bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mitochondrial genomes of Crispatotrochus rubescens and Crispatotrochus rugosus (Hexacorallia; Scleractinia): new insights on the phylogeny of the family Caryophylliidae.
Authors: Vaga Claudia Francesca , Seiblitz Isabela Galvao de Lossio , Capel Katia Cristina Cruz , Kitahara Marcelo Visentini
Published: August 2022

BackgroundCaryophylliidae is one of the most diverse scleractinian families, however it was recovered as polyphyletic in multiple molecular studies. Recently, the mitochondrial gene order was proposed as a character for a taxonomic revision of the family. Here we describe the first mitogenome of the caryophylliid genusCrispatotrochus, whose phylogenetic position remains uncertain.Methods and resultsThe complete mitochondrial genomes ofCrispatotrochus rubescensandCrispatotrochus rugosuswere sequenced, assembled, and annotated. The two mitogenomes are identical and circular, have a length of 16,536 bp, a GC content of 35.9%, and contain 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs and 2 transfer RNAs. Both species have a transposition of a three-genes block –cob,nad2, andnad6– similarly to a group of caryophylliid genera that were recovered as monophyletic and include the type species (Caryophyllia) of the family. The phylogenetic analyses recoveredCrispatotrochuswithin the clade that presents the gene rearrangement and specifically as sister taxa of the genusCaryophyllia, a result consistent with previous studies and the similar gross morphology of the two genera.ConclusionsWe determined the mitochondrial genomes of the genusCrispatotrochusto investigate their relations within Scleractinia. Results from this study provide insights on the phylogenetic position of the genus and corroborate that the mitochondrial gene order could be used as taxonomic character for the family Caryophylliidae.
Geometry-Aware View ReconstructionNetwork for Light Field ImageCompression
Authors: Zhang Youzhi , Wan Lifei , Mao Yifan , Huang Xinpeng , Liu Deyang
Published: September 2022

Light Field (LF) imaging empowers many attractive applications by simultaneously recording spatial and angular information of light rays. In order to meet the challenges of LF storage and transmission, many view reconstruction-based LF compression methods are put forward. However, occlusion issue and under-exploitation of LF rich structure information limit the view reconstruction qualities, which further influence LF compression efficiency. In order to alleviate these problems, in this paper, we propose a geometry-aware view reconstruction network for LF compression. In our method, only sparsely-sampled LF views are encoded, which are further used as priors to reconstruct the un-sampled LF views at the decoder side. The proposed reconstruction process contains two stages including geometry-aware reconstruction and texture refinement. The geometry-aware reconstruction stage utilizes a multi-stream framework, which can fully explore LF spatial-angular, location and geometry information. The texture refinement stage can adequately fuse such rich LF information to further improve LF reconstruction quality. Comprehensive experimental results validate the superiority of the proposed method. The rate-distortion performance and the perceptual quality of reconstructed views further demonstrate that the proposed method can save more bitrate while increasing LF reconstruction quality.
Experimental study on compression-shear fracture evolution process of locked segment of rock-like based on multivariate parameters
Authors: Jiang Tong , Wan Li , Huang Kun , He Tianle , Liu Chen , Zhang ChaoLi , Li Longfei
Published: September 2022

Locked segment of rock-like material specimens with different brittleness index were prepared by combining materials in different ratios. Compression-shear tests of rock-like material specimens with different brittleness degree were carried out by acoustic emission and Laser Doppler Vibrometer measurement. The fracture evolution process of the specimen was divided into three stages through the displacement-time curve: compaction stage and elastic deformation stage, constant deformation stage and accelerated deformation stage. The natural frequency responded obviously at the boundary point of the constant deformation stage and accelerated deformation stage, the point of natural frequency steeply dropped corresponds to the starting point of constant deformation stage, which is defined as the damage point. The point of substantial increase in the natural frequency corresponds to the starting point of accelerated deformation stage, which is defined as expansion point. There were obvious critical instability information before the failure of specimens: The natural frequency showed rise, steep drop and stable jitter; The ringing count rate and energy rate increased near the critical instability point; The b-value continued to decrease at a low level before the peak strength. Tensile failure was the main failure mode of the three specimens with different brittleness degree, the tensile failure degree increased with the increase of brittleness degree. The energy released by the specimen at failure moment increased with the increase of brittleness degree, and the b-value decreased with the increase of brittleness degree. The degree of brittleness is one of the important indexes to study the locked segment.
SARS-CoV-2 S protein triggers lung and intestinal epithelial cell damage via TGF-β/Smad2/3-mediated inflammatory cytokine production
Authors: huang Chao , hua-shi huang , weixuan huang , haosheng liu , shen weizeng
Published: September 2022

