bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ТАКТИКА ЛЕЧЕНИЯ ПАЦИЕНТА С ПЕРИТОНСИЛЛЯРНЫМ АБСЦЕССОМ
Authors: Махамадалиев Е.Ю. , Маматова  , Арифов
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was retrospective analysis of indications to hot tonsillectomy, its effectiveness and safety. Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is one of the most common complications of acute tonsillitis and the cause of emergency laryngological counselling. In some cases, it is necessary to perform hot tonsillectomy. Material and Methods: In between 2018-2019, 32 patients (aged between 18 to 55 years old) with an initial diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess were admitted. Among them, 18 were women and 14 were men. All underwent hot tonsillectomy. Results: Most of the patients were between 19 - 50 years old. The most common symptoms were pain in the throat, trismus and dysphagia. In all cases incision of an abscess was made, in 10 patients purulent discharge was present. In all patients there was no relief of symptoms after in-cision and antibiotic therapy. In 19 cases without drainage after initial incision, pus was drained after tonsillectomy. In the remaining 13 cases there were additional reservoirs of pus, which were drained after surgery in 7 patients. In 9 patients there was more than one localization of an abscess. There were no problems with intubation and no complications in the early and late postoperative periods occurred. The average time of stay in hospital was 10 days. Conclusion: Lack of improvement after initial treatment of PTA is an indication to hot tonsillectomy. This procedure is not connected with an increased risk of complications. Evacuation of purulent content does not exclude presence of another abscess, unusual localization or parapharyngeal space abscess.
РАЗРАБОТКА УСТРОЙСТВА ДЛЯ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ФИЗИКО-МЕХАНИЧЕСКИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК ШВОВ И ШОВНОГО МАТЕРИАЛА, СТЕПЕНИ ДЕФОРМАЦИИ ПАРЕНХИМАТОЗНЫХ ОРГАНОВ
Authors: Липатов В.А. , Денисов А.А. , Северинов Д.А. , Наимзада М.Д.З.
Published: February 2021

The problem of stopping bleeding remains one of the most significant problems of surgery from the moment of its isolation as a separate medical science to the present. Many different traumatic agents and life-threatening living conditions forced the person to look for methods to stop bleeding. Suturing is the basis of individual operative techniques and underlies the solution to the problem of stopping bleeding. Despite the abundance of modern methods of hemostasis in surgical practice XXI century clinicians often prefer ligation of bleeding vessels. However, the research of the force applied by the surgeon to tighten the knot has not been carried out to date and has previously been purely empirical, i.e. was determined visually - until the bleeding stops or until the edges of the wound touch.
Numerical study on effects of chamber design and multi-inlet on storm geyser
Authors: Liu Jiachun , Zhang Shuangqing , Huang Biao , Zhu David Z.
Published: February 2021

Storm geysers increasingly occur in sewer systems under climate change and rapid urbanization. Mitigation measures are in great demand to avoid safety problems. In this study, three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics models of single-inlet and multi-inlet systems were established to investigate geysering induced by rapid filling and assess the effectiveness of potential mitigation methods. The modeling results suggest that increasing the capacity of the downstream pipe before the inflow front reaches the chamber can effectively reduce the maximum geyser pressure. The peak pressure can be significantly mitigated when the chamber size is designed with care and the drop height between the upstream and downstream pipes is reduced. A diversion deflector with air vents and an orifice plate at the riser top end can alleviate the maximum pressure by about 65% with about 75% of the entrapped air being released. The peak pressure during the geyser event in the multi-inlet model is less than that of a single-inlet model under the same total inflow condition, but more water can be released.
Advances on the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Oleanolic Acid and Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Xiaofan , Wang Huiyun , Xu Yangrong , Luan Mingzhu , Zhao Fenglan , Meng Qingguo
Published: February 2021

Oleanolic acid can inhibit edema and exhibit obvious inhibitory activity to inflammatory by
activating of the pituitary-adrenal cortical system, inhibiting the synthesis or release of PGs, inhibiting
endotoxin-mediated release of HMGB1 by endothelial cells or regulating MAPK, PI3K/Akt/NF-
κB/ICAM-1/JAK/STAT signaling pathways, etc. In recent years, an increased number of interesting
research work has been carried out on the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanisms of OA derivatives,
such as acyloxyimino derivative, 3-acetylated derivatives, novel 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles
derivatives, acetate, ester derivatives and oximes derivatives. The review summaries and highlights the
updated advances on the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of OA and its derivatives.
Gene Therapy Strategies for Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration
Authors: Lani-Louzada Rafael , Dias Mariana Santana , Linden Rafael , Ribas Vinicius Toledo , Petrs-Silva Hilda
Published: February 2021

Glaucoma leads to irreversible vision loss and current therapeutic strategies are often insufficient
to prevent the progression of the disease and consequent blindness. Elevated intraocular pressure
is an important risk factor, but not required for the progression of glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
The demise of retinal ganglion cells represents the final common pathway of glaucomatous vision
loss. Still, lifelong control of intraocular pressure is the only current treatment to prevent severe
vision loss, although it frequently fails despite best practices. This scenario calls for the development
of neuroprotective and pro-regenerative therapies targeting the retinal ganglion cells as well as the optic
nerve. Several experimental studies have shown the potential of gene modulation as a tool for neuroprotection
and regeneration. In this context, gene therapy represents an attractive approach as a persistent
treatment for glaucoma. Viral vectors engineered to promote overexpression of a broad range
of cellular factors have been shown to protect retinal ganglion cells and/or promote axonal regeneration
in experimental models. Here, we review the mechanisms involved in glaucomatous neurodegeneration
and regeneration in the central nervous system. Then, we point out the current limitations of
gene therapy platforms and review a myriad of studies that use viral vectors to manipulate genes in
retinal ganglion cells, as a strategy to promote neuroprotection and regeneration. Finally, we address
the potential of combining neuroprotective and regenerative gene therapies as an approach to glaucomatous
neurodegeneration.
Identification and Analysis of RNA Editing Events in Ovarian Serous Cystadenoma Using RNA-seq Data
Authors: Wang Yulan , Song Xiaofeng , Xu Tianyi
Published: February 2021

