bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of Brettanomyces bruxellensis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in dry and sweet wines by high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Tomašević Marina , Križanović Stela , Ježek Damir , Ćurko Natka , Lukić Katarina , Kovačević Ganić Karin
Published: October 2020

The aim of the research was to investigate a potential application of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) for reduction/elimination of Brettanomyces bruxellensis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in wines. Dry red wine was inoculated with B. bruxellensis and sweet white wine was inoculated with S. cerevisiae yeast. Both wines were treated by HHP under 100 and 200 MPa for 1, 3, 5, 15 and 25 min. The culturability was determined immediately after the treatment and again after 30, 60 and 90 days of storage. The phenolic content and chromatic characteristics were evaluated spectrophotometrically immediately after the treatment and after 90 days of storage. The culturability of B. bruxellensis was not confirmed immediately after the most invasive treatment (200 MPa for 15 and 25 min). With the same parameters, only a decrease in the culturability of S. cerevisiae was observed. During storage, opposing results were observed for two yeasts treated with 200 MPa for 15 and 25 min: there was a complete reduction of S. cerevisiae in the wine treated, but the culturability of B. bruxellensis completely recovered in all wines, implying that B. bruxellensis yeast entered a viable but not culturable (VBNC) state after HHP exposure. Regarding the chemical analyses, applied process parameters induced a slight decrease of anthocyanins in red wine, while changes of total phenolics and total colour difference value were negligible. In conclusion, HHP could potentially be successful for microbial stabilisation of sweet wines and consequently assure a lower use of sulphur dioxide, while inactivation of B. bruxellensis could only be successful in the early stages of wine contamination.
Understanding the Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Surgical Care Delivery in India: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gadgil Anita , Bhandoria Geetu , Khajanchi Monty , Sarang Bhakti , K.V Deepa , Bhandarkar Prashant , Mohan Monali , Shah Priyansh , Bains Lovenish , Rattan Amulya , Sharma Naveen , Mishra Anurag , Bavishi Devi , Hindocha Jaydip , Arora Sumit , Kant Ravi , Belekar Dnyanesh , Wadhavan Randeep , Satoskar Rajeev , Prajapati Ramlal , Shrivastava Sudhir , Kamble Prashnat , Maydeo Niranjan , Gokhale Ashish , Roy Nobhojit
Published: October 2020

Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown have adversely affected global health care services to varying extent. Emergency Services were also affected along with elective surgeries, which were deferred to accommodate the added burden of COVID 19 affected patients, on the healthcare systems. We aimed to assess the change in delivery of essential and emergency surgeries due to the pandemic. Methodology: A research consortium led by WHO Collaboration Centre (WHOCC) for Research in Surgical Care Delivery in Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMIC), India, conducted this retrospective cross-sectional study with 12 recruited centers. All surgeries performed during the months of April 2020 were compared with those performed in April 2019. These surgeries were stratified into emergency and elective, and further categorized based on NHS surgery prioritization documents. Results: A total of 4396 surgeries were performed at these centers in April 2019 and 1216 surgeries were performed in same month during 2020, yielding a fall of 72.3% (1216 /4396).We found a 54% reduction in emergency surgeries and a 91% reduction in the elective surgeries. Number of cesarean sections reduced by 29.7% and fracture surgeries declined by 85.3% Laparotomies and surgeries for local soft tissue infections with necrotic tissue reduced by 71.7% and 69.5% respectively. Conclusion: Our study quantifies the effects of COVID 19 pandemic on surgical care delivery in India and documents that the overall surgical volume reduced by three fourths in the pandemic period. Emergency surgeries reduced to half when compared with pre-pandemic period. Cesarean section surgeries were affected the least by pandemic, whereas the fracture surgeries and laparotomies were affected the most.
Fabrication of Various Plasmonic Nano-aperture Platforms with a ~10 nm Width
Authors: Choi Seong Soo , Kim Kyoung Jin , Park Myoung Jin , Bae Byung Seong , Lee Yong-Min , KIm Hyun Tae , Choi Soo Bong
Published: October 2020

We fabricated the nano-aperture plasmonic platforms for single molecule detection and other various applications such as infrared thermal emission device. The nano-apertures including the nanopores on the pyramid, and the nano-slits on the Au flat membrane were fabricated using a Ga ion focused ion beam drilling technique, followed by high energy electron beam irradiations dependent upon the electron beam current density. The nanopores with a few nanometer size and the nanoslit array with order of ~ 100 nm width were fabricated. Optical characteristics for the various nanoslits were examined dependent upon the slit opening width and sample thickness. The broad emission spectra from the (7x 7) slit array are obtained from spp-mediated emission in the visible and infrared region. A sharp strong infrared emission peak is also obtained due to Au nanoparticle. The fabricated Au platform can be utilized as single molecule sensor and infrared thermal emission device.
A Comparison Study of Photocatalytic Activity of Fe3O4/TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 on the Degradation of 2, 4-Dichlorophenol
Authors: Esmaeili Narjes , Ebrahimian Pirbazari Azadeh , Khodaee Ziba
Published: October 2020

