bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservation of underwater cannonball heritage obtained from a shipwreck in the sea of Batavia, Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Riyanto Riyanto , Sahroni Imam , Jazuli Muhammad Malthuf , Musawwa M. Miqdam , Cahyandaru Nahar , Wahyuni Endang Tri
Published: May 2020

The Borobudur Conservation Center in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia has received underwater cannonballs from a shipwreck in the sea near Batavia, Jakarta, Indonesia. This artifact is a shipment from the Directorate for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage and the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture. This study aims to conserve the underwater cannonball before it is stored in a museum. The removal of the protective crust of iron artifacts without the correct and proper method can cause rapid corrosion. To prevent damage, artifacts must be conserved in the right solution. This research aims to stop the process of corrosion and conserve iron objects in aqueous alkali solutions, and the potential corrosion was measured. Conservation was conducted in four stages during this research project. The first stage is the identification of weathering, and the second stage is the analysis and characterization of the corroded surface using a microscope, XRD (X-ray diffraction), XRF (X-ray fluorescence), and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). The third stage is the passivation/deactivation process, which was achieved using sodium hydroxide, soapy water and kaffir lime water. The fourth stage is stabilizing/coating the iron cannonball underwater heritage materials as soon as possible using microcrystalline wax to prevent further corrosion, so this stage should solve the conservation problems associated with the object so that the objects can last for a long time. Dry and wet activated corrosion was characterized by applying XRD to the obtained mineral akageneite. The akageneite minerals were actively corroded and contained high concentrations of Cl atoms revealing dry and wet activated corrosion of 66.603% and 64.963%, respectively. After being conserved with several steps and NaOH, soapy water and kaffir lime water, inactive corrosion was observed. Based on the results of the analysis performed with XRF, the cannonball does not contain Cl, and the Fe content is 98.99%. The conservation method used in this research is excellent and appropriate to conserve cultural heritage materials, including underwater iron cannonballs.
Association between Hemoglobin and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy at Different Glycosylated Hemoglobin Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Zhou Lingling , Xu Xiaojuan , Sheng Hui , Qu Shen , Cui Ran
Published: May 2020

Background: To investigate the possible association of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and serum hemoglobin levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with different glycosylated hemoglobin levels.Methods: A total of 995 patients were involved in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Laboratory medical data and electromyography results from the patients were collected. The patients were divided into five groups according to their HbA1c levels (Group 1: HbA1c ≤7%, Group 2: HbA1c 7% to ≤8%, Group 3: HbA1c 8% to ≤9%, Group 4: 9% to ≤10%, and Group 5: >10%). Differences in clinical data in the five groups were compared. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and binary logistic regression analysis were used. All analyses were performed using SPSS 24 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). P value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.Results: A correlation was found between the prevalence of DPN and anemia in both sex groups. Age, BMI, duration of diabetes, ALT, serum creatinine, TC, TG, LDL, FPG, FCP, and hemoglobin A1c differed to a statistically significant extent in different groups. Group 5 showed the highest prevalence of DPN in both sex groups. Hemoglobin levels were higher in Group 5 than in other groups, while composition of anemia was not statistically different. Binary logistic regression showed hemoglobin to be negatively related to the prevalence of DPN in Group 5 in men and in Group 4 in women.Conclusion: Hemoglobin level was negatively associated with the occurrence of DPN at the HbA1c level of >10% in men and 9 to 10% in women in T2DM patients. HbA1c must be considered in exploring the correlation between hemoglobin and DPN.
USP7 regulates melanoma progression through PI3K/Akt/FOXO and AMPK Pathways
Authors: Teichmann Alexander , Jia Jing , Gao Lanyang , Zhu Danli , Wang Qin , Yin Shigang , QIANG Huiyan , Wieland Heinrich , Zhang Jinyue , Bao Zheng
Published: May 2020

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that deubiquitinase USP7 participates in tumor progression by various mechanisms and serves as a potential therapeutic target. However, its functional role in melanoma remains elusive and needs to be investigated. Methods: The down-regulation of USP7 in A375 human melanoma cells was determined by high resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The effects of USP7 expression on proliferation and apoptosis of melanoma cells were examined by western blot, Immunohistochemical and flow cytometry. Further study knock-down of USP7 in A375 cell lines, especially knockout USP7 using CRISPR-Cas9, verified USP7 regulate cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro .Western blot and qRT-PCR, Immunofluorescence were performed to investigate the mechanisms by which USP7 mediated melanoma growth through regulating the PI3K/Akt/FOXO pathways activity Results: Proteomic and western blotting analysis show that inhibition of USP7 increases expression of PRKAB1, CASP7, and PPP2R3A, attenuates expression of ATP6V0C and PEX11B. Furthermore, ATP6V0C and PEX11B are proposed to be the substrate for USP7 function. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that PI3K/Akt/FOXO and AMPK signaling pathways can be regulated by USP7 during melanoma progression and provide USP7 as an attractive anticancer target for melanoma.
Evaluation Of Motor Performance In Cognitively Impaired Elderly Patients With Berg Test: A pilot study
Authors: Sutela Annamaija , Kauppila Timo
Published: May 2020

