bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current state and trends of the mobile library applications (the case of the Bavarian State Library)
Authors: Boldyreva I. S.
Published: July 2020

The mobile technology gained widespread use and became an essential part of all advanced industries over the past decade. Libraries also cannot ignore them, so mobile library applications have become one of the most relevant technological innovations in library activities. Now more and more libraries offer their websites in the mobile version. However, the capabilities of library mobile applications are not limited to providing access to basic services on the library website. The aim of the article is to analyse the functionality of specially developed applications of the Bavarian State Library (FRG), which are aimed at solving specific tasks. On the basis of a wide range of domestic and mainly German sources (articles, monographs, web resources), the author analyses the aspects of using the four mobile applications in the practice of one of the largest German libraries. It is shown that mobile applications can help to reveal unique publications stored in special collections of the library. It is noted that mobile application can be a navigator in a multi-storey library building with a developed infrastructure. The author stresses that the above tasks are achieved due to the extended functionality of the applications: user geolocation, augmented reality, effective reading modes as well as Bluetooth data transfer technology. For the first time, the author considers the mobile applications used in German library practice, which are aimed at meeting special needs of users (study of topography of the region, acquaintance with works of cultural and artistic value, navigation inside the library building). The analysed tendencies of use of the mobile applications can be of interest also for domestic libraries which strive to increase efficiency of work through implementation of mobile technology.
HERMENEUTIKA MUHAMMAD SYAHRUR (Telaah tentang Teori Hudud)
Authors: Fatah Ahmad
Published: July 2020

Abstrak

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk memahami hermeneutika Muhammad Syahrur yang dikenal dengan teori hudud atau teori limit. Hal ini bertujuan untuk menawarkan gagasan-gagasan baru dalam metodologi pemahaman terhadap al-Qur’an. Melalui teori limit, Syahrur ingin melakukan pembacaan ayat-ayat muhkamat secara produktif dan prospektif (qira’ah muntijah), bukan pembacaan repetitif dan restrospektif (qira’ah mutakarrirah). Dan dengan teori limit juga, Syahrur ingin membuktikan bahwa ajaran Islam benar-benar merupakan ajaran yang relevan untuk tiap ruang dan waktu. Syahrur berasumsi, kelebihan risalah Islam adalah bahwa di dalamnya terkandung dua aspek gerak, yaitu gerak konstan (istiqamah) serta gerak dinamis dan lentur (hanifiyyah). Sifat kelenturan Islam ini berada dalam bingkai teori limit yang oleh Syahrur dipahami sebagai the bounds or restrictions that God has placed on mans freedom of action (batasan yang telah ditempatkan Tuhan pada wilayah kebebasan manusia).

Kata kunci: hermeneutika, Syahrur, teori hudud.

 

Abstract

This study aims to understand the hermeneutics of Muhammad Syahrur known as the hudud theory or the theory of limits. It aims to offer new ideas in the methodology of understanding the Qur'an. Through the theory of limits, Shahrur wanted to read the verses of muhkamat productively and prospectively (qira'ah muntijah) instead of repetitive and restrosive (qira'ah mutakarrirah). And with the theory of limits as well, Syahrur wants to prove that the teachings of Islam really are relevant teachings for every space and time. Syahrur assume, the excess message of Islam is that it contains two aspects of motion, namely constant motion (istiqamah) and dynamic and flexible motion (hanifiyyah). The nature of this Islamic flexibility lies within the frame of the theory of limits which Syahrur understands as the bounds or restrictions that God has placed on mans freedom of action (the limitation that God has placed on the domain of human freedom).

Keywords: hermeneutics, Syahrur, the hudud theory.
PERAN KH. MUHAMMAD ARWANI DALAM PENGEMBANGAN ILMU QIRAAT DI INDONESIA
Authors: Shofaussamawati Shofaussamawati
Published: July 2020

Ilmu Qira’at adalah termasuk salah satu bagian dari ilmu-ilmu al-Qur’an (Ulum al-Qur’an), tapi sayangnya ilmu ini terutama di Indonesia kurang mendapatkan perhatian oleh para Ulama. Khazanah kajian al-Qur’an di Indonesia mayoritas berada pada bidang Tafsir, ini dapat difahami karena tafsir atau penjelasan isi al-Qur’an adalah bagian yang sangat penting bagi masyarakat muslim. Akan tetapi, qira’at juga sangat diperlukan dalam tafsir al-Qur’an, oleh karena itu kajian terhadap ilmu qira’at menjadi sangat urgen. Salah seorang ulama Indonesia yang mempunyai konsentarasi penuh terhadap ilmu qira’at adalah KH.Arwani. Maka dalam tulisan ini akan dibahas mengenai bagaimana peranan beliau dalam mengembangkan ilmu qira’at di Indonesia
MENUJU KEHARMONISAN KELUARGA DARI AYAT-AYAT NUSYUZ DAN SYIQAQ
Authors: Jannah Roudhotul
Published: July 2020

