bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Synthesis of Microwave Assisted IONPs by Using Spinacia Oleracea: Enhances Resistance Against Fungal Wilt Infection by Inducing ROS and Modulating Defense System in Tomato Plants
Authors: Ashraf Hina , Anjum Tehmina , Riaz Saira , Batool Tanzeela , Naseem Shahzad , Ahmad Irfan S.
Published: August 2021

Background: Changing climate enhances the survival of pests and pathogens which eventually affects the crop yield and reduces its economic value. To attain the sustainable food security, novel approaches should be employed. Nanobased agri-chemicals provide a distinctive mechanism to increase productivity and manage phytopathogens with minimum environmental distress. In-vitro and greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the potential of green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in suppressing the wilt infection caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycospersici and to improve tomato growth (Solanum lycopersicum) and fruit quality. Results: Various microwave powers (100 W- 1000 W) were used to modulate the properties of green synthesize IONPs by using spinach as a starting material. The IONPs stabilized with black coffee extract were substantively characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dielectric and impedance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Scanning and transmission electron microscopy and magnetization-analysis. XRD revealed cubic magnetite (Fe3O4) phase with superparamagnetic nature, detected at all microwave powers. Binding energies of Fe 2p3/2 (712.05 eV) and Fe 2p1/2 (723.9 eV) of Fe3O4 NPs was confirmed by XPS analysis observed at microwave power of 1000 W. Uniform, spherical shaped particles with an average diameter of 4 nm were confirmed by SEM and TEM analysis. Significant reduction in mycelial growth and spore germination was perceived after exposure to different treatments of IONPs. Malformed mycelium, DNA fragmentation, alternation in cell membrane and ROS production in F. oxysporum indicates antimicrobial affinity of iron oxide NPs. The particles were applied both through root (before transplantation) and foliar application (after two weeks) to infected seedlings. The IONPs significantly reduced the disease severity by an average of 47.8% resulting in increased plant growth variables at exposure to 10 µg/mL of IONPs. Analysis of photosynthetic pigment, phenolic compounds and antioxidant enzymes in root and shoots signifies an increasing trend after exposure to various concentrations of IONPs. Correspondingly, lycopene, vitamin C, total flavonoids and protein content was substantially improved in tomato fruits after treatment of IONPs. Conclusion: These findings of current investigation suggests that IONPs owned antifungal properties to subdue Fusarium wilt disease by boosting plant growth and fruit quality.
Implementation and Performance of Haemovigilance Systems in 10 Sub-Saharan African Countries
Authors: Samukange Washington T. , Kluempers Verena , Porwal Manvi , Mudyiwenyama Linda , Mutoti Khamusi , Aineplan Noel , Gardarsdottir Helga , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K. , Nuebling C. Micha
Published: August 2021

Background:Haemovigilance is an important element of blood regulation. It includes collecting and evaluating information on adverse events resulting from the use of blood and blood components with the aim to improve donor and patient safety. We assessed how haemovigilance is currently being implemented and performed in 10 sub-Saharan African countries. Methods:We piloted the use of the integrated WHO Global Benchmarking Tool plus Blood (GBT+ Blood) to assess the haemovigilance function of national regulatory authorities (NRAs) in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Liberia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Data obtained from documents and face to face interviews were used to determine the status of implementation and performance of the following six indicators; legal provisions regulations and guidelines, organisation and governance, human resources, regulatory processes, transparency and accountability and finally, monitoring progress and assessing impact, by estimating median scores across 20 sub-indicators. In addition, a cluster analysis was performed.Results:The countries showed inter-organisation variability in implementation and performance of the haemovigilance function. The overall median score (all sub-indicators) was 44% (range: 7.5% - 70%). The lowest average performance scores were for the arrangement for effective organisation and coordination (35%) and human resources (35%) indicators. The highest average scores were observed for the mechanism to promote transparency and mechanism to monitor regulatory performance indicators (50% and 60%, respectively). We identified clusters of best implemented sub-indicators from the procedures for haemovigilance and poorly implemented sub-indicators from the legal provisions, regulations and guidelines for haemovigilance and human resources. Conclusions:Implementation of sub-indicators and performance of haemovigilance systems varied greatly for all countries with a few countries performing reasonably well in implementation of some sub-indicators under procedures for haemovigilance. Most countries were poorly implementing sub-indicators in the legal provisions, arrangement for effective organisation and human resources indicators. The legislative provisions in most countries were at a nascent stage. There is a need to set up targeted and customised technical support coupled with prioritised interventions to strengthen the capacities of NRAs.
Web Enhanced Flipped Learning: A Case Study
Authors: Arora Bani , Arora Naman
Published: August 2021

