bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mood disorder spectrum vs. schizophrenia decision tree: EDIPHAS research into the childhood and adolescence of 205 patients
Authors: Léger Mathilde , Wolff Vanessa , Kabuth Bernard , Albuisson Eliane , Ligier Fabienne
Published: March 2022

Background

The early detection of patients at risk of developing schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and more broadly mood spectrum disorder, is a public health concern. The phenotypical overlap between the prodromes in these disorders calls for a simultaneous investigation into both illness trajectories.

Method

This is an epidemiological, retrospective, multicentre, descriptive study conducted in the Grand-Est region of France in order to describe and compare early symptoms in 205 patients: 123 of which were diagnosed with schizophrenia and 82 with bipolar disorder or mood spectrum disorder. Data corresponding to the pre-morbid and prodromal phases, including a timeline of their onset, were studied in child and adolescent psychiatric records via a data grid based on the literature review conducted from birth to 17 years of age.

Results

Two distinct trajectories were highlighted. Patients with schizophrenia tended to present more difficulties at each developmental stage, with the emergence of negative and positive behavioural symptoms during adolescence. Patients with mood spectrum disorder, however, were more likely to exhibit anxiety and then mood-related symptoms. Overall, our results corroborate current literature findings and are consistent with the neurodevelopmental process. We succeeded in extracting a decision tree with good predictability based on variables relating to one diagnosis: 77.6% of patients received a well-indexed diagnosis. An atypical profile was observed in future mood spectrum disorder patients as some exhibited numerous positive symptoms alongside more conventional mood-related symptoms.

Conclusion

The combination of all these data could help promote the early identification of high-risk patients thereby facilitating early prevention and appropriate intervention in order to improve outcomes.
Physical inactivity level and lipid profile in traditional communities in the Legal Amazon: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Maciel Erika da Silva , Silva Bhárbara Karolline Rodrigues , Figueiredo Francisco Winter dos Santos , Pontes-Silva André , Quaresma Fernando Rodrigues Peixoto , Adami Fernando , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso
Published: March 2022

Background

The practice of regular physical activity can alter the lipid profile in populations according to diverse demographic characteristics.

Objective

To evaluate the association of physical inactivity with the lipid profile among vulnerable populations.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 349 vulnerable individuals from Tocantins state, northern Brazil. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire 7 Day short form was used to measure self-reported physical activity levels. Venous blood samples were drawn to evaluate lipid profile. Logistic regression adjusted by the socioeconomic variables was used to analyse the effects of physical inactivity on the lipidic profile. The level of significance was 5% and Stata® (StataCorp, LC) version 11 was used.

Results

We observe an inverse relationship between physical inactivity and HDL-C—that is, those who were sedentary or below the WHO Recommendations for physical activity were at 2.6 greater odds (IC95% 1.21, 5.67; p = 0.015) of having a lower HDL compared with those meeting or exceeding WHO physical activity recommendations.

Conclusion

On the vulnerable populations studied, the insufficiently active or sedentary individuals (called the physical inactivity individuals) have more risk of the altered HDL-C.
The anatomical features of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with total hip arthroplasty: a comparative study of direct anterior and anterolateral supine approaches
Authors: Ukai Taku , Suyama Kaori , Hayashi Shogo , Omura Haruka , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: March 2022

Background

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury after total hip arthroplasty causes patient dissatisfaction. This cadaveric study aimed to assess the risk for LFCN injury after the direct anterior approach (DAA) and anterolateral supine approach (ALS) with a focus on the anatomical variations of the LFCN.

Methods

Thirty-seven hemipelves from 20 formalin-preserved cadavers (10 males and 10 females) were dissected to identify the LFCN, evaluate variations, and measure the distance from the LFCN to each approach. The LFCN was classified as classical, late, multi trunk, or primary femoral.

Results

There were no significant variations in the LFCN between the sexes. The distance from the LFCN to DAA incision (10 [0–17.8] mm) was significantly less than that from the LFCN to ALS incision (27 [0–40] mm); moreover, 64.9% of DAA incisions crossed the LFCN. The classical type LFCN was closest to the DAA incision. The DAA incision most frequently crossed the LFCN at the proximal third, and the frequency of intersection of the LFCN and DAA incisions decreased by 25% by a 10-mm shortening of the DAA proximal incision. In contrast, 27% of ALS incisions crossed the LFCN. Multi trunk type LFCN was closest to the ALS incision. There were no significant differences between each approach and LFCN variations, and the frequency of intersection of the LFCN and ALS incisions decreased by 20% by a 10-mm shortening of the ALS proximal incision.

