bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delivery of a Mental Health First Aid training package and staff peer support service in secondary schools: a process evaluation of uptake and fidelity of the WISE intervention
Authors: Fisher Harriet , Harding Sarah , Bell Sarah , Copeland Lauren , Evans Rhiannon , Powell Jillian , Araya Ricardo , Campbell Rona , Ford Tamsin , Gunnell David , Murphy Simon , Kidger Judi
Published: August 2020

Background

Improving children and young people’s provision for mental health is a current health priority in England. Secondary school teachers have worse mental health outcomes than the general working population, which the Wellbeing in Secondary Education (WISE) cluster randomised controlled trial aimed to improve. The WISE intervention comprised a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training package delivered to at least 16% of staff, a short mental health awareness session to all teachers and development of a staff peer support service. Twenty-five schools were randomised to intervention or control arms. This paper reports findings regarding the extent of uptake and fidelity of the intervention.

Methods

Mixed methods data collection comprised researcher observations of training delivery, training participant evaluation forms, trainer and peer supporter interviews, peer supporter feedback meetings, logs of support provided, and teacher questionnaires. Quantitative data were summarised descriptively, while thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data.

Results

In the 12 schools assigned to the intervention arm, 113 (8.6%) staff completed the 2-day standard MHFA training course, and a further 146 (11.1%) staff completed the 1-day MHFA for schools and colleges training. In seven (58.3%) schools, the required 8% of staff completed the MHFA training packages. A 1-h mental health awareness-raising session was attended by 666 (54.5%) staff. Delivery of the MHFA training package was achieved with high levels of fidelity and quality across schools. All schools set up the peer support service following training, with a majority adhering to most of the operational guidelines developed from the pilot study at the outset. Teachers reported limited use of the peer support service during follow-up. At the 1-year follow-up, only three (25.0%) schools indicated they had re-advertised the service and there was evidence of a reduction in support from senior leadership.

Conclusion

The MHFA training package was delivered with reasonably high fidelity, and a staff peer support service was established with general, but not complete, adherence to guidelines. In some schools, insufficient staff received MHFA training and levels of delivery of the peer support service compromised intervention dose and reach.

Trial registration

ISRCTN 95909211. Registered on 15 January 2016
Quantitative analysis of the effects of morphological changes on extracellular electron transfer rates in cyanobacteria
Authors: Okedi Tonny I. , Fisher Adrian C. , Yunus Kamran
Published: August 2020

Background

Understanding the extracellular electron transport pathways in cyanobacteria is a major factor towards developing biophotovoltaics. Stressing cyanobacteria cells environmentally and then probing changes in physiology or metabolism following a significant change in electron transfer rates is a common approach for investigating the electron path from cell to electrode. However, such studies have not explored how the cells’ concurrent morphological adaptations to the applied stresses affect electron transfer rates. In this paper, we establish a ratio to quantify this effect in mediated systems and apply it to Synechococcus elongatus sp. PCC7942 cells grown under different nutritional regimes.

Results

The results provide evidence that wider and longer cells with larger surface areas have faster mediated electron transfer rates. For rod-shaped cells, increase in cell area as a result of cell elongation more than compensates for the associated decline in mass transfer coefficients, resulting in faster electron transfer. In addition, the results demonstrate that the extent to which morphological adaptations account for the changes in electron transfer rates changes over the bacterial growth cycle, such that investigations probing physiological and metabolic changes are meaningful only at certain time periods.

Conclusion

A simple ratio for quantitatively evaluating the effects of cell morphology adaptations on electron transfer rates has been defined. Furthermore, the study points to engineering cell shape, either via environmental conditioning or genetic engineering, as a potential strategy for improving the performance of biophotovoltaic devices.
Controlling stem cell fate using cold atmospheric plasma
Authors: Tan Fei , Fang Yin , Zhu Liwei , Al-Rubeai Mohamed
Published: August 2020

The stem cell is the foundation of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Regulating specific stem cell fate, such as cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and even death, undergoes continuous development. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), the core technology of plasma medicine, is attracting tremendous attention due to its ability and versatility to manipulate various types of cells, including stem cells. Specifically, the direct and indirect applications of CAP in controlling cell fate are best exemplified by upfront irradiation of the stem cells and modification of the stem cell niche, respectively. This review will describe the recent advances in various CAP strategies, both direct and indirect, and their influence on the fate of healthy and cancer stem cells. Particular emphasis will be placed on the mechanism of connecting the physical and chemical cues carried by the plasma and biological changes presented by the cells, especially at the transcriptomic level. The ultimate goal is to exploit CAP’s potential in regenerative medicine.
Reversible data hiding in encrypted binary image with shared pixel prediction and halving compression
Authors: Li Fengyong , Zhang Lianming , Wei Weimin
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a new reversible data hiding scheme in encrypted binary image is proposed by shared pixel prediction and halving compression. We first divide binary image into non-overlapping pure color blocks and non-pure color blocks, and then partition each non-pure color block as shared pixels and embeddable pixels by a cross-segmentation mechanism. Then, a location sequence which marked all blocks is further compressed by halving compression and is considered as auxiliary data. Subsequently, after performing image encryption, data hider embeds additional data into the pixels of pure color blocks and embeddable pixels of non-pure color blocks. Finally, separable operations of data extraction, direct image decryption, and image recovery are conducted by the receiver. With shared pixel prediction mechanism, perfect image recovery can be achieved. Extensive experiments demonstrate that compared with existing methods, our scheme can obtain a higher visual quality of decrypted images, while maintaining a larger embedding capacity.
Predictive biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Bai Rilan , Lv Zheng , Xu Dongsheng , Cui Jiuwei
Published: August 2020

