bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late presentation of D-TGA managed by Glenn Shunt led to SVC Syndrome 10 years later: a rare case report
Authors: Osama Esraa , Arriola-Montenegro Liliana , Yaseen Aya , ElTohamy Abdelrahman
Published: March 2022

We describe a complicated case of dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) that was treated unusually late at age four by Glenn Shunt operation with pulmonary artery banding. She presented fifteen years later with superior vena cava syndrome as a consequence of Glenn shunt failure and was managed conservatively. Glenn Shunt with pulmonary artery banding can be done for Dextro-TGA patients in which arterial switch operation is contraindicated; however, pulmonary artery banding failure can cause a functional obstruction leading to fatal SVC syndrome.
Hotel Housekeepers and Occupational Health: Experiences and Perceived Risks
Authors: Chela-Alvarez Xenia , Bulilete Oana , Garcia-Illan Encarna , Vidal-Thomas Clara , Llobera Joan
Published: March 2022

Background: Hotel housekeepers are the second most important occupational group within tourism hotel sector; various health problems related to their job have been described, above all musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of this study is to understand the experiences and perceptions of hotel housekeepers and key informants from the Balearic Islands (Spain) regarding occupational health conditions, the strategies employed to mitigate them and the social context in which they occur. Methods: A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was carried out. Six focus groups with hotel housekeepers and 10 semi-structured interviews with key informants were conducted. Next, we carried out a content analysis. Results: Hotel housekeepers reported musculoskeletal disorders, anxiety and stress as main occupational health problems; health professionals underscored the physical problems. Hotel housekeepers perceived that their work (characterized by being physically demanding and with repetitive movements) caused their health conditions. To solve health issues, they used medication, mostly anti-inflammatory agents and painkillers and, to a lesser extent, sedatives and anxiolytics, which allowed them to continue working; health public services, which they generally rated as satisfactory; personal protective equipment; ergonomics (with difficulties due to high work pace and hotel facilities) and physical activity. Two contrasting attitudes were identified regarding sick leave: HHs who refused to accept a doctor-prescribed sick leave (due to fear of being fired, sense of responsibility, downplaying their pain...), and those who accepted it (because they could not continue working, they prioritised health before work). Conclusion: Our results might contribute to plan improvement strategies to address health problems among hotel housekeepers, to improve the attention received in primary care settings as well as their working condition.
Toxicity of heavy metals in water, sediments and different body organs of fish Labeo rohita (rohu) at head Balloki, river Ravi, Lahore Pakistan
Authors: Rasib Khalid , Ejaz Zara , Hussain DIlawar
Published: March 2022

The present work was designed to evaluate the Contamination of heavy metals in water is regarded as global crises with a large share in developing countries like Pakistan. In present study, health risk consequences of composition of heavy metal contaminated water and fish collected at Head Balloki (River Ravi) were evaluated. 3 samples of water were collected at six different sights of Head Balloki for each Pre and Post Monsoon. Fish samples were collected at some six sights and their gills, liver were removed for heavy metal analysis. This study reported that the Concentration of chromium Cr was found higher than the Nickel Ni in water Cr > Ni. On the other hand, in fish organ of Labeo rohita the concentration of Chromium Cr was higher than the Ni in Gills Cr > Ni and the concentration of Ni was higher than the chromium Cr in Liver Ni > Cr. All the samples were analyzed to determine the concentration of two heavy metals (Cr, Ni) using Spectrophotometer techniques. The data thus obtained were analyzed, statistically. Research must also analyze the relationship between water and heavy metals and metal levels detected in fish.
Discriminant Analysis of Sperm Cryotolerance Among Different Breeds of Chickens in Hot Humid Tropical Environment
Authors: Ojo T.S. , Oke O.E. , Iyasere O.S. , Wheto M. , Durosaro S.O. , Logunleko M.O. , Adekunle O. Ezekiel , Ndubuisi-Ogbonna L.C. , Daramola James Olamitibo
Published: March 2022

