bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Anthropometric Measurements and the Amount of Fat Aspirated in Waist and Abdominal Liposuction: A 20-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Yang Fan , Dou Wenjie , Peng Liwei , Li Wangzhou , Li Yuejun
Published: March 2021

Background: Previous studies revealed that larger liposuction volumes were related to an increased risk of complications. However, no concrete data exist to support the most critical factor which affects the liposuction volume in the waist and abdominal area. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between the anthropometric measurements and lipoaspirate volume.Methods: The present study was a single-center retrospective study. 742 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in our hospital, from January 2001 to August 2020, were reviewed. Spearman correlation analyses and multivariable regressions were used to assess the relationship between the anthropometric measurements and lipoaspirate volume. Linear-by-linear association chi-square statistic and Goodman-Kruskal gamma method were used to test the consistency and to develop a rank prediction formula.Results: A total of 742 patients aged 18-59 years old met the inclusion criteria. Among all the anthropometric measurements, the highest correlation coefficient was observed in waist circumference. Subgroup analyses indicated that there was an interaction between the BMI and waist circumference on liposuction volume. Formula was generated to estimate the range of liposuction volume based on the nine grouped waist circumferences [liposuction volume (mean) = 106.3 waist circumference (mean) - 7497, P < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.9638].Conclusions: Waist circumference was the most influential factor for lipoaspirate volume. Roughly predicting the lipoaspirate volume allows surgeons to estimate their operating volume even if no iconography machine is available during suction-assisted lipectomy. This can increase safety, potentially decreasing the number of adverse events.
Attentional Bias for the Left Visual Field in Ambiguous Necker Cube Processing
Authors: Maksimenko Vladimir , Kuc Alexander , Badarin Artem , Grubov Vadim , Shusharina Natalia , Hramov Alexander E.
Published: March 2021

There is a view that people better react to the stimuli presented in their left visual field (LVF) due to the right lateralization of the ventral attentional network (VAN). Previous studies used color-deviant stimuli and reported LVF bias for a bottom-up attentional component. Here we examined this effect for ambiguous stimuli, Necker cubes whose processing requires bottom-up and top-down attention. We instructed subjects to report cube’s orientation, left or right, while manipulated their ambiguity. In line with other works, we suggested that ambiguity enhanced reliance on the top-down mechanisms. For low ambiguity, subjects responded faster to the left-oriented cubes. EEG power increased in the right temporoparietal junction (TPJ) for 0.3 s post-stimulus onset. For high ambiguity, we found no difference in response time and EEG power. These results may evidence VAN activation when processing the bottom-up stimulus features. The eye-tracking confirmed that subjects focused on the center of the stimulus. We hypothesized that they used peripheral vision to acquire sensory information. Therefore, the LVF attentional bias might influence the evidence accumulation process. Our results support the bottom-up attentional bias to the left visual field and provide evidence for the vital role of right TPJ in controlling bottom-up attention.
Monitoring changes in the shape of the spine in children with postural disorders
Authors: Żurawski Arkadiusz , Śliwiński Zbigniew , Starz Grażyna Nowak , (Kiebzak) Wojciech Kiebzak
Published: March 2021

BackgroundDue to numerous complications of an abnormal shape of the spine, it is extremely important to systematically monitor its shape. Precise and routine method of measurement enables comparison of the scores obtained over time and possible early intervention in order to avoid complications.The aim of the work is to present the pattern for monitoring changes in the shape of the spine in children with postural deformities.MethodsThe study group (n = 211) consisted of the patients with diagnosed shape of the spine deformity, who underwent a four-month therapy, supervised by a physiotherapist. The control group (n = 101) were the children with no shape of spine deformity.The children in the study group underwent a three-dimensional computer analysis of the shape of the spine. The DIERS test was performed in both groups (study and control). In the study group it was performed four times. It involved the measurement of seven parameters enabling a complete assessment of body posture.ResultsStatistically significant scores of the Friedman test for imbalance, pelvic tilt, kyphosis angle, lordosis angle, and lateral deviation were observed. Therefore, a series of post-hoc analyzes were performed using Dunn-Bonferroni tests. It was observed that changes in individual parameters analyzed in the authors' study come up at a different pace.ConclusionsDetailed monitoring of the parameters describing the position of the spine makes it possible to control the course of the treatment process of patients with disorders of the position of the spine. The dynamics of changes taking place within the spine position varies for the individual parameters analyzed.
Delineation of Sedimentary Basin Structure beneath the Banyumas Basin, Central Java, Indonesia, Using Ambient Seismic Noise Tomography
Authors: Setiawan Ahmad , Zulfakriza Zulfakriza , Nugraha Andri Dian , Rosalia Shindy , Priyono Awali , Widiyantoro Sri , Sahara David P. , Marjiyono Marjiyono , Setiawan Januar H. , Lelono Eko Budi , Permana Asep K. , Hidayat Hidayat
Published: March 2021