In this work, pure TiO2 and binary nanocomposites of Fe3O4/TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 were synthesized in order to improve photocatalytic performance of these samples for degradation of 2, 4-dichlorophenol (2, 4-DCP) as an organic pollutant. A range of analytical techniques including XRD, DRS, SEM/EDX, and elemental mapping were employed to reveal the crystal structure, morphology and property of the nanocomposites. XRD data demonstrated that the prepared samples are purely in TiO2 anatase phase and cubic spinel Fe3O4 exist in the synthesized nanocomposite. We calculated the TiO2 crystal size from XRD patterns, in the range of 8.35-11.09 nm. The presence of Ag, Fe, O, and Ti atoms in the synthesized nanocomposites was confirmed by SEM/EDX. We obtained 30.43, 32.02 and 42.40 % degradation of 2, 4-DCP (100 ml 2, 4-DCP 40 ppm and 0.01 g catalyst) for pure TiO2, Fe3O4/TiO2 and Ag/TiO2, respectively, after 180 min of irradiation under visible light. Similar conditions were employed for 2, 4-DCP degradation under UV irradiation, we obtained 53.05, 51.00 and 71.50 % degradation of 2, 4-DCP pure TiO2, Fe3O4/TiO2 and Ag/TiO2, respectively. Thus, the synthesized binary nanocomposites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared to pure TiO2 under visible light.
Penerapan Sistem Evaluasi Ketrampilan Menari Berbasis IT di Sanggar Tari
Authors: Triana Dinny Devi , Juniansih Indah
Published: October 2020

Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat untuk membantu sanggar yang memiliki lebih dari 100 orang peserta didik dalam melaksanakan evaluasi keterampilan menari, sebelum diadakan ujian kenaikan tingkat. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini berupa penerapan sistem evaluasi dengan menggunakan web e-assessment yang dapat membantu instruktur dalam memantau perkembangan keterampilan menari peserta didiknya selama proses pembelajaran. Kegiatan ini melibatkan dua mitra sangar tari dengan mempertimbangkan jumlah peserta didik, prestasi yang telah diperoleh sanggar tari, kompetensi instruktur, dan kurikulum yang dimiliki sanggar. Metode penerapan pengabdian dilaksanakan dengan 6 kali pertemuan dengan materi 1) pengenalan tujuan dan manfaat menggunakan sistem evaluasi yang berbasis IT, 2) praktik penggunaan web e-assessment yang dimulai dari membuka kelas atau log in kelas, membuka kursus, membuat indikator kemampuan, mengklasifikasikan materi ke dalam tiap tingkatan, cara meng-up load materi tari yang diujikan, 3) memberikan umpan balik bagi instruktur. Hasil dari kegatan ini diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran tari di sanggar, baik instruktur maupun pimpinan sanggar dalam memonitoring keterampilan menari siswa di setiap ragam geraknya dari waktu ke waktu secara berkelanjutan, dengan mudah dan terdokumentasi.
Nata de coco, nata de soya dan nata de pina Sebagai Peluang Wirausaha Baru bagi Anak Panti Asuhan Yatim Puteri di Surakarta
Authors: Setyowati Widiastuti Agustina Eko , Mulyani Sri
Published: October 2020

IbM activities implemented is training for children in Panti Asuhan Yatim Puteri Aisyiyah Cabang Kota Barat dan Panti Asuhan Yatim Puteri Aisyiyah II Kadipiro to produce nata. The skills in producing nata are suitable for women orphanage because the methode is simple, the tools and materilas are easily obtained and can potentially be used as new enterpreneur. The methodology includes : 1) a test product manufacturing, 2) preparation of modules for training, 3) the provision of tools and training materials, 4) training in producing, harvesting and packing of nata, 5) mentoring activities of production and marketing. Results achieved from this activity are: 1) training activities to produce nata for women orphanage have been completed and get good responses from attendees, 2) trainees can produce 3 nata variant, i.e., nata de coco, nata de soya and nata de pina,3) organoleptic results include the aroma, color, flavor, texture and suppleness, it brings that overall, each variant of the nata has the same favorite level with a value of 5 (scale 7), 4) trainees has marketed its products directly and online by instagram address : @kenesnata.
Creative Thinking Skills of Students on Enviromental Pollution Theory at Muhammadiyah School
Authors: Asivah Nia Dwi Asivah , Wulandari Fitria Eka
Published: October 2020

