bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Hemolysis on Multi-OMIC Pancreatic Biomarker Discovery: Derisking Precision Medicine Biomarker Development
Authors: Searfoss Richard , Shah Punit , Ofori-Mensa Kennedy , Bussberg Valerie , Tolstikov Vladimir , Greenwood Bennett , Li Hongyan , DeCicco Corinne , Granger Elder , Rodrigues Leonardo O. , Grund Eric , Moser A. James , Sarangarajan Rangaprasad , Kiebish Michael A. , Narain Niven R.
Published: June 2021

Cancer biomarker discovery is critically dependent on the integrity of biofluid, and tissue samples acquired from study participants. Multi-omic profiling of candidate protein, lipid, and metabolite biomarkers is confounded by timing and fasting status of sample collection, participant demographics and treatment exposures of the study population. Contamination by hemoglobin, whether caused by hemolysis during sample preparation or underlying red cell fragility, contributes 0 – 10 g/L of extraneous protein to plasma, serum, and Buffy coat samples and may interfere with biomarker detection and validation. We analyzed 617 plasma, 701 serum, and 657 buffy coat samples from a 7 year longitudinal multi-omic biomarker discovery program evaluating 400+ participants with or at risk for pancreatic cancer, known as Project Survival™. Hemolysis was undetectable in 93.1% of plasma and 95.0% of serum samples, whereas only 37.1% of Buffy coat samples were free of contamination by hemoglobin. Regression analysis of multi-omic data demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between hemoglobin concentration and the resulting pattern of analyte detection and concentration. Although hemolysis had the greatest impact on identification and quantitation of the proteome, distinct differentials in metabolomics and lipidomics were also observed and correlated with severity. We conclude that quality control is vital to accurate detection of informative molecular differentials using OMIC technologies and that caution must be exercised to minimize the impact of hemolysis as a factor driving false discovery in large cancer biomarker studies.
A Systematic Evaluation of Methods for Cell Phenotype Classification Using Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Data
Authors: Cao Xiaowen , Xing Li , Majd Elham , He Hua , Gu Junhua , Zhang Xuekui
Published: June 2021

Background: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) yields valuable insights about gene expression and gives critical information about complex tissue cellular composition. In the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing, the annotations of cell subtypes are often done manually, which is time-consuming and irreproducible. Garnett is a cell-type annotation software based the on elastic net method. Beside cell-type annotation, supervised machine learning methods can also be applied to predict other cell phenotypes from genomic data. Despite the popularity of such applications, there is no existing study to systematically investigate the performance of those supervised algorithms in various sizes of scRNA-seq data sets. Methods and Results: This study evaluates 13 popular supervised machine learning algorithms to classify cell phenotypes, using published real and simulated data sets with diverse cell sizes. The benchmark contained two parts. In the first part, we used real data sets to assess the popular supervised algorithms’ computing speed and cell phenotype classification performance. The classification performances were evaluated using AUC statistics, F1-score, precision, recall, and false-positive rate. In the second part, we evaluated gene selection performance using published simulated data sets with a known list of real genes. Conclusion: The study outcomes showed that ElasticNet with interactions performed best in small and medium data sets. NB was another appropriate method for medium data sets. In large data sets, XGB works excellent. Ensemble algorithms were not significantly superior to individual machine learning methods. Adding interactions to ElasticNet can help, and the improvement was significant in small data sets.
Infectivity and antigenicity of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 variants
Authors: Wang Youchun , Zhang Li , Li Qianqian , Wu Jiajing , Yu Yuanling , Zhang Yue , Nie Jianhui , Liang Ziteng , Cui Zhimin , Liu Shuo , Wu Jiajing , Ding Ruxia , Jiang Fei , Li Tao , Nie Lingling , Lu Qiong , Li Jiayi , Qin Lili , Jiang Yinan , Shi Yi , Xu Wenbo , Huang Weijin
Published: June 2021

SARS-CoV-2 has caused the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, B.1.617 variants have been transmitted rapidly in India. The transmissibility, pathogenicity, and neutralization characteristics of these variants have received considerable interest. In this study, 22 pseudotyped viruses were constructed for B.1.617 variants and their corresponding single amino acid mutations. B.1.617 variants did not exhibit significant enhanced infectivity in human cells, but mutations T478K and E484Q in the receptor binding domain led to enhanced infectivity in mouse ACE2-overexpressing cells. Furin activities were slightly increased against B.1.617 variants and cell–cell fusion after infection of B.1.617 variants was enhanced. Furthermore, B.1.617 variants escaped neutralization by several mAbs, mainly because of mutations L452R, T478K, and E484Q in the receptor binding domain. The neutralization activities of sera from convalescent patients, inactivated vaccine-immunized volunteers, adenovirus vaccine-immunized volunteers, and SARS-CoV-2 immunized animals against pseudotyped B.1.617 variants were reduced by approximately twofold, compared with the D614G variant.
Intelligent Interpretation of Veterinary Musculoskeletal X-rays Trained with Human Thoracic Limb X-rays
Authors: Zhou Shijia , Ahn Euijoon , Fulham Michael , Kim Jinman
Published: June 2021

