bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Secrecy Performance of SWIPT Energy-Harvesting Relay Jamming Based Mixed RF-FSO Systems
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhan Zhiwu , Shen Zihe
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) energy-harvesting relay jamming based mixed RF/FSO system, and studies its security performance optimization in the presence of an eavesdropper. In this work, the RF and FSO channels experience Nakagami-m fading distribution and Málaga(M) turbulence, respectively. A two-hop decode-and-forward (DF) relay is presented in the system, and the effect of pointing errors is considered. The presence of a nearby single antenna eavesdropper that attempts to eavesdrop on the transmission is also modeled. In order to prevent eavesdropping, the relay introduces the SWIPT structure to control information delivery and wireless energy recharging. The closed expressions of secrecy outage probability (SOP) and average secrecy capacity (ASC) of the mixed RF/FSO system are derived for the above system model. In addition, the closed-form expression of the asymptotic results for SOP and ASC are derived when signal-to-noise ratios at relay and legitimate destinations tend to infinity. The correctness of these expressions is verified using the Monte Carlo method. The influence of various key factors on the safety performance of the system is analyzed by simulations. The results show that the safety performance of the system is considerably improved under good weather conditions as well as by increasing the signal-interference noise ratio, number of interferer antennas, power distribution factor and energy conversion efficiency. This study provides a new system structure and a good theoretical basis for evaluating the physical layer security performance of the mixed RF/FSO system.
Rapid Calibration of the Projector in Structured Light Systems Based on Brox Optical Flow Estimation
Authors: Tang Yuxin , Sun Ping , Zhang Hua , Shao Nan , Zhao Ran
Published: May 2022

In this work, we propose a rapid calibration technique for locating the projector in the structured light measurement system. Using Brox optical flow, the calibration of the three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates of the projector only requires two images captured before and after the motion of the calibration plate. The calibration principle presented in geometry depicts the relation between the position of the projector, the camera, and the optical flow caused by the movement of the calibration plate. Some important influences on accuracy are discussed, such as the environmental noises and the localization error of the camera and the calibration plate, illustrated by numerical simulations. The simulation results show that the relative errors of the projector calibration results are less than 0.8% and 1% in the case of the calibration images polluted by Gaussian noise of SNR of 40 dB and 20 dB, respectively. An actual experiment measured a square standard block, and a circular thin plate verifies the proposed method’s feasibility and practicality. The results show that the height distributions of the two specimens are in good agreement with their true values, and the maximum absolute errors are 0.1 mm and 0.08 mm, respectively.
Experimental Study on the In-Band Amplified Spontaneous Emission in the Single-Mode Continuous-Wave Yb-Doped Fiber Amplifier Operating near 980 nm
Authors: Li Zhaode , Zhou Shangde , Liu Aimin , Cao Jianqiu , Huang Zhihe , Chen Jinbao
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the in-band amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) in the Yb-doped continuous-wave (CW) fiber amplifier operating near 980 nm is experimentally studied for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. A core-pumped single-mode Yb-doped fiber amplifier is fabricated and the effects of pump power, seed power, and active fiber length on the in-band ASE are investigated in the experiment. It is found that a strong in-band ASE around 980 nm can be observed even with no obvious ASE around 1030 nm present. It is also found that with the increment of pump power, the in-band ASE can be enhanced faster than the signal light. By studying the effects of seed power and active fiber length, it is found that, although increasing the seed power and shortening the active fiber can both suppress the in-band ASE, the latter method is less effective than the former one. The theoretical study is also carried out in order to understand the difference between the in-band ASE and 1030-nm ASE. The experimental observations are also discussed qualitatively with the theoretical results. We believe that the pertinent results and discussions can provide significant guidance for understanding the in-band ASE in the Yb-doped fiber amplifier operating near 980 nm.
Parity-Time Symmetry Enabled Band-Pass Filter Featuring High Bandwidth-Tunable Contrast Ratio
Authors: Lu Xinda , Chen Nuo , Zhang Boqing , Yang Haofan , Chen Yuntian , Zhang Xinliang , Xu Jing
Published: May 2022

Integrated optical filters based on microring resonators play a critical role in many applications, ranging from wavelength division multiplexing and switching to channel routing. Bandwidth tunable filters are capable of meeting the on-demand flexible operations in complex situations, due to their advantages of scalability, multi-functionality, and being energy-saving. Recent studies have investigated how parity-time (PT) symmetry coupled-resonant systems can be applied to the bandwidth-tunable filters. However, due to the trade-off between the bandwidth-tunable contrast ratio and insertion loss of the system, the bandwidth-tunable contrast ratio of this method is severely limited. Here, the bandwidth-tunable contrast ratio is defined as the maximum bandwidth divided by the minimum bandwidth. In this work, we show that a high bandwidth-tunable contrast ratio and low insertion loss of the system can be achieved simultaneously by increasing the coupling strength between the input port and the resonant. Theoretical analysis under different coupling states reveals that the low insertion loss can be obtained when the system initially operates at the over-coupling condition. A high bandwidth-tunable contrast ratio PT-symmetry band-pass filter with moderate insertion loss is shown on the Silicon platform. Our scheme provides an effective method to reduce the insertion loss of on-chip tunable filters, which is also applicable to the high-order cascaded microring systems.
Characterization and QTL Mapping of a Major Field Resistance Locus for Bacterial Blight in Rice
Authors: Park Jae-Ryoung , Lee Chang-Min , Ji Hyeonso , Baek Man-Kee , Seo Jeonghwan , Jeong O-Young , Park Hyun-Su
Published: May 2022

