bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Referral criteria for chronic kidney disease: implications for disease management and healthcare expenditure—analysis of a population-based sample
Authors: Kiel Simone , Weckmann Gesine , Chenot Jean-François , Stracke Sylvia , Spallek Jacob , Angelow Aniela
Published: June 2022

Background

Clinical practice guidelines recommend specialist referral according to different criteria. The aim was to assess recommended and observed referral rate and health care expenditure according to recommendations from:

• Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO,2012)

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE,2014)

• German Society of Nephrology/German Society of Internal Medicine (DGfN/DGIM,2015)

• German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (DEGAM,2019)

• Kidney failure risk equation (NICE,2021)

Methods

Data of the population-based cohort Study of Health in Pomerania were matched with claims data. Proportion of subjects meeting referral criteria and corresponding health care expenditures were calculated and projected to the population of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Results

Data from 1927 subjects were analysed. Overall proportion of subjects meeting referral criteria ranged from 4.9% (DEGAM) to 8.3% (DGfN/DGIM). The majority of patients eligible for referral were ≥ 60 years. In subjects older than 60 years, differences were even more pronounced, and rates ranged from 9.7% (DEGAM) to 16.5% (DGfN/DGIM). Estimated population level costs varied between €1,432,440 (DEGAM) and €2,386,186 (DGfN/DGIM). From 190 patients with eGFR < 60 ml/min, 15 had a risk of end stage renal disease > 5% within the next 5 years.

Conclusions

Applying different referral criteria results in different referral rates and costs. Referral rates exceed actually observed consultation rates. Criteria need to be evaluated in terms of available workforce, resources and regarding over- and underutilization of nephrology services.
Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm and cerebral toxoplasmosis: a case report
Authors: Florescu Anna Maria , Sørensen Anne Louise Tølbøll , Nielsen Henrik Vedel , Tolnai Daniel , Sjö Lene Dissing , Larsen Katja Lohmann , Al-Karagholi Mohammad Al-Mahdi
Published: June 2022

Background

The present case contributes to the limited literature on central nervous system involvement of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). 

Case presentation 

A 63-year-old male presented to the department of neurology with a three-day history of rapidly progressing headache, fatigue, and confusion. Physical examination revealed multiple bruise-like skin lesions. Initial laboratory workup raised suspicion of acute leukemia, and a brain computer tomography identified several hyperdense processes. A bone marrow biopsy gave the diagnosis BPDCN, a rare and aggressive hematologic malignancy derived from plasmacytoid dendritic cells with a poor prognosis. Lumbar puncture showed not only signs of BPDCN, but also cerebral toxoplasmosis, thus providing a differential diagnosis. Despite intensive systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy, the patient died 25 days later due to multi-organ failure.

Discussion

The exact incidence of BPDCN is unknown and perhaps underestimated but may account for 0.5 – 1% of all hematological malignancies. The median age at onset is 60 to 70 years, and most patients are men. Cutaneous lesions are the most frequent clinical manifestation at diagnosis. Other symptoms present at time of diagnosis or during disease progression include lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and cytopenia caused by bone marrow involvement. Although the majority of BPDCN patients have no symptoms or signs of central nervous system involvement, plasmacytoid dendritic cells have been detected in the cerebrospinal fluid in more than 50%.

Conclusions

This case highlights the importance of considering hematological malignancies as a differential diagnosis in patients developing acute neurological symptoms and raises suspicion of a possible association between toxoplasmosis and hematological malignancies.
Leukocyte subtyping predicts for treatment failure and poor survival in anal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Principe Daniel R. , Cataneo Jose L. , Timbers Kaytlin E. , Koch Regina M. , Valyi-Nagy Klara , Mellgren Anders , Rana Ajay , Gantt Gerald
Published: June 2022

Background

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) generally carries a favorable prognosis, as most tumors are highly sensitive to standard of care chemoradiation. However, outcomes are poor for the 20–30% of patients who are refractory to this approach, and many will require additional invasive procedures with no guarantee of disease resolution.

Methods

To identify the patients who are unlikely to respond to the current standard of care chemoradiation protocol, we explored a variety of objective clinical findings as a potential predictor of treatment failure and/or mortality in a single center retrospective study of 42 patients with anal SCC.

Results

Patients with an increase in total peripheral white blood cells (WBC) and/or neutrophils (ANC) had comparatively poor clinical outcomes, with increased rates of death and treatment failure, respectively. Using pre-treatment biopsies from 27 patients, tumors with an inflamed, neutrophil dominant stroma also had poor therapeutic responses, as well as reduced overall and disease-specific survival. Following chemoradiation, we observed uniform reductions in nearly all peripheral blood leukocyte subtypes, and no association between peripheral white blood cells and/or neutrophils and clinical outcomes. Additionally, post-treatment biopsies were available from 13 patients. In post-treatment specimens, patients with an inflamed tumor stroma now demonstrated improved overall and disease-specific survival, particularly those with robust T-cell infiltration.

