bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan Terhadap Kepuasan Pasien Rawat Inap di Ruang Perawatan Private Care Center (PCC) RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar.
Authors: Rani Muhammad , Basalamah Salim , Damis Hasanudin
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mencari bukti emperis variabel-variabel yang mempengaruhi Kepuasan Pasien Rawat Inap di Ruang Perawatan Private Care Center (PCC) RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar. Untuk melihat pengaruh tersebut digunakan lima variabel independen yaitu Bukti Fisik (tangibles), Kehandalan (reliability), Ketanggapan (responsiveness), Jaminan (assurance), Empati (empathy) serta satu variabel dependen yaitu kepuasan pasien.

Dalam peneltian ini, sampel yang diambil adalah 97 responden. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi langsung dan survei dengan cara pembagian kuesioner kepada responden. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode analisis regresi linear berganda.

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Bukti Fisik (tangibles) dan  Ketanggapan (responsiveness) berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Kepuasan Pasien Rawat Inap di Ruang Perawatan Private Care Center (PCC) RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar. Sedangkan Kehandalan (reliability), Jaminan (assurance), dan Empati (empathy) tidak berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Kepuasan Pasien Rawat Inap di Ruang Perawatan Private Care Center (PCC) RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar. Disamping itu variabel yang paling dominan berpengaruh terhadap kepuasan Pasien Rawat Inap di Ruang Perawatan Private Care Center (PCC) RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar adalah Bukti Fisik.

This study aims to find empirical evidence of variables that affect inpatient patient satisfaction in the Private Care Center (PCC) Hospital. Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar. To see this effect five independent variables are used namely Physical Form (tangibles), Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance, Empathy and one dependent variable is patient satisfaction.

In this study, the sample taken was 97 respondents. Data collected through direct observation and survey by way of distribution questionnaires to respondents. This study uses multiple linear regression analysis method

The results showed that the physical form (tangibles) and responsiveness (responsiveness) had a positive and significant effect on the Satisfaction of Inpatients in the Private Care Center (PCC) Room of RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar. While reliability, assurance, and empathy have no positive and significant effect on patient satisfaction in the Private Care Center (PCC) Hospital. Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar. Besides that, the most dominant variable influences the Satisfaction of Inpatients in the Private Care Center (PCC) Room of RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar is Physical Evidence (tangibles).
EXCESSIVA ONEROSIDADE SUPERVENIENTE: UMA ANÁLISE À LUZ DA JURISPRUDÊNCIA DO SUPERIOR TRIBUNAL DE JUSTIÇA
Authors: Silva Santos Silas , Carrijo  dos  Santos  Dalefi  Andrade Geovanna , Akemi Pereira Thaiza , da  Costa Machado Filho Fernando , Rodrigues Biassoti Leticia
Published: March 2021

This article seeks to reflect on the theories that justify the application of the supervening excessive onerosity in the Brazilian legal system in the light of cases decided by the Superior Court of Justice, investigating the importance of the jurisprudence in the application of the studied. The qualitative research is applied with the use of the dialectical method and data collection through bibliographic research, also using the syllogism reasoning. It was observed that the contracting parties should consider the existing risks in the legal business, so that the theory of unpredictability is applied in a subsidiary manner, prevailing the autonomy of will.
Coverage Intervals
Authors: Stoudt Sara , Pintar Adam , Possolo Antonio
Published: March 2021

Since coverage intervals are widely used expressions of measurement uncertainty, this contribution reviews coverage intervals as
defned in the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), and compares them against the principal types of
probabilistic intervals that are commonly used in applied statistics and in measurement science.
Although formally identical to conventional confdence intervals for means, the GUM interprets coverage intervals more as if they were
Bayesian credible intervals, or tolerance intervals.
We focus, in particular, on a common misunderstanding about the intervals derived from the results of the Monte Carlo method of the
GUM Supplement 1 (GUM-S1), and offer a novel interpretation for these intervals that we believe will foster realistic expectations
about what they can deliver, and how and when they can be useful in practice
“A Constitution Similar in Principle to That of the United Kingdom”: The Preamble, Constitutional Principles, and a Sustainable Jurisprudence
Authors: Oliver Peter C.
Published: March 2021

In recent years, unwritten constitutional principles often find their place in Canadian constitutional law via their supposed foothold in the part of the preamble to the Constitution Act, 1867 that refers to “a Constitution similar in Principle to that of the United Kingdom”. Principles such as judicial independence, democracy, federalism, constitutionalism and the rule of law, and protection of minorities have been derived from the preamble. This article looks through over a hundred years of Supreme Court of Canada case law in order to determine what that preambular phrase has meant over time. It turns out that in the years immediately after 1867, it referred to what we now call political constitutionalism. A hundred or so years later, this same passage came to be associated with legal constitutionalism, though the Court has more recently backed away from the fullest implications of that approach. This article proposes a reading of the preamble and constitutional principles that is consistent with recent Supreme Court of Canada case law and defensible given current jurisprudential trends. That reading gives due regard to the traditional meaning of the rule of law all the while acknowledging that there are genuinely hard cases (particularly prevalent at the Supreme Court level) where neither rules nor principles provide clear answers. In those circumstances, respect for the rule of law requires as much wisdom and judgement as it does application of more prosaic legal skills. This article therefore recommends what is here referred to as a “sustainable jurisprudence” that offers an essential bridge between by now orthodox Dworkinian principle-based reasoning and contextual studies more commonly found in socio-legal, feminist, and other critical literature.
'Vaticanleaks': el último episodio de filtración informativa
Authors: Martínez Martínez Silvia
Published: March 2021

