bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association of chest radiographic findings and severity scoring with clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Kaleemi Raima , Hilal Kiran , Arshad Ainan , Martins Russell Seth , Nankani Avinash , TU Haq , Basharat Sundas , Ansar Zeeshan 
Published: January 2021

Introduction
While chest x-rays (CXRs) represent a cost-effective imaging modality for developing countries like Pakistan, their utility for the prognostication of COVID-19 has been minimally explored. Thus, we describe the frequency and distribution of CXR findings, and their association with clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19.

Methods
All adult (≥ 18 years) patients presenting between 28th February-31st May to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan, who were COVID-19 positive on RT-PCR with CXR done on presentation, were included. A CXR Severity Score (CXR-SS) of 0–8 was used to quantify the extent of pulmonary infection on CXR, with a score of 0 being negative and 1–8 being positive. The patients’ initial CXR-SS and their highest CXR-SS over the hospital course were used for analysis, with cut-offs of 0–4 and 5–8 being used to assess association with clinical outcomes.

Results
A total of 150 patients, with 76.7% males and mean age 56.1 years, were included in this study. Initial CXR was positive in 80% of patients, and 30.7% of patients had an initial CXR-SS between 5–8. The mortality rate was 16.7% and 30.6% patients underwent ICU admission with intubation (ICU-Int). On multivariable analysis, initial CXR-SS (1.355 [1.136–1.616]) and highest CXR-SS (1.390 [1.143–1.690]) were predictors of ICU-Int, and ICU-Int was independently associated with both initial CXR-SS 5–8 (2.532 [1.109–5.782]) and highest CXR-SS 5–8 (3.386 [1.405–8.159]). Lastly, age (1.060 [1.009–1.113]), initial CXR-SS (1.278 [1.010–1.617]) and ICU-Int (5.047 [1.731–14.710]), were found to be independent predictors of mortality in our patients.

Conclusion
In a resource-constrained country like Pakistan, CXRs may have valuable prognostic utility in predicting ICU admission and mortality. Additional research with larger patient samples is needed to further explore the association of CXR findings with clinical outcomes.
Fuzzy Ontology for Automatic Skin Lesion Classification
Authors: Abbes Wiem , Sellami Dorra , Marc-Zwecker Stella , Zanni-Merk Cecilia 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Medical diagnosis of cancer is becoming more complex in recent years, with doctors focusing on making both earlier and accurate diagnoses to save patients’ lives. Such goals are more challenging for melanoma, which is the deadliest of skin cancers. Recently, melanoma incidence has increased significantly because of climate change. Fortunately, early detection leads to a 5-year survival rate of 98 %. Computer-aided diagnosis systems can offer a more objective analysis tool, taking into consideration the expert’s knowledge. Ontology offers an efficient framework for reducing the gap between low-level information and expert analysis. A dermatologist’s recommendation is often based on the ABCD rule, involving four characteristics of a lesion, which are asymmetry, border, color, and differential structures. A score, associated to a qualitative description of the lesion, allows lesions to be categorized into three classes: melanoma, benign, or recommended follow-up. Early research on automatic diagnosis doesn’t take into consideration either the qualitative aspect of expert description or the ambiguity of information itself. In this paper, we propose a fuzzy ontology–based melanoma diagnosis system. A fuzzy classifier is proposed to cope with the qualitative description of experts. Then, a fuzzy inference system is proposed to generate the decision. Experimental validation is undertaken on both optical and dermoscopic images from public datasets DermQuest, Dermatology Information System, and International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC). For optical images, we get a sensitivity of 91 %, a specificity of 88 %, and an accuracy of 90 %, whereas for dermoscopic images, we obtain a sensitivity of 92 % and 91 %, a specificity of 91 % and 93 %, and an accuracy of 91 % and 92 % for ISIC 2016 and ISIC 2017, respectively. A comparative study with existing approaches shows that these performances ensure higher accuracy rates and the best compromise between sensitivity and specificity.
Structural and Functional Synaptic Plasticity Induced by Convergent Synapse Loss in theDrosophilaNeuromuscular Circuit
Authors: Wang Yupu , Lobb-Rabe Meike , Ashley James , Anand Veera , Carrillo Robert A. 
Published: January 2021