Eksistensi perempuan berada pada sistem paradoksal (kondisi positif dan negatif tentang eksistensi perempuan dalam kehidupan), sebagaimana keadaan perempuan yang dianggap memprihatinkan, dengan terkungkung dalam sistem budaya patriarki, mengakibatkan timbulnya perlawanan, seperti gerakan feminisme, yang berupaya melakukan pemberontakan terhadap tatanan masyarakat yang ada, yang mereka anggap bersifat patriarkis, termasuk terhadap ide-ide teologis (agama) dan institusi sosial kultural yang  sering dituduh sebagai pangkal dari ketidakadilan sistemik perempuan. Menurut penulis, gerakan feminis seperti ini justru merusak keharmonisan tatanan kehidupan, bahkan syari’at yang telah diajarkan dalam Agama Islam yang sudah proporsional.  Adapun metode penafsiran yang relevan untuk pembahasan ini adalah metode penafsiran kontekstual milik Abdullah Saeed, yang menawarkan aplikasi penafsiran yang sesuai dengan konteks kekinian. Dari penelitian inilah penulis menemukan bahwa Al-Qur’an telah memberikan tawaran solusi yang arif dan bijak untuk menghadapi perempuan  yang melakukan nusyu>z dan syiqa>q, dengan ketentuan yang diuraikan dalam QS. Al-Nisa>’ [4] ayat 34 dan 35, yaitu beberapa tahapan solusi yang harus dilakukan dalam menghadapi perempuan nusyu>z dan syiqa>q, yaitu memberikan nasihat yang baik serta melakukan tindakan-tindakan persuasif (فَعِظُوهُنَّ), selanjutnya pisah ranjang (وَاهْجُرُوهُنَّ فِي الْمَضَاجِعِ), yang dimaksudkan adalah menghentikan hubungan seksual sementara waktu sehingga membuat istrinya jera dan merasa bersalah. Dan sebagai langkah terakhir adalah memukul ( وَاضْرِبُوهُنَّ ), sebagai suatu langkah-langkah fisikal dan dengan ketentuan tidak menyakitkan dan tidak berbekas. Namun, jika keduanya tetap berselisih maka perlu h}akam (h}akamain), yang berfungsi sebagai pemdamai di antara keduanya. Maksud dari keseluruhan ayat tentang nusyu>z dan syiqa>q ini adalah bahwa pada hakikatnya ajaran yang terkandung dalam Al-Qur’an adalah kedamaian dan kasih-sayang, yang menjadi perwujudan dari ajaran Islam Rahmatan lil "alamin
MAKNA “MARADH AL-QULUB” DALAM AL-QUR’AN
Authors: Karim Abdul
Published: July 2020

Tulisan ini membahas tentang Maradh al-Qulub yang sering disebut dengan Penyakit hati, penulis mencoba menggunakan pendekatan semantik dan konten analisis untuk menemukan makna yang relevan dengan dinamika kekinian. Bahwa penyakit hati di sini yang dimaksud sesungguhnya bukanlah suatu penyakit hati dhohir atau jasmani, namun yang dimaksud adalah penyakit mental yang banyak diderita oleh semua level manusia baik orang awam maupun para ilmuan, intelektual dan agamawan. Hasilnya adalah bahwa penyakit hati sesungguhnya telah menjadi wabah yang menghawatirkan di zaman sekarang ini, dikarenakan suatu mentalitas yang lemah dalam memahami esensi ajaran agama Islam tentang makna keikhlasan dalam perbuatan dan kelemahan iman dalam memposisikan diri sebagai manusia yang harus mempertanggungjawabkan amal perbuatannya di hadapan Allah swt.
IMPLEMENTASI PENAFSIRAN SURAT ALI IMRON AYAT 110 TERHADAP PEMBENTUKAN GENERASI KHOIRU UMMAH DI PONDOK PESANTREN AN-NUR AL-ISLAMI KAUMAN JEKULO KUDUS
Authors: Thohir Abdullah , Farihah Irzum
Published: July 2020

Tujuan artikel ini untuk mengetahui implementasi konsep khoiru ummah Surat Ali Imran ayat 110 dalam pembentukan generasi khoiru ummah di pondok pesantren an-Nur al-Islami Kauman Jekulo Kudus. Metode yang digunakan file research dan library research. Hasil penelitian adalah penerapan khoiru ummah dalam Surat Ali Imran ayat 110 adalah sebaik-baik umat Nabi Muhammad yang mengajak kepada kebaikan (ma’ruf) dan melarang kepada keburukan (munkar). Pondok pesantren telah menanamkan pada jiwa santri untuk beramar ma’ruf dan nahi munkar melalui kegiatan-kegiatan yang ada di pondok pesantren seperti ngaji rutin oleh pengasuh pondok pesantren, tahassus (madrasah diniyah), latihan khittobah, dan sesrawung antar santri. Sedangkan nahi munkarnya dengan memberikan ta’zir bagi mereka yang melanggar aturan-aturan yang sudah ditetapkan pondok pesantren. Dari semua kegiatan yang telah di terapkan di Pondok Pesantren tersebut akan membantu para santri untuk membentuk generasi khoiru ummah.
Изучение жизнеспособности вируса SARS-CoV-2 в питьевой и морской воде
Authors: Золин Владимир , Оськина Оксана , Солодкий Владислав , Гаврилова Елена , Агафонов Александр , Максютов Ринат
Published: July 2020

