bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CODE SWITCHING IN INDONESIA BILINGUAL EDUCATION
Authors: Rukmi Nala Sita , Khasanah Nurul
Published: December 2020

Indonesian government policy supports the international of education at thesecondary level, consequently more institutions have commenced bilingual programs.Content is taught both in Bahasa Indonesia and English, making code-switching inclassroom discourse. The study was conducted at a single International school inSemarang, East Java, Indonesia. This case study explored in what ways and underwhat circumstances Indonesian teachers and learners use code-switching in theselected bilingual classroom and semi structured interviews with six-bilingual classstudents and teachers at an International secondary school in Semarang, East Java inIndonesia are used to get the data. The finding shows Teachers’ and students’ codeswitchingdemonstrated collectivist phatic functions – for example, teachers codeswitchedto build rapport, remind students and reduce students’ anxiety, and studentscode-switched to show their solidarity and concern for their peers. Thus,interconnectedness was a key characteristic of code-switching by both teachers andstudents. This study argues that code-switching is not just about language deficiency,but involves intentional communicative purposes which support teaching andlearning. It can be concluded that code-switching can be a useful tool to bring aboutunderstanding of unfamiliar concepts and processes as well as the languageassociated with them.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCRATIVE APPLICATION FOR FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT IN TEACHING VOCABULARY AT SMA MUHAMMADIYAH 1 PONOROGO
Authors: Nurhasanah Fitriani , Khasanah Nurul
Published: December 2020

The objective of this research was to find out whether there is any significant difference vocabulary mastery between students who used socrative application for formative assessment and who are not used socrative application for formative assessment. This research applied quantitative research approach and used quasi-experimental design. In this research, the researcher used two classes (experimental class and control class) as a sample. The population of eleventh science grade in SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Ponorogo was 115 students. The number of sample in this research was 30 students of experimental class (XI IPA4) and 31 students of control class (XI IPA3). The researcher used simple random sampling to choose the sample in this research. The data were obtained by using a pre-test and post-test. The pre-test was given to both classes before the treatment and the post-test was given after the treatment. After getting the score of pre-test and post-test, the data were analyzed and processed by using T-test formula using SPSS 23 versions for Windows. The result of this research showed that the average of post-test of experimental class is 87.70 and the average score of post-test of control class is 77.74. The value of t-test = 3,226 with df = 59 on level significance 5%. According to the table value “t” = 1,671. Then tcount  higher than ttable (3,226 > 1,671). Therefore, H1 is accepted and H0 is rejected. So, it can be concluded that there is significant difference on students’ vocabulary mastery that used socrative application for formative assessment and that are not. In the other words, Socrative Application is effective for formative assessment on students’ vocabulary mastery of eleventh science grade of SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Ponorogo.
TEACHING THE LESS-SKILLED COMPREHENDERS BY USING “THE FAB FOUR”
Authors: Andriani Fenty
Published: December 2020

This study investigates how the “Fab Four” strategy implemented to teach the less-skilled readers in State Institute of Islamic Studies of Ponorogo.  The design of this study is qualitative. Twenty-seven English department students of the third semester are the subjects of the study. The Fab Four strategy is applied by having the lecturer model four comprehension strategies (summarizing, questioning, predicting, and clarifying) through guided group discussions. Using this strategy, improvements have been noted in students reading comprehension. The result of this study indicates that the “Fab Four” is a great strategy to teach the less-skilled comprehenders as they are trained to determine important ideas from a reading text while discussing vocabulary, developing ideas and questions, and summarizing information.
PERAN PENGAWAS PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM (PPAI) DALAM MENINGKATKAN KOMPETENSI GURU PAI DI SMP SWASTA WILAYAH KECAMATAN SIDOARJO KABUPATEN SIDOARJO
Authors: Noor Laila Nuzulul Fitria , Wathoni Kharisul
Published: December 2020

Supervisor of Islamic Education is one component that has an important role in improving the quality of education. The tasks of the supervisor of Islamic education is to improve the competence of Islamic education teachers in schools to produce quality and professional teachers. This study aims to determine what is the role of Islamic education supervisors in improving pedagogical competence and professional competence of Islamic education teachers in Private Junior High School in District of Sidoarjo, Sidoarjo. The researcher used a qualitative approach with collection data methods such as interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis method used an interactive model (plot) of Miles and Huberman which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion or verification. From the results of the study it was found that the role of the supervisor of Islamic education in improving the pedagogical competence of Islamic Education teachers in Private Junior High School in District of Sidoarjo, Sidoarjo had been done well through several ways such as supervision in learning planning, ability in student learning processes and outcomes, ability to utilize resources learning, the ability to develop student potential. Whereas the role of the supervisor of Islamic education in enhancing the professional competence of Islamic Education teachers in Private Junior High School in District of Sidoarjo, Sidoarjo has been fulfilled through several ways, namely providing assistance for teachers in preparing RPP and monitoring of teaching and learning activities in the classroom.
Calouro cidadão: um projeto que tornou possível a cultura do trote não violento nos cursos de graduação da Unifal-MG - Campus Poços de Caldas
Authors: De Carvalho Junior Osvaldo Adilson , Del Roveri Carolina , Cagnani Brasileiro Larissa
Published: December 2020

