bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geo-ontology model construction for urban flood disaster: a case study of community scale
Authors: Zhu Zhi-Zhou , Zhang Shu-Liang , Gong Zhi-Yan , Yang Qi-Qi
Published: May 2022

Urban flooding has become one of the most common natural disasters worldwide due to recent global climate changes. Therefore, disaster simulation and forecasting have become important “non-engineering measures” to manage urban flooding and reduce the effective emergency response time. In this study, an urban flooding-disaster geographic-ontology model (UFD-GOM) was constructed with rainfall, surface, and drainage ontologies as its core, and a Bayesian network model was built after the classes, relationships, and attributes were rationally defined. The Caochangmen Community, Nanjing, China, case-study results showed that the difference between the number of inferred/predicted and actual observed disaster-class grid cells was small. The spatial distribution of the flood-prone monitoring points and the inferred/predicted regional disaster-occurrence intensity were well matched, with the average accuracy being 87.18%, verifying and validating the scientific basis and practicality of the “triple-core” UFD-GOM constructed in this study.
Evapotranspiration Modelling using Artificial Neural Network and Multiple Linear Regression Approach in Semi-Humid Region of Sikkim
Authors: Patle IndiaG. T. , Mandal B. P. , Kumar Mukesh , Jhajharia D.
Published: May 2022

This study investigates superiority between multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) approach for prediction of weekly reference evapotranspiration (ET0) in semi-humid region of Sikkim, India. Daily meteorological parameters (1985–2009) were used for the estimation of ET0 using Penman Monteith equation and various combinations of meteorological parameters was used for MLR and ANN model development. Predicted ET0 were compared with ET0 estimated using coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute relative error (MARE) and Nash Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). Among ANN models, ANN model 4 with one hidden layer and four neurons had smallest RMSE (0.62 & 0.49 mm/day) and highest R2 (0.75 & 0.82) for training and testing phase. ANN model 4 had highest NSE compared to MLR model 4. Comparison between MLR and ANN models revealed more accuracy of ANN to predict weekly ET0 for the sub humid region like Tadong in East Sikkim district of North-eastern India. Study show the effectiveness of the both MLR and ANN models for estimation of the ET0 with minimal meteorological variables and increased parameters increases the model prediction efficiency. The findings of the study could be helpful for similar studies in the data scarce northeast Indian part and other identical climatic regions.
Genome sequencing and analysis reveal the biosynthetic mechanism of anticancer drug terpenoid in Aspergillus tubingensis
Authors: Lin Shan , Xu Chunhua , Hu Shiping , Chen Xiaoni , Wu Fenfang
Published: May 2022

In recent years, Aspergillus tubingensis is extremely rich in secondary metabolites, which is a valuable medical fungus needs to be further explored. So far, many small molecular compounds with novel structure and significant biological activity have been discovered from A. tubingensis, among which terpenoids account for about 20%, showing great research potential in anti-cancer. Although more and more new terpenoids have been discovered from A. tubingensis and their structures have been identified, few studies have investigated the biosynthetic pathway of terpenoid. In order to further elucidate the biosynthetic mechanism of terpenoid, the key genes and enzymes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis were successfully mined and further analyzed based on genome sequencing analysis. Subsequently, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase, mevalonate kinase, phosphomevalonate kinase as well as diphosphomevalonate decarboxylase were annotated, which played important roles in terpenoid biosynthesis of A. tubingensis. Furthermore, the biosynthetic pathway of terpenoid in A. tubingensis has been constructed, which could be applied to develop the metabolic regulation of A. tubingensis. This study would provide more sufficient scientific basis and new ideas for the genetic regulation of anticancer drug terpenoid biosynthesis in A. tubingensis.
Impact of a nurse-guided patient self-treatment program in integrative oncology care: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ben-Arye Eran , Balneaves Lynda , Yaguda Susan , Shuman Bella , Gressel Orit , Tapiro Yehudit , Sharabi Ilanit Shalom , Samuels Noah
Published: May 2022

Context and objectives: Nurses are increasingly becoming involved in integrative oncology (IO) programs. This study examined the additive effect of nurse-provided guidance for self-administered IO therapies on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life (QoL). Methods: The study was randomized and controlled, enrolling patients undergoing active oncology with IO treatments for fatigue and other QoL-related outcomes. IO practitioner-guidance on self-treatment with manual, relaxation and/or traditional herbal therapies was provided to patients in both the intervention and control arms. However, patients in the intervention arms also received additional guidance on self-treatment by IO-trained palliative care nurses. All participants were assessed for fatigue and QoL at baseline and at 24-hour follow-up, using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCAW) questionnaire tools. Results: Of 353 patients recruited, 187 were randomized to the intervention and 166 to the control group. Both groups had similar demographic and oncology-related characteristics. Patients in the intervention arm reported significantly greater improvement in ESAS scores for fatigue (p=0.026) and appetite (p=0.003) when compared to controls. Conclusion: The addition of nurse-provided guidance on self-administration of IO treatments to that provided by IO practitioners further reduced short-term scores for fatigue and improved appetite. The relationship between palliative and IO supportive cancer care requires further study.
Association of Social capital with the decline of the cognitive abilities of elderly in India: Evidence from LASI Wave-1
Authors: Pandey Mohit , Goswami Puja , Bramhnakar Mahadevrao
Published: May 2022