В условиях пандемии коронавирусной инфекции не вызывает сомнения важность выявления путей передачи коронавируса SARS-CoV-2 в человеческой популяции. В настоящий момент известно, что основным путем передачи новой коронавирусной инфекции является воздушно-капельный путь. Вместе с тем, вполне вероятно, что одним из потенциальных источников этой инфекции может являться инфицированная вода. В статье представлены результаты исследований по определению динамики (1, 3, 24, 48, 72 ч) остаточной инфекционной активности вируса SARS-CoV-2 в образцах питьевой дехлорированной воды и образцах имитирующих морскую воду, с концентрацией солей по хлориду натрия 0,9 % и 3,5 % при нормальных условиях температуры (24-28 0С). Также получены данные о жизнеспособности коронавируса SARS-CoV-2 в образцах питьевой дехлорированной воды, хранящихся при температуре + 4 0С в течение 1, 3, 24, 48, 72 часов. Получены результаты свидетельствующие о том, что коронавирус SARS-CoV-2 способен сохранять свою инфекционную активность, как в пресной, так и морской воде, независимо от ее солености, на протяжении как минимум 72 часов, причем степень сохранности остаточной инфекционной активности вируса зависит от температуры воды.
ЭПИДЕМИЧЕСКИЙ ПРОЦЕСС COVID-19 В РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ: ПРОМЕЖУТОЧНЫЕ ИТОГИ. СООБЩЕНИЕ 1.
Authors: Пшеничная Наталья
Published: July 2020

В статье дан промежуточный анализ компонентов эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в Российской Федерации на основании

статистического анализа данных формы отчета Роспотребнадзора №970 «Информация о случаях инфекционных заболеваний у лиц с подозрением на новую коронавирусную инфекцию» за январь–июнь 2020 г. Описываются особенности эпидемического процесса в Москве и Московской области и остальных регионах России. Проводится анализ взаимосвязи степени тяжести заболевания с возрастом, полом, а также сроком обращения за медицинской помощью.
Electrocuted Hip: Late Consequences of Electrical Shock Injuries of Orthopaedic Relevance
Authors: Khan Yasim , Arora Sumit , Gupta Swati , Mahajan Nidhi , Sural Sumit , Dhal Anil
Published: July 2020

Case:

A 43-year-old man suffered household electric shock from 220 V alternating current when he accidently touched a live wire with his left hand. Subsequently, he was diagnosed to have osteonecrosis of the left femoral head and underwent total hip arthroplasty.

Conclusion:

We suggest that the electric current could have thrombosed the terminal subsynovial vessels of the femoral head, leading to osteonecrosis. To the best of authors' knowledge, only 2 cases of osteonecrosis of the hip after electric shock have been reported in the literature. A literature review of the delayed consequences of electric shock injuries pertaining to orthopaedics is also presented.
Rare Variant Double-Layered Lateral Meniscus Detected During Arthroscopy in a Young Gymnast After a Hyperextension Knee Injury
Authors: Looney Austin M. , Ferris William J. , West Robin V.
Published: July 2020

Case:

A 15-year-old high-level gymnast sustained a hyperextension knee injury and was diagnosed with a lateral meniscus tear on advanced imaging. During arthroscopy, a redundant meniscus was encountered overlying an otherwise normal, intact lateral meniscus, consistent with a double-layer lateral meniscus. The redundant meniscus was resected, and the patient was able to return to gymnastics at her previous high level of competition.

Conclusions:

Abnormalities of the lateral meniscus may be poorly characterized or undetected on preoperative imaging studies. When the decision is made to proceed with surgery, a vigilant diagnostic arthroscopic examination can facilitate the detection and treatment of unanticipated pathology.
Temporal Trends in the Rates of Singletons, Twins and Higher-order Multiple Births Over Five Decades Across Racial Groups in the United States
Authors: Wang Liye , Dongarwar Deepa , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: July 2020

We analysed Natality data obtained from the National Vital Statistics System from 1971 through 2018. Overall, the rates of singletons declined among all racial groups over the five decades of the study. However, the rates of twins and higher-order multiples increased over the same period although for the past two decades, the rates of higher-order multiples had substantially plummeted. The global health implication of these findings is that policy changes in the US in the form of professional practice guidelines have succeeded in reducing the birth of vulnerable populations (i.e., higher-order multiples) who are predominantly created using assisted reproductive technology.

Key words: • Trends in Multiple Gestations • US • Black • White • Singletons • Twins • Higher-order multiples

 

Copyright © 2020 Wang et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.
Pancreatic neck thickness: A possible key to stump closure technique selection after distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Nikov Andrej , Záruba Pavel , Bělina František , Ryska Miroslav
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
The Effect of On-site CT-derived Fractional Flow Reserve on the Management of Decision Making for Patients with Stable Chest Pain (TARGET Trial): Objective, Rationale and Design
Authors: yang junjie , shan dongkai , wang zhiqiang , dong mei , ma xiang , hu xinyang , zeng hesong , chen yundai
Published: July 2020

Background: The diagnostic accuracy of CT-derived Fractional Flow Reserve (CT-FFR) in clinical application has been well validated. This advanced technology focus on evaluating anatomical stenosis and functional ischemia simultaneously. However, the effect of CT-FFR on the management of decision making has not been fully evaluated in randomized controlled design. Method/design: TARGET study is a pragmatic, multicentre, prospective, open-label and randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of a CTA/CT-FFR strategy (Group A) versus usual care (Group B) on intermediate-to-high risk patients with suspected CAD who undergo clinically indicated diagnostic evaluation. A total sample size of 1216 subjects will be enrolled and followed up for 12 months. This study will be performed in 6 Chinese hospitals, and the primary endpoint is the planned ICA without significant obstructive CAD within 90 days. The secondary endpoints include major adverse cardiovascular event, quality of life, medical expenditure, and cumulative radiation exposure during 1-year follow-up.Conclusion: The study will provide information to patients, health care providers and other stakeholders in China about which strategy could be more effective in the management of intermediate-to-high risk patients with suspect CAD.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03901326, Registered on 03 April 2019.
Investigation of Cadmium Content in Rice in Heilongjiang Province and Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Cao Dongmei , Zhang Chang , Zhang Dongjie
Published: July 2020

