bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CREATING NORMALCY: FOSTER CARE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES AND MEDICAL FRAGILITY IN GERMANY
Authors: Föltz Friedegard
Published: November 2020

In the area of foster care concerning children and youth with special needs due to disability or medical fragility, there is a paucity of knowledge and research. In Germany, these groups in foster care who have high special needs are an invisible and neglected population at risk. These children and youth are mostly cared for in residential homes; however, some are living in foster families and benefit from a familial setting. The purpose of the study was to understand how foster parents manage their lives with a child or youth who has special needs, and how they meet the challenges that arise. The qualitative research design used the method of narrative inquiry through in-depth interviews, which were conducted in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt with 19 foster parents from 15 families. Within the framework of grounded theory, the author developed a theoretical structure of the strategies foster parents use for coping. Results showed that foster parents dealt with this new and often unpredictable situation by applying one of three patterns of strategies — action-, resource-, or reflection-oriented — based on their personal experiences and worldview. Understanding these behavioral patterns gives administrative and supportive entities like child welfare systems and agencies a unique and tailored approach to recruit, retain, train, and counsel foster families adequately, and to strengthen their well-being and their ability to perform well for themselves and their children and youth.
Melhoria De Desempenho De Motores De Relutância Variável Via Algoritmo De Enxame De Partículas
Authors: Pinarello Scalcon Filipe , Smidt Gabbi Thieli , Padilha Vieira Rodrigo , Abílio Gründling Hilton
Published: November 2020

Este trabalho apresenta como contribuição um procedimento para otimização dos ângulos de disparo de um motor de relutância variável via algoritmo de enxame de partículas. Com isso, objetiva-se garantir um desempenho com equilíbrio entre reduzida ondulação de torque e elevada eficiência energética. A técnica é destinada a motores de relutância variável operando na região de controle de corrente, abaixo da velocidade base. O procedimento proposto é comparado com uma abordagem tradicional, de varredura de parâmetros, a fim de mostrar a significativa diminuição do esforço computacional. Resultados de simulação e experimentais são apresentados, mostrando que um balanço entre eficiência e ondulações de torque é alcançado.
Construction and Application of Cloud Platform for Urban Rail Transit
Authors: Li Shun
Published: November 2020

Rail transit is a new form of transportation in the process of modern urban development. It has a far-reaching impact on improving urban traffic environment, relieving urban traffic pressure and improving urban traffic service quality. The rail transit cloud platform is an important part of modern rail transit, and it is also a key factor related to the construction quality of urban rail transit. In this paper, the current situation of construction and application of urban rail transit cloud platform are introduced in detail, and the related standard compilation of urban rail transit cloud platform, achievements in the development and construction process, construction mode, index establishment, acceptance process optimization, cloud operation and maintenance system establishment and other issues are systematically expounded. According to the technical drive and standard compilation of urban rail transit cloud platform, the development of urban rail transit cloud platform is prospected.
The Metric Dimension and Local Metric Dimension of Relative Prime Graph
Authors: Kuswandari Inna , Fatmawati Fatmawati , Utoyo Mohammad Imam
Published: November 2020

This study aims to determine the value of metric dimensions and local metric dimensions of relative prime graphs formed from modulo  integer rings, namely . As a vertex set is  and  if  and  are relatively prime. By finding the pattern elements of resolving set and local resolving set, it can be shown the value of the metric dimension and the local metric dimension of graphs  are  and  respectively, where  is the number of vertices groups that formed multiple 2,3, … ,  and  is the cardinality of set . This research can be developed by determining the value of the fractional metric dimension, local fractional metric dimension and studying the advanced properties of graphs related to their forming rings.Key Words : metric dimension; modulo ; relative prime graph; resolving set; rings.
Partnering with Middle Eastern/Arab American and Latino Immigrant Communities to Increase Participation in Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Authors: Ajrouch Kristine J. , Vega Irving E. , Antonucci Toni C. , Tarraf Wassim , Webster Noah J. , Zahodne Laura B.
Published: November 2020

