bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application development of website content filling in the Information Technology Department of State Polytechnic of Malang
Authors: Puspitasari D , Pramudhita A N , Rosiani U D , Rahmawati T K
Published: January 2020

The website is a communication tool that is used as an intermediary to share the latest news. The website of the Information Technology Department - Malang State Polytechnic (JTI-Polinema) is also a means of communication to share the latest activities and information about JTI. From January 2018 to November 2018, the news uploaded is only six content. This is not proportional to the number of activities available at the JTI. This is because there is only one type of user, the admin who can fill the website content. And the admin does not always know the activities in the information technology department. This study aims to develop an application to fill the website content of the Information Technology Department in state polytechnic Malang’s website by adding one more type of user, namely students and also make the interface look better and easy to use. This application allows students to upload articles about departmental activities, competitions, workshops and other information they know. This application development uses Kanban which is one of the lean software development methods (lean method). Based on validation testing this application is able to meet all the main functional requirements. while the usability test results based on usefulness, ease of use, ease to learn and satisfaction shows a high average value of 86.95%, it can be concluded that this application is acceptable and easy to use.
Automatically collect alumni data on social media
Authors: Ariyanto R , Rachmad C , Syulistyo A R
Published: January 2020

Tracer studies are useful for universities, institutes, and academies, as well as scholarship providers such as government, companies, and institution. Tracer studies are used to track alumni which can be used to measure the relevance of objectives, educational processes and curriculum in accordance with current alumni conditions. However, the tracer study has several obstacles in the distribution process to reach out and make alumni willing to spare their time for filling the tracer studies. This study aims to overcome this problem by gathering the information needed from social media such as workplaces and professions. The results of this study is alumni data which scrap from social media.
Analysis of energy generator prototype microhydro, based levers, high water lift (1.5 meters) without flow
Authors: Suyanta S , Adiwidodo S , Hartono M
Published: January 2020

Renewable energy sources, a future energy source should have developed in response to the problem of scarcity of fossil energy which will eventually run out. The study of science and technology as a solution, by utilizing the potential of all natural resources around us. Liquid substances, especially water, have properties that are always flat surface, can be used if you have a height difference, which is often called a potential difference, can be formed into a potential style by applying existing knowledge and technology. As applied by several researchers: Microhydro should require a minimum of falling water, dam, requires high costs and water source plant governance is maintained. Minimum wind speed, wind speed should fulfill. Solar power plants, constrains weather. All of that still utilizes the natural potential that can be influenced by climate, environmental damage, because it occurs due to natural processes. By utilizing artificial potential differences, we can utilize liquid fluid properties to be used as renewable energy sources. Through the construction of mechanical levers that can move energy can be generated. That since ancient times this simple plane has been applied a lot, but it is still on a balance (static) level. Based on this concept it can be developed that the support reaction has multiples of the weight and leverage force. Through this rule we develop it into a lever-based energy. A mechanic, which is can produce a reaction force and can move at a certain speed to produce energy. Therefore, it produces multiples of the reaction force from the water potential force due to its own weight.
Design and implementation of analog telephone on IPPBX network interconnection
Authors: Atmadja M D , Soelistianto F A , Aisah A , Ratnawati Y
Published: January 2020

The use of PABX between buildings existed in State Polytechnic of Malang consists of 3 types, which are produced by the same manufacturer. However, the three types of PABX have different characteristics and specifications from one another. Therefore, its merging is done by numbering method which must use prefix to be able to contact users in other PABX. Every PABX is always provided with an interface that aims to combine with different systems, so that adjustments can be made. To overcome this problem, by software-based central installation, namely IPPBX, so that if the change (migration process) occurs, a device called the internet telephone gateway can be installed. This device with one IP address can connect more than one analogue telephone number. So far the product has 32 ports. This research uses ITG with 16 ports due to the connection characteristics of the same connector as the conventional PABX. This condition will be easily implemented and does not change the existing network system in State Polytechnic of Malang. The results of the design based on the number of connected services required a number of 32 devices ITG 16 ports plus 4 ports connection to the public services telephone network (PSTN).
Telecontroller design for renewable wind energy systems
Authors: Rasyid A , Purwandi A W , Mustafa L D , Junus M , Aisah A , Ronilaya F , Ilyas M D M
Published: January 2020