Subsurface images of an area with a thick volcanic layer generally can not be well-imaged with conventional seismic exploration (seismic reflection) due to seismic wave scattering. Another method is needed to obtain an accurate subsurface image in a thick volcanic layer area. In this study, we applied Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) to image the shear-wave velocity (Vs) structure in the Banyumas Basin, Central Java, Indonesia, which has relatively thick volcanic layers. We aimed to delineate the sediment deposits and the sedimentary thickness in this area. Although this method has limited application for subsurface imaging with a thick volcanic layer area, the application of cross-correlations from ambient noise has been widely applied in numerous locations to obtain greater understanding of subsurface structures. In this study, more than 1,000 pairs of vertical component cross-correlations were used to estimate the Green's Function of the Rayleigh wave. The Multiple Filter Technique (MFT) was used as a Time-Frequency Analysis and 1,291 dispersion curves were obtained. The Neighbourhood Algorithm (NA) was utilized to inverse the dispersion curves at 121 grid points which were used to obtain a vertical depth profile of 1D Vs. The Vs map results show that the low Vs tend to trend in a northwest-southeast direction associated with two areas: the Majenang low, and the Citanduy low. The presence of low Vs values corresponds with Middle Miocene–Pliocene sedimentary rocks. Meanwhile, the high Vs value in this area might correspond with Oligocene–Early Miocene volcanic products and Eocene sediment. Our study was also able to reveal the thickness of sedimentary rocks in the the Banyumas sedimentary basin, which is believed to have hydrocarbon potential.
Synthesis and characterization of the starch/silicone composite and elaboration of its films
Authors: Peralta-González Coyolicaltzin , Ramirez-Hernandez Aurelio , Rangel-Porras Gustavo , Aparicio-Saguilán Alejandro , Aguirre-Cruz Andrés , González-García Gerardo , Báez-García José Eduardo , Páramo-Calderón Delia Esther
Published: March 2021

Synthesis of the starch/silicone composite carried out and its structural characterization by FTIR, Raman and 29Si NMR allowed to identify functional groups of the composite. The synthesis conditions were a starch/silicone mass ratio of 2.0 and a temperature of 150 oC to obtain a yield of 84.63 %. SEM analysis showed that the starch granules were covered by silicone, this caused a decrease in the crystallinity of starch. Composite films have higher thermal stability compared to native starch. Mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the starch/silicone composite film increase with respect to starch-only films. While the crystallinity of both films is similar. The results obtained in this work indicate that starch/silicone composites can be an alternative to make films with a potential use for the packaging industry.
Predicting mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients in a low-resources setting
Authors: Vélez-Paez Jorge Luis , Montalvo Mario Patricio , Jara Fernando Esteban , Aguayo-Moscoso Santiago , Tercero-Martínez Wendy , Saltos Lenin Stalin , Jiménez-Alulima Glenda , Irigoyen-Mogro Estefanía , Castro-Reyes Evelyn , Mora-Coello Christian , Vásconez-González Eduardo , Ortiz-Prado Esteban
Published: March 2021

Background

Since its molecular isolation on January 7, 2020, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has spread rapidly, taking governments worldwide off-guard. The virus arrived in low and middle-income countries violently, especially in Latin America. Ecuador received the worst outbreak in the world if we count excess mortality per capita. Although one study has reported the epidemiological impact of COVID-19 in Ecuador, there is no clinical course or outcome data among intensive care patients with COVID-19 in Ecuador. This study describes the clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutical features of 89 patients hospitalized in a secondary-level hospital in Quito, Ecuador.
Methods
We did a retrospective cohort study.
We collected health records data from
adult patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care
unit (ICU) in Quito, Ecuador, during the first five months of the
SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Ecuador.

All patients had a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 RNA infection diagnostic, a positive real-time RT-PCR, and pulmonary imaging suggesting COVID-19. We used the Chi-square test or a Fisher's exact statistic to analyze risk and associations between survivors and non-survivors due to COVID-19. We used the ROC curve analysis to predict mortality, determining cut-off points for the parameters related to mechanical, analytical, and cytometry ventilation. At the multivariate level, we used the Wald test to evaluate model categorical predictors during the regression analysis.
Results

89 patients with COVID-19 were recruited during the study. The average age of the patients was 54.72 years. Man represented 68.54% (n = 61) and women 31,46% (n = 28). Significant differences were observed in terms of mortality (men 40.98% vs. women 17.76%). Serological parameters demonstrated that LDH and IL-6 at 24 hours were higher among non-survivors when compared with survivors. Persistent hypercapnia ( > > 45 mmHg), a PaFiO2 ratio of less than 140 mmHg, and a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration greater than nine mmHg were also associated with higher mortality.
Conclusions

Increased levels of LDH at 24 hours, IL-6, the lymphocyte and platelet count at 48 hours, the neutrophil count at 48 hours, and the INL are factors associated with higher motility, increased risk of failed extubation and reintubation
A fractional-order multistable locally-active memristor and its chaotic system with transient transition, state jump
Authors: Wenli Xie , Wang Chunhua , Hairong Lin
Published: March 2021