Conclusions

The intersection rates between the LFCN and the DAA and between the LFCN and the ALS were approximately 65 and 30%, respectively. Approximately 20–25% of these injuries may be avoidable by a 10-mm shortening of the proximal incision.
Barriers to the provision of non-communicable disease care in Zimbabwe: a qualitative study of primary health care nurses
Authors: Kamvura Tiny Tinashe , Dambi Jermaine M. , Chiriseri Ephraim , Turner Jean , Verhey Ruth , Chibanda Dixon
Published: March 2022

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contribute significantly to the global disease burden, with low-and middle-income (LMICs) countries disproportionately affected. A significant knowledge gap in NCDs exacerbates the high burden, worsened by perennial health system challenges, including human and financial resources constraints. Primary health care workers play a crucial role in offering health care to most people in LMICs, and their views on the barriers to the provision of quality care for NCDs are critical. This study explored perceived barriers to providing NCDs care in primary health care facilities in Zimbabwe.

Methods

In-depth, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with general nurses in primary care facilities until data saturation was reached. We focused on diabetes, hypertension, and depression, the three most common conditions in primary care in Zimbabwe. We used thematic content analysis based on an interview guide developed following a situational analysis of NCDs care in Zimbabwe and views from patients with lived experiences.

Results

Saturation was reached after interviewing 10 participants from five busy urban clinics. For all three NCDs, we identified four cross-cutting barriers, a) poor access to medication and functional equipment such as blood pressure machines, urinalysis strips; b) high cost of private care; c)poor working conditions; and d) poor awareness from both patients and the community which often resulted in the use of alternative potentially harmful remedies. Participants indicated that empowering communities could be an effective and low-cost approach to positive lifestyle changes and health-seeking behaviours. Participants indicated that the Friendship bench, a task-shifting programme working with trained community grandmothers, could provide a platform to introduce NCDs care at the community level. Also, creating community awareness and initiating screening at a community level through community health workers (CHWs) could reduce the workload on the clinic nursing staff.

Conclusion

Our findings reflect those from other LMICs, with poor work conditions and resources shortages being salient barriers to optimal NCDs care at the facility level. Zimbabwe's primary health care system faces several challenges that call for exploring ways to alleviate worker fatigue through strengthened community-led care for NCDs. Empowering communities could improve awareness and positive lifestyle changes, thus optimising NCD care. Further, there is a need to optimise NCD care in urban Zimbabwe through a holistic and multisectoral approach to improve working conditions, basic clinical supplies and essential drugs, which are the significant challenges facing the country's health care sector. The Friendship Bench could be an ideal entry point for providing an integrated NCD care package for diabetes, hypertension and depression.
Ultrasound and nanomaterial: an efficient pair to fight cancer
Authors: Alphandéry Edouard
Published: March 2022

Ultrasounds are often used in cancer treatment protocols, e.g. to collect tumor tissues in the right location using ultrasound-guided biopsy, to image the region of the tumor using more affordable and easier to use apparatus than MRI and CT, or to ablate tumor tissues using HIFU. The efficacy of these methods can be further improved by combining them with various nano-systems, thus enabling: (i) a better resolution of ultrasound imaging, allowing for example the visualization of angiogenic blood vessels, (ii) the specific tumor targeting of anti-tumor chemotherapeutic drugs or gases attached to or encapsulated in nano-systems and released in a controlled manner in the tumor under ultrasound application, (iii) tumor treatment at tumor site using more moderate heating temperatures than with HIFU. Furthermore, some nano-systems display adjustable sizes, i.e. nanobubbles can grow into micro-bubbles. Such dual size is advantageous since it enables gathering within the same unit the targeting properties of nano bubbles via EPR effect and the enhanced ultrasound contrasting properties of micro bubbles. Interestingly, the way in which nano-systems act against a tumor could in principle also be adjusted by accurately selecting the nano-system among a large choice and by tuning the values of the ultrasound parameters, which can lead, due to their mechanical nature, to specific effects such as cavitation that are usually not observed with purely electromagnetic waves and can potentially help destroying the tumor. This review highlights the clinical potential of these combined treatments that can improve the benefit/risk ratio of current cancer treatments.

Graphical Abstract
Quantitative hypoxia mapping using a self-calibrated activatable nanoprobe
Authors: Feng Xin , Li Yuhao , Zhang Shiyuan , Li Changjian , Tian Jie
Published: March 2022

