bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CANreduce 2.0 Adherence-Focused Guidance for Internet Self-Help Among Cannabis Users: Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Baumgartner Christian , Schaub Michael Patrick , Wenger Andreas , Malischnig Doris , Augsburger Mareike , Walter Marc , Berger Thomas , Stark Lars , Ebert David Daniel , Keough Matthew T , Haug Severin
Published: April 2021

Background

Despite increasing demand for treatment among cannabis users in many countries, most users are not in treatment. Internet-based self-help offers an alternative for those hesitant to seek face-to-face therapy, though low effectiveness and adherence issues often arise.

Objective

Through adherence-focused guidance enhancement, we aimed to increase adherence to and the effectiveness of internet-based self-help among cannabis users.

Methods

From July 2016 to May 2019, cannabis users (n=775; male: 406/575, 70.6%, female: 169/575, 29.4%; age: mean 28.3 years) not in treatment were recruited from the general population and were randomly assigned to (1) an adherence-focused guidance enhancement internet-based self-help intervention with social presence, (2) a similar intervention with an impersonal service team, and (3) access to internet as usual. Controls who were placed on a waiting list for the full intervention after 3 months underwent an assessment and had access to internet as usual. The primary outcome measurement was cannabis-use days over the preceding 30 days. Secondary outcomes included cannabis-dependence severity, changes in common mental disorder symptoms, and intervention adherence. Differences between the study arms in primary and secondary continuous outcome variables at baseline, posttreatment, and follow-up were tested using pooled linear models.

Results

All groups exhibited reduced cannabis-use days after 3 months (social presence: –8.2 days; service team: –9.8 days; internet as usual: –4.2 days). The participants in the service team group (P=.01, d=.60) reported significantly fewer cannabis-use days than those in the internet as usual group; the reduction of cannabis use in the social presence group was not significant (P=.07, d=.40). There was no significant difference between the 2 intervention groups regarding cannabis-use reduction. The service team group also exhibited superior improvements in cannabis-use disorder, cannabis-dependence severity, and general anxiety symptoms after 3 months to those in the internet as usual group.

Conclusions

The adherence-focused guidance enhancement internet-based self-help intervention with an impersonal service team significantly reduced cannabis use, cannabis-use disorder, dependence severity, and general anxiety symptoms.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN11086185; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11086185
Patients’ Experiences of a Nurse-Led, Home-Based Heart Failure Self-management Program: Findings From a Qualitative Process Evaluation
Authors: Jiang Ying , Koh Karen Wei Ling , Ramachandran Hadassah Joann , Tay Yee Kian , Wu Vivien Xi , Shorey Shefaly , Wang Wenru
Published: April 2021

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem that places a significant disease burden on society. Self-care is important in the management of HF because it averts disease progression and reduces the number of hospitalizations. Effective nursing interventions promote HF self-care.

Objective

This study aims to explore participants’ perspectives on a nurse-led, home-based heart failure self-management program (HOM-HEMP) in a randomized controlled trial conducted in Singapore to gain insight into the effectiveness of the study intervention.

Methods

A descriptive, qualitative approach was used. English- or Chinese-speaking participants from the intervention arms were recruited through a purposive sampling method from January 2019 to July 2019. Individual, face-to-face, semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 participants. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, with the participant identifiers omitted to ensure confidentiality. The thematic analysis approach was used to identify, analyze, and report patterns (themes) within the data.

Results

A total of six themes emerged from the process evaluation interviews and were categorized according to the Donabedian structure-process-outcome framework as intervention structure, intervention process, and intervention outcome. These six themes were manageability of the intervention, areas for improvement, benefits of visiting, personal accountability in self-care, empowered with knowledge and skills in self-care after the intervention, and increased self-efficacy in cardiac care.

Conclusions

The findings of the process evaluation provided additional information on participants’ perceptions and experiences with the HOM-HEMP intervention. Although a home visit may be perceived as resource intensive, it remains to be the preferred way of engagement for most patients. Nurses play an important role in promoting HF self-care. The process of interaction with the patient can be an important process for empowering self-care behavior changes.
Peer Review of “Mass Testing With Contact Tracing Compared to Test and Trace for the Effective Suppression of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom: Systematic Review” (Preprint)
Authors: Roy Archisman
Published: April 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

This is a peer review report.
COVID-19 and Open Notes: A New Method to Enhance Patient Safety and Trust (Preprint)
Authors: Blease Charlotte , Salmi Liz , Hägglund Maria , Wachenheim Deborah , DesRoches Catherine
Published: April 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

