bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy tract dilatation techniques comparison (Balloon vs. Amplatz): Our Experience in Middle East.
Authors: Abu-Qamar Adnan A. , Al-Naser Mohanad M. , Al-Majali Ashraf S. , Al-serhan Mohammad A. , Al-Hammouri Firas A. , Al-kaabneh Awad B. , Al-jfout Samer G. , Al-Qaralleh Ayman A. , Abdeldayem Mohammad A. , Al-Hiari Ahmad M. , Al-Khasawneh Laith F. , M Abdullah M. Al-rababaah , Ni’mate Abdelhakim S. , Al-Khawaldah Belal A. , Al-Emoush Monther A. , Hjazeen Anees A.
Published: June 2020

Background: percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a gold widespread minimally invasive technique for the remedy of huge renal stones > 2 cm. Our intention is to review the versions among the Balloon and Amplatz dilatation of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) tract exploitation peri- and postoperative variables and make clear which technique is efficient.Methods: 600 sufferers who underwent PCNLs among (1-April 2012 and 20-September 2018) in our Urology Center had been listed all through this retrospective look at, and divided into 2 groups: (group1) balloon tract dilatation (300 sufferers) and (group2) Amplatz serial fascial (ASF) dilatation (300 sufferers). Therefore, the demographic and categorical statistics were compared between each team.Statistical evaluation used: SPSS software version twenty-four, T-test.Results: operative time (balloon vs. Amplatz group: (85 ± 32 vs. 86.5 ± 31) mins; P= zero.073), preoperative Hematocrit value (41.5 ± 8.2 vs. 40.three ± 9.4; P= 0.088), postoperative Hematocrit cost (36.1 ± 2.2 vs. 34.6 ± three.4; P= 0.023), blood transfusion levels (10.6% vs. 12.1%; P= 0.002), tract dilatation trials (20.4% vs. 22.6%; P= 0.051), stone clearance price (78.three% vs. 77.8%; P= 0.083), and therefore, the versions regarding the price have been higher slightly in balloon cluster while within the opportunity variables had been statistically insignificant besides blood transfusion rate and postoperative hospital live.Conclusion: The balloon dilatation is price effective than amplatz method in manner of postoperative hospital live length and blood transfusion, whereas most of the other diverse factors like safety, operative period, achievement rate, and stone clearance price; they gave comparable consequences.
PLCG2 as a Risk Factor for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Tsai Andy Po-Yi , Dong Chuanpeng , Preuss Christoph , Moutinho Miguel , Lin Peter Bor-Chian , Hajicek Nicole , Sondek John , Bissel Stephanie J , Oblak Adrian L , Carter Gregory W , Liu Yunlong , Landreth Gary E , Lamb Bruce T , Nho Kwangsik
Published: June 2020

Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by robust microgliosis and phenotypic changes that accompany disease pathogenesis. Indeed, genetic variants in microglial genes are linked to risk for late-onset AD (LOAD). Phospholipase C 𝛾 2 (PLCG2) participates in the transduction of signals emanating from immune cell-surface receptors that regulate the inflammatory response and is selectively expressed by microglia in the brain. A rare variant in PLCG2 (P522R) was previously found to be protective against LOAD. Here, we performed association analysis to identify a new genetic variation in PLCG2 that is associated with elevated risk for LOAD.Methods Using whole genome sequencing (N=1,894) and RNA-Seq (N=1,077) data from the AMP-AD cohort, we investigated whether a missense variant in PLCG2 (M28L) was associated with risk for LOAD. We have examined the homology model and space-filling model of PLCG2 generated with PyMOL to investigate the protein structure of PLCG2 with substitutions of LOAD risk and protective variants in PLCG2 . Gene expression analysis and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) of PLCG2 were conducted. We also evaluated the relationship between PLCG2 expression levels and amyloid plaque density and expression levels of microglia specific markers ( AIF1 and TMEM119 ). Age, sex, and APOE ε4 carrier status were used as covariates. Finally, we investigated the longitudinal changes PLCG2 expression in the 5XFAD mouse model of AD and it relationship to amyloid pathology progression.Results A rare missense variant in PLCG2 (M28L) confers increased AD risk ( p =0.047; OR=1.164 [95% CI=1.002-1.351]). PLCG2 is highly expressed in the brain and was significantly up-regulated in the parahippocampal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, and inferior temporal gyrus in LOAD. Higher PLCG2 expression levels were associated with increased brain amyloid deposition. The findings were validated in 5xFAD mice, showing a disease progression-dependent increase in Plcg2 expression with amyloid pathology. Furthermore, eQTL analysis identified several variants as associated with increased PLCG2 expression levels in the brain and other organs.Conclusions Our results provide further evidence that PLCG2 and the M28L variant confers increase risk for LOAD and may play an important role in AD pathophysiology.
Comprehensive profiling of aberrant prognostic alternative splicing signatures in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a retrospective study based on large-scale sequencing data
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zhang Zhao , Duan Yi , Ji Guangxu , Wu Hongliang , Tang Yueqing , Hu Xiaolin , Fang Zhiqing , Guo Zhaoxin , Liu Hainan , Liu Zhaoxu , Xu Zhonghua
Published: June 2020

