Positive Conversion Research Articles

Characteristics of COVID-19 Recurrence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background:Previous studies reported the recurrence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among discharge patients. This study aimed to examine the characteristic of COVID-19 recurrence cases by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods:A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Embase and gray literature up to September 19, 2020. A random-effects model was applied to obtain the pooled prevalence of disease recurrence among recovered patients and the prevalence of subjects underlying comorbidity among recurrence cases. The other characteristics were calculated based on the summary data of individual studies.Results:A total of 41 studies were included in the final analysis, we have described the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 recurrence cases. Of 3,644 patients recovering from COVID-19 and being discharged, an estimate of 15% (95% CI, 12% to 19%) patients was re-positive with SARS-CoV-2 during the follow-up. This proportion was 14% (95% CI, 11% to 17%) for China and 31% (95% CI, 26% to 37%) for Korea. Among recurrence cases, it was estimated 39% (95% CI, 31% to 48%) subjects underlying at least one comorbidity. The estimates for times from disease onset to admission, from admission to discharge, and from discharge to RNA positive conversion were 4.8, 16.4, and 10.4 days, respectively.Conclusion:This study summarized up-to-date evidence from case reports, case series, and observational studies for the characteristic of COVID-19 recurrence cases after discharge. It is recommended to pay attention to follow-up patients after discharge, even if they have been in discharge quarantine.

Difference in surgical outcomes of rectal cancer by study design: meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials, case-matched studies, and cohort studies.

BackgroundRCTs are considered the standard in surgical research, whereas case-matched studies and propensity score matching studies are conducted as an alternative option. Both study designs have been used to investigate the potential superiority of robotic surgery over laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. However, no conclusion has been reached regarding whether there are differences in findings according to study design. This study aimed to examine similarities and differences in findings relating to robotic surgery for rectal cancer by study design.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL to identify RCTs, case-matched studies, and cohort studies that compared robotic versus laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. Primary outcomes were incidence of postoperative overall complications, incidence of anastomotic leakage, and postoperative mortality. Meta-analyses were performed for each study design using a random-effects model.ResultsFifty-nine articles were identified and reviewed. No differences were observed in incidence of anastomotic leakage, mortality, rate of positive circumferential resection margins, conversion rate, and duration of operation by study design. With respect to the incidence of postoperative overall complications and duration of hospital stay, the superiority of robotic surgery was most evident in cohort studies (risk ratio (RR) 0.83, 95 per cent c.i. 0.74 to 0.92, P < 0.001; mean difference (MD) –1.11 (95 per cent c.i. –1.86 to –0.36) days, P = 0.004; respectively), and least evident in RCTs (RR 1.12, 0.91 to 1.38, P = 0.27; MD –0.28 (–1.44 to 0.88) days, P = 0.64; respectively).ConclusionResults of case-matched studies were often similar to those of RCTs in terms of outcomes of robotic surgery for rectal cancer. However, case-matched studies occasionally overestimated the effects of interventions compared with RCTs.

Changes in cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-10 levels display better performance in predicting disease relapse than conventional magnetic resonance imaging in primary central nervous system lymphoma

BackgroudEstablishing diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a challenge. This study evaluated the value of dynamic interleukin (IL)-10 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations for prognosis and relapse prediction in PCNSL.MethodsConsecutive 40 patients newly diagnosed with PCNSL between April 2015 and April 2019 were recruited, and serial CSF specimens were collected by lumbar punctures (LP) or by Ommaya reservoir at diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up phase.ResultsWe confirmed that an elevated IL-10 cutoff value of 8.2 pg/mL for the diagnosis value of PCNSL showed a sensitivity of 85%. A persistent detectable CSF IL-10 level at the end of treatment was associated with poor progression-free survival (PFS) (836 vs. 481 days, p = 0.049). Within a median follow-up of 13.6 (2–55) months, 24 patients relapsed. IL-10 relapse was defined as a positive conversion in patients with undetectable IL-10 or an increased concentration compared to the last test in patients with sustained IL-10. IL-10 relapse was detected a median of 67 days (28–402 days) earlier than disease relapse in 10/16 patients.ConclusionThis study highlights a new perspective that CSF IL-10 relapse could be a surrogate marker for disease relapse and detected earlier than conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Further evaluation of IL-10 monitoring in PCNSL follow-up is warranted.

Delayed Lesions on Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Initially Lesion-Negative Stroke Patients.