Background
A vast literature on successful aging is focused on social networks or social capital on health. Existing literature has shown that social capital directly influences cognitive health, but in the Indian context, there is a dearth of studies confirming the same confirmed, especially among older adults. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between social capital and other factors affecting cognitive impairment among older adults in India.
Methods
The present study utilizes secondary data from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India [LASI Wave-1] conducted during 2017-18. Cross-tabulation and logistic regressions are used to establish the association between outcome and explanatory variables. Dominance analysis is used to find out the contribution of each variable in cognitive impairment.
Results
Our study reveals that cohabitation increases connectedness, positively contributing to social capital. Being physically active is found to have a favorable impact on social capital. On the other hand, those with low IADL scores are more prone to cognition impairment and a low level of social capital. Interestingly, it was seen that substance abuse among older adults has a positive effect on social capital. Further, we find social capital to be the most dominant factor which explains the variation in cognitive health.
Conclusion
Overall, our study presents evidence-based results advocating a positive sense of social capital, healthy living arrangements, and physical activeness among older adults in India for better cognitive health.
Statistical fluctuation analysis for one-decoy-state quantum key distribution
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Xiao-Ming , Yan Ya-Long
Published: May 2022

One-decoy-state quantum key distribution with infinite length pulses can even approach the asymptotic case, i.e., infinite decoy states and infinite length pulses. Due to the limitation of experimental time, we must consider the statistical fluctuation caused by the finite number of pulses. The central limit theorem analysis method is an effective method, which can easily give the upper and lower bounds of experimental observations. Combining the central limit theorem method with the theorem that the ratio of two independent normal random variables can be approximated as a normal random variable under certain conditions, we propose a more efficient method to estimate the secure key rate. Compared with using central limit theorem method directly, our method has fewer bounds, smaller estimation deviation and higher estimation accuracy. The simulation results show that our method can significantly improve the secure key rate and transmission distance when considering statistical fluctuation and keeping the pulse number and security parameters unchanged, especially in the case of small pulse number (e.g. 107).
Chromatin accessibility landscape and active transcription factors in primary human invasive lobular and ductal breast carcinomas
Authors: Lee Sanghoon , Osmanbeyoglu Hatce
Published: May 2022

Background: Invasive lobular breast carcinoma (ILC), the second most prevalent histological subtype of breast cancer, exhibits unique molecular features compared with the more common invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). While genomic and transcriptomic features of ILC and IDC have been characterized, genome-wide chromatin accessibility pattern differences between ILC and IDC remain largely unexplored. Methods: Here, we characterized tumor-intrinsic chromatin accessibility differences between ILC and IDC using primary tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) dataset. Results: We identified distinct patterns of genome-wide chromatin accessibility in ILC and IDC. Inferred patient-specific transcription factor (TF) motif activities revealed regulatory differences between and within ILC and IDC tumors. EGR1, RUNX3, TP63, STAT6, SOX family, and TEAD family TFs were higher in ILC, while ATF4, PBX3, SPDEF, PITX family, and FOX family TFs were higher in IDC. Conclusions: This study reveals the distinct epigenomic features of ILC and IDC and the active TFs driving cancer progression that may provide valuable information on patient prognosis.
Growth and survival of the abalone Haliotis asinina fed seaweed Gracilariopsis heteroclada, formulated diet, and a combination of both
Authors: Lebata-Ramos Ma. Junemie Hazel L. , Solis Ellen Flor D. , Biñas Joseph B.
Published: May 2022

This paper compares the effect of feeding the abalone Haliotis asinina with seaweed (SW), formulated (FD), and mixed (SW + FD) diets. The feeding experiment, in six replicates, was conducted in a tank facility and lasted for ten months. At the end of the experiment, abalone fed mixed diets had significantly the highest mean shell length and body weight (45.90 ± 0.19 mm, 22.82 ± 0.31 g), followed by those fed seaweeds (43.47 ± 0.17 mm, 18.25 ± 0.26 g), and lastly, by those fed formulated diet (41.78 ± 0.18 mm, 15.76 ± 0.22 g). Mean growth rates were significantly higher when abalone were fed with mixed diets at 1.48 ± 0.03 mm and 1.69 ± 0.04 g mo− 1, respectively, than those fed seaweeds (1.26 ± 0.03 mm, 1.27 ± 0.06 g mo− 1) or formulated diet (1.06 ± 0.09 mm, 1.00 ± 0.11 g mo− 1). Survival was consistent one month from the start of culture until harvest—highest in abalone fed mixed diets (78.81 ± 2.48%), followed by those fed seaweeds (70.12 ± 4.07%), and lastly formulated diet (64.53 ± 4.61%). Moreover, feed conversion ratios (FCR) were significantly lower in abalone fed mixed diets (15.48 ± 0.69) and formulated diet (18.07 ± 3.50) compared with those fed seaweeds (41.31 ± 2.36). Pearson correlation analysis did not show any correlation between growth rates and the environmental variables tested, except for survival in all treatment diets, which showed significantly moderate positive correlations with temperature. Based on the results of this experiment, giving abalone a mix of formulated and natural diets is the best feeding regime. The importance of a balanced and more nutritional diet on the well-being of the abalone was observed in this study.
An invasive plant does not escape negative soil feedback near the northern limit of its invaded range
Authors: Zhang Vicki Mengyuan , Kotanen Peter M.
Published: May 2022