Deep learning (DL) using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is being widely applied to assist in the interpretation of medical images in modern healthcare but there is a paucity of ‘artificial intelligence’ being currently applied to veterinary medicine. Most veterinary musculoskeletal (MSK) x-ray imaging is done in a community setting and there has not been the development of large image repositories that are available in human healthcare. Domestic animals – cats and dogs – however, have similar skeletal anatomies to humans. Hence, we hypothesized that annotated human MSK x-rays (Xs) could perhaps be used as a surrogate for the lack of adequate veterinary data to develop an automated system to help interpret veterinary MSK Xs. We refer to this as ‘intelligent interpretation of Veterinary Musculoskeletal Xs (iiVetMSK-Xs). Our iiVetMSK-Xs has an x-ray classifier built on EfficientNet and a lesion localizer built on gradient-weight class activation mapping (Grad-CAM). We used the human Musculoskeletal Radiograph (MURA) dataset (40,005 thoracic limb Xs) and a small veterinary x-ray dataset (500 thoracic and pelvic limb Xs from 141 cats and dogs) downloaded from online case repositories. Our results show that using the human thoracic limb Xs and the veterinary dataset to train a CNN improved diagnostic accuracy threefold. We suggest that our iiVetMSK-Xs is an important first step in developing automated image interpretation for veterinary imaging.
GANplifying event samples
Authors: Butter Anja , Diefenbacher Sascha , Kasieczka Gregor , Nachman Benjamin , Plehn Tilman
Published: June 2021

A critical question concerning generative networks applied to event generation in particle physics is if the generated events add statistical precision beyond the training sample. We show for a simple example with increasing dimensionality how generative networks indeed amplify the training statistics. We quantify their impact through an amplification factor or equivalent numbers of sampled events.
Analysis of sheet erosion component variability on four complex hillslopes and consecutive storms under laboratory conditions
Authors: Kiani-Harchegani Mahboobeh , Talebi Ali , Kiani Sajad
Published: June 2021

Understanding of rainfall-runoff processes in arid and semi-arid regions, such as runoff discharge (Q) and sediment concentration (SC) in hillslopes with different geometries, can offer better insights into hydrological processes. Consequently, considering intra- and inter-storm dynamics of Q and SC during consecutive storms (CSs), on hillslopes of various geometric shapes, has not been accurately and scientifically studied. The current research was planned to study the response of the sheet erosion components. The experiments were performed on four complex hillslopes (CHs) including straight-parallel, straight-convergent, concave-convergent, and convex-convergent under five CSs with rainfall intensity of 45 mm/h on a sandy loam soil in a 1 × 2 m2 plot under laboratory conditions. The results showed that the individual effects of the CSs and CHs and their interactive effects on Q and SC were significant (P ≤ 0.00). However, Q was more influenced by the CSs (ηp2 = 0.65) and SC was more affected by the CHs (ηp2 = 0.77). Moreover, analysis of the hydrographs (HGs), sedigraphs (SGs), and sediment rating loops (SRLs) observed in four CHs during five CSs indicated the diversity in the behavior of the SC (from 2.32 to 68.68 g/L) in comparison with variations in Q (from 14.68 to 38.38 mL/s).
Activated biochar derived from spentAuricularia auriculasubstrate for the efficient adsorption of cationic azo dyes from single and binary adsorptive systems
Authors: Su Long , Zhang Haibo , Oh Kokyo , Liu Na , Luo Yuan , Cheng Hongyan , Zhang Guosheng , He Xiaofang
Published: June 2021

In this study, spent Auricularia auricula substrate (AS)-derived biochar (ASBCs) and activated biochar with NaOH (A-ASBC) were evaluated for the adsorption of cationic azo dyes, including methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RB), and crystal violet (CV), from single and binary adsorptive systems. A-ASBC showed a higher maximum adsorption capacity for these dyes (MB: 53.62 mg·g−1, RB: 32.33 mg·g−1, CV: 735.73 mg·g−1) than ASBCs in a single system because it had a greater specific surface area and more oxygen containing-functional groups on the surface. The adsorption process of the three dyes onto the adsorbents was in good agreement with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm and fit the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which revealed sorbate polymolecular layer formation over the adsorbent surface and the involvement of chemisorption. The adsorption mechanism showed that the adsorption of three dyes on adsorbents could be postulated as a multistep process with extraordinary affinity-induced adsorption in terms of both physisorption and chemisorption. In the binary adsorptive system, the results showed that all MB, RB, and CV had antagonistic/competitive effects on each other's adsorption (QBinary/QSingle < 1). Furthermore, a phytotoxic assay affirmed the effectiveness of the adsorbent in adsorbing dye species from aqueous solutions using Brassica pekinensis L. seeds as the model. Therefore, activated biochar prepared from AS can be used as a potentially economical and effective adsorbent for treating printing and dyeing wastewater.
The Functional Role of Oncogenic LncRNA BCAR4 for Cancer Outcome
Authors: Wang Bei , Xu Wen , Cai Yuxuan , Liu Kai , Wu Jiacheng , Guo Chong , Yuan Chengfu
Published: June 2021

Background:

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 4 (BCAR4) is
a characterized oncogenic lncRNA in different cancers. This review is dedicated to summarize various molecular
mechanisms of BCAR4 and demonstrate that the biological functions exerted by BCAR4 are good entry
points for therapy.