Cortes de cabelo e brincadeiras temidas por serem potencialmente perigosas têm sido substituídos por ações solidárias e de integração durante a chegada dos novos alunos (calouros) ao ambiente universitário, desde a primeira turma ingressante em cursos de bacharelado tecnológicos da Universidade Federal de Alfenas/MG – Campus Poços de Caldas, no ano de 2009. Essa postura institucional objetiva coibir a cultura violenta e constrangedora da recepção dos calouros de engenharia pelos veteranos. Nesse sentido, o Projeto de Extensão Calouro Cidadão visa incentivar os discentes a participarem de ações de caráter social e educativo que, de forma prazerosa e construtiva, proporcionam momentos de integração e boas-vindas entre os discentes, além de humanizar o trote na universidade, por meio de atividades de cunho social, filantrópico e educativo, visando uma mudança positiva de atitudes entre calouros e veteranos. O projeto tem suas ações concentradas na primeira semana de aula de cada período do ano. Alguns exemplos de ações são palestras informativas sobre o funcionamento da Universidade, mutirão de arrecadação de alimentos e roupas, ida ao Lar São Vicente de Paulo, ida à APAE, ida ao hemocentro, dentre outras. Este projeto está pautado na indissociabilidade do ensino, pesquisa e extensão e, tendo em vista a aceitação e o interesse dos alunos em dar continuidade ao trabalho e de nunca terem ocorrido denúncias de trote violento dentro ou mesmo fora do campus, é possível perceber que o contexto de trote não violento está se enraizando na cultura do campus.
Projeto bioquímica do pão: Interdisciplinaridade da panificação no Ensino Médio
Authors: Mendes Larissa , Sampaio Rigueiro Ubaldo Juliana Cristina , MachadoTrombete Felipe
Published: December 2020

Uma estratégia pedagógica que pode ser adotada pelas escolas para auxiliar os alunos naaplicação do conhecimento adquirido em sala de aula são as aulas práticas. Porém, é notório que, em muitas escolas públicas do Brasil, o aluno não tem oportunidade para vivenciar atividades práticas, principalmente aquelas que exigem estrutura laboratorial. Nesse sentido, este projeto de extensão teve como objetivo integrar conteúdos de química e biologia do Ensino Médio com atividades práticas do setor de panificação, proporcionando oportunidades aos alunos de escolas públicas a desenvolverem atividades de produção, capacitação e pesquisa na Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, em Sete Lagoas-MG. Participaram do projeto trinta e três alunos do Ensino Médio de Escolas Estaduais de Sete Lagoas e de Prudente de Morais no período de abril a dezembro de 2019. As atividades ocorreram nos laboratórios do Departamento de Engenharia de Alimentos da UFSJ, onde os alunos, inicialmente, conheceram o campus e tiveram palestras sobre os cursos de graduação ofertados na unidade. Foram ministradas aulas teóricas sobre boas práticas de fabricação, panificação e empreendedorismo. Nas atividades práticas de produção foi trabalhado o processamento de diferentes pães, biscoitos, bolos e pizzas. Ao final do projeto, de acordo com o questionário de avaliação, todos os alunos demonstraram satisfação em relação ao projeto e conseguiram relacionar as atividades teóricas a práticas realizadas com os conteúdos de química e biologia, demonstrando, assim, que os objetivos do projeto foram alcançados.
Effects of Seepage on Gas Loss through Shale Desorption during Shale Core Removal
Authors: He Junbo , Tang Jiren , Li Honglian , Zhang Jing , Yao Qi
Published: December 2020

In the process of shale coring, the gas adsorption will increase the flow resistance of gas inside the core, which will inevitably affect the accuracy of shale gas loss. To clarify the underlying effects of seepage flow and related factors during shale desorption, we conducted an experimental study on the influence of methane on seepage resistance of fractured shale and matrix shale under different adsorption pressures. Changes in reservoir fluid and deformation resulting from CH4 saturation adsorption resulted in changes in shale permeability. This study investigated six adsorption durations (2, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours) under adsorption pressures of 5, 9, and 13 MPa in shale samples. During each cycle, different injection pressures (2 to 6 MPa) were applied, and seepage resistance of shale samples was measured by the transient method. The results showed that the permeation resistance of the sample decreased significantly after adsorption of CH4 reached saturation and decreased with increasing CH4 adsorption duration. Compared with matrix shale samples, fractured shale samples were shown to have more suitable pore microcracks and higher CH4 affinity. Therefore, fractured samples were found to have higher permeability resistance and higher adsorption capacity compared to matrix shale. The permeability flow of a sample had a negative exponential relationship with confining pressure, and stress sensitivity increased with increasing CH4 adsorption time. The model representing gas loss indicated a positive correlation between change in impermeability and the flow of escaped gas on the core surface. A significant reduction in the impermeability of the core will result in a significant reduction in shale gas loss.
Community Based Health Insurance Enrollment and Associated Factors in Sidama Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Bifato Berhanu , Ayele Amanuel , Rike Muse , Dangura Dalecha
Published: December 2020