Fractional calculus is closer to reality and has the same memory characteristics as memristor. Therefore, a fractional-order multistable locally active memristor is proposed for the first time in this paper, which has infinitely many coexisting pinched hysteresis loops under different initial states and wide locally active regions. Through the theoretical and numerical analysis, it is found that the fractional-order memristor has stronger locally active and memory characteristics and wider nonvolatile ranges than the integer-order memristor. Furthermore, this fractional-order memristor is applied in a chaotic system. It is found that oscillations occur only within the locally active regions. This chaotic system not only has complex and rich nonlinear dynamics such as infinitely many discrete equilibrium points, multistability, anti-monotonicity but also produces two new phenomena that have not been found in other chaotic systems after neglecting some initial transients. The first one is transient transition: the behavior of transient chaotic and transient period transition alternately occurring. The second is state jump: the behavior of period-4 oscillation or chaotic oscillation jumping to period-2 oscillation.Finally, the circuit simulation of fractional-order multistable locally active memristive chaotic system using PSIM is carried out to verify the validity of the numerical simulation results.
Multiple Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Doses After Open Wedge-high Tibial Osteotomy(OW-HTO) Further Reduce Perioperative Blood Loss and Drainage Volume: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Zhimeng , Lu Yao , Liu Lu , Song Leilei , Ma Teng , Li Zhong , Wang Qian , Zhang Kun , Xue Hanzhong
Published: March 2021

Background Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy(OW-HTO). However, a consensus has not been established regarding the best dosing regimen and timing. In the present study, we aimed to compare three different dosages of intravenous (IV) TXA in OW-HTO.Material and methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical data obtained from patients administered with OW-HTO treatment for knee osteoarthritis from February 2016 to December 2019 was conducted. All operations were performed under general anaesthesia. TXA1 group (18 patients) received 1g of IV TXA administered 15 to 30 minutes pre-operation. TXA2 group (18 patients) received an additional dose of IV TXA (1g) 3 h after incision and the TXA3 group (18 patients) received an additional (third) dose 6 h later(1g). The blood loss and adverse events were compared between the three groups. Functional analysis, quality of life (QoL), and pain assessment were performed based on their corresponding scoring system.Results Baseline data were comparable for all groups. The postoperative drainage volume was calculated for the TXA3 group and the estimated blood loss was significantly reduced (p-value <0.05). The treatment effectively maintained postoperative Hb at a high level (p-value <0.05). In addition, a faster recovery, better QoL, reduced postoperative pain, and no complications were observed in patients belonging to the group TXA3.Conclusion Based on our results, three doses of IV TXA can effectively and safely reduce estimated blood loss and postoperative drainage volume in patients undergoing OW-HTO with additional associated benefits.
Investigation of Ga Doping for Non-stoichiometric Sodium Bismuth Titanate Ceramics
Authors: Li minyan , he chan , wang weiguo , hao gangling , li xianyu , liu ting , wang xinfu , wang dan
Published: March 2021

The electrical performance of Ga3+ doping Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-based oxygen ion conductor was studied. The Na0.52Bi0.47Ti1−xGaxO3−δ (x = 0, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02) samples were fabricated by the means of traditional solid-state reaction. The results of AC impedance measurement show that the bulk conductivity of Na0.52Bi0.47Ti1−xGaxO3−δ samples decrease monotonously with the increase of Ga3+ doping. At 673 K, the bulk conductivity of the Na0.52Bi0.47Ti0.98Ga0.02O3−δ sample is 7.19×10− 4 S/cm, which is lower than that of Na0.52Bi0.47TiO3−δ sample under the identical test temperature. The highest total conductivity emerges in the Na0.52Bi0.47Ti0.99Ga0.01O3−δ sample with 1.387×10− 4 S/cm at 623 K for the Ga3+ doping content of 1 mol%, which demonstrate that a slight of Ga3+ doping supports the enhancement of the total conductivity. A relaxation peak was observed in the Na0.52Bi0.47Ti1−xGaxO3−δ compounds. As the Ga3+ ions were introduced into the Na0.52Bi0.47TiO3−δ compound, there is an increasing trend of the relaxation activation energy educed by the internal friction test. In addition, the oxygen relaxtion height of Na0.52Bi0.47Ti1−xGaxO3−δ samples decreases along with the introduction of the Ga3+ doping, suggesting that the introduction of the Ga3+ leads to the decrease of mobile oxygen vacancy .
A de novo variant in CASK gene causing intellectual disability and brain hypoplasia: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Ying , Nie Yanyan , Mu Yu , Zheng Jie , Xu Xiaowei , Zhang Fang , Shu Jianbo , Liu Yang
Published: March 2021

Background：The pathogenic variation of CASK gene can cause CASK related mental disorders. The main clinical manifestations are microcephaly with pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia, X-linked mental disorders with or without nystagmus and FG syndrome. The main pathogenic mechanism is the loss of function of related protein caused by mutation. We reported a Chinese male newborn with a de novo variant in CASK gene. Case presentation：We present an 18-day-old baby with intellectual disability and brain hypoplasia. Whole-exome sequencing was performed, which detected a hemizygous missense mutation c.764G>A of CASK gene. The mutation changed the 255th amino acid from Arg to His. Software based bioinformatics analyses were conducted to infer its functional effect.Conclusions：In this paper, a de novo mutation of CASK gene was reported. Moreover, a detailed description of all the cases described in the literature is reported.CASK mutations cause a variety of clinical phenotypes. Its diagnosis is difficult due to the lack of typical clinical symptoms. Genetic testing should be performed as early as possible if this disease is suspected. This case provides an important reference for the diagnosis and treatment of future cases.
Impact of the ultrasonography assessment method on the malignancy risk and diagnostic performance of five risk stratification systems in thyroid nodules
Authors: Yang Go Eun , Na Dong Gyu
Published: March 2021

