bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanding The Clinical Phenotype and Genetic Spectrum of PURA-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Choi Sun Ah , Lee Heun-Sik , Park Tae-Joon , Park Soojin , Ko Young Jun , Kim Soo Yeon , Lim Byung Chan , Kim Ki Joong , Chae Jong-Hee
Published: February 2021

Background: PURA-related neurodevelopmental disorders (PURA-NDDs) include 5q31.3 deletion syndrome and PURA syndrome. PURA-NDDs are characterized by neonatal hypotonia, moderate to severe global developmental delay/intellectual disability (GDD/ID), facial dysmorphism, epileptic seizures, nonepileptic movement disorders, and ophthalmological problems. PURA-NDDs have recently been identified and underestimated in neurodevelopmental cohorts, but their diagnosis is still challenging. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics, genetic spectrum, and diagnostic journey of patients with PURA-NDDs.Results: We report 2 patients with 5q31.3 microdeletion and 5 with PURA pathogenic variants. They demonstrated hypotonia (7/7, 100%), feeding difficulties (4/5, 80%), and respiratory problems (4/7, 57%) in the neonatal period. All of them had severe GDD/ID and could not achieve independent waking and verbal responses. Distinctive facial features of open-tented upper vermilion, long philtrum, and anteverted nares and poor visual fixation and tracking with or without nystagmus were most commonly found (5/7, 71.4%). There were no significant differences in clinical phenotypes between 5q31.3 microdeletion syndrome and PURA syndrome. PURA-NDDs need to be considered as a differential diagnosis in individuals who show severe hypotonia, including feeding difficulties since birth and severe developmental retardation with distinctive facial and ophthalmological features.Conclusions: Our data expands the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of PURA-NDD. Next-generation sequencing methods based on the detailed phenotypic evaluation would shorten the diagnostic delay and would help this rare disorder become a recognizable cause of neurodevelopmental delay.
The Equine Faecal Microbiota Undergoes Step-wise Compositional Changes in Accordance With Increasing Levels of Domestication
Authors: Bull Katie , Davies Gareth , Jenkins Timothy Patrick , Peachey Laura Elizabeth
Published: February 2021

BackgroundChanges to the gut microbiota are associated with an increased incidence of disease in many species. This is particularly important during the process of domestication, where captive animals commonly suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) pathology. Horses are a prime example of a species which suffers from a high incidence of (often life-threatening) GI diseases in domesticated environments. We aimed to indentify the gut microbial changes which occur due to domestication in horses by profiling the faecal microbiota of adult female Exmoor ponies under three management conditions, representing increasing levels of domestication.MethodsFaecal samples were collected from 29 adult female Exmoor ponies in the South West of the UK; ponies were categorised as Feral (n=10), Semi-Feral (n=10) and Domesticated (n=9), based on their management conditions; thus controlling for age, gender and random effects between groups. Diet and medication were recorded and faecal samples taken to assess parasite infection. Faecal microbial composition was profiled via high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene.ResultsDownstream biostatistical analysis indicated profound step-wise changes in global microbial community structure in the transition from Feral to Semi-Feral to Domesticated groups. A relatively high abundance of members of the phylum Proteobacteria and Tenericutes were associated with the Domesticated group; and higher levels of Methanobacteria were seen in the Feral group. The Semi-Feral group frequently had intermediate levels of these taxa; however, they also exhibited the greatest ‘within group’ variation in bacterial diversity and parasites burdens. Functional predictions revealed increased amino acid and lipid metabolism in the Domesticated group and increased energy metabolism in the Feral group; supporting a hypothesis that differences in diet was the key driver of gut microbial composition. ConclusionsIf assumed the Feral population has a more natural gut microbial phenotype, akin to that with which horses have evolved, these data can potentially be used to provide microbial signitures of balanced gut homeostasis in horses; which, in turn, will aid prevention of GI disease in domesticated horses.
Degradation of Wetlands and Livelihood Dependence on Lake Abaya-Chamo Wetland, Southern Ethiopia.
Authors: Zekarias Tariku , Govindu Vanum , Kebede Yechale , Gelaw Abren
Published: February 2021

Abaya-Chamo and other wetlands of Ethiopia provide multiple ecosystem services, they are extremely affected by various anthropogenic factors. The unsustainable use of wetlands stems from the negligence of the users about the wetland degradation and the limited policy attention by decision-makers. This study was aimed at analyzing the livelihood benefits of Abaya-chamo lake-wetland and the driving forces of its degradation. Data were gathered using questionnaire survey of 384 households (selected via systematic random sampling), focus group discussion, interview and ﬁeld observation. Percent, regression, etc., were used for data analysis. It was found that Abaya-chamo lake-wetland offers fish, timber, firewood, fodder, irrigation water, farmland, rainfall, recreation, tourism, aesthetic, carbon sink, air quality and climate regulation, etc., services to local people. Farm expansion, sedimentation, irrigation, invasive plants (e.g. emboch), open access and overuse of resources, lack of legal framework and rapid population growth were the main causes of the wetland degradation. Applying the lakes’ salty-water for irrigation is expected to lead to chemical land degradation in the next few decades. The invasive emboch-plant results in dwindling aquatic resources (e.g. fish), loss of economic and tour benefits, and change in local climate thereby depleting the lake water, and the dissolved O2 and CO2 storage capacity of the lake-wetland rapidly. The lakes’ salty-water based irrigation is expected to result in chemical land degradation to the extent of abandoning crop farming in the next few decades unless some actions are taken. Thus, the government should formulate clear policy and legal framework about sustainable management of wetland resources.
The Effects From Oral Administration of Recombinant Interferon-alpha on Piglet Daily Care
Authors: Dai Fawen , Liu Yanting , Zhang Meimei , Tao Lin , Huashuo Chu , Gong Ruixue , Zhao Baokai
Published: February 2021

The administration of interferon has improved the antiviral and immunomodulatory abilities of piglets, which is conductive to the prevention and control of diseases, such as African swine fever. This study aimed to evaluate the effects from oral administration of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) on the daily care of piglets. The results were compared with compound Chinese herbal, which was proved to improve serum interferon level. Further, the administration routes were compared between oral administration and intramuscular injection. Forty (40) piglets with equal age and weight were randomly divided into four groups: Control group (Group C, without treatment), Group H (treated with compound Chinese herbal), Group K (administered orally with recombinant IFN-α, 1500 IU per day per piglet), and Group J (administered intramuscularly with IFN-α, 4× 106 IU per day per piglet). After the treatment of 15 days, both oral and intramuscular treatment of recombinant IFN-α significantly improved the secretion of IFN-gamma (IFN-γ) (P<0.05), and the effects of intramuscular pathway were faster. In addition, the expression levels of IFN-stimulated genes (MX1 and ISG15) were significantly enhanced (P<0.01), independently of IFN-α treatment time and serum IFN-γ level. Different from other studies, compound Chinese herbal showed weaker effects on interferon stimulation in piglets. The results indicated that oral administration of recombinant IFN-α improved interferon-induced response of piglets at both serum and molecular levels, which may be applied for improving autoimmunity of piglets.
Changes in Mesopotamian Wetlands: Investigations Using Diverse Remote Sensing Datasets
Authors: Al-Nasrawi Ali K. M. , Fuentes Ignacio , Al-Shammari Dhahi
Published: February 2021

Early civilizations have inhabited stable-water-resourced areas that supported living needs and activities, including agriculture. The Mesopotamian marshes, recognised as the most ancient human-inhabited area (~6000 years ago) and refuge of rich biodiversity, have experienced dramatic changes during the past five decades, starting to fail in providing adequate environmental functioning and support of social communities as they used to for thousands of years. The aim of this study is to observe, analyse and report the extent of changes in these marshes from 1972 to 2020. Data from various remote sensing sources were acquired through Google Earth Engine (GEE) including climate variables, land cover, surface reflectance, and surface water occurrence collections. Results show a clear wetlands dynamism over time and a significant loss in marshlands extent, even though no significant long-term change was observed in lumped rainfall from 1982, and even during periods where no meteorological drought had been recorded. Human interventions have disturbed the ecosystems, which is evident when studying water occurrence changes. These show that the diversion of rivers and the building of a new drainage system caused the migration and spatiotemporal changes of marshlands. Nonetheless, restoration plans (after 2003) and strong wet conditions (period 2018 - 2020) have helped to recover the ecosystems, these have not led the marshlands to regain their former extent. Further studies should pay more attention to the drainage network within the study area as well as the neighboring regions and their impact on the streamflow that feeds the study area.
Managing Stable Ventricular Tachycardia in an Adolescent - Don’t Grab the Paddles Too Quickly
Authors: Barbera Nicole , Amin Minal , Cohen Mitchell
Published: February 2021

Spontaneous ventricular tachycardia (VT) rarely occurs in pediatric patients, therefore; management recommendations are very limited [1]. We present an adolescent with palpitations found to have a monomorphic wide complex rapid tachyarrhythmia. Despite a very rapid ventricular rate of 235 beats per minute (bpm) she remained hemodynamically stable and was successfully pharmacologically cardioverted. We highlight the considerations in managing a hemodynamically stable pediatric patient with VT with emphasis on the utilization of pharmacologic therapies as opposed to electrical cardioversion.
The Impact of Neonatal Morbidities on Child Growth and Developmental Outcome in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Han Jung Ho , Yoon So Jin , Lim Joo Hee , Shin Jeong Eun , Eun Ho Seon , Park Min Soo , Park Kook In , Lee Soon Min
Published: February 2021

IntroductionGrowth in preterm infants has long-term implications for neurodevelopmental outcomes. We aimed to estimate the nationwide growth outcomes from birth to 5 years in infants born under 1,500 g and to analyze the effects of major morbidities of preterm infants on growth.MethodsTotal 2,961 children with birth weight under 1,500 g who were born in 2013 and examined the Infant Health Check-up between 2013 and 2018 from the National Health Insurance Service database were included. Check-ups were at 4-6, 9-12, 18-24, 30-36, 42-48, and 54-60 months of age. Information was obtained by the International Classification of Diseases-10 codes or by the questionnaire in the check-up program.ResultsAt 60 months of age, mean percentiles of weight, height, and head circumference showed only 30 – 40th percentile of normal growth for their ages. About 30% had growth parameters below the 10th percentile and showed worse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Using multiple logistic regression, infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia showed significantly higher incidence of growth restriction in all three categories, weight (odds ratio [OR] 1.50), height (OR 1.33), and head circumference (OR 1.36) at 60 months. Sepsis was associated with growth restriction in weight (OR 1.43) and head circumference (OR 1.33). Periventricular leukomalacia infants had relatively small head circumferences (OR 1.91) and poor developmental screening results (OR 2.89).ConclusionCatch-up growth remains a major issue in infants born under 1,500 g, especially those with some morbidities of preterm birth. Regular check-ups to monitor and early intervention for their normal growth is essential.
Research and Application of Active Support and Pressure Relief Protection in Deep Mines
Authors: Li Cunlu , Zhao Yanpeng , Xue Haojie , Wu Jilu , Ma Wa , Shen Shibao , Lu Haoran
Published: February 2021

In recent years, with the extension of the coal mine at depth, rock bursts are more and more frequent. Therefore, the research of roadway support and pressure relief has become the key to prevent rock burst. In this paper, the primary high strength support and hydraulic fracturing pressure relief measures of roadway are studied and analysed. The primary high strength support emphasizes the matching characteristics of support materials, strengthen the protection of the active support to the roadway, and realize an integrated support system. Considering strong burst-prone area, the hydraulic fracturing is used to achieve pressure relief of surrounding rock mass, which can release and transfer the energy within the range of pressure relief. When there is energy release outside the range of protection system, the pressure relief region can absorb the energy so as to achieve the purpose of protecting the roadway. A field engineering case is applicated, the results shown that the stress of roadway surrounding rock and micro seismic energy significantly decreases, reducing the possibility of rock bursts.
Stem trait spectra underpin multiple functions of temperate gymnosperm and angiosperm tree species
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Sterck Frank J. , Sass-Klaassen Ute , Cornelissen J. Hans C. , Logtestijn Richard S.P. van , Hefting Mariet , Goudzwaard Leo , Zuo Juan , Poorter Lourens
Published: February 2021

A central paradigm in comparative ecology is that species sort out along a global economic strategy spectrum, ranging from slow to fast growth. Many studies evaluated plant strategy spectra for leaf traits, b u t few studies evaluated stem strategy spectra using a comprehensive set of anatomical, chemical and morphological traits, addressing key stem functions of different stem compartments (inner wood, outer wood and bark). This study evaluates how stem traits vary in the wood and bark of temperate tree species, and whether a slow-fast growth strategy spectrum exists and what traits make up this plant strategy spectrum. For 14 temperate gymnosperm and angiosperm species, 20 traits belonging to six key stem functions were measured for three stem compartments. Both across and within gymnosperms and angiosperms, a slow-fast stem strategy spectrum is found. Gymnosperms have slow traits and showed converging stem strategies because of their uniform tracheids. Angiosperms have fast traits and showed diverging stem strategies because of a wider array of tissues (vessels, parenchyma and fibers) and vessel size and arrangements (ring-porous versus diffuse porous). Gymnosperms showed a main trade-off between hydraulic efficiency and safety, and angiosperms showed a main trade-off between ‘slow’ diffuse porous species and ‘fast’ ring porous species. The slow traits of gymnosperms allow for a high hydraulic safety, an evergreen leaf habit and steady but slow growth makes them successful in unproductive habitats whereas the fast traits of angiosperms allow for high conductivity, a deciduous leaf habit and fast growth which makes them successful in productive habitats.
Mitochondrial-Associated Protein LRPPRC is Related With Poor Prognosis Potentially and Exerts as an Oncogene via Maintaining Mitochondrial Function in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hu Qiongying , Wang Li , Zhang Yi , Tian Bole , Zhao ziyi , Zhang Ya
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe mitochondrial-associated protein LRPPRC exerts multiple functions involved in physiological processes, including mitochondrial gene translation, cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis. Previously, LRPPRC was reported to regulate mitophagy by interacting with Bcl-2 and Beclin 1 and thus modifying the activation of PI3KCIII and autophagy. Considering that LRPPRC was found to be negatively associated with survival rate, we hypothesize that LRPPRC may be involved in pancreatic cancer progression via its regulation of autophagy. Methodsreal-time quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression of LRPPRC in 90 paired pancreatic cancer and adjacent tissues and five pancreatic cancer cell lines. Mitochondrial reactive oxidative species (ROS) level and function were measured. Mitophagy was measured by performing to detect LC3 level. ResultsBy performing RT-qPCR, the association of LRPPRC with the prognosis of pancreatic cancer was established and pancreatic cancer tissues had significantly higher LRPPRC expression than adjacent tissues. LRPPRC was negatively associated with the overall survival rate. LRPPRC was also upregulated in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Knockdown of LRPPRC promoted ROS accumulation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), promoted autophagy/mitophagy, and induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Subsequently, knockdown of LRPPRC inhibited malignant behaviors in PANC-1 cells, including proliferation, migration, invasion, tumor formation and chemoresistance to gemcitabine. Finally, by inhibiting autophagy/mitophagy using 3-MA, the inhibitory effect of LRPPRC knockdown on proliferation was reversed. ConclusionTaken together, our results indicate that LRPPRC may act as an oncogene via maintaining mitochondrial homoeostasis and could be used as a predictive marker for patient prognosis in pancreatic cancer.
The Effect of Non-Supervised Physical Activity Before and After Breast Cancer Surgery on Quality of Life; Follow-Up Results From a Randomised Controlled Trial (Physsurg-b)
Authors: Heiman Jenny Eva Maria , Onerup Aron , Bock David , Haglind Eva , Bagge Roger Olofsson
Published: February 2021

PurposeWe conducted a randomised controlled trial (PhysSURG-B) to assess the short- and long-term effects of a non-supervised physical activity intervention at the time of breast cancer surgery. Here we report a secondary outcome, quality of life (QoL).MethodsFemale patients planned for surgery were randomly assigned to either an intervention of 30 minutes of self-administered physical aerobic activity daily 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery, or control. QoL was assessed with questionnaires at baseline, 4 weeks and 12 months postop using the instruments FACT-B, RAND-36 and EQ-VAS.ResultsOut of 354 included participants at 12 months follow-up after surgery, 287 were available for QoL analysis. Comparing intervention to control, the results for the FACT- B score at 4 weeks showed an odds ratio (OR) of 0.975 (95% CI 0.636-1.495) and at 12 months an OR of 0.883 (95% CI 0.581-1.342). The subgroup of patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy had significantly lower FACT-B at 12 months compared to no chemotherapy (OR 0.475, 95% CI 0.300-0.735). EQ-VAS showed OR 1.163 (95% CI 0.760-1.779) and 0.817 (95% CI 0.536-1.244) at 4 weeks and 12 months, respectively. RAND-36 domains “role limitations due to physical health” and “pain” showed a decrease at 4 weeks in both groups, returning towards baseline at 12 months follow-up.ConclusionAn intervention of non-supervised physical activity before and after surgery for breast cancer had no effect on QoL. Patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy had significantly lower QoL, regardless of study group.Trial registration﻿ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT 02560662. Registered 25 September, 2015.
Comparison of Lidocaine, Huffing Maneuver and Combination of Both in Prevention Fentanyl Induced Cough Before Induction of Anesthesia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Dehghanpisheh Laleh , Eghbal Mohammadhossein , Baravati Fatemeh Bagheri , Vatankhah Pooya
Published: February 2021

Background
Intravenous bolus injection of fentanyl has been frequently reported to be associated with cough reflex during patient anesthesia. However, the search for the most effective protocol continues. This study aimed to compare the effect of reducing cough reflex after injection of fentanyl in a fusion protocol by combining the injections of lidocaine and Huffing maneuver and comparing with a placebo control group, before anesthesia induction.
Methods
This prospective randomized controlled trial study was performed on 400 patients who were divided into four groups of combined protocol (group 1), lidocaine group (group 2), Huffing maneuver group (group 3), and the control receiving normal saline (group 4). Then patients were injected with 2. 5 µg /kg fentanyl and monitored for two minutes regarding their cough reflex, as well as the severity.
Results
In group 1, 9 patients (9%), in group 2, 22 patients (22%), in the group3 45 patients (45%) and in the group 4, 75 patients (75%), developed cough reflex following fentanyl injection. Also, 13 patients (13%) developed moderate and 4 (4%) developed severe coughs in the control group reported, while no reports of severe or moderate cough were among the intervention groups. There was a significant difference between the intervention group and the control group both in terms of the rate and severity of the fentanyl-induced cough.
Conclusion
By using a combination of lidocaine injection along and Huffing maneuver, better results can be obtained in reducing the frequency, and also the severity of cough followed by fentanyl injection.
Trial registration:
Trial Registration: The trial was registered with IRCT.IR (09/03/2018-No. IRCT20141009019470N74).
Role of Darunavir/cobicisitat in the Treatment of COVID-19: Initial Virological and Clinical Findings
Authors: Deng Liping , Xiong Yong , Chen TieLong , Zhang Yongxi , Luo Mingqi , Gao Shicheng , Mo Pingzheng , Song Shihui , Ma Zhiyong , Chen Xiaoping , Liang Ke , Ke Hengning , Wang Xinghuan
Published: February 2021

Background: COVID-19 still become a common threat to public health.In this study, we evaluated the antiviral effects and safety of darunavir/cobicisitat (DRV/c) in patients with confirmed COVID-19. Patients and Methods: Totally 66 patients with COVID-19 infection who were admitted to Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between February 3 and March 11, 2020 were collected. The patients were divided into the DRV/c group and the control group. The Primary endpoints was the time of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid conversion detected in respiratory specimens.Results: A total of 66 subjects with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled in this study, 32 subjects were enrolled in the DRV/c group and 34 in the control group. The mean time to nucleic acid conversion (NAC) was shorter in DRV/c group. The cumulative nucleic acid conversion rate (CNACR) in the DRV/C group was higher during the first 2 weeks, but the difference was not statistically significant. The proportion of fever during hospitalization in the DRV/C group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P value 0.01). It was found that in DRV/c group NAC of patients with duration from symptom onset to admission within 3 days was significantly shorter (7.9 ± 6.7 days) than that of and above 3 days (15.9 ± 7.1 days)( P = 0.01). Conclusion: Although the combination of DRV/c and routine treatment for patients with non-severe COVID-19 can significantly reduce the proportion of fever after admission, but no significant differences were observed between the DRV/c group and the conventional therapy group, including overall time to nucleic acid conversion, safety and tolerability.
Preparing the Playing Field. Climate Club Governance of the G20, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and the Under2 Coalition
Authors: Unger Charlotte , Thielges Sonja
Published: February 2021

International climate policy is increasingly shaped by alternative forms of governance. Coalitions of national, subnational and/or non-state actors have the potential to address the global challenge of climate change beyond the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process. While initially such ‘clubs’ spurred hope that they could be an option to achieve climate action more effectively than the UNFCCC, more recently their role has been seen as preparing and orchestrating climate policy. In spite of its conceptual proliferation, literature on climate clubs stops short in examining practical evidence and conducting analyses beyond categorization and labelling of climate clubs. This article aims at contributing to filling this gap with a comparative perspective on three specific governance initiatives that act on different governance levels: The G20, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the Under2 Coalition. What contribution do these club-like initiatives make to global climate governance and how does it relate to existing structures such as the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC process?Our paper applies central aspects of clubs research, namely membership, public goods, and the provision of additional benefits as an analytical framework to examine the three cases. We find that these club initiatives, though highly diverse in their origin and membership, make a similar contribution to international climate governance. Their largest contribution lies in preparing emissions reductions through raising awareness, orchestrating different actors and actions, and establishing a large cooperation network. They complement the UNFCCC and especially the Paris Agreement.
Why do Older Women with Invasive Breast Cancer Avoid Surgery? A Qualitative Analysis of Factors Influencing the Decision of Patients and Physicians
Authors: Angarita Fernando A. , Hoppe Ethan , Ko Gary , Lee Justin , Vesprini Danny , Hong Nicole Look
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Limited data exists about why older women (≥70 years old) with breast cancer avoid surgery. This study aimed to identify physician- and patient-perceived attitudes that influence the decision to avoid surgery among older women with invasive breast cancer.Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with multidisciplinary breast cancer specialists and with older women with breast cancer who declined surgery. Transcripts were iteratively coded using a theoretical framework to guide identification of common themes. Thematic comparison was performed between patients and physicians. Results: Ten breast cancer specialists and eleven patients participated. Physicians believed older women declined surgery because they did not perceive their breast cancer as a life-threatening ailment compared to other medical comorbidities. Physicians did not discuss breast reconstruction, as it was perceived to be unimportant. Treatment side effects, length of treatment, impact on quality of life, and minimal survival benefit strongly influenced a patient’s decision to decline surgery. Patients valued independence and quality of life over quantity of life. Patients felt empowered to participate in the decision-making process but appreciated having support. Both groups had congruent beliefs with respect to age impacting treatment decision, cosmesis playing a minor factor in treatment decisions, and importance of quality of life; however, they were discordant in their perceptions about the amount of support that patients have from their families.Conclusion: The decision to avoid surgery in older women stems from a variety of individual beliefs. Acknowledging patient values early in treatment planning may facilitate a patient-centered approach to treatment decision making.
Effect of 8 Weeks of Vitamin D Supplementation and Water-Based Exercise on Cardiometabolic Profile in Women With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Salarinia Mona , Azizi Mohammad , Tahmasebi Worya , Khalvandi Hadi
Published: February 2021

BackgroundSince type 2 diabetes is the most common metabolic disease, it is necessary to know the factors affecting on the complications of this disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the Effect of 8 weeks of vitamin D supplementation and water exercise on cardiometabolic profile in women with type 2 diabetes.Methods40 women with type 2 diabetes participated in this study voluntarily and randomly divided to four groups: 1) vitamin D+ water exercise, 2) vitamin D, 3) water exercise, and 4) control groups. Water exercise groups (groups 1 and 3) performed 3 sessions of water training per week during 8 weeks (15 minutes of warm-up, 45 to 60 minutes of main activity with a Borg scale of 14 and 10 minutes of cooling). Vitamin D groups (groups 1 and 2) received 50,000 (IU) vitamin D supplements once a week. Levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C- reactive protein (CRP) levels, as well as lipid protein profile (triglyceride, total cholesterol, high and low density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL)) were measured before and after intervention. Insulin resistance was also obtained by calculating HOMA-IR.ResultsWeight, waist circumference, and body fat mass were significantly decrease after intervention in Vitamin D+ water exercise group (P= 0.001, 0.001, 0.032, and 0.013 respectively), as well as CRP, glycemic and lipid profile were significantly improved after intervention in water exercise group.ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that water exercise plus vitamin D supplementation had synergism beneficial effects on anthropometric indices and cardiometabolic status of type 2 diabetic patients and can be used as a non-pharmacological and non-invasive method to reduce complications of type 2 diabetes. Iranian Clinical Trials Registry number: IRCT20201223049811N1, data of registration: 12.01.2021; https://en.irct.ir/trial/53230
4D printing of reconfigurable metamaterials and devices
Authors: Manen Teunis van , Janbaz Shahram , Jansen Kaspar , Zadpoor Amir
Published: February 2021

Shape-shifting materials are a powerful tool for the fabrication of reconfigurable materials. Upon activation, not only a change in their shape but also a large shift in their material properties can be realized. As compared with the 4D printing of 2D-to-3D shape-shifting materials, the 4D printing of reconfigurable (i.e., 3D-to-3D shape-shifting) materials remains challenging. That is caused by the intrinsically 2D nature of the layer-by-layer manner of fabrication, which limits the possible shape-shifting modes of 4D printed reconfigurable materials. Here, we present a novel single-step production method for the fabrication and programming of 3D-to-3D shape-changing materials, which requires nothing more than a simple modification of widely available fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers. This simple modification allows the printer to print on curved surfaces. We demonstrate how this modified printer can be combined with novel design strategies to achieve unprecedented levels of complexity and versatility in the 3D-to-3D shape-shifting behavior of our reconfigurable materials and devices. We showcase the potential of the proposed approach for the fabrication of deployable medical devices including deployable bifurcation stents that are otherwise extremely challenging to create.
Possible Neuropathic Pain in Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Knee Before and After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Hasegawa Masahiro , Tone Shine , Naito Yohei , Sudo Akihiro
Published: February 2021

Background: Although osteoarthritis (OA) is traditionally considered to be nociceptive, our objective was to examine neuropathic pain in the knees of OA patients using the pain DETECT questionnaire (PDQ).Methods: A total of 180 knees in 158 consecutive patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were enrolled. The prevalence of neuropathic pain, unclear pain and nociceptive pain was determined before and after TKA. Knee pain was evaluated using a numerical rating scale (NRS). All patients were evaluated preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Neuropathic pain and unclear pain were grouped together as possible neuropathic pain. The relationship between possible neuropathic pain and pain intensity was evaluated.Results: Before TKA, neuropathic pain and unclear pain were found in 10 and 30 knees, respectively. The remaining 140 knees were categorized as nociceptive pain. After TKA, the numbers of knees with neuropathic and unclear pain decreased to one and five, respectively. The prevalence of possible neuropathic pain decreased significantly from 22.2% to 3.3% (p < 0.001) after surgery. Among the six knees with possible neuropathic pain postoperatively, four had possible neuropathic pain preoperatively as well, while the remaining two patients had been classified as nociceptive pain preoperatively (p = 0.021). Knees with postoperative possible neuropathic pain had higher postoperative NRS scores than those with nociceptive pain (p = 0.011).Conclusions: The prevalence of possible neuropathic pain decreased significantly after TKA, however, preoperative possible neuropathic pain might affect the presence of persistent postoperative pain.
Designing A New Suitable Support System for Deep Virgin Coal Mining Blocks of Godavari Valley Coalfield
Authors: Shankar Vikram , Kumar Dheeraj , Subrahmanyam Duvvuri Satya
Published: February 2021

Importance of support system in mine design gained pace after modern way of approach took birth through many variants. A suitable support system is designed for deep virgin coal mining blocks of Godavari valley coalfield in India. This is achieved by measuring stress state by sophisticated method followed by geotechnical hazard mapping for identifying potential roof instability, predict hazards in advance and integrating the above parameters for analyze effects on stress due to different mining geometries by using numerical modelling technique. The three-dimensional numerical analysis study pours much light on effects causing instability than the 2D program. The results show that the stresses at an angle to the Level galleries are adverse. The level gallery/dip-raise may be oriented at 200 to 400 to reduce roof problems.
Supremacy of Magnetic Behaviour in n-Heptane Based M Doped Barium Ferrite (BaFe2O4) Nanoparticles (M: Co, Ni and Mn)
Authors: R Dilip , R Jayaprakash
Published: February 2021

