bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Machine Learning Methods in Nursing Home Research: Using Fall-Related Data in Nursing Homes
Authors: Lee Soo-Kyoung , Ahn Jinhyun , shin juh hyun , Lee Ji Yeon
Published: April 2020

Background: To compare machine learning (ML) methods beyond traditional regression analysis using a real dataset on nurse staffing and falls in nursing homes.Methods: We used a total of 6 ML algorithms to compare the superiority of ML over traditional regression methods. We applied three representative ML algorithms—random forest (RF), logistics regression, support vector machine (SVM): linear, polynomial, radial, and sigmoid—to the preprocessed dataset to develop a prediction model (N = 60). We used an accuracy measure to evaluate prediction models.Results: RF was the most accurate model (0.883), followed by the logistic regression model (0.867). Using RF procedures, we identified a total of 6 variables as predictors of falls including hours per resident day of administrative staff, proportion of nursing home residents with psychiatric medications, aggressive behaviors and cognitive dysfunction, urinary incontinence, current number of residents in each nursing home, and the maximum capacity of each nursing home.Conclusions: The appropriate choice of prediction model is quite challenging for nursing researchers. For effective fall management, researchers should consider organizational characteristics as well as personal factors. The examination of related factors on falls is quite meaningful in that preventing falls contributes to improving the quality of life and care of residents and decreases health care costs.
Frailty Index in the Colonias of the Rio Grande Valley: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Manusov Eron Grant , Ziegler Carolina Gomez de , Diego Vincent P , Monaco Gerardo Munoz , Blanger Sarah Williams , Fernandez Francisco
Published: April 2020

Objectives The Frailty index (FI) calculates frailty as the sum of health deficits divided by the total number of variables and reflects biopsychosocial and cultural determinants of well-being. A Colonia is a predominantly Hispanic, economically distressed, unincorporated neighborhood and varies in resources according to geographic location and contributors to social determinants of health. We report baseline Frailty Index data from two Colonias in South Texas. This information serves as a starting point for further investigation into frailty in Hispanic immigrants in South Texas Results FI against age separately in males (n=272) and females (n-622) was regressed. Females had a significantly higher starting frailty and males had a significantly greater rate of change with age. FI against age for two Colonias was regressed. We calculated a significantly higher starting FI in Indian Hills Colonia and a significantly greater rate of change with age in residents in Cameron Park Colonia
Survey on the Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension among Tibetans at High-altitude in China Ngawa
Authors: Li Tingxin , Dan Lifeng , Guo Jing , Sanlang Pengcuo , Wang Lin , Wang Jinhong
Published: April 2020

Background:

The prevalence of hypertension in China increased recent years. There are some surveys reported the hypertension status in different regions in China. However, little data revealed the epidemic status of hypertension among Tibetans at high altitude area in Ngawa. In this study, we explored the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in this special population.
Methods:

The cross-sectional analysis data was collected from 2228 Tibetan residents in seven high-altitude areas of Ngawa from September 2018 to June 2019, using a stage cluster sampling method. All participants were measured their blood pressure by trained physicians and have completed the questionnaire in the local hospital and health clinics. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and /or diastolic blood pressure(DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg according to standards in China.
Results:

The prevalence rate of hypertension was 24.6% in this area, which was similar to previous survey results the general population in China (23.2%). The awareness rate (32.3%), treatment rate (21.7%), and control rate (6.2%) of hypertension in high altitudes were lower than in the plain area in China. Compared to the 2015 Sichuan rural survey, the awareness rate increased (32.3% vs 24.6%), but the treatment rate (21.7% vs 24.7%) and the control rate (6.2% vs 14.7%) remained low.
Conclusions:

From the results, we can come to a conclusion that the rates of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension remain unexpected low in Tibetans, especially in female Tibetan at high altitude area of Ngawa. The related factors may include poor medical conditions, economic underdevelopment and traditional Tibetan customs. We hope to add some Tibetan data to the clinical epidemiology database of hypertension and hope the study can be used for future research.
Factors Associated With Undernutrition Among 20 to 49 Year Old Women in Uganda: A Secondary Analysis of the Uganda Demographic Health Survey 2016
Authors: Sserwanja Quraish , Mukunya David , Habumugisha Theogene , Mutisya Linet M. , Tuke Robert , Olal Emmanuel
Published: April 2020