This research study is a technology-enhanced flipped learning pilot to observe the students’ engagement and learning in a self-regulated class through their individual feedback. Flipped learning was applied to a segment of the Study Skills course for more than two weeks to 129 students in the foundation year of a Teachers’ College in Bahrain. Divided across four sections, the students worked in small groups, prepared an assigned portion of the course content provided through a Learning Management System (LMS), and presented it to the rest of the class. Students used posters, flash cards, and digital technology in different forms such as PowerPoint slides, mobile phones, and Kahoot!. The reflective individual student responses on this experience were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings show a favourable response to group work, sharing ideas, saving time through collaboration, and use of technology. It is recommended that the study be extended to a larger sample group, to a larger number of the course topics, and include the use of different technology forms.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antibody levels in large swine farms in selected regions of Yunnan province, China
Authors: HAN DIANGANG , YANG HONGQING , YANG YUNQING , YE LINGLING , DONG JUN , ZHANG CHONG , HE ZHU , YIN SHANGLIAN , DONG XIANLAN , SU FANG , XIN JIGE , AI JUN
Published: August 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV), and it is a widespread disease that severely affects swine production in all age groups. Detection of PRRSV antibody levels in pig farms is beneficial for immunity evaluations. In this study, a total of 1,206 serum samples of breeding boars, breeding sows, reserve pigs and commercial pigs from 16 large-scale swine farms in 4 different regions of Yunnan province in China were collected during 2019 and detected by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the average positive rate of PRRSV antibody was 88.32%, among which the antibody-positive rates were 89.03%, 89.18%, 92.11%, and 82.95% in East Yunnan (E. Yunnan), Central Yunnan (Cent. Yunnan), Northwest Yunnan (N.W. Yunnan) and Northeast Yunnan (N.E. Yunnan), respectively (P > 0.05). For the different pig categories, the reserve pigs (93.51%) showed much higher antibody-positive rates, followed by breeding sows (92.44%), commercial pigs (87.34%) and breeding boars (85.62%). Statistical analysis revealed that the rates were significantly different among different pig categories (P <0.05). These s results indicated that pig categories were significantly associated with PRRSV antibody levels in this study. All the positive rates in this study fulfilled the requirement of ≥ 70% set by the National Animal Disease Surveillance Plan of China (2011). The study could provide evidence of the antibody response of PRRSV at the farm level.
REV-1 conjunctival vaccine administration in Turkey
Authors: GONCAGUL GULSEN , GUNAYDİN ELCİN , KARDOGAN OZLEM , COKAL YAVUZ , SALCİ EMSAL SİNEM OZDEMİR
Published: August 2021

Brucellosis in sheep and goats has a major economic and zoonotic importance, and implementation of strategies for its control and eradication is essential in endemic areas. In this study, the enhanced abortion cases in small ruminants after conjunctival Rev-1 vaccine administration was examined by PCR in terms of probability of vaccine induced abort cases. Of the examined 77 cotyledons from the aborted fetuses belonging to 68 sheep and 9 goats, 70 (90.90%) were found to harbour Brucella spp. DNA. In the first, second and third trimester of gestation, the rate of 100%, 40% and 42.85% positive results were determined from the cotyledons of the small ruminants, respectively. In conclusion, the conjunctival route of Rev-1 vaccine administration was safe during field vaccination, compatible with the serological tests and induces less abortion compared with the subcutaneous route as long as the period of pregnancy is taken into consideration during the vaccination period.
EXERGY AND EMERGY: COMPLEMENTARY TOOLS FOR ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY USE OF BIOSOLIDS GENERATED IN WASTEWATER-TREATMENT PLANT FOR ENERGYPRODUCTION
Authors: Cano Natalia , Céspedes-Zuluaga Santiago , Guerrero-Martin Camilo , Gallego Darío
Published: August 2021

Taking advantage of the energy contained in the biosolids generated in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is one of the processes of greatest interest due to the opportunity to obtain an energy resources from a waste. The aim of this research was to analyze the environmental sustainability use of biosolids generated in a wastewater-treatment plant for energy-production by fluidized-bed gasification under exergy analysis. The energy-production system was based on previous studies of sustainable-emergy alternatives using biosolids. Sustainability of the process was evaluated by identifying stages in the energy-production system (from drying application to electricity generation) where it is possible to reduce useful energy losses as well as identifying the value of waste streams within the system through exergy analysis. It was illustrated the destroyed exergy and the efficiency by stage and by product in order to assess the effects of inefficiencies in the process sustainability. The mixture of biosolids with coal was identified as a highly sustainable stage of the process, as it presents the highest index of exergy sustainability (0.99), in contrast to the stages of energytransformation (turbine) and gas-cleaning, which efficiencies are 0.17 and 0.4, respectively. Energy-transformation and gas-cleaning stages are of interest in terms of an improved energy recovery process, making it more efficient by applying new technologies and/or using the waste streams that have high energy potentials.
Integrated flood risk assessment of the Arial Khan River under changing climate using IPCC AR5 risk framework
Authors: Roy Binata , Khan Md. Sabbir Mostafa , Saiful Islam A. K. M. , Khan Md. Jamal Uddin , Mohammed Khaled
Published: August 2021