Capaz de planear muy alto y de pico poderoso, así ha resultado ser también el particular cuervo que ha anidado en el Vaticano y del que habla estos días la prensa. La peculiaridad de esta especie ha residido más bien en su capacidad para conseguir hacer públicos algunos de los documentos de la Santa Sede. Pero en la historia del periodismo este no es el único episodio de filtración y, como no podía ser de otro modo, la polémica está servida: la generada en torno al contenido revelado y la que pone en cuestionamiento el uso de la técnica y la labor desarrollada por los medios al darle cobertura.
Sistema financiero: ¿aprenderemos?
Authors: Cobarsí-Morales Josep
Published: March 2021

Para garantizar un funcionamiento adecuado y seguro de las entidades financieras es importante y urgente replantearnos algunas premisas de su funcionamiento. En este sentido, no se puede olvidar que los productos financieros son intangibles que transportan información, y donde la confianza de los implicados y su capacidad para tomar decisiones son imprescindibles.
MegaJournals, o el fin de las fronteras documentales
Authors: López-Borrull Alexandre
Published: March 2021

Las nuevas Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC), e Internet por encima de todo, han cambiado muchas de las cosas que estábamos acostumbrados a hacer y las han cambiado, en algún caso siendo conscientes, y en otros sin serlo. Uno de los mejores ejemplos lo tenemos en las revistas científicas.
Effectiveness of Lower-Extremity Electrical Stimulation to Improve Skin Perfusion
Authors: Zulbaran-Rojas Alejandro , Park Catherine , Lepow Brian , Najafi Bijan
Published: March 2021

Background: While numerous studies suggest the benefit of electrical stimulation (E-Stim) therapy to accelerate wound healing, the underlying mechanism of action is still debated. In this pilot study, we examined the potential effectiveness of lower extremity E-Stim therapy to improve tissue perfusion in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Methods: Thirty-eight patients with DFUs were recruited. Participants underwent 60-minutes of active E-Stim therapy provided on acupuncture points above the level of the ankle joint using a bio-electric stimulation technology® (BEST) platform (Tennant Biomodulator® PRO). As primary outcome, changes in perfusion in response to E-Stim were assessed by measuring skin perfusion pressure (SPP) at baseline, 30-, and 60-min during therapy. In addition, retention was assessed 10-min post-therapy. As secondary outcome, tissue oxygen saturation (SatO2) was measured using a non-invasive near-infrared camera (Snapshot NIR, KENT Imaging Inc). Results: SPP increased in response to E-Stim therapy (p = 0.02) with maximum improvement observed at 60-min (11%, p = 0.007) compared to baseline. SPP reduced at 10-min post therapy, but remained higher than baseline (9%, p = 0.1). Magnitude of improvement at 60-min was negatively correlated with baseline SPP values (r = -0.45, p = 0.01) suggesting those with lower perfusion could benefit more from E-Stim therapy. Similar trends were observed for SatO2 with statistically significant improvement for a sub-sample (n=16) with moderate-severe peripheral arterial disease (Ankle brachial index < 0.8 or > 1.4). Conclusions: This study provides early results on the feasibility and effectiveness of E-Stim therapy to improve skin perfusion and SatO2. The magnitude of benefit is higher among those with poorer skin perfusion. Results also suggest the effects of E-Stim could be washed out after stopping therapy and thus regular daily application may be required for the effective benefit for wound healing.
Levantamento Prospectivo dos Processos e Tecnologias na Produção de Biodiesel com Ênfase nos Equipamentos
Authors: Vieira Wedja Timóteo , Brainer Nivea Dos Santos , De Holanda Rafael Da Silva Oliveira , Balliano Tatiane Luciano , Soletti João Inácio
Published: March 2021

Na tentativa de mitigar os impactos ambientais causados pelos combustíveis fósseis, muito tem se investido em fontes alternativas. Nessa vertente, o biodiesel surge como um potencial substituinte já que é oriundo de fontes renováveis como óleo e gorduras. A transesterificação é o processo mais empregado, entretanto outras rotas têm sido estudadas. O presente trabalho objetivou realizar um levantamento prospectivo a respeito dos processos e tecnologias empregados na produção de biodiesel com ênfase nos equipamentos envolvidos nas etapas de produção por meio da busca de patentes e documentos nos principais bancos de dados disponíveis para pesquisa. Foram encontrados 2.320 documentos na base de periódicos Scopus destes 176 do Brasil, usando as palavras “biodiesel” e “Equipment”. Em termos de patentes, foram encontrados 379 depósitos na base Patent Inspiration, destas, 120 são chinesas; 11 são dos Estados Unidos e o Brasil contribuiu com três patentes nesse segmento.
Smart Bakery: Estudo Prospectivo sobre Internet das Coisas (IoT) Aplicadas ao Setor de Panificação
Authors: Pereira Beneildo Rodrigues Oliveira , Uchoa Silvia , Nascimento Clodoaldo , Santos João , Silva Ramon Cardeal , Lima Jéssica Caroline Rodrigues de
Published: March 2021