Conclusions

Combined, these results suggest that routinely performed leukocyte subtyping may have utility in risk stratifying patients for treatment failure in anal SCC. Specifically, pre-treatment patients with a high WBC, ANC, and/or a neutrophil-dense tumor stroma may be less likely to achieve complete response using the standard of care chemoradiation regimen, and may benefit from the addition of a subsequent line of therapy.
Clinical relevance of tertiary lymphoid structures in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Deguchi Sota , Tanaka Hiroaki , Suzuki Shugo , Natsuki Seji , Mori Takuya , Miki Yuichiro , Yoshii Mami , Tamura Tatsuro , Toyokawa Takahiro , Lee Shigeru , Muguruma Kazuya , Wanibuchi Hideki , Ohira Masaichi
Published: June 2022

Background

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) have been reported to be involved in immune responses in many carcinomas. This study investigated the significance of TLSs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, focusing on TLS maturation. 

Methods

The relationships of TLSs with clinicopathological features of 236 patients who underwent curative surgery for stage 0-IV esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were investigated. Mature TLSs, in which the germinal center formation was rich in CD23+ cells, were classified as TLSs containing a germinal center (GC-TLSs). GC-TLS densities were measured, and CD8+ cells were counted. The prognostic impact of GC-TLSs was assessed by Kaplan–Meier plots using the log-rank test for the relapse-free survival. A comparative study of GC-TLSs was performed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The relationship between GC-TLSs and CD8+ cells was examined by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test.

Results

TLSs were located mainly at the invasive margin of the tumor in cases with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Among the patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, those with advanced disease had a better prognosis in the GC-TLS high-density group than did those in the GC-TLS low-density group. Patients in whom neoadjuvant chemotherapy was effective had more GC-TLSs than those in whom it was less effective. The density of GC-TLSs and the number of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ cells were higher in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy than in those without chemotherapy, and a weak correlation between the density of GC-TLSs and the number of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ cells was observed. Moreover, co-culturing of PBMCs with an anticancer drug-treated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line increased the CD20 and CD23 expression in PBMCs in vitro.

Conclusion

TLS maturation may be important for evaluating the local tumor immune response in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The present results suggest that TLS maturation may be a useful target for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Evaluating the impacts of school garden-based programmes on diet and nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and practices among the school children: a systematic review
Authors: Chan Chong Ling , Tan Pui Yee , Gong Yun Yun
Published: June 2022

Background

Previous evidence suggests that school garden-based programmes (SGBP) may be a promising yet cost-effective intervention to improve children’s knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on healthy eating. This review aimed to summarise and evaluate the evidence available on the impacts of SGBP in addressing diet and nutrition-related KAP among school-aged children.

Methods

Five databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science and Scopus were searched until February 2021. Randomised, non-randomised controlled and pre-post intervention studies investigating the impacts of SGBP on at least one of the outcomes of interest including diet and nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes towards fruits and vegetables (F&V), food diversity and dietary practice among school-aged children were included. Study selection and data extraction were performed by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by the other two reviewers in accordance with PRISMA guideline. Quality appraisal for studies included was assessed using American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist.

Results

A total of 10,836 records were identified, and 35 studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. This includes 25,726 students from 341 schools and 8 nurseries from 12 countries. Intervention duration ranged from 6 weeks to 4 years with 18 studies involving a varied degree of parental participation. SGBP, which majorly includes school gardening activities, cooking lessons and nutrition education, demonstrated beneficial effects on children’s nutritional knowledge, their attitudes and acceptability towards fruits and vegetables and children’s dietary practices including the actual F&V consumption and dietary diversity. However, the impacts of SGBP on such outcomes were highly influenced by various social and environmental factors including the activities/components and duration of the intervention, parental involvement, sample size, and the age of children when interventions were first introduced.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that SGBP may be effective in promoting children’s nutritional knowledge, attitudes and acceptability towards vegetables, however, the impacts may vary by the type, the extent, and the length of the programmes, and other factors such as parent involvement. Future SGBP is suggested to implement using a combined multidisciplinary approach targeting the children, parents, and community to effectively promote healthy eating among the children and prevent childhood obesity.
Effects of food nutrition labels on the health awareness of school-age children
Authors: Wang Ching-Yi , Hsu Chung-Jia , Cai Dengchuan
Published: June 2022

Background

Overweight and obesity have been described as a global epidemic that seriously affects the health of adults and children. Front of Package (FOP) Nutrition Labeling can increase consumers’ awareness of unhealthy foods. The purpose of this study is to find effective deterrence and improve children’s health awareness via the FOP.

Methods

This study examined children’s health awareness of snack packaging using the four labels: guideline daily amounts (GDA), traffic light system (TLS), Apple label (designed in this study), and Warning label. This study recruited 343 children in the sixth grade, including 223 children living in cities and 120 children living in rural areas. First, 30 children in grades 3 to 6 selected 8 snacks that they often buy. Then, each snack was synthesized into these four labels according to their nutritional content for a total of 32 samples. Finally, a questionnaire was used to evaluate the health of snack packaging and the visibility of nutrition labels.

