bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aircraft Pipe Geometric Feature Modeling and Error Compensation Based on Assembly Constraints
Authors: Lan Yulong , Chen Songlin , Gao Wenxiang , Li Bangyi , Tang Mutian
Published: December 2020

An error compensation method based on the assembly constraints of aircraft pipe is proposed for solving the problem of frequent failures caused by high assembly stress in the actual assembly process. Firstly, the pipe assembly process’ geometric modeling is carried out using geometric modeling method, and a new modeling method based on axis vector is proposed. On this basis, the Rodrigues formula was used to establish a pipe space pose calculation model based on actual assembly conditions. Then, the assembly constraints are analyzed, and the key constraint features are identified based on the pipe assembly requirements. Subsequently, the pipe assembly scenarios under different constraint forms are analyzed, and the pipe error compensation methods under a single constraint and associated constraint are respectively proposed. Finally, a typical flaring pipe is selected for the test; the pipe assembly error compensation calculation and the pipe installation air tightness test are carried out respectively. The results show that the proposed method could effectively realize the theoretical space pose adjustment and the pipe parameter compensation, and the air tightness of the compensated pipe is better than that of the uncompensated one.
A Multi-Scale Bioinformatics Study on Novel Mechanism of Xintong Granule for Treating Coronary Heart Disease by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Verification
Authors: Huang Zhihong , Guo Siyu , Fu Changgeng , Zhou Wei , Zhang Jingyuan , Liu Xinkui , Jia Shanshan , Wu Chao , Lu Shan , Li Bingbing , Wu Zhishan , Tan Yingying , Fan Xiaotian , Cheng Guoliang , Wu Jiarui
Published: December 2020

Background: Xintong Granule (XTG) is a Chinese patent medicine composed of 13 Chinese herbs, which is widely used in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, there are few studies on it, and its potential pharmacological mechanism needs to be further elucidated.Methods: In this study, network pharmacology was employed to construct the drug-compounds-targets-pathways molecular regulatory network of the treatment of CHD to explore the effective compounds of XTG and its underlying pharmacological mechanism. First, we established the related ingredients and potential targets of these ingredients databases by Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) and A Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM). Next, the CHD targets were obtained in DigSee, OMIM, DisGeNET, TTD, GeneCards and GenCLiP3 database. Then, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were carried out and the core targets were filtered by topology. Moreover, molecular docking was performed to assess the binding potential of hub targets and key compounds.Results: The result reflected that 178 components of XTG and 669 putative therapeutic targets were screened out. After a systematic and comprehensive analysis, we identified 9 hub targets (TNF, MAPK1, STAT3, IL6, AKT1, INS, EGFR, EGF, TP53) primarily participated in the comprehensive therapeutic effect related to blood circulation, vascular regulation, cell membrane region, compound binding, receptor activity, signal transduction, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway.Conclusion: The results of this study tentatively clarified the potential targets and signaling pathways of XTG against CHD, which may benefit to the development of clinical experimental research and application.
Dynamic 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/MRI in the Diagnosis and Management of Intracranial Meningiomas
Authors: Ivanidze Jana , Roytman Michelle , Skafida Myrto , Kim Sean , Glynn Shannon , Osborne Joseph R. , Pannullo Susan C. , Lin Eaton , Karakatsanis Nicolas A
Published: December 2020

Background: While MRI is the gold standard for meningioma diagnosis and treatment planning, it poses limitations in differentiating residual/recurrent disease from post-treatment-change. 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/MR of 50 min with standardized uptake value (SUV) analysis has demonstrated clinical utility in patients with meningioma. However, SUV is considered semi-quantitative with limited reproducibility depending on several variable parameters not accounted for in its definition. Dynamic PET acquisitions enable parametric imaging accounting for post-injection time to improve quantification. Our purpose was to assess feasibility and clinical utility of dynamic 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/MR with multi-parametric SUV and Patlak analysis in the diagnosis and management of intracranial meningioma. Results: 19 subjects with meningioma underwent dynamic 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/MR. Time-activity curves were generated in 84 volumes of interest (53 meningioma, 9 post-treatment-change, 22 cranial blood pool reference in superior sagittal sinus, SSS). Region-specific net binding rate constant Ki was determined using the standard and generalized Patlak (sPatlak and gPatlak) methods with a population-based reference input function. Absolute and relative mean and maximum SUVs were extracted from the 50 minutes (SUV50) and the last 10 minutes (SUV10) of acquisition. Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests were performed. In meningioma, absolute and relative maximum SUV50 demonstrated a strong, significant, positive correlation with sPatlak Ki (r = 0.82, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.85, p < 0.0001, respectively). Similar results were found in post-treatment-change regions (r = 0.88, p = 0.007 and r = 0.83, p = 0.015, respectively). Mean SUV50 demonstrated similar correlations with sPatlak Ki in both subgroups. No significant differences were observed between sPatlak and gPatlak Ki correlations with SUV. All SUV and Ki metrics were significantly higher in meningioma versus post-treatment-change regions. SUV50 and SUV10 metrics for each sub-cohort were not significantly different. No lesions were reclassified based on SUV10 or Ki compared to SUV50. Conclusions: Multi-parametric SUV and Patlak Ki analysis with 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/MR is feasible and can differentiate meningioma from post-treatment-change. Ki may improve quantification of postoperative residual/ recurrent meningioma. SUV10 and SUV50 yielded comparable quantification suggesting feasibility for shorter PET scans.Trial Registration Number (ClinicalTrials.gov ID): NCT04081701, Registration Date: September 9, 2019
National Survey Regarding the Timing of Endoscopic Procedures during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Marroquín-Reyes José Daniel , Zepeda-Gómez Sergio , Tepox-Padrón Alejandra , Quintanar-Martínez Mariana , Trujillo-Benavides Omar Edel , Téllez-Avila Félix I.
Published: December 2020

