bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on breast surgery and breast reconstruction in a Japanese university hospital setting.
Authors: Shibata Dai , Kawate Takahiko , Komiya Takako , Nakamura Itaru , Ishikawa Takashi , Matsumura Hajime
Published: October 2020

The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is spreading worldwide. In Japan, the number of people infected has been increasing since March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on hospitals, although Tokyo, Japan did not experience a collapse of the medical system. Patients were triaged and prioritized due to surgical limitations during the pandemic period. The purpose of this study was to determine how patients with breast cancer or breast reconstruction were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at a university hospital in Tokyo. In this retrospective chart review we investigated how patients were treated, including surgical postponements during three periods: April to July 2020, August to November 2019 (after the Allergan recall), and April to July 2019. More than half of breast surgeries and breast reconstructions had to be postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the number of candidates for surgery was also lower compared to the pre-pandemic periods. Triage of patients with breast cancer did not result in any adverse oncological outcomes for these patients. COVID-19 has had a major impact on breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction, and there was substantial postponement of surgery. Due to triage and prioritization, no patients experienced disease progression in the short-term period, demonstrating that our strategy was appropriate.
On the Spatiotemporal Behavior in Biology-Mimicking Computing Systems
Authors: Vegh Janos , Berki Ádám József
Published: October 2020

Both the growing demand to cope with "big data" (based on, or assisted by, artificial intelligence) and the interest in understanding the operation of our brain more completely, stimulated the efforts to build biology-mimicking computing systems from inexpensive conventional components and build different ("neuromorphic") computing systems. On one side, those systems require an unusually large number of processors, which introduces performance limitations and nonlinear scaling. On the other side, the neuronal operation drastically differs from the conventional workloads. The conduction time (transfer time) is ignored in both in conventional computing and "spatiotemporal" computational models of neural networks, although von Neumann warned: "In the human nervous system the conduction times along the lines (axons) can be longer than the synaptic delays, hence our procedure of neglecting them aside of the processing time would be unsound" [1], section 6.3. This difference alone makes imitating biological behavior in technical implementation hard. Besides, the recent issues in computing called the attention to that the temporal behavior is a general feature of computing systems, too. Some of their effects in both biological and technical systems were already noticed. Instead of introducing some "looks like" models, the correct handling of the transfer time is suggested here. Introducing the temporal logic, based on the Minkowski transform, gives quantitative insight into the operation of both kinds of computing systems, furthermore provides a natural explanation of decades-old empirical phenomena. Without considering their temporal behavior correctly, neither effective implementation nor a true imitation of biological neural systems are possible.
The new clinical application of bilateral-contralateral cervix clamp in postpartum hemorrhage: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang QianWen , Li Tao , Xu Yu , Hu Yayi
Published: October 2020

Background: To assess the efficacy and safety of bilateral-contralateral cervix clamp firstly applied in postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine tony of lower segment.Methods: Totally 47 pregnant women with postpartum hemorrhage secondary to lower uterine segment atony in vaginal delivery or after caesarean delivery were included from March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020. According to patient’s informed consent, 22 women accepted cervical clamp to treat and 25 only used uterotonics in control group.Then hemostatic efficacy and safety of bilateral-contralateral cervix clamp were assessed by retrospective analysis.Results: It was found that mean blood loss in clamp group was much less during vaginal delivery (656.2±72.79g vs 811.8±86.07g, p=0.001) or after caesarean delivery (42.8±6.60g vs 126.3±86.97g, p=0.007), and incidence of uterotonic repeated usage (81.8% vs 36%, 18.2 % vs 64%, p=0.001) or side effect (18.2% vs 48.0%, p=0.031) appeared less than control group, but there was no statistical differences on hospital stay(4.1±1.57days vs 3.8±1.61days, p=0.535), hemoglobin(119±4.10g vs 121.4±4.19g, p=0.058)，blood transfusion(9.1% vs 12%,p=0.746), surgical procedures(4.5% vs 4.0%, p=0.93), also no clamp complications occurred.Conclusions: The bilateral-contralateral cervix clamp was effective and safe, this new technique could be a complementary treatment for postpartum hemorrhage.
Ulrasonography guided Closed Reduction in the Treatment of Displaced Transphyseal Fracture of the Distal Humerus
Authors: Zhou Hai , Zhang Ge , Li Ming , Qu Xiangyang , Cao Yujiang , Liu Xing , Zhang Yuan
Published: October 2020