Backgroud: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC) is the most common type with poor prognosis in kidney tumor. Growing evidence has indicated that aberrant alternative splicing (AS) events are efficacious signatures for tumor prognosis predicting and therapeutic targets. Systematic and comprehensive analysis of AS in ccRCC is in urgent need.Methods: Level 3 RNA-seq data were acquired from TCGA data portal and the AS profiles were performed with assistance of SpliceSeq software. Univariate cox regression analysis was applied for screening prognosis-related AS events. Gene functional enrichment analysis revealed the pathways enriched by prognosis-related AS. The final AS panel was developed by LASSO-penalized method for predicting prognosis and compared with traditional clinical factors. The potential regulatory network was analyzed via Spearman correlation between splicing factors (SFs).Results: A total of 2100 survival-associated AS events were filtered from 1666 parent genes. Gene functional enrichment analysis suggested that the regulation of autophagy could be a potential mechanism of splicing regulatory in ccRCC. 17 aberrant AS events formed the final AS panel which can estimate OS probability in ccRCC patients. The AUC values of ROC curves for the final AS panel can keep above 0.7 spanning 1 year to 5 years.Conclusion: We developed a robust and individualized predictive model based on large-scale sequencing data. The identified vital AS events and splicing networks may be valuable in deciphering the potential mechanisms of AS on tumorigenesis of ccRCC.
Gender Differences in Academic Grades versus Absenteeism for Medical Sciences Students
Authors: HAKAMI ABDULRAHIM
Published: June 2020

Background: Learning environment and academic performance can be investigated from various aspects. Numerous interfering factors make this issue a complex one. The aim of this study is to understand the role of absenteeism on the overall score of medical sciences students and to consider the difference between male and female students.Methods: Academic performance was evaluated using the overall grades. Assessments of students and absence rate were tracked in two consecutive semesters (January–April 2019 and September–December of the same year), followed by sequential alignment to evaluate and correlate males (n=43) and females (n=72) results. During the semester, all teaching and assessment methods were unified to both sections to mitigate any confounding results from the teaching method to either section. Academic activities were assessed automatically and subjectively. SEKONIC SR-3500 HYBRID Machine was used to correct and analyze the answers of multiple-choice questions of the Midterm and final examination. Objective marks were compiled with the scores of the subjective answers to generate the final academic degree. These overall marks were correlated and statistically analyzed with the absence rates.Results: Preliminary data of the mean scores between male and female students during three semesters were statistically significant (**** p<0.0001). To correlate marks with absenteeism, the correlation coefficient (r) was in a negative value which indicates an inverse correlation between X (absence rate) and Y data (scores). But, a statistically significant correlation was found in the male section (**p= 0.0011 for the first semester; *p= 0.0255 for the second semester) but no significance was observed with the female scores (p= 0.2041; p=0.1537).Conclusions: The results show that female marks are not solely dependent on class attendance but probably other factors were involved such as self-learning, motivation and group discussion. The female mean scores were significantly higher in five semesters in a row compared to male students. Male overall scores prove to be conditioned with the instructor explanation. The finding indicates a gender variation in the academic performance measured by overall grades taking absenteeism rate into account.
Analysis of multi-factor regulated network and different clusters in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Qin Xianyu , Huang Lei , Chen Shaoxian , Wen Pengju , Chen Sichengg , Wu Min , Wu Yueheng
Published: June 2020

Background
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a kind of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with more severe symptoms. We herein explored the regulatory network between lncRNA, miRNAs, mRNAs, and TFs in the HOCM and divided HOCM samples into different clusters to identify key genes and regulatory factors that are involved in the process of HOCM.
Methods
Differentially expressed genes and online associated genes were integrated as a candidate gene set. WGCNA method was used to obtain key modules and genes related to HOCM. Subsequently, core genes were used to construct a multi-factor regulatory network and divided HOCM into different clusters. Lastly, the key regulatory factors and significant genes were identified in different clusters.
Results
The four gene sets from GEO, GENE and OMIM databases were integrated and WGCNA network was used to obtain two modules and 32 core genes. Through online database, miRNA-lncRNA, miRNA-mRNA, and TF-mRNA interaction pairs were obtained to screen the regulatory factors that interact with the co-expressed key genes (N = 32), and finally a multi-factor regulatory network with 175 interaction pairs was obtained. The first 7 regulatory factors were obtained as the core regulatory factors, which included the lncRNAs (XIST, MALAT1, H19), TFs (SPI1 and SP1) and miRNAs (hsa-miR-29b-39 and has-miR-29a-3p). Finally, the unsupervised clustering method was used to divide HOCM samples into 4 clusters. As a result, four genes including COMP, FMOD, AEBP1 and SULF1 showed significant expression in different clusters.
Conclusion
Bioinformatics method was used to obtain the molecular regulatory lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and TF network and classified HOCM samples into different clusters. Finally, 32 co-expressed key genes that are of great significance for HOCM typing and 4 genes are considered as important biomarkers for different progressive stages or prognosis of HOCM. These might assist in discovering molecular mechanisms of HOCM in the future.
An Investigation into the Prevalence of Migraine and its Prophylactic Treatment Patterns in the Czech Republic
Authors: Dolezil David , Markova Jolana , Klimes Jiri , Pocikova Zuzana , Dostal Filip , Stepanova Radka , Svobodnik Adam
Published: June 2020

