bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of existing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia guidelines in Indonesia
Authors: Sampurna Mahendra Tri Arif , Liem Kian Djien , Pratama Danny Chandra , Oktaviana Novita , Putra Achmad Januar Er , Zakiyah Rahmi , Visuddho Visuddho , Etika Risa , Handayani Kartika Darma , Utomo Martono Tri , Angelica Dina , Ayuningtyas Wurry , Hendrarto Toto Wisnu , Rohsiswatmo Rinawati , Wandita Setya , Kaban Risma Karina , Ahmad Jordy Maulana
Published: December 2022

Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common conditions for neonate inpatients. Indonesia faces a major challenge in which different guidelines regarding the management of this condition were present. This study aimed to compare the existing guidelines regarding prevention, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring in order to create the best recommendation for a new hyperbilirubinemia guideline in Indonesia.

Methods:  Through an earlier survey regarding adherence to the neonatal hyperbilirubinemia guideline, we identified that three main guidelines are being used in Indonesia. These were developed by the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IPS), the Ministry of Health (MoH), and  World Health Organization (WHO). In this study, we compared factors such as prevention, monitoring, methods for identifying, risk factors in the development of neonatal jaundice, risk factors that increase brain damage, and intervention treatment threshold in the existing guidelines to determine the best recommendations for a new guideline.

Results: The MoH and WHO guidelines allow screening and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia based on visual examination (VE) only. Compared with the MoH and WHO guidelines, risk assessment is comprehensively discussed in the IPS guideline. The MoH guideline recommends further examination of an icteric baby to ensure that the mother has enough milk without measuring the bilirubin level. The MoH guideline recommends referring the baby when it looks yellow on the soles and palms. The WHO and IPS guidelines recommend combining VE with an objective measurement of transcutaneous or serum bilirubin. The threshold to begin phototherapy in the WHO guideline is lower than the IPS guideline while the exchange transfusion threshold in both guidelines are comparably equal.

Conclusions: The MoH guideline is outdated. MoH and IPS guidelines are causing differences in approaches to the management hyperbilirubinemia. A new, uniform guideline is required.
Limiting adverse birth outcomes in resource-limited settings (LABOR): protocol of a prospective intrapartum cohort study
Authors: Adu-Amankwah Amanda , Bellad Mrutunjaya B. , Benson Aimee M. , Beyuo Titus K. , Bhandankar Manisha , Charanthimath Umesh , Chisembele Maureen , Cole Stephen R. , Dhaded Sangappa M. , Enweronu-Laryea Christabel , Freeman Bethany L. , Freeman Nikki L. B. , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Jiang Xiaotong , Kasaro Margaret P. , Kosorok Michael R. , Luckett Daniel , Mbewe Felistas M. , Misra Sujata , Mutesu Kunda , Nuamah Mercy A. , Oppong Samuel A. , Patterson Jackie K. , Peterson Marc , Pokaprakarn Teeranan , Price Joan T. , Pujar Yeshita V. , Rouse Dwight J. , Sebastião Yuri V. , Spelke M. Bridget , Sperger John , Stringer Jeffrey S. A. , Tuuli Methodius G. , Valancius Michael , Vwalika Bellington ,   LABOR Study Group
Published: December 2022

Background: Each year, nearly 300,000 women and 5 million fetuses or neonates die during childbirth or shortly thereafter, a burden concentrated disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries. Identifying women and their fetuses at risk for intrapartum-related morbidity and death could facilitate early intervention.

Methods: The Limiting Adverse Birth Outcomes in Resource-Limited Settings (LABOR) Study is a multi-country, prospective, observational cohort designed to exhaustively document the course and outcomes of labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period in settings where adverse outcomes are frequent. The study is conducted at four hospitals across three countries in Ghana, India, and Zambia. We will enroll approximately 12,000 women at presentation to the hospital for delivery and follow them and their fetuses/newborns throughout their labor and delivery course, postpartum hospitalization, and up to 42 days thereafter. The co-primary outcomes are composites of maternal (death, hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infection) and fetal/neonatal adverse events (death, encephalopathy, sepsis) that may be attributed to the intrapartum period. The study collects extensive physiologic data through the use of physiologic sensors and employs medical scribes to document examination findings, diagnoses, medications, and other interventions in real time.

Discussion: The goal of this research is to produce a large, sharable dataset that can be used to build statistical algorithms to prospectively stratify parturients according to their risk of adverse outcomes. We anticipate this research will inform the development of new tools to reduce peripartum morbidity and mortality in low-resource settings.
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the doublesex (dsx) gene splice sites and relevance for its alternative splicing in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Djihinto Oswald , Saizonou Helga D.M. , Djogbenou Luc S.
Published: December 2022

Background: Malaria burden continues to be significant in tropical regions, and conventional vector control methods are faced with challenges such as insecticide resistance. To overcome these challenges, additional vector control interventions are vital and include modern genetic approaches as well as classical methods like the sterile insect technique (SIT). In the major human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, a candidate gene favourable for sterility induction is the doublesex (dsx) gene, involved in mosquitos’ somatic sexually dimorphic traits determination. However, the pathways that trigger the signal of dsx gene exon skipping alternative splicing mechanism in anopheline mosquitoes are not well characterized. This study aims to screen the An. gambiae dsx gene splice site sequences for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that could be critical to its alternative splicing.