Background: Community based health insurance is accepted as a capable tool of health system improvement and improves the health status of enrollees. Its mechanisms look for to protect low-income households from health related risks through mutual risk sharing at the community level. Even though Government’s efforts, the Community based health insurance enrolment rate remained low. Objective: To assess the community based health insurance enrollment and associated factors in Sidama Region, Ethiopia.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Sidama Region, 2020 using a pretested structured questionnaire. The study was conducted in randomly selected 770 households. The data entry was made by using Epi-info 2007 software. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression statistical model was used to compute odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval to test the associations between dependent and independent variables. Then variables found to have P<0.25 in the bi-variable analysis taken as candidate for multivariable analysis. A P-value of 0.05 with a confidence interval of 95% was used to declare level of statistical significance. Result: Among 770 sampled households, 762 were interviewed and the response rate was 98.9%. About 20.2% of the respondents were enrolled in the scheme. Covariates such as፡ ages 31-59 years(AOR :2.62, 95% CI :1.48-4.66)and >=60 years(AOR : 2.87, 95% CI :1.23-6.74), households who had no formal education(AOR:1.66, 95% CI:1.02-2.72),affordability of premium (AOR:0.28, 95% CI: 0.15-0.54), knowledge on CBHI(AOR: 3.53; 95% CI: 1.21, 10.27) and perceived quality(AOR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.25-0.87) had statistically significant association with community based health insurance enrollment.Conclusion: The prevalence of community based health insurance enrollment was low. This study identified the need to create knowledge and bring behavioral change in the community on the scheme in general. This study also revealed that regular contribution issue needs improvement based on affordability of households and building their trust on the program and efforts should be devoted to enhance quality of healthcare services to increase the enrollment.
Identification of a porcine TLR2-targeting peptide ligands using a cell-based phage display combined with high-throughput sequencing
Authors: An Su-Bin , Oh Seo-Ho , Lee Jun-Yeong , Choi Kwang-Hwan , Lee Chang-Kyu , Choi Yun-Jaie , Kang Sang-Kee
Published: December 2020

M cell targeting is one of the critical issues to develop efficient mucosal vaccine design. In this study, peptide ligands with high affinity to porcine TLR2, which is highly expressed in M cells and play an important role in mucosal immune responses in pigs, were identified through the cell-based phage display technique combined with high-throughput sequencing. A random phage-peptide library was applied to the porcine TLR2 overexpressing cell line and total 85, 557 unique peptide sequences were identified from approximately 9.0 × 107 reads after three rounds of both subtractive and non-subtractive biopanning via high-throughput sequencing. Among the unique sequences, three candidate peptide sequences, NAGHLSQ, VPSKPGL, and RANLDGQ, were selected based on their abundance in the third round of biopanning. Consequently, NAGHLSQ showed the highest affinity exclusively to porcine TLR2 compared with other candidates and its binding mechanism was inferred to be directly associated with ligand binding site of the TLR2 through the in vitro competitive analysis. The peptide identified in this research could be used in development of effective porcine mucosal vaccine as an M cell targeting moiety to enhance the transport of antigens into the Peyer's patch via oral route.
“We do not know how to screen and provide treatment”: A qualitative study of barriers and enablers of implementing perinatal depression health services in Ethiopia
Authors: Dadi Abel , Miller Emma , Azale Telake , Mwanri Lillian
Published: December 2020

Background: Qualitative studies evaluating maternal mental health services are lacking in Ethiopia, and the available evidence targets severe mental illnesses in the general population. We conducted a qualitative study to explore barriers to, enablers of, or opportunities for perinatal depression health services implementations in Ethiopia.Methods: We conducted a total of 13 face to face interviews with mental and maternal health service administrators from different levels of the Ethiopian healthcare system. We interviewed in Amharic (a local language), transcribed and translated into English, and imported into NVivo. We analysed the translated interviews inductively using thematic framework analysis. Results: The study identified: (i) health administrators’ low literacy about perinatal depression as individual level barriers; (ii) community low awareness, health-seeking behaviours and cultural norms about perinatal depression as socio-cultural level barriers; (iii) lack of government capacity, readiness, and priority of screening and managing perinatal depression as organisational level barriers; and (iv) lack of mental health policy, strategies, and healthcare systems as structural level barriers of perinatal mental health implementation in Ethiopia. The introduction of the new Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGap), health professionals’ commitment, and simplicity of screening programs were identified enablers of, or opportunities for, perinatal mental health service implementation.Conclusions: This qualitative inquiry identified important barriers and potential opportunities that could be used to address perinatal depression in Ethiopia. Building the capacity of policy makers and planners, strengthening the mental healthcare system and governance should be a priority issue for an effective integration of maternal mental health care with the routine maternal health services in Ethiopia.
Association of Lance Adams syndrome and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the context of cerebellar injury: a case report
Authors: Terrier Delphine , Paul Frédéric , Geda Jonas Endale , Faivre Anthony , Michel Bernard François
Published: December 2020