Background: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes after ulrasonography guided Closed reduction in the treatment of displaced transphyseal fracture of the distal Humerus (TFDH).Methods: Twenty-seven patients with displaced TFDH successfully treated by the ulrasonography guided closed reduction during January 2012 to December 2016 were retrospective reviewed. After mean follow-up of 34.88 months, the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients were evaluated. The cubitus varus of the affected elbow were also assessed at latest follow-up.Results: The successful rate of ultrasonography guided closed reduction in the treatment of displaced TFDH was 84% (27/32). The twenty-seven patients with successful reduction were included for the following analysis. There were 20 male patients and 7 female patients included the study and the mean age at treatment was 15.39±3.10 months, seventeen fractures occurred in right side elbow and ten in left side. At the last follow-up, there were significant decreases in the elbow flexion (3°, P=0.027) and range of motion (5°, P=0.003) between the injured and uninjured elbow, respectively. Whereas no difference in elbow extension was detected (P=0.110). Flynn’s criteria assessment showed that all the patients achieved excellent or good outcomes both in the functional and cosmetic categories. The clinical and radiographic carrying angle at the last follow-up were 11.67 ± 3.11° and 10.46 ± 3.88°, respectively. And the incidence of cubitus varus after treament was 7.4% at last follow-up.Conclusion: The ultrasonography guided closed reduction in the treatment of displaced TFDH is an effective procedure, the adequate fracture reduction can be acquired with the advantages of real-time, non-radioactive, and simple utilization. With the percutaneous pining fixation, satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes can be achieved with low incidence of postoperative cubitus varus.
Efficacy of a simple intraoperative stem-anteversion measuring device in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Iwakiri Kentaro , Ohta Yoichi , Ohyama Yohei , Minoda Yukihide , Kobayashi Akio , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: October 2020

Background Background: Stem anteversion is important in reducing postoperative complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA). THA utilizing the combined-anteversion theory requires stem anteversion angle (SAA) measurement intraoperatively; however, intraoperative SAA estimation is difficult for surgeons without computer-assisted navigation system. We evaluated the accuracy of the SAA measured intraoperatively using a newly developed device by comparing the three-dimensional measurements using postoperative computed tomography (CT).Materials & Methods In 127 hips in 127 patients who underwent unilateral THA at our hospital, we used our newly developed device that can be easily attached to rasping broach handles for measuring the SAA intraoperatively, which required the addition of the correction angle obtained in the preoperative epicondylar view. Postoperative SAA and its discrepancies from the measured intraoperative SAA with or without adding the correction angle were compared between the groups to evaluate the usefulness of the device.Results The intraoperative SAA measured by the device was 17.93 ± 7.53°. The true SAA measured on postoperative CT was 26.40 ± 9.73°. The discrepancy between the intraoperative SAA and true SAA was 8.94 ± 5.44° (without the correction angle), and 4.93 ± 3.85° (with the correction angle). Accuracy with a discrepancy of <5 degrees was achieved in 77 (60.6%) and <10 degrees was achieved in 113 (89.0%). The accuracy was unaffected by the stem placement angle (varus/valgus, or flexion/extension), or ipsilateral knee osteoarthritis.Conclusion The SAA measuring device, easily attachable to various rasping handles, is useful to measure the intraoperative SAA in a simple, economical, and noninvasive manner during THA.Level of Evidence Therapeutic Level IV.
Correlation Between Quantitative Perfusion Histogram Parameters of DCE-MRI and PTEN, P-Akt and m-TOR in Different Pathological Types of Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Bingqian , Zhao Zhenhua , Huang Ya'nan , Mao Haijia , Zou Mingyue , Wang Cheng , Yu Guangmao , Zhang Minming
Published: October 2020

Background: To explore if the quantitative perfusion histogram parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) correlates with the PTEN, P-Akt and m-TOR protein in lung cancer.Methods: Thirty‐three patients with 33 lesions who had been diagnosed with lung cancer were enrolled in this study. They were divided into three groups: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 15 cases), adenocarcinoma (AC, 12 cases) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC, 6 cases). Preoperative imaging (conventional imaging and DCE-MRI) was performed on all patients. The Exchange model was used to measure the phar- macokinetic parameters, including Ktrans, Vp, Kep, Ve and Fp, and then the histogram parameters meanvalue, skewness, kurtosis, uniformity, energy, entropy, quantile of above five parameters were analyzed. The expression of PTEN, P-Akt and m-TOR were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Spearman correlation analysis was used to compare the correlation between the quantitative perfusion histogram parameters and PTEN, P-Akt and m-TOR in different pathological subtypes of lung cancer.Results: The expression of m-TOR (P = 0.013) and P-Akt (P = 0.002) in AC was significantly higher than those in SCC. Vp (uniformity) in SCC group, Ktrans (uniformity), Ve (kurtosis, Q10, Q25) in AC group, Fp (skewness, kurtosis, energy), Ve (Q75, Q90, Q95) in SCLC group was positively correlated with PTEN, and Fp (entropy) in the SCLC group was negatively correlated with PTEN (P <0.05); Kep (Q5, Q10) in the SCLC group was positively correlated with P-Akt, and Kep (energy) in the SCLC group was negatively correlated with P-Akt (P < 0.05); Kep (Q5) in SCC group and Vp (meanvalue, Q75, Q90, Q95) in SCLC group was positively correlated with m-TOR, and Ve (meanvalue) in SCC group was negatively correlated with m-TOR (P < 0.05).Conclusions: The quantitative perfusion histogram parameters of DCE-MRI was correlated with PTEN, P-Akt and m-TOR in different pathological types of lung cancer, which may be used to indirectly evaluate the activation status of P13K / Akt / mTOR signal pathway gene in lung cancer, and provide important reference for clinical treatment.
Intrinsic Brain Abnormalities of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea: A Preliminary Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Ao Weiqun , Cheng Yougen , Chen Mingxian , Wei Fuquan , Yang Guangzhao , An Yongyu , Mao Fan , Mao Guoqun
Published: October 2020