Purpose
Ultrasonographic (US) assessment methods may affect the estimated malignancy risk of thyroid nodules. This study aimed to investigate the impact of retrospective and prospective US assessments on the estimated malignancy risk of US features, classified categories, and diagnostic performance of five risk stratification systems (RSSs) in thyroid nodules.
Methods
A total of 3685 consecutive thyroid nodules (≥ 1 cm) with final diagnoses (retrospective dataset, n = 2180; prospective dataset, n = 1505) were included in this study. We compared the estimated malignancy risk of US features, classified categories, and diagnostic performances of the five common RSSs between retrospective (static US images without cine clips) and prospective datasets of real-time US assessment.
Results
There was no significant difference in the prevalence and histological type of malignant tumours between the two datasets (p ≥ 0.216). The malignancy risk of solid composition and nonparallel orientation was higher and that of microcalcification was lower in the prospective dataset than in the retrospective dataset (p < 0.001, p = 0.018, p = 0.007, respectively). The retrospective US assessment overestimated the malignancy risk of intermediate-or high-risk nodules according to the RSSs. Prospective US assessment showed lower specificities and higher unnecessary biopsy rates by all RSSs compared to the retrospective US assessment (p ≤ 0.006, p ≤ 0.045, respectively).
Conclusions
The overestimated malignancy risk of microcalcification by retrospective US assessment mainly affected the estimated risk of classified categories by RSSs. The retrospective US assessment overestimated the specificities and underestimated the unnecessary biopsy rates by all RSSs.
Cytology Versus Calcitonin Assay in Fine-needle Aspiration Biopsy Wash-out Fluid (FNAB-CT) in Diagnosis of Medullary Thyroid Microcarcinoma.
Authors: Liu Ziyuan , Zhou Wenzhong , Han Rulai , Zhou Wei , Zhang Jie , Li Haorong , Wan Zhihan , Jin Yan , Shen Liyun , Zhou Yulin , Wang Shu , Chen Xi , Ye Lei
Published: March 2021

Purpose Widespread use of sensitive ultrasound examination led to an increasing detection of medullary thyroid microcarcinoma (micro-MTC). This prospective study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of Fine-needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytology (FNAB-C) and calcitonin assay in Fine-needle Aspiration Biopsy wash-out fluid (FNAB-CT) in thyroid nodules less than 1cm with elevated serum calcitonin. Methods 87 thyroid nodules from 60 patients with elevated serum calcitonin(＞10pg/ml) were included and 51 were thyroid nodules less than 1cm. FNAB-CT and FNAB-C was performed to distinguish MTC lesions before surgery, histopathologic diagnoses served as main reference standards.Results FNAB-CT had a greater performance over FNAB-C for preoperative diagnosis of MTC (diagnostic accuracy: 98.85％vs 61.90％, sensitivity: 98.55％ vs 55.07％, specificity: 100％ vs 97.44％), especially for micro-MTC: FNAB-C established a sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of 48.78％ and 58％ respectively, while FNAB-CT reached 97.56% sensitivity and 98.04% diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions FNAB-CT demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing micro-MTC. Patients with micro thyroid nodules and elevated sCT level should perform FNAB-CT to exclude the diagnosis of MTC lesions.
Morpho-molecular Signal Correlation between Optical Coherence Tomography and Raman Spectroscopy for Superior Image Interpretation and Clinical Diagnosis
Authors: SCHIE IWAN W. , PLACZEK FABIAN , KNORR FLORIAN , CORDERO ELIANA , WURSTER LARA , HERMANN GREGERS G. , MOGENSEN KARIN , HASSELAGER THOMAS , DREXLER WOLFGANG , POPP JÜRGEN , LEITGEB RAINER A.
Published: March 2021