Objectives We studied whether we can determine a degree of cognitive impairment in which the testing for need of physiotherapy cannot be evaluated without continuous non-verbal instructions in the elderly patients.Present study was a retrospective observational quasi-experimental cohort study performed with patients of geriatric primary care hospital. Fifty-seven aged (>65 years) patients who are aiming to be rehabilitated to home-like facilities participated this study. We compared groups of different levels of cognitive performance (normal cognition, mild, moderate, and severe cognitive impairment) as determined with MiniMental(MMSE)-test by using their motor performance in Berg test.ResultsSeverely cognitively impaired patients (MMSE≤11) were equally able to perform the Berg test as their less cognitively compromised controls if they were continuously advised non-verbally. However, standing without support, sitting without support, reaching forward, watching backwards by turning as well as turning around 360° were too difficult tasks for these patients to be performed without continuous extra assistance given by the physiotherapists. Even the most cognitively impaired patients may be able to perform a motor program in physiotherapy. However, with these patients autonomous exercise is likely to fail and excessive work by physiotherapists is thereby required for their training.
The Prognostic Value of Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin in the Management of Graves’ Disease
Authors: Chen Xinxin , Zhou Yulin , Zhou Mengxi , Qi Yicheng , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Wang Shu
Published: May 2020

Background: The bioassay of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) appears to be more sensitive than the commonly used TSH binding inhibition assay (TBII), also known as thyroid receptor antibody assay or TRAb.Methods: An observational study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of TSI in clinic. Patients with different etiologies of thyrotoxicosis were enrolled to verified the diagnostic value of TSI.Results: 77 Graves’ disease (GD) patients who were treated with anti-thyroid drug (ATD) were in a continuous follow-up until 1 year after ATD discontinuation. Commercial kits of TSI (Thyretain™) and M22-TBII were used and compared. TSI was all negative in healthy controls, Hashimoto thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis. TSI value was highest in untreated GD patients (P < 0.001). Under ATD treatment, TSI value decreased gradually. 21 patients had positive TSI at the end of treatment. According to clinical fate of patients with GD after withdrawal ATD, TSI value and positivity in patients with relapse were significantly higher than that reported in patients with remission (P = 0.001, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, gender, initial TRAb, initial TSI, and TRAb at the end of treatment, the odds ratio (OR) of positive TSI for the risk of relapse was 33.271 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.741-233.458, P < 0.001) and OR of quantitative TSI was 1.009 (95% CI: 1.002–1.015, P < 0.001).Conclusions: TSI is a good predictor of relapse in patients with GD subjected to ATD treatment. It might be safer to discontinue ATD when TSI and TRAb were both negative.
A Novel Neoagarotriose-Producing Agarase from the Marine Bacterium Gilvimarinus Agarilyticus JEA5
Authors: Lee Youngdeuk , Jo Eunyoung , Lee Yeon-Ju , Choi Hansol , Eom Tae-Yang , Gang Yehui , Kang Yoon-Hyeok , Marasinghe Svini Dileepa , Hettiarachchi Sachithra Amarin , Kang Do-Hyung , Oh Chulhong
Published: May 2020

Background The degradation of agar by bacterial agarases has many commercial and academic applications. We recently identified a novel neoagarotriose-producing β-agarase, Gaa16B, in the marine bacterium Gilvimarinus agarilyticus JEA5. This is the first report to describe neoagarotriose production from β-agarase.Results The Gaa16B agarase, which belongs to the glycoside hydrolase 16 (GH16) family of β-agarases, shows less than 70.9% amino acid similarity with previously characterized agarases. The coding region of Gaa16B is 1800 bp long, encoding 600 amino acids, and exhibits features typical of agarases belonging to the GH16 family. A recombinant Gaa16B lacking the carbohydrate binding region (rGaa16Bc) was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified as a maltose-binding protein (MBP) fusion protein. Activity assays revealed the optimal temperature and pH of rGaa16Bc to be 55 °C and pH 6–7, respectively, and the protein was highly stable at 55 °C for 90 min. Additionally, rGaa16Bc activity was strongly enhanced (2.3-fold) in the presence of 2.5 mM MnCl2. The Km and Vmax of rGaa16Bc for agarose were 6.4 mg/ml and 953 U/mg, respectively. Thin layer chromatography analysis revealed that rGaa16Bc can hydrolyze agarose into neoagarotetraose, neoagarotriose, and neoagarobiose, and the production of neoagarotriose by rGaa16Bc was successfully validated by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.Conclusion The biochemical properties of Gaa16B and the results of the hydrolytic pattern analysis suggest that Gaa16B could be useful to produce functional neoagaro-oligosaccharides for industrial applications.
Comparison of Clinical Features and Prognostic Factors of Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis Associated Interstitial Lung Disease According to Autoantibodies: Anti-Aminoacyl tRNA Synthetase Antibodies Versus Anti-Melanoma Differentiation-Associated Gene 5 Antibody.
Authors: Gao Yujuan , Li Yan , Yan Xin , Xie Miaomiao , Li Hui , Huang Mei , Ding Jingjing , Cao Min , Dai Jinghong , Cai Hourong
Published: May 2020