Background: The aim of the present study was to explore the brain active characteristics of patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) using resting-state funcational magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) technology.Methods: Thirteen IBS-D patients and fourteen healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. All subjects underwent head MRI examination during resting state. A voxel-based analysis of fractional amplitude of lowfrequency fluctuation (fALFF) maps between IBS-D and HC was performed using a two-sample t-test. The relationship between the fALFF values in abnormal brain regions and the scores of Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Compared with HC, IBS-D patients had lower fALFF values in the left medial superior frontal gyrus and higher fALFF values in the left hippocampus and right precuneus. There was a positive correlation between the duration scores of IBS-SSS and fALFF values in the right precuneus. Conclusion: The altered fALFF values in the medial superior frontal gyri, left hippocampus and right precuneus revealed changes of intrinsic neuronal activity, further revealing the abnormality of gut-brain axis of IBS-D.
Assessment of Carbon Stock Potential of Parkland Agroforestry Practice: The Case of Minjar Shenkora; North Shewa, Ethiopia
Authors: Eshetu Reta , Muhie Seid , Mulu Solomon
Published: October 2020

Background: The anthropogenic global climate change has negative impacts on various sectors and communities who particularly rely on rain-fed agriculture. Parkland agroforestry practice can contribute to mitigate and adapt to the forthcoming climate change through carbon sequestration. However, empirical studies on carbon stocks potential of parklands agroforestry practices are scarce in different localities. This study assessed carbon stocks of parkland agroforestry practice at Minjar Shenkora woreda. Methodology: By using two-stage stratified random sampling technique, 4 kebeles from two agro ecology were selected and 8 farms/plots/ of 40 m*40 m sample size were selected from each kebele for the vegetation inventory. Tree species-specific allometric equations were used to determine carbon stock potential of parkland agroforestry practice. Results: The result reveal that, AGC, BGC, SOC and Total Carbon have significant variation (p<0.05) across kebeles. The mean total carbon stock of Bolo Giorgis, Bolo Slase, Agirat and Korma Agere is 48.87 Mg C ha-1, 58.21 Mg C ha-1, 57.81 Mg C ha-1and 73.71 Mg C ha-1; respectively. On average, carbon stock of parklands practice in Minjar shenkora was 59.65 Mg C ha-1. Conclusions: The parkland agroforestry practice has a large potential to deliver regulating ecosystem services like opportunities to mitigate the impending climate-changing through carbon sequestration and increasing the resilience of the agricultural system at Minjar shenkora woreda. To enhance the multiple ecosystem services of the parkland agroforestry practices in sustainable way: local by-laws should be strengthened to avoid illegal tree cutting and free grazing.
The Contribution of GUDO Forest Conservation Culture is Key to Biodiversity Conservation.
Authors: Shoddo Getaneh Haile
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe Sheka people have long been sustainably managing and conserving the Sheka forest by utilizing different procedures. Shockingly, these indigenous methods for natural resource management are ordinarily absent from scientific forest management and not archived. This paper aims to document “the GUDO culture” and demonstrate how the Sheka people through their indigenous culture can provide valuable, appropriate, and effective forest conservation strategies. The GUDO is a designated forest area mostly found in the mountainous and the rocky area of the Sheka zone. It is found mostly in rocky and mountainous parts of the Sheka zone. They are cultural symbols related to indigenous beliefs and signify spiritual connections to the forestland.MethodsA framework based on ethnographic information is proposed in this paper; accordingly, Qualitative methods involving interviews and focus group discussions with villagers were used to gather data. The traditional leaders because of their rich indigenous knowledge and participation in cultural ceremonies and rituals purposively selected the participants. ResultsThe study found wide conservation practices (a) People’s beliefs, (b) conservation mechanisms, (c) taboos and totems, and (d) People’s knowledge of the sacred forest (e) Forbidden Forest (f) spiritual significance of sacred forests (g) Conservation and management of sacred forests (h) Cutting of trees in the sacred forest (i) Protection of the sacred forest (j) Conservation of biodiversity . ConclusionsThis paper concludes that the GUDO forest conservation culture is illustrated in the Sheka people forest utilization, protection, and management. Therefore, the GUDO forest conservation culture provides important insights into the protection of various forest types and tree species, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.
Preoperative Plasma Fibrinogen Level: An Independent Predictor for Survival in Adult Patients With Xp11.2 Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dong Jie , Xu Weifeng , Ji Zhigang , Pan Boju
Published: October 2020