Background and Purpose Lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) occasionally appear on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among initially DWI-negative but clinically suspicious stroke patients. We established the prevalence of positive conversion in DWI-negative stroke and determined the clinical factors associated with it. Methods This retrospective, observational, single-center study included 5,271 patients hospitalized due to stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) in a single university hospital during 2010 to 2017. Patients without initial DWI lesions underwent follow-up DWI imaging as a routine practice. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for recurrent stroke risk according to positive conversion were determined using Cox proportional hazard regression. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for positive conversion among initially DWI-negative patients were estimated. Results In total, 694 (13.2%) patients (mean±standard deviation age, 62.9±13.7 years; male, 404 [58.2%]) were initially DWI-negative. Among them, 22.5% had positive-conversion on follow-up DWI. Positive conversion was associated with a higher risk of recurrent stroke (aHR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.56 to 6.26). Early neurologic deterioration (aOR, 15.1; 95% CI, 5.71 to 47.66), atrial fibrillation (aOR, 6.17; 95% CI, 3.23 to 12.01), smoking (aOR, 3.76; 95% CI, 2.19 to 6.63), pre-stroke dependency (aOR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.27), objective hemiparesis (aOR, 4.39; 95% CI, 1.90 to 10.32), longer symptom duration (aOR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.57 to 3.08), high cholesterol (aOR, 4.70; 95% CI, 1.78 to 12.77), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (aOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.91), and high systolic blood pressure (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.02) were associated with a higher incidence of lesions with delayed appearance. Regarding the location of lesions on follow-up DWI, 34.6% and 21.2% were in the cortex and brainstem, respectively. Conclusions In DWI-negative stroke/TIA, positive conversion is associated with a higher risk of recurrent stroke. DWI-negative stroke with factors related to positive conversion may require follow-up MRI for a definitive diagnosis.

Potential for biohydrogen production from organic wastes with focus on sequential dark- and photofermentation: the Philippine setting

Fossil fuel remains the world’s main source of energy, but its massive use leads to the exhaustion of natural energy resources as well as climate change. With this, the interest in developing alternative energy sources has emerged globally—among these is hydrogen. Among the hydrogen production approaches, biological fermentation has been attracting global attention because of its environmental and economic merits. This process utilizes diverse feedstocks including complex organic waste materials. The Philippines has a great potential to produce hydrogen from biomass primarily because it is an agricultural country. The country is abundant in various agricultural wastes such as livestock manure, and plant residues of rice, corn, sugarcane, and coconut, as well as agro-industrial and municipal organic wastes with millions of tons generated per year. A number of studies have explored the use of technologies such as the dark fermentation (DF), photofermentation (PF), and the integration of DF and PF to utilize organic wastes for biohydrogen production. This review paper provides an overview of the organic waste scenario in the Philippines including approaches to utilize different wastes for fermentative biohydrogen production. An initial estimate conducted on the biohydrogen production suggested that the Philippines can yield 0.34–2.24 × 106 t/year from agricultural residues alone using the proposed two stage DF-PF hybrid system, with a positive net energy conversion, hence validating the possibility of establishing a biohydrogen production system from organic wastes generated in the country.

Effects of Selenium on the Immunotoxicity of Subacute Arsenic Poisoning in Chickens.

This study aimed to determine the effects of selenium on the immune toxicity of subacute arsenic poisoning in chickens. Two hundred 8-day-old broilers were randomly divided into 5 groups: the control group (0.1 mg/kg As + 0.2 mg/kg Se), the As group (3 mg/kg As + 0.2 mg/kg Se), As + Se group I (3 mg/kg As + 5 mg/kg Se), As + Se group II (3 mg/kg As + 10 mg/kg Se), and As + Se group III (3 mg/kg As + 15 mg/kg Se). The conclusions were drawn based on the following measurements: 3.0 mg/kg added to feed led to a decrease in the growth performance of the broilers, reduced the level and conversion rate of ANAE, reduced the blood protein content of the broilers but had no effect on the albumin/globulin ratio, and had an inhibitory effect on erythrocyte immunity. Selenium-added of 5 and 10 mg/kg in daily feed leads to increased growth performance, increases the positive rate and conversion rate of ANAE, increases the hemoglobin content of broilers, and promotes erythrocyte immunity, which indicates that the selenium-added reduces the toxic effects of arsenic; 3.0 mg/kg arsenic with 15 mg/kg selenium had the most severe toxic effects. Fifteen milligrams per kilogram of selenium added in daily feed increases the toxicity of arsenic to broilers. The dose of 10 mg/kg selenium showed the best inhibitory effect on subacute arsenic poisoning in the broilers.