Methods:

The molecular mechanism of BCAR4 acting on tumors is summarized by reviewing PubMed.

Results:

The expression of lncRNA BCAR4 is abnormally increased in all kinds of tumors, including colorectal
cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, gastric cancer, chondrosarcoma, glioma, breast cancer, glioma, gastric
cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, etc. Besides, BCAR4 mediates multiple processes involved
in carcinogenesis, including proliferation, invasion, anti-apoptosis, migration.

Conclusion:

BCAR4 may show great clinical value in this direction as a therapeutic cancer target.
Dietary Phytoestrogens: Neuroprotective Role in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Goyal Ahsas , Verma Aanchal , Agrawal Neetu
Published: June 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive
damage of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra and the striatal projections.
Recent studies suggest that estrogen and estrogen-like chemicals have beneficial effects on neurodegenerative
diseases, particularly PD. Animal studies demonstrate that estrogen influences dopamine’s
synthesis, release, and metabolism. In vivo studies have also shown the significant beneficial
effects of estrogen in shielding the brain from neurodegenerative processes like PD. Moreover,
the expression and function of dopamine receptors can be modified by estrogen. Phytoestrogens
are non-steroidal compounds derived from plants present in a large spectrum of foods, most specifically
soy and in numerous dietary supplements. Phytoestrogens share structural and functional similarities
with 17β-estradiol and can be used as an alternative treatment for PD because of estrogen’s
undesirable effects, such as the increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer, ischemic disorders,
and irregular bleeding. Despite the beneficial effects of phytoestrogens, their impact on human
health may depend on age, health status, and even the presence or absence of specific gut microflora.
In addition to their antioxidant properties, soy products or phytoestrogens also exhibit neuroprotective
activity in patients with PD via the interaction with estrogen receptors (ER) α and β, with a
higher affinity for ERβ. Phytoestrogens offer a valuable model for fully exploring the biological effects
of endocrine disruptors in general. However, observational studies and randomized controlled
trials in humans have resulted in inconclusive findings within this domain. This review considered
the evidence in animal models and human epidemiological data as to whether developmental exposure
to various phytoestrogen classes adversely or beneficially impacts the neurobehavioral programming
in PD.
Liver Transplantation in Children: An Overview of Organ Allocation and Surgical Management
Authors: Grimaldi Chiara , Spada Marco , Maggiore Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

:

Liver transplantation is the standard treatment for children with end-stage liver disease,
primary hepatic neoplasms, or liver-localized metabolic defects. Perioperative mortality is almost
absent, and long-term survival exceeds 90%. Organ shortage is managed thanks to advances in organ
retrieval techniques; living donation and partial liver transplantation almost eliminated waiting
list mortality, thus leading to expanding indications for transplantation. The success of pediatric liver
transplantation depends on the prompt and early referral of patients to transplant Centers and on
the close and integrated multidisciplinary collaboration between pediatricians, hepatologists, surgeons,
intensivists, oncologists, pathologists, coordinating nurses, psychologists, and social workers.
HPMC- A Marvel Polymer for Pharmaceutical Industry-Patent Review
Authors: Guarve Kumar , Kriplani Priyanka
Published: June 2021

At the present time, designing of defined release dosage forms, either controlled, sustained,
modified, are gaining much importance. For the development of such delivery systems,
proper blend of polymers is required so that drug release occurs by polymer erosion, swelling, diffusion/
dissolution. HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) is the most commonly used cellulosic
polymer available in various grades to develop such types of systems. Depending upon the molecular
weight and viscosity chosen, it can be applied for emulsification, adhesion, bonding, thickening,
suspension, film forming and gelation. It consists of polymeric units linked together, which retain
water, thereby acting as an excellent hydrophilic gel forming polymer. It generally hydrates on
the outer surface to form a gelatinous layer. It swells, expands upon contact with water and releases
the drug in predetermined manner initially and then forms viscous gel to control the release further.
The objective of the present review is to overview the recent patents and articles of HPMC, its properties,
grades and its use in various drug delivery systems and as a binder, dispersing agent, bioavailability
enhancer and as capsule forming material have been identified and reviewed.
Evaluation of Heat Distribution for the Diagnosis of the Hoof with Abscess by Infrared Thermography in Horses
Authors: Kim Su-Min , Cho Gil-Jae
Published: June 2021

Background:

The study of normal temperature distribution for the diagnosis of hoof disease in horses using Infrared Thermography (IRT) is rare, therefore, the normal temperature distribution is to be investigated. In this study, we investigated the possible use of IRT in the diagnosis of hoof disease in horses.