Bacterial blight (BB) disease, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is among the major factors that can cause rice yields to decrease. To address BB disease, researchers have been looking for ways to change pesticides and cultivation methods, but developing resistant cultivars is the most effective method. However, the resistance and genetic factors of cultivars may be destroyed due to the emergence of new Xoo species caused by recent and rapid climate changes. Therefore, breeders need to identify resistance genes that can be sustained during unpredictable climate changes and utilized for breeding. Here, qBBR11, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for resistance to BB disease, was detected in KJ (Korea Japonica varieties) 11_067 to KJ11_068 on chromosome 11 in a population derived by crossing JJ (Jeonju) 623 and HR(High resistant)27,195, which possess similar genetic backgrounds but different degrees of resistance to BB disease. qBBR11 was reduced from 18.49–18.69 Mbp of chromosome 11 to 200 kbp segment franked. In this region, 16 candidate genes were detected, and we identified 24 moderate-impact variations and four high-impact variations. In particular, high-impact variations were detected in Os11g0517800 which encode the domain region of GCN2 which is the eIF-2-alpha kinase associated with the resistance of abiotic/biotic stress in rice. In JJ623, which is moderately resistant to BB disease, a stop codon was created due to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Therefore, compared with HR27195, JJ623 has weaker resistance to BB disease, though the two have similar genetic backgrounds. The results suggest that variation in the qBBR11 region regulates an important role in improving resistance to BB diseases, and qBBR11 is useful in providing an important resource for marker-assisted selection to improve mechanisms of resistance to BB disease.
Exploring the Relationship between Trichome and Terpene Chemistry in Chrysanthemum
Authors: Guan Yaqin , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi , Chen Feng , Jiang Yifan
Published: May 2022

Chrysanthemum is a popular ornamental plant with a long history of cultivation. Both the leaf and flowerhead of Chrysanthemum are known to produce diverse secondary metabolites, particularly terpenoids. Here we aimed to determine the relationship between terpene chemistry and the trichome traits in Chrysanthemum. In our examination of three cultivars of C. morifilium and three accessions of C. indicum, all plants contained T-shaped trichomes and biseriate peltate glandular trichomes. The biseriate peltate glandular trichome contained two basal cells, two stalk cells, six secondary cells and a subcuticular space, while the non-glandular T-shaped trichome was only composed of stalk cells and elongated cells. Histochemical staining analysis indicated that the biseriate peltate glandular trichome contained terpenoids and lipid oil droplets but not the T-shaped trichome. Next, experiments were performed to determine the relationship between the accumulation and emission of the volatile terpenoids and the density of trichomes on the leaves and flowerheads in all six Chrysanthemum cultivars\accessions. A significant correlation was identified between the monoterpenoid and sesquiterpenoid content and the density of glandular trichomes on the leaves, with the correlation coefficients being 0.88, 0.86 and 0.90, respectively. In contrast, there was no significant correlation between the volatile terpenoid content and the density of T-shaped trichomes on the leaves. In flowerheads, a significant correlation was identified between the emission rate of terpenoids and the number of glandular trichomes on the disc florets, with a correlation coefficient of 0.95. Interestingly, the correlation between the density of glandular trichomes and concentrations of terpenoids was insignificant. In summary, the relationship between trichomes and terpenoid chemistry in Chrysanthemum is clearly established. Such knowledge may be helpful for breeding aromatic Chrysanthemum cultivars by modulating the trichome trait.
Dry Matter Accumulation in Maize in Response to Film Mulching and Plant Density in Northeast China
Authors: Zhu Zhenchuang , Friedman Shmulik P. , Chen Zhijun , Zheng Junlin , Sun Shijun
Published: May 2022