People Living with HIV Easily Lose Their Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2: Result from a Cohort of COVID-19 Cases in Wuhan, China

Background: To date, whether the immune response for SARS-CoV-2 infection among people living with HIV(PLWH) is different from HIV-naïve individuals is still not clear.Methods: In this cohort study, COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital in Wuhan between January 15 and April 1, 2020, were enrolled. Patients were categorized into PLWH and HIV-naïve group. All patients were followed up regularly (every fifteen days) until November 30, 2020, and the immune response towards SARS-CoV-2 was observed.Findings: Totally, 18 PLWH and 185 HIV-naïve individuals with COVID-19 were enrolled. The positive conversion rates of IgG were 56% in PLWH and 88% in HIV-naïve patients respectively, and the peak was on the 45th day after COVID-19 onset. However, the positive rate of IgG dropped to 12% in PLWH and 33% among HIV-naïve individuals by the end of the study. The positive conversion rate of IgG among asymptomatic carriers is significantly lower than that among moderate patients (AOR=0·18, 95% CI: 0·05-0·65) and PLWH had a lower IgG seroconversion rate compared to the HIV-naive group (AOR=0·22, 95% CI: 0·05-0·90). Patients with lower lymphocyte counts at onset had a higher positive conversion rate (AOR=0·29, 95% CI: 0·09-0·90) and longer duration for IgG (AHR=4·01, 95% CI: 1·78-9·02).Interpretation: The positive conversion rate of IgG for SARS-CoV-2 was relatively lower and quickly lost in PLWH, which meant PLWH was in a disadvantaged situation when affected with COVID-19.Funding Statement: This work was supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China (81903371), NIMH (R34MH119963), the National Science and Technology Major Project (2018ZX10101-001-001-003), and Special Found on Prevention and Control of New Coronary Pneumonia in Guangdong Universities (2020KZDZX1047), Medical Science and Technology Innovation Platform Support Project of Zhongnan Hospital，Wuhan University (PTXM2020008), Science and Technology Innovation Cultivation Fund of Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University (cxpy2017043), and the Medical Science Advancement Program (Basic Medical Sciences) of Wuhan University (TFJC2018004).Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhongnan Hospital affiliated with Wuhan University (2020062).

Local Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Rome, Italy: A Single Center Experience

In the present study, we analysed the results from the use of serological tests for the evaluation of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 virus, with the aim of verifying the seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in Rome. Evaluations related to the seroprevalence are important for defining the epidemiological parameters of this disease. We therefore analysed the data deriving from 1586 subjects, residing in the geographical area of Rome, subjected to a rapid test, capable of detecting the presence of specific IgM and IgG class antibodies directed against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Among the 1586 cases, 83 had positive conversion of IgM antibody and/or IgG antibody and 1503 tested negative. Out of 83 positive cases, 48% (40/83) samples resulted positively for both IgM and IgG, while 45% (37/83) were positive for IgG only, and 7% (6/83) for IgM only. The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the considered geographical area was 5% (83/1586), and 54% (45/83) of our population was an asymptomatic carrier. The study was performed to better evaluate the population prevalence in the studied geographic area. To our knowledge, this is the first study carried out in the Lazio region reporting data related to the asymptomatic carriers.

Harmonic Reflection Amplifier for Widespread Backscatter Internet-of-Things

The highly power-efficient backscattering communication scheme holds solid potentials to lead the Internet of Things technologies. However, the asymmetric radio frontend architectures that ensure cheap and pervasive communicating things and tags at one end of the link, overburden the other end of the link (“reader”) with complicated and expensive hardware. This turns out to prevent the integration of the technology in the wide spectrum of consumer electronic devices (e.g. RF smartphone platforms). By separating TX and RX frequency bands, the harmonic backscattering scheme drastically loosens the technological constraints toward integration. We propose here the use of a single tunnel diode to build a harmonic reflection amplifier (HRA), using the nonlinear behavior of the negative differential resistance region to both generate harmonics and amplify the signals. The circuit also behaves like a common backscatter, with the same-frequency backscattering modulation for operation with legacy readers. Operating below 150 mV, the HRA drains 144-μW dc power with a measured positive conversion gain of 18 dB.