Methods:

A total of 66 horses (56 healthy horses and 10 horses with hoof abscess) were used in this study. Veterinarians and farriers performed physical examinations, such as lameness examination, palpation, hoof test, and radiography, on all horses. IRT was performed in standard conditions. The plantar of the hoof was lifted upward by the owner, and the distance of the thermal camera between the plantar of the hoof was 0.3 - 0.5 m. For evaluation, the heat pattern of the plantar of the hoof was divided into seven regions of interest (ROIs), and statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

On performing IRT, the temperature of healthy hooves and hooves with hoof abscess was found to be 25.77 °C ± 3.87 °C (mean ± SD) and 31.94 °C ± 2.60 °C, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean temperature of ROIs in hooves with abscesses was 6.17 °C higher than that of healthy hooves. Sole regions were found to be especially prominent. Additionally, all ROIs of hooves with hoof abscess classified IRT with high sensitivity (74.3%) and specificity (87.5%).

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrated the usefulness of IRT in diagnosing hoof with abscess. Moreover, this study suggests that IRT may be useful as a new temperature measurement analysis system in terms of determining differences in the heat distribution of the hoof.
Plasma Fibrinogen as a Biomarker of Stable and Exacerbated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Ehsan Kashifa , Zulfiqar Sibgha , Hassan Amber , Waseem Humaira
Published: June 2021

Study Design:

An experimental, comparative, cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study:

Department of Physiology, Federal Post Graduate Medical Institute (FPGMI), Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex Lahore, Pakistan from August 2013 to 2014

Background:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease, but is a partially reversible chronic inflammatory condition characterized by airway obstruction. COPD remains under-diagnosed and under-treated because the only available diagnostic method at present is testing lung functions by spirometry which is not helpful to determine the severity and clinical outcomes of the disease. Circulating biomarkers are under consideration for various diseases worldwide. Plasma fibrinogen is emerging as one of the most promising biomarkers of COPD in smokers.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to investigate if plasma fibrinogen can serve as a diagnostic biomarker of COPD in smokers, and if its further higher levels are seen in the exacerbated state of the disease in comparison to the stable disease.

Materials and Methods:

75 middle-aged to old-age smokers of either gender were selected. Lung functions of every participant were measured to determine Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), and the ratio of FEV1/FVC by spirometry. On the basis of the results of the tests, subjects were divided into three groups; firstly, the control group of chronic smokers without COPD, secondly, smokers with COPD in a stable state, and thirdly, patients in an exacerbated state of COPD. Plasma fibrinogen was quantitatively estimated in every individual of all three groups by the Clauss method using the Hemostat Fibrinogen kit.

Results:

The average Plasma fibrinogen level was found to be 235.008 mg/dl in healthy smokers (control group), while an average of 440.12mg/dl was measured in patients with stable COPD. The difference in plasma fibrinogen levels was found to be significant, having a p-value of (0.000). In the third group with declined lung function predicting acute exacerbated COPD, fibrinogen was found to be > 453.2 mg/dl, which was significantly higher than in the stable disease group (p-value > 0.0017)

Conclusion:

Plasma fibrinogen level measurement is a reliable and accessible test in terms of a diagnostic marker of COPD, as compared to conventional lung function testing done in the past.
An Insight into the Dermatological Applications of Neem: A Review on Traditional and Modern Aspect
Authors: Singh Varinder , Roy Meghaditya , Garg Nidhi , Kumar Amit , Arora Sandeep , Malik Deepinder Singh
Published: June 2021

Background :

Dermatological disorders are cutaneous infirmities
which are frequently occurring and increasing at an alarming rate. These range
from mild itching/redness (dermatitis) to fatal skin cancers and has posed a major
health concern. Azadirachta indica A. Juss (commonly known as neem), a
member of Meliaceae family, is an Indian medicinal plant which has been known
for its health promoting effects since ancient times.

Objective:

The review highlights the traditional practices, pharmacological aspects,
and formulatory approach of neem for the treatment of dermatological disorders.
Further, recent patents and novel delivery systems (developed and in pipeline)
improving skin delivery and therapeutic profile of neem are discussed.

Results :

Neem is a traditional medicinal plant that has been employed for the prevention
and treatment of numerous ailments covering systemic and topical disorders.
Scientific studies have validated the traditional claims of neem and attributed
these health benefits to the presence of more than 300 structurally diverse and
complex compounds. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, antiviral,
antifungal, immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities which substantiate
its use as skin therapy. Various novel formulations and associated patents that
improved the permeability of neem based products across skin could be found in
literature.

Conclusion :

Critical appraisal of available literature revealed that neem possesses
anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Thus
it has the potential to be developed as a single effective therapy for the management
of multimodal skin disorders. Further, pharmaceutical tailoring of neem by
implication of novel carriers could enhance its penetrability across skin.
Density Functional Theory (DFT) Study on α,α-Bis(2-benzothiophen-1-yl)-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b,3;4-b′]dithiophene Derivatives for Optoelectronic Devices
Authors:   Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, Semire Banjo , Odunola Olusegun Ayobami
Published: June 2021