We investigated the cadmium content in soils and rice in Cha Hayang, Wuchang, Fangzheng, Xiangshui, and Jiansanjiang areas of Heilongjiang Province, and characterized the effect of rice intake on human health. The samples were analyzed by ICP-MS, and the cadmium transfer in soil-rice system was modeled by the Nemero comprehensive pollution index method. The health risk assessment model was used to study the status of cadmium pollution in rice and its health risk assessment for adults and children. The results showed that the average contents of cadmium in rice were 0.003 (Cha Hayang), 0.016 (Wuchang), 0.006 (Fangzheng), 0.006 (Xiangshui), and 0.005 (Jiansanjiang) mg kg-1. The prediction model developed in this study, including the total heavy metals and pH value of the soil, effectively described the transfer of cadmium in the soil-rice system of Wuchang, Chahayang and Xiangshui paddy fields (with R2 between 0.256 and 0.468). The pollution index of the study area was less than 1. The comprehensive pollution index was 0.037<1, sugesting no pollution, and the comprehensive pollution index was between 0.059 and 0.158. The health risk index of carcinogenic heavy metal cadmium to adults and children in Cyang and JianSanjiang areas was lower than that recommended by USEPA (1 × 10-4), suggesting no risk of cancer. However, the mean values in Wuchang, Fang Zheng and Xiangshui were higher than the maximum acceptable risk recommended by USEPA, suggesting a risk of cancer.
Rate, determinants, and causes of stillbirth in Jordan: Findings from the Jordan Stillbirth and Neonatal Deaths Surveillance (JSANDS) system
Authors: Shattnawi Khulood Kayed , Khader Yousef S. , Alyahya Mohammad S. , Al-Sheyab Nihaya , Batieha Anwar
Published: July 2020

Background: Annually, 2.6 million stillbirths occur around the world, with about 98% occur in low and middle-income countries. The stillbirth rates in these countries are 10 times higher than the rates in high-income countries. Methods: An electronic stillbirths and neonatal deaths surveillance system (JSANDS) was established in five large hospitals located in three of the largest cities in Jordan in August 2019. JSANDS was developed as a secure on-line data entry system to collect, organize, analyse, and disseminate data on stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and their contributing conditions. Data on births, stillbirths and their contributing conditions contributing, and other demographic and clinical characteristics in the period between August 2019 – January 2020 were extracted and analysedResults: A total of 10328 births were registered during the reporting period. Of the total births, 102 were born dead (88 antepartum stillbirths and 14 intrapartum stillbirths) with a rate of 9.9 per 1000 total births. The main contributing fetal conditions of antepartum stillbirths were antepartum death of unspecified cause (33.7%), acute antepartum event (hypoxia) (33.7%), congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities (13.3%), and disorders related to the length of gestation and fetal growth (10.8%). The main contributing maternal conditions of antepartum stillbirths included complications of placental cord and membranes (48.7%), maternal complications of pregnancy (23.1%), and maternal medical and surgical conditions (23.1%). Contributing fetal conditions of intrapartum stillbirths included congenital malformations deformations and chromosomal abnormalities, other specified intrapartum disorder, intrapartum death of unspecified cause (33.3% each). Contributing maternal conditions of intrapartum stillbirths included complications of placental cord and membranes. In the multivariate analysis, the odds of stillbirth for very low birth weight (<1500 gm) babies and for low birthweight babies (1500-2499 gm) were 14.1 times 4.3 times that odds for babies born with normal birth weight, respectively. The stillbirth rate was significantly higher among preterm deliveries compared to full-term deliveries (OR = 5.6). Conclusions: Although the rate of stillbirth is lower than that in other countries in the region, there is an opportunity to prevent such deaths. While the majority of stillbirths occurred during the antepartum period, care should be taken for early identification of high-risk pregnancies and ensuring adequate antenatal obstetric interventions.
Assessment of the risk of permanent stoma after low anterior resection in rectal cancer patients
Authors: Zeman Marcin , Czarnecki Marek , Chmielarz Andrzej , Idasiak Adam , Grajek Maciej , Czarniecka Agnieszka
Published: July 2020

Background: One of the most severe complications of low anterior rectal resection is anastomotic leakage (AL). The creation of a loop ileostomy (LI) reduces the prevalence of AL requiring surgical intervention. However, up to one-third of temporary stomas may never be closed.The first aim of the study was to perform a retrospective assessment of the impact of LI on the risk of permanent stoma (PS) and symptomatic AL. The second aim of the study was to assess preoperative PS risk factors in patients with LI.Methods: A total of 286 consecutive patients who underwent low anterior rectal resection were subjected to retrospective analysis. In 101 (35.3%) patients, diverting LI was performed due to low anastomosis, while in the remaining 185 (64.7%) patients, no ileostomy was performed. LIs were reversed after adjuvant treatment. Analyses of the effect of LI on symptomatic AL and PS were performed. Among the potential risk factors for PS, clinical factors and the values ​​of selected peripheral blood parameters were analysed.Results: PS occurred in 37.6% and 21.1% of the patients with LI and without LI, respectively (p <0.01). Symptomatic ALs were significantly more common in patients without LI. In this group, symptomatic ALs occurred in 23.8% of patients, while in the LI group, they occurred in 5% of patients (p <0.001). In the LI group, the only significant risk factor for PS in the multivariate analysis was preoperative plasma fibrinogen concentration (OR = 1.007, 97.5% CI 1.002-1.013, p = 0.013).Conclusions: Although protective LI may reduce the incidence of symptomatic AL, it can be related to a higher risk of PS in this group of patients. The preoperative plasma fibrinogen concentration can be a risk factor for PS in LI patients and may be a useful variable in decision-making models.
An In-silico Deep Learning Approach to Multi-epitope Vaccine Design: A SARS-CoV-2 Case Study
Authors: Yang Zikun , Bogdan Paul , Nazarian Shahin
Published: July 2020