Film mulching in combination with high plant density (PD) is a common agronomic technique in rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) production. However, the effects of combining colored plastic film mulching and PD on dry matter accumulation (DMA) dynamics and yield of spring maize have not been thoroughly elucidated to date. Thus, a 2-year field experiment was conducted with three mulching treatments (no mulching (M0), transparent plastic film mulching (M1), and black plastic film mulching (M2)) and five plant densities (60,000 (D1), 67,500 (D2), 75,000 (D3), 82,500 (D4), and 90,000 plants ha−1 (D5)). A logistic equation was used to simulate the DMA process of spring maize by taking the effective accumulated air temperature compensated by effective accumulated soil temperature as the independent variable. The results showed that compared with M0 treatment, the growth period of M1 and M2 treatments was preceded by 10 and 4 days in 2016, and 10 and 7 days in 2017, respectively. The corrected logistic equation performed well in the characterization of maize DMA process with its characteristic parameter (final DMA, a; maximum growth rate of DMA, GRmax; effective accumulated temperature under maximum growth rate of DMA, xinf; effective accumulated temperature when maize stops growing, xmax; effective accumulated temperature when maize enters the fast-growing period, x1). Plastic film color mainly affected DMA by influencing xinf. PD mainly affected DMA by affecting GRmax and x1. During the first slow growing period, the DMA of M1 treatment was the largest among the three mulching treatments, however, during the fast growing period, the DMA of M2 treatment accelerated and exceeded that of M1 treatment, resulting in the largest final DMA(a) and yield. When the PD was increased from D1 to D4, the maximum growth rate (GRmax) continued to increase, and the effective accumulated temperature when maize enters the fast growing period (x1) continued to decrease, which substantially increased the final DMA(a) and yield. The application of M2D4 treatment can harmonize the relevant factors to improve the DMA and yield of spring maize in rainfed regions of Northeast China.
Plant Macrofossils Reveal Aquatic Macrophyte Successions of a Typical Shallow Lake (Huanggai Lake, China) in the Past Century
Authors: Cheng Qijuan , Li Liangfang , Dong Xuhui , Li Yan , Kattel Giri
Published: May 2022

Aquatic macrophytes are one of the important biotic components of shallow lake ecosystems. Understanding the long-term evolution of the macrophyte community is crucial for lake management. Huanggai Lake, a typical shallow lake in the middle reach of the Yangtze River, was selected as the research site for this study. Based on 210Pb/137Cs dating, aquatic plant macrofossils were used to reconstruct the succession of aquatic macrophytes in the past century. Our results show that the lake maintained a consistent natural state before 1940, with a relatively low abundance of aquatic plants dominated by species such as Najas minor. From 1940 to 1974, human activities gradually intensified in the lake leading to the emergence of eutrophic species such as Potamogeton maackianus, along with the increasing abundance of other emergent and floating aquatic macrophytes. Since 1974, more pollution-resistant, emergent species such as Potamogeton maackianus and Potamogeton crispus have become dominant. The abundance of aquatic macrophytes reached its maximum in the early 1990s. Combined with macrofossil succession and other multiple sedimentary proxy analyses, driving mechanisms for aquatic macrophytes are discussed. Both the nearby Liangzi Lake and Huanggai Lake share many common features of aquatic plant evolution. This study is the first of its kind to use plant macrofossils (with identifiable images) as a proxy for aquatic macrophyte succession in a shallow Yangtze lake. In absence of long-term monitoring records, this study highlights the increased application of plant macrofossils for reconstructing the vegetation dynamics and restoration of degraded lakes exposed to severe anthropogenic impacts over the past century.
Genome-Wide Association Studies of Maize Seedling Root Traits under Different Nitrogen Levels
Authors: Fu Yafang , Liu Jianchao , Xia Zhenqing , Wang Qi , Zhang Shibo , Zhang Guixin , Lu Haidong
Published: May 2022

Nitrogen (N) is one of the important factors affecting maize root morphological construction and growth development. An association panel of 124 maize inbred lines was evaluated for root and shoot growth at seedling stage under normal N (CK) and low N (LN) treatments, using the paper culture method. Twenty traits were measured, including three shoot traits and seventeen root traits, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using the Bayesian-information and Linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK) methods. The results showed that LN condition promoted the growth of the maize roots, and normal N promoted the growth of the shoots. A total of 185 significant SNPs were identified, including 27 SNPs for shoot traits and 158 SNPs for root traits. Four important candidate genes were identified. Under LN conditions, the candidate gene Zm00001d004123 was significantly correlated with the number of crown roots, Zm00001d025554 was correlated with plant height. Under CK conditions, the candidate gene Zm00001d051083 was correlated with the length and area of seminal roots, Zm00001d050798 was correlated with the total root length. The four candidate genes all responded to the LN treatment. The research results provide genetic resources for the genetic improvement of maize root traits.
Preparation of operating room for COVID-19 suspects at a tertiary care teaching hospital in New Delhi, India
Authors: Sodhi Jitender , Gupta Anant , Singh Gurpreet , Singh Gagandeep , Kumar Rajeev , Kapil Arti , Sahni Peush
Published: May 2022