Bangladesh is situated at the confluence of GBM basins, with 90% of the basin area locating outside the country. Future climate change will lead to intense, prolonged, and frequent floods in Bangladesh. An integrated flood risk assessment that transforms flood risks from transboundary river basins to the local administrative level is necessary. A 1D/2D hydrodynamic model is developed for flood vulnerable Arial Khan River feed by basin-scale hydrologic model for low (RCP2.6) and high (RCP8.5) climate scenarios. An increasing trend in flood depth, duration, and area is observed from the early (2020s) to the end (2080s) of the century for both scenarios. The difference between both RCPs is minimal from the 2020s to 2050s but becomes very pronounced in the 2080s. The depth-duration-area with equal weightage provides better hazard results for the area. Flood risk is assessed using the IPCC AR5 framework incorporating vulnerability and exposure. Some medium-hazard zones fall into high-risk zones due to high exposure and vulnerability to flooding. The areas along the left reach are found more hazard-prone, while the areas on the right side are more risk-prone in the 2080s of RCP8.5. The hazard/risk maps will help policymakers identify priority areas for planning a sustainable flood management strategy.
Life cycle water footprint assessment of concrete production in Northwest China
Authors: Ding Chao , Dong Wenxiu , Zhang Ailin , Wang Zhenhua , Zhao Na , Chen Rong , Fu Hanliang
Published: August 2021

Concrete requires a large amount of water throughout the product life cycle. This study constructs a comprehensive evaluation model of the life cycle water footprint (LCWF) of concrete production. It calculates the LCWF of concrete in Northwest China. The main conclusions are: (1) The vast water consumption of the concrete industry is closely related to VWF, which is the focus of LCWF assessment. The first three significant factors are WF of Coarse aggregate, Meals, and Cement. (2) the overproduction of cement is 15,731 × 104t, which results in the excessive consumption of water resources of 24,035 × 104m3. Excessive water consumption in the domestic cement trade is equivalent to an outflow of water resources. (3) The water stress index (WSI) of Northwest China is 0.67 (in Heavy pressure). The WSI of Qinghai (0.05) and Shaanxi (0.5) are in Mild pressure and Moderate pressure, respectively, while the WSI of Gansu is 0.67 (in Heavy pressure). It is worth noting that the WSI of Ningxia (9.01) and Xinjiang (1.28) are under Extreme pressure. The sustainable development of water resources in Northwest China is under heavy pressure, exacerbated by the growth of the concrete and cement industries.
Review and Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning-based Predictors
for Predicting and Analyzing Anti-angiogenic Peptides
Authors: Charoenkwan Phasit , Chiangjong Wararat , Hasan Md Mehedi , Nantasenamat Chanin , Shoombuatong Watshara
Published: August 2021

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and the underlying angiogenesis
represents one of the hallmarks of cancer. Efforts are already under way for
the discovery of anti-angiogenic peptides (AAPs) as a promising therapeutic route, which
tackle the formation of new blood vessels. As such, the identification of AAPs constitutes
a viable path for understanding their mechanistic properties pertinent for the discovery of
new anti-cancer drugs. In spite of the abundance of peptide sequences in public databases,
experimental efforts in the identification of anti-angiogenic peptides have progressed very
slowly owing to high expenditures and laborious nature. Owing to its inherent ability to
make sense of large volumes of data, machine learning (ML) represents a lucrative technique
that can be harnessed for peptide-based drug discovery. In this review, we conducted
a comprehensive and comparative analysis of ML-based AAP predictors in terms of
their employed feature descriptors, ML algorithms, cross-validation methods and prediction
performance. Moreover, the common framework of these AAP predictors and their
inherent weaknesses are also discussed. Particularly, we explore future perspectives for
improving the prediction accuracy and model interpretability, which represent an interesting
avenue for overcoming some of the inherent weaknesses of existing AAP predictors.
We anticipate that this review would assist researchers in the rapid screening and identification
of promising AAPs for clinical use.
Structure-based Design of Anti-cancer Vaccines: The Significance of
Antigen Presentation to Boost the Immune Response
Authors: Asín Alicia , García-Martín Fayna , Busto Jesús Hector , Avenoza Alberto , Peregrina Jesús Manuel , Corzana Francisco
Published: August 2021

:

Immunotherapy, alone or in combination with other therapies, is widely used
against cancer. Glycoprotein Mucin 1 (MUC1), which is overexpressed and aberrantly
glycosylated in tumor cells, is one of the most promising candidates to engineer new cancer
vaccines. In this context, the development of stable antigens that can elicit a robust
immune response is mandatory. Here, we describe the design and in vivo biological evaluation
of three vaccine candidates based on MUC1 glycopeptides that comprise unnatural
elements in their structure. By placing the Tn antigen (GalNAcα-O-Ser/Thr) at the center
of the design, the chemical modifications include changes to the peptide backbone, glycosidic
linkage, and carbohydrate level. Significantly, the three vaccines elicit robust immune
responses in mice and produce antibodies that can be recognized by several human
cancer cells. In all cases, a link was established between the conformational changes induced
by the new elements in the antigen presentation and the immune response induced
in mice. According to our data, the development of effective MUC1-based vaccines
should use surrogates that mimic the conformational space of aberrantly glycosylated
MUC1 glycopeptides found in tumors.
Beta-glucans is a Potential Inhibitor of Ovarian Cancer: Based on Molecular and Biological Aspects
Authors: Hallajzadeh Jamal , Sadoughi Fatemeh , Asemi Zatollah , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Yousefi Bahman
Published: August 2021

:

Ovarian cancer is a lethal type of cancer which is initiated to the ovaries and affects 1 out of every 75 women. Due to the high number of deaths (almost 152,000) related to this cancer, it seems that novel efficient therapeutic methods are required in this field. Beta-glucans are a type of glucose linear polymers which have been proven to have a lot of advantageous activities. Recently, investigations have declared that these polysaccharides have the potential to be used as anti-cancer drugs. These agents are able to affect several mechanisms such as inflammation and apoptosis, and that is how cancers are prone to be affected by them. In this review, we attempt to investigate the role of beta-glucans on ovarian cancer. We hope that this paper would give some novel insights into the field of ovarian cancer treatment.
English Learners’ Access to Postsecondary Education
Authors: Kanno Yasuko
Published: August 2021

This book provides an in-depth look into the systemic undereducation of high school English learners and the role of high schools in limiting ELs’ postsecondary options, despite the availability of resources and the best of intentions, through a longitudinal ethnographic case study of a diverse high school in Pennsylvania.
Первопринципные исследования тенденции к сегрегации в сплавах Гейслера Ni-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-Mn-=SUB=-1+x-=/SUB=-Sb-=SUB=-1-x-=/SUB=- с различным атомным упорядочением
Authors: Ерагер К.Р. , Соколовский В.В. , Бучельников В.Д.
Published: August 2021

С помощью расчетов из первых принципов исследованы вопросы стабильности серии сплавов Гейслера Ni2Mn1+xSb1-x (x=0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) с шахматным и послойным упорядочением атомов Mn. Показано, что композиции с избытком Mn являются устойчивыми по отношению к распаду на составляющие элементы и неустойчивыми по отношению к распаду на двухфазную систему, состоящую из ферромагнитной кубической L21-фазы Ni2MnSb и антиферромагнитной тетрагональной L10-фазы NiMn. Таким образом, все нестехиометрические составы в аустенитной и мартенситной фазе с учетом различного магнитного и атомного упорядочения проявляют тенденцию к сегрегации. Стабильность сплавов возможна только в стехиометрических составах (x = 0 и 1). Ключевые слова: Сплавы Гейслера, первопринципные вычисления, сегрегация, фазовая стабильность.
Специфика кинетики импульсной катодолюминесценции иона неодима в иттрий-алюминиевом гранате и оксиде иттрия
Authors: Соломонов В.И. , Спирина А.В. , Макарова А.С.
Published: August 2021

The kinetics of pulsed cathodoluminescence of Nd3+ ions in single crystals, ceramics, and nanopowders of Nd3+:Y3Al5O12 (Nd3+:YAG) and Nd3+:Y2O3 under excitation by a 2 ns electron beam with average electron energies of 130, 150, and 170 keV was studied. In this case, the luminescence of these substances occurs after the termination of the electron beam. In Nd3+:YAG, there are optical transitions from the 2F25/2 level of the neodymium ion in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum, as well as from the 4F3/2 level in the near infrared region. In Nd3+:Y2O3, there are not transitions from the 2F25/2 level of the neodymium ion, but infrared luminescence occurs from the 4F5/2 and 4F3/2 levels. The luminescence kinetics is characterized by rise and decay and it is described by the difference of two exponential functions. It is found that the characteristic luminescence decay times are the lifetimes of the 2F25/2, 4F5/2 and 4F3/2 emissive levels, and the rise time is determined by their pumping in recombination and relaxation processes. The rise mechanisms of pulsed cathodoluminescence are substantially different from the mechanisms of "phosphor ignition", which occur during ionization and excitation of the phosphor by an external source.
Влияние радиационных дефектов различного типа на критический ток слоистого анизотропного сверхпроводника
Authors: Максимова А.Н. , Кашурников В.А. , Мороз А.Н. , Руднев И.А.
Published: August 2021

Численными методами исследовано влияние радиационных дефектов на критический ток слоистого анизотропного сверхпроводника. Рассмотрены модельные дефекты, имитирующих различные случаи радиационных повреждений сверхпроводника в результате электронного и ионного облучений. Полученные зависимости критического тока от магнитного поля показывают, что наибольшее усиление пиннинга при равном флюенсе облучения дают дефекты, образующие объемные конические области внутри образца. Показано, что в слабоанизотропном сверхпроводнике конические дефекты эффективнее повышают критический ток, чем в сильноанизотропном. Рассмотрено взаимодействие вихревой решетки с радиационными дефектами, получены вихревые конфигурации, возникающие под действием собственного поля транспортного тока. Ключевые слова: ВТСП, пиннинг, вихри Абрикосова, радиационные дефекты, метод Монте-Карло.
Поиск оптимальных условий монолитизации реакторного порошка сверхвысокомолекулярного полиэтилена
Authors: Мясникова Л.П. , Дроботько В.Ф. , Борзенко А.П. , Бойко Ю.М. , Марихин В.А. , Терехов С.A. , Яговкина М.А.
Published: August 2021