Objective: The serum myositis-specific autoantibodies has been considered to be relatively specific and be useful for diagnosis of polymyositis/dermatomyositis associated interstitial lung disease (PM/DM-ILD). The goal of our retrospective study was to identify clinical features and prognostic factors for PM/DM-ILD based on serological phenotypes.Methods: PM/DM-ILD patients were diagnosed in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. MSAs were measured by anti-myositis antibody profile IgG detection kit. Based on the results of MSAs, the patients were divided into three groups: anti-MDA5 group, anti-Jo-1 group and other anti-ARS group. Kaplan-Meier, log rank, Kruskal-Wallis test and chi-square tests were used for analysis.Results: We identified 30 patients (22.0%) with positive anti-MDA5, 42 patients (31.0%) with positive anti-Jo-1 and 64 patients(47.0%) with other anti-ARS. acute disease onset was more frequently observed in the anti-MDA5 group (P = 0.005). The highest mortality rate was in the anti-MDA5 group (66.7%, P < 0.001). The overall survival of patients with anti-Jo-1 was significantly better than that of patients with anti-MDA5 (P < 0.001) and similar to that of patients with other anti-ARS. The acute disease onset (P = 0.002), DAD pattern for HRCT imaging (P < 0.001), current smokers (P = 0.02), presence of Anti-MDA5 (P < 0.001), fever (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with the mortality of the study population. Interestingly, in the subgroup survival analysis for anti-MDA5 group, age was a risk factor for death of patients with anti-MDA5 (P = 0.02), and the treatment with PSL pulse and IVIG were markedly correlated with high mortality (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively).Conclusion: Anti–MDA5 antibody is significantly associated with associated with worse prognosis in PM/DM-ILD patients. The application of PSL pulse and IVIG are not necessarily an effective treatment for positive anti-MDA5 patients.
Optimal Initial Cell Density that Yields the Highest Number of Primary Synovial Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Horiuchi Kiyotaka , Mizuno Mitsuru , Katano Hisako , Endo Kentaro , Ozeki Nobutale , Tsuji Kunikazu , Koga Hideyuki , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: May 2020

Background Synovial mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation improved clinical outcomes in knees with cartilage defects and after repairs of degenerative torn menisci. For these, nucleated cells were cultured with 10% autologous serum for 14 days. Importantly, nucleated cell number and serum volume practically varied by patient, and initial cell density and dish number affected yield/donor. Our purpose was to examine the effect of plating density within range in clinical studies on fold increase and to estimate the MSC yield/donor, which are affected by the nucleated cell number and serum volume.Methods We obtained the data of the autologous serum volume, nucleated cell number, and initial plating cell density from 10 patients who participated in our previous clinical studies. Experimentally, synovial nucleated cells harvested from three patients with osteoarthritis during total knee arthroplasty were cultured with 10% mixed allogenic human serum for 14 days to examine the effect of initial cell density on fold increase. We used both our previous clinical data and our current experimental data to predict the yields of synovial MSCs in nine cases within the range of clinical studies.Results In the clinical studies, collected serum ranged between 87 and 186 ml, harvested nucleated cells ranged between 6.2 and 23 million, and the top five total MSC yields were obtained from donors when the initial plating cell density ranged from 919 to 1905 cells/cm2. Experimentally, fold increase significantly decreased between 700 and 1,900 cells/cm2. In cases where the cell number was low and the serum volume was high, the estimated yield/donor decreased along with the initial density, while in cases where the cell number was high and the serum volume was low, the estimated yield/donor increased along with the initial density. In cases both where some nucleated cells were discarded at low density and no cells were discarded at high density, the maximum yield/donor were obtained when the initial density was the lowest density that does not discard cells.Conclusions There was an optimal initial density that yields the highest number of primary MSCs in a clinical setting when cell numbers and human serum volumes are limited.
The Limbo Atmosphere in operating room settings Caused by Disruptive Behaviors: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mirzaei Sahar , Pazokian Marzieh , Atashzadeh-Shoorideh Foroozan , Pishgooie Seyed Amir Hosein
Published: May 2020

Background Operating room nurses are one of the groups frequently expose to Disruptive Behaviors in different situations in the operating rooms that have different impacts on them and their performance. Recognition of DBs and their effects can help to offer strategies for better management of these behaviors. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Iranian operating room nurses regarding Disruptive Behaviors in operating room settings.Methods This is a descriptive qualitative study conducted in university hospitals in Tehran. The data were collected by deep semi-structured interviews with a total number of 17 operating room nurses selected purposefully. Finally, the data were analyzed with the conventional content analysis approach.Results Five categories were extracted from the study, including "activity in a poisonous atmosphere", "role subtraction", "escape to a safe margin", "adaptation to stay calm", and "Indirect confrontation". Finally, a theme was "struggle in a limbo Atmosphere caused by Disruptive Behaviors".Conclusion Under great pressure of surgeon’s Disruptive Behaviors, operating room nurses were struggling to maintain their balance and performance at possible. Considering the effect of Disruptive Behavior, it seems necessary to take training measures for improving team-working in operation room settings. Besides, monitoring and follow-up such behaviors according to negative effects is necessary.
Silencing Circ_0058063 Enhances Proliferation and Inhibits Apoptosis in PCOS Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: Wen Chengcai , Zhang Li
Published: May 2020