The research aimed to reveal creative thinking skills of students on environmental pollution theory at SMP Muhammadiyah 5 Ngoro. The research method used is a quantitative description. The population used was 35 class  VIII students. The samples taken randomly in this study were 32 students who came from using counting the Slovin formula. The research instrument used was a creativity test. The test is a  data collection techniques used in this research. The results of the creativity test were analyzed using the calculation of creative thinking criteria and described into 4 criteria: very creative, creative, supportive, and less creative. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that students at SMP Muhammadiyah 5 Ngoro have creative thinking skills at a enough creative level.
Explaining the Views of Ibn Sina and Al-Ghazali on Games and Physical Exercises and their Relation to the Relationship Between Body and Soul
Authors: Heidari Samira , Vojdani Fatemeh , Hosseini Afzal Sadat
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this article is to describe Ibn Sina and Ghazali's philosophical views on soul and body on the one hand and to express their views on physical movements on the other hand in order to explain the relationship between their philosophical views on games and physical exercises related to body and soul. The research method was descriptive-analytical. The research findings showed that despite the differences in the philosophical thought of Ibn Sina and Ghazali, in the field of proofs of the soul and the body, there is a similarity between these two thinkers and the relationship between the soul and the body is two-ways. With physical activity in the game, there is an effect on the soul and vice versa. In fact, whenever playing and exercising are done in proportion and the body is active, then the soul will also have fun, and this is based on the effect that the body has on the soul. According to the theory of two thinkers, such a conclusion is that games and physical exercises recreate energy and rejuvenates the body and soul.
Students’ Reflection towards the Integration of Tawhidic Science in the “Pandang Alam” Camp
Authors: Iksan Zanaton H , Basri Nurasika Andi , Md Noor Nurul Jannah , Rahim Faszly , Wan Abdullah Wan Nasyrudin , Rambely Azmin Sham , Wan Ahmad Wan Juliana , Hazmi Izfa Riza , Hanifah Sharina Abu
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to observe students’ reflection towards the integration of Tawhidic Science at the program “Kem Pandang Alam”, at Tanjung Tuan Wildlife Reserve and several other locations nearby Tanjung Tuan, Teluk Kemang and Si Rusa, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan Malaysia. The respondents of this study were 32 students from tahfiz schools and tahfiz science schools (15 boys and 17 girls). These students were exclusively selected candidates from their respective schools. Data were analysed based on constant comparative analysis. The finding reveals that there were seven themes including greatness of God’s knowledge; nature as the source of knowledge, education and lesson; improvement of faith; self-development, the formation of identity, the increase of awareness, and the closer of social relations. The implication of this study is to expose these students the importance of the integration of Tawhidic Science where science and religion are inseparable from everyday life.
Respon Hasil dan Kadar Total Flavonoid Umbi Bawang Dayak (Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr) terhadap Pemberian Naungan
Authors: Ekawati Rina
Published: October 2020

Produksi dan kandungan metabolit bawang dayak tidak terlepas dari faktor lingkungan yang mempengaruhinya, salah satunya yaitu naungan. Tanaman bawang dayak sangat berpotensi sebagai obat herbal dengan berbagai kegunaan dan aktivitas farmakologis yang dapat dikaitkan dengan kandungan metabolit sekunder tanaman, khususnya kandungan flavonoid. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menerangkan pengaruh intensitas cahaya rendah (naungan) terhadap produksi dan kandungan metabolit tanaman bawang dayak. Percobaan ini dilakukan di Caturtunggal, Karang Gayam, Depok Sleman, dari bulan September 2019 sampai dengan bulan Februari 2020. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan petak tersarang sederhana dengan perlakuan, yaitu tanpa naungan (N0) dan naungan paranet 75% (N1). Setiap perlakuan diulang tiga kali. Data diuji dengan menggunakan uji t-student pada taraf nyata 5%. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa pemberian naungan 75% berpengaruh nyata lebih rendah terhadap jumlah anakan dan komponen produksi tanaman bawang dayak. Naungan menurunkan bobot basah dan kering biomassa tanaman (tajuk dan akar), jumlah anakan, jumlah umbi/tanaman, dan bobot umbi/tanaman. Kandungan total flavonoid tidak dipengaruhi oleh naungan.
Demonstration and Mitigation of Spatial Sampling Bias for Machine-Learning Predictions
Authors: Liu Wendi , Ikonnikova Svetlana , Scott Hamlin H. , Sivila Livia , Pyrcz Michael J.
Published: October 2020

Machine learning provides powerful methods for inferential and predictive modeling of complicated multivariate relationships to support decision-making for spatial problems such as optimization of unconventional reservoir development. Current machine-learning methods have been widely used in exhaustive spatial data sets like satellite images. However, geological subsurface characterization is significantly different because it is conditioned by sparse, nonrepresentative sampling. These sparse spatial data sets are generally not sampled in a representative manner; therefore, they are biased. The critical questions are: first, does spatial bias in training data result in a bias for machine-learning-based predictive models; and if there is a bias, how can we mitigate the bias in these spatial machine-learning-based predictions?

The presence and mitigation of prediction with spatial sampling bias is demonstrated with tree-based machine learning due to its high degree of interpretability. In expectation, training data bias imposes bias in machine-learning predictions over a wide variety of spatial data configurations and degrees of bias, even when the model is applied to make predictions with unbiased testing and real-world data. We reduce the bias in prediction with a novel spatial weighted tree method over a variety of spatial data configurations and degrees of spatial sampling bias. The proposed method is able to improve the accuracy for reservoir evaluation. We recommend modeling checking and bias mitigation for all machine-learning prediction models with sparse, spatial data sets, because bias in, bias out.
Impact of High-Risk Fertility Behaviour on Under-five Mortality in Asia and Africa: Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Amir-ud-Din Rafi , Naz Lubna , Rubi Anila , Usman Muhammad , Ghimire Umesh
Published: October 2020