Throughout the nervous system, the convergence of two or more presynaptic inputs on a target cell is commonly observed. The question we ask here is to what extent converging inputs influence each other's structural and functional synaptic plasticity. In complex circuits, isolating individual inputs is difficult because postsynaptic cells can receive thousands of inputs. An ideal model to address this question is theDrosophilalarval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) where each postsynaptic muscle cell receives inputs from two glutamatergic types of motor neurons (MNs), known as 1b and 1s MNs. Notably, each muscle is unique and receives input from a different combination of 1b and 1s MNs; we surveyed multiple muscles for this reason. Here, we identified a cell-specific promoter that allows ablation of 1s MNs postinnervation and measured structural and functional responses of convergent 1b NMJs using microscopy and electrophysiology. For all muscles examined in both sexes, ablation of 1s MNs resulted in NMJ expansion and increased spontaneous neurotransmitter release at corresponding 1b NMJs. This demonstrates that 1b NMJs can compensate for the loss of convergent 1s MNs. However, only a subset of 1b NMJs showed compensatory evoked neurotransmission, suggesting target-specific plasticity. Silencing 1s MNs led to similar plasticity at 1b NMJs, suggesting that evoked neurotransmission from 1s MNs contributes to 1b synaptic plasticity. Finally, we genetically blocked 1s innervation in male larvae and robust 1b synaptic plasticity was eliminated, raising the possibility that 1s NMJ formation is required to set up a reference for subsequent synaptic perturbations.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn complex neural circuits, multiple convergent inputs contribute to the activity of the target cell, but whether synaptic plasticity exists among these inputs has not been thoroughly explored. In this study, we examined synaptic plasticity in the structurally and functionally tractableDrosophilalarval neuromuscular system. In this convergent circuit, each muscle is innervated by a unique pair of motor neurons. Removal of one neuron after innervation causes the adjacent neuron to increase neuromuscular junction outgrowth and functional output. However, this is not a general feature as each motor neuron differentially compensates. Further, robust compensation requires initial coinnervation by both neurons. Understanding how neurons respond to perturbations in adjacent neurons will provide insight into nervous system plasticity in both healthy and disease states.
Perfil de la graduada de la carrera de Administración y Gestión de Recursos Humanos de la UTN
Authors: Vasconcelos Vásquez Kattia Lizzett , Montero Ulate Betzaida 
Published: January 2021

Resumen: Este documento es parte de una investigación mayor cuyo objetivo es conocer las características del perfil profesional de la graduada de la carrera de Administración y Gestión de Recursos Humanos de la Universidad Técnica Nacional. Su intención es visibilizar que la carrera mencionada es una opción viable para las mujeres que optan por continuar sus estudios universitarios según la oferta académica de la universidad, de acuerdo con las preferencias de las estudiantes de la provincia de Alajuela y sus cantones. Los resultados de este estudio se obtienen a partir de una población de 85 graduadas de la carrera AGRH durante el período 2012-2019.
Complex assessment of athletes’ operative status and its correction during competitions, based on the body impedance analysis
Authors: Dorofieieva Olena , Yarymbash Kseniia , Skrypchenko Iryna , Joksimović Marko , Mytsak Aneliia 
Published: January 2021

Background and Study Aim. The aim of this research was assessment and correction of highly skilled swimmers’ operative status during competitions. Material and Methods. The authors carried out complex assessment of 46 high-skilled swimmers during competition period. The body impedance analysis and functional status express diagnosis were conducted before and after competitions. Results. The components limiting the operational state of swimmers were determined: “component composition of the body” (44.83% of the total load), “functional” (19.97%). Correlation relationships were established between the main indicators that determine the level of the operational state of athletes. The multiple regression equation was calculated, which made it possible to determine the influence of individual significant parameters on the level of the operational state of athletes and the confidence interval. A group of athletes with operational status indicators below the confidence interval received sport supplementation. Conclusion. The main characteristics of the athletes’ operative status are cellular biomarker phase, fat free mass, extracellular water, intracellular water, strength index. These characteristics should be used in assessment of both operative status and complex functional diagnosis of highly-skilled swimmers during competitions.
Thorax Gunshot and Sharp Cutting Tool Injuries: For 5 Months Nyala Experiences
Authors: SEZER Hüseyin Fatih , DAYANIR Hakan 
Published: January 2021