A Internet das Coisas (IoT), solução que permite a conexão entre diferentes objetos por meio da rede mundial de computadores, oferece às empresas de alimentos e bebidas um vasto potencial para otimização de suas operações. Ao mesmo tempo, o setor de panificação e de confeitaria brasileiro é impelido a adotar novas tecnologias, visando ao aumento do seu diferencial competitivo e inovativo. Dentro desse contexto, o presente artigo teve como objetivo realizar a prospecção tecnológica de soluções do sistema IoT com potencial de aplicação no setor de panificação, sendo para isso levantadas as patentes depositadas no Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial (INPI) e no Questel Orbit, assim como as produções científicas registradas nas plataformas Capes e Scielo. A prospecção aponta para um crescimento mundial nas pesquisas e no desenvolvimento de produtos que relacionam IoT e alimentação, principalmente na China. O Brasil, apresenta um cenário incipiente no desenvolvimento dessas tecnologias, embora já existam algumas iniciativas do poder público e da indústria.
Plasmonic Modulation of Valleytronic Emission in Two‐Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Deng Miaoyi , Wang Xiao , Chen Jianing , Li Ziwei , Xue Mengfei , Zhou Zhiyuan , Lin Feng , Zhu Xing , Fang Zheyu
Published: March 2021

Monolayered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are one kind of hexagonal 2D semiconductors with a direct bandgap structure. Due to the property of natural broken inversion symmetry in the lattice, the strong spin–orbit coupling of electrons in TMDs can induce degenerate levels with antiparallel spins in K and K′ valleys, which selectively respond with external light excitations. Surface plasmon resonance with efficient electromagnetic enhancement and near‐field coupling provides excellent potential opportunities to modulate valley emission of TMDs. Efforts have been devoted to investigating the interaction principles and applications of this research field. This review focuses on plasmonic modulation of valleytronic emission in TMDs with surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) and localized surface plasmons (LSP) based on different modulation principles, respectively, and discusses possible research directions for future device applications.
Coexistence of two accessory flexor pollicis longus heads or coexistence of two-headed flexor pollicis longus with an unrecognized anatomical structure?
Authors: Zielinska Nicol , Szewczyk Bartłomiej , Tubbs R. Shane , Olewnik Łukasz
Published: March 2021

The flexor pollicis longus (FPL) is located in the anterior compartment of the forearm. It is morphologically variable in both point of origin and insertion. An additional head of the FPL can lead to anterior interosseous syndrome. This report presents a morphological variation of the FPL (additional head in proximal attachment and bifurcated tendinous insertion in distal attachment) and an unrecognized structure that has not so far been described in the literature. This structure originates in six heads (attached to the FPL or interosseous membrane) that merge together, and inserts on to the FPL. All the variations noted have clinical significance, ranging from potential nerve compression to prevention of tendon rupture.
Correction to: Quasi-DNS Dataset of a Piloted Flame with Inhomogeneous Inlet Conditions
Authors: Zirwes Thorsten , Zhang Feichi , Habisreuther Peter , Hansinger Maximilian , Bockhorn Henning , Pfitzner Michael , Trimis Dimosthenis
Published: March 2021

The article Quasi-DNS Dataset of a Piloted Flame with Inhomogeneous Inlet Conditions written by Thorsten Zirwes, Feichi Zhang, Peter Habisreuther, Maximilian Hansinger, Henning Bockhorn, Michael Pfitzner, Dimosthenis Trimis, was originally published Online First without Open Access.
Generalised viscoelastic fibre at small strain
Authors: Soldatos Kostas P.
Published: March 2021

A straight elastic fibre is usually perceived as a one-dimensional structural component, and its similarity with a cylindrical rod makes its concept analogous, if not equivalent with the concept of an elastic spring. This analogy enables this communication to match the one-dimensional response of a relevant viscoelastic fibre with that of a viscoelastic spring and, hence, to describe its one-dimensional behaviour in the light of a new, generalised viscoelastic spring model. The model shares simultaneously properties of an elastic spring and an inelastic damper (dashpot) and this communication is interested on its applicability at small strain only. However, the form of its constitutive equation, which is based on the combined action of an internal energy function and a viscous flow potential, is non-linear as well as differential and, also, implicit in the stress. The model enables a posteriori determination of (i) the manner that the elastic and the inelastic parts of the fibre strain are assembled and form the observed total deformation, (ii) the part of stress that creates recoverable work and the part of stress wasted in energy dissipation, and (iii) the amount of work stored in the material as well as the amount of energy dissipation during the fibre deformation. A detailed analysis is presented for the case that small-strain, steady viscoelastic deformation takes place in a spatially homogeneous manner. This includes a complete relevant solution of the problem of interest and is accompanied by an adequate set of corresponding qualitative numerical results.
Preoperative Cardiac Diagnostics in Bariatric Patients with Diabetes and Perioperative Morbidity: Results of a Cohort of 258 Patients
Authors: Stillhard Benjamin , Ngo B. T. Truc , Peterli Ralph , Peters Thomas , Schneider Romano , Kraljević Marko , Slawik Marc , Wölnerhanssen Bettina
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The combination of obesity and diabetes mellitus are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular complications and perioperative morbidity in metabolic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectivity and reliability of the cardiac assessment in patients with diabetes prior to bariatric surgery.