BackgroundXp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma (Xp11.2 RCC) is a rare malignancy which is more common in children than in adults. It manifests with an aggressive course in adults and relatively indolent in children. Prognostic studies for adult patients are scare for the rarity of the disease; and the prognostic value of preoperative plasma fibrinogen level awaits further illumination.MethodsThis retrospective single-center study enrolled 24 consecutive newly diagnosed Xp11.2 RCC adult patients. Clinical presentations, baseline laboratory results and follow-up data were collected. Possible risk factors for progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were first scanned with chi-square tests and t-tests to compare patients who suffered from progression or death and who did not. Independent risk factors for survival were further investigated with multivariate Cox regression.ResultsTwenty-four adult patients (median age 32, range 16-73), with a male-to-female ratio of 12:12, was included from 2010.4 to 2020.3. After a mean follow-up of 35.7months, seven patients died. With univariate analysis, higher C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (p=0.028), higher baseline fibrinogen level (p=0.006), and presence of distant metastasis(p=0.007) were associated with progression of disease; higher preoperative fibrinogen level (p=0.014) and distant metastasis (p= 0.020) were associated with death. With multivariate Cox regression, only baseline fibrinogen level (p=0.001) was identified as an independent risk factor for progression free survival; meanwhile, fibrinogen level (p= 0.048) and distant metastasis (p= 0.043) were identified as independent risk factors for survival.ConclusionsPreoperative plasma fibrinogen level, a routinely tested parameter before surgery, is a promising tool for risk stratification in adult patients with Xp11.2 RCC.
The Value of Inflammatory Cell Count and Its Ratio in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Duan Wanli , Xu Boyu , Deng Qian , Tie Peng , Cheng Yongyi , Sun Yi
Published: October 2020

Background: Inflammatory cells play an important role in the occurrence and development of cancer. In recent years, the value of inflammatory cell count and its ratio in the diagnosis of prostate cancer has been controversial.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 475 patients with transrectal prostate puncture with TPSA>4 ng/ml in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University. Univariate analysis, multivariate analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristics curve analysis were performed to analysis the factor of age, TPSA, FPSA, PV, NC, LC, PC, NLR, PLR in the diagnosis value of prostate cancer, and further analysis the value of inflammatory cell count and its ratio in different TPSA groups of prostate cancer (4 ng/ml <TPSA ≤ 10 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml ＜TPSA ≤ 20 ng/ml, TPSA ＞ 20 ng/ml). Results: The results of Univariate analysis in the overall data showed that Age, TPSA, PV, NC, PLC were influencing factors in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of NC was 56.2% with a sensitivity of 72.2% and specificity of 41.5% in the cut -off point of 4.52 (p = 0.021). The PLC cut-off point of 205.5 gives 55.6% AUC with 67.2% sensitivity and 4.2% specificity. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis results showed that Age, TPSA, PV, NC were independent influencing factors for the diagnosis of prostate cancer; In different TPSA group studies, it was found that NC, NLR, and PLR were valuable for the diagnosis of prostate cancer when TPSA>20 ng/ml，at the NC cut-off point of 4.52 with 67.3% AUC, 71.2% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity(p＜0.001), at the NLR cut-off point of 3.14 with 65.4% AUC, 67.2% sensitivity and 61.1% specificity (p＜0.001), and at the PLR cut-off point of 135.8 with 62.8% AUC , 57.6% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity (p＜0.001). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis results showed that when TPSA>20 ng/ml, the higher Age, TPSA , Low PV and NC are independent risk factors affecting the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Conclusion: NC has promising value in predicting prostate cancer, especially when TPSA>20 ng/ml. A further prospective study in validating its diagnostic value was needed.
Phylogeographic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variations from Indian isolates
Authors: Joshipura Akshat , Balaji S
Published: October 2020

The aggressive multiplication of coronavirus in the Indian population is probably due to the faster mutation rate. At the time of commencement of this work, India was not present in the list of Top 10 worst-affected countries. However, upon completion of this manuscript, India is ranked No. 3 and during publication of this manuscript it may even elevate to the top two positions due to the pandemic. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 isolates of Indian origin were compared with the Wuhan reference sequence. Phylogenomic, proteomic, and phylogeographic analyses were performed. The genome comparisons indicated that majority of the sequence variations are associated with protein-coding regions, especially Orf1a and spike glycoproteins, while Orf7a had consistent variations, whereas Orfs 6a, 8 and 10 had negligible variations. The terminals of the genomes compared had high sequence entropy. However, the polyadenylation signal was invariant in the analysed dataset. The codon usage frequency indicated that UGU (code for cysteine) is the most frequent codon, while the least frequent was GCG (code for alanine). The amino acid frequency showed that the most abundant was leucine (12.5%), and the least was histidine (2.45%). The phylogeographical patterns were mapped for all the representative states of India, and were supplemented with few representative countries. The unique differences in the sequence of the Kerala isolate (EPI_ISL_413522) were resolved to be sequence errors rather than mutations. Based on the phylogeographic analysis, the high probability of mutations likely to be of Indian origin is attributed to the Gujarat cluster.
Applied aspects of acid-base interactions and modelling equilibrium concentrations in two-component acid mixtures
Authors: Tanganov B. B.
Published: October 2020

