Metanálises em psicologia: uma introdução conceitual e prática / Meta-analyses in psychology: a conceptual and hands-on introduction / Metanálisis en psicología: una introducción conceptual y práctica

Metanálise consiste em um conjunto de técnicas estatísticas que visa integrar os resultados de dois ou mais estudos primários. Ela permite produzir estimativas pontuais e intervalares de algum parâmetro populacional, geralmente uma medida de tamanho de efeito. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar conceitos fundamentais sobre metanálise e suas aplicações para psicólogos e estudantes de psicologia. O artigo: (1) introduz a lógica da metanálise, seus potenciais e as críticas a ela endereçadas; (2) apresenta dois modelos de metanálise comumente usados por pesquisadores; e (3) aborda dois tópicos importantes para a interpretação correta dos resultados: heterogeneidade e análise de subgrupos. Um exemplo fictício ilustra os conceitos ao longo do artigo. Os Materiais Suplementares contêm equações dos modelos apresentados no texto, resultados comentados de uma síntese metanalítica, código na linguagem R para reproduzir resultados e figuras desse artigo e uma breve lista comentada de fontes adicionais sobre metanálise. (AU)

Meta-analysis consists of a set of statistical techniques that aims to combine the results of two or more primary studies. It enables the calculation of point and interval estimates of some population parameter, usually a measure of effect size. The aim of this article is to introduce fundamental concepts of meta-analysis and its applications for psychologists and psychology students. The article: (1) introduces the logic of meta-analysis, its uses and common criticisms levied against it; (2) presents two computational models of meta-analysis commonly used by researchers; and (3) addresses two issues associated with the correct interpretation of results from meta-analyses: heterogeneity and subgroup analysis. A worked example illustrates the concepts throughout the article. The Supplementary Materials contain a worked example of the models presented in the text, a script in R language that allows the reader to reproduce the results, and a commented list of additional sources. (AU)

El metanálisis consiste en un conjunto de técnicas estadísticas que tiene como objetivo integrar los resultados de dos o más estudios primarios. Permite producir estimaciones puntuales y de intervalo de algún parámetro de población, generalmente una medida del tamaño del efecto. Este artículo presenta conceptos fundamentales sobre el metanálisis y sus aplicaciones para psicólogos y estudiantes de psicología. El artículo: (1) introduce la lógica del metanálisis, sus potencialidades y las críticas que se le dirigen; (2) presenta dos modelos de metanálisis comúnmente utilizados por los investigadores; y (3) aborda dos temas importantes para la correcta interpretación de los resultados: heterogeneidad y análisis de subgrupos. Un ejemplo ficticio ilustra los conceptos a lo largo del artículo. Los Materiales Suplementarios contienen ecuaciones de los modelos presentados en el texto, resultados comentados de una síntesis metanalítica, código en el lenguaje R para reproducir los resultados y las figuras de este artículo, y una breve lista comentada de fuentes adicionales. (AU)

Cloning and characterization of phloroglucinol biosynthetic gene phlC from an Indian strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens

Phloroglucinol or 2,4-diacetyl phloroglucinol (DAPG) is a polyketide compound produced by gram negative soil bacteria Pseudomonas. It shows broad spectrum antibacterial and antifungal properties against soil-borne plant pathogens. In Pseudomonas spp., genes for biosynthesis of 2,4-DAPG are localized in phlABCD operon. All the four genes in phlABCD operon are indispensable and DAPG synthesis is attenuated even in the absence of one of the genes. In the present study, we identified and cloned phlC gene from an Indian strain of Pseudomonas and analyzed its sequence. The structural details ofthe PHLC protein was generated by three-dimensional homology modelling. Additionally, stereo-chemical properties of PHLC were analyzed by Ramachandran plot analysis and the generated model was validated by PDBsum. Our results demonstrate that the cloned PHLC protein contains structural features typical of a condensing enzyme involved inpolyketide synthesis.