From April 5, 2021, as part of the 21st Century Cures Act, all providers in the United States must offer patients access to the medical information housed in their electronic records. Via secure health portals, patients can log in to access lab and test results, lists of prescribed medications, referral appointments, and the narrative reports written by clinicians (so-called open notes). As US providers implement this practice innovation, we describe six promising ways in which patients' access to their notes might help address problems that either emerged with or were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Circuito Sultan Yaccoub (Líbano) - São Bernardo do Campo (Brasil): Fluxos de uma comunidade muçulmana transnacional
Authors: Da Cruz Rodrigo Ayupe
Published: April 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a dinâmica das conexões transnacionais entre o vilarejo libanês de Sultan Yaccoub, localizado no Vale do Bekaa, e a comunidade de imigrantes e descendentes estabelecidos em São Bernardo do Campo – SP, cidade que atrai grande parte desses libaneses. A pesquisa foi realizada no ano de 2016 (Sultan Yaccoub) e em 2019 (São Bernardo), a partir do trabalho de campo in loco e da metodologia da História Oral. O resultado desse estudo afirma que essas conexões transnacionais configuram um tipo de circuito imigratório que é sustentado por meio de fluxos humanos, fluxos econômicos e fluxos culturais que se articulam e se movimentam constantemente nas duas direções (Líbano e Brasil) e contribuem para a manutenção de uma comunidade muçulmana transnacional formada por esses imigrantes e descendentes.
Sírios em São Paulo: trabalho, economia e identidade étnica
Authors: Martinez Serrano Pucci Fabio , Mario Serra Truzzi Oswaldo
Published: April 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo estudar a centralidade do trabalho para os sírios em situação de refúgio em São Paulo. Utilizou-se o método qualitativo, sendo entrevistados tanto sírios, quanto membros da comunidade sírio-libanesa e profissionais de organizações não-governamentais (ONGs). Os resultados indicam que há a recriação de uma identidade étnica (já presente na imigração histórica de sírios e libaneses para o Brasil) – que enaltece a ascensão social pelo seu trabalho e talento para o comércio.
Imigração árabe no Rio de Janeiro: um estudo de caso da Hospedaria de Imigrantes da Ilha das Flores (1883-1929)
Authors: Reznik Luís , Carvalho Carolina da Costa de
Published: April 2021

A proposta desse artigo é abordar a presença árabe no Rio de Janeiro a partir da experiência da Hospedaria de Imigrantes da Ilha das Flores, primeira hospedaria de imigrantes fundada pelo governo brasileiro com o objetivo de receber, acolher e encaminhar imigrantes que chegavam ao Brasil pelo porto do Rio de Janeiro. Através das estatísticas da imigração presentes nos livros de registro de imigrantes da Ilha das Flores e dos relatórios do Ministério da Agricultura, pretende-se refletir sobre as particularidades da imigração árabe no Rio de Janeiro.
Diasporic Palestinian Communities in Brazil and Hierarchies of Belonging
Authors: Munem Bahia M. , Hamid Sônia Cristina
Published: April 2021

In this article, we examine the historical migration of Palestinians to Brazil, while also exploring the resettlement of a group of just over 100 Palestinian refugees in the country. We seek to focus on this group to attend to specificities in the migratory designations of immigrant and refugee and the complex ways these are activated, their gendered-class formation and distinctions, and important nuances in the overarching category “Arab” (or “turco” or “Sírio-Libanês”) in which differences are subsumed and particularities flattened. Neste artigo, examinamos a histórica migração de palestinos para o Brasil e exploramos o reassentamento de um grupo de pouco mais de 100 refugiados palestinos no país. Focamos nestes grupos com o intuito de entender as especificidades das designações migratórias de imigrantes e refugiados e o modo como são acionadas; suas formações e distinções de classe e gênero; e as nuances existentes na abrangente categoria “árabe” (“turco” ou “sírio-libanês”), a partir da qual as diferenças e particularidades dos grupos não são consideradas.
Processos de aprendizagem informal da identidade libanesa em Foz do Iguaçu
Authors: Cardozo Poliana
Published: April 2021

A identidade libanesa pensada pelo processo de ensinar e aprender informalmente é o norte deste texto com foco no processo informal de educação na constituição do ser libanês fora do Líbano. O objetivo foi alcançado com a análise de 32 entrevistas realizadas com libaneses à luz de autores que tratam da identidade migrante e educação informal. Os resultados refletem o cotidiano vivido ligado ao país de origem, gerando identidades plurais.
Os desvios da memória: os relatos sobre a ocupação das terras do Imbé, Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ (1963)
Authors: Santos Leonardo Soares
Published: April 2021

A ocupação do Imbé efetivada em 3 de abril de 1963 acabou inesperadamente se tornando um marco na luta pela terra. Ela foi uma das primeiras ações de ocupação de terras, pois na data referida um grupo de lavradores ocupou a localidade chamada Segundo Norte do Imbé, no município de Campos. Uma das principais fontes para o estudo de tal ocupação, além dos jornais de época e relatórios policiais, foi o conjunto de memórias do militante comunista José Pureza, que teve participação destacada nesse evento. Seus relatos são certamente uma excelente fonte de informações, porém, como todo relato, ele contem lacunas e imprecisões, o que exige a sua confrontação com outros relatos, versões e memórias. O exame de outras memórisa sobre os fatos relativos ao Imbé é o tema principal desse artigo.
A imigração árabe no Brasil: balanço da produção acadêmica (1970-2020)
Authors: Osman Samira Adel
Published: April 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar e analisar preliminarmente a produção acadêmica brasileira sobre a imigração árabe para o Brasil, a partir das primeiras dissertações e teses até os trabalhos mais recentes, com a intenção de realizar um balanço historiográfico dessa produção e suas contribuições para o estudo da imigração, de modo geral, e da imigração árabe, de modo particular.
Letramento(s) histórico(s): Uma proposta plural para o ensino e a aprendizagem de História
Authors: Bastos Rocha Helenice Aparecida
Published: April 2021

O artigo aborda os termos letramento e letramento histórico, registrando que sua acepção está  em construção e sujeita a disputas. Demonstra que há, ao menos duas tendências predominantes em sua compreensão e defende uma proposta pluralista de letramento histórico, em que o mesmo ocorre na relação com diferentes instâncias sociais, culturas escritas e históricas. Nessa proposta, defende o investimento em letramentos históricos sustentados em diferentes eixos e dimensões, oportunizando uma formação histórica ampla aos alunos da escola brasileira.
A estrada perdida: as transformações na Amazônia setentrional provocadas pela construção inacabada da rodovia Perimetral Norte.
Authors: Ribeiro da Costa Paulo Nilber , Martins deSouza César
Published: April 2021