Hypoxia is a distinguished hallmark of the tumor microenvironment. Hypoxic signaling affects multiple gene expressions, resulting in tumor invasion and metastasis. Quantification of hypoxic status although challenging, can be useful for monitoring tumor development and aggressiveness. However, hypoxia-independent factors such as nonspecific binding and heterogenous probe delivery considerably influence the probe signal thereby disenabling reliable quantitative imaging in vivo. In this study, we designed a self-calibrated activatable nanoprobe Cy7-1/PG5-Cy5@LWHA that specifically detects nitroreductase activity upregulated in hypoxic tumor cells. Dual fluorescence emission of the nanoprobe enables ratiometric calibration and eliminates the target-independent interference. In orthotopic and metastatic breast cancer mouse models, Cy7-1/PG5-Cy5@LWHA demonstrated remarkable hypoxia sensing capability in vivo. Moreover, ratiometric processing provided quantitative hypoxia assessment at different tumor developmental stages and facilitated tumor burden assessment in the metastatic lymph nodes. Therefore, our study demonstrates that ratiometric imaging of Cy7-1/PG5-Cy5@LWHA can be a prospective noninvasive tool to quantitatively monitor tumor hypoxia, which would be beneficial for investigating the fundamental role of hypoxia in tumor progression and for evaluating response to novel anti-hypoxia therapeutics. Furthermore, successful detection of metastatic lymph nodes with the proposed imaging approach illustrates its potential clinical application in assessing lymph node status during surgery.

Graphical Abstract
The advances in nanomedicine for bone and cartilage repair
Authors: Qiao Kai , Xu Lu , Tang Junnan , Wang Qiguang , Lim Khoon S. , Hooper Gary , Woodfield Tim B. F. , Liu Guozhen , Tian Kang , Zhang Weiguo , Cui Xiaolin
Published: March 2022

With the gradual demographic shift toward an aging and obese society, an increasing number of patients are suffering from bone and cartilage injuries. However, conventional therapies are hindered by the defects of materials, failing to adequately stimulate the necessary cellular response to promote sufficient cartilage regeneration, bone remodeling and osseointegration. In recent years, the rapid development of nanomedicine has initiated a revolution in orthopedics, especially in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, due to their capacity to effectively stimulate cellular responses on a nanoscale with enhanced drug loading efficiency, targeted capability, increased mechanical properties and improved uptake rate, resulting in an improved therapeutic effect. Therefore, a comprehensive review of advancements in nanomedicine for bone and cartilage diseases is timely and beneficial. This review firstly summarized the wide range of existing nanotechnology applications in the medical field. The progressive development of nano delivery systems in nanomedicine, including nanoparticles and biomimetic techniques, which are lacking in the current literature, is further described. More importantly, we also highlighted the research advancements of nanomedicine in bone and cartilage repair using the latest preclinical and clinical examples, and further discussed the research directions of nano-therapies in future clinical practice.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring the translational challenge for medical applications of ionising radiation and corresponding radiation protection research
Authors: Bockhold Sophie , Foley Shane J. , Rainford Louise A. , Corridori Riccardo , Eberstein Annika , Hoeschen Christoph , Konijnenberg Mark W. , Molyneux-Hodgson Susan , Paulo Graciano , Santos Joana , McNulty Jonathan P.
Published: March 2022

Background

Medical applications of ionising radiation and associated radiation protection research often encounter long delays and inconsistent implementation when translated into clinical practice. A coordinated effort is needed to analyse the research needs for innovation transfer in radiation-based high-quality healthcare across Europe which can inform the development of an innovation transfer framework tailored for equitable implementation of radiation research at scale.

Methods

Between March and September 2021 a Delphi methodology was employed to gain consensus on key translational challenges from a range of professional stakeholders. A total of three Delphi rounds were conducted using a series of electronic surveys comprised of open-ended and closed-type questions. The surveys were disseminated via the EURAMED Rocc-n-Roll consortium network and prominent medical societies in the field. Approximately 350 professionals were invited to participate. Participants’ level of agreement with each generated statement was captured using a 6-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as median ≥ 4 with ≥ 60% of responses in the upper tertile of the scale. Additionally, the stability of responses across rounds was assessed.

Results

In the first Delphi round a multidisciplinary panel of 20 generated 127 unique statements. The second and third Delphi rounds recruited a broader sample of 130 individuals to rate the extent to which they agreed with each statement as a key translational challenge. A total of 60 consensus statements resulted from the iterative Delphi process of which 55 demonstrated good stability. Ten statements were identified as high priority challenges with ≥ 80% of statement ratings either ‘Agree’ or ‘Strongly Agree’.

Conclusion

A lack of interoperability between systems, insufficient resources, unsatisfactory education and training, and the need for greater public awareness surrounding the benefits, risks, and applications of ionising radiation were identified as principal translational challenges. These findings will help to inform a tailored innovation transfer framework for medical radiation research.
Women’s experiences throughout the birthing process in health facilities in Arab countries: a systematic review
Authors: Awad Arein , Shalash Aisha , Abu-Rmeileh Niveen M. E.
Published: March 2022

Background

Mistreatment of women during facility-based childbirth has become a significant public health issue globally and is gaining worldwide attention. This systematic review of quantitative studies aimed to estimate the prevalence of mistreatment women may experience throughout the birthing process in health facilities in Arab countries. The review also aimed to identify the types of mistreatment, terminology, tools, and methods used to address this topic.

Methodology

The search was conducted using three electronic databases: “PubMed,” “Embase,” and “CINAHL” in May 2020. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included and assessed for risk of bias. The analysis was conducted based on the evidence-based typology developed by Bohren et al. as a guide to try to estimate the prevalence of mistreatment.

Results

Eleven studies out of 174 were included. The included studies belonged to only seven Arab countries out of 22 Arab countries. The mistreatment of women during childbirth is still new in the region. Searching within the included studies yielded diverse and indirect terms that were a proxy for the word mistreatment. These terms were not comprehensive to cover different aspects of the topic. The tools that were used to measure the terms widely varied.. Moreover, it was not possible to estimate the prevalence of mistreatment of women due to high heterogeneity among the 11 studies.

Conclusion

The topic of mistreatment of women in Arab countries was not adequately addressed in the studies included in this review. More research on this topic is recommended due to its importance in improving maternal health in the region. However, a standardized and comprehensive terminology for mistreatment of women, a standardized tool, and a standardized methodology are recommended to enable comparability between results and allow pooling to estimate the prevalence.
A novel push–pull central-lever mechanism reduces peak forces and energy-cost compared to hand-rim wheelchair propulsion during a controlled lab-based experiment
Authors: le Rütte Thomas A. , Trigo Fransisca , Bessems Luca , van der Woude Lucas H. V. , Vegter Riemer J. K.
Published: March 2022

Background

Hand-rim wheelchair propulsion is straining and mechanically inefficient, often leading to upper limb complaints. Previous push–pull lever propulsion mechanisms have shown to perform better or equal in efficiency and physiological strain. Propulsion biomechanics have not been evaluated thus far. A novel push–pull central-lever propulsion mechanism is compared to conventional hand-rim wheelchair propulsion, using both physiological and biomechanical outcomes under low-intensity steady-state conditions on a motor driven treadmill.

Methods

In this 5 day (distributed over a maximum of 21 days) between-group experiment, 30 able-bodied novices performed 60 min (5 × 3 × 4 min) of practice in either the push–pull central lever wheelchair (n = 15) or the hand-rim wheelchair (n = 15). At the first and final sessions cardiopulmonary strain, propulsion kinematics and force production were determined in both instrumented propulsion mechanisms. Repeated measures ANOVA evaluated between (propulsion mechanism type), within (over practice) and interaction effects.

Results

Over practice, both groups significantly improved on all outcome measures. After practice the peak forces during the push and pull phase of lever propulsion were considerably lower compared to those in the handrim push phase (42 ± 10 & 46 ± 10 vs 63 ± 21N). Concomitantly, energy expenditure was found to be lower as well (263 ± 45 vs 298 ± 59W), on the other hand gross mechanical efficiency (6.4 ± 1.5 vs 5.9 ± 1.3%), heart-rate (97 ± 10 vs 98 ± 10 bpm) and perceived exertion (9 ± 2 vs 10 ± 1) were not significantly different between modes.

Conclusion

The current study shows the potential benefits of the newly designed push–pull central-lever propulsion mechanism over regular hand rim wheelchair propulsion. The much lower forces and energy expenditure might help to reduce the strain on the upper extremities and thus prevent the development of overuse injury. This proof of concept in a controlled laboratory experiment warrants continued experimental research in wheelchair-users during daily life.
Disclosure, transparency, and accountability: a qualitative survey of public sector pharmaceutical committee conflict of interest policies in the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region
Authors: Grundy Quinn , Parker Lisa , Wong Anna , Fusire Terence , Dimancesco Deirdre , Tisocki Klara , Walkowiak Helena , Vian Taryn , Kohler Jillian
Published: March 2022

Background

Weak governance over public sector pharmaceutical policy and practice limits access to essential medicines, inflates pharmaceutical prices, and wastes scarce health system resources. Pharmaceutical systems are technically complex and involve extensive interactions between the private and public sectors. For members of public sector pharmaceutical committees, relationships with the private sector can result in conflicts of interest, which may introduce commercial biases into decision-making, potentially compromising public health objectives and health system sustainability. We conducted a descriptive, qualitative study of conflict of interest policies and practices in the public pharmaceutical sector in ten countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEAR) (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste) between September 2020 and March 2021.

