bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MFGE8 Improved Brain Functional Connectivity Between CA1 and LEnt By Activating Efferocytosis in Hippocampus of SAE Rats
Authors: Li Haojia , Liao Hongsen , Du Jiayue , Xu Xiaomin , Chen Yuchen , Zhang Zhiyuan , Si Yanna , Bao Hongguang
Published: January 2022

Background: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is one of the most serious complications of sepsis, along with brain function and cognitive behavioral changes. The process of efferocytosis with microglia was restrained in SAE rats’ hippocampus. We have previously shown that milk fat globule EGF factor 8 protein (MFG-E8) evoked efferocytosis in SAE rats’ brain, and alleviated the inflammnation in hippocampus. The present study investigated the the contribution of MFG-E8 to the brain functional connectivity (FC) of hippocampus and lateral entorhinal cortex in SAE rats by resting-state functional MRI scan.Methods: Sixty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into Sham operation group, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group, CLP+MFGE8 group, and CLP+MFGE8+Cilengitide group. After cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery, MFGE8 (3.3ug) was injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) and cilengitide (10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneal. The Morris water maze (MWM) and open filed test (OFT) were performed continuously for five days. Rats were detected by T2-MRI and rs-fMRI scan 8 days post-surgery, then brain tissues were taken for western blotting and pathological observation by HE stained. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-test of all pair of columns was employed statistical analyses.Results: MFGE8 improved performance of neurobehavioral tests in MWM test and OFT. Expression of IL-1β and the proteins of MFGE8, Rac1, and LC3 were up regulated in CLP+MFGE8 group. On the contrary, expression of IL-6, Rac1, and LC3 were down regulated in CLP+MFGE8+cilengitide group. MFGE8 significantly decreased the hyperintense region in hippocampus detected by T2-MRI, and increased ALFF value in SAE rats’ bilateral sensory cortex, motor cortex and visual cortex by rs-fMRI. In addition, MFGE8 increased FC of CA1 and LEnt in same side of cerebral hemisphere, and the FC of CA1 and LEnt was consistent with the behavior result in Morris water maze test.Conclusions: MFGE8 activated efferocytosis with microglia and improved brain function and functional connectivity between CA1 and LEnt which were reflected in behavior tests and fMRI.
Investigations on the noise and vibration characteristics of SI engine powered with single and dual alcohol blends - performance, combustion, and emission studies
Authors: Bharath Bhavin K , V Arul Mozhi Selvan
Published: January 2022

Significant growth in renewable fuel output is required to effectively remove fossil fuel dependence in the transportation sector. Alcohol is regarded as an excellent renewable gasoline substitute. This study investigates the noise and vibration characteristics of a spark-ignition (SI) engine in relation to engine performance, combustion, and exhaust emissions evaluation using methanol-based single and dual alcohol (Ternary) blends. The tests were carried out on a single-cylinder, 4-stroke SI engine utilizing an eddy current dynamometer to investigate the behaviors of single and dual alcohol blended fuels. This study compared the blended alcohol fuels (M10, M15, M20, iBM10, and iBM15) with baseline gasoline at various engine loads. Because of the natural oxygen levels of alcohols, alcohol blends had higher BTE, peak in-cylinder pressure, and heat release rate (HRR). At 2500 rpm and 75% load, the iBM15 had a higher BTE of 33.58 percent. The blended fuels significantly reduced HC and CO emissions compared to conventional gasoline. The noise level increases as the load increases, and blends had a slightly higher but comparable noise level to gasoline. Compared to gasoline, alcohol blends vibrate less, with iBM15 exhibiting a 25.2% and 51.12% drop in vibration level in the Z and Y direction, respectively. It's worth noting that the higher-order alcohol isobutanol can be used to improve the quality of methanol-gasoline blends and as a partial replacement for fossil fuel in the SI engine.
Effect of scarification and soaking on seed germination and viability of Podocarpus henkelii and P. latifolius (Podocarpaceae)
Authors: Twala Thando Caroline , Fisher Jolene
Published: January 2022

Seed dormancy defines the environmental conditions in which a seed can germinate. Germination is timed to avoid unfavourable environmental conditions for plant establishment and growth. Podocarpaceae have an underdeveloped embryo which may delay germination. We aimed to establish if Podocarpus henkelii and P. latifolius produce underdeveloped embryos and examine the kind of dormancy the seeds have. The seed characteristics of P. henkelii and P. latifolius were observed, and we tested for seed germination after pretreating the seeds in water, hydrochloric acid and mechanical scarification and then tested for viability and the presence of the embryo. Embryos in fresh seeds of P. henkelii and P. latifolius had an embryo length/seed length ratio < 0.5 which suggested that the embryos were small and underdeveloped. Both podocarps produced fleshy seeds, P. latifolius had the smallest seed (mass: 0.19 g; length: 10.54 mm) and P. henkelii the largest (mass: 2.44 g; length: 23.69 mm). After exposing the seeds to the pretreatments, the seeds of both species did not germinate after ~6 months. However, viability testing showed that >90% of the seeds were viable with >95% of the seeds having embryos. Considering that the pretreatments did not facilitate seed germination in both species and that both podocarps have underdeveloped embryos that were viable P. henkelii and P. latifolius may have morphological or morphophysiological dormancy.
Riverine antibacterial resistance gradient determined by environmental factors
Authors: Liu Cheng-Han , Chuang Yi-Lynne , Gurunathan Revathi , Hsieh Chi-Ying , Dahms Hans-Uwe
Published: January 2022