The problem of geographical position in Indonesia is that there are still many villages in Indonesia that have not been able to receive PLN electricity flow. People in these remote villages can indeed enjoy electricity with their own efforts to buy diesel/premium/gas-fueled electricity generators, etc., from non-renewable fuels that are expensive and difficult to get to meet lighting needs at night. Therefore, we designed the wind power generation system for the needs of residential homes that can be controlled electronically and monitored via Cell Phones with WiFi transmission which is currently affordable at the title “Tele controller Design for Renewable Wind Energy Systems”. The system that we have designed can control the distribution of electric current in the same direction or for electric current that has been converted to alternating current, as well as the system can monitor to determine the characteristics of the wind and the resulting electrical output. The results of this study are expected to make it easier for the community in each house to generate electricity independently to be able to meet the needs of cheap night lighting and without environmental problems. With a system that is always monitored and controlled, it is expected to always be maintained and with maintenance that is easily protected from damage, it can eventually increase the service life.
Utilization of wireless technology for sound communication using TMS320 C6713
Authors: Zakaria M N , Sarosa M , Junus M , Suja’i M S , Isnomo Y H P
Published: January 2020

The development of communication technology, both on algorithms and devices has been so rapid. The application of communication devices that previously used radio signal (wireless) would be more efficient if cable (on wire) is used instead. With a large number of buildings with wide locations, there are still many spaces that are not reachable by communication devices. Therefore, it is necessary to add a new communication tool that can be used to convey information in the campus environment intended for announcements, from one place to another or from one room to another simultaneously, both with point to multipoint as well as point to point characteristic which is suitable for internal communication and emergency situations. This wireless network can be expanded without using a cable backbone. In addition, with the equal sharing of access rights, the network will be more effective because it can be done anywhere as long as there is still a network connection. Audio effects can be applied in real time using DSP (Digital Signal Processing) Starter Kit TMS320C6713 by implementing in the equipment. In the audio input signal of 0.050 Vpp there is no change in the frequency of the original signal that is 1 Khz there is a change in the intensity of the sound produced 0.364 Vpp, 2 kHz to 0.280 Vpp while 3 kHz to 0.236 Vpp. There is a change in amplitude while the output frequency approaches the original signal frequency.
Prepaid water meter card based on internet of things
Authors: Taufik M , Rakhmania A E , Afnani Y N
Published: January 2020

Indonesian population has grown rapidly, as shown in Central Statistics Agency report that in 2018, Indonesia’s population reached 265 million. Along with the increasing number of populations, water for daily needs is in high demand. A good monitoring and water management is needed to oversee the water usage efficiently. Currently, local water company still implements post-paid payment system that is time and human resources inefficient. In this study, we proposed the implementation of internet of things (IoT) in designing prepaid water meter card for real time water usage monitoring. The card could also be used to directly purchase water quota online via website. The proposed water meter used air vent valve system combined with the water flow sensor to measure the amount of user’s water usage. Result shows that the proposed system could work properly with the error value of 2.84% measured from the difference between water flows read in conventional water meter with the measured value in our proposed water meter. The purchased quota will be directly deducted based on the amount of measured water usage. The process was done in real time environment and the data will be automatically stored in server. When user is running out of quota, solenoid valve embedded in the proposed water meter system will be automatically closed such that user have no access to water source.
Analysis of information technology governance in the planning and organization of e-learning at Universitas Negeri Malang
Authors: Sutadji E , Hidayat W N , Patmanthara S , Sulton S , Jabari N A M , Irsyad M
Published: January 2020

Learning paradigm in the 21st century has changed, so that the utilization of information and communication technology in education is absolutely necessary. E-learning becomes one of the alternatives that bring together technological support with the current learning needs. Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) is one of the universities that have a concentration on the implementation and development of e-learning for the implementation of education. The development of e-learning based learning should be balanced with evaluation or audit of the information system so that threats or losses can be avoided or prevented. This study aims to determine the extent to which e-learning performance of the UM viewed from the governance of information technology in planning and organization on e-learning using COBIT 4.1 framework and provide recommendation governance improvement after knowing the gap between the current governance with the expected governance. Data collection techniques were conducted with interviews and questionnaires with UM e-learning managers. Data analysis method is done through mapping of maturity level of planning and organization of information technology governance by using descriptive analysis. The result of research mentioned that maturity level of planning and organization of information technology governance of UM e-learning, which is at level 1.88 which means that managers have realized the need of IT development and formation of more professional organization. The GAP analysis between expected conditions and current conditions averages 1.12. Recommendations that can be given to the development of e-learning UM is to form organizations and sharpen the vision and mission of system development better.
Production of tachyonic neutrino in matter
Authors: Nanni Luca
Published: January 2020

Recently, a new theory based on superluminal tunnelling has been proposed to explain the transition of highly energetic neutrinos propagating in matter to tachyonic states. In this work, we determine the possible mechanisms that lead neutrinos into a superluminal realm based on the assumption that ultrarelativistic neutrinos travelling in matter lose part of their energy with the emission of Bremsstrahlung radiation. The obtained photons, in turn, can create neutrino-antineutrino pairs, one or both of which can be superluminal. We also prove that pair creation may occur with neutrino flavour oscillation provided that only one of them is a space-like particle. This suggests that mass oscillation and superluminal behaviour could be related phenomena. Finally, using the generalised Lorentz transformations, we formulate the Lagrangian of the kinematically allowed scattering processes. The structure of this Lagrangian is consistent with the formalism of the Standard Model. Based on this Lagrangian, at least one of the particles forming the pair must always be subluminal. The possibility that the pair creation process is mediated by a dark photon is also discussed.
Dipolar hole-blocking layers for inverted perovskite solar cells: effects of aggregation and electron transport levels
Authors: Butscher Julian F , Sun Qing , Wu Yufeng , Stuck Fabian , Hoffmann Marvin , Dreuw Andreas , Paulus Fabian , Hashmi A Stephen K , Tessler Nir , Vaynzof Yana
Published: January 2020