The rampant spread of COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, all over the world has led to over 6.5 million cases and more than 380,000 deaths, and devastated the social, financial and political entities around the world. Without an existing effective medical therapy, vaccines are urgently needed to avoid the spread of this disease. In this study, we propose an in-silico deep learning approach for prediction and design of a multi-epitope vaccine (Deep-Vac-Pred). By combining the in-silico immunotherapeutic and deep neural network strategies, the DeepVacPred computational framework directly predicts 26 potential vaccine subunits from the available SARS-CoV- 2 spike protein sequence. We further use in-silico methods to investigate the linear B-cell epitopes, Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL) epitopes, Helper T Lymphocytes (HTL) epitopes in the 26 subunit candidates and identify the best 11 of them to construct a multi-epitope vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 virus. The human population coverage, antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, physicochemical properties and secondary structure of the designed vaccine are evaluated via state-of-the-art bioinformatic approaches, showing good quality of the designed vaccine. The 3D structure of the designed vaccine is predicted, refined and validated by in-silico tools. Finally, we optimize and insert the codon sequence into a plasmid to ensure the cloning and expression efficiency. In conclusion, this proposed artificial intelligence vaccine discovery framework accelerates the vaccine design process and constructs a 694aa multi- epitope vaccine containing 16 B-cell epitopes, 82 CTL epitopes and 89 HTL epitopes, which is promising to fight the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and can be further evaluated in clinical studies. Moreover, we trace the RNA mutations of the CoV and make sure our designed vaccine can tackle the recent RNA mutations of the virus.
Sexual Dysfunction and Metabolic/Hormonal Changes in Women Using Long-Term Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Contraceptives
Authors: Moreira Igor Fernando de aquino , Bianchini Maria Passos , Moreira Gabrielle Rodrigues Campos , Almeida Alessandra Maciel , Rezende Bruno Almeida
Published: July 2020

Background
Female sexual dysfunction is a common condition that negatively impacts the emotional health and quality of life of the affected individuals. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their effectiveness and convenience. LARCs can be hormonal (etonogestrel releasing implant—ENG and Levonorgestrel intrauterine system—LNG) or non-hormonal (copper intrauterine device—CuIUD and copper-silver intrauterine device—SIUD). There are very few studies that assess the influence on LARCS on sexual function are lacking.This study aimed to assess changes in sexual function as well as metabolic and hormonal parameters in women after implantation with LARCs.
Methods
In this prospective cohort study, we assessed 80 women who visited the Military Police Hospital in Brazil for LARCs placement. The study participants were divided into 4 groups according to the type of LARC received: ENG n = 17; LNG n = 21, CuIUD n = 18 and SIUD n = 23. The four groups were evaluated twice (prior to LARC placement and approximately 3 months later) for sexual function, using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Quotient (QS-F) questionnaires. Metabolic and hormonal parameters were also assessed using blood tests. p < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.
Results
We observed an improvement in sexual function with CuIUD placement according to QS-F (p < 0.017) and SIUD (FSFI: p = 0.06 and QS-F: p < 0.001). However, ENG worsened sexual function according to FSFI and QS-F (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003), across all domains. A decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was observed for all groups (LNG: p = 0.019; ENG: p = 0.024; CuIUD: p = 0.010; SIUD: p = 0.022) and an increase in total testosterone levels (p = 0.007 and p = 0.003) and prolactin (p = 0.049 and p = 0.001) with CuIUD and SIUD placement. Hemoglobin levels increased with LIS (p < 0.001) and ENG (p = 0.025) and decreased with CuIUD placement (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The use of non-hormonal LARCS improved sexual function, especially in the desire domain. Etonogestrel implants, had a negative influence on sexual function, probably by blocking ovarian function, and thus reducing the production of androgens and estrogens. SIUD placement was superior as it improved sexual function, interfered less with hormonal levels, and did not decrease hemoglobin levels.
On two cases of atypical respiratory distress in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo months before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared: Could SARS-Cov-2 have been already spreading? Case report
Authors: MATESO Guy-Quesney , BAGUMA Marius , MWENE-BATU Pacifique , BALEMBA Ghislain MAHESHE , NZABARA Fabrice , MAKALI Samuel , BEDHA Aline , FURAHA Bonheur , MINANI Jimmy , MUHINDO Christian TSHONGO , MALEMBAKA Espoir BWENGE , MASIMANGO Mannix Imani , SHINDANO Tony Akilimali , CIKOMOLA Justin Cirhuza , MUBAGWA Kanigula
Published: July 2020