Non-linear analysis of heart rate variability during deep breathing at 0.1 Hz frequency

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is an important tool to assess the cardiac autonomic regulation in health and disease. Time-domain and frequency-domain analyses are linear methods that are traditionally used for HRV analysis. Application of non-linear methods in HRV analysis has been shown to provide additional information and has been found to be useful in predicting complications and mortality in cardiovascular disease conditions. HRV analysis during deep breathing is commonly used to assess the integrity and extent of the parasympathetic control of the heart. Aim and Objectives: This study aims to analyze the HRV during deep breathing at 0.1 Hz frequency, 6 breaths/minute using non-linear methods and to see whether they correlate with the time-domain measures of HRV. Materials and Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers performed deep slow breathing at 0.1 Hz frequency for 5 min following recorded prompts. In the time domain, mean heart rate (MHR), SDNN, RMSSD, and pNN50 during baseline and deep breathing were measured. In the non-linear domain, approximate entropy (AppEn), sample entropy (SampEn), and detrended fluctuation analysis DFA (?1) were calculated. The quantitative measures of the Poincare plot, namely, SD1, SD2, and SD2/SD1, which are known to provide linear information, were also estimated. Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test was used to compare the baseline parameters with those of deep breathing. Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the correlation between the parameters obtained from the different methods. Results: There was no significant change in the MHR, RMSSD, pNN50, and SD1 during 0.1 Hz deep breathing while SDNN, SD2, SD2/SD1, and DFA?1 showed a significant increase. Furthermore, 0.1 Hz breathing decreased the AppEn and SampEn measures of HRV. There was a strong correlation among SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, SD1, SD2, SD2/SD1, and DFA?1, but there was no correlation between any of the above measures and the non-linear measures AppEn and SampEn. Conclusion: While the non-linear measure DFA?1 correlates well with time domain measures of HRV and the quantitative measures of the Poincare plot during 0.1 Hz breathing, AppEn and SampEn do not show such correlation. Instead, they decrease significantly when breathing is voluntarily controlled at 6 breaths/min.

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis: A Guide for Beginners

Systematic reviews involve the application of scientific methods to reduce bias in review of literature. The key components of a systematic review are a well-defined research question, comprehensive literature search to identify all studies that potentially address the question, systematic assembly of the studies that answer the question, critical appraisal of the methodological quality of the included studies, data extraction and analysis (with and without statistics), and considerations towards applicability of the evidence generated in a systematic review. These key features can be remembered as six ‘A’; Ask, Access, Assimilate, Appraise, Analyze and Apply. Meta-analysis is a statistical tool that provides pooled estimates of effect from the data extracted from individual studies in the systematic review. The graphical output of meta-analysis is a forest plot which provides information on individual studies and the pooled effect. Systematic reviews of literature can be undertaken for all types of questions, and all types of study designs. This article highlights the key features of systematic reviews, and is designed to help readers understand and interpret them. It can also help to serve as a beginner’s guide for both users and producers of systematic reviews and to appreciate some of the methodological issues.

Analysis of the influencing factors of myopia among primary and middle school students in Mengzi city in 2019 / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To explore the current situation of myopia among children and adolescents in Mengzi city and the possible influencing factors of myopia.METHODS: A multi-stage cluster sampling method was used to select students in 7 schools(2 primary schools, 2 junior high schools, 2 high schools, and 1 vocational high school)in Mengzi city, Yunnan Province in October 2019. A total of 1 837 students were selected for questionnaire surveys, and examination of distance visual acuity and noncycloplegic autorefraction. There were 1 622 valid questionnaires were finally collected after checking the integrity and rationality of the questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of myopia among primary and secondary students in Mengzi city in 2019 was 61.34%. The prevalence of myopia in girls(71.36%)was higher than that in boys(50.45%), and the prevalence of myopia in Han nationality(70.19%)was higher than that in ethnic minorities(57.70%). With the grade growth, the prevalence of myopia showed an upward trend. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of myopia were female(<i>OR</i>=2.308), Han nationality(<i>OR</i>=1.712), higher learning stage(junior high school: <i>OR</i>=1.579, high school: <i>OR</i>=5.538), the time of doing homework daily in the past 1wk(1-<2h: <i>OR</i>=1.456, 2-<3h: <i>OR</i>=1.514, ≥3h: <i>OR</i>=1.901), occasionally or never keep your eyes more than one foot away from a book while reading and writing(<i>OR</i>=1.741), insufficient sleep(<i>OR</i>=1.585), parental myopia(<i>OR</i>=2.191).CONCLUSION:The prevalence of myopia among primary and middle school students in Mengzi city is at a relatively high level. Female, Han nationality, higher learning stage, the time of doing homework daily in the past 1wk≥1h, occasionally or never keep your eyes more than one foot away from a book while reading and writing, insufficient sleep and parental myopia are all risk factors that can cause myopia.