Background:

Recent studies have revealed thousands of A-to-I RNA editing events in
primates. These events are closely related to the occurrence and development of multiple cancers,
but the origination and general functions of these events in ovarian cancer remain incompletely understood.

Objective:

To further the determination of molecular mechanisms of ovarian cancer from the perspective
of RNA editing.

Methods :

Here, we used the SNP-free RNA editing Identification Toolkit (SPRINT) to detect
RNA editing sites. These editing sites were then annotated, and related functional analysis was performed.

Results:

In this study, about 1.7 million RES were detected in each sample, and 98% of these sites
were due to A-to-G editing and were mainly distributed in non-coding regions. More than 1,000 A--
to-G RES were detected in CDS regions, and nearly 700 could lead to amino acid changes. Our results
also showed that editing in the 3′UTR regions could influence miRNA-target binding. We predicted
the network of changed miRNA-mRNA interaction caused by the A-to-I RNA editing sites.
We also screened the differential RNA editing sites between ovarian cancer and adjacent normal tissues.
We then performed GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on the genes that contained
these differential RNA editing sites. Finally, we identified the potential dysregulated RNA editing
events in ovarian cancer samples.

Conclusion:

This study systematically identified and analyzed RNA editing events in ovarian cancer
and laid a foundation to explore the regulatory mechanism of RNA editing and its function in
ovarian cancer.
Regenerative Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived
Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Thalakiriyawa Dineshi Sewvandi , Jayasooriya Primali Rukmal , Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal
Published: February 2021

:

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can differentiate
into diverse cell lineages. MSC based therapy has become a widely experimented
treatment strategy in regenerative medicine with promising outcomes. Recent reports
suggest that much of the therapeutic effects of MSCs are mediated by their secretome
that is expressed through extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are lipid bilayer bound
components that carry cellular proteins, mRNA, lncRNAs, and other molecules in order
to mediate intercellular communication and signaling. In fact, MSC-derived EVs have
been observed to implement the same therapeutic effects as MSCs with minimal
adverse effects and could be used as an alternative treatment method to MSC-based
therapy. The regenerative activity of MSC-EVs has been observed in relation to multiple
cell/tissue lineages using various animal models. However, further research and clinical
trials are essential for the advancement of this novel treatment strategy. This review
provides an insight into the available literature on applications of MSC-EVs in relation to
angiogenesis, neurogenesis, hepatic and kidney regeneration, and wound healing.
Using the Compressed Sensing Technique for Lumbar Vertebrae Imaging: Comparison with Conventional Parallel Imaging
Authors: Gao Tianyang , Lu Zhao , Wang Fengzhe , Zhao Heng , Wang Jiazheng , Pan Shinong
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To compare conventional sensitivity encoding turbo spin-echo (SENSE-TSE)
with compressed sensing plus SENSE turbo spin-echo (CS-TSE) in lumbar vertebrae magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI).

Methods:

This retrospective study of lumbar vertebrae MRI included 600 patients; 300 patients received
SENSE-TSE and 300 patients received CS-TSE. The SENSE acceleration factor was 1.4 for
T1WI, 1.7 for T2WI, and 1.7 for PDWI. The CS total acceleration factor was 2.4, 3.6, 4.0, and 4.0
for T1WI, T2WI, PDWI sagittal, and T2WI transverse, respectively. The image quality of each
MRI sequence was evaluated objectively by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise
ratio (CNR) and subjectively on a five-point scale. Two radiologists independently reviewed the
MRI sequences of the 300 patients receiving CS-TSE, and their diagnostic consistency was evaluated.
The degree of intervertebral foraminal stenosis and nerve root compression was assessed using
the T1WI sagittal and T2WI transverse images.

Results:

The scan time was reduced from 7 min 28 s to 4 min 26 s with CS-TSE. The median score
of nerve root image quality was 5 (p > 0.05). The diagnostic consistency using CS-TSE images between
the two radiologists was high for diagnosing lumbar diseases (κ > 0.75) and for evaluating
the degree of lumbar foraminal stenosis and nerve root compression (κ = 0.882). No differences between
SENSE-TSE and CS-TSE were observed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value,
or negative predictive value.

Conclusion:

CS-TSE has the potential for diagnosing lumbar vertebrae and disc disorders.
Construction and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Progression- Free Survival in Patients with Early-Stage Testicular Germ Cell Tumor
Authors: Chen Jin-Guo , Wang Jing-Quan , Peng Tian-Wen , Chen Zhe-Sheng , Zhao Shan-Chao
Published: February 2021

Background:

Testicular Germ Cell Tumor (TGCT) is the most common malignant tumor
in young men, but there is a lack of a prediction model to evaluate the prognosis of patients
with TGCT.