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disease in reproductive-aged women. This study was designed to explore the role of circ_0058063 in PCOS. Methods We recruited 25 PCOS patients and 25 no-PCOS patients. The concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) were measured by radioimmunoassay. The level of aromatase was detected using an ELISA kit. The proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells were assessed using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Gene and protein expression were evaluated through RT-qPCR and Western blotting assay. Results The circ_0058063 level in ovarian granulosa cells and follicular fluid is significantly higher in the PCOS group than the no-PCOS group. Besides, silencing circ_0058063 increases the levels of Aromatase mRNA, P4 and E2 in PCOS ovarian granulosa cells. Additionally, silencing circ_0058063 can promote the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells in patients with PCOS. Furthermore, silencing circ_0058063 can suppress apoptosis of PCOS ovarian granulosa cells.Conclusions Silencing circ_0058063 enhances proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in PCOS ovarian granulosa cells. Such findings may offer vital insights into a therapeutic target for PCOS.
The Effect of Pre-Trauma Alcohol Use on Post-Traumatic Quality of Life in Severely Injured Trauma Patients
Authors: Riuttanen Antti Ilmari , Jokihaara Jarkko , Huttunen Tuomas T. , Mattila Ville M.
Published: May 2020

Background From one third up to half of all injured patients admitted to emergency rooms have a positive blood alcohol level (BAL). Frequent alcohol use also has negative effects on a person’s quality of life. Even though alcohol use among injury patients is common, the effects of pre-injury alcohol use on Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) have not previously been studied. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate whether pre-injury alcohol use has an influence on an injured patient’s HR-QoL and reported problems. A secondary objective was to compare injured patient’s HR-QoL with the population norm of Finland. Methods Retrospective analysis of all trauma patients treated at Tampere University Hospital’s (TAUH) Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or High Dependence Unit (HDU) in 2013. The following inclusion criteria were used: patient treated at TAUH’s ICU or HDU, age ≥ 18 years, NISS ≥ 16 and possesses a valid Finnish personal identification number to enable comprehensive follow-up. From a total of 373 patients, 227 patients met the inclusion criteria. HR-QoL was assessed with the EQ-5D questionnaire during the patients’ stay in the ICU/HDU and one year after the injury. The EQ-5D index value was further compared with the index values of the age-matched population norms of Finland. Results Thirty-four percent (77/227) of all patients tested positive for alcohol at the time of the injury with a mean blood alcohol content (BAC) of 1.9 g/L. Twenty-nine patients (N= 29/227) died within 1 year of injury, and therefore 198 patients were contacted for post-injury EQ-5D questionnaires. Complete data sets with both pre- and post-injury EQ-5D questionnaires were available for 111 (56%) patients. Patients with positive BAL expressed notably more anxiety and depression (45%) before trauma compared to both patients with negative BAL (11%) and the reference population of Finland (14%). Overall, pre-injury HR-QoL was also poorer in BAL positive patients than BAL negative patients. The amount of anxiety and depression in BAL positive patients decreased after injury. In both groups, the relative number of reported problems after injury exceeded the relative number of reported problems of the reference population of Finland in all five EQ-5D dimensions. Conclusions Patients with positive BAL upon admission report overall lower HR-QoL than patients with negative BAL. This finding is most likely explained by the excessive amount of anxiety and depression, which had decreased one year after injury. We speculate that this may partly be explained by a possible reduction in alcohol use, which has been reported to happen in injury patients. As has previously been reported, the impact of severe injury on post-injury QoL in general is detrimental and long-lasting and overall HR-QoL remains lower than the population norm.
Machinability Investigation in Dry Turning of Ti–6al–4v With a Novel Tib2-based Cermet Tool Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Yuan Yikun , Ji Wenbin , Dai Shijie , Zhang Huibo
Published: May 2020

To ensure accuracy and improve the processing efficiency of Ti–6Al–4V alloys, dry turning experiment of Ti–6Al–4V was carried out using a novel TiB2-based cermet tool. The tool was reinforced by nanoscale VC additive and exhibited excellent hardness and fracture toughness.Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used in the experiment to verify andevaluatethe cutting performance ofTiB2-based cermet tool.The cutting forces and machined surface roughness (Ra) were selected as the optimization objective. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to find out the effective machining parameters on response factorsand demonstrate correctness of the models. It was found that theeffective factor on surface roughness was feed rate, while cutting depth significantly affected cutting forces.And the confirmation experiments showedthat the predicted values were in good agreement with experimental values. Based on the optimized cutting parameters, the tool life was measured and tool wear mechanismwasinvestigated. When the vc, apandfwere 100 mm/min, 0.16 mm, 0.1 mm/rev respectively for Ra optimization, the cutting length and tool lifecould reach to 3233 m and 29.4 min, respectively, due to the excellentwear resistance and stability of TiB2-based cermet tool at high cutting temperature. In this case, the main wear mechanism was adhesive wear and diffusion wear.
Carbon Nanotubes Agglomeration Effects on Buckling Behavior of Multi-phases Sandwich Laminated Cylindrical Shells
Authors: Soleymani Mahdi , Ghasemi Ahmad Reza
Published: May 2020