Purpose: Recruitment and retention of US ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in research continues to pose challenges. The Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease (MCCFAD) engages with two underserved immigrant commu­nities in Michigan – Middle Eastern/Arab Americans in metro-Detroit and Latinos in the Grand Rapids area – to recruit and retain two Participant Resource Pools (PRP).Procedures: We adapt an existing commu­nity-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to recruit Middle Eastern/Arab American and Latino adults of all ages for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) research. Using American Commu­nity Survey (2014-2018) data, we compare socio-demographic characteristics of Middle Eastern/Arab Americans and Latinos living in Michigan to our PRPs. Assessment tools and community advisory board feedback identified missteps and culturally sensitive solutions.Main Findings: In the first year of MCCFAD activities, 100 Middle Eastern/ Arab Americans and 117 Latinos joined the MCCFAD PRPs. Comparisons to state-level data showed that PRP participants were on average older and more likely to be female than the Middle Eastern/Arab American and Latino populations in Michigan. Further, Middle Eastern/Arab Americans in the PRP reported higher education levels while Latinos reported lower education levels than their respective statewide populations. Community partnerships/feedback identi­fied the importance of connecting with community leaders, attending to matters of within-group diversity, as well as language and semantics.Conclusion: Partnership with communities to develop culturally targeted and sensitive community health events can fill a signifi­cant gap in addressing ADRD health dispari­ties by establishing sustainable relationships to increase participation in ADRD research. Ethn Dis. 2020;30(Suppl 2):765-774; doi:10.18865/ed.30.S2.765
The Relation between Individual Characteristics and Job Stress in PT. PAL Indonesia
Authors: Pratiwi Siti Hardiyanti Putri , Martiana Tri , Arini Shintia Yunita
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Quality Assurance and Quality Control Division workers are challenged by various mental and physical pressures that might trigger job stress. Many factors contribute to job stress, one of them is the individual factor. This study’s purpose was to examine and analyze whether or not there was a relation between the individual characteristic factors and job stress at PT. PAL Indonesia (Quality Assurance and Quality Control Division). Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study. This research had a population of 49 people. The sample was counted using a simple random sampling method and 44 people were obtained as samples. This study’s independent variables were individual characteristics (working period, age, sex, and marital status) and job stress as the dependent variable. Data collection methods for this study were interviews with a questionnaire guide. The data analysis technique used was Fisher's Exact. Results: The result of Fisher Exact statistical test showed that there was not any relation between working period and job stress (p = 0.170), age and job stress (p = 0.456), gender and job stress (p = 0.290), marital status and job stress (p = 1,000). Conclusion: It can be concluded that individual characteristics has no significant relationship with job stress on employees of the Quality Assurance and Quality Control division of PT. PAL Indonesia (Persero). Keywords: individual characteristics, job stress, quality assurance and quality control division
The Control of Heat Radiation and Noise Performed by One of the Ship Production Companies in Indonesia
Authors: Rahmawati Tri Meidya , Nuraini Nidia
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Noise is unwanted sound which comes from various working tools that can cause hearing loss on workers expressed in decibels (dB). The ambient noise value in the workplace is 85 dBA. Ambient temperature in the workplace that is too hot is dangerous for the health of individual workers because it can result in various mental and physical health disorders. Methods: This research was conducted at one of the Ship Production Companies in Indonesia in March to June 2018. This type of research was descriptive and the design of this study was cross-sectional. The variables of this research were technical control, administrative control, and PPE control. The purpose of this study was to describe the efforts of controlling one of the Ship Production Companies in Indonesia in controlling heat stress and noise. The data used were primary data and secondary data. Result: One of the Ship Production Companies in Indonesia still had high heat and noise pressure. Three control efforts have been made including administrative control, technical control, and the use of PPE. The results shown in terms of technical control still did not meet the requirements because not all technical efforts were made. Meanwhile, administrative control and PPE control have met the requirements. Conclusion: Among the three control efforts that have not met the requirements yet are technical licensing while those that have met the requirements are administrative control requirements and the use of PPE.Keywords: heat radiation, noise, ship production
Evaluating the Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure of Nigeria’s Most Profitable Companies
Authors: Samuel Abass Olabode , Zubairu Umaru , Abubakar Bilkisu
Published: November 2020

This study evaluated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure in the most profitable companies in Nigeria, a review was carried out on the annual reports and websites of the five most profitable companies in Nigeria according to the market cap list 2018. This research focused on the quantity and quality of CSR disclosures, provided by these companies. The method of analysis used was content analysis. The result of this study revealed that from the three dimensions constituting Community disclosure, Environmental disclosure and Human Resource disclosure, Community disclosure was the most disclosed dimension from the top profitable companies in Nigeria. Findings revealed that these companies disclosed a lot about the different CSR activities they had undertaken within the span of one year, but the quality of these disclosures were relatively low. CSR disclosure should be encouraged by the Nigerian government by publicly recognizing companies who disclose CSR activity, this will motivate other companies to practice and disclose CSR.
Patient satisfaction with primary healthcare services in a rural area of Hadim county, Konya
Authors: MEHMET Nimetcan , KARAPINAR Yusuf , ULUDAĞ Ayhan
Published: November 2020

Objective: Evaluation of patient satisfaction is widely used as a tool to measure healthcare quality. The aim of this study is to evaluate patient satisfaction with Family Health Centre services (FHC) in a village of Hadim county, Konya province, Turkey. Methods: This study was carried out in a rural area and data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with people who live in Gezlevi village, Konya. Turkish versions of the Patients Evaluate General/Family Practice (EUROPEP) questionnaire was used. The study sample was randomly selected among adults (>18) who live in the village who visited the FMC within a one-year period. Results: The mean age of the 230 participants was 38.2 ± 1.1 years and ranged from 18 to 88 years. More than half of the participants were males (62.6%). A majority of the patients were satisfied for the domains: “the doctor listens to them, 96.5%”; “Physical examination, 96.1%”; “Keeping their records and data confidential, 90.4%”; “Enough time during consultation, 89.6%”; “Making it easy to tell him or her about their problem, 86.1%”. However, the participants were less satisfied with the domains: “Being able to speak to the GP on the telephone, 75.2%”; “Getting through to the practice on the telephone, 72.6%”; “Suitable appointment, 62.2%”; “Helping deal with emotional problems related to health status, 65.7%”; “involved in decisions about their medical care, 55.2%”. Conclusion: Overall satisfaction level was 78.7% with primary healthcare services. Among the investigated domains, highest satisfaction was observed in the ‘doctor–patient relationship’ while dissatisfaction was observed in the involvement of patients about decisions regarding their medical care.
Biological Assessment, Heamatological Study, and
Environmental Detection of Eugenol
Authors: Altahir Bahaa Malik , Al-Awadi Ahmed Qassim , Shakir Sahar Mohammed , abdulazeez Omar
Published: November 2020