Results

Four results can be drawn: (1) GDA, Apple label and TLS can help children determine healthier snack choices, (2) black Warning label cannot induce children to make healthier choices, (3) children who often buy snacks have low health awareness, and (4) rural children have weak health awareness of snack packaging.

Conclusions

These results can provide a packaging label design, which can effectively improve children’s health awareness.
Clinical significance of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2C expression in cancers: from small cell lung carcinoma to pan-cancers
Authors: Li Guo-Sheng , Chen Gang , Liu Jun , Tang Deng , Zheng Jin-Hua , Luo Jing , Jin Mei-Hua , Lu Hua-Song , Bao Chong-Xi , Tian Jia , Deng Wu-Sheng , Fu Jing-Wei , Feng Yue , Zeng Neng-Yong , Zhou Hua-Fu , Kong Jin-Liang
Published: June 2022

Background

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2C (CDKN2C) was identified to participate in the occurrence and development of multiple cancers; however, its roles in small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) remain unclear.

Methods

Differential expression analysis of CDKN2C between SCLC and non-SCLC were performed based on 937 samples from multiple centers. The prognosis effects ofCDKN2Cin patients with SCLC were detected using both Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests. Using receiver-operating characteristic curves, whetherCDKN2Cexpression made it feasible to distinguish SCLC was determined. The potential mechanisms ofCDKN2Cin SCLC were investigated by gene ontology terms and signaling pathways (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes). Based on 10,080 samples, a pan-cancer analysis was also performed to determine the roles ofCDKN2Cin multiple cancers.

Results

For the first time, upregulated CDKN2C expression was detected in SCLC samples at both the mRNA and protein levels (pof Wilcoxon rank-sum test < 0.05; standardized mean difference = 2.86 [95% CI 2.20–3.52]). Transcription factor FOXA1 expression may positively regulateCDKN2Cexpression levels in SCLC. HighCDKN2Cexpression levels were related to the poor prognosis of patients with SCLC (hazard ratio > 1,p < 0.05) and showed pronounced effects for distinguishing SCLC from non-SCLC (sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve ≥ 0.95).CDKN2Cexpression may play a role in the development of SCLC by affecting the cell cycle. Furthermore, the first pan-cancer analysis revealed the differential expression ofCDKN2Cin 16 cancers (breast invasive carcinoma, etc.) and its independent prognostic significance in nine cancers (e.g., adrenocortical carcinoma).CDKN2Cexpression was related to the immune microenvironment, suggesting its potential usefulness as a prognostic marker in immunotherapy.

Conclusions

This study identified upregulated CDKN2C expression and its clinical significance in SCLC and other multiple cancers, suggesting its potential usefulness as a biomarker in treating and differentiating cancers.
Paraspinal Muscle Health is Related to Fibrogenic, Adipogenic, and Myogenic Gene Expression in Patients with Lumbar Spine Pathology
Authors: Anderson Brad , Ordaz Angel , Zlomislic Vinko , Allen R. Todd , Garfin Steven R. , Schuepbach Regula , Farshad Mazda , Schenk Simon , Ward Samuel R. , Shahidi Bahar
Published: June 2022

Background

Lumbar spine pathology is a common feature of lower back and/or lower extremity pain and is associated with observable degenerative changes in the lumbar paraspinal muscles that are associated with poor clinical prognosis. Despite the commonly observed phenotype of muscle degeneration in this patient population, its underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between groups of genes within the atrophic, myogenic, fibrogenic, adipogenic, and inflammatory pathways and multifidus muscle health in individuals undergoing surgery for lumbar spine pathology.

Methods

Multifidus muscle biopsies were obtained from patients (n = 59) undergoing surgery for lumbar spine pathology to analyze 42 genes from relevant adipogenic/metabolic, atrophic, fibrogenic, inflammatory, and myogenic gene pathways using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Multifidus muscle morphology was examined preoperatively in these patients at the level and side of biopsy using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to determine whole muscle compartment area, lean muscle area, fat cross-sectional areas, and proportion of fat within the muscle compartment. These measures were used to investigate the relationships between gene expression patterns and muscle size and quality.

Results

Relationships between gene expression and imaging revealed significant associations between decreased expression of adipogenic/metabolic gene (PPARD), increased expression of fibrogenic gene (COL3A1), and lower fat fraction on MRI (r = -0.346, p = 0.018, and r = 0.386, p = 0.047 respectively). Decreased expression of myogenic gene (mTOR) was related to greater lean muscle cross-sectional area (r = 0.388, p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Fibrogenic and adipogenic/metabolic genes were related to pre-operative muscle quality, and myogenic genes were related to pre-operative muscle size. These findings provide insight into molecular pathways associated with muscle health in the presence of lumbar spine pathology, establishing a foundation for future research that addresses how these changes impact outcomes in this patient population.
Physician decision-making process about withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in paediatric patients: a systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Zhong Yajing , Cavolo Alice , Labarque Veerle , Gastmans Chris
Published: June 2022

Background

With paediatric patients, deciding whether to withhold/withdraw life-sustaining treatments (LST) at the end of life is difficult and ethically sensitive. Little is understood about how and why physicians decide on withholding/withdrawing LST at the end of life in paediatric patients. In this study, we aimed to synthesise results from the literature on physicians’ perceptions about decision-making when dealing with withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in paediatric patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of empirical qualitative studies. Five electronic databases (Pubmed, Cinahl®, Embase®, Scopus®, Web of Science™) were exhaustively searched in order to identify articles published in English from inception through March 17, 2021. Analysis and synthesis were guided by the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven.