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, several questions have arisen about which endoscopic procedures (EPs) must be performed and which ones can be postponed. The aim of this study was to conduct a nationwide survey regarding the appropriate timing of EPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This prospective study was performed through a nationwide electronic survey. The survey consisted of 15 questions divided into three sections. The first evaluated the agreement for EPs classified as “time sensitive” and “not time sensitive”. Two other sections assessed “high-priority” and “low-priority” scenarios. Agreement was considered when >75% of respondents answered a question in the same direction. Results: The response rate was 27.2% (214/784). Among the respondents, agreement for the need to perform EP in <72 hours was only reached for variceal bleeding (93.4%). Dysphagia with alarm symptoms was the scenario in which the highest percentage of physicians (95.9%) agreed that an EP needed to be performed within a month. Less than 30% of endoscopists would perform an EP within the first 72 hours for patients with mild cholangitis, non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding without hemodynamic instability, or severe anaemia without overt bleeding. In time-sensitive clinical scenarios suggestive of benign disease, none of the scenarios reached agreement in any sense. Among the time-sensitive clinical scenarios suggestive of malignancy, >90% of the surveyed respondents considered that EP could not be postponed for >8 weeks. Conclusions: There was no consensus among endoscopists about the timing of EPs in patients with pathologies considered time sensitive or in those with high-priority pathologies. Agreement was only reached in five (17%) of the evaluated clinical scenarios.
Communication patterns in the doctor–patient relationship: evaluating determinants associated with low paternalism in Mexico.
Authors: Lazcano-Ponce Eduardo , Angeles-Llerenas Angelica , Rodríguez-Valentín Rocío , Salvador-Carulla Luis , Domínguez-Esponda Rosalinda , Astudillo-García Claudia Iveth , de León Eduardo Madrigal , Katz Gregorio
Published: December 2020

Background: Paternalism/overprotection limits communication between healthcare professionals and patients and does not promote shared therapeutic decision-making. In the global north, communication patterns have been regulated to promote autonomy, whereas in the global south, they reflect the physician’s personal choices. The goal of this work was contribute to knowledge of the communication patterns used in clinical practice in Mexico and to identify the determinants that favour a doctor-patient relationship characterized by low paternalism/autonomy.Methods: A self-report study of communication patterns within a sample of 761 mental healthcare professionals in Central and Western Mexico was conducted. Multiple ordinal logistic regression models were performed to analyse paternalism and associated factors. Results: A high prevalence (68.7% [95% CI 60.0-70.5]) of paternalism was observed among mental healthcare professionals in Mexico. The main determinants of low paternalism/autonomy were medical specialty (OR 1.67 [95% CI 1.16-2.40]) and gender, with female physicians more likely to explicitly share diagnoses and therapeutic strategies with patients and their families (OR 1.57 [95% CI 1.11-2.22]). A pattern of highly explicit communication was strongly associated with low paternalism/autonomy (OR 12.13 [95% CI 7.71-19.05]). Finally, a modifying effect of age strata on the association between communication pattern or specialty and low paternalism/autonomy was observed.Conclusions: Among mental healthcare professionals in Mexico, an elevated paternalism prevailed. Gender, specialty, and a pattern of open communication were closely associated with low paternalism/autonomy. Strengthening the competencies of health professionals and promoting explicit communication could contribute to the transition towards more autonomist communication in clinical practice in Mexico. The ethical implications will need to be resolved in the near future.
Situational judgment test validity: An exploratory model of the participant response process using cognitive and think-aloud interviews.
Authors: Wolcott Michael D. , Lobczowski Nikki G. , Zeeman Jacqueline M. , McLaughlin Jacqueline E.
Published: December 2020

