bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can measurement of glucose levels in blood and peritoneal fluid be used to diagnose septic peritonitis in dogs?
Authors: D'Mello Nicole
Published: March 2022

PICO question

Can the measurement of blood and peritoneal fluid effusion glucose levels be used to accurately diagnose septic peritonitis in dogs when compared to cytology and bacterial culture?

 

Clinical bottom line

Category of research question

Diagnosis

The number and type of study designs reviewed

Three papers were critically reviewed, all of which were diagnostic test evaluation studies

Strength of evidence

Moderate

Outcomes reported

Glucose measurements can be used to diagnose septic peritonitis when the blood plasma glucose level is >2.1 mmol/L higher than that of the peritoneal fluid glucose when using a veterinary point of care (POC) glucometer. If using a biochemistry analyser, a whole blood glucose >1.1 mmol/L higher than that of the peritoneal fluid can be used to diagnose septic peritonitis. This is only relevant when the peritoneal fluid is collected by abdominocentesis and not in a postoperative period

Conclusion

At present, there is moderate evidence that glucose measurements are useful as a patient side test for the diagnosis of septic peritonitis and are especially useful in cases where intracellular bacteria cannot be identified on cytology. However, despite the so far promising accuracy results, the cut-offs reported are quite variable and overall, there is not a single diagnostic test that is 100% sensitive and specific in repeated studies. Therefore, the results of the glucose measurements should be evaluated alongside other biomarker testing, imaging modalities and the clinical presentation of the patient. Glucose measurements cannot currently replace culture / sensitivity and cytology as the gold standard for the diagnosis of septic peritonitis

 

How to apply this evidence in practice

The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.

Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.
The Topp-Leone Odd Burr III-G Family of Distributions: Model, Properties and Applications
Authors: Moakofi Thatayaone , Oluyede Broderick , Gabanakgosi Morongwa
Published: March 2022

We propose and investigate a new generalized family of distributions called the Topp-Leone Odd Burr III-G (TL- OBIII-G) family of distributions. We present the sub-families of this new family of distributions. Properties of the new family of distributions includs sub-models, quantile function, moments, incomplete and probability weighted moments, distribution of the order statistics, and Renyi entropy are derived. The Maximum likelihood estimation technique is used to estimate the model parameters, and a Monte Carlo simulation study is employed to examine the performance of the model. Two real data sets are used to prove the importance of the TL-OBIII-G family of distributions.
An Innovative Approach to Prevent Learners’ Dropout from MOOCs using Optimal Personalized Learning Paths: An Online Learning Case Study
Authors: SMAILI El Miloud , Khoudda Chaimaa , Sraidi Soukaina , Charaf My El Hassan
Published: March 2022

Due to the rapid evolution of information technology, distance education has undergone a sustained expansion. Within the scope of open distant learning, MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) tend to open up access to education to all by bridging geographical and economic barriers. However, the evolution of this learning mode is facing some challenges such as the low completion rate of the courses as well as the heterogeneity of the learners’ profifiles. In this paper, we aim to personalize the MOOC contents for each learner in order to improve their academic performance and to enhance the online platforms effificiency. The idea is to build a system that takes into account the heterogeneity of learners profifiles and offers each learner a path adapted to their needs through the exploitation of their interactions with the learning environment. To this end, we suggest using the PSO method ”Particle Swarm Optimization” in order to construct the optimal choices of learning paths in the system. Furthermore, we conduct an online learning case study to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Abandoning Old Concepts and Revisiting the Idea of a Diagnostic Hierarchy in Psychiatry
Authors: Martinho Sérgio Miguel , Carvalheiro Ana Mafalda
Published: March 2022

N/a.
Reflections on the Relevance of Culture in Psychiatry and Medicine
Authors: Teodoro Tomás , Vilas Boas Garcia Sara
Published: March 2022

N/a.
Perlindungan Hak Kekayaan Intelektual Terhadap Perbatikan (Tinjauan Terhadap Batik Yogyakarta Dan Solo)
Authors:   Magister Ilmu Hukum Universitas Al Azhar Indonesia, Sunaryo Euis
Published: March 2022

One of the traditional knowledges in the arts and culture that is protected by Indonesia is Batik. Traditional batik with its classic motifs has been worked on for generations and is included in Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions. Not all batik is registered for copyright because batik that needs copyright protection under Article 11 paragraph (1) letter f of the 1987 Copyright Act is a new art of batik. The problem that arises is how the legal protection of Yogyakarta Batik and Solo Batik is applied as Traditional Knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The purpose of this research is to know and understand the legal protection that can be obtained by Batik Yogyakarta and Batik Solo as the application of Traditional Knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The main theory used in this thesis research is John Locke's theory of Natural Law which states that the concept of property has something to do with human rights with its statement 'life, liberty, property'. The research method used is empirical normative research with qualitative research carried out in the field (field research) and take a research method with a non-judicial case study approach. The conclusion of the research is legal protection for Batik Yogyakarta and Solo as Traditional Knowledge carried out by the State by inventorying traditional batik motifs and maintaining Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions. The legal protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) that can be applied to Yogyakarta and Solo Batik is through the Copyright, Trademark, Patent and Trade Secret regimes.
The Comparative Studies Of Compulsory License Regulation For Pharmaceutical Product Between Indonesia And India
Authors:   Fakultas Hukum Universitas Islam Indonesia, Santoso Tasa Gina
Published: March 2022