Results

Thirty publications met our criteria and were included for analysis. Overall, we found that physicians agreed to involve parents, and to a lesser extent, children in the decision-making process about withholding/withdrawing LST. Our analysis to identify conceptual schemes revealed that physicians divided their decision-making into three stages: (1) early preparation via advance care planning, (2) information giving and receiving, and (3) arriving at the final decision. Physicians considered advocating for the best interests of the child and of the parents as their major focus. We also identified moderating factors of decision-making, such as facilitators and barriers, specifically those related to physicians and parents that influenced physicians’ decision-making.

Conclusions

By focusing on stakeholders, structure of the decision-making process, ethical values, and influencing factors, our analysis showed that physicians generally agreed to share the decision-making with parents and the child, especially for adolescents. Further research is required to better understand how to minimise the negative impact of barriers on the decision-making process (e.g., difficult involvement of children, lack of paediatric palliative care expertise, conflict with parents).
Colleague appraisal of Australian general practitioners in training: an analysis of multisource feedback data
Authors: Vayro Caitlin , Narayanan Ajit , Greco Michael , Spike Neil , Hanson Jan , Mitchell Ben , Hanson Dale , Stewart Rebecca
Published: June 2022

Background

Multisource feedback is an evidence-based and validated tool used to provide clinicians, including those in training, feedback on their professional and interpersonal skills. Multisource feedback is mandatory for participants in the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Practice Experience Program and for some Australian General Practice Training Registrars. Given the recency of the Practice Experience Program, there are currently no benchmarks available for comparison within the program and to other comparable cohorts including doctors in the Australian General Practice Training program. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare colleague feedback within and across General Practice trainee cohorts.

Methods

Colleague feedback, from multisource feedback of Practice Experience Program participants and Australian General Practice Training Registrars, collected between January 2018 and April 2020, was compared to identify similarities and differences. Analyses entailed descriptive statistics, between and within groups rater consistency and agreement measures, principal component analysis, t-tests, analysis of variance, and psychometric network analysis.

Results

Colleague ratings of Practice Experience Program participants (overall average 88.58%) were lower than for Registrars (89.08%), although this difference was not significant. ‘Communication with patients’ was rated significantly lower for Practice Experience Program participants (2.13%) while this group was rated significantly better for their ‘Ability to say no’ (1.78%). Psychometric network analyses showed stronger linkages between items making up the behavioural component (compared to the items of the performance and self-management components, as found by principal component analysis) for Practice Experience Program participants as compared to Registrars. Practice Experience Program participants were stronger in clinical knowledge and skills as well as confidentiality, while Registrars were stronger in communicating with patients, managing their own stress, and in their management and leadership skills.

Conclusions

The multisource feedback scores of doctors undertaking the Practice Experience Program suggests that, while all mean values are ‘very good’ to ‘excellent’, there are areas for improvement. The linkages between skills suggests that Practice Experience Program doctors’ skills are somewhat isolated and have yet to fully synthesise. We now have a better understanding of how different groups of General Practitioners in training compare with respect to professional and interpersonal skills. Based on the demonstrated differences, the Practice Experience Program might benefit from the addition of educational activities to target the less developed skills.
The impact of EMTALA on medical malpractice framework models: a review
Authors: Shenoy Amrita , Shenoy Gopinath N. , Shenoy Gayatri G.
Published: June 2022

The Emergency Medical Treatment & Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is a healthcare law specific to screening, stabilizing, and transferring (or accepting) patients with emergency medical conditions and active labor. This law, contextual to Medicare-participating hospitals, ensures public access to emergency medical services, regardless of the individual’s ability to pay. The Defensive Medicine (DM) model and Physician Responsiveness to Standard-of-care Reforms (PRSRs) model are two medical malpractice frameworks leveraged in this paper. The nodes of these frameworks comprise of the treatment-versus-no-treatment dynamics and cutoff thresholds. Cutoff thresholds are specific to health risks and treatment price rates. Health risks stem from those with treating or not treating a patient as well as those inherent from the patient’s ailment. Treatment price rates are subcategorized into customary and efficient price rates. Given the above nodes of these frameworks, this paper examines how the above medical malpractice models synchronize and sequentially align with the legal obligations of this law. This paper, furthermore, contemplatively describes how the incentivize/penalize dynamics interrelate to the push/pull dynamics of the PRSRs malpractice model. Thereafter, this paper applies the above push/pull dynamics contextual to the three specific obligations of this law, essentially, screening, stabilizing, and transferring (or accepting) emergency care patients. Conclusively, this paper illustrates the above network in a cascading algorithm that ligates the nodes of these frameworks to EMTALA's obligations.
Total cost of ownership in shipping: a framework for sustainability
Authors: Stavroulakis Peter J. , Papadimitriou Stratos
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Shipping is pivotal for global commerce, yet its externalities are not yet fully set into context, especially with reference to environmental impact. Shipping is a practise developed from the dawn of history. Its manifestation requires the introduction of relevant supporting industries as well, such as port, cargo, and logistics operations. The holistic shipping system has been growing with its main parameter pertaining to accounting cost minimisation. Yet, the shipping ecosystem has been able to exacerbate environmental, social, and health costs that in the end may prove that shipping, in the way that it is conducted, may not be as profitable as it may seem.

