bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Trial Sequential Analysis for estimating the sample sizes of further trials: example using smoking cessation intervention
Authors: Claire Ravinder , Gluud Christian , Berlin Ivan , Coleman Tim , Leonardi-Bee Jo
Published: June 2020

Background
Assessing benefits and harms of health interventions is resource-intensive and often requires feasibility and pilot trials followed by adequately powered randomised clinical trials. Data from feasibility and pilot trials are used to inform the design and sample size of the adequately powered randomised clinical trials. When a randomised clinical trial is conducted, results from feasibility and pilot trials may be disregarded in terms of benefits and harms.
Methods
We describe using feasibility and pilot trial data in the Trial Sequential Analysis program to estimate the required sample size for one or more trials investigating a behavioural smoking cessation intervention. We show how data from a new, planned trial can be combined with data from the earlier trials using Trial Sequential Analysis to assess the intervention’s effects.
Results
We provide a worked example to illustrate how we successfully used Trial Sequential Analysis methods to argue for the research funds needed to undertake a randomised clinical trial.
Conclusions
Trial Sequential Analysis can utilise data from feasibility and pilot trials as well as other trials, to estimate a sample size for one or more future randomised clinical trials. As this method uses available data, estimated sample sizes may be smaller than they would have been using conventional sample size estimation methods.
The role of andrographolide and its derivative in COVID-19 associated proteins and immune system
Authors: Dey Yadu Nandan , Khanal Pukar , Patil B. M. , Wanjari Manish M. , Srivast Bhavana , Gurav Shailendra S. , Gaidhani Sudesh N.
Published: June 2020

Aim: In view of the strong immunomodulatory and antiviral activity of andrographolide and its derivative, the present study aimed to investigate the binding affinities of andrographolide and its derivative 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide with 3 major targets of COVID-19 i.e. 3CLpro, PLpro and spike protein followed by their gene-set enrichment analysis with special reference to immune modulation.Materials and methods: SMILES of the compounds were retrieved from DigepPred database and the proteins identified were queried in STRING to evaluate the protein-protein interaction and modulated pathways were identified concerning the KEGG database. Drug-likeness and ADMET profiles were evaluated using MolSoft and admet SAR 2.0, respectively. Molecular docking was carried using autodock 4.0.Results: Andrographolide and 14-Deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide were predicted to have a high binding affinity with papain-like protease i.e. -6.7 kcal/mol and -6.5 kcal/mol, respectively while they interact with equal binding energies with 3clpro (-6.8 kcal/mol) and spike protein (-6.9 kcal/mol). Network pharmacology analysis revealed that both compounds modulated the immune system through the regulation of chemokine signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, MAPK signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, Rassignaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and Natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Although the 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide scored higher drug-likeness character, it showed less potency to interaction with targeted proteins of COVID-19.Conclusion: The study suggests the strong interaction of the andrographolide and its derivative 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide against target proteins associated with COVID-19. Further, network pharmacology analysis elucidated the different pathways of immunomodulation. However, clinical research should be conducted to confirm the current findings.
Education in a new place and social support are needed to improve the health of North Korean defectors: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Park Yui , HAN DONGHUN , Yoo Ji Won , Zhou Wenlian , Kim Pearl , Shen Jay J.
Published: June 2020

Background

The number of North Korean defectors (NKDs) escaping to South Korea has increased. The health status of NKDs is an essential factor for a successful settlement into South Korean society. However, no studies have been conducted on the health status of NKDs in terms of education and social support. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of education and social support on the self-rated health status among NKDs.

Methods

This study utilized data gained from face-to-face interviews with 126 NKDs. A multivariable logistic regression and path analysis were performed to assess the effects of education in South Korea and social support with their self-rated health status and to explore the complex relationships between direct and indirect effects of the variables.

Results

NKDs who did not experience regular education in South Korea responded that they were in poor health compared to their counterpart (OR=5.78). Although a direct association between education in South Korea and self-rated health was not shown, there was an indirect path from education in South Korea to self-rated health through social support.

Conclusions

Participation in regular education is important for the health status of NKDs. Social policies and NKD assistance programs should consider and reflect the combination of education and social support interventions relevant to the health status of NKDs.
The Clinical and Translational Research Activities at the INT – IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale” Center (Naples, Italy) during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Buonaguro Franco M. , Botti Gerardo , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Pignata Sandro , Ionna Franco , Delrio Paolo , Petrillo Antonella , Cavalcanti Ernesta , Bonito Maurizio Di , Perdonà Sisto , De Laurentiis Michelino , Fiore Francesco , Palaia Raffaele , Izzo Francesco , D'Auria Stefania , Rossi Virginia , Menegozzo Simona , Piccirillo Mauro , Celentano Egidio , Cuomo Arturo , Normanno Nicola , Tornesello Maria Lina , Saviano Rocco , Barberio Daniela , Buonaguro Luigi , Miscio Leonardo , Bianchi Attilio Antonio Montano
Published: June 2020