Resumo:O presente artigo busca compreender o processo de construção da Rodovia BR-210 mais conhecida como Perimetral Norte, que nunca foi concluída. A análise de jornais e de decretos evidencia que os grandes projetos da ditadura para a Amazônia, planejados sob a lógica desenvolvimentista da década de 1970, nos governos dos generais-presidentes Emílio Garrastazu Médici (1969-1974) e Ernesto Geisel (1974-1979) como a rodovia Perimetral Norte, pensavam o progresso como algo advindo de fora da região. Ao analisarmos as fontes e a historiografia, podemos perceber que a construção contribui para entendermos aspectos importantes das políticas adotadas durante os governos dos generais para a região amazônica. Palavras-chave: Integração; colonização; ditadura militar; Perimetral Norte. Abstract:This article seeks to understand the construction process of the BR-210 Highway, better known as Perimetral Norte, which was never completed. The analysis of newspapers and decrees shows that the great projects of the dictatorship for the Amazon, planned under the developmentalist logic of the 1970s, under the governments of general presidents Emílio Garrastazu Médici (1969-1974) and Ernesto Geisel (1974-1979) like the Perimetral Norte highway, they thought of progress as coming from outside the region. When analyzing the sources and the historiography, we can see that the construction contributes to understanding important aspects of the policies adopted during the governments of generals to the Amazon region.Keywords: Integration; colonization; military governments; Perimetral Norte.
Apresentação do Dossiê "Imigração do Oriente Médio para o Brasil: história, cultura e sociedade"
Authors: Meihy Murilo Bon , Osman Samira Adel
Published: April 2021

Desde a chegada das primeiras levas imigratórias provenientes do Oriente Médio ao final do século XIX, o fluxo de imigrantes de origem árabe manteve-se, em maior ou menor intensidade, ao longo do século XX em decorrência de conflitos mundiais, regionais e locais, com destaque para a Guerra Civil do Líbano (1975-1990) e a Questão da Palestina em decorrência da Nakba de 1948. As primeiras décadas do século XXI também fizeram chegar ao país as populações oriundas de cenários mais recentes da crise humanitária, deflagrada com a Guerra Civil da Síria em curso desde 2011. Nessa perspectiva, a proposta deste dossiê foi, desde o princípio, congregar a nova produção acadêmica voltada ao estudo das diferentes migrações entre a região do Oriente Médio e o Brasil, desde uma perspectiva histórica que considerasse o início desse fluxo em meados do século XIX, até a chegada de populações solicitantes da condição de exílio e de refúgio na atualidade. Novas definições (diáspora, refúgio) juntam-se aos termos consolidados (imigrantes, retornados) em estudos dessa natureza, enquanto adaptação, contribuição e inserção dessa população no cenário nacional vão sendo colocadas em xeque com o debate sobre as questões identitárias e de pertencimento.
KONFLIK PEMBIAYAAN MUDHARABAH PADA PT.BPRS HIKMAH WAKILAH DENGAN NASABAH DI KOTA BANDA ACEH (ANALISIS PENYEBAB DAN MEKANISME PENYELESAIAN)
Authors: Riska Mona , Yusuf Muhammad Yasir , Furqani Hafas
Published: April 2021

PT.BPRS Hikmah Wakilah merupakan salah satu lembaga keuangan yang mengeluarkan produk berbasis bagi hasil berdasarkan akad mudharabah dan akad musyarakah. Mudharabah dan musyarakah merupakan akad yang tidak tetap akan keuntungan yang diperoleh bank syariah, sehingga dalam implementasinya masih tergolong lemah dibandingkan dengan akad komersial seperti murabahah, istishna, dan lain-lain. Penyebab rendahnya akad berbagi hasil ini disebabkan resiko yang tinggi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif analisis dengan sumber data diperoleh dari kajian kepustkaan dan kajian kepustakaan. Penelitian ini akan menyampaikan tentang penerapan, faktor-faktor konflik pembiayaan serta mekanisme penyelesaian terkait pembiayaan mudharabah. metode penelitian kepusatakaan ( library research) dan penelitian lapangan ( field reseacrch). Analisis data merupakan proses pengorganisasian dan mengurutkan data ke dalam pola, kategori dalam suatu uraian dasar yang ke semua itu bertujuan untuk menemukan suatu jawaban sebagai tujuan dari penelitian ini. Berdasarkan pembahasan latar belakang masalah, maka penulis memberikan beberapa kesimpulan yaitu: Pembiayaan mudharabah terkenal dengan resiko yang tinggi, terjadi antara bank syariah/shahibul maal dan nasabah/mudharib. Mengingat resiko pada pembiayaan mudharabah yang tinggi, maka terdapat beberapa mekanisme pengendalian yang dilakukan oleh PT,BPRS Hikmah Wakilan, antaranya: dengan mengacu kepada Peraturan Mentri Koperasi Usaha Kecil dan Menengah No. 33 Tahun 2007.
Sommetider hjælper et lille skub
Authors: Refn Annette
Published: April 2021

Corona: Fra sparsomt fremmøde på DTU Bibliotek til befolkede online-kurser
TEMA: Klædt på til kildekritik
Authors: Kjær Jan
Published: April 2021

Interviews med Rasmus Flarup, Hanne Tingleff, Jane Flarup, Karin B. Englev og Finn Rasmussen.
Fri adgang til seks millioner digitaliserede avissider
Authors: Ravden Nicola , Ahrenfeldt Louise , Bønding Niels , Laursen Ditte
Published: April 2021