Association between length of residence and prevalence of MRSA colonization among residents in geriatric long-term care facilities

BackgroundA high prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization has been reported among residents in geriatric long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Some studies indicate that MRSA might be imported from hospitals into LTCFs via resident transfer; however, other studies report that high MRSA prevalence might be caused by cross-transmission inside LTCFs. We aimed to assess which factors have a large impact on the high MRSA prevalence among residents of geriatric LTCFs.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study among 260 residents of four geriatric LTCFs in Japan. Dividing participants into two cohorts, we separately analyzed (1) the association between prevalence of MRSA carriage and length of LTCF residence (Cohort 1: n = 204), and (2) proportion of residents identified as MRSA negative who were initially tested at admission but subsequently identified as positive in secondary testing performed at ≥2 months after their initial test (Cohort 2: n = 79).ResultsAmong 204 residents in Cohort 1, 20 (9.8%) were identified as positive for MRSA. Compared with residents identified as MRSA negative, a larger proportion of MRSA-positive residents had shorter periods of residence from the initial admission (median length of residence: 5.5 vs. 2.8 months), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.084). Among 79 residents in Cohort 2, 60 (75.9%) were identified as MRSA negative at the initial testing. Of these 60 residents, only one (1.7%) had subsequent positive conversion in secondary MRSA testing. In contrast, among 19 residents identified as MRSA positive in the initial testing, 10 (52.6%) were negative in secondary testing.ConclusionsThe prevalence of MRSA was lower among residents with longer periods of LTCF residence than among those with shorter periods. Furthermore, few residents were found to become MRSA carrier after their initial admission. These findings highlight that MRSA in LTCFs might be associated with resident transfer rather than spread via cross-transmission inside LTCFs.

Detritivore conversion of litter into faeces accelerates organic matter turnover

Litter-feeding soil animals are notoriously neglected in conceptual and mechanistic biogeochemical models. Yet, they may be a dominant factor in decomposition by converting large amounts of plant litter into faeces. Here, we assess how the chemical and physical changes occurring when litter is converted into faeces alter their fate during further decomposition with an experimental test including 36 combinations of phylogenetically distant detritivores and leaf litter of contrasting physicochemical characteristics. We show that, across litter and detritivore species, litter conversion into detritivore faeces enhanced organic matter lability and thereby accelerated carbon cycling. Notably, the positive conversion effect on faeces quality and decomposition increased with decreasing quality and decomposition of intact litter. This general pattern was consistent across detritivores as different as snails and woodlice, and reduced differences in quality and decomposition amongst litter species. Our data show that litter conversion into detritivore faeces has far-reaching consequences for the understanding and modelling of the terrestrial carbon cycle.

Ruxolitinib during Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-SCT) in Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF) Recommendation

Introduction: Ruxolitinib is the first approved drug for treatment of myelofibrosis ,and also can improve survival outcomes by managing graft-versus-host disease. The aim of this work is to produce Ruxolitinib treatment recommendations during allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) in primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Methods: A total of 13 patients with intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from June 2017 to October 2019 at the Department of Hematology, Southern Hospital were selected.All patients were given a maximum tolerated dose of ruxolitinib for at least 2 months before transplantation, ruxolitinib was discontinued at a median of 7 days (around the start of conditioning) pre-HCT.Decitabine combined with BF conditioning protocol, CSA+MTX+ATG(7.5mg/kg,if Haploid donor)+ruxolitinib (5mg bid ;+6 to +60d) was used to prevent GVHD.Time to hematopoietic reconstruction, rate of improvement in myelofibrosis, change in spleen size, incidence of GVHD, and patient outcomes were observed. Results: ⑴The median age of the 13 patients was 55 (21-57) years, 10 of whom were male and 3 female. By the MIPSS70 score scale ,11 patients were in the high-risk group and 2 were in the intermediate-risk group.Nine patients carried driver mutations and 3 were triple-negative.All patients received peripheral blood and bone marrow grafts, from a matched sibling donor in 3 patients and a haploidentical-related donor in 10 patient. (2) In 13 patients who received ruxolitinib bridging allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation,All patients engrafted neutrophils and platelet recovery. The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 12 (10-18) days,the median time to platelet engraftment was 20 (12-35) days; 7 patients developed acute GVHD (6 patients had grade I°and 1 patients had grade 2°) and the median time to acute GVHD was 46 (21-100) days. 6 patients developed chronic GVHD (5 patients were limited and 1 patient was extensive). (3) Three months after transplantation, spleen size improved in all eight patients with splenomegaly; myelofibrosis was stable or improved in all patients and four patients improved to grade 0 . (4) Follow up to July 2020, the non-relapse mortality rate(NRM) for all patients was 0, one patient had a positive MRD conversion and the relapse-free survival rate(RFS) was 92.31%. Conclusions: Single-center, small-sample data suggest that the use of Decitabine combined with BF conditioning protocol ,and peri-transplant administration of ruxolitinib at 5mg bid dose is safe in myelofibrosis patients, no high relapse incidence founded. Keywords: myelofibrosis, ruxolitinib, during allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Efficacy of anti-HER2 therapy in metastatic breast cancer by discordance of HER2 expression between primary and metastatic breast cancer.