Objective:

To explore the prognostic factors for Progression-Free Survival (PFS) and construct a
nomogram model for patients with early-stage TGCT after radical orchiectomy.

Methods:

Patients with TGCT from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used as the
training cohort; univariate and multivariate cox analysis was performed. A nomogram was constructed
based on the independent prognostic factors. Patients from the Nanfang Hospital affiliated
with Southern Medical University were used as the cohort to validate the predictive ability using
the nomogram model. Harrell's concordance index (C-index) and calibration plots were used to
evaluate the nomogram.

Results:

A total of 110 and 62 patients with TGCT were included in the training cohort and validation
cohort, respectively. Lymphatic Vascular Invasion (LVI), American Joint Committee on Cancer
(AJCC) stage and adjuvant therapy were independent prognostic factors in multivariate regression
analyses and were included to establish a nomogram. The C-index in the training cohort for 1-
, 3-, and 5-year PFS were 0.768, 0.74, and 0.689, respectively. While the C-index for 1-, 3-, and 5-
year PFS in the external validation cohort were 0.853, 0.663 and 0.609, respectively. The calibration
plots for 1-, 3-, and 5-year PFS in the training and validation cohort showed satisfactory consistency
between predicted and actual outcomes. The nomogram revealed a better predictive ability
for PFS than AJCC staging system.

Conclusion:

The nomogram as a simple and visual tool to predict individual PFS in patients with
TGCT could guide clinicians and clinical pharmacists in therapeutic strategy.
The Anti-Tumor Mechanism and Target of Triptolide Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Zou Tao , Huang Yuanqiong , Hu Yifan , Wu Mingyu , Zhao Yueshui , Du Fukuan , Li Mingxing , Wu Xu , Ji Huijioa , Kaboli Parham Jabbarzadeh , Wang Shurong , Xiao Zhangang , Wu Zhigui
Published: February 2021

Background:

According to the special physiological and pharmacological activities of
natural compounds, many drugs with special therapeutic effects have been developed. The Triptolide
(TP) is a natural anti-tumor drug with a world patent, but its target and mechanism are yet unknown.

Objective:

The study aims to explore and predict the target and mechanism of TP on Non-Small
Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Pancreatic Cancer (PC) and Colorectal Cancer (CC) through network
pharmacology technology.

Methods:

We screened the core targets of TP with NSCLC, PC and CC, respectively, and carried
out network analysis, enrichment analysis and ligand-receptor docking to clarify its potential pharmacological
mechanism.

Results:

By screening the core genes between TP with NSCLC, PC and CC, respectively, it was
found that PTGS2 was the common target gene in the three cancers. NSCLC, CCL2, IL6, HMOX1
and COL1A1 are the specific target genes, while MMP2, JUN, and CXCL8 are the specific target
genes in PC. In CC, the specific target genes includeERBB2, VEGFA, STAT1 and MAPK8. In enrichment
analysis, it was found that the NF- κB, toll-like receptors and IL-17 signaling pathway
were mainly involved in TP for these cancers. The binding energy of TP to the core target is less
than that of cyclophosphamide.

Conclusions:

This study preliminarily revealed that TP may prevent and treat cancers\ through multiple
targets and pathways. The possible mechanisms of TP include regulating immune and inflammatory
responses, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting tumor development. It shows that TP may
have potential in treating kinds of tumors.
Nuclear Receptor Coactivator 5 is Correlated with Progression in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Xia Erjie , Hu Wenjing , Bhandari Adheesh , Sindan Namita , Huang Duping
Published: February 2021

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) is increasingly becoming the primary reason for death in women, which sounded the alarm. Thus, finding a novel management target for BC is imminent.

Methods:

The data of gene expression and clinicopathological characteristics were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The expression of nuclear receptor co-activator 5 (NCOA5) in 35 paired breast cancer and adjacent tissues were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Univariate and Multivariate logistic regression methodology was applied to analyze the prognostic factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM). Based on the status of breast cancer-relative receptors, patients were distributed in six groups, then the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank test was applied to investigate the involvement among the expression of NCOA5 and overall survival (OS).

Results:

The expression of NCOA5 in BC was greater than normal tissues when comparing the data from TCGA.
This result had also been verified in our local cohort. The expression of NCOA5 was closely related to LNM,
Estrogen receptor (ER) status and progesterone receptor (PR) status. The consequence of Multivariate logistic
regression analysis showed that the expression of NCOA5, tumor size, ER status and clinical stage was
significantly associated with LN. Moreover, subgroup analyses showed that high expression of NCOA5 is an
independent risk factor for OS in patients who were in ER (+) or PR (+) or maybe human epidermal growth
factor receptor-2(Her-2) positive status.

Conclusion:

NCOA5 was significantly correlated with LNM in BC. Meanwhile, the expression of NOCA5 could
predict the OS time, especially in breast cancer patients whose status of hormone receptor was positive. NCOA5
may act as a promising treatment target to shortening the treatment period and improving the prognosis of ER (+)
breast cancer.
Dantrolene Potentiates the Antineoplastic Effect of Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Targeting Ca+2/PI3K Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zakaria Sherin , Ansary Abeer , Abdel-Hamid Nabil M. , El-Shishtawy Mamdouh M.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 6th prevalent cancer and the 4th
leading cause of cancer-related deaths all over the world. A major challenge for sorafenib, the standard
chemotherapeutic agent in HCC treatment, is the chemo-resistance.