Multiple comparisons of diversity indices invaded by Lantana camara / Análises múltiplas de índices de diversidade da invasiva Lantana camara

Abstract Current study assessed the impact of Lantana camara invasion on native plant diversity in Pothohar region of Pakistan. The approach used for study was random samplings and comparisons of diversity indices [number of species (S), abundance (N), species richness (R), evenness (Jꞌ), Shannon diversity index (Hꞌ) and Simpson index of dominance (λ)] with two categorical factors i.e., invaded and non-invaded (control). Control plots harboured by an average of 1.74 more species/10m2. The control category was diverse (Hꞌ=2.56) than invaded category (Hꞌ=1.56). The higher value of species richness in control plots shows heterogeneous nature of communities and vice versa in invaded plots. At multivariate scale, ordination (nMDS) and ANOSIM showed significant magnitude of differences between invaded and control plots at all sites. The decrease in studied diversity indices in invaded over control sites indicated that plant communities become less productive due to Lantana invasion.

Resumo O presente estudo avaliou o impacto da invasão de Lantana camara na diversidade de plantas nativas na região de Pothohar, no Paquistão. A abordagem utilizada para o estudo foram a amostragem aleatória e a comparação de índices de diversidade, como número de espécies (S), abundância (N), riqueza de espécies (R), equitabilidade (Jꞌ), índice de diversidade de Shannon (Hꞌ) e índice de dominância de Simpson (λ), com dois fatores categóricos, ou seja, invadidos e não invadidos (controle). As parcelas não invadidas tinham, em média, 1,74 espécie a mais / 10 m2 que parcelas invadidas. A categoria controle foi mais diversa (Hꞌ = 2,56) do que a categoria invadida (Hꞌ = 1,56). O maior valor da riqueza de espécies em parcelas de controle mostra a natureza heterogênea das comunidades, e vice-versa, em parcelas invadidas. Na escala multivariada, ordenação (nMDS) e ANOSIM mostraram magnitude significativa das diferenças entre as parcelas invadidas e controle em todos os locais. A diminuição nos índices de diversidade estudados em locais invadidos por controle indicou que as comunidades de plantas se tornam menos produtivas por causa da invasão de Lantana.

Classification of Fetal Heart Rate Based on Poincare Plot and LSTM / 中国医疗器械杂志

Fetal heart rate plays an essential role in maternal and fetal monitoring and fetal health detection. In this study, a method based on Poincare Plot and LSTM is proposed to realize the high performance classification of abnormal fetal heart rate. Firstly, the original fetal heart rate signal of CTU-UHB database is preprocessed via interpolation, then the sequential fetal heart rate signal is converted into Poincare Plot to obtain nonlinear characteristics of the signals, and then SquenzeNet is used to extract the features of Poincare Plot. Finally, the features extracted by SqueezeNet are classified by LSTM. And the accuracy, the true positive rate and the false positive rate are 98.00%, 100.00%, 92.30% respectively on 2 000 test set data. Compared with the traditional fetal heart rate classification method, all respects are improved. The method proposed in this study has good performance in CTU-UHB fetal monitoring database and has certain practical value in the clinical diagnosis of auxiliary fetal heart rate detection.

Electroencephalogram feature extraction and classification of autistic children based on recurrence quantification analysis / 生物医学工程学杂志

Extraction and analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) signal characteristics of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Based on recurrence quantitative analysis (RQA)method, this study explored the differences in the nonlinear characteristics of EEG signals between ASD children and children with typical development (TD). In the experiment, RQA method was used to extract nonlinear features such as recurrence rate (RR), determinism (DET) and length of average diagonal line (LADL) of EEG signals in different brain regions of subjects, and support vector machine was combined to classify children with ASD and TD. The research results show that for the whole brain area (including parietal lobe, frontal lobe, occipital lobe and temporal lobe), when the three feature combinations of RR, DET and LADL are selected, the maximum classification accuracy rate is 84%, the sensitivity is 76%, the specificity is 92%, and the corresponding area under the curve (AUC) value is 0.875. For parietal lobe and frontal lobe (including parietal lobe, frontal lobe), when the three features of RR, DET and LADL are combined, the maximum classification accuracy rate is 82%, the sensitivity is 72%, and the specificity is 92%, which corresponds to an AUC value of 0.781. The research in this paper shows that the nonlinear characteristics of EEG signals extracted based on RQA method can become an objective indicator to distinguish children with ASD and TD, and combined with machine learning methods, the method can provide auxiliary evaluation indicators for clinical diagnosis. At the same time, the difference in the nonlinear characteristics of EEG signals between ASD children and TD children is statistically significant in the parietal-frontal lobe. This study analyzes the clinical characteristics of children with ASD based on the functions of the brain regions, and provides help for future diagnosis and treatment.