In order to clarify the possibility of sintering reactor powders of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene under pressure at a temperature higher than its equilibrium melting point at atmospheric pressure (T0m) without catastrophic changes in the internal structure of particles, a comparative WAXS analysis was carried out of the samples sintered below (T  T0m) this temperature and cooled under different conditions. A multifunctional structural analysis of the X-ray scattering curves recorded in the Bragg-Brentano mode on a 2D Phaser Bruker diffractometer from UHMWPE reactor powders sintered under different conditions was carried out, and the crystallite sizes were calculated. It was found that an increase in the sintering temperature above T0m does not significantly change the crystal structure of the polymer, and the precursors produced can be used for further orientational hardening.
Designing Consumer Health Information Technology to Support Biform and Articulation Work: A Qualitative Study of Diet and Nutrition Management as Patient Work
Authors: Rogers Courtney C , Moutinho Jr Thomas J , Liu Xiaoyue , Valdez Rupa S
Published: August 2021

Background

Diet and nutrition management is an integral component of Crohn disease (CD) management. This type of management is highly variable and individualized and, thus, requires personalized approaches. Consumer health information technology (CHIT) designed to support CD management has typically supported this task as everyday life work and, not necessarily, as illness work. Moreover, CHIT has rarely supported the ways in which diet and nutrition management requires coordination between multiple forms of patient work.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate diet and nutrition management as biform work, identify components of articulation work, and provide guidance on how to design CHIT to support this work.

Methods

We performed a qualitative study in which we recruited participants from CD-related Facebook pages and groups.

Results

Semistructured interviews with 21 individuals showed that diet and nutrition management strategies were highly individualized and variable. Four themes emerged from the data, emphasizing the interactions of diet and nutrition with physical, emotional, information, and technology-enabled management.

Conclusions

This study shows that the extent to which diet and nutrition management is biform work fluctuates over time and that articulation work can be continuous and unplanned. The design guidance specifies the need for patient-facing technologies to support interactions among diet and nutrition and other management activities such as medication intake, stress reduction, and information seeking, as well as to respond to the ways in which diet and nutrition management needs change over time.
Modulation of Bone and Joint Biomarkers, Gut Microbiota, and Inflammation Status by Synbiotic Supplementation and Weight-Bearing Exercise: Human Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ilesanmi-Oyelere Bolaji Lilian , Roy Nicole C , Kruger Marlena C
Published: August 2021

Background

There is strong evidence suggesting that prebiotics and probiotics regulate gut microbiota, reducing inflammation and thereby potentially improving bone health status. Similarly, mechanistic evidence suggests that either low-impact or high-impact weight-bearing exercises improve body composition and consequently increase bone mineral density in individuals with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the effects of a synbiotic (probiotic+prebiotic) supplementation, an exercise intervention, or a combination of both on gut microbiota, inflammation, and bone biomarkers in postmenopausal women.

Methods

A total of 160 postmenopausal women from New Zealand will be recruited and randomized to one of four interventions or treatments for 12 weeks: control, synbiotic supplementation, exercise intervention, or synbiotic supplementation and exercise. The primary outcome measure is the bone and joint biomarkers at baseline and week 12, whereas the gut microbiota profile and inflammatory cytokine measurements will serve as the secondary outcome measures at baseline and week 12. Baseline data and exercise history will be used to assess, allocate, and stratify participants into treatment measures.

Results

Recruitment of participants will begin in September 2021, and the anticipated completion date is June 2022.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first randomized controlled trial to analyze the effects of both a synbiotic supplement and an exercise intervention in postmenopausal women. On the basis of the results obtained, a combination of synbiotic supplements and exercise might serve as a noninvasive approach to manage and/or improve body composition and bone health in postmenopausal women.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000998943p; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380336&isClinicalTrial=False
The Effect of Cyberbullying on Young People’s Wellbeing and Psychological Distress: The Moderating Role of the Social Environment. (Preprint)
Authors: Sutton Eva , Rickwood Debra J
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Cyberbullying is a relatively recent phenomenon, whose growth parallels that of modern communication technology. Research in this area has found that young people are highly vulnerable to experiencing cyberbullying and methods of reducing the negative impacts need to be investigated.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the stress-buffering model has been applied, and it is predicted that social support and loneliness, two proximal elements of a young person’s social environment, will moderate the effects of cyberbullying on young people’s wellbeing and psychological distress.

METHODS

A computer assisted telephone interview (CATI) was administered to a nationally representative community sample of 4065 Australian young people aged 12 to 25 years. Measures included in this survey captured young people’s attitudes and experiences pertaining to their wellbeing, psychological distress, degree of social support, loneliness and exposure to cyberbullying.

RESULTS

Findings revealed that in this sample, cyberbullying prevalence is high, with 51%
experiencing lifetime prevalence and 11% in the past month. Results from a series of ANOVAs indicated significant, but negligible, age and gender differences for cyberbullying, wellbeing, and psychological distress. Finally, moderation analyses indicated that the social environment did not moderate the relationship between cyberbullying and wellbeing and distress.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant but negligible nature of these findings highlights the necessity for further research in this field, focusing specifically on examining other aspects of the social environment which may buffer this relationship.
Problems and Barriers Related to the Use of Digital Health Applications: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Giebel Godwin Denk , Speckemeier Christian , Abels Carina , Börchers Kirstin , Wasem Jürgen , Blase Nikola , Neusser Silke
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

The use of mobile health (mHealth) apps is increasing rapidly worldwide. More and more institutions and organizations develop regulations and guidelines to enable an evidence-based and safe use. In Germany, mHealth apps fulfilling predefined criteria (Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen [DiGA]) can be prescribed and are reimbursable by the German statutory health insurance scheme. Due to the increasing distribution of DiGA, problems and barriers should receive special attention.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify the relevant problems and barriers related to the use of mHealth apps fulfilling the criteria of DiGA.

