bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MONitoring Knockbacks in EmergencY (MONKEY) - An Audit of Outcomes in Emergency Patients with Rejected Admission Requests
Authors: Zhang Wendell , Wong Lee Yung , Liu Jasmine , Sarkar Soham
Published: April 2022

Background
Emergency department (ED) clinicians commonly experience difficulties in referring patients to inpatient teams for hospital admission. There is limited literature reporting on patient outcomes following these complicated referrals, where ED requests for inpatient admission are rejected – termed a ‘knockback’.
Study Objective:
To identify disposition outcomes in ED patients whose admission referral was initially rejected, i.e., encountered a ‘knockback.’ Secondary objectives were to identify additional factors associated with knockbacks.
Methods
A prospective audit of patients identified as having knockbacks over two time periods (Jan-Feb 2020 and Aug 2020 to Jan 2021) at a tertiary Australian ED. Data was analysed with a mixed-methods approach and subsequent descriptive and thematic analyses were performed.
Results
A total of 109 patients were identified as knockbacks. Despite the knockback, 89.0% of cases (n = 97) ultimately required a hospital admission. Moreover, in 60.6% (n = 66) of the admissions, patients were admitted under the inpatient team initially referred to by the ED. There was a statistically significant link between the number of in-hospital units involved in the admission process and the ED length of stay (Pearson correlation 0.404, p < 0.001). Patient factors associated with knockbacks include pre-existing chronic medical conditions and presenting acutely unwell. In line with previous studies, analysis of clinicians’ perspectives yielded recurring themes of disagreements over admission destination and diagnostic uncertainty.
Conclusion
The admission process of patients from the ED to inpatient teams is often an arduous process complicated by numerous factors and is associated with an increased ED length of stay. However, ED clinicians accurately referred to the correct inpatient unit in almost two thirds of this patient sample, and most patients required an inpatient admission. Knockbacks may adversely affect patient care and warrant further focused discussion and clearer referral guidelines between ED clinicians and their inpatient colleagues.
Paediatric CNS tumours
Authors: Nair Rajesh Parameshwaran , Nayal Bhavna , Beedkar Saurabh , Menon Girish
Published: April 2022

Background: Published literature on epidemiological profile of paediatric brain tumours in India is limited. Aim: To present a retrospective analysis of the histological spectrum of 158 paediatric age group central nervous system tumours operated in a single tertiary care hospital in Coastal South India between January 2015 and December 2021. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of the data regarding frequencies of various primary brain tumours among 158 paediatric patients (<18 years of age). The tumours were categorised according to the revised 4th edition of World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumours of the Central Nervous system. Results: Paediatric CNS constituted 8.5% of total intracranial tumours (158/1860) operated in the study period. The mean age of the patients was 10.2 years and a definite male predominance was noted. (1.54 :1) Astrocytomas, glioneuronal tumours, and neuronal tumours constituted the majority (72 /158; 45.6%) followed by embryonal tumours (31/158;19.6%) and craniopharyngiomas(24/158;15.4%) .Of the glial neoplasms majority were pilocytic and other astrocytic tumours(41.6 %), followed by mixed neuroglial tumours (19.4%), diffuse high grade astrocytomas (Grade III/IV) (11.1%), diffuse low -grade astrocytomas (Grade II) (9.7%) and ependymomas (13.8%). Our series also included six meningiomas (3.8%), five germ cell tumours (3.16%), four nerve sheath tumours (2.53%), two choroid plexus tumours (1.26%), two pineal parenchymal tumours (1.26%) and one metastasis from a soft tissue sarcoma from the thigh. Supratentorial tumours (58.2%) were more common than posterior fossa (34.6%) and spinal tumours (7.6%) and visual pathway gliomas accounted for 5.6% of all our tumours Conclusions: Paediatric central nervous system tumours are more common in boys and in the second decade of life. Astrocytomas are the most common paediatric brain tumours followed by medulloblastomas and craniopharyngiomas. Pediatric tumours affect the supratentorial compartment more often than the infratentorial compartment. The profile of paediatric brain tumours in our series is similar to that reported from other Indian centres as well as most western literature.
Cobb angle measurements on lateral lumbar radiographs obtained in the lateral recumbent position: A Ghanaian study
Authors: Anim-Sampong Samuel , Sule Derick Seyram , Adjoyi Emmanuel Mawuli , Oblitey Jared Nii , Hewlett Vincent Kwaku , Gbadamosi Hafisatu , Ashimatey Foster
Published: April 2022