Background: The two most common causes of penetrating thoracic trauma are firearm injuries and injuries by sharpened cutting tool. Penetrating thoracic injuries are risk factors for high mortality and morbidity, so they need to be diagnosed correctly and timely in order to perform an effective intervention. In this study, patients with penetrating thoracic trauma were treated through surgical intervention accompanying minimal morbidity–mortality compared to literature, even though they were admitted relatively late. Methods: In this retrospective study, 29 gunshot and stab wounds penetrating thoracic trauma patients were admitted to the emergency department of Nyala Sudan Turkey Education and Research Hospital between April and September 2018. Results: Of the 29 patients, 7 (24.13%) were gunshot injuries and 22 (75.86%) were injured with a sharp cutting tool. While 13 of the cases (44.82%) were admitted on the day the incident took place, 5 of them (17.24%) were post-traumatic first day of the admission, 9 of them (31.03%) were post-traumatic day 2, whereas 1 of them (3.44%) was post-traumatic the third day of admission. Finally, 14 patients (48.28%) were followed-up conservatively without tube thoracostomy, while 15 patients (51.72%) underwent tube thoracostomy in follow-up. No patient was operated for penetrant trauma. Mortality was not seen. Conclusion: Patients with penetrating thoracic trauma were treated by surgical interventions accompanying minimal morbidity–mortality even though they were admitted relatively late to healthcare facilities.
Key words: penetrating thoracic injuries, sharp cutting tool, gunshot
Diagnosis of Viral Diseases in Sudan: Coronaviruses Unveil the Concealed Venues
Authors: M Y Elmadhoun Wadie , Abuzeid Nadir , Bedri Shahinaz , Ahmed M H 
Published: January 2021

Establishing the diagnosis of viral diseases often needs sophisticated settings, equipment, expertise, and strict laboratory methods. In Sudan, as in most developing countries, viral diseases are mostly diagnosed by clinical presentation. As most viral infections are self-limiting and there is no specific treatment for most of them, laboratory diagnosis has not been a focus for improvement, particularly in public sector until the current pandemic of COVID-19. During this pandemic, the vital need for well-equipped clinical virology laboratories is urged. The aim of this work is to highlight the various diagnostic methods and to describe the current situation of clinical virology diagnostics in Sudan.
INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES OF NEPAL: A STUDY OF PREVENTION BARRIERS AND PRESERVATION STRATEGIES
Authors: Pun Min , Gurung Kamal 
Published: January 2021