Background Women are at risk of undernutrition due to biological, socio-economic, and cultural factors. Undernourished women have higher risk of poor obstetric outcomes. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with undernutrition among women of reproductive age in Uganda.Methods We used Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016 data of 4,640 women aged 20 to 49 years excluding pregnant and post-menopausal women. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select study participants and data were collected using validated questionnaires. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with underweight and stunting among 20 to 49 year old women in Uganda.Results The prevalence of underweight and stunting were 6.9% (n = 4640) and 1.3% (n = 4640) respectively. Women who belonged to the poorest wealth quintile (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 3.60, 95% CI 1.85–7.00) were more likely to be underweight compared to those who belonged to the richest wealth quintile. Women residing in rural areas were less likely to be underweight (AOR 0.63, 95%CI 0.41–0.96) compared to women in urban areas. Women in Western (AOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.20–0.44), Eastern (AOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.28–0.63) and Central regions (AOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25–0.72) were less likely to be underweight compared to those in the Northern region. Women belonging to Central (AOR 4.37, 95% CI 1.44–13.20) and Western (AOR 4.77, 95% CI 1.28–17.78) regions were more likely to be stunted compared to those in the Northern region.Conclusion The present study showed wealth index, place of residence and region to be associated with undernutrition among 20 to 49 year old women in Uganda. There is need to address socio-economic determinants of maternal undernutrition mainly poverty and regional inequalities.
Mandated Actions, Legitimate Role-Bearers and Expected Actor Networks in the Management of Infectious Disease Epidemics: The Case of Marburg Virus Disease in Uganda.
Authors: Ssendagire Steven , Tuhebwe Doreen , Babirye Susan , Nuwematsiko Rebecca , Tusubira Andrew K. , Kayiwa Joshua , Ssennyonjo Aloysius , Makumbi Issa , Ssengooba Freddie
Published: April 2020

Background In many Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries, epidemic management is characterized with inaction, confusion and friction among a multitude of participating organizations. This is partially attributable to the inability to customize international epidemic management actions and guidelines to local institutional architecture, agencies and relational contexts. This results into poor coordination and suboptimal epidemic management outcomes. Using the case of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Uganda, we explored how to clarify responsibility and collaboration across a multitude of inter-dependent actions and actors during epidemic management. Methods In July 2018, we reviewed MVD management literature and documents to identify key expected actions and actors/agencies. Data was summarized by phase and action area of MVD management. In March 2019, a 2-round Delphi survey was then undertaken to; 1) validate the identified actions and 2) assign legitimate role-bearers to each of the validated actions. We used NetDraw in UCINet to elaborate the expected network structure among legitimate role-bearers across all the phases and four selected action areas. Results We validated 304 mandated actions and 79 legitimate role-bearers in MVD management in Uganda. Across the four phases and selected action areas of MVD management, there is a high variation in the identity and number of mandated role bearers. Overall, Ministry of Health headquarters (MoH-HQs), National Task Force (NTF), District task Force (DTF) and National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) are expected to be the most central agencies during MVD management. Across the four phases and the selected action areas, actors are expected to be networked using a core-periphery network structure.Conclusions There is a multitude of agencies required to work inter-dependently to accomplish the mandated actions for MVD management in Uganda. MoH-HQs, NTF and DTF are most central in the Ugandan context. It is imperative to build/maintain the information processing, decision making and command and control capacity of these central agencies. The study findings can be used as the basis for exploring compliance and deviation in mandated actions in future MVD epidemics. The methodological approach could be replicated to other infectious disease epidemics in Uganda and beyond.
Plasma distribution of non-cholesterol sterols precursors of cholesterol synthesis and phytosterols depend on HDL concentration
Authors: Nunes Valeria Sutti , Silva Eliton Juniro , Ferreira Guilherme Silva , Assis Sayonara Ivana Santos , Zago Vanessa Helena de Souza , Cazita Patrícia Miralda , Nakandakare Edna Regina , Faria Eliana Cota , Quintão Eder Carlos Rocha
Published: April 2020

Background

Because several sterols are carried by serum lipoproteins that are pivotal in cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis this study aimed at investigating their lipoprotein distribution in individuals differing according to HDL-C plasma levels.
Methods

Healthy participants were selected with plasma HDL-C concentrations < 40 mg/dL (Low HDL, n = 12), above 40 mg/dL and below 60 mg/dL (Controls, n = 10), or above 60 mg/dL (High HDL, n = 15). Plasma lipoproteins were separated by sequential ultracentrifugation. [27-OHC]), noncholesterol sterols precursors of cholesterol synthesis (NCSPCS: desmosterol and lathosterol) and phytosterols (campesterol and sitosterol) were measured by GC-MS analysis. Diferences between groups were compared by Kruskall-walys and Dunn's post-test with correction by Bonferroni.
Results

The groups were similar in about BMI, age, gender distribution and blood glucose, total cholesterol and LDL-C. The High HDL group had lower concentrations of triglycerides and VLDL-C compared to others. Percentage distribution of plasma 24-OHC and 27-OHC in lipoproteins did not differ among investigated groups, but plasma concentration of 24-OHC was lower in High HDL than in Low HDL (27- OHC significance difference was borderline). NCSPCS and phytosterols predominate in LDL, which carries approximately 50% of these molecules. Approximately 30% of desmosterol and lathosterol are present in HDL, the High HDL group carrying higher percent of both sterols than the Low HDL and Control groups. Less than 20% of NCSPCS are transported in VLDL. Concentration of plasma campesterol and sitosterol did not differ among groups. However, LDL sitosterol percent distribution is lower in High HDL than in Low HDL and Controls. Campesterol and sitosterol percent distributions are higher in High HDL than in the Low HDL group.
Conclusions