Structural Modeling and Validation of Growth/Differentiation Factor 15 [NP_004855] Associated with Pregnancy Complication- Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Background: Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is acommon pregnancy complication that occurs in0.3–2% of pregnancies. Growth/Differentiation Factor(GDF) 15 serum levels are abnormally high in patientsassociated with HG. In silico analysis providesinformation about structure and function of GDF15.Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to enlistbiochemical and functional properties of GDF15protein and determine its three-dimensional structure,as GDF15 is known to be associated with risk of HG.Material and Methods: The PDB file of GDF15[NP_004855] was created by RaptorX structureprediction server. The UCLA-DOE server was used tovisual analysis of crystal structure of protein. Thevalidation for structure models was performed by usingPROCHECK. Model quality estimates were based onthe QMEAN and ProSA. Results: The model showedgood stereo-chemical property in terms of G-factorvalue -0.64, that indicates geometry of modelcorresponds to probability conformation with 95%residue in the favored region of Ramachandran plot,showing high accuracy of model prediction. The Zscore of -4.04 predicted by ProSA represents the goodquality of the model. The energy plot shows the localmodel quality by plotting knowledge-based energies asa function of amino acid sequence position.Conclusion: The generated model could be supportiveto understand the structure and functionalcharacteristics of Homo sapiens growth/differentiationfactor 15 [NP_004855]. As abnormal high serum levelsof GDF15 were observe in patients associated with HG.Therefore, the structure model of GDF15 [NP_004855]is useful to understand its role in development of HG. InSilico docking study could be explain the molecularassociation of GDF15 [NP_004855] with HG and newdrug designing, for that structure model is very useful.

Meta-análisis para evaluar eficiencia de selección genómica en cereales: Meta-analysis for evaluating the efficiency of genomic selection in cereals

La selección genómica (SG) es usada para predecir el mérito de un genotipo respecto a un carácter cuantitativo a partir de datos moleculares o genómicos. Estadísticamente, la SG requiere ajustar un modelo de regresión con múltiples variables predictoras asociadas a los estados de los marcadores moleculares (MM). El modelo se calibra en una población en la que hay datos fenotípicos y genómicos. La abundancia y la correlación de la información de los MM dificultan la estimación, y por ello existen distintas estrategias para el ajuste del modelo basadas en: mejor predictor lineal insesgado (BLUP), regresiones Bayesianas y aprendizaje automático. La correlación entre el fenotipo observado y el mérito genético predicho por el modelo ajustado, provee una medida de eficiencia (capacidad predictiva) de la SG. El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar un meta-análisis de la eficiencia de la SG en cereales. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de estudios relacionados a SG y se llevó a cabo un meta-análisis, para obtener una medida global de la eficiencia de la SG en trigo y maíz, bajo diferentes escenarios (cantidad de MM y método estadístico usado para la SG). El metaanálisis indicó un coeficiente de correlación promedio de 0,61 entre los méritos genéticos predichos y los fenotipos observados. No se observaron diferencias significativas en la eficiencia de la SG realizada con modelos basados en BLUP (RR-BLUP y GBLUP), enfoque estadístico más comúnmente usado. El incremento de MM no cambia significativamente la eficiencia de la SG.