Paten merupakan salah satu perlindungan yang diberikan oleh pemerintah kepada pemegang paten atas penemuannya. Perlindungan yang diberikan oleh negara adalah hak eksklusif yang berdampak terhadaphak monopoli dari pemegang paten. Hal tersebut membuat beberapa negara seperti Indonesia dan India yang merupakan negara anggota WTO dan juga negara berkembang menggunakan fleksibilitas paten. Salah satu pengunaan fleksibilitas paten adalah lisensi wajib. Lisensi wajib adalah jenis lisensi untuk menggunakan penemuan tanpa persetujuan pemegang paten yang diberikan dengan prosedur tertentu. Namun, ada pengecualian untuk memberikan lisensi wajib secara langsung seperti untuk produk farmasi karena terkait dengan kepentingan umum. Permasalahan dalam penelitian ini difokuskan pada (1) persamaan dan perbedaan antara peraturan Indonesia dan India mengenai lisensi wajib produk farmasi terutama dalam hal obat-obatan HIV / AIDS; dan (2) implikasi hukum dari regulasi mengenai lisensi wajib di Indonesia dan India terutama dalam hal pengobatan HIV / AIDS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada kesamaan antara Indonesia dan India sebagai anggota WTO mewajibkan untuk menerapkan lisensi wajib berdasarkan Perjanjian TRIPs yang mempengaruhi prinsip umum yang sama. Namun, masih terdapat perbedaan diantara para anggota terutama Indonesia dan India. Perbedaannya terkait dengan subjek yang memberikan lisensi wajib. Lisensi wajib untuk produk farmasidalam prakteknya di Indonesia belum diterapkan. Selanjutnya, peraturan tentang lisensi wajib untuk produk farmasi dalam perlindungan paten memberikan implikasi hukum bagi Indonesia dan India. Implikasi hukum terkait dengan kepastian hukum untuk lisensi wajib di Indonesia dan India, perlindungan bagi pihak-pihak yang terlibat dalam lisensi wajib, bentuk pemanfaatan lisensi wajib di Indonesia dan India.
Analisis Permohonan Pendaftaran Merek Secara Internasional Bagi UMKM Setelah Diterbitkan Peraturan Presiden No. 92 Tahun 2017 Tentang Ratifikasi Protokol Madrid
Authors:   Universitas Gajah Mada, Mahardika Yohanes Adi Putra , Nurhayati Irna ,   Universitas Gajah Mada
Published: March 2022

This research aims to analyze the barriers to the application of international trademark registration for MSME after the issuance of Presidential Regulation No. 92 of 2017 concerning Ratification of Madrid Protocols. Another purpose of this research is to find out the government's efforts in facing obstacles to international brand registration applications for MSMEs.This research is a normative legal research using primary data and secondary data. Primary data was collected through interviews with the guidelines of the interview, while secondary data obtained through the method of documentation with a study of the documentation and data analysis done qualitatively.The results of this study are: First, there are obstacles to the application of international trademark registration for MSMEs after the issuance of Presidential Regulation No. 92 of 2017 concerning the Ratification of the Madrid Protocol because of the lack of interest and insight of MSMEs on international trademark registration applications, general regulations, language difficulties, and the cost of expensive brand registration applications. Second, the efforts made by the government to face obstacles for MSMEs are by making rules for reducing the cost of applying for basic brand registration, the existence of a special team of the Madrid Protocol and increasing socialization of brands and applications for trademark registration using the Madrid Protocol.
Kedudukan Hukum PT. Inter Sport Marketing Sebagai Pemegang Lisensi Hak Cipta Piala Dunia Tahun 2014 Terhadap Penyiaran Piala Dunia Tidak Berizin oleh Pihak Ketiga
Authors:   Fakultas Hukum Universitas Islam Indonesia, Rayes Kanza Latunhi
Published: March 2022

PT. Inter Sport Marketing (PT. ISM) becomes one of the licensees permission from FIFA to serve the World Cup broadcasts throughout the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, which has been created and signed through the license agreement date 5 May 2011 between PT. ISM with FIFA. The license agreement makes PT. ISM to be Master Rights Holder of the media rights. Nevertheless, there have been pros and cons that come down into two core problems. First, the legal standing of PT. ISM which is doubtful by various parties is even deemed to have no legal capacit. Second, the legal consequences of the license agreement itself on the third party, especially for the parties who do not get the World Cup broadcast permit from the 2014 official licensee; The purpose of this research is to know the legal position of PT. ISM as a copyright licensee and the legal consequences of licensing agreements between the parties of PT. ISM and FIFA against third parties; This research includes normative law with a conceptual approach that is based on legislation, doctrine, and jurisprudence, with the method of retrieving literature study data; this research concludes that PT. ISM has a legal position or legal capacity to prohibit anyone or any party that is detrimental to the right in the entire commercial area of the Republic of Indonesia. Under the license Agreement of FIFA is known to be legitimate, the license agreement has a legal consequence to a third party that is interpreted as the parties outside of the aforementioned agreement.
The Hypothesis of The Prolonged Cell Cycle in Turner Syn-drome
Authors: Álvarez-Nava Francisco , Soto-Quintana Marisol
Published: March 2022

Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder that is caused by a missing or structurally ab-normal second sex chromosome. Subjects with TS are at an increased risk of developing intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, short stature, congenital heart diseases, infertility, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases (stroke and myocardial infarction). The underlying pathogenetic mechanism of TS is unknown. The assumption that X chromosome-linked gene haploinsufficiency is associated with the TS phenotype is questioned since such genes have not been identified. Thus, other pathogenic mechanisms have been suggested to explain this phenotype. Morphogenesis encompasses a series of events that includes cell division, the production of migratory precursors and their progeny, differentiation, programmed cell death, and integration into organs and systems. The precise control of the growth and differentiation of cells is essential for normal development. The cell cycle frequency and the number of proliferating cells are essential in cell growth. 45,X cells have a failure to proliferate at a normal rate, leading to a decreased cell number in a given tissue during organogenesis. A convergence of data indicates an association between a prolonged cell cycle and the phenotypical features in Turner syndrome. This review aims to examine old and new findings concerning the relationship between a prolonged cell cycle and TS phenotype. These studies reveal a diversity of phenotypic features in TS that could be explained by reduced cell proliferation. The implications of this hypothesis for our understanding of the TS phenotype and its pathogenesis are discussed. It is not surprising that 45,X monosomy leads to cellular growth pathway dysregulation with profound deleterious effects on both embryonic and later stages of development. The prolonged cell cycle could represent the beginning of the pathogenesis of TS, leading to a series of phenotypic consequences in embryonic/fetal, neonatal, pediatric, adolescence, and adulthood life.
Landscape and Settlement over 4 Millennia on the South Side of Lake Issyk kul, Kyrgyzstan: Preliminary Results of Survey Research in 2019-2021
Authors: Chang Claudia , .Ivanov Sergei Sergievich , Tourtellotte Perry Alan
Published: March 2022

This paper discusses the preliminary results of archaeological surveys conducted in the Juuku Region of north-central Kyrgyzstan on the south side of Lake Issyk kul. Our goal was to document ancient and contemporary agropastoral systems over a four millenia time period. During the surveys about 350 loci were identified as settlements, burial mounds, graves, single artifact finds, and artifact scatters (ceramic). The areas of Juuku Valley survey included two discrete polygons: Polygon 1, Lower Juuku at 1750 to 1950 m asl in elevation and Polygon 2, Chak Juuku or Upper Eastern Branch Juuku Valley at 2060 to 2100 m asl in elevation. Three radiometric dates and preliminary archaeobotanical studies were conducted at three exposed profile cuts. The methods included here are: (1) pedestrian surveys; (2) use of digital maps (Google Earth, Encarta); (3) placing archaeological loci within known chronological time periods; (4) AMS dating of charcoal samples collected from profile deposits; and (5) preliminary identification of plant remains found from archaeobotanical samples. The results of our research represent the first step toward inventorying and interpreting archaeological data in the Juuku Valley derived from field studies.
Morphotectonic and Petrological Characteristics of Permo-Triassic Traps of Siberia
Authors: Sharapov Victor , Perepechko Yury , Mikheeva Anna , Ashchepkov Igor , Lyamina Viktoria , Boguslavsky Anatoly
Published: March 2022

The article reports morphotectonic and petrological characteristics of magmatic systems of Permo-Triassic traps in the sedimentary cover of the Siberian Craton, Taimyr, as well as in the crystalline basement of the Mesozoic cover of the West Siberian Plate and the Kara sedimentary basin based on the relief analysis, seismotomography data, magnetic and gravitational anomalies. Four development sectors of magma-permeable zones were distinguished along the perimeter of the craton of the Anabar Shield. The western sector is characterized by an extensive stretching area, on which the lava region of volcanic ridges junction of the Tunguska syncline formed. A striking feature of subaerial volcanism is the meridional petrochemical trend of increasing the silica of basic magmas in intrusive rocks of the Siberian Craton while the volumes of embedded melts are reduced.
KARAKTERISTIK PETERNAK DAN STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN TERNAK KERBAU GAYO SISTEM PERUWEREN
Authors: Rusli Rusli , Syahidin Syahidin
Published: March 2022

The objective of the study was to determine the characteristics of breeders and the formulation of development strategies for the gayo buffalo in Linge District, Aceh Tengah Regency. This research method uses survey method, then analyzed using SWOT analysis (strength, weakness, opportunity and threat). Respondents were 54 Gayo buffalo breeders who were determined purposively. The results of this study were the characteristics of breeders in Linge District, namely education, livestock ownership and knowledge of breeders which were still very low. Meanwhile, for those who are still very productive and have high motivation in raising Gayo buffaloes in Linge District, Central Aceh Regency. Based on the results of the grand strategy, an aggressive strategy is obtained, namely utilizing empty land as a source of feed and processed feed as well as increasing livestock population and production through improved management of maintenance, feed and health by implementing the IB system.
UTEROTONIC USE IN THE ACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THIRD STAGE OF LABOR (AMTSL): SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Putri Noviyati Rahardjo , Megasari Anis Laela
Published: March 2022