Elevated NCSPCS in the High HDL group suggests HDL facilitates the export of these sterols from cells but not the export of the cholesterol metabolite 24-OHC which is lower in the High HDL than in the Low HDL group. Percent campesterol and sitosterol elevated in HDL suggests phytosterols absorbed in the enterocytes are incorporated mostly into the nascent HDL.
Determinants of Severe Acute Malnutrition Among Under 5 Children in Satar Community of Jhapa, Nepal
Authors: Dahal Kajol , Yadav Deepak Kumar , Baral Dharanidhar , Yadav Birendra Kumar
Published: April 2020

Background: Severe acute malnutrition is the most extreme and visible form of undernutrition plagued by chronic poverty, household food insecurity, lack of education. One of the indigenous and marginalized community of Nepal, Satar/Santhal has often been neglected and is devoid of good education and are economically deprived. This predisposes under 5 children of Satar into malnutrition. The study aims to assess determinants of SAM among children under 5 years of age in Satar community of Jhapa district, Nepal. Material & Methods: A community based matched case control study was carried from September 2019 to February 2020 among under five children of Satar community residing in Jhapa district. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select 50 cases and 100 controls in the ratio of 1:2. Information was collected through personal interview with the parents and anthropometric measurement of the children was measured. Bivariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis was to explore the determinants of severe acute malnutrition. Results: A total of 664 children between the age group of 6 – 59 months were screened for SAM. The prevalence of SAM was found 7.53%. Factors like, low economic status, birth interval less than 2 years, frequency of breast feeding <8 times/day and household food insecurity were found to be significant determinants of SAM. Multivariate logistic regression documented low economic status (AOR: 11.14, 95% CI 1.42 to 87.46); and frequency of breast feeding <8 times/day (AOR: 2.09, 95% CI 1.00 to 4.37) as determinants of SAM. Conclusion: Low economic status and frequency of breast feeding less than 8times/day were major determinants of SAM among children under 5yrs of age. Ending malnutrition will require greater efforts and integrated approaches to eradicate extreme poverty. Multi-sector approaches have been conducting for SAM in Nepal but there are no specific approaches for marginalized community.
Attitude and Its’ associated factors towards Mental Illness Among Residents of Mertule Mariam Town, Northern Ethiopia: Mixed Method
Authors: Yeshanew Berhanu , Yohannis Zegeye , Shumet Shegaye , Abebaw Dessie , Belete Asmare
Published: April 2020

Background: Mental illness affects cognition, emotion, and behavior of an individual. It accounts for 13% of the global burden of diseases. About 76% and 85% of people in low and middle-income countries with severe mental illness did not receive treatment due to fear of expected discrimination and stigma to diagnosed people with mental illness. There are no published works on the attitude of the community in this study area. This study aimed to assess the attitude and its’ predictors towards mental illness among residents of Mertule Mariam town, Ethiopia 2017. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2017. Data were collected from 964 participants using Community Attitude to Mental Illness Inventory (CAMI). Data were entered using epi-info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the associated factors to attitude. Result: The response rate was 98.2% with the sex distribution of 58.5% (554) males. The attitudes of the community were more authoritarian (52.8%), less benevolent (52.3%), more socially restrictive (38.8%) and positive to mental health service (59.2%). Age [AOR=2.50, CI 1.56-4.23, P-value= 0.001], educational level, occupational status, getting information about mental illness, and knowing someone who has mental illness have been significantly associated to authoritarianism. Age (18-24) [AOR=3.08(1.5-6.3) p-value=0.002], educational status, occupational status and getting information about mental illness were the significant variables for benevolence subscale. Age, marital status, getting information about mental illness [AOR=0.02, CI 0.05-0.75, P-value <0.05], sources of information were significant variables for social restrictiveness subscale. Marital status, occupational status, history of mental illness, relationship with mentally ill, and involved in caring for mentally ill [1.85(1.28-2.65)**] were significantly associated factors for community mental health ideology. Conclusion and recommendation: The findings of this study showed that the attitude of residents of Mertule Mariam town was more authoritarian (undermining), less benevolent, less socially restrictive (less socially avoidant) and more positive for mental health service. The positive attitude of the participant was associated with getting information about mental illness. Using mass media and health institutions to disseminate information about mental health is essential to improve the attitude of the community.
Oxidation of Zhundong subbituminous coal in aqueous Fe2+/ glacial acetic acid solution with H2O2
Authors: Chen Shuai , Zhou Wei , Zhao Guang-Bo , Gao Jihui
Published: April 2020

The improvement of the reactivity of H2O2 and Zhundong subbituminous coal (ZS) was focused on in this work. The mild oxidation of ZS was carried out under different conditions. The liquid oxidation products were analyzed using gas chromatography /mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results suggest that Fe2+ and glacial acetic acid (GAA) have a synergistic effect on the H2O2 oxidation of ZS, which can significantly promote the conversion of ZS and the production of liquid products. In total, 40 compounds are identified, which could be categorized as 8 group components. Most of them are valued-added chemicals. Among the detected compounds, carboxylic acids (CAs) is the most abundant, accounting for 47.22% of all the group components in TRC. Moreover, according to the compounds detected by GC/MS, condensed aromatic rings are significantly abundant than aliphatic moieties in organic matter of ZS. -CH2CH2- are predominant bridged linkages connecting aromatic rings in ZS. The existing forms of organic nitrogen and sulfur species contain quinolins, pyrroles, pyrimidins, quinoxalines, enamides, oxazoles, isoquinolines, thiazols, sulfonamides in ZS.
Raspberry ketone improves diabetic nephropathy in mice by inhibiting streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Wang Xin , Chang Ying , Wang Yan , Liu Yuxin , Hu Xiyu , Sun Yucheng , Du Peng , Xu Na , Song Hui , Liu Wensen
Published: April 2020