In the Canadian subarctic, the non-native plant Linaria vulgaris has invaded human-disturbed soils in and around the town of Churchill, Manitoba (58.8ºN), but has failed to spread into nearby tundra and taiga communities. This lack of spread over decades suggests that interactions with native soil communities might be a barrier to L. vulgaris, in contrast to areas where this plant has been long established; however, no local evidence for plant-soil feedbacks yet exists. In one of the first studies to investigate the role of plant-soil feedbacks in an invasion at high latitudes, we planted L. vulgaris in soil serially inoculated with live and sterilized field-collected soil that was sampled either from invaded or uninvaded plots, and measured plant performance (biomass) over three greenhouse generations. We also conducted soil chemical analyses on all soil samples to determine whether pH, and carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous contents may contribute to feedbacks. There was no significant difference in soil chemistry detected between invaded and uninvaded areas. Additionally, there was no initial difference in plant biomass between soil treatments in the first two generations. However, by generation three, we found that sterilization significantly increased L. vulgaris biomass in invaded soils, indicating feedback gradually becomes more negative in invaded soils compared to uninvaded soils. These results suggest both that this non-native plant is not modifying the soil biota to its benefit in invaded soils, and that feedbacks in native-dominated soils do not represent a barrier to further range expansion. Thus, explanations for the restriction of this species to anthropogenically modified areas must lie elsewhere.
Predictors of Anemia among Pregnant Teenagers Presenting at a Tertiary Level Teaching Hospital in Mid-western Uganda
Authors: Hassan Sadiq Mohamoud , Byonanuwe Simon , Fajardo Yarine , Okello Maxwell , Almenares Ubarnell , Kajabwangu Rogers
Published: May 2022

Objective
To establish the predictors of anemia among pregnant teenagers presenting at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, mid-western Uganda
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the months of August 2021 to October 2021. A total of 288 pregnant teenagers aged between 13 and 19 years attending antenatal care (ANC) at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) were consecutively enrolled. Interviewer-administered questionnaires and laboratory report forms were used to obtain data. Descriptive statistics followed by binary logistic regression were conducted. All data analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS 23.
Results
The prevalence of anemia was 26%, with 53% having mild anemia, 40% moderate anemia, and 7% severe anemia. The key predictors of anemia among pregnant teenagers attending ANC at HRRH were lack of formal education (aOR = 17.39, CI:4.655–64.988; p < 0.001), nulliparity (aOR = 0.47, CI:0.225–0.989; p = 0.047) and ANC visits less than four times (aOR = 8.80, CI:2.888–27.811; p < 0.001)
Conclusion
The prevalence of anemia among pregnant teenagers at HRRH was higher than the estimated national anemia prevalence in this age group. Lack of formal education and poor ANC attendance are the key predictors of anemia at HRRH. Nulliparity is a protective factor for this obstetric complication in this age group of women at this facility.
Could ozone become a complementary therapeutic approach to improve metabolic and endocrine response of ALS patients?
Authors: Rodríguez-Sánchez Sara , Valiente Nicolas , Seseña Susana , Cabrera-Pinto Marta , Rodriguez Ana , Aranda Alfonso , Palop Llanos , Fernandez-Martos Carmen M.
Published: May 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease, has no effective treatment. Recent evidence supports a strong metabolic component in ALS pathogenesis, raising additional therapeutic targets against ALS. At this respect, improvements in motor deficits and disease-associated weight loss after repeated exposures to ozone (O3) in the mouse model of ALS based on TDP-43 proteinopathy (TDP-43A315T mice) have been reported. Here, the underlying molecular mechanisms to determine whether O3 exposure induces metabolic changes in ALS have been investigated. Molecular biology analysis demonstrated that O3 significantly modified the expression profile of hypothalamic neuropeptides, altering phosphorylation levels of the signal transducer and activator transcription 3 (STAT3) and protein kinase B (Akt), concomitantly to increase the expression of genes involved in metabolism and thermogenesis in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of TDP-43A315T mice. Composition of fecal gut microbiome of exposed TDP-43A315T mice varied significantly compared to wild type (WT) controls. Densitometric analysis of neuromuscular junction, indicated that O3 does not impaired the progression of disease in the skeletal muscle. Our findings suggest the effectiveness of O3 exposure to induce metabolic effects in the hypothalamus and BAT of this ALS mouse model and may be a new complementary non-pharmacological approach for ALS therapy.
Making STEAM-Based Professional Learning: A Four-Year Design-Based Research Study
Authors: Hughes Janette , Morrison Laura , Robb Jennifer
Published: May 2022