Method

This paper introduces a framework for the total cost of ownership in shipping, which includes a holistic approach as to the true costs associated with shipping practises. Through a structured literature review the relevant costs are identified and assessed, providing a complete framework as to the actual cost of shipping.

Findings

Shipping may appear to be profitable in some cases, but the bulk of its profit is based on practises that incur a plethora of costs that are externalised. This paper provides a clearer understanding of the total cost of shipping and the subsequent need of a paradigm shift, so that shipping may be able to portray its potential with reference to societal and environmental benefits.

Conclusion

Through frameworks such as the one presented in this work, activities and practises may be assessed as to their true impact and footprint and claim sustainability through a solid prism of holistic analysis and true profit for humanity, rather than focusing on accounting cost and turning a blind eye at other social, environmental, and health costs.
Role of 3D-CT gastric volumetric study in post-sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Moursi Dina Mohsen Abd-Elfattah , Allam Khaled Essmat , Hetta Waleed , Elsalam Ahmed Mohammed Abd , Hussein Rasha S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Gastric pouch volumetry after sleeve gastrectomy reflects successful surgery. We aimed to assess the impact of gastric pouch volume after sleeve gastrectomy on weight loss.

Method

The study was performed for 30 patients (22 females and 8 males) who underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Their ages ranged from 18 to 47 years. All patients underwent (multi-slice CT) MSCT examination at 12 months after surgery with oral administration of effervescent emulsion. Post-processing in multi-planar reconstruction and 3D reconstruction was performed to all cases. Gastric pouch volume was measured and correlated with body weight, body mass index (BMI), % reduction in excess body weight and ∆weight at 1 year.

Results

A significant positive association was found among gastric volume pouch and weight loss (P = 0.04), BMI reduction (P value < 0.0001) and ∆weight (P value = 0.013). A significant inverse association was found among gastric pouch volume and % reduction in excess body weight (P value = 0.013).

Conclusion

MSCT gastric volumetry is the gold standard imaging method for assessment of the gastric pouch volume after sleeve gastrectomy. Significant positive association was found among gastric volume pouch and weight loss, BMI reduction and ∆weight at 1 year, i.e., in spite of large gastric pouch volume at 1 year, there is adequate weight loss, BMI reduction and ∆weight. Yet, significant inverse association was found among gastric pouch volume and % reduction in excess body weight.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers with Visualized Adsorption and Antibacterial Activity for the Separation of BSA
Authors: Chen Peng , Wang Chaoli , Qiao Youbei , Teng Yonggang , Wang Jingwei , Yu Zhe , Wu Danfeng , Wang Jian , Liu Bangfu
Published: June 2022

The adsorption process of MIPs to template molecules, and biomacromolecule MIPs being easily contaminated with bacteria have become key factors restricting MIP applications. In this work, novel BSA-MIPs with visualized adsorption efficiency and antibacterial ability were prepared by ATRP. The results showed that the BSA-MIPs could adsorb BSA specifically through homogeneous imprinted holes and had excellent antibacterial properties in the process of separation of BSA from blood plasma.
The level of community behaviour towards hearing loss in Indonesia
Authors: Purnami Nyilo , Zachreini Indra , Bashiruddin Jenny , Tamin Susyana , Priyono Harim , Mayangsari Ika Dewi , Indrasari Sagung Rai , Haryuna Tengku Siti Hajar , Manukbua Tjandra , Ranakusuma Respati , Suwento Ronny , Santosa Yanuar Iman , Savitri Eka
Published: June 2022

Background: Hearing loss is the most common disability in the world, with a prevalence of 5% of the world's population of 466 million people. Knowledge about noise exposure and hearing protection equipment is related to hearing loss. Health is associated with a person's healthy lifestyle behaviour. This study aimed to determine the level of community behaviour towards hearing loss.

Methods: This study used a descriptive analytical approach with a cross-sectional study design. The population in this study was Indonesian people who were not healthcare workers aged 17 years and over. The sample inclusion criteria included individuals who were not healthcare workers (such as doctors, nurses and midwives etc.), aged 17 years and over, and willing to participate in the study. The sampling method in this study was consecutive sampling.

Results: Based on the distribution of patients, there were more female participants (1484, 61.6%) than male participants. Diploma-3 (D3) was the most common education type, with as many as 1095 people (45.4%), while the least common education type was not in school (eight, 0.3%). Most participants were in the ‘employee’ profession, namely 509 people (21.1%), while the lowest number of participants was in the Police profession (20, 0.8%). There were significant relationships between the respondent's knowledge and action about hearing loss, and the respondent’s knowledge and attitudes regarding hearing loss (p=0.000).