Background: Maternal mortality rate in Indonesia has decreased from 184/100,000 live birth (LB) (2016) to 177/100,000 LB (2017), but this number is still high enough than SDGs target of 70/100,000 LB. The one of direct cause of maternal death is hemorrhage, especially postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Causes of PPH are uterine atony, laceration of birth canal, resistant placenta and uterine inversion. PPH prevention method is Active Management of Third Stage of Labor (AMTSL). The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the use of uterotonics in AMTSL.

Methods: This systematic review used the PRISMA protocol, articles taken from Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Pub Med. The time span of the research article was 2010 to 2021.

Result: The results of the study describe that the use of uterotonics in single use or combination in third stage of labor can reduce the risk of PPH and shorten the time of the stage. The side effects were reported in misoprostol and methyl ergometrine than oxytocin. In addition, combination therapy with oxytocin and misoprostol can reduce the length of the third stage and the potential for a decrease in hemoglobin within 24 hours of delivery. In Indonesia, if oxytocin is not available, maternal nipple stimulation is performed as nonpharmacological therapy or ergometrine 0.2 mg is given to patients without complications of high blood pressure.

Conclusion: The use of uterotonics is adjusted to its cost-effectiveness, ability to store and refrigerate also the benefits compare to the side effects to the patients.
Intermediaries motivating eco-innovation in Jordanian small and medium enterprises
Authors:   Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Al-Hanakta Reham , Illés Csaba Bálint ,   Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Dunay Anna ,   Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Published: March 2022

This paper aims at identifying the role intermediaries in small medium-sized enterprises’ (SME) quest for eco-innovation according to an empirical qualitative interview among Jordanian companies as well as applied cleaner production as an a approach which reduces environmental pollution along with positive financial benefits for the enterprise. The lack of partnership between knowledge producers (academia) and knowledge users (industry) is tangible and unsatisfying. This also has negative impact on the innovation competitiveness of Small and medium enterprises SMEs. SMEs can access to and benefit from crucial external knowledge through alliance with innovation intermediaries, namely, the Water and Environment Centre (WEC) at the Royal Scientific Society (RSS). Cleaner Production CP is considered the method and tool to recognize where and why a company is losing resources in the form of waste and pollution, and how these losses can be minimized. The key finding that the proactive approach (cleaner production) is one essential push factor to trigger eco-innovations in SMEs. This finding indicates that SMEs might need facilitation for eco-innovation of different levels of support as well as, highlighting drivers and barriers for eco-innovation in SMEs.
Trade and service personnel remuneration in the company’s incentive system
Authors:   Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, Blyznyuk Tetyana , Maistrenko Olga ,   Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, Kinas Iryna ,   Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, Pererva Ivanna ,   Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics
Published: March 2022

At present, most companies all over the world, including Ukraine, are experiencing negative consequences of the pandemic. Staff efficiency has decreased, so companies have experienced a decline in business productivity in general. The system of labor incentives should encourage staff to work more efficiently by introduction of an additional remuneration system based on performance-related payment system. According to the European knowledge, commerce is one of the sectors where the introduction of this additional remuneration system is common and effective. The purpose of this study is to develop and substantiate practical recommendations to improve the system of additional remuneration for sales and service personnel of the company from Ukrainian commerce sector, which would increase their efficiency in the company. The study identified the main components of the system of incentives and the main forms of stimulating work for the company’s staff. It is substantiated the main stages of the improvement sequence of the company’s staff remuneration system as a component of the personnel incentive system. The system of additional remuneration of trade and service personnel of the company from Ukrainian commerce sector was developed and substantiated. It was determined that the basis of an additional remuneration system of trade and service personnel was introduction of a percentage of total sales, which exceeded the established volume, as the main priority. The five-factor model for assessing the productivity level of sales and service personnel in the company from Ukrainian commerce sector built. By this model, effectiveness of introduction of an additional remuneration system for trade and service personnel of the company from Ukrainian commerce sector proved and evaluated. Further, authors will work out practical recommendations for the development the basic salary system for sales and service personnel of the company from Ukrainian commerce sector.
Treatment of Subchondral Bone Marrow Edema with Intralesional Viscous Bone Cement in a Young, Active Patient
Authors: Vander Molen Jonathan , Berlinberg Elyse J. , Forsythe Brian
Published: March 2022

Case:

A 23-year-old male patient presented with symptomatic, high-grade medial tibial plateau bone marrow edema unresponsive to conservative treatment. After the injection of intralesional viscous bone cement, the patient had resolution of his symptoms and returned to running.