Fundamental and applied research into aqueous and non-aqueous solutions of strong and weak electrolytes remains to be highly relevant, which fact is confirmed by a large number of Russian and foreign publications. In almost all such publications, acid-base interactions are considered exclusively with regard to changes in hydrogen ion concentrations. However, the ionic strength of solutions is determined by all ions present in the system, the concentration of which varies during interactions. This is particularly true for potentiometric titration of strong and weak electrolytes not only in aqueous, but also in more complex non-aqueous solutions, which differ significantly in their basic properties (dielectric constant, ionic product, dipole moment, viscosity, etc.). In the study of equilibria, it is more feasible to develop model representations that would greatly simplify and facilitate the computation and evaluation of certain properties of the system under consideration. In this work, acid-base interactions are presented in the form of equations based on mass action laws and those describing equilibrium processes, solvent ionic product, electroneutrality and material balance in electrolyte systems. The proposed equations consider the effect of the concentrations of all charged particles in the system (not only of hydrogen ions – pH) on the ionic strength of the solution, activity coefficients and, as a consequence, the thermodynamic dissociation constant. In addition, these equations allow the dependence between the equilibrium concentrations of all charged particles and the solution acidity determined by the potentiometric method to be expressed in convenient and objective logarithmic coordinates, thus facilitating estimation of the concentration of all particles at any moment of titration.
The effect of metal-containing biocomposites of fungal origin on potato plants in vitro
Authors: Tsivileva O. M. , Perfileva A. I. , Pavlova A. G.
Published: October 2020

The effect of metal (II)-containing composites based on extracellular metabolites of basidiomycetes Pleurotus ostreatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola umbellata and Laetiporus sulphureus on the viability and response of potato plants in vitro has been investigated. The Lukyanovsky variety of potato, which is susceptible to ring rot, caused by the bacterium Clavibacter sepedonicus, was studied. The parameters investigated included biofilm formation by Clavibacter sepedonicus, various morphometric parameters of plants and the phytotoxicity of substances of fungal origin. The greatest anti-biofilm-forming effect was observed in metal-containing biocomposites based on G. lucidum; Fe- and Co-containing biopreparations inhibited the formation of Clavibacter sepedonicus biofilms by 40–50%. The plant height was adversely affected by composites, in the absence of metal (II), derived from L. sulphureus and P. ostreatus, as well as by a Co-containing composite derived from P. ostreatus. The decrease in plant growth, in comparison with the control, can be associated with the pronounced antibiotic properties of these basidiomycetes and cobalt. The remaining biocomposites studied did not have an adverse effect on the growth of potatoes in vitro. A number of morphometric parameters (length of internodes, number of leaves) remained virtually unchanged when exposed to biocomposites of fungal origin. In contrast to the vegetative part of plants, the biomass and length of the roots increased by 10–20% under the influence of biocomposites. Copper-containing composites derived from G. lucidum had no phytotoxic effect on plants and enhanced potato resistance to Clavibacter sepedonicus. The beneficial properties of biocomosites may be judged by the degree of stimulation of the physiological processes underlying the formation of the underground part of the plants, which is a prerequisite for increasing yields. The biocomposites are environmentally friendly because of their natural origin and being effective at very low doses. The results obtained using metal-containing biocomposites derived from G. lucidum and Gr. umbellata demonstrate the safety and possible improvement in health of potato plants by using biocomposites derived from cultures of higher fungi.
PENGEMBANGAN HANDOUT SISTEM EKSKRESI DENGAN INTEGRASI NILAI ISLAM PADA SISWA KELAS XI SEMESTER II MA NUDIA SEMARANG
Authors: Rohmaniah Alfiatur , Ruswan Ruswan , Ihda Bunga
Published: October 2020

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan handout sistem ekskresi dengan integrasi nilai Islam pada siswa kelas XI semester II MA NUDIA Semarang. Pengembangan handout dengan integrasi nilai Islam sebagai sumber belajar diharapkan mampumemberikan inovasi baru yang dapat dijadikan suber belajar untuk memperkaya pengetahuan siswa dan mendukung bahan ajar lainnya dan penjelasan dari pendidik serta mengembangkan ranah sikap spiritual dalam melahirkan generasi muda yang berakhlak mulia. Handout tersebut sebagai bahan ajar alternatif yang dapat digunakan untuk belajar secara mandiri, sehingga mampu meningkatkan pemahaman dan nilai spiritual siswa. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Research and Development (R&D) dengan model pengembangan versi ADDIE dan  mengadopsi metodologi yang dikembangkan oleh  Nada Aldoobie. Handout sistem ekskresi dikembangkan dengan Microsoft Word 2013 dan Corel draw X7 Graphic Suite. Hasil penilaian kelayakan para ahli menunjukkan kriteria sangat layak digunakan sebagai sumber belajar dengan persentase 82% dari ahli materi, 71% dari integrasi nilai Islam, 83% dari ahli media, 85% dari Guru Biologi dan 82% dari tanggapan siswa, sehingga jumlah rerata persentase sebesar 81%  menunjukkan kriteria sangat layak yang berarti handout sistem ekskresi sangat layak digunakan sebagai sumber belajar dalam proses pembelajaran. Penelitian ini perlu dikembangkan ke lingkup sekolah yang lain (skala besar).
A computationally efficient flash flood early warning system for a mountainous and transboundary river basin in Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas Nishan Kumar , Hossain Faisal , Bonnema Matthew , Aminul Haque A. M. , Biswas Robin Kumar , Bhuyan Arifuzzaman , Hossain Amirul
Published: October 2020