Herein, we report on the synthesis and investigation of two triazino-isoquinoline tetrafluoroborate electrolytes as hole-blocking layers in methylammonium triiodide perovskite photovoltaic devices with fullerene electron extraction layer. We find that increasing the thickness of the dipolar hole-blocking layer results in a gradual increase in the open-circuit voltage suggesting that aggregation of the molecules can enhance the dipole induced by the layer. This finding is confirmed by theoretical calculations demonstrating that while both molecules exhibit a similar dipole moment in their isolated state, this dipole is significantly enhanced when they aggregate. Ultra-violet photoemission spectroscopy measurements show that both derivatives exhibit a high ionization potential of 7 eV, in agreement with their effective hole-blocking nature demonstrated by the devices. However, each of the molecules shows a different electron affinity due to the increased conjugation of one of the derivatives. While the change in electron transport level between the two derivatives is as high as 0.3 eV, the difference in the open-circuit voltage of both types of devices is negligible, suggesting that the electron transport level plays only a minor role in determining the open-circuit voltage of the device. Numerical device simulations confirm that the increase in built-in potential, arising from the high dipole of the electrolyte layer, compensates for the non-ideal energetic alignment of the charge transport levels, resulting in high open-circuit voltages for a range of electron transport levels. Our study demonstrates that the application of small molecule electrolytes as hole-blocking layer in inverted architecture perovskite solar cells is a powerful tool to enhance the open-circuit voltage and provides useful guidelines for designing future generations of such compounds.
Defect-free laser powder bed fusion of Ti–48Al–2Cr–2Nb with a high temperature inductive preheating system
Authors: Caprio Leonardo , Demir Ali Gökhan , Chiari Gianmarco , Previtali Barbara
Published: January 2020

In the industrial panorama, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) systems enable the near net shaping of metal powders into complex geometries with unique design features. This makes the technology appealing for many industrial applications, which require high performance materials combined with lightweight design, lattice structures and organic forms. However, many of the alloys that would be ideal for the realisation of these functional components are classified as difficult to weld due to their cracking sensitivity. γ-TiAl alloys are currently processed via electron beam melting (EBM) to produce components for energy generation applications. The EBM process provides crack-free processing thanks to the preheating stages between layers, but lacks geometrical precision. The use of LPBF could provide the means for higher precision, and therefore an easier post-processing stage. However, industrial LPBF systems employ resistive heating elements underneath the base plate which do not commonly reach the high temperatures required for the processing of γ-TiAl alloys. Thus, elevated temperature preheating of the build part and control over the cooling rate after the deposition process is concluded are amongst the features which require further investigations. In this work, the design and implementation of a novel inductive high temperature LPBF system to process Ti–48Al–2Cr–2Nb is presented. Specimens were built with preheating at 800 °C and the cooling rate at the end of the build was controlled at 5 °C min−1. Crack formation was suppressed and apparent density in excess of 99% was achieved.
Stability of perovskite PV modules
Authors: Galagan Yulia
Published: January 2020

The stability of perovskite photovoltaics is a very hot topic nowadays because a long lifetime of the devices is one of the main conditions required for the commercialization of perovskite technologies. Although a lot of research on stability has been done on small solar cells, there is not too much information about the stability of the modules. A very important question arises: whether the stability of the modules is different from the stability of the individual cells. With the future goal of scale-up perovskite PV technology, it is important to understand possible the degradation mechanisms which are specific to the modules. This perspective article highlights the stability issues, which are unique to modules but not observed in small cells.
Evaluating anticoagulation sensitivity among elderly patients managed with an institution’s heparin protocol using initial anti-factor Xa levels
Authors: Lemke Adley , Kohs Jean , Weber Lynn
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess an institution’s heparin protocols in elderly and nonelderly adult populations to see if a response difference was observed.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized adults who were prescribed unfractionated heparin due to surgery, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), or deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE) from February 11, 2016, through August 1, 2017. Patients were divided into nonelderly adults 18 to 69 years of age and elderly patients 70 years of age or older. The anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) level after protocol initiation was compared to the institution’s goal range of 0.3 to 0.7 IU/mL. Outcomes of each protocol in the elderly population were compared to outcomes in their nonelderly counterparts to determine if there was a difference in heparin response.

