bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coagulopathy and Thrombosis as a Result of Severe COVID-19 Infection: A Microvascular Focus
Authors: Katneni Upendra K. , Alexaki Aikaterini , Hunt Ryan C. , Schiller Tal , DiCuccio Michael , Buehler Paul W. , Ibla Juan C. , Kimchi-Sarfaty Chava
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is the clinical manifestation of the respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). While primarily recognized as a respiratory disease, it is clear that COVID-19 is systemic illness impacting multiple organ systems. One defining clinical feature of COVID-19 has been the high incidence of thrombotic events. The underlying processes and risk factors for the occurrence of thrombotic events in COVID-19 remain inadequately understood. While severe bacterial, viral or fungal infections are well recognized to activate the coagulation system, COVID-19 associated coagulopathy is likely to have unique mechanistic features. Inflammatory-driven processes are likely primary drivers of coagulopathy in COVID-19, but the exact mechanisms linking inflammation to dysregulated hemostasis and thrombosis are yet to be delineated. Cumulative findings of microvascular thrombosis has raised question if the endothelium and microvasculature should be a point of investigative focus. Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and its protease, ADAMTS13 play important role in the maintenance of microvascular hemostasis. In inflammatory conditions, imbalanced VWF-ADAMTS13 characterized by elevated VWF levels and inhibited and/or reduced activity of ADAMTS13 has been reported. Also, an imbalance between ADAMTS13 activity and VWF antigen is associated with organ dysfunction and death in patients with systemic inflammation. A thorough understanding of VWF-ADAMTS13 interactions during early and advanced phases of COVID-19 could help better define the pathophysiology, guide thromboprophylaxis and treatment and improve clinical prognosis.
A Distributed Vision-Based Navigation System for Khepera IV Mobile Robots
Authors: Farias Gonzalo , Fabregas Ernesto , Torres Enrique , Bricas Gaetan , Dormido-Canto Sebastián , Dormido Sebastian
Published: July 2020

This work presents the development and implementation of a distributed navigation system based on computer vision. The autonomous system consists of a wheeled mobile robot with an integrated colour camera. The robot navigates through a laboratory scenario where the track and several traffic signals must be detected and recognized by using the images acquired with its on-board camera. The images are sent to a computer server that processes them and calculates the corresponding speeds of the robot using a cascade of trained classifiers. These speeds are sent back to the robot, which acts to carry out the corresponding manoeuvre. The classifier cascade should be trained before experimentation with two sets of positive and negative images. The number of images in these sets should be considered to limit the training stage time and avoid overtraining the system.
Data Privacy Management in Public Environments
Authors: Lopes Hugo , Leithardt Valderi R. Q. , Pires Ivan Miguel , García-Ovejero Raúl , Navarro-Cáceres María
Published: July 2020

The mobile devices caused a constant struggle for the pursuit of data privacy. Nowadays, it appears that the number of mobile devices in the world is increasing. With this increase and technological evolution, thousands of data associated with everyone are generated and stored remotely. Thus, the topic of data privacy is highlighted in several areas. There is a need for control and management of data in circulation inherent to this theme. This article presents an approach of the interaction between the individual and the public environment, where this interaction will determine the access to information. This analysis was based on a data privacy management model in public environments created after reading and analyzing the current technologies. A mobile application based on location via Global Positioning System (GPS) was created to substantiate this model, which it considers the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to control and manage access to the data of each individual.
“On-the-fly” calculation of the Vibrational Sum-frequency Generation Spectrum at the Air-water Interface
Authors: Ojha Deepak , Kühne Thomas
Published: July 2020

In the present work, we provide an electronic structure based method for the “on-the-fly” deter- mination of vibrational sum frequency generation (v-SFG) spectra. The predictive power of this scheme is demonstrated at the air-water interface. While the instantaneous fluctuations in dipole moment are obtained using the maximally localized Wannier functions, the fluctuations in polar- izability are approximated to be proportional to the second moment of Wannier functions. The spectrum henceforth obtained captures the signatures of hydrogen bond stretching, bending, as well as low-frequency librational modes.
The Role of Alpha-Synuclein And Other Parkinson’s Genes in Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Morato Torres C. Alejandra , Wassouf Zinah , Zafar Faria , Sastre Danuta , Outeiro Tiago Fleming , Schüle Birgitt
Published: July 2020