COVID-19 pandemic following the outbreak in China and Western Europe, where it finally lost the momentum, is now devastating North and South America. It has not been identified the reason and the molecular mechanisms of the two different patterns of the pulmonary host responses to virus from a minimal disease in young subjects to a severe distress syndrome (ARDS) in older subjects, particularly those with previous chronic diseases (including diabetes) and Cancer. The Management of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale” in Naples [INT-Pascale], along with all Health professionals decided not to interrupt the treatment of those hospitalized and to continue, even if after a careful triage in order not to allow SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects to access, to take care of cancer patients with serious conditions. Although very few (n=3) patients developed a symptomatic COVID-19 and required the transfer to a COVID-19 area of the Institute, no patients died during the Hospitalization and completed their oncology treatment. Besides monitoring of the patients, all employees of the Institute (physicians, nurses, researchers, lawyers, accountants, gatekeepers, guardians, janitors) have been tested for a possible exposure. Personnel identified as positive, has been promptly subjected to home quarantine and subdued to health surveillance. One severe case of respiratory distress has been reported in a positive employees and one death of a family member. Further steps to home monitoring of COVID-19 clinical course have been taken with the development of remote Wi-Fi connected digital devices for the detection of early signs of respiratory distress, including heart rate and oxygen saturation.
In conclusion cancer care has been performed and continued safely also during COVID-19 pandemic and further remote home strategies are in progress to ensure the appropriate monitoring of cancer patients.
Patient-derived Tumor Spheroid Cultures as a Promising Tool to Assist Personalized Therapeutic Decisions
Authors: Hofmann Sarah , Cohen-Harazi Raichel , Maizels Yael , Koman Igor
Published: June 2020

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most common cause of cancerrelated death in women. Treatment of breast cancer has many limitations including a lack of accurate biomarkers to predict success of chemotherapy, intrinsic resistance of a significant group of patients to the gold standard of therapy and the limited applicability of targeted therapy. Therefore, new tools are needed to provide doctors with guidance in choosing the most effective treatment plan for a particular patient and thus to increase the survival rate for breast cancer patients.MethodsHere, we present a successful method to grow in vitro spheroids from primary breast cancer tissue. Samples were received in accordance with relevant ethical guidelines and regulations. After tissue dissociation, in vitro spheroids were generated in a scaffold-free 96-well plate format. Spheroid composition was investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of epithelial (Pan Cytokeratin (panCK)), stromal (Vimentin) and breast cancer-specific markers (ER, PR, Her2, GATA, Mammaglobin). Growth and cell viability of the spheroids was assessed upon treatment with multiple anti-cancer compounds. Student´s t-test and two-way ANOVA test were used for statistical analysis.ResultsWe were able to successfully grow spheroids from 27 out of 31samples from surgical resections of breast cancer tissuefrom previously untreated patients. Recapitulation of the histopathology of the tissue of origin was confirmed. Furthermore, a drug panel of standard first line chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer was applied to assess the viability of the patient-derived spheroids and revealed variation in the response of the spheroids to different drug treatments. ConclusionsWe investigated the feasibility and the utility of an in vitro, patient-derived spheroid model for breast cancer therapy, and we conclude that spheroids serve as a highly efficient platform to explore cancer therapeutics and personalized treatment efficacy.These results have significant implications for the application of this model in clinical personalized medicine.
ARL4C is A Key Driver of Gastric Cancer: An Integrative Analysis of ARL Family Members
Authors: Xie Ning , Bai Yunfan , Qiao Lu , Bai Yuru , Wu Jian , Li Yan , Jiang Mingzuo , Xu Bing , Ni Zhen , Yuan Ting , Shi Yongquan , Xu Feng , Wang Jinhai , Liu Na , Dong Lei
Published: June 2020

Background: As small GTP-binding proteins, ARL family members (ARLs) have been proved to regulate the malignant phenotypes of several cancers. However, the exact role of ARLs in gastric cancer (GC) remains elusive.Methods: The expression status, interactive relations, potential pathways and genetic variations of ARLs are analyzed by bioinformatics tools. Machine learning models and enrichment analysis are performed by R platform. The biological functions of ARL4C are demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The nomogram is further constructed to validate the prognostic value of ARL4C for GC patients.Results: ARLs are significantly dysregulated in GC and involved in various cancer-related pathways. Subsequently, machine learning models identify ARL4C as one of the two most significant diagnostic and prognostic indicators among ARLs for GC. Furthermore, ARL4C silencing remarkably reverses the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibits the growth and metastasis of GC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, enrichment analysis indicates that TGF-β1 is highly correlated with ARL4C, while ARL4C-related genes are significantly enriched in the TGF-β1 signaling. Correspondingly, we demonstrate that TGF-β1 treatment dramatically increases ARL4C expression, and ARL4C knockdown reverses TGF-β1-induced EMT possibly by inhibiting the expression of Smads, downstream factors of TGF-β1. Meanwhile, the coexpression of ARL4C and TGF-β1 worsens the prognosis of GC patients both in Kaplan-Meier analysis and nomogram model.Conclusion: Our work is of significance for comprehensively understanding the crucial role of ARLs in the carcinogenesis of GC and the specific mechanisms underlying the GC-promoting effects of TGF-β1. More importantly, we uncover the great promise of ARL4C-targeted therapy in improving the efficacy of TGF-β1 inhibitors for GC patients.
Bioelectronics-on-a-chip for Cardiomyoblast Proliferation Enhancement Using Electric Field Stimulation
Authors: Aragon Angel , Cebro-Márquez María , Perez Eliseo , Pazos Antonio , Lage Ricardo , González-Juanatey José Ramón , Moscoso Isabel , Bao-Varela Carmen , Nieto Daniel
Published: June 2020