METHODS

This scoping review will follow published methodological frameworks and the PRISMA-Scr (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) criteria. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and JMIR), reference lists of relevant articles, and grey literature sources will be searched. Two reviewers will assess the eligibility of the articles by a two-stage (title and abstract as well as full text) screening process. Only problems and barriers related to mHealth apps fulfilling the criteria of DiGA are included for this research. The identified studies will be categorized and analyzed with MAXQDA.

RESULTS

This scoping review gives an overview of the available evidence and identifies research gaps regarding problems and barriers related to DiGA. The results are planned to be submitted to an indexed, peer-reviewed journal in the first quarter of 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first review to identify the problems and barriers related to the use of mHealth apps fulfilling the German definition of DiGA. Nevertheless, the findings can be applied to other contexts and health care systems as well.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/32702
Understanding Decision-Making in the Adoption of Digital Health Technology: The Role of Behavioral Economics’ Prospect Theory (Preprint)
Authors: Khan Waqas Ullah , Shachak Aviv , Seto Emily
Published: August 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

The decision to accept or reject new digital health technologies remains an ongoing challenge among health care patients, providers, technology companies, and policymakers. Over the past few decades, interest in understanding the choice to adopt technology has led to the development of numerous theories and models. In 1979, however, psychologists Kahneman and Tversky published their seminal research article that has pioneered the field of behavioral economics. They named their model the prospect theory and used it to explain decision-making behaviors under conditions of risk and uncertainty as well as to provide an understanding of why individuals may make irrational or inconsistent choices. Although the prospect theory has been used to explain decision-making in economics, law, political science, and clinically, at the individual level, its application to understanding choice in the adoption of digital health technology has not been explored. Herein, we discuss how the main components of the prospect theory’s editing phase (framing effect) and evaluation phase (value function and weighting function) can provide valuable insight on why health care patients, providers, technology companies, and policymakers may decide to accept or reject digital health technologies.
Consenso colombiano de expertos sobre recomendaciones basadas en evidencia para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de alteraciones del metabolismo óseo y mineral en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica
Authors: Coronado Daza Jorge Antonio
Published: August 2021

Introducción: Las alteraciones del metabolismo óseo y mineral asociado a la enfermedad renal crónica (AMOM-ERC) es una de las complicaciones más frecuentes e importantes que afecta la calidad de vida de pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica y sus familias y, además, contribuye al aumento de la morbimortalidad cardiovascular.

Método: A partir de una revisión sistemática de literatura en las bases de datos Embase y Medline vía Pubmed, grupos desarrolladores de evidencia y sociedades científicas, se formularon recomendaciones preliminares por el grupo desarrollador que fueron consultadas a un colectivo experto de nefrología, endocrinología, geriatría, reumatología, medicina interna y cardiología, a través del método Delphi modificado.

Resultados: Se presentan 62 recomendaciones sobre diagnóstico y tratamiento de AMOM-ERC definidas por consenso entre 51 expertos clínicos y el grupo desarrollador. El rango de aprobación de las recomendaciones oscilo entre 80.9% y 100%.

Conclusión: Las recomendaciones presentadas permiten a los expertos clínicos la toma de decisiones clínicas cotidianas basadas en evidencia sobre el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de las alteraciones del metabolismo óseo y mineral en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en Colombia.
Parallel loop binding compression suture, a modified procedure for pernicious placenta previa complicated with placenta increta: a retrospective study. (with video)
Authors: Fu Mengdi , Bu Hualei , Fang Yan , Wang Chunling , Zhang Li , Zhang Yang , Sun Xiao , Li Mingbao , Jin Chengjuan , Xu Yintao , Chen Lijun
Published: August 2021

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of parallel loop
binding suture of the lower uterus during cesarean section in pernicious
placenta previa complicated with placenta increta. Design. A
retrospective study Setting. Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
Population. Patients with pernicious placenta previa between November
2014 and December 2020 at the Qilu Hospital of Shandong University were
eligible. Methods. The degree of placental invasion was evaluated using
preoperative color Doppler ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI). Main outcome measures. Postpartum hemorrhage was
evaluated as the primary outcome. Additionally, neonatal outcomes were
evaluated. Results. Of the 38 patients, only 3 (7.89%) underwent
hysterectomy due to massive blood loss. With parallel loop binding
compression suture, the volume of blood lost ranged from 500 - 6000
(mean: 2152.63±1169.37) mL and the volume of blood transfused was
between 400 - 3200 (1431.58±699.85) mL. The mean gestational age was 36
weeks and 2 days (range: 32+6 to39+6 weeks). The average operation time
was 109.78 ± 33.49 min, and the average fetal childbirth time was
14.05±5.60 min. The rate of NICU admission was 36.84% (14/38). The
postoperative menstrual cycle and menstrual flow both returned to normal
levels. All infants at our hospital were safely discharged after
treatment. Conclusion. Parallel loop binding compression suture is an
effective, swift, practical, and safe method to reduce postpartum
bleeding in women with pernicious placenta previa, complicated with
placenta increta.
Post Hoc Analysis Evaluating the Impact of Antihyperglycemic Background Therapies on Attainment of A1C Targets Without Hypoglycemia in the ACHIEVE Control Pragmatic, Real-Life Study
Authors: Bailey Timothy S. , Evenou Pierre , Gill Jasvinder , Berhanu Paulos , Raymond Romain , Strong Jodi , Wright Eugene E.
Published: August 2021