Background
Lumbar lordosis and its quantification are important for clinical consideration. The Cobb method is one of the important radiographic methods for estimating lumbar lordosis. Supine lateral lumbar radiographs remain the gold standard for accurate measurement of lumbar lordosis. This study aimed at measuring the average lumbar lordosis of Ghanaian patients using the Cobb method.
Methods
Using a goniometer, Cobb angle measurements were manually made on lumbar spine radiographs with no spinal deformities obtained from three study sites from April 2021 to June 2021. Subgroup analyses of lumbar lordotic angles (LLAs) were also conducted.
Results
The average LLAs obtained from the radiographs of the 118 patients were 27.18o (SD = 13.05o) for the L1-L5 and 43.56o (SD = 14.58o) for the L1-S1. The LLAs for females [L1-L5: 29.85o (SD = 11.59o), L1-S1: 47.076o (SD = 13.354o) were higher than males: L1-L5:24.32o (SD = 13.98o); L1-S1: 39.81o (SD = 15.05o). Younger patients had higher LLAs. There was a strong positive correlation between L1-S1 and L1-L5 values (R = 0.825) in the Ghanaian populace. The LLAs generally decreased with aging. Finally, LLAs are gender dimorphic among Ghanaians with higher values reported in females.
Conclusion
This study revealed the existence of an association between age and angle of lumbar lordosis and gender dimorphism in Ghanaian patients. Disc herniation occurs at higher levels of the spine as age increases and lumbar lordotic Cobb’s angle decreases. The LLA and age can therefore be assumed as predictors of the level of lumbar disc herniation.
A Novel Random Finite Element Model for Frost Effects on Soils and Cold Region Pavement
Authors: Yu Xiong , Dong Shaoyang , Jiang Yusheng
Published: April 2022

This paper describes the development of a random finite element model (RFEM) that allows holistic simulation of frozen soil behaviors, including the effects of phase transition and the consequent internal stress and volume changes. The performance of the model is firstly validated with laboratory experiments. The model is implemented to simulate the effects of frost action on pavement. The coupled thermal-mechanical actions including the mechanical responses of subgrade soils subjected to freezing temperature and its effects on the pavement structure are analyzed. The results show that the frost action and expansion of ice lenses change the interaction modes between pavement layers. This leads to increase of stress and deformation in the pavement layer. Methods to mitigate the effects of frost heave are analyzed with this model. The simulation results indicate that the detrimental effects of frost heave on the pavement structure can be mitigated by increasing the thickness of base layer, use of thermal insulation layer or improve drainage in the subgrade layer. The RFEM combines the advantages of discrete element model (DEM) in holistically describing the microstructure effects and in the finite element model (FEM) in terms of computational efficiency. This allows to focus research on understanding the behaviors of individual soils phase and their interfacial interactions.
A Study of transverse bowing defect in cold roll forming asymmetric corrugated channels
Authors: Xu Chuntian , Chen Jianchao , Wei Yifan , Han Han , Zong Xu , Yuan Ye
Published: April 2022

The transverse bowing greatly affects accuracy of the roll forming asymmetric corrugated channels (ACC). In order to control this defect, the paper first elucidates its mechanism of the production. Then the transverse bowing is explored by finite element method (FEM) using ABAQUS 2016 software and the effects of the forming parameters are analyzed. Also, a linear regression model is built using Minitab 19 software to evaluate their effects, of which standard values are measured by Pareto chart. It is observed that the number of forming channels has the greatest effect, followed by the roll gas and bending angle, and the friction coefficient has the least. Finally, to decrease the transverse bowing defect (TBD), the dominant forming parameters are optimized according to the evaluation results and the operating conditions. And the results of simulation and optimization are verified by experiments, respectively. This research shows that the TBD can be greatly controlled by the optimization of three dominant forming parameters including the roll gap, bending angle and inter-station distance for given ACC.
Association of Dopamine β-Hydroxylase Polymorphism rs1611115 And Serum Levels with Psychiatric Disorders in Pakistani Population
Authors: Hashmi Aisha Nasir , Dharejo Raees Ahmed , Zubair Usama Bin , Khan Netasha , Kashif Iqra , Ajmal Muhammad , Taj Rizwan , Qamar Raheel , Azam Maleeha
Published: April 2022

Dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) is a copper-containing enzyme that has an important role in maintaining the cellular homeostasis between the two neurotransmitters, dopamine (DA) and nor-adrenaline (NA). DBH functional polymorphisms are associated with multiple neuro-psychiatric conditions and are found to alter the DBH protein levels in serum, affecting DBH enzymatic activity. The current study was conducted to determine the genetic association of DBH functional polymorphism rs1611115 and its effect on DBH levels in serum in major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BPD) and schizophrenia (SHZ) in the Pakistani population. In total n = 1097 subjects including MDD (n = 427), BPD (n = 204), SHZ (n = 134) and healthy controls (n = 332), were screened for rs1611115 by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Univariate logistic regression was applied and results were adjusted for age and sex (multivariant analysis). The DBH levels in serum were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the Mann Whitney U test was applied. The results showed a significant association of minor allele (-1021C > T) with a higher risk of developing BPD and SHZ in both univariable and multivariable analyses. Moreover, the overall total serum concentration of DBH was comparatively raised in MDD, however, in cross-comparison DBH serum levels were found markedly higher in CC homozygotes compared to TT homozygotes within the BPD group. Thus the present study suggested a significant association of DBH rs1611115 with BPD and SHZ and also the effect of rs1611115 on DBH serum levels in MDD and BPD, for the first time in the Pakistani population.
Adapter Based Fine-Tuning of Pre-Trained Multilingual Language Models for Code-Mixed and Code-Switched Text Classification
Authors: Rathnayake Himashi , Sumanapala Janani , Rukshani Raveesha , Ranathunga Surangika
Published: April 2022