Purpose of the study: In Nepal, indigenous languages are in danger of disappearing and if the situation does not improve, the dying trend will continue to increase in the future. Thus, this paper aims to explore barriers to indigenous language activities and strategies for revitalizing these dying languages of Nepal.
Methodology: To address this objective, the study adopted the qualitative research method, using the data collected from the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and secondary sources such as the existing literature through print and online sources. The results were presented thematically and discussed for qualitative analysis.
Main findings: The overall results of the study indicated that an inclusive language policy should be adopted by the government to accommodate indigenous languages of Nepal, indigenous language communities should be encouraged by the government to insist on speaking their languages, and language communities are also required to collaborate with the government to address the issues related to improving the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages of Nepal.
Applications of this study: The outcome of this particular research can be a beneficial act for engaging indigenous communities of Nepal in language revival and protecting threatened languages from extinction. It is the responsibility of the researchers that are expected by each of various indigenous language communities in particular and the Nepali society at large.
Novelty/Originality of this Study: Indigenous languages are often considered by many as 'heritage languages' and are used to describe languages that are often in the endangered list. No studies are found on the use of indigenous languages and language revival efforts in the study area such as barriers that prevented indigenous language groups from participating in language activities and ways that can preserve and promote such dying languages in the study area.
Population Size Estimate of Men Who Have Sex with Men in Essex, New Jersey, To Inform Policy and Programming
Authors: Raymond Henry F. , Halkitis Perry N. , Menschner Christopher 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPopulation size estimates for key populations at risk for and living with HIV infection are key to understanding the need for and impact of HIV prevention and care. In this brief report we demonstrate approaches to estimating population size and unmet need for prevention and care among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Essex County, New Jersey.MethodsWe employed literature/census denominator and component methods of size estimation. We applied additional data points available electronically or in the published literature to estimate the number of undiagnosed MSM, the number of HIV negative men MSM in need of prevention programming.ResultsWe estimate a total of 11,362 MSM living in Essex County, New Jersey, of which 2,550 are HIV infected and of those 408 are not diagnosed. We estimate 8,812 HIV negative MSM in need of HIV prevention programs.ConclusionsThese estimates will allow future resources to be deployed in a more targeted and strategic manner, thereby bringing Essex County and New Jersey closer to achieving the 90-90-90 goals.
PENERAPAN NATURE-BASED LEARNING UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN MENGKLASIFIKASI PADA ANAK USIA 4-5 TAHUN
Authors: Suryani Nur Endah , Syamsuddin Muhammad Munif , Dewi Nurul Kusuma 
Published: January 2021