In stage IV breast cancer, the efficacy of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) targeted therapies in cases with discordance in HER2 expression between primary and metastatic site is not well known. We studied progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by HER2 concordance when treating women with taxane-trastuzumab (± pertuzumab) in first or second line and trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1) or capecitabine-lapatinib in later lines. Retrospective monocentric study including all breast cancer patients receiving trastuzumab between January 2002 and September 2017 at the University Hospital in Leuven; we selected metastatic patients with an available HER2 status in primary and metastatic site. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for estimating PFS/OS and log-rank test for analyzing between group differences. A Cox model is used for testing difference between groups while correcting for Pertuzumab. Multivariable Cox regression is used to model overall survival as a function group, correcting for possible confounders. We included 74 patients; 46 had an unchanged HER2 status (positive/positive), 9 lost HER2 (positive/negative), while 19 acquired HER2 amplification (negative/positive). 25 out of 28 cases with a discordant HER2 status were positive for ER and/or PgR in the primary site. HER2 positive/negative cases had a significantly lower PFS for taxane-trastuzumab-(pertuzumab) (PFS = 5.5months), compared to HER2 positive/positive (PFS 9months, p = 0.01) and HER2 negative/positive (PFS 14months, p = 0.01) patients. PFS for later line T-DM1 (n = 30) was significantly higher for the HER2 positive/positive group (PFS 6.0months) than for the discordant groups HER2 negative/positive (PFS 1.0month, p = 0.04) and HER2 positive/negative (PFS 1.5month, p = 0.01). After correcting for possible confounders, the HER2 positive/negative group had a significantly worse OS compared to HER2 positive/positive (HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08-0.44) and negative/positive (HR 0.15, 95% 0.06-0.38). Conversion of HER2 status was seen in 28 out of 74 cases and was mostly observed in hormone receptor-positive tumors. In contrast to patients with HER2 loss, patients with a positive conversion of HER2 status derived substantial benefit from first line treatment with taxane-trastuzumab-(pertuzumab). This study highlights the importance of re-biopsying the metastatic lesion and changing treatment according to the last HER2 result.

Tuberculosis Infection Screening in 5468 Italian Healthcare Students: Investigation of a Borderline Zone Value for the QFT-Test.

Healthcare workers are at an increased risk of contracting Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) represent the available tests most used for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Different borderline zones have been proposed for defining conversions and reversions to improve the interpretation of the IGRA test results as part of serial testing. From 2012 to 2017, 5468 health students of an Italian University Hospital were screened for tuberculosis infection through the execution of the TST and, in case of positivity, of the QuantiFERON-TB® Gold In-Tube assay (QFT–GIT). The QFT–GIT is considered “borderline” with values from 0.35 to 0.99 IU/mL. Among the students who performed the QFT–GIT assay, 27 subjects presented a range of values defined as borderline. The QFT–GIT was repeated after 90 days on 19 subjects with borderline values and showed a negativization of the values in 14 students and a positive conversion in three cases, while for two students, a borderline value was also found for the second test, with a 74% regression of the borderline cases. The introduction of QuantiFERON borderline values is a useful assessment tool to bring out LTBI case candidates for chemoprophylaxis.