Code-mixing and code-switching (CMCS) are frequent features in online conversations. Classification of such text is challenging if one of the languages is low-resourced. Fine-tuning pre-trained multilingual language models (PMLMs) is a promising avenue for code-mixed text classification. In this paper, we explore adapter-based fine-tuning of PMLMs for CMCS text classification. We introduce sequential and parallel stacking of adapters, continuous fine-tuning of adapters, and training adapters without freezing the original model as novel techniques with respect to single-task CMCS text classification. We also present a newly annotated dataset for the classification of Sinhala-English code-mixed and code-switched text data, where Sinhala is a low-resourced language. Our dataset of 10000 user comments has been manually annotated for five classification tasks: sentiment analysis, humor detection, hate speech detection, language identification, and aspects identification, thus making it the first publicly available Sinhala-English CMCS dataset with the largest number of annotation types. In addition to this dataset, we also carried out experiments on our proposed techniques with Kannada-English and Hindi-English datasets. These experiments confirm that our adapter-based PMLM fine-tuning techniques outperform, or are on par with the basic fine-tuning of PMLM models.
Conditional knockout of ITGB4 in bronchial epithelial cells directs bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Chen Yu , Jiang Wang , Wang Jin-Mei , Ma Xiao-Di , Wu Di , Liu Le-Xin , Ji Ming , Qu Xiang-Ping , Liu Chi , Liu Hui-Jun , Qin Xiao-Qun , Xiang Yang
Published: April 2022

Background: Neonatal respiratory system disease is closely associated with embryonic lung development. Our group found that Integrin β4(ITGB4) is downregulated in the airway epithelium of asthma patients. Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory illness in childhood. Therefore, we suspect whether the deletion of ITGB4 would affect fetal lung development? In this study, we characterized the role of ITGB4 deficiency in Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Methods: ITGB4 was conditionally knocked out in CCSP-rtTA; Tet-O-Cre; ITGB4f/f triple transgenic mice administrating doxycycline from E7.5 to P42. Lung tissues at different developmental stages were collected for experimental detection and transcriptome sequencing. The expression of lung-development-relevant factors were evaluated by transcriptome sequencing, WB and Immunohistochemical. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected to perform Total cell and differential inflammatory cell counts. The effects of ITGB4 deficiency on lung branching morphogenesis were observed by fetal mouse lung explants culture. Results: We found that β4CCSP.Cre mice exhibit significant lighter body weight comparing to age-matched littermate control β4f/f, and the difference became more distinct as their age increase. ITGB4 deficiency shows no significant impact on the ratio of lung weight to body weight and the overall survival rates of mice. Deleting ITGB4 from the airway epithelial cells result in enlarged alveolar airspaces, inhibition of branching, the overlapping of epithelium cells and the impairment of cilial growth during lung development. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the airway epithelial cilia of β4CCSP.Cre group appear to be sparse, shortened, and lodging. Lung-development-relevant factors such as SPTPC、SOX2 significantly decreased in both mRNA and protein level. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that multiple ontogenesis-regulating-relevant pathway converge to FAK, accordingly, ITGB4 deletion decreased phospho-FAK, phospho-GSK3β, SOX2 level, and correspondingly contrary consequence was detected after treatment with GSK3β agonist（wortmannin）. Airway branching defect of β4CCSP.Cre mice lung explants was also partly recovered after wortmannin treatment. Conclusions: Airway epithelial-specific deletion of ITGB4 contributes to lung developmental defect, which could be achieved through the FAK/GSK3β/SOX2 signal pathway.
Emission Spectroscopy Diagnosis of Arc-heated Plasma in Martian and Earth Atmosphere
Authors: Zeng Hui , Ou Dongbin , Wen Peng , Zhu Xinying , Yang Guoming
Published: April 2022

In-situ quantitative measurements are performed in a 300 kW DC magnetically-rotating linear plasma torch to investigate thermal characteristics of arc plasma and electrode erosion by utilizing optical emission spectroscopy. Time-resolved gas temperatures and mole fraction of copper concentrations are measured to evaluate the state of arc plasma and cathode erosion at different operation currents and magnetic fields. The erosion mass rates of the cathode by the OES method are in good accordance with the measurements by traditional weighing method over the operation range, demonstrating validity and accuracy for the developed OES method. The erosion rates of cathode for CO2 plasma are lower than that for air plasma due to carbon element covering in the inner surface of the electrode by the SEM images. Detailed discussions of sensitivity and uncertainty by the OES method are given for air plasma and for CO2 plasma.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Adverse Drug Reactions Among Heart Failure Patients Hospitalized at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Shegena Efrata Ashuro , Nigussie Konjit Abebe , Tamukong Robert , Lumori Boniface , Yadesa Tadele Mekuriya
Published: April 2022