Eugenol is found in essential oils of many plants. It belongs to a class of naturally
occurring phenolic monoterpenoids, chemically it is an allyl chain-substituted guaiacol. A
study was conducted on the compound of Eugenol, which included different studies. The first
study was the determination of eugenol in body fluid, which includes serum, saliva and urine
has been found the highest concentration was in urine then serum and saliva. The second study
was the hematological study. Complete blood count was accomplished on the volunteers
alredy administrated with eugenol contained mouthwash the analysis was accomplished before
and after the mouth wash use. The result observed a slightly negative results and was not that
significant, which confirms the strict blood system to resist the toxicity of the compound or the
fact that the time period of giving was short.The third study included a histological study on
the effect of this compound on the tissues of the animal body by conducting experiments on
albino male albino male mice. The side effects were found after 10 days of rat infusion, with
yellow spots on the skin and hepatomegaly. The fourth study was the environmental analyses
and the effect of this compound on the environment. The eugenol was stable and persistent in
water and had found of 11 mg/L concentration in the main tank of wastewater for the dental
hospital swage.
Economic Policy Uncertainty and Financial Innovation: Is There Any Affiliation?
Authors: Jia Zeng , Hajdari Besnik , Khalid Rimsha , Wei Jianguo , Qamruzzaman Md
Published: November 2020

The study's motivation is to gauge the nexus between economic policy uncertainty and financial innovation for the period 2004M1 to 2018M12 in BRIC nations. For establishing a long-run cointegration study applied Autoregressive Distributed Lagged (ARDL) and asymmetry effects of economic policy uncertainty investigated following nonlinear framework known as NARDL. Furthermore, directional causality is established by performing a non-granger causality test. Cointegration test results of Fpss, Wpss, and tBDM confirmed the long-run association between EPU and financial innovation. On the other hand, the Wald test results proved asymmetry effects furring from EPU to financial innovation both in the long-run and short-run. Referring to asymmetry effects that positive and negative shocks in financial innovation, the study revealed that negative linkage between shocks in EPU and financial innovation in the long-run but short-run effects are insignificant. Furthermore, financial innovation measured by R&D investment exhibits positive linked with shocks in EPU, implying that uncertainty induces innovation in the economy. Refers to directional causality estimation, the study revealed evidence supporting the feedback hypothesis between EPU and financial innovation in all sample countries.
Physical Health Symptoms and Hurricane Katrina: Individual Trajectories of Development and Recovery More Than a Decade After the Storm
Authors: Zacher Meghan , Raker Ethan J. , Arcaya Mariana C. , Lowe Sarah R. , Rhodes Jean , Waters Mary C.
Published: November 2020

Objectives. To examine how physical health symptoms developed and resolved in response to Hurricane Katrina.

Methods. We used data from a 2003 to 2018 study of young, low-income mothers who were living in New Orleans, Louisiana, when Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005 (n = 276). We fit logistic regressions to model the odds of first reporting or “developing” headaches or migraines, back problems, and digestive problems, and of experiencing remission or “recovery” from previously reported symptoms, across surveys.

Results. The prevalence of each symptom increased after Hurricane Katrina, but the odds of developing symptoms shortly before versus after the storm were comparable. The number of traumatic experiences endured during Hurricane Katrina increased the odds of developing back and digestive problems just after the hurricane. Headaches or migraines and back problems that developed shortly after Hurricane Katrina were more likely to resolve than those that developed just before the storm.

Conclusions. While traumatic experiences endured in disasters such as Hurricane Katrina appear to prompt the development of new physical symptoms, disaster-induced symptoms may be less likely to persist or become chronic than those emerging for other reasons.
Complications of Transoral Thyroidectomy: Overview and Update
Authors: Tae Kyung
Published: November 2020

Transoral thyroidectomy via the vestibular approach has become popular worldwide, with advantages including less surgical morbidity, excellent postoperative cosmesis, and superior functional voice outcomes. Several studies have reported that the surgical outcomes of the transoral approach were comparable to those of the conventional transcervical approach in selected patients. However, unusual complications, such as CO2 embolism, mental nerve injury, surgical space infection, skin perforation, burns, and trauma have been noted in transoral thyroidectomy. This paper aims to review and provide updated information on these complications and their management. Routine intraoperative neural monitoring is required to avoid laryngeal nerve palsy in the transoral approach. To prevent CO2 embolism, surgeons need to be careful not to injure the anterior jugular vein, and the CO2 insufflation pressure should be set as low as 4–6 mmHg. To avoid mental nerve injury, vestibular incisions should be placed in the safety zone, and dissection of the vestibular area and chin should be minimized. In conclusion, recognizing the possibility of complications and understanding their prevention and management are important for patient safety and the success of the transoral approach.
Orthopaedic Surgeon Brain Radiation During Fluoroscopy
Authors: Ramoutar Darryl Nilesh , Thakur Yogesh , Batta Vineet , Chung Vivian , Liu Danmei , Guy Pierre
Published: November 2020

Background:

The aims of this study were to quantify exposure of the surgeon’s brain to radiation during short cephalomedullary (SC) nailing, to extrapolate lifetime dose, and to determine the effects of personal protective equipment (PPE) on brain dose.