The continuous rise in the number of cases of COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), generated an urgent need to transform the facilities of our existing operating rooms (OR) to cater for emergency surgeries for patients with suspected COVID-19. The aim was to minimise the spread of infection and to achieve the lowest risk for patients and staff while caring for COVID-19 suspects undergoing surgery. We devised a protocol in our hospital to prepare OR for patients suspected to be suffering from COVID-19 but in whom the surgical intervention could not be deferred until the result of the COVID-19 test was obtained. The key consideration was that we cater to suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients who required emergency surgery while adhering to strict infection control measures. The study was undertaken as a pilot exercise in consultation with treating surgeons, hospital infection control committee members, hospital administrators, and engineers, along with a literature review, to transform the design and functioning of existing facilities to prepare for emergency surgeries of COVID-19 suspects at the beginning of the pandemic. While this required significant planning on paper and onsite by members of the OR staff, hospital infection control committee, administration, and engineers, the creation of a safe operating environment was possible within a 48-h period with minimal structural alterations.
Flexible 2D Cu Metal: Organic Framework@MXene Film Electrode with Excellent Durability for Highly Selective Electrocatalytic NH
3
Synthesis
Authors: Wang Jing , Feng Tao , Chen Jiaxin , He Jr-Hau , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: May 2022

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia (ENRA) is an effective strategy to resolve environmental and energy crisis, but there are still great challenges to achieve high activity and stability synergistically for practical application in a fluid environment. The flexible film electrode may solve the abovementioned problem of practical catalytic application owing to the advantages of low cost, light weight, eco-friendliness, simple and scalable fabrication, extensive structural stability, and electrocatalytic reliability. Herein, 2D hybridization copper 1,4-benzenedi-carboxylate (CuBDC) has been grown on electronegative MXene nanosheets (Ti
3
C
2
T
x
) seamlessly to prepare a 2D flexible CuBDC@Ti
3
C
2
T
x
electrode for ENRA. The flexible electrode simultaneously exhibits high Faradaic efficiency (86.5%) and excellent stability for NH
3
synthesis, which are comparable to previously reported nanomaterials toward ENRA. Especially, the flexible electrode maintains outstanding
FE
NH3
toward ENRA after the bending, twisting, folding, and crumpling tests, indicating excellent electroconductibility, high stability, and durability. This work not only provides mild permeation-mediated strategy to fabricate a flexible electrode but also explores the practical applications of the electrode with effectively environmental adaptability in solving global environmental contamination and energy crisis by effective ENRA.
Policy by Pilot? Learning From Demonstration Projects for Integrated Care Comment on "Integration or Fragmentation of Health Care? Examining Policies and Politics in a Belgian Case Study"
Authors: Gore Radhika
Published: May 2022

Analysis of policy implementation for chronic disease in Belgium highlights the difficulties of launching experiments for integrated care in a health system with fragmented governance. It also entreats us to consider the inherent challenges of piloting integrated care for chronic disease. Sociomedical characteristics of chronic disease –political, social, and economic aspects of improving outcomes – pose distinct problems for pilot projects, particularly because addressing health inequity requires collaboration across health and social sectors and a long-term, life-course perspective on health. Drawing on recent US experience with demonstration projects for health service delivery reform and on chronic disease research, I discuss constraints of and lessons from pilot projects. The policy learning from pilots lies beyond their technical evaluative yield. Pilot projects can evince political and social challenges to achieving integrated chronic disease care, and can illuminate overlooked perspectives, such as those of community-based organizations (CBOs), thereby potentially extending the terms of policy debate.
What Can We Learn From Others to Develop a Regional Centre for Infectious Diseases in ASEAN? Comment on "Operationalising Regional Cooperation for Infectious Disease Control: A Scoping Review of Regional Disease Control Bodies and Networks"
Authors: Teerawattananon Yot , Dabak Saudamini Vishwanath , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Lertwilairatanapong Thongchai , Shafie Asrul Akmal , Suwantika Auliya A. , Oh Cecilia , Srisasalux Jaruayporn , Cheanklin Nopporn
Published: May 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought the need for regional collaboration on disease prevention and control to the fore. The review by Durrance-Bagale et al offers insights on the enablers, barriers and lessons learned from the experience of various regional initiatives. Translating these lessons into action, however, remains a challenge. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) planned to establish a regional centre for disease control; however, many factors have slowed the realisation of these efforts. Going forward, regional initiatives should be able to address the complexity of emerging infectious diseases through a One Health approach, assess the social and economic impact of diseases on the region and study the real-world effectiveness of regional collaborations. The initiatives should seek to be inclusive of stakeholders including those from the private sector and should identify innovative measures for financing. This advancement will enable regions such as ASEAN to effectively prepare for the next pandemic.
Relationship between locus of control and post-traumatic growth in women with breast cancer
Authors: Hosseinigolafshani Seyedehzahra , Kasirlou Leila , Mafi Maryam , Moghaddam Zeabadi Sakineh , Dashti Afsaneh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Currently, instead of focusing on negative outcomes of breast cancer, researchers concentrate on potential positive outcomes which refer to post-traumatic growth (PTG). Objectives: The aim of this research was to investigate PTG and its relation with the locus of control (LOC) in women with breast cancer. Patients and Methods: The samples in this descriptive, correlational research contained 196 participants with breast cancer, who were referred to an oncology center in Qazvin, Iran. Data were collected using the demographic characteristics questionnaire, PTG inventory, and LOC scale. Pearson’s test was applied to assess the relation between PTG and LOC. Results: The mean PTG score was 61.43 ± 12.06, which indicated some degrees of growth in all the participants. Regarding LOC, the majority of the participants (74.5%) were external and the minority of them (25.5%) were internal. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient demonstrated a significant reverse relationship between PTG and external LOC in the participants (P<0.05; r=-0.253). Conclusion: The significant negative correlation between PTG and external LOC can help health staff, managers, and politicians to enhance the psychological health of women with breast cancer.
Successful treatment of refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with cyclosporine; a case report
Authors: Ghazizadeh Maryam
Published: May 2022