BackgroundPredictions have been made that Africa would be the most vulnerable continent to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interestingly, the spread of the disease in Africa seems to have been delayed and initially slower than in many parts of the World. Here we report on two cases which make us suspect that COVID-19 might have been present in our region before the official declaration of the disease in December 2019.Case presentationThese two cases (one 55-year-old man and one 25-year-old woman) of acute respiratory distress secondary to atypical pneumonia were seen in Bukavu, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), between September and December 2019. One patient had returned from China and the other had close contacts with travellers from China in the 2 weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. In either case, the aetiology could not be accurately determined. However, the two cases presented a clinical picture (progressive dyspnoea, preceded by dry cough and fever) and laboratory changes (procalcitonin within the normal range, slight inflammation, and lymphopenia) compatible with a viral infection. The chest X-Rays series of the first patient showed lesions (reticulations, ground glass, and nodules ≤ 6 mm) similar to those found in COVID-19. In addition, unlike the 25-year-old female patient who had no comorbidity, the 55-year-old male patient who had hypertension as comorbidity, developed a more severe acute respiratory distress which progressed to death.ConclusionThese cases bring to the attention a number of facts which make us suspect that the COVID-19 epidemic may have already been present in the region months before the official beginning of the pandemic.
Study on mechanism of the Hanshi Zufei syndrome formula for COVID-19 based on network pharmacology
Authors: Zheng Wenjiang , Ni Yongshi , Yan Qian , Huang Ying , Li Jiqiang , Liu Xiaohong , Jiang Yong
Published: July 2020

Objective

To study the mechanisms of Hanshi Zufei syndrome formula (HSZF) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using network pharmacology.
Methods

We screened the potential active constituents (oral bioavailability [OB] ≥ 30%, drug-likeness [DL] ≥ 0.18) of HSZF using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, predicted targets using the Swiss TargetPrediction database, constructed a pharmacologically active-compound–potential-target network and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network using Cytoscape software, and used the org.Hs.eg.db and ClusterProfiler data packages in R language software to perform gene ontology (GO) biological-function analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis on the potential targets of HSZF.
Results

A total of 170 effective active constituents, such as Genkwanin, diosmetin, wogonin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and herbacetin were obtained through oral OB and DL screenings. These constituents act on targets such as kininogen-1 (KNG1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Caspase-3 (CASP3), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), EStrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and myeloperoxidase (MPO); participate in biological processes such as cellular metal ion homeostasis, calcium ion homeostasis, unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, and positive regulation of phospholipase activity; and treat COVID-19 through pathways such as apoptosis, calcium signaling, phospholipase D signaling, arachidonic acid metabolism, platelet activation, renin–angiotensin system (RAS), and inflammatory-mediator regulation of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels.
Conclusion

Flavonoids are important in the mechanism by which HSZF treats COVID-19. Inhibition of inflammatory response and regulation of both immune function and cell apoptosis might be important mechanisms of HSZF for this disease.
Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis on molecular targets and mechanisms of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in the treatment of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Gao Qiang , Tian Danfeng , Han Zhenyun , Lin Jingfeng , Chang Ze , Zhang Dandan , Ma Dayong
Published: July 2020

Background and objective: With the exact clinical efficacy, Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD) is a classical prescription for the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). Here, we aimed to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms of BHD in treating IS using systems biology approaches.Methods: The bioactive components and potential targets of BHD were screened by TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, ETCM, and SymMap databases. Besides, compounds that failed to find the targets from the above databases were predicted through STITCH, SWISS, and SEA. Moreover, six databases were searched to mine targets of IS. The intersection targets were obtained, and analyzed by GO and KEGG enrichment. Furthermore, BHD-IS PPI network, compound-compound target-IS network and pathway of drug-compound target-IS network were constructed by Cytoscape 3.6.0. Finally, AutoDock was used for molecular docking verification.Results：A total of 253 putative targets were obtained from 60 active compounds in BHD. Among them, 62 targets were related to IS. PPI network showed that the top ten key targets were IL6, TNF, VEGFA, and AKT1, etc. The enrichment analysis demonstrated candidate BHD targets were more frequently involved TNF, PI3K-Akt, and NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Network topology analysis showed that Radix Astragali was the main herb in BHD, and the key components were quercetin, beta-Sitosterol, kaempferol, and stigmasterol, etc. The results of molecular docking showed the active components in BHD had a good binding ability with the key targets.Conclusions: This study firstly adopted the methods of network pharmacology and molecular docking to reveal the relationships among herbs in BHD, the putative targets and IS-related pathways.
Identification of hub genes in cervical cancer using weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: Lv Xiao Feng , Gong Ruyue , Han Xiao , Cui Shihong
Published: July 2020

Background

Cervical cancer ranks second among malignancies in females around the world. Due to the elevated incidence and mortality of this malignancy, deciphering its pathogenesis and identifying related biomarkers is urgently required.
Methods

First, raw cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) data in GSE63514 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) was performed to build a co-expression network. Next, comprehensive bioinformatics was performed to determine hub genes, and assess the associated functional annotation, prognostic signature, tumor immunity, DNA mismatch repair, methylation mechanism, candidate molecular drugs, and gene mutations.
Results