Cryopreservation is a viable reproductive technique but still have detrimental consequences on sperm quality and fertility. This study compared the sperm cryotolerance among different breeds of chickens in hot humid environments. Semen samples were collected from thirty (30) cocks comprising 10 Funaab alpha normal feathers, Arbo acre and dominant black. The semen was analyzed for acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, seminal leukocyte, Live/dead, sperm abnormality, MDA concentration and sperm motility. Breed differences (p < 0.01) were observed in Acrosome integrity, seminal leukocyte, live/dead ratio, sperm abnormal midpiece and sperm abnormal tail. The stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that live/dead, MDA, Abnormal midpiece, Leukocyte, Acrosome, Abnormal head and sperm motility are discriminant variables that can effectively differentiate the three breeds of chickens with Live/dead, MDA and Leukocyte having highly significant (P < 0.0001) discriminatory power. The study obtained two canonical variables accounting for 66.94% and 33.06% of the total variation respectively. The three breeds of chicken were differentiated by linear discriminant functions. 56.67% of Funaab Alpha chicken, 67.78% of Arbo acre and 47.78% of Dominant black chicken were accurately assigned into their breeds while the longest Mahalanobis distance was found between Arbor Acre and Funaab Alpha chicken. The discriminant functions obtained in this study could help differentiate these three breeds of chicken that are suitable for artificial insemination in humid tropics using their post-thaw semen quality.
Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography in Preschool Children with a History of Treated or Spontaneously Regressed Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Kizilay Osman , Acar Ozge Pinar Akarsu
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the spherical equivalan (SE), the central, parafoveal, and perifoveal macular thickness results of the children with a history of treated or spontaneously regressed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: 79 right eyes of 79 children at the age of 5 years old were included in this cross-sectional observational study. 24 infants who received intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) were in group 1, 27 infants who underwent laser photocoagulation (LPC) were in group 2 and 28 infants who had spontaneous regression were in group 3. Central foveal thickness (CFT) and the thicknesses of four parafoveal and four perifoveal quadrants as superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal were analyzed by using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).Results: BCVA was significantly better (p=0.002) and the SE was significantly higher in group 3 than in both groups 1 and 2 (p=0.033). CFT was significantly lower in group 3 than in both groups 1 and 2 (p<0.001). The parafoveal average, temporal, inferior, and nasal thickness values; the perifoveal average, superior, temporal thickness results were significantly higher in group 2 than in both groups 1 and 3 (p=0.003, p=0.002, p=0.009, p=0.009, respectively), (p=0.003, p<0.001, p=0.007, respectively).Conclusion: CFT was significantly higher in infants who had treatment for ROP. Parafoveal and perifoveal retinal thicknesses in certain quadrants were higher in those receiving LPC treatment than the others. CFT was negatively correlated with both gestational age and birth weight. Myopia was seen more often in children who had treatment.
Can Preoperative MRI Predict Intra-Operative Hamstring Graft Size In Double Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?
Authors: Samejima Yuji , Mochizuki Yuta , Ishii Katsuhisa , Ikegami Hiroyasu , Musha Yoshiro
Published: March 2022

Background: Hamstring tendon graft diameters < 8 mm are considered a risk factor for graft failure. There is a lack of data regarding the prediction of double-bundle (DB) hamstring graft diameter using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aimed to evaluate whether preoperative MRI can be a predictor of DB hamstring graft diameter and to determine the minimum hamstring tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) on MRI required to produce a hamstring graft equivalent to 8 mm of a single-bundle (SB) graft, in the case of a DB graft.Methods: A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction between 2017 and 2020. The inclusion criteria were (1) patients aged 20 years or older and (2) operation with DB reconstruction. The exclusion criteria were (1) multiple ligament injuries, (2) previous hamstring injury, and (3) patients who underwent revision surgery. The correlation between preoperative MRI CSA and anthropometric data and graft size was calculated, and the factors most associated with graft size were calculated using multiple regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was also used to calculate the threshold for creating a thicker DB graft.Results: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected 69 patients for this study. There was a positive correlation between intra-operative graft size and height (r = 0.590, P < 0.001), weight (r = 0.485, P < 0.001) and preoperative MRI semitendinosus tendon + gracilis tendon CSA (r = 0.591, P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that preoperative MRI CSA was the most influential factor on intra-operative graft size (β = 0.366, 95% CI 0.237-0.946, P = 0.001). Based on the ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off value of MRI CSA for determining the CSA of DB graft corresponding to an SB diameter of 8 mm was 19.1 mm2 (sensitivity 96.3%, specificity 80.0%).Conclusions: MRI CSA was found to be the most relevant factor for graft size. The ability to predict graft diameter by preoperative MRI is beneficial for surgical planning and graft selection and may reduce the risk of failure.Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series
Probabilistic analysis of water-sealed performance in underground oil storage considering spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity
Authors: Zhang Huijie , Zhang Bin , Li Yajun , Wang Lei , Li Yutao , Shi Lei , Wang Hanxun
Published: March 2022

For underground water-sealed oil storage, the spatial variability of the surrounding rock has a significant impact on the water-sealed effect of a water curtain system. This study presents a methodology for the probabilistic analysis of water curtain performance in underground oil storage, considering the spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity of the surrounding rock based on field data. Anisotropic random fields representing the spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity were established through spatial statistical analysis of field data and introduced into the finite element model of underground oil storage for water-sealed reliability analysis. The water-sealed performance of different water curtain system schemes was studied using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). The results showed that the difference between the horizontal spatial correlation and the vertical spatial correlation of the surrounding rock has a significant impact on the water-sealed effect of the water curtain system. An excessively large pressure of water curtain boreholes provided a small contribution to improving water curtain performance. The distance between the water curtain holes and the caverns has the less significant affecting the water-sealed reliability of the storage cavern. Finally, the optimal design of the water curtain system is discussed. This study provides valuable insights and a theoretical basis for the optimisation of water curtain system design parameters for underground water-sealed oil storage.
An evaluation of urbanisation challenges experienced in the Low-Income Areas of Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Williams Prof John James , Zacheous Abang Ako
Published: March 2022