The combination of manifold optical imaging modalities resulting in multimodal optical systems allows to discover a larger number of biomarkers than using a single modality. The goal of multimodal imaging systems is to increase the diagnostic performance through the combination of complementary modalities, e.g. optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Raman spectroscopy (RS). The physical signal origins of OCT and RS are distinctly different, i.e. in OCT it is elastic back scattering of photons, due to a change in refractive index, while in RS, it is the inelastic scattering between photons and molecules. Despite those diverse characteristics both modalities are also linked via scattering properties and molecular composition of tissue. Here, we investigate for the first time the relation of co-registered OCT and RS signals of human bladder tissue, to demonstrate that the signals of these complementary modalities are inherently intertwined, enabling a direct but more importantly improved interpretation and better understanding of the other modality. This work demonstrates that the benefit for using two complementary imaging approaches is, not only the increased diagnostic value, but the increased information and better understanding of the signal origins of both modalities. This evaluation confirms the advantages for using multimodal imaging systems and also paves the way for significant further improved understanding and clinically interpretation of both modalities in the future.
In Silico Insight into Nucleosome Repositioning Via Oxygen Delivery and Extracellular Movement
Authors: Madison Jacob Duane
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVEHistones and resulting nucleosomes occur within DNA regulating gene expression by slowing, pausing, or halting transcriptional machinery. Positions within the genome have been found with higher affinity for the histone octamer than others. Histone/nucleosome repositioning is adjusted via energy dependent remodeling complexes, and a harmonizing array of constellation proteins and molecules. The energy required to create transcriptional environments is created through oxygen intake, nutrient presence, and extracellular movement. In this paper we aim to help facilitate an in silico framework for further experimentation into how partial pressures of oxygen and other gases impact genetic transcription along with extracellular movement and nutrient delivery.RESULTSCell and tissue culture experimentation with biomechanical strain and variable partial pressures of oxygen and other gases can be made into the expression levels of genes such as PH domain leucine-rich repeat-containing protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1), and Neuroligin 1 (NLGN1). These genes show in silico to have a higher affinity for a histone octamer binding motif, needing adequate cellular energy to be expressed. Extracellular movement and adequate cellular oxygenation are required to properly reposition nucleosome sequences for transcription.
Genetic Diversity of Staphylococcus Saprophyticus Strains Causing Urinary Tract Infections in Lagos Metropolis
Authors: Alao Felix Oluwasegun , Smith Stella Ifeanyi , Omonigbehin Emmanuel Adedayo , Adeleye Isaac Adeyemi
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveStaphylococcus saprophyticus is a Gram-positive bacterium implicated in urinary tract infections in sexually active women along with other bacteria. There is a special need to accurately isolate and identify this organism in clinical specimens in order to prevent misidentification in the laboratory. The present study was carried out to evaluate the genetic diversity of one hundred different Staphylococcus saprophyticus strains isolated from women presenting with urinary tract infections reporting in four government hospitals in Lagos Metropolis using 16SrRNA gene sequence analysis. ResultsThe PCR-amplified and sequenced 16SrRNA gene of 100 isolates and confirmed 88 strains of S. saprophyticus to subspecies level, while 8 belong to other genera and 4 could not be ascertained due to low significant similarity. Phylogenetic analysis showed the interrelationship between the isolates from different hospitals. The results showed the distribution of the isolates into two broad clusters and twenty-two sub-clusters. The results revealed the genetic diversity of Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from women with urinary tract infections in Lagos Metropolis using 16SrRNA gene sequence.
Retinoschisis and Norrie Disease: A missing link
Authors: Rajendran Rahini , Dhandayuthapani Sudha , Chidambaram Subbulakshmi , Nagarajan Hemavathy , Vetrivel Umashankar , Arunachalam Jayamuruga Pandian
Published: March 2021

Objective: Retinoschisis and Norrie disease are X-linked recessive retinal disorders caused by mutations in RS1 and NDP genes respectively. Both are likely to be monogenic and no locus heterogeneity has been reported. However, there are reports showing overlapping features of Norrie disease and retinoschisis in a NDP knock-out mouse model and also the involvement of both the genes in retinoschisis patients. Yet, the exact molecular relationships between the two disorders have still not been understood. The study investigated the association between retinoschisin (RS1) and norrin (NDP) using in vitro and in silico approaches. Specific protein-protein interaction between RS1 and NDP was analyzed in human retina by co-immunoprecipitation assay and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. STRING database was used to explore the functional relationship. Result: Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated lack of a direct interaction between RS1 and NDP and was further substantiated by mass spectrometry. However, STRING revealed a potential indirect functional association between the two proteins. Progressively, our analyses indicate that FZD4 protein interactome via PLIN2 as well as the MAP kinase signaling pathway to be a likely link bridging the functional relationship between retinoschisis and Norrie disease.
Remarks of Eimeria labbeana infection in Egyptian pigeons
Authors: Abolhadid Shawky M , Araf Waleed M , Abdelaty Asmaa S , Moawad Usama K , El-Ashram Saeed , gad sahar Mohammed
Published: March 2021

This work was conducted to investigate the course of Eimeria labbeana infection in Egyptian pigeons (Columbia Livia). Thirty squabs were experimentally infected orally with 2.5 x104 sporulated Eimeria labbeana oocysts. Daily scarification of three squabs was done from day one post-infection (PI) until day 8 PI for following of the endogenous stages in tissue samples and 6 squabs were kept to follow the patent period and daily oocyst shedding. Paraffin-embedded intestinal samples were sectioned and stained for differentiation of parasitic stages. The infected squabs showed greenish watery diarrhea, weakness, rough feathers, and decrease food intake at day 5 PI. The pre-patent and patent periods were 6 and 14 days PI respectively. The oocyst shedding started at day 6 PI and reached the peak at day 8 PI. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of three schizont stages, macro-and micro-gametes, and oocysts in the duodenal and jejunal parts of the small intestine. In conclusion, it is the first study on Egypt on Eimeria labbeana in Egyptian pigeons and its biology is like recorded before.
Potassium Electrolyte Serum - Urine , and Creatinine in Chronic Kidney Diseases
Authors: samsuria dr. Indranila KS Kustarini , Mutalib Peni K Samsuria , Adirahardja Arindra Adirahardja
Published: March 2021