Although the clinical development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy has ushered in a new era of anti-tumor therapy, with sustained responses and significant survival advantages observed in multiple tumors, most patients do not benefit. Therefore, more and more attention has been paid to the identification and development of predictive biomarkers for the response of ICIs, and more in-depth and comprehensive understanding has been continuously explored in recent years. Predictive markers of ICIs efficacy have been gradually explored from the expression of intermolecular interactions within tumor cells to the expression of various molecules and cells in tumor microenvironment, and been extended to the exploration of circulating and host systemic markers. With the development of high-throughput sequencing and microarray technology, a variety of biomarker strategies have been deeply explored and gradually achieved the process from the identification of single marker to the development of multifactorial synergistic predictive markers. Comprehensive predictive-models developed by integrating different types of data based on different components of tumor-host interactions is the direction of future research and will have a profound impact in the field of precision immuno-oncology. In this review, we deeply analyze the exploration course and research progress of predictive biomarkers as an adjunctive tool to tumor immunotherapy in effectively identifying the efficacy of ICIs, and discuss their future directions in achieving precision immuno-oncology.
Prediction of probable backorder scenarios in the supply chain using Distributed Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Machine learning techniques
Authors: Islam Samiul , Amin Saman Hassanzadeh
Published: August 2020

Prediction using machine learning algorithms is not well adapted in many parts of the business decision processes due to the lack of clarity and flexibility. The erroneous data as inputs in the prediction process may produce inaccurate predictions. We aim to use machine learning models in the area of the business decision process by predicting products’ backorder while providing flexibility to the decision authority, better clarity of the process, and maintaining higher accuracy. A ranged method is used for specifying different levels of predicting features to cope with the diverse characteristics of real-time data which may happen by machine or human errors. The range is tunable that gives flexibility to the decision managers. The tree-based machine learning is chosen for better explainability of the model. The backorders of products are predicted in this study using Distributed Random Forest (DRF) and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM). We have observed that the performances of the machine learning models have been improved by 20% using this ranged approach when the dataset is highly biased with random error. We have utilized a five-level metric to indicate the inventory level, sales level, forecasted sales level, and a four-level metric for the lead time. A decision tree from one of the constructed models is analyzed to understand the effects of the ranged approach. As a part of this analysis, we list major probable backorder scenarios to facilitate business decisions. We show how this model can be used to predict the probable backorder products before actual sales take place. The mentioned methods in this research can be utilized in other supply chain cases to forecast backorders.
Muscle-strengthening Exercise Epidemiology: a New Frontier in Chronic Disease Prevention
Authors: Bennie Jason A. , Shakespear-Druery Jane , De Cocker Katrien
Published: August 2020

This current opinion provides an overview of the emerging discipline of muscle-strengthening exercise epidemiology. First, we define muscle-strengthening exercise, and discuss its recent addition into the global physical activity guidelines, which were historically mainly focused on aerobic physical activity (walking, running, cycling etc.). Second, we provide an overview of the current clinical and epidemiological evidence on the associations between muscle-strengthening exercise and health, showing a reduced mortality risk, and beneficial cardiometabolic, musculoskeletal, functional and mental health-related outcomes. Third, we describe the latest epidemiological research on the assessment, prevalence, trends and correlates of muscle-strengthening exercise. An overview of recent population estimates suggests that the proportion of adults meeting the current muscle-strengthening exercise guideline (10-30%; ≥ 2 sessions/week) is far lower than adults reporting meeting the aerobic exercise guideline (~ 50%; ≥ 150 min/week). Fourth, we discuss the complexity of muscle-strengthening exercise promotion, highlighting the need for concurrent, coordinated, and multiple-level strategies to increase population-level uptake/adherence of this exercise modality. Last, we explore key research gaps and strategies that will advance the field of muscle-strengthening exercise epidemiology. Our objective is to provide a case for increased emphasis on the role of muscle-strengthening exercise for chronic disease prevention, and most importantly, stimulate more research in this currently understudied area of physical activity epidemiology.
Diversity of Indonesian soto
Authors: Yudhistira Bara , Fatmawati Ani
Published: August 2020