This article reports on the evolution of a STEAM-based teacher professional learning program designed to focus on maker pedagogies. Design-Based Research methodology was used to frame three iterations of professional learning sessions, which collectively involved more than 85 teachers in Ontario, Canada. The article describes the three iterations of teacher professional learning related to a maker approach, reports on what we learned from each iteration and how we modified the pedagogical approach based on the findings, and includes discussion on the implications for future professional learning in maker education.
Acceptance and Barriers of Open Educational Resources in the Context to Indian Higher Education
Authors: Datt Gopal , Singh Gagan
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to highlight the role and awareness of and barriers to Open Educational Resources (OERs) in Indian higher education, specifically in the State of Uttarakhand. This study further investigates the factors that hinder the progress of OER acceptance in the teaching and learning process of higher education and suggests ways to overcome these barriers. Acceptance and barriers of OERs in Indian higher education have been analyzed with the help of responses received from 204 participants (students) through questionnaire, who are either enrolled in ODL or the conventional system of education in the state of Uttarakhand (India). This study found that post-graduate programme learners are more aware of access to OERs and the majority of learners reported that training/workshops based on OERs are beneficial for them. Findings from this study will be helpful in understanding the obstacles and hindrances faced by the learners and respective institutions in the process of offering OERs. This study was conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Creating Online Learning Experiences: A Brief Guide to Online Courses, from Small and Private to Massive and Open, 2018
Authors: Cundell Alicia
Published: May 2022

This book is an expanded version of a guide originally written by the lead author, Matt Crosslin, to serve as a resource for faculty. The book shares lessons learned as the author designed Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and other online courses for the now defunct LINK Research Lab at University of Texas Arlington. At the time of writing the book, Crosslin worked as a Learning Innovation Researcher at the LINK Lab. This expanded version of the book is an Open Educational Resource (OER) (also available in print) with contributions from other authors or contributors that bring diverse perspectives to reach a wider audience. The information and advice in this book is firmly rooted in the experiences of the contributors developing successful online courses, and the ultimate goal is to “provide clarity about many of the steps required to propose and design a course, describe the resources needed, and to explain the roles of stakeholders” (p.1).
Additive economy and new horizons of innovative business development
Authors: Melnyk Leonid , Matsenko Oleksandr , Kubatko Oleksandr , Korneyev Maxim , Tulyakov Oleg
Published: May 2022

The disruptive technologies and cyber-physical production systems are important factors that bring transformations to socio-economic formations. The paper aims to formulate the content, key directions, positive and negative effects of additive economy (AE) in the current transition phase to Industry 4.0. The research method is based on the analysis of structural links in socio-economic systems, where the additive economy potential is realized. The additive economy is treated as a new approach to production technological aspect based on the additive principle of manufacturing and aimed at minimizing the use of primary natural resources for dematerialization of social production. AE is the antithesis of the subtractive economy, which dominates today and uses only a tiny proportion of extracted natural resources. Among the positive effects of AE, there are the reduction in energy intensity of products, dematerialization of production, solidarity of society, economic systems sustainability, and intellectualization of technologies and materials. Among the negative expectations of AE, there are increased information vulnerability of production, risk of losing control over cyber-physical systems, expanding the unification of individuals, and increasing psychological stress. The additive economy is more sustainable than the subtractive economy since it does not require extra components to the production spheres, reduces the resource scarcity, and could satisfy more economic agents’ needs. Therefore, improved production efficiency due to AE promises economic growth acceleration, environmental burden and social risk reduction.
Acknowledgment The publication was prepared in the framework of the research projects “Sustainable development and resource security: from disruptive technologies to digital transformation of Ukrainian economy” (№ 0121U100470); Fundamental bases of the phase transition to an additive economy: from disruptive technologies to institutional sociologization of decisions (No. 0121U109557).
Assessment of Knowledge and Acceptance of Covid-19 Vaccinations among Healthcare Workers in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Abduljaleel Abdullahi
Published: May 2022

Coronavirus is an ongoing global viral disease firstly identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019, hence its name Covid-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 as a pandemic with Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). People get infected when they inhale small airborne particles or droplets exhaled by a Covid-19 infected person. Some of the recommended preventive measures include social or physical distancing, covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing, wearing of face masks and regular hand wash. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select the study locations, hospitals, healthcare departments and survey groups. A quantitative method - using structured questionnaires was used. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26. Out of the 1004 participants that were surveyed, 864 responses were retrieved. The bulk of the respondents (59%) were male. Knowledge of Covid–19 was poor, 24.3%, while acceptance of Covid-19 vaccination was high (74.2%). Important predictors of Covid-19 vaccination are the number of years in service, marital status, designated work, and type of medical facility. Knowledge of Covid-19 is low, but acceptance of its vaccination was high among the study population. This could be due to fear of contacting the disease early plus the associated high mortality among the study population. There is a need for an enlightenment campaign to increase knowledge and further improve acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccination.
Trauma regiszterek tervezésének áttekintése : Javaslatok egy magyar trauma regiszter létrehozásához
Authors: Jávor Péter , Csonka Endre , Török László , Hartmann Petra , Varga Endre
Published: May 2022