Background: only 150 cases of LANCE-ADAMS syndrome (LAS) has been reported. In this paper, we present the case of a subject suffering from LANCE-ADAMS syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the context of cerebellar anoxic lesions confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET-FDG). Case presentation: LANCE-ADAMS syndrome is a myoclonic post-anoxic syndrome and the involvement of cerebellum in pathogenesis of cortical myoclonic syndromes has been hypothesized. Prominent motor signs of our patient were adiadococinaesia in the upper limbs and ataxic dysarthria without alteration of linguistic functions. Right cerebellar hemisphere, dominant for speech production, connects with lower precentral gyrus in the left frontal lobe, and contributes to language production. This network also appears to be engaged in cognitive functions, such as verbal working memory. The main cognitive problems of our patient were difficulties in verbal episodic memory tasks and dysexecutive syndrome. Recent work has shown important functional interactions between the cerebellum and the hippocampal formation. The predominant psychiatric feature of the patient was post-traumatic stress disorder, which appeared before motor signs and persisted after improvement. It could be related to a decrease of functional connectivity between the posterior cerebellum and prefrontal regions. Conclusions: These findings suggest the potential role of the cerebellar region in the psychopathology of PTSD. Our clinical case suggests the potential link between post-traumatic stress disorder and the affective component of the entity known as the « Cerebellar Cognitive and Affective Syndrome » (CCAS) described in 1998 by Schmahmann & Sherman.
Oral Care Practices in Stroke: Findings from the UK and Australia
Authors: Bangee Munirah , Martinez-Garduno Cintia , Brady Marian , Cadilhac Dominique , Dale Simeon , Hurley Margaret , McInnes Elizabeth , Middleton Sandy , Patel Tahera , Watkins Caroline , Lightbody Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

AimsTo examine current practice, perceptions of healthcare professionals and factors affecting provision for oral care post-stroke in the UK and Australia.BackgroundPoor oral care has negative health consequences for people post-stroke. Little is known about oral care practice in hospital for people post-stroke and factors affecting provision in different countries.DesignA cross-sectional survey.MethodsQuestionnaires were mailed to stroke specialist nurses in UK and Australian hospitals providing inpatient acute or rehabilitation care post-stroke. The survey was conducted between April and November 2019. Non-respondents were contacted up to five times.ResultsCompleted questionnaires were received from 150/174 (86%) hospitals in the UK, and 120/162 (74%) in Australia. A total of 52% of UK hospitals and 30% of Australian hospitals reported having a general oral care protocol, with 53% of UK and only 13% of Australian hospitals reporting using oral care assessment tools. Of those using oral care assessment tools, 50% of UK and 38% of Australian hospitals used local hospital-specific tools. Oral care assessments were undertaken on admission in 73% of UK and 57% of Australian hospitals. Staff had received oral care training in the last year in 55% of UK and 30% of Australian hospitals. Inadequate training and education on oral care for pre-registration nurses were reported by 63% of UK and 53% of Australian respondents.ConclusionUnacceptable variability exists in oral care practices in hospital stroke care settings. Oral care could be improved by increasing training, performing individual assessments on admission, and using standardised assessment tools and protocols to guide high quality care. The study highlights the need for incorporating staff training and the use of oral care standardised assessments and protocols in stroke care in order to improve patient outcomes.
Identification of Coronary Calcifications in Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging Using Deep Learning
Authors: Avital Yarden , Madar Akiva , Arnon Shlomi , Koifman Edward
Published: December 2020

Coronary calcifications are an obstacle for successful percutaneous treatment of coronary artery disease patients. The optimal method for delineating calcifications extent is optical coherence tomography (coronary OCT). To identify calcification on OCT and subsequently tailor the appropriate treatment, requires expertise in both image acquisition and interpretation. Image acquisition consists from system calibration, blood clearance by a contrast agent along with synchronization of the pullback process. Accurate interpretation demands careful review by the operator of a segment of 50-75mm of the coronary vessel at steps of 0.5-1mm accounting for 75-100 images in each OCT run, which is time consuming and necessitates some expertise in OCT analysis.In this paper we developed a new deep learning algorithm to assist the physician to identify and quantify coronary calcifications promptly, efficiently and accurately. Our algorithm achieves an accuracy of 0.9903 ± 0.009 over the test set at size of 1500 frames and even managed to find calcifications that weren’t recognized manually by the physician. For the best knowledge of the authors our algorithm achieves high accuracy which was never achieved in the past.
Are Sunglasses Proper for Driving? Investigation and Prototype for Public Testing
Authors: Loureiro Artur Duarte , Ventura Liliane
Published: December 2020