As an archipelago country, Indonesia has a variety of ethnicities and cultures. In addition to local cultures, Indonesian culture has been influenced by a diversity of external cultures and foods in its development. One of the foods influenced by a culture from abroad is soto. Soto is varied, and its varieties are found in different regions throughout Indonesia. Soto is a food of Chinese origin that has been acculturated and adopted by Indonesian local cultures such as the Javanese, as well as by several other countries including India and Europe. During its development, soto was adapted to the cultures and natural resources found in each region of Indonesia, forming unique varieties of soto according to the ingredients used. Up to 75 unique forms of soto were identified in this study. Varieties of soto are distinguished by the type of broth and herbs used.
Open versus blind peer review: is anonymity better than transparency?
Authors: Shoham Natalie , Pitman Alexandra
Published: August 2020

Peer review is widely accepted as essential to ensuring scientific quality in academic journals, yet little training is provided in the specifics of how to conduct peer review. In this article we describe the different forms of peer review, with a particular focus on the differences between single-blind, double-blind and open peer review, and the advantages and disadvantages of each. These illustrate some of the challenges facing the community of authors, editors, reviewers and readers in relation to the process of peer review. We also describe other forms of peer review, such as post-publication review, transferable review and collaborative review, and encourage clinicians and academics at all training stages to engage in the practice of peer review as part of continuing professional development.
Peer reviewing made easier: your questions answered
Authors: Halder Neel , Tyrer Peter , Casey Patricia
Published: August 2020

Peer reviewing is a hugely important part of the scientific process that ensures published articles are of sufficient quality to deserve dissemination to the wider scientific community. Building on a previous article published in this journal, this article addresses topics that potential or practising peer reviewers may find useful. These include what peer reviewing is, why do peer reviews, how to become a reviewer, what to write in a review and where to find more information. It includes a template for writing a review, and lists various websites and guidelines that can help ease the entire process depending on what type of article is being reviewed. Peer reviewing can be enormously rewarding and help clinicians diversify their scope of work while also benefiting the scientific community by contributing to the quality control of published work.
One-Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Tests for the Prediction and Diagnostic Surveillance of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Simmons Kimber M , Sosenko Jay M , Warnock Megan , Geyer Susan , Ismail Heba M , Elding Larsson Helena , Steck Andrea K
Published: August 2020

Context

Once islet autoantibody–positive individuals are identified, predicting which individuals are at highest risk for type 1 diabetes (T1D) is important. A metabolic risk score derived from 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) data, the Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 risk score (DPTRS), can accurately predict T1D. However, 2-hour OGTTs are time-consuming and costly.

Objective

We aimed to determine whether a risk score derived from 1-hour OGTT data can predict T1D as accurately as the DPTRS. Secondarily, we evaluated whether a 1-hour glucose value can be used for diagnostic surveillance.

Methods

The DPTRS was modified to derive a 1-hour OGTT risk score (DPTRS60) using fasting C-peptide, 1-hour glucose and C-peptide, age, and body mass index. Areas under receiver operating curves (ROCAUCs) were used to compare prediction accuracies of DPTRS60 with DPTRS in Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 (DPT-1) (n = 654) and TrialNet Pathway to Prevention (TNPTP) (n = 4610) participants. Negative predictive values (NPV) for T1D diagnosis were derived for 1-hour glucose thresholds.

Results

ROCAUCs for T1D prediction 5 years from baseline were similar between DPTRS60 and DPTRS (DPT-1: 0.805 and 0.794; TNPTP: 0.832 and 0.847, respectively). DPTRS60 predicted T1D significantly better than 2-hour glucose (P < .001 in both cohorts). A 1-hour glucose of less than 180 mg/dL had a similar NPV, positive predictive value, and specificity for T1D development before the next 6-month visit as the standard 2-hour threshold of less than 140 mg/dL (both ≥ 98.5%).

Conclusion

A 1-hour OGTT can predict T1D as accurately as a 2-hour OGTT with minimal risk of missing a T1D diagnosis before the next visit.
New Therapeutic Horizons for Graves’ Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Lane Laura C , Cheetham Tim D , Perros Petros , Pearce Simon H S
Published: August 2020

Graves’ hyperthyroidism is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies that stimulate the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), resulting in uncontrolled secretion of excessive thyroid hormone. Conventional treatments, including antithyroid medication, radioiodine, or surgery have remained largely unchanged for the past 70 years and either lack efficacy for many patients, or result in lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy, in the case of the latter 2 options. The demand for new therapeutic options, combined with greater insight into basic immunobiology, has led to the emergence of novel approaches to treat Graves’ hyperthyroidism. The current therapies under investigation include biologics, small molecules, and peptide immunomodulation. There is a growing focus on TSHR-specific treatment modalities, which carry the advantage of eliciting a specific, targeted approach, with the aim of avoiding disruption of the functioning immune system. These therapies present a new opportunity to supersede the inadequate treatments currently available for some Graves’ patients, offering hope of successful restoration of euthyroidism without the need for ongoing therapy. Several of these therapeutic options have the potential to translate into clinical practice in the near future. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the recent advances and various stages of development of the novel therapeutic approaches to treat Graves’ hyperthyroidism.
The crystal structure of a Polerovirus exoribonuclease-resistant RNA shows how diverse sequences are integrated into a conserved fold
Authors: Steckelberg Anna-Lena , Vicens Quentin , Costantino David A. , Nix Jay C. , Kieft Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2020