Results

A total of 325 patients were included in the analysis, comprising 150 elderly and 175 nonelderly adults. Elderly patients had a higher initial anti-Xa levels than did their nonelderly adult counterparts in the ACS, DVT/PE, and surgery protocols, with P values of 0.02, <0.001, and 0.01, respectively. Only the ACS protocol demonstrated increased frequency of above-target-level anti-Xa levels in the elderly (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Elderly patients had significantly higher initial anti-Xa levels than did nonelderly adult patients across all protocols. This study identifies the need to further study elderly patients’ increased heparin sensitivity to determine if a separate dosing protocol is needed.
Genome anchoring to nuclear landmarks drives functional compartmentalization of the nuclear space
Authors: Canat Antoine , Veillet Adeline , Bonnet Amandine , Therizols Pierre
Published: January 2020

The spatial organization of the genome contributes to essential functions such as transcription and chromosome integrity maintenance. The principles governing nuclear compartmentalization have been the focus of considerable research over the last decade. In these studies, the genome–nuclear structure interactions emerged as a main driver of this particular 3D genome organization. In this review, we describe the interactions between the genome and four major landmarks of the nucleus: the nuclear lamina, the nuclear pores, the pericentromeric heterochromatin and the nucleolus. We present the recent studies that identify sequences bound to these different locations and address the tethering mechanisms. We give an overview of the relevance of this organization in development and disease. Finally, we discuss the dynamic aspects and self-organizing properties that allow this complex architecture to be inherited.
idenPC-MIIP: identify protein complexes from weighted PPI networks using mutual important interacting partner relation
Authors: Wu Zhourun , Liao Qing , Liu Bin
Published: January 2020

Protein complexes are key units for studying a cell system. During the past decades, the genome-scale protein–protein interaction (PPI) data have been determined by high-throughput approaches, which enables the identification of protein complexes from PPI networks. However, the high-throughput approaches often produce considerable fraction of false positive and negative samples. In this study, we propose the mutual important interacting partner relation to reflect the co-complex relationship of two proteins based on their interaction neighborhoods. In addition, a new algorithm called idenPC-MIIP is developed to identify protein complexes from weighted PPI networks. The experimental results on two widely used datasets show that idenPC-MIIP outperforms 17 state-of-the-art methods, especially for identification of small protein complexes with only two or three proteins.
Cortical interneuron-mediated inhibition delays the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Khademullah C Sahara , Aqrabawi Afif J , Place Kara M , Dargaei Zahra , Liang Xinyi , Pressey Jessica C , Bedard Simon , Yang Jy Wei , Garand Danielle , Keramidis Iason , Gasecka Alicja , Côté Daniel , De Koninck Yves , Keith Julia , Zinman Lorne , Robertson Janice , Kim Jun Chul , Woodin Melanie A
Published: January 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal disease resulting from motor neuron degeneration in the cortex and spinal cord. Cortical hyperexcitability is a hallmark feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is accompanied by decreased intracortical inhibition. Using electrophysiological patch-clamp recordings, we revealed parvalbumin interneurons to be hypoactive in the late pre-symptomatic SOD1*G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We discovered that using adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery of chemogenetic technology targeted to increase the activity of the interneurons within layer 5 of the primary motor cortex, we were able to rescue intracortical inhibition and reduce pyramidal neuron hyperexcitability. Increasing the activity of interneurons in the layer 5 of the primary motor cortex was effective in delaying the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated motor deficits, slowing symptom progression, preserving neuronal populations, and increasing the lifespan of SOD1*G93A mice. Taken together, this study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Neuropeptide S Displays as a Key Neuromodulator in Olfactory Spatial Memory
Authors: Wang Can , Xin Le , Cai Chen-Chen , Cong Chao-Yu , Xie Jun-Fan , Kong Xiang-Pan , Dong Chao-Yu , Li Jing , Cui Guang-Fu , Chen Hai-Lin , Ren Yan-Li , Shao Yu-Feng , Hou Yi-Ping
Published: January 2020