Background
Adverse drug reaction (ADR) of medications remains an obstacle to achieving optimal disease outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of ADR among Heart failure (HF) patients hospitalized at Mbarara Regional and Referral Hospital.
Method
A prospective observational study was conducted among hospitalized HF patients from November 2021 to January 2022. The statistical data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was employed to determine factors associated with the ADR.
Result
Overall, 118 HF patients were included in the study with a median age of 43 years. A total of 164 ADRs were identified during the follow-up period of 1011 days. The incidence of new ADRs was 106 ADRs/1000 person-days. The prevalence of ADR was 59.3%. Of the 164 ADRs, 118(71.9%) were probable. The gastrointestinal system was the most frequently (27.5%) affected system. Over half (86, 52.4%) of the ADRs were mild and 96(58.5%) were preventable. Age group 19–59(AOR 0.15[0.03–0.35] at 95%CI, p = 0.013), herbal use (AOR 3.07[1.01–9.32] at 95%CI, p = 0.048), poly-pharmacy (AOR 8.7[2.4 − 15.77] at 95%CI, p < 0.001) and drug-drug interaction (AOR 6.06[2.79–12.5] at 95%CI, p = 0.004) were significantly associated with ADRs among HF patients.
Conclusion
More than half of the hospitalized HF patients experienced at least one ADR during their hospital stay. The use of herbal medicines, poly-pharmacy, and drug-drug interaction were associated with a high risk of ARDs whereas the age group 19–59 years was less likely to experience ARDs.
Few geriatric heart failure patients investigated according to clinical guidelines: a retrospective review of patient records
Authors: Wessberg Marianne Reimers , Seiger Åke , Fastbom Johan , Eriksdotter Maria
Published: April 2022

Background: Research on heart failure (HF) has often focused on younger patients. The aim of this study was to analyze extent of investigation and treatment among older patients prior to referral to inpatient geriatric care for worsening of HF.Methods: Data on etiology, ejection fraction (EF) by echocardiography (ECHO), level of functioning according to New York Heart Association (NYHA), analysis of N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-Pro-BNP), ongoing treatment, adherence to guidelines, and information from previous caregiver were collected from patient records prior to admission from a sample of 134 patients. Results: Few patients had been examined by a cardiologist (14%) during the year prior to referral. EF assessment had been performed in 78% (n=105). The patients were categorized as having HF with reduced (HFrEF 28%), preserved (HFpEF53%) or mid-range (HFmrEF 19%) EF. HFpEF patients had older EF assessments (mean 517 days) than those with HFrEF (385 days). In 61% (n=82) at least one assessment with NT-Pro-BNP had been performed, being older among patients with HFpEF (290 days vs 16 days). Information about NYHA class was found in 4 patients (3%) only.There was a strong positive correlation (OR 4.9, p=0.001) between having recent assessments of EF and NT-Pro-BNP (n=30, 21%) and being presented with etiology in the referral, adjusted for EF, age, sex, and comorbidity. It was not possible to estimate adherence to treatment guidelines since NYHA assessment was rarely performed. However, in a subgroup of patients with EF<35%, it was found that 19% were treated with mineral receptor antagonists according to guidelines.Conclusions: The three major findings were that only a minority of the patients had had a recent contact with a cardiologist, that the investigations were old and that information on investigations was strongly correlated to information about etiology in the referral. The insufficient investigations, the lack of contribution from cardiologists and the poor referral information on etiology may lead to less optimal treatment of HF in older people. Improving adherence to HF guidelines regarding investigation and treatment for HF in older people is therefore urgent and calls for more collaboration between specialists in cardiology and geriatric medicine.
Algorithmic Decision-Making Concerns for Software: Non- Functional Requirement Elicitation as a Solution
Authors: Otuneme Nzechukwu , Monday Eze , Kuyoro Afolashade , Ayankoya Folasade
Published: April 2022

Millions of software are lunched yearly and this software depend on data to produce required output. Personal data privacy and security has been a source of public concern for some time, and is usually interpreted in terms of data obtained from interaction with software. It is difficult to know whether a software system's decisions are fair and what considerations were put in place in the system's internal decision-making process if the system's decisions are opaque. This has the potential to cause injustice and bias. In addition, a lack of openness may lead to a decrease in user acceptance and happiness. Algorithmic data-driven decision-making systems are becoming more automated, and they've had a lot of success in a lot of different applications. The General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union and other regulations limits algorithmic use of personal data and has fueled the dispute over the right to disclosure. This research adapted a crowd requirements elicitation model to develop a framework for the proper elicitation non-functional requirement. The developed model uses natural language processing integrated into a chatbot and a document extraction strategy since non-functional requirement exist also as government regulations and industrial standards. Proper and comprehensive elicitation of non-functional requirements will give accurate information on how the system performs its required task and such documents are best in terms of openness to the use of data by algorithms to avoid algorithm decision making concerns.
Foot Anatomical Structural Variations Increase the Risk of Falls
Authors: Sánchez-Sanjuan Almudena , Romero-Morales Carlos , Alfaro-Santafé Javier , Almenar-Arasanz Alejandro Jesús , Gómez-Bernal Antonio , Pareja-Galeano Helios
Published: April 2022