Polluted waterbodies such as rivers provide a pathway or reservoir for bacterial resistance. We studied water quality and bacterial antibacterial resistance along the subtropical Qishan River in Taiwan as a case study of environmental resistance spread in a pristine to rural area. Human settlement densities increased generally from pristine mountain sites to the more polluted lowlands generally. Accordingly, as a working hypothesis, we expected antibacterial resistance level to increase towards downstream. We collected sediment samples from 8 stations along the Qishan river and where the Qishan river reaches the Kaoping river. The samples were processed in the lab for bacteriological and physicochemical analysis. Antibacterial resistance was tested with common antibacterials. A comparison was made among the sites where isolates began to occur at the upstream (site 1-6) with the downstream, including site 7 (Qishan town), site 8 (wastewater treatment plant) and site 9 (Kaoping river). The results of multivariate analysis for bacteriological and physicochemical parameters showed increasing water pollution levels downstream of the Qishan river. Bacterial isolates including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter sp., Acinetobacter sp., Staphylococcus spp. and Bacillus spp. were analyzed and tested in the study. Their percentage of occurrence varied at each site. The resistance level was determined from the growth inhibition zone diameter (disk diffusion) and the minimum inhibitory concentration (micro-dilution). The results indicated that antibacterial resistance was related to certain environmental factors. Besides, the usage pattern of different classes of antibacterials in different places could alter trends of their resistance. Bacteria were found with increased resistance to antibacterials used in agriculture through the downstream sites. The WWTP emitting wastewater was demonstrated to be a hotspot of resistance in aquatic environments. In conclusion, bacterial resistance against antibacterials from the Qishan river has become a potential public health threat. This study could assist authorities by providing a reference for water quality risk assessment and management in Kaohsiung city and southern Taiwan.
Von der Lehrkräftebildung zum inklusiven Unterricht – eine empirische Studie zum Praxisnutzen des Didaktischen Modells für inklusives Lehren und Lernen
Authors: Schmitz Lena , Frohn Julia
Published: January 2022

Didaktische Modelle gelten als ein essenzieller Bestandteil der Professionalisierung schulischer Lehrkräfte. Unter ihnen fokussiert das „Didaktische Modell für inklusives Lehren und Lernen“ (DiMiLL) als erste inklusionsorientierte Heuristik die Unterrichtsgestaltung in heterogenen Lerngruppen und dient sowohl der Vermittlung inklusionsdidaktischer Grundlagen in der ersten und zweiten Phase der Lehrkräftebildung als auch der Kontextualisierung und Konkretisierung individueller inklusionsorientierter Forschungsfragen. Der vorliegende Artikel skizziert die Inhalte des DiMiLL und stellt Ergebnisse einer empirischen Studie vor, die das Modell in die Praxis überführt und auf Anknüpfungspunkte im beruflichen Alltag einer Lehrkraft überprüft. Basierend auf Befragungen von Studierenden, Lehrkräften und Referendar*innen (N = 246) wird das Konstrukt Praxistauglichkeit operationalisiert und Aufgabenbereiche in der Gestaltung von Inklusion in Schule und Unterricht werden differenziert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, in welchen dieser Bereiche didaktische Modelle die Umsetzung schulischer Inklusion stärken können und wo ihre Grenzen liegen, womit auch die Einsatzmöglichkeiten didaktischer Modelle in der Qualifizierung für Inklusion konkretisiert werden.
 
Abstract
Didactic models are considered an essential part of the professionalization of schoolteachers. Among them, the Didactic Model for Inclusive Teaching and Learning (DiMiLL) focuses on how to teach heterogeneous learning groups. As a theoretical framework, it aims to convey the principles of inclusion-oriented didactics in the first and second phases of teacher training, as well as to contextualize and specify individual, inclusion-oriented research questions. This article outlines the content of the DiMiLL and presents an empirical study that transfers the model into practice and identifies potential areas of practical application. A test instrument was developed through which trainee teachers assessed the practical applicability of the DiMiLL. First, the construct of practical applicability was operationalized through an explorative pre-study (N = 103), taking different perspectives of university students, teachers and trainee teachers into account. Based on this, a standardized test instrument for measuring the practical applicability of the DiMiLL was designed and evaluated by a pre-test (N = 71). Finally, this instrument was applied in a survey among trainee teachers in Berlin (N = 72). The results show in which work areas of teachers the DiMiLL can strengthen the implementation of inclusive school education and where its limits might be.
Field Evaluation of Cucurbita Germplasm for Resistance to Whiteflies and Whitefly-transmitted Viruses
Authors: Luckew Alexander , Meru Geoffrey , Wang Ya-Ying , Mwatuwa Rodrick , Paret Mathews , Carvalho Renato , Kalischuk Melanie , Ribeiro da Silva Andre Luiz Biscaia , Candian Joara , Dutta Bhabesh , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu , Kavalappara Saritha Raman , RRD Naga Charan Konakalla , Bag Sudeep , McGregor Cecilia
Published: January 2022

Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a major vegetable crop produced in Georgia and Florida during the fall season. This production is vulnerable to whitefly (Bemisisia tabaci Genn.)-transmitted viruses that lead to severe yield losses. Over the past several years, whitefly populations have increased during the fall, thus leading to an increase in whitefly-transmitted viruses such as Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV). Whitefly management for summer squash relies on the use of insecticides and can be costly without providing adequate management of the viruses. Deployment of host resistance to whiteflies and their transmitted viruses (CuLCrV and CYSDV) is the best strategy for mitigating yield loss of summer squash; however, no resistant cultivars are commercially available. In the current study, resistance or tolerance to whiteflies, CuLCrV, and CYSDV was determined for squash germplasm from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), university breeding programs, and commercial companies in Georgia and Florida across 2 years. In both locations and years, visual virus symptom severity scores were collected and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to determine the CuLCrV viral load and CYSDV presence in Georgia. Whitefly-induced feeding damage was evaluated by directly assessing the intensity of silverleaf symptoms and visual counts of whitefly adults on the foliage in the field or in photographs. Virus symptom severity was lower in C. moschata Duchesne ex Poir. genotypes, namely, PI 550689, PI 550692, PI 550694, PI 653064, and Squash Betternut 900, than in other evaluated genotypes. Two C. pepo accessions were common between both locations for viral severity (PI 442294) or viral severity and viral load (PI 171625). Lower CuLCrV loads were identified in C. ecuadorensis Cutler & Whitaker (PI 540895), and C. okeechobeensis (Small) L.H.Bailey (PI 540900) than other evaluated genotypes. Four genotypes tested negative for CYSDV during both years: C. pepo (PI 507882), C. moschata (PI 483345), C. ecuadorensis (PI 390455), and C. okeechobeensis (PI 540900); they are potential sources of resistance. Six C. moschata accessions (PI 211999, PI 550690, PI 550692, PI 550694, PI 634982, and PI 653064) showed high tolerance to silverleaf disorder and had the lowest adult whitefly counts. Collectively, the accessions identified in the current study are potential sources of resistance or tolerance to whitefly and whitefly-transmitted viruses (CuLCrV and CYSDV).
Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of FLA from different water sources in Egypt
Authors: Shawkey Lamiaa A. , Elfeky Faten A. , Abou-Elnour Basma M. , El-Wakil Eman S.
Published: January 2022

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa ubiquitously found in nature. In addition to their natural distribution, some species have been documented as pathogenic to humans. The main aim of the current study was the molecular identification, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of morphologically detected FLA in water sources in El-Qalyubia, Egypt. A total of 96 water samples were collected from different water sources. Each water sample was filtrated and cultured on non-nutrient agar (NNA). Morphologically positive FLA were subjected to PCR, PCR products were sequenced and the obtained sequences were phylogenetically analysed. FLA were found in 41 water samples examined (42.7%). Nile water and groundwater were the sources with the highest prevalence rates (83.3 and 62.5%, respectively). Naegleria italica was first identified in Egypt from the waters of the Nile. In addition, Vahlkampfia spp. and Hartmannella spp. were also detected. However, other FLA species, including Acanthamoeba spp. and the pathogenic Naegleria fowleri, previously reported in Egypt, were not included in this study. The recent identification of these FLA in the Egyptian waters related to human populations indicates the need for more phylogenetic studies using larger sample sizes to investigate their potential threat to human health.
Study the dynamics of gas and gas-drop mixture in a point explosion based on Sedov’s analytical solution
Authors:   Mavlyutov Institute of Mechanics, UFRC RAS, Ufa, Russia, Bolotnova R.Kh. , Korobchinskaya V.A. ,   Mavlyutov Institute of Mechanics, UFRC RAS, Ufa, Russia,   Bashkir Sate University, Ufa, Russia, Faizullina E.A. ,   Mavlyutov Institute of Mechanics, UFRC RAS, Ufa, Russia
Published: January 2022

The dynamics of the behavior of a gas and a gas-drop mixture in a point explosion studied using the analytical solution of L.I. Sedov, constructed on the basis of a self-similar solution for the problem of a point explosion in a gas of spherical configuration. The analysis of the actual problems of theory of point explosion in connection with their use in studying the processes of explosive destruction of cosmic bodies in the atmosphere, where the obtained analytical solutions of Sedov were used as the initial conditions for further numerical implementation of the set problems. The works in which the problems of a point explosion in a dusty medium were considered in a self-similar formulation are noted. A self-similar solution of the Sedov problem of a point explosion in a gas and a gas-drop mixture is presented. A comparative analysis of the obtained solutions in gas and gas-drop mixture in the form of dynamic characteristics of the forming wave flows is made. It is shown that the use of an analytical solution makes it possible to estimate the parameters of shock waves in the studied medium and to obtain estimates of the efficiency of the energy-absorbing properties of a gas-drop mixture in comparison with a gas for conditions of equal initial energy action, which qualitatively does not contradict the existing solutions of other authors and the corresponding experimental data. The possibility of using the obtained analytical solutions in further research for approbation the applied numerical methods in solving problems of the dynamics of gas-liquid flows is noted.
Reducing the systematic error of the average fluid flow rate in axisymmetric computer model of piezoelectric micropump
Authors:   Mavlyutov Institute of Mechanics UFRC RAS, Ufa, Russia, Nasibullayev I.Sh.
Published: January 2022