The main contribution of present study is carbon nanotubes (CNTs) agglomeration effects on the buckling behavior of multi-phases CNT/ fiber/ polymer/ metal composite laminates cylindrical shells under hydrostatic pressure. Governing equations are derived according to the Kirchhoff-Love’s first approximation shell theory and solved by a method composed of Galerkin method and Fourier series expansion. Equivalent elastic properties of multi-phases CNTs/ fiber/ polymer/ metal laminated (CNTFPML) cylindrical shell are obtained using Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach, considering agglomeration effects. Actually at the first, CNTs have been added to polymer matrix. After that, this new matrix has been reinforced by carbon or glass fibers. Finally, the composite layer has been joined with metal layers.The accuracy of applied method is validated with finite element method and an experimental test on carbon/epoxy and glass/epoxy composite cylinder under hydrostatic pressure, considering two methods of test.The results indicate that the CNT’s agglomeration, mass and volume fraction of CNTs and type of fibers play important roles on buckling resistance of multi-phases composite cylindrical shells.
Sex-specific Relationships Between Il-3, Il-7 and Lipids in African Americans
Authors: Williams Ariel , Wooten Catherine , Melendez Quantil , Greene Natasha , Lopez Dayami , Williams-DeVane Clarlynda , Kimbro Kevin Sean
Published: May 2020

Purpose: Obesity, a complex chronic disorder characterized by the enlargement of adipose tissue, has a multifactorial etiology. Adipose tissue is now recognized as an active tissue in the regulation of inflammation. Sex chromosome genes and hormones influences immune responses between males and females. Inflammation is rampant in obesity due to the expansion of visceral adipose tissue leading to insulin resistance resulting in type-2 diabetes (T2D). Differences in sex may lead to varied immune responses to T2D.Methods: A total of 116 serum samples were collected from African Americans: 68 women and 48 men. All participants had a BMI > 30. This group consists of 49 normal HbA1c and 71 high HbA1c participants. This study was designed to determine the impact of current circulating glucose on current serum IL-3 and IL-7 levels.Results:Serum cytokine levels are influenced by circulating high glucose and it varies based on sex. We found in women, IL-3 and IL-7 levels were upregulated 1.7-fold in the presence of high circulating glucose. In men, IL-3 levels were downregulated 1.5-fold and IL-7 levels downregulated 1.3-fold in the presence of high circulating glucose. IL-3 and IL-7 serum levels are also correlated with several lipid parameters.Conclusion: IL-3 and IL-7 are members of a complex network of cytokines that play a role in chronic inflammation. Inflammatory signaling impact several diseases including obesity, T2D, atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. A better understanding of the pathological signaling of cytokines will help facilitate our understanding of inflammation in these diseases.
Moderately Hypofractionated Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy with Simultaneous Integrated Boost for Prostate Cancer: Five-Year Toxicity Results from a Prospective Phase I/II Trial
Authors: Ricco Anthony , Mukhopadhyay Nitai , Deng Xiaoyan , Holdford Diane , Skinner Vicki , Saraiya Siddharth , Moghanaki Drew , Anscher Mitchell , Chang Michael
Published: May 2020

Background

In this phase I/II trial, five-year physician-assessed toxicity and patient reported quality of life data is reported for patients undergoing moderately hypofractionated intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer using a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) and pelvic lymph node (LN) coverage.

Materials and Methods

Patients with T1-T2 localized prostate cancer were prospectively enrolled, receiving risk group based coverage of prostate +/- seminal vesicles (SVs) +/- pelvic lymph nodes (LNs). Low risk (LR) received 69.6 Gy/29 fractions to the prostate, while intermediate risk (IR) and high risk (HR) patients received 72Gy/30fx to the prostate and 54Gy/30fx to the SVs. If predicted risk of LN involvement > 15%, 50.4Gy/30fx was delivered to pelvic LNs. Androgen deprivation therapy was given to IR and HR patients.

Results

There were 55 patients enrolled and 49 patients evaluable at a median follow up of 60 months. Included were 11 (20%) LR, 23 (41.8%) IR, and 21 (38.2%) HR patients. Pelvic LN treatment was given in 25 patients (51%). Prevalence rates of late grade 2 GI toxicity at 1, 3, and 5 years was 5.8%, 3.9%, and 5.8% respectively, with no grade 3 events. Prevalence rates of late grade 2 GU toxicity at 1, 3, and 5 years rates were 15.4%, 7.7%, and 13.5% respectively, with three grade 3 events (5.8%). The biochemical relapse free survival at 5 years was 88.3%. There were no local, regional, or distant failures, with all patients still alive at last follow up.

Conclusions

Moderate hypofractionation of localized prostate cancer utilizing a SIB technique and LN coverage produces tolerable acute/late toxicity. Given equivalent efficacy between moderate hypofractionation schedules, the optimal regimen will be determined by long-term toxicity reported from both the physician and patient perspective.
Logarithmic Quadratic Regression Model for Early Periods of COVID-19 Epidemic Count Data
Authors: Tominaga Daisuke
Published: May 2020