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and fetal disease of the blood coagulation system. The treatment of choice for TTP is plasma exchange. There are some different medical remedies for refractory cases with their own complications. The following case is the report of a refractory TTP, who responded to cyclosporine as a newer way of medical treatment. A 42-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was admitted because of hypermenorrhea, hematuria and purpura. She was involved with acute renal failure, fever and seizure in the course of her admission. Fragmented RBC was detected in the peripheral blood smear. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) raised up to 1500 U/L. ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) level was reduced and von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) antibodies were elevated significantly. She was undergone plasma exchange in order to manage TTP. Additionally, she received methylprednisolone for the treatment of TTP. Despite initial response to plasma exchange and methylprednisolone, the patient did not improve. She received cyclosporine for the treatment of refractory TTP. Her clinical and laboratory abnormalities improved significantly with cyclosporine and this response was durable. We concluded that cyclosporine can be an effective treatment in refractory TTP and SLE.
Does the exhaust air from oxygenator during open-heart surgeries in COVID-19 positive patients cause operating room air contamination? A case report
Authors: Hekmat Manouchehr , Ghaderi Hamid , Ansari Aval Zahra , Mirjafari Seyedeh Adeleh , Hekmat Mahya
Published: May 2022

Introduction: New findings regarding Covid 19 are reviewed and reported daily, and safety protocols are changed regularly. In Covid positive patients, the exhaust air coming from oxygenator’s gas outlet may be a potential source of air contamination in operating room. This may also cause health issues for Operating room staff. As there has been no research regarding this issue, this study will reveal whether the exhaust air from the oxygenator in Covid positive patient may cause air contamination or not. Case presentation: The Covid positive patient underwent emergency cardiopulmonary bypass. After surgery, PCR swab was taken from the oxygenator exhaust, which evacuate the air inside the oxygenator into the operating room theatre. The positive PCR test for Covid may suggests the possibility of air contamination by oxygenator. Result: This may be the first study suggesting the possibility of room air contamination by oxygenator exhaust air during cardiopulmonary bypass. This study shows some current protocols may need to be reviewed in order to ensure increased safety within the operating room and amongst the personnel, therefore permanent changes may be applied to some procedures.
Autoimmune thyroid disease in women with ages between 35 to 45 years based on Azar cohort data
Authors: Bahrami Amir , Ghorbani Fatemeh , Aghamohammadzadeh Nasser , Najafipur Farzad , Sadra Vahieh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Autoimmune thyroid diseases are common findings in women of childbearing age that could affect fertility rate, pregnancy outcome and complications after pregnancy. These diseases also correlated with other autoimmune diseases. Objectives: In this study, we aim to evaluate the autoimmune thyroid disease in women aged 35 to 45 years based on Azar cohort study data. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 507 women 35-45 years old without previous thyroid disease from Azar cohort study were evaluated. Demographic findings, data related to previous pregnancies, abortion, miscarriage, infertility and gestational diabetes were recorded for all patients. Blood samples were taken from all patients to measure TSH and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) levels. Anti-TPO levels ≥40 IU/mL were considered positive. Results: In the studied women, miscarriage occurred in 5.3%, abortion in 27.6% and infertility in 7.3%. Gestational diabetes was reported in 3.9%. The positive anti-TPO prevalence was 21.5%. Patients with positive anti-TPO compared to those with negative anti-TPO had significantly higher cases of hypothyroidism (P<0.001). There was no difference between patients with and without positive anti-TPO regarding miscarriage (5% versus 6.4%), abortion (27.4% versus 28.4%), infertility (7.5% versus 6.4%) and gestational diabetes (7.9% versus 3.6%) (P>0.05). There was no correlation between age and anti-TPO levels. Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid antibodies in our study population is higher than previous studies. Anti-TPO positivity has no significant effect on pregnancy outcome in this population. Further studies are necessary to define the exact effect of anti-TPO on pregnancy outcomes.
Evaluation of gallbladder microorganisms in patients undergoing cholecystectomy and its relationship with clinical and laboratory parameters
Authors: Hemmati Hamid Reza , Parian Parisadat , Molaei Amir , Izadi Shahrzad , Mirmohammadkhani Majid , Soltani Setareh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Acute cholecystitis is one of the most common gallbladder diseases. Surgical operation is still the main treatment of biliary diseases, but there may be required a period of stabilization in the hospital before cholecystectomy. Infected bile in different studies has been reported from 50% to 75%. Therefore, identification of microbial mass followed by antibiotic treatment for this disease is important. Objectives: In this study, bacterial spectrum in patients undergoing cholecystectomy was evaluated based on clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters. Patients and Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, all patients requiring cholecystectomy were enrolled in the study. In the study, the data on age, gender, clinical signs of all patients and laboratory results and biliary liquid experiments were collected. Results: Fourteen cases including 13 cases of E. coli and a Staphylococcus strain had positive cultures. No significant correlation was detected between gender, fever, vomiting, tenderness right upper quadrant (RUQ), anorexia, jaundice, age group and microbial growth (P>0.05). Moreover, no significant correlation between laboratory parameters such as white blood cell (WBC), total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, amylase and microbial growth was seen (P>0.05). Conclusion: Bile culture was positive in 14% of patients undergoing cholecystectomy and E. coli was the predominant microorganism. Frequency of positive culture is low and has no relationship with demographic, clinical and laboratory factors and could not have a significant effect on the occurrence of postoperative complications; therefore, it seems that the administration of antibiotics before surgery is not necessary.
Comparison of the extent of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease based on endo-colonoscopy and histological findings
Authors: Asgari Ali , Heydarizadeh Hedayat , Farahmand Fatemeh , Alimadadi Hosein
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Paris classification for the extent of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children is based solely on macroscopic findings obtained via endo-colonoscopy. However, in some cases histologic findings may indicate more severe cases. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the extent of pediatric IBD based on endo-colonoscopy and pathological findings. Patients and Methods: Data on 67 hospitalizations were collected from 51 children with IBD who had been admitted to the children’s medical center of Tehran. All patients underwent endoscopy or colonoscopy and had a histological report. Results: Comparison of the endoscopic and histological findings in ulcerative colitis showed that, in 37% of cases, gastric involvement was reported in histology, while these cases were reported normal in endoscopy. In colonoscopy, the transverse colon was more involved, as compared with the results of histology, while in other parts of the colon, the histological involvement showed more severe findings. Considering Paris classification, in 25% of cases, the extent of the disease was higher in colonoscopy, and in 16% of cases, it was higher in histology. Of all children with Crohn’s disease, gastric involvement in 20% of cases and esophageal and duodenal involvement in 13% of cases were more reported in histology than in endoscopy. In the ascending colon, descending colon, and rectosigmoid, histological involvement was more than that observed in colonoscopy. Considering Paris classification, in 5% of cases, the extent of the disease was higher in colonoscopy, and in 9% of cases, it was higher in histology. Conclusion: Concurrent use of histological findings and endoscopic findings may help to better determine the severity and extent of the disease and facilitate the process of treatment.