A baleseti ellátás paradigmaváltásait az utóbbi évtizedekben jellemzően nemzeti vagy nemzetközi trauma regiszterek, illetve nagyszámú kohorszok elemzése előzte meg. A trauma adatbázisok alkalmat nyújtanak hipotézisek felállítására és validálására; protokollok tervezésére és effektivitásuk kontrolljára; a betegellátás minőségellenőrzésére; intézmények, régiók, vagy országok teljesítményének összehasonlításra; és akár prevenciós célokra is. Hazánk I-es szintű trauma centrumaiban magas színvonalú polytrauma ellátás zajlik, ennek ellenére régiónk nem rendelkezik trauma regiszterrel. Jelen tanulmányunk célja útmutatást adni hazai trauma adatbank tervezéséhez. Nemzetközi tapasztalatok alapján áttekintésre kerülnek a trauma regiszterek alapvető feltételei és tervezési módjai. Továbbá, a szakirodalom ajánlásait és hazai vezető klinikusok meglátásait alapul véve, javaslatokat fogalmazunk meg egy magyar trauma adatbázis tartalmára és infrastruktúrájára vonatkozóan. A jelenleg nem egységes módon regisztrált, de egy regiszterhez elengedhetetlen paraméterek szisztematikus gyűjtésére adatlapot terveztünk, amely integrálásra kerülne az intézmények által használt orvosi informatikai rendszerekbe. Trauma regiszterek tervezésekor kulcsfontosságú az erőforrások számbavétele és ennek ismeretében reális, teljesíthető célok kitűzése. Elsődleges célnak a magyar sürgősségi traumatológiai ellátás intézményi és országos szintű teljesítményének mérhetővé tételét tekintjük. A legmagasabb költség–haszon arány elérése érdekében kizárólag a súlyos sérültek felvételét javasoljuk a létrehozni kívánt magyar trauma adatbankba. A súlyos sérülés definiálására a szakirodalom által leggyakrabban használt ISS ≥ 16 kritériumot ajánljuk. Egy hatékonyabb minőségellenőrzési rendszer létrehozásának, a magyar traumatológiai kutatás fellendítésének, és nemzetközi kezdeményezésekhez való csatlakozás lehetőségeinek érdekében hazánknak szüksége van egy trauma adatbázisra, jelen tanulmányunk ehhez kíván segítséget nyújtani.
Végtaghosszkülönbség speciális esete csípőprotézis-beültetés kapcsán : Esetismertetés
Authors: Kovács Dániel , Than Péter
Published: May 2022

Az alsó végtagok hosszkülönbsége jól ismert probléma a mozgásszervi sebészet különböző területein. Vitatott azonban a funkciókra gyakorolt hatása, a klinikai jelentősége és a mérési metódusok hitelessége is. Az eltérés lehet veleszületett vagy szerzett, illetve megjelenése alapján ténylegesen mérhető (strukturális, abszolút, anatómiai) vagy látszólagos (funkcionális). A szerzett különbség egyik jellemző példája a csípőízületi arthrosis következményeként kialakult végtaghosszkülönbség. Ennek korrekciójára a csípőízületi totál endoprotézis beültetésekor kerül sor. Egy 69 éves nőbetegnél végzett csípőprotézis beültetése kapcsán kívánják a szerzők a végtaghossz különbségének alakulását bemutatni, amelynek az észlelt és valós értékei meglepő eltéréseket mutattak. A tanulmány ismerteti a beteg előzményeit, állapotának változásait, valamint a nemzetközi irodalom áttekintésével tárgyalja a végtaghosszkülönbség és a derékfájdalom összefüggéseit.
Pengaruh Jenis Kemasan Plastik dan Lama Waktu Penyimpanan Terhadap Karakteristik Fisikokimia Jelly drink Jeruk Pomello (Citrus maxima)
Authors:   Universitas Ahmad Dahlan Yogyakarta, Kharisma Kharisma , Khairi Amalya Nurul ,   Universitas Ahmad Dahlan Yogyakarta
Published: April 2022

Jeruk pomello (Citrus maxima) merupakan buah yang mengandung vitamin C 26.36 mg/100 g dan serat 0.32% b/b. Pengolahan jeruk pomello menjadi jelly drink akan menjadi alternatif sumber vitamin C dan serat pangan. Jelly drink dari jeruk pomello memerlukan jenis kemasan yang tidak tembus air seperti plastik untuk melindungi dari kerusakan. Plastik juga memiliki sifat elastis, fleksibel, tidak tembus air, transparan, dan mudah didapatkan dengan harga yang terjangkau. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penggunaan plastik dan lama waktu penyimpanan terhadap karakteristik fisikokimia jelly drink jeruk pomello. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) yang terdiri atas dua faktor yaitu, jenis kemasan plastik Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) dan kemasan plastik Polyoprioylene (PP) serta lama penyimpanan yaitu : T0 (0 jam), T8 (8 jam), T16 (16 jam) dan T24 (24 jam). Karakteristik fisikokimia yang dianalisis adalah kadar vitamin C, kadar air, pH, dan serat dengan uji statik two way anova. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan jenis kemasan plastik PET merupakan jenis kemasan yang lebih baik daripada kemasan plastik PP. Kemasan ini mampu mempertahankan sifat fisik dan kimia jelly drink jeruk bali hingga penyimpanan 8 jam dengan kriteria rata-rata kadar vitamin C sebesar 39.49% g/ml, kadar air 88.836%, serat pangan total 0.300%, pH 4.55 dan total mikroba 2.000 cfu/g.
Circulating Cell-free DNA in Serum as a Marker for the Early Detection of Tumor Recurrence in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: BERA ALAKESH , RUSS ERIC , KARAIAN JOHN , LANDA ADAM , RADHAKRISHNAN SURYA , SUBRAMANIAN MADHAN , HUEMAN MATTHEW , POLLARD HARVEY B. , HU HAI , SHRIVER CRAIG D. , SRIVASTAVA MEERA
Published: May 2022