Falls are common among older adults. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between foot anatomical structural variations and balance in older adults and quantify foot posture and stabilometry as predictors of falls risk. Case-control study in older adults, classified as cases or controls according to falls in the last five years. All the subjects were healthy women and men and > 65 years old (n = 164), who were divided into two groups: 83 individuals who had suffered from a fall in the previous five years (case group) and 81 individuals who had not suffered from a fall (control group). There were found strong correlations among the variables, specifically gender, Hallux abductus valgus (HAV) and tailor’s bunion. Women have a higher probability to suffer from falls. HAV and tailor’s bunion also increased fall probability (p = .042, p = .069 respectively). Foot anatomical structural variations (HAV and tailor’s bunion) linked to gender and age, in-crease falls risk among older adults. In women fallers with HAV, there were a higher possibility of risk of falling (63.89%). In older than 70 with HAV, the percentage of falls is high (62%). Fall-ers with tailor´s bunion (60.66%) are more numerous than fallers without this pathology. Older adults with HAV and tailor´s bunion had twice probability to suffer a fall than older people without foot anatomical structural. Foot anatomical structural variations (HAV and tailor´s bunion) are risk factors of falls.
Research on a new method for estimating number of ≥ 10-50 μm viable organisms in ballast water based on FDA pulse counting
Authors: Yang Minyuan , Wang Qiong , Wei Kunyu , Huifang Wang , Wu Huixian
Published: April 2022

Indicative analysis can detect the compliance for the ballast water performance standard by the Port State Control (PSC) using compliance monitoring devices after the ship arriving at the port. A wide range of application of compliance monitoring devices can improve the efficiency of PSC inspection. This study evaluates a novel compliance monitoring device for the rapid detection of ≥ 10-50 μm organisms in ballast water for the purpose of biological invasion prevention and control. The feasibility and possible problems of its practical application are analyzed. Using an FDA-based pulse counting device, we explored the impact of sample transport on analytical results. The results showed that when the sample transportation time is less than 120 min, the results of the device had a good correlation, and the results of whether the sample complies the D-2 standard were consistent. In the laboratory, we compared the detection accuracy of the device and the microscope using ballast water samples from ships arriving in Shanghai Port. The results showed that the detection results of the device were significantly lower than the microscope analysis. We analyze the detection deficiencies of devices based on FDA-based pulse counting and the challenges of devices to detect organisms in ballast water. Our results clearly illustrate the problems that can be encountered when using compliance monitoring devices for ballast water. This study is of great interest to improve the efficiency of PSC inspections and product development and improvement for manufacturers of CMDs.
Joint analysis of PK and immunogenicity outcomes using factorization model − a powerful approach for PK similarity study
Authors: Haliduola Halimu N. , Berti Fausto , Stroissnig Heimo , Guenzi Eric , Otto Hendrik , Sattar Abid , Mansmann Ulrich
Published: April 2022

Biological products, whether they are innovator products or biosimilars, can incite an immunogenic response ensuing in the development of anti-drug antibodies (ADA). The presence of ADA’s often affects the drug clearance, resulting in an increase in the variability of pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis and challenges in the design and analysis of PK similarity studies. Immunogenic response is a complex process which may be manifested by product and non-product-related factors. Potential imbalances in non-product-related factors between treatment groups may lead to differences in antibodies formation and thus in PK outcome. The current standard statistical approaches dismiss any associations between immunogenicity and PK outcomes. However, we consider PK and immunogenicity as the two correlated outcomes of the study treatment. In this research, we propose a factorization model for the simultaneous analysis of PK parameters (normal variable after taking log-transformation) and immunogenic response subgroup (binary variable). The central principle of the factorization model is to describe the likelihood function as the product of the marginal distribution of one outcome and the conditional distribution of the second outcome given the previous one. Factorization model captures the additional information contained in the correlation between the outcomes, it is more efficient than models that ignore potential dependencies between the outcomes. In our context, factorization model accounts for variability in PK data by considering the influence of immunogenicity. Based on our simulation studies, the factorization model provides more accurate and efficient estimates of the treatment effect in the PK data by taking into account the impact of immunogenicity. These findings are supported by two PK similarity clinical studies with a highly immunogenic biologic.
Frustrate microstructures composed PbS cluster’s size perspective from XRD by variant models of Williamson-Hall plot method
Authors: Tirpude M. P. , Tayade N. T.
Published: April 2022

The coherent crystalline domain Size of a particle is well understood and investigable from the broadening of XRD peaks by Williamson-Hall (WH) method in connection with a strain, and it has a close correlation with the strain, stress, energy density, defects/dislocations. The coherent domain size of binary semiconducting material particles is being interlinked with the applications like sensors, solar systems, photo-detectors, photocatalyst etc. In the present work, the frustrated cluster of PbS elucidated the perspective of different models of the WH method. Frustrated microstructural PbScluster was prepared, confirmed and rendered its microstructural analysis from the XRD data and SEM. Eight various approaches as the variant models of the Williamson Hall plotting methods have been tested. It includes the models like Balzar approach, UDM, UDSM, UDEDM, modified WH model, Ehkl/E0ratio model, Direct fitting of simplified WH model with introducing new approach and the modified Kibasomba-WH model which uses linearization of Scherrer equation with the WH method. Present work lightens the USDM and UDEDM sizes in an account of a Zener constant. The other non-WH methods like the Scherrer formula method, modified Scherrer method, Stress-Strain methods and Halder-Wagner method are also included for comparison and to see their status in a cluster of frustrated structures. The sizes in connection with strain, stress, energy density, dislocation and stacking fault, have been also investigated for the frustrated PbS cluster.
Numerical investigation of the influence of banded sand ditches on water infiltration in fine-textured soil
Authors: Fan Yanwei , Zhang Changyan , Wei Hujun , Shi Wen
Published: April 2022