A computationally efficient early warning technique is developed for forecasting flash floods during the pre-monsoon season that are associated with a complex topography and transboundary runoff in northeastern Bangladesh. Locally conditioned topographic and hydrometeorological observations are key forcings to the modeling system that simulate the hydrology and hydraulic processes. The hydrologic model is calibrated and validated using satellite-based observations to estimate the correct amount of transboundary and mountainous inflow into the flash flood-prone plains. Inflow is then forecasted using precipitation forecast from a global numerical weather prediction (NWP) system called the Global Forecasting System (GFS). The forecasted inflows serve as the upstream boundary conditions for the hydrodynamic model to forecast the water stage and inundation downstream in the floodplains. A real-time in-situ data-based error correction methodology is applied to maintain the skill of the system. The simulation grid size and time-step of the hydrodynamic model are also optimized for computational efficiency. Historical performance of the framework revealed at least 60% accuracy at 5-day lead-time in delineating flood inundation when compared against Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. The study suggests that higher resolution topographic information and dynamically downscaled meteorological observations can lead to significant improvement in flash flood forecasting skills.
Longitudinal study of microbial load of drinking water and seasonal variation of water quality at the point of use in food establishments of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Girmay Aderajew Mekonnen , Gari Sirak Robele , Gebremariam Azage Gebreyohannes , Alemu Bezatu Mengistie , Evans Martin R. , Gessew Gebreab Teklebirhan
Published: October 2020

The study aimed to determine the status of microbial load of drinking water and seasonal variation of water quality. An institution-based longitudinal study was conducted. 1,141 food establishments were divided into slum and non-slum areas based on their location. Moreover, they were categorized as large and small food establishments. Then, 125 food outlets were selected using a simple random sampling technique. From the selected food outlets, 250 drinking water samples were collected directly from the drinking water storage in the rainy and the dry seasons. Data analysis was conducted using a repeated-measure ANOVA statistical model. The finding indicated that, 26.4% and 10.7% of the food establishments' drinking water was positive for Escherichia coli in the wet and the dry season, respectively. Moreover, 3.2% and 1.6% of the food establishments' drinking water had very high health risk to customers during the wet and the dry season, respectively. The drinking water at the point of use was found to be vulnerable to microbiological contamination and had a serious health risk. Therefore, good sanitation and proper handling of drinking water, and effective drinking water treatment, such as disinfection and filtration, should be practiced in all food establishments.
Modelling Decline in Cognition to Decline in Function in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Karcher Helene , Savelieva Marina , Qi Luyuan , Hummel Noemi , Caputo Angelika , Risson Valery , Capkun Gorana , Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2020

Objective:

: The study aimed to evaluate and quantify the temporal link between cognitive and functional decline, and assess the impact of the apolipoprotein E4 (APOE-e4) genotype on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression.

Methods:

A nonlinear mixed-effects Emax model was developed using longitudinal data from 659 patients with dementia due to AD sourced from the Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative (ADNI) database. A cognitive decline model was first built using a cognitive subscale of the AD assessment scale (delayed word recall) as the endpoint, followed by a functional decline model, using the functional assessment questionnaire (FAQ) as the endpoint. Individual and population cognitive decline from the first model drove a functional decline in the second model. The impact of the APOE-e4 genotype status on the dynamics of AD progression was evaluated using the model.

Results:

Mixed-effects Emax models adequately quantified population average and individual disease trajectories. The model captured a higher initial cognitive impairment and final functional impairment in APOE-e4 carriers than non-carriers. The age at cognitive decline and diagnosis of dementia due to AD was significantly lower in APOE-e4 carriers than that of non-carriers. The average [standard deviation] time shift between cognitive and functional decline, i.e. the time span between half of the maximum cognitive decline and half of the maximum functional decline, was estimated as 1.5 [1.6] years.

Conclusion:

The present analysis quantifies the temporal link between a cognitive and functional decline in AD progression at the population and individual level, and provides information about the potential benefits of pre-clinical AD treatments on both cognition and function.
Suppression of HIV-1 Viral Replication by Inhibiting Drug Efflux Transporters in Activated Macrophages
Authors: Mu Ying , Cory Theodore J.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Ethanol has been shown to increase oxidative stress, drug efflux transporter expression, and promote HIV progression. Macrophages, which express drug efflux transporters, serve as an essential sanctuary site for HIV. The antiretroviral drug lopinavir, a protease inhibitor, is a substrate of the drug efflux transporters P-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein 1. The NF-κB signaling pathway is associated with inflammation and drug efflux transporter expression.