Setting

Private, university-affiliated teaching hospital, Switzerland

Material and Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on results and consequences of cardiac assessments in 258 patients with obesity and diabetes scheduled for primary bariatric surgery at our institution between January 2010 and December 2018.

Results

Out of 258 patients, 246 (95.3%) received cardiac diagnostics: 173 (67.1%) underwent stress-rest myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS), 15 (5.8%) patients had other cardiac imaging including cardiac catheterization, 58 (22.5%) patients had echocardiography and/or stress electrocardiography, and 12 (4.7%) patients received no cardiac evaluation. Subsequently, cardiac catheterization was performed in 28 patients (10.9%), and coronary heart disease was detected and treated in 15 subjects (5.8%). Of these 15 individuals, 5 (33.3%) patients had diffuse vascular sclerosis, 8 (53.3%) patients underwent coronary angioplasty and stenting, and 2 (13.3%) patients coronary artery bypass surgery. Bariatric surgery was performed without perioperative cardiovascular events in all 258 patients.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that a detailed cardiac assessment is mandatory in bariatric patients with diabetes to identify those with yet unknown cardiovascular disease before performing bariatric surgery. We recommend carrying out myocardial perfusion scintigraphy as a reliable diagnostic tool in this vulnerable population. If not viable, stress echocardiography should be performed as a minimum.
Mortality decline, productivity increase, and positive feedback between schooling and retirement choices
Authors: Cai Zhipeng , Lau Sau-Him Paul , Yuen C. Y. Kelvin
Published: March 2021

The twentieth century has seen a phenomenal decline in mortality and an increase in productivity level. These two important events likely affect people's choices of schooling years and retirement age. We first show that in a standard life-cycle model, positive feedback exists between optimal schooling years and retirement age choices. We then evaluate the impact of a mortality or productivity shock on an endogenous variable (schooling years or retirement age) by decomposing it into the direct and indirect effects, where the indirect effect arises from feedback from the other endogenous variable. Finally, we extend the model by including the utility benefit of schooling and show that a negative correlation of schooling years and retirement age is possible. Apart from clarifying the apparently similar concepts of positive co-movement and positive feedback, our results have implications relevant to the economic demography literature.
CME-Sonografie 96/Antworten: Milzveränderungen
Authors: Tuma Jan
Published: March 2021

Zusammenfassung. Die Milz ist ein etwas vernachlässigtes Organ. Dabei gibt es doch immer wieder Veränderungen, die es zu diagnostizieren gilt. Splenomegalie, weltweit am häufigsten verursacht durch Malaria, kommt auch bei anderen Infekten, bei Pfortaderthrombose oder bei portaler Hypertonie in Rahmen der Leberzirrhose vor. Häufig findet man auch eine Nebenmilz. Manchmal findet man nach einer Splenektomie kleine Reste, die später hypertrophieren können. Bei fokalen Veränderungen unterscheiden wir diverse Formen von Milzzysten, Lymphome, Metastasen sowie benigne Tumoren.
Modifying a partial corn-sql layer-based (3,3,3,3,4,4)-c topological MOF by substitution of OH− with Cl− and its highly selective adsorption of C2 hydrocarbons over CH4
Authors: Cheng Hongtao , Wang Qian , Ding Min , Gao Yajun , Xue Dongxu , Bai Junfeng
Published: March 2021

By modifying a partial corn-sql layer-based MOF by substitution of OH− with Cl−, a new MOF has been synthesized and its selective C2 hydrocarbon/CH4 adsorptions have been deeply investigated by both experimental and simulation studies.
DEG/ENaC/ASIC channels vary in their sensitivity to anti-hypertensive and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Authors: Fechner Sylvia , D’Alessandro Isabel , Wang Lingxin , Tower Calvin , Tao Li , Goodman Miriam B.
Published: March 2021