Background: Sunglasses safety is important regarding driving conditions and is requirement of sunglasses standard ISO 12312-1, for testing traffic light and visible transmittances on lenses. Methods: We have spectroscopically investigated 232 sunglasses regarding compliance with standard, in the 380 nm – 780 nm range, with 5nm steps. Category (0 – 4) were determined as well as Q factors, which evaluate color distortion for the vision on sunglasses. Furthermore, we developed a prototype for public to self-check sunglasses regarding safety for driving. Combination of white light illumination, 4-channels photo sensor detection and calculation, allows testing simultaneously the colors of traffic light, as well as the visible light transmittances (categories). Q factors are provided by the prototype. Results: Spectroscopy shows that 75.43% complies with ISO 12312-1:2013. Prototype was validated by testing 232 sunglasses, with trained user and 60 from this set were double-checked with non-trained users, and compared to spectroscopic measurements. Bland-Altman analysis presented non-significant biases and narrow 95 % limits of agreement within pre-defined tolerances, for all measurements. Only 2 samples differed in category measurement. Conclusions: Sunglasses on the market should adjust for driving conditions. Prototype it is a fine set up for guiding users on checking proper sunglasses for safe driving Significance: Immediate attention on checking sunglasses for driving conditions is needed.
Differential Diagnoses That Final-Year Medical Students Need to Consider: A Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Urushibara-Miyachi Yuka , Kikukawa Makoto , Ikusaka Masatomi , Otaki Junji , Nishigori Hiroshi
Published: December 2020

Background: Contrastive learning is known to be effective in teaching medical students how to generate diagnostic hypotheses in clinical reasoning. However, there is no consensus on comprehensive lists of differential diagnoses across different medical disciplines regarding the common symptoms that should be learned as part of the undergraduate medical curriculum. In Japan, the national model core curriculum for undergraduate medical education was revised in 2016, and lists of differential diagnoses for 37 common symptoms were introduced into the curriculum. This study aimed to validate the list of items based on expert consensus for use as a reference worldwide.Methods: The authors used a modified Delphi method to develop consensus among a panel of 23 expert physician-teachers in clinical reasoning from across Japan. The panel evaluated the items on a 5-point Likert scale, based on whether a disease should be hypothesized by final-year medical students considering a given symptom. They also added other diseases that should be hypothesized. A positive consensus was defined as both a 75% rate of panel agreement and a mean of 4 or higher with a standard deviation of less than 1 on the 5-point scale. The study was conducted between September 2017 and March 2018. Results: This modified Delphi study identified 275 essential and 67 supplemental items corresponding to the differential diagnoses for 37 common symptoms that Japanese medical students should master before graduation. Conclusions: The lists developed in the study can be useful for teaching and learning how to generate initial hypotheses by encouraging students’ contrastive learning. Although the lists may be specific to the Japanese context, the lists and process of validation are generalizable to other countries for building national consensus on the content of medical education curricula.
Facile Synthesis of High Lateral Graphene Oxide Sheets for Visible Light-driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Industrial Dyes towards Water Treatment Applications
Authors: Singh Jagpreet , Kaur Harpreet , Batoo Khalid Mujasam , Kumar Sanjeev , Rawat Mohit , Farooq Syed Adil , Raslan Emad H. , Pandiarajan Saravanan , Andrews Nirmala Grace , MR Muthumareeswaran
Published: December 2020

In this work, a facile synthesis of multilayer graphene oxide (GO) sheets having a two-dimensional structure has been realized using the modified Hummers and Offeman method. The as-synthesized GO was analyzed by UV-visible, FTIR, Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), HRTEM, FESEM, and EDX for optical, chemical, structural, morphological, topographical, and elemental analysis respectively. The results reveal that GO shows an absorption band at 232 nm. The FTIR spectrum shows the oxygen-rich groups in GO, and PXRD confirms the major GO peak at 10.35° along with few minor peaks. HRTEM and FESEM confirm the two-dimensional GO sheets along with high lateral dimensions. The as-synthesized GO with a number of available functional groups and high lateral dimension was efficiently used for the photocatalytic degradation of Coralline Red BS (CR BS) and Reactive Blue 81 (RB81) dyes. This study reveals that, compared to graphene, pristine GO sheets significantly influence the degradation of CR BS and RB81 dyes. This work significantly contributes to the use of pristine GO for the removal of toxic dyes from wastewater. The evaluation of the dye degradation rate and GO reusability along with the kinetic studies is explained in detail.
Readout-segmented diffusion tensor imaging for assessing sciatic nerve invasion by soft tissue tumor
Authors: Wu Gang , Wang Shili , Pan Chu , Wang Ting
Published: December 2020

There are few publications regarding feasibility of readout-segmented diffusion tensor imaging (rsDTI) in assessing nerve invasion by soft tissue tumor. 64 patients with soft tissue mass in upper leg suspected of sciatic nerve invasion underwent rsDTI. Nerve invasion was confirmed in 28 cases by operation or electromyogram. The sciatic nerve was better depicted with diffusion weighted map versus b = 0 map of rsDTI. Inter-reader agreement in using rsDTI to rate nerve invasion was excellent. Sensitivity and specificity of rsDTI in identifying nerve invasion were 93% (26/28) and 92% (33/36) respectively. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was significantly higher in invaded nerves versus normal nerves (1.45 ± 0.67 × 10− 3mm2/s vs. 1.39 ± 0.46 × 10− 3mm2/s, P༜0.05). DTI derived FA was significantly lower in invaded nerves versus normal nerves (0.22 ± 0.11 vs. 0.37 ± 0.13, P༜0.05). Readout-segmented DTI was feasible in assessing sciatic nerve invasion by soft tissue tumor in selected patients.
Differential platelet oxidation-inflammatory phenotype in coronary artery disease versus peripheral artery disease supports diverse pathophysiological processes
Authors: Jain Kanika , Tyagi Tarun , Hwa John , Ionescu Costin
Published: December 2020