Conclusions: There were significant relationships between the respondent's knowledge and actions about hearing loss and the respondent's knowledge and attitude, while there was no significant relationship between the respondent's attitude and actions regarding hearing loss.
DERRIDA, BIOPOLITICA E METAFISICA
Authors: PINHEIRO ROMILDO GOMES
Published: June 2022

O artigo expõe a teoria do biopoder de Jacques Derrida, em especial no seu seminário A Besta e o Soberania I e II. Além de ampliar a compreensão da biopolítica moderna para o conjunto da teoria política de Derrida, o artigo procura estabelecer uma comparação com Foucault e Agamben.
Male Sleeping Aggregation of Melissodes (Ecplectica) nigroaenea (Smith, 1854) (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Eucerini) in Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Silva Wagner Pereira , De Andrade Rogério Rodrigues
Published: June 2022

Bee males are sometimes found forming sleeping aggregations on stems of bushes or trees to sleep at night, but there is no complete understanding of the reasons for this behaviour. This note describes the behavior of Melissodes (Ecplectica) nigroaenea (Smith, 1854) males forming temporary sleeping aggregations in dry inflorescences of Bidens pilosa L. The sleeping aggregations of M. nigroaenea were observed for approximately 15 days in an area of Cerrado, Brasília, DF. During the day M. nigroaenea males visit flowers of Cosmos sulphureus Cav. near the sleeping aggregations, where the females collect pollen. In the late afternoon, the males return to the sleeping aggregations, where they sleep at night. These data provide new information about the behavior of M. nigroaenea males.
Sultan II. Abdülhamit Devrinde Arnavut Milliyetçiliği Meselesi (1878-1908)
Authors: SMAKAJ Gentrit
Published: June 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Sultan II. Abdülhamit devrinde önemli bir gelişme göstermiş bulunan Arnavut milliyetçiliği meselesini, Prizren Birliği’nden Meşrutiyet’in yeniden ilanına kadar cereyan eden gelişimini incelemektir. Buradan hareketle evvela Arnavut Prizren Birliği’nin teşekkülü, amaçları, Siyasî-askerî faaliyetleri aynı zamanda eğitim, milli alfabe ve kültür meselesi gibi gelişmeler ele alınmıştır. Arnavut Prizren Birliği’nin dağıtılmasından sonra ortaya çıkan siyasî durum Bâbıâli’nin Arnavutların yaşadıkları bölgelerde özel bir politika izlemesine sebep olmuştur. Ancak, 1890’lardan itibaren Makedonya Bulgar, Sırp, Yunan ve Arnavutlar arasında çatışma sahasına dönüştü. Makedonya’da reformun başlaması halinde Sırp, Bulgar ve Yunan tehlikesinin artacağı ihtimali Arnavutları tedirgin ediyordu. Bu duruma karşı Arnavutlar bir dizi toplantılar yapmış ve aldıkları kararları Sultan II. Abdülhamit’e bildirmişlerdi. Arnavutların milliyetçi ve muhafazakar kesimlerinden gelen bu taleplere karşı Bâbıâli sessiz kaldığı için Arnavutlar bir araya gelerek İpek İttifakı’nı kurdular. 1902 yılında Makedonya’da tekrar gerçekleştirilmesi istenen reformlar Arnavutları karşı hareketlere yönlendirdi. Üstelik söz konusu dönemde Arnavutlar devrimci faaliyetlere geçerek “Arnavutluk’un Özgürlüğü İçin Komite”yi kurdular. Bu çalışmada II. Abdülhamit devrinde gittikçe önemli bir gelişme kaydeden Arnavut milliyetçiliği meselesi, belirlenen sınırlar içerisinde Osmanlı ve Arnavut kaynakları ışığında incelenmiştir.
Neoliberal Küreselleşme Sürecinde Borçlanma Ağları ve Borçlanma Örüntüleri Bağlamında Türkiye de Köylü Çiftçiler
Authors: YİĞİT Emin
Published: June 2022