Aftale om åben online adgang til blandt såkaldte ejerløse aviser, der ikke længere udkommer.
Corona forstærker uligheden på ungdomsuddannelserne
Authors: Segel Tine , Hansen Marianne Bech
Published: April 2021

Gennem det sidste år med nedlukning af de fysiske biblioteker er det blevet tydeligt, hvilken vigtig rolle biblioteksfunktionen spiller for elever og studerende på landets uddannelser.
Oman’s Islamic Banking Performance amidst Covid-19 Outbreak: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Mihajat Muhammad Iman Sastra
Published: April 2021

Covid-19 pandemic forced Islamic banking in Oman to slow down and to change strategies adapting to the current situation. The Covid-19 outbreak has raised various challenges for Islamic banking. In order to maintain the sustainable growth of the industry, stakeholders of Islamic banking should strive collectively to solve these challenges. Nevertheless, Islamic banking was able to maintain and manage capital and liquidity buffers. The growth for 2021 is expected to remain stable for at least a single-digit growth. However, there would be asset-quality and profitability pressure for Islamic banks within the Sultanate of Oman. This paper highlights the performance of Islamic banking in Oman amid the Covid-19 outbreak. This paper demonstrates that the industry merely recorded a single-digit growth compared to the last seven years at double-digit growth due to the pandemic. The paper further delineates on the prospects and challenges of Islamic Banks Entities (IBEs). It also suggests some practical solutions for survival. This paper contributes to providing an alluded picture of the current conditions and situation of Islamic banks in Oman as well as insights to deal with the challenges to enhancing the banking performances during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Retos y desafíos de la educación mediada por TIC en tiempos de COVID-19
Authors: Torres Moreno Jairo Ordilio
Published: April 2021

El presente trabajo está orientado a estudiar los efectos ocasionados por la emergencia del Covid-19, en las Instituciones de Educación Superior y destacar la importancia del uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones - TIC - tanto en el campo de la educación, como para las diferentes actividades, administrativas, empresariales y sociales. El estudio resalta que, a pesar de la contribución que las TIC pueden hacer para el desarrollo económico y social y ambiental, todavía se tienen grandes brechas en el país en conectividad, uso y apropiación de las tecnologías de información y las comunicaciones, especialmente, en el ámbito de la educación.
Delayed impulive SDEs driven by multiplicative fBm noise and additive fBm noise
Authors: Zhou Xia , Zhou Dongpeng , Liu Xiu , Cao Jinde , Xue Changfeng
Published: April 2021

The stability and boundedness for delayed impulsive SDEs driven by fBm
are studied in this paper. Two kinds of noises, i.e, additive fBm noise
and mul-tiplicative fBm noise are both taken into consideration. By
using stochastic Lyapunov technique and impulsive control theory,
sufficient criteria for pth moment exponential stability and mean square
ultimate boundedness are derived, for two kinds of fBm driven delayed
impulsive SDEs, respectively. As application, the obtained results are
used to do practical synchronization w.r.t. a class of chaotic systems,
in which the response system is perturbed by additive fBm noises.
Finally, A Chua chaotic oscillator is given to verify the validity and
applicability of the derived results.
k-Generalized Ψ-Hilfer differential equations in Banach spaces
Authors: Abdelkrim Salim , Benchohra Mouffak , Lazreg Jamal , NGuerekata Gaston
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we prove some existence and Ulam-Hyers-Rassias stability
results for a class of initial value problem for implicit nonlinear
fractional differential equations and generalized Ψ-Hilfer fractional
derivative in Banach spaces. The results are based on fixed point
theorems of Darbo and Monch associated with the technique of measure of
noncompactness. Illustrative examples are the subject of the last
section.
An Examination of the factors which may affect the duration of admission to the hospital of panic diagnosed patients during and pre-COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: ISSIN gizem , Gamsizkan Mehmet , Tural Ersin , Cagatay Diren , Çimen Ferda Keskin
Published: April 2021

Background: The present study aimed to determine the duration of
hospital admission of the panic diagnosed patients, examine the factors
that may influence hospital admission time, and identify the impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admission time. Materials and methods:
In this study, the panic diagnosed patients between January 2018 and
January 2021 were determined. These patients’ demographic, clinical, and
panic diagnosis form data were documented. The duration of hospital
admission of patients during and pre-COVID-19 pandemic period was
determined. Results: There were 65 panic diagnosed cases, of which one
One patient had leukocytoclastic vasculitis, 10 patients had uterine
contents without villi or trophoblasts, and 54 patients had unexpected
malignancy. The mean time of admission to the hospital of verbally
informed and not verbally informed cases were five days and 156 days,
respectively in the pre-COVID group. All cases in the COVID pandemic
group were verbally informed about panic diagnosis by phone call. The
mean time (day) of admission to the hospital was 18.3 days (1-40).
Admission times were on mean about 13.3 days longer in verbally informed
cases in the COVID pandemic group compared to verbally informed cases in
the pre-COVID group. Conclusion: We determined a dramatic decrease in
the number of panic diagnosed cases during the COVID pandemic and
patients who are verbally informed admitted to the hospital in a shorter
time. Integrations of hospital panic diagnosis notification systems to
health application programs and primary responsible family physician’s
systems may be useful for preventing unwanted delays.
Biological treatment provides disease-modifying immunological effects
Authors: Shamji Mohamed , Palmer Elizabeth , Layhadi Janice , Moraes Theo , Eiwegger Thomas
Published: April 2021