Background A national primary and secondary healthcare-level study in the Czech Republic has not yet been conducted to evaluate the prevalence of migraine. Considering the success of newly developed calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway-targeted therapies, we analyzed the current treatment patterns (acute and prophylactic) in migraine patients and the number of migraine patients potentially eligible for treatment with these therapies. Methods This retrospective study utilized the Ministry of the Interior Health Insurance Fund claims database of the Czech Republic wherein every citizen is insured, according to local regulations. Migraine patients with or without aura, and potentially on triptan therapy, from 2012–2016, were included in this study. The prevalence approach (index years 2012–2016) included all patients present in each index year. Prophylactic therapies were followed for three and seven years prior to the index year, including the index year, until 2010. The incidence approach (index years 2012–2016) included all patients first diagnosed in each index year. Prophylactic therapies were followed for the next three years, including the index year, until 2017 following incidence approach. The primary endpoint of this study was to determine the rate of migraine prevalence and diagnosis for each index year during the period 20122–2016. The study also evaluated prophylactic and acute treatment patterns and comorbidities among patients in 2016.Results The rate of migraine prevalence was 1% and the rate of diagnosis was 0.2%–0.4%. The prevalence of migraine in adults and females was similar to global prevalence. By prevalence approach, approximately 39% of the patients were on prophylactics, and 11.2% and 21.6% of the patient population had two prior treatment failures (three- and seven-year recall period, respectively). Overall, antiepileptics (26%) and beta blockers (15.8%) were the most prescribed prophylactics, and sumatriptan was the predominant triptan used (12%) for acute treatment. Conclusion Taking into account the number of inhabitants in the Czech Republic (10.7 million), there could be up to 23,000 adult patients eligible for novel CGRP therapies.
Synthesis of Aligned Porous Polyethylene Glycol/silk Fibroin/hydroxyapatite Scaffolds for Osteoinduction in Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Yang Yuchao , Feng Yanting , Qu Rongmei , Li Qingtao , Rong Dongming , Fan Tingyu , Yang Yiting , Sun Bing , Bi Zhenyu , Deng Ting , dai jingxing , Ouyang Jun
Published: June 2020

Background: The physical factors of the extracellular matrix have a profound influence on the differentiation behavior of mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, the effect of the biophysical microenvironment on rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) osteogenesis was studied both in vitroand in vivo. Methods: To prepare cell culture scaffolds of varying stiffness, increasing amounts of hydroxyapatite (HAp)were mixed into apolyethylene glycol/silk fibroin(PEG/SF) solution. The amount of HApranged from 25 to 100mg, which provided for different ratios between HApand the PEG/SF composite. In vitro, the effect of stiffness on the osteogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs was studied. The outcome measures, which were verified in vivo, included the protein expressionof runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase activity, and the mRNAexpression of osteogenesis-relatedmarkers.Results:Increasingamounts of HAp resulted in an increased elastic modulus of the cell culture scaffolds. The PEG/SF/HApfabricated with HAp (50mg) significantly increasedcell adhesion and viability(p<0.05) as well as the expression of all theosteogenesis-related markers (p<0.05). Conclusions:We developed a novel cell culture scaffold and demonstrated that substrate stiffness influenced the osteogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs.
Addressing the Challenges and Relational Aspects of Index-Linked HIV Testing for Children and Adolescents: Insights from the B-GAP Study in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chikwari Chido Dziva , Bernays Sarah , Dringus Stefanie , Simms Victoria , Weiss Helen A , Sibanda Edwin , Kranzer Katharina , Ncube Gertrude , Chikodzore Rudo , Webb Karen , Chirimambowa Trevor , Apollo Tsitsi , Mutseta Miriam , Ferrand Rashida A
Published: June 2020