Hem küresel hem de yerel düzeyde yapısal değişim ve dönüşüm yaratan neoliberal küreselleşme sürecinde, küresel sermaye merkezleri ve onların aktörleri tarafından belirlenen politikalar 1980 sonrasında, Türkiye’deki tarımsal üretim biçimi ve üretim ilişkilerini de belirlemiştir. Tarımsal üretimin piyasa koşullarına tabi olmasını sağlayan bu politika değişikliği Türkiye köylüsünü, piyasa koşullarında savunmasız ve güvencesiz bırakmıştır. Üretim yapabilmek için piyasa dinamikleri üzerinden borçlanan köylünün üretim yapma çabası, bir borçlanma döngüsü oluşturmaktadır. Bu döngü tarımsal üretim süreçleri içinde borçlanma ağı ve borçlanma örüntüsü ortaya çıkarmaktadır ki bu ağın ve örüntünün kazananları, bankalar, küresel tarım işletmeleri, tüccarlar, tefeciler ve göreli olarak bölgenin zengin çiftçileridir. Kaybedeni ise hızla yoksullaşan ve kırdan tasfiye olan köylü çiftçilerdir. Özetlenen tespitlerden hareketle bu çalışmadaki temel amaç, neoliberal politikalara bağlı olarak oluşan piyasa mekanizması içinde borçlanarak üretim yapma çabasında olan köylü çiftçilerin içine düştüğü borçlanma ağını ve borçlanma örüntüsünü, alandan gelen verilerin ışığında tartışmak ve analiz etmektir. Bergama’nın ova köylerinde yapılan derinlemesine mülakatlardan elde edilen alan araştırmalarının sonuçlarına dayanan bu çalışmada, borçlanmanın köylü çiftçiler ve üretim biçimi üzerindeki dönüştürücü etkisi de irdelenmektedir.
Simultaneous detection of circulating tumor DNAs using a SERS-based lateral flow assay biosensor for point-of-care diagnostics of head and neck cancer
Authors: Li Guang , Ge Shengjie , Niu Ping , Zhang Jianyou , Mao Yu , Wang Youwei , Sun Aidong
Published: June 2022

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has recently emerged as an ideal target for biomarker analytes. Thus, the development of rapid and ultrasensitive ctDNA detection methods is essential. In this study, a high-throughput surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based lateral flow assay (LFA) strip is proposed. The aim of this method is to achieve accurate quantification of TP53 and PIK3CA E545K, two types of ctDNAs associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly for point-of-care testing (POCT). Raman reporters and hairpin DNAs are used to functionalize the Pd-Au core-shell nanorods (Pd-AuNRs), which serve as the SERS probes. During the detection process, the existence of targets could open the hairpins on the surface of Pd-AuNRs and trigger the first step of catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) amplification. The next stage of CHA amplification is initiated by the hairpins prefixed on the test lines, generating numerous “hot spots” to enhance the SERS signal significantly. By the combination of high-performing SERS probes and a target-specific signal amplification strategy, TP53 and PIK3CA E545K are directly quantified in the range of 100 aM-1 nM, with the respective limits of detection (LOD) calculated as 33.1 aM and 20.0 aM in the PBS buffer and 37.8 aM and 23.1 aM in human serum, which are significantly lower than for traditional colorimetric LFA methods. The entire detection process is completed within 45 min, and the multichannel design realizes the parallel detection of multiple groups of samples. Moreover, the analytical performance is validated, including reproducibility, uniformity, and specificity. Finally, the SERS-LFA biosensor is employed to analyze the expression levels of TP53 and PIK3CA E545K in the serum of patients with HNSCC. The results are verified as consistent with those of qRT-PCR. Thus, the SERS-LFA biosensor can be considered as a noninvasive liquid biopsy assay for clinical cancer diagnosis.
Multi-threshold splitting tree algorithm to reduce the number of filters in programmable hyperspectral imaging for fast multi-target classification
Authors: Zhang Fengdi , Xu Wenbin , Zhang Zhuoyu , Gao Yuning , Zhou Zheng , Cui Xiaoyu , Lei Hao , Chen Shuo
Published: June 2022

Programmable hyperspectral imaging is a promising and efficient technique for fast target classification by coding hyperspectral post-processing algorithms as spectral transmittances, which enables such post-processing to be directly performed by special optical dispersive element during the process of optical imaging. Compared with conventional hyperspectral imaging and post-processing techniques, it shows significant advantages of fast image acquisition, post-processing free, and a much lower load of data transmission and storage. However, when multi-target classification tasks are encountered, the speed would decrease seriously due to the requirement of a large number of filters. In this study, a novel splitting strategy is proposed to reduce the number of filters in programmable hyperspectral imaging for fast multi-target classification while maintaining the classification performance. Numerical simulation experiments were performed on six publicly available hyperspectral data sets. Compared with the conventional splitting strategies, the proposed splitting strategy can reduce the number of filters by 25% to 80% and achieve similar classification performance, which is of great significance to improve the speed of multi-target classification with programmable hyperspectral imaging technique.
Stereo sampling moiré method for three-dimensional deformation mapping with a stereomicroscope
Authors: Wang Qinghua , Okumura Shigesato , Ri Shien , Xia Peng , Ogihara Shinji
Published: June 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) deformation distribution measurement is of great interest in applications of materials evaluation. In this study, we propose a stereo sampling moiré method for full-field 3D deformation measurement based on a stereomicroscope. From the phase analysis on the left and right image planes as well as the relationship between displacements in the world and image coordinate systems, the 3D displacements and the in-plane strains of the specimen can be acquired. We also propose a method to calibrate the microscope convergence angle using the grid pitch variation. The validation experiment shows that the difference between the out-of-plane displacement measured by the proposed method and the movement of the sample stage is less than 0.2 µm. The microscopic 3D displacements and the in-plane strain distributions of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic specimen in a three-point bending test are investigated.
Mode power spectrum for Laguerre–Gauss beams in Kolmogorov turbulence
Authors: Elder Henry F. , Sprangle Phillip
Published: June 2022