Background: Situational judgment tests (SJTs) are used in health sciences education to measure examinee knowledge using case-based scenarios. Despite their popularity, there is a significant gap in the validity research on the response process that demonstrates how SJTs measure their intended constructs. A model of SJT response processes has been proposed in the literature by Robert Ployhart; however, few studies have explored and expanded the factors. The purpose of this study was to describe the factors involved in cognitive processes examinees use as they respond to SJT items in a health professions education context.Methods: Thirty participants—15 student pharmacists and 15 practicing pharmacists—completed a 12-item SJT designed to measure empathy. Each participant engaged in a think-aloud interview while completing the SJT, followed by a cognitive interview probing their decision-making processes. Interviews were transcribed and independently coded by three researchers to identify salient factors that contributed to response processes.Results: The findings suggest SJT response processes include all four stages (comprehension, retrieval, judgment, and response selection) as initially proposed by Ployhart. The study showed factors from other published research were present, including job-specific knowledge and experiences, emotional intelligence, and test-taking. The study also identified new factors not yet described, including identifying a task objective in the scenario, assumptions about the scenario, perceptions about the scenario, and the setting of the item.Conclusions: This study provides additional SJT validity evidence by exploring participants’ response processes through cognitive and think-aloud interviews. It also confirmed the four-stage model previously described by Ployhart and identified new factors that may influence SJT response processes. This study contributes to the literature with an expanded SJT response process model in a health professions education context and offers an approach to evaluate SJT response processes in the future.
Drug repurposing and polypharmacology to fight SARS-CoV-2 through the inhibition of the main protease
Authors: Pinzi Luca , Tinivella Annachiara , Caporuscio Fabiana , Rastelli Giulio
Published: December 2020

Therapeutic options are urgently needed to fight the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the COVID-19 disease and is spreading rapidly around the world. Drug repurposing can significantly accelerate the identification of drug candidates suitable for clinical evaluation. Moreover, polypharmacological effects may increase antiviral activity and/or counteract severe complications concurrently affecting COVID-19 patients. Herein, we present the results of a computational drug repurposing campaign in search of potential inhibitors of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. The screening allowed the selection of 22 promising drugs. Some of them have already entered clinical trials, but the vast majority of the identified compounds are new and have never been considered before. For each repurposed compound, its therapeutic relevance and potential beneficial polypharmacological effects that may arise due to its original therapeutic indication are thoroughly discussed.
Effectiveness of blended learning versus lectures alone on ECG analysis and interpretation by medical students
Authors: Viljoen Charle Andre , Millar Rob Scott , Manning Kathryn , Burch Vanessa Celeste
Published: December 2020

BackgroundMost medical students lack confidence and are unable to accurately interpret ECGs. Thus, better methods of ECG instruction are being sought. Current literature indicates that the use of e-learning for ECG analysis and interpretation skills (ECG competence) is not superior to lecture-based teaching. We aimed to assess whether blended learning (lectures supplemented with the use of a web application) resulted in better acquisition and retention of ECG competence in medical students, compared to conventional teaching (lectures alone).MethodsTwo cohorts of fourth-year medical students were studied prospectively. The conventional teaching cohort (n=67) attended four hours of interactive lectures, covering the basic principles of Electrocardiography, waveform abnormalities and arrhythmias. In addition to attending the same lectures, the blended learning cohort (n=64) used a web application that facilitated deliberate practice of systematic ECG analysis and interpretation, with immediate feedback. All participants completed three tests: pre-intervention (assessing baseline ECG competence at start of clinical clerkship), immediate post-intervention (assessing acquisition of ECG competence at end of six-week clinical clerkship) and delayed post-intervention (assessing retention of ECG competence six months after clinical clerkship, without any further ECG training). Diagnostic accuracy and uncertainty were assessed in each test.ResultsThe pre-intervention test scores were similar for blended learning and conventional teaching cohorts (mean 31.02±13.19% versus 31.23±11.52% respectively, p=0.917). While all students demonstrated meaningful improvement in ECG competence after teaching, blended learning was associated with significantly better scores, compared to conventional teaching, in immediate (75.27±16.22% vs 50.27±17.1%, p<0.001; Cohen’s d=1.58), and delayed post-intervention tests (57.70±18.54% vs 37.63±16.35%, p<0.001; Cohen’s d=1.25). Although diagnostic uncertainty decreased after ECG training in both cohorts, blended learning was associated with better confidence in ECG analysis and interpretation.ConclusionBlended learning achieved significantly better levels of ECG competence and confidence amongst medical students than conventional ECG teaching did. Although medical students underwent significant attrition of ECG competence without ongoing training, blended learning also resulted in better retention of ECG competence than conventional teaching. Web applications encouraging a stepwise approach to ECG analysis and enabling deliberate practice with feedback may, therefore, be a useful adjunct to lectures for teaching Electrocardiography.
Leaders' Perspectives on Learning Health Systems: a qualitative study
Authors: Enticott Joanne , Braaf Sandy , Johnson Alison , Jones Angela , Teede Helena
Published: December 2020