Background

Oxidative stress and inflammation play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Raspberry ketone (RK) is one of the main active substances in raspberry and has a variety of medicinal values. Nevertheless, its protective effect on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy mice has not been reported. In this study, we researched if RK improves oxidative stress and inflammation of STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy mice.
Methods

The model of diabetic nephropathy mice was established by a single injection of STZ (130 mg/kg). Diabetic nephropathy mice were treated orally with 400 mg/kg/day raspberry ketone extract to eight weeks. The expression levels of serum creatinine (Scr), urine micro-albumin (mALB), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA). Renal structural changes were investigated by using animal diagnostic ultrasound system.
Results

RK obviously ameliorated as observed in the visible decrease levels of serum creatinine (Scr), urine micro-albumin (mALB). Furthermore, RK improved expression levels of antioxidant enzyme markers (GSH-Px, SOD, CAT) and obviously reduced MDA, a product of lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory divisors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) in diabetic nephropathy mice. After treatment with RK, we observed that the size of the kidneys and the damage of renal interstitial of mice were obviously improved, as well as the loss of integrity of basement membrane and the renal interstitial edema in diabetic nephropathy mice by using animal diagnostic ultrasound system.
Conclusion

This study strongly indicates that raspberry ketone provides a protective effect against STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy in improving oxidative stress and inflammation.
125 I seeds irradiation inhibits tumor growth and induces apoptosis by Ki-67, P21, Survivin，Livin and Caspase-9 expression in lung carcinoma xenografts
Authors: Wang Lijun , Lin Cunzhi , Jin Qing , Zhu Xinhong , Cao Yiwei , Guo Caihong
Published: April 2020

Background: Lung cancer is a fatal disease and a serious health problem worldwide. Patients are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, with the effectiveness of chemotherapy for such patients being very limited. Iodine 125 seed(125I) irradiation can be used as an important adjuvant treatment for lung carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of irradiation by 125I seeds in human lung cancer xenograft model and to determine the underlying mechanisms involved, with a focus on apoptosis. Methods: A group of 40 mice bearing A549 lung adenocarcinoma xenografts were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (n=10), sham seed (0 mCi) implant group (n=10), 125I seed (0.6 mCi) implant group (n=10) and 125I seed (0.8 mCi) implant group (n=10), respectively. The body weight and tumor volume, was recorded every four days until the end of the study. Apoptotic cells were checked with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and activities of caspase-3 and caspase-8 enzyme were tested. Expression of P21, survivin, livin, caspase-9 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) was detected with immunohistochemical staining. Results: The results of TUNEL staining assays shows that 125I seed irradiation suppresses the growth of lung cancer xenografts in nude mice and induces apoptosis. The activity of caspase-3 and caspase-8 was significantly higher. The expression levels Ki67, survivin and livin were substantially downregulated, while P21 and caspase-9 protein expression was significantly increased following 125I seed irradiation. This study revealed that 125I seed irradiation could significantly change apoptosis-related protein in human lung cancer xenograft. Conclusions: Overall, our study demonstrates that radiation exposure by 125I seeds has been expected as a new treatment option for lung cancer.
Preoperative Tumor Biopsy Results In More Detected Sentinel Node Than Intraoperative Biopsy In Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: yuan chenxi , wang xinzhao , liu zhaoyun , li chao , bian mengxue , shan jing , song xiang , Yu Zhi-yong , yu jinming
Published: April 2020

Background Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) acts as a vital role in the breast cancer surgery, and the identified number of sentinel nodes determines its accuracy to represent the status of axillae. There remain two tumor biopsy modes in breast cancer, preoperative and intraoperative biopsy. We compared the effect of the two different biopsies on the result of SLNB. Methods Patients with clinical stage T1-3, N0 tumor were enrolled in this study. 53% received preoperative tumor biopsy and 47% received intraoperative excisional biopsy. For search of the sentinel lymph node, patients received dual tracer injection. The number of SLNs detected and false negative rate were compared between groups. Results 204 patients were enrolled, 108 received preoperative tumor biopsy and 96 received intraoperative excisional biopsy. Among all the patients, 160 received ALND following SLNB. Preoperative tumor biopsy detected more SLNs than intraoperative biopsy (mean rank 113.87 vs. 90.9, p= 0.004). False negative rate in preoperative and intraoperative tumor biopsy was 3% and 18%, respectively. Conclusions Patients in preoperative tumor biopsy group could find more SLNs than intraoperative biopsy patients. False negative rate was also lower in preoperative biopsy group.
Comparison of the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma and chondroblastic osteosarcoma: a population-based analysis
Authors: Bian Yiying , Zeng Ziliang , Yao Hao , Zou Yutong , Tu Jian , Wang Bo , Jin Qinglin , Lv Dongming , Shen Jingnan , Xie Xianbiao
Published: April 2020