Background:Cardiomyoblast generation from conventional approaches is laborious and time-consuming. We present a bioelectronics on-a-chip for stimulating cells cardio myoblast proliferation during culture. Method:The bioelectronics chip fabrication methodology involves two different process. In the first step, an aluminum layer of 200 nm is deposited over a soda-lime glass substrate using physical vapor deposition and selectively removed using a Q-switched Nd:YVO4laser to create the electric tracks. To perform the experiments, we developed a biochip composed of a cell culture chamber fabricated withpolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a glass coverslip placed over the electric circuit tracks.By using such a glass coverslip we avoid any toxic reactions caused by electrodes in the culture or may be degraded by electrochemical reactions with the cell medium, which is crucial to determine the eﬀective cell-device coupling. Results:The chip was used to study the effect of electricfield stimulation of Rat ventricular cardiomyoblasts cells (H9c2). Results shows a remarkable increase in the number of H9c2 cells for the stimulated samples, where after 72 hours the cell density double the cell density of control samples. Conclusions:Cell proliferation of Rat ventricular cardiomyoblasts cells (H9c2) using the bioelectronics-on-a-chip was enhanced upon the electrical stimulation. The dependence on the geometrical characteristics of the electric circuit on the peak value and homogeneity of the electric field generated are analyzed and proper parameters to ensure a homogeneous electric field at the cell culture chamber are obtained. It can also be observed a high dependence of the electric field on the geometry of the electrostimulator circuit tracks and envisage the potential applications on electrophysiology studies, monitoring and modulate cellular behavior through the application of electric fields
Anatomical Analysis of the Left Upper Lobe of Lung on Three-Dimensional Images with Focusing the Branching Pattern of the Subsegmental Veins
Authors: Isaka Tamami , Mitsuboshi Shota , Maeda Hideyuki , Kikkawa Takuma , Oyama Kunihiro , Mudasugi Masahide , Kanzaki Masato , Onuki Takamasa
Published: June 2020

Background: Although a clear understanding of the anatomical characteristics of the pulmonary veins (PVs) is essential for the successful performance of segmentectomy and is important to avoid intraoperative pulmonary vessels injury, there is no report showing the relations between the branching patterns of PVs and pulmonary arteries (PAs). Moreover, internationally accepted symbols for describing the PVs remain unavailable. For anatomically assessing the branches and courses of the subsegmental veins in the left upper lobe (LUL), the diverse branching patterns of blood vessels and bronchi should be investigated. Methods: The branching patterns and intersegmental courses of PVs were assessed by performing three-dimensional image analysis of the bronchi, and PAs and PVs in the LUL in 103 patients who were scheduled to receive segmentectomy in LUL from January 2008 through August 2012. Results: Branching types of the bronchus and pulmonary vessels failed to be independent each other. Combinations of anterior extension type of bronchi with the inter-lobar type (IL-type) of arterial branching pattern were often observed, but those with the mediastinal type (M-type) were rarely observed. The combinations of apical vein dominant type with the IL-type of arteries, and intermediate and central vein type with the M-type were often observed. LUL was adjoined by various subsegments, and the intersegmental pulmonary veins showed diverse patterns. Conclusions: This study found the relationship among PA, PV, and bronchus patterns, and in the subsegment where the branching patters were fixed in 103 cases. This study discovered PVs that was difficult to be named by the conventional naming systems because of the diversity of the locations in the subsegment.
Development of a behaviour change workplace-based intervention to improve nurses’ eating and physical activity
Authors: POWER BRIAN , Kiezebrink Kirsty , Allan Julia L , Campbell Marion K
Published: June 2020

Background
There is a critical need for an intervention to improve nurse’s eating and physical activity behaviours. As nurses spend a substantial proportion of their waking hours at work, concerted efforts to deliver such interventions in the workplace is growing. This study formed part of a multiphase programme of research that aimed to systematically develop an evidence-based and theory-informed workplace intervention to promote changes in eating and physical activity among nurses.
Methods
The intervention was developed iteratively, in line with Medical Research Council complex intervention guidelines. It involved four activities; (1) identifying the evidence base; (2) understanding the determinants of nurses’ eating and physical activity behaviour change through theory-based qualitative interviews and survey; (3) identifying intervention options using the Behaviour Change Wheel; and (4) specifying intervention content and implementation options using a taxonomy of behaviour change techniques.
Results
Data from 13 randomised controlled trials indicated that workplace-based behaviour change interventions targeted to this population are effective in changing behaviour. The evidence base was, however, limited in quantity and quality. Nurses’ beliefs about important factors determining their eating and physical activity behaviour were identified across 16 qualitative interviews and 245 survey responses and key determinants included: environmental context and resources; behavioural regulation; emotion; beliefs about consequences; knowledge and optimism. Based on these findings, 22 behaviour change techniques suitable for targeting the identified determinants were identified and combined into a potential workplace intervention.
Conclusions
An evidence-based and theory-informed intervention tailored to the target population and setting has been explicitly conceptualised using a systematic approach. The proposed intervention addresses previous evidence gaps for the user population of nurses. Further to this, such an intervention, if implemented, has the potential to impact nurses’ eating and physical activity behaviours and in turn, the health of nurses and the quality of healthcare delivery.
Dual Burden: The Experience of Depression Among Women Living With HIV in Ethiopia- a Qualitative Study
Authors: Yousuf Abdilahi , Musa Ramli , Md. Muhammad Lokman , Arifin Siti Roshaidai Mohd
Published: June 2020