Background

ACHIEVE Control, a prospective, open-label, randomized, pragmatic, real-life study in insulin-naive people with type 2 diabetes (A1C 8.0–11.0%), demonstrated superiority of insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla-300) versus first-generation standard-of-care basal insulin (SOC-BI; glargine 100 units/mL or insulin detemir) in achieving individualized A1C targets without documented symptomatic (glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL] or <3.0 mmol/L [<54 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycemia (American Diabetes Association level 3) at 6 months. Noninsulin antihyperglycemic background therapies are commonly used; however, sulfonylureas may increase hypoglycemia risk. This post hoc analysis assessed outcomes according to background therapy.

Methods

Subgroup analyses were performed per concomitant use/nonuse of sulfonylureas, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, or sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. End points (6 and 12 months) included A1C target attainment without documented symptomatic or severe hypoglycemia, A1C target attainment, and absence of documented symptomatic or severe hypoglycemia.

Results

Odds ratios (ORs) at 12 months mostly favored Gla-300 versus SOC-BI across subgroups except in analysis of SGLT2 inhibitors, in which ORs were similar. Among sulfonylurea users, ORs at 12 months strongly favored Gla-300 versus SOC-BI for all end points, particularly A1C target achievement without documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]; OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02–1.53) or severe hypoglycemia and achievement of no documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (glucose <3.0 mmol/L [<54 mg/dL]; OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02–1.52) or severe hypoglycemia.

Conclusion

The results suggest that, in insulin-naive people with type 2 diabetes, Gla-300 is effective with a risk of hypoglycemia that is lower than or similar to that of SOC-BI regardless of background medication. Individuals receiving concomitant sulfonylureas were more likely to remain without symptomatic or severe hypoglycemia with Gla-300.
On characterization of zero sets of the weighted class of analytic functions in a disc
Authors: Шамоян Ф.А. , Родикова Е.Г.
Published: August 2021

В работе получено полное описание корневых множеств аналитических в круге функций, допускающих рост вблизи заданного конечного множества точек граничной окружности.
Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia in a Child with Bone Fractures and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms, Case Report
Authors: Shaikh Hala A Al
Published: August 2021

Fibrous dysplasia of the bone in children is a rare, genetic, heterogeneous disorder, associated with extra - skeletal manifestations in the McCune Albright Syndrome . It results from a post - zygotic activating mutation in the (GNAS) gene coding for (Gs alfa) protein. This leads to replacement of the lamellar bone with under - mineralized fibrous tissue, presenting clinically with limping, pain, and pathological fractures . Objective: To demonstrate the clinical course, challenges and treatment of a child with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia presenting with limping, extra skeletal manifestations, neuropsychiatric symptoms and bone fractures. Method : The clinical information and lab results were obtained directly from the mother and the computerized medical records at the treating hospitals. Genetic analysis was done at Washington University School of Medicine, USA. Informed publication consent was obtained from the parents. R esults : The child presented at the age of 3years with limping and was found to have polyostotic fibrous dysplasia and café au lait spot. Later on, he developed neurological symptoms. He had bone fractures in the proximal femur, requiring surgical intervent ion. Bone pain and frequency of fractures improved after Zoledronate injections. Blood genetic analysis of the GNAS - gene was negative. Conclusion : Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia is a rare cause of limping and recurrent pathological fractures in children. Me dical treatment with Biphosphanate injections can positively affect the clinical course of the disease. A negative blood genetic analysis of the GNAS gene does not exclude the McCune Albright Syndrome, and indicates analysis from the affected tissue. Neuro psychiatric symptoms may manifest with fibrous dysplasia without any endocrine involvement.
Giant Cell Tumors of the Tendon Sheath of the First Finger
Authors: Grimi Talal
Published: August 2021

Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath of the ha nd present a very rare entity, o nly two percent of all reported Giant cell tumors are found in the hand, several hypotheses were formulated about the etiological factors of these tumors, but still there is not a common opinion on etiology, prognostic factors and recurrence rate . We repor t a rare case of giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath the second finger in 55 - year - old women, which was treated with extended curettage. After one year of follow - up, the patient was asymptomatic with complete functional recovery and no signs of recurrenc e.
Reproductive Characteristics of Male Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) Fed on Spirulina ( Spirulina platensis ) Hydro - Ethanolic Extract
Authors: F Ngoula
Published: August 2021