Evaluation of Sovodak (sofosbuvir/daclatasvir) treatment outcome in COVID-19 patients compared with Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir); a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Yadollahzadeh Mahdi , Eskandari Mohana , Roham Maryam , Zamani Farhad , Laali Azadeh , Kalantari Saeed , Yassin Zeynab , Movahedi Erfaneh , Farrokhpour Mohsen , Zeiaei Mohamad Taghei , Motamed Nima , Aliakbar Amirhossein , Soleimany Fatemeh , Karampoor Sajad , Ashrafi Gholam Hossein , Safarnezhad Tameshkel Fahimeh , Ranjbar Mitra , Jamshidi Makiani Mahin , Karbalaie Niya Mohammad Hadi
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection and treatment are significant health organizations’ concerns worldwide. Although there is no proven drug license against the virus, a variety of components have under investigation. Objectives: In this regard, the present study was intended to evaluate the consequences of Sovodak (sofosbuvir/ daclatasvir) treatment in COVID-19 patients compared with Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir). Patients and Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized trial using 120 COVID19 confirmed cases between August 19th and September 19th, 2020, in which subjects were classified into two treatment groups, 58 (Sovodak group) and 54 (Kaletra group). Related statistical operations calculated significant outcomes such as survival rate and hazard ratio by SPSS version 16. Sovodak was composed of sofosbuvir 400mg and daclatasvir 60mg, and Kaletra included lopinavir 400 mg and ritonavir 100 mg. Results: We observed that there was no significant difference concerning the comorbidities, death, intensive care unit admission, remission. Besides, Kaletra had a higher rate of discharge versus Sovodak [HR=1.551 (95% CI=1.008-2.386), P =0.046] and a better outcome was observed in patients receiving. Conclusion: Sovodak compared to Kaletra by Hazard plot. Sovodak (sofosbuvir/daclatasvir) therapy in COVID19 cases was accompanied by a significantly higher survival rate and better outcome than Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir). Trial Registration: This study has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT20200328046885N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/47565, Ethical code #IR.IUMS.FMD.REC.1399.407).
Blood eosinophil count and bronchodilator responsiveness in pediatric patients admitted for wheezing attacks
Authors: Fayezi Abbas , Torabizadeh Mehdi , Masoomi Naghme , Abolnezhadian Farhad , Alisamir Mohsen , Mirkarimi Mohammadreza , Bahadoram Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Wheezing episodes are common in infants, younger, and older children which are most commonly caused by asthma or viral bronchiolitis. Objectives: This study aims to determine the possible correlation between blood eosinophil count and responsiveness to bronchodilators in pediatric patients admitted for wheezing episodes. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 98 patients aged between one month to 12 years (a mean of 2.53 ± 1.12 years) that were admitted because of wheezing at two university hospitals of Jundishapur university of medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. The severity of wheezing was defined according to the Preschool Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM) classification. The peripheral blood eosinophil count was checked as part of the complete blood count (CBC) in all patients before treatment initiation. Then, the peripheral blood eosinophil count was compared between the two groups of patients based on showing significant or no significant response to bronchodilator treatment. Results: Of 98 patients, 11 (11.2%) had mild wheezing, 70 (71.4%) had moderate wheezing and 17 (17.3%) had severe wheezing. Significant response to bronchodilator therapy (PRAM reduction) was observed in 68 patients (69.4%) and 30 patients (30.6%) had a partial response to treatment. There was been no statistically significant correlation between the peripheral blood eosinophil count and response to bronchodilator therapy (P=0.963). There was also no significant correlation between the peripheral blood eosinophil count and wheezing severity (P=0.203). Conclusion: Our study revealed no correlation between the peripheral blood eosinophil count and the response to bronchodilators in pediatric patients presenting with wheezing attacks. We concluded that the peripheral blood eosinophil count could not be employed as a marker to predict the response to bronchodilator therapy in pediatric patients presenting with wheezing episodes at emergency departments.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between lymphocyte subsets and the severity of COVID-19
Authors: Dehghanbanadaki Hojat , Aazami Hossein , Shabani Mahya , Amighi Dorsa , Seif Farhad , Zare Dehnavi Ali , Hajighadery Abdolkarim , Mehrabi Nejad Mohammad-Mehdi , Ghafouri Mohammad , Hajizadeh Nima , Abedin Fateme , Hajizadeh Zahra , Heravi Mehrdad , Panahi Parsa , Kabir Ali
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Prominent prognostic parameters that reflect the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to adopt an appropriate therapeutic approach are not fully identified. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between lymphocyte variation and disease severity in COVID-19 individuals. Methods: We searched Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE and WHO website to retrieve studies investigating lymphocyte subset counts in non-severe and severe cases of COVID-19. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) between two groups and the pooled average count of each lymphocyte subset were assessed by employing a random-effect model. Results: Thirty-nine investigations on 5087 participants, including 3578 non-severe patients and 1509 severe patients, were included. The pooled analysis showed that non-severe patients had higher total T lymphocytes (SMD = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.20; I2 = 75.7%), T helper cells (SMD = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.85, 1.28; I2 = 85.4%), T cytotoxic cells (SMD = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.32; I2 = 87.1%), B cells (SMD = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.98; I2 = 79.7%), and natural killer cells (SMD = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.84; I2 = 63.1%) than severe patients and the average count of the corresponding lymphocyte signatures in non-severe patients/severe patients were 878.88/448.40, 493.12/268.96, 311.91/158.91, 177.09/110.37, and 155.02/103.09 cells/μL, respectively. Conclusion: Lymphopenia may be a dilemma in COVID-19 management because over-activation of lymphocytes may lead to cytokine storm or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In contrast, lymphopenia may increase SARS-CoV-2 amplification and COVID-19 severity. Therefore, novel therapies targeting lymphocyte proliferation or contraction may counterbalance lymphocyte counts in these patients.
Correlation of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and periodontitis in passive smokers; a systematic review
Authors: Rafieyan Sona , Sadighi Shamami Mehrnoosh , Shateri Vian , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Salehnia Fatemeh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Smoking is a major health hazard. Cigarette smoke is produced by burning of complex organic compounds that include highly toxic components. Passive smokers are non-smoker individuals that are exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Passive or involuntary smoking is currently a major public health dilemma worldwide. Considering the increasing number of passive smokers in today’s world, it is imperative to assess the potential adverse effects of passive smoking on oral health and periodontal tissue. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the correlation between exposure to ETS and periodontitis in passive smokers. Methods: In this systematic review, the Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles published from 1990 to 2020. The extracted data were tabulated. Results: Search of the literature yielded 77 articles based on the searched keywords. After assessing the abstracts and excluding the duplicates, 68 articles remained. After accurate assessment by the examiners, 21 articles were selected for the full-text review. Finally, seven eligible articles remained in the study for the final review. Conclusion: Cigarette smoke affects the immune system and aggravates periodontal destruction as such. Despite the available evidence regarding the correlation of periodontal parameters and exposure to ETS in passive smokers, more comprehensive studies on this topic are still required to achieve a definite therapeutic protocol considering the small number of available studies on this topic, methodological flaws and the existing controversies.
The soluble major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (sMICA) as an early biomarker for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Masoumi Kambiz , Khavanin Ali , Moezzi Meisam , Heybar Habib , Ranjbari Nastaran , Masoumi Nader , Mokhtari Mehdi
Published: May 2022