Depression and HIV are common comorbid and their symptoms are inter-related. Depression remains disproportionately more prevalent among women who live in low-income countries and HIV circumstances, it is vastly ignored or not identified. Therefore, little is understood about the suffering of depression by women living with HIV (WLHIV). The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of depression among women living with HIV. A generic qualitative design was used. This research was part of a wider mixed-method study. The an-in-depth interview was carried out among women who follow-up Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and who were eligible after depression screening. An interview guide was used for the data collection and the data was analyzed with the application of N-Vivo (version 11.0). Hence, a total of twenty-one women completed in this phase of the study. Seven themes and thirteen categories emerged. These included; stressful life events, the participation of social activities, concern over community acceptance, negative self-perception, feeling hopelessness, and coping with psychological disturbances. However, this finding has revealed, in the course of the multifaceted nature of HIV and depression comorbidity, women’s experience was not constant instead it remained dynamic which determined the different psychosocial and clinical dimensions of the illnesses. This study has elaborated that HIV positive women’s experience with depression was merely related to their psychosocial aspects, internalized personal attributes, disease traits regarding their life with comorbid diseases; HIV, and depression. Therefore, future initiatives should concentrate on incorporating mental health services in to clinical HIV set-up.
Socio-emotional and adaptive behaviour after severe anaemia in pre-schoolers at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda: a cross sectional study.
Authors: Ssemata Andrew Sentoogo , Opoka Robert O. , Ssenkusu John M. , Nakasujja Noeline , John Chandy C. , Bangirana Paul
Published: June 2020

Background: Severe anaemia is a global public health challenge commonly associated with morbidity and mortality among children <5 years of age in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, less is known about the behavioural performance of preschool children surviving severe anaemia in low resource settings. We investigated social-emotional and adaptive behaviour in preschool children diagnosed with severe anaemia in Northern Uganda. Methods: We conducted a hospital based cross-sectional study among children 6 - 42 months who were treated for severe anaemia (n=171) at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. Social emotional and adaptive behaviour were assessed 14 days post discharge using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition. Age-adjusted z-scores for each domain were calculated using scores from healthy community children (n=88) from the same environment for each age category. Multiple linear regression was used to compare z-scores in the social-emotional and adaptive-behaviour scales between the two groups after adjusting for weight-for-age z-score, social economic status, mother’s education, father’s education and father’s employment on all the scales.Results: Compared with healthy community pre-schoolers, children with severe anaemia had poorer [adjusted mean scores (standard error)], social emotional [-0.29, (0.05) vs. 0.01, (0.08), P=0.002]; but not overall/ composite adaptive behaviour [-0.10, (0.05) vs. -0.01, (0.07), P=0.343]. Within the adaptive behaviour subscales, children with SA displayed significantly poorer scores on the community use [adjusted mean score (standard error)], [-0.63, (0.10) vs. -0.01, (0.13), P<0.001]; and leisure [-0.35, (0.07) vs. -0.02, (0.07), P=0.036] skills. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that severe anaemia in the preschool period is associated with poor social-emotional scores in the short-term post clinical recovery in Northern Uganda. We recommend long-term follow-up to determine the course of these problems and appropriate interventions to reduce the behavioural burden among pre-schoolers surviving severe anaemia in Uganda.
Bilinçli Farkındalık ve Psikolojik Sağlamlık Arasındaki İlişkide Temel Empati Becerilerinin Aracı Rol Etkisinin İncelenmesi
Authors: Okan Nesrullah , Yılmaztürk Mücahit , Kürüm Betül
Published: June 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı üniversite öğrencilerinde bilinçli farkındalık ve psikolojik sağlamlık arasındaki ilişkide bilişsel empati ve duygusal empati değişkenlerinin aracı rolünün Yapısal Eşitlik Modeli çerçevesinde incelenmesidir. Bilinçli farkındalık, Psikolojik sağlamlık ve empati değişkenleri çeşitli demografik değişkenler açısından incelenmesi de amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın evrenini Marmara Üniversitesi’nde 2018-2019 eğitim-öğretim yılında aktif öğrenim gören toplam 77134 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmanın örneklemini, seçkisiz örnekleme yöntemi ile seçilen Marmara Üniversitesi’nde aktif öğrenim gören 360 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada kişisel bilgi formu, Bilinçli farkındalık ölçeği, Psikolojik sağlamlık ölçeği ve Temel empati ölçeği kullanılarak veriler toplanmıştır. Araştırmanın amaçlarını test etmek üzere verilerin analizinde Bağımsız Gruplar t Testi, ANOVA (Tek Yönlü Varyans Analizi), Pearson Momentler Çarpımı Korelasyonu ve Yol Analizi kullanılmıştır. Yapılan yol analizi sonucunda, Bilinçli farkındalık ve Psikolojik sağlamlık arasındaki ilişkide Bilişsel ve Duygusal empati değişkenlerinin kısmi aracı rolü etkisi olduğu görülmüştür. Araştırma literatür ışığında tartışılmış ve araştırmaya son hali verilmiştir.
Quinoline-based Compounds with Potential Activity against Drugresistant Cancers
Authors: Li Huan-Ting , Zhu Xiaoyong
Published: June 2020