Conclusion:

The use of intralesional viscous bone cement has grown in popularity for the treatment of bone marrow edema in individuals older than 40 years but is uncommon in younger individuals. This case demonstrates that intralesional viscous bone cement may be considered in the treatment of high-grade bone marrow edema in young, active patients who are unresponsive to extensive conservative management.
Spontaneous Renal Hemorrhage: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Paudel Subhash , Steinberg Peter , Denker Bradley
Published: March 2022

Introduction:Spontaneous renal hemorrhage (SRH) is an uncommon condition which is usually associated with renal neoplasms or vasculitis. Management of SRH is uniquely challenging in cases of solitary functioning kidney as the risks and benefits of surgical intervention and conservative management need to be carefully considered. Case Presentation:We report a case of a 67-year-old woman with recurrent bilateral nephrolithiasis with an atrophic right kidney who presented with left flank pain and acute kidney injury similar to prior episodes of nephrolithiasis. She was found to have SRH in her solitary functioning kidney and was managed non operatively. Conclusion:Clinical presentation of SRH can be similar to that of nephrolithiasis or pyelonephritis and a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose this life-threatening condition. Management of SRH is especially challenging in patients with solitary kidney. As this case illustrates, management decisions should be individualized and conservative care with close monitoring is an option in selective situations.
Self-care interventions for sexual and reproductive health in humanitarian and fragile settings: a scoping review
Authors: Dawson Angela , Tappis Hannah , Tran Nguyen Toan
Published: March 2022

BackgroundSelf-care is the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and manage illness and disability with or without a health care provider. In resource-constrained settings with disrupted sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service coverage and access, SRH self-care could play a critical role. Despite SRH conditions being among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among women of reproductive age in humanitarian and fragile settings there are currently no reviews of self-care interventions in these contexts to guide policy and practice.MethodsWe undertook a scoping review to identify the design, implementation, and outcomes of self-care interventions for SRH in humanitarian and fragile settings. We defined settings of interest as locations with appeals for international humanitarian assistance or identified as fragile and conflict-affected situations by the World Bank. SRH self-care interventions were described according to those aligned with the Minimum Initial Services Package for Reproductive Health in Crises. We searched six databases for records using keywords guided by the PRISMA statement. The findings of each included paper were analysed using an a priori framework to identify information concerning effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility of the self-care intervention, places where self-care interventions were accessed and factors relating to the environment that enabled the delivery and uptake of the interventions.FindingsWe identified 25 publications on SRH self-care implemented in humanitarian and fragile settings including ten publications on maternal and newborn health, nine on HIV/STI interventions, two on contraception, two on safe abortion care, one on gender-based violence, and one on health service provider perspectives on multiple interventions. Overall, the findings show that well-supported self-care interventions have the potential to increase access to quality SRH for crisis-affected communities. However, descriptions of interventions, study settings, and factors impacting implementation offer limited insight into how practical considerations for SRH self-care interventions differ in stable, fragile, and crisis-affected settings.Conclusion It is time to invest in self-care implementation research in humanitarian settings to inform policies and practices that are adapted to the needs of crisis-affected communities and tailored to the specific health system challenges encountered in such contexts.
Band Decomposition of Asynchronous Electroencephalogram Signal for Upper Limb Movement Classification
Authors: Kulkarni Vinay Vasantrao , Joshi Yashwant V. , Manthalkar Ramachandra R. , Elamvazuthi Irraivan
Published: March 2022

Decoding Asynchronous Electroencephalogram (A-EEG) signals is a crucial challenge in the emerging field of EEG based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). In the case of A-EEG signals, the time markers of motor activity are absent. The paper proposes a method to decompose the A-EEG signals using Gabor Elementary Function (GEF) designed with Gabor frames. The scale-space analysis extracts Gabor dominant frequencies from A-EEG signals. Statistical and temporal moment dependent features are used to create the feature vector for each estimated Gabor Band (GB). The statistical significance of the features is tested with the Kruskal-Wallis test. The deep neural network is implemented with Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) block to classify the upper limb movement. The EEG data of healthy volunteers have been collected using the Enobio-20 electrode system and ArmeoSpring rehabilitation device. The proposed methodology has achieved an average classification accuracy of 96.83%, precision 0.96, recall 0.96, and F1-score of 0.93 on the acquired data set. The designed framework for decoding upper limb movement outperforms the existing state-of-the-art methods. In the future, the proposed framework could increase classification performance by incorporating multiple types of biological inputs for investigating various brain functions.
Analysis of the Ophthalmic YAG-Laser Pulses Inside the Animal Eyes Using an Sscilloscope
Authors: Bantsykina Iuliia Vladimirovna , Malov Igor Vladimirovich , Grishanov Vladimir Nicolaevich , Nefedova Irina Feliksovna
Published: March 2022