Neuropeptide S (NPS) is an endogenous peptide recently recognized to be presented in the brainstem and believed to play an important role in maintaining memory. The deletion of NPS or NPS receptor (NPSR) in mice shows a deficit in memory formation. Our recent studies have demonstrated that central administration of NPS facilitates olfactory function and ameliorates olfactory spatial memory impairment induced by muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. However, it remains to be determined if endogenous NPS is an indispensable neuromodulator in the control of the olfactory spatial memory. In this study, we examined the effects of NPSR peptidergic antagonist [D-Val5]NPS (10 and 20 nmol, intracerebroventricular) and nonpeptidergic antagonist SHA 68 (10 and 50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) on the olfactory spatial memory using computer-assisted 4-hole-board olfactory spatial memory test in mice. Furthermore, immunofluorescence was employed to identify the distributions of c-Fos and NPSR immunoreactive (-ir) neurons in olfactory system and hippocampal formation known to closely relate to the olfactory spatial memory. [D-Val5]NPS dosing at 20 nmol and SHA 68 dosing at 50 mg/kg significantly decreased the number of visits to the 2 odorants interchanged spatially, switched odorants, in recall trial, and simultaneously reduced the percentage of Fos-ir in NPSR-ir neurons, which were densely distributed in the anterior olfactory nucleus, piriform cortex, subiculum, presubiculum, and parasubiculum. These findings suggest that endogenous NPS is a key neuromodulator in olfactory spatial memory.
TeaMiD: a comprehensive database of simple sequence repeat markers of tea
Authors: Dubey Himanshu , Rawal Hukam C , Rohilla Megha , Lama Urvashi , Kumar P Mohan , Bandyopadhyay Tanoy , Gogoi Madhurjya , Singh Nagendra Kumar , Mondal Tapan Kumar
Published: January 2020

Tea is a highly cross-pollinated, woody, perennial tree. High heterozygosity combined with a long gestational period makes conventional breeding a cumbersome process. Therefore, marker-assisted breeding is a better alternative approach when compared with conventional breeding. Considering the large genome size of tea (~3 Gb), information about simple sequence repeat (SSR) is scanty. Thus, we have taken advantage of the recently published tea genomes to identify large numbers of SSR markers in the tea. Besides the genomic sequences, we identified SSRs from the other publicly available sequences such as RNA-seq, GSS, ESTs and organelle genomes (chloroplasts and mitochondrial) and also searched published literature to catalog validated set of tea SSR markers. The complete exercise yielded a total of 935 547 SSRs. Out of the total, 82 SSRs were selected for validation among a diverse set of tea genotypes. Six primers (each with four to six alleles, an average of five alleles per locus) out of the total 27 polymorphic primers were used for a diversity analysis in 36 tea genotypes with mean polymorphic information content of 0.61–0.76. Finally, using all the information generated in this study, we have developed a user-friendly database (TeaMiD; http://indianteagenome.in:8080/teamid/) that hosts SSR from all the six resources including three nuclear genomes of tea and transcriptome sequences of 17 Camellia wild species.

Database URL: http://indianteagenome.in:8080/teamid/
Fatal outcome of first case of Streptococcus sinensis in infective endocarditis in the Netherlands: a case report
Authors: van Ommen Anne Margje Lisa Naomi , Slavenburg Serena , Diepersloot Rob , de Vries Feyens Cornelia Adriana
Published: January 2020

Background

Infective endocarditis is a relatively common disease in a cardiologist’s daily practice. Nowadays more detailed information about pathogens is provided to us by diagnostics such as MALDI Biotyper Massa Spectrometer. We present a case of endocarditis lenta in which Streptococcus sinensis was identified in the Netherlands for the first time.

Case summary

A 58-year-old man was admitted with high suspicion of endocarditis lenta complicated by severe kidney dysfunction and anaemia. He was treated with penicillin and gentamycin. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a large vegetation at the mitral valve and MALDI Biotyper Massa Spectrometer (Microflex) revealed S. sinensis as the pathogen. The patient refused to receive blood transfusions or surgery. Due to cerebral infarction with haemorrhagic transformation, the patient died 8 days after admission.

Discussion

Streptococcus sinensis was described in Hong Kong for the first time and is associated with endocarditis in rheumatic heart disease. To our knowledge, this is the first case reporting a fatal outcome of endocarditis due to this bacterium in the acute phase. In this case, late discovery, disease severity, and under treatment all contributed to the poor outcome. We want to share the knowledge on the existence of this bacteria.
Missing Dimensions of Poverty? Calibrating Deprivation Scales Using Perceived Financial Situation
Authors: Bedük Selçuk
Published: January 2020

Deprivation scales usually cover some but not all aspects of poverty. Missing dimensions could affect who is and is not identified as poor. Despite its importance, whether missing dimensions affect the measurement of poverty has not been empirically examined in the EU context. Such an examination requires data on missing dimensions that existing surveys do not usually collect. In this article, I get around this problem with an innovative design and using the rich content of the British Household Panel Survey (1999–2008). I use perceived financial inadequacy as a proxy for poverty and show that, independent of the deprivation status, having a need in healthcare, childcare, social care, or education increases the risk of reporting financial inadequacy. The main explanations for these effects are extra spending and reduced earnings of the families (as a response to having extra needs), and not other biases that might arise from using a self-assessed proxy measure such as scale heterogeneity, personality traits, state dependence, anticipations, or psychological negativity. These findings demonstrate the need for more comprehensive measures. Unless relevant indicators of missing dimensions (e.g. cost-related unmet needs in healthcare) are included in the analysis, deprivation scales might fail to identify some people experiencing poverty.
Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on major cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without established cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Marsico Fabio , Paolillo Stefania , Gargiulo Paola , Bruzzese Dario , Dell’Aversana Simona , Esposito Immacolata , Renga Francesco , Esposito Luca , Marciano Caterina , Dellegrottaglie Santo , Iesu Ivana , Perrone Filardi Pasquale
Published: January 2020