Enhancing rainwater infiltration is important to reduce the risk of urban waterlogging and improve the utilization rate of urban rainwater resources. Using the HYDRUS model, a mathematical model of soil water movement under a banded sand ditch pattern (the vertical excavation of a deep trench with heavy soil and filled with light soil) was created. Forty-six scenarios were designed to examine effects of sand ditch soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kss), original homogenous fine-textured soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kso), sand ditch width (W), spacing (S), and depth (D) on the soil infiltration rate (i). Results indicate that banded sand ditches cause increased permeation and have a significant turning point ‘t0’ in the curve of ‘i’ for ‘t.’ Taking ‘t0’ as the boundary, ‘i’ can be divided into two stages (t ≤ t0 and t > t0), ‘i’ and ‘t,’ for each stage according to the power function relationship; there is little change in power function indices, which can be fixed at 0.34 and 0.63, respectively. In addition, the coefficient has a linear relationship with Kss, Kso, W, S, and D. Thus, an estimation model of the soil infiltration rate under a banded sand ditch pattern was proposed and verified for reliability.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DO PIBID NA CONSTRUÇÃO DA IDENTIDADE DOCENTE DE PROFESSORES DE CIÊNCIAS DA NATUREZA E MATEMÁTICA
Authors: Pinheiro Cleiton da Silva , Colombo Junior Pedro Donizete
Published: April 2022

O Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID) insere-se dentro de uma política nacional de formação de professores e, traz dentre seus objetivos incentivar e elevar a qualidade da formação de professores para a educação básica. Esta pesquisa buscou discutir a formação de professores, em particular no tocante a constituição de identidades docentes, em articulação com as contribuições do PIBID. Participaram da pesquisa quatro egressos de cursos de licenciaturas na área de Ciências da Natureza e Matemática da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro que haviam participado na formação inicial como bolsistas do PIBID. A metodologia é de natureza qualitativa, a partir da realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas com os participantes. A análise dos dados foi realizada a partir dos constructos teóricos da Análise de Conteúdo. Dentre os resultados, destaca-se que a participação no PIBID permitiu aos professores um olhar mais crítico sobre o contexto escolar, favorecendo reflexões sobre suas práxis docente. Também foi possível compreender, sob a ótica dos professores, as influências fomentadas pela participação no PIBID na construção de suas identidades docente.
The Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Key Signaling Pathways as a Novel
Approach to Ameliorating Post-Surgical Adhesions
Authors: Avan Amir , Ensan Behzad , Bathaei Parsa , Nassiri Mohammadreza , Khazaei Majid , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Abdollahi Abbas , Ghorbani Hamid Reza , Aliakbarian Mohsen , Ferns Gordon A.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Peritoneal adhesions (PA) are a common complication of abdominal operations. A
growing body of evidence shows that inhibition of inflammation and fibrosis at sites of peritoneal damage
could prevent the development of intra-abdominal adhesions.

Method:

A search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and Embase databases was performed using the keywords
‘postsurgical adhesion’, ‘post-operative adhesion’, ‘peritoneal adhesion’, ‘surgery-induced adhesion’, and ‘abdominal
adhesion’. Studies detailing the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents for peritoneal
adhesion prevention were identified, and their bibliographies were thoroughly reviewed to identify further related
articles.

Result:

Several signaling pathways such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, tissue plasminogen activator, and
type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor, macrophages, fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells play a key part in the
development of plasminogen activator. Several therapeutic approaches based on anti-PA drug barriers and traditional
herbal medicines have been developed to prevent and treat adhesion formation. In recent years, the
most promising method to prevent PA is believed to be treated using biomaterial-based barriers.

Conclusion:

Here, we provide an overview of the pathophysiology of adhesion formation and various agents
targeting different pathways, including chemical agents, herbal agents, physical barriers, and clinical trials concerning
this matter.
Recent Developments in Proniosomal Transdermal Drug Delivery: An
Overview
Authors: Sabale Vidya , Charde Manjusha , Dumore Nitin , Mahajan Ujwala
Published: April 2022

Proniosomes are the stable carriers used for transdermal application as compared to other
vesicular delivery systems like niosomes and liposomes. Oral administration of a drug is associated with
severe GIT irritation and first-pass metabolism. The vesicular drug delivery system includes the basic
concept of niosomes and proniosomes which describes their mechanism of action, structural formation,
interactive study with skin, composition, and method of preparation. Gels contain a high aqueous component
as compared to ointment and creams, due to which they can dissolve high concentrations of
drugs, and thus help the drug to migrate easily through a vehicle, due to which, gels are considered to be
superior in terms of use and patient compliance. This review will focus on the up-to-date research developments
in the use of proniosomes, which are applicable to various diseases. Proniosomes are prepared
mainly by different concentrations of nonionic surfactants, cholesterol, and lecithin by entrapping
hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic drugs. In earlier studies, it was found that the non-ionic surfactants
and phospholipids provided higher penetration and it has also been found that some phospholipids have
the ability to fluidize the lipid bilayers of the stratum corneum and diffuse through it. In the future,
proniosomes may gain more importance in the area of melanoma, brain targeting, protein and peptide
drug delivery, gene delivery, hematological drug delivery, and also in cosmetics, and nutraceuticals.
Delivery of Genetic Materials for the Management of Biological Disorders:
Advancement and Roles of Polysaccharides and their Derivatives
Authors: Malviya Rishabha , Gupta Nandan
Published: April 2022