This paper examined the challenges experienced in low-income areas with specific emphasis on Khayelitsha, Cape Town. The paper argues that low-income areas in most cities are faced with enormous challenges, including amongst many others, crime, overcrowding, sanitation, health issues, floods, and shack fires. These challenges are the byproduct of poor/colonial and/or urban planning practices or institutional inertia/neglect from municipalities and skewed service provisions. Moreover, these challenges account for the spread of environmental health diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. It is furthermore argued that these areas are also associated with substance abuse, alcoholism, and prostitution. The objective of this paper is to highlight these challenges in Low-Income Areas and their implications. Interestingly, existing scholarship has barely mentioned these problems without intensely explaining their underlying implications. It is these lacunae or gaps in the extant literature that this current study will seek to address as it illuminates these implications. To gain these insights the study utilised ethnographic qualitative research and observations conducted from March 2018 to October 2019 utilising a sample of 28 individuals. The study found that these challenges impacts on the residents culminating in illness, loss of livelihoods, and lives, and also property. This rationalises the study as it seeks to influence policy and ensure a change in attitudes in these areas.
Exploring Changes In Participation In Dry January Between 2020 And 2021
Authors: Oldham Melissa , Kersbergen Inge , Cox Sharon , Brown Jamie , Piper Richard , Garnett Claire
Published: March 2022

Background: To explore the level of participation in Dry January during the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2021, and potential shifts in the sociodemographic and drinking characteristics of those taking part. Methods: We analysed data from: i) 1863 increasing and higher risk drinkers responding to a nationally representative survey of adults in England in January and February 2020 and 2021, and ii) 104,598 users of the ‘Try Dry’ app, the official aid to those participating in Dry January 2020 and 2021 in the UK. We used logistic regression, t-tests and chi-squared tests to compare the prevalence and sociodemographic composition of i) increasing and higher risk drinkers reporting a Dry January-motivated reduction attempt and ii) users of the ‘Try Dry’ app in 2020 and 2021.Results: The proportion of increasing and higher risk drinkers reporting Dry January-motivated reduction attempts increased from 4% in 2020 to 8% in 2021 (OR=2.07, 95% CI=1.38-3.11, p<.001) with no changes detected in sociodemographic composition. The number of Try Dry app users in 2021 increased by 34.8% relative to 2020. App users in 2021 were two years older on average [p<.001, d=.02], with a 2% increase in the proportion of female app users [p<.001, vs. <.01].Conclusions: Higher participation in Dry January 2021 relative to 2020 indicates increased engagement with a period of temporary abstinence following the COVID-19 related lockdowns in England and the UK, which is positive in the context of increasing alcohol consumption throughout the pandemic.
Tumor DNA from tumor in situ fluid was used to track genomic status and evolutionary models of gliomas under first-line treatment
Authors: Yu Jinliang , Xu Sensen , Sheng Zhiyuan , Gao Yushuai , Bu Chaojie , Wu Shuang , Deng Kaiyuan , Bu Yage , Liu Guanzheng , Yan Zhaoyue , Jia Yulong , Guo Guangzhong , Zhang Ziyue , Kong Lingfei , Liu Gang , Wang Meiyun , Ma Chunxiao , Li Tianxiao , Bu Xingyao
Published: March 2022

Background: Tumor DNA from tumor in situ fluid (TISF) provides a minimally invasive approach to repeatedly interrogated the glioma genome and provides an opportunity to monitor the dynamics of pressure-induced cloning for recurrence and treatment selectivity. Understanding the evolution of glioma will be of great help in clinical and scientific research of glioma. Currently, no study has explored the recurrence process of glioma.Methods: We performed high-depth generation gene sequencing in multiple regions of matched primary and recurrent tumors. Using 60 primary tumor tissues and their TISF, 26 of whom had tumor recurrence and 6 underwent 2 surgeries, we analyzed the heterogeneity of each period.Results：We measured considerable genomic variation in glioma patients at different times under the stress of first-line treatment. In gliomas dominated by genomic alleles with low frequency (VAF < 1%), radiographic residues had higher VAF (p = 0.016), and patients with postoperative recurrence also had higher VAF (p < 0.0001). Under the pressure of treatment, polyclonal mutations gradually increased with tumor evolution, and high-frequency dominant clones gradually appeared. Samples of relapsed TISF contained more abundant clonal mutations. Sequencing of relapsed tumor tissue and relapsed TISF samples showed high consistency in mutation detection and estimation of allele frequency (p < 0.0001, VAF correlation, R2 = 0.8737). Heterogeneity at different stages of the tumor was shown in patients who were continuously monitored. We determined that TISF may detect elevated Tumor DNA variant allele fraction prior to positive imaging findings and effectively identify patients with pseudoprogression.Conclusions: Continuous TISF-DNA analysis reveals the evolutionary structure of gliomas under first-line therapy and can be used to track postoperative residual disease and tumor recurrence. Most importantly, it could move glioma research forward.
Safety and Efficacy of Transvaginal Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction for Large Organ Specimen: a Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Hwang Woo Yeon , Suh Dong Hoon , Lee Sangchul
Published: March 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transvaginal natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) in patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic surgery for the treatment of benign or malignant diseases of solid organs, including the kidney, liver, stomach, adrenal gland, and bladder.Methods: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital between March 2015 and May 2020. The main outcome was cosmetic outcomes of scars assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) 1 and 8 weeks after surgery. The secondary outcomes were postoperative pain, operating time, and complications. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire 6 months after surgery in 17 patients who were sexually active at the time of surgery.Results: A total of 38 transvaginal NOSE procedures were performed for the extraction of 33 kidneys, 2 livers, 1 stomach, 1 adrenal gland, and 1 bladder. Observers rated pigmentation and relief scores as most deviant from normal skin (2.9 ± 1.7, 3.0 ± 2.1 at postoperative 1 week; 3.6 ± 1.9, 3.5 ± 2.2 at postoperative 8 weeks, respectively), but the overall scores of each item were low. The patients’ overall satisfaction with postoperative scars was high, and the mean scores for pain and itching were low, with significant improvement from the first week to the eighth week (P=0.014 and P=0.006, respectively). Patients also reported low scores on vaginal assessment items, indicating better symptoms, and bleeding improved significantly between the two time points (P=0.001). The mean FSFI total score was 21.2 ± 8.7 (cutoff score for dysfunction is 21), with higher scores indicating better sexual functioning. Postoperative pain was reduced from moderate during the first 24 h after surgery to mild after 24 h. The mean operative time of the transvaginal NOSE procedure was 28.3 ± 13.3 min. No postoperative complications were associated with the procedure. Conclusions: Transvaginal NOSE may be a safe and feasible procedure with promising cosmetic benefits for patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery for large organs including the kidney, liver, stomach, adrenal gland, and bladder. A prospective randomized clinical trial is needed to provide solid evidence to support transvaginal NOSE.Trial registration: This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05113134).
A Flexible Semi-Synthetic Data Generator for Risky Drinking Behavior
Authors: Liow Chi Hao , Choi Youngwoo , Yeom Jiwon , Doh Young Yim , Hong Seungbum
Published: March 2022