From the key module, ALOX12B, KRT78, RHOD and ZNF750 were selected for validation. K-M plots indicated that these genes had good diagnostic and prognostic values in CESC. Moreover, mutations in these hub genes resulted in the downregulation of most immune genes in CESC. On the other hand, most of the four core genes were negatively correlated with DNA mismatch genes. In addition, we found that RHOD and ZNF750 had decreased methylation in the disease state, while ALOX12B and KRT78 showed no significant differences. Meanwhile, GSVA revealed that most core genes had associations with P53 signaling and the hypoxia signaling pathway.
Conclusion

WGCNA could identify groups of genes significantly associated with cervical cancer prognosis. These findings provide new insights into CESC pathogenesis, and identify ALOX12B, KRT78, RHOD and ZNF750 as candidate biomarkers for CESC diagnosis and prognosis.
Updates on malaria epidemiology and profile in Cabo Verde from 2010 to 2019: The goal of Elimination
Authors: DePINA Adilson José , Stresman Gillian , Barros Helga Sofia Baptista , Moreira António Lima , Dia Abdoulaye Kane , Furtado Ullardina Domingos , Faye Ousmane , Seck Ibrahima , Niang El Hadji Amadou Niang
Published: July 2020

Background
Cabo Verde is one of the E-2020 Initiative, a group of 21 countries identified by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016 as having the potential to eliminate malaria by 2020. Located in west Africa, Cabo Verde is an archipelago consisting of nine inhabited islands. Malaria has been endemic since the settlement of the islands during the during the 16th century and is poised to achieve malaria elimination in January 2021. The aim of this research is to characterise the trends in malaria cases from 2010 to 2019 as the country transitions from endemic transmission to elimination and prevention of reintroduction phases.
Methods
All confirmed malaria cases reported to the Ministry of Health between 2010 and 2019 were extracted and secondary analysis was conducted. Variables collected as part of the routine reporting for each confirmed case included age, sex, municipality of residence, and if classified as imported, the reported country of travel within the past 30 days, providing the presumed origin of infection. Trends in reported cases were visualised and logistic regression used to identify risk factors associated with imported malaria.
Results
A total of 819 malaria cases were reported in the country between 2010 and 2019, the majority of which were Plasmodium falciparum. Overall, 554 (67.6%) and 263 (32.1%) of cases were reported as locally acquired and imported, respectively, with the last locally acquired case reported in January 2018. Only two (0.20%) of the cases were classified as introduced, a single case in each of 2018 and 2019. Of the locally acquired cases, 80.5% (446/554) were reported during the outbreak in 2017. The majority of malaria cases were identified in males (766; 73.3%) or those aged 20 years or older (658; 79.7%). The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of cases being imported was 3.73 (95% CI: 2.47–4.99) in the post epidemic period compared with the pre-epidemic period and reported on Sao Vicente island (AOR = 6.96, 95% CI = 4.40–9.53, p < 0.0001) compared to Boa Vista.
Conclusions
Cabo Verde has made substantial gains in reducing malaria burden in the country over the past decade and are poised to achieve elimination in 2020. However, the high mobility between the islands and continental Africa where malaria is still highly endemic, means there is a constant risk of malaria reintroduction. Characterisation of imported cases provides useful insight for program and enables better evidence-based decision-making to ensure malaria elimination can be sustained.
Risk factors and prognostic factors for inflammatory breast cancer with bone metastasis: A population-based study
Authors: Shao Fang
Published: July 2020

Background: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare type of breast cancer with poor prognosis. IBC patients with bone metastasis (BM) often suffer from many complications. This study was to identify risk factors with strong capability of predicting high BM risk for IBC patients and find prognostic factors of IBC patientsMethods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was used to collect the clinicopathological and survival information of IBC patients. 966 IBC patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 were to study the risk factors for developing BM by using Multivariable logistic regression. 194 and 176 patients were to analyze independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and cancer specific survival (CSS) of IBC patients with BM by performing Cox proportional hazard model.Results: Of the 966 IBC patients, 194 (20.1%) patients were with BM. IBC patients of unmarried, double breast tumor, N1 stage, N3 stage, and liver metastases had higher risk of BM, while those of uninsured status and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) were less likely to have BM. The survival analysis showed that TNBC subtype and liver metastases were independently significantly associated with poorer OS and CSS of BM patients, while chemotherapy could serve as an independent prognostic factor for better OS and CSS of BM patients.Conclusions: The risk factors for developing BM could provide potential guidelines for screening BM in IBC patients. The independent prognostic factors for survival outcome of IBC patients with BM could help doctors precisely treat those patients.
Design of a robot-assisted system for transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar surgeries: study protocol
Authors: Fan Ning , Yuan Shuo , Du Peng , Zhu Wenyi , Li Liang , Hai Yong , Ding Hui , Wang Guangzhi , Zang Lei
Published: July 2020