Purpose
to study laser irradiation inside the eye.
Methods
we performed simulation and analysis of the physical effects of YAG laser during laser capsulotomy on the enucleated eyes of mature chinchilla rabbits by pulses fixation with photodetectors and evaluation of them on an oscilloscope.
Results
our study shows that the effect of the laser pulse on the eye membranes can be measured with a high-speed photodetector, that the results are stable and reproducible, the obtained pulses have the same configuration at all recording points.
Conclusion
the pulse amplitudes behind the posterior capsule of the lens and at the retina, when the pulse is applied to the posterior capsule, have no statistical difference, this can be explained by diffuse scattering of laser radiation inside the eye by the inner surface of the eye. Using our experimental model, it is possible to calculate the peak of the pulse reaching the retina and use this data in further experiments and clinical practice.
Protective Effect of Heme Oxygenase-1 Against Isoprenaline-induced Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rat in vivo
Authors: Arsoy Leyla Bulut , Bingol Gulsum Bulut , Ozden Ozge , Tokdil Hasan , Giris Murat , Aydin Fatih , Basaran Canan Kucukgergin , Ozdemirler Gul
Published: March 2022

Background: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is known to have anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and antioxidant effects in various diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether HO-1 has a protective effect on isoprenaline (IP)-induced acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rat.Materials and methods: Rats were received 200 mg/kg IP, alone or together with cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), an inducer and an inhibitor of HO-1, respectively. Four hours after the IP application, rats were killed. Blood and hearts were removed. Troponin-T (TnT) levels were assayed in serum as an indicator of AMI. Dien conjugate levels, protein carbonyl levels and antioxidant defense system are assayed in heart tissues by spectrophotometric methods. HO-1 protein levels were quantitated by western blot analysis in heart tissues. The results were compared with those obtained from control groups.Results: We confirmed AMI formation with higher serum TnT levels in IP-treated groups comparing to control groups. We found a significant elevation in HO-1 protein levels in IP plus CoPP-treated rats as compared to IP-treated rats, while serum TnT levels were observed to decrease at the same time. Protein carbonyl levels in heart tissues increased significantly in IP-treated groups compared with control groups. But, dien conjugate and antioxidant defense system remained unchanged.Conclusions: As a conclusion, we may suggest that HO-1 induction produces a protective effect against to myocardial damage occured by IP application in rat.
Sustainable environment, energy and finance in China: Evidence from dynamic modelling using carbon emissions and ecological footprints
Authors: Ali Rizwan , Rehman Mubeen Abdur , Rehman Ramiz ur , Ntim Collins G.
Published: March 2022

This study investigates sustainable finance along with sustainable economic factors on both carbon emissions and ecological footprints in China. A novel Dynamic Autoregressive Distributed Lag technique is applied, results revealed sustainable finance exerts positive/negative influence on carbon emissions in the long- and short-run, respectively. Results are robust with ecological footprints that sustainable finance placed a lucrative cause to preserve the environment. Sustainable economic factors show a positive impact on carbon emissions in the long run, while economic growth, energy consumption, and exports improve environmental quality. Conversely, in the short run, urbanization supports the environment while economic development, energy use, and exports exert a positive impact. In addition, this study suggests useful policy implications for the stakeholders.
A cross-sectional study of student empathy across four medical educations in Denmark - associations between empathy level and age, sex, specialty preferences and motivation
Authors: Hvidt Elisabeth Assing , Søndergaard Jens , Wehberg Sonja , Hvidt Niels Christian , Andersen Christina Maar
Published: March 2022

Background: Professional empathy has been associated with a range of positive patient- and clinician outcomes and is therefore considered important to develop for future physicians. Measuring changes in empathy scores among medical students by using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (Student version) (JSE-S) has led to mixed results. So far, no investigation of Danish medical students’ empathy development has been conducted. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the associations between empathy scores among Danish medical students and university, year of curriculum, age, sex, co-habitation, and parental status, specialty preferences and motivations for choosing the medical education. Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study. All medical students in Denmark in their first, third and sixth year (N=4,178) were invited to participate in the study in October 2020. The associations between JSE-S sum score and the above explanatory factors were analysed by uni- and multivariable linear regression models. Results: The JSE-S was completed by 672 medical students. The overall mean score was 112.7. There were no statistically significant differences in empathy between universities, first, third- and sixth- year medical students, age groups or parental status. Female students and students living with a spouse or partner scored higher on JSE-S than male students or students living alone, and the sex difference remained statistically significant in the multivariable regression. In both the univariable and multivariable setting, preference for future medical specialty was statistically significant, with a decrease in scores for students choosing surgery-specialties. Motivational factors were not statistically significantly associated with empathy, although there was a slight upwards trend for one of the motivational categories, named “personal experiences”.Conclusions: Overall, our results, showing rather stable empathy scores across years of curriculum of medical students in Denmark, add to the mixed picture of empathy development among medical students. Our findings are consistent with positive associations found in international studies between empathy scores and higher age, female sex, human-oriented specialty preferences and altruistic motivations for choosing to enroll. Although specialty preferences are changing during a medical education, they may be used meaningfully as predictors of individual student empathy levels.
Imaging the Cytokine Receptor CXCR4 in Atherosclerotic Plaques with [68Ga]-APD, A Novel Radiotracer on Computer Simulation Approach
Authors: Hsia Chien-Chung , Yeh Chung-Hsin , Chen Chun-Tang , Peng Cheng-Liang
Published: March 2022