Drug resistance is the major cause of the failure of cancer chemotherapy, so one of the most
important features in developing effective cancer therapeutic strategies is to overcome drug resistance.
Quinoline moiety has become one of the most privileged structural motifs in anticancer agent discovery
since its derivatives possess potent activity against various cancers including drug-resistant cancers.
Several quinoline-based compounds which are represented by Anlotinib, Bosutinib, Lenvatinib, and
Neratinib have already been applied in clinical practice to fight against cancers, so quinoline-based
compounds are potential anticancer agents. The present short review article provides an overview of the
recent advances of quinoline-based compounds with potential activity against drug-resistant cancers.
The structure-activity relationship and mechanisms of action are also discussed.
Comparative Protein Composition and Biological Effects Caused by Bothrops jararacussu and B. moojeni Crude Venoms
Authors: Paixão-Júnior Otacílio B. , Silva Diana P. , Ferreira Sarah S. , Barbosa Ayrton R. , dos Santos Pedro G. N. , Santa-Rita Paula H. , Salvador Guilherme H. M. , Pêssoa Hilzeth L. F. , Marchi-Salvador Daniela P.
Published: June 2020

Background:

The World Health Organization added snakebite envenoming to its priority
list of neglected tropical diseases. Snakebite envenoming is a particularly important public
health problem in rural areas of tropical and sub-tropical countries. In 2017, more than 30 thousand
cases of snakebites were reported in Brazil, with the North and Northeast regions being the most
affected and Bothrops sp snakes causing most of these cases.

Objective::

The objective of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the coagulating, cytotoxic, oxidizing
and antioxidant effects caused by Bothrops jararacussu and B. moojeni crude venoms.

Methods::

The crude venoms protein profiles were characterized, and the biological effects were
evaluated and compared between the species.

Results:

The crude venoms composition showed similar protein profiles. The B. jararacussu and B.
moojeni crude venoms showed coagulant activity and were capable of causing indirect hemolysis
on the erythrocyte membrane, but did not protect the erythrocyte membrane from damage against
hypotonic solutions. The B. jararacussu crude venom promoted hemagglutination.

Conclusion:

The crude venoms were not able to promote an oxidizing effect on hemoglobin and
could not prevent the phenylhydrazine oxidizing effect; however, the crude venoms presence
caused increase in the methemoglobin formation by phenylhydrazine oxidation.
Characthrization of suicide attempt in patients at Pedro Diaz Coello Polyclinic, in Holguin, 2015-2019 (Preprint)
Authors: Medina Carlos
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

suicide represents a problem for public health, due to its high prevalence at the present time and the lack of implementation of adequate preventive strategies in a large number of countries.

OBJECTIVE

Objective: to characterize patients with a suicide attempt in the health area of ​​the Pedro Díaz Coello Polyclinic in Holguín in the period 2015-2019.

METHODS

Methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional retrospective study was carried out, with a population of 138 patients, where they were fully studied.

RESULTS

a predominance of patients between 10 and 20 years of age (52.2%) was found, in the female sex (60%), 57 (41.3%) had basic secondary education. Singles were the most prevalent 80 (58%). The method of ingestion of tablets was the most used with 92 patients (66.6%), of them the female sex was the one with the greatest quantity, however, in the male sex the preferred method was hanging. As a risk factor, depression was the most prevalent, with 40 (29%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

adolescent females, mainly with a basic secondary education level, were prone to intense suicide. The ingestion of tablets was the main method used, with a predominance of females; where depression was the main risk factor.

CLINICALTRIAL

Keywords: suicide, risk factors, primary health care
Excess Patient Visits for Cough and Pulmonary Disease at a Large US Health System in the Months Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Time-Series Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Elmore Joann G , Wang Pin-Chieh , Kerr Kathleen F , Schriger David L , Morrison Douglas E , Brookmeyer Ron , Pfeffer Michael A , Payne Thomas H , Currier Judith S
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Accurately assessing the regional activity of diseases such as COVID-19 is important in guiding public health interventions. Leveraging electronic health records (EHRs) to monitor outpatient clinical encounters may lead to the identification of emerging outbreaks.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate whether excess visits where the word “cough” was present in the EHR reason for visit, and hospitalizations with acute respiratory failure were more frequent from December 2019 to February 2020 compared with the preceding 5 years.

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort was identified from a large US health system with 3 hospitals, over 180 clinics, and 2.5 million patient encounters annually. Data from patient encounters from July 1, 2014, to February 29, 2020, were included. Seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) time-series models were used to evaluate if the observed winter 2019/2020 rates were higher than the forecast 95% prediction intervals. The estimated excess number of visits and hospitalizations in winter 2019/2020 were calculated compared to previous seasons.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients presenting with an EHR reason for visit containing the word “cough” to clinics exceeded the 95% prediction interval the week of December 22, 2019, and was consistently above the 95% prediction interval all 10 weeks through the end of February 2020. Similar trends were noted for emergency department visits and hospitalizations starting December 22, 2019, where observed data exceeded the 95% prediction interval in 6 and 7 of the 10 weeks, respectively. The estimated excess over the 3-month 2019/2020 winter season, obtained by either subtracting the maximum or subtracting the average of the five previous seasons from the current season, was 1.6 or 2.0 excess visits for cough per 1000 outpatient visits, 11.0 or 19.2 excess visits for cough per 1000 emergency department visits, and 21.4 or 39.1 excess visits per 1000 hospitalizations with acute respiratory failure, respectively. The total numbers of excess cases above the 95% predicted forecast interval were 168 cases in the outpatient clinics, 56 cases for the emergency department, and 18 hospitalized with acute respiratory failure.

CONCLUSIONS

A significantly higher number of patients with respiratory complaints and diseases starting in late December 2019 and continuing through February 2020 suggests community spread of SARS-CoV-2 prior to established clinical awareness and testing capabilities. This provides a case example of how health system analytics combined with EHR data can provide powerful and agile tools for identifying when future trends in patient populations are outside of the expected ranges.
COVID-19 Contact-Tracing Apps: Analysis of the Readability of Privacy Policies (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Melvyn , Chow Aloysius , Smith Helen
Published: June 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Apps that enable contact-tracing are instrumental in mitigating the transmission of COVID-19, but there have been concerns among users about the data collected by these apps and their management. Contact tracing is of paramount importance when dealing with a pandemic, as it allows for rapid identification of cases based on the information collected from infected individuals about other individuals they may have had recent contact with. Advances in digital technology have enabled devices such as mobile phones to be used in the contract-tracing process. However, there is a potential risk of users’ personal information and sensitive data being stolen should hackers be in the near vicinity of these devices. Thus, there is a need to develop privacy-preserving apps. Meanwhile, privacy policies that outline the risk associated with the use of contact-tracing apps are needed, in formats that are easily readable and comprehensible by the public. To our knowledge, no previous study has examined the readability of privacy policies of contact-tracings apps. Therefore, we performed a readability analysis to evaluate the comprehensibility of privacy policies of 7 contact-tracing apps currently in use. The contents of the privacy policies of these apps were assessed for readability using Readability Test Tool, a free web-based reliability calculator, which computes scores based on a number of statistics (ie, word count and the number of complex words) and indices (ie, Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level, Gunning Fog Index, and Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook index). Our analysis revealed that explanations used in the privacy policies of these apps require a reading grade between 7 and 14, which is considerably higher than the reading ability of the average individual. We believe that improving the readability of privacy policies of apps could be potentially reassuring for users and may help facilitate the increased use of such apps.
SARS-CoV-2 Biology Insights, Part II. COVID-19 as a systemic persistent infection: narrative review. (Preprint)
Authors: Lafon-Hughes Laura , Keszenman Deborah J
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

As reviewed in Part I, SARS-CoV-2 Spike presents special features including a furin cleavage site and 4 HIV-like sequences that are expected to facilitate viral infection spreading.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether there is evidence regarding systemic infection by coronaviruses, SARS and SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

A literature review was done using Google searching engine. Due to the recent emergence of COVID-19 as a new illness, webpages and newspapers were also considered.

RESULTS

Some other CoV, SARS and SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect several body tissues. SARS-CoV-2 infects the immune system like HIV. It has also been detected in the body fluids and in several body tissues. Although rare, the development of potentially fatal Kawasaki disease associated with COVD-19 has been reported. Importantly, early medical attention saves children´s life in such rare cases.

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 targets the immune system and can cause a systemic persistent infection affecting most human systems including the nervous system. The name of the virus should be accordingly updated. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected subjects should be monitored, since long-term effects are possible. As Reviewed in Part I, there fortunately are promising therapeutic strategies. As will be expressed in Part III, latency and sperm transmission to the descendants are not discarded yet. In Part V Viewpoint, the importance of protecting our young population will be accordingly stressed.
SARS-CoV-2 Biology Insights, Part V. Protect Our Young Population From COVID-19: Viewpoint. (Preprint)
Authors: Lafon-Hughes Laura
Published: June 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