Machine intelligence has garnered immense attention owing to its ability to discover hidden patterns in abstract and high-dimensional datasets. However, its success is often limited by the fundamental bottleneck of data scarcity. In this work, we offer a universal data augmentation solution to resolve this impasse. We first discovered the hidden knowledge within the existing scarce dataset using the machine learning (ML) technique and then synthetically augmented the dataset according to its feature importance. In principle, scarce and augmented datasets should share a common statistical property. Using this property, we specifically study the scarce dataset representing the binge-drinking behavior of university students and show that our method is effective in augmenting a limited dataset with high fidelity. The current work challenges the status quo in data scarcity with rule-less-based ML, which removes the ostensible barrier that prevents the application of data-driven techniques to the data scarce clinical research.
Hydrothermal reworking as a mechanism forming high-grade Fe-Ti ores in layered intrusions
Authors: Wang Dachuan , Hou Tong , Botcharnikov Roman , Weyer Stefan , Haselbach Sarah , Zhang zhaochong , Wang Meng , Horn Ingo , Holtz Francois
Published: March 2022

The genesis of high-grade massive Fe-Ti oxide ores (up to >90 vol.%) in layered intrusions remains highly debated. Based on in-situ iron isotope data (δ56Fe) on drill-core samples from Fe-Ti oxide deposit hosted in Hongge layered intrusion, here we demonstrated that hydrothermal dissolution and re-precipitation of primary Fe-bearing minerals played a crucial role in the formation of the high-grade Fe-Ti oxide ores. Specifically, the δ56Fe data for primary magnetite (-0.23 to 0.63‰) and ilmenite (-1.08 to -0.27‰) significantly exceed the typical δ56Fe magmatic range. Secondary magnetites formed in thick massive ore layers, display extremely low δ56Fe values (-1.24 to -0.09‰), indicating obvious precipitation from hydrothermal fluids. Mass balance modelling suggests that about 20-30% of Fe in primary minerals was hydrothermally removed and subsequently re-precipitated into the major ore layers. Such hydrothermal reworking is expected to significantly increase both ore tonnages and grades of the Fe-Ti oxide ores.
Clinical and Genetic Analyses and Treatment Experiences of Patients with Lateralized Overgrowth
Authors: Kim Yoon-Myung , Lee Yena , Choi Yunha , Choi In-Hee , Heo Sun Hee , Choi Jung Min , Do Hyo-Sang , Jang Ja-Hyun , Yum Mi-Sun , Yoo Han-Wook , Lee Beom Hee
Published: March 2022

Background
The genetic features and management of lateralized overgrowth have been elusive. This study was performed to investigate the causative genes and outcomes of alpelisib-treated patients with lateralized overgrowth.
Methods
Fourteen patients with lateralized overgrowth were enrolled. Clinical features and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) findings were evaluated. Deep sequencing with a customized 143 gene panel of affected tissue and peripheral white blood cells was performed. Propranolol was administered and clinical outcomes were examined. The PIK3CA inhibitor alpelisib was administered via a managed access program.
Results
Genetic testing identified PIK3CA (n = 7, 50%), KRAS (n = 2, 14.3%), PTEN (n = 1, 7.1%), MAP2K3 (n = 1, 7.1%), GNAQ (n = 1, 7.1%), TBC1D4 (n = 1, 7.1%), and TEK (n = 1, 7.1%) mutations. Propranolol was administered in 12 patients, and 7 experienced relief of symptoms. Alpelisib was administered in two volunteers with a PIK3CA mutation, and the WB-MRI after 1 year of treatment showed a reduction in proliferated masses.
Conclusions
Deep sequencing identified diverse genetic features of lateralized overgrowth. Targeted therapy with a PIK3CA inhibitor would be the primary therapeutic strategy for PIK3CA-related overgrowth syndrome.
Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis of Small Renal Masses: Association with Collateral Vessels Detected Using Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography
Authors: Yanagi Masato , Kiriyama Tomonari , Akatsuka Jun , Endo Yuki , Takeda Hayato , Katsu Akifumi , Honda Yuichiro , Suzuki Kyota , Nishikawa Yoshihiro , Ikuma Shunsuke , Mikami Hikaru , Toyama Yuka , Kimura Go , Kondo Yukihiro
Published: March 2022