Exoribonuclease-resistant RNAs (xrRNAs) are discrete elements that block the progression of 5′ to 3′ exoribonucleases using specifically folded RNA structures. A recently discovered class of xrRNA is widespread in several genera of plant-infecting viruses, within both noncoding and protein-coding subgenomic RNAs. The structure of one such xrRNA from a dianthovirus revealed three-dimensional details of the resistant fold but did not answer all questions regarding the conservation and diversity of this xrRNA class. Here, we present the crystal structure of a representative polerovirus xrRNA that contains sequence elements that diverge from the previously solved structure. This new structure rationalizes previously unexplained sequence conservation patterns and shows interactions not present in the first structure. Together, the structures of these xrRNAs from dianthovirus and polerovirus genera support the idea that these plant virus xrRNAs fold through a defined pathway that includes a programmed intermediate conformation. This work deepens our knowledge of the structure–function relationship of xrRNAs and shows how evolution can craft similar RNA folds from divergent sequences.
Identifying and addressing psychosocial determinants of adherence to physical distancing guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic – project protocol
Authors: Durand Hannah , Bacon Simon L. , Byrne Molly , Kenny Eanna , Lavoie Kim L. , McGuire Brian E. , McSharry Jenny , Meade Oonagh , Mooney Robert , Noone Chris , O'Connor Laura L. , O'Flaherty Kate , Molloy Gerard J.
Published: August 2020

Optimising public health physical distancing measures has been a critical part of the global response to the spread of COVID-19. Evidence collected during the current pandemic shows that the transmission rate of the virus is significantly reduced following implementation of intensive physical distancing measures. Adherence to these recommendations has been poorer than adherence to other key transmission reduction behaviours such as handwashing. There are a complex range of reasons that are likely to predict why people do not or only partially adhere to physical distancing recommendations. In the current project we aim to address the following research questions: (1) What are the psychosocial determinants of physical distancing for the general public and for key socio-demographic sub-groups (e.g., young adults, older adults, etc.)?; (2) Do current Government of Ireland COVID-19 physical distancing communications address the determinants of physical distancing?; and (3) How can communications be optimised and tailored to sub-groups to ensure maximum adherence to guidelines? These will be addressed by conducting three work packages (WPs). In WP1, we will work closely with the iCARE international study, which includes a large online survey of public responses to measures established to reduce and slow the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing. We will analyse Irish data, comparing it to data from other countries, to identify the key psychosocial determinants of physical distancing behaviour. This will be followed by a qualitative study to explore in depth the barriers and facilitators of physical distancing behaviour among the Irish public (WP2). In WP3, we will conduct a content analysis and evidence mapping of current government messaging around physical distancing, to ensure the findings from this research feed into the development of ongoing communication and future messaging about physical distancing.
Understanding Research Culture: What researchers think about the culture they work in
Authors: Moran Helene , Karlin Lena , Lauchlan Elsie , Rappaport Sarah J. , Bleasdale Ben , Wild Lucy , Dorr Josh
Published: August 2020

Background: The current performance of UK research can be presented as highly successful, but evidence has emerged about issues with working culture in research and the impact this may have on people and their work. Wellcome commissioned market research agency Shift Learning to investigate current perceptions and experiences of research culture among the research community.

Methods: This article presents key findings from two phases of this project: 94 qualitative interviews and a quantitative e-survey with 4267 usable responses. Interview invitations were sent out to UK-based research staff at various career stages. The survey was open to international respondents, but the majority of responses came from the UK. Respondents came predominantly from academia and the sample was intentionally skewed towards biological and biomedical sciences.

Results: While participants considered the quality of research outputs to have generally remained high, many felt that issues impacting research culture were becoming more apparent and there was real concern about the future of research professions and the high personal cost for individuals.

Factors identified as disruptive to research culture included chasing impact, increased competition, proliferation of metrics, job insecurity and rigid career pathways. Poor research culture manifested in workplace behaviours and practices, including problems with management and leadership and unhealthy power dynamics, such as patronage, bullying and harassment, discrimination and exploitation. These conditions were linked to a range of negative impacts on the researchers and the research outputs.

Conclusions: The research ecosystem is characterised by increased levels of competition, lack of job security and insufficient career flexibility. A key takeaway is that the conditions in which research takes place are not inclusive and lack sufficient support mechanisms, which is negatively affecting researchers’ wellbeing, and work-life balance. Such research culture was perceived as unsustainable.
Coping strategies in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: August 2020

For incurable conditions, effective coping strategies to deal with disease progression are essential for a patient to maintain their quality of life. In this article, Sarah Jane Palmer examines the effects of different coping strategies in those with Parkinson's disease
Does diametrical clearance influence the wear of Pinnacle hip implants?
Authors: Bergiers Sean , Hothi Harry , Henckel Johann , Eskelinen Antti , Skinner John , Hart Alister
Published: August 2020

Aims

The optimum clearance between the bearing surfaces of hip arthroplasties is unknown. Theoretically, to minimize wear, it is understood that clearances must be low enough to maintain optimal contact pressure and fluid film lubrication, while being large enough to allow lubricant recovery and reduce contact patch size. This study aimed to identify the relationship between diametrical clearance and volumetric wear, through the analysis of retrieved components.