Methods: Variant annotation data from Ag1000G project phase 2 was analysed, in order to identify splice-relevant SNPs within acceptor and donor splice sites of the An. gambiae dsx gene (Agdsx).

Results: SNPs were found in both donor and acceptor sites of the Agdsx. No splice-relevant SNPs were identified in the female-specific intron 4 acceptor site and the corresponding region in males. Two SNPs (rs48712947, rs48712962) were found in the female-specific donor site of exon 5. They were not specific to either males or females as the rs48712947 was found in female mosquitoes from Cameroon, and in both males and females from Burkina Faso. In the other splice sites, the intron 3 acceptor site carried the greatest abundance of SNPs.  

Conclusions: There were no gender association between the identified SNPs and the random distribution of these SNPs in mosquito populations. The SNPs in Agdsx splice sites are not critical for the alternative splicing. Other molecular mechanisms should be considered and investigated.
Ultrastructural organization of the respiratory part of the lungs in streptozotocin-induced diabetes
Authors: Zaiats Liubomyr , Fedorchenko Yuliya , Zukow Walery
Published: December 2022

Background. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, the prevalence and incidence of which have dramatically increased worldwide. Our research aimed to study the dynamics of changes in the components of the respiratory part of the lungs in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Materials and methods. The experiments were performed on 88 white male Wistar rats weighing 170-210 g. The animals were divided into three groups: 1 - intact (n=10); 2 - control (n=40); 3 - experimental (n=38) with a model of diabetes mellitus, which was reproduced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin company "Sigma" (USA), diluted in 0.1 M citrate buffer with pH 4.5, at a rate of 60 mg/kg body weight. The control group of animals received an intraperitoneal injection with an equivalent dose of 0.1 M citrate buffer solution with a pH of 4.5.
Pulmonary tissue collection for electron microscopic examination was performed under thiopental anesthesia 14, 28, 42, and 70 days after streptozotocin injection. Pieces of lung tissue were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution, followed by fixation in 1% osmium tetroxide solution. After dehydration, the material was poured into epon-araldite. Sections obtained on an ultramicrotome "Tesla BS-490" were studied in an electron microscope «PEM-125K». All studies were performed under sodium thiopental anesthesia at the rate of 60 mg/kg of body weight. Results. Our research showed that 14 days after the modeling of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, mainly reactive changes were observed in the components of the respiratory part of the lungs. With an increase in the duration of the study (28-70 days), changes of a dystrophic-destructive nature were noted in alveolocytes of types I and II, and endotheliocytes of hemocapillaries. At the same time, cells with increased functional activity were determined in the components of the respiratory part of the lungs. Conclusion. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes leads to violations of the ultrastructural organization of components of the respiratory part of the lungs. The nature and severity of structural changes in type I, II alveolocytes, and endotheliocytes of hemocapillaries depend on the duration of diabetes.
Design of Light Intensity Control Device based on LED Matrix Control Wireless Lamp
Authors: Ambotang Geri Renalda , Widodo Nuyono Satya
Published: December 2022

This research make a wireless lamp light intensity regulator device based on LED matrix control. The device regulates lamp light intensity that is conform with the eating, sleeping, reading, using a laptop activities based on the existing provisions in SNI 03-6575-2001. The Arduino Uno ATMega328 microcontroller used to control the number of LED lamps that are light up to adjust the intensity of the light that fall upon the surface (lux) according to the activity that selected by user's smartphone. The BH1750 sensor will detect the light intensity produced by the lamp as information of the lamp light intensity condition. This research has been completed and succeeded in making a wireless lamp light intensity regulator device based on LED Matrix Control which can adjust the lamp light intensity of the lamp conform with the activities that the user want to do according to SNI 03-6575-2001. The device has been successfully created with an error percentage of 1.33% on examination with four different types of activities with total of 20 trials.Penelitian ini membuat alat pengatur intensitas cahaya lampu nirkabel berbasis kendali matriks LED. Alat mengatur intensitas cahaya lampu dengan menyesuaikan pada kegiatan makan, tidur, membaca, menggunakan laptop berdasarkan ketentuan yang ada pada SNI 03-6575-2001. Mikrokontroler ATMega328 Arduino Uno digunakan untuk mengendalikan jumlah lampu LED yang menyala guna mengatur intensitas cahaya yang akan jatuh ke permukaan (lux) menyesuaikan dengan kegiatan yang dipilih melalui smartphone pengguna. Sensor BH1750 akan mendeteksi intensitas cahaya yang dihasilkan oleh lampu sebagai informasi kondisi intensitas cahaya lampu. Penelitian ini sudah selesai dilakukan dan berhasil membuat Alat Pengatur Intensitas Cahaya Lampu Nirkabel berbasis Kendali Matriks LED yang dapat mengatur intensitas cahaya lampu berdasarkan kegiatan yang akan dilakukan pengguna menyesuaikan SNI 03-6575-2001. Alat telah berhasil dibuat dengan persentase error 1,33% pada pengujian terhadap empat jenis kegiatan yang berbeda dengan total 20 kali percobaan.
Peningkatan Kestabilan Quadrotor menggunakan Kendali Linear Quadratic Regulator dengan Kompensasi Integrator dalam Mempertahankan Posisi
Authors: Dhewa Oktaf Agni , Rahani Faisal Fajri
Published: December 2022