Genomic selection (GS) is used to predict the merit of a genotype with respect to a quantitative trait from molecular or genomic data. Statistically, GS requires fitting a regression model with multiple predictors associated with the molecular markers (MM) states. The model is calibrated in a population with phenotypic and genomic data. The abundance and correlation of MM information make model estimation challenging. For that reason there are diverse strategies to adjust the model: based on best linear unbiased predictors (BLUP), Bayesian regressions and machine learning methods. The correlation between the observed phenotype and the predicted genetic merit by the fitted model provides a measure of the efficiency (predictive ability) of the GS. The objective of this work was to perform a metaanalysis on the efficiency of GS in cereals. A systematic review of related GS studies and a meta-analysis, in wheat and maize, was carried out to obtain a global measure of GS efficiency under different scenarios (MM quantity and statistical models used in GS). The meta-analysis indicated an average correlation coefficient of 0.61 between observed and predicted genetic merits. There were no significant differences in the efficiency of the GS based on BLUP (RR-BLUP and GBLUP), the most common statistical approach. The increase of MM data, make GS efficiency do not vary widely.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in systemic lupus erythematosus is influenced by steroids and may not completely reflect the disease activity

Objectives: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has emerged as an important parameter in inflammatory network andcould pave the way for newer treatment strategies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study evaluated NLR as apredictor of disease activity in SLE and attempted to relate the factors influencing the NLR.Methods: The study included 117 SLE patients fulfilling the systemic lupus international collaborating clinics/AmericanCollege of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) criteria (2010). The subjects were classified into mild, moderate, and severesystemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI 2K) groups and compared. NLR values were classifiedas ≤2, >2–4 and >4 groups and its relationship with study variables was evaluated by Notched box-and-Whisker plots,Spearman correlation and Mountain plot. ROC and multiple linear regression were used to verify discriminatory abilityand factors influencing NLR respectively.Results: Approximately 24% (n=28) of patients each had mild and moderate SLEDAI disease activities, and 52.14% (n=61)had severe activity. Patients with severe disease activity were significantly younger (31.69±10.09 years) and were onmore immunosuppressants/DMARDs. The patients in the >4 NLR group had significantly elevated total leucocyte count(TLC) 5560 (3360-11480) cells/mm3 and CRP 4.46 (0.3-48.2) mg/L and more patients were on steroid therapy. The >2-4NLR group had moderate inverse correlation with SLEDAI. NLR, ESR, CRP, and C3 did not show agreement with SLEDAI.The NLR was associated with CRP and steroid usage and could not discriminate disease severity.Conclusion: The relationship of the NLR with SLEDAI was not consistent. NLR was associated with CRP and steroid use.NLR as a marker of inflammation or as a predictor of SLE disease activity needs further investigation.

Carnaval e "a história que a história não conta": uma análise dos sambas de enredo / Carnaval and "the story that history does not tell": an analysis of sambas de enredo

A Estação Primeira de Mangueira foi campeã dos desfiles do Carnaval de 2019 do Rio de Janeiro com o enredo "História para ninar gente grande". Após a verificação de 1.592 sambas de enredo, dos carnavais cariocas de 1939 a 2019, este artigo demonstra que foram apresentadas, em 43 composições anteriores, de escolas diversas, perspectivas semelhantes às que constam no samba-enredo da Verde e Rosa. São obras que exaltam as contribuições de negros, indígenas e populares para a História do Brasil; elencam personalidades relevantes como "outros heróis"; desconstroem a contribuição dos heróis "clássicos" da pátria; e realizam críticas à sociedade brasileira, suas mazelas e seu(s) governo(s). Finalmente, elencamos as oito principais composições que ilustram essas propostas. O objetivo é relacionar a produção cultural carnavalesca às questões do seu tempo, destacando a importância do festejo para a cultura nacional.

Estação Primeira de Mangueira was the champion of Rio de Janeiro's 2019 Carnival Parade with the samba "História para ninar gente grande". After checking 1,592 sambas from the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, from 1939 to 2019, this article demonstrates that 43 previous compositions from different Escolas de Samba, presented similar perspectives to Mangueira: sambas that praise the contributions of black people, indigenous and popular to the history of Brazil; relevant personalities considered as "other heroes"; an deconstruction of the contribution of the "classic" heroes; and social critics to the Brazilian society, its problems and its government. Finally, we list the eight compositions that better illustrate these proposals. The objective is to relate the carnivalesque cultural production to the issues of its time, highlighting the importance of the celebration for the national culture.