Methods

A total of 81 metal-on-metal Pinnacle hips paired with 12/14 stems were included in this study. Geometrical analysis was performed on each component, using coordinate and roundness measuring machines. The relationship between their as-manufactured diametrical clearance and volumetric wear was investigated. The Mann-Whitney U test and unpaired t-test were used, in addition to calculating the non-parametric Spearman's correlation coefficient, to statistically evaluate the acquired data.

Results

The hips in this study were found to have had a median unworn diametrical clearance of 90.31 μm (interquartile range (IQR) 77.59 to 97.40); 32% (n = 26) were found to have been below the manufacturing tolerance. There was no correlation found between clearance and bearing (rs = -0.0004, p = 0.997) or taper (rs = 0.0048, p = 0.966) wear rates. The wear performance of hips manufactured within and below these specifications was not significantly different (bearing: p = 0.395; taper: p = 0.653). Pinnacles manufactured from 2007 onwards had a greater prevalence of bearing clearance below tolerance (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

The diametrical clearance of Pinnacle hips did not influence their wear performance, even when below the manufacturing tolerance. The optimum clearance for minimizing hip implant wear remains unclear. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(8):515–523.
Promising targets and drugs in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Li Xingyan , Yang Yejing , Sun Guili , Dai Wanwu , Jie Xuri , Du Yongjun , Huang Runjie , Zhang Jiaming
Published: August 2020

Aims

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systematic autoimmune disorder, characterized by synovial inflammation, bone and cartilage destruction, and disease involvement in multiple organs. Although numerous drugs are employed in RA treatment, some respond little and suffer from severe side effects. This study aimed to screen the candidate therapeutic targets and promising drugs in a novel method.

Methods

We developed a module-based and cumulatively scoring approach that is a deeper-layer application of weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) and connectivity map (CMap) based on the high-throughput datasets.

Results

Four noteworthy RA-related modules were identified, revealing the immune- and infection-related biological processes and pathways involved in RA. HLA-DMA, HLA-DMB, HLA-DPA1, HLA-DPB1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DRA, HLA-DRB1, BLNK, BTK, CD3D, CD4, IL2RG, INPP5D, LCK, PTPRC, RAC2, SYK, and VAV1 were recognized as the key hub genes with high connectivity in gene regulation networks and gene pathway networks. Moreover, the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the RA-related modules, such as FAM30A and NEAT1, were identified as the indispensable interactors with the hub genes. Finally, candidate drugs were screened by developing a cumulatively scoring approach based on the selected modules. Niclosamide and the other compounds of T-type calcium channel blocker, IKK inhibitor, and PKC activator, HIF activator, and proteasome inhibitor, which harbour the similar gene signature with niclosamide, were promising drugs with high specificity and broad coverage for the RA-related modules.

Conclusion

This study provides not only the promising targets and drugs for RA but also a novel methodological insight into the target and drug screening. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(8):501–514.
Las empresas estatales en las economías de planificación central: el
caso cubano e ideas para su transformación
Authors: Estrada Oscar Fernández , Pérez Ricardo Torres
Published: August 2020

El artículo se enmarca en la discusión sobre los problemas de la reforma de las
empresas estatales en las economías centralmente planificadas, específicamente
en el caso de Cuba. Algunos de los mayores obstáculos para que las empresas
mejoren su desempeño y cumplan con su rol en el sistema económico se relacionan
con la multiplicidad de objetivos que se les impone centralmente y el ejercicio
de funciones monetarias y fiscales ajenas a estas entidades. Para solucionarlo
se proponen ideas para una hoja de ruta que comienza por una nueva clasificación
de las empresas estatales cubanas a partir de considerar una función de
optimización diferente. No obstante, se apunta que el éxito de esta propuesta
depende de otras reformas estructurales acompañantes.
Negative curvature hollow-core anti-resonant fiber for terahertz sensing
Authors: Mahmud Ankan Istihad , Mollah Md. Aslam , Sultana Jakeya , Islam Md. Saiful
Published: August 2020

Hollow-core fibers are advantageous for chemical sensing as they facilitate liquid infiltration into the core over conventional porous core fiber. In addition, the requirement of less bulk material significantly decreases the effective material loss (EML). In this paper, a six circular cladding tube negative curvature hollow-core fiber (NC-HCF) is proposed for chemical sensing. Five different chemicals including chloroform, polylactic acid,