The quadrotor's ability to maintain position is a major requirement for the completion of various current missions. However, the large steady-state error (SSE) and multiple overshoots due to environmental disturbances cause flight instability. This condition makes Quadrotor unable to complete the mission optimally. Therefore, in this study applying a linear quadratic regulator control method, this research contributes to the addition of integrator compensation in handling the translational movement of the quadrotor. System model design testing is carried out by comparing quadrotor control using the LQR method without an Integrator and LQR with an Integrator. The value of R=1 for all states and Q_x=0.87, Q_y=124.6, Q_(v_x)=1.77, Q_(v_y)=124.6 and Ki_x=0,004, Ki_y=0.002 makes the SSE tendency that occurs 0.10 meters for the x-axis and -0.28 for the y-axis, while the multi-overshoot that occurs is 0.41 m for the maximum deviation and -1.35 m for the minimum deviation on the x-axis and 0.40 m maximum deviation and 0.47 m minimum deviations on the y axis. The test results show that the LQR control method with Integrator compensation is able to minimize and improve SSE and multiple overshoots that occur in quadrotor flights. In addition, it is able to significantly increase accuracy to 100% from 71.38% and precision to 37.71% from 35.91%.Kemampuan quadrotor dalam mempertahankan posisi menjadi kebutuhan utama untuk penyelesaian berbagai misi saat ini. Namun, besarnya steady state error (SSE) dan multiple overshoot karena gangguan lingkungan menyebabkan ketidakstabilan gerak terbang. Kondisi tersebut menjadikan quadrotor tidak mampu menyelesaikan misi secara optimal. Maka dari itu, pada penelitian ini menerapkan sebuah metode kendali Linear Quadratic Regulator penelitian ini memiliki kontribusi dengan penambahan kompensasi Integrator dalam menangani pergerakan translasi quadrotor. Pengujian desain model sistem, dilakukan dengan membandingkan antara pengendalian quadrotor menggunakan metode LQR tanpa Integrator dan LQR dengan Integrator. Nilai R=1 untuk semua state serta Q_x=0,87; Q_y=124,6; Q_(v_x)=1,77; Q_(v_y)=124,6 dan Ki_x=0,004; Ki_y=0,002 menjadikan kecenderungan SSE yang terjadi sebesar 0,10 m untuk sumbu x dan -0,28 m untuk sumbu y, sedangkan multi overshoot yang terjadi sebesar 0,41 meter simpangan maksimal dan -1,35 m simpangan minimal pada sumbu x serta 0,40 m simpangan maksimal dan 0,47 meter simpangan minimal pada sumbu y. Hasil pengujian tersebut menunjukkan bahwa metode LQR dengan kompensasi Integrator mampu meminimalkan dan memperbaiki SSE maupun multiple overshoot yang terjadi pada penerbangan quadrotor. Selain itu juga mampu meningkatkan akurasi secara signifikan sebesar 100% dari 71,38% serta presisi sebesar 37,71% dari 35,91%.
Bevel Modification Effect on Rectangular Patch for UWB Using Theory Characteristics Mode
Authors: Sabila Liya Yusrina , Damayanti Denti Agustina
Published: December 2022

Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a communications technology that operates on frequencies between 3.1 and 10.6 GHz and has a wide bandwidth. This paper aims to look at the radiation characteristics of the structure using the Theory Characteristic Mode on a rectangular antenna with bevel modifications at the end of the patch. It can be seen from the active mode at the appropriate frequency to validate the antenna performance results. It was found that the proposed antenna has four operational modes in the antenna design before modification and seven active modes in the antenna design after modification. The antenna is made of FR-4 material with a thickness of 1.575 mm and a dielectric constant of 4.3. The bandwidth in the error measurement is around 7 GHz and a frequency range of 3.18 - 10.915 GHz with an S11 value of less than -10 and a VSWR value of less than 2.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) adalah teknologi komunikasi yang beroperasi pada frekuensi antara 3,1 dan 10,6 GHz dan memiliki bandwidth yang sangat lebar. Makalah ini bertujuan untuk melihat karakteristik struktur radiasi menggunakan Theory Characteristic Mode pada antena rectangular dengan modifikasi bevel diujung patch. Untuk validasi hasil performansi antena dapat dilihat dari mode aktif pada frekuensi yang sesuai. Ditemukan bahwa antena yang diusulkan memiliki 4 mode aktif pada desain antena sebelum modifikasi dan 7 mode aktif pada desain antena  sesudah modifikasi.. Antena terbuat dari bahan FR-4 dengan ketebalan 1,575 mm dan konstanta dielektrik 4,3. Bandwidth yang dicapai pada pengukuran adalah disekitar 7 GHz dan rentang frekuensi 3,18 - 10,915 GHz dengan nilai S11 kurang dari -10 dan nilai VSWR kurang dari 2.
Validity and Reproducibility of Chest Expansion Measurement by a Device Using an Ultrasonic Sensor
Authors:   School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, Chanavirut Raoyrin , Luangaram Saowanee ,   Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand, Riyamongkol Panomkhawn ,   Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand
Published: December 2022