The degenerin channels, epithelial sodium channels, and acid-sensing ion channels (DEG/ENaC/ASICs) play important roles in sensing mechanical stimuli, regulating salt homeostasis, and responding to acidification in the nervous system. They have two transmembrane domains separated by a large extracellular domain and are believed to assemble as homomeric or heteromeric trimers. Based on studies of selected family members, these channels are assumed to form nonvoltage-gated and sodium-selective channels sensitive to the anti-hypertensive drug amiloride. They are also emerging as a target of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Caenorhabditis elegans has more than two dozen genes encoding DEG/ENaC/ASIC subunits, providing an excellent opportunity to examine variations in drug sensitivity. Here, we analyze a subset of the C. elegans DEG/ENaC/ASIC proteins to test the hypothesis that individual family members vary not only in their ability to form homomeric channels but also in their drug sensitivity. We selected a panel of C. elegans DEG/ENaC/ASICs that are coexpressed in mechanosensory neurons and expressed gain-of-function or d mutants in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We found that only DEGT‑1d, UNC‑8d, and MEC‑4d formed homomeric channels and that, unlike MEC‑4d and UNC‑8d, DEGT‑1d channels were insensitive to amiloride and its analogues. As reported for rat ASIC1a, NSAIDs inhibit DEGT‑1d and UNC‑8d channels. Unexpectedly, MEC‑4d was strongly potentiated by NSAIDs, an effect that was decreased by mutations in the putative NSAID-binding site in the extracellular domain. Collectively, these findings reveal that not all DEG/ENaC/ASIC channels are amiloride-sensitive and that NSAIDs can both inhibit and potentiate these channels.
Fabrication of Gd-DOTA-functionalized carboxylated nanodiamonds for selective MR imaging (MRI) of the lymphatic system
Authors: Yano Kosaku , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Okamoto Yutaka , Kurokawa Naruki , Hasebe Terumitsu , Hotta Atsushi
Published: March 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents with the particle diameter of around 3–10 nm hold the potential to be selectively uptaken by lymphatic vessels and be filtered in the kidney for final excretion. However, there are no existing MRI contrast agents based on gadolinium (Gd) complexes within the size of this range, and thus the selective imaging of the lymphatic system has not yet been achieved. In our previous report, we succeeded in fabricating nano-scale MRI contrast agents by complexing ordinary contrast agents (Gd-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)) with carboxylated nanodiamond (CND) particles to conquer this problem. However, DTPA has recently been reported to release Gd ions in the course of time, leading to the potential danger of severe side effects in the human body. In this study, we utilized cyclic-chained DOTA as an alternative chelating material for DTPA to fabricate CND-based MRI contrast agents for the selective lymphatic imaging. The newly fabricated contrast agents possessed the diameter ranging from 3 to 10 nm in distilled water and serum, indicating that these particles can be selectively uptaken by lymphatic vessels and effectively filtered in the kidney. Furthermore, the DOTA-applied CND contrast agents exhibited stronger MRI visibility in water and serum compared to DTPA-applied CND contrast agents. These results indicate that DOTA-applied CND contrast agents are promising materials for the selective MR imaging of lymphatic systems.
Gyrokinetic simulation of turbulent transport for I-mode edge plasmas
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Zhou Tianchun , Xiao Yong
Published: March 2021

I-mode is an attractive candidate among the confinement regimes proposed for burning operation with good energy confinement similar to H-mode but poor particle confinement similar to L-mode, resulting in no obvious impurity accumulation and free of large edge localized modes. Although I-mode has been recently achieved experimentally on several tokamaks, theory and simulation remain insufficient to explain the mechanisms behind the I-mode formation and its peculiar transport behaviour. In this work, an electrostatic gyrokinetic simulation using gyrokinetic toroidal code (GTC) is carried out for the typical I-mode plasma profiles. Linear simulations reveal that two competitive instabilities coexist within the range of short and long wavelengths during I-mode phase, respectively. It is found that the passing electron response cannot be treated adiabatically for those modes with mode numbers close to that of weekly coherent mode, which is considered to be a major player in the I-mode formation and responsible for the unusual transport behaviour exhibited in I-mode plasmas. Nonlinear simulations yield a turbulent heat transport level that is comparable to the experimental level, and about a half of the experimental particle transport level.
Contribution of Excitatory and Inhibitory Neuronal Activity to BOLD fMRI
Authors: Moon Hyun Seok , Jiang Haiyan , Vo Thanh Tan , Jung Won Beom , Vazquez Alberto L , Kim Seong-Gi
Published: March 2021

The BOLD fMRI response in the cortex is often assumed to reflect changes in excitatory neural activity. However, the contribution of inhibitory neurons to BOLD fMRI is unclear. Here, the role of inhibitory and excitatory activity was examined using multimodal approaches: electrophysiological recording, 15.2 T fMRI, optical intrinsic signal imaging, and modeling. Inhibitory and excitatory neuronal activity in the somatosensory cortex were selectively modulated by 20-s optogenetic stimulation of VGAT-ChR2 and CaMKII-ChR2 mice, respectively. Somatosensory stimulation and optogenetic stimulation of excitatory neurons induced positive BOLD responses in the somatosensory network, whereas stimulation of inhibitory neurons produced biphasic responses at the stimulation site, initial positive and later negative BOLD signals, and negative BOLD responses at downstream sites. When the stimulation duration was reduced to 5 s, the hemodynamic response of VGAT-ChR2 mice to optogenetic stimulation was only positive. Lastly, modeling performed from neuronal and hemodynamic data shows that the hemodynamic response function (HRF) of excitatory neurons is similar across different conditions, whereas the HRF of inhibitory neurons is highly sensitive to stimulation frequency and peaks earlier than that of excitatory neurons. Our study provides insights into the neurovascular coupling of excitatory and inhibitory neurons and the interpretation of BOLD fMRI signals.
Cancer Stage, Treatment, and Survival Among Transgender Patients in the United States
Authors: Jackson Sarah S , Han Xuesong , Mao Ziling , Nogueira Leticia , Suneja Gita , Jemal Ahmedin , Shiels Meredith S
Published: March 2021

Background

Transgender persons face many barriers to health care that may delay cancer diagnosis and treatment, possibly resulting in decreased survival. Yet, data on cancer in this population are limited. We examined cancer stage at diagnosis, treatment, and survival among transgender patients compared with cisgender patients in the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Methods

Gender (male, female, or transgender) was extracted from medical records from patients diagnosed with cancer between 2003 and 2016. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) for the associations between gender and stage at diagnosis and treatment receipt. Cox proportional hazards regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for associations between gender and all-cause survival.