Background/Aim: Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) isolated from serum by noninvasive procedures can serve as a potential biomarker for the early detection of many cancers. The aim of this study was to implement a simple, yet effective quantitative method for measuring the cfDNA in serum and to investigate the relationship between cfDNA and the occurrence of recurrence in breast cancer (BrCa) patients. Patients and Methods: A total of 240 cases were selected, which comprised different subtypes of BrCa patients and control individuals. We selected 20 serum samples from patients which showed recurrence after 4-7 years of disease-free survival. SYBR green was used as a reporter molecule to estimate the amount of cfDNA in these serum samples. Results: A global Wilcoxon analysis was performed to compare the cfDNA abundance between non-recurrent and recurrent patients. The amount of cfDNA was higher in recurrent patients (recurrent vs. non-recurrent ratio=1.3; p=0.03; AUC=0.76) compared to non-recurrent patients. The data between normal/healthy controls and non-recurrent patients indicated no significant differences (n=20 in each group, healthy to non-recurrent ratio=1.03; p=0.20; AUC=0.61). Conclusion: We implemented a straightforward one-step technique to measure the amount of cfDNA in serum, which can translate into a clinical diagnostic tool in the near future. The high levels of cfDNA in the serum of recurrent BrCa patients compared to non-recurrent BrCa patients indicates a possible uncovered role for circulating genetic information, which either contributes to the cancer recurrence phenomenon or at the very least, serves as an identifier for the potential of recurrence.
Gynecologic Oncology: Pelvic Exenteration for Advanced or Recurring Cervical Cancer – A Single Center Analysis
Authors: TER GLANE LUISA , HEGELE AXEL , WAGNER UWE , BOEKHOFF JELENA
Published: May 2022

Background/Aim: Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological indication for pelvic exenteration (PE). It is an ultima ratio approach to cure advanced or recurring tumors. This study aimed to evaluate data from a Single Center Institution in order to assess morbidity, mortality and survival data. Patients and Methods: Data of 24 patients, who underwent anterior (APE) or total PE (TPE) for cervical cancer at the University Hospital Marburg between 2011 and 2016, were extracted and retrospectively evaluated. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meyer method. Results: Lymph node status was pN0, pN1 and pNX in 33.3%, 20.8% and 45.8% respectively. Negative margins could be achieved in 70.8%. A total of 16.7% of patients presented with metastatic disease, while 20.8%, 37.5% and 20.8% received 1, 2 or 3 modalities of treatment respectively; 20.8% underwent up-front PE. Predominant urinary diversion was an ileum conduit (66.7%). No complications were noted for 16.7%, major complications (≥Clavien Dindo 3) in 41.7%. Overall survival was 29.2% with a median overall survival (mOS) of 19.1 months. Curative PE was undertaken in 20 cases, with 2- and 3-year survival rates of 52.6% and 29.4% respectively. and a mOS of 24 months. Positive margins, metastatic disease, positive lymph nodes, TPE and a surgical time >6 h had a significant impact on OS. Conclusion: PE for cervical cancer remains a feasible option in cases of advanced or recurring tumors when alternative treatment options would fail. For selected patients it may represent a chance of cure with acceptable complication and satisfactory survival rates.
Direct Observation of Retinal Microvessels in Cancer Patients After Systemic Administration of Bevacizumab and Oxaliplatin
Authors: MITSUMA AYAKO , ITO YASUKI , SHIMOKATA TOMOYA , TANAKA CHIE , UEHARA KAY , NAKAYAMA GORO , TERASAKI HIROKO , ANDO YUICHI
Published: May 2022

Background/Aim: Antiangiogenic chemotherapy is the backbone of the various anticancer therapies. To date no practical biomarker predicting their antitumor effects and toxicity has been reported. We aimed to determine the feasibility of direct retinal observation as a practical biomarker in antiangiogenic chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: By direct retinal observation using a nonmydriatic retinal camera, we measured retinal microvessel diameters in 10 patients with colorectal cancer before and after intravenous infusion of bevacizumab and oxaliplatin. All patients also received oral capecitabine during their therapy. Results: Retinal microvessel diameters were decreased from baseline temporarily by 14.5±6.5% after infusion of bevacizumab and oxaliplatin in five patients who responded to treatment and 8.8±6.2% in the other five patients (p=0.008). Conclusion: Measurement of retinal microvessel diameters by direct observation appears to be feasible in patients receiving systemic chemotherapy. The decrease of retinal microvessel diameters might indicate improved tumor response to treatment with bevacizumab-containing systemic chemotherapy.
Cytogenetic Biomonitoring in Buccal Mucosa Cells from Seaport Dockers
Authors: CAMPOS KATYANE NEGREIROS , SUAREZ ALPIRE MARIA ESTHER , RIBEIRO DANIEL ARAKI
Published: May 2022