Background: Chest expansion is a type of physical examination used by physicians and physical therapists to diagnose various pulmonary diseases. Despite the fact that it can be performed using various equipment. However, it has some limitations while operating in the clinic. Therefore, a prototype device was developed. Objectives: The study was carried out to assess the validity and reproducibility of a chest expansion measurement device using an ultrasonic sensor. Furthermore, the opinion to the device was gathered by the questionnaire. Materials and methods: The study included 110 healthy subjects ranging in age from 20-60 years old. Two examiners measured upper, middle, and lower chest expansion independently and at random, and the measurements were repeated one day later. The Pearson correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plotting were then used to assess validity and reproducibility. In addition, a questionnaire yielded suggestions from 10 experienced physical therapists. Results: The results showed that the validity, as measured using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, had a moderate association in the lower part (r=0.69, p<0.001), whereas the other levels had the lowest and lowest association. There was also a strong correlation between intra-observer reproducibility (upper and middle: r=0.81, lower: r=0.84, all p<0.001). According to the questionnaire responses, some aspects of the device’s appearance should be improved. Conclusion: The device’s validity appears to be very low to moderate depending on the expansion levels measured. Additionally, the reproducibility is considerably high, while some details of the device need to be improved to maximize its efficiency.
Efficacy of straw phonation exercises with breathing exercises and indirect approaches for dysphonic adults with benign vocal fold lesions
Authors:   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand., Haowutikul Chanakarn , Jeeraumporn Jeamjai ,   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand., Dechongkit Sumalee ,   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand., Thayansin Sawitri ,   National Institute for Child and Family Development, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Published: December 2022

Background: The voice is essential to a people’s daily life, especially in occupational voice users who are at risk for benign vocal fold lesions. It is important to use the proper vocal therapy techniques on a dysphonic patient who has benign vocal fold lesions in order to reduce behaviors that will aggravate the voice disorder and enhance behaviors that help improve voice quality. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of straw phonation exercises with breathing exercises and indirect approaches in dysphonic adults with benign vocal fold lesions, including vocal nodules; vocal polyps, and vocal cysts. Materials and methods: This study was a pilot study. Twelve participants who had benign vocal fold lesions received vocal hygiene guidance, abdominal breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and straw phonation voice therapy. All participants received 8 weekly therapy sessions: 30 minutes per session. The vocal assessment data was collected before the first voice therapy session, and immediately after the eighth session, by subjective vocal assessment, and objective vocal assessment with Dr. Speech software version 5. Results: The results after therapy showed significant improvements against the GIRBAS scales in terms of the subjective vocal assessment, in the values of SD F0, jitter, NNE, and MPT of the objective vocal assessment. Conclusion: This result indicates straw phonation with breathing exercises and indirect approaches as being a worthwhile alternative method for voice therapy in dysphonic patients with benign vocal fold lesions.
Low-cost scanning LIDAR architecture with a scalable frame rate for autonomous vehicles
Authors: Fink Maximilian , Schardt Michael , Baier Valentin , Wang Kun , Jakobi Martin , Koch Alexander W.
Published: December 2022

Autonomous vehicles need accurate 3D perception with a decent frame rate and high angular resolution to detect obstacles reliably and avoid collisions. We developed a low-cost scanning multichannel light detection and ranging sensor architecture allowing scalable frame rates by adjusting the number of laser and detector pairs. Scanning is achieved by a pair of micro–electro–mechanical system (MEMS) mirrors. A control pattern for the MEMS mirrors to maximize the frame rate is presented. A built prototype based on the proposed architecture achieves a frame rate of 11.5 Hz, a field of view of

70

∘

×

30

∘

, and an angular resolution of 0.4°. The distance resolution is 6 cm. Reliable single-shot detection for low-reflective objects up to 19 m indoors and 11 m under direct sunlight exposure is achieved. A performance assessment based on the presented measurement system for recently available vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays with power densities up to

1

k
W

/

m
m

2

shows promising improvement potential.
Dual-wavelength paired-pulse Tm:YAlO3/Ho:LuLiF4 laser at 1944 and 2066  nm
Authors: Hu Guanqu , Yan Shixiong , Liu Wancheng , Huang Qigui , Bai Bing , Liu Fengli , Zhang Xinlu , Li Li
Published: December 2022

The dual-wavelength paired-pulse output of a compact self-

Q

-switched

T
m

:

Y
A
l
O

3

intra-cavity pumping

H
o

:

L
u
L
i
F

4

laser was first demonstrated
experimentally. By exploiting the self-

Q

-switching mechanism of

T
m

:

Y
A
l
O

3

and the gain-switching operation of

H
o

:

L
u
L
i
F

4

in a cavity, the dual-wavelength
paired pulses were robustly generated with the pulse energy of
29 µJ, pulse width of 2.5 µs at 1944 nm, pulse
energy of 31 µJ, and pulse width of 338 ns at
2066 nm. The maximum average output powers were obtained
simultaneously as high as 525 mW at 1944 nm and
323 mW at 2066 nm. The paired-pulse repetition frequency
can be pump-tunable in the range of 8–22 kHz. The temporal
delay in the paired pulses can be controllable from 9.5 to
2.9 µs with the pump power increasing from 15.2 to
18.4 W. The compact dual-wavelength paired-pulse laser near
2 µm has potential application in the differential absorption
lidar.
Implementing essential diagnostics-learning from essential medicines: A scoping review
Authors: Nyanchoka Moriasi , Mulaku Mercy , Nyagol Bruce , Owino Eddy Johnson , Kariuki Simon , Ochodo Eleanor
Published: December 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) model list of Essential In vitro Diagnostic (EDL) introduced in 2018 complements the established Essential Medicines List (EML) and improves its impact on advancing universal health coverage and better health outcomes. We conducted a scoping review of the literature on implementing the WHO essential lists in Africa to inform the implementation of the recently introduced EDL. We searched eight electronic databases for studies reporting on implementing the WHO EDL and EML in Africa. Two authors independently conducted study selection and data extraction, with disagreements resolved through discussion. We used the Supporting the Use of Research Evidence (SURE) framework to extract themes and synthesised findings using thematic content analysis. We used the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018 to assess the quality of included studies. We included 172 studies reporting on EDL and EML after screening 3,813 articles titles and abstracts and 1,545 full-text papers. Most (75%, n = 129) studies were purely quantitative in design, comprising descriptive cross-sectional designs (60%, n = 104), 15% (n = 26) were purely qualitative, and 10% (n = 17) had mixed-methods approaches. There were no qualitative or randomised experimental studies about EDL. The main barrier facing the EML and EDL was poorly equipped health facilities—including unavailability or stock-outs of essential in vitro diagnostics and medicines. Financial and non-financial incentives to health facilities and workers were key enablers in implementing the EML; however, their impact differed from one context to another. Only fifty-six (33%) of the included studies were of high quality. Poorly equipped and stocked health facilities remain an implementation barrier to essential diagnostics and medicines. Health system interventions such as financial and non-financial incentives to improve their availability can be applied in different contexts. More implementation study designs, such as experimental and qualitative studies, are required to evaluate the effectiveness of essential lists.
Cardio-selective versus non-selective β-blockers for cardiovascular events and mortality in long-term dialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tao Shaohua , Huang Junlin , Xiao Jie , Ke Guibao , Fu Ping
Published: December 2022

Background

Trials in patients receiving dialysis have demonstrated that β-blockers reduce all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. However, differences still exist within-class comparative effectiveness studies of the therapeutic benefits of β-blockers in dialysis patients.

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review is to examine whether cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality differed between dialysis patients receiving cardio-selective and non-selective agents.

Methods

A comprehensive search of relevant articles from the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed up to September 4, 2022, we included adults receiving β-blockers to evaluate the effects of cardio-selective versus non-selective agents on mortality and cardiovascular events in the dialysis population. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were examined for the negative outcomes of cardiovascular events and death for any reason. The risk of bias in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using Cochrane’s risk of bias tool and the risk of bias in observational studies was assessed using a table designed according to the ROBINS-I tool, the evidence grade was assessed using the GRADE guideline. For all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events, the RevMan software (version 5.3) was used to calculate pooled HRs with 95% CI. The heterogeneity (I2) in statistics was used to examine the degree of heterogeneity among studies.

Results

Four observational studies, including 58, 652 long-term dialysis patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to dialysis patients who took non-selective β-blockers, who took cardio-selective β-blockers was probably associated with fewer cardiovascular events (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.81, 0.89, heterogeneity [I2] = 0%, three trials, 52,077 participants, moderate-quality evidence) and may have lower all-cause mortality (HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.99, I2 = 91%, four trials, 54,115 participants, low-quality evidence).

Conclusions

This systematic review showed that cardio-selective β-blockers are probably associated with fewer cardiovascular events and may have lower all-cause mortality in long-term dialysis patients than non-selective β-blockers. The present study results need to be replicated using randomized controlled trials with longer observation durations.
Association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in moss with blood biomarker among nearby residents in Portland, Oregon
Authors: Burstyn Igor , Donovan Geoffrey H. , Michael Yvonne L. , Jovan Sarah
Published: December 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are air pollutants that are costly to measure using traditional air-quality monitoring methods. We used an epiphytic bio-indicator (moss genus: Orthotrichum) to cost-effectively evaluate atmospheric deposition of PAHs in Portland, Oregon in May 2013. However, it is unclear if measurements derived from these bioindicators are good proxies for human exposure. To address this question, we simultaneously, measured PAH-DNA adducts in blood samples of non-smokers residing close to the sites of moss measurements. We accounted for individual determinants of PAH uptake that are not related to environmental air quality through questionnaires, e.g., wood fires, consumption of barbecued and fried meats. Spearman rank correlation and linear regression (to control for confounders from the lifestyle factors) evaluated the associations. We did not observe evidence of an association between PAH levels in moss and PAH-DNA adducts in blood of nearby residents (e.g., all correlations p≥0.5), but higher level of adducts were evident in those who used wood fire in their houses in the last 48 hours. It remains to be determined whether bio-indicators in moss can be used for human health risk assessment.
Mitochondrial DNA haplogroup analysis in Saudi Arab patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Al-Kafaji Ghada , Alwehaidah Materah Salem , Alsabbagh Manahel Mahmood , Alharbi Maram A. , Bakhiet Moiz
Published: December 2022