Advances in molecular biology alongside the accelerated development of
gene and cell engineering have contributed to the development of several
endotype-targeted biological therapies against chronic immune-mediated
allergic diseases. Conventional therapies for asthma, chronic
rhinosinusitis with polyposis (CRSwNP), chronic spontaneous urticaria
and atopic dermatitis (AD) are not without limitations, and as such the
advent of biological therapies have provided a promising alternative
treatment option. Biologicals have proven efficacious in the treatment
of refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria, asthma, AD, CRSwNP and
there is increasing evidence for their utility in treating food allergy.
Biologicals are applied and investigated for the most urgent need: acute
treatment, symptom control and reduction of steroid usage. Currently
there are five approved biologicals for allergic disease management,
targeted against IgE (omalizumab), type 2 (T2) cytokines and cytokine
receptors (IL-4Ra; dupilumab, IL-5; mepolizumab/reslizumab, IL-5Ra;
benralizumab).
Measurement of the interbronchial angle in acute viral bronchiolitis
Authors: Biondo Gabriela , Amantéa Sérgio , Lorentz Bruna , Flores José , Santana João Carlos
Published: April 2021

Acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) is the most common infection of the
lower airways in children under 2 years of age. Attempts to determine
the severity of the disease based on clinical and radiological
manifestations are a major challenge. Measurements of the anatomy of the
trachea, main bronchi and bronchioles are not limited to pure
anthropometry, but are also useful for better knowledge and
applicability in pulmonary physiology, thoracic surgery, anesthesiology
and in the care of critically ill patients. This is a cross-sectional,
retrospective study, which included all patients admitted to a tertiary
hospital in the city of Porto Alegre, over a period of one year, with a
diagnosis of AVB. The interbronchial angle (ITB) of these patients was
measured and clinical and epidemiological characteristics were analyzed.
A total of 425 patients were included, diagnosed with BVA by respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) confirmed by immunofluorescence. Most of these
patients were male (59.5%) and the median age was 130 days, 91.11% of
them required oxygen therapy through a nasal catheter, 3.3% used
non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and 4% mechanical ventilation (MV) .
Among the studied patients, we obtained only one death (0.2%). Those
who required MV or NIV and support in an intensive care unit were
considered serious. The mean ITB was lower for these patients than for
less severe ones. It is concluded that the ABI has a correlation with
the prognosis of patients with AVB and, after further studies, can be
used as a severity score.
Origin and dispersion pathways of guava in the Galapagos Islands inferred through genetics and historical records
Authors: Urquia Diego , Gutierrez Bernardo , Pozo Gabriela , Pozo Maria , Torres Maria
Published: April 2021

Guava (Psidium guajava) is one of the most aggressive invasive plants in
the Galapagos Islands. Determining its provenance and genetic diversity
could provide valuable information for its control. With this purpose,
we analyzed 11 SSR markers in guava individuals collected from Isabela,
Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Floreana islands in the Galapagos, as well
as from mainland Ecuador. The mainland guava population appeared
genetically differentiated from the Galapagos populations, with higher
genetic diversity levels found in the former. By using different
approaches for data analysis, we consistently found that the Central
Highlands region of mainland Ecuador is one of the most likely origins
of the Galapagos populations. Moreover, the guavas from Isabela and
Floreana show a potential genetic input from southern mainland Ecuador,
while the population from San Cristobal would be linked to the coastal
mainland regions. Interestingly, the proposed origins for the Galapagos
guava coincide with the first human settlings of the archipelago. By
employing Approximate Bayesian Computation, we propose a model where San
Cristobal was the first island to be colonized by guava from the
mainland, from which it would have spread to Floreana and finally to
Santa Cruz; Isabela would have been seeded from Floreana. An independent
trajectory could also have contributed in the invasion of Floreana and
Isabela. The pathway shown in our model agrees with the human
colonization history of the different islands in the Galapagos. Our
model, in conjunction with the clustering patterns of the guava
individuals (based on genetic distances), suggests that guava
introduction history in the Galapagos archipelago was driven
predominantly by a single event (or events in rapid succession) instead
of several independent introductions. We thus show that genetic analyses
supported by historical sources can be used to answer questions on the
variability and history of guava in the Galapagos Islands.
Biological and small molecule strategies in migraine therapy with relation to the CGRP family of peptides.
Authors: EDITOR) Lars Edvinsson (GUEST , Edvinsson Jacob , Haanes Kristian Agmund
Published: April 2021

Migraine is one of the most common of neurological disorders with a
global prevalence of up to 15%. One in five migraineurs have frequent
episodic or chronic migraine requiring prophylactic treatment. In recent
years, specific pharmaceutical treatments targeting calcitonin
gene-related peptide (CGRP) signalling molecules have provided safe and
effective treatments; monoclonal antibodies for prophylaxis and gepants
for acute therapy. Albeit the beneficious impact of these new drugs, it
is important to understand the molecular mechanisms involved to better
understand migraine pathophysiology and improve the therapy. Here we
describe current views on the role of the CGRP family of peptides CGRP,
calcitonin (CT), adrenomedullin (AM), amylin (AMY) and their receptors
in the trigeminovascular system (TGV). All these molecules are present
within the TGV system but differ in expression and localization. It is
likely that they have different roles, which can be utilized in
providing additional drug targets.
How we approach localized vascular anomalies
Authors: Pahl Kristy , Pabon-Ramos Waleska , Jeng Michael
Published: April 2021