Background: Integrated utilisation of digital health data has the power to transform healthcare to deliver more efficient and effective services, and the learning health system (LHS) is emerging as a model to achieve this. The LHS uses routine data from service delivery and patient care to generate knowledge to continuously improve healthcare. The aim of this project was to explore key features of a successful and sustainable LHS to inform implementation in an Academic Health Science Centre context.Methods: We purposively identified and conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with leaders, experienced in supporting or developing data driven innovations in healthcare. A thematic analysis using NVivo was undertaken.Results: Analysis of 26 interviews revealed five themes thought to be integral in an effective, sustainable LHS: (1) Systematic approaches and iterative, continuous learning with implementation into healthcare contributing to new best-practice care; (2) Broad stakeholder, clinician and academic engagement, with collective vision, leadership, governance and a culture of trust, transparency and co-design; (3) Skilled workforce, capability and capacity building; (4) Resources with sustained investment over time and; (5) Data access, systems and processes being integral to a sustainable LHS. Conclusions: This qualitative study provides insights into the elements of a sustainable LHS across a range of leaders in data-driven healthcare improvement. Fundamentally, an LHS requires continuous learning with implementation of new evidence back into frontline care to improve outcomes. Structure, governance, trust, culture, vision and leadership were all seen as important along with a skilled workforce and sustained investment. Processes and systems to optimise access to quality data were also seen as vital in an effective, sustainable LHS. These findings will inform a co-designed framework for implementing a sustainable LHS within the Australian healthcare and Academic Health Science Centre context. It is anticipated that application of these findings will assist to embed and accelerate the use of routine health data to continuously generate new knowledge and ongoing improvement in healthcare delivery and health outcomes.
Exploring the Usefulness of Medical Clowns in Elevating Satisfaction and Reducing Aggressive Tendencies in Pediatric and Adult Hospital Wards 
Authors: Efrat-Treister Dorit , Altman Daniel , Friedmann Enav , Margalit Dalit Lev-Arai , Teodorescu Kinneret
Published: December 2020

Background – Most existing research on medical clowns in health care services has investigated their usefulness mainly among child health consumers. In this research we examined multiple viewpoints of medical staff, clowns, and health consumers aiming to identify the optimal audience (adult or child health consumers) for which medical clowns are most useful. We focused on exploring their usefulness in enhancing health consumers’ satisfaction and, in turn, reducing their aggressive tendencies. Methods – We conducted three studies that examined the placement fit of medical clowns from different points of view: medical staff (Study 1, n = 88), medical clowns (Study 2, n = 20), and health consumers (Study 3, n = 397). The main analyses in Studies 1 and 2 included frequencies and t-tests comparing perceived adult and child satisfaction with clowns’ performance. Study 3 used moderated-mediation PROCESS bootstrapping regression analysis to test the indirect effect of negative affectivity on aggressive tendencies via satisfaction. Exposure to the medical clown moderated this relationship differently for different ages.Results – Studies 1 and 2 show that the majority of medical clowns and medical staff report that the current placement of the medical clowns is in pediatric wards; about half (44% of medical staff, 54% of medical clowns) thought that this placement policy should change. In Study 3, data from health consumers in seven different hospital wards showed that clowns are useful in mitigating the effect of negative affectivity on satisfaction, thereby reducing aggressive tendencies among health consumers under the age of 21.6 years . Surprisingly, medical clowns had the opposite effect on most adults: for health consumers who were exposed to the medical clown and were above the age of 21.6 negative affectivity was related to decreased satisfaction, and an increase in aggressive tendencies was observed. Discussion - Medical clowns are most useful in elevating satisfaction and reducing aggressive tendencies of children. Older adults, on the other hand, exhibit lower satisfaction and higher aggressive tendencies following exposure to the performance of medical clowns. Conclusion – Medical clowns should be placed primarily in children’s wards.
County-Level Longitudinal Clustering of COVID-19 Mortality to Incidence Ratio in the United States
Authors: Vahabi Nasim , Salehi Masoud , Duarte Julio , Mollalo Abolfazl , Michailidis George
Published: December 2020

Background: As of November 12, 2020, the mortality to incidence ratio (MIR) of COVID-19 was 5.8% in the US. We utilized a longitudinal model-based clustering system based on the disease trajectories over time. We aimed to find the so-called “vulnerable” cluster of counties where to dedicate additional resources by the US policymakers. Methods: County-level COVID-19 cases and deaths (Mar-Nov 2020), and a set of potential risk factors were collected for 3050 U.S. counties during the 1st wave (Mar25-Jun3, 2020), 1344 counties (sunbelt region) during the 2nd wave (Jun4-Sep2, 2020), and 1055 counties (great plains) during the 3rd wave (Sep3-Nov12, 2020). We used growth mixture models to identify clusters of counties exhibiting similar COVID-19 MIR growth trajectories and risk-factors over time. Results: We identified the so-called “more vulnerable” clusters during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd waves of COVID-19. Tuberculosis (OR=1.3-2.1-3.2), drug use disorder (OR=1.1), hepatitis (OR=13.1), HIV/AIDS (OR=2.3), cardiomyopathy and myocarditis (OR=1.3), diabetes (OR=1.2), mesothelioma (OR=9.3) were significantly associated with increased odds of being in a more vulnerable cluster. Heart complications and cancer were the main risk factors increasing the COVID-19 MIR (range: 0.08%-0.52% MIR↑).Conclusion: We identified the so-called “more vulnerable” county-clusters exhibiting the highest COVID-19 MIR trajectories, indicating that enhancing the capacity and access to healthcare resources would be key to successfully manage COVID-19 in these clusters. These findings provide insights for public health policymakers on the groups of people and locations they need to pay particular attention while managing the COVID-19 epidemic.
Multi-trait GWAS using imputed high-density genotypes from whole-genome sequencing identifies genes associated with body traits in Nile tilapia
Authors: Yoshida Grazyella , Yáñez José Manuel
Published: December 2020