Aims 

Glucose-lowering, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists reduce incidence of major cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). However, randomized clinical trials reported inconsistent effects on myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, and limited data in DM patients without established CV disease (CVD). Very recently, new relevant evidence was available from additional CV outcome trials (CVOTs) that also included large subgroups of patients with DM without established CVD. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on major CV events and safety in DM patients with and without established CVD.

Methods and results 

In this trial-level meta-analysis, we analysed data from randomized placebo-controlled CVOTs assessing efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adult patients with Type 2 DM. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS, and clinicaltrial.gov databases for eligible trials. Of 360 articles identified and screened for eligibility, seven CVOTs were included, with an overall of 56 004 patients included. The difference in efficacy with respect to the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) primary endpoint (including CV mortality, non-fatal MI, and non-fatal stroke) between patients with established CVD and patients with CV risk factors only was not significant [pooled interaction effect, expressed as ratio of hazard ratio (HR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85–1.34]. In the analysis of the whole population of DM patients, GLP-1 receptor agonists showed a significant 12% reduction in the hazard of the three-point MACE composite endpoint (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80–0.96) and a significant reduction in the risk of CV mortality (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79–0.98), all-cause mortality (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81–0.97), fatal and non-fatal stroke (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.76–0.94), and heart failure (HF) hospitalization (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86–0.97). No significant effect was observed for fatal and non-fatal MI (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.82–1.02), although in a sensitivity analysis, based on a less conservative statistical approach, the pooled HR become statistically significant (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–1.00; P = 0.039). No excess of hypoglycaemia, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer was observed between GLP-1 receptor agonists and placebo.

Conclusion 

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists significantly reduce MACE, CV and total mortality stroke, and hospitalization for HF, with a trend for reduction of MI, in patients with Type 2 DM with and without established CVD.
High-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays for cardiovascular risk stratification in the general population
Authors: Farmakis Dimitrios , Mueller Christian , Apple Fred S
Published: January 2020

Cardiac troponins (cTns) I and T have long been the most successful cardiac-specific circulating biomarkers in cardiovascular (CV) medicine, having changed dramatically the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, while being independent predictors of outcome in several cardiac conditions and non-cardiac conditions. The latest-generation high-sensitivity (hs) cTn assays demonstrate both enhanced diagnostic performance and improved analytical performance, with the ability to measure detectable concentrations in a substantial proportion of the asymptomatic and presumably healthy populations. Given this unique analytical feature, recent evidence suggests that hs-cTn can be used for the stratification of CV risk in the general population. High-sensitivity cTn predicts future CV events, are responsive to preventive pharmacological or lifestyle interventions, change in parallel to risk modifications, and offer incremental risk prediction when added to well-established prognosticators. The implementation of CV risk stratification and prevention strategies incorporating hs-cTn requires further investigation to define the optimal target populations, timing of measurement, and preventive interventions.
The Genome of Setaria digitata: A Cattle Nematode Closely Related to Human Filarial Parasites
Authors: Senanayake Kanchana S , Söderberg Jonas , Põlajev Aleksei , Malmberg Maja , Karunanayake Eric H , Tennekoon Kamani H , Samarakoon Sameera R , Bongcam-Rudloff Erik , Niazi Adnan
Published: January 2020

Here we present the draft genome sequence of Setaria digitata, a parasitic nematode affecting cattle. Due to its similarity to Wuchereria bancrofti, the parasitic nematode that causes lymphatic filariasis in humans, S. digitata has been used as a model organism at the genomic level to find drug targets which can be used for the development of novel drugs and/or vaccines for human filariasis. Setaria digitata causes cerebrospinal nematodiasis in goats, sheep, and horses posing a serious threat to livestock in developing countries. The genome sequence of S. digitata will assist in finding candidate genes to use as drug targets in both S. digitata and W. bancrofti. The assembled draft genome is ∼90 Mb long and contains 8,974 genomic scaffolds with a G+C content of 31.73%.
Immigrants’ Health, Acculturation, and the Work–Retirement Continuum
Authors: Zlotnick Cheryl , Dryjanska Laura
Published: January 2020