Previous studies have suggested that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants are associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), a complex neurodegenerative immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. Since mtDNA is maternally inherited without recombination, specific mtDNA variants defining genetic background are associated with the susceptibility to human diseases. To assess the contribution of mtDNA haplogroups to the predisposition of MS in an Arab population, we analysed sequencing data of mitochondrial genomes from 47 native Saudi Arab individuals including 23 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and 24 healthy controls. All patients and controls could be classified into ten haplogroups. The European-specific haplogroup U was more prevalent in patients than in the controls (26.1% vs. 4.2%), whereas haplogroup T was only present in patients and haplogroups HV and N were only found in controls. Haplogroup U was significantly association with increased risk of MS (odds ratio = 6.26, p<0.05), although the association did not maintain significance after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Haplotype U was more prevalent in patients with younger age of onset (p = 0.006), but there was no relationship between haplotype U and disease severity, disease duration or EDSS and age-matched carriers and non-carriers of haplogroup U (p>0.05). Definition site of haplogroup U include the variant m.12308A>G in MT-TL2 gene which was found to affect highly conserved position within the variable arm of tRNALeu(CUN) and thus may impact mitochondrial protein synthesis, and two other variants namely m.11467A>G in MT-ND4 gene and m.12372G>A in MT-ND5 gene which were previously linked with mitochondrial function. Despite the small number of subjects, which may limit the statistical power of the study, our results showed for the first time a possible contribution of haplogroup U to the predisposition to MS in an Arab population. These findings warrant further validation in a large cohort to distinguish a genuine effect specific to MS from a chance finding due to small sampling.
VoD platforms and the diversity of European culture: The case of crime television formats and policy-related considerations
Authors: Antoniazzi Luca
Published: December 2022

This article explores the internet circulation of crime drama and the implications for European popular culture. It focuses on scripted television formats as potentially commercially sustainable vehicles of cultural hybridization. The research finds that although quantitatively speaking crime format localizations are a tiny portion of what is currently produced in Europe, these products still hold the potential to disseminate interesting stories that embody diverse values from a wide range of European countries. Formats have the potential to increase diversity rather than erase specificity. The ability of technological advances and new distribution avenues to increase the diversity of actual cultural experiences should not be overestimated, and with no media policy that tackles issues of inequality of access and geopolitical unbalances, European non-national products will likely continue to be consumed mostly by a minority from the highly educated middle/upper-middle classes. The exposure to the diversity of European culture will therefore be limited to these social groups.
Imaginación sobrenatural en los textos críticos de tres poetas de la Generación del 27
Authors: Palacios Amézquita Camila
Published: December 2022

En este artículo estudio y comparo el uso de algunas imágenes sobrenaturales que he rastreado en parte de la obra crítica de Luis Cernuda, Federico García Lorca y Jorge Guillén. En el apartado central, las imágenes analizadas –musa, ángel, demonio, sirena y duende– se refieren a la psicología de la invención literaria. También hago referencia a algunas imágenes menores –fantasmas, cíclopes– que los poetas-críticos usan para hablar del poeta mismo y de su obra. Sostengo que todas estas imágenes surgen como consecuencia de lecturas y contactos con el romanticismo y el surrealismo, que son ampliamente estudiados en la introducción de este artículo; pero, también, como producto de una manera de ver y entender el mundo que responde al momento histórico de la España de comienzos de siglo xx
La ítaca inalcanzable: el imposible regreso de los héroes griegos
Authors: Ortega Villaro Begoña
Published: December 2022

Los antiguos griegos, obligados durante toda su historia a partir y a regresar, fabularon sobre la dificultad o imposibilidad del retorno. Muchos de estos relatos se encontraban recogidos en el poema épico perdido Nóstoi (Los regresos), donde se relataba la vuelta al hogar de los héroes que combatieron en Troya. Sin duda, es el regreso de Odiseo/Ulises el que ha proyectado una sombra más fructífera en la literatura posterior, pero no es el único. Como figuras complementarias a la de Ulises, se presenta a Diomedes, el compañero de Ulises, y a Medea. En el trabajo se analizan las distintas formas de alejamiento y de regreso que representan estos personajes y su recepción en muchos relatos posteriores, de los que se ofrece una panorámica significativa.
Competencias socioemocionales en personas con síndrome de Down
Authors: Garcia González Octavio C. , González Maya Alan J. , Roth Gross Emma V.
Published: December 2022