Background: The kidneys are important organs in the human body that have many functions. Kidney function is divided into several processes, namely filtration, reabsorption and secretion of substances in the body. Nephron which is the smallest kidney functional unit that is responsible for accommodating all functions in the kidney. One of the functions of the kidneys is secretion, the secretions in the kidneys work by removing electrolytes and other substances that are no longer needed by the body through urine. When the function of the kidney nephrons is disturbed, it can result in an electrolyte imbalance (K), a buildup of waste from substances that are not needed by the body (creatinine). The objective of this research was to examine the relationship between electrolytes (K) serum, urine and creatinine in patients with CKD.Methods: The research was conducted by observational, anamnesis, and sampling of CKD patients at Dr. Kariadi Semarang during the period March-May 2020.Results: The results of the multivariate linear regression test showed that creatinine had a moderate significant positive effect at p = 0.024 and r = 0.412 on serum K. Meanwhile, from multivariate linear regression, it was found that creatinine had a moderate negative effect at p = 0.027 and r = -0.456 on urine K.Conclusions and suggestions: The findings proved the relationship between creatinine levels and serum and urine potassium levels in patients with CKD. Serum and urine electrolytes can be used as an parameter for CKD management.
Expression of mRNAs for Pro-and Anti-Apoptotic Factors in Granulosa Cells and Follicular Fluid of Women Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization. A Pilot Study
Authors: Bodis Jozsef , Sulyok Endre , Varnagy Akos , Prémusz Viktória , Godony Krisztina , Makai Alexandra , Szenczi Agnes , Varjas Timea
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThis observational clinical study evaluated the expression levels and predictive values of some apoptosis-related genes in granulosa cells (GCs) and follicular fluid (FF) of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).Methods GCs and FF were obtained at oocyte retrieval from 31 consecutive patients with heterogeneous infertility diagnosis (age: 34.3±5.8 years, body mass index: 24.02±3.12 kg/m2, duration of infertility: 4.2±2.1 years). mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic (BAX, CASP3, CASP8) and anti-apoptotic (BCL2, AMH, AMHR, FSHR, LHR, CYP19A1) factors was determined by quantitative RT-PCR using ROCHE LightCycler 480. Results No significant difference in GC or FF mRNA expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic factors could be demonstrated between IVF patients with (9 patients) or without (22 patients) clinical pregnancy. Each transcript investigated was detected in FF, but their levels were markedly reduced and independent of those in GCs. The number of retrieved oocytes was positively associated with GC AMHR (r=0.393, p=0.029), but the day of embryo transfer was negatively associated with GC LHR (r=-0.414, p=0.020) and GC FSHR transcripts (r=-0.535, p=0.002). When pregnancy positive group was analysed separately the impact of apoptosis- related gene expressions on some selected measures of IVF success could be observed. Strong positive relationship was found between gene expression levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic factors in GCs.ConclusionOur study provides only marginal evidences for the apoptosis dependence of IVF outcome and suggests that the apoptosis process induces adaptive increases of the anti-apoptotic gene expression to attenuate apoptosis and to protect cell survival.
Gestational Age as a Predictor of Pregnancy Outcome After Repeat Cerclage
Authors: Cai Benshuo , Na Xinni
Published: March 2021

Background: The role of repeat cerclage (RC) as a remedy for patients with prolapsed membranes after prior cerclage remains controversial. We aimed to investigate whether gestational age (GA) could be used as a valuable factor for predicting pregnancy outcome following RC in women with prolapsed membranes after prior cerclage. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the clinical data of 29 patients who underwent RC resulting from prolapsed membrane after prior cerclage. Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and univariate analysis were performed to determine predictive factors. Patients were divided into two groups according to GA at RC, GA<24.2 weeks and GA≥24.2 weeks. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between groups.Results: The mean GA at prior cerclage was 16.5 weeks; mean GA at RC was 23.6 weeks. The mean GA at delivery was 27.8 weeks with a 69.0% neonatal survival rate. ROC curve and univariate analysis demonstrated that GA at RC was significantly predictive for neonatal survival (area under the curve: 0.928; p=0.000). Using a GA cut-off of ≥24.2 weeks at RC, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting neonatal survival were 93.75% and 61.54%, respectively. There was a significant difference in neonatal survival rate between the GA <24.2 weeks group and GA ≥24.2 weeks group (38.5% vs. 93.8%, p=0.003). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed a lower incidence of neonatal death in the GA ≥24.2 weeks group (6.3%) compared with GA <24.2 weeks group (61.5%, p=0.023).Conclusions: GA could be a valuable factor for predicting pregnancy outcome post-RC in women with prolapsed membrane after prior cerclage.
Clinical Observation of Therapeutic Keratoplasties for Infectious Keratitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ma Yue , Zeng Yue , Zhang Xiao-Rong , Yao Jia , Huang Li-Ying , Hou En-Chong , Liu Huan
Published: March 2021

Background: To investigate the therapeutic outcomes of two types of keratoplasties in patients with infectious keratitis.Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled 52 consecutive patients (52 eyes) with medically uncontrolled infectious keratitis who underwent deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLKP) (n=16 eyes) or penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) (n=36 eyes; 24 nonperforated ulcers; 12 perforated ulcers) with a follow-up of 12 to 36 months (mean follow-up duration: DLKP, 24.6 months; PKP: 25.7 months) between June 2014 and 2019 at the Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University. The clinical characteristics, preoperative, and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) outcomes, therapeutic success rate, graft rejection, management, and complications were assessed.Results: The postoperative BCVA increased by 93.8% (15/16 eyes) and 77.2% (27/36 eyes) at the one-year follow-up in the DLKP and PKP groups, respectively: the differences were not statistically significant (p=0.149). The therapeutic success rates did not differ (statistically) significantly between the DLKP (81.2%) and PKP (80.6%) groups (p=0.953). The incidence of secondary glaucoma was 6.25% and 33.33% in the DLKP and PKP groups, respectively, and the difference between them was statistically significant (p=0.037). The graft survival rates at the one-year follow-up differed significantly between the DLKP (12.5%) and PKP (42.9%) groups (p=0.033).Conclusion: Infectious keratitis is common in male farmers in northern China. Therapeutic keratoplasty is the most commonly performed vision-saving procedure for patients with severe serious infectious keratitis, which can improve the quality of life significantly. Bandage contact lenses were commonly used to protect the cornea and ameliorate pain. DLKP and PKP elicited good clinical outcomes with respect to visual recovery and therapeutic success. The frequencies of graft rejection and complications were lower with DLKP compared to PKP. Surgery should be considered at the early stage in patients with refractory infectious keratitis to improve the therapeutic success.
In-situ pressureless sintering MgAlON-MgO ceramic from spent MgO-C brick towards friction material and refractory applications
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Miao Xiwang , Liu Lei , Zhang Ying , Guo Min , Cheng Fangqin , Zhang Mei
Published: March 2021

