoring the neoadjuvant treatment. We present a novel machine learning model combining pre-treatment MRI-based clinical and radiomic features for the early prediction of treatment response in LARC patients. MRI scans (3.0T, T2-weighted) of 72 patients with LARC were included. Two readers independently segmented each tumor. Radiomic features were extracted from both the “tumor core” (TC) and the “tumor border” (TB). Partial least square (PLS) regression was used as the multivariate, machine learning, algorithm of choice and leave-one-out nested cross-validation was used to optimize hyperparameters of the PLS. The MRI-Based “clinical-radiomic” machine learning model properly predicted the treatment response (AUC=0.793, p =5.6·10-5). Importantly, the prediction improved when combining MRI-based clinical features and radiomic features, the latter extracted from both TC and TB. Prospective validation studies in randomized clinical trials are warranted to better define the role of radiomics in the development of rectal cancer precision medicine.