Methods:

Two cadaveric specimens were used: (1) a whole cadaveric body representing the patient, with a left nail inserted to act as the scatter medium, and (2) an isolated head-and-neck cadaveric specimen representing a surgeon, with radiation dosimeters placed in specific locations in the brain. The “patient” cadaver’s left hip was exposed in posteroanterior and lateral radiographic planes. Measurements were performed without shielding of the head-and-neck specimen and then repeated sequentially with different PPE configurations. An average surgeon career was estimated to be 40 years (ages 25 to 65 years) with the caseload obtained from the department’s billing data.

Results:

The mean radiation dose to the surgeon brain without PPE was 3.35 µGy (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4 to 4.3) per nail procedure. This was significantly reduced with use of a thyroid collar (2.94 µGy [95% CI: 1.91 to 3.91], p = 0.04). Compared with use of the thyroid collar in isolation, there was no significant additional reduction in radiation when the collar was used with leaded glasses (2.96 µGy [95% CI: 2.15 to 3.76], p = 0.97), with a lead cap (3.22 µGy [95% CI: 2.31 to 4.13], p = 0.55), or with both (2.31 µGy [95% CI: 1.61 to 3.01], p = 0.15). The extrapolated lifetime dose over 40 working years for SC nailing without PPE was 2,146 µGy (95% CI: 1,539 to 2,753), with an effective dose of 21.5 µSv.

Conclusions:

The extrapolated cumulative lifetime radiation to a surgeon’s brain from SC nailing based on our institution’s workload and technology is low and comparable with radiation during a one-way flight from London to New York. Of note, we studied only one of many fluoroscopy-aided procedures and likely underestimated total lifetime exposure if exposures from other procedures are included. This study also demonstrates that thyroid collars significantly reduce brain dose for this procedure whereas other head/neck PPE such as lead caps appear to have minimal additional effect. This study provides a methodology for future studies to quantify brain dose for other common orthopaedic procedures.

Clinical Relevance:

This study, based on our institutional data, demonstrates that although the lifetime brain dose from SC nailing is low, thyroid collars significantly reduce this dose further. As such, in accordance with the “as low as reasonably achievable” radiation exposure principle, radiation safety programs and individual surgeons should consider use of thyroid collars in this setting.
SISTEM INFORMASI E-BUSINESS PADA STUDIO FOTO ALLUVIO PHOTOGRAPHY
Authors: Saputra Bagus Dwi
Published: November 2020

Alluvio Photography  adalah sebuah perusahaan penyedia jasa fotografi, video dan dekorasi yang saat ini mengalami kemajuan yang cukup pesat dan telah memiliki banyak pelanggan sejalan dengan semakin boomingnya fotografi. Dalam perkembangan bisnisnya, Alluvio Photography mempunyai visi untuk memberikan pelayanan terbaik bagi pelanggan dan mendapatkan kepercayaan dari pelanggan. Untuk mewujudkan visi tersebut maka diperlukan suatu sarana informasi yang berbasis web. Fasilitas ini bertujuan untuk mempermudah pelanggan dalam melakukan pemesanan jasa fotografi untuk sebuah acara tertentu. Pemanfaatan teknologi informasi melalui e-Business menjadi salah satu jawaban bagi Alluvio Photography untuk lebih meningkatkan fleksibilitas dan kenyamanan bagi pihak manajemen maupun masyarakat dalam mendapatkan informasi secara cepat dan tepat. Sebuah pengujian perangkat lunak black-box testing dilakukan untuk melihat fungsionalitas dari sistem yang dibangun. Selanjutnya, dilakukan penyebaran kuisioner untuk mengetahui nilai kemanfaatan sistem, dan didapati hasil bahwa adanya sistem informasi e-Business ini memberikan nilai manfaat dan dampak positif bagi perkembangan Alluvio Photography , dengan nilai kepuasan sebesar 97,2%.
Educación inclusiva y digital: desafíos y propuestas a partir del COVID-19
Authors: Villa-Fernández Nuria , Martín-Gutiérrez Ángela
Published: November 2020