Mathematical and computer models of an axisymmetric coupled problem of interaction of a fluid and an elastic body for the solving partial differential equations by the finite element method FreeFem ++ software are proposed. In these models, periodic vibrations of annular piezoelectric actuators placed on an elastic tube of circular cross-section lead to radial deformations of the tube. With a synchronous oscillation of the system of piezoelectric actuators, the average fluid flow rate is zero. An asymmetric oscillation pattern (micropump mode) results in a nonzero average flow rate. Two types of boundary conditions are considered in the region of contact between the piezoelectric drive and the tube — Dirichlet and Neumann. The computer model was tested for unsteady fluid flow induced by a pressure gradient applied along the pipe with a circular cross section. With synchronous oscillation of piezoelectric actuators, a nonzero average fluid flow is a systematic error. This value was compared with the asymmetric oscillation pattern of piezoelectric actuators to determine the contribution of the systematic error to the pump-generated fluid flow rate. Based on the fluid flow velocity profile and the results of profiling the program code, the optimal parameters of the computational meshes for the channel (dense uniform) and tube walls (nonuniform, consistent with the velocity profile and reconstructing at each time step) were determined, which reduce the magnitude of the systematic error. The main way to reduce the error is to increase the density of the computational mesh, which leads to an increase in the required computing resources. An alternative method is proposed for reducing the systematic error due to an additional pressure drop applied to the channel. Depending on the type of boundary conditions and the number of piezoelectric actuators, this method can reduce the systematic error by 1 − 2 orders of magnitude without increasing the simulation time.
Influence of physical parameters on the “viscous fingers” structure
Authors:   Mavlyutov Institute of Mechanics UFRC RAS, Ufa, Russia, Valiev A.A. , Nizamova A.D. ,   Mavlyutov Institute of Mechanics UFRC RAS, Ufa, Russia, Ahmetov A.T. ,   Mavlyutov Institute of Mechanics UFRC RAS, Ufa, Russia
Published: January 2022

Displacement of oil by less viscous media leads to instability of the front and the formation of “viscous fingers”, the structure of which depends on various physical parameters. The most informative dynamics of the change in the interface between the injected fluid and the displaced medium with a change in physical parameters can be studied using the Hele-Show cell. The use of a cell with a small gap makes it possible to track the effect of changes in surface tension (at the interface, oil displacing liquid) on the formation of “viscous fingers”. The results of an experimental study of the development of “viscous fingers” during unstable displacement of oil by water and an aqueous solution of surfactants from the Hele-Show cell are presented. Physical parameters were changed: temperature, dynamic viscosity, surface tension and flow regimes influencing the formation of “viscous fingers”. It was found that an increase in the displacement fluid flow rate leads to an increase in the area of coverage and a decrease in the width of the “viscous fingers”. After the breakthrough, a drop in the share of oil displacement is observed. The use of surfactants reduces the surface tension at the interface between the two media, increases the coverage and significantly reduces the number and size of residual oil pillars, which leads to an increase in displacement efficiency. An increase in temperature decreases the viscosity ratio of the displaced and displaced fluid, which leads to less intensive tongue development and more efficient oil displacement. Fractal analysis of the dimensions of «viscous fingers» made it possible to establish a correlation between fractal dimension and displacement efficiency, an increase in fractal dimension corresponds to an increase in oil recovery. Thus, the change in physical parameters during unstable displacement makes it possible to find the determining factors for increasing oil recovery at various stages of displacement.
The Influence of Kidneys Ion Transport Inhibitors on the Pharmacokinetic and
Tumor Uptake Behaviors of a HER2-targeted Small Size Radiolabeled Peptide
Authors: Gharibkandi Nasrin Abbasi , Molavipordanjani Sajjad , Mardanshahi Alireza , Hosseinimehr Seyed Jalal
Published: January 2022

Background:

HER2 over-expression plays a crucial role in the cancer treatment protocol. This study
evaluates the effectiveness of organic anion and cation transport inhibitors and substrate on the tumor uptake of
99mTc-HYNIC-(Ser)3-LTVPWY radiotracer in SKOV-3 tumor-bearing nude mice.

Methods:

Before the injection of the radiolabeled peptide, SKOV-3 tumor-bearing nude mice were treated with furosemide,
cimetidine, para-amino hippuric acid, and saline. The inhibition effects of the organic anion and cation
transport inhibitors were compared with the control group. In both treatment and control groups, the tumor and renal
accumulation of radiopeptide in mice bearing SKOV-3 tumors were assessed in biodistribution and SPECT imaging
studies.

Results:

The biodistribution and imaging results suggested that all treated groups showed a higher tumor and higher
normal tissue radioactivity compared to the control group. According to the tumor imaging study, the furosemidetreated
group had slightly better tumor uptake and a higher tumor to muscle uptake ratio than other treatment groups.