Visión de la innovación en un centro cubano de la biotecnología aplicada a la salud / Vision of innovation in a Cuban center of biotechnology applied to health

Introducción: La evaluación de los factores claves de éxito de la innovación en la industria biotecnológica aplicada a la salud constituye un problema de investigación. Objetivo: Evaluar la innovación en un centro cubano de la biotecnología aplicada a la salud. Métodos: Se aplicó en dos momentos la encuesta de innovación en el Centro de Inmunología Molecular. Los resultados se procesaron con el diagrama de caja, la estadística básica y el análisis de la correlación. Se analizaron artículos científicos que muestran los resultados de la innovación en el centro. Resultados: La encuesta se aplicó en el 2015 y 2018 a 33 miembros del consejo de dirección y a especialistas, identificándose como estrategias genéricas las de innovación, calidad y liderazgo y como objetivos de innovación los de calidad y el mercado. Las fuentes de innovación más importantes se refieren a las actividades de investigación y desarrollo, la producción, la alta dirección y los centros de investigaciones. Los factores que limitan están relacionados con el período largo de rentabilidad de la innovación, el financiamiento y la adquisición de los insumos. Conclusiones: La evaluación de la innovación en el centro de biotecnología corroboró la significación que tiene para la empresa la estrategia de innovación como factor clave, que lo ubica en una posición de excelencia en la industria biofarmacéutica cubana e internacional(AU)

Introduction: The assessment of the key success factors of innovation in the biotechnology industry applied to health constitutes a research problem. Objective: To assess innovation process in a Cuban center of biotechnology applied to health. Methods: It was applied in two moments the survey of innovation in the Molecular Immunology Center. The results were processed by the box plot, basic statistics and analysis of the correlation. Scientific articles that show the results of innovation in the Center were analyzed. Results: The survey was applied in 2015 and 2018 to 33 members of the board of directors and to specialists, and being identified innovation, quality and leadership as generic strategies, and quality and the market as objectives of innovation. The most important sources of innovation referred to the research and development activities, production, top management and research centers. The limiting factors are related to the long term return of innovation, financing, and the acquisition of supplies. Conclusions: The assessment of innovation in the Biotechnology Center corroborated the significance of the innovation strategy for the company as a key factor, which places it in a position of excellence in the Cuban and international biopharmaceutical industry(AU)

Visión de la innovación en un centro cubano de la biotecnología aplicada a la salud / Vision of innovation in a Cuban center of biotechnology applied to health

RESUMEN Introducción: La evaluación de los factores claves de éxito de la innovación en la industria biotecnológica aplicada a la salud constituye un problema de investigación. Objetivo: Evaluar la innovación en un centro cubano de la biotecnología aplicada a la salud. Métodos: Se aplicó en dos momentos la encuesta de innovación en el Centro de Inmunología Molecular. Los resultados se procesaron con el diagrama de caja, la estadística básica y el análisis de la correlación. Se analizaron artículos científicos que muestran los resultados de la innovación en el centro. Resultados: La encuesta se aplicó en el 2015 y 2018 a 33 miembros del consejo de dirección y a especialistas, identificándose como estrategias genéricas las de innovación, calidad y liderazgo y como objetivos de innovación los de calidad y el mercado. Las fuentes de innovación más importantes se refieren a las actividades de investigación y desarrollo, la producción, la alta dirección y los centros de investigaciones. Los factores que limitan están relacionados con el período largo de rentabilidad de la innovación, el financiamiento y la adquisición de los insumos. Conclusiones: La evaluación de la innovación en el centro de biotecnología corroboró la significación que tiene para la empresa la estrategia de innovación como factor clave, que lo ubica en una posición de excelencia en la industria biofarmacéutica cubana e internacional.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The assessment of the key success factors of innovation in the biotechnology industry applied to health constitutes a research problem. Objective: To assess innovation process in a Cuban center of biotechnology applied to health. Methods: It was applied in two moments the survey of innovation in the Molecular Immunology Center. The results were processed by the box plot, basic statistics and analysis of the correlation. Scientific articles that show the results of innovation in the Center were analyzed. Results: The survey was applied in 2015 and 2018 to 33 members of the board of directors and to specialists, and being identified innovation, quality and leadership as generic strategies, and quality and the market as objectives of innovation. The most important sources of innovation referred to the research and development activities, production, top management and research centers. The limiting factors are related to the long term return of innovation, financing, and the acquisition of supplies. Conclusions: The assessment of innovation in the Biotechnology Center corroborated the significance of the innovation strategy for the company as a key factor, which places it in a position of excellence in the Cuban and international biopharmaceutical industry.