Results

Among 11 776 699 persons with cancer in NCDB, 589 were transgender. Compared with cisgender patients, transgender patients may be more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer (OR = 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.95 to 3.28); be less likely to receive treatment for kidney (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.47) and pancreas (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.95) cancers; and have poorer survival after diagnosis with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.51 to 3.63), prostate (HR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.06 to 3.45), and bladder cancers (HR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.36 to 6.00). Similar associations were found for other cancer sites, although not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Transgender patients may be diagnosed at later stages, be less likely to receive treatment, and have worse survival for many cancer types. Small sample size hampered our ability to detect statistically significant differences for some cancer sites. There is a need for transgender-focused cancer research as the population ages and grows.
High-Altitude Adaptation: Mechanistic Insights from Integrated Genomics and Physiology
Authors: Storz Jay F.
Published: March 2021

Population genomic analyses of high-altitude humans and other vertebrates have identified numerous candidate genes for hypoxia adaptation, and the physiological pathways implicated by such analyses suggest testable hypotheses about underlying mechanisms. Studies of highland natives that integrate genomic data with experimental measures of physiological performance capacities and subordinate traits are revealing associations between genotypes (e.g., hypoxia-inducible factor gene variants) and hypoxia-responsive phenotypes. The subsequent search for causal mechanisms is complicated by the fact that observed genotypic associations with hypoxia-induced phenotypes may reflect second-order consequences of selection-mediated changes in other (unmeasured) traits that are coupled with the focal trait via feedback regulation. Manipulative experiments to decipher circuits of feedback control and patterns of phenotypic integration can help identify causal relationships that underlie observed genotype–phenotype associations. Such experiments are critical for correct inferences about phenotypic targets of selection and mechanisms of adaptation.
Levels of seminal tRNA-derived fragments from normozoospermic men correlate with the success rate of ART
Authors: Grosso Julieta B , Zoff Luciana , Calvo Karina L , Maraval María Belén , Perez Mariana , Carbonaro Marines , Brignardello Claudia , Morente Carlos , Spinelli Silvana V
Published: March 2021

Decreased fertility is becoming an important social and medical problem and the male factor is involved in at least half of infertility cases. Since conventional semen analysis provides limited prediction of male fertility; in this work, we evaluated the potential use of seminal small RNAs (sRNA) as markers of semen quality in ART. Our bioinformatic analyses of available sRNA-seq databases showed that the most abundant sRNA species in seminal plasma of normozoospermic men are tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs), a novel class of regulatory sRNAs. These molecules not only exert their function within cells but also are released into the extracellular environment where they could carry out signaling functions. To evaluate whether the assessment of seminal tRFs in normozoospermic men has a predictive value for the clinical outcome in ART, we performed a prospective study with couples who underwent ICSI cycles with donated oocytes. The results obtained demonstrated that levels of 5’tRF-Glu-CTC, 5’tRF-Lys-CTT, and 5’tRF-Gly-GCC are significantly elevated in seminal samples from cases with repeated failed ICSI cycles, suggesting a potential association between increased seminal tRFs and unexplained male infertility. Interestingly, these tRFs showed a negative association with seminal testosterone, highlighting their involvement in male endocrinology. Our findings also suggest that tRFs could play a role in modulating male reproductive function in response to physiological stress since they showed significant associations with the levels of sperm DNA fragmentation in couples that achieved pregnancy but not in cases with failed ICSI cycles where seminal cortisol levels correlate with sperm quality.
Creating a return to work Medical Readers’ Theatre
Authors: Kek B , Stewart W A , Adisesh A
Published: March 2021

Background

Previous work on sickness absence has shown that conversations about return to work can be challenging. The perception of competing interests and multiple stakeholders in the return to work process may also complicate and erode trust, further impacting health and well-being.

Aims

This study aims to explore the themes arising from the experiences of physicians and patients on the impact of health and return to work. The goal was to use these results to develop a Medical Readers’ Theatre workshop focusing on negotiating challenging return to work scenarios to serve as an educational support for stakeholders.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 physicians and 15 patients from the Canadian Maritime Provinces on their experiences in return to work following an injury or illness. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Using the emergent themes, an educational workshop in the modality of Readers’ Theatre was developed.

Results

The findings confirm there are multiple stakeholders involved in the return to work process and the factors influencing successful return are not always medically related. Six recurring themes were identified for the patient group and five for the physicians’, allowing the development of storylines and four return to work scenarios. The scenarios have been used in teaching sessions.