Background: Smaller or older maternal age, smaller inter-pregnancy birth interval, and higher birth order of the child are considered to be high-risk fertility behaviour (HRFB). Under-five mortality being disproportionately concentrated in Asia and Africa, this study analyses the association between HRFB and under-five mortality in selected Asian and African countries. Methods: This study used Integrated Public Microdata Series-Demographic and Health Surveys (IPUMS-DHS) data from 32 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia from 1986 to 2017 (N=1,467,728). Previous evidence hints at four markers of HRFB: women's age at the birth of index child <18 years or >34 years, smaller preceding birth interval (PBI) <24 months, and child's birth order >3. Using logistic regression, we analysed the change in the odds of under-five mortality as a result of i) exposure to HRFB individually, ii) exposure to any single HRFB risk factor, iii) exposure to multiple HRFB risk factors, and iv) exposure to specific combinations of HRFB risk factors. Results: Mother's age at the birth of index child <18 years and preceding birth interval (PBI) <24 months were significant risk factors of under-five mortality, while a child's birth order >3 was a protective factor against under-five mortality. Presence of any single HRFB was associated with 1.067 times higher risk of under-five mortality (OR = 1.067; 95% CI: 1.042 - 1.090; P < 0.001). Presence of multiple HRFBs was associated with 1.392 times higher risk of under-five mortality (OR = 1.392; 95% CI: 1.355 - 1.431; P < 0.001). Some specific combinations of risky fertility behaviour such as younger maternal age (<18 years) and smaller preceding birth interval (PBI <24) significantly increased the odds of under-five mortality.Conclusion: Younger maternal age and small preceding birth interval significantly increase the risk of under-five mortality. This highlights the need for effective legislation to curb child marriages and increased public investment in reproductive healthcare with a focus on higher contraceptive use for an optimal interpregnancy interval.
Molecular analysis of targeted insecticide resistance gene mutations in field Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito vectors of arboviruses from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Fang Yuan , Ernest Tambo , Xue Jing-Bo , Zhang Yi , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Khater Emad I.M.
Published: October 2020

Background: Gene mutations on target sites can be a valuable reference to the status of insecticide resistance. Jeddah, a global commercial and major port-of-entry city, is bearing the most (>70%) dengue disease burden and the population of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) in Saudi Arabia. Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823 is a second example as one of the major arboviral vectors in the region. However, the status of insecticide resistance and targeted site mutations on the responsible genes are not fully characterized.Methods: We randomly sampled both mosquito species, Ae. aegypti (25 individuals) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (24 individuals) across Jeddah by daily mosquito surveillance in 2016 to detect the resistance-associated target site mutations on the voltage gated sodium channel (VGSC) and acetylcholinesterase 1 (ace-1) genes by PCR amplification and direct sequencing. Results: Our findings showed that Ae. aegypti resistance-associated VGSC gene mutations revealed polymorphic mutations on the 989, 1016, and 1534 sites. Additionally, we documented two types of introns between exons 20 and 21, however, the I1011M point mutation was undetected. Linkage disequilibrium associations were shown between V1016G with S989P, V1016G with F1534, and V1016G with type A intron. Furthermore, no mutation on ace-1 was identified in Ae. aegypti. In Cx. quinquefasciatus, homozygous L1014F/L1014F (95.23%) on the VGSC and heterozygous G119/G119S (100%) on ace-1 were widely distributed in the samples studied. Analysis of intron sequences obtained in our study and homologous sequences retrieved from GenBank showed that the intron type was significantly associated with 1016 (P = 0.000) allele type, and may reflect the history of insecticide treatment in different continents.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of the intron types between exons 20 and 21 on VGSC of Ae. aegypti populations. It can serve as a reference marker to evaluate the local insecticide resistance status. In addition, the first report of insecticide resistance gene mutation being present in field caught Cx. quinquefasciatus in Saudi Arabia. High prevalence of insecticide resistance gene mutations in local primary mosquito vector species alert the urgent need to carry out a comprehensive insecticide resistance surveillance.
Quantitative Evaluation of Renal Cortex Perfusion using Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Imaging Parameters in Renal Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rabbits
Authors: luo zhijian , liu yulu , tang Ziyi , liu Jialing , xu Xuemei , dai yan , Li Mingxing
Published: October 2020

Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can be used as a noninvasive and quantitative diagnostic method to judge the progression of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood perfusion of renal cortex during ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury by quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) parameters.Materials: In this experiment, 24 rabbits were randomly divided into following four groups (N=6): sham-operation group, 24-h post-operation of ischemia-reperfusion injury group (24-h I/R), 3-d post-operation of I/R injury group (3-d I/R) and 5-d post-operation of I/R injury group (5-d I/R). The I/R model was surgically established. CEUS was performed via a GE LOGIQ 9 ultrasound machine, and a time-intensity curve (TIC) in the renal cortex was generated for each group. All quantitative CEUS parameters were derived from TIC and included the following: the curve's peak ascending slope (wash-in slope [WIS]),area under the curve (AUC), time-to-peak (TTP), change in perfusion peak intensity (A), and arrival time (AT), Subsequently, we analyzed the changes in these parameters, as well as the correlation between changes in CEUS parameters and pathological parameters.Results: The values of AT, TTP, and WIS of all I/R groups significantly differed from the sham-operation group (P<0.01). However, there was make no difference in a and AUC values among the experimental groups (P > 0.05). The AT and TTP values peaked at 3 d after I/R surgery, which correlated with the most significant pathological changes at the same time point.Conclusions: Among the quantitative CEUS parameters, AT, TTP, and WIS were found to be sensitive indicators reflecting blood perfusion in renal microcirculation. Hence, these parameters may be useful for dynamically monitoring the severity of tissue damage at the early stage of I/R injury. Collectively, our findings provide compelling evidence for further clinical application of quantitative CEUS analysis.
Association of MTHFR C677T Variant Genotype with Serum Folate and Vit B12 in Iranian Patients with Colorectal Cancer or Adenomatous Polyps
Authors: Ghorbani Mahla , Baharara Javad , Kerachian Mohammad Amin
Published: October 2020