Spirulina , a filamentous cyanobacteri um, possesses diverse biological activities and nutritional significance due to high concentration of natural nutrients . This work aimed to evaluate the effects of hydro - ethanolic extract (HEE) of Spirulina platensis on organ weights, sperm characteristics , reproductive hormones and fertility index in male rabbits. 30 male rabbits were randomly distributed into 5 groups (6 rabbits/group). For 120 days, group 1 animals (control) were orally given distilled water, those of group 2 were treated with 100 mg/kg bw of vitamin E, while groups 3, 4 and 5 received respectively 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw of spirulina extract. The results showed that the relative weights of the vas deferens and sexual glands increased significantly (p<0.05) in the HEE groups compared to the control, whereas no significant (p>0.05) difference was noticed in the weights of testes and epididymis, sperm mobility and membrane integrity. Sperm count was significantly (p<0.05) higher in animals given 400 mg/kg bw of HEE of spirulina with refere nce to all other treatments. The sperm morphological anomalies declined significantly (p<0.05) in HEE - treated rabbits compared to distilled water and vitamin E - given animals. The serum concentration of FSH decreased significantly (p<0.05) in rabbits receiv ing 400 mg/kg bw of HEE of spirulina compared to those of other groups. Meanwhile, that of LH did not show any significant (p>0.05) difference among treatments. The serum content in testosterone increased significantly (p<0.05) in spirulina extract - treated and vitamin E groups with reference to the control group. The litter size and the sex ratio did not present any significant (p>0.05) difference among treatments. The kid weight at birth and the litter size at weaning increased significantly (p<0.05) in sp irulina extract - treated and vitamin E groups with the reference to the control group. The viability rates at weaning were significantly (p<0.05) higher in spirulina extract - treated groups referring to the vitamin E and distilled water groups. In conclusion , the administration of hydro - ethanolic extract of spirulina enhanced the sexual organ weights, sperm characteristics, reproductive hormone levels and performances in male rabbit.
Antioxidant Potential of Ferulic Acid on the Freezability of Bull Semen
Authors: AD Omur
Published: August 2021

Ejaculates were collected twice a week from the bulls, via an artificial vagina, during two weeks. The suitable ejaculates obtained for sperm density (≥ 1.4 × 10 9 spermatoz oa / ml) and for motility (≥ 75%) were used for dilution and freezing of semen. A Tris - based extender (Tris 297.58mM, citric acid 96.32mM, fructose 82.66mM, egg yolk 15% (v/v), glycerol 5% (v/v), gentamicin 0.1 ml / 100ml, pH 6.8 - 7.0) was used as the base extender (cryopreservation diluent). Pooled ejaculate was split into 2 equal aliquots and diluted at 32 °C with base extender containing ferulic acid (100 μM) and no antioxidant (control), respectively. Each aliquot was diluted to a final semen concentrati on of approximately 1.2 × 10 8 sperm/ml (single step dilution), in 15 - ml polypropylene centrifuge tubes. After dilution, semen samples were kept at room temperature for 10 minutes then, the diluted semen samples were aspirated into 0.25 ml French straws, seal ed with polyvinyl alcohol powder and equilibrated at 5 °C for 3 h. After equilibration, the straws were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour (4 cm above the liquid nitrogen, ~ - 100 o C ) for 10 min and then plunged into liquid nitrogen for storage, - 196 o C . In the study, sperm samples containing antioxidant and non - antioxidant were evaluated for spermatozoa motility and membrane integrity after freezing / thawing. In the present study, no statistically significant difference was found between the control and experim ental groups for motility and membrane integrity after freeze - thawing. The application consisted of 4 replications.
Using Food Grate Stainless Steel Rods for Internal Fixation of Transverse Fractures in Rabbits
Authors: H Nazht Humam
Published: August 2021

This project was designed to replace the medical stainless steel pins (MSP) which used in internal fixation of the transverse fractures femoral bone in rabbits by the food grate stainless steel rods (FGSR) 2.25 and 2.5 mm which used in the food industry. 175 adult local bree d rabbits were used from 2008 – 2019, 60 of them used to induced transverse fractures in the mid shift of femoral bones, the o thers employed to remove 1cm of diaphysis bone and replaced by either xeno - bony sheep implantation in 26 rabbits, or replaced by xeno - bony bov ine implantation in 75 rabbits , while the others14 rabbits replaced by the synthetics bony nano scaffold implantation, then all fixed by FGSR as internal fixation devices for the induced femoral fractures or fixation the implanted devices. The parameters w hich were used for evaluation were, the p hysical and general examination , laborato ry analysis for elements ratio, clinical application with radiographic and histopathological examination . The results revealed FGSR easy to find and use and handling , with lo w prize and high economic values, and the chemical elemen ts ratio the same as in the MSP , nobody rejection or complication , not changed before and within and after implantation and sterilization , give stability, and support the body weight , and the rabbits quickly used affected limb in walking and running, the FGSR visible radio graphically with good alignment of fractures bones with normal healing radiographic finding, while the histopathological examination shows normal histopathological changes during fr actures healing processing . The conclusion FGSR size 2.25 – 2.5 mm can be used strongly and successfully in internal fixation of induced transverse mid shift fractures of femoral bones in rabbits instead of the MSP.