Background: Body traits are generally controlled by several genes in vertebrates (i.e. polygenes), which in turn make them difficult to identify through association mapping. Increasing the power of association studies by combining approaches such as genotype imputation and multi-trait analysis improves the ability to detect quantitative trait loci associated with polygenic traits, such as body traits.Results: A multi-trait genome-wide association study (mtGWAS) was performed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genes associated with body traits in Nile tilapia (Oreochromos niloticus) using genotypes imputed to whole-genome sequence (WGS). To increase the statistical power of mtGWAS for the detection of genetic associations, summary statistics from single-trait genome-wide association studies (stGWAS) for eight different body traits recorded in 1,309 animals were used. The mtGWAS increased the statistical power from the original sample size from 13% to 44%, depending on the trait analyzed. The better resolution of the WGS data combined with the increased power of the mtGWAS approach, allowed the detection of significant markers not previously found in the stGWAS. Some lead single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found within important functional candidate genes previously associated with growth-related traits. For instance, we identified SNP within the α1,6-fucosyltransferase (FUT8), solute carrier family 4 member 2 (SLC4A2), A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 9 (ADAMTS9) and heart development protein with EGF like domains 1 (HEG1) genes, which have been associated with average daily gain in sheep, osteopetrosis in cattle, chest size in goats, and growth and meat quality in sheep, respectively.Conclusions: The high-resolution mtGWAS presented, allowed identification of significant SNPs, linked to strong functional candidate genes, associated with body traits in Nile tilapia. These results provide further insights about the genetic variants and genes underlying body trait variation in cichlid fish with high accuracy and strong statistical support.
VTR: an algorithm for identifying analogous contacts on protein structures and their complexes
Authors: Pimentel Vitor , Mariano Diego , Cantão Letícia Xavier Silva , Bastos Luana Luiza , Fischer Pedro , Lima Leonardo Henrique França de , Fassio Alexandre Victor , Melo-Minardi Raquel Cardoso de
Published: December 2020

Evolutionarily related proteins can present similar structures but very dissimilar sequences. Hence, understanding the role of the inter-residues contacts for the protein structure has been the target of many studies. Contacts comprise non-covalent interactions, which are essential to stabilize macromolecular structures such as proteins. Here we show VTR, a new method for the detection of analogous contacts in protein pairs. VTR performs structural alignment between proteins and detects interactions that occur in similar regions. To evaluate our tool, we proposed three case studies: (i) we compared a vertebrate myoglobin and a truncated invertebrate hemoglobin; (ii) analyzed interactions between the spike protein RBD of SARS-CoV-2 and the cell receptor ACE2; and (iii) compared a glucose-tolerant and a non-tolerant β-glucosidase enzyme used for biofuel production. The case studies demonstrate the potential of VTR for the understanding of functional similarities between distantly sequence-related proteins, as well as the exploration of important drug targets and rational design of enzymes for industrial applications. We envision VTR as a promising tool for understanding differences and similarities between homologous proteins with similar 3D structures but different sequences. VTR is available at http://bioinfo.dcc.ufmg.br/vtr.
THE DYNAMICS OF PESANTREN LEADERSHIP FROM THE DUTCH ETHICAL POLICY TO THE REFORMATION PERIODS
Authors: Ridwan Auliya
Published: December 2020

In its early periods, pesantren as a type of Islamic educational institution focused merely on religious teachings. Socio-political pressures and the need to carry out Islamic outreach have pushed kiai as pesantren leaders to negotiate their idealism according to the circumstances in different historical periods. Historical accounts from the Dutch colonial period to Indonesian independence show that kiai leadership becomes the decisive factor as well as the legitimation for pesantren to take certain actions during precarious situations. To examine the institutional development of pesantren in the post-reformation era, a recent ethnographic fieldwork has been carried out in three pesantren in Madura, Java, and Lombok. This paper discusses the development and transformation of pesantren as an institution from the Dutch Ethical Policy Period until today. It demonstrates pesantren’s involvement in anti-Western campaigns and trials of affiliation with oppositions in the colonial period. This paper shows how Islamic virtues remain the heart of pesantren education and examines how innovation in contemporary pesantren regarding pedagogies and values translated in seemingly non-religious areas is substantially based on religious values.
ANALYSIS OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE UNITED STATES IN THE PERIOD THE PRESIDENCY OF DONALD TRUMP (2017-2020)
Authors: Martynov Andrei , Asaturov Sergey
Published: December 2020