Introduction: It is necessary to identify tests that have high diagnostic power in the early hours of acute myocardial infarction. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related molecule A (MICA) in the serum of patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Patients and Methods: In this study, 65 patients with MI were studied. Creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB), troponin I, and MICA biomarkers were measured at different times after hospitalization (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and, 24 hours). These biomarkers were evaluated at different times after chest pain (0 to 3, 3 to 6, and more than 6 hours). Results: Serum MICA biomarker increased significantly from admission to the hospital until 3 hours. Later on, it decreased until 24 hours. However, CPK-MB biomarkers as well as troponin I, change from admission up to 24 hours. Regarding diagnostic power, it was found that the diagnostic power of MICA is high in the early hours which indicates the high diagnostic power of the test. Conclusion: The diagnostic value of MICA is significant in the early hours after MI. Therefore, due to the high accuracy of MICA in diagnosing MI, it should be used as a diagnostic test along with other tests to confirm MI in the early hours.
The evaluation of COVID-19 effect on pregnancy loss; a molecular and diagnostic approach
Authors: Afrooz Narjes , Mahmoudi Seyedeh Kosar , Yazdizadeh Mina , Jahanshahiafshar Zahra , Sabernia Neda , Rohaninasab Marzieh
Published: May 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus originates from Wuhan, China; it has spread around the world. According to studies, the results of the SARS-CoV-2 test have been reported positive for some pregnant women. However, not much is known about the effect of this virus on pregnancy and the outcome of baby. The aim of this review study was to evaluate the molecular and diagnostic approach in evaluating the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on pregnancy loss. The entry of COVID-19 virus into the pregnant mother’s body through various channels, such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor (ACE2) affects immune and coagulation systems and hormone levels. These changes include D-Dimer, platelets and antithrombin III (AT-III) raises and protein C (PC) decrement and also elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, followed by disruption of various signaling pathways such as JAK / STAT and PI3K. Additionally, decreased expression of cyclooxygenase 1 (COX1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and hormones such as progesterone were observed. These changes ultimately lead to serious pregnancy risks, including miscarriage. Therefore, identifying pathways by which COVID-19 impairs immune and coagulation systems of pregnant women can be a way to design abortion preventive strategies.
Autoimmune manifestations of the post-COVID-19 condition
Authors: Ryabkova Varvara , Bregovskaya Anna , Soprun Lidiia , Gavrilova Natalia , Churilov Leonid P.
Published: May 2022