MgAlON-MgO ceramic was in-situ synthesized at 1600℃ from spent MgO-C brick by pressureless sintering towards friction material and refractory applications, respectively. The flexural strength of MgAlON-MgO ceramic reaches as high as 172MPa with 11.1% utilization ratio of spent MgO-C brick. Moreover, MgAlON-MgO ceramic still has a good flexural strength up to 46MPa when utilization ratio of spent MgO-C brick increases to 52.9%. The impurities introduced by the spent brick distribute in MgAlON-MgO ceramic in the form of CaMgSiO4 and MgFe2O4. CaMgSiO4 increases the density of MgAlON-MgO ceramic and subsequently enhance its flexural strength, while MgFe2O4 has no more obvious effect on those of the ceramic. Hence, MgAlON-MgO ceramic with different strength can be controllably prepared by simply adjusting utilization ratio of spent MgO-C brick, which maybe use as the friction material and refractory.
Effects of Co-Culture of Graphene Oxide Scaffolds with Different Concentrations and Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Proliferation and Differentiation of Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Aifeng , Chen Jixin , Gong Shuwei , Wei Qiang , Yuan Ye
Published: March 2021

Background: The main role of the scaffold materials is to enable cells to survive in the scaffold binding as while as to further promote their proliferation and differentiation ability. For mesenchymal stem cell, the scaffold could provide an environment for them to maintain their phenotype, and synthesize all necessary molecules and proteins. Generally, scaffold materials for stem cell need to possess basic characteristics such as high porosity, large surface area, surface rigidity and biodeg-radability. Thus, the two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) with oxygen-containing functional groups may be suitable scaffold materials for mesenchymal stem cell culture. In this study, the effect of GO on the value-added differentiation activity of mesenchymal stem cell was systematically investigated. Results: It was found that low concentration of GO and sufficient concentration of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells are suitable for the second Co-culture. Furthermore, the addition of hyaluronic acid will make this culture more evenly distributed. Conclusions: The adsorption of GO on umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can also make the two closely linked, which avoids the impact of animal joint activities on cells.
Entropy-Time Relationship in an Isochoric Adiabatic System
Authors: Ros Francisco
Published: March 2021

The fundamental equation that connects the magnitudes entropy and time has been found out by static thermodynamics for the first time: dS/S = dVI/V0 = kdτ, VI internal volume. Constant k also equals dT/Tdτ and is an individual characteristic for each isochoric adiabatic system in evolution. The constancy of k does not hold for a nonisochoric adiabatic system. In such manner time is introduced in the frame of thermodynamic variables as a genuine magnitude. The theoretically deduced entropy-time differential equation is empirically upheld by Newton cooling law. It was found in connection with an a priory, uncritical notion of thermodynamic equilibrium that irreversible heat capacity (CIR = TΔS/ΔT) drawing near to thermodynamic equilibrium is an indicator for the equilibrium. CIR is alike to statistical Boltzmann H in the approach to thermodynamic equilibrium, and the undisclosed connection of H with temperature is presented. The integrated entropy-time equation was modified by rotation of the coordinate axes to fulfill the necessary thermodynamic condition that pertinent irreversible heat (QIR = TΔS) is smaller than reversible heat (dQ = TdS), which is not embodied in the primitive S-τ differential equation. This thermodynamically indispensable rotation gives rise to an otherwise naive maximal entropy and an entropy-time maximum point. The transformation conveys a contraction of both entropy and time and is in agreement with the principle of minimal action.
Origin of the catalytic activity at graphite electrodes in vanadium flow batteries
Authors: Radinger Hannes , Ghamlouche Ahmad , Ehrenberg Helmut , Scheiba Frieder
Published: March 2021

For many electrochemical devices that use carbon-based materials such as electrolyzer, supercapacitors, and batteries, oxygen functional groups (OFGs) are considered essential to facilitate electron transfer. Researchers implement surface-active OFGs to improve the electrocatalytic properties of graphite felt electrodes in vanadium flow batteries. Herein, we show that graphitic defects and not OFGs are responsible for lowering the activation energy barrier and thus enhance the charge transfer properties. This is proven by a thermal deoxygenation procedure, in which specific OFGs are removed before electrochemical cycling. The electronic and microstructural changes associated with deoxygenation are studied by quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy. The removal of oxygen groups at basal and edge planes improves the activity by introducing new active edge sites and carbon vacancies. OFGs hinder the charge transfer at the graphite‒electrolyte interface. This is further proven by modifying the sp2 plane of graphite felt electrodes with oxygen-containing pyrene derivatives. The electrochemical evolution of OFGs and graphitic defects are studied during polarization and long-term cycling conditions. The hypothesis of increased activity caused by OFGs was refuted and hydrogenated graphitic edge sites were identified as the true reason for this increase.
Adverse Impact of Climate Change on Mambioko Community Dependent Forest and Local Perception on Vulnerabilities and Responses-Centre Region of Cameroon
Authors: Nghogekeh Tieminie Robinson , Chia Eugene Loh , Chupezi Tieguhong Julius
Published: March 2021