Bis(2-benzothiophen-1-yl)-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b,3;4-b′]dithiophene derivatives comprised of three series; bis(2-thienyl)-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b,3;4-b]dithiopene (BTDT), diphenyl4Hcyclopenta[2,1-b,3;4-b]dithiophene (DPDT) and bis(2-benzothiophen-1-yl)-4Hcyclopenta[2,1-b,3;4-b]dithiophene (BBDT) have been studied using Density Functional Theory (B3LYP/6-31G**). In each series, molecules with C=S bridge exhibited the lowest band gap; for instance in BBDT series, the energy band gap could be arranged as 2.29, 2.23 and 1.66 eV for CH2, C=O and C=S bridge respectively. The low band gaps calculated for BBDT-C=S (1.66 eV) and BTDT-C=S (1.82 eV) could facilitate photo-excited electron transfer as one the criteria for a molecule to be used in photovoltaic devices. Also, the results showed that longest UV-vis absorption wavelength was observed for molecules with C=S bridge, i.e. 1013.66, 874.75 and 1097.66 nm for BTDT, DPDT and BBDT respectively. The polarizability (α0) valves calculated for the molecules follow as -CH2 < C=O < C=S bridge in each series, indicating that the higher the polarizability (α0) valve the longer the λmax nm and the lower the energy band gap. The magnitude of the molecular hyperpolarizability β0 showed that molecular structures with -C=O bridge could be best NLO material in each series.
The Development of Diazinon Sensors using Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Membrane CuO on Surface Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode (SPCE) as a Receptor
Authors:   Chemistry Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Brawijaya, Resti Anisa , Mulyasuryani Ani , Mardiana Diah
Published: June 2021

The development of Diazinon sensor has been studied using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-CuO membrane on the surface of the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) as a receptor. The membrane used consisted of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) 5% (w/v), citric acid 5% (w/v), glutaraldehyde 4% (v/v), Diazinon solution 40 ppm (v/v), and CuO 5% (w/v). This study established the effect of Diazinon at 0.01,0.02 and 0.03 (w/w). besides, the concentration of CuO was 0.5 and 1 (w/w). Signal measurements were carried out in the concentration range of the Diazinon 10-12 - 10-5 M solution in Britton-Robinson buffer at pH 2 - 5. Besides, the influence of the electrolyte type was studied using HCl pH 4, 10-5 M KCl, pH 3 phosphate and phosphate-KCl pH 3 buffers. The results of the Diazinon sensor characterization showed that the highest sensitivity was obtained at 42 mV/decade with a response time of 180 seconds.
Development of "information provision support program on breastfeeding" built from experience
Authors: Hamada Mayumi
Published: June 2021

Breastfeeding can prove challenging for new mothers and, unfortunately, many women are not well informed about the difficulties they may experience, which means that they may not be adequately prepared to deal with them. In addition, the portrayal of breastfeeding as highly beneficial
and a beautiful experience can make new mothers feel pressured and lead to frustration and disappointment if things don't go smoothly. Dr Mayumi Hamada, Department of Maternity Nursing, The Jikei University School of Nursing, Japan, is passionate about supporting women as they make their transition
into motherhood. In 2018, it was reported that suicide is the most common cause of maternal death in Japan, and a key focus for Hamada is on breastfeeding and the struggles women may have with it as a factor in suicide risk. In her current work she is building on a previous analysis that looked
at how breastfeeding is talked about with mothers who generally followed the normal breastfeeding period. This previous research highlighted a need for healthcare professionals to address breastfeeding uncertainties and develop support. Therefore, Hamada will work with women to elucidate the
challenges and feelings they experience from birth to weaning and the researchers will use their findings to work with midwives to improve the information and support women receive before giving birth.
Enabling Nurse-Patient Communication With a Mobile App: Controlled Pretest-Posttest Study With Nurses and Non–English-Speaking Patients
Authors: Silvera-Tawil David , Pocock Courtney , Bradford DanaKai , Donnell Andrea , Freyne Jill , Harrap Karen , Brinkmann Sally
Published: June 2021

Background

There is growing concern regarding the implications of miscommunication in health care settings, the results of which can have serious detrimental impacts on patient safety and health outcomes. Effective communication between nurses and patients is integral in the delivery of timely, competent, and safe care. In a hospital environment where care is delivered 24 hours a day, interpreters are not always available. In 2014, we developed a communication app to support patients’ interactions with allied health clinicians when interpreters are not present. In 2017, we expanded this app to meet the needs of the nursing workforce. The app contains a fixed set of phrases translated into common languages, and communication is supported by text, images, audio content, and video content.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the communication app to support nursing staff during the provision of standard care to patients from non–English-speaking backgrounds when an interpreter is not available.

Methods

This study used a one-group pretest-posttest sequential explanatory mixed methods research design, with quantitative data analyzed using inferential statistics and qualitative data analyzed via thematic content analysis. A total of 134 observation sessions (82 pretest and 52 posttest) of everyday nurse-patient interactions and 396 app use sessions were recorded. In addition, a total of 134 surveys (82 pretest and 52 posttest) with nursing staff, 7 interviews with patients, and 3 focus groups with a total of 9 nursing staff participants were held between January and November 2017.