Objective:

This study was conducted to evaluate the role of dantrolene as a possible antineoplastic
agent in HCC, and in chemo-sensitization of sorafenib via targeting Ca+2/PI3K pathway.

Methods:

HCC was induced in rats using a single dose of diethylnitrosamine (DENA) (200 mg/kg,
ip), followed by phenobarbital sodium (0.05%) in drinking water for 18 weeks. At the end of the
18th week, rats were allocated into 4 groups (10 rats/each), one group was left without treatment
(DENA group) and the other three groups were treated with either sorafenib, dantrolene, or their
combination for further 4 weeks. One day after the last injection, serum and liver tissues were collected.
Liver tissue p53, VEGF, MMP-9, Cyclin D1, PI3K, and, serum AFP were assessed using
immunoassay. Hepatic and serum Ca+2 were also computed. Furthermore, Ki-67 was assessed immunohistochemically.

Results:

Dantrolene exhibited synergistic effect when used in combination with sorafenib compared
to either drug alone (p <0.05) through decreasing p53, VEGF, MMP-9, Cyclin D1, and
Ki-67. In addition, dantrolene was evidenced to have an inhibitory effect on Ca+2/PI3K pathway
that mediates its antineoplastic action when used alone or in combination with sorafenib.

Conclusion:

Dantrolene exerted antineoplastic effect as well as augmented sorafenib antineoplastic
activity via the intervention of Ca+2/PI3K pathway, manifested by ameliorating angiogenesis, apoptosis,
proliferation and metastasis.
Towards the Improvement of Branch Instructions Identification in High-
Performance Processors: Issues, Challenges and Techniques
Authors: Nain Sweety , Chaudhary Prachi
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Accurate branch prediction technique has become compulsory in the superscalar and deep pipeline processors. The conditional instructions can break the continuous flow of execution in the pipeline stages, thereby decreasing processor performance.

Discussion:

This paper highlights the concept of branch prediction, some issues and challenges, and techniques for improving processor performance. Further, this paper also presents the role of branch prediction in different processors and their features.

Conclusion:

The concept of the branch prediction used in parallel processors to enhance the execution speed of the conditional branch instructions and improve the processor's performance is highlighted in this paper. Further, this paper highlights the branch predictor techniques with their features and presents the challenges, issues, and future techniques related to the branch prediction.
Templos andinos de Arica y Parinacota. Ruta de la Misiones Saraña
Authors: Ramos Chuquimia Diana
Published: February 2021

El valor de este estudio radica en la di- fusión de los alentadores resultados obtenidos por los esfuerzos públicos y privados que sostuvieron una empresa de gestión patrimonial paradigmática y ejemplar en la Región XV de Chile. En cada una de sus páginas tenenos no sólo el testimonio de los actores direc- tos del legado patrimonial construido, sino también la intensidad coercitiva, la vinculación con el trabajo comunitario a favor de la conservación sostenible los templos andinos.
Edificación del antiguo Correo y Telégrafo de Lima. Historia de un patrimonio edificado
Authors: Barrera Camarena Henry
Published: February 2021

El Correo Central de Lima, o antiguamente llamado Correo y Telégrafo de Lima, es un patrimonio poco conocido, en parte porque hoy en día se le da una variedad de usos, sumado a que las últimas generaciones de la población no han llegado a emplear este servicio. Esto último a causa directa del avance de la tecnología y la era digital. Por esos motivos indicados, el objetivo de este trabajo es revalorar su importancia histórica y el diseño arquitectónico que ostentó originalmente, el cual con el tiempo se ha ido modificando, sin que ello signifique la pérdida de su valor. Para ello, se recurrió al empleo de fuente primaria, tanto en imágenes como en información, que es la base de este estudio.

La conservación del patrimonio es una obligación social, desde el campo de la historia se puede contribuir a esa noble gesta. Un monumento como éste, que ha superado los vaivenes del tiempo, no solo debe ser valorado per se, su complejidad puede aportar a seguir conociendo el devenir de la antigua Ciudad de los Reyes.
Iglesia Matriz de Jauja. Plan de recuperación y proceso de intervención restaurativa
Authors: Cuadros Chávez Hebner
Published: February 2021

Evaluación y diagnóstico a la propuesta de intervención y al proceso de recuperación del monumento histórico “Iglesia Matriz” de la ciudad de Jauja – Perú, realizada el año 2009 y 2010. Análisis exhaustivo al proyecto y la ejecución, respecto a los criterios metodológicos planteados y utilizados, estimando su resultado y trascendencia, por tratarse de un bien patrimonial.

Interpretación en cuanto a la tipología y metodología del proyecto y del proceso de restaurativo, en función al ámbito contextual de carácter político, social y cultural y en relación a las expectativas, valoración y aceptación de la población sobre el componente cultural, que proyecta sentido de identidad colectiva y simboliza la pertenencia histórica de sus habitantes.