Background
Active surveillance (AS) is one of the treatment methods for patients with small renal masses (SRMs; <4 cm), including renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). However, some small RCCs may exhibit aggressive neoplastic behaviors and metastasize. Little is known about imaging biomarkers capable of identifying potentially aggressive small RCCs. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) often detects collateral vessels arising from neoplastic angiogenesis in RCCs. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between SRM differential diagnoses and prognoses, and the detection of collateral vessels using CECT.
Methods
A total of 130 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed non-metastatic SRMs (fat-poor angiomyolipomas [fpAMLs; n = 7] and RCCs [n = 123]) were retrospectively enrolled. Between 2011 and 2019, SRM diagnoses in these patients were confirmed after biopsy or surgical resection. All RCCs were surgically resected. Regardless of diameter, a collateral vessel (CV) was defined as any blood vessel connecting the tumor from around the kidney using CECT. First, we analyzed the role of CV-detection in differentiating between fpAML and RCC. Then, we evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of RCC diagnosis based on CV-detection using CECT. We also assessed the prognostic value of CV-detection using the Fisher exact test, and Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test.
Results
The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of CV-detection for the diagnosis of small RCCs was 48.5%, 45.5%, 100%, 100%, and 9.5% respectively. Five of 123 (4.1%) patients with RCC experienced recurrence. CV-detection using CECT was the only significant factor associated with recurrence (p = 0.0177). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was significantly lower in patients with CV compared with in those without CV (5-year RFS 92.4% versus 100%, respectively; p = 0.005). In addition, critical review of the CT images revealed the CVs to be continuous with the venous vessels around the kidney.
Conclusions
The detection of CVs using CECT is useful for differentiating between small fpAMLs and RCCs. CV-detection may also be applied as a predictive parameter for small RCCs prone to recurrence after surgical resection. Moreover, AS may not be suitable for small RCCs with CVs.
Evaluation of a Post-Discharge Pharmacist Opioid Review Following Total Knee Arthroplasty – A Pilot Study
Authors: Tran Tim , Ford James , Hardidge Andrew , Antoine Shari , Veevers Beth , Taylor Simone , Elliott Rohan A
Published: March 2022

BackgroundMore than 70% of patients continue to use opioid medications 3-weeks following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Post-discharge pharmacist reviews improve medication management, however it’s effect on opioid usage is not known.AimThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of post-discharge pharmacist review on opioid use following TKA.MethodsA pilot pre- and post-intervention study was undertaken on patients who had undergone a TKA and were supplied an opioid upon discharge from hospital. During the intervention, patients were contacted by a pharmacist approximately five days post-discharge to review analgesic usage, provide education and advice and communicate a plan to their general practitioner (GP). The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients taking opioids 3-weeks post-discharge. Secondary endpoints included:· Percentage of patients obtaining an opioid refill;· Patient satisfaction with opioid supply and the pharmacist review.ResultsPre- and post-intervention, 65 and 44 patients were included, respectively. The percentage of patients taking opioids 3-weeks post-discharge declined from 72.3% to 29.6% (p<0.001) and the percentage requiring an opioid refill from their GP declined from 64.6% to 36.4% (p<0.001). More patients were satisfied with opioid supply during the intervention period (79.5% cf. 47.6%, p=0.001). 28 (63.6%) patients could recall the post-discharge pharmacist review, and all were either satisfied or extremely satisfied with the review.ConclusionPharmacist-delivered post-discharge review reduced the percentage of patients taking opioids 3-weeks post-discharge following a TKA. This intervention has the potential to provide a more balanced approach to the management of hospital supplied opioids.
Dysregulated protein phosphorylation in tauopathy
Authors: Ferrer Isidro Ferrer , Andrés-Benito Pol , Ausín Karina , Cartas-Cejudo Paz , Lachén-Montes Mercedes , Rio José Antonio del , Fernández-Irigoyen Joaquín , Santamaría Enrique
Published: March 2022