Background While COVID-19 epidemic has been spreading worldwide, its characteristics are still unclear. The development of good mathematical models for predicting its prevalence and subsiding is strongly expected. The epidemic curve shows how the epidemic increases and subsides. This is the number of persons found infected daily. To express this with a mathematical model, the compartment model such as the SIR model is used generally. However, model parameter values of these ordinary differential equation based models are very sensitive for errors of observed data, and it is often difficult to find a reliable model especially when the amount of data is not sufficient. On the other hand, a regression model with a small number of parameters is more robust against data errors than a highly sensitive nonlinear differential equation model, though, it is not clear what a good regression model is for epidemic data. MethodsWe modeled the initial emerging period of the epidemic curve of COVID-19 in Tokyo with a model that introduces a quadratic polynomial function to the logarithms of the numbers of infected cases, and modeled it with other regression models including the generalized linear model to compare. Results It was shown that the statistical properties of the logarithmic quadratic function model were good even in the early stages of the epidemic, which is generally said to increase exponentially and monotonically. By applying the logarithmic quadratic function model to the data of the number of cases in each country of the world, the starting and the subsiding dates of the epidemic and the total number of cases in each country were estimated. Conclusions Although an epidemic curve in an early period said generally to be exponential, namely linear in the logarithmic space, a quadratic curve regression fits better than the linear and the generalized linear model. These estimates can be informative to reveal the transition mechanism from pre-epidemic to epidemic, and to pandemic.
The Impact of Nutritional Therapy on Resting Energy Expenditure in Malnourished Older Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Pourhassan Maryam , Daubert Diana , Wirth Rainer
Published: May 2020

Background and aims: Little is known about the effect of nutritional therapy on resting energy expenditure (REE) in malnourished older hospitalized patients. We sought to evaluate longitudinal changes in REE during nutritional therapy and to examine the different factors associated with changes in REE among these patients.Methods Twenty-three malnourished older patients (age range 67–93, 65% women) participated in this prospective longitudinal observational study. Malnutrition was defined as Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) < 8. REE was measured by using indirect calorimetry on hospital admission and at discharge. Body composition (i.e. fat free mass (FFM)) was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The Parker mobility score was performed to evaluate the patient's mobility. Nutritional support (i.e. high protein and/or high calorie oral nutritional supplements) was provided to all malnourished patients during hospitalization.Results All patients were malnourished with a median MNA-SF score of 6. The median time between two REE measurements was 13 days (interquartile range: 11–15). On admission, REE was significantly lower in patients with lower FFM (P = 0.043) and decreased along with the degree of malnutrition (P = 0.008). REE (+ 212.6 kcal, P = 0.010) and REE/FFM (+ 5.6 kcal/kg, P = 0.021) increased significantly during hospitalization. In a multiple regression analysis, age, gender and BMI followed by MNA-SF score and mobility were the major independent risk factors of changes in REE.Conclusion Low REE in malnourished older patients increased to normal after 2 weeks of nutritional treatment.
Prediction for the Negative Conversion Probability of Nucleic Acid Testing in Patients with Nonsevere COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Model Based on Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Facai , Hu Huan , Wang Xiaoming , Li Xiaodan , Yang Yang , Li Li , Han Ping , Li Long
Published: May 2020

Background: We aimed to screen clinical independent predictive factors for negative conversion of nucleic acid testing and established a predictive nomogram, so as to relieve patients' anxiety and reduce unnecessary repeated nucleic acid testing.Methods: All 70 consecutive patients with nonsevere COVID-19 pneumonia were admitted to the Fangcang shelter hospital in Wuhan from February 12th to March 8th, 2020. We used univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox regression to identify independent predictive factors and refit the predictive model. Area under ROC (AUR), Brier scores and calibration plots were used to assess the performance.Results: diabetes mellitus, gender and lymphocyte were deemed independent predictive factors and were incorporated into a Cox proportional hazards model. The AUR and Brier scores of the predictive model at 14 days were 0.694 [0.472; 0.890] and 0.163 [0.109; 0.219] in the internal validation set, respectively. Similarly, the AUR and Brier scores at 21 days were 0.779 [0.505; 0.957] and 0.105 [0.042; 0.175] in the internal validation set.Conclusions: By using the predictive nomogram, the clinicians could inform patients with nonsevere COVID-19 regarding a certain time to possible negative conversion, which would relieve the patients’ anxiety and reduce repeated testing.
Is It Possible to Predict the Atherosclerosis in Aorta by the Patients Lipids Panel?
Authors: Yesıltas Mehmet Ali , HABERAL İsmail , KOYUNCU Ahmet Ozan , BATUR Şebnem , ÖZSOY Sadiye Deniz , AK Hülya YILMAZ , OZ Ayşim Büge
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory event that characterized by stiffness and thickening of the vascular walls. In our daily practice, we assume the atherosclerotic potential of the patient by following the total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels (Lipids panel). We aimed to understand the relation between the HDL, LDL, cholesterol levels and the atherosclerosis in large vascular structures such as ascending aorta.Methods: We have searched for atherosclerosis in the aortic tissue samples with 48 patients. It is a study in which we examine the correlation of preoperative cholesterol values (HDL, LDL, triglyceride, total cholesterol) by dividing the patients into two groups according to the presence of plaque.Results: 43 males (89.6%), and 5 females (10.4%) patients between 39 and 81 years of age were included in the study. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients' preoperative cardiovascular risk assessments. The free T3 values were within the normal range with of all patients, however there was a difference that patients in the non-atherosclerosis group have lower values. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups' HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglyceride parameters.Conclusion: As a result, in our study, no significant difference was found between HDL-C, LDL-C, triglyceride, total cholesterol values and the pathological process of aortic atherosclerosis. As a result of this study, we believe that it was necessary to correct the error margins of these parameters. In addition, it required the need for a clearer laboratory parameter to demonstrate atherosclerosis.
O FLUXO MONTANTE NA LOGÍSTICA DE UMA FARMÁCIA ESCOLA PÚBLICA:
Authors: Cação Eliana de Vares , Bokehi José Raphael , Futuro Débora Omena , De Castilho Selma
Published: May 2020