Neurodevelopmental and late-onset neurodegenerative disorders present as separate entities that are clinically and neuropathologically quite distinct. However, recent evidence has highlighted surprising commonalities and converging features at the clinical, genomic, and molecular level between these two disease spectra. This is particularly striking in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Genetic causes and risk factors play a central role in disease pathophysiology and enable the identification of overlapping mechanisms and pathways. Here, we focus on clinico-genetic studies of causal variants and overlapping clinical and cellular features of ASD and PD. Several genes and genomic regions were selected for our review, including SNCA (alpha-synuclein), PARK2 (parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase), chromosome 22q11 deletion/DiGeorge region, and FMR1 (fragile X mental retardation 1) repeat expansion, which influence development of both ASD and PD with converging features related to synaptic function and neurogenesis. Both PD and ASD display alterations and impairments at the synaptic level, representing early and key disease phenotypes which support the hypothesis of converging mechanisms between the two types of diseases. Therefore, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms might inform on common targets and therapeutic approaches. We propose to re-conceptualize how we understand these disorders and provide a new angle into disease targets and mechanisms linking neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegeneration.
Level of Knowledge, Attitude and Perception About COVID-19 Pandemic and Infection Control: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Veterinarians in Nigeria
Authors: Adenubi Olubukola , Adebowale Oluwawemimo , Oloye Abimbola , Bankole Noah , Adesokan Hezekiah , Fadipe Oladotun , Ayo-Ajayi Patience , Akinloye Adebayo
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused mankind serious confusion, economic havoc and psychological distress. This study evaluated the level of knowledge, attitude and perception about COVID-19 pandemic, infection control and impact among veterinarians in Nigeria. A cross-sectional online survey was used to collect data from consenting respondents during implementation of lockdown in the country (April 23 - May 31, 2020). Purposive and chain referral sampling techniques were used to recruit 368 respondents from various sectors of the profession. The proportion of respondents surveyed 197/368 (53.5 %) were from the public sector, 35.3 % from private sector, 1.1 % were unemployed and 0.8 % retired. Majority of the respondents were males (72.8 %), within 30 – 39 years (39.7 %) and had 1 – 10 years work experience. Respondents displayed good level of knowledge about COVID-19 (72.4 % ± 9.9 %, range 44.1-91.2 %), with information mostly derived from TV/Radio (81.5%) and social media (81.0 %). The overall attitude level was poor and various determinants for good attitude among respondents were if they were above 60 years (p = 0.013), possessed postgraduate qualification ( p = 0.031), worked over 30 years post DVM (p = 0.001), had household members between 5 and 10 (p = 0.012), and were resident in states on total lockdown (p = 0.024). There was no correlation between the knowledge level score and respondents’ attitude towards the pandemic (p = 0.12). With increasing rate of COVID-19 transmission, research data are needed to develop evidence-driven strategies, policies and eﬀective risk mitigations to reduce the pandemic’s adverse impacts.
Study to Determine Levels of Heavy Metals in Cocoa Crops Applied to Inland Areas of Peru: “The case of the Campo Verde-Honoria Tournavista Corridor”
Authors: Rosales-Huamani Jimmy Aurelio , Breña-Ore Jorge Luis , Sespedes-Varkarsel Svitlana , Huamanchumo de la Cuba Luis , Centeno-Rojas Luis , Otiniano-Zavala Alonso , Andrade-Choque Joseps , Valverde-Espinoza Santiago , Castillo-Sequera Jose Luis
Published: July 2020

The presence of heavy metals in cocoa crops is currently a serious problem for farmers and producers in various regions of Peru. Exports of cocoa and its derivatives to European markets are threatened by possible indications of contamination of heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd) in cocoa beans for export, some at levels higher than those allowed by food regulations established by European Community, which are oriented to consumer protection. The possible sources of cadmium contamination in cocoa crops can be due to natural activities, such as volcanic activities, erosion processes and sedimentation in rocks that contain minerals with a high content of heavy metals (Greenockite, Burnsite, Hawleite, among others), and by anthropogenic activities such as: mining of associated deposits, agriculture (use of fertilizers), smelting of minerals and burning of fossil fuels. Currently, there is no information about contents of heavy metals in areas located in The Campo Verde-Honoria-Tournavista corridor (Ucayali Region and Huanuco Region), due to this, in this work we make a study of this region. A methodology will be used to take cocoa samples from the seed and soil in these areas, and then through chemical analysis, determine the concentrations of heavy metals, using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. As a consequence of this study, we determined and concluded that the concentrations of cadmium obtained in soils are slightly higher than European standards allowed. Therefore, with this information we prepare a geochemical cadmium map in soils for the study area, which will help cocoa producers to identify areas that exceed the allowed cadmium values, in order to comply with standards that European Community demands in relation of concentration levels of heavy metals (Cadmium) in chocolate. In this way, we can carry out in the future a mitigation plan for areas with cadmium problems, which allows to reduce their content in order to export the product without any problem. .
PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA INGGRIS EFEKTIF MELALUI LAGU ANAK-ANAK UNTUK SISWA MADRASAH IBTIDAIYAH
Authors: Kasdi Kasdi , Wijayanti Dina Novita
Published: July 2020

ABSTRAK

Posisi bahasa Inggris di Indonesia adalah sebagai bahasa asing. Mempertimbangkan hal tersebut, maka guru bahasa Inggris di Indonesia dituntut kreatif dalam menciptakan proses kegiatan belajar mengajar yang mudah, menyenangkan khususnya bagi siswa madrasah ibtidaiyah yang memiliki karakteristik yang bisa mempengaruhi suasana pembelajaran di kelas dan pemilihan strategi pembelajaran oleh guru. Diantara strategi tersebut adalah penggunaan lagu. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui contoh lagu anak-anak yang efektif, keuntungan penggunaan lagu anak-anak dan langkah-langkah efektif untuk pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris bagi siswa Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif khususnya penelitian kepustakaan. Datanya berupa data sekunder yakni 2 jurnal dengan topik serupa dari peneliti terdahulu. Metode pengumpulan data yang dilakukan adalah dokumentasi. Hasil dari penelitian menujukkan bahwa ada 20 contoh lagu anak-anak yang efektif untuk pembelajaran bahasa Inggris bagi siswa madrasah ibtidaiyah. Penggunaan lagu anak-anak untuk pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris menunjukkan bahwa lagu bisa meningkatkan antusias anak-anak untuk belajar bahasa Inggris karena pembelajaran yang menyenangkan dan tidak terasa kaku sedangkan langkah-langkah yang dilakukan untuk menciptakan pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris yang efektif adalah guru Bahasa Inggris harus mempertimbangkan beberapa aspek yakni jenis lagu, jumlah siswa, tipe kegiatan pembelajaran dengan lagu, dan karakter siswa  .