Background
C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) plays a prominent role in inflammation, atherosclerosis, and cancer biology. Therefore, CXCR4 represents a promising target for molecular imaging in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and arterial wall injury. CXCR4 and its cognate ligand, stromal cell–derived factor 1α (SDF-1α), induced monocyte recruitment to the injured endothelium and subsequent plaque formation is the crucial progression of atherosclerosis. CXCR4 was been proved to be intensively expressed on monocytes/macrophage. [68Ga]-APD, based on the structure of CXCR4 antagonists TIQ-15, had designed by computer simulation as a PET tracer for imaging activated macrophages within the atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological characteristics of [68Ga]-APD, and compared with the PET tracers targeting atherosclerotic lesion such as [18F]-FDG, [18F]-NaF, and [68Ga]-Pentixafor in apolipoprotein-E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice.
Results
The specification and quality of APD was identified by Mass, NMR and HPLC. After being labeled with Ga-68 under acetate buffer (pH≒5.5), radiochemical purity was over 90% and stable for more than 4 hours in 37℃human serum. After being injected from tail vein on ApoE−/− atherosclerotic mice model, hydrophilic [68Ga]-APD was quickly eliminate from the kidney and bladder. [68Ga]-APD could accumulate in the atherosclerotic aorta site and CXCR4 expression organs. The highest target/background ratio (TBR) on atherosclerotic sites were 17.68 ± 0.71 (n = 3) on high-fat diet ApoE−/− mice for 12 weeks after [68Ga]-APD injection within 1 hour. However, [68Ga]-Pentixafor was only 2.06 ± 0.67 (n = 3) on the same mice model. Competitive study represented that CXCR4 antagonist AMD3465 could effectively block the uptake of [68Ga]-APD on the atherosclerotic site and CXCR4 expression organs. Comparing with [18F]-FDG and [18F]-NaF, [68Ga]-APD represented relatively better TBR and specificity on the imaging of atherosclerotic lesions.
Conclusion
In vivo evaluation of CXCR4 expression in ApoE−/− mice revealed the uptake of [68Ga]-APD mainly accumulated in the atherosclerotic aorta site. Moreover, the TBR of [68Ga]-APD was 8 times higher than [68Ga]-Pentixafor, a radiotracer targeting CXCR4 and under phase II clinical trial, indicating this novel tracer [68Ga]-APD is more feasible as a surrogate marker for inflammatory atherosclerosis.
Use of artificial neural network for generation of ultra-high resolution meteorological fields over Chowkibal-Tangdhar region of North-West Himalaya
Authors: Joshi Jagdish Chandra , Kaur Prabhjot
Published: March 2022

High resolution meteorological fields have been found potentially useful for hydrological and agricultural applications and mitigation of hydro-meteorological hazards such as landslide and snow avalanches. These meteorological fields are being generated for Himalaya using Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model with spatial resolution up to 3 km. However, gridded meteorological data of sub-kilometer resolution is not available for the Himalayan region. In the present study, Numerical Weather Prediction model-WRF has been configured for North-West (N-W) Himalayan region with spatial resolution of 2 km and run in hind cast mode to generate meteorological data of 11 winters (2009-19). Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been developed for post-processing of maximum temperature, minimum temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, snow depth and snowfall in 24h generated by the WRF model using observed surface weather data of five different locations in Chowkibal-Tangdhar (C-T) region. Post-processed WRF output has been spatially interpolated to a grid resolution of 90 m using quasi-physical relations and inverse distance weighing scheme. The ultra-high resolution meteorological fields generated over the C-T domain have been validated at five locations in the C-T region for two winters (2017-19). For all five stations, the Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) scores of the model for maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity and snow depth has been found at “very good” level (> 0.75) with considerably high Heidke Skill Score (HSS) (> 0.4). A comparison of observed and simulated cumulative snowfall during major snow storms during 2017-19 has also been discussed.
FEASt: A Randomized Controlled Trial for Dysphagia Recovery After an Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Marchina Sarah , Langmore Susan , Massaro Joseph , Palmisano Joseph , Wang Na , Searls David Eric , Lioutas Vasileios , Pisegna Jessica , Wagner Cynthia , Shinde Anant , Schlaug Gottfried
Published: March 2022