Introduction Index-linked HIV testing, targeted at sexual contacts or children of individuals with HIV, may improve yield and efficiency. The B-GAP study evaluated index-linked testing approaches in health facility and community-based settings. This paper reports on a qualitative study to understand factors that affect index-linked HIV testing for children and adolescents. Methods We conducted four focus group discussions (FGDs) with caregivers who had their children tested through B-GAP and one FGD with providers who offered index-linked HIV testing to indexes. We aimed to understand enabling and inhibiting factors in the decision-making process. Translated and transcribed transcripts were read for familiarisation. Following initial coding, analytical memos were written to identify emerging key themes across the data.Results Caregivers did not have adequate knowledge about the need for, and importance of, paediatric HIV testing. Once the decision to test had been made, access to facilities was sometimes challenging, and alleviated by community-based testing. A key finding was that HIV testing is not a discrete event but a process that was influenced by relationships with other family members and children themselves. These relationships raised complex issues that could prevent or delay the testing process. Conclusion There is a need to improve paediatric HIV literacy and to provide support to caregivers and their families in order to improve testing uptake. Addressing access barriers through the provision of community-based testing and implementing a family centred approach can optimize index-linked testing. Contributions to the literature • Although promoted and recommended by the World Health Organization; index-linked HIV testing for children has not been standard practice in routine HIV care for many countries including Zimbabwe.• Prior this study, no study has evaluated the factors that influence and affect uptake of index-linked HIV testing for children and adolescents as reported in our manuscript. • Our findings have the potential to bridge the HIV testing gap for children and optimize index-linked testing, a strategy that has been shown to result in higher yield of HIV when compared to universal testing but where uptake remains suboptimal.
Misdiagnosis and treatment of proximal femoral osteoid osteoma
Authors: Liu Qing , Zeng Hao , Luo Wei , Tong Xiaopeng , Wang Zhiwei , He Hongbo
Published: June 2020

Aims: Herein, we examined the efficacy of open resection in proximal femoral osteoid osteoma (OO) treatment. Besides, we analysed the causes of misdiagnosis of proximal femoral OO to provide a reference for its diagnosis and treatment.Methods: This was a retrospective study involving 29 patients with proximal femoral OO admitted into our hospital from January 2010 to January 2018. The baseline characteristics of the participants included; 21 males and 9 females, aged between 13 to 25 (mean 16.2) years old, and the course of the disease was 1 to 14 (mean 6.1) months. We used previous medical experience records of the patients to analyze for the causes of misdiagnosis. Moreover, we compared the difference between preoperative and postoperative treatment practices in alleviating pain in OO patients and restoring hip function. Follow-ups were conducted regularly, and patients advised to avoid strenuous exercises for 3 months.Results: We followed up 29 patients (21 intercortical, 2 sub-periosteal, and 6 medullary) for an average of 42.5 months. We found that 13 patients (44.8%) had been misdiagnosed of synovitis, Perthes disease, osteomyelitis, intra-articular infection, and joint tuberculosis, whose average time from symptoms to diagnosis were 9.8 months. Postoperative pain score and joint function score improved significantly compared with preoperative, and complications were rare.Conclusion: Open surgical resection constitutes an effective treatment for proximal femoral OO by accurately and completely removing the nidus. Lack of understanding, wrong choice of examination, and the complexity and diversity of clinical manifestations constitute the main reasons for the misdiagnosis of proximal femoral OO.
An exploratory analysis of public opinion and sentiments towards COVID-19 pandemic using Twitter data.
Authors: Chukwusa Emeka , Johnson Halle , Gao Wei
Published: June 2020

Objective: Twitter data have been increasingly used to address health-related issues. However, little is known about their potential for understanding public opinions and sentiments of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The present study explores public opinion and sentiments about the COVID-19 pandemic using Tweets from 3 popular Coronavirus-related hashtags (#COVID19, #Coronavirus, #SARSCoV2).Results: Of the 39,726 Tweets analysed, we found that over 60% of words used within Tweets in all hashtags (#COVID19, 63.9%; #Coronavirus: 65.6%; #SARSCoV2: 63.5%) conveyed a negative mood towards the pandemic. Our results also showed similar trends in Tweet volume in #COVID19 and #SARSCoV2, with a spike in the number of Tweets on the 3rd and 6th of April 2020. Further exploration of Tweets in both hashtags revealed similar Twitter discussions related to topics on “Hydroxychloroquine” and “Hospitalisations of the British Prime minister” and “ the attainment of 1 million cases of coronavirus globally”.The findings of this exploratory study indicate that there is potential for using data generated from Twitter to understand general public opinion and sentiments towards the COVID-19 pandemic. However, caution is needed due to several limitations in this study. It is also important for future studies to explore the context around Tweets.
COVID-19-like symptoms and their relation to SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in children and adults of an Italian birth cohort
Authors: Popovic Maja , Moccia Chiara , Isaevska Elena , Moirano Giovenale , Pizzi Costanza , Zugna Daniela , Rusconi Franca , Merletti Franco , Maule Milena , Richiardi Lorenzo
Published: June 2020