 

Kata Kunci: Pembelajaran Efektif, Bahasa Inggris, Lagu Anak-Anak, Siswa Madrasah Ibtidaiyah

 

 

 

       تجريد

موقف الإنجليزية في اندونيسيا هو كلغة أجنبية. النظر في هذا، وهو مدرس اللغة الإنجليزية في اندونيسيا طالب المبدع في خلق عملية التعلم التي هي سهلة وممتعة وخاصة للطلاب المدارس الدينية الذين لديهم الخصائص التي يمكن أن تؤثر على بيئة التعلم في الفصول الدراسية واختيار استراتيجية التعلم من قبل المعلم. ومن بين هذه الاستراتيجيات هي استخدام الأغنية. وكان الغرض من هذه الدراسة هو تحديد أمثلة من أغاني الأطفال التي على نحو فعال، يكسب استخدام التدابير أغنية وفعالة للأطفال لتعلم اللغة الإنجليزية لطلاب المدارس الحكومية الابتدائية. استخدمت هذه الدراسة المنهج الكيفي، وخاصة الأدب البحوث. البيانات في شكل بيانات الثانوية أن اثنين من المجلات في موضوعات مشابهة من الباحثين السابق. طريقة جمع البيانات يستخدم الوثائق. وأظهرت نتائج الدراسة أن هناك 20 نماذج من أغاني الأطفال هي فعالة لتعلم اللغة الإنجليزية لطلاب المدارس الدينية. وأظهر استخدام أغاني الأطفال لتعلم اللغة الإنجليزية أن الأغاني يمكن أن تزيد من حماسة الأطفال لتعلم اللغة الإنجليزية لأن التعلم هو متعة ولا يشعر قاسية في حين يتم اتخاذ خطوات لإنشاء تعلم اللغة الإنجليزية هي أن أحد مدرسي اللغة الإنجليزية فعال تنظر بعض جوانب وأنواع الأغاني، وعدد من الطلاب، ونوع من أنشطة التعلم مع الأغنية، وشخصية الطلاب.
كلمات البحث: التعلم الفعالة، الانجليزية، أغاني الأطفال، طلاب المدارس الحكومية الابتدائية
STRATEGY OF INCREASING THE ISLAMIC TEACHERS CANDIDATE QUALITY THROUGH SOFT SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN ISLAMIC COLLEGE
Authors: Sulaiman Syah M Noor
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this research is to know the strategy of improving the quality of Islamic Religious Education teacher candidate in STAIN Kudus. The research method used is qualitative research method. This research used observation, interview and documentation for the data collection tools and analyzed by using interactive analysis. The result of the research shows that the strategy of improving the quality of Islamic Religious Education teachers in STAIN is divided into several strengthenings, namely strengthening of Islam, strengthening the field of PAI study, as well as the strengthening of foreign languages (English and Arabic), both through intra-curricular or co-curricular. Changes in the world of work in educational institutions should be prepared by universities preparing educators and other education personnel so that a student must be trained and trained to have the competencies described in three levels; perform, manage, and evaluate the process.
ISLAMIC EDUCATION MODEL WITH MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES APPROACH, MUNIF CHATIB PERSPECTIV
Authors: Makrufi Anisa Dwi
Published: July 2020

This paper aims to analyze Islamic education model with multiple intelligences approach developed by munif chatib perspective. This study analyzes the relevant literature. Data collection was done by analyzing the books of Munif Chatib, interviews, journals and collect data from other relevant sources. As a result: Firstly, the design concept of Multiple Intelligences by Munif Chatib, globally covering three important stages, namely: input, process and output. At the input stage, using the Multiple Intelligences Research in the acceptance of new students. The second stage is the learning process, style teaching teachers equal to the force student learning. In the output stage, the assessment of multiple intelligences based learning is using authentic assessment. Second, multiple intelligence based education relevant applied in Islamic education both micro and macro.
Analisis Kompetensi Pedagogik Guru Sekolah Dasar Di UPTD Pendidikan Banyumanik Kota Semarang
Authors: Afandi Muhamad , Wahyuningsih Sri
Published: July 2020

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan kompetensi peagogik Guru sekolah Dasar di UPTD Pendidikan Banyumanik Kota Semarang. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif. Sampel penelitian ini adalah 162 guru Sekolah Dasar  yang dipilih dengan teknik random sampling. Intrumen yang digunakan penelitian ini lembar penilaian, Intrumen penelitian terdiri 50 item pernyataan, dan 10 indikator kompetensi peagogik Guru Sekolah Dasar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada indikator kemampuan guru menguasai karakteristik peserta didik adalah baik (81.8%), kemampuan guru menguasai teori belajar dan prinsip-prinsip pembelajaran yang mendidik adalah baik (77.1%), kemampuan guru mengembangkan kurikulum yang terkait dengan mata pelajaran/bidang pengembangan yang diampu adalah baik (82%), kemampuan guru menyelenggarakan pembelajaran yang mendidik adalah baik (85.2%), kemampuan guru memanfaatkan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi untuk kepentingan pembelajaran adalah baik (77.6%), kemampuan guru memfasilitasi pengembangan potensi peserta didik untuk mengaktualisasikan berbagai potensi yang dimiliki adalah baik (84.6%), Kemampuan guru berkomunikasi secara efektif, empatik, dan santun dengan peserta didik adalah baik (87.8%), Kemampuan guru menyelenggarakan penilaian  proses dan hasil belajar adalah baik (82.1%), kemampuan guru memanfaatkan hasil penilaian untuk kepentingan pembelajaran adalah baik (87%), Kemampuan guru melakukan tindakan reflektif untuk peningkatan kualitas pembelajaran adalah cukup baik (74.7%). Secara keseluruhan kompetensi pedagogik guru Sekolah Dasar di UPTD Pendidikan Banyumanik adalah baik (81,3%).
Implementation of the First US Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax in Berkeley, CA, 2015–2019
Authors: Falbe Jennifer , Grummon Anna H. , Rojas Nadia , Ryan-Ibarra Suzanne , Silver Lynn D. , Madsen Kristine A.
Published: July 2020

Objectives. To identify lessons learned from implementation of the nation’s first sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) excise tax in 2015 in Berkeley, California.

Methods. We interviewed city stakeholders and SSB distributors and retailers (n = 48) from June 2015 to April 2017 and analyzed records through January 2019.

Results. Lessons included the importance of thorough and timely communications with distributors and retailers, adequate lead time for implementation, advisory commissions for revenue allocations, and funding of staff, communications, and evaluation before tax collection begins. Early and robust outreach about the tax and programs funded can promote and sustain public support, reduce friction, and facilitate beverage price increases on SSBs only. No retailer reported raising food prices, indicating that Berkeley’s SSB tax did not function as a “grocery tax,” as industry claimed. Revenue allocations totaled more than $9 million for public health, nutrition, and health equity through 2021.

Conclusions. The policy package, context, and implementation process facilitated translating policy into public health outcomes. Further research is needed to understand long-term facilitators and barriers to sustaining public health benefits of Berkeley’s tax and how those differ from facilitators and barriers in jurisdictions facing significant industry-funded repeal efforts.
Application of Novel Intraoperative Neuromonitoring System Using an Endotracheal Tube With Pressure Sensor During Thyroid Surgery: A Porcine Model Study
Authors: Sung Eui-Suk , Shin Sung-Chan , Kwon Hyun-Keun , Kim Jia , Park Da-Hee , Choi Seong-Wook , Kim Sang-Hoon , Lee Jin-Choon , Ro Jung-Hoon , Lee Byung-Joo
Published: July 2020

Objectives. The loss of signal during intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) using electromyography (EMG) in thyroidectomy is one of the biggest problems. We have developed a novel IONM system with an endotracheal tube (ETT) with an attached pressure sensor instead of EMG to detect laryngeal twitching. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility and reliability of this novel IONM system using an ETT with pressure sensor during thyroidectomy in a porcine model.Methods. We developed an ETT-attached pressure sensor that uses the piezoelectric effect to measure laryngeal muscle twitching. Stimulus thresholds, amplitude, and latency of laryngeal twitching evaluated using the pressure sensor were compared to those measured using transcartilage needle EMG. The measured amplitude changes by EMG and the pressure sensor during recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) traction injury were compared.Results. No significant differences in stimulus threshold intensity between EMG and the pressure sensor were observed. The EMG amplitude detected at 0.3 mA, increased with increasing stimulus intensity. When the stimulus was more than 1.0 mA, the amplitude showed a plateau. In a RLN traction injury experiment, the EMG amplitude did not recover even 20 minutes after stopping RLN traction. However, the pressure sensor showed a mostly recovery.Conclusion. The change in amplitude due to stimulation of the pressure sensor showed a pattern similar to EMG. Pressure sensors can be feasibly and reliably used for RLN traction injury prediction, RLN identification, and preservation through the detection of laryngeal muscle twitching. Our novel IONM system that uses an ETT with an attached pressure sensor to measure the change of surface pressure can be an alternative to EMG in the future.
Bioclastic accumulation in a lake rift basin: The Early Cretaceous coquinas of the Sergipe–Alagoas Basin, Brazil
Authors: Rigueti Ariely L. , Dal' Bó Patrick Führ , Borghi Leonardo , Mendes Marcelo
Published: July 2020

Coquinas constitute widespread deposits in lacustrine, estuarine, and shallow marine settings, where they are a valuable source of information on environmental conditions. Thick coquina successions were deposited in a series of lacustrine rift basins that formed along the Brazilian Continental Margin during the early stages of the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean, in the Early Cretaceous. In the Sergipe–Alagoas Basin, the coquina sequence, equivalent to the Morro do Chaves Formation, crops out in the Atol Quarry, and is considered a relevant analog for the economically important hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Pre-salt strata (Barremian to Aptian) of the Campos Basin (Pampo, Badejo, and Linguado oil fields), which occur only in the subsurface. The aim of this study is to generate a depositional and stratigraphic model through facies and stratigraphic analyses of a well core. These analyses allowed the geological characterization of the Morro do Chaves Formation and of its transition to the adjacent stratigraphic units, the Coqueiro Seco Formation above and the Penedo Formation below, contributing to the growing knowledge of sedimentation in rift basins and exploratory models in hydrocarbon-producing reservoirs. Facies analysis consists of sedimentological, taphonomic, and stratigraphic features of the rocks. Fourteen depositional facies were recognized, stacked into low-frequency and high-frequency, deepening-upward and shallowing-upward cycles driven by the interaction between climate and tectonism. A depositional model is presented, based on the correlation between well-core and outcrop data described in previous studies, providing insights into the spatial distribution of facies. The detailed analysis of facies and stacking patterns sheds light on depositional processes, paleoenvironmental conditions, and the evolution of the system through time, so we may better understand analogous deposits in the geological record.
PRESERVATION OF NEUROPTERIS OVATA IN ROOF SHALE AND IN FLUVIAL CREVASSE-SPLAY FACIES (LATE PENNSYLVANIAN, SYDNEY COALFIELD, CANADA). PART I: AN INFRARED-BASED CHEMOMETRIC MODEL
Authors: D'ANGELO JOSÉ A. , ZODROW ERWIN L.
Published: July 2020

Analytical questions relating to the influence of sedimentation on the preservation states of Carboniferous plant fossils are seldom addressed in the literature. Here we address specifically the influence facies differences have on preservation states and suggest how they can be analyzed. The case study involves the seed fern Neuropteris ovata (Hoffmann) that occurs as opaque pinnules in the roof shale and as transparent pinnules in an associated crevasse-splay of the basal Cantabrian in age, Point Aconi Coal Seam, Sydney Coalfield, Canada. The color differences imply different molecular pathways for organic matter transformation over geological time, which resulted in production of compression fossils in the roof shale and fossilized-cuticle in the crevasse-splay, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy methods are used to quantify functional groups, and the derived data are chemometrically evaluated. Results indicate that the compressions are, as anticipated, characterized in the crevasse-splay facies by a predominantly aromatic composition. The fossilized-cuticles, however, are mainly characterized by oxygen-containing aliphatics, confirming the influence of facies changes on preservation states of the species studied. Implications for preservation, taxonomy, and paleoecology are emphasized.
A Novel Method of Removing Emulsion Blockage after Drilling Operations Using Thermochemical Fluid
Authors: Alade Olalekan , Mahmoud Mohamed , Hassan Amjed , Murtaza Mobeen , Shehri Dhafer Al , Al-Nakhli Ayman , Bataweel Mohammed
Published: July 2020

A novel approach to exploit heat and pressure generated from the exothermic reactions of the aqueous solution of thermochemical reactants, in removing emulsion blockage induced by oil-based mud (OBM) has been investigated. The proposed technology essentially concerns raising the temperature and pressure of the formation above the kinetic stability of emulsions using thermochemical fluid (TCF). From the batch experiments, to assess the energetics of the thermochemical reaction, it was observed that the temperature of the system could be raised above 170°C at a pressure of 1,600 psi. The chemical can be effectively applied under different operating temperatures Tr = 20, 40, 55, and 100°C without significant effect on the heat and pressure generation. The specific energy per unit volume of the reaction is equivalent to ≈370 MJ/m3 within the operating conditions. OBM was prepared and used as the damaging fluid. A TCF was injected into the damaged core sample for cleaning. Permeability and porosity change of the treated core was tested using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to monitor the efficiency of the TCF injection. Ultimately, injecting 1 pore volume (PV) of the TCF removed approximately 72% of the OBM-based emulsion from the core sample. In addition, permeability of the core sample increased from 120 to 800 md, while the porosity increased from 20 to 21.5% after treatment. Moreover, the pressure profile, observed during the flooding experiment, showed that no precipitation or damage was induced during the TCF flooding. Therefore, it is envisaged that the in-situ heat generation can mitigate the emulsion blockage problem and offer advantages over the existing methods considering environmental friendliness and damage removal efficiency.
Serum Zinc deficiency in squamous cell carcinomas of oral and maxillofacial region: a risk factor to its development and metastasis
Authors: Xu Zhenq , Shang Jianw , Wang Guoq , Long Li , Zhang Ping
Published: July 2020

Background To explore whether serum Zinc deficiency (sZnd) is a promoter to the development and lymphonode metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of oral and maxillofacial region (OMF). Methods 610 patients with SCC were enrolled in the study group, the controls consisted of the same number of age-gender matched subjects without cancers, serum Zinc level (sZn) was tested in both groups and anyone whose sZn belowed reference interval was detected as having sZnd. Characteristics of SCCs were investigated. Different concentration of serum Zinc and prevalence of sZnd between the two groups were calculated using Chi-square test. The association between serum Zinc status and SCC with different T-stages and lymphonode metastasis was focused on research. Results The patients varied from 19 to 87 years with a mean age of 58.89±10.91 years. Oral cavity was the most commonly affected region. Males were involved predominantly with a ratio of 1.44:1 to females. The concentration of sZn in malignancies was 12.57±2.53 μmol/L, 17.87% suffered from sZnd; in the control group were 14.65±2.25 μmol/L and 4.75%. Decreased sZn and increased prevalence of sZnd in SCC were statistically significant to controls (p=0.000) . Increased incidence of sZnd and reduced level of sZn correlated significantly to the the progression and lymphnode metastasis of SCC (p<0.01).Conclusions sZnd was a possible predisposing indicator to the tumorigenesis of SCC and also a promoter to its aggravation and lymphonode metastasis, which should be considered as a factor in devising the treatment plannings.
Early experience with four-dimensional computed tomography for observing velopharyngeal closure function in pediatric patients and the evaluation of the exposure dose
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshikazu , Kobayashi Masanao , Kanamori Daisuke , Fujii Naoko , Kataoka Yumi , Satoh Koji , Sano Yoshimi , Yoshioka Satoshi , Tateya Ichiro , Toyama Hiroshi , Matsuo Koichiro
Published: July 2020

Background

The aims of this study were to perform a four-dimensional assessment of velopharyngeal closure function in pediatric patients with cleft palate using 320-row area detector computed tomography (CT), and to estimate the organ-absorbed doses using Monte Carlo simulation.
Methods

We evaluated CT image data obtained between July 2018 and August 2019 from five pediatric patients with cleft palate (four boys and one girl; age range, 4–7 years) at Fujita Health University Hospital. The presence of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), patterns of velopharyngeal closure (VPC), and cross-sectional area of VPI were evaluated. In addition, organ-absorbed doses were assumed in the Monte Carlo simulation. However, we did not perform statistical analysis because of the insufficient number of patients enrolled in this study.
Results

The existence of VPI and hypernasality were completely concordant. The VPC patterns were circular (two patients), circular with Passavant’s ridge (one patient), and unevaluable (two patients). The organ-absorbed doses were relatively lower than those in past reports.
Conclusions

Our method could be an alternative for patients who refuse the conventional nasopharyngoscopic evaluation.
Implementing an intervention to improve adverse incident reporting in the hospital setting: A pilot study
Authors: Akiyama Naomi , Koeda Keisuke , Uozumi Ryuji , Takahashi Fumiaki , Ogasawara Kuniaki
Published: July 2020

Objective: This pilot study evaluated an intervention designed to increase error reporting among physicians. Research was conducted at University Hospital A, where data were collected from April 2017 to March 2019. The intervention began in April 2018 and consisted of the four following steps: define reporting standards, improve the incident reporting system, have the hospital administrators set clear goals and begin a visualized feedback process, and achieve support and appropriate feedback from the hospital administrator. Results: Physicians’ reporting rates were higher in FY 2018 than 2017. Particularly, differences began to occur in November of FY 2018 (p < 0.05, analysed using Fisher’s exact test). Further, the number of reports submitted by non-physicians increased by 900 in FY 2018 compared to those in FY 2017. Based on these results, the intervention effectively increased incident reporting rates among not only physicians, but also other staff members. In this regard, reporting barriers were broken when hospital administrators encouraged employees to submit incident reports.
Multi-dimensional Strategic Approach to the Communicable Diseases With Systemic Risks by Using IT2 Fuzzy Decision-making Modelling
Authors: Wang Shubin , Yang Peiqing , Yüksel Serhat , Dinçer Hasan , Ubay Gözde Gülseven
Published: July 2020

Background

Communicable diseases lead to significant social and financial burden for the countries. Therefore, countries should define their social and technical factors for struggling these problems. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effective strategies to minimize socio-economic burden of these diseases.
Methods

For this purpose, 8 different criteria are identified based on the literature analysis. In the evaluation process, the significance levels of these factors are calculated by considering interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) DEMATEL.
Findings:

The findings show that technological infrastructure, social distance, and tendency of obeying rules are the most significant items to control these problems. This situation explains that countries should have the necessary equipment to make the diagnosis quickly and effectively. In addition, countries that have effective laboratories in which vaccines and drugs can be developed can be more successful in combating these pandemics. Additionally, it is also defined that cultural factors play also key role to control these problems.
Conclusions

In this framework, it is vital that the people in the country take the rules set by the government seriously and without exception. For this purpose, it should be explained to citizens living in the country that personal hygiene, social distance and not entering crowded environments are very important to manage these problems. For this purpose, role model people in the country can be preferred in different platforms so that it can be more effective on the citizens.
Mental Health in Young Healthcare and Social Work Professionals: Associations with Psychosocial Work Environment Factors
Authors: Bonsaksen Tore , Nerdrum Per , Geirdal Amy Østertun
Published: July 2020

Background: Associations between work environment factors and mental health may differ between groups. The study aimed to explore associations between aspects of the psychosocial work environment and mental health among young professionals in four healthcare and social work groups in Norway.Methods: 856 employees were included in this cross-sectional study six years after graduation. The participants completed questionnaires concerned with mental health, work environment, work engagement, and psychological work factors. Data were analyzed with linear and logistic regression analyses.Results: In the whole sample, poorer mental health was associated with higher demands, lower support, lower job satisfaction, more work-home interaction problems, and lower coping in the job. Each unit increase in work-home interaction problems doubled the likelihood of having case-level psychological distress. The strength of the associations between mental health and other factors, such as the demands and support experienced in the job and perceived coping in the job, varied by professional group. Conclusions: Problems concerned with the interaction between work and home were generally associated with poorer mental health. Between professional groups, other independent variables were differently associated with mental health. Work environment factors should receive continued attention in efforts to investigate and promote mental health.
Evaluation of Gentamicin Exposure Effects on Human gut Microbiota using the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME)
Authors: Liu Lei , Qi Hongmei , Suo Pengcheng , Wang Siyi , Lin Huai , Zuo Xiaojun
Published: July 2020