C
C
L

3

, glycerin, and benzene are proposed to fill the core of the NC-HCF, and sensitivities are evaluated by full vector finite element method-based COMSOL software. Numerical results reveal that the proposed sensor exhibits very high relative sensitivity in a wide range of frequency. The fabrication of the proposed fiber is feasible by existing fabrication facilities as it contains realistic fabrication parameters. Hence, the proposed sensor can potentially be used as a chemical sensor especially in the medical, food, and industrial sectors as the five chemicals mentioned above carry great medical and food significance.
Detection of single-base mutation of DNA oligonucleotides with different lengths by terahertz attenuated total reflection microfluidic cell
Authors: Tang Mingjie , Zhang Mingkun , Xia Liangping , Yang Zhongbo , Yan Shihan , Wang Huabin , Wei Dongshan , Du Chunlei , Cui Hong-Liang
Published: August 2020

Many human genetic diseases are caused by single-base mutation in the gene sequence. Since DNA molecules with single-base mutation are extremely difficult to differentiate, existing detection methods are invariably complex and time-consuming. We propose a new label-free and fast terahertz (THz) spectroscopic technique based on a home-made terahertz attenuated total reflection (ATR) microfluidic cell and a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system to detect single-base-mutated DNA molecules. The detected object DNA molecules are normal hemoglobin gene, sickle cell anemia gene (15 nt), JAK2 gene wild type and JAK2 V617F gene mutation (39 nt) from sickle cell anemia and thrombocytopenia, respectively. Results show that the oligonucleotide fragments with single-base mutation can be identified by THz spectroscopy combined with the ATR microfluidic cell, and the recognition effect of short oligonucleotide fragments with single-base mutation is better than that of long oligonucleotide fragments. The terahertz biosensor is shown to have high sensitivity and can be used to detect DNA molecules directly in the solution environment.
Diversity and Antimicrobial Activity of Lichens-Associated Actinomycetes in Cibinong Science Centre (CSC) and Cibodas Botanical Garden (CBG) Indonesia
Authors: Susanti Agustina Eko , Ratnakomala Shanti , Mangunwardoyo Wibowo , Lisdiyanti Puspita
Published: August 2020

Bioprospecting has developed to all biological taxa including procaryotic. Actinomycetes become interesting procaryotic because of the ability to produce important secondary metabolite for human life. Actinomycetes are known as the largest antibiotic producer that has a broad range habitat. Some research has been done to find new antibiotic from the various habitat of actinomycetes. One of the interesting habitats of actinomycetes which never been explored in Indonesia is lichens... Lichens as the symbiotic structure of alga and fungi areknown as the ecological niche of various kinds of microorganisms including actinomycetes. Cibinong Science Centre (CSC) and Cibodas Botanical Garden (CBG) have various species of trees as the habitat of lichens. These areas are known as one of the research locations to explore the biodiversity of Indonesia. The aims of this research is to study the diversity and antimicrobial potency of actinomycetes isolated from 10 lichen samples with various type of thallus; crustose, fructose and foliose. Lichen samples were grown on the bark of 9 trees species in CSC and CBG. Isolation process used three agar media; HV, YIM6 and YIM711 with cycloheximide and nalidixic acid. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequence. Antimicrobial activity was tested to 65 isolates by agar diffusion method to Bacillus subtilis BTCC B.612, Escherichia coli BTCC B.614, Candida albicans BTCC Y.33, Staphylococcus aureus BTCC B.611, Micrococcus luteus BTCC B.552. Isolation process retrieved 125 isolates with the highest number grow on HV agar medium. Based on the sample, the highest number of actinomycetes were isolated from crustose lichen attached on the bark of Averrhoea carambola. A total 69 isolates were identified as the genera Actinoplanes, Amycolatopsis, Angustibacter, Kribbella, Micromonospora, Mycobacterium, and Streptomyces. The screening process showed 24 isolates have antimicrobial activity, with the highest inhibitory activity against Micrococcus luteus BTCC B.552.
Enzyme Production From Cassava Peels by Aspergillus Awamori KT-11: The Making of Natural Sweetener From Several Tubbers
Authors: Melliawati Ruth , Rahman Farida
Published: August 2020

The use of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) peel for enzyme production has not been widely used. The purpose of this study was to produce complex amylase enzymes from cassava peel by A. awamori KT-11 and apply them in the manufacture of natural sweeteners. Enzyme production is carried out on red and white cassava peel. Media of cassava peel sterilized, inoculated with 1%  A. awamori KT-11, incubated for 5 days, then dried at 50°C and mashed. Making sugar is done on cassava flour, sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas L), taro (Colocasia esculenta) and cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) with different concentrations of 10%, 15%, 20%, and 15% and 20% enzyme concentrations. The hydrolysis process is carried out for 3 days at 60°C. The enzyme activity in red cassava peel was 405,006 U/mL and white cassava peel was 321,239 U/ml. The sugar produced in cassava, taro, sweet potato, and Cocoyam was 101.38 mg/mL, 81.18 mg/mL, 55.929 mg/mL, and 42.874 mg/mL, respectively. The results of TLC showed that cassava and taro sugar  contain maltose, lactose and glucose, sweet potatoes contained glucose and dextrin and Cocoyam containing fructose. The sweetness level of sugar from cassava, taro, sweet potato and Cocoyam is 14 brix, 12 brix, 9 brix and 9 brix, respectively.
In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Degradability of Rice Husk on Rice Bran Substitution
Authors: Fidriyanto Rusli , Ridwan Roni , Astuti Wulansih Dwi , Rohmatussolihat Rohmatussolihat , Sari Nurul Fitri , Watman Muh , Widyastuti Yantyati
Published: August 2020