Background

Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma (DDC) and chondroblastic osteosarcoma (COS) have some common morphological characteristics by pathology and involve the same surgical methods and chemotherapy regimen. We explored the prognostic differences and factors of patients with DDC and COS with similar pathological features to analyze the prognostic factors and effect of chemotherapy on the prognosis of each type.
Methods

From the SEER database, we included 228 patients with DDC and 631 patients with COS who underwent surgery from 1975 to 2016. Patient age was stratified with X-tile, and prognosis was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression.
Results

The 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for DDC were 33.3% and 26.5%, respectively, and the 3- and 5-year OS rates for COS were 71.5% and 63.8%, respectively. Compared with COS, DDC had an older onset age, a higher proportion of white patients, an increased likelihood of occurrence in soft tissue, a higher pathological grade, a larger tumor volume, more patients with M1-stage, a higher AJCC stage and a lower chemotherapy utilization rate. Univariate analysis showed that age, M1 stage and high tumor stage were negatively correlated with DDC patient prognosis, with a worse prognosis for patients with lung metastasis. In the multivariate analysis, higher tumor stage was an independent factor for reducing OS in DDC. Univariate analysis showed that COS patients were older and male; had tumors located in the pelvis; had high T-, M-, and AJCC-stage tumors; and had lung metastasis. Moreover, no chemotherapy was negatively correlated with patient prognosis. Furthermore, age, male sex and high tumor stage were independent factors for reducing OS in COS.
Conclusion

The OS of DDC patients is worse than that of COS patients. Chemotherapy cannot benefit patients with DDC. For COS patients, further exploration of the survival benefits of chemotherapy is needed.
TNF-α secreted by myeloid cells in ascites regulate colorectal cancer
Authors: Tsuchiya Yuki , Munakata Shinya , Ishihara Haruna , Ueyama Takae , Honjo Kumpei , Sugimoto Kiichi , Tomiki Yuichi , Sakamoto Kazuhiro
Published: April 2020

Background

CD14 + macrophages within a tumor or in peripheral blood are cytotoxic to during the early stages but support cancer cell proliferation in the late stages. We investigated the role of inflammatory cells in ascites in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.
Methods

We prospectively enrolled 18 consecutive CRC patients who required surgery and 5 patients (healthy donors) requiring inguinal hernia surgery. Inflammatory cells in the peritoneal fluid were enumerated using FACS. Demographic and clinical characteristic such as age, gender, peritoneal inflammatory CD14+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD19 + cells in ascites were compared between the two groups. The M1 (TNF-α iNOS CCR2) and M2 (ARG1 IL-10 TGF- β) characteristics of macrophages in ascites in cancer patients and those from the peripheral blood (PB) of healthy donors were investigated. HCT116 cells (colon cancer) were co-cultured with CD14 + from ascites and PB of CRC patients and with CD14 + macrophages from healthy donors.
Results

There were no significant differences in CD14 + cell numbers (mean, 5.5 vs. 10.1%) in the peritoneal fluid of the two groups, but TNF-α levels in CRC ascites macrophages were significantly higher than those from PB of healthy donors (p < 0.01). CD14 + cells from ascites of CRC patients better suppressed cancer cell proliferation (p < 0.01), but cancer cell proliferation persisted in the presence of TNF-α antibodies (p < 0.01).
Conclusions

Myeloid-derived CD14 + cells in the environment of ascites can infiltrate it in CRC patients, they appear to be M1 macrophages, and secreted TNF-α can suppress the growth of CRC cells.
Effects of bone marrow mononuclear cells on induction of axonal sprouting in cortico-cortical and cortico-striatal pathways in an animal model of cortical ablation.
Authors: Sampaio Maria de Fatima dos Santos , Guimarães Arthur Giraldi , Lourenço Camila da Silva , Pereira Messias Gonzaga , Coimbra Norberto Cysne
Published: April 2020

Many therapies have been proposed in order to investigate the mechanisms of neural repair associated with neurological diseases, including BMMC (bone marrow mononuclear cells) transplantation. However, studies show that some brain injuries are less responsive to neural repair, such as, for example, cortical ablation. On the other hand, models of cortical ablation have shown functional recovery after BMMC transplantation. Thus, it is relevant to expand knowledge about BMMC, also, in the induction of neuroplasticity, in this model, considering treating a promising event for the rehabilitation of neurological diseases. Using the experimental model of cortical ablation of the sensorimotor cortex, which is known to be poorly responsive to neuroplasticity, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of BMMC on axonal sprouting induction in cortico-cortical and cortico-striatal projections. An anterograde neurotracer was used to evaluate the distribution of axonal fibers. Quantitative analyzes were performed and the results showed that BMMC were not able to significantly induce axonal sprouting in the evaluated areas. Our results reinforced the idea that cortical ablation may be less responsive to neuplasticity and the beneficial effects of BMMC therapy depend on the particularities of a neural microenvironment intrinsic to a given lesion.
Process integration models for emerging challenges: Optimal allocation of antivirals under resource constraints
Authors: Sy Charlle , Aviso Kathleen , Cayamanda Christina , Chiu Anthony , Lucas Rochelle , Promentilla Michael , Razon Luis , Tan Raymond , Tapia John Frederick , Torneo Ador , Ubando Aristotle , Yu Derrick
Published: April 2020