New-onset graves\u2019 disease after the initiation of nivolumab therapy for gastric cancer: a case report

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs) including thyroid dysfunction. There are only a few reports on Graves’ disease induced by ICIs. We report a case of new-onset Graves’ disease after the initiation of nivolumab therapy in a patient receiving gastric cancer treatment.Case presentationThe patient was a 66-year-old Japanese man, who was administered nivolumab (240 mg every 3 weeks) as a third-line therapy for stage IVb gastric cancer. His thyroid function was normal before the initiation of nivolumab therapy. However, he developed thyrotoxicosis before the third administration of nivolumab. Elevated, bilateral, and diffuse uptake of radioactive tracer was observed in the 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy. Furthermore, the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) and thyroid-stimulating antibody (TSAb) test results, which were negative before the first administration of nivolumab, were positive after starting the therapy. The patient was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, and the treatment with methimazole and potassium iodide restored thyroid function.ConclusionsThis is the first complete report of a case of new-onset Graves’ disease after starting nivolumab therapy, confirmed by diffusely increased thyroid uptake in scintigraphy and the positive conversion of antibodies against thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor. It is important to perform thyroid scintigraphy and ultrasonography to accurately diagnose and treat ICI-induced thyrotoxicosis, because there are various cases in which Graves’ disease is developed with negative and positive TRAb titres.

Konversi Bank Riau Kepri Menjadi Bank Syariah dalam Perekonomian Masyarakat dan Umat Islam di Propinsi Riau

Riau public awareness of a usury-free bank has shown the positive conversion of Riau BUMD Bank Riau Riau Islands into Sharia-based Banking. Riau Kepr Bank can be converted into an Islamic bank by not breaking the existing rules, just the process and mechanism that must be followed in accordance with the procedures and rules set by the Financial Services Authority. Bank Riau Kepri if converted will become a Sharia Bank, has the opportunity to become one of the 10 largest Islamic banks in Indonesia if analyzed from the side of Riau Riau Regional BUMD assets, but still survive in conventional banks, then only in the order of 80 of the 118 banks in Indonesia, clearly it will be increasingly difficult to compete amid the ASEAN economic market and the onslaught of global banks scrambling to enter the Indonesian market. Bumi Lancang Kuning Melayu Riau and Kepri are synonymous with Islam, even though they have lived in neighboring tribes for a long time, but the law that has always been used long ago is Islamic law based on the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet and all components of society can live peacefully and peacefully. Bank Riau Kepri was converted into a sharia bank so it would eliminate the doubt (hesitation) in the hearts of employees working in conventional banks especially with the existence of the MUI Fatwa No. 1 of 2004 stating bank interest included Haram and Riba.

Latent Tuberculosis Infection Increases in Kidney Transplantation Recipients Compared With Transplantation Candidates: A Neglected Perspective in Tuberculosis Control.

BackgroundThe prevalence and incidence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with kidney transplantation remain unclear.MethodsIn this prospective study, we enrolled kidney transplantation candidates (KTCs) and recipients (KTRs) from 2014 to 2018. We defined LTBI as a positive result of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube (QFT). We analyzed the predictors for LTBI acquisition and followed up on QFT assay test for 2 years among those initially without LTBI.ResultsOf 425 patients enrolled, 305 (71.8%) patients belonged to the KTC group and 120 (28.2%) to the KTR group. The initial QFT showed positive results in 32 (10.5%) and 24 (20.0%) patients in the KTC and KTR groups, respectively (P = .009). The QFT response value in patients with LTBI was higher in the KTR group than in the KTC group (1.85 vs 1.06 IU/mL, P = .046). Multivariate logistic regression showed that old age, absence of bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) scar, presence of donor-specific antibody, and KTR group were independent factors for positive LTBI. For participants with initial negative QFT, positive QFT conversion within a 2-year follow-up was higher after kidney transplantation (20%) than in KTCs (5.5%) (P = .034).ConclusionsThis study is the first cohort to follow up LTBI status in patients with kidney transplantation and shows its higher prevalence and incidence in KTRs. It indicates that surveillance of LTBI after renal transplantation is important. In addition to status of kidney transplantation, old age, no BCG vaccination, and positive donor-specific antibody are also positive predictors for LTBI.