Las personas con síndrome de Down presentan diversas dificultades en el manejo de sus habilidades emocionales, lo que afecta de manera directa su autoestima y la toma de decisiones en la vida cotidiana, repercutiendo negativamente en su desarrollo personal y social. Una forma para combatir tales efectos es a través de la enseñanza de competencias emocionales, sin embargo, las alternativas educativas adaptadas y dirigidas a esta población son escasas. En el presente trabajo se analiza el impacto y beneficios de diversos programas enfocados a la promoción de educación e inteligencia emocional en población con síndrome de Down. Nuestro análisis sugiere que los programas que favorecen la promoción de habilidades socioemocionales tienen un efecto benéfico en la población con síndrome de Down. Sin embargo, es necesario continuar fortaleciendo la investigación y aplicación de estos programas, así como la búsqueda de instrumentos estandarizados para medir sus efectos. La aplicación de programas de competencias socioemocionales podrá permitir una mejor inclusión y un desarrollo integro de las personas que viven con esta condición.
Proceso de evaluación de pictogramas: Catálogo de señalización accesible andaluz
Authors: Erena Guardia Gema , Solís Campos Adrián , Arenas Luis , Borrero Borrero María Luisa , Cala Gil Rosario , Carpio Ponce Ana Isabel , Conde Carmona Teresa , García Sánchez Diego , Martín Álvarez Pepe , Mera Gómez José Manuel , Moreno Pérez Francisco Javier , Moreno Ramos Ricardo Manuel , Ortiz Gómez Marta , Rivero Contreras Miriam , Rodríguez Ortiz Isabel R. , Tristancho Frutos María de los Ángeles Tristancho Frutos , Viejo Hernández María Viejo Hernández , Vila Pariente Soledad , Saldaña David
Published: December 2022

Todas las personas necesitan apoyarse en elementos del contexto para desenvolverse por los entornos de manera autónoma. Esta necesidad se concreta en apoyos específicos cuando las personas tienen dificultades en comprensión permanentes o circunstanciales. Para que un contexto sea accesible universal y cognitivamente se emplean pictogramas para identificar los entornos. Estos pictogramas constituyen una señalética que debe ser validada por procesos estandarizados como describe la Normativa ISO-9186. El objetivo del estudio fue ampliar la base de pictogramas disponibles para la señalización de edificios y evaluar su diseño accesible. Los datos se recogieron por entrevista online y por formulario autocompletado online, en dos fases, la evaluación de la comprensibilidad y la translucidez, así como la calidad perceptual de los pictogramas. Un total de 1462 personas evaluaron la comprensión de los pictogramas y 270 su calidad perceptiva. Dicha muestra incluye participantes de diferentes colectivos y perfiles cognitivos. Se evaluaron 151 pictogramas y fueron 55 los seleccionados por cumplir criterios de comprensión, translucidez y calidad perceptiva. Este resultado supone una contribución relevante a las bases de pictogramas de uso público y privado existentes y aporta recursos señaléticos validados que pueden beneficiar a todas las personas facilitando la accesibilidad cognitiva en los espacios.
„Az Európai Unió energiapolitikája példás gyorsasággal reagált az új geopolitikai kihívásokra” : Interjú Banai Károllyal, energiapolitikai szakértővel
Authors: Cserni Zsuzsa , Trautmann László
Published: December 2022

A Köz-Gazdaság interjút készített Banai Károllyal, energiapolitikai szakértővel, korábbi magyar multilaterális nagykövettel a globális és az európai energiahelyzetről, az európai fejlesztési lehetőségekről az energetikai fejlesztések terén. A beszélgetést Cserni Zsuzsa és Trautmann László készítette.
Foglalkoztatáspolitikai kihívások a magyar mezőgazdaságban és élelmiszeriparban – Szakpolitikai tanulságok és következtetések
Authors: Ritter Tibor
Published: December 2022

Az olvasó e ritka tanulmány birtokában képet alkothat a magyar agrárium és az élelmiszeripar helyzetéről. A 8 fejezet az OPTEN adatbázisa alapján mutatja be a jelen állapotot. A következtetések meghatározóak a közvetlen és a jövőbeli feladatokhoz. A teljes tanulmány hamarosan elérhető lesz Olvasóink számára is.
ANALYSIS OF CIRCULATORY SYSTEM PATHOLOGIES IN HEAD CT DATA – HEMORRHAGE LOCALIZATION
Authors: Nemček Jakub , Jakubíček Roman
Published: December 2022

Acute ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhages (ICH) represent critical situations for the patient. Rapid accurate diagnosis and therapy are required to prevent serious lifelong consequences or death. In the case of suspected head circulatory pathology, computed tomography (CT) is often the first choice among imaging techniques because of its availability, speed and reliability. In order to refine and speed up the diagnostic process, advanced algorithms implemented in computer aided diagnosis systems are currently being developed. This paper presents approaches to an automatic ICH localization as a part of a research project aimed at the development of machine learning methods for the analysis of circulatory disorders in head CT scans. Three designed deep learning-based algorithms are described and compared for prediction of the exact position of ICH within a 3D CT scan, and in two cases also for classification into the sub-types. An objective evaluation of the methods is presented along with a discussion of the results. Further possibilities for circulatory diseases analysis in head CT scans using modern algorithms are also discussed.
WEARABLE MULTI-SENSOR SYSTEM FOR TELEMEDICINE APPLICATIONS
Authors: Hýbl Ján , Volf Petr , Hejda Jan , Karavaev Aleksei , Kutílek Patrik
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we describe a technical design of wearable multi-sensor systems for physiological data measurement and wide medical applications, significantly impacted in telehealth. The monitors are composed of three analog front-end (AFE) devices, which assist with interfacing digital electronics to the noise-, time-sensitive physiological sensors for measuring ECG (heart-rate monitor), RR (respiration-rate monitor), SRL (skin resistivity monitor). These three types of sensors can be used separately or together and allow to determine a number of parameters for the assessment of mental and physical condition. The system is designed based on requirements for demanding environments even outside the realm of medical applications, and in accordance with Health and Safety at Work directives (89/391/CE and Seveso-II 96/82/EC) for occupational hygiene, medical, rehabilitation, sports and fitness applications.
Morphological reflection of highly purified chondroitin sulfate action in patients with decompensated form of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Minasov T. B. , Lila A. M. , Nazarenko A. G. , Sarvilina I. V. , Zagorodniy N. V.
Published: December 2022