Vascular anomalies are a group of disorders divided into two distinct
subtypes: vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Vascular tumors
are proliferative in nature, while malformations are non-proliferative.
Simple, localized vascular malformations refer to a group of
malformations that are localized to a single area of involvement. These
simple malformations include capillary, lymphatic, venous, and
arteriovenous malformations. The pediatric hematologist and oncologist
is becoming increasingly involved in the diagnosis and management of
these disorders. This review presents four cases as a means to discuss
the diagnosis, clinical and imaging features, and management strategies
of simple, localized vascular malformations.
On solutions of PDEs by using algebras
Authors: LÓPEZ-GONZÁLEZ ELIFALET
Published: April 2021

The components of complex differentiable functions define solutions for
the Laplace’s equation. In this paper we generalize this result; for
each PDE of the form $Au_{xx}+Bu_{xy}+Cu_{yy}=0$ we give an
affine planar vector field $\varphi$ and an associative
and commutative 2D algebra with unit $\mathbb A$, with
respect to which the components of all functions of the form
$\mathcal L\circ\varphi$
define solutions for this PDE, where $\mathcal L$ is
differentiable in the sense of Lorch with respect to
$\mathbb A$. In the same way, for each PDE of the form
$Au_{xx}+Bu_{xy}+Cu_{yy}+Du_x+Eu_y+Fu=0$, the components of
the exponential function $e^{\varphi}$ defined
with respect to $\mathbb A$, define solutions for this
PDE. In the case of PDEs of the form
$Au_{xx}+Bu_{xy}+Cu_{yy}+Fu=0$, sine, cosine, hyperbolic
sine, and hyperbolic cosine functions can be used instead of the
exponential function. Also, solutions for two dependent variables
$3^{\text{th}}$ order PDEs and a
$4^{\text{th}}$ order PDE are constructed.
Ticagrelor Use and Practice Pattern among Canadian Cardiac Surgeons
Authors: Makhdoum Ahmed , Verma Subodh , Yanagawa Bobby , Dhingra Nitish , Eikelboom Rachel , Vo Thin , Bierer Joel , Luc Jessica , Dagher Olina , Cartier Andreanne , vaillancourt olivier , Forgie Kier , Bisleri Gianluigi , Yau Terrence
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: The P2Y12 platelet receptor inhibitor ticagrelor is
widely used in patients following acute coronary syndromes or in those
who have received coronary stents. Bentracimab is a monoclonal
antibody-based reversal agent that is being formally evaluated in a
Phase 3 clinical trial. Here, we probe the knowledge, attitudes, and
practice patterns of cardiac surgeons regarding their perioperative
management of ticagrelor and potential application of a ticagrelor
reversal agent. Methods: A questionnaire was developed by a working
group of cardiac surgeons to inquire into participants’ practices and
beliefs regarding ticagrelor and disseminated to practicing Canadian
cardiac surgeons. Results: A total of 70 Canadian cardiac surgeons
participated. Bleeding risk was identified as the most significant
consideration when surgically revascularizing ticagrelor-treated
patients (90%). There is variability in the duration of withholding
ticagrelor prior to coronary artery bypass graft procedure in a stable
patient; 44.3% wait 3 days and 32.9% wait 4 days or longer. Currently,
14.3% of cardiac surgeons prophylactically give platelet transfusions
and/or fresh frozen plasma intraoperatively following protamine infusion
in patients who have recently received ticagrelor. Interestingly, 47.1%
of surveyed surgeons were aware of a reversal agent for ticagrelor,
91.4% of cardiac surgeons would consider utilizing a ticagrelor
reversal agent if available, and 51.4% acknowledged that the
introduction of such an agent would be a major advance in clinical
practice. Conclusions: The present survey identified ticagrelor-related
bleeding as a major concern for cardiac surgeons. Surgeons recognized
the significant unmet need that a ticagrelor reversal agent would
address.
Measurable residual disease in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with non-MRD based protocol, what we are missing, experience from tertiary care centre in central India
Authors: Dwivedi Pankaj , Deshpande Kishor , Kapse Atul , Manvani Nitin , Dhole Nilesh , Pathak Anand
Published: April 2021

Age, presenting total leukocyte counts, steroid response and
cytogenetics are known prognostic markers for acute lymphoblastic
leukemia (ALL). Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) (or minimal residual
disease) after induction chemotherapy is well accepted prognostic
markers in childhood leukemia. In resource constrained countries
evaluation of MRD either not widely available or increases the cost of
treatment. We retrospectively analyzed data of patients, treated with
non-MRD based protocol, to see correlation of known risk factors and
risk groups with end of induction MRD. Children with acute lymphoblastic
leukemia treated with IC-BFM 2002 (Non-MRD based protocol) and end of
the induction MRD was done. Day15 bone marrow morphology and risk groups
were significantly associated with MRD level. All standard risk patients
except one had MRD negative. Significant number of intermediate risk
group and high risk group had positive MRD. In resource constrained
settings, MRD can be avoided in standard risk, but cannot be avoided in
higher risk group for optimization of therapy.
Mathematical modelling of dynamic characteristics of repair process for system operating under maintenance contracts
Authors: Kontrec Nataša , Vujaković Jelena , Tošić Marina , Panić Stefan , Panić Biljana
Published: April 2021