Although the link between immigrants’ health status and employment is well established, there is little information on the combined impact of three components of acculturation (that is, dual self-identity, language proficiency, and realized expectations) on this link. Immigrants who came to Israel from English-speaking countries (N = 377) were categorized into three groups based on the work–retirement continuum (that is, working, same occupation; working, changed occupation; or retired). Using a cross-sectional design, this study examined whether the link between health and acculturation varied by immigrants’ location on the work–retirement continuum. Bivariate analyses revealed group differences for two acculturation components, language proficiency (p < .0001) and dual self-identity (p < .05). Multivariable analyses indicated an interaction effect between the acculturation component of realized expectations and work–retirement continuum group status on health status. As a result, good health was related to higher levels of realized expectations for the retired group; related to lower levels of realized expectations for the “working, changed occupations” group; and unrelated to realized expectations for the “working, same occupation” group. The acculturation component of realized expectations varies depending on the immigrant’s location on the work–retirement continuum. Health and social welfare professionals can promote health in working or retired immigrants by providing clear and realistic information to better align with immigrants’ expectations.
Sixty-five years of northern anchovy population studies in the southern California Current: a review and suggestion for sensible management
Authors: Sydeman William J , Dedman Simon , García-Reyes Marisol , Thompson Sarah Ann , Thayer Julie A , Bakun Andrew , MacCall Alec D
Published: January 2020

The central stock of northern anchovy (CSNA; Engraulis mordax), the most abundant small pelagic fish in the southern California Current, is key to ecosystem functions. We review drivers of its population dynamics in relation to management. Springtime upwelling intensity lagged by 2 years co-varied positively with CSNA biomass, as did the abundance of Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax; weakly negative). CSNA population dynamics indicate the need for a multi-species stock assessment, but given serious challenges with modelling population collapse and recovery dynamics, and its moderate fisheries, we suggest that sensible management could be a simple 2-tier harvest control rule designed to emphasize the key trophic role of CSNA in the ecosystem while maintaining moderate socio-economic services. We recommend a monitoring fishery of no more than 5 KMT year−1 split between central and southern California when the stock falls below the long-term median abundance estimate of 380 KMT across the California portion of its range, and a catch limit of 25 KMT year−1 when the stock is above this reference point. This rule would be precautionary, serving to maintain the most important small pelagic forage in the ecosystem, various fisheries interests, and information streams when the population is in a collapsed state.
Intraoperative cryoablation in late pulmonary valve replacement for tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Nevvazhay Timofey , Zeppenfeld Katja , Brouwer Charlotte , Hazekamp Mark
Published: January 2020

Ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT) is a major cause of late morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot. The majority of VTs are monomorphic macro-reentrant VT (MVT) and depend on slow conducting areas of diseased myocardium bordered by unexcitable tissue (anatomical isthmuses). Myocardial fibrosis due to surgical incisions, patch material and valve annuli are typical boundaries of anatomical isthmuses (AI). The conducting myocardium between the pulmonary valve and ventricular septum defect patch is called isthmus 3, and the majority of MVTs originate from this area. During pulmonary valve replacement, there is excellent exposure of isthmus 3. Importantly, after pulmonary valve replacement, the homograft may cover important parts of isthmus 3, which makes percutaneous catheter ablation at a later stage impossible. In all patients who need pulmonary valve replacement late after tetralogy of Fallot repair, preoperative electrophysiology study and electroanatomical mapping can identify patients with inducible MVT or slow conduction carrying high risk of MVT. In these patients, intraoperative cryoablation of isthmus 3 should be performed and bidirectional conduction block across the cryoablation line should be demonstrated by intraoperative differential pacing.
A Solution to Fissuring? Revisiting the Concept of the Joint Employer
Authors: Wynn-Evans Charles
Published: January 2020

Among other matters, the Taylor Review addressed the issues of employee and worker status for statutory purposes and how the current law might be updated to reflect the realities of the modern workplace and developing models of the engagement of workers. It did not, however, propose reform in relation to the important and intimately connected question of the identity of the employer for the purposes of employment protection legislation. In particular, no consideration was given to or proposals made in its report in respect of the issue of whether a ‘functional’ employer approach to ascribing responsibility for compliance with employment law requirements—such as a ‘joint employment’ model—might be appropriate to deal with issues of perceived inadequate coverage of employment protection standards consequent upon certain employment legislation being limited in its application to the ‘contractual’ employer. While there are cogent objections to adopting a functional employer approach, the most recent domestic caselaw and the ongoing debate concerning the operation of the joint employer concept in the USA offer a valuable perspective on the scope and design of a functional employment model which can contribute to any debate which might ensue about the justification for, and feasibility of, such an approach.
Time to Detection of Hepatitis C Virus Infection With the Xpert HCV Viral Load Fingerstick Point-of-Care Assay: Facilitating a More Rapid Time to Diagnosis
Authors: Grebely Jason , Catlett Beth , Jayasinghe Indika , Valerio Heather , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Verich Andrey , Cunningham Philip , Martinello Marianne , Tillakeratne Shane , Silk David , Dore Gregory J , Applegate Tanya L
Published: January 2020

Background

Xpert HCV Viral Load Fingerstick assay (Xpert HCV VL FS) is a point-of-care test quantifying HCV RNA in <1 hour, enabling same-visit diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

This study evaluated time to HCV RNA detection using the Xpert HCV VL FS assay. Fingerstick whole-blood samples were collected from participants in an observational cohort in Australia.