COVID-19 pandemic, the SARS-COV-2 outbreak, has literally broken into our lives and is pushing the limits among reality and science fiction. We are all facing a dilemma regarding what to do and what to avoid doing because of SARS-CoV-2. According to previous evidence coming from other CoV and SARS-CO-V plus the evidence currently being accumulated, COVID-19 is a systemic illness and it is highly likely that it can alternate persistent and productive infections involving the immune system as well as the nervous system, kidneys, intestine, and liver. Under this view, patients which are today considered recovered or even asymptomatic carriers, like most infected children, may tomorrow develop severe illness (in a way analogous to HIV infection). Moreover, the possibility of vertical transmission through sperm or maternal/fetus transmission is not ruled out. For these reasons, “flattening the curve” to avoid deaths due to sanitary system collapse is not the only challenge; we should also attempt to protect our young generations. This is particularly feasible in countries where the pandemic started later and activities are just beginning to re-open after lockdown, but can also be applied to earlier starter countries since the estimated percentage of population uninfected is still high. The current world population is about 7.8 billion according to Worldometer while confirmed COVID-19 cases are about 8 million according to Johns Hopkins COVID-19 map webpage.
We should protect our young generations –babies, children, adolescents and young adults- at least until a specific treatment is available. There is no reason to panic and there are promising treatment strategies.
Lockdowns cannot be sustained because hunger can kill more people than the infection itself, and isolation has psychological consequences. We should simply consider changing some habits and taking some extra countermeasures. Here are some practical suggestions to be discussed.
Adwords Keyword Set Selection Decision Support System Using AHP and TOPSIS Method
Authors: Chandra Sholikin Ady , Winarko Edi , Priyanta Sigit
Published: June 2020

CV. Gitani Creative Agency is a company engaged in the field of creative agency providing digital marketing service. Google Adwords is a platform used by the company to run this service. Keyword set selection is critical to the performance of ads. However, finding the right keyword set is not an easy task. The company needs to consider various criteria to get the optimal advertising results. Decision support system (DSS) is needed as an objective reference in the process of keyword set selection. The criteria for decision-making are click, impressions, cost, and avg. CPC.AHP method is used to compare the value of each criteria and then generate priority weights of each criteria. While TOPSIS method is used for alternative ranking. The combination of these methods aims to improve the performance of TOPSIS method.The result of this study shows that the combination of AHP and TOPSIS methods can be used to determine the best keyword set for ads. Based on the testing results, DSS can do alternative ranking correctly in accordance with the results of manual calculation and it is also flexible to the changes in criteria and alternatives.
Application of Blockchain Technology for iLearning Student Assessment
Authors: Sudaryono Sudaryono , Aini Qurotul , Lutfiani Ninda , Hanafi Firman , Rahardja Untung
Published: June 2020

Blockchain is the core technology used to create cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. As one part of the fourth industrial Revolution since the invention of steam engines, electricity, and information technology, blockchain technology has begun to be applied in areas such as finance, judiciary, and trade. Blockchain technology uses decentralized, distributed and transparency techniques for data security. This research aims to determine the implementation of blockchain technology in the field of education, especially in the Data Security section. The study uses two methods namely the mind mapping method and literature review. The results of this study showed that with the presence of blockchain technology, the data is more secure from attacks from both inside and outside because it passes through two levels of security, namely encryption and decentralized data.
ГЕНЕРАТОРЫ С ПРИМЕНЕНИЕМ ДИЭЛЕКТРИЧЕСКИХ РЕЗОНАТОРОВ. Часть 3
Authors: Геворкян В. , Кочемасов В. , Шадский В.
Published: June 2020

Рассмотрены генераторы с фазовой автоподстройкой частоты (ФАПЧ). Приведена информация о характеристиках и производителях данных устройств.
ВИРТУАЛИЗАЦИЯ ПОДСИСТЕМЫ ПРЕРЫВАНИЙ МИКРОПРОЦЕССОРОВ «ЭЛЬБРУС»
Authors: Рыбаков С. , Деменко Р.
Published: June 2020

Рассмотрены разработанные для архитектуры «Эльбрус» программно-­аппаратные решения, направленные на повышение эффективности виртуализации подсистемы прерываний. Отмечено, что эти решения в основном базируются на аппаратной поддержке, обеспеченной с использованием специально разработанного аппаратного контроллера (Elbrus Programmable Interrupt Controller, EPIC).
Research on Improvement of Cooling Efficiency of Two-Stroke Engines Using the Telemetric System for Measuring the Piston Temperature
Authors: Kulikov V. A. , Syakterev V. N. , Syaktereva V. V.
Published: June 2020

В работе предложен метод повышения эффективности охлаждения двигателей с воздушным охлаждением с использованием интенсификации теплообмена на охлаждающих поверхностях цилиндров с применением турбулизаторов.  Турбулизаторы выполнены в виде круглых выступов на поверхности ребер рубашки охлаждения цилиндров перпендикулярно потоку охлаждающего воздуха. Возникаемые за этими выступами вихревые зоны служат источником дополнительной турбулизации и способствуют интенсификации теплообмена. Исследование влияния турбулизаторов на повышение эффективности охлаждения основано на использовании метода термометрирования поршня с помощью телеметрической системы измерений с оптическим каналом связи. В данном эксперименте производится непосредственное термометрирование поршня и при этом исключаются дополнительные погрешности, связанные с искажением теплообмена на охлаждающих поверхностях цилиндра двигателя, возникающие при непосредственном измерении температур ребер цилиндра двигателя в различных точках. Сравнительные испытания серийного и опытного двигателя с рубашкой охлаждения с турбулизаторами показали снижение температуры от 3 до 8 градусов в различных точках поршня, что снижает общий уровень его теплонапряженного состояния, позволяет отказаться от трудоемкого процесса алитирования и снижает себестоимость двигателя. Применение эффективности охлаждения двигателей на основе интенсификации теплообмена с использованием турбулизаторов может быть использовано для повышения надежности работы двигателей мотоциклов и современных беспилотных летательных аппаратов с воздушным охлаждением, что дополнительно может снизить уровень шума этих аппаратов.
Shooting Simulator «Inhibitor»: Software of Drawing up Scenarios of Exercises
Authors: Egorov S. F. , Osipov N. I. , Korobeynikova I. V.
Published: June 2020