Precisiones y comentarios valorativos al proyecto y a los procedimientos de intervención y de recuperación, haciendo un balance de los criterios, logros, falencias y desventajas respectivas.
Patrimonio edificado de la inmigración china en el Centro Histórico de Lima
Authors: Chang Estrada Angie
Published: February 2021

El presente articulo es una reflexión sobre el patrimonio edificado de la inmigración china en el Centro

Histórico de Lima y de su consideración como tal. Para ello se ha investigado la relación de los sujetos

patrimoniales con el patrimonio edificado de acuerdo con las nuevas posturas sobre patrimonio. La

investigación presenta catorce casos agrupados como: (i) una zona monumental, (ii) un ambiente urbano monumental, (iii) diez edificios patrimoniales y (iv) dos hitos urbanos y los cruza con dos miradas:

interna y externa para verificar la existencia del patrimonio edificado de la inmigración china en el

Centro Histórico de Lima.
Esquema económico financiero para la adaptación al cambio climático en Carriacou, Granada.
Authors: Zequeira Álvarez María , Del Rosario Rodríguez Katia , Planos Gutiérrez Eduardo , González López del Castillo Rebeca
Published: February 2021

La isla de Carriacou está situada en el mar Caribe y es dependiente de Granada. Las actividades económicas principales son la pesca, el turismo, la construcción y la agricultura familiar. Cuenta con una población de seis mil habitantes en 34 km2. El objetivo del trabajo es proponer un esquema económico financiero para la adaptación al cambio climático en Carriacou, Granada. El procedimiento metodológico tiene cuatro etapas: caracterización de Carriacou; cálculo de bienes y servicios ecosistémico seleccionados; estimado del impacto del cambio climático en sectores económicos claves, costos ecosistémico y medidas de adaptación; y propuesta del esquema de mecanismo económico financiero para la adaptación al cambio climático. El valor total de los bienes y servicios ecosistémicos supera los 258, 1 millones de US $. Se pueden producir pérdidas económicas superiores a los dos y tres millones de dólares estadunidenses anuales en las actividades económicas principales para los años 2035 y 2050. El costo ecosistémico sobrepasa los 21 millones de US $. La variante más viable considera el 50% de los Bienes y Servicios Ecosistémicos, donaciones, inversiones directas y el 1% de aporte del sistema productivo local. La propuesta puede evaluarse para otros países.
Leaderboard Design Principles to Enhance Learning and Motivation in a Gamified Educational Environment: Development Study
Authors: Park Sungjin , Kim Sangkyun
Published: February 2021

Background

Gamification in education enhances learners’ motivation, problem-solving abilities, decision-making abilities, and social skills such as communication. Numerous ongoing studies are examining the application of gamification design methodology and game mechanics to a learning environment. Leaderboards are a type of game mechanic that assist learners in goal setting and unleash the motivation for learning.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop leaderboard design principles to assist learners in efficient goal setting, improve learning motivation, and promote learning in gamified learning environments.

Methods

This study implemented 2 different strategies. First, we analyzed previous research on leaderboards that focus on educational efficacy and influence on social interactions. Second, we collected and analyzed data related to cases of leaderboards being used in educational and sport environments.

Results

This study determined 4 leaderboard design objectives from previous studies. Based on these objectives, we developed 3 leaderboard design principles. First, macro leaderboards and micro leaderboards should be designed and used together. Second, all the elements used to measure learners’ achievements in an educational environment should be incorporated into the micro leaderboard. Third, leaderboards should be designed and considered for application in contexts other than learning environments. This study further analyzes best practices considering the 3 leaderboard design principles.

Conclusions

This study contributes toward resolving problems associated with leaderboard design for the application of gamification in educational environments. Based upon our results, we strongly suggest that when teachers consider applying gamification in classrooms, the leaderboard design principles suggested in this research should be incorporated.
Intentions to Seek Mental Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Chinese Pregnant Women With Probable Depression or Anxiety: Cross-sectional, Web-Based Survey Study
Authors: Wang Qian , Song Bo , Di Jiangli , Yang Xue , Wu Anise , Lau Joseph , Xin Meiqi , Wang Linhong , Mo Phoenix Kit-Han
Published: February 2021

Background

Mental health problems are prevalent among pregnant women, and it is expected that their mental health will worsen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the underutilization of mental health services among pregnant women has been widely documented.

Objective

We aimed to identify factors that are associated with pregnant women’s intentions to seek mental health services. We specifically assessed pregnant women who were at risk of mental health problems in mainland China.

Methods

A web-based survey was conducted from February to March, 2020 among 19,515 pregnant women who were recruited from maternal health care centers across various regions of China. A subsample of 6248 pregnant women with probable depression (ie, those with a score of ≥10 on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire) or anxiety (ie, those with a score of ≥5 on the 7-item General Anxiety Disorder Scale) was included in our analysis.

Results

More than half (3292/6248, 52.7%) of the participants reported that they did not need mental health services. Furthermore, 28.3% (1770/6248) of participants felt that they needed mental health services, but had no intentions of seeking help, and only 19% (1186/6248) felt that they needed mental health services and had intentions of seek help. The results from our multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, education level, and gestational age were factors of not seeking help. However, COVID-19–related lockdowns in participants’ cities of residence, social support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and trust in health care providers were protective factors of participants’ intentions to seek help from mental health services.

Conclusions

Interventions that promote seeking help for mental health problems among pregnant women should also promote social support from health care providers and trust between pregnant women and their care providers.
Expectations of Continuous Vital Signs Monitoring for Recognizing Complications After Esophagectomy: Interview Study Among Nurses and Surgeons (Preprint)
Authors: van Rossum Mathilde , Leenen Jobbe , Kingma Feike , Breteler Martine , van Hillegersberg Richard , Ruurda Jelle , Kouwenhoven Ewout , van Det Marc , Luyer Misha , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard , Kalkman Cor , Hermens Hermie
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing esophagectomy are at serious risk of developing postoperative complications. To support early recognition of clinical deterioration, wireless sensor technologies that enable continuous vital signs monitoring in a ward setting are emerging.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored nurses’ and surgeons’ expectations of the potential effectiveness and impact of continuous wireless vital signs monitoring in patients admitted to the ward after esophagectomy.