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has increased vigorously during the last decades in Iran and clinical studies suggest that moderate deficiency of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and essential folate dietary intake may reduce the risk of CRC.The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of C677T polymorphism within MTHFR gene and its correlation with the serum folate and Vit B12 in Iranian population suffering from CRC.Methods: Blood samples were taken from 207 Iranian individuals (103 males and 104 females) who were referred for colonoscopy. TaqMan probe assay was performed for C677T MTHFR polymorphism. Besides, sera were fractionated from the blood samples of 43 patients and controls and folate and Vit B12 concentrations were measured by a monobind kit. Finally, the correlation of MTHFR polymorphisms and folate/vitamin-B12 with CRC risk were analyzed.Results: In the current study, the most percentage of the MTHFR polymorphisms in healthy individuals belongs to CC genotype (wild type). In patients with adenoma the percentage of CC and CT genotype were approximately similar, but surprisingly in adenocarcinoma the percentage of CC genotype (wild type) was the highest (approximately 50%), and the percentage of CT and TT genotypes were slightly similar. Our study revealed that there was no significant difference between the amount of folate and Vit B12 in case and control groups (p value >0.05).Conclusions: We concluded that there is an association between pivotal concentration of serum folate/vitamin B12 and CRC, and this association is altered by MTHFR C677T genotype.
Husband’s Experiences of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Japan: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hada Kumiko , OHIRA Mitsuko , NAKATSUKA Mikiya
Published: October 2020

Background: Miscarriage or stillbirth is an experience of losing a child. However, in a clinical setting, men are positioned to support women. Therefore, mental support for men is insufficient. It is predicted that marital mourning in men will affect marital relations if it does not go smoothly. This study aimed to clarify the experiences of husbands in couples suffering from recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in Japan and clarify the support based on the husband’s needs.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 husbands attending the outpatient treatment for RPL at visiting clinic of a University Hospital A in City A. The interview data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach.Results: The husbands’ experiences were classified into 13 categories. Based on the interview data, the husbands felt shock of first pregnancy loss, and then while experiencing lingering anxiety regarding pregnancy loss and feeling less grief over subsequent pregnancy losses, they made an effort to accept recurrent loss. Husbands were feeling apologetic to one’s wife, resulting in prioritizing one’s wife and performing actions toward wife with good intentions. Moreover, after experiencing repeated pregnancy losses, husbands felt feelings of hopelessness caused by RPL, while craving for a child and giving up on having a child, and experiencing difficulty faced in sexual relations while maintaining a distant but steady marital relationship. Husbands were hoping that family members would quietly offer support and engaged in stance at work of not wanting people to mention RPL.Conclusions: The husband with RPL supported his wife while suffering from the mental burden of a miscarriage or stillbirth and was isolated in a relationship. Medical professionals should be able to advocate for husbands in couples suffering from RPL to help them voice their feelings to their wives; moreover, frameworks need to be established to support good marital relationships and psychologically support the husbands of such couples.
Risk factors for FN, mucositis and esophagitis of combination chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil for esophageal cancer
Authors: Yuda Sayako , Kato Ken , Sasaki Yusuke , Takahashi Naoki , Shoji Hirokazu , Takashima Atsuo , Okita Natsuko , Honma Yoshitaka , Iwasa Satoru , Hamaguchi Tetsuya , Nagashima Kengo , Boku Narikazu
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAddition of docetaxel to cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil (DCF regimen) for treatment of esophageal carcinoma can improve the clinical outcome, but it is associated with increased toxicity. The risk factors for severe toxicities associated with DCF treatment remain unknown.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of esophageal cancer patients who received DCF between July 2009 and April 2014 at the National Cancer Center Hospital. Docetaxel 70 mg/m2/day (day 1), cisplatin 70 mg/m2/day (day 1), and continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil 750 mg/m2/day (days 1–5) were administered every 3 weeks. The risk factors for severe adverse events were explored.ResultsWe included 100 patients with a median age of 63 years (range: 37–76), among whom 81 were men, and 44 and 55 had performance status scores of 0 and 1, respectively. A total of 96 patients had squamous cell carcinoma, while 4 had adenocarcinoma. A total of 1, 12, 64, and 23 patients had clinical stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. DCF was used as neoadjuvant therapy in 69 patients, induction before chemoradiotherapy in 23, and palliative in 8. Approximately 45 patients experienced grade 4 hematological adverse events, while 40 developed grade >3 non-hematological adverse events: anorexia, 12%; mucositis, 6%; and esophagitis, 2%. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between dysphagia score >2 (P = 0.022) and febrile neutropenia, and between platelet count ≤27,500/µl and grade >3 mucositis and/or esophagitis (P = 0.007).ConclusionDuring DCF therapy, patients with dysphagia or decreased platelet count should be carefully managed.Trial registration: Not applicable
Identification of key gene in colorectal cancer using bioinformatics analysis.
Authors: Xiao Rongrong , Wang Ping , Xia Tian , Li Chun-Yi , Jiang Ting , Huang Xin-en
Published: October 2020