Nos encontramos ante un desafío mundial sin precedentes en el ámbito social y, por tanto, educativo, con la crisis de la pandemia del COVID-19. En distintos estudios internacionales se reflejan las consecuencias que ha supuesto para el alumnado, profesorado y la familia el cierre de las instituciones educativas. En este sentido, se hace más que necesario el trabajo conjunto de toda la ciudanía para alcanzar una educación inclusiva y de calidad para todas las personas, sin excluir a nadie, lo que implica la cooperación de todos los sectores de la población. Por tal motivo, en este trabajo se presenta un análisis de las demandas socioeducativas actuales y se insiste en el valor de la pedagogía y de la formación de la comunidad educativa en el ámbito de la educación inclusiva y tecnológica como derecho. Se destacan algunas metodologías y estrategias favorecedoras de esta educación con mayúsculas, como el diseño universal para el aprendizaje, que suponen un reto para seguir trabajando por una sociedad más democrática y justa. El análisis demuestra que es necesario proyectar mejoras sociales y educativas, ya que la situación en la que nos encontramos perdurará un largo tiempo y seguirá haciendo visibles las nuevas realidades y las transformaciones necesarias que deben realizarse para que ningún colectivo quede excluido o discriminado, velando así por el cumplimiento efectivo de los derechos humanos.
Transcriptome and proteome profiling reveal complementary scavenger and immune features of rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and liver macrophages
Authors: Bhandari Sabin , Li Ruomei , Simón-Santamaría Jaione , McCourt Peter , Johansen Steinar Daae , Smedsrød Bård , Martinez-Zubiaurre Inigo , Sørensen Karen Kristine
Published: November 2020

Background: Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and Kupffer cells (KCs; liver resident macrophages) form the body´s most effective scavenger cell system for the removal of harmful blood-borne substances, ranging from modified self-proteins to pathogens and xenobiotics. Controversies in the literature regarding the LSEC phenotype pose a challenge when determining distinct functionalities of KCs and LSECs. This may be due to overlapping functions of the two cells, insufficient purification and/or identification of the cells, rapid dedifferentiation of LSECs in vitro, or species differences. We therefore characterized and quantitatively compared expressed gene products of freshly isolated, highly pure LSECs (fenestrated SE-1/FcgRIIb2+) and KCs (CD11b/c+) from Sprague Dawley, Crl:CD(SD), male rats using high throughput mRNA-sequencing and label-free proteomics.Results: We observed a robust correlation between the proteomes and transcriptomes of the two cell types. Integrative analysis of the global molecular profile demonstrated the immunological aspects of LSECs. The constitutive expression of several immune genes and corresponding proteins of LSECs bore some resemblance with the expression in macrophages. LSECs and KCs both expressed high levels of scavenger receptors (SR) and C-type lectins. Equivalent expression of SR-A1 (Msr1), mannose receptor (Mrc1), SR-B1 (Scarb1), and SR-B3 (Scarb2) suggested functional similarity between the two cell types, while functional distinction between the cells was evidenced by LSEC-specific expression of the SRs stabilin-1 (Stab1) and stabilin-2 (Stab2), and the C-type lectins LSECtin (Clec4g) and DC-SIGNR (Clec4m). Many immune regulatory factors were differentially expressed in LSECs and KCs, with one cell predominantly expressing a specific cytokine/chemokine and the other cell the cognate receptor, illustrating the complex cytokine milieu of the sinusoids. Both cells expressed genes and proteins involved in antigen processing and presentation, and lymphocyte co-stimulation. Conclusions: Our findings support complementary and partly overlapping scavenging and immune functions of LSECs and KCs. This highlights the importance of including LSECs in studies of liver immunity, and liver clearance and toxicity of large molecule drugs and nano-formulations.
In-Situ Plasmonic Tracking Oxygen Evolution Revealing Multistage Oxygen Diffusion and Accumulating Inhibition
Authors: Wang Jungang , Shi Lifang , Su Yingying , Liu Liwei , Xie Jin , Tian Yang , Li Di
Published: November 2020

Understanding mass transfer processes concomitant with electrochemical conversion for gas evolution reactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface plays a key role in advancing renewable energy storage and conversion. However, due to the complicated diffusion behavior of gas at the dynamic catalytic interfaces, it is still a great challenge to accurately portray mass transfer of gas during electrocatalysis. Here, we track the diffusion of dissolved oxygen on Cu nanostructured plasmonic interface, reveal multistage oxygen diffusion behaviors, including premature oxygen accumulation, spontaneous diffusion and accelerated oxygen dissipation, and indicate an accumulating inhibition effect on oxygen evolution arising from interfacial dissolved oxygen. With these knowledges, we develop a programmable potential scan strategy to eliminate interfacial gas products that alleviates the concentration polarization, releases accessible actives sites and promotes electrocatalytic performance. Our findings provide a direct observation of the interfacial mass transfer processes that govern the multi-phases catalysis kinetics.
Modified Commando Procedure in Complicated Infective Endocarditis - A Case Series.
Authors: Chen Po Sung , Chang Chungyi , Chuang Yicheng , Chen Ichen , Lin Tingchao
Published: November 2020

Background: Complicated infective endocarditis (IE) with perivalvular abscess and destruction of intervalvular fibrous body (IFB) has high mortality risk and requires emergent or urgent surgery mostly. Case presentation: We presented four patients with complicated infective endocarditis combined with perivalvular abscess and IFB destruction. Three patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis and one patient had native valve endocarditis. They all received modified Commando procedure successfully. No surgical mortality or re-exploration for bleeding. Conclusions: We suggest that modified Commando procedure may have some benefit in improving survival rate of patients with complicated IE and reducing complications.
Radiomics machine learning study with a small sample size: single random training-test set split may result in unreliable results
Authors: An Chansik , Park Yae Won , Ahn Sung Soo , Han Kyunghwa , Kim Hwiyoung , Lee Seung-Koo
Published: November 2020