Background: Forest ecosystems have important environmental and ecological dimensions which provide livelihoods to Millions of people globally. Forest provides services that are directly link to micro and macro climate, water and soil resources, plants and animals’ diversity, food production and food securities and energy resources This study was undertaken to identify and assess climate change vulnerabilities and impacts on the livelihoods of forest dependent communities in Mambioko community forest in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Methods: Primary data was collected from 120 households; key informants, focus group discussions and was supplemented with secondary data from desk review of relevant literature. Results: Forest resources were generally perceived by forest dependent communities as declining. Climate Change was observed to have impacted on their major livelihood’s activities/resources of forest dependent communities by way of prolonged drought, erratic rainfall pattern, and variability in rainfall intensity. These trends have consequently led to drying of rivers and streams, shift in cropping season, reduced yield, frequent and extreme warm conditions among others. The use of irrigation, crop diversification, household income diversification through alternative livelihood activities and increase in size of cultivated farms are among the different measures being adopted by communities to cope up with the effects of climate change. Using socio-economic indicators, the bimodal agro ecological zone is vulnerable to climate change impact. The zone has relatively higher dependency on climate sensitive livelihood activities/resources, limited diversified income sources and moderate access to climate change information. Conclusions: This study conclude that in an attempt to help forest dependent communities cope up with climate change impacts, fundamental issues such as non-climate dependent alternative livelihood activities, access to climate, sustainable agricultural practices and sustainable forest resources management are key areas for various multidisciplinary intervention.
“FIQUE EM CASA”
Authors: Roso Adriane , Gudolle de Souza Janine , Matos Romio Caroline , De Souza Ana Flavia
Published: March 2021

A pandemia do COVID-19 tem causado muitas mortes no mundo todo. Medidas de saúde pública foram tomadas para controlar a propagação do vírus causador da doença, dentre elas o distanciamento social. Observa-se que esta medida pode impactar na violência contra as mulheres e, igualmente, favorecer o terrorismo íntimo, acirrando medos já existentes e coibindo seus direitos sexuais e reprodutivos. Considerando este contexto, o objetivo deste artigo é tecer reflexões acerca das intersecções entre violência contra as mulheres, as relações de gênero e a ferramenta de distanciamento social em tempos de pandemia da COVID-19, tratando particularmente do terrorismo íntimo. Foi realizado um estudo exploratório e descritivo por meio de um levantamento de documentos de domínio público. O feminismo relacional crítico, particularmente as ideias de Carole Pateman no que se refere à dicotomia público\privado, e a teoria das representações sociais serviram de base para as reflexões desenvolvidas. Conclui-se que para prevenir e coibir a violência, é necessário que se articule com a população modos de descontruir as representações sobre masculinidades, sobre o que é tornar-se mulher, sobre o que é violência e terrorismo e, acima de tudo, romper com a dicotomia entre a esfera pública e a esfera privada.
Crecimiento y supervivencia de Cryphiops caementarius en cocultivo con Oreochromis niloticus a diferentes densidades
Authors: Mogollón-Calderón Anghela , Reyes-Avalos Walter
Published: March 2021

Objetivo. Evaluar el crecimiento y la supervivencia de Cryphiops caementarius en cocultivo con Oreochromis niloticus a diferentes densidades. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron camarones machos (5.86 cm y 7.65 g) y alevines revertidos de tilapia (5.65 cm y 2.61 g). Se emplearon nueve acuarios (55 L). En cada acuario se instalaron seis recipientes donde se sembró un camarón por recipiente (32 camarones/m2) y en el agua restante se sembraron tilapias a 100, 200 y 300 alevines/m3. Se empleó alimento balanceado. La ración diaria para camarones fue del 6% y para tilapia fue del 5% de la biomasa total. El experimento duró 90 días. Resultados. En el camarón, la longitud (6.46 cm), peso (9.37 g), las ganancias porcentuales en longitud (10.01% a 10.45%) peso (19.24% a 25.41%), y la supervivencia (88.89% a 94.44%) fueron similares (p<0.05) entre tratamientos. El efecto del síndrome de muerte por muda es discutido. En tilapia, la longitud (9.25 cm), peso (12.90 g), tasa de crecimiento absoluto (0.040 cm/día; 0.114 g/día), tasa de crecimiento específica (0.55% longitud/día; 1.759% peso/día) y la ganancia porcentual (64.21%; 389.48%) fueron mayores (p<0.05) a 100 y 200 alevines/m3. La supervivencia de tilapia fue similar (86.11%) entre tratamientos. Conclusiones. El crecimiento y la supervivencia del camarón fueron afectados por el síndrome de muerte por muda, más no por la presencia de tilapia en el sistema. En cambio, mayor crecimiento de tilapia se obtuvo con 100 alevines/m3 y la supervivencia fue similar entre tratamientos.