Background: Antibiotics are emerging toxic contaminant that have potential public health risk worldwide. They may cause the human intestinal microbial disorder, as well as the spreading of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Most of the intestinal bacteria are not cultivable for the moment, tracking the special gene-labeled plasmid from the exogenous bacteria would help obtain the direct evidence of the horizontal transfer of ARGs in the intestinal flora. However, to date, there are only a few research reports applying the exogenous labeled bacteria to study the transfer of ARGs among intestinal bacteria. Therefore, for the first time, this study evaluated the in vitro ability of gentamicin on colonization of exogenous bacteria and plasmid in the simulated human gut. Results: This study indicated that exposure to gentamicin may be conducive to the colonization of exogenous bacteria and plasmid, as well as the conjugation of plasmid to gut microbiota. Gentamicin exposure was also confirmed to reduce the gene numbers of human disease-related pathways and promote the drug resistance in the gut microbiota. The effects on the genetic level might attribute to microbiota shift, as co-occurrence patterns suggested that Bacteroides attributed to the ARGs enrichment and Klebsiella played a crucial role in human disease-related pathways reduction after gentamicin treatment. Conclusion: These results may open up new perspectives for assessing the direct effects of antibiotics on the intestinal microbiota. These suggested side-effects should be considered for antibiotics prescription.
Acetate, Propionate and Butyrate Reduce Appetite and Fat Accumulation in Mice via Modulating Relevant Genes and Hormones
Authors: Chen Daiwen , Jiao Anran , Yu Bing , He Jun , Yu Jie , Zheng Ping , Luo Yuheng , Luo Junqiu , Yan Hui , Wang Quyuan , Wang Huifen , Mao Xiangbing
Published: July 2020

Acetate, propionate and butyrate, three of the most common short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), can be produced when some non-digestible carbohydrates enter the large intestine and undergo bacterial fermentation. This study was designed to investigate the effects of these three SCFAs on appetite regulation and lipid metabolism, and to what extent appetite contributed to the beneficial influences of SCFAs. In a 35-day study, a total of 48 C57BL/6 male mice were randomly allocated into six groups : (1) control; (2) 5% sodium acetate; (3) 5% sodium propionate; (4) 5% sodium butyrate; (5) pair fed 1; (6) pair fed 2. The results showed that sodium acetate reduced serum triglyceride, free fatty acids, glucose and interleukin (IL) 6 levels (P < 0.05), increased serum glucagon-like peptide 1 and leptin levels (P < 0.05), down-regulated the mRNA expressions of fatty acid synthase, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor and lipoprotein lipase (P < 0.05), and up-regulated the mRNA expressions of fasting induced adipose factor, nuclear respiratory factor 1, mitochondrial transcription factor A, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9, cytochromec oxidase IV and free fatty acid receptor 2 (P < 0.05). Sodium propionate also reduced serum IL-1β level (P < 0.05), increased serum peptide YY level (P < 0.05), down-regulated the mRNA expressions of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (P < 0.05), and up-regulated the mRNA expression of transmembrane protein 26 (P < 0.05). Besides, Sodium butyrate decreased average daily feed intake (P < 0.05), down-regulated the mRNA expression of myosin heavy-chain (MyHc) Ⅱb (P < 0.05), and up-regulated the mRNA expressions of lipase hormone-sensitive, MyHC Ⅱa and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1α (P < 0.05). Moreover, the metabolic benefits of SCFAs were partly attributed to the reduction of feed intake. Taken together, SCFAs could reduce appetite and fat accumulation via modulating relevant genes and hormones, which might further illustrate the potential mechanisms that underlay the impacts of SCFAs on lipid homeostasis and body weight control.
A complex tetralogy of Fallot case with an unusual cluster of malformations diagnosed by multiple prenatal ultrasound views
Authors: Wu Yun , Zhou Liu-ying
Published: July 2020

Background Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a complex congenital anomaly with a wide variety of prenatal presentations beyond the core malformations, creating difficulty in prenatal diagnosis, prognosis, and perinatal management. Indeed, TOF should be considered the ‘complex’ of Fallot. Case presentation Through a series of precise prenatal ultrasound views, we describe a rare case of complex TOF with multiple malformations including main pulmonary artery atresia, left ductus arteriosus connecting subpulmonary arteries to the left innominate artery, and a right aortic arch with mirror image branching. The prenatal diagnosis and all ultrasound findings were confirmed by autopsy. Conclusions Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a complex congenital anomaly with various branches of blood vessels. A set of standard views plus additional views (the upper chest coronal view) are required for prenatal diagnosis of complex TOF.
Comparative Study on Nitrogen Assimilation and Gene Regulation of different Kentucky bluegrass Cultivars in response to Nitrate supply
Authors: xiaoyang sun , Yajun Chen
Published: July 2020