The European Union has met Donald Trump's presidency in a crisis, caused by Britain's exit, quarrels over migration policy and prospects for European integration. Trump has abandoned a project to create a transatlantic free trade area. He demanded a one-sided trade advantage for the United States. The rejection of the liberal project of multilateral foreign policy contributed to the deepening of contradictions between the EU and the US in the field of trade, environment, the regime of international disarmament treaties, the algorithm for resolving regional conflicts. The Trump era in US foreign policy was a time of abandoning liberal globalism. But it is impossible to realize this task in one cadence. The question is whether it is possible for Democrats to fully restore liberal globalism in equal cooperation with the European Union.Trump has abandoned the project of a transatlantic free trade area between the United States and the European Union. This shocked the European elites. Differences in approaches to world trade contributed to the coolness. The European Union is promoting a liberal approach. Trump insisted on the priority of the patronage of American interests. As a result, the tradition of relationships has suffered. Until 2017, the United States bought European goods and paid the most to the NATO budget. Trump demanded trade parity and more European funding for NATO. European elites perceived Trump's approach to migration issues as unacceptable. Trump's policy on international conflicts has become another reason for mutual misunderstanding. Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and helped establish diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. This has become a challenge for the European Union's Middle East policy.
Restoration of disturbed lands is one of the criteria for sustainable development
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, IGNAT’EVA Margarita Nikolaevna , PUSTOKHINA Nataliya Georgievna ,   Ural State Mining University
Published: December 2020

Relevance. Sustainable development is maintaining the amount of renewable resources through the reproduction of used and restoration of disturbed ones. This criterion is directly related to the restoration of land disturbed by mining, primarily opencast mining. At the same time, almost half of the disturbed lands are still not being rehabilitated. Purpose of the study is to confirm the unsatisfactory state of reclamation of disturbed lands, inhibiting the transition of enterprises developing the resources of the subsoil to sustainable development. Research methods – during the research process, the methods of factor and comparative analysis were used, as well as some statistical research methods: generalization, grouping, comparison, etc. Results. Generalization and analysis of the criteria for sustainable development have confirmed the importance of restoring disturbed lands to ensure the sustainable development of enterprises that develop subsoil resources. The relevance of remediation work is determined by the environmental component (goal 15) of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the recognition of the importance of the concept of biotic regulation, which requires the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems. The state of the land fund has been analyzed from the standpoint of the presence of disturbed lands since the beginning of the 1960s. Among the disturbed lands, a share was determined due to the development of mineral deposits, including for modern conditions in certain regions (from 47 to 94%). The structure with the largest amount of disturbed land and the largest amount of reclaimed land is identified. The structures of reclaimed land associated with the development of mineral deposits, construction and logging, waste disposal have been identified. The share of land occupied by dumps and tailing dumps has been determined, the reduction of which requires the implementation of a dump management system and the application of environmental measures. The evolution of the concept of "reclamation", which is currently replaced by the concept of "revitalization", is considered. Conclusions. The unsatisfactory state of reclamation of disturbed lands, including mining, was confirmed. It is proved that the most problematic regions are those belonging to the number of mineral resource centers. The current period is characterized by 30–35% restoration of disturbed lands. The obtained results predetermine the relevance and timeliness of solving this problem in order to ensure the sustainable development of the Russian mining complex.
Dynamic SPICE-model of resource allocation in marketing networks
Authors:   Ingush State University, Agieva Movlatkhan T. , Gorbaneva Olga I. ,   South Federal University, J.I. Voroviсh Institute of Mathematiсs, Meсhaniсs and Computer Sсienсes
Published: December 2020

We consider a dynamic Stackelberg game theoretic model of the coordination of social and private interests (SPICE-model) of resource allocation in marketing networks. The dynamics of controlled system describes an interaction of the members of a target audience (basic agents) that leads to a change of their opinions (cost of buying the goods and services of firms competing on a market). An interaction of the firms (influence agents) is formalized as their differential game in strategic form. The payoff functional of each firm includes two terms: the summary opinion of the basic agents with consideration of their marketing costs (a common interest of all firms), and the income from investments in a private activity. The latter income is described by a linear function. The firms exert their influence not to all basic agents but only to the members of strong subgroups of the influence digraph (opinion leaders). The opinion leaders determine the stable final opinions of all members of the target audience. A coordinating principal determines the firms' marketing budgets and maximizes the summary opinion of the basic agents with consideration of the allocated resources. The Nash equilibrium in the game of influence agents and the Stackelberg equilibrium in a general hierarchical game of the principal with them are found. It is proved that the value of opinion of a basic agent is the same for all influence agents and the principal. It is also proved that the influence agents assign less resources for the marketing efforts than the principal would like.
Dynamic cooperative network games with pairwise interactions
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Bulgakova Mariia A.
Published: December 2020

This article is an overview of results obtained in the field of dynamic network games with pairwise interaction. The paper provides a summary and analysis of works related to two-stage and multistage nonzero-sum games based on pairwise interaction. The meaning of pairwise interaction is to consider the game as a family of games occurring on a network between pairs of players (vertices of a graph) connected to each other by an edge. The network can be set or formed in the first stage. In the paper, solutions of cooperative pairwise interaction games are also considered.
Liver Fibrosis Staging with Gadolinium Ethoxybenzyl Diethylenetriamine Penta-Acetic Acid-enhanced: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lai Lu-Yao , Huang Meng-Ping , Su Song , Shu Jian
Published: December 2020