Results

In the absence of the app, baseline interactions with patients from English-speaking backgrounds were rated as more successful (t80=5.69; P<.001) than interactions with patients from non–English-speaking backgrounds. When staff used the app during the live trial, interactions with patients from non–English-speaking backgrounds were rated as more successful than interactions without the app (F2,119=8.17; P<.001; η2=0.37). In addition, the level of staff frustration was rated lower when the app was used to communicate (t80=2.71; P=.008; r=0.29). Most participants indicated that the app assisted them in communicating.

Conclusions

Through the use of the app, a number of patients from non–English-speaking backgrounds experienced better provision of standard care, similar to their English-speaking peers. Thus, the app can be seen as contributing to the delivery of equitable health care.
Identification and Reporting of Patient and Public Partner Authorship on Knowledge Syntheses: Rapid Review
Authors: Ellis Ursula , Kitchin Vanessa , Vis-Dunbar Mathew
Published: June 2021

Background

Patient and public involvement (PPI) in health research is an area of growing interest. Several studies have examined the use and impact of PPI in knowledge syntheses (systematic, scoping, and related reviews); however, few studies have focused specifically on the patient or public coauthorship of such reviews.

Objective

This study seeks to identify published systematic and scoping reviews coauthored by patient or public partners and examine the characteristics of these coauthored reviews, such as which journals publish them, geographic location of research teams, and terms used to describe patient or public partner authors in affiliations, abstracts, or article text.

Methods

We searched CAB Direct, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), and PsycInfo from 2011 to May 2019, with a supplementary search of several PPI-focused databases. We refined the Ovid MEDLINE search by examining frequently used words and phrases in relevant search results and searched Ovid MEDLINE using the modified search strategy in June 2020.

Results

We screened 13,998 results and found 37 studies that met our inclusion criteria. In line with other PPI research, we found that a wide range of terms were used for patient and public authors in author affiliations. In some cases, partners were easy to identify with titles such as patient, caregiver or consumer representative, patient partner, expert by experience, citizen researcher, or public contributor. In 11% (n=4) of studies, they were identified as members of a panel or advisory council. In 27% (n=10) of articles, it was either impossible or difficult to tell whether an author was a partner solely from the affiliation, and confirmation was found elsewhere in the article. We also investigated where in the reviews the partner coauthors’ roles were described, and when possible, what their specific roles were. Often, there was little or no information about which review tasks the partner coauthors contributed to. Furthermore, only 14% (5/37) of reviews mentioned patient or public involvement as authors in the abstract; involvement was often only indicated in the author affiliation field or in the review text (most often in the methods or contributions section).

Conclusions

Our findings add to the evidence that searching for coproduced research is difficult because of the diversity of terms used to describe patient and public partners, and the lack of consistent, detailed reporting about PPI. For better discoverability, we recommend ensuring that patient and public authorships are indicated in commonly searched database fields. When patient and public-authored research is easier to find, its impact will be easier to measure.
Predictors of mortality within the first year post-hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (Preprint)
Authors: Sheriff Sanaa , Madhavan Sudharsan , Lei Geraldine , Chan Yiong H. , Junnarkar Sameer P , Huey CheongWei , Low JeeKeem , Shelat Vishal G
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Hepatic resection (HR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is safe with good perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes. There is a paucity of data with regards to intermediate-term outcomes, i.e. beyond 90-day and within one-year mortality.

OBJECTIVE

This paper studies the risk factors for within one-year mortality after elective HR with curative intent in patients with HCC.

METHODS

An audit of patients who underwent curative HR for HCC from January 2007 to April 2016 was conducted. Univariate and multivariate analysis were sequentially performed on perioperative variables using Cox-regression analysis to identify factors predicting intermediate-term outcomes defined as within one-year mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and hazard ratios were obtained.

RESULTS

348 patients underwent HR during the study period and 163 patients had curative hepatectomy for HCC. 15 patients (9.2%) died within one-year after HR. Multivariate analysis identified Child-Pugh class B/C [HR 5.5, p=0.035], multinodularity [HR 7.1, p=0.001], macrovascular invasion [HR 4.2, p=0.04] post-operative acute renal failure [HR 5.8, p=0.049] and post-hepatic liver failure [HR 9.6, p=0.009] as significant predictors of one-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

One-year mortality following HR for HCC remains high and can be predicted preoperatively by multinodularity, Child-Pugh class, and macrovascular invasion. Postoperative acute renal failure and liver failure are associated with one-year mortality.
FRICTION BEHAVIOR OF ALUMINUM BRONZE REINFORCED BY BORON CARBIDE PARTICLES
Authors: Smolin Alexey Yu. , Filippov Andrey V. , Shilko Evgeny V.
Published: June 2021

A promising composite material for tribotechnical applications based on aluminum bronze with reinforcing boron carbide particles fabricated by a special electron beam additive deposition technique was studied experimentally and numerically. Tribological experiments showed that reinforcing by carbide particles allowed reducing the coefficient of friction from 0.26 to 0.19 and improving the wear resistance by 2.2 times. Computer modeling reveals two main factors playing a significant role in the friction behavior of the studied metal matrix composite: the mechanical effect of reinforcing ceramic inclusions and effective hardening of the metal matrix due to the peculiarities of the 3D electron beam printing. The mechanical effect of hardening inclusions determines a more rounded shape of wear particles, preventing wedging, and thereby increasing the stability of friction. Strengthening the metal matrix leads to reducing the number of wear particles.
STIGMA AND IN VITRO FERTILIZATION: PERCEPTION OF WOMEN WITH IVF EXPERIENCE
Authors: Skrobić Ljiljana , Pucarević Bojana
Published: June 2021