The global scientific community has intensified efforts to develop, test, and commercialize pharmaceutical products to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Trials for both antivirals and vaccines are in progress; candidates include existing repurposed drugs that were originally developed for other ailments. Once these products are shown to be effective, their production will need to be ramped up rapidly to keep pace with the growing demand as the pandemic progresses. It is highly likely that the drugs will be in short supply in the interim, which leaves policy makers and medical personnel with the difficult task of determining how to allocate them. Under such conditions, mathematical models can provide valuable decision support. In particular, useful models can be derived from process integration (PI) techniques that deal with tight resource constraints. In this paper, a linear programming (LP) model is developed to determine the allocation of COVID-19 drugs that minimizes patient mortality, taking into account additional hospital capacity constraints. Two hypothetical case studies are solved to illustrate the computational capability of the model, which can generate an allocation plan with outcomes that are superior to simple ad hoc allocation.
Artificial intelligence-based CT metrics in relation with clinical outcome of COVID-19 in young and middle-aged adults
Authors: Zeng Sihui , Liu Weihong , Yu Xudong , Li Yanli , Gao Jiao , Li Jiawei , Li Hanhui , Mao Liang , Xie Chuanmiao , Liang Jianye
Published: April 2020

Purposes: Currently, most researchers mainly analyzed COVID-19 pneumonia visually or qualitatively, probably somewhat time-consuming and not precise enough. This study aimed to excavate more information, such as differences in distribution, density, and severity of pneumonia lesions between males and females in a specific age group using artificial intelligence (AI)-based CT metrics. Besides, these metrics were incorporated into a clinical regression model to predict the short-term outcome.Methods: The clinical, laboratory information and a series of HRCT images from 49 patients, aged from 20 to 50 years and confirmed with COVID-19, were collected. The volumes and percentages of infection (POI) among bilateral lungs and each bronchopulmonary segment were extracted using uAI-Discover-NCP software (version R001). The POI in three HU ranges, (i.e. <-300, -300~49 and ≥50 HU representing ground-glass opacity (GGO), mixed opacity and consolidation), were also extracted. Hospital stay was predicted with several POIs after adjusting days from illness onset to admission, leucocytes, lymphocytes, c-reactive protein, age and gender using a multiple linear regression model.Results: Right lower lobes had the highest POI, followed by left lower lobes, right upper lobes, middle lobes and left upper lobes. The distributions in lung lobes and segments were different between the sexes. Men had a higher total POI and GGO of the lungs, but less consolidation than women in initial CT (all p<0.05). The total POI, percentage of consolidation on initial CT and changed POI were positively correlated with hospital stay in the model.Conclusion: Both men and women had characteristic distributions in lung lobes and bronchopulmonary segments. AI-based CT quantitative metrics can provide more precise information regarding lesion distribution and severity to predict clinical outcome.
Incidence of Cardiac Injury and Associated Poor Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zou Fengwei , Qian Zhiyong
Published: April 2020

Background: Increasing number of studies have indicated a link between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and acute cardiac injury. However, there is currently no consensus on the incidence of cardiac injury and its associated prognosis in COVID-19 patients. Methods: We searched PubMed and Embase for studies that evaluated cardiac injury in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Demographic information, co-morbidities, and relevant laboratory values were extracted and a meta-analysis was performed.Results: Ten studies with 1637 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The overall incidence of cardiac injury was 23.2% (380/1637) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The incidence was higher (58.5%) in patients who were critically ill, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) or died. The composite mortality rate of patients with cardiac injury was 75.1% (251/334). Cardiac injury was significantly associated with increased mortality (OR=21.71, 95% CI 9.16-51.46) in those patients. When combining death with ICU admission and patients who were critically ill, patients with cardiac injury was again strongly associated with worse outcomes (OR=22.18, 95% CI 11.68-42.10). In subgroup analyses, hospitalized COVID-19 patients who were older and had history of hypertension, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive respiratory disease, and diabetes were associated with increased risk of developing cardiac injury. Conclusion: Cardiac injury is common in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and is significantly associated with poor outcomes. Patients who are older and have hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases are prone to develop cardiac injury. When appropriate, early screening, triage and cardiac monitoring are needed for these patients.
What is the normal range of obstetric shock index in the immediate postpartum period in a low resource setting?
Authors: Nwafor Johnbosco Ifunanya , Obi Chuka Nobert , Onuorah Olisah Elvis , Onwe Blessing Idzuinya , Ibo Chukwunenye Chukwu , Onuchukwu Victor Uchenna
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjective: To determine the normal range of shock index (SI), blood pressure (BP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) among postpartum women and to compare shock index with the normal range in the current literature.Methods: This is a prospective cohort study evaluating vital signs collected at one hour of delivery in women with normal blood loss delivered in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Results: The median (95% reference range) was 120 (100 - 155.8) for systolic BP, 70 (60 - 94) for diastolic BP, 90 (66.5 - 116.6) for MAP, 82 (65 - 102) for HR, and 0.69 (0.48 - 0.89) for SI. The upper limit of SI of 0.89 in this study did support the current literature suggesting a threshold of 0.9 as upper limit of normal. However, the lower limit of SI of 0.48 in this study corresponds to the lower limit of 0.5 for non-obstetric population. Over half (56%) of the study cohorts maintained shock index values within the normal range (0.5 - 0.7) for non-obstetric population. Conclusion: Although haemodynamic changes of pregnancy widens the range of shock index in obstetric population, 56% of the participants maintained normal shock index within the reference range for non-obstetric population. We recommend that the normal obstetric shock index range of 0.7 - 0.9 in current literature be changed to 0.5 - 0.9 to accommodate this lower threshold.
A Survey Analysis of Psychological Impact on Chinese during Quarantine against COVID-19
Authors: Qiao Chun Hong , Wang Li Zhong , Lin Jin Ran , Yao Xiao Tian , Chen Gang , Yao Yin
Published: April 2020