Objective:

While liver biopsy is the golden standard for liver-fibrosis diagnosis, it is also
invasive and has many limitations. Non-invasive techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) need to be further developed for liver fibrosis staging. This study aimed to evaluate the
diagnostic accuracy of Gadolinium Ethoxybenzyl Diethylenetriamine Penta-acetic Acid (Gd-EOBDTPA)-
enhanced MRI for liver fibrosis through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

This study comprehensively searched relevant article in PubMed, Embase, and the
Cochrane Library published from 2004 to 2018 to find studies analyzing the diagnostic accuracy of
Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for liver fibrosis. Two reviewers independently screened the retrieved
articles, extracted the required data from the included studies, and evaluated the methodological
quality of the studies. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative
likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and Summary Receiver Operating Characteristics (SROC)
curve were assessed.

Results:

This study finally included 16 studies (n = 1,599) and selected a random-effects model based on the results of the
I
2 statistic to combine them. The areas under the SROC curve for the detection of F1 or greater, F2 or greater, F3 or
greater, or F4 liver fibrosis were 0.8669, 0.8399, 0.8481, and 0.8858, respectively.

Conclusion:

Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI showed a good diagnostic performance for staging liver
fibrosis, especially for F4 liver fibrosis.
Traditional Medicine - A Possible Stop Codon for COVID-19
Authors: Reshi Nissar A. , Deshpande Anup S. , Raytekar Namita A. , Zambare Vasudeo P.
Published: December 2020

:

A novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) has wreak havoc across the globe, especially in the
USA, Italy, Spain, France, Iran, UK, and China. The coronavirus infection has caused a pandemic
(COVID-19), which is an acute infectious pneumonia of the 21st Century. 2019-nCov, being novel
in nature has brought the world to a standstill and forced a global health emergency, which is attributed
to the unavailability of viable antiviral drug, and the only options left are supportive care
and non-specific treatment to improve the symptomatic conditions of patients. But still, it is not a
permanent solution and there is a need to find an effective antiviral drug. The earlier reported
SARS-CoV and recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 have similar homology in terms of epidemiology,
genomics and pathogenesis, and it has been observed that the SARS-CoV was contained by Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM). Thus, this review summarizes the information on natural traditional
medicine, including Indian Ayurvedic Medicine and TCM having antiviral potential which have
been used to control earlier pandemics, and their candidacy for the new drug development to control
the COVID-19. In the wake of the current unprecedented situation, it is imperative to find effective
and novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents by exploring traditional medicine which would be highly
precise in action with minimal side effects.
Eurotransplant i mjesto Republike Hrvatske u njemu
Authors: Mikulić Danko , Kocman Branislav
Published: December 2020

Eurotransplant je međunarodna neprofitna organizacija koja se bavi alokacijom i prekograničnom razmjenom kadaveričnih organa za transplantaciju. Osnovana je 1967. godine i okuplja osam zemalja članica s preko 135 milijuna stanovnika, a Republika Hrvatska je članica od 2007. godine. Članstvo u Eurotransplantu za Hrvatsku je korisno zbog omogućavanja što bolje podudarnosti darivatelja i primatelja, kao i mogućnosti da se u kratkom vremenu pronađe organ u slučajevima akutnog zatajenja organa, za što je bitno veća vjerojatnost u velikoj populaciji potencijalnih darivatelja organa. Tijekom posljednjih deset do petnaest godina u Hrvatskoj je došlo do velikog porasta broja kadaveričnih darivatelja organa i broja transplantacija te ona danas zauzima jedno od vodećih mjesta u svijetu po broju darivatelja i transplantacija na milijun stanovnika, a jedan od čimbenika koji su za to zaslužni je i članstvo u Eurotransplantu. U članku je opisana organizacija, povijest i uloga Eurotransplanta u alokaciji i razmjeni organa te mjesto Hrvatske u Eurotransplantu.
Povezanost ishoda transplantacije bubrega s obilježjima primatelja i darivatelja
Authors: Neretljak Ivan , Jurenec Franjo , Knotek Mladen , Sučić Mario , Škegro Dinko , Kocman Branislav , Žunec Renata , Galešić Ljubanović Danica , Pavičić Šarić Jadranka , Erceg Gorjana , Buhin Maida , Guštin Denis , Jadrijević Stipislav , Orešković Janko , Radulović Goran , Zibar Lada , Jureković Željka , Maksimović Bojana , Margeta Ivan , Čingel Branislav
Published: December 2020