Rice bran is a by-product of the rice milling process and has been well used as livestock feed. Rice bran is often adulterated with rice husk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics of rice bran with various compositions of rice husk and assess the relationship between rice husk addition and rice bran quality. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with rice husk addition as a factor and three replications. Data of proximate value, gas production, ruminal degradability, and volatile fatty acid production were analyzed by analysis of variance. Moreover, significant effects of each treatment in the in vitro fermentation were further analyzed by Duncan's multiple range test (P<0.05). It was shown that the addition of rice husk to rice bran could increase acetic acid level, but it reduced potential gas production, gas production rate, organic matter and dry matter digestibility, and propionic acid level. Interestingly, the linear regression of dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, and potential gas production showed the high adjusted R2 values. Moreover, this study also revealed that 10% of rice husk substitution on rice bran could significantly reduce the dry matter digestibility.
La dinámica de seguridad entre los grandes poderes y sus efectos en las relaciones en el ámbito de la defensa entre el hegemón y su región: El caso de los Estados Unidos y América Latina
Authors: Magnani Ezequiel
Published: August 2020

¿Qué factores explican las relaciones en el ámbito de la defensa entre los Estados Unidos de América (EUA) y los Estados de América Latina (AL)?Desde el surgimiento de la Doctrina Monroe en el siglo XIX hasta el la caída del muro de Berlín en 1989, los EUA han tenido como objetivo principal el mantener su influencia en la región y consolidar los intereses de seguridad norteamericanos en ella, manteniendo al resto de los grandes poderes competidores fuera de América. Con el fin de la Guerra Fría, la unipolaridad y la consecuente ausencia de imperativos de seguridad permitió un creciente ascenso de la agenda económica, dejando los temas de defensa en un segundo plano.En este sentido, el trabajo se sostiene que el poder junto con la competencia por el mismo entre las grandes potencias del sistema internacional son variables fundamentales para analizar las relaciones en el ámbito de la defensa entre los EUA y los Estados de AL, ya que la voluntad de los EUA de dominar el continente americano sumado a la presencia de desafíos por parte de potencias extrarregionales en los distintos momentos de la historia ayuda a entender y explicar la dinámica que guió desde principios del siglo XIX hasta la actualidad el relacionamiento entre los EUA y AL en el campo de la defensa y la seguridad.
A diversidade da agricultura urbana e periurbana em Presidente Prudente - SP
Authors: Hespanhol Antonio Nivaldo , Pereira Claudinei da Silva , Hespanhol Rosangela Aparecida de Medeiros
Published: August 2020

O objetivo do artigo foi analisar a diversidade da agricultura urbana e periurbana em Presidente Prudente, tomando como referência a dimensão das áreas cultivadas, os tipos de terrenos, os sistemas de produção e os canais de comercialização utilizados. Foram identificadas e mapeadas as áreas hortícolas e as ocupadas com outros tipos de cultivo; entrevistas com técnicos e dirigentes municipais foram realizadas e um formulário foi aplicado a 23 horticultores. Constatou-se que 56,5% dos horticultores pesquisados cultivam áreas próprias cujas dimensões são inferiores a dois mil metros quadrados, sendo que 87,0% empregam sistemas convencionais de cultivo. Os 91,3% dos produtores pesquisados que comercializam a produção, o fazem por intermédio de feiras livres, sacolões, mercados de bairro e da venda direta aos consumidores. Conclui-se que a AUP é resiliente e tem sido importante na composição da renda dos produtores e no abastecimento de produtos hortícolas de alta perecibilidade.
A construção do agronegócio na região de Planejamento sudoeste goiano
Authors: Pizarro Roberto Eduardo Castillo , Araújo Sobrinho Fernando Luiz
Published: August 2020

A Região de Planejamento do Sudoeste Goiano passa por importantes transformações espaciais a partir da década de 1970 com a introdução das técnicas e tecnologias da modernização da agricultura a qual introduz as lavouras de grãos (arroz, soja e milho), impactos socioambientais e novas relações capital e trabalho. A industrialização da agricultura concretizou a cadeia produtiva de grãos e seus derivados semielaborados como farelo e óleo de soja, rações e ampliação da capacidade de armazenamento. O agronegócio concretiza-se no espaço da região no final da década de 1990 com a instalação de unidade agroindustrial de empresa multinacional brasileira e impôs novas relações no campo por meio do sistema de produção integrado de aves e suínos. Todos os processos de transformações do campo do Sudoeste Goiano foram resultados das ações das políticas e financiamentos públicos.
The Use of NACSELD and EASL-CLIF Classification Systems of ACLF in the Prediction of Prognosis in Hospitalized Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Cao Zhujun , Liu Yuhan , Cai Minghao , Xu Yumin , Xiang Xiaogang , Zhao Gangde , Cai Wei , Wang Hui , Wang Weijing , Xie Qing
Published: August 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is defined by the European Association for the Study of the Liver-Chronic Liver Failure (EASL-CLIF) consortium and the North American Consortium for the Study of End-Stage Liver Disease (NACSELD) as an acute deterioration of cirrhosis with multiple organ failures and high short-term mortality. However, their diagnostic criteria differ. We aimed to compare these 2 criteria in the prediction of prognosis in hospitalized cirrhosis.