Advancement in nanotechnology leads to the development of polysaccharides which are
very efficient carriers in delivering therapeutic substances like drugs, proteins, and genes. This review
describes the role of polysaccharides and their derivatives in the cellular targeting of genetic materials
for the treatment of various biological disorders. Applications, challenges, advantages, and disadvantages
of polysaccharides used in gene delivery are discussed in the manuscript. Cationic and natural
polysaccharides are generally used for RNA and DNA delivery and exhibit better performance in gene
transfection. After a substantial literature survey, it can be concluded that different polysaccharides and
their derivatives are effectively used in the delivery of genetic material. Natural polysaccharides are
widely used due to their advantageous properties like biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity
in the biological environment.
Computational Drug Shifting Towards Drug-Drug Conjugates and Monoclonal
Antibody Conjugates in the Contradictory Excursion of Asthma
Authors: Naveed Muhammad , Noor-ul-Ain  , Shabbir Muhammad Aqib
Published: April 2022

Background:

Pandemic of COVID-19 has gathered up the surrounding respiratory diseases
such as asthma. The need to combat asthma is an unanswerable question nowadays and about 20-30% of
people are getting into the trap of asthma.

Objectives:

The mechanistic involvement of GPCR receptors in the protuberant signaling pathway such
as Neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1 receptor) acts as a projected entry that needs to be inhibited for the
prohibition of asthma.

Methods:

Exaggerative G-proteins of NPSR1 receptors are exposed as a target through GPCR modeling
to point drug targeting. Three Drug-Drug Conjugates (DDCs) are designed through the combination of
nine chemical compounds through methylene bridges and selection was done based on docking energy
and ADMET profiling. Designation of three Monoclonal Antibody Conjugates (MACs) is expedited using
single monoclonal antibodies, linked through EAAAK linkers and the best conjugate was valued
based on docking energy, allergenicity, toxicity, and surface accessibility leading towards cloning and
expression.

Results:

The best Drug-Drug Conjugate was Fluoroquinolone and 1-Indanone conjugate which possessed
-7.7 Kcal/mol docking energy, lipophilicity 6.41, water solubility 1.19e-09 mg/ml, and pharmacokinetics
-8.31 cm/s, indicating it to act as best drug candidate. The best Monoclonal Antibody Conjugate was
Ustekinumab and Belimumab conjugate which retained -383.1 Kcal/mol docking energy, computed as
non-allergen and nontoxic.

Conclusion::

The use of MACs and DDCs may prove an effective treatment for lethal diseases like asthma
and the future exertion will support the in vitro synthesis delivered in this study of conjugation against
bronchial diseases.
Fragment-Based Drug Design, 2D-QSAR and DFT Calculation: Scaffolds
of 1, 2, 4, triazolo [1, 5-a] pyrimidin-7-amines as Potential Inhibitors of
Plasmodium falciparum Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Iwaloye Opeyemi , Elekofehinti Olusola Olalekan , Olawale Femi , Chukwuemeka Prosper Obed , Kikiowo Babatomiwa , Folorunso Ibukun Mary
Published: April 2022

Background:

Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDODH) is one of the
enzymes currently explored in the treatment of malaria. Although there is currently no clinically approved
drug targeting PfDODH, many of the compounds in clinical trials have [1, 2, 4,] triazolo [1, 5-a] pyrimidin-
7-amine backbone structure.

Objective:

This study sought to design new compounds from the fragments of known experimental inhibitors
of PfDODH.

Methods:

Nine experimental compounds retrieved from Drug Bank online were downloaded and broken
into fragments using the Schrodinger power shell; the fragments were recombined to generate new ligand
structures using the BREED algorithm. The new compounds were docked with PfDODH crystal structure,
after which the compounds were filtered with extensive drug-likeness and toxicity parameters. A
2D-QSAR model was built using the multiple linear regression method and externally validated. The
electronic properties of the compounds were calculated using the density functional theory method.

Results:

Structural investigation of the six designed compounds, which had superior binding energies
than the standard inhibitors, showed that five of them had [1, 2, 4,] triazolo [1, 5-a] pyrimidin-7-amine
moieties and interacted with essential residues at the PfDODH binding site. In addition to their drug-like
and pharmacokinetic properties, they also showed minimal toxicities. The externally validated 2D-QSAR
model with R2 and Q2 values of 0.6852 and 0.6691 confirmed the inhibitory prowess of these compounds
against PfDODH. The DFT calculations showed regions of the molecules prone to electrophilic and nucleophilic
attacks.