Objective: To determine how the estimated performance of a machine learning model varies according to how a dataset is split into training and test sets using brain tumor radiomics data, under different conditions.Materials and Methods: Two binary tasks with different levels of difficulty ('simple’ task, glioblastoma [GBM, n=109] vs. brain metastasis [n=58]; 'difficult’ task, low- [n=163] vs. high grade [n=95] meningiomas) were performed using radiomics features from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For each trial of the 1,000 different training-test set splits with a ratio of 7:3, a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model was trained by 5-fold cross-validation (CV) in the training set and tested in the test set. The model stability and performance was evaluated according to the number of input features (from 1 to 50), the sample size (full vs. undersampled), and the level of difficulty. In addition to 5-fold CV without a repetition, three other CV methods were compared: 5-fold CV with 100 repetitions, nested CV, and nested CV with 100 repetitions.Results: The highest mean cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) and the higher stability (lower AUC differences between training and testing) was achieved with 6 and 13 features from the GBM and meningioma task, respectively. For the simple task, simple task with undersampling, difficult task, and difficult task with undersampling, average mean AUCs were 0.947, 0.923, 0.795, and 0.764, and average AUC differences between training and testing were 0.029, 0.054, 0.053, and 0.108, respectively. Among four CV models, the most conservative method (i.e., lowest AUC and highest relative standard deviation [RSD]) was nested CV with 100 repetitions.Conclusions: A single random split of a dataset into training and test sets may lead to an unreliable report of model performance in radiomics machine learning studies, and reporting the mean and standard deviation of model performance metrics by performing nested and/or repeated CV on the entire dataset is suggested.
Effects of Fish Oil and Dietary Antioxidant Supplementation on Bone Health
Authors: Skiba Grzegorz , Raj Stanisława , Sobol Monika , Czauderna Marian , Kowalczyk Paweł
Published: November 2020

Background: Lambs or sheep are considered an excellent animal model for humans owing to advantages related to bone anatomy, formation, biomechanical characteristics; bone strength; and absorption of minerals and vitamins. Moreover, bone healing in many animal species is faster than that in humans, whereas bone healing, turnover, and remodelling in sheep and humans are comparable. In this context, it would be interesting to examine the effects of bioactive components of diet (including Se and carnosic acid) on bone mineralisation and strength, since these are the most important indicators of bone status. This knowledge may be useful in the context of orthopaedic research, recovery after orthopaedic surgeries, and prevention of skeletal diseases in humans.Results: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects partial replacement of rapeseed oil (RO) with fish oil (FO) combined with dietary supplementation of various antioxidants on the characteristics of lamb femur. Thirty male lambs were assigned to five dietary treatments and fed isoproteinous and isoenergetic diets for 35 days. The control diet was enriched with 3.0% RO, while the experimental diets were enriched either only with 2.0% RO and 1.0% FO or additionally with 0.1% carnosic acid, 0.1% carnosic acid and 0.35 ppm Se as selenised yeast, or 0.1% carnosic acid and 0.35 ppm Se as sodium selenite. After 35 days, the lambs were slaughtered, and the femur was dissected from the carcass of each animal and analysed for morphometric properties.Conclusions: The present study indicated that dietary bioactive components may improve bone health by promoting bone mineralisation in lambs. Partial replacement of RO with FO combined with dietary supplementation of carnosic acid and organic Se improved the geometric, densitometric, and biomechanical properties of lamb femur.
Clinical Insights into Cisplatin-Induced Arrhythmia in a Patient with Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Huang Yan , Guo Fengzhu , Dai Shuang , Liu Jiewei , Luo Feng
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Cardiotoxicity is a common adverse effect of many antineoplastic agents including anthracyclines and paclitaxel. However, it has not been defined as a causal side effect of cisplatin.Case report: We report a 69-year-old male with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer who developed a cardiotoxic event induced by cisplatin that was manifested primarily as arrhythmia. The frequency and severity of the arrhythmia had a strong temporal relationship with the administration of cisplatin, which made it probable that cisplatin was responsible for the cardiotoxicity observed. Discussion: The arrhythmias might be at least partly due to cancer pain through stimulation of the sympathetic nerves. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to patients with pre-existing cardiac disease and/or mediastinal tumors. It is important to evaluate cardiac function prior to chemotherapy and to consider cardiac monitoring during cisplatin infusions in susceptible patients with no more ECG abnormalities detected.
De Novo Donor-specific HLA Antibodies Reduce Graft Survival and Increase Risk of Kidney Transplant Rejection: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhao Jie , Kang Zhong-Yu , Xiao Yan-Li , Yang Li , Liu Chun , Li Dai-Hong
Published: November 2020