A gestão de materiais é um dos processos mais críticos nas farmácias-escola públicas brasileiras. Vários desafios se colocam em vista da necessidade de compatibilizar as exigências impostas tanto pela Lei 8666/93 quanto pela RDC nº 44/2009 ao processo de aquisição de medicamentos e matérias-primas, com a dinâmica do setor produtivo. Este estudo de caso buscou analisar as variáveis do processo de gestão de materiais que interferem positiva ou negativamente na administração de uma farmácia escola pública situada em Niterói. Através da observação direta e da análise documental, o processo foi mapeado. Os resultados de três pregões eletrônicos foram acompanhados, observando-se alto percentual de itens cancelados na aceitação do pregão (média 44,3; dp=28,3); apenas 29,5% dos produtos entregues no prazo; tempo médio de compras de 48,5 dias (dp=14,9) e uma média de 19.7 % de itens cancelados (dp=17). Entre os pontos críticos identificados destacam-se o sistema de informações gerenciais da logística de materiais e a comunicação com os fornecedores. Os resultados possibilitaram uma revisão dos processos logísticos da farmácia, com potencial redução nos episódios de ruptura de estoques.
GOVERNO ELETRÔNICO E O USO DE REDES SOCIAIS NA COMUNICAÇÃO COM OS USUÁRIOS DO SISTEMA ÚNICO DE SAÚDE (SUS)
Authors: Heringer Leandro , Carvalho Rodrigo , Leite Ramon Silva
Published: May 2020

A pesquisa analisou como ocorre o uso do Facebook como plataforma de comunicação e relacionamento com o cidadão usuário do Sistema Único de Saúde de Minas Gerais. A metodologia de pesquisa compreendeu análise documental, de conteúdo da Fan Page, bem como questionários respondidos por gestores públicos e internautas identificados como influentes por meio de indicadores gerados pela ferramenta Fanpagekarma. A pesquisa concluiu que há subutilização dos aspectos colaborativos da mídia social em relação às possibilidades de estímulo à participação do cidadão, prevalecendo um fluxo unidirecional de informação do Governo para o Cidadão, que é característico do estágio inicial de Governo Eletrônico. No caso apresentado, há a concepção de transposição do caráter informativo do portal institucional para a mídia social. A contribuição teórica da pesquisa reside em uma proposta de classificação de níveis de Governo Eletrônico que pode ser aplicada para avaliação das abordagens de comunicação com o cidadão.
PATIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT: LEVANTAMENTO DE REQUISITOS PARA UM PROJETO COM FOCO NO RELACIONAMENTO COM OS PACIENTES
Authors: Cavalcante de oliveira Hugo , Pedron Cristiane Drebes
Published: May 2020

O relacionamento com os clientes já é considerado um dos pontos chave para o sucesso de qualquer organização, e as empresas que não reconhecem essa importância, estão inclinadas para as dificuldades do mundo organizacional. Neste ponto, o setor da saúde enfrenta uma mudança de paradigma, onde o foco do relacionamento está na doença e não no paciente como verdadeiro cliente. O Patient Relationship Management (PRM) é um conceito que visa estreitar o relacionamento entre pacientes e hospitais, buscando sempre melhorar os serviços e relacionamento envolvidos na experiencia dos pacientes. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo mapear quais são os requisitos de um projeto de PRM que tenha o paciente como foco. Para a condução deste trabalho foi realizado uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura (RSL), considerando artigos publicados entre os anos de 2010 e 2018 com a temática de CRM e PRM em hospitais. Como resultado, partindo da expectativa dos pacientes, foram mapeados sete requisitos essenciais para um projeto de PRM com foco em melhorar o relacionamento entre pacientes e hospitais. Este trabalho está organizado em cinco seções: 1° introdução; 2° referencial teórico, 3° metodologia de pesquisa 4° análise dos dados e 5° considerações finais.
JUDICIALIZAÇÃO DA SAÚDE E DIREITOS FUNDAMENTAIS: CRITÉRIOS JUDICIAIS PARA CONCESSÃO DE MEDICAMENTOS À LUZ DOS TRIBUNAIS SUPERIORES
Authors: SILVA XAVIER GUSTAVO , DA CUNHA IRIBURE JUNIOR HAMILTON
Published: May 2020