METHODS

Semistructured interviews were conducted at 3 esophageal cancer centers in the Netherlands. In each center, 2 nurses and 2 surgeons were interviewed regarding their expectations of continuous vital signs monitoring for early recognition of complications after esophagectomy. Historical data of patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were collected in each center and presented to the local participants to support estimations on clinical outcome.

RESULTS

The majority of nurses and surgeons expected that continuous vital signs monitoring could contribute to the earlier recognition of deterioration and result in earlier treatment for postoperative complications, although the effective time gain would depend on patient and situational factors. Their expectations regarding the impact of potential earlier diagnosis on clinical outcomes varied. Nevertheless, most caregivers would consider implementing continuous monitoring in the surgical ward to support patient monitoring after esophagectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers expected that wireless vital signs monitoring would provide opportunities for early detection of postoperative complications in patients undergoing esophagectomy admitted to the ward and prevent sequelae under certain circumstances. As the technology matures, clinical outcome studies will be necessary to objectify these expectations and further investigate overall effects on patient outcome.
Development and Validation of a Machine Learning Approach for Automated Severity Assessment of COVID-19 Based on Clinical and Imaging Data: Retrospective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Quiroz Juan Carlos , Feng You-Zhen , Cheng Zhong-Yuan , Rezazadegan Dana , Chen Ping-Kang , Lin Qi-Ting , Qian Long , Liu Xiao-Fang , Berkovsky Shlomo , Coiera Enrico , Song Lei , Qiu Xiaoming , Liu Sidong , Cai Xiang-Ran
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has overwhelmed health systems worldwide. It is important to identify severe cases as early as possible, such that resources can be mobilized and treatment can be escalated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop a machine learning approach for automated severity assessment of COVID-19 based on clinical and imaging data.

METHODS

Clinical data—including demographics, signs, symptoms, comorbidities, and blood test results—and chest computed tomography scans of 346 patients from 2 hospitals in the Hubei Province, China, were used to develop machine learning models for automated severity assessment in diagnosed COVID-19 cases. We compared the predictive power of the clinical and imaging data from multiple machine learning models and further explored the use of four oversampling methods to address the imbalanced classification issue. Features with the highest predictive power were identified using the Shapley Additive Explanations framework.

RESULTS

Imaging features had the strongest impact on the model output, while a combination of clinical and imaging features yielded the best performance overall. The identified predictive features were consistent with those reported previously. Although oversampling yielded mixed results, it achieved the best model performance in our study. Logistic regression models differentiating between mild and severe cases achieved the best performance for clinical features (area under the curve [AUC] 0.848; sensitivity 0.455; specificity 0.906), imaging features (AUC 0.926; sensitivity 0.818; specificity 0.901), and a combination of clinical and imaging features (AUC 0.950; sensitivity 0.764; specificity 0.919). The synthetic minority oversampling method further improved the performance of the model using combined features (AUC 0.960; sensitivity 0.845; specificity 0.929).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical and imaging features can be used for automated severity assessment of COVID-19 and can potentially help triage patients with COVID-19 and prioritize care delivery to those at a higher risk of severe disease.
Authors’ Response to Peer Reviews of “A Framework for a Statistical Characterization of Epidemic Cycles: COVID-19 Case Study” (Preprint)
Authors: De Carvalho Eduardo Atem , De Carvalho Rogerio Atem
Published: February 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

This is author response to reviews
Optimization of Primary Care Among Black Americans Using Patient Portals: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ordaz Omar H , Croff Raina L , Robinson LaTroy D , Shea Steven A , Bowles Nicole P
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Reduced patient portal use has previously been reported among Black Americans when compared with that of the general population. This statistic is concerning because portals have been shown to improve the control of chronic conditions that are more prevalent and severe in Black Americans. At their very simplest, portals allow patients to access their electronic health records and often provide tools for patients to interact with their own health information, treatment team members, and insurance companies. However, research suggests that Black American patients have greater concerns over a lack of support, loss of privacy, and reduced personalization of care compared with other Americans, which results in a disparity of portal use.

OBJECTIVE

This qualitative investigation of primary care experiences of Black Americans from across the United States who participated in remote focus groups in April and May 2020 aims to explore the use and perceived value of patient portals to better understand any barriers to optimized treatment in the primary care setting.

METHODS

We performed an inductive thematic analysis of 8 remote focus group interviews with 29 Black American patients aged 30-60 years to qualitatively assess the experiences of Black American patients with regular access to portals.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis uncovered the following interrelated themes regarding patient portals in primary care: the optimization of care, patient empowerment, patient-provider communication, and patient burden.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to what has been described regarding the reluctance of Black Americans to engage with patient portals, our focus groups revealed the general acceptance of patient portals, which were described overwhelmingly as tools with the potential for providing exceptional, personalized care that may even work to mitigate the unfair burden of disease for Black Americans in primary care settings. Thus, opportunities for better health care will clearly arise with increased communication, experience, and adoption of remote health care practices among Black Americans.