Aim: Although kidney transplantation is the best method of replacing renal function, there is still a need to improve long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the independent association of recipient and donor demographic factors, underlying renal disease, duration of dialysis treatment, tissue typing mismatch, and sensitization with transplant outcomes in a contemporary cohort of kidney transplant patients. Patients and methods: The study included patients who had a kidney transplantation at Clinical Hospital Merkur from June 2007 to the end of 2018. Transplant outcomes were monitored until December 31, 2019. The minimum follow-up time was 1 year. Data were collected using reports from the Eurotransplant Network Information System (ENIS) application (www.eurotransplant.org). Survival is shown by Kaplan-Meier curves. The association of survival with specific recipient and donor characteristics was analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Results: In the period from June 2007 to the end of 2018, 480 kidneys were transplanted in 472 patients. The 10-year patient survival was 72%. Ten-year renal survival censored for the death of renal function patients was 93%. In the multivariate analysis, only recipient age at transplantation, diabetes as the cause of underlying renal disease and duration of dialysis remained independently associated with patient survival. Conclusion: Long-term graft survival is excellent after kidney transplantation. Long-term patient survival can be improved by prevention, early detection and intensive treatment of chronic diseases.
Uncovering the Bone-Muscle Interaction and Its Implications for the Health and Function of Older Adults (the Wellderly Project): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Smith Cassandra , Lin Xuzhu , Scott David , Brennan-Speranza Tara C , Al Saedi Ahmed , Moreno-Asso Alba , Woessner Mary , Bani Hassan Ebrahim , Eynon Nir , Duque Gustavo , Levinger Itamar
Published: December 2020

Background

Bone and muscle are closely linked anatomically, biochemically, and metabolically. Acute exercise affects both bone and muscle, implying a crosstalk between the two systems. However, how these two systems communicate is still largely unknown. We will explore the role of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) in this crosstalk. ucOC is involved in glucose metabolism and has a potential role in muscle maintenance and metabolism.

Objective

The proposed trial will determine if circulating ucOC levels in older adults at baseline and following acute exercise are associated with parameters of muscle function and if the ucOC response to exercise varies between older adults with low muscle quality and those with normal or high muscle quality.

Methods

A total of 54 men and women aged 60 years or older with no history of diabetes and warfarin and vitamin K use will be recruited. Screening tests will be performed, including those for functional, anthropometric, and clinical presentation. On the basis of muscle quality, a combined equation of lean mass (leg appendicular skeletal muscle mass in kg) and strength (leg press; one-repetition maximum), participants will be stratified into a high or low muscle function group and randomized into the controlled crossover acute intervention. Three visits will be performed approximately 7 days apart, and acute aerobic exercise, acute resistance exercise, and a control session (rest) will be completed in any order. Our primary outcome for this study is the effect of acute exercise on ucOC in older adults with low muscle function and those with high muscle function.

Results

The trial is active and ongoing. Recruitment began in February 2018, and 38 participants have completed the study as of May 26, 2019.

Conclusions

This study will provide novel insights into bone and muscle crosstalk in older adults, potentially identifying new clinical biomarkers and mechanistic targets for drug treatments for sarcopenia and other related musculoskeletal conditions.

Trial Registration

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001756213; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375925.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/18777
Comparing Precision Machine Learning With Consumer, Quality, and Volume Metrics for Ranking Orthopedic Surgery Hospitals: Retrospective Study
Authors: Goyal Dev , Guttag John , Syed Zeeshan , Mehta Rudra , Elahi Zahoor , Saeed Mohammed
Published: December 2020

Background

Patients’ choices of providers when undergoing elective surgeries significantly impact both perioperative outcomes and costs. There exist a variety of approaches that are available to patients for evaluating between different hospital choices.

Objective

This paper aims to compare differences in outcomes and costs between hospitals ranked using popular internet-based consumer ratings, quality stars, reputation rankings, average volumes, average outcomes, and precision machine learning–based rankings for hospital settings performing hip replacements in a large metropolitan area.

Methods

Retrospective data from 4192 hip replacement surgeries among Medicare beneficiaries in 2018 in a the Chicago metropolitan area were analyzed for variations in outcomes (90-day postprocedure hospitalizations and emergency department visits) and costs (90-day total cost of care) between hospitals ranked through multiple approaches: internet-based consumer ratings, quality stars, reputation rankings, average yearly surgical volume, average outcome rates, and machine learning–based rankings. The average rates of outcomes and costs were compared between the patients who underwent surgery at a hospital using each ranking approach in unadjusted and propensity-based adjusted comparisons.

Results

Only a minority of patients (1159/4192, 27.6% to 2078/4192, 49.6%) were found to be matched to higher-ranked hospitals for each of the different approaches. Of the approaches considered, hip replacements at hospitals that were more highly ranked by consumer ratings, quality stars, and machine learning were all consistently associated with improvements in outcomes and costs in both adjusted and unadjusted analyses. The improvement was greatest across all metrics and analyses for machine learning–based rankings.

Conclusions

There may be a substantive opportunity to increase the number of patients matched to appropriate hospitals across a broad variety of ranking approaches. Elective hip replacement surgeries performed at hospitals where patients were matched based on patient-specific machine learning were associated with better outcomes and lower total costs of care.