Background: Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L) is one of the most popular cool-season turfgrass worldwide, but the mechanisms of this species in response to low nitrogen (N) still remain unclear. In this study, we characterized two cultivars ‘Bluemoon’ and ‘Balin’ distinctly in morphological, chromosomal, physiological and molecular attributes to N supply.Results: Bluemoon was more tolerant to low N than Balin by exhibiting higher turf quality (TQ), photosynthetic ability, activities of N reductases and synthetases and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Gene expression profiling showed that there were 968 and 336 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after eliminating genetic background differences in Bluemoon and Balin respectively during low N stress, and these DEGs highly enriched in ‘Nitrogen metabolism’, ‘Pyruvate metabolism’ and ‘Carbon fixation in photosynthetic’ pathways. The identified genes related to carbon (C) metabolism highly expressed in Bluemoon, which could generate more NADPH then result in more N reduction comparing with Balin. Moreover, R2R3-MYB transcription factors were predicted to bind the promoter of GS to enhance the efficiency of GS/GOGAT cycle.Conclusion: These results could be crucial molecular regulations for improving the tolerance to low N and NUE in Bluemoon. The climate and geography in origins may shape the N assimilation patterns in Kentucky bluegrass via long-term domestication. Taken together, the findings help elucidate the low N tolerance mechanisms in Kentucky bluegrass and would be valuable for the genetic improvement of NUE aiming to promote low-input turfgrass management.
Unexpected increase of myocardial extracellular volume fraction in low cardiovascular risk HIV patients
Authors: BORRAZZO CRISTIAN , d'Ettorre Gabriella , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Pacilio Massimiliano , Santinelli Letizia , Cavallari Eugenio Nelson , Spagnolello Ornella , Silvestri Valeria , Vassalini Paolo , Scagnolari Carolina , Francone Marco , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , Carbone Iacopo
Published: July 2020

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) are prone to develop sub-clinical Cardiovascular (CV) disease, despite the effectiveness of combined Antiretroviral Therapy (cART). Algorithms developed to predict CV risk in the general population could be inaccurate when applied to PLWH. Myocardial Extra-Cellular Matrix (ECM) expansion, measured by computed tomography, has been associated with an increased CV vulnerability in HIV-negative population. Measurement of Myocardial Extra-Cellular Volume (ECV) by computed tomography or magnetic resonance, is considered a useful surrogate for clinical evaluation of ECM expansion. In the present study, we aimed to determine the extent of cardiovascular involvement in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients with the use of a comprehensive cardiac computed tomography (CCT) approach.Materials and methods: In the present study, ECV in low atherosclerotic CV risk PLWH was compared with ECV of age and gender matched HIV- individuals. 53 asymptomatic HIV+ individuals (45 males, age 48 (42.5-48) years) on effective cART (CD4+ cell count: 450 cells/μL (IQR: 328-750); plasma HIV RNA: <37 copies/ml in all subjects) and 18 age and gender matched controls (14 males, age 55 (44.5-56) years) were retrospectively enrolled. All participants underwent CCT protocol to obtain native and postcontrast Hounsfield unit values of blood and myocardium, ECM was calculated accordingly.Results: The ECV was significantly higher in HIV+ patients than in the control group (ECV: 31% (IQR: 28%-31%) vs 27.4% (IQR: 25%-28%), p<0.001). The duration of cART (standardized β=0.56 (0.33-0.95), p=0.014) and the years of exposure to HIV infection (standardized β=0.53 (0.4-0.92), p<0.001), were positively and strongly associated with ECV values. Differences in ECV (p<0.001) were also observed regarding the duration of cART exposure (<5 years, 5-10 years and >10 years). Moreover, ECV was independently associated with age of participants (standardized β = 0.42 (0.33-0.89), p=0.084).Conclusions: HIV infection and exposure to antiretrovirals play a detrimental role on ECV expansion. An increase in ECV indicates ECM expansion, which has been associated to a higher CV risk in the general population. The non-invasive evaluation of ECM trough ECV could represent an important tool to further understand the relationship between HIV infection, cardiac pathophysiology and the increased CV risk observed in PLWH.
Medical service demands of older patients in different age groups in a new model of free Telemedicine
Authors: Gong Yu , Zhou Jianyuan
Published: July 2020

Background

Medical service for the older patients is a worldwide challenge for public health system. Telemedicine can provide convenient and effective medical service for older patients. But the existing telemedicine models rely upon a direct communication between a doctor and a patient via the Internet but the doctor would be unable to give the patient a direct physical examination, it may lead to diagnostic errors. A new model of telemedicine jointly performed by general practitioners in community health centers and specialists in a university teaching hospital has been established. It is supervised by the government health department and is free for older patients. However, medical service demands of older patients in different age groups applying the new telemedicine are not well characterized. This study is to analyze medical service demands of older patients in different age groups applying the new telemedicine.
Methods

472 older patients (aged ≥ 60) were enrolled and were divided into the young older group (aged 60 to 74), the old older group (aged 75 to 89) and the very old group (aged ≥ 90) according to the age stratification for older people defined by World Health Organization. Proportion of the top 10 diseases of older patients of different age groups was analyzed.
Results

Coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus were identified as the top two diseases in the older patients and the young older patients as well as the old older patients applying the new telemedicine.
Conclusions

The new telemedicine model can provide effective free medical services to older patients. Different medical service demands were identified in different age groups of older patients. Coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus were the main diseases of the older patients and young older patients as well as the old older patients applying the new telemedicine. Results of this study will provide basis for the health administrative departments to formulate health policies for older patients. Familiar with the main diseases in different age groups of older patients may provide better medical services to older patients.