Background

Tumor microenvironment plays important roles in the development of cancer. The aim of our study was to examine the expression of genes in colorectal cancer and also to evaluate the association value between expression level of these genes and clinical features.
Methods

We combined The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets to identify differentially expressed genes in colon cancer. Using these differentially expressed genes, we constructed protein-protein interaction network and conducted functional enrichment analysis. Genes with degree beyond 10 in the PPI network were regarded as hub genes. Then, we verified of the expression of molecules in Oncomine datasets and conducted Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test and functional enrichment analysis on these hub genes. Finally, we analyzed the relationship clinicopathological features analysis with the key gene.
Results

There were 719 differentially expressed genes identified to be associated with colon cancer microenvironment. We screened out 10 hub genes by construction of PPI network. The functions of these hub genes were enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, alcoholism and systemic lupus erythematosus, which provided further insight into the roles of these genes in the tumor microenvironment. GNG4, with the highest degrees in the PPI network, were highly exprepressed in metastasis(P = 9.5-05) ,N1(P = 0.0025) and N2(,0.037).It was a relationship with stage. It was significantly different between with stage I and IV, II and III, II and IV,III and IV (P = 0.0015,0.029,3.9-05,0.00074,0.01,respectively)
Conclusions

We identified GNG4 can be regarded as a prognostic biomarker in colon cancer.
Maximizing Acceptance of Clinical Pharmacy Recommendations May Reduce The Length of Hospital Stay in A Private Hospital From Amman, Jordan: Toward Fully Independent Pharmacist Prescribers
Authors: Saadah Loai , Khan Amer Hayat , Sulaiman Syed Azhar Syed , Basheti Iman Amin
Published: October 2020

Background: Clinical pharmacy interventions (CPI) usually require prior medical authorization with 20% being rejected. If pharmacists prove to be more competent in this area (accept 100% of CPI), the profession will step closer to a fully-independent prescriber status. Objective: This study use an artificial neural network (ANN) model to determine whether clinical pharmacy (CP) may improve outcomes associated with rejected CPI. Setting: This is a non-interventional, retrospective analysis of documented CPI in a 100-bed, acute-care private hospital in Amman, Jordan.Method: Study consists of 542 patients, 574 admissions, and 1694 CPI. Team collected demographic and clinical data using a standardized tool. Input consisted of 54 variables with some taking merely repetitive values for each CPI in a given patient whereas others varying with every CPI. Therefore, CPI was consolidated to one rejected and/or one accepted per patient per admission. Groups of accepted and rejected CPI were compared with matched and unmatched variables. ANN were, subsequently, trained and internally as well as cross validated for outcomes of interest. Outcomes were length of hospital and intensive care stay after the index CPI (LOSTA & LOSICUA, respectively), readmissions, mortality, and cost of hospitalization. Best models were finally used to compare the two scenarios of approving 80% versus 100% of CPI. Variable impacts (VI) automatically generated by the ANN were compared to evaluate the effect of rejecting CPI. Main outcome measure: Lengths of hospital stay after the index CPI (LOSTA).Results: ANN configurations converged within 18 seconds and 300 trials. All models showed a significant reduction in LOSTA with 100% versus 80% accepted CPI of about 0.4 days (2.6 ± 3.4, median (range) of 2 (0 – 28) versus 3.0 ± 3.8, 2 (0 – 30), P-value = 0.022). Average savings with acceptance of those rejected CPI was 55 JD (~ 78 US dollars) and could help hire about 1.3 extra clinical pharmacist full-time equivalents. Conclusion: Maximizing acceptance of CPI reduces the length of hospital stay in this model. Pharmacists seem to be well-positioned to target gain the upper hand on prescribing in these situations.
Quantitative Immunohistochemical Expression of GP88 in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) of Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Yehia Mona Abdel-Hamed , El-Fiky Shawky Mohamed , AL-Qadasi sabah Ali , Sedfy Amel Sobhey El-
Published: October 2020

Background: Progranulin or acrogranin is an 88-kDa glycoprotein identified by a biological screen for protein targets associated with high tumorigenicity. This work was aimed to investigate the digital expression of GP88, and HER2/neu as a predictive biomarker in human invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) versus benign tumors and normal breast tissues, as well as, its correlation with different pathological parameters.Methods: The immunohistochemical avidin-biotin complex protocol of the paraffin section was used to detect the expression of GP88 and HER2/neu in IDC of 60 patients, 30 benign, and ten normal breast tissues. Results: the study showed a high expression of GP88 in IDC comparing to normal and benign breast tissues. A higher significant statistical correlation between the expression of GP88 and large tumor size, tumor grade, and lymph node metastasis (LNM). While a negative statistical correlation was noticed between the expression of GP88 and ER, PR, and HER2/neu status.Conclusion: It could be concluded that GP88 glycoprotein may be a valuable predictive and therapeutic marker in human IDC patients.
Moment-Based Analysis of Reg. Triangular QAM in Turbulent Atmospheric Channels with Pointing Errors incorporates Zero and Non-zero Boresight
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Nabeel , Qureshi Furqan Haider , Sheikh Shahzad Amin , Khan Qasim Umar , Zeeshan Muhammad
Published: October 2020