Platelets are major contributors to atherothrombosis. There is emerging evidence that atherothrombosis pathogenesis may be different between vascular beds. In a prospective case-control study, we compared platelet oxidation-inflammatory status from patients with coronary artery disease CAD, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and a young healthy cohort. All patients had stable disease with no recent acute CAD or PAD events. Assessment of 75 eligible patients revealed a typical outpatient cardiology cohort. A significant increase in platelet activation (soluble P-selectin and CD40L) was seen in CAD. Consistent with this platelet activation, the CAD group had the highest levels of oxidants (reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation) and the lowest levels of antioxidants (catalase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity). IL1bwas significantly increased in the PAD group. The significant differences in the oxidation-inflammatory parameters, between patients with CAD versus PAD, may explain different atherothrombosis pathology, as well differential response to therapies, such as aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors. Whether these are the cause or consequence of disease or both, requires further extensive exploration. Such mechanistic understanding is important in developing disease targeted therapies.
Impact of Pre and Post Variant Filtration Strategies on Imputation
Authors: Charon Celine , Allodji Rodrigue , Meyer Vincent , Deleuze Jean-François
Published: December 2020

Quality control methods for genome-wide association studies and fine mapping are commonly used for imputation, however, they result in loss of many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). To investigate the consequences of filtration on imputation, we studied the direct effects on the number of markers, their allele frequencies, imputation quality scores and post-filtration events. We pre-phrased 1,031 genotyped individuals from diverse ethnicities and compared the imputed variants to 1,089 NCBI recorded individuals for additional validation.Without variant pre-filtration based on quality control (QC), we observed no impairment in the imputation of SNPs that failed QC whereas with pre-filtration there was an overall loss of information. Significant differences between frequencies with and without pre-filtration were found only in the range of very rare (5E-04-1E-03) and rare variants (1E-03-5E-03) (p < 1E-04). Increasing the post-filtration imputation quality score from 0.3 to 0.8 reduced the number of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) <0.001 2.5 fold with or without QC pre-filtration and halved the number of very rare variants (5E-04). As a result, to maintain confidence and enough SNVs, we propose here a 2-step post-filtration approach to increase the number of very rare and rare variants compared to conservative post-filtration methods.
Knock out of Specific Maternal Vitellogenins in Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Evokes Vital Changes in Egg Proteomic Profiles that resemble the Phenotype of Poor Quality Eggs
Authors: YILMAZ Ozlem , Patinote Amelie , Com Emmanuelle , Pineau Charles , Bobe Julien
Published: December 2020

Background We previously reported the results of CRISPR/Cas9 knock-out (KO) of type-I and type-III vitellogenins (Vtgs) in zebrafish, which provided the first experimental evidence of essentiality and disparate functioning of specific types of Vtg at different times during vertebrate development. However, the lack of knowledge on specific contributions of different types of Vtg to molecular functions related to major developmental processes remained to be investigated. The present study employed liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to observe proteomic profiles of zebrafish eggs lacking three type-I Vtgs (Vtg 1, 4 and 5) simultaneously (vtg1-KO), or lacking type III Vtg (vtg3) only (vtg3-KO), as compared to those of wild type (Wt) eggs. Obtained spectra were searched against a zebrafish proteome database and identified proteins were quantified based on normalized spectral counts.Results The vtg-KO in zebrafish revealed impaired proteomes of 1 hour post fertilization (hpf) zebrafish eggs which were highly resembled the proteomic phenotype of poor quality eggs of the same developmental stage reported in our prior studies. Proteomic profiles of vtg-KO eggs and perturbations in abundances of hundreds of proteins revealed unique, noncompensable contributions of multiple Vtgs in protein homeostasis (synthesis and degradation) and in energy homeostasis even after zygotic genome activation. Increase in endoplasmic reticulum stress, Redox/Detox activities, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, enrichment in cellular proliferation and human neurodegenerative disease related mechanisms in both vtg1- and vtg3-KO eggs point to severe molecular changes and consecutive dysfunctions in the abovementioned cellular activities. Distinctive increase in apoptosis and Parkinson disease pathways and decrease in lipid metabolism related activities in vtg3-KO eggs implies compelling roles of Vtg3, the least abundant form of Vtgs in vertebrate eggs, in mitochondrial activities. Several differentially abundant proteins representing the altered molecular mechanisms were unveiled to be considered as strong candidate markers to study details of these mechanisms during early embryonic development in zebrafish and potentially other vertebrates. Conclusions These findings indicate that the global egg proteome is subject to extensive modification depending on the presence or absence of specific Vtgs and that these modifications can have a major impact on developmental competence.
Healthcare clinic and pharmacy chains in Kenya and Nigeria: How are they regulated, and what opportunities and risks do they present to national regulatory systems?
Authors: Wafula Francis , Onoka Chima , Musiega Anita , Okpani Arnold , Ogira Dosila , Ejughemre Ufuoma , Miller Rosalind , Goodman Catherine , Hanson Kara
Published: December 2020