Couples and individuals involved in the IVF process are faced with numerous challenges. One of the challenges is coping with stigma, which is especially prevalent in those societies in which the significance of procreation is emphasized. This paper will present the results of qualitative research on stigma perception – how women with IVF experience perceive and interpret the stigma related to IVF. 11 women were interviewed and the sample was provided in collaboration with the “Šansa za roditeljstvo” Association. The data were processed using thematic analysis. The respondents recognize that there is a stigma related to IVF, as well as a possible risk for their children who were conceived in this way being exposed to stigmatization. All the respondents live in big cities, which probably contributes to less exposure to stigma and a greater willingness to talk about this topic, while the respondents emphasized that stigmatization is much greater in smaller communities. Education and being well informed about IVF are recognized as possible ways of crossing the path from stigmatization to ‘normalization’ and greater acceptance of IVF. The research has provided initial insights into stigma perception and experience of individuals and couples involved in the IVF process. The results indicate that it is necessary to introduce systematic and continuous support in this field.
RAISING ENGINEERING STUDENTS’ AWARENESS AS REGARDS THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPROVING THEIR PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH
Authors: Abrudan Caciora Simona , Sturza Amalia , Supuran Anamaria
Published: June 2021

This research paper presents the results obtained after analysing the answers given by a number of 170 engineering students to questions referring to the current role of English, both in engineering education and in engineers’ professional activity, especially when that activity is carried out in multinational companies.In addition, it emphasizes the importance of presenting students, during the early stages of their academic education, with the advantages provided by a good command of the English language. First, because employers in the field of engineering, especially those representing multinational companies (and such multinational companies are present in Oradea) need employees with a good grasp of English. Second, because academic education often involves the use of English for conducting research and/or for presenting the results of research.
THE BRAND SEMANTICS CULTURAL ADAPTATION STRATEGIES
Authors: Glukhova Olga
Published: June 2021

The paper is an interdisciplinary study of brand semantics and the cultural adaptation strategies applied when transferring brand to international or different local markets. The study applies the conceptual approach to brand semantics and aims at outlining the brand semantic cultural adaptation strategies like value-based cultural adaptation and context-based cultural adaptation. The research provides the description of brand semantics in terms of semiotics, cognitive and cultural linguistics proving the brand semantics resemblances to that of cultural concept. The first section deals with brand semantic issues and proposes the method of linguo-cognitive analysis for the brand semantic investigation process. The second section views the brand translation and adaptation approaches in Translation Theories. The last section is devoted to cultural adaptation strategies application to brand constituents when transferring to another culture. Thus, the paper offers a cultural approach to brand translation studies and renders the brand semantics as a series of meanings transmitted by its material (trademark, logo, slogan, advertisement) and non-material (associations, value, uniqueness, inimitable style) constituents that, subjected to linguo-cognitive analysis, enable the application of context-based or value -based cultural adaptation strategy.
REFLECTIVE PRACTICE AND PREZI — TOOLS FOR IMPROVING ACADEMIC SPEAKING SKILLS
Authors: Korpaš Olivera
Published: June 2021

This paper aims at investigating the usefulness of the reflective practice supported by technology as a tool for improving academic speaking skills. The study employs two groups of undergraduate students in the Integrated Skills course for Academic Purpose, at the University of Szeged, that undergo the same instruction. The non-experimental group does not use technology to support their speaking practice, while the experimental group uses Prezi. The instruments used in the research are surveys and the instructor’s journal. The results reveal that students perceive reflective practice as a useful tool that helps them think critically about their performance. What is more, the study shows that reflective activities, when combined with online resources boost motivation for speaking and better presentation performance.
ЗАДОВОЉСТВО И ЛОЈАЛНОСТ КАО ПОКАЗАТЕЉИ КВАЛИТЕТА ЕЛЕМЕНАТА ТУРИСТИЧКОГ ПРОИЗВОДА
Authors: Kostadinović Ivana , Stanković Sunčica
Published: June 2021

The continuous expansion and diversification of tourism in recent decades have led to this branch of industry to become one of the largest and fastest growing in the world. Well-planned tourism generates benefits to destinations by increased revenue from tourism and employment. In this connection, the quality of tourism services, and this is the tourists’ satisfaction with the quality of tourism services provided, as a precursor of loyalty, become crucial for the successful development of tourism. The subject of this research are satisfaction and loyalty as indicators of tourism product element quality. The aim of this study is to explore the connection between tourists’ satisfaction with the quality of catering services, accommodation services, transportation services and in terms of the specific tourism event with their age structure and region they visited, as well as the connection between satisfaction of tourists with the quality of the elements of the tourist product and loyalty. In order to achieve this objective, the sample included 381 respondents. Answers that are relevant for the analysis yielded 357 respondents. For statistical analysis, multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant analysis were used. Research results indicated that there were significant statistical differences between the age structure and tourists’ satisfaction, that these also corresponded to the region visited, and tourist loyalty depends on their satisfaction with the quality of elements of the tourist product.
EGG DONATION: EXPLORING ATTITUDES OF STUDENTS TOWARDS DONATION
Authors: Opsenica Kostić Jelena , Mitrović Milica , Panić Damjana
Published: June 2021