Objective:

To examine the effects of ethanol on drug efflux transporters and HIV replication of macrophages and develop strategies to increase the efficacy of the protease inhibitor.

Methods:

The expression of PGP and MRP1 was examined with western blot. The NF- κB inhibition was assessed with nuclear western blot. LC-MS/MS and p24 ELISA were used to assess intracellular LPV and viral replication.

Results:

Ethanol at 40mM slightly increased drug efflux transporter PGP and MRP1 expression in activated macrophages. IKK-16, an NF- κB inhibitor, counteracted the increased transporter expression caused by ethanol exposure. MK571, an MRP1 inhibitor, and IKK-16 significantly increased intracellular LPV concentration with or without ethanol treatment. MK571 significantly increased LPV efficacy in suppressing viral replication with or without ethanol treatment. A decreasing trend and a significant decrease were observed with IKK-16+LPV treatment compared with LPV alone in the no ethanol treatment and ethanol treatment groups, respectively.

Conclusion:

In activated macrophages, inhibiting drug efflux transporter MRP1 activity and reducing its expression may represent a promising approach to suppress viral replication by increasing intracellular antiretroviral concentrations. However, different strategies may be required for ethanolrelated vs. untreated groups.
Interactive Web-Based Resource for Annotation of Genetic Variants Causing Hereditary Angioedema (HADA): Database Development, Implementation, and Validation
Authors: Mendoza-Alvarez Alejandro , Muñoz-Barrera Adrián , Rubio-Rodríguez Luis Alberto , Marcelino-Rodriguez Itahisa , Corrales Almudena , Iñigo-Campos Antonio , Callero Ariel , Perez-Rodriguez Eva , Garcia-Robaina Jose Carlos , González-Montelongo Rafaela , Lorenzo-Salazar Jose Miguel , Flores Carlos
Published: October 2020

Background

Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic condition caused by C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency, dysfunction, or kinin cascade dysregulation, leading to an increased bradykinin plasma concentration. Hereditary angioedema is a poorly recognized clinical entity and is very often misdiagnosed as a histaminergic angioedema. Despite its genetic nature, first-line genetic screening is not integrated in routine diagnosis. Consequently, a delay in the diagnosis, and inaccurate or incomplete diagnosis and treatment of hereditary angioedema are common.

Objective

In agreement with recent recommendations from the International Consensus on the Use of Genetics in the Management of Hereditary Angioedema, to facilitate the clinical diagnosis and adapt it to the paradigm of precision medicine and next-generation sequencing–based genetic tests, we aimed to develop a genetic annotation tool, termed Hereditary Angioedema Database Annotation (HADA).

Methods

HADA is built on top of a database of known variants affecting function, including precomputed pathogenic assessment of each variant and a ranked classification according to the current guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.

Results

HADA is provided as a freely accessible, user-friendly web-based interface with versatility for the entry of genetic information. The underlying database can also be incorporated into automated command-line stand-alone annotation tools.

Conclusions

HADA can achieve the rapid detection of variants affecting function for different hereditary angioedema types, and further integrates useful information to reduce the diagnosis odyssey and improve its delay.
Measurement Properties of Existing Patient-Reported Outcome Measures on Medication Adherence: Systematic Review
Authors: Kwan Yu Heng , Weng Si Dun , Loh Dionne Hui Fang , Phang Jie Kie , Oo Livia Jia Yi , Blalock Dan V , Chew Eng Hui , Yap Kai Zhen , Tan Corrinne Yong Koon , Yoon Sungwon , Fong Warren , Østbye Truls , Low Lian Leng , Bosworth Hayden Barry , Thumboo Julian
Published: October 2020

Background

Medication adherence is essential for improving the health outcomes of patients. Various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been developed to measure medication adherence in patients. However, no study has summarized the psychometric properties of these PROMs to guide selection for use in clinical practice or research.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the quality of the PROMs used to measure medication adherence.

Methods

This study was guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Relevant articles were retrieved from the EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases. The PROMs were then evaluated based on the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines.

Results

A total of 121 unique medication adherence PROMs from 214 studies were identified. Hypotheses testing for construct validity and internal consistency were the most frequently assessed measurement properties. PROMs with at least a moderate level of evidence for ≥5 measurement properties include the Adherence Starts with Knowledge 20, Compliance Questionnaire-Rheumatology, General Medication Adherence Scale, Hill-Bone Scale, Immunosuppressant Therapy Barrier Scale, Medication Adherence Reasons Scale (MAR-Scale) revised, 5-item Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS-5), 9-item MARS (MARS-9), 4-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4), 8-item MMAS (MMAS-8), Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Adherence Scale, Satisfaction with Iron Chelation Therapy, Test of Adherence to Inhalers, and questionnaire by Voils. The MAR-Scale revised, MMAS-4, and MMAS-8 have been administered electronically.