Conclusions

The themes reinforced that challenges in return to work are not always medical in nature. This Readers’ Theatre adopts perspectives of patients, physicians and other stakeholders whilst focusing on return to work with the goal of providing engagement in reflective and purposeful discussion.
EMBRYO SAC DEVELOPMENT 1 affects seed setting rate in rice by controlling embryo sac development
Authors: Wang Tiankang , Li Yixing , Song Shufeng , Qiu Mudan , Zhang Licheng , Li Chengxia , Dong Hao , Li Lei , Wang Jianlong , Li Li
Published: March 2021

Seed setting rate is one of the critical factors that determine rice yield. Grain formation is a complex biological process, whose molecular mechanism is yet to be improved. Here we investigated the function of an OVATE family protein, Embryo Sac Development 1 (ESD1), in the regulation of seed setting rate in rice (Oryza sativa) by examining its loss-of-function mutants generated via clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated9 (Cas9) technology. ESD1 was predominantly expressed at Stage 6 of panicle development, especially in the ovules. esd1 mutants displayed reduced seed setting rates with normal stamen development and pollen tube growth but abnormal pistil group. Investigation of embryo sacs revealed that during the mitosis of functional megaspores, some egg cells degraded during differentiation in esd1 mutants, thereby hindering subsequent fertilization process and reducing seed setting rate. In addition, the transcriptional level of O. sativa anaphase-promoting complex 6, a reported embryo sac developing gene, was significantly reduced in esd1 mutants. These results support that ESD1 is an important modulator of ESD and seed setting rate in rice. Together, this finding demonstrates that ESD1 positively regulates the seed setting rate by controlling ESD in rice and has implications for the improvement of rice yield.
Towards Understanding the COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate
Authors: Yan Donghui , Chen Aiyou , Yang Buqing
Published: March 2021

An important parameter for COVID-19 is the case fatality rate (CFR). It has been applied to wide applications, including the measure of the severity of the infection, the estimation of the number of infected cases, risk assessment etc. However, there remains a lack of understanding on several aspects of CFR, including population factors that are important to CFR, the apparent discrepancy of CFRs in different countries, and how the age effect comes into play. We analyze the CFRs at two different time snapshots, July 6 and Dec 28, with one during the first wave and the other a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We consider two important population covariates, age and GDP as a proxy for the quality and abundance of public health. Extensive exploratory data analysis leads to some interesting findings. First, there is a clear exponential age effect among different age groups, and, more importantly, the exponential index is almost invariant across countries and time in the pandemic. Second, the roles played by the age and GDP are a little surprising: during the first wave, age is a more significant factor than GDP, while their roles have switched during the second wave of the pandemic, which may be partially explained by the delay in time for the quality and abundance of public health and medical research to factor in.
Using text mining to measure mobile banking service quality
Authors: Leem Byung-Hak , Eum Seong-Won
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a method of measuring service quality as well as suggesting to detect customer complaints through analysis of customer online reviews of mobile bank, which is unstructured data.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses text mining approach for customer online reviews analysis. The research procedure includes: (1) extracting users' reviews for Kakao Mobile Bank, (2) pre-processing of the extracted review data, (3) analyzing the sentiment of each review, (4) measuring the service quality score of each dimension by analyzing keyword frequency and network for each polarity, (5) evaluating total score for mobile bank service quality, and (6) detecting customer complaints on online reviews.

Findings

There are some findings. First, from the customer's point of view, it was possible to see which factors are important among the various dimensions of service quality and which factors should be managed well in mobile banking setting. Second, by periodically finding customer complaints, service failures can be prevented early, and service quality and customer satisfaction can be improved.

Practical implications

From a practical point of view, mobile bank managers should pay more attention to the service quality dimensions of practicality and enjoyment. In addition, the results mean that the app design and aesthetics with the most negative reviews should be reviewed from the user's perspective rather than from the company's point of view. Second, it is possible for them to establish a systematic complaint management system that can prevent service failure in advance by detecting customer complaints early. Third, it is possible for them to make quick decisions regarding service quality with the help of real-time customer response through dashboard construction.

Originality/value

This paper is a pioneer study measuring service quality with sentiment analysis, one of the text mining applications, using customers' reviews of a mobile bank.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus impacts on gut microbiome in a strain virulence‐dependent fashion
Authors: Argüello Héctor , Rodríguez‐Gómez Irene Magdalena , Sánchez‐Carvajal Jose María , Pallares Francisco José , Díaz Iván , Cabrera‐Rubio Raúl , Crispie Fiona , Cotter Paul D. , Mateu Enric , Martín‐Valls Gerard , Carrasco Librado , Gómez‐Laguna Jaime
Published: March 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease defined by reproductive problems, respiratory distress and a negative impact on growth rate and general condition. Virulent PRRS virus (PRRSV) strains have emerged in the last years with evident knowledge gaps in their impact on the host immune response. Thus, the present study examines the impact of acute PRRS virus (PRRSV) infection, with two strains of different virulence, on selected immune parameters and on the gut microbiota composition of infected pigs using 16S rRNA compositional sequencing. Pigs were infected with a low virulent (PRRS_3249) or a virulent (Lena) PRRSV‐1 strain and euthanized at 1, 3, 6, 8 or 13 days post‐inoculation (dpi). Faeces were collected from each animal at the necropsy time‐point. Alpha and beta diversity analyses demonstrated that infection, particularly with the Lena strain, impacted the microbiome composition from 6 dpi onwards. Taxonomic differences revealed that infected pigs had higher abundance of Treponema and Methanobrevibacter (FDR < 0.05). Differences were more considerable for Lena‐ than for PRRS_3249‐infected pigs, showing the impact of strain virulence in the intestinal changes. Lena‐infected pigs had reduced abundancies of anaerobic commensals such as Roseburia, Anaerostipes, Butyricicoccus and Prevotella (P < 0.05). The depletion of these desirable commensals was significantly correlated to infection severity measured by viraemia, clinical signs, lung lesions and immune parameters (IL‐6, IFN‐γ and Hp serum levels). Altogether, the results from this study demonstrate the indirect impact of PRRSV infection on gut microbiome composition in a strain virulence‐dependent fashion and its association with selected immune markers.
Comparison of iron staining and scoring methods on canine bone marrow aspirates
Authors: Pawsat Grace A. , Fry Michael M. , Schneider Liesel , Schaefer Deanna M. W.
Published: March 2021