Background: This study investigated the impact of posttransplantation de novo donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies (dnDSAs) on long-term death-censored graft survival and renal allograft rejection.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 121 patients who received kidney transplants from deceased donors with negative complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch. Based on the presence of dnDSAs, recipients were divided into dnDSA+ (n=31) and dnDSA− (n=90) groups. We evaluated the occurrence of rejection and long-term graft survival in the recipients along with pathologic changes in transplanted kidneys.Results: DnDSAs were identified in 31/121 (25.6%) patients, who had lower graft survival rates than patients without dnDSAs (P=0.007). There was no difference in graft survival rate between patients with high (≥4000) and low (<4000) DSA mean fluorescence intensity (P=0.669). The presence of dnDSA in serum was associated with a higher incidence of antigen- and T-cell–mediated rejection (P<0.0001). DnDSA+ and dnDSA− groups differed in terms of Banff score for arterial fibrointimal and arteriolar hyaline thickening (P<0.05).Conclusion: DnDSAs are associated with decreased long-term graft survival and increased rate of rejection, which is often accompanied by microcirculatory inflammation and positive C4d staining.
Dual Enzyme-like Performances of PLGA Grafted Maghemite Nanocrystals and Their Synergistic Chemo/Chemodynamic Therapy for Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Cui Miao , Ouyang Fan , Guo Yuqi , Li Ruifang , Duan Shaofeng , Xiong Tiandi , Zhang Huiru , Wang Yunlong
Published: November 2020

Advancing nanocatalytic therapies of tumors formed on non-toxic but catalytically active inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have aroused great interest in tumor therapy recently, but the limited reactive oxygen species within tumors may limit treatment efficiency. Therefore, the combination of chemotherapy and chemodynamic therapy is a promising treatment strategy. Herein, poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) grafted-γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPPLGA) with dual response of endogenous peroxidase (POD)- and catalase (CAT)-like activities has been reported. On the one hand, the NPPLGA could serve as a drug delivery system for doxorubicin (DOX), an anti-tumor drug used to treat lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. On the other hand, based on the mimetic enzyme properties of NPPLGA, it can be combined with DOX to treat lung cancer. The results show that the NPPLGA could be simulated the CAT-like activity to decompose hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into H2O and O2 under neutral tumor microenvironment, so as to reduce the oxidative damage caused by H2O2 to lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Under acidic microenvironment, NPPLGA could simulate POD-like activity to effectively catalyze the decomposition of H2O2 to produce highly toxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) to induce the death of tumor-cell through regular catalytic reaction of Fenton. Furthermore, the POD-like activity of NPPLGA synergistic with DOX can promote the apoptosis and destruction of A549 cells and enhance the antitumor impact of DOX-NPPLGA. Therefore, this study provides an efficacious dual inorganic biomimetic nanozyme-based nanoplatform for lung tumor treatment.
Pancreatic-Type Mixed Acinar Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Stomach: A Case Report And Review of Literature
Authors: Ooe Yuka , WATANABE Kishichiro , HASHIMOTO Isaya , TAKENAKA Satoshi , OJIMA Toshihiko , YAMAMOTO Seiichi , FUJII Hisatake
Published: November 2020

Background: A majority of gastrointestinal tumors are adenocarcinoma. Rarely, there is also a type of tumors such as acinar cell carcinoma, which are often called pancreatic-type acinar cell carcinoma. Among those, some are differentiated into neuroendocrine components. A few of them can be called MiNENs. Case presentation: The patient was an 80-year old male who was referred to our hospital for treatments of a pedunculated gastric tumor. It was 5 cm in diameter and detected in the upper gastric body with upper GI endoscopy conducted for investigation of anemia. In the biopsy, although a kind of hyperplasia of gastric gland cell was pointed out, no tumor cells were found. Retrospectively, the diagnosis was turned out to be a misdiagnosis. An operation was arranged because bleeding from the tumor was suspected as a cause of anemia and because a surgical resection was considered to be desirable for accurate diagnosis. Hence, laparoscopy and endoscopy cooperative surgery was performed. In pathological examination, several types of epithelial cells which proliferated in the area between mucosa and deep inside the submucosa were observed. These consisted of acinar-glandular/trabecular patterns and solid pattern. A diagnosis of pancreatic-type acinar cell carcinoma of the stomach with NET G2 and G3 was made based on characteristic cellular findings and the result of immunostaining tests. Each of them consisted of more than 30% of the lesion; a diagnosis of pancreatic-type mixed acinar neuroendocrine carcinoma (pancreatic-type MiNEN) of the stomach, or a type of gastric MiNEN was obtained. Anemia was resolved after operation, and the patient was discharged from the hospital without perioperative complications. Conclusions: Pancreatic-type ACC of the stomach which is differentiated into neuroendocrine tumor is very rare. Hence, we report this case along with several literature reviews.
Cerebral Injury Promotes Regeneration of The Brachial Plexus
Authors: su fan , Wang Guobao , Li Tie , Xu Wendong
Published: November 2020