A questão da saúde revela-se pelo primado da dignidade da pessoa humana, fundamento constitucional a partir do qual se assentam todas as relações na ordem jurídica social. Nota-se, no Brasil, um incremento da intervenção do Poder Judiciário para assegurar a tutela dos direitos individuais nessa questão, especialmente para a concessão de medicamentos imprescindíveis a pacientes em situações concretas de extrema necessidade ou que apresentam sua vida em risco. Esse mecanismo de intervenção judicial tem apresentado desgaste, diante da falta de patamares jurídicos concretos e estáveis. A constante tensão havida a partir do desequilíbrio criado pela não uniformidade em tais decisões judiciais tem levado, ultimamente, os Tribunais a mudarem tal cenário, com o estabelecimento de novas premissas para que sejam concedidas tutelas que permitam o acesso das pessoas a medicamentos para seus tratamentos. A partir da metodologia analítica dedutiva, com amplo apoio bibliográfico, o objetivo do presente artigo é analisar criticamente a sedimentação da atuação dos tribunais na concessão de medicamentos, tendo por base os direitos e garantias fundamentais.
Fragmentation of two repelling Lund strings
Authors: Duncan Cody B , Skands Peter
Published: May 2020

Motivated by recent discoveries of flow-like effects in pp
collisions, and noting that multiple string systems can form and
hadronize simultaneously in such collisions, we develop a simple model
for the repulsive interaction between two Lund strings with a positive
(colour-oriented) overlap in rapidity. The model is formulated in
momentum space and is based on a postulate of a constant net transverse
momentum being acquired per unit of overlap along a common rapidity
direction. To conserve energy, the strings shrink in the longitudinal
direction, essentially converting a portion of the string invariant mass
m^2m2
into p_\perp^2p⊥2
for constant m_\perp^2 = m^2 + p_\perp^2m⊥2=m2+p⊥2
for each string. The reduction in string invariant mass implies a
reduced overall multiplicity of produced hadrons; the increase in
p_\perp^2p⊥2
is local and only affects hadrons in the overlapping region. Starting
from the simplest case of two symmetric and parallel strings with
massless endpoints, we generalize to progressively more complicated
configurations. We present an implementation of this model in the Pythia
event generator and use it to illustrate the effects on hadron
p_\perpp⊥
distributions and dihadron azimuthal correlations, contrasting it with
the current version of the “shoving” model implemented in the same
generator.
Social partnership in ensuring decent labor remuneration
Authors: Tsymbaliuk Svitlana , Shkoda Tetiana
Published: May 2020

The paper focuses on the development of social partnership in the process of ensuring decent labor remuneration for employees. It highlights the development perspectives of the social partnership institute in the context of decent work concept implementation. The aim of the study is to evaluate and develop recommendations for improving the collective and contractual regulation of remuneration policy in Ukraine in view of the decent work concept. The analysis of the stages of social partnership development in Ukraine has proved that social partnership is currently characterized by features of the forming stage. Some characteristics of the development stage are also traced, but they have not yet fully manifested themselves in Ukraine. The analysis of the conditions for social and labor relations in Ukraine, the practice of collective bargaining procedures, the structure and content of collective agreements and contracts showed a low level of social partnership development and low social responsibility of social partners. The research showed that the practice of developing a compensation package at most enterprises was carried out without the participation of social partnership or with minimal participation. Existing social partnership practices cause inadequate social protection for employees and negatively characterize labor remuneration policy in terms of decent work. A number of proposals were developed to overcome the negative trends inherent in the institute of social part-nership and collective agreements at different levels. Recommendations include granting agreements the status of normative acts, regulating the procedure for concluding agreements at different levels, determining the procedure for informing employees about the content of agreements and contracts, and disseminating an ideology of social responsibility among social partners.
Hipertexto y nuevas tecnologías: su aporte al e-learning
Authors: Cenich Gabriela
Published: May 2020

La sociedad del conocimiento demanda una formación continua que permita a las personas adultas una actualización permanente de aquellos saberes aprendidos durante la educación formal. Las nuevas tecnologías de la información y comunicación realizan grandes aportes en cuanto al manejo, organización y comunicación de la información, promoviendo cambios cualitativos en la manera de escribir y leer textos, y cuya influencia y potencialidad deben ser tenidas en cuenta en la elaboración de una propuesta educativa.AbstractThe knowledge society demands a permanent training that allows to the adult  persons a permanent update of those knowledges learned during the formal  education. The new  information and communicationtechnologies realize big contributions  for the managing, organization and communication of the information, promoting qualitative changes in the way of writing ad Redding texts, and whose influence and potential must beconsider in the elaboration       of an educational offer.
Más allá de la Comic Sans. La enseñanza de la tipografía en la era digital
Authors: Del Olmo Barbero Jesús , Alonso Seco José
Published: May 2020

El monopolio de Microsoft, el escaso número de fuentes que incorpora al sistema operativo Windows y la falta de una formación tipográfica básica se revelan como causas de la escasa o nula cultura tipográfica que ahora se percibe. La toma de conciencia de este fenómeno por parte de los profesores y la oferta de una formación ortográfica y tipográfica se conciben como fórmulas para recuperar el “lenguaje” tipográfico y conseguir que los textos se ajusten a una estética acorde con la cultura visual.AbstractThe monopoly of Microsoft, the small numbers of fonts that the Windows operative system incorpotates and the lack of the basic typographic training seem to be the reasons of the scarce or null typographic culture that we can see nowadays. The teachers’awareness of the phenomenon and the offer of orthographic and typographic training as taken as formulae to win back the typographic languageans so manage that the texts agree esthetically with the visual culture.