Background

Insufficient iron for erythropoiesis can occur in multiple conditions, including absolute iron deficiency, which is often caused by chronic external hemorrhage in dogs. Distinguishing this from other causes of iron‐restricted erythropoiesis allows appropriate intervention. Decreased marrow iron assessed by Prussian blue staining is a method to diagnose absolute iron deficiency, but scoring systems for marrow iron are not validated in dogs.

Objectives

Our objectives were to (a) evaluate the technical performance of two bone marrow iron scoring systems used in human medicine and (b) examine the effects of destaining and restaining on iron stores after Wright‐stained marrow slides are destained and restained with a Prussian blue stain.

Methods

Two marrow aspirate slides were included from each of 12 ill dogs in which marrow was collected during clinical evaluation. One slide was directly stained with Prussian blue. The other was first stained with Wright stain, then destained and restained with Prussian blue. Three blinded observers scored the presence of iron in each of the 24 randomized slides using the Gale (scale 0‐6) and sideroblast methods (percentage score). Slides were then re‐randomized and rescored.

Results

For the Gale method, interobserver agreement was fair, and intraobserver agreement was substantial to perfect. There was less agreement using the sideroblast method, with a significant observer effect. Iron scores were significantly lower in destained slides compared with those stained directly.

Conclusions

Interobserver and intraobserver agreements were acceptable for the Gale method, but the sideroblast method should be used cautiously. A destaining procedure before Prussian blue staining could decrease marrow iron scores.
Calculation of Load and Stroke in Oil-Well Pump Rods
Authors: Langer B. F. , Lamberger E. H.
Published: March 2021

The sucker-rod pump as used in oil wells is treated as a problem in the longitudinal vibration of bars. Solutions are obtained for the forces and motions at both ends of the rod string, thus giving formulas for the calculation of polished-rod load and plunger travel. The results of the calculations are compared with test results.
Next generation nanopatterning using small molecule inhibitors for area-selective atomic layer deposition
Authors: Yarbrough Josiah , Shearer Alex B. , Bent Stacey F.
Published: March 2021

Area-selective atomic layer deposition (ALD) is an approach to self-aligned, bottom-up nanofabrication with the potential to overcome many of the challenges facing the semiconductor industry around continued device downscaling. Currently, the most common method for achieving area-selective ALD uses self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as a means of surface deactivation. Alternative routes are also being pursued that may better meet the demands of high-volume device manufacturing and overcome some disadvantages of the SAM method. One promising alternative is the use of small molecule inhibitors (SMIs). This Perspective provides an overview of the current developments in the use of SMIs for selective deposition by describing systems from the literature and providing insight into SMI selection. Although little is yet known about the mechanistic behavior of SMIs, this Perspective aims to lay the framework for both a better understanding of their inhibitive performance and strategies to innovate their design. It establishes two key interfaces—between the ALD precursor and the inhibitor, and between the inhibitor and the substrate—and discusses the role of each in selective deposition. Building upon the established understanding of SAMs together with current knowledge of SMIs, this Perspective aims to define guiding principles and key considerations for improving SMI design.
People with HIV-1 Demonstrate Type 1 Interferon Refractoriness Associated with Upregulated USP18
Authors: Sugawara Sho , El-Diwany Ramy , Cohen Laura K. , Rousseau Kimberly E. , Williams Christopher Y. K. , Veenhuis Rebecca T. , Mehta Shruti H. , Blankson Joel N. , Thomas David L. , Cox Andrea L. , Balagopal Ashwin
Published: March 2021

People living with HIV-1 (PLWH) have elevated constitutive expression of type 1 interferons (IFN). However, it is unclear whether this affects downstream innate immune responses.
Current evidence for prenatal and postnatal corticosteroids in preterm infants
Authors: Shinwell Eric S , Gurevitz Polina , Portnov Igor
Published: March 2021

Antenatal corticosteroids undoubtedly save many lives and improve the quality of many others. However, the currently accepted dosage schedule has been in place since 1972, and recent studies have suggested that beneficial effects may be seen with less. Most but not all studies of long-term outcome show no adverse effects. The use of antenatal corticosteroids in women with COVID-19 raises important questions regarding potential risks and benefits. However, currently, most authorities recommend continuing according to published guidelines. With regard to postnatal corticosteroids, alternatives to systemic dexamethasone, the somewhat tainted standard of care, show promise in preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia without adverse effects. Systemic hydrocortisone and inhaled corticosteroids are of note. The mixture of surfactant and corticosteroids deserves particular attention in the coming years.