Conclusions:

Administration of furosemide (an OAT inhibitor) increased radioactivity accumulation in the kidneys
and blood and improved tumor radioactivity uptake. PAH (an anion transporter substrate) and cimetidine (an OCT
inhibitor) have a minor effect on the accumulation of radioactivity in the kidneys and the acquired images.
Association between Delirium and Cognitive Impairment: Is there a Link?
Authors: Pistacchi Michele , Gioulis Manuela , Marsala Sandro Zambito
Published: January 2022

Background:

Delirium and dementia are both disorders involving global cognitive impairment that can occur separately or at the same time in the elderly.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the frequency, correlation and relative risk between delirium and cognitive impairment in a prospective population study starting at basal line (onset of delirium) over a period of five years. The secondary aim was to determine any possible correlation between the kind of delirium and a specific type of dementia.

Material and methods:

We studied 325 patients, diagnosed according to the DSM-IV. The neuropsychological, moods and delirium disorders were evaluated with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98, MMSE, Rey auditory-verbal learning test, Digit Span, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Raven Progressive Matrices, ADL and IADL.

Results:

The prevalence of delirium in our population was 89 cases (27.4%): 78 patients (48 women and 30 men) showed evolution toward dementia (mean age was 67.9 ± 6.1 years for men and 68.4 ± 9.1 for women), and 11 patients (5 men and 6 women) presented only isolated delirium without evolution toward cognitive impairment (mean age of men was 68.1 ± 5.1 years and of women 66.4 ± 7.1). The neuropsychological study of the patients with delirium with dementia evolution revealed statistically significant differences over time with statistically significant intergroup difference and predisposition toward depression.

Conclusion:

The association between delirium and cognitive impairment and the possible role of delirium as an early marker of neurodegenerative diseases need to be future investigated.
iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Reveals the Invasion
Mechanism of Spiroplasma eriocheiris in 3T6 Cells
Authors: Zhang Juan , Gu Wei , Liu Peng , Ye Youyuan , Xiang Shasha , Li Yuxin , Zhu Chengbin , Chen Zixu , Hu Jie , Gen Ye , Lou Li , Duan Xuqi
Published: January 2022

Background:

Spiroplasma eriocheiris is a novel pathogen of freshwater crustaceans and
is closely related to S. mirum. They have no cell wall and a helical morphology. They have the ability
to infect mammals with an unclear mechanism.

Objective:

In this study, our aim was to investigate the profile of protein expression in 3T6 cells infected
with S. eriocheiris.

Methods:

The proteome of 3T6 cells infected by S. eriocheiris was systematically investigated by
iTRAQ.

Results:

We identified and quantified 4915 proteins, 67 differentially proteins were found, including
30 up-regulated proteins and 37 down-regulated proteins. GO term analysis shows that dysregulation
of adhesion protein , interferon and cytoskeletal regulation are associated with apoptosis. Adhesion
protein Vcam1 and Interferon-induced protein GBP2, Ifit1, TAPBP, CD63 ,Arhgef2 were
up-regulated. A key cytoskeletal regulatory protein, ARHGEF17 was down-regulated. KEGG pathway
analysis showed the NF-kappa B signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway , the Jak-STAT
signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor signaling are closely related to apoptosis in vivo.

Conclusion:

Analysis of the signaling pathways involved in invasion may provide new insights for
understanding the infection mechanisms of S. eriocheiris.
The Use of Blockchain Technology in the Health Care Sector: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Elangovan Deepa , Long Chiau Soon , Bakrin Faizah Safina , Tan Ching Siang , Goh Khang Wen , Yeoh Siang Fei , Loy Mei Jun , Hussain Zahid , Lee Kah Seng , Idris Azam Che , Ming Long Chiau
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Blockchain technology is a part of Industry 4.0’s new Internet of Things applications: decentralized systems, distributed ledgers, and immutable and cryptographically secure technology. This technology entails a series of transaction lists with identical copies shared and retained by different groups or parties. One field where blockchain technology has tremendous potential is health care, due to the more patient-centric approach to the health care system as well as blockchain’s ability to connect disparate systems and increase the accuracy of electronic health records.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to systematically review studies on the use of blockchain technology in health care and to analyze the characteristics of the studies that have implemented blockchain technology.

METHODS

This study used a systematic review methodology to find literature related to the implementation aspect of blockchain technology in health care. Relevant papers were searched for using PubMed, SpringerLink, IEEE Xplore, Embase, Scopus, and EBSCOhost. A quality assessment of literature was performed on the 22 selected papers by assessing their trustworthiness and relevance.