The neocortex of P301S mice, used as a model of frontotemporal degeneration linked to tau mutation, and wild-type mice, both aged 9 months, were analyzed with conventional label-free phosphoproteomics and SWATH-MS (sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry) to assess the (phospho)proteomes. The total number of identified dysregulated phosphoproteins was 328 corresponding to 524 phosphorylation sites. The majority of dysregulated phosphoproteins, most of them hyper-phosphorylated, were proteins of the membranes, synapses, membrane trafficking, membrane vesicles linked to endo- and exocytosis, cytoplasmic vesicles, and cytoskeleton. Another group was composed of kinases. In contrast, proteins linked to DNA, RNA metabolism, RNA splicing, and protein synthesis were hypo-phosphorylated. Other pathways modulating energy metabolism, cell signalling, Golgi apparatus, carbohydrates, and lipids are also targets of dysregulated protein phosphorylation in P301S mice. The present results, together with accompanying immunohistochemical and western blotting studies, show widespread abnormal phosphorylation of proteins, in addition to protein tau, in P301S mice. These observations point to dysregulated protein phosphorylation as a relevant contributory pathogenic component of tauopathies.
Role of controlled hypotension in Resuscitation of Elderly Trauma Patients in Emergency Department, Egypt
Authors: Nofal Aya E. , Awad Noha M. , Abdelgeleel Nashwa M. , Ismail Monira Taha
Published: March 2022

Background: In the recent decade, a new paradigm in early trauma resuscitation especially in case of ongoing, uncontrollable bleeding has emerged. This paradigm change stresses on damage control resuscitation; a combination process of controlled hypotension, balanced resuscitation and damage control surgery. This study was designed to determine the impact of controlled hypotension as a factor in improving the outcome in traumatized elderly patients because vigorous fluid resuscitation is associated with a rebleeding and high mortality rate.Aim: This study was conducted to improve the resuscitation process and decrease the mortality rate of elderly trauma patients in the emergency department.Subjects and methods: This comparative cross-sectional study included elderly trauma patients (> 65 years old) presenting with traumatic hypovolemic shock who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Suez Canal University Hospital according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, which received balanced resuscitation with controlled hypotension with the target systolic blood pressure being 90 mmHg, and Group 2, which received balanced resuscitation with the target systolic blood pressure being 100 mmHg.Results: After resuscitation, patients in the controlled hypotension group had significantly less severe base deficit than those in the group 2 (p = 0.04). Meanwhile, regarding coagulopathy, patients in the controlled hypotension group had significantly lower international normalized ratio (<1.5) than those in the Group 2 (p < 0.001). Moreover, we found that patients who took controlled hypotension have less mortality at the emergency room (21.6%) than those in the group 2 (35.1%) (p = 0.04).Conclusion: The study reported a lower rate of mortality and acid deficit in the group managed by controlled hypotension. The results regarding the benefits of controlled hypotension in elderly trauma patients are optimistic. However, many confirmatory studies should be conducted.
Optimized Design and Key Performance Factors of a Gas Circulation Filtration System in a Metal 3D Printer
Authors: guoqing zhang , junxin li , xiaoyu Zhou , yongsheng zhou , anmin wang
Published: March 2022

To further improve the quality of parts in metal 3D printers, it is necessary to optimize the structure and study the performance of their gas circulation filtration systems. First, we used the parametric modeling method to complete the formed cavity modeling. We then optimized the design of the air inlet structure of the formed cavity using the moldflow simulation method, and finally, we evaluated the optimized design results through assembly experiments and measurements of the molded parts’ components. The combination of parametric modeling and moldflow simulation methods produced a high modeling efficiency and had a good effect on the optimized design of the gas circulation filtration systems. After optimizing the design, the turbulence intensities and distribution areas of the formed cavities were reduced. During the 3D printing of the curved guide plate, the plane of the guide plate holder was inclined 55° relative to the machining datum plane, which improved the form quality. The 3D printed curved guide plate closely matched the inlet end of the printer’s air duct, and the upper guide plate was fixed at a suitable position using screws. The niobium contents of the parts formed by the guide plate in Design 2 were low, which lays a foundation for the 3D printing of high-performance metal parts.
The crude oil biodegradation activity of Candida strains isolated from oil-reservoirs soils in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Otibi Fatimah , Al-Zahrani Rasha M. , Marraiki Najat
Published: March 2022

Crude oil (petroleum) is a naturally occurring complex composed of hydrocarbon deposits and other organic materials. Bioremediation of crude oil-polluted sites is restricted by the biodiversity of indigenous microflora. They possess complementary substrates required for degrading the different hydrocarbons. In the current study, four yeast strains were isolated from different oil reservoirs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The oil-biodegradation ability of these isolates showed variable oxidation effects on multiple hydrocarbons. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed morphological changes of Candida isolates compared to the original structures. The drop-collapse and oil emulsification assays showed that yeast strains affected the physical properties of tested hydrocarbons. The content of biosurfactants produced by isolated strains was quantified in the presence of different hydrocarbons to confirm the oil displacement activity. The recovery assays included acid precipitation, solvent extraction, ammonium sulfate, and zinc sulfate precipitation methods. All these methods revealed that the amount of biosurfactants correlates to the type of tested hydrocarbons, where the highest amount was produced in crude oil contaminated samples. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of Candida isolated from contaminated soils for bioremediation of petroleum oil pollution. That raises the need for further analyses on the microbes/hydrocarbon degradation dynamics.
A Simple Self-assembling System of Melittin for Hepatoma Treatment
Authors: Jin Xin , Yang Qing , Song Jie , Zhang Zhenhai
Published: March 2022