In recent years, free-space optical (FSO) technology has gained fame in communication systems due to its high data rates and license-free feature. Triangular quadrature amplitude modulation (TQAM) is an efficient modulation scheme that uses even bits per symbol, and it has a low average symbol error rate (ASER) than square quadrature amplitude modulation (SQAM). In this paper, we theoretically investigate the performance of subcarrier triangular quadrature amplitude modulation (SC-TQAM) corrupted by atmospheric turbulence in the presence of pointing errors (P.E) in FSO communications. We have considered boresight displacement, P.E effect, and atmospheric turbulence. To represent the atmospheric turbulence we consider Log-normal, Rayleigh and Rician distributions which exhibit weak, moderate and strong weather effects. The P.E is employed using Rayleigh and Rician distribution that incorporates zero and non-zero boresight displacement respectively. The moment generating functions of these models have been derived. P.E is modeled using an optical beam radius and receiver aperture radius. The combination of these parameters will help enhance the average symbol error rate (ASER). Furthermore, we have derived an analytical expression that is used to develop numerical results. The ASER performance is observed against average received irradiance, optical beam radius, P.E standard deviation and receiver aperture radius. In the end, the ASER performance is evaluated against SNR and Monte Carlo simulations are performed which validates the theoretical results.
Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Transcriptional Profiles of Porcine Colostrum and Mature Milk Across Multiple Parities
Authors: Keel Brittney N , Lindholm-Perry Amanda K , Oliver William T , Wells James E , Jones Shuna A , Rempel Lea A
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe expression of genes and their regulation during lactation in swine is not well-understood. In order to gain a better understanding of genes and pathways involved in sow lactation, total RNA from colostrum and mature milk samples were sequenced from 65 sows across four parities. A stringent bioinformatic pipeline was used to identify and characterize 44,234 transcripts. ResultsThe 44,234 identified transcripts included 41,875 previously annotated transcripts and 2,359 novel transcripts. Differential gene expression analysis was conducted using a generalized linear model coupled with the Lancaster method for P-value aggregation across transcripts. In total, 1,900 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified for the milk type main effect, and 373 DEG were identified for the milk type x parity interaction. Several gene ontology (GO) terms related to immune response were significant for the milk type main effect, supporting the widely-accepted hypothesis that immunoglobulins and immune cells are transferred to the neonate via colostrum.ConclusionsThis is the first study to perform global transcriptome analysis from whole milk samples in sows from multiple parities. Our results provide important information and insight into synthesis of milk proteins and innate immunity and potential targets for future improvement of swine lactation and piglet development.
Noncommunicable Diseases in The Southwest of Iran, A Region of High Altitude with Distinctive Ethnic Groups: Results of The Shahrekord Cohort Study
Authors: Ahmadi ALI
Published: October 2020

Background: Critical inter-provincial differences within Iran in the pattern of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and difficulties inherent to the identification of prevention methods to reduce mortality from NCDs have challenged the implementation of the provincial health system plan. The Shahrekord Cohort Study was designed to address these gaps in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, a province of high altitude of the southwest of Iran, characterized by its large Bakthiari population.Methods: This ongoing cohort, prospective longitudinal study is a unique, rich biobank and a large-scale study conducted for the first time in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in Iran. The study began in 2015, recruited 10075 participants (52.8% female) from both urban and rural (30.2%) areas and participants will be followed up until at least 2035. Diseases and their outcomes are ascertained from clinical examinations, interviews, and linkage with medical records registered in the health system.Results: Preliminary results indicate that the prevalence of NCDs at baseline was relatively high, for example 10.7% for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 20.2% for hypertension, 14.6% for non-alcoholic fatty liver, 11.4% for thyroid disease, and 5.7%, 0.9% and 1.3% for ischemic heart disease, stroke and myocardial infarction respectively. The mean (standard deviation) of BMI, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and cholesterol were 27.6 (4.6) kg/m2, 115.4 (17.3) mmHg, 96.7 (27.3) mmol/L and 184.1 (42.8) respectively. All NCDs appeared to be more frequent in urban than rural areas, except gastroesophageal reflux (32.3% in rural and 29% in the urban area). Conclusions: The Shahrekord Cohort Study provides a platform for epidemiological studies that will be useful for a better prevention and management of NCDs in the southwest of Iran.
A Rare Case Report: Triethylamine Poisoning and The Pharmaceutical Care
Authors: Lin Yanhua , Jiang Huaqiao , Fang Zhonghong
Published: October 2020