Repair rate is very important parameter in a system maintainability and
it can be defined as frequency of the successfully performed repair
actions on failed component per unit of time. This paper analyses the
integral characteristics of a stochastic repair rate for corresponding
values of availability in the system operating under maintenance
contracts. The equation for the envelope line of the probability density
function (PDF) maximums of the repair rate has been provided. This new
expression can be used for planning of base stock levels and capacities
of repair facilities. Namely, in that way instead of repair rate PDF
equation, for some calculations we can use envelope line parameters,
which are expressed in simpler mathematical form, to reduce the time
required for calculations and prediction and enhance reactions in
failure events. For analytical and numerical evaluation of system
performance, the annual repair rate PDFs are analyzed like particular
solutions of corresponding differential equation, while the existence of
singular solution is considered and analyzed under different conditions.
Moreover, we have derived optimal values of availability for which the
PDF maximums have been obtained. Finally, in order to generalize
behavior of the repair process, a partial differential equation, as a
function of the repair rate process and availability parameter, has been
formed.
Paradigm shift in acute dizziness: is caloric testing obsolete?
Authors: Morrison Miranda , Korda Athanasia , Zamaro Ewa , Wagner Franca , Caversaccio Marco , Sauter Thomas , Kalla Roger , Mantokoudis Georgios
Published: April 2021

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of Caloric
Testing and video Head Impulse Testing (vHIT) in differentiating between
vestibular neuritis and strokes in acute dizziness. Design: Prospective
cross-sectional study. Setting: Emergency department of a tertiary
referral center. Participants: 1677 adult patients were screened between
2015 and 2020 for AVS, of which 152 met the inclusion criteria.
Inclusion criteria consisted of a state of continuous dizziness,
associated with nausea or vomiting, head-motion intolerance, new gait or
balance disturbance and nystagmus. Patients were excluded if symptoms
lasted <24 hours or if the index ED visit was >72
hours after symptom onset. Eighty-five patients completed testing of
which 58 were vestibular neuritis and 27 strokes. Main outcome measures:
All patients underwent calorics and vHIT followed by a delayed MRI (gold
standard for vestibular stroke confirmation). Results: The
sensitivity/specificity for detecting stroke (caloric asymmetry cut-off
of 30.9%) was 75% and 86.8% respectively (Negative likelihood ratio
(NLR) 0.29) compared to 91.7% and 88.7% for vHIT (NLR 0.094). Best VOR
gain cut-off was 0.685. Twenty-five percent of vestibular strokes were
misclassified by calorics, 8% by vHIT. Conclusions: Caloric testing
demonstrated lower accuracy than vHIT in discriminating stroke from
vestibular neuritis in acute dizziness. Asymmetric caloric responses can
also occur with vestibular strokes and might put the patient at risk for
misdiagnosis. We therefore recommend replacing calorics with vHIT in the
acute setting. Caloric testing has still its place as a diagnostic tool
in an outpatient setting.
Left atrial localized low-voltage areas indicate whole left atrial electrophysiological degeneration in atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Kurata Naoya , Masuda Masaharu , Kanda Takashi , Asai Mitsutoshi , Iida Osamu , Okamoto Shin , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Tsujimura Takuya , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Hata Yosuke , Uematsu Hiroyuki , Mano Toshiaki
Published: April 2021

Background: The efficacy of ablation targeting low-voltage areas (LVAs)
is controversial, although LVA presence is well known to be associated
with AF recurrence after ablation. Atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate
may not localize within LVAs. Methods and results: This observational
study enrolled 405 consecutive patients who underwent an initial AF
ablation procedure. The left atrial voltage map was obtained after
pulmonary vein isolation. LVAs were defined as areas with voltage
< 0.5 mV. To estimate whole atrial electrophysiological
degeneration, mean regional voltage at each of 6 regions and left atrial
total conduction velocity were measured. LVAs existed in 143 of 405
(35.3%) patients. Patients with LVAs demonstrated lower mean regional
voltages throughout all 6 regions than those without LVAs (1.3 [1.8,
0.8] vs. 0.6 [1.0, 0.2] for anterior wall, p<0.001). On
the other hand, left atrial conduction velocity was lower in patients
with LVAs than in those without (0.89 [1.01, 0.74] vs. 0.93 [1.03,
0.87] m/s, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that low
left atrial total conduction velocity and a higher number of regions
with mean voltage reduction were independently associated with AF
recurrence, although LVA presence was not. Conclusion: Patients with
localized left atrial LVAs were characterized by whole left atrial
electrophysiological degeneration as assessed by mean regional voltage
and conduction velocity. In addition, whole left atrial
electrophysiological degeneration parameters were well associated with
AF recurrence.
Aortic arch aneurysm: 10 years’ experience
Authors: Gocol Radoslaw , Bis Jaroslaw , Piekarska Magdalena , Hudziak Damian , Morkisz Łukasz , Deja Marek
Published: April 2021

Background Open aortic arch surgery is a complex cardiac surgical
procedure. Aims We have reviewed the 10-year outcomes of elective
surgery for aortic arch aneurysm in the Cardiac Surgery Department,
Upper-Silesian Medical Center of the Medical University of Silesia.
Methods The analysis includes all patients who underwent elective aortic
arch surgery at our institution from January 2010 to December 2020. To
assess the impact of the surgical learning curve the study population
was divided into group A consisting of patients operated during the
first 5 years, and group B, including patients operated during the
subsequent 5 years. Both groups were compared with regard to baseline
characteristics, scope of the surgery, operative and postoperative data
as well as morbidity and mortality. Results Eighty-six elective aortic
arch surgeries were performed during the analyzed period, including 25
patients (29%) in group A and 61 patients in group B (71%). The
hemiarch procedure was more frequently performed in group A (17
patients, 68%) in comparison to group B (21 patients, 34%) (P=0.008).
More procedures on the descending aorta were performed in group B (27
patients, 44%) than in group A (6 patients, 24%) (P=0.09). Stroke was
recorded in 6 patients (20%) from group A and 5 patients (8.2%) from
group B (P=0.002). Five-year survival was 60±9.8% for group A, and
81±6.2% for group B (log-rank test, P=0.003). Conclusions After
completion of the learning curve, open aortic arch surgery is associated
with acceptable early mortality, low incidence of stroke, and high
5-year survival rate.
Brief modeling equation for metal-oxide; TGS type gas sensors
Authors: Moshayedi Ata , Kazemi Ensieh , Tabatabaei Mohammad , Liao Liefa
Published: April 2021