Multiple evaluation of radar plot on acupuncture for lumbar disc herniation: A systematic review/meta-analysis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: At present, there are few reports on systematic evaluation/meta reevaluation of acupuncture for lumbar disc herniation through radar plot in and outside China, which are insufficient to provide references for clinical decision-making. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate systematic reviews/meta-analysis of acupuncture in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation qualitatively and quantitatively by using the multiple evaluation thinking of radar plot so as to provide visual and scientific decision-making means for clinical practice and medical research. METHODS: Computer retrieval was performed in eight Chinese and English databases to collect data of systematic reviews/meta-analysis of acupuncture in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. The retrieval time was from database establishment to August 2019. Moreover, the multiple evaluations were carried out from six dimensions, including publiscation year, research type, A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2 methodological quality score, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analys is (PRISMA) quality score, homogeneous, and publication bias risk so as to calculate average rank score. The quality of all included outcome indicators was graded using GRADE evidence quality assessment tools. Excel 2013 was used to draw and optimize the radar plot for intuitive analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 11 qualified studies were included. According to data extraction, the radar plot showed that the included 11 articles scored 6.95 in the quality of the average rank. Some issues were found such as item registration, structured abstract, search strategy, exclusion literature list, and publication bias. Grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) evidence quality scores are low, with very low quality as the main reason. The literature quality of systematic reviews/meta-analysis of acupuncture in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation was not high. The methodological quality and reporting quality should be improved and continuously strengthened in order to further improve the quality of literature. As a visual and effective method of graphic evaluation, the radar plot can show the distribution of required data intuitively and concisely.

Nomograma prediction of the surgical treatment in triad of elbow / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To establish an individualized Nomogram prediction model for predicting the postoperative recovery of patients with triad of elbow (TE) by analyzing risk factors of triad of elbow joint.@*METHODS@#From January 2012 to December 2018, 116 patients with TE who met the criteria were collected. The independent risk factors were screened by univariate Logistic regression analysis. The statistically significant risk factors were included in the multivariate Logistic regression model. The R software was used to establish the Nomogram diagram model to predict the postoperative recovery of TE patients. C index was used to verify the discrimination, Calibration plot of the model, and the decision curve (decision curve analysis, DCA) to verify the net clinical benefit rate of the model.@*RESULTS@#Forty-four of the 116 patients with TE developed symptoms after operation, with an incidence of 37.93%. Age (@*CONCLUSION@#The Nomogram for predicting postoperative results of TE patients based on six independent risk factors:age, work, smoking, Mason classification of radial head, Regan-Morrey classification of coronal process and immobilization time of elbow joint after operation, has good distinguishing capacity and consistency. Thepredictive model could help clinicians to identify high risk population and establish appropriate intervention strategies.

Identification of suitable mungbean genotypes for hilly terrains of India using GGE and AMMI biplot approaches

Aim: The present investigation was conducted to approximate the magnitude of genotype × environment interaction effects in mungbean crop and to identify suitable genotypes for northern hilly terrain of India. Methodology: Thirty one promising mungbean genotypes were evaluated in three diverse environments, viz., Srinagar, Berthin and Imphal of northern hilly terrains of India. The individual genotype was planted in 5 rows of 4m length in 3 replications in randomized block design. The statistical analysis was done for Additive Main effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and genotype main effect plus genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplots analysis. Results: ANOVA devised that the genotypes, environment and genotype × environment interactions were significant for grain yield. The first two principal components, PC1 and PC2 described 73.65 and 26.35 percent variations, respectively, of total variation. According to AMMI I, the genotypes such as Pant M 6, RMG 1092, TMB 134, CoGG 13-19, KM 2349, DGG-8, TRCM 87-6-2-1, KM 2241 and MDGGv-16 were highly stable genotypes. GGE biplot analysis revealed that Pant M 6 and TMB 134 as winning genotypes for Berthin while NMK 15-12 and MDGGV-16 were the best genotypes for Srinagar. The genotypes IPM 14-7 and GAM 5 were found best for Imphal. Overall, high yield and most stable genotype was DGG-8 for northern hilly terrains of India. Interpretation: GGE biplot and AMMI approach could be instrumental in appraising the genotypes performance in multi-environments/locations testing for efficient selection of the stable genotypes.