Описывается программное обеспечение для составления сценариев учебных упражнений тактического тренажера оптико-электронного для стрелкового оружия «Ингибитор», разработанного в Институте механики УдмФИЦ УрО РАН и на кафедре «Вычислительная техника» ИжГТУ имени М. Т. Калашникова совместно с ОАО «Концерн «Ижмаш». Приводится тактико-техническое задание на функциональные возможности редактора сценариев учебных упражнений из Курса стрельб с имитацией на изображениях времени дня (утро, день, вечер, ночь) и сезона (лето, зима, осень, весна). При составлении сценариев должна быть возможность выбирать лесистые, степные, городские, песчаные стрельбища и расставлять на них цели со сложным поведением (приседание, залегание, уклонение от близких промахов и т. п.) и спецэффекты (дымы, разрывы и т. п.). Также необходимо добавлять в базу пользовательские стрелковые упражнения, новые изображения как стрельбищ (с прорисованным виртуальным рельефом дальности), так и местных предметов и целей (бронетехники и живой силы) и задавать их свойства (например, траекторию движения со скоростью и времена появления-исчезновения с допустимыми разбросами).  В стандартной поставке тренажера должна быть полная база упражнений и мишеней из Курса стрельб по стрелковому вооружению (включая гранатометы) и по разведке местности. Сделан вывод о перспективности дальнейших исследований и разработке электронных стрелковых тренажеров благодаря совершенствованию и удешевлению элементной базы и развитию программных библиотек с целью повышения точности тренажеров, расширения функциональных возможностей и снижения себестоимости и, значит, повышения конкурентоспособности.Работа выполнена за счет гранта Российского научного фонда (проект № 18-79-10122) с использованием УНУ «Информационно-измерительный комплекс для исследований акустических свойств материалов и изделий» (рег. номер: 586308)
System Analysis of the Process of Creating Industrial Intellectual Property
Authors: Karmanchikov A. I. , Milovzorov G. V.
Published: June 2020

Объектом исследования в статье является система создания и защиты интеллектуальной промышленной собственности. Обращается внимание на процесс выявления технических проблем, на возможности ускорения процесса поиска оптимальных эффективных решений, раскрываются возможности активизации творческой активности личности и творческих групп, выделяются позитивные процессы совершенствования системы создания и защиты результатов интеллектуальной деятельности (РИД).Системный анализ создания объектов промышленной интеллектуальной собственности выявляет низкий уровень патентной культуры сотрудников предприятий, отсутствие патентных служб или специалистов в области охраны интеллектуальной собственности. Специалисты, способные быстро выявлять технические проблемы и находить их решения, становятся все более востребованной категорией на рынке труда. Задача системы высшего образования – оперативно готовить необходимых производству специалистов. Объективные результаты системного анализа методологии изобретательства позволяют более эффективно использовать интеллектуальные ресурсы вуза, региона и страны.Восприятие технической проблемы, мотивация к творческой деятельности, активизация поиска эффективных решений находятся в зависимости от эмоционального состояния изобретателя или творческой группы, эмоции становятся верными проводниками и отражением социальной информации в мир сознания, где эта информация осмысливается и перерабатывается.Комплексный подход к системе поиска эффективных решений производственных проблем включает, как одну из важнейших, систему обучения методологии технического творчества.
Formulation and Evaluation of Piroxicam Fast Dissolving Tablets Using Direct Compression and Sublimation Method
Authors: Kumar Inder , Chaudhary Dipima , Thakur Bhumika , Pandit Vinay
Published: June 2020

Objective: In the present research work, fast dissolving tablets of Piroxicam were formulated by two different techniques i.e. direct compression method and sublimation method using different superdisintegrants.

Methods: Twelve formulations were prepared (PXM1 to PXM12) in which first six formulation were prepared by direct compression technique and other six formulation were prepared by sublimation method by using camphor as a sublimating agent.

Result and Discussion: All the formulations were subjected for precompression, post compression parameters, and shows all the data within the specific limits. Formulation PXM4 containing 5 % crospovidone showed 99.480 ± 0.291 % drug release in 20 min which was more than the drug release of rest of the formulations. The optimized formulation PXM4 was compared with the marketed formulation and it revealed that drug release of PXM4 was found to be 99.397 ± 0.751 % in 20 min, which was greater than the marketed formulation. Finally, results were statistically analysed by the application of one way ANOVA and t-test. The stability study of the optimized formulation PXM4 showed no significant changes in, drug content, disintegration time and in-vitro drug release.

Conclusion: Piroxicam can be successfully prepared using direct compression technique and it will enhance the drug dissolution, which will further increase absorption and bioavailability of the drug.

Keywords: Direct compression, fast dissolving tablets, sublimation, Piroxicam.