METHODS:

This was a prospective study of nonelectively hospitalized patients with cirrhosis (N = 468) from a single tertiary hospital between 2016 and 2018. Baseline characteristics, incidence, and types of organ failure and survival data at 7, 28, and 90 days were collected. Prognostic utilities of the 2 criteria were compared.

RESULTS:

One hundred thirty-seven of 468 patients (29.3%) had EASL-CLIF ACLF, and 35 of 468 (7.4%) had NACSELD ACLF. The 28-day transplant-free survival of ACLF was 58.4% using EASL-CLIF and 37.1% using the NACSELD criteria. In predicting 28-day mortality, the NACSELD criteria demonstrated significantly higher overall accuracy (92.0% vs 85.3%, P < 0.01), specificity (99.7% vs 84.0%, P < 0.001), and positive predictive value (97.1% vs 50.4%, P < 0.001) but lower sensitivity (49.3% vs 92.5%, P < 0.001) and negative predictive value (91.6% vs 98.5%, P < 0.001) than those of EASL-CLIF. The results were similar in predicting 7-day outcome. However, the overall accuracy became similar between NACSELD and EASL-CLIF ACLF criteria in predicting 90-day mortality (86.3% vs 88.7%, P = 0.27) because of the decrease of sensitivity and negative predictive value of NACSELD ACLF criteria. The prognostic performance of these 2 ACLF criteria was similar when applied to patients with or without hepatitis B virus infection as an etiology of cirrhosis.

DISCUSSION:

There are both caveats and utilities of NACSELD and EASL-CLIF ACLF criteria in prognosis prediction in patients with cirrhosis. NACSED criteria is highly accurate in predicting morality, whereas the EASL-CLIF criteria is more sensitive to identify patients who would benefit from liver transplantation.
Normal Lactate and Unenhanced CT-Scan Result in Delayed Diagnosis of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia
Authors: Nuzzo Alexandre , Joly Francisca , Ronot Maxime , Castier Yves , Huguet Audrey , Paugam-Burtz Catherine , Cazals-Hatem Dominique , Tran-Dinh Alexy , Becq Aymeric , Panis Yves , Bouhnik Yoram , Maggiori Leon , Corcos Olivier ,   on behalf of the SURVI group
Published: August 2020

INTRODUCTION:

To investigate the factors associated with a delayed diagnosis (DD) of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI).

METHODS:

An observational cohort study from an intestinal failure center. The primary outcome was DD >24 hours.

RESULTS:

Between 2006 and 2015, 74 patients with AMI were included and 39 (53%) had a DD. Plasma lactate <2 mmol/L (odd ratio: 3.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.1–9.1; P = 0.03) and unenhanced computed tomography scan (odds ratio: 5.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.4–25.8; P = 0.01) were independently associated with DD.

DISCUSSION:

Suspicion of AMI should no longer be affected by normal plasma lactate levels and should prompt evaluation by a contrast-enhanced computed tomography-scan.
Reflections on trust and COVID-19: do politics, medicine and the environment need each other?
Authors: Cole Alistair , Dutheil Frederic , Baker Julien S.
Published: August 2020

This short article is centred on how trust can be a valuable resource for developing cognate responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in the medical and social sciences. Politics and medicine can learn from each other. Governments need to persuade individuals to adapt their behaviours, and such persuasion will be all the more convincing in that it is nested in social networks. Trust in government requires consistent (benevolent, performative and joined-up) explanations. The distinction between hard medical and soft social science blurs when patients/citizens are required to be active participants in combatting a pandemic virus.
“Impressionantes esculturas de lama”: o mangue e a criação de um novo espaço-símbolo
Authors: De Lima Oliveira Esdras Carlos
Published: August 2020

Neste texto se descortinam imagens distintas do mangue que atravessam os tempos. O manguezal, outrora pujante e metáfora da diversidade, sofreu transformações radicais. Hoje habitado por poucos crustáceos, seu espaço é ocupado sobretudo pelo lixo. Mas, nos anos 1990, ele foi apropriado pelo Manguebeat como um novo espaçosímbolo. Empreender uma viagem pelo tempo nos reserva múltiplas visões do mangue, capturado pelo olhar de artistas de diferentes áreas. Na pintura, na tapeçaria, na litografia, na fotografia, no cinema, na literatura, na música, se agitam, simultaneamente, novos e velhos Nordestes. Aqui, ao passar por eles, trata-se de privilegiar a Manguetown que brotou do Manguebeat, na qual o Recife é simbolizado por uma “antena parabólica enfiada na lama”.