Background/Aim: Dockers of seaport working as stevedores are self-employed workers who carry out arduous and dangerous activities. To date, few studies have investigated the human health risks in these professionals. The aim of this study was to evaluate cytogenetic damage in oral cells of dockers of seaports working as stevedores by micronucleus assay in buccal cells. Patients and Methods: For this study, a total of 26 seaport dockers working as stevedores aged 51.2±8.4 years (all men) were included in this study. All volunteers had worked for at least 3 years. The control group consisted of 25 participants aged 55.2±9.9 years (all men), who did not work in the Port of Santos city. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) of micronucleated cells in buccal mucosa cells of seaport dockers. Pyknosis, karyolysis and karrhyorexis did not show statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between groups. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that seaport dockers present mutagenicity in oral cells.
Body Weight Change in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With EGFR-TKI
Authors: KODAMA TAKAHIDE , SATO SHINYA , MIYAZAKI KUNIHIKO , OKAUCHI SHINICHIRO , SASATANI YUIKA , OHARA GEN , KAGOHASHI KATSUNORI , SATOH HIROAKI
Published: May 2022

Background/Aim: Body weight (BW) changes in epidermal growth factor inhibitor-tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TKI) treated non-small cell lung cancer patients has yet to be fully investigated. For the purpose of clarifying changes in body weight in patients who received EGFR-TKI treatment in clinical practice, we performed a retrospective study. In this study, comparison between pretreatment BW and those at 12, 24 weeks, and 12 months in these patients was performed. Patients and Methods: We included all the patients diagnosed with EGFR mutated NSCLC in two tertiary hospitals between April 2009 and March 2021. BW records in the medical chart of each patient who was treated with EGFR-TKI for more than 12 weeks were surveyed. In each patient, BW at 12, 24 weeks, and 12 months from the initiation of EGFR-TKI treatment were compared with pretreatment BW. Results: Sixty-three patients obtained TKI treatment for more than 12 weeks and had comparable body weight records. Compared with the pretreatment BW, decreased BW was observed at 12, 24 weeks, and 12 months from the initiation of TKI treatment. Conclusion: Even in patients treated with EGFR-TKI, which is evaluated as less toxic and a more effective therapy, there might be patients who lose weight during the treatment period. Chest physicians will be required to provide medical care even for EGFR mutated patients, taking into consideration changes in BW.
User Perceptions and Use of an Enhanced Electronic Health Record in Rwanda With and Without Clinical Alerts: Cross-sectional Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Fraser Hamish S F , Mugisha Michael , Remera Eric , Ngenzi Joseph Lune , Richards Janise , Santas Xenophon , Naidoo Wayne , Seebregts Christopher , Condo Jeanine , Umubyeyi Aline
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Electronic health records (EHRs) have been implemented in many low-resource settings but lack strong evidence for usability, use, user confidence, scalability, and sustainability.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate staff use and perceptions of an EHR widely used for HIV care in >300 health facilities in Rwanda, providing evidence on factors influencing current performance, scalability, and sustainability.

METHODS

A randomized, cross-sectional, structured interview survey of health center staff was designed to assess functionality, use, and attitudes toward the EHR and clinical alerts. This study used the associated randomized clinical trial study sample (56/112, 50% sites received an enhanced EHR), pulling 27 (50%) sites from each group. Free-text comments were analyzed thematically using inductive coding.

RESULTS

Of the 100 participants, 90 (90% response rate) were interviewed at 54 health centers: 44 (49%) participants were clinical and 46 (51%) were technical. The EHR top uses were to access client data easily or quickly (62/90, 69%), update patient records (56/89, 63%), create new patient records (49/88, 56%), generate various reports (38/85, 45%), and review previous records (43/89, 48%). In addition, >90% (81/90) of respondents agreed that the EHR made it easier to make informed decisions, was worth using, and has improved patient information quality. Regarding availability, (66/88) 75% said they could always or almost always count on the EHR being available, whereas (6/88) 7% said never/almost never. In intervention sites, staff were significantly more likely to update existing records (P=.04), generate summaries before (P<.001) or during visits (P=.01), and agree that “the EHR provides useful alerts, and reminders” (P<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Most users perceived the EHR as well accepted, appropriate, and effective for use in low-resource settings despite infrastructure limitation in 25% (22/88) of the sites. The implementation of EHR enhancements can improve the perceived usefulness and use of key functions. Successful scale-up and use of EHRs in small health facilities could improve clinical documentation, care, reporting, and disease surveillance in low- and middle-income countries.
Effects of a Novel Blood Glucose Forecasting Feature on Glycemic Management and Logging in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Using One Drop: Retrospective Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Imrisek Steven D , Lee Matthew , Goldner Dan , Nagra Harpreet , Lavaysse Lindsey M , Hoy-Rosas Jamillah , Dachis Jeff , Sears Lindsay E
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Personalized feedback is an effective behavior change technique frequently incorporated into mobile health (mHealth) apps. Innovations in data science create opportunities for leveraging the wealth of user data accumulated by mHealth apps to generate personalized health forecasts. One Drop’s digital program is one of the first to implement blood glucose forecasts for people with type 2 diabetes. The impact of these forecasts on behavior and glycemic management has not been evaluated to date.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate the impact of exposure to blood glucose forecasts on blood glucose logging behavior, average blood glucose, and percentage of glucose points in range.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study examined people with type 2 diabetes who first began using One Drop to record their blood glucose between 2019 and 2021. Cohorts included those who received blood glucose forecasts and those who did not receive forecasts. The cohorts were compared to evaluate the effect of exposure to blood glucose forecasts on logging activity, average glucose, and percentage of glucose readings in range, after controlling for potential confounding factors. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and regression analyses.