Conclusion:

The current study thus provides insight into the development of a new set of potent PfDODH
inhibitors.
Glucose Treatment Targets in Pregnancy - A Review of Evidence and
Guidelines
Authors: Byford Abigail R. , Forbes Karen , Scott Eleanor M.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Maternal diabetes mellitus during pregnancy is associated with an increased
risk of pregnancy complications for both the mother and the fetus. One of the most prevalent
complications is pathological fetal growth, and particularly infants are born large for gestational
age (LGA), which leads to problematic deliveries, including the need for caesarean section,
instrumental delivery, and further perinatal complications. Glucose monitoring during pregnancy is
essential for ensuring appropriate glycaemic control and to reduce these associated risks. The current
methods of glucose monitoring include measuring glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), selfmonitoring
of capillary blood glucose (SMBG), and more recently, continuous glucose monitoring
(CGM). Observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have assessed the appropriate
glycaemic targets for HbA1c, SMBG, and CGM in relation to pregnancy outcomes.

Objective:

In this review, we have identified current international guidelines on glycaemic targets
and reviewed the supporting evidence.

Method:

We performed an extensive literature search on glycaemic targets in pregnancies affected
by diabetes, and we researched international guidelines from recognised societies.

Results and Conclusion:

The majority of studies used to define the glucose targets associated with
the best pregnancy outcomes, across all modalities, were in women with type 1 diabetes. There
were limited studies on women with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. We, therefore, suggest
that further research needs be conducted on glucose targets and clinical outcomes, specifically
in these populations where CGM technology offers the greatest potential for monitoring glucose
and improving pregnancy outcomes.
A Comparison of the Performances of Artificial Intelligence System and
Radiologists in the Ultrasound Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Tang Qing , He Lian-Tu , Chen Feng-Juan , Zhou Da-Zhi , Zhang Yu-Xin , Li Ying-Shan , Tang Min-Xuan , Tang Jia-Xin , Liu Shuo , Chen Zhi-Jie
Published: April 2022

Aims:

The purpose of this paper is to prospectively evaluate the performance of an artificial
intelligence (AI) system in diagnosing thyroid nodules and to assess its potential value in comparison
with the performance of radiologists with different levels of experience, as well as the factors affecting
its diagnostic accuracy.

Background:

In recent years, medical imaging diagnosis using AI has become a popular topic in clinical
application research.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of an AI system in diagnosing thyroid nodules
and compare it with the performance levels of different radiologists.

Method:

This study involved 426 patients screened for thyroid nodules at the First Affiliated Hospital
of Guangzhou Medical University between July 2017 and March 2019. All of the nodules were evaluated
by radiologists with various levels of experience and an AI system. The diagnostic performances
of two junior and two senior radiologists, an AI system, and an AI-assisted junior radiologist were
compared, as were their diagnostic results with respect to nodules of different sizes.

Result:

The senior radiologists, the AI system, and the AI-assisted junior radiologist performed better
than the junior radiologist (p < 0.05). The area under the curves of the AI system and the AI-assisted
junior radiologist were similar to the curve of the senior radiologists (p > 0.05). The diagnostic results
concerning the two nodule sizes showed that the diagnostic error rates of the AI system, junior radiologists,
and senior radiologists for nodules with a maximum diameter of ≤1 cm (Dmax ≤ 1 cm) were higher
than those for nodules with a maximum diameter of ＞1 cm (Dmax > 1 cm) (23.4% vs. 12.1%, p =
0.002; 26.6% vs. 7.3%, p < 0.001; and 38.3% vs. 14.6%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The AI system is a decision-making tool that could potentially improve the diagnostic
efficiency of junior radiologists. Micronodules with Dmax ≤ 1cm were significantly correlated with
diagnostic accuracy; accordingly, more micronodules of this size, in particular, should be added to the
AI system as training samples.

Other:

The system could be a potential decision-making tool for effectively improving the diagnostic
efficiency of junior radiologists in the community.
Development and Characterization of Polymeric Microsponge as a New
Vehicle to Deliver Urea Topically
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Kumar Rahul , Hussain Syed Basit , Kumari Shivali , Pal Yash
Published: April 2022

Background:

Topical delivery of therapeutic agents is considered beneficial due to various
advantages like ease of administration, avoidance of the first-pass effect, and improved patient compliance.
Therefore, scientists around the globe are exploring this route for the delivery of drugs nowadays.

Objective::

The present investigation aimed to prepare, optimize, and characterize the urea-loaded microsponges
for efficient topical delivery in vitro.

Methods:

Urea-loaded ethylcellulose microsponges were prepared using quasi emulsion solvent diffusion
technique and optimized using Box–Behnken design (BBD). Furthermore, they were characterized
in-vitro using various techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD).
In-vitro drug release and release kinetics analysis was also performed.

Results:

Urea-loaded microsponges were spherical and porous. Optimized urea loaded microsponges
showed a minimum size (39.78 ± 1.98 μm), high entrapment (74.56 ± 2.8%), acceptable polydispersity
index (PDI) (0.224 ± 0.081) and zeta potential (-21.9 ± 2.9 mV). These microsponges were capable of
sustaining the release of urea for 24 h (91.21 ± 5.20%), and the mechanism of release was the combination
of diffusion and erosion.

Conclusion:

The developed microsponge system could be beneficial for topical delivery of urea as it
could reduce the dosing frequency of urea and increase patient compliance through its sustained release.