Effect of ytterbium amount on LaNbO4:Tm3+,Yb3+ nanoparticles for bio-labelling applications

PurposeThis work investigates how Yb3+ concentration affects the luminescent properties of LaNbO4 nanoparticles for medical imaging applications. Due to the highly transparent optical window for organic tissues in the near infrared region (650–1000 nm), upconversion fluorescence allows near infrared wavelengths to penetrate deeply into tissues, which is useful in biomedical areas such as biodetection, activated phototherapy, and screening. Materials/methodUpconversion nanoparticles based on LaNbO4 doped with Tm3+ and Yb3+ were prepared by the one-step industrial process called Spray Pyrolysis. Samples with different Tm3+:Yb3+ molar ratios (1:4, 1:8 and 1:16) were obtained. ResultsThe X-ray powder diffractograms of all the samples displayed the typical peaks of a crystalline material (tetragonal phase). Emission bands emerged in the blue, red, and near infrared regions, and they corresponded to the Tm3+1G4 → 3H6 (475 nm), 1G4 → 3F4 (650 nm), 3F2,3 → 3H6 (690 nm), and 3H4 → 3H6 (803 nm) transitions, which indicated a two-photon absorption process. As for bio-labelling application, the results indicated that Yb3+ concentration was directly related to signal intensity. ConclusionsThe intensity of positive conversion emissions depends directly on Yb3+ concentration. The bio-labelling tests pointed to the potential application of these materials. The sample containing the highest amount of Yb3+ provided better results and was easier to detect than the standard sample.

Structure of the Ecuadorian forearc from the joint inversion of receiver functions and ambient noise surface waves

SUMMARYThe Ecuadorian forearc is a complex region of accreted terranes with a history of large megathrust earthquakes. Most recently, a Mw 7.8 megathrust earthquake ruptured the plate boundary offshore of Pedernales, Ecuador on 16 April 2016. Following this event, an international collaboration arranged by the Instituto Geofisico at the Escuela Politécnica Nacional mobilized a rapid deployment of 65 seismic instruments along the Ecuadorian forearc. We combine this new seismic data set with 14 permanent stations from the Ecuadorian national network to better understand how variations in crustal structure relate to regional seismic hazards along the margin. Here, we present receiver function adaptive common conversion point stacks and a shear velocity model derived from the joint inversion of receiver functions and surface wave dispersion data obtained through ambient noise cross-correlations for the upper 50 km of the forearc. Beneath the forearc crust, we observe an eastward dipping slow velocity anomaly we interpret as subducting oceanic crust, which shallows near the projected centre of the subducting Carnegie Ridge. We also observe a strong shallow positive conversion in the Ecuadorian forearc near the Borbon Basin indicating a major discontinuity at a depth of ∼7 km. This conversion is not ubiquitous and may be the top of the accreted terranes. We also observe significant north–south changes in shear wave velocity. The velocity changes indicate variations in the accreted terranes and may indicate an increased amount of hydration beneath the Manabí Basin. This change in structure also correlates geographically with the southern rupture limit of multiple high magnitude megathrust earthquakes. The earthquake record along the Ecuadorian trench shows that no event with a Mw &amp;gt;7.4 has ruptured south of ∼0.5°S in southern Ecuador or northern Peru. Our observations, along with previous studies, suggest that variations in the forearc crustal structure and subducting oceanic crust may influance the occurrence and spatial distribution of high magnitude seismicity in the region.

A novel stratification of mesenteric mass involvement as a predictor of challenging mesenteric lymph node dissection by minimally invasive approach for ileal neuroendocrine tumors.

We classified the extent of mesenteric mass (MM) involvement that predicts challenging mesenteric lymph node dissection (mLND) by minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for ileal neuroendocrine tumors (i-NETs). Patients who underwent surgery for i-NETs were retrospectively reviewed. MM involvement was classified as region-0: no MM; region-1: >2 cm from the origins of the ileocolic artery/vein; region-2: ≤2 cm from the origins; and region-3: more proximal superior mesenteric artery/vein. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of MM regions for gross positive mesenteric margin (mR2) and/or conversion among the MIS cohort. The open surgery cohort was used as a reference for mR2 rates. Of 108 patients, 83 patients (77%) underwent MIS. MMs in region-2 and region-3 were independent risk factors for mR2 and/or conversion (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 4.25 [1.17-16.4] and 8.51 × 107 [11.0-], respectively, against regions-0 and 1]. mR2 rates of MIS and open surgery cohorts per region did not differ significantly (4% and 7% for regions-0 and 1; 17% and 25% for region-2; and 100% and 83% for region-3). The novel stratification of MM regions was predictive of challenging mLND by MIS. Surgeons should have a low threshold for conversion for MMs in proximal regions.