The M doped BaFe2O4 (M- Co, Ni and Mn) nanoparticles were synthesized through auto combustion method by using n-heptane as a surfactant. And also the weight percentage (wt%) of metals such as cobalt, nickel and manganese (10 wt%, 8 wt% and 6 wt%) in BaFe2O4 was optimized. The prominent orientation (212) and (311) of M doped BaFe2O4 is confirmed from XRD especially in 10 wt% of respective metals. The addition of metal doped in barium ferrite specific vibration on 770 and 445 cm− 1 in FTIR spectra indicated the formation of M doped BaFe2O4. The influence of n-heptane as a surfactant on morphological change occurred in different metal doped was visualized from FESEM and TEM images. The different morphologies such as spherical, hexagonal platelets and small rectangular bar shaped were observed only by the inclusion of barium ferrite at surfactant medium. The analysis of EDX spectrum reflected the atomic percentage of elemental presence in the samples of M doped barium ferrite. Magnetic properties of these samples were studied by VSM. It revealed that 28.41 emu/g saturation magnetization (Ms) with 1655.64 Oe coercivity (Hc) and also induced ferromagnetic behaviour. The variation of dielectric constant indicated from dielectric study.
The Responses of Soil Microbial to Changed Rainfall and Increased Temperature in Desert Grassland in Northern China
Authors: Zhang Yi , Xie Ying-Zhong , Ma Hong-Bin , Zhang Juan , Jing Le , Wang Yu-Tao , Li Jianping
Published: February 2021

Background: The study evaluates how rainfall change and temperature increase affect microbial communities in the desert grassland of Ningxia Autonomous Region, China to explore the soil microbial community and the relationships among the soil microbial community, chemical properties, soil respiration (SR) and plant biomass under the climate change. We established the field experiment with five levels of rainfall by rainout shelters and two levels of temperature by Open-Top Chamber (OTC). Results: The effect of temperature to soil microbial communities is not significant, but with the continuous increase of rainfall, the microbial community gradually increases. Soil microbial diversity negatively correlated with soil CO2 flux. The α-diversity of microbial communities positively correlated with above-living biomass (ALB) and soil temperature (ST), but negatively correlated with root biomass (RB). Conclusions: Both rainfall and temperature’s rising do not promote the soil community α-diversity, but it can promote soil microbial community β-diversity. Soil microbial communities show resistance to rainfall changing. Soil respiration (SR) will limit soil microbial diversity. Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (STN), and soil total phosphorus (STP) will promote soil microbial abundance and diversity. ALB and ST will promote the soil α-diversity, but the effect of RB to soil microbial is opposite. These findings maybe provide a reliable theoretical basis for formulating a reasonable response strategy in desert steppe ecosystems.
Family-Centered Approach to Monitoring Children’s Development in a Paediatric Outpatient Setting: Feasibility Study from Pakistan
Authors: Rasheed Muneera A. , Mughis Waliyah , Elahi Kinza N , Hasan Babar S.
Published: February 2021

Background: The purpose of the study was to design and test the feasibility of a recent guideline of family-centered psychosocial support as an approach to developmental monitoring in a pediatric outpatient setting.Methods: The patient experience team at a private tertiary care hospital leveraged an on-going patient and family-centric initiative in the service to implement the intervention. The intervention delivery model was designed using the theory of change model and entailed the following i) the service providers: paediatricians but with support from psychology trainee volunteers to address time constraints; ii) monitoring form: Survey of Well-Being of Young Children (SWYC) being feasible and designed for regular developmental monitoring as parent report; iii) family support intervention: the Care for Child Development module to enhance parent-child interactions given team’s successful experience with inpatient children; iv) timing: utilize wait time to also enhance families’ experience and v) reinforcement: reinforced by the paediatrician in the consultation visit to capitalize on the established rapport and relationship with families. All families with children under 5 years 5 months of age in selected clinics (acute care, complex care, developmental issues) were eligible. The study was evaluated for acceptability and implementation feasibility. Families were interviewed about their experience; trainees provided a written narrative while physicians provided feedback on email. These were thematically analyzed using an inductive approach.Results: A total 182 families were administered the SWYC with 54% children detected for further review on cognitive milestones and 76% on social-emotional milestones. Forty-eight families were interviewed regarding their experience with the intervention. They reported the monitoring process to be useful and important for them as parents indicating acceptability. Paediatricians and trainees found the intervention to be important for parents and children’s health also requesting further understanding about child’s functioning. The trainees further expressed the experience to be significant for their own learning.Conclusion: The authors conclude that the intervention model for a family-centric approach to monitoring was acceptable to the families and the service providers. The intervention when implemented using a robust behaviour change framework can enhance feasibility.
High crop yield losses induced by potential HONO sources —— a case study in the North China Plain
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Ran Haiyan , Guo Yitian , Xue Chaoyang , Liu Xingang , Qu Yu , Sun Yele , Zhang Qiang , Mu Yujing , Chen Yong , Wang Jing , An Junling
Published: February 2021