We analyze the effects of atmospheric turbulence on the mode power
spectrum of beams carrying orbital angular momentum represented by
Laguerre–Gauss (LG) modes. For an input (0, m)
LG mode, we calculate the power transferred to other modes (0,
m’) due to turbulence. The analysis is
validated against split-step beam propagation simulations and shows
agreement into the strong turbulence regime. These results have
applications for the design and characterization of free-space laser
communication systems.
Epidemiological review of confirmed Lassa fever cases during 2016–2018, in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Gomerep Simji , Nuwan Martina , Butswat Solomon , Bartekwa Joyce , Thliza Solomon , Akude Christian , Omololu Ayanfe , Shwe David , Reyna Rachel , Makishima Tomoko , Paessler Slobodan , Shehu Nathan
Published: June 2022

Lassa fever (LF) is endemic in West Africa and constitutes a significant public health concern due to its potential for epidemics and associated high mortality. The first reported case and management of Lassa fever in Plateau State occurred more than 50 years ago. We set out to undertake a three-year epidemiological review of LF cases in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. This is a retrospective study of all confirmed LF cases in Plateau State between 2016 and 2018. Plateau state Lassa fever- Line list and patient case records were used to extract relevant data. Lassa PCR was carried out at the NCDC accredited Laboratory network. Data analysis was done using STATA version SE14.1. Forty-four persons (44) had confirmed LF over the examined period, 18 (41%) in 2016, 15 (34%) in 2017 and 11 (25%) in 2018. The mean age was 29.7±14.6 years and 53% were males. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the patients resided in rural areas. It affected all local government areas (LGA) in the state except Pankshin, Jos East and Kanke LGAs. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the cases occurred among underprivileged communities of Jos North and another 25% in rural dwellers of Langtang North. Fifty-nine percent (59%) of cases occurred during the 1st quarter, 27% the 2nd quarter and 18% the 3rd quarter of the year. The case fatality rate was 57%. LF is endemic in Plateau State. Prevention strategies must be sustained year round and target the youth, urban and rural underprivileged communities. There is also need for case management improvement to reduce mortality.
Stolen childhood taking a toll at young adulthood: The higher risk of high blood pressure and high blood glucose comorbidity among child brides
Authors: Datta Biplab , Tiwari Ashwini , Glenn Lynn
Published: June 2022

Despite notable progress being made in preventing child marriage, a significant proportion of women worldwide are still married before reaching adulthood. Though many aspects of child marriage have been widely studied, little is known on the later life health outcomes of child brides, let alone the critical need for healthcare during adulthood. This paper examines whether child brides at a young adult age bear a greater risk of high blood pressure (HBP) and high blood glucose (HBG) comorbidity than those who were married as adults. Using nationally representative data from India, we categorized married young adult (aged 20-34 years) women in four categories: neither HBP nor HBG, HBP only, HBG only, and both HBP and HBG. We estimated multinomial logistic regressions to obtain unadjusted and adjusted relative risk ratios in favor of these mutually exclusive outcomes for the child marriage indicator. Around 0.5% of the women in our sample had high blood pressure and high blood glucose comorbidity. While the prevalence of comorbidity was 0.4% among women who were married as adults, comorbidity was 40% higher (p < 0.000) among women who were married as children. The relative risk of the comorbidity among child brides was 1.4 (95%CI: 1.2–1.7) times that of their peers who were not married as children. The findings, thus, suggest that child brides at young adult age are at greater risk of having high blood pressure and high blood glucose comorbidity. Concerted public health efforts, therefore, are necessary to improve their long-term health and wellbeing.
Respectfulness-processing revisited: An ERP study of Chinese sentence reading
Authors: Ji Liyan , Cai Lin , Ji Aiai
Published: June 2022

In Mandarin Chinese, an important manifestation of respectfulness is the use of different forms of second-person pronouns. Jiang et al. (2013) examined the event-related potential (ERP) correlates of processing respectful and plain pronouns in Chinese. However, this study suffered from a few methodological limitations, which restricted both the reliability and functional interpretations of the study’s findings. In the present study, we resolved these limitations and further investigated the neurocognitive mechanisms of processing the respectfulness of pronouns. In the present study, participants read 160 critical Chinese sentences with a second-person pronoun (ni or nin) that was either consistent or inconsistent with its prior sentence context in terms of respectfulness, as well as 240 filler sentences. Unlike the previous study that reported a 300–500 ms negative response (N400) for both types of inconsistent pronouns, a sustained positive response for Nin inconsistent and a sustained negativity response for Ni inconsistent in the late time window, the present study found an N400 response and late sustained negativity for Nin inconsistent, but not for Ni inconsistent. Furthermore, the cluster-based permutation showed a significant negative cluster for Nin inconsistent, extending from 432–622 ms. We related this negative response for Nin inconsistent with recent accounts of the N400 and late negativity. Finally, the absence of the ERP effect for the Ni condition was linked to the role of the pragmatic property of Ni.