Background Emerging COVID-19 pandemic caused extensive lockdowns in a number of countries, but yet unknown number of cases positive to SARS-CoV-2 escapes surveillance systems. Methods Mothers participating in an Italian NINFEA birth cohort were invited to complete an online questionnaire on COVID-19-like symptoms in the household. We estimated the population prevalence of COVID-19-like symptoms in children and adults, assessed their geographical correlation with the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases by province, analysed their clustering within families, and estimated their sensitivity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for COVID-19 diagnosis in individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2.Results Information was collected on 3184 households, 6133 adults, and 5751 children. There was a strong geographical correlation between the population cumulative incidence of COVID-19 and the prevalence of muscle pain, fatigue, low-grade fever, and breathing difficulties in adults (Spearman’s rho ≥0.70). Having at least one family member with a COVID-19 diagnosis, compared with none tested for SARS-CoV-2, was associated with an increased prevalence ratio of almost all COVID-19-like symptoms in adults, and only of low-grade fever (37-37.5oC; prevalence ratio 5.27; 95% confidence intervals: 2.37 to 11.74) and anosmia/dysgeusia in children. Among adults with COVID-19, fatigue, muscle pain, and fever had a sensitivity ≥70%. In individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2, with a 16.6% prevalence of COVID-19, breathing difficulties and nausea/vomiting had the highest PPVs, with point estimates close to 60%, and with NPVs close to 90%. Among tested Piedmont residents, with a COVID-19 prevalence of 18.5%, breathing difficulties and anosmia/disguesia reached PPVs above 80%.Conclusion Geographical prevalence of COVID-19-like symptoms in adults may inform on local disease clusters, while certain symptoms in family members of confirmed COVID-19 cases could help identification of the intra-familial spread of the virus and its further propagation in the community. Low-grade fever is frequent in children with at least one household member with COVID-19 and possibly indicates child infection.
Sclerotherapy: step by step – liquid sclerotherapy
Authors: Bogachev V. Yu. , Lobanov V. N.
Published: June 2020

Classic sclerotherapy using drugs in the native (liquid) state is almost the oldest method of minimally invasive treatment of various forms of varicose veins of lower extremities and not only. Despite more than 300 years of development of the sclerotherapy methodology, enormous international experience and almost thorough study of its mechanisms, the development of new sclerosing drugs and technologies of their delivery to the lumen of the target vein continues. Measures aimed at reducing the frequency of undesirable side effects after sclerotherapy and improving the quality of life of patients during treatment and after its completion are discussed separately. Currently, there are several guidelines that regulate phlebosclerosing treatment in various clinical situations in terms of evidence-based medicine. This publication provides a brief historical background on the formation of sclerotherapy technology, presents basic principles for liquid sclerotherapy based on the analysis of international and Russian recommendations for the treatment of chronic venous diseases. Indications, contraindications and the basic methods of carrying out sclerotherapy with the use of officinal, registered in the Russian Federation phlebosclerosing detergent agents are presented, their actual physical and chemical properties, similarities and distinctions, and also optimal concentrations and doses are discussed. The classic sclerotherapy technique which has become known as “empty vein technique” is described in detail and illustrated.

In addition, current clinical examples demonstrating successful use of compression sclerotherapy are presented. Again, the authors conclude that liquid sclerotherapy with the use of modern phlebosclerosing agents such as lauromacrogol 400 and sodium tetradecyl sulfate, performed according to the classical “empty vein” technology, demonstrates high efficiency and safety regarding large varicose veins of various localizations.
Review of the plethysmographic methods for studying hemodynamic disorders in patients with chronic lower extremites venous diseases
Authors: Sannikov A. B. , Emelyanenko V. M. , Drozdova I. V.
Published: June 2020

Plethysmography as a method for studying peripheral circulatory system was first proposed by wletney in 1953. In Russia, the first most significant research studies on the feasibility of plethysmography in studying peripheral blood flow and circulatory physiology taken together were conducted at the St. Petersburg Pavlov Institute of Physiology in 1961. From this time onwards, the possibilities of plethysmography as a non-invasive objective method for the diagnosis of hemodynamic disorders, particularly in arterial pathology, were studied intensively. These parameters were not determined for the venous blood flow, but in 1980s the authors were able to establish plethysmographic criteria not only for various forms of venous pathology, but also for degrees of chronic venous insufficiency using a device significantly improved by V.N. Pavlov and V.E. Maslov.

The purpose of this publication is to analyze the literature data on the use of aerial plethysmography and photoplethysmography in the study of hemodynamic disorders in patients with chronic diseases of the veins of the lower extremities. At present, in order to assess the venous blood flow in condition of air plethysmography, indicators of functional venous volume (VV), maximum venous outflow (MVO), venous filling index (VFI), evacuation volume (EV) and residual volume (RV), as well as an integral indicator – residual volume fraction (RVF) are determined in the world. A venous reflux test (VRT) is performed as part of photoplethysmography. The data published today show the high statistical reliability of the comparative analysis and the great scientific significance of the research. According to many foreign authors the use of plethysmographic methods of diagnosis allow to assess violations of venous blood flow in patients with chronic venous diseases of various clinical classes according to CEAP more precisely and to give a global assessment of disorders of the venous outflow from thrombotic occlusion of segmental to hypervolemia in patients with varicose veins in different forms of manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency. The analysis of the literature data allows to make a conclusion about the prospects of further research using these non-invasive methods of evaluation of venous blood flow in the lower extremities.
The first experience of using a system of adjustable inelastic compression wraps in the treatment of upper and lower limb lymphedema
Authors: Pryadko S. I. , Malinin A. A.
Published: June 2020

This publication presents the results of clinical application of the system of non-extensible compression adjustable bandage in the treatment of upper and lower limb lymphedema in 14 patients over a period of 2 to 34 months. An adjustable non-extensible compression bandage was used as monotherapy for stage I–IIa congenital limb lymphedema in 5 out-of-hospital patients. Progression of edema was not registered in any case during the follow-up period of up to 34 months. In 7 patients with stage IIB-III limb lymphedema, as well as in a 41-year-old patient with a diagnosis Of: Congenital abnormality development of the lymphatic system, Neurofibromatosis type 1, a disease Recklinghausen adjustable non-stretchable compression the product is used in combination with medical compression hosiery 1–2 compression class international standard RAL-Gz 387 from early (first show after 9–11 days after surgery) and continuing in the distant (period of use up to 22 months) postoperative periods. The return of edema (more than 1 cm when measuring the circumference) of the remodeled limb was observed in 3 patients after 4 months of follow-up. At 22 months (the maximum observation period), 2 patients showed an increase in the circumference of the operated limb to 2.5 cm. The system of non-extensible compression adjustable bandage in real clinical practice shows high efficiency in achieving edema reduction in stage I lymphedema of the extremities for at least 24 months. The use of adaptive compression banding system for the prevention of edema regression after surgical interventions for stage III limb lymphedema was reliably effective for 12 months.
The Influence of Audit Opinion and Managerial Ownership on Income Smoothing in Banking Companies
Authors: Utami Dyah Resti , Evana Einde , Yuliansyah
Published: June 2020

This research was conducted on banking companies that are included in the top 30 in Indonesia. Data analysis method used in this study is to use a descriptive statistical analysis and logistic regression method with data processing using SPSS 21. The results of this study indicate that audit opinion has a negative but not significant effect on income smoothing. This indicates that with a low audit opinion does not indicate the company is making income smoothing. Managerial ownership shows the results have a significant negative effect on income smoothing, this indicates that the ownership of shares in the company can reduce the actions of managers to make income smoothing.
The Effect of Leadership Style on the Job Satisfaction of Micro and Small Enterprises
Authors: Birbirsa Zerihun Ayenew , Lakew Deresse Mersha
Published: June 2020

The major factors that determine both success and failure of Small Business include substantive and legitimate, learning strategies and leadership behaviors that may be among the principal reasons why some small businesses succeed while others fail to understand the learning strategies, leadership knowledge, and skills used by successful small business leaders (SSBLs). The objective of the study is to reveal out the relationship between leadership style and job satisfaction of MSEs at western oromia, Ethiopia. Stratified random sampling was used to get information from different sizes of the MSEs. selected from Manufacturing, service, agriculture, construction and trade sectors on proportional basis. Accordingly, 334 respondents were selected from the total of 1931 MSEs. Finally, the study revealed out that that there is statistically significant relationship between leadership style and job satisfaction. Also, the more exercising transformational leadership style, there would be more possibility of enhancing level of job satisfaction of MSEs.
Foreign Brand Admiration Among Young Consumers in Indonesia
Authors: Sulhaini  , Sagir Junaidi , Sulaimiah
Published: June 2020

This study extends the theoretical understanding of the positive and negative emotions of consumers towards foreign vs local brands by providing conceptualisation and measurement of foreign brand admiration and passive brand hate towards local brands. The study incorporates hedonic value dominance and home country image, which is the image of a consumer’s own country. The results show that young consumers in a developing country are both passive brand haters towards local brands and foreign brand admirers. When they possess an inferior image of their home country, they show admiration towards foreign brands. The positive emotion is however mainly influenced by hedonic value dominance, which also have a great contribution to passive brand hate toward local brands. As they have strong negative emotion, they tend to admire foreign brands that offer more hedonic values. In comparison to the negative emotion, the positive emotion indeed has a much stronger contribution toward willingness to pay more for foreign brands. The paper provides useful managerial implications for foreign brand and local brand owners to compete in the country’s marketplace.
The Role of Social Media in Indonesia for Business Transformation Strategy
Authors: Simangunsong Eliot , Handoko Rudy
Published: June 2020

The rise of social media in today’s digital era is considered important because it helps people communicate and share information online. It is not surprising that ease of sharing information and communicating through social media has an impact on increasing many online activities, including business activities. This phenomenon is an inspiration that researchers can use to uncover the role of social media in Indonesia for business activities by knowing the factors that can influence a social media follower or fans into actual buyers. By surveying users of social media, 546 responses were collected from social media entrepreneurs and social media buyers. The data analysis showed there is enough evidence that social media is being used for business. The frequency of social media usage has strong links to users to use to buy products or do business in that venue. Young people, such as college students, tend to use social media for business more than those with higher levels of education who may already have permanent jobs. Multiple regression analyses have resulted in a proposed model of social media use for business and offers five major factors that influence satisfaction and performance when doing business on social media.
Prunus Armeniaca L. Seed Extract and Its Amygdalin Containing Fraction Induced Mitochondrial-Mediated Apoptosis and Autophagy in Liver Carcinogenesis
Authors: Hosny Samar , Sahyon Heba , Youssef Magdy , Negm Amr
Published: June 2020

Background:

Despite significant advances in therapeutic interventions, liver cancer is the leading
cause of cancer mortality in the world. Potential phytochemicals have shown to be promising agents against
many life-threatening diseases because of their low toxicity and potential effectiveness.

Objective:

The current study aims to conduct an in vitro investigation of the anticancer activity of Apricot Extract
(AE) and Amygdalin Containing Fraction (ACF), additionally studying their therapeutic effects on DMBAinduced
liver carcinogenesis mice model to highlight their related biochemical and molecular mechanisms.

Methods and Results:

Amygdalin was isolated from the seeds of P. armeniaca L. Male mice received AE or
ACF, DMBA, DMBA+AE, DMBA+ACF, and vehicles. The oxidative stress and antioxidant markers, cell proliferation
by flow cytometric analysis of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) expression, angiogenesis
marker (VEGF), inflammatory marker (TNF-α), apoptotic, anti-apoptotic and autophagy genes expression
(caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Beclin-1) were investigated. AE and ACF were found to stimulate the apoptotic process
by up-regulating caspase-3 expression and down-regulating Bcl-2 expression. They also reduced VEGF and
PCNA levels and increased the antioxidant defense system. Moreover, AE and ACF treatments also inhibited
HepG2 and EAC cell proliferation and up-regulated Beclin-1 expression.

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence that, in DMBA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, the key proteins involved
in the proliferation, angiogenesis, autophagy, and apoptosis are feasible molecular targets for hepatotherapeutic
potential using AE and ACF.
Improvement of Optical Extinction by Various Wideband Dielectrics with Ag and Aunanoparticle on Metal-dielectric-semiconductor Structure in Solar Cell
Authors: Sarkar Partha , Panda Saradindu , Maji Bansibadan , Mukhopadhyay Asish K.
Published: June 2020

Background:

In this article, photonic extinction performance of Metal Dielectric Semiconductor
(MDS) nanostructure has been improved by noble metallic nanosphere such as gold,
silver and copper into various wideband dielectrics like silicon di-oxide, aluminum oxide and
silicon nitride.

Methods:

Presently, Plasmonics gives very much interest and closely involves in the main domains
of nanophotonics that can control of optical fields at the nanoscale level as well as it can
concentrate and enhance the electromagnetic field on the nanometer scale especially in metal
dielectric semiconductor (MDS) nanostructure.

Results:

In plasmonics, noble metals used as nanoparticle where density of electron gas which
oscillates at surface Plasmon frequency so we investigate impact of various wideband dielectrics
with nanoparticle size for enhancement of extinction in terms of absorption and scattering by using
surface Plasmon resonance.

Conclusion:

At Plasmonic resonance the efficiency will be maximum. If the size of the metallic
nanosphere increases, initially the efficiency increases up to a certain wavelength then it becomes
sharply decreased.
Is hermeneutiek nog ergens goed voor?
Authors: Talstra E.
Published: June 2020

Is Biblical Hermeneutics still a meaningful discipline? Modern studies in hermeneutics either try to teach us how we can still speak about God in modern society, or that we should accept our limited abilities to speak about God at all. This article claims that these options separate God from the long history of biblical texts and contexts where He, as ‘I,’ addresses Israel as ‘you’. In his recent book on reading the Bible, Arnold Huijgen concentrates on the soul rather than on the ratio as an instrument for reading the Bible. Though agreeing with Huijgen’s criticism of modern rationalistic hermeneutics, this article does not see why the soul should take over the role of biblical scholarship when reading the Bible.
Handelen van God, historiciteit, heiliging. Drie kernmomenten van een theologische hermeneutiek
Authors: Burger J.M.
Published: June 2020

Hermeneutical reflection needs to do more than focus on certain issues (like evolution or homosexuality). A step back from these issues is necessary: who are we coram deo when we listen to God’s Word? To answer this question, three central moments are important. First, the primacy of God’s acts should be emphasized, for God’s Word is part of God’s saving work and sin has noetic consequences. Second, hermeneutical reflection has to acknowledge that both the interpreted Scripture and the interpreting reader are embedded in history. Third, theological hermeneutics needs to stress not only the importance of justification for understanding, but also of sanctification (the renewal of the mind). The doctrine of sanctification helps furthermore to understand the use of rationality and method in theology.
Assessing the Quality of Overall Planning for Public Preschools at Klang Valley in Malaysia
Authors: Shaari Mariam Felani , Sheikh Ahmad Sabarinah , Ismail Izaham Shah
Published: June 2020

Poor overall planning leads to overcrowding in preschools. Ample space and a low teacher-child ratio in activity spaces are crucial. This paper investigates and proposes improvements to the overall planning quality of 26 Malaysian public preschools in Klang Valley. Four planning aspects were assessed (building size, size of indoor activity spaces, enrolment and quality of modules) using the Children’s Physical Environment Rating Scale. Most preschools were too small and the average planning quality of the studied preschools was only rated Fair. Design recommendations discussed in this paper will help designers devise better planning for Malaysian preschools in the future.Keywords: building size; children’s activity spaces; preschool design; learning environmenteISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI1.2289
Berita Satu News Channel’s Policy and Marketing Communication Process in Gaining Customer
Authors: Afdjani Hadiono , Andretty Julian
Published: June 2020

This research is related to Berita Satu News Channel’s marketing communication activity based by the application of a redactional policy of a press company in the form of a television station in the paid network of cable television and satellite. Berita Satu News Channel’s marketing communication activity utilizes the majority of Lippo Group network’s force, which acted as the core company. These research theories are the organizational control theory and the promotional mix theory. Post-positivism is the paradigm that’s used with its qualitative approach and a descriptive method to depict a real marketing communication process execution of Berita Satu News Channel.
Keywords: Policy, Redactional, Communication, Marketing, Television, News, Journalism, News.
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI1.2292
Cyber Public Relations for Building Image Restoration of President of Indonesia Joko Widodo Based on Blasphemy Case of Jakarta Governor Candidate Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok)
Authors: Wahid Umaimah , Budiwinarto Arif
Published: June 2020

The report aimed to investigate activities of the Public Relations Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of the Indonesia State Secretariat Ministry through social media to overcome the crisis and restore the image of President Joko Widodo after Islamic Action 212. The case study method was used to reveal and explain the disrupted image of President Joko Widodo. The study result showed two-way communication could not develop and receive negative comments from social media audiences of the State Secretariat Facebook. It disrupted the image of the President. The bureau activities are limited to upload press releases on websites and not  yet communicating with the cyber communities.   
Keywords:  Cyber public relations, Peaceful action 212, Blasphemy-Ahok, President Joko Widodo’s, Image Restorations
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI1.2295
The Strategy of Drama Series "Lonceng Cinta" in Increasing Public Interest Through Social Media Twitter
Authors: Afdjani Hadiono , Simanjuntak Daniel
Published: June 2020

This study aims to find out how the promotion strategy of television drama series "India Lonceng Cinta" through Twitter conducted by social media team ANTV. The focus of the problem is on the use of social media twitter @seriesANTV and @whatsonANTV in promoting the Indian drama series "Lonceng Cinta" to the public. The development of twitter today, not only as a social media, but ANTV use it as a media promotion of impressions to the people of Indonesia. Theories used are New Media theory and Marketing Communication theory. The paradigm of the research is the postpositivism paradigm, the qualitative approach and the method used is the interistic approach, that is expressing how the social media team strategy in promoting drama series "Lonceng Cinta" using twitter.   
Keywords: Promotion, Social Media, Twitter, Television Program, Marketing Communications.    
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI1.2296
Interactive Learning in Statistics and Students Performance in Higher Education
Authors: Hazudin Siti Fahazarina , Tarmuji Nor Habibah , Abd Aziz Nurul Nadia , Tarmuji Indarawati , Hassanuddin Nor Aini
Published: June 2020

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of applying integrated learning tools to study statistics in a particular topic of sampling techniques. The researchers developed an interactive application, referred to as e-SampTec II, to enhance the overall student learning process. Based on a sample of 92 students from the Diploma of Applied Sciences at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Pahang, the mean test scores of the experimental group and control group were found to be significantly different at the 5% level. These results suggest that employing technology-assisted pedagogy can be a more compelling medium for teaching and learning the current university generation, and in turn, to enhance their overall study performance.   
Keywords: Higher education; Interactive learning; Statistics; e-learning.   
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI1.2313