The main aim of this research is to propose a mathematical equation in order
to reduce the model parameters based on temperature, humidity and gas
density variation in metal-oxide semi-conductive sensors. Also the Arduino
based Designed E-nose with the capability to change the temperature and
humidity is used to obtain the real sensor?s response in various conditions.
The sampling procedure consists of three sectors: fixed temperature and
fixed humidity, variable temperature and fixed humidity, fixed temperature
and variable humidity, which are stored in Excel software and analyzed with
MATLAB. The output response is based on combination of First-Order Plus Dead
Time (FOPDT) which has the Minimum Parameters system (MPS) to investigate
the behavior of the sensors. Finally, after evaluating the models with the
real sensor response and bi-sentence exponentials, it is suggested that the
MPS model introduces fewer and simpler parameters, which helps to simulate
the sensor?s behavior more accurately and consequently in order to draw a
better short response.
Overexpression of Nrf2 in Renal Proximal Tubular Cells Stimulates Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Expression and Exacerbates Dysglycemia and Kidney Injury in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Zhao Shuiling , Lo Chao-Sheng , Miyata Kana N. , Ghosh Anindya , Zhao Xinping , Chenier Isabelle , Cailhier Jean-Francois , Ethier Jean , Lattouf Jean-Baptiste , Filep Janos G. , Ingelfinger Julie R. , Zhang Shao-Ling , Chan John S.D.
Published: April 2021

We
investigated the impact of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) overexpression
in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs) on blood glucose, kidney injury and
sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (Sglt2) expression in diabetic Akita Nrf2-/-/Nrf2RPTC
transgenic (Tg) mice. Immortalized human RPTCs (HK2) stably transfected with plasmid
containing the SGLT2 promoter, human kidneys
from patients with diabetes were also studied. Nrf2 overexpression was
associated with increased blood
glucose, glomerular filtration rate, urinary albumin-creatinine ratio, tubulointerstitial
fibrosis and Sglt2 expression in Akita Nrf2-/-/Nrf2RPTC Tg mice compared to their Akita Nrf2-/- littermates. In vitro, oltipraz or transfection of NRF2 cDNA stimulated SGLT2 expression
and SGLT2 promoter activity in HK2, and
these effects were inhibited by trigonelline or NRF2 small interfering RNA. The deletion of the NRF2-responsive
element (NRF2-RE) in the SGLT2 promoter
abolished the stimulatory effect of oltipraz on SGLT2 promoter activity. NRF2 binding to the NRF2-RE
of the SGLT2 promoter was confirmed by
gel mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Kidneys from patients with diabetes exhibited
higher levels of NRF2 and SGLT2 in the RPTCs than kidneys from patients without
diabetes. These results suggest a link by which NRF2 mediates hyperglycemia-stimulation
of SGLT2 expression and exacerbates blood glucose and kidney injury in
diabetes.
Meningkatkan Aktivitas dan Hasil Belajar Laundry Melalui Pembelajaran Berbasis Project Based Learning (PJBL)
Authors: Suparni Nyoman Aris
Published: April 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: meningkatkan aktivitas dan hasil belajar laundry melalui pembelajaran berbasis project based learning (PjBL) pada siswa kelas XII Perhotelan D SMKN 3 Denpasar. Subyek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas XII Perhotelan D SMKN 3 Denpasar dengan melibatkan 35 orang siswa , terdiri dari siswa laki-laki sebanyak 20 orang dan siswa perempuan sebanyak 15 orang. Prosedur penelitian adalah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (Classroom Action Research) dengan 3 siklus. Data yang dikumpulkan dalam penelitian adalah data aktivitas dan hasil belajar siswa melalui pembelajaran berbasis project based learning (PjBL) pada siswa kelas XII Perhotelan D SMKN 3 Denpasar. Data aktivitas dan hasil belajar siswa dianalisis dengan statistik deskriptif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa aktivitas belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran laundry melalui pembelajaran berbasis project based learning (PjBL) terjadi peningkatan secara signifikan pada siklus1, siklus 2 dan siklus 3. Untuk aktivitas siswa pada siklus 1 menunjukkan bawa siswa ada pada kategori cukup aktif. Pada siklus 2 menunjukkan kategori aktif dan siklus 3 menunjukan kategori sangat aktif. Hasil belajar siswa pada pelajaran laundry melalui pembelajaran berbasis project based learning (PjBL) pada siklus 1 menunjukan bahwa ketuntasan belajar siswa sebesar 42,85%, daya serap 73,86% . Pada siklus 2 menunjukan bahwa ketuntasan belajar siswa sebesar 71,43%, daya serap 79,29% dan pada siklus 3 menunjukan bahwa ketuntasan belajar siswa sebesar 100%, daya serap 89,14%. Dari hasil penelitian tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa dengan penerapan pembelajaran berbasis Project Based Learning (PjBL) dapat meningkatkan aktivitas dan hasil belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran laundry.