Background: Our previous trial of contralateral seventh cervical nerve transfer (CC7) for spastic arm paralysis suggested that regeneration of the C7 nerve seems to be faster in patients undergoing nerve transfer due to cerebral injury compared to patients receiving surgery due to brachial plexus injury (BPI). This finding needs to be further verified, and the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. The present study compared C7 regeneration between two groups of patients and animal models. Proteomics was utilized to reveal the mechanism mediating the promotion of C7 nerve regeneration.Methods: We assessed Tinel’s sign in the arm after C7 transfer and compared the latency to the appearance of Tinel’s sign to evaluate regeneration. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and BPI were induced in C57 mice to establish injury models. C7 regeneration was assessed by electrophysiology and histology. Enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed proteins identified by proteomics suggested altered inflammation related to TBI. qPCR and histology were performed to assess the inflammatory environment in the C7 nerve. We evaluated the influence of the contributing factor serum amyloid protein A1 (SAA1) on the regenerative ability and inflammatory response of the C7 nerve by electrophysiology, qPCR and histology.Results: Faster C7 regeneration was identified in patients, which was further confirmed in mouse models by electrophysiological recordings and histology. Altered systemic inflammation, which led to increased M2 macrophage activation, may represent an underlying mechanism of increased regeneration. In mice, SAA1 facilitated C7 regeneration and interfered with macrophage polarization in vivo.Conclusions: Altered inflammation promoted the regenerative capacity of the C7 nerve by altering macrophage behavior, and SAA1 may be a therapeutic target to improve the recovery of injured peripheral nerves.
Effectiveness of Abdominal and Gluteus Medius Training in Lumbo-pelvic Stability and Adductor Strength in Women Soccer Players. A Randomized Controlled Study.
Authors: Guerrero-Tapia Héctor , Martín-Baeza Rodrigo , Cuesta-Barriuso Rubén
Published: November 2020

Background: Abdominal and lumbo-pelvic stability alterations may origin lower limb injuries, such as for example adductor pathology in soccer players. Imbalance can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Methods: This randomized controlled trial conducted over an 8-week period included 25 female footballers randomly allocated to an experimental group (isometric abdominal training and gluteus medius-specific training) or a control group (isometric abdominal training). The exercise protocol in common for both groups included three exercises: Plank, Lateral plank and Bird dog. Specific exercises for the gluteus medius were: Pelvic drop and Stabilization of the gluteus medius in knee valgus. Outcome measures were lumbo-pelvic stability and adductor strength.Results. Lumbo-pelvic stability after surgery was higher in the control group (MD: 4.84 vs MD: 9.58; p < .01) with differences in the analysis of repeated measures (p<.001), but not in group interaction (p =.26). Changes were found in adductor strength in the experimental group (MD: -2.48; p<.001 in the left adductor; MD: -1.48; p<.01 in right adductor) and control group (MD: -1.68; p<.001 in the left adductor; MD: -2.05; p<.001 in the right adductor) after the intervention, with differences in the analysis of repeated measures in left (p<.001) and right (p<.001) adductor strength.Conclusions. An abdominal and gluteal training protocol shows no advantage over a protocol of abdominal training alone for lumbo-pelvic stability and adductor strength and flexibility, while improvements are maintained at four weeks follow-up. Trial Registration Number: NCT03617887.
Longitudinal Association Between an Overall Diet Quality Index and Latent Profiles of Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Results From a Population Based 13-year Follow Up Cohort Study
Authors: Nouri Fatemeh , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Mohammadifard Noushin , Roohafza Hamidreza , Feizi Awat , Sarrafzadegan Nizal
Published: November 2020

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, including poor diet. Indices reflecting the overall quality of diets are more effective than single food or nutrient-based approaches are in clarifying the diet disease relationship. The present study aims to use latent variable modeling to examine the longitudinal joint relationships between the latent profiles of CVDs risk factors and the diet quality index (DQI).Methods: A total of 4390 Iranian adults aged 35 and older within the framework of the Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS) were included in the current secondary analysis. DQI was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Blood pressure (BP), anthropometric measurements, blood glucose, serum lipids, and high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) were measured according to standard protocols in 2001, 2007, and 2013 to evaluate the profiles of CVDs risk factors. A Bayesian multidimensional Graded Responses Linear Mixed Model was used for data analysis. Results: At baseline, the participants’ mean (SD) age was 50.09(11.21), and 49.5% of them were male. Three latent profiles of CVDs risk factors were derived: (i) Fit Pre-Metabolic Syndrome (FPMS) profile characterized by normal anthropometric indices and some impaired metabolic risk factors; (ii) DysLipoproteinemia Central Obese (DLCO) profile with abdominal obesity and impaired low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as other normal risk factors; (iii) Impaired Laboratory Inflammatory State (ILIS) profile with impaired high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hs-CRP and other normal risk factors. In general, higher scores of the extracted latent profiles indicated more impaired function in the related risk factors. After controlling for various potential fixed and time-varying confounding variables, a significant positive longitudinal association was found between FPMS, DLCO, and ILIS profiles and DQI (β (95% CrI): 0.26 (0.03,0.51), 0.14 (0.01,0.27), and 0.24 (0.11,0.38), respectively), demonstrating that lower overall diet quality was associated with more impaired function of the related risk factors.Conclusions: Diet quality is associated with all emerging profiles of CVDs risk factors. Increasing the knowledge of the community about the importance of the quality of consumed foods may help to prevent CVDs. It is recommended that further investigations, particularly interventional studies, be conducted to confirm our results.