Nitrous acid (HONO) is a major source of hydroxyl radicals in the troposphere through its photolysis, and can significantly influence ozone (O3) levels, thereby causing considerable crop yield losses. Previous studies have assessed relative crop yield losses by using exposure-response equations with observed or simulated O3, however, the contribution of enhanced O3 due to potential HONO sources to the crop yield losses has never been quantified. In this study, for the first time, we evaluated the crop yield losses caused by potential HONO sources in the North China Plain (NCP), which is one of the major grain-producing areas in China suffering from heavy O3 pollution, by using the Weather Research and Forecasting/Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model during the wheat and maize growing seasons of 2016. HONO simulations were significantly improved after including six potential HONO sources. The potential HONO sources produced a daily maximum 8-h O3 enhancement of 8.1/8.2 ppb during the wheat/maize growing seasons, respectively, and led to ~11.4%/3.3% relative yield losses for wheat/maize, respectively, corresponding to approximately US$3.78/0.66 billion losses, respectively, in NCP in 2016. Potential HONO sources play a significant role in O3 formation and may induce high crop yield losses globally.
Beyond knowledge acquisition: factors influencing family planning utilization among women in conservative communities in Rural Burundi.
Authors: HAKIZIMANA SONIA , Odjidja Emmanuel Nene
Published: February 2021

Background With a fertility rate of 5.4 children per woman, Burundi ranked as seventh country with the highest fertility rate in the world. Family planning is an effective way of achieving desirable family size, appropriate birth spacing and significant reduction in unintended pregnancies. Furthermore, family planning has been linked to improvements in maternal health outcomes. Yet, in spite of the overwhelming evidence on the benefits of family planning and despite high knowledge and free services, utilisation is low especially in rural communities with conservative people. Employing a mixed methods approach, this study first quantifies contraceptive prevalence and second, explores the contextual multilevel factors associated with low family planning utilisation among community members.Methods An explanatory sequential mixed study was conducted. Five hundred and thirty women in union were interviewed using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Next, 11 focus group discussions were held with community members composed of married men and women, administrative and religious leaders (n=132). The study was conducted in eighteen collines of two health districts of Vyanda and Rumonge in Bururi and Rumonge provinces in Burundi. Quantitative data was analysed with SPSS and qualitative data was coded and deductive thematic methods were applied to find themes and codes.Results The overall contraceptive prevalence was 22.6%. From logistic modelling analysis, it was found that women aged 25 to 29 (aOR 5.04 (95% CI 2.09 – 10.27 p=0.038)), those that have completed secondary school and having four or less children were significantly associated with use of family planning (aOR 1.72 (95%1.35 – 2.01) p=0.002). Among factors why family planning was unused included experience with side effects and costs associated with its management in the health system. Religious conceptualisation and ancestral negative beliefs of family planning had also shaped how people perceived it. Furthermore, at the household level, gender imbalances between spouses had resulted in break in communication, also serving as a factor for non-use of family planning. Conclusion Given that use of family planning is rooted in negative beliefs emanating mainly from religious and cultural practices, engaging local religious leaders and community actors may trigger positive behaviours change needed to increase its use.
Online art therapy in elementary schools during COVID-19: results from a randomized cluster pilot and feasibility study and impact on mental health.
Authors: Malboeuf-Hurtubise Catherine , Léger-Goodes Terra , Mageau Geneviève A. , Taylor Geneviève , Herba Catherine , Chadi Nicholas , Lefrançois David
Published: February 2021

Background: Emerging literature on the current COVID-19 crisis suggests that children may experience increased anxiety and depression as a result of the pandemic. To prevent such school and mental health-related problems, there is a timely need to develop preventive strategies and interventions to address potential negative impacts of COVID-19 on children’s mental health, especially in school settings. Results from previous child clinical research indicate that art-based therapies, including mindfulness-based art therapy, have shown promise to increase children’s well-being and reduce psychological distress. Objective: The goal of the present pilot and feasibility study was to compare the impact of an emotion-based directed drawing intervention and a mandala drawing intervention, on mental health in elementary school children (N=22), in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both interventions were group-based and delivered online and remotely. A pilot study using a randomized cluster design was implemented to evaluate and compare both interventions in relation to child anxiety, depression, inattention and hyperactivity symptoms. Results: Analyses of covariance revealed a significant effect of the type of drawing intervention on levels of inattention, after controlling for baseline levels. Participants in the emotion-based directed drawing group showed lower inattention scores at post-test, when compared to participants in the mandala group. Post-hoc sensitivity analyses showed significant decreases in pre-to-post scores for levels of hyperactivity for the complete sample. Conclusion: Overall, results from this pilot and feasibility study showed that both an emotion-based directed drawing intervention and a mandala drawing intervention may be beneficial to improve mental health in elementary school children, in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. From a feasibility standpoint, results indicate that the implementation of both interventions online and remotely, through a videoconference platform, is feasible and adequate in school-based settings. Further work incorporating larger sample sizes, longitudinal data and ensuring sufficient statistical power is warranted to evaluate the long-term impact of both interventions on children’s mental health.