Conclusions

This study identified 121 PROMs for medication adherence and provided synthesized evidence for the measurement properties of these PROMs. The findings from this study may assist clinicians and researchers in selecting suitable PROMs to assess medication adherence.
An App-Based Parenting Program to Promote Healthy Energy Balance–Related Parenting Practices to Prevent Childhood Obesity: Protocol Using the Intervention Mapping Framework (Preprint)
Authors: Karssen Levie T , Vink Jacqueline M , de Weerth Carolina , Hermans Roel C J , de Kort Carina P M , Kremers Stef PJ , Ruiter Emilie L M , Larsen Junilla K
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The family environment plays an important role in the development of children’s energy balance–related behaviors. As a result, parents’ energy balance–related parenting practices are important targets of preventive childhood obesity programs. Families with a lower socioeconomic position (SEP) may benefit from participating in such programs but are generally less well reached than families with a higher SEP.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the application of the Intervention Mapping Protocol (IMP) for the development of an app-based preventive intervention program to promote healthy energy balance–related parenting practices among parents of children (aged 0-4 years) with a lower SEP.

METHODS

The 6 steps of the IMP were used as a theory- and evidence-based framework to guide the development of an app-based preventive intervention program.

RESULTS

In step 1, behavioral outcomes for the app-based program (ie, children have a healthy dietary intake, sufficient sleep, and restricted screen time and sufficient physical activity) and sociocognitive (ie, knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy) and automatic (ie, habitual behaviors) determinants of energy balance–related parenting were identified through a needs assessment. In step 2, the behavioral outcomes were translated into performance objectives. To influence these objectives, in step 3, theory-based intervention methods were selected for each of the determinants. In step 4, the knowledge derived from the previous steps allowed for the development of the app-based program Samen Happie! through a process of continuous cocreation with parents and health professionals. In step 5, community health services were identified as potential adopters for the app. Finally, in step 6, 2 randomized controlled trials were designed to evaluate the process and effects of the app among Dutch parents of infants (trial 1) and preschoolers (trial 2). These trials were completed in November 2019 (trial 1) and February 2020 (trial 2).

CONCLUSIONS

The IMP allowed for the effective development of the app-based parenting program Samen Happie! to promote healthy energy balance–related parenting practices among parents of infants and preschoolers. Through the integration of theory, empirical evidence, and data from the target population, as well as the process of continued cocreation, the program specifically addresses parents with a lower SEP. This increases the potential of the program to prevent the development of obesity in early childhood among families with a lower SEP.

CLINICALTRIAL

Netherlands Trial Register NL6727, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6727; Netherlands Trial Register NL7371, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7371.
Remote continuous care is superior to episodic care for depression: Digital health is the only way to deliver it (Preprint)
Authors: HOFFMAN VALERIE FORMAN , Kvedar Joseph , Ranta Kristian
Published: October 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Abstract
Depression is a burdensome and costly disease. Treatment is not sought by over half of depressed patients, and many who suffer remain depressed despite treatment. Furthermore, there is no single treatment efficacious for all patients, with optimal outcomes precluded by access, adherence, and patient satisfaction issues. The recent proliferation of telehealth solutions has increased access to care, especially during the COVID pandemic, but problems with several of its traditional types of delivery models still exist. Rather than the provision of traditional episodic mental health care, creative mental health solutions that can provide continuous care with frequent patient-provider interactions are urgently needed. This Viewpoint explores how digital health solutions enable the provision of continuous types of remote care to provide relief for some of the access and capacity problems exacerbated by requirements for face-to-face types of care.
Access to Technology and Preferences for an mHealth Intervention to Promote Medication Adherence in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Approach Leveraging Behavior Change Techniques (Preprint)
Authors: Heneghan Mallorie B , Hussain Tasmeen , Barrera Leonardo , Cai Stephanie W , Haugen Maureen , Morgan Elaine , Rossoff Jenna , Weinstein Joanna , Hijiya Nobuko , Cella David , Badawy Sherif M
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Suboptimal adherence to 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) is prevalent in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and associated with increased risk of relapse. Rapid uptake of personal technology makes mobile health (mHealth) an attractive platform to promote adherence.

OBJECTIVE

Study objectives were to examine access to mobile technology and preferences for an mHealth intervention to improve medication adherence in pediatric ALL.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was administered in oncology clinic to parents of children with ALL as well as adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with ALL receiving maintenance chemotherapy.

RESULTS

A total of 49 parents (median age [IQR] 39 [33-42] years; female 76% [37/49]) and 15 patients (median age [IQR] 17 [16-19]; male 80% [12/15]) participated. All parents and AYAs owned electronic tablets, smartphones, or both. Parents’ most endorsed mHealth app features included a list of medications (71%, 35/49), information about 6-MP (71%, 35/49), refill reminders (71%, 35/49), and reminders to take 6-MP (71%, 35/49). AYAs' most endorsed features included refill reminders (73%, 11/15), reminders to take 6-MP (73%, 11/15), and tracking 6-MP (73%, 11/15).

CONCLUSIONS

Parents and AYAs reported ubiquitous access to mobile technology and strong interest in multiple adherence-specific mHealth app features. Parents and AYAs provided valuable insight into preferred features for a multifunctional behavioral intervention (mHealth app) to promote medication adherence in pediatric ALL.