Objective: Few studies have investigated the psychological impact throughout a major epidemic, such as COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological state of individuals experienced quarantine and to provide evidence to reduce the impact of quarantine after COVID-19.Methods: A questionnaire-based survey conducted by using an internet site using 631 individuals who lived in China in the year 2020. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used for the data analysis.Results: Approximately 9.97% of the study participants reported that they did not feel good about his or her health condition. Approximately 50.16% of participants had experienced various levels of anxious and nervous feelings. Approximately 5.91% of participants reported anxious or nervous feelings almost every day. By using the spearman rank correlation analysis, we observed that anxious and nervous feelings appeared to be correlated with the frequency of receiving negative news, current health situation and time spent on receiving information related to COVID-19.Conclusion: A long-term quarantine is likely to have some level of impact on health conditions among relatively healthy individuals. The survey study may suggest that government and hospital workers should pay close attention to the psychological change experienced by quarantined individuals.
Analyzing Patterns of Seed Production for Chinese Torreya
Authors: Chen Xiongwen , Chen Hua
Published: April 2020

Chinese Torreya (Torreya grandis cv. Merrillii) is an important economic tree in China, but there are limited studies on its seed production. We analyzed the patterns of historical seed production at two major sites (Zhaojiazhen and Jidongzhen) for Chinese Torreya from different perspectives. The results indicated that there were no 3-year or multiyear cycles in its seed production. A positive correlation existed between the average seed production and the average annual air temperature in 5 or 10 years at both study sites. There was no trend of the increasing coefficient of variance (cv) in seed production, but the cv generally increased before 1975, and became flat after that time. Frequency power law existed in seed production at both sites, but Taylor’s Law existed only at Zhaojiazhen. The multiscale entropy decreased with time scales, and the patterns were similar at both sites. Our research results provide a new understanding of seed production for Chinese Torreya.
Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with the root zone of hop cultivars planted in a Florida field soil
Authors: Watson Tristan T. , Suarez Marco , Deng Zhanao , Desaeger Johan A.
Published: April 2020

In early 2016, hop plants were introduced into Florida. By late 2016, the hop plants were showing stunted growth and were heavily parasitized by Meloidogyne javanica. In this study, we determined host susceptibility of 14 hop cultivars to M. javanica in a greenhouse experiment and monitored population development of plant-parasitic nematode species in the root zone of 17 hop cultivars planted in three newly established hop yards in Florida. Plant-parasitic nematodes in the rooting zone soil of field grown hop plants included M. javanica, Pratylenchus brachyurus, Paratrichodorus minor, Belonolaimus longicaudatus, Xiphinema setariae/vulgare complex, Mesocriconema xenoplax, and Helicotylenchus dihystera; however, soil population densities of P. minor, B. longicaudatus, X. setariae/vulgare complex, M. xenoplax, and H. dihystera remained low through the study. Root galling, M. javanica egg production, and soil population densities of M. javanica were consistently large on the ‘Canadian Red Vine’, ‘Centennial’, ‘Chinook’, and ‘Comet’ cultivars, and small on the ‘Galena’ and ‘Triple Perle’ cultivars. No differences were observed in soil population densities of P. brachyurus among hop cultivars. Overall, our study provides the first report of plant-parasitic nematode population development in the root zone on hop cultivars planted in Florida.
Water demand prospects for irrigation in the São Francisco River: Brazilian public policy
Authors: Ferrarini Angel dos Santos Fachinelli , Ferreira Filho Joaquim Bento de Souza , Cuadra Santiago Vianna , Victoria Daniel de Castro
Published: April 2020