RESULTS

After full screening, 22 papers were included. A table of evidence was constructed, and the results of the selected papers were interpreted. The results of scoring for measuring the quality of the publications were obtained and interpreted. Out of 22 papers, a total of 3 (14%) high-quality papers, 9 (41%) moderate-quality papers, and 10 (45%) low-quality papers were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Blockchain technology was found to be useful in real health care environments, including for the management of electronic medical records, biomedical research and education, remote patient monitoring, pharmaceutical supply chains, health insurance claims, health data analytics, and other potential areas. The main reasons for the implementation of blockchain technology in the health care sector were identified as data integrity, access control, data logging, data versioning, and nonrepudiation. The findings could help the scientific community to understand the implementation aspect of blockchain technology. The results from this study help in recognizing the accessibility and use of blockchain technology in the health care sector.
Adherence to Growth Hormone Treatment Using a Connected Device in Latin America: Real-World Exploratory Descriptive Analysis Study (Preprint)
Authors: Assefi Aria , van Dommelen Paula , Arnaud Lilian , Otero Carlos , Fernandez-Luque Luis , Koledova Ekaterina , Calliari Luis Eduardo
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy is an effective treatment for children with growth disorders. However, poor outcomes are often associated with suboptimal adherence to treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The easypod connected injection device records and transmits injection settings and dose data from patients receiving rhGH. In this study, we evaluated adherence to rhGH treatment, and associated growth outcomes, in Latin American patients.

METHODS

Adherence and growth data from patients aged 2-18 years from 12 Latin American countries were analyzed. Adherence data were available for 6207 patients with 2,449,879 injections, and growth data were available for 497 patients with 2232 measurements. Adherence was categorized, based on milligrams of rhGH injected versus milligrams of rhGH prescribed, as high (≥85%), intermediate (>56%-<85%), or low (≤56%). Transmission frequency was categorized as high (≥1 per 3 months) or low (<1 per 3 months). Chi-square tests were applied to study the effect of pubertal status at treatment start and sex on high adherence, and to test differences in frequency transmission between the three adherence levels. Multilevel linear regression techniques were applied to study the effect of adherence on observed change in height standard deviation score (∆HSDS).

RESULTS

Overall, 68% (4213/6207), 25% (n=1574), and 7% (n=420) of patients had high, intermediate, and low adherence, respectively. Pubertal status at treatment start and sex did not have a significant effect on high adherence. Significant differences were found in the proportion of patients with high transmission frequency between high (2018/3404, 59%), intermediate (608/1331, 46%), and low (123/351, 35%) adherence groups (P<.001). Adherence level had a significant effect on ∆HSDS (P=.006). Mean catch-up growth between 0-24 months was +0.65 SD overall (+0.52 SD in patients with low/intermediate monthly adherence and +0.69 SD in patients with high monthly adherence). This difference translated into 1.1 cm greater catch-up growth with high adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

The data extracted from the easypod Connect ecosystem showed high adherence to rhGH treatment in Latin American patients, with positive growth outcomes, indicating the importance of connected device solutions for rhGH treatment in patients with growth disorders.
Relative Efficacy of Virtual and In-Office Conservative Care for Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Propensity Score Matching Comparison Study (Preprint)
Authors: Elliott Holly , Moll Erik Steven , Olmsted Eric
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Propensity Score Matching is a statistical technique which allows an observational study to control for differences in the study and comparison group, without the difficulty of establishing a long-term randomized trial. This method is very appropriate to the evolving field of telemedicine, due to the fast pace at which it is proceeding and the limitations on data imposed by its relatively recent popularization. These limitations prevent a randomized controlled trial from being applied to most questions, creating a strong case for the use of Propensity Score Matching.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relative efficacy of digital and in-person physical therapy in a single clinic while controlling for the different patient circumstances that may affect the choice of treatment option.

METHODS

We used propensity score matching to construct a cohort of 890 patients split evenly between digital and onsite patients. We matched patients on injury location, instance of injury (first, second, third, etc.), reported pain level on presentation, age, presence or absence of prior treatment attempts, gender, and BMI (for weight-bearing injury locations only). We evaluated the matched cohorts in upper and lower body groups for differences in patient reported pain improvement, visit completion, avoidance of surgeries, and patient reported injury resolution.

RESULTS

We analyzed that data using a two-one-sided T-test. We found that upper body digital patients perform equivalent to within 0.5 standard deviations or superior to in-person patients on all metrics (p < 0.05 for all metrics). Lower body digital and in-person patients performed within 0.5 standard deviations on visit completion, avoidance of surgeries, and reported injury resolution. (p <0.05.) Results for pain improvement were inconclusive, with the 95% confidence range indicating a possibility of either equivalent performance (p = 0.48) or inferior performance for digital patients (p = 0.52).

CONCLUSIONS

The date indicates an equivalent or superior performance for remote treatment of upper body injuries, with data suggesting improved visit completion improves other metrics more than any disadvantages of digital treatment can reduce them. Data regarding lower body injuries is inconclusive, due to high varied level of pain reduction experienced by patients. In light of other data on lower body patients, this suggests that further research may be able to assess which lower body injuries can and cannot be successfully treated via remote physical therapy.
Spleen Daoyin Method (脾腸導引法) for Functional Dyspepsia Patients: A Case Report
Authors: Jeong Hae-in , Ha Na-yeon , Kim Jin-sung
Published: January 2022