CLINICALTRIAL
ОПТИМИЗАЦИЯ ПАРАЛЛЕЛЬНЫХ ВЫЧИСЛЕНИЙ БОРТОВЫХ СИСТЕМ РЕАЛЬНОГО ВРЕМЕНИ. Часть 2
Authors: Назаров С. , Барсуков А.
Published: February 2021

Показано, что эффективное планирование параллельного вычислительного процесса в БВС можно обеспечить, используя методы сетевого планирования и управления в совокупности с математическим аппаратом ярусно-­параллельных графов и математического программирования.
ГОЛОВНЫЕ КАСКАДЫ СЧИТЫВАЮЩЕЙ ЭЛЕКТРОНИКИ КРЕМНИЕВЫХ ДЕТЕКТОРОВ: ВХОДНОЙ УСИЛИТЕЛЬ И ШЕЙПЕР
Authors: Воронин А.
Published: February 2021

В зависимости от технических требований блоки обработки сигналов с кремниевых детекторов, применяемых для регистрации ионизирующих излучений в экспериментах в области физики высоких энергий и физики космических лучей, реализуются в аналоговом, аналого-­цифровом и цифровом виде. В статье рассмотрены особенности и схемные решения для головных каскадов считывающей электроники кремниевых детекторов – входного усилителя и шейпера.
ЛОКАЛЬНАЯ РАДИАЦИОННАЯ ЗАЩИТА ЭЛЕКТРОННОЙ КОМПОНЕНТНОЙ БАЗЫ КОСМИЧЕСКИХ АППАРАТОВ
Authors: Якушевич А. , Богатырев Ю. , Грабчиков С. , Ластовский С. , Василенков Н. , Козюков А. , Протопопов Г.
Published: February 2021

Для снижения дозовых нагрузок на ЭКБ космических аппаратов от потоков электронов и протонов радиационных поясов Земли применяются экраны локальной радиационной защиты, которые изготавливаются на основе материалов с большим порядковым номером и высокой плотностью (вольфрам, тантал, композит W–Cu и др.).
ИЗМЕРЕНИЕ КСВН ГЕНЕРАТОРОВ СИГНАЛОВ
Authors: Пивак А. , Репин А.
Published: February 2021

Рассмотрены различные методы измерения КСВН генераторов сигналов и дана их оценка на предмет применимости при поверке таких приборов. Отмечено, что с точки зрения корректности и простоты использования оптимальными являются методы «горячих S-DOI: параметров» и рассогласованного ваттметра.
¿En qué confiamos al evaluar la calidad de las universidades? Un análisis sociológico de la evolución de los mecanismos de aseguramiento externos de la calidad en Chile desde la teoría de sistemas sociales
Authors: Labraña Julio , Mariñez César
Published: February 2021

Los sistemas contemporáneos de educación superior dependen de la existencia de instituciones responsables de asegurar la calidad de sus actividades. El caso chileno no es una excepción en este sentido. Con la creación del Consejo de Educación Superior en 1990 comienza en este país el desarrollo de un sistema de evaluación experta de las universidades, consolidado con la apertura de la Comisión Nacional de Acreditación en 2006. A pesar de su importancia, no parecen existir estudios acerca de la historia de estos mecanismos de aseguramiento de la calidad, ni de cómo su evolución puede explicarse desde una teoría sociológica general. Para avanzar en este análisis, siguiendo la tesis de Niklas Luhmann, se argumentará que la confianza es socialmente construida y que su forma de configuración depende de cambios en la estructura de la sociedad. Utilizando estas ideas, se examina la evolución de los mecanismos de aseguramiento de la calidad de la educación superior desde el siglo XIX en Chile, sugiriendo que el énfasis en el conocimiento experto es un fenómeno reciente que puede ser explicado como consecuencia del cambio en el modo de estructuración de la sociedad. Este análisis sociológico, desde la teoría de sistemas sociales de Luhmann, finaliza con un resumen, posibles líneas de investigación y recomendaciones de política de educación superior.
A relação conjugal na perspectiva de casais
Authors: Zanella Delatorre Marina , Wagner Adriana
Published: February 2021

As relações conjugais têm sido amplamente estudadas, porém, há pouca clareza sobre a abrangência, a definição e a contextualização teórica do conceito de qualidade conjugal. Assim, este estudo buscou aclarar o construto de qualidade conjugal propondo dimensões que elucidem a intersecção de a temas relativos ao indivíduo, ao contexto e os processos adaptativos, na perspectiva de casais. Oito casais responderam a uma entrevista semiestruturada sobre o relacionamento conjugal que foi submetida a uma análise temática. Foram identificados 21 temas, divididos em 4 eixos constitutivos do modelo: indivíduo, contexto, processos adaptativos e qualidade conjugal. Os processos adaptativos tiveram papel central, sendo que as relações entre os eixos indivíduo e contexto e o eixo qualidade conjugal perpassam esses processos. Ressalta-se a importância dos processos adaptativos nas intervenções com casais e recomenda-se que a pertinência do modelo adotado continue sendo investigada no Brasil.
Prevalencia de neuromitos en docentes de la Universidad de Cienfuegos
Authors: Jiménez Pérez Elena Hatty , Calzadilla-Pérez Oscar Ovidio
Published: February 2021