Background: Dysphagia is a serious stroke complication but lacks effective therapy. We investigated safety and preliminary efficacy of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) paired with swallowing exercises in improving post-stroke dysphagia from an acute unilateral hemispheric infarction (UHI). Methods: Double-blind, early phase-2 randomized controlled trial, in subjects (n=42) with moderate-severe dysphagia [Penetration and Aspiration Scale (PAS) score ≥ 4], from an acute-subacute UHI. Subjects were randomized to Low-Dose, High-Dose atDCS or Sham stimulation for 5 consecutive days. Primary safety outcomes were incidence of seizures, neurological, motor, or swallowing function deterioration. Primary efficacy outcome was a change in PAS scores at day-5 of intervention. Main secondary outcome was dietary improvement at 1-month, assessed by Functional Oral Intake (FOIS) score.Results: No differences in pre-defined safety outcomes or adjusted mean changes in PAS, FOIS scores, between groups, were observed. Post-hoc analysis demonstrated that 22 /24 subjects in the combined atDCS group had a clinically meaningful dietary improvement (FOIS score ≥ 5) compared to 8 /14 in Sham (p=0.037, Fisher-exact).Conclusion: atDCS application in the acute-subacute stroke phase is safe but did not decrease risk of aspiration in this early phase trial. The observed dietary improvement is promising and merits further investigation.
SumStatsRehab: An Efficient Algorithm for GWAS Summary Statistics Assessment and Restoration
Authors: Yazdi Puya , Grabherr Manfred , Novković Biljana , Khan Umar , Bamunusinghe Varuna , Terpolovsky Andrew , Bircan Karatuğ Ozan , Tello Carlos , Cuthbertson Lewis , Mahmoud Abdallah , Bose Madhuchanda , Matushyn Mykyta
Published: March 2022

Background: Generating polygenic risk scores for diseases and complex traits requires high quality GWAS summary statistic files. Often, these files can be difficult to acquire either as a result of unshared or incomplete data. To date, bioinformatics tools which focus on restoring missing columns containing identification and association data are limited, which has the potential to increase the number of usable GWAS summary statistics files.Results: SumStatsRehab was able to restore rsID, effect/other alleles, chromosome, base pair position, effect allele frequencies, beta, standard error, and p-values to a better extent than any other currently available tool, with minimal loss.Conclusions: SumStatsRehab offers a unique tool utilizing both functional programming and pipeline-like architecture, allowing users to generate accurate data restorations for incomplete summary statistics files. This in turn, increases the number of usable GWAS summary statistics files, which may be invaluable for less researched health traits.
Occupational safety and health aspects of corporate social responsibility reporting in Japan: comparison between 2012 and 2020
Authors: Shimizu Takahiro , Nagata Tomohisa , Fujimoto Ayumi , Inoue Shunsuke , Nagata Masako , Mori Koji
Published: March 2022

Objective
We aimed to survey the content of occupational safety and health (OSH) disclosed in corporate social responsibility (CSR)-related reports and integrated reports in 2020 and to compare the changes between 2012 and 2020 according to industry and company size.
Results
Among all companies, 441 (20.3%) companies issued CSR-related reports and 590 (28.1%) issued integrated reports. The number (percentage) of companies that issued either CSR-related reports or integrated reports was 880 (40.5%). The percentages of both CSR-related reports and integrated reports increased with increased company size. The number (percentage) of companies reporting OSH in CSR-related reports was 391 (88.7%) and that in integrated reports was 493 (83.6%). The percentage of OSH reporting in CSR-related reports and integrated reports was high in secondary industries and low in tertiary industries.
Protective Effect of Ischemic Postconditioning Combined with Nicorandil on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Xia Zongyi , Chen Bing , Zhou Chi , Wang Yitian , Ren Jinyang , Yao Xujin , Wan Qi , Lian Zhexun
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND
Diabetes mellitus exhibits a high sensitivity to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), which can affect the efficacy of cardioprotective interventions, and its complexity significantly reduces the therapeutic potential of existing treatment options. This study was dedicated to investigate the feasibility of shifting from monotherapy to combination therapy in diabetic MIRI.
METHODS
Rats were randomized into 10 groups: non-diabetic rats included: sham-operated (Sham), ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), ischemia postcondtioning (I-Post), nicorandil (Nic), and combination therapy (I-Post + Nic); diabetic rats included: DM Sham, DM I/R, DM I-Post, DM Nic and DM I-Post + Nic. The T2DM rats were induced by injection of low-dose streptozotocin (30 mg/kg) and supplemented with high-fat and high-sugar chow to establish a myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model. CK-MB, NO levels, ROS content, and myocardial infarct area were measured. HE staining of cardiac tissue sections, TUNEL staining of cardiac tissue sections, WGA immunofluorescence staining, and protein blotting (western blotting) were used to detect myocardial tissue PI3K, Akt, GSK3β, mToR, and eNOS protein phosphorylation levels.
RESULTS
We found that diabetes impaired the cardioprotective effects of I-Post and nicorandil against MIRI injury compared with non-diabetic I/R rats. Compared with diabetic I/R rats treated with I-Post (41.13% ± 2.17%, 454.64 ± 13.434 µm2) or nicorandil (41.54 ± 1.45%, 439.95 ± 15.087 µm2) alone, I-Post combined with nicorandil treatment (30.67% ± 1.38%, 344.45 ± 13.434 µm2) significantly reduced IS/AAR (P < 0.001) and cardiac cell cross sectional area (P < 0.001), reduced the extent of myocardial tissue injury and decreased pathological scores after I/R (P < 0.001), inhibited myocardial apoptosis (P < 0.001), decreased plasma central infarct marker CK-MB levels (P < 0.001), and increased NO levels (P < 0.001). In addition, combination treatment increased the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt, GSK3β, mToR, and eNOS (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
I-Post combined with nicorandil treatment maintains effective cardioprotection against diabetic MIRI by activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.