Background
Transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar surgeries (PELS) for lumbar disc herniation and spinal stenosis are growing in popularity. However, there are some problems in the establishment of the working channel and foraminoplasty such as nerve and blood vessel injuries, more radiation exposure, and steeper learning curve. Rapid technological advancements have allowed robotic technology to assist surgeons in improving the accuracy and safety of surgeries. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a robot-assisted system for transforaminal PELS, which can provide navigation and foraminoplasty.
Methods
The robot-assisted system consists of three systems: preoperative planning system, navigation system, and foraminoplasty system. In the preoperative planning system, 3D visualization of the surgical segment and surrounding tissues are realized using the multimodal image fusion technique of Computed tomography and Magnetic resonance imaging, and the working channel planning is carried out to reduce the risk for injury to vital blood vessels and nerves. In the navigation system, the robot can obtain visual perception ability from a visual receptor and automatically adjust the robotic platform and robot arm to the appropriate positions according to the patient’s position and preoperative plan. In addition, the robot can automatically register the surgical target through intraoperative fluoroscopy. After that, the robot will provide navigation using the 6 degree-of-freedom (DOF) robot arm according to the preoperative planning system and guide the surgeon to complete the establishment of the working channel. In the foraminoplasty system, according to the foraminoplasty planning in the preoperative planning system, the robot performs foraminoplasty automatically using the high speed burr at the end of the robot arm. The system can provide real-time feedback on the working status of the bur through multi-mode sensors such as multidimensional force, position, and acceleration. Finally, a prototype of the system is constructed and performance tests are conducted.
Discussion
Our study will develop a robot-assisted system to perform transforaminal PELS, and this robot-assisted system can also be used for other percutaneous endoscopic spinal surgeries such as interlaminar PELS and percutaneous endoscopic cervical and thoracic surgeries through further research. The development of this robot-assisted system can be of great significance. First, the robot can improve the accuracy and efficiency of endoscopic spinal surgeries. In addition, it can avoid multiple intraoperative fluoroscopies, minimize exposure to both patients and the surgical staff, shorten the operative time, and improve the learning curve of beginners, which is beneficial to the popularization of percutaneous endoscopic spinal surgeries.
Knowledge, attitude and practice immediately before and following a three-day workshop on ‘Strategies for reducing antimicrobial resistance and promoting rational use of antimicrobials’
Authors: Jha Nisha , Shankar Pathiyil Ravi , Bhandary Shital
Published: July 2020

Context: Antimicrobials are commonly used worldwide. Reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent matter to be addressed. Aims: The study aimed to measure knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of participants before and after a three-day workshop on various strategies towards reducing antimicrobial resistance and promoting rational use of antimicrobials.Settings and Design: The cross-sectional study was conducted during the workshop held from 17th to 19th April 2019 at a medical college in Nepal.Methods and Material:There were 33 participants. KAP scores were measured immediately before and after the workshop. A questionnaire containing twelve sections related to various themes of the workshop was developed. Feedback regarding each session was also obtained from all the participants.Statistical analysis used: Mean scores were compared among participants before and after the workshop. The ratings for individual sessions were also calculated. Results: Maximum participants were 26-30 years of age and 22(66.7%) were males. Maximum participants, 19(57.6%) were having less than five years work experience. Post intervention scores improved for six out of twelve sessions - rational use of antimicrobials, infection prevention and control for limiting AMR, monitoring the use of antimicrobials in Nepal, effectiveness of various programs to prevent AMR, familiarizing with microbes to tackle AMR, and role of government, media and other organizations for preventing AMR.Conclusions: Excessive use of antimicrobials can lead to problems like AMR. The three-day workshop was effective in increasing the KAP scores of the participants and may lead to more rational use of antimicrobials.
Comprehensive genomic analysis contrasting primary colorectal cancer and matched liver metastases: a retrospective study
Authors: Shiomi Akio , Kusuhara Masatoshi , Sugino Takashi , Sugiura Teiichi , Ohshima Keiichi , Nagashima Takeshi , Urakami Kenichi , Saya Hideyuki , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: July 2020

(Background)Recent studies have revealed that colorectal cancer (CRC) displays intratumor genetic heterogeneity, and the cancer microenvironment play an important role in the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of CRC.(Methods)We performed genomic analysis on 22 paired patients with primary CRC and synchronous colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) using whole-exome sequencing, cancer gene panels, and microarray gene expression profiling. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis was used to confirm the protein expression of genes identified as highly expressed in CRLM by DNA microarray analysis.(Results)A total of 22 paired patients were enrolled in this study, including 13 (59.1%) colon and 9 (40.9%) rectal cancer patients. All patients had synchronous liver metastasis and did not have any other extrahepatic metastases. We identified 11 probes (10 genes) that were highly expressed in CRLM compared to CRC, from 36022 probes obtained from primary CRC, CRLM, and normal liver tissues, using gene expression analysis with DNA microarray. Of the 11 probes (10 genes), 5 genes classified as encoding “matricellular proteins” (osteopontin, periostin, thrombospondin-2, MGP, and GPNMB) were selected for immunohistochemical analysis.Osteopontin was strongly expressed in CRLM (6 of 22 cases: 27.3%) but not in CRC (0 of 22: 0%; p=0.02). Periostin also showed strong immunoreactivity in CRLM (17 of 22: 68.2%) compared to 7 of 22 (31.8%) in CRC (p=0.006). Thrombospondin-2 showed strong immunoreactivity both in CRC and CRLM (54.5% in CRC, 45.5% in CRLM; p=0.55). GPNMB and MGP were rarely positive for both CRC and CRLM. A comparison of immunoreactive positive factors for these 5 genes revealed the complexities of gene expression in CRLM. Of the cases, 16 (72.7%) CRC revealed zero or only one positive immunoreactivity. On the other hand, CRLM revealed more frequent multiple immunoreactivity; 16 cases (72.7%) shared 2 or more factors, which was statistically more frequent in CRLM than in CRC (p=0.007).(Conclusions)This study revealed the genomic heterogeneity between paired primary CRC and CRLM in terms of cancer cell microenvironment. This finding will lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic targets in the era of genome-guided personalized cancer treatment.(Trial registration)This study was retrospectively registered.