La aplicación prematura del conocimiento neurocientífico genera creencias erróneas o neuromitos en docentes. De ahí la ejecución de un estudio descriptivo dirigido a identificar la prevalencia de neuromitos en 40 docentes universitarios de la Facultad Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad de Cienfuegos (Cuba) y los predictores que pueden influir en las falsas creencias acerca del cerebro. A tales efectos se contextualizó un cuestionario diseñado para evaluar neuromitos y predictores. Se ejecutó un análisis de las variables: 1) características de los participantes, 2) neuromitos, y 3) predictores; para lo que se aplicó la regresión lineal. La evaluación de la hipótesis de estudio se realizó a través de la prueba no paramétrica Chi Cuadrado de Bondad de Ajuste. El resultado más significativo fue la identificación de predictores sobre el predominio de neuromitos en los docentes para su posterior tratamiento en la formación inicial y continua.
A INFLUÊNCIA DA DOUTRINA TOMISTA NO PENSAMENTO JURÍDICO CONTEMPORÂNEO
Authors: Silva Altamir Francisco da , Chaves Nyedja Medeiros , Siebra Tiago Gonçalves
Published: February 2021

O artigo analisa a formação doutrinária jurídica de Tomás de Aquino, privilegiando o estudo descritivo e analítico, por meio de pesquisas bibliográficas e documental. Inicia-se com a descrição das principais correntes que influenciaram sua reflexão sobre a Lei na Suma Teológica. Amparando-se em seu perfil juspolítico, examinamos a produção da conceituação de Justiça, com principal referência em Aristóteles. Em sequência, abordou-se a relação de justiça em algumas obras tomista, que apresenta o sistema hierárquico do Santo Doutor. Deus representa o principal legislador do universo, e a aplicação racional de Sua lei aplicada ao homem; o direito natural, é o principal referencial à edição do direito positivo, problematizando a atual produção normativa. Por fim, o artigo conclui pela proposição de uma melhor compreensão do sistema tomista à contribuição do pensamento jurídico contemporâneo, seguindo uma reflexão de justiça quanto ao papel do Estado, do direito e do próprio homem em sociedade.
O CASO DANN VERSUS ESTADOS UNIDOS: A CONSOLIDAÇÃO DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS E DOS POVOS
Authors: Lima Renata Mantovani de , Schubert Marcus Vinicius Porcaro Nunes
Published: February 2021

O presente trabalho visa apresentar o caso Dann versus Estados Unidos analisado pela Comissão Interamericana de Direitos Humanos. A partir de um breve relato histórico, mais precisamente do início do século XIX, com a participação dos Shoshone na assinatura do Tratado do Vale Rubi, até os eventos ocorridos em 2006 no Comitê da ONU, buscar-se-á identificar os principais pontos que fizeram do caso um dos mais relevantes no tocante à construção e evolução do direito dos povos. A importância dos debates firmados nesse caso foi calcada por meio da abordagem pioneira da Corte ao formalizar a tríade caracterizadora dos direitos indígenas reconhecidos pela ONU. Por meio de um levantamento jurisprudencial e bibliográfico, propõe-se examinar os desdobramentos do caso no Direito Internacional, bem como suas citações em Tribunais de Direitos Humanos e sua influência na recente adoção na Declaração Americana Sobre Direito dos Povos. Por fim, destaca-se a relevância do tema e o diálogo promovido entre Tribunais Internacionais, percussor do desenvolvimento do Direito Internacional sobre o tema.
A POLÍTICA CRIMINAL DE DROGAS COMO FERRAMENTA DE SEGREGAÇÃO SOCIAL E ECONÔMICA
Authors: Quadros Doacir Gonçalves de , Figueiredo Daniel José de
Published: February 2021

Doutrina e jurisprudência defendem criminalização das condutas relacionadas ao uso e tráfico de drogas têm por objetivo a proteção do bem jurídico saúde pública. Este seu objetivo declarado. Contudo, nossa legislação sempre foi seletiva, destinando a repressão penal aos estratos mais baixos da sociedade. Uma análise acerca da lesividade ao bem jurídico tutelado ou à própria existência da saúde pública como bem jurídico colocam a criminalização como de difícil sustentação. Busca-se, portanto, por meio de uma revisão da bibliografia, verificar a hipótese de existência de um real objetivo da política criminal de drogas brasileira. Admite-se como plausível a gestão diferencial da criminalidade, teoria aventada por Cirino dos Santos e que se amolda à questão da repressão aos crimes de drogas, que teria por objetivo real a contenção do excedente de mão de obra de nossa sociedade consumista e tecnológica aos guetos ou ao cárcere, formas modernas de armazenamento daqueles que são dispensáveis ou excedentes à relação produção/consumo.
O TRABALHO NA SOCIEDADE CONTEMPORÂNEA: APONTAMENTOS SOBRE A ACELERAÇÃO DO TEMPO HISTÓRICO
Authors: Afonso Henrique Weil , Silva Renata Celeste Sales
Published: February 2021

aceleração do tempo no campo de estudos da história do direito. Empregando metodologia dedutiva e assumindo viés exploratório, inicia com o estabelecimento das relações entre direito e o tempo no contexto da modernidade. O diálogo com o estado da arte na matéria permite situar o direito, bem como sua busca de uma temporalidade própria, no plano de influência de forças destemporalizantes. O desafio de delimitação de uma temporalidade dotada da duração e da abertura necessárias ao fomento dos projetos de vida e dos ideais normativos presentes nas Constituições é agravado pela assunção do tempo do mercado. Finalmente, a pesquisa se volta para o status do trabalho nas sociedades contemporâneas e identifica elementos de uma aceleração no plano da desregulamentação e da informalização, reforçando a adesão do tempo dos mercados ao tecido normativo enquanto fragiliza os laços sociais.