Conception with donated oocytes represents an important option for overcoming sterility, but brings with it numerous dilemmas, which have been dealt with differently in various European countries. In the Republic of Serbia, anonymous oocyte donation is legal, and donors include women from the general population, and women undergoing IVF. This is a new phenomenon in our society, for which the law requires promotion. In order for the campaign to be appropriate, it is necessary to learn about existing attitudes. This research was carried out with the aim of determining the attitudes of students towards egg donation (N = 503; 206 young men, 297 young women). A questionnaire was used, designed based on the scale used by Swedish authors to study the attitudes of potential donors (Skoog-Svanberg, Lampic, Bergh, & Lundkvist, 2003). The obtained results indicate that there are generally positive attitudes towards oocyte donation, but that most respondents are reserved regarding the issue of propagating donors in the media. Most of the respondents are unsure regarding donation from IVF, and when asked about donor anonymity and the right of the child to learn its genetic origin, they showed signs of oscillating and supporting contradictory options. Even though this study was carried out on a student population, it is possible to identify significant guidelines for the start of the promotion of voluntary egg donation in RS, as well as implications for future research.
ENSURING THE OPTIMUM LEVEL OF ELECTRICITY LOSSES IN THE POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS OF THE ENTERPRISES
Authors:   NATALIA VIKTOROVNA SAVINA  Amur State University, SAVINA NATALIA VIKTOROVNA , MYASOEDOV YURI VIKTOROVICH ,   YURI VIKTOROVICH MYASOEDOV Amur State University, MYASOEDOVA LARISA ANATOLIEVNA ,   LARISA ANATOLIEVNA MYASOEDOVA  Amur State University
Published: June 2021

On the basis of the system approach, the analysis of the basic technologies of the intelligent electric power system that provide adaptive management of the electric network is carried out. The expediency of their application for adaptive power quality management in electric networks with traction load by expanding the functions is shown. The variants of their configuration are proposed to improve the quality of electricity and ensure optimal parameters of electricity quality indicators.
METHODS OF ENERGY REHABILITATION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN A COLD CLIMATE
Authors:   EKATERINA YURIEVNA ARTYUSHEVSKAYA Amur State University, ARTYUSHEVSKAYA EKATERINA YURIEVNA , MYASOEDOV YURI VIKTOROVICH ,   YURI VIKTOROVICH MYASOEDOV Amur State University, MYASOEDOVA LARISA ANATOLIEVNA ,   LARISA ANATOLIEVNA MYASOEDOVA  Amur State University
Published: June 2021

The main directions of increasing the energy efficiency of residential buildings in a cold climate are determined. The most effective measures to improve the energy efficiency of external enclosing structures, as well as measures aimed at improving the efficiency of technical solutions and engineering systems, are considered. The most promising methods of energy rehabilitation are established.
ASSESSMENT OF THE PROSPECTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT ON THE TERRITORY OF THE ACTIVE AVACHINSKY VOLCANO OF THE KAMCHATKA TERRITORY
Authors:   Palina Pavlovna Protsenko Amur State University, PROTSENKO PALINA PAVLOVNA , VEKLICH ANTON ANDREEVICH ,   Anton Andreevich Veklich Amur State University
Published: June 2021

This article discusses the design of a geothermal power plant on the promising area of the active Avachinsky volcano, the advantages and disadvantages of its operation, as well as the determination of the exact location of the power plant for efficient operation based on geophysical studies and a comparative economic analysis with the existing traditional power plants of the Kamchatka territory.
MOTION VISUALIZATION IN SIMULATION MODELS OF AUTOMATED CONTROL SYSTEMS
Authors:   ANDREY NIKOLAEVICH RYBALEV Amur State University, RYBALEV ANDREY NIKOLAEVICH , ALEKO MIKHAIL ALEXANDROVICH ,   MIKHAIL ALEXANDROVICH ALEKO Amur State University, DOROFEEVA TATIANA ALEXANDROVNA ,   TATIANA ALEXANDROVNA DOROFEEVA Amur State University
Published: June 2021

The article describes the intermediate results of the development of automated control systems simulation models with visualization of the controlled objects movement.
ORGANOMETALLIC CATALYSTS FOR ETHYLENE POLYMERIZATION
Authors:   TATYANA ANDREEVNA RODINA  Amur State University, RODINA TATYANA ANDREEVNA
Published: June 2021

The use of organometallic catalysts in ethylene polymerization at low pressure is considered. A comparative characteristic of different generations of catalysts and their influence on the physical and mechanical properties of polymers is given.