Objective: to study the morphological reflection of the parenteral form of highly purified chondroitin sulfate (CS) action in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joints (KJ) during total knee arthroplasty (TA).

Patients and methods. An open, prospective, controlled, randomized study included 67 patients (24 men and 43 women aged 41—73 years) with stage III knee OA and grade 2 functional insufficiency. The 1st (control) group included 35 patients, the 2nd (main) group included 32 patients. At baseline of the study, all patients were taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at a standard daily dose. Patients of the 2nd group 2 months before the TA of KJ, additionally received a parenteral form of CS (Honrogard®), intramuscularly every other day: the first 3 injections at a dose of 100 mg/day; and if tolerability was good starting from the 4th injection, at a dose of200 mg / day (course — 25 injections). The intensity of pain was assessed according to the visual analog scale, WOMAC index, functional status according to the KOOS (Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) scale and the Lequesne index, standard radiography and magnetic resonance imaging of the knee joint were performed with an assessment of the T2 relaxation time. TA KJ was carried out according to C. Ranawat method.

Results and discussion. In contrast to patients who took only NSAIDs, in patients who received CS during 50 days within 2 months before surgery, there were signs of adaptive restructuring in all layers of the preserved volume of hyaline cartilage and a decrease in the synovial membrane inflammation at the time of TA of KJ.

Conclusion. The obtained results allow us to recommend the use of the parenteral form of CS (Honrogard®) according to the described scheme within 2 months before the TA of KJ in order to improve the morphological characteristics of cartilage and synovial tissue in the joints of the contralateral lower limb, taking into account the increase in the load on it in the postoperative period.
CoFoE: un paso (¿en falso?) hacia la (re)politización de la UE
Authors: Sorondo Salazar Dennis
Published: December 2022

Después de un año de deliberaciones el informe final de CoFoE (2022) recogió casi medio centenar de propuestas y más de trescientas medidas. La iniciativa se concibió como una plataforma inclusiva para recoger diferentes voces y ofrecer espacios en los que la ciudadanía europea pudiera expresarse. Además, buscaba apuntalar la legitimidad democrática y el futuro del proyecto europeo. Tras un proceso con aciertos y errores, ahora les toca a las instituciones europeas tomar el testigo. Es decir, dar un paso hacia la politización de la UE implementado las propuestas planteadas por la Conferencia y estableciendo canales permanentes de participación y deliberación, impulsando así la esfera pública europea y permitiendo que la “institución del disenso” tome el lugar de la “institución del consenso”; o, por el contrario, ignorar las demandas ciudadanas. El futuro de Europa puede depender de ello.
La Unión Europea ante el reto de la consolidación de su defensa en el s. XXI
Authors: Guinea Bonillo Julio
Published: December 2022

La Política de Defensa de la Unión Europea ha vivido un proceso de aceleración en su integración en los últimos años, principalmente motivado por los acontecimientos internacionales y el ascendente desarrollo tecnológico. Las transformaciones han evidenciado la falta de capacidades de Europa para hacer frente a las nuevas amenazas híbridas del siglo XXI. Tras la victoria talibán en Afganistán y el acuerdo AUKUS suscrito por Reino Unido, Estados Unidos y Australia, la Unión Europea ha dado inicio un proceso de reflexión que pueden llegar a conducir a una defensa europea común.
Institutionalisation of academic integrity: Experiences at a distance education university in South Africa during COVID-19
Authors:   University of South Africa (UNISA), Marais Ingrid
Published: December 2022

Academic integrity is an ongoing concern in higher education. Research dating back to the 1960s shows students self-reporting cheating, and with the advent of more online education, concerns about the integrity of degrees have become even more widespread. Due to this concern about academic integrity, especially in view of the changes brought about by COVID-19, I launched a research project that aimed to holistically understand how academics understand and teach academic integrity and institutional policies around academic integrity, and how these policies are employed through analysing five years’ worth of student disciplinary records at a distance education university. I interviewed twenty-eight academics and academic managers and analysed sixty-six documents, as well as 3 383 student disciplinary records. Flowing from that larger project, I argue in this paper that there has not yet been institutionalisation of academic integrity at this university. I end by offering suggestions for how institutionalisation could occur.