Introduction Regulating highly fragmented healthcare markets is a major challenge in low- and middle-income countries, with compliance often very poor. We investigated market consolidation through the emergence of clinic and pharmacy chains in Kenya and Nigeria and explored the regulatory opportunities and risks that chains present. Methods The study was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya and the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, with chains defined as businesses with four or more establishments. Data were collected through document reviews and 26 interviews with chain operators, professional associations and regulators between September and December 2018. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results While chain clinics and pharmacies still accounted for a relatively small share of these markets, their importance was growing. We identified both organic-growth chains which had started as single business locations and gradually expanded, and investor-driven chains that used external investment capital to rapidly buy out businesses or establish new ones. In both countries, chains were regulated in an identical manner to independents, with all branches treated as independent units. Regulators neither capitalized on opportunities presented nor guarded against potential risks. The chains’ brand visibility and centralized management systems were seen as having the potential to encourage self-regulation, and improve regulatory efficiency, but regulators were not exploiting this. Potential risks identified were chains gaining excessive market power, and encouraging greater commercialization of professional healthcare, putting public health at risk. Chains tended to have regular interaction with regulators, which some feared could lead to excessive influence over the regulatory process. Conclusion As the market shares of clinic and pharmacy chains continues to rise, regulatory bodies should modify regulatory requirements and process to take advantage of chains’ brand visibility and centralized management and quality assurance systems, as well as guarding against the risks of monopolization, commercialization and regulatory capture.
Low Temperature Synthesis and Growth Model of Thin Mo2C Crystals on Indium
Authors: Caylan Omer , Buke Goknur
Published: December 2020

CVD method is a promising technique to produce Mo2C crystals with large-area, controlled thickness, and reduced defect density. Typically, liquid Cu is used as a catalyst substrate; however, its high melting temperature (1085 C) prompted a research for alternatives. In this study, we report the synthesis of large-area thin Mo2C crystals on liquid In surface at 1000 C for the first time. SEM, EDS, Raman Spectroscopy, XPS and XRD studies show that the hexagonal shaped Mo2C crystals, that are orthorhombic, grow along the [100] direction together with amorphous carbon thin film on In. The growth mechanism is examined and discussed in detail and a model is proposed. The AFM studies agree well with the proposed model showing that the vertical thicknesses of the Mo2C crystals decrease inversely with the thickness of the In for the given reaction time.
Brain-Wide Functional Networks Associated With Anatomically- and Functionally-Defined Hippocampal Subfields Using Ultrahigh-Resolution fMRI
Authors: Chang Wei-Tang , Langella Stephanie , Tang Yichuan , Ahmad Sahar , Zhang Han , Yap Pew-Thian , Giovanello Kelly , Lin Weili
Published: December 2020

The hippocampus is critical for learning and memory and may be separated into anatomically-defined hippocampal subfields (aHPSFs). Hippocampal functional networks, particularly during resting state, are generally analyzed using aHPSFs as seed regions, with the underlying assumption that the function within a subfield is homogeneous, yet heterogeneous between subfields. However, several prior studies have observed similar resting-state functional connectivity (FC) profiles between aHPSFs. Alternatively, data-driven approaches investigate hippocampal functional organization without a priori assumptions. However, insufficient spatial resolution may result in a number of caveats concerning the reliability of the results. Hence, we developed a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) sequence on a 7T MR scanner achieving 0.94 mm isotropic resolution with a TR of 2s and brain-wide coverage to 1) investigate the functional organization within hippocampus at rest, and 2) compare the brain-wide FC associated with fine-grained aHPSFs and functionally-defined hippocampal subfields (fHPSFs). This study showed that fHPSFs were arranged along the longitudinal axis that were not comparable to the lamellar structures of aHPSFs. For brain-wide FC, the fHPSFs rather than aHPSFs revealed that a number of fHPSFs connected specifically with some of the functional networks. Different functional networks also showed preferential connections with different portions of hippocampal subfields.
Transaminase concentrations cannot separate NAFL and NASH in morbidly obese patients independent of histological algorithm
Authors: Lemmer Peter , Selbach Nicole , Baars Theodor , Özcürümez Mustafa , Heider Dominik , Canbay Ali , Sowa Jan-Peter
Published: December 2020

Background: Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the German population is 20–30%. Liver biopsy to detect non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) let alone for NAFLD monitoring is not feasible. Current practice regards elevated serum concentrations of liver enzymes as indicator for NAFLD or NASH. In this study we analyzed if an adjustment of the upper limit of normal (ULN) ​​for serum liver enzymes can improve their diagnostic accuracy. Methods: Data from 363 morbidly obese patients (42.5±10.3 years old; mean BMI: 52±8.5 kg/m²), who underwent bariatric surgery were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had histologically confirmed NAFL or NASH (NAS and SAF). Results: In 121 women (45%) and 45 men (46%) elevated values ​​for at least one serum parameter (ALT, AST, γGT) were present. The serum concentrations of ALT (p <0.0001), AST (p <0.0001) and γGT (p = 0.0023) differed significantly between NAFL and NASH, independent of classification method (NAS, SAF). Concentrations of all three serum parameters correlated significantly positively with the NAS and the SAF score, with correlation coefficients between 0.33 (ALT/NAS) and 0.40 (GGT/SAF). The AUROCs to separate NAFL and NASH by liver enzymes achieved a maximum of 0.70 (ALT applied to NAS-based classification). For 95% specificity the ULN for ALT would be 47.5 U/l; for 95% sensitivity, the ULN for ALT would be 17.5 U/l, resulting in 62% uncategorized patients. Conclusion: ALT, AST and GGT are unsuitable for non-invasive screening or diagnosis of NAFL or NASH. Utilizing liver enzymes as an indicator for NAFLD/NASH should generally be questioned.
Genome-wide scans for signatures of selection in Mangalarga Marchador horses using high-throughput SNP genotyping
Authors: Santos Wellington Bizarria dos , Schettini Gustavo , Maiorano Amanda Marchi , Bussiman Fernando Oliveira , Balieiro Júlio Carvalho , Ferraz Guilherme Camargo , Pereira Guilherme , Baldassini Welder Angelo , Neto Otávio Rodrigues Machado , Oliveira Henrique Nunes de , Curi Rogério Abdallah
Published: December 2020

Background: The Mangalarga Marchador horse (MM) is one of the breeds shaped over generations by local adaptations and specific preferences of Brazilian breeders to morphology, functionality, and locomotion. The animals genetically have “batida” or “picada” natural gait trait, which is a trademark of the breed. The movement biomechanics of this breed promote stability during the execution, comfort, and softness of the ride. The detection of signatures of selection in genomic regions provides insights into the evolutionary process, enabling discoveries regarding complex phenotypic traits. In this research, we focused on the identification of genomic regions affected by different selection pressures, mainly highlighting recent selection, as well as understanding the candidate genes and functional pathways associated with the signatures of selection in the MM genome. A broader discussion of genes and traits of importance in this breed, especially traits related to the type and quality of the gait, temperament, conformation, and locomotor system, was also provided.Results: Three different methods were used to search for signals of selection: Tajima’s D (TD), the integrated haplotype score (iHS), and runs of homozygosity (ROH). The samples were composed of males (n=62) and females (n=130) that were initially chosen considering well-defined phenotypes for gait: picada (n=86) and batida (n=106). All horses were genotyped using a 670k Axiom ® Equine Genotyping Array​ (Axiom MNEC670). In total, 169 pruned candidate genes harboring important biological processes were found, highlighting the following: anterior/posterior pattern for the set of genes (GLI3, HOXC9, HOXC6, HOXC5, HOXC4, HOXC13, HOXC11, and HOXC10); limb morphogenesis, skeletal system, proximal/distal pattern formation, JUN kinase activity (CCL19 and MAP3K6); and muscle stretch response (MAPK14). Other candidate genes were associated with energy metabolism, bronchodilator response, NADH regeneration, reproduction, keratinization, and the immunological system.Conclusions: Collectively, our findings revealed for the first time some pieces of evidence for selection signals acting on athletic performance, gait type, and energy to muscle activity in the MM breed, with the particular involvement of the HOX family of genes. Gene network analysis showed no relationship between the signals observed in this population and the DMRT3 gene, a relevant gene associated with gait trait, however candidate genes that were located close (~28Mb) to DMRT3 were identified.
The relation of preoperative 25-OH Vitamin D Levels with Postoperative Complications in Patients undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Balci Bengi , Cetindag Ozhan , Kilinc Gizem , Calik Bulent , Aydin Cengiz
Published: December 2020

Background: To investigate the effect of preoperative 25-OH vitamin D levels on postoperative complications in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.Methods: Consecutive newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients who met the inclusion criteria were prospectively included in this single-center observational study. Preoperative 25-OH vitamin D levels were measured and analyzed for association with postoperative complications using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.Results: A total of 104 colorectal cancer patients were included in this study. Preoperative 25-OH vitamin D levels were found to be <10 ng/ml in 31 (29.8%) patients, 10-20 ng/ml in 42 (40.4%) patients, between 20-30 ng/ml in 25 (24%) patients and >30 ng/ml in 6 (5.8%) patients. In patients with infective complications, the mean value of 25-OH vitamin D levels were 12.33 (±6.306) ng/ml which was found to be statistically significant (p:0.026). In univariable logistic regression analyses, variables found to be associated with postoperative complications were age ≥ 65, male gender and preoperative 25-OH vitamin D levels, whereas in multivariable analyses, preoperative levels of 25-OH vitamin D were not found to be related with postoperative complications.Conclusions: We demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency is a significant risk factor for development of infective complications and seems to be independently associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.