Background and objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to ravage the world. Despite many prevention and control measures, morbidity and mortality have not decreased due to SARS-CoV-2-induced organ damage, which occur via unknown mechanisms. Methods Primary Human small intestinal mucosa epithelial cells (HSIMECs), human colonic epithelial cells (HCoEpiCs), and human type II alveolar epithelial cells (hTIIAECs) were treated with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 S protein for 48 h. Cell morphology, permeability, and viability were detected. The expression of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (caspase 3) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was examined using Western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the supernatant. Apoptosis was observed using a Hoechst 33258 Staining Kit. SB431542 and BAY11-7082 were used to inhibit transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegics (Smads) and the inhibitor of kappa B kinase (IKK)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways, respectively. Results S protein produced no obvious changes in morphology, but decreased cell viability and increased permeability were observed in a concentration- and time-dependent manner compared to the control (P<0.05). Apoptosis occurred with increased caspase 3 and decreased Bcl-2 (P<0.05). S protein stimulated a disordered secretion of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and IL-13 (P<0.05). Suppression of TGF-β/Smad3, but not the IKK/NF-κB, pathway relieved the damage to colon cells caused by the S protein in HSIMECs and HCoEpiCs and inhibited apoptosis mediated by TNF-α and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in hTIIAECs. Conclusion The SARS-CoV-2 S protein damaged intestine and lung cells, which was associated with cytokine production and the induction of apoptosis mediated by the TGF-β/Smad3, but not the NF-κB, pathway.
MetaGenePipe: An Automated, Portable Pipeline for Contig-based Functional and Taxonomic Analysis
Authors: Shaban Babak , Quiroga Maria del Mar , Turnbull Robert , Tescari Edoardo , Cao Kim-Anh Lê , Verbruggen Heroen
Published: September 2022

MetaGenePipe (MGP) is an efficient, flexible, portable, and scalable metagenomics pipeline that uses performant bioinformatics software suites and genomic databases to create an accurate taxonomic and functional characterization of the prokaryotic fraction of sequenced microbiomes. Written in the Workflow Definition Language (WDL), MGP produces output that is useful in its default form, or that can be used for further downstream analysis. MGP is a pipeline-development best practice tool which uses Singularity for containerization and includes a setup script that downloads the necessary databases for setup. The source code for MGP is freely available and is distributed under the Apache 2.0 license.
Computational Investigation of Functional Water Molecules Upon GPCR Bound to G protein or Arrestin
Authors: Hu Jiaqi , Sun Xianqiang , Kang Zhengzhong , Cheng Jianxin
Published: August 2022

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins, which constitutes the largest family of drug targets. The activated GPCR can bound either G protein or Arrestin to accomplish its activation. Water molecules were reported to play an intriguing role in GPCR activation. Nevertheless, reported studies are focused in the hydrophobic helical bundle region. How water molecules function upon GPCR bound either G protein or Arrestin is rarely studied. To address this issue, we carried out computational studies on water molecules in both GPCR/G protein complexes and GPCR/Arrestin complexes. Using the inhomogeneous fluid theory (IFT), hydration sites of GPCRs in G protein or Arrestin binding state were located and their functions were comprehensively analyzed. In the interaction surface of GPCR-G protein/Arrestin, a lot of water molecules were found. In addition, we found that the number of water molecules on the interaction surface of GPCR-G protein/Arrestin system is highly associated with the insertion depth of the α5-helix and “Finger Loop”. We observed that water molecules near the interaction surface of GPCR-G protein/Arrestin exhibit great differences. Most G protein-related structures attract more function water molecules than Arrestin-associated structures. The G protein-related GPCRs show more potent binding water molecules and water-mediated hydrogen-bond compared to Arrestin complexes. Moreover, a small amount of water molecules is observed in the NPxxY region, while a large number of water molecules are in the orthosteric pocket and form rich interaction networks. Our results provide a comprehensive and deep understanding on the hydration sites in GPCRs and may have important implications for GPCR-targeted drug design with functional selectivity.
WITHDRAWN: The role of cannabis clinics in the health system: A qualitative study of physicians’ views in New Zealand
Authors: Withanarachchie Vinuli , Rychert Marta , Wilkins Chris
Published: August 2022

Background: Privately-owned cannabis clinics have sprung up in many jurisdictions where medicinal cannabis has been legalised and provide an alternative pathway for patients who are unable or unwilling to access a prescription for cannabis-based medicinal products from their usual healthcare providers. Aims: This study aimed to explore physicians’ views on cannabis clinics, including their perceptions of the role of cannabis clinics play in the wider health system.Methods: A qualitative study using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with thirty-one physicians affiliated with private and community clinics in New Zealand (including cannabis clinicians, GPs, and specialist doctors). The interviews were conducted from July to December 2021. Data were transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Cannabis clinicians positioned themselves as (1) “service providers”, facilitating consumer access to cannabis prescriptions and products, and (2) “educators”, providing advice to patients and the wider physician community. While general practitioners and specialists (non-cannabis clinics) recognised the benefits of specialised cannabis clinics (i.e., knowledge of products and a non-judgmental environment), they questioned the limited evidence of clinical efficacy for cannabis, potential financial conflicts of interests of cannabis clinicians that may blur their clinical judgement, and the risk of compartmentalising patients’ healthcare.Conclusions: Our paper raises a number of challenges with attempting to integrate cannabis clinics into the wider health system.
Establishment of a CaCC-based cell model and method for high-throughput screening of M3 receptor drugs
Authors: Liu Xueying , Ju Xiaohong , Wu Mingda , Wang Ximin , Hong Qiyuan , Xing Wenzhu , Xu Meng , Hu Cheng , Hao Feng
Published: August 2022