A 42-year-old patient with functional dyspepsia had suffered from early satiation and postprandial fullness for 1 year despite Western medicine treatment. We treated her with the Spleen Daoyin method, along with acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine and scored her symptoms using a 4-point Functional Dyspepsia-related Quality of Life (4p-FD-QoL) questionnaire, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and a visual analogue scale (VAS). A 7-day Spleen Daoyin treatment decreased her 4p-FD-QoL score from 61 to 51, with a marked decrease in the emotional part (18 to 10). Her GSRS score did not change, but her bloating score decreased from 3 to 1. Her VAS score decreased from 6.6 to 4.3 for upper abdomen discomfort, but lower abdomen discomfort was unchanged. The patient showed high compliance and satisfaction with exercise therapy and reported no adverse events. Spleen Dayoin may be a useful therapy for functional dyspepsia, especially when accompanied by psychological problems.
A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment of a Lung Cancer Patient with Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Kim Kyun Ha , Kim Min-hwa , Heo Gi-yoon , Lee Chan , Cho Im-hak , Kang Hee-kyung , Kim So-yeon , Park Seong-ha , Yun Young-ju , Lee In , Han Chang-woo , Hong Jin-woo , Kwon Jung-nam , Choi Jun-Yong
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Korean medicine on a squamous cell lung cancer patient with chemotherapy induction peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). A 61-year old male patient, who had received 4 cycles of chemotherapy after lung surgery from squamous cell lung cancer, was treated with acupuncture and herbal medicines, including Uchasingi-hwan and Samchilchoongcho-capsule, to control CIPN and dyspnea on exertion. The degree of pain was assessed by a numeric rating scale (NRS). After receiving acupuncture and herbal medicines, the NRS score for CIPN symptoms was reduced from 4 to 1 and the NRS score for dyspnea on exertion decreased from 3 to less than 1. Korean medicine could therefore be useful in reducing peripheral neuropathy occurring after chemotherapy and dyspnea after lobectomy.
Effectiveness of Additional Administration of a Banha-sasim-tang Formulation to Patients with Gastrointestinal Symptoms (KCD K-code) Not Improved by Western Medicines: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Kim Cheol-hyun , Kim Kwangho , Lee Young-ung , Kang Sunny , Kang Geonhui
Published: January 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of additional administration of Banha-sasim-tang formulation to patients with gastrointestinal symptoms that did not improve with Western medicines.Methods: The patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed retrospectively. A paired t-test was performed on the Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean version (NDI-K) scores before and after administering the Banha-sasim-tang formulation.Results: A total of 27 subjects were included. The mean duration of taking the Banha-sasim-tang formulation was 15.6±3.1 days. The most commonly used Western medicine before taking the Banha-sasim-tang formulation was rebamipide. The means of the NDI-K score were 57.4±21.8 before administering Banha-sasim-tang formulation and 34.9±16.5 after administration, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). No serious side effects were encountered while taking the Banha-sasim-tang formulation.Conclusions: For patients whose gastrointestinal symptoms do not improve with Western medicines, additional administration of Banha-sasim-tang formulation may be an option. However, as this study is a retrospective chart review, prospective, large-scale, double-blind studies are needed in the future.
IOT BASED SOIL MONITORING AND AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION SYSTEM IN THE RURAL AREA OF BANGLADESH
Authors: Rahman Al Nahian Mohammad Shamiur , Biswas Arnab Piush , Tsou J. C. , Rahman Hamidur
Published: January 2022

To serve the humanity nowadays technology is playing a wonderful role and a man’s basic and primary need is food indeed. It can be said that about more than 85% of people of Bangladesh are directly, indirectly depended on agriculture. Proper irrigation by water pump cannot be maintained due to frequent power outages, unavailability of grid lines in remote areas and scarcity/cost of fuel to run pumps. To make the sustainable irrigation system and field monitoring system for getting better crops growth as well as best production, this IOT based Automatic irrigation system is proposed. In this system IOT and WSN are used to control and monitor the irrigation system. IOT is used to obtain stored data monitoring and real time monitoring of various contents of soil. WSN is used to make a fully wireless system to make a user-friendly system to cultivate and irrigate water properly to the field. Different kinds of sensors are used. This report presents a fully automated drip irrigation system which is controlled and monitored by using “Thinkspeak Cloud Server”. Temperature and the humidity content of the soil are frequently monitored. The system informs user about any abnormal conditions like less moisture content and temperature rise, even concentration of water by sending notifications through the wireless module.
Residuos Biocontaminantes, otro Legado del COVID-19
Authors: Vilca-Quispe Wilwer , Ramírez-Puraca Ángel Amidey , Medina-Sotelo Cristian Gumercindo , Loa-Navarro Erika
Published: January 2022

En el contexto de la emergencia sanitaria por el COVID-19, los gobiernos, para prevenir y combatir la pandemia, han incrementado la adquisición de equipos de protección personal. El propósito del artículo fue analizar la acumulación y el tratamiento de residuos biocontaminantes en el Perú durante la pandemia de COVID-19. La metodología corresponde a una revisión teórica de artículos científicos. Los resultados muestran que en la pandemia se incrementó el uso de plásticos para la fabricación de equipos de protección para el personal de salud y de uso doméstico, dificultando la gestión y manejo de estos residuos, que tuvo un impacto negativo en el medio ambiente, se concluye sobre la importancia de generar políticas públicas para el correcto tratamiento de los residuos biocontaminantes.
Investigadores en Psicología Ambiental en Colombia
Authors: Castiblanco Angie Natalia , Rincón Darío León , Castiblanco-Moreno Suelen Emilia , Medina-Arboleda Iván Felipe
Published: January 2022