Results

In May 2018–2019, 1468 participants were enrolled, 1426 had Xpert HCV VL FS testing performed, and 1386 had a valid result. HCV RNA was detected in 23% (325/1386). Among people with undetectable HCV RNA (n = 1061), median time to result was 57 minutes. Among people with detectable HCV RNA (n = 325), median time to HCV RNA detection was 32 minutes and 80% (261/325) had a detectable HCV RNA result in ≤40 minutes. Median time to HCV RNA detection was dependent on HCV RNA level.

Conclusions

A quicker HCV diagnosis could be achieved by monitoring the time when HCV RNA is first detected with the Xpert HCV VL FS test, rather than HCV RNA quantification, although the current platform does not allow for this. These findings could facilitate new strategies to reduce waiting times for an HCV diagnosis and improve linkage to treatment.
Interstitial Lung Abnormalities in People With HIV Infection and Uninfected Controls
Authors: Ronit Andreas , Benfield Thomas , Lundgren Jens , Vestbo Jørgen , Afzal Shoaib , Nordestgaard Børge G , Kühl Jørgen Tobias , Kofoed Klaus F , Nielsen Susanne Dam , Kristensen Thomas
Published: January 2020

Background

Chest computed tomography (CT) findings in well-treated people with HIV infection (PWH) remain poorly characterized.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis examining interstitial chest CT findings in PWH (n = 754) and uninfected controls (n = 470).

Results

HIV infection was independently associated with 1.82 (95% CI, 1.18–2.88) and 5.15 (95% CI, 1.72–22.2) higher adjusted odds of any interstitial lung abnormality and findings suspicious for interstitial lung disease, respectively.

Conclusions

HIV infection was independently associated with interstitial lung abnormalities and findings suspicious for interstitial lung disease. Whether these abnormalities develop into more recognizable disease states over time is unknown but warrants further investigation.
Correlation of Chemical Urinalysis to Microscopic Urinalysis and Urine Culture: Implications for Reflex Urinalysis Workflows
Authors: Chambliss Allison B , Mason Holli M , Van Tam T
Published: January 2020

Background

Urinalysis (UA) reflex testing approaches, which offer potential for savings in labor and result turnaround time, may rely on the performance of a chemical UA screen to determine which urine samples need microscopic UA and/or urine culture. We correlated chemical UA, microscopic UA, and urine culture results to determine the performance of chemical UA as a screening tool for reflex testing approaches.

Methods

Consecutive UA results for 9127 tests (simultaneous chemical UA and microscopic UA) were retrospectively reviewed and correlated. Urine culture results were also correlated for 3127 samples that had urine culture ordered within 24 h of UA. Positivity criteria for each UA method were predefined.

Results

Chemical UA yielded the following performance specifications for predicting microscopic findings: 93.0% sensitivity, 56.9% specificity, 64.7% positive predictive value, 90.5% negative predictive value. 3.2% of samples were negative by chemical UA but positive by microscopic UA. Of the samples with urine culture results available, 6.3% were negative by chemical UA but had clinically-significant positive urine cultures.

Conclusions

Reflex testing of microscopic UA and/or urine culture dependent from chemical UA results provides a feasible opportunity to reduce unnecessary testing.
Language matters: precision health as a cross-cutting care, research and policy agenda
Authors: Payne Philip R O , Detmer Don E
Published: January 2020

The biomedical research and healthcare delivery communities have increasingly come to focus their attention on the role of data and computation in order to improve the quality, safety, costs, and outcomes of both wellness promotion and care delivery. Depending on the scale of such efforts, and the environments in which they are situated, they are referred to variably as personalized or precision medicine, population health, clinical transformation, value-driven care, or value-based transformation. Despite the original intent of many efforts and publications that have sought to define personalized, precision, or data-driven approaches to improving health and wellness, the use of such terminology in current practice often treats said activities as discrete areas of endeavor within minimal cross-linkage across or between scales of inquiry. We believe that this current state creates numerous barriers that are preventing the advancement of relevant science, practice, and policy. As such, we believe that it is necessary to amplify and reaffirm our collective understanding that these fields share common means of inquiry, differentiated only by the units of measure being utilized, their sources of data, and the manner in which they are executed. Therefore, in this perspective, we explore and focus attention on such commonalities and then present a conceptual framework that links constituent activities into an integrated model that we refer to as a precision healthcare system. The presentation of this framework is intended to provide the basis for the types of shared, broad-based, and descriptive language needed to reference and realize such a framework.