This study analyzed how irrigation expansion in the São Francisco Hydrographic Region (SFRH) could affect water availability in four physiographic regions: Upper, Middle, sub-Middle, and Lower SFRH. The Brazilian National Water Resources Plan (PNRH) is the main policy for water resources in Brazil. The PNRH, however, did not evaluate how the expansion of the irrigated area could affect water demand. We use a detailed computable general equilibrium model (CGE), applicable to Brazil, to simulate expansion scenarios in irrigated areas for 2025 and 2035, according to the Water Resources Plan for the São Francisco River (SFP). Simulations were carried out for areas deemed potentially suitable for irrigation. The Climatic Water Balance (CWB) was estimated for the SFRH to compare water supply and water demand. Results suggest that cities located in the Upper and Middle São Francisco Regions would present greater irrigation potential due to water availability and proximity to large irrigated areas. The comparative result of the CWB and the CGE model shows water availability problems in the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco, in particular, cities located in the São Francisco Lower Region.
Hydrodynamic changes impacted by the waterway capital dredging in Cikarang Bekasi Laut channel, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Ajiwibowo Harman , Pratama Munawir B.
Published: April 2020

This paper presents one-dimensional numerical modeling using MIKE 11 to simulate the impact of capital dredging on the hydrodynamics of the Cikarang Bekasi Laut (CBL) channel flow. The CBL channel is located in Bekasi Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. The river discharges upstream, and tidal fluctuations at the sea boundary were the governing parameters of the hydrodynamic model. Data such as river centerline, cross-sections, tidal elevation, and river discharges were compiled to construct the model. The instantaneous record of water level and river discharge data were used as model validation. The model results give decent validation when compared to water level and river discharge field data. Dredging on the canal is planned to be carried out across 19 km from the estuary to the upstream to allow large vessel navigation. The modeling results show that during the wet season, dredging affects the water level and river flow up to 25 km upstream, while during the dry season, dredging affects the hydrodynamics only up to 20 km upstream. It can be concluded that the canal dredging does not have a significant impact in terms of surface water elevation in the canal upstream. The critical finding is that the bed shear stress is significantly increased upstream of the dredging plan at kilometer 19, showing that there is potential riverbed erosion threat in the area. It is recommended to conduct a sedimentation study to predict the impact of sedimentation change from the dredging.
Sistema de Avaliação de Desempenho Baseado em Controle Adaptativo: Uma Aplicação Participativa
Authors: de Oliveira Alisson Antonio , Ribeiro Gutemberg
Published: April 2020

Objetivo - Este trabalho tem como objetivo caracterizar a viabilidade de utilizar um sistema de avaliação de desempenho baseado em Controle Adaptativo. Metodologia / abordagem - Será demonstrando com um exemplo genérico a racionalidade do sistema. Este exemplo destaca os problemas e soluções para uma avaliação de desempenho eficaz que pode ser aplicado via plataforma WEB gerando não apenas um sistema de avaliação de desempenho, mas também de feedback orientado as pessoas em início ou fim de carreira, uma vez que ele possui a capacidade de adaptar o feedback ao nível do trabalho e a área do trabalho. Constatações - Com a construção detalhada do modelo, a viabilidade do sistema é demonstrada de maneira metódica, assim como ficou evidente a necessidade de novas pesquisas visando à popularização do sistema adaptativo. Contribuições - A avaliação de desempenho é de fundamental importância para o resultado organizacional. No entanto, observa-se que os sistemas tradicionais não conseguem medir efetivamente o desempenho, seja individual, grupal ou organizacional. O foco do modelo é para organizações co-participativas e de gestão pública, entretanto pode ser usado em instituições privadas também.
Plano Plurianual com Densidade Macroestratégica na Gestão Pública Municipal: descrição e análise do processo de elaboração do PPA do município de Osasco (2018-2021)
Authors: Nascimento Ingrid Cristine Rodrigues , Coelho Fernando de Souza , Olenscki Antonio Roberto Bono , da Silva Raphael Borella Pereira
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: a literatura nacional sobre planejamento estratégico no setor público tem mostrado como o instrumento do Plano Plurianual (PPA), nos governos locais, permanece –recorrentemente – a ser estruturado sob uma perspectiva tão somente técnico-orçamentária, ou meramente como obrigação normativo-legal, com poucas evidências de seu potencial uso estratégico na gestão pública municipal. O presente artigo joga luz nessa temática, lançando mão do conceito de densidade macroestratégica e aplicando-o ao estudo de caso da formulação do PPA 2018-2021 do município de Osasco-SP. Metodologia: trata-se de investigação de natureza exploratória que se utilizou do método de estudo de caso com a triangulação de dados/informações advindos de análise documental, de entrevistas semiestruturadas com informantes-chave e da observação participante do processo por um dos autores deste trabalho no ano de 2017. Resultado: o texto descreve como o município elaborou o planejamento governamental e analisa se tal processo correspondeu aos princípios de densidade macroestratégica, assinalando, como resultado, a caracterização de um PPA Estratégico. Contribuição: a contribuição do artigo para a literatura nacional é empírica, uma vez que identifica a elaboração de um PPA Estratégico na gestão pública municipal –algo atípico nas prefeituras do país.