Introducción: La consecución de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible se fundamenta, entre otros, en la consolidación de las comunidades científicas requeridas para el estudio e intervención social. Objetivo: El estudio caracteriza la formación, producción e impacto científico de los investigadores especializados en psicología ambiental en Colombia de acuerdo con el Sistema Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación de Colombia. Materiales y Métodos: Se recuperaron los productos registrados en la plataforma de Colciencias (ahora Ministerio de Ciencias de Colombia) a través de búsquedas de información estructuradas; y con base en estos se identificaron los perfiles de 36 investigadores. Resultados: En términos de formación, la ruta posgradual es diversa en programas de Educación, Ciencias Sociales y Psicología, sin que la mayoría de las tesis de grado estén asociadas a las temáticas del campo. En cuanto a la producción, el índice de especialización en investigación muestra una baja participación de la psicología ambiental en la producción científica total; y un bajo impacto general de acuerdo con el Índice H especializado (1, 2 y sin cálculo en el 99 % casos). En todo caso, se identifica un grupo de investigadores recurrente entre medidas. Conclusiones. Los resultados se discuten en términos de la institucionalización de la psicología ambiental en Colombia a través de las relaciones interdisciplinares, en particular, a través de la educación ambiental.
Determinación de la Calidad Microbiológica del Río Toca-Boyacá, Sector Tuaneca abajo y el Centro
Authors: Cely-Ramírez Luz Edith , Pérez-Rubiano Claudia Constanza , Parra-Arias Helver , Galindo Daniel Humberto
Published: January 2022

Introducción: el agua apta para el consumo humano es aquella que no representa un riesgo para la salud del consumidor teniendo en cuenta sus características organolépticas, físicas, químicas y bacteriológicas, pero dicha calidad es afectada por vertimientos de actividades domésticos, industriales y económicas (Gamboa et al., 2015). Objetivo: este estudio se hizo con el fin de determinar la calidad microbiológica del río Toca, sector Tuaneca abajo y el Centro, Departamento de Boyacá, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: en la cuenca, se establecieron cuatro puntos de muestreo, M1, M2, M3 y M4, en cada punto se colectaron muestras de 50 mL de agua con 20 réplicas, en frascos de vidrio estériles, las cuales fueron refrigeradas a 4°C en neveras de icopor y procesadas en el menor tiempo posible en el laboratorio de Microbiología de la UPTC; en donde se realizó cuantificación de mesófilos aerobios, mohos y levaduras mediante recuento en placa; coliformes totales y fecales se evaluaron mediante la técnica de Número más Probable (NMP). Resultados: el punto de muestreo M1 presentó los mayores valores de coliformes totales con un valor de 1100 NMP/100mL, coliformes fecales: 43 NMP/100mL; así como de mohos y levaduras 61X103 UFC/mL; y el punto con mayor valor de mesófilos aerobios fue 13X104 UFC/ mL que corresponde al M2. Los puntos M3 y M4 presentaron ausencia de coliformes totales. Conclusiones: en contraste con el Decreto 1594 de 1984, sobre usos del agua y residuos líquidos, el río Toca presenta mala calidad de agua en los puntos de muestreo M1 y M2, los cuales presentan actividad ganadera y vertimientos de aguas residuales domésticas.
Modelo de Gestión del Conocimiento Ambiental en la Agroindustria
Authors: Cruz-Rodríguez Jonny Alexis , Bautista-Rodríguez Sandra Cecilia
Published: January 2022

Introducción: el sector agroindustrial ha evolucionado debido a la necesidad de una producción diversificada, competitiva y con menores efectos negativos para el ambiente y las comunidades. Esto requiere que sus procesos se basen en la integración del conocimiento científico y tecnológico con los saberes y conocimientos locales. Objetivo: proponer un modelo de Gestión del Conocimiento (GC) ambiental en la agroindustria, para adquirir, transferir y utilizar conocimiento técnico y tradicional, útil en la toma de decisiones. Aportando a la mejora de su nivel tecnológico, económico, social y ambiental. Materiales y métodos: mediante una búsqueda sistemática de literatura, y el análisis de redes, se identifican y determinan los modelos de GC pertinentes a la agroindustria; posteriormente se analizan los actores del sector panelero mediante el método Recursos, Actividades, Resultados (RARe), identificando sus relaciones y necesidades de GC, finalmente se propone el modelo de gestión del conocimiento y sus procesos. Resultados: Los resultados inician con la definición de las relaciones entre objetivos de GC, los modelos, las herramientas y los procesos pertinentes a la agroindustria, segundo el mapeo de los actores, sus relaciones y necesidades de GC en el sector panelero, y tercero la propuesta del modelo de GC ambiental, implicaciones, acciones, facilitadores y potencializadores de la GC frente a mejorar las unidades productivas de panela desde el factor ambiental, tecnológico, social y político. Conclusiones: El modelo de Gestión del Conocimiento Ambiental propuesto se convierte una herramienta mediante el cual es posible articular la GC en el sector panelero permitiendo la socialización de conocimiento innovador entre los actores productores y los actores externos para poder llegar a tener potenciales beneficios y suplir las necesidades de gestionar conocimiento sobre el mejoramiento tecnológico y gestión ambiental.