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype 3 (M3 receptor) is a G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) that mediates many important physiological functions. Currently, no M3 receptor drugs with high specificity, high activity, and few side effects have been developed, and there is a lack of methods suitable for high-throughput screening of drugs with GPCRs. In this study, we established an efficient and sensitive drug cell screening model and method for targeting M3 receptors based on calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCCs). This screening model consists of Fischer rat thyroid follicular epithelial (FRT) cells that endogenously express M3 receptors, CaCCs, and the indicator YFP-H148Q/I152L. We verified that the model can sensitively detect changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration using fluorescence quenching kinetics experiments, confirmed the screening function of the model by applying available M3 receptor drugs, and also evaluated the good performance of the model in high-throughput screening.
Missing Data Recovery in the e-health context based on Machine Learning models
Authors: Mahfoudhi Sami , Rahmany Ines , Freihat Mushira , Moulahi Tarek
Published: August 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a set of metabolic illnesses characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels. In 2017, 8.8% of the world’s population had diabetes. By 2045, it is expected that this percentage will have risen to approximately 10%. Missing data, a prevalent problem even in a well-designed and controlled study, can have a major impact on the conclusions that can be derived from the available data. Missing data may decrease a study’s statistical validity and lead to erroneous results due to distorted estimations. In this study, we hypothesize that (a) replacing missing values using machine learning techniques rather than the mean value and group mean value and (b) using SVM kernel RBF classifier will result in the highest level of accuracy in comparison to traditional techniques such as DT, RF, NB, SVM, AdaBoost, and ANN. The classification results improved significantly when using regression to replace the missing values over the group median or the mean. This is a 10% improvement over previously developed strategies that have been reported in the literature.
Groundwater quality assessment for drinking, irrigation, and human health hazards with special emphasis on Nitrate pollution in Uddanam area, Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: y vinod kumar , v gope naik , e balaji , g veeraswamy
Published: September 2022

This study's goal is to evaluate the Uddanam region's groundwater quality for drinking, agricultural use, and potential health risks to people, with a focus on nitrates. From the research region, 50 groundwater samples were taken in both pre- and post-monsoons and analyzed for pH, EC, TDS, TH, TA, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, CO3, HCO3−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, F−, and Si, among other physic-chemical parameters, TDS, total hardness, nitrates and silica are the highest ions among all chemical parameters. May's findings indicate that kidney illness is a result of higher above said parameters. In addition, the chemical data intensity is represented using spatial interpolation techniques in Arc GIS 10.1 software, and intensity maps of the research region are prepared. The irrigation metrics salt absorption ratio (SAR), Kelley's ratio (KR), and percent sodium (%Na) are all within the research area's allowed limits.In the study area, pre and post-monsoon nitrate total hazard index (children, men, and women) affected percentages are 94%, 53%, 37% and 94%, 51%, 29% respectively, whereas the dermal there is no significant effect on the human body. The Gibbs diagram shows that the disintegration of rock formations is responsible for the groundwater chemistry and is further supported by scatter plots. Chemical elements are generated in the study due to geology such as Khondalite and alluvial soil disintegration. The excess silica percentage may lead to affect kidney-born disease in the study area and hence adequate water treatment is required prior to use.
Analysis of the Meningiomas` hormonal profile in patients with Meningioma and Breast Cancer
Authors: Finger Guilherme , Prevedello Daniel M , Godoy Bruno Loyola , Carvalho Rodolfo Figueiredo , Pinto Luciana Wernersbach , Valverde Priscila , Souto Antonio Aversa do
Published: August 2022

Purpose
The objective of this study is to evaluate the meningioma`s hormone receptor expression in patients who presented synchronous or metachronous meningioma and breast cancer and compare its profile to the non-breast cancer associated meningiomas described in the literature.
Methods
The authors conducted a retrospective descriptive study evaluating all cases of synchronous and metachronous meningiomas and breast cancer from January 1st, 1990 to December 31st, 2020. The study was approved by the Ethics Review Board. Variables related to meningioma (age and year of diagnosis, histological grade and subtype, topography, the presence of progesterone and/or estrogen receptors) and to breast cancer (age and year of diagnosis, the histological grade and subtype, the presence of progesterone and/or estrogen receptors) were collected on the hospital`s electronic health records.
Results
A total of 12 cases were included in the study, being 2 (17%) synchronous and 10 (83%) metachronous. The mean age at meningioma diagnosis was 60.58 (± 10,99). The most frequent intracranial topography was convexity and sphenoid wing meningiomas (25% each). Ten patients (83%) had grade 1 meningiomas and 2 patients (16.6%) presented with grade 2 meningiomas. Eleven cases of meningiomas expressed progesterone receptors (91.67%) while 3 cases expressed estrogen receptors (25%). One patient did not express hormonal receptor.
Conclusion
The WHO histological analysis and steroid receptors profile did not seem to be different in the meningiomas included in this sample when compared to the description of no-breast cancer associated meningiomas.
Body stalk anomaly complicated by complex congenital heart disease: first-trimester ultrasonic diagnosis and fetal autopsy
Authors: Chen Shiyu , Dai Xiaohui , Liu Hanmin , Chen Jiao
Published: August 2022

Body stalk anomaly (BSA) is a relatively rare and severe congenital malformation. Most reported heart anomalies occurring in combination with BSA are ectopic hearts. We herein report a rare case of BSA complicated by complex congenital heart disease prenatally diagnosed in the first trimester by ultrasound and confirmed by autopsy. This case emphasizes that in addition to the typical anomalies, cardiac structural abnormalities are also worthy of attention in cases of BSA.
Polymorphisms in exon 11 of the mptl-1 gene and monepantel resistance in Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Niciura Simone Cristina Méo , Okino Cintia Hiromi , Nucci Alessandra da Silva , Junior Wilson Malagó , Benavides Magda Vieira , Esteves Sergio Novita , Chagas Ana Carolina de Souza
Published: September 2022

Because chemical treatments are the main strategy to control gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep, molecular tests may constitute an excellent tool for the early detection of the emergence of resistance-related mutations. Thus, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based genotyping assay followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was developed to detect polymorphisms in exon 11 of the acetylcholine receptor monepantel-1 gene (mptl-1) that were previously associated with monepantel resistance through a genome-wide study in Haemonchus contortus. DNA samples recovered from individual and pooled third-stage larvae from two susceptible field-derived isolates and five (three in vivo-derived and two field-derived) resistant populations were used. New polymorphisms, including a 6-bp deletion and a 3-bp insertion, were detected in resistant individuals. These indels, confirmed using sequencing of cloned PCR products, are predicted to result in amino acid changes in transmembrane domain 2 (TMD2) of the MPTL-1 protein. The two susceptible isolates showed only the presence of the wild-type allele (100%), whereas lower frequencies of the wild-type allele were detected in monepantel-resistant populations (11.1 to 66.7%). These findings report new polymorphisms in the mptl-1 gene, validate the results obtained through genomic mapping for monepantel resistance, and provide a PCR-based assay to genotype indels located in exon 11 of mptl-1 in H. contortus.
First detection of the Monkeypox virus using wastewater-based surveillance in Miami-Dade County
Authors: Sharkey Mark E , Babler Kristina M , Amirali Ayaaz , Grills George S , Kumar Naresh , Laine Jennifer , Lamar Walter E , Mason Christopher E. , Reding Brian D , Schurer Stephan , Shukla Bhavarth , Stevenson Mario , Vidovic Dusica , Solo-Gabriele Helena
Published: September 2022

This is a short communication so no abstract is included.
Child With Intra Cardiac Masses and Multiple Seizure Types. Rhabdomyoma, Tuberous Sclerosis and Possible Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome – A Rare Case Report
Authors: mahaseth Aditya , thaoa Lekhjung
Published: August 2022

Rhabdomyoma are the most common benign cardiac tumors. These are tumors with favorable prognosis because they frequently do not cause symptoms and they often regress in numbers and size. Due to frequent association with tuberous sclerosis complex and the resulting neurological impairment, the prognosis can be unfavorable (1). Here we report a case of a 7 months old boy who was diagnosed as cardiac rhabdomyoma during fetal life by fetal echocardiography and later went on to develop seizures as a part of tuberous sclerosis complex at 6 months of age. This report also highlights the difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis and practicing the latest evidence based treatment in low income underdeveloped country like nepal especially in patients belonging to the lower socioeconomic class due to financial shortages and lack of resources.
The Impact of CBN Monetary Policy on the Survival SMEs in Nigeria
Authors: Ogundipe Michael Oluwasegun
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine how the CBN's monetary policies affect Nigerian SMEs' ability to survive. To investigate the data properties, a number of tests were run, including the unit-root test, and descriptive statistics. The explanatory variables and the dependent variable were tested for the presence of time-varying volatility and leptokurtosis using descriptive statistics. The relationship between the variables over the long and short terms was further examined using the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) unit root test. Co-integration testing was done to confirm the outcome of the unit root test and to determine whether there was a long-term relationship between the variables. The findings indicate that whereas lending interest rates are negatively correlated with SME growth, money supply, commercial bank loans and advances, and bank reserves are positively correlated with SME growth. The study came to the conclusion that monetary policy is crucial to the success of SMEs in Nigeria. The consequence is that for SMEs to survive in Nigeria, the interaction of these factors is crucial.
Genotypic Correlates of Resistance to the HIV-1 Strand Transfer Integrase Inhibitor Cabotegravir
Authors: Rhee Soo-Yon , Parkin Neil , Harrigan P. Richard , Holmes Susan , Shafer Robert W.
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Cabotegravir (CAB) is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) formulated as a long-acting injectable drug approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis and use with a long acting rilpivirine formulation for maintenance therapy in patients with virological suppression. However, there has been no comprehensive review of the genetic mechanisms of CAB resistance. Methods: Studies reporting the selection of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) by CAB and the results of in vitro CAB susceptibility testing were reviewed. The impact of integrase mutations on CAB susceptibility was assessed using regularized regression analysis. Results: The most commonly selected mutations in the 24 persons developing virological failure while receiving CAB included Q148R (n=15), N155H (n=7), and E138K (n=5). T97A, G118R, G140A/R/S, and R263K each developed in 1-2 persons. With the exception of T97A, G118R, and G140A/R, these DRMs were also selected in vitro while G140R was selected in the SIV macaque model. Although these DRMs are similar to those occurring in persons receiving the related INSTI dolutegravir, Q148R was more likely to occur with CAB while G118R and R263K were more likely to occur with dolutegravir. Regularized regression analysis identified 15 DRMs significantly associated with reduced CAB susceptibility including seven primary DRMs which reduced susceptibility on their own including G118R, F121C, Q148H/K/R, N155H, and R263K, and eight accessory DRMs including M50I, L74F/M, T97A, E138K, and G140A/C/S. Isolates with Q148H/K/R in combination with L74M, E138A/K, G140A/S, and N155H often had >10-fold reduced CAB susceptibility. M50I, L74M, and T97A are polymorphic mutations that alone did not appear to increase the risk of virological failure in persons receiving a CAB-containing regimen. Conclusions: Careful patient screening is required to prevent CAB from being used during active virus replication. Close virological monitoring is required to minimize CAB exposure to active replication to prevent the emergence of DRMs associated with cross-resistance to other INSTIs.
Consumer’s Adaptation and Financial Stability with a Modern Payments System Infrastructure in Guyana
Authors: Khan Imran
Published: September 2022

A payments system is no more than a structured arrangement for moving value between its participants. So defined, it is crystal clear that payment systems are ultimate to the functioning of all monetary economies, no matter they are developed economies, transitional economies, or developing economies like Guyana. The aim of this work is to show how the architecture of payment systems (payment instruments, processing, participants, consumers, etc.) impact to payments industry (microeconomic approach) and for the promoting the role of the Central Bank in payment systems and financial stability (macroeconomic – public approach) along with consumers adaptation to these changes and developments. We use the method of qualitative to analyze, not experimental measures. Central Banks, as circulators of money, have always had a keen interest in the smooth functioning of their respective National Payments System and the way it affects the economy. Their involvement has, however, evolved over time, as Central Banks have increasingly taken on a blatant role in the pursuit of the Consumers good of maintaining trust in the currency and ensuring its smooth circulation in carrying out their core monetary and financial stability functions through the payment systems modern evolving infrastructure. Keywords: Payment Systems, Consumers Adaptation, Financial Stability, Central Bank, Guyana.
The Implementation and Adoption of Electronic Payment System by Hospitals in Nigeria: A Case Study of Good Shepherd Clinic
Authors: Harold-Juwah Gladys
Published: September 2022

Information Communication Technology play a major role in the implementation and adoption of electronic payment systems in Nigeria. The rapid growth of the internet has facilitated the exponential growth in the electronic payment systems (EPS) as a result business transaction is constantly moving from cash-based to electronic-based hence leading to economic growth in Nigeria. This study examines the implementation and adoption of Electronic Payment System by Hospitals in Nigeria. A case study of Good Shepherd Clinic. A random sampling of 150 patients of the clinic was carried out and the data gathered through structured questionnaire consistent with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Based on the findings, it revealed that most of the clients preferred to use the electronic payment system (EPS) or has intention to use the EPS method. It is also seen that economic growth has a significant positive effect on the implementation of electronic payment system in the hospital. To continuously promote the adoption of EPS in Nigeria, it is necessary to address the barriers identified and encourage clients to use the services of the bank where the money is kept for easy usage. Keyword: Cash-based, Electronic Payment System, Information Communication Technology, Questionnaire, Random Sampling, Technology Acceptance Model.
Effects of Organizational Structure on Management of Public Hospitals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Authors: Walters Grace
Published: September 2022

This study explored the effects of organizational structure on the management of hospitals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The study sought to answer the question: What effects does the existing organizational structure have on the management of hospitals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines? The study took a qualitative approach. The participants consisted of a purposively selected sample of forty-five (45) top level and senior managers in the health care system, assigned to the four public hospitals on the island of St. Vincent and managers within the administrative arm of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The findings revealed that poor problem-solving strategies and the lack of or inadequate input from middle managers as it relates to operations of the organization were some of the ways in which the existing organizational structure affected hospital management. The results also highlighted challenges which included inadequate communication, poor distribution, and management of resources as well as poorly defined and inflexible roles. Lack of support from top level managers, contradictory decisions made by the managers and poor accountability measures, were also stated as challenges of the existing structure. The results of this study have informed the conclusion that the organizational structure of Hospital Services impacts performance, prompting a call for review of the existing organizational structure of hospital services in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Keywords: Hospital services, Management, Organizational structure, public hospitals.
Nagroda im. Profesora Mieczysława Gogacza (2007 – 2021)
Authors: Rejewska Julia
Published: August 2022

Sympozjum Tomistyczne, połączone z wręczeniem Nagród im. Profesora Mieczysława Gogacza, organizowane jest przez Katedrę Historii Filozofii Instytutu Filozofii UKSW w Warszawie oraz Naukowe Towarzystwo Tomistyczne. Sympozjum jest okazją do uhonorowania najlepszych prac magisterskich, które, jak zapisano w Regulaminie Nagrody, „wpisują się w badanie myśli Św. Tomasza z Akwinu i promowanie filozofii tomistycznej w Polsce, a także nawiązują do dorobku naukowego Profesora Mieczysława Gogacza”. Podczas sympozjum laureaci nie tylko otrzymują nagrody, lecz także wygłaszają referaty, przedstawiając najistotniejsze zagadnienia ze swoich badań szerokiemu gronu odbiorców. Laureatami Nagrody zostali dotąd absolwenci kilku uczelni z całej Polski.

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Zgłoszono: 03/12/2021. Zrecenzowano: 22/01/2022. Zaakceptowano do publikacji: 08/04/2022.
Renal Effects of Empagliflozin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus
Authors: Yaribeygi Habib , Maleki Mina , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the main causes of mortality and
morbidity worldwide. It leads to various long-term complications such as diabetic
nephropathy. Diabetes nephropathy is the leading cause of renal failure in patients with
chronic kidney diseases undergoing hemodialysis. Hence preventing the development and
progression of diabetic nephropathy is one of the main goals in the management of patients
with type 2 diabetes. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors of empagliflozin is
a potent anti-hyperglycemic agents. In addition, it has been shown to have some pharmacologic
potentials to provide renoprotective effects in patients with T2DM. In the current
study, we review the available clinical data on the potential renoprotective effects of this
drug from a mechanistic and molecular viewpoint.
Challenges in Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-based Therapies
Authors: Kavianpour Maria , da Silva Meirelles Lindolfo , Ahmadbeigi Naser
Published: August 2022

Over 50 years have passed since discovering mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Initially,
despite gaps in the knowledge of the identity of these cells, their therapeutic aspects were recognized.
Consequently, MSCs became candidates for treating a wide range of diseases. However, the therapeutic
effects of MSCs are not stable in the long term, and there are inconsistent data on their clinical efficacy.
Even though more than 1000 MSC-based clinical trials have been registered, and the safety of MSCbased
cell therapies has been proven, data on the clinical efficacy of MSCs have not been enough to warrant
FDA approval for clinical treatment and marketing purposes. The available information on MSCs
still contains some controversies, perhaps owing to little progress in understanding their in vivo identity.
MSCs have been used for therapeutic purposes despite poor knowledge of their in vivo origin or functions.
Hence, perhaps we need to go back to the basics of MSCs and spend more time understanding the
biology of these cells. An improved understanding of MSCs' location and function within tissues may
improve their therapeutic efficacy and, consequently, their establishment as a cell therapy product.
Comparison of the Sedative Effect of Ketamine, Magnesium Sulfate, and Propofol in Patients Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Shafiee Hamed , Riahipour Farahnaz , Hormati Ahmad , Ahmadpour Sajjad , Habibi Mohammad Amin , Vahedian Mostafa , Aminnejad Reza , Saeidi Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Background:

Endoscopy provides valuable diagnostic information and intervention therapies for gastroenterologists. Therefore, various drugs have been used to induce sedation in patients undergoing endoscopy, whereas none have been considered preferred by endoscopists. In the current study, we decided to use the combination of magnesium sulfate, ketamine, and their synergistic effects for creating partial analgesia to increase the satisfaction of endoscopists and patients.

Methods:

This study is a Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial that investigates the sedative effect of ketamine, magnesium sulfate, and propofol in endoscopy. Patients were selected from individuals over 12 years old and with American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) physical status I or II. The study was performed on 210 patients classified as ASA (I have no underlying disease) or II (with underlying controlled disease). The whole group was relieved of pain through sedation according to Ramsay criteria, satisfaction with the operation, duration, recovery, nausea and vomiting, hypotension, and decreased oxygen saturation were compared.