Hepatoma is a serious public health concern. New attempts are urgently needed to solve this problem. Melittin, a host defense peptide derived from the venom of honeybees, has noteworthy hemolysis and non-specific cytotoxicity in clinical applications. Here, the self-assembly of melittin and vitamin E-succinic acid-(glutamate)12 (VG) was fabricated via noncovalent π-stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions by an environment-friendly method without the use of “toxic” solvents. As expected, the designed self-assembly (denoted as M/VG nanoparticles) exhibits a uniform morphology with a particle size of approximately 60 nm and a zeta potential of approximately −26.8 mV. Furthermore, added VG significantly decreased hemolytic activity, increased tumor-targeted effects, promoted the cellular uptake, and accelerate apoptosis. Our research provides a promising strategy for the development of natural self-assembled biological peptides for clinical application, particularly for transforming toxic peptides into safe therapeutic systems.
Stopping the decline of Swiss biodiverse fruit orchards by better targeting subsidies
Authors: Nishizawa Takamasa , Kay Sonja , Schuler Johannes , Klein Noëlle , Herzog Felix , Aurbacher Joachim , Zander Peter
Published: March 2022

Agri-environmental schemes (AES) aimed at promoting farmland biodiversity are a key agricultural policy instrument in Switzerland. While the share of farmland managed under AES has expanded, traditional orchard meadows, regarded as agrobiodiversity hotspots, are declining. It is not clear yet what role AES play in maintaining orchard meadows, considering the effects of different farm management. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of AES on farmers’ decision-making regarding orchard meadows across a range of farm types. We developed an ecological-economic assessment model by integrating the results of the expert system SALCA-BD (Swiss Agricultural Life Cycle Assessment—Biodiversity) into the optimization-based bio-economic farm model (BEFM). We applied the model to five typical farm types (small dairy, large dairy, suckler, orchard, and small farms) identified in a rural region of northern Switzerland. Modeling results show that the adoption of AES considerably varies among farm types according to the compliance cost of participating in AES. Also, the current AES do not provide farmers with sufficient payments to maintain any type of orchard meadows. Instead, converting orchard meadows into arable land would generate higher incomes for farmers. This study recommends farm type specific payments to different farm types and a regulatory framework that incentivizes farmers to preserve the existing area of orchard meadows.
Studies the Preliminary Phytochemical Composition and Assessments of Antibacterial Effects of Aqueous- Methanol Extracts of Cucumis Ficifolius fruit, leaf, and seed parts in the University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe samuel
Published: March 2022

Infectious diseases are the major problems of the world as a result of the emerging and reemerging of different antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms due to several reasons like missiles and repeating uses of antibiotics. As a result, searching for new treatment methods is essential from natural substances to against those infectious diseases in both human and animals’ prospects. Among those plants, Cucumis ficifolius has various roles against those infectious diseases via its different phytochemical components. The objectives of this study were assessing the antibacterial activity of the aqueous-methanol extract of the Cucumis ficifolius seed, leaf, and fruit parts and knowing the phytochemical constituents of the plant. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that the extract of Cucumis ficifolius seed, leaf, and fruit parts possesses flavonoids, quinone, phenols, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. In addition the antibacterial activity of the plant extract was evaluated on seven pathogenic bacteria species using the agar well diffusion method at different concentrations of plant extracts. Minimum inhibition concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration determinations were done by tetrazolium chloride microtiter dilution assay. The inhibition zone of mean diameters ranging from 00.00 to 14.16 mm against all test bacteria was significantly (p < 0.05) much higher than that of the positive control oxytetracycline(30𝜇g/disc) with the range of 4.45mm-13.45mm of inhibition zone of diameters. The inhibition zones of the tested bacteria at the concentration of 62.5mg/ml were much less than the higher concentration (500mg/ml) and significantly different (p < 0.05), whereas the MIC value ranges from 0.52mg/ml to 20.83mg/ml, and the MBC value ranges from 0.65 mg/ml to 25.00 mg/ml. The present study showed that Cucumis ficifolius have higher antibacterial activities with having potential for further study to serve as a source of antibacterial agents.
The dominant mesopredator and savanna formations shape the distribution of the rare northern tiger cat (Leopardus tigrinus) in the Amazon
Authors: de Oliveira Tadeu Gomes , Fox-Rosales Lester A. , Paemelaere Evi A. D. , Ferraz Katia Maria Paschoaletto Micchi Barros
Published: March 2022

Understanding the distribution patterns of threatened species is central to conservation. The Amazonian distribution of the northern tiger cat (N-tiger cat, Leopardus tigrinus) and its interspecific relationship with the ocelot, its potential intraguild killer, are intriguing. Here, we combined presence/absence records with species distribution models (SDMs) to determine N-tiger cat occurrence in the Amazon. We also modeled the ocelot density from 46 published estimates. The N-tiger cat’s presence in the Amazon was negatively influenced by the ocelot density and net primary productivity and positively influenced by savannas and precipitation in the driest month. The best-fitting model predicted highly patchy N-tiger cat occurrence over an area of 236,238.67 km2, almost exclusively in savanna enclaves. Additionally, 312,348 camera trap-days at 49 sites in the Amazon revealed no N-tiger cats. The ocelot densities were significantly higher in denser vegetation cover and warmer habitats, with predicted densities ≥ 0.6 ind/km2 throughout most of the biome. The lowest ocelot densities (≤ 0.06 ind/km2) were observed along the predicted range of N-tiger cats. Our findings highlight that the N-tiger cat’s presence in the Amazon is restricted to savannas and highly influenced by the ocelot density, emphasizing the importance of including species interactions in SDMs.
The regulatory role of the SIRT1/FoxO1 pathway in the prevention of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle by aerobic exercise in mice
Authors: Wang Haitao , Yang Wenqian , Yang Guang , Liu Yuqian
Published: March 2022