Simplified method for determination of the Oxygen Dissociation Curve (ODC) / Método simplificado para determinar la curva de disociación de oxígeno (cdo)

RESUMEN La afinidad de la hemoglobina (Hb) por oxigeno (O2) es un factor importante que influye en el transporte de este gas, especialmente en hipoxia y en diferentes enfermedades como anemia o fibrosis quística. En la medición de la afinidad se usa la determinación de la curva de disociación Hb:O2. El método presentado para establecer la curva de disociación Hb:O2 (CDO) simplifica los protocolos normalmente utilizados, ya que elimina el requerimiento del equipo específico para equilibrar la sangre con oxígeno en niveles fijos de presión parcial (PO2). Mediante el uso de ecuaciones matemáticas es posible establecer la cinética de saturación de la hemoglobina (SO2) a valores crecientes de PO2. De igual forma, mediante el método se determinan aspectos típicos de la unión Hb: O2 como la dependencia del pH (coeficiente de Bohr) y el tipo de asociación de la proteína con su ligando mediante el diagrama de Hill. En virtud de la simplificación realizada, el método es aplicable en prácticas de laboratorio en población humana y animal, así como en la investigación de diferentes condiciones experimentales.

ABSTRACT The affinity of hemoglobin (Hb) for oxygen (O2) is an important factor influencing the transport of this gas especially in hypoxia and in different diseases such as anemia or cystic fibrosis. By the affinity measurement, the determination of the Hb: O2 dissociation curve is used. The presented method to establish the Hb: O2 oxygen dissociation curve (CDO) simplifies the protocols normally used, since it eliminates the requirement of specific equipment to equilibrate blood with oxygen at fixed levels of oxygen pressure (PO2). By using mathematical equations, it is possible to establish the saturation change of hemoglobin (SO2) at increasing oxygen partial pressure. Similarly, the method determines typical aspects of the Hb: O2 binding as the pH dependence (Bohr coefficient) and the association type of protein with its ligand by the Hill diagram. By this simplification, the method is applicable in laboratory practices in human and animal population, as well as in the investigation of different experimental conditions.

Hydro-chemistry of groundwater in a North Indian city and its suitability assessment for drinking and irrigation purposes

Aim: The current study aimed to identify the hydro-geological processes that control the groundwater chemistry. Further, groundwater quality was also evaluated for drinking and irrigation purposes. Methodology: Groundwater samples were collected from a semi-arid region of North India i.e., Ellenabad, Sirsa, Haryana. The samples were analyzed following the American Public Health Association standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. Results: Most of the groundwater samples of study area fall under hard category. The saline nature of groundwater can be attributed to high concentration of total dissolved salts (340±104 mg l-1). Majority of the groundwater samples showed fluoride concentration below the permissible limit of WHO and BIS (1.0 mg l-1). Multivariate analysis including sodium absorption ratio was calculated to assess the water quality for irrigation purpose and it was found appropriate for majority of crops, except for sensitive plant species. Interpretation: Potability assessment of groundwater showed that more than 40% samples were unacceptable for drinking purpose without any prior treatment, hence, it is essential to conduct a routine monitoring of groundwater to determine its aptness for drinking, domestic and agriculture purposes.

Development Of A Sensor By Electro-Polymerization Of Erichrome Black-T On Glassy Carbon Electrode And Determination Of An Anti-Inflammatory Drug Diclofenac

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a simple, reliable voltammetric method and its validation for determination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (DFC). Methods: The proposed method was based on electro-oxidation of DFC at poly (erichrome black T) modified glassy carbon electrode (PEBT/GCE) in 0.2 M phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.0. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetric techniques were employed to study electro-oxidation behavior. Under the optimal conditions, variations of EBT concentration, effect of pH, scan rate on the oxidation of DFC was studied. Results: A well-defined oxidation peak at about +0.59 V vs. standard calomel electrode was observed for voltammetric detection of DFC. pH effect shows the participation of an equal number of protons and electrons in the mechanism. The relation between a logarithm of peak current with the logarithm of scan rate indicated adsorption controlled behavior of electrode process. Concentration variations show a good linear response in the range 0.05 µM to 40 µM with the detection limit of 5.25 × 10-8 M. Conclusion: The prepared sensor exhibited good selectivity, sensitivity, and stability for the detection of DFC in the pharmaceutical dosage form and real samples. The developed method could possibly be adopted for pharmacokinetic studies and also in clinical and quality control laboratories where time and economy were important.