RESULTS

Data from a total of 1411 One Drop users with type 2 diabetes and elevated baseline glucose were analyzed. Participants (60.6% male, 795/1311; mean age 50.2 years, SD 11.8) had diabetes for 7.1 years on average (SD 7.9). After controlling for potential confounding factors, blood glucose forecasts were associated with more frequent blood glucose logging (P=.004), lower average blood glucose (P<.001), and a higher percentage of readings in range (P=.03) after 12 weeks. Blood glucose logging partially mediated the relationship between exposure to forecasts and average glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals who received blood glucose forecasts had significantly lower average glucose, with a greater amount of glucose measurements in a healthy range after 12 weeks compared to those who did not receive forecasts. Glucose logging was identified as a partial mediator of the relationship between forecast exposure and week-12 average glucose, highlighting a potential mechanism through which glucose forecasts exert their effect. When administered as a part of a comprehensive mHealth program, blood glucose forecasts may significantly improve glycemic management among people living with type 2 diabetes.
Assessing Engagement With Patient-Generated Health Data Recording and Its Impact on Health Behavior Changes in Multicomponent Interventions: Supplementary Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Kinouchi Kaori , Ohashi Kazutomo
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

The use and sharing of patient-generated health data (PGHD) by clinicians or researchers is expected to enhance the remote monitoring of specific behaviors that affect patient health. In addition, PGHD use could support patients’ decision-making on preventive care management, resulting in reduced medical expenses. However, sufficient evidence on the use and sharing of PGHD is lacking, and the impact of PGHD recording on patients’ health behavior changes remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess patients’ engagement with PGHD recording and to examine the impact of PGHD recording on their health behavior changes.

METHODS

This supplementary analysis used the data of 47 postpartum women who had been assigned to the intervention group of our previous study for managing urinary incontinence. To assess the patients’ engagement with PGHD recording during the intervention period (8 weeks), the fluctuation in the number of patients who record their PGHD (ie, PGHD recorders) was evaluated by an approximate curve. In addition, to assess adherence to the pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), the weekly mean number of pelvic floor muscle contractions performed per day among 17 PGHD recorders was examined by latent class growth modeling (LCGM).

RESULTS

The fluctuation in the number of PGHD recorders was evaluated using the sigmoid curve formula (R2=0.91). During the first week of the intervention, the percentage of PGHD recorders was around 64% (30/47) and then decreased rapidly from the second to the third week. After the fourth week, the percentage of PGHD recorders was 36% (17/47), which remained constant until the end of the intervention. When analyzing the data of these 17 PGHD recorders, PFMT adherence was categorized into 3 classes by LCGM: high (7/17, 41%), moderate (3/17, 18%), and low (7/17, 41%).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of PGHD recorders declined over time in a sigmoid curve. A small number of users recorded PGHD continuously; therefore, patients’ engagement with PGHD recording was low. In addition, more than half of the PGHD recorders (moderate- and low-level classes combined: 10/17, 59%) had poor PFMT adherence. These results suggest that PGHD recording does not always promote health behavior changes.
A Study of Consumers' Intention to Use Electronic Sphygmomanometers Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Innovation Diffusion Theory (Preprint)
Authors: Cheng Fei-Fei , Chien Jui-Jung , Chien Jui-Jung
Published: May 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

Based on the statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, hypertension has been ranked from not the top 10 causes of death in 2008 and rose to the 8th place among the top 10 causes of death in 2018. Hypertension is one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In the early stage of hypertension, good control can obtain through changes in life habits and related intervention of medication. Based on the survey results published by the National Health Administration in 2018, people over the age of 18 had a 35% cognitive error rate of blood pressure values，it means people lack awareness and alertness about high blood pressure. This study uses the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) to discuss consumer’s intention to continue to use an electronic sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure. The effective sample of 269 is used to evaluate the intention of using. The result indicated that the subjective norms and perceived behavioral control have a significant impact on the intention. IDT's visibility and trialability have no significant impact, which shows that the electronic sphygmomanometer is not an innovative product for consumers. Ease of use is negatively significant (P=0.015), which is contrary to general research results. The government's recommendations, family members and colleagues have not significant impact.