Results:

A total of 155 patients were enrolled in our study, including 51 patients (midazolam and propofol), 55 patients (midazolam and ketamine), and 49 patients (midazolam and ketamine and magnesium). The results showed that preoperative heart rate, intraoperative systolic blood pressure, intraoperative diastolic blood pressure, postoperative heart rate, postoperative systolic blood pressure, and postoperative heart rate were significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion:

The satisfaction of the endoscopic was achieved to a great extent, mainly in the group receiving midazolam and propofol and in the group receiving midazolam and ketamine. In most cases, the satisfaction of the endoscopic was acceptable, and the low satisfaction of the endoscopic was more in the group receiving midazolam. Ketamine and magnesium were observed. The two compounds midazolam-ketamine, and midazolam-propofol, have a more favorable effect than the combination of midazolam, ketamine, and magnesium.
COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Manifestations
Authors: Kasinadhuni Ganesh , Chikkam Vineela , Singh Parminder , Vijayvergiya Rajesh
Published: August 2022

COVID-19 disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus-2
(SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly established itself as a devastating pandemic of a
larger magnitude. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, dry cough,
myalgia, and fatigue. Severe symptoms and critical disease occur in 5 to 15% of
patients, progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ dysfunction
syndrome. Risk factors for severe disease and death include old age, hypertension,
diabetes, underlying cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, and obesity.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has broad tissue tropism, and a quarter of patients can have
cardiac involvement. Cardiovascular (CV) manifestations include subclinical and
overt myocarditis, acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias, exacerbation of heart
failure, thromboembolism, cardiogenic shock, and death. Patients with
preexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD) or CV involvement during the course of
illness may have poor clinical outcomes. Patients who have recovered from acute
illness can have persistent long-term effects with clinical significance. The
focus of this chapter is about the bidirectional interaction between COVID-19
disease and CVD, its various cardiovascular manifestations, their outcomes, and
management.
COVID -19 Overview
Authors: Sriram Anitha , Medtiya Pravin , Mahajan Srushti , Kumar Rahul , Kumar Khatri Dharmendra , Bala Singh Shashi , Madan Jitender , Kumar Singh Pankaj
Published: August 2022

The appalling COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has become a major cause of
mortality in 2020. The COVID-19 is caused by a dreadful coronavirus called nCoV
(SARS-CoV2). The term “coronavirus” (CoV) originates from the Latin term corona,
which means “halo”/ “crown,” as the virus carries the crown-like projections (spikes)
on its surface. Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses causing mild diseases to
severe respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. This review describes the overview of
COVID-19, including the origin and reservoir of SARS-CoV2 and the genomic
sequence of SARS-CoV2 compared to other coronaviruses. Furthermore, major events
of the COVID-19 outbreak, reported confirmed cases, death cases, and case fatality rate
(CFR) of covid-19 since its beginning until now, and different facts about fatally
potential beta coronaviruses are also discussed in detail in this review.
Etiology of COVID-19
Authors: Sriram Anitha , Prajapati Balram , Mahajan Srushti , Kumar Khatri Dharmendra , Singh Shashi Bala , Srivastava Saurabh , Kumar Singh Pankaj
Published: August 2022

Etiology means the causation of a disease, where one or more factors are
combined to cause the illness. In the case of COVID-19, etiological studies are helpful
to determine the factors causing illness and they are required to pave the way for
advanced treatment options. The main etiology for COVID-19 is immunopathogenesis
which can be explained in terms of different stages of infection. This book chapter
summarizes the etiology of COVID-19, different stages of COVID-19 infection, and
the innate and adaptive immune response of the host to 2019-nCoV. In the early stages
of infection, mild viral infection targets the nasal epithelial cells, followed by bronchial
epithelial cells, and alveolar pneumocytes. In the moderate type of infection, Type-II
pneumocytes are induced by the associated viral pyroptosis that leads to the triggering
of IL-1β inflammatory signals, which is regarded as a localized inflammatory response.
In the severe type of infection, exuberant cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) causes
inflammation of the lungs, enhanced vascular hyper-permeability, and diffuse alveolar
damage (DAD). As a result of the above effects, the severe stage of infection is
characterized by pneumonia, ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), and ALI.
The infection causes CSS hyper-inflammation which additionally causes SIRS
(Systemic inflammatory response syndrome). This SIRS finally leads to septic shock
and multiple organ damage. Organ dysfunction for the liver, heart, and kidney is
another problem for patients.
Introduction
Authors: Singh Pushpendra , Gaur M.K.
Published: August 2022

This chapter covers the basics of thermodynamics and heat transfer, which
helps in understanding the heat transfer mechanism and thermal modeling of various
solar thermal systems covered in further chapters. The laws of thermodynamics and
heat transfer are also covered in the chapter. The general terms related to
thermodynamics and heat transfer are also defined in this chapter, as these terms will
be used frequently in upcoming chapters.
Potential of Solar Distillation Plant in India
Authors: Malviya Rajkumar , Vishwakarma Veeresh , Baredar Prashant V. , Kumar Anil
Published: August 2022