Silent information regulator proteins (SIRT) play key roles in glucose and lipid metabolism and homeostasis. The SIRT1 inhibitor was used to investigate the mechanism of the SIRT1/FoxO1 (Forkhead box O1) pathway in mice and its function in the prevention of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Forty male mice were randomly divided into a control group and three experimental groups (NH: high-fat diet, HE: high-fat diet plus exercise, and HES: high-fat diet plus exercise and SIRT1 inhibitor). After 14 weeks, the fat weight, blood glucose level, and HOMA-IR score in HES were significantly increased compared to those in HE (P < 0.01). The same parameters were significantly decreased in HE compared to those in the NH group (P < 0.01). Mitochondrial 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine) level of the HES group was significantly higher than that of the HE group (P < 0.01). Compared with NH, the 8-OHdG and 4-HNE (4-hydroxynonenal) level were significantly decreased in HE (P < 0.01). Histologic evaluation demonstrated mitochondrial vacuoles in HES, while a clean arrangement of mitochondrial cristae was observed in HE. FoxO1 acetylation was enhanced in HES compared to that in HE (P < 0.01). The insulin resistance was induced in mice after 14-week high-fat diet, while glucose metabolism was significantly improved by aerobic exercise. The physiologic adaptations induced by exercise were not observed in the presence of an SIRT1 inhibitor. Thus, the SIRT1/FoxO1 pathway effectively regulates glucose metabolism during aerobic exercise and also prevents fat-induced peroxidation injury in skeletal muscles.
pH regulatory divergent point for the selective bio-oxidation of primary diols during resting cell catalysis
Authors: Hua Xia , Zhang ChenHui , Han Jian , Xu Yong
Published: March 2022

Background
Hydroxyl acid is an important platform chemical that covers many industrial applications due to dual functional modules. At present, the traditional technology for hydroxyl acid production mainly adopts the petroleum route with benzene, cyclohexane and butadiene and other non-renewable resources as raw materials which violates the law of green chemistry development. Conversely, it is well-known that biotechnology and bioengineering techniques possess several advantages over chemical methods, such as moderate reaction conditions, high chemoselectivity, and are environmental-friendly. However, there still exist some major obstacles for the industrial application of biotechnology as compared with chemical engineering. The critical issue in the competitiveness between bioengineering and chemical engineering is products titer and volume productivity. Therefore, based on the importance of hydroxyl acids in many fields, exploring a clean, environmentally friendly, efficient and practical production technology for the hydroxyl acids preparation is the core purpose of this study.
Results
To obtain high-purity hydroxyl acid, a microbiological regulation employing Gluconobacter oxydans for its bioproduction was constructed. We achieved a critical point of chain length, determining the end-products. G. oxydans catalyzed diols with chain length ≤ 4, forming hydroxyl acids, and converting 1,5-pentanediol and 1,6-hexanediol to diacids. Based on this principle, we successfully synthesized 75.3 g/L glycolic acid, 83.2 g/L 3-hydroxypropionic acid, and 94.3 g/L 4-hydroxybutyric acid within 48 h. Furthermore, we directionally controlled the products of C5/C6 diols by adjusting pH, resulting in 102.3 g/L 5‑hydroxyvaleric acid and 48.8 g/L 6-hydroxycaproic acid instead of diacids. Combined with pH regulation and cell-recycling, we prepared 271.4 g 5‑hydroxyvaleric acid and 129.4 g 6-hydroxycaproic acid in 6 rounds.
Conclusion
In this study, a green scheme of employing G. oxydans as biocatalyst for superior-quality hydroxyl acids (C2-C6) production is raised up. The proposed strategy commendably demonstrated a novel technology with simple pH regulation for high-value production of hydroxyl acids via green bioprocess developments.
Eigensolutions and Thermodynamic Properties of Kratzer plus generalized Morse Potential
Authors: Isonguyo Cecilia N. , Okon Ituen B. , Antia Akaninyene D. , Oyewumi Kayode J. , Omugbe Ekwevugbe , Onate Clement A. , Joshua Roseline U. , Udoh Monday E. , Ituen Eno E.
Published: March 2022

In this study, we apply the parametric Nikiforov-Uvarov method to obtain the bound state solution of Schrödinger wave equation in the presence of Kratzer plus generalized Morse potential (KPGM). The energy eigen equation and the corresponding normalised wave function were obtained in closed form. The resulting energy eigen equation were use to study partition function and other thermodynamic properties such as vibrational mean energy, vibrational specific heat capacity, vibrational mean free energy and vibrational entropy for the proposed potential as applied to lithium hydride diatomic molecule. The thermodynamic plots obtained were in excellent agreement to work of existing literatures. The wave function and probability density plots for the diatomic molecules were obtained through a well designed and implemented maple programme.PACS Nos: 03.65Ge; 03.65-w; 03.65Ca