In 2020, the world suffered an epidemic of a new coronavirus infection, after which it became obvious that the consequences of this disease persist for a long time after the recovery, perhaps, for several months. This complication was called post-COVID-19 syndrome and was recognized by the World Health Organization, which was reflected in the Delphi Consensus on October 6, 2021. The clinical characteristics of this disease include a significant number of immunological manifestations, including fever, arthralgia, myalgia, flu-like symptoms, as well as autoimmune diseases manifestation. These symptoms may allude the autoimmune genesis of the COVID-19 complications. This mini-review summarizes the current understanding of the systemic manifestations of COVID-19 and the possible role of impaired immune function in the pathogenesis of post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Could inadvertent intravenous injection of COVID-19 vaccines cause severe adverse events?
Authors: Tajabadi Zohreh , Safavi-Naini Seyed Amir Ahmad , Kwatra Bharat , Safavi-Naini Ali
Published: May 2022

The emergence and rapid spread of COVID-19 led to the development of novel vaccines to fight against the disease. Although COVID-19 vaccines are the major key to controlling the disease and have a good safety profile, they may be associated with some adverse events. Recently, a few studies noted that inadvertent incorrect injection of COVID-19 vaccines may lead to the development of serious adverse events. Herein, we report a case of inadvertent intravenous COVID-19 vaccine injection who developed severe anaphylactic shock following receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Proper vaccine injection technique training may help to reduce the risk of developing adverse events and improve vaccine safety and efficacy.