Results

We identified 45 policy and regulatory documents and triangulated documentary data with 21 expert interviews. Key informants articulated very different governance priorities and conflict of interest concerns depending on the features of their country’s pharmaceutical industry, market size, and national economic objectives related to the domestic pharmaceutical industry. Public sector pharmaceutical policies and regulations consistently contained provisions for pharmaceutical committee members to disclose relevant interests, but contained little detail about what should be declared, when, and how often, nor whether disclosures are evaluated and by whom. Processes for preventing or managing conflicts of interest were less well developed than those for disclosure except for a few key procurement processes. Where processes for managing conflicts of interest were specified, the dominant strategy was to recuse committee members with a conflict of interest from relevant work. Policies rarely specified that committee members should divest or otherwise be free from conflicts of interest.

Conclusions

Robust processes for conflict of interest prevention and management could ensure the integrity of decision-making and build public trust in pharmaceutical processes to achieve public health objectives. Upstream approaches including supportive legislative frameworks, the creation of oversight bodies, and strengthening regulatory institutions can also contribute to building cultures of transparency, accountability, and trust.
Localized delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor from PLGA microspheres promotes peripheral nerve regeneration in rats
Authors: Shi Zheng-liang , Fan Zhi-yong , Zhang Hua , Li Shen-tai , Yuan He , Tong Jiu-hui
Published: March 2022

Background

Repair of peripheral nerve defect presents a considerable challenge for reconstructive surgeons. The aim of this study is to develop a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) from poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres for the treatment of the peripheral nerve defect.

Method

BDNF microspheres were prepared by using an oil-in-water emulsification-solvent evaporation method. The morphology, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading and sustained release performance of microspheres was observed and calculated. Adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) were isolated and expanded. ADSCs were divided into four groups: control, BDNF, blank microsphere and BDNF microsphere groups. Cell count kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were used to assess cell proliferation. Cell migration was determined by Transwell assays. Twenty-eight male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent transection damage model on the right sciatic nerve. The wet weight ratio of the gastrocnemius muscle was calculated by comparing the weight of the gastrocnemius muscle from the operated side to that of the normal side. Neuroelectrophysiological testing was performed to assess nerve function recovery. Nerve regeneration was evaluated by histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

The microspheres were spherical and had uniform size (46.38 ± 1.00 μm), high encapsulation efficiency and high loading capacity. In vitro release studies showed that BDNF-loaded microspheres had good sustained release characteristics. The duration of BDNF release was extended to more than 50 days. BDNF or BDNF microsphere promote the proliferation and migration of ADSCs than control group (P < 0.05). Compared with control group, BDNF significantly decreased the nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and compound amplitude (AMP) (P < 0.05). The nerve fibers in the BDNF microsphere group were closely arranged and uniformly distributed than control group.

Conclusion

BDNF/PLGA sustained-release microsphere could promote the migration of ADSCs and promoted neural differentiation of ADSCs. Moreover, BDNF/PLGA sustained-release microsphere ameliorated nerve conduction velocity and prevented neuralgic amyotrophy.
Effectiveness of an adapted diving mask (Owner mask) for non-invasive ventilation in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Paiva Dulciane Nunes , Wagner Litiele Evelin , dos Santos Marinho Sônia Elvira , Dornelles Carlos Fernando Drumond , de Souza Barbosa Juliana Fernandes , de Melo Marinho Patrícia Érika
Published: March 2022

Background

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is indicated to avoid orotracheal intubation (OTI) to reduce hospital stay and mortality. Patients infected by SARS-CoV2 can progress to respiratory failure (RF); however, in the initial phase, they can be submitted to oxygen therapy and NIV. Such resources can produce aerosol and can cause a high risk of contagion to health professionals. Safe NIV strategies are sought, and therefore, the authors adapted diving masks to be used as NIV masks (called an Owner mask).

Objective

To assess the Owner mask safety and effectiveness regarding conventional orofacial mask for patients in respiratory failure with and without confirmation or suspicion of COVID-19.

Methods

A Brazilian multicentric study to assess patients admitted to the intensive care unit regarding their clinical, sociodemographic and anthropometric data. The primary outcome will be the rate of tracheal intubation, and secondary outcomes will include in-hospital mortality, the difference in PaO2/FiO2 ratio and PaCO2 levels, time in the intensive care unit and hospitalization time, adverse effects, degree of comfort and level of satisfaction of the mask use, success rate of NIV (not progressing to OTI), and behavior of the ventilatory variables obtained in NIV with an Owner mask and with a conventional face mask. Patients with COVID-19 and clinical signs indicative of RF will be submitted to NIV with an Owner mask [NIV Owner COVID Group (n = 63)] or with a conventional orofacial mask [NIV orofacial COVID Group (n = 63)], and those patients in RF due to causes not related to COVID-19 will be allocated into the NIV Owner Non-COVID Group (n = 97) or to the NIV Orofacial Non-COVID Group (n = 97) in a randomized way, which will total 383 patients, admitting 20% for loss to follow-up.

Discussion

This is the first randomized and controlled trial during the COVID-19 pandemic about the safety and effectiveness of the Owner mask compared to the conventional orofacial mask. Experimental studies have shown that the Owner mask enables adequate sealing on the patient’s face and the present study is relevant as it aims to minimize the aerosolization of the virus in the environment and improve the safety of health professionals.

Trial registration

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC): RBR – 7xmbgsz. Registered on 15 April 2021.
Oral administration of Lactobacillus brevis 23017 combined with ellagic acid attenuates intestinal inflammatory injury caused by Eimeria infection by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway
Authors: Yang Xuelian , Pan Xinghui , Jia Zhipeng , Bai Bingrong , Zhi Wenjing , Chen Hang , Ma Chunli , Ma Dexing
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate whether oral administration ofLactobacillus brevis23017 (LB) alone and in combination with ellagic acid inhibits ChTLR15/ChNLRP3/ChIL-1β by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to attenuate intestinal inflammatory injury. Two animal experiments were performed. In Experiment 1, chickens were allocated into 7 groups: PBS, and low, medium and high dosages of live and heat-killed LB, named L/LB(+), M/LB(+) and H/LB(+), and L/LB(−), M/LB(−) and H/LB(−), respectively. In Experiment 2, chickens were divided into 5 groups: PBS, challenge control, and low, medium and high dosages of ellagic acid combined with LB(+), named L/EA + L/LB(+), M/EA + M/LB(+) and H/EA + H/LB(+), respectively. Chickens were gavaged with LB with or without ellagic acid once a day. Then, the mRNA and protein levels of the components of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway found in the caecal tissues were quantified. On Day 7 post-infection withE. tenella, the levels of the components of the ChTLR15/NLRP3/IL-1β pathway in the caeca were again quantified, and the anticoccidial effects were assessed. The results showed that the levels of the genes in the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in the chickens in the LB(+) groups were higher than those in the LB(−) groups (p < 0.001); those in the H/LB(+) group were higher than those in the M/LB(+) and L/LB(+) groups (p < 0.001); and those in the H/EA + H/LB(+) group showed the highest expression levels compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). After challenge, the chickens in the H/LB(+) group displayed less inflammatory injury than those in the M/LB(+) and L/LB(+) groups (p < 0.05), and the chickens in the H/EA + H/LB(+) group showed stronger anti-inflammatory effects than the other groups (p < 0.05). Thus, these protective effects against infection were consistent with the above results. Overall, significant anti-inflammatory effects were observed in chickens orally gavaged with high dosages of liveL. brevis23017 and ellagic acid, which occurred by regulation of the ChTLR15/NLRP3/IL-1β pathway.
Numerical solution of fractional differential equations with Caputo derivative by using numerical fractional predict–correct technique
Authors: Zabidi Nur Amirah , Majid Zanariah Abdul , Kilicman Adem , Ibrahim Zarina Bibi
Published: March 2022

Fractional differential equations have recently demonstrated their importance in a variety of fields, including medicine, applied sciences, and engineering. The main objective of this study is to propose an Adams-type multistep method for solving differential equations of fractional order. The method is developed by implementing the Lagrange interpolation and taking into account the idea of the Adams–Moulton method for fractional case. The fractional derivative applied in this study is in the Caputo derivative operator. The analysis of the proposed method is presented in terms of order of the method, order of accuracy, and convergence analysis, with the proposed method being proved to converge. The stability of the method is also examined, where the stability regions appear to be symmetric to the real axis for various values of α. In order to validate the competency of the proposed method, several numerical examples for solving linear and nonlinear fractional differential equations are included. The method will be presented in the numerical predict–correct technique for the condition where $\alpha \in (0,1)$
α
∈
(
0
,
1
)
, in which α represents the order of fractional derivatives of $D^{\alpha }y(t)$

D
α

y
(
t
)
.
70 years of wood modification with fungi
Authors: Stange Stephanie , Wagenführ André
Published: March 2022

To obtain special wood properties for various technical applications, fungi with their broad spectrum of activity can make a contribution. The foundations for today's mycological wood modifications were laid by researchers who wanted to increase the yield of edible mushrooms. They noticed the changed properties of the wooden substrate by the progressive wood degradation. Controlled use of fungi and an eye for the technical benefits of mycologically degraded wood revolutionized the fundaments of wood modification, primarily biological. In this context, the so-called Myko-Holz (myco-wood) plays a unique role and influences the current research for pencil wood, tone wood or even spalting.
Reviewing recherche presentations of persistent Mullerian duct syndrome: case reports
Authors: Jeyakumar Aishwarya , Ramachandran Rajoo , Rangasami Rajeswaran , Jeyakumar Lavanya , Gadupudi Vignesh
Published: March 2022

Background

Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS) is a type of pseudo-hermaphroditism occurring in males internally due to failure in the Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH)-dependent sex differentiation pathway. Due to absent Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH), the adult male has both the Wolffian and Mullerian duct derivatives. Considering the limited information available in the existing literature, malignant transformation in PMDS has rarely been reported.

Case Presentation

In this article we present two cases of PMDS which have complicated in to malignancy with review of literature and histopathological correlation. Both of these patients presented with lower abdominal pain, for which computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis was performed following ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis Both the Wolffian and Mullerian duct derivates were visualized on the above mentioned scans in these genetically confirmed males (46 XY).

Conclusion

Familiarity with PMDS is necessary to diagnose the condition. Hence, in this article, we report recherche presentations of Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome which had complicated into malignancies.
The Double Topology: Reflections on the Function and History of Literary Topoi
Authors: Meiner Carsten
Published: March 2022

This article sets out to rethink literary topology by way of a three-step argument. The article first critically analyzes how Curtius grounds topoi in Jung's archetypes and how Bakhtin grounds topoi in temporality. The article then proposes to think of literary topoi as originating in cultural and historical reality. At different points in time, new places, discourses, practices, and events arise, and, because of their cultural ubiquity, these cultural phenomena possess obvious conventional functions and meanings, a sort of cultural doxa. Second, however, literature constantly uses these phenomena for purposes other than the primary conventional ones. On the background of this constant literary misuse of culturally conventional phenomena, the article argues that a literary misuse, a heterodox use, is tied to the doxa of these new phenomena, a relation termed the double topology. The article demonstrates how this notion works with respect to new places (the horse carriage), discourses (gastronomy), practices (gallantry), and events (revolts). Third, the article discusses how literary history reflects upon its own heterodox topoi and the constant risk of their becoming clichés. At certain times, critical topoi themselves become clichés, and the article indicates ways in which authors have tried to rework topoi in order for them to become literary resources again.
MODIFICATION OF THE BI-RADS SYSTEM WITH BREAST CYSTS
Authors: Odincov V. , Guseynov Arif , Val'kova L. , Val'kov M.
Published: March 2022

Cysts are a fairly common pathology of the mammary glands. Diagnosis and treatment of this pathology still remains a difficult task. The proposed classification according to the BI-RADS system has made an obvious contribution to the diagnosis and treatment of mammary gland formations. The accumulated material in recent years, especially on ultrasound diagnostics, is a prerequisite for making changes to the BI-RADS system in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cysts.
CLINICAL OBSERVATION OF STILL'S DISEASE
Authors: Morozova A.
Published: March 2022

A clinical case of Still's disease in an 18-year-old girl who debuted with sore throat, lymphadenopathy, sore throat, febrile fever up to 39 ° C and maculopopular rash at its height is presented. The process of diagnosis, the appearance of symptoms over time and the diagnosis by exclusion is demonstrated.
Goodpascher syndrome: a clinical case
Authors: Zhuravleva L.
Published: March 2022

Goodpasture syndrome refers to systemic vasculitis with small-caliber vascular lesions, immunocomplex vasculitis. Immunocomplex vasculitis - vasculitis with moderate or pronounced deposits of immunoglobulins and/or complement components in the vascular wall, mainly small vessels (capillaries, venules, arterioles and small arteries). Glomerulonephritis is often observed. Diagnosis is difficult due to the rare frequency of the disease. The article presents a clinical case of Goodpascher syndrome.
Polysplenia and other anatomical variants of the spleen
Authors: Kopystecka Agnieszka , Lipińska Justyna , Kopeć Izabela , Lipiński Łukasz , Woźniak Magdalena , Jędrzejewski Grzegorz
Published: March 2022

The anatomy, physiology and embryology of the spleen are essential fields of study for the determination of congenital varieties as well as the pathological processes occurring in this organ.The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on the proper development of the spleen and to present structural variants that may be of clinical significance or be important from the radiologist's point of view.Structural changes of the spleen may result in non-specific clinical symptoms, which may confuse an inexperienced physician. Inaccurate diagnosis and late diagnosis have various negative, often even fatal, consequences. In order to make an appropriate diagnosis, and thus help the patient in a timely manner, it is necessary to have extensive knowledge about the variants of the structure of the spleen. Knowledge of anatomical variations is essential for the development of a differential diagnosis, which enables the correct diagnosis to be made.
“Fulfilled by Amazon”: A Strategic Perspective of Competition at the e-Commerce Platform
Authors: Lai Guoming , Liu Huihui , Xiao Wenqiang , Zhao Xinyi
Published: March 2022