With the rising population and continuous depletion of our natural
resources, it has become very tough for everyone to meet their basic needs of food
and water. Also, at the rate with which the water-stressed area continues to rise, we
soon will be facing a huge water crisis. This chapter specifically talks about India and
its potential to make a switch from conventional methods of water usage and switch
to a renewable energy-based water desalination unit. This chapter presents an
elaborate analysis of the Indian peninsular region and talks about the major cities’
comparative performance in the basic design of the solar humidificationdehumidification
desalination unit. It can be concluded that the southern-most area
has a very large potential for setting up an economically feasible desalination unit.
Various parameters are discussed, like humidity ratio, outgoing airstream
temperature, and mass rate of evaporated water. As Chennai has the best performance
for the particular unit for most of the year, with productivity reaching 44 kg/day, the
least favorable site seems to be Puri in Odisha, where productivity remains less and
constant at a maximum of 34 kg/day during summers.
Thermal Analysis of Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Air Heater Employing Thermoelectric Module (TEM)
Authors: Dimri Neha
Published: August 2022

This chapter provides the description and analysis of a photovoltaic
thermal (PVT) air heater, including a thermoelectric module (TEM). A PVT air heater
offers several advantages over a PVT water heater. The problems such as corrosion
and freezing do not exist when air is used as a working fluid. Also, the system design
is less complex, incurs lower operation costs and can be easily integrated into
buildings. Furthermore, it is not a cause of any major concern in case of air leaks from
the duct. A PVT air heater poses some drawbacks as well, such as uneven cooling of
PV panels and lower overall efficiency compared to a PVT water heater resulting
from lower specific heat capacity of air. Nevertheless, the choice of the type of
working fluid is subject to a variety of factors like efficiency, cost including capital
investment, installation, operation and maintenance costs and the particular
application.
Pain: Methods for the Assessment
Authors: KARCIOGLU Ozgur , YENİOCAK Selman , HOSSEINZADEH Mandana , Bahar SEZGIN Seckin
Published: August 2022

International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as an unpleasant
subjective sensation that includes the past experiences of the person with or without
tissue damage.
Acute pain, generally lasting for hours to days, is the primary complaint at a rate of up
to 70-80% at first admission. Headache, myalgia, arthralgia, back pain, local pain
induced by minor trauma (such as sprains), thoracoabdominal pain, ear, facial pain, etc.
are the most common types of presentations in the acute setting related to pain.
Analgesia, on the other hand, is the relief of the perception of pain without causing
sedation or any change in vital signs.
It is one of the few areas a physician can make a difference to implement more efficient
patient care. The subjective and multidimensional nature of the pain experience make
pain assessment really challenging. Patients’ evaluation of pain should be the main
reference for decision-making to provide analgesics or not. Implementation of
dimensional recording of pain in clinical practice include the addition of pain as the
“fifth” vital sign to be noted during initial assessment; the use of pain intensity ratings;
and posting of a statement on pain management in all patient care area.
Our motto should be “pain cannot be treated if it cannot be assessed”. The most
important principle is that clinicians should somehow assess their patients' pain levels,
independent of the specific method or scale to achieve this. Although all pain-rating
scales are valid, reliable and appropriate for use, the VAS has somehow appeared more
difficult than the others. Pain reassessment should be guided by pain severity reported
by the patients themselves.
Special Groups and Abdominal Pain
Authors: KARCIOGLU Ozgur , YENİOCAK Selman , HOSSEINZADEH Mandana , Bahar SEZGIN Seckin
Published: August 2022

Specific patient groups have inherent characteristics when they suffer from
diseases, including those of the digestive system and other causes of abdominal pain.
Both diagnostic features and treatment measures differ regarding the patient’s age, sex,
previous medical / surgical history, and comorbid diseases. Pregnancy has its unique
features in both anatomy and physiology of the woman which result in substantial
variation in physical examination finding, radiological and laboratory adjuncts (e.g.,
the location of the appendix is shifted away from its usual site and computed
tomography is hardly ever used to diagnose etiologies of abdominal pain in pregnant
women). Likewise, children have many differences in presentation, examination
findings, work up and treatment principles, complicating the management process.
In addition, the pandemic disease has caused a paradigm shift in the evaluation of
almost all diseases, including those with abdominal pain. Many data suggest a close
relationship between COVID-19 and the digestive system. Patients with COVID-19
carry a high risk of digestive symptomatology including abdominal pain, nausea and
vomiting, diarrhea and others. HIV (+) patients exhibit various GI symptoms such as
diarrhea, abdominal pain and proctitis.
Healthcare providers should have robust knowledge of various forms of presentations
and characteristics of special subgroups with abdominal pain in this regard, to prevent
misdiagnoses and treatment errors in those patients.