Background: Triethylamine is an important intermediate reactant and is widely used in industry and manufacturing. So far, cases of triethylamine poisoning timely saved are rarely reported.Methods: A 29-year-old male worker from a chemical plant after taking a small sip of triethylamine was presented in ICU. Subsequently, he experienced repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding and other related injuries. Owing to no significant improvement in local hospital, he was transferred to Jinshan hospital, Fudan University for better medical treatment. He received hemostasis, PPIs for gastrointestinal mucosal recovery, blood purification for poison removal, nutritional and electrolyte supplement after admission. The author participates in treatment and analyzes clinical results in order to share treatment methods and experience for similar poisoning events in future.Results: His gastrointestinal bleeding was timely controlled, his pain and other poisoning symptoms were eliminated. And he was discharged home safely. Conclusions: Triethylamine can break the gastric mucosal barrier, the administration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) had a great importance. The timely blood purification for him helped eliminate the residual chemical poison inside his body, so his further liver injury by triethylamine was prevented. His recovery is good.
3D Reaching Movements Prediction of Upper-limb Joints Based on Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Chao , Xie Shengquan , Bao Tianzhe , Sivan Manoj
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe reaching test is widely adapted in motor function assessment of stroke rehabilitation. To evaluate the motor disorder quantitatively, it is important to measure the differences between reaching movements made by healthy people and patients. Thus a movement prediction model should be firstly established on healthy people as a customized benchmark. MethodsWe designed a simplified kinematic model for human upper limbs in which seven main joints of both the dominant and non-dominant side were extracted. With this model, the reaching movement data was collected from a healthy participant. A deep neural network (DNN) was trained with this dataset. Then, the DNN was utilized for predicting 3D movements of upper limb joints of a healthy participant. ResultsThe prediction trajectories of dominant side were high similar to the trajectories of real movements with the coupling distance around 60 mm, 50 mm, 30 mm, 30 mm, 20mm for hand, elbow, shoulder, 7th cervical vertebra and 8th thoracic vertebra. The result of non-dominant side were less accurate than dominant side but still was with relatively short coupling distance. ConclusionsThe DNN model could achieve the promising accuracy in 3D movements estimation of upper limb. With good capabilities of identifying specific reaching movements in dynamic processing, a customized benchmark established by data-driven methods could be utilized to inform the rehabilitation assessment and training in the future studies.
Hyperexpression and Hypomethylation of TM4SF1 Are Associated With Lymph Node Metastases in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Wang Kun , Zheng Juan , Wu Zhen , Fang Jugao , Zhao Junyu , Yao Jinming , Dong Jianjun , Liao Lin
Published: October 2020

Background: Lymph node metastases(LNM) is an indicator for recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC) patients.However,prophylactic neck dissection(ND) can not improve neither survival nor recurrence rate because of increased surgical complications and occult lymph node metastases.Biomarkers are needed for prediction of high-risk of LNM to avoid unnecessary operation and reduce the missed malignant lymph nodules.Methods: GEO database was searched for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PTC patients with LNM(N1) and those without LNM(N0),transcriptional and methylation data of DEGs in THCA were examined from databases.The expression and methylation of TM4SF1 in fresh and paraffin tissues of PTC paitents were examined by qRT-PCR、IHC and MSP.Results: TM4SF1 was the only one significantly associated with LNM.Ualcan revealed that TM4SF1 was overexpression and hypomethylation in LNM patients.MEXPRESS presented a negative correlation between gene expression and promoter methylation of TM4SF1.DEGs were enriched to multiple pathways and Extracellular Matrix(ECM)-receptor interaction ptahway showed the greatest correlation with LNM.IHC and qRT-PCR of tissues demonstrated that the expression of TM4SF1 in N1 group were 4.5-fold higher than that in N0 group (P<0.05).MSP exhibited that the the positive rate of aberrant promoter methylation of TM4SF1 were 8.38% in N1 and 66.7% in N0 group(P<0.05).Conclusions: Hyperexpression and hypomethylation of TM4SF1 are associated with lymph node metastases in PTC patients.
Temporal coherence of mechanical stimulation modulates tactile form perception
Authors: Nakatani Masashi , Kobayashi Yasuaki , Ohno Kota , Uesaka Masaaki , Mogami Sayako , Zhao Zixia , Sushida Takamichi , Kitahata Hiroyuki , Nagayama Masaharu
Published: October 2020

The human hand can detect both the form and texture of the contact surface. The detection of skin displacement (sustained stimulus) and change in skin displacement (transient stimulus) are thought to be mediated in different tactile channels; however, tactile form perception may use both channels to reconstruct an unified tactile imagery of contact surface in the brain. Here, we studied whether the temporal frequency and temporal coherence information of tactile stimuli encoded in sensory neurons could be used to recognize the form of the contact surface. We used a known tactile phenomenon, the fishbone tactile illusion (FTI), as a probe for tactile perception in humans. It uses an archetypal surface geometry that has a smooth central bar and textures (ridges and grooves) in its adjacent areas. By stroking the central bar back and forth with a fingertip, an observer typically perceives an indented surface geometry even though the bar is physically flat. We used a passive high-density pin matrix to extract only the vertical information of the contact surface, while excluding any tangential force caused by rubbing the surface. Participants in the psychological experiment reported the indented surface geometry by tracing the FTI textures with pin matrices of different spatial densities (1.0- and 2.0- mm pin intervals). Participants reported a steep decrease in the relative magnitude of the indented surface geometry when pins in the adjacent areas vibrated synchronously. To investigate possible mechanisms for tactile perception in the FTI, we developed a computational model of sensory neurons to estimate temporal patterns of action potentials from tactile receptive fields. Our computational data suggest that i) the temporal asynchrony of sensory neuron responses correlated with the relative magnitude of indented geometric perception, and ii) the temporal change of displacements in tactile stimuli correlated with the asynchrony of simulated sensory neuron responses for the fishbone surface patterns. Based on these results, we suggest that both the temporal frequency and asynchrony of activity in sensory neurons could produce tactile form perception.