Problem definition: This paper examines the economic effects of the fulfillment services offered by Amazon (FBA) to the third-party sellers on its retail platform. Academic/practical relevance: Logistics is critical for e-commerce. It is intriguing that the third-party sellers that use FBA may directly compete with Amazon. By FBA, their service levels are substantially improved and so is their competitiveness. Such a phenomenon has been little investigated in prior literature. Methodology: We develop a strategic competition model where Amazon and a representative third-party seller engage in both price and service competition. Results: Interestingly, we find that although FBA may intensify the service competition between Amazon and the third-party seller, it can mitigate their price competition besides the direct revenue Amazon collects from the service. The latter effects dominate the former when the cross-service sensitivity of the consumers is either sufficiently low or sufficiently high. Therefore, not only the third-party sellers but also Amazon may benefit from FBA. Moreover, because the sales of Amazon’s products may increase because of FBA, its OEM (original equipment manufacturer) supplier may gain from FBA also. These findings extend to the settings where the third-party seller is Amazon’s OEM supplier, cross-price and cross-service sensitivities are correlated, or the parties set their retail prices sequentially. Managerial implications: Our analysis provides insights about when FBA is more likely to be beneficial and when it can be harmful. They are useful for understanding the impacts of FBA on both Amazon and the third-party sellers.
The Recall Decision Exposed: Automobile Recall Timing and Process Data Set
Authors: Astvansh Vivek , Ball George P. , Josefy Matthew
Published: March 2022

Problem definition: There is a concerted effort across multiple academic disciplines to understand the recall decision-making process. Specifically, what steps does a manufacturer take following a product defect discovery and resulting in the product recall decision? This effort has often been limited to case studies within a particular manufacturer, largely due to the absence of consistent and comparable data across firms. Methodology/results: This data paper provides a foundation for future research on recall decisions by processing and coding textual disclosures on 2,120 recalls initiated in the United States by 27 automobile manufacturers from 2009 to 2018. For each recall, the data set provides the time the firm took to make the recall decision by comparing the defect awareness date to the recall decision date, whether the recall was associated with a supplier, the number of events in the recall decision-making process, and the date and description of each event. Managerial implications: Not only can these data enhance product recall research by providing key recall decision-making variables unavailable in related research, but an additional indication of the value of our data set also comes from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the automobile regulator in the United States. We held discussions with a senior leader at the NHTSA’s Recall Management Division related to this data set. This discussion revealed that the NHTSA does not have these data in an analyzable form and that they might be interested in using our data set for their reports, such as the NHTSA’s biennial reports to the U.S. Congress. This signal suggests that regulators, as well as researchers, practitioners, and other safety advocates, may find our data set useful.
Fast Power Series Solution of Large 3-D Electrodynamic Integral Equation for PEC Scatterers
Authors: Negi Yoginder Kumar , Balakrishnan N. , Rao Sadasiva M.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a new fast power series solution method to solve the Hierarchal Method of Moment (MoM) matrix for a large complex, perfectly electric conducting (PEC) 3D structures. The proposed power series solution converges in just two (2) iterations which is faster than the conventional fast solver–based iterative solution. The method is purely algebraic in nature and, as such applicable to existing conventional methods. The method uses regular fast solver Hierarchal Matrix (H-Matrix) and can also be applied to Multilevel Fast Multipole Method Algorithm (MLFMA). In the proposed method, we use the scaling of the symmetric near-field matrix to develop a diagonally dominant overall matrix to enable a power series solution. Left and right block scaling coefficients are required for scaling near-field blocks to diagonal blocks using Schur’s complement method. However, only the right-hand scaling coefficients are computed for symmetric near-field matrix leading to saving of computation time and memory. Due to symmetric property, the left side-block scaling coefficients are just the transpose of the right-scaling blocks. Next, the near-field blocks are replaced by scaled near-field diagonal blocks. Now the scaled near-field blocks in combination with far-field and scaling coefficients are subjected to power series solution terminating after only two terms. As all the operations are performed on the near-field blocks, the complexity of scaling coefficient computation is retained as O(N)O⁢(N). The power series solution only involves the matrix-vector product of the far-field, scaling coefficients blocks, and inverse of scaled near-field blocks. Hence, the solution cost remains O(NlogN)O⁢(N⁢l⁢o⁢g⁢N). Several numerical results are presented to validate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed numerical method.
Interaction Magnetic Force of Cuboidal Permanent Magnet and Soft Magnetic Bar Using Hybrid Boundary Element Method
Authors: Vučković Ana N. , Perić Mirjana T. , Ilić Saša S. , Raičević Nebojša B. , Vučković Dušan M.
Published: March 2022

The hybrid boundary element method for solving a three-dimensional magnetostatic problem is presented in this paper for the first time. The interaction force between the cuboidal permanent magnet and the bar, made of soft magnetic material, is calculated. Results of the