<p><strong>ABSTRAK</strong></p><p><br /> Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penerapan <em>nature-based learning</em> dalam meningkatkan kemampuan mengklasifikasi pada anak usia 4-5 tahun. Penelitian ini dilakukan di TK Angkasa Lanud Adi Soemarmo Colomadu. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas dengan pendekatan kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Prosedur penelitian ini terdiri dari : perencanaan, tindakan, observasi, dan refleksi. Teknik pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara, tes dan dokumentasi. Subjek penelitian ini adalah anak kelompok A berjumlah 20 anak. Uji validitas data menggunakan triangulasi sumber dan triangulasi teknik. Teknik analisis data kuantitatif menggunakan berupa teknik analisis data komparatif untuk membandingkan presentase dari hasil tindakan tiap siklus serta analisis kualitatif interaktif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan melalui penerapan <em>nature-based learning</em> mampu meningkatkan kemampuan mengklasifikasi pada anak usia 4-5 tahun. Peningkatan dapat dilihat melalui meningkatnya kemampuan mengklasifikasi anak yaitu mengklasifikasi warna, mengklasifikasi ukuran dan mengklasifikasi benda berpasangan 2 variasi. <br /> <strong>Kata kunci</strong> : Kemampuan mengklasifikasi, <em>nature-based learning</em>, anak usia 4-5 tahun</p><p class="Default"> </p><p class="Default"><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p class="Default"><strong> </strong></p><p>This research aims to know the nature-based learning application to increase the classification ability of children age 4-5 years old. This research was conducted at Tk Angkasa Lanud Adi soemarmo Colomadu. The type of this research is classroom action research with quantitative and qualitative approach. The procedure of this research divided into : planning, action, observation and reflection. The technique of collecting data are observation, interview, test and documentation. The subject of this research are group of children that 20 child. The validity test of data are source triangulation and technique triangulation. The quantitative data are analyzed by comparative data analyze technique, to compare the percentage of action result each cycle, and analyzed by interactive qualitative. The result of the research show that nature based learning application capable to increase the classification ability of children age 4-5 teara old. Improvement can be seen by means of increasing the classification ability of children are classify the colour, classify the size, and classify the match things two variation.</p><p class="Default"><strong>Keyword</strong><strong>s</strong><strong> </strong>: <em>classifying ability</em>, nature based learning, children aged 4-5 years.</p>
Extensive antimicrobial resistance and plasmid-carrying resistance genes in mcr-1-positive E. coli sampled in swine, in Guangxi, South China
Authors: Yuan Jingzhi , Wang Xiaoye , Shi Dali , Ge Qiang , Song Xingxing , Hu Wen , Wei Deyuan , Ge Chenling , Li Xun , Hu Chuanhuo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The discovery of the superbug mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli (MCRPEC) has attracted worldwide attention. Swine-origin multi-drug resistant MCRPEC is a potential threat to public health and safety. To date, few detailed studies have been reported on swine MCRPEC in Guangxi, South China.Results: In this study, thirty-three MCRPEC strains were identified from 142 E. coli strains isolated from 116 samples in Guangxi in 2018. All MCRPEC isolates were classified into eight unique STs and a total of six incompatibility plasmid groups (IncFI, IncHI1, IncY, IncN, IncI1 and IncX1) were found. Then, susceptibility of MCRPEC isolates to 27 antimicrobial agents belonging to 17 antimicrobial categories was tested. There were nineteen 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins resistant E. coli and twelve carbapenem resistant E. coli among the 33 MCRPEC strains. Importantly, the MCRPEC were highly resistant to two carbapenem antibiotics, imipenem and meropenem, which were not permitted for use in livestock production. Three MCRPEC strains were further identified to be extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and the other isolates were recognized as multi-drug-resistant (MDR). Moreover, we detected whether the plasmid-carrying resistance genes coexist with the mcr-1 gene of the MCRPEC isolates. At last, β-lactamase antimicrobial resistance genes such as ESBL genes (blaCTX-M14, blaCTX-M24, blaCTX-M123, blaOXA-1), plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC) gene (blaCMY-2), and the carbapenem gene blaNDM-5 were detected. In addition, non-β-lactamase antimicrobial resistance genes such as qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, aac(6’)-Ib-cr, tetA, tetB, sul1, sul2, floR, aadA were also detected.Conclusion: Thirty-three mcr-1-positive E. coli isolates in Guangxi had a wide range of antimicrobial resistance. Plasmid-carrying resistance genes might be the main cause of MCRPEC multidrug resistance. This study highlighted the necessity for long-term surveillance of mcr-1-positive E. coli in pigs.
Effects of social support, hope and resilience on depressive symptoms within 18 months after diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Sun Ming , Yang Ye 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The prevalence of depression symptoms and related modifiable factors in prostate cancer (PCa) are not well evaluated. We aimed to assess the effects of perceived social support, hope and resilience on depressive symptoms within 18 months after diagnosis of PCa, and to evaluate the role of hope and resilience as mediators of that relationship.Method A cross-sectional study was analyzed in consecutive inpatients with PCa during the months of January 2018 and August 2019. A total of 667 patients eligible for this study completed questionnaires on demographic and clinic variables, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Adult Hope Scale, and Resilience Scale (14 items). All registered patients were all volunteers and anonymous. Depressive symptoms, perceived social support, hope and resilience were measured anonymously. Out of 667 patients, a total of 564 effective respondents (< 30% missing data) became our subjects. Hierarchical linear regression was used to identify the factors associated with depressive symptoms. Asymptotic and resampling strategies were used to conduct the mediating effects of hope and resilienceResults The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 65.9% in PCa patients. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that perceived social support, hope, and resilience together accounted for 27.5% variance of depressive symptoms. Support from family, hope, and resilience significantly associated with depressive symptoms, respectively. Hope (a*b = -0.0783, BCa95% CI:-0.134 to -0.0319, p < 0.05), and resilience (a*b = -0.1315, BCa95% CI:-0.1894 to -0.0783, p < 0.05) significantly mediated the association between perceived social support and depressive symptoms.Conclusions The high prevalence of depressive symptoms among PCa patients should receive more attention. Perceived social support, hope and resilience could be positive resources for combating depressive symptoms, and hope and resilience mediated the association between perceived social support and depressive symptoms. Enhancing social support, particularly the support form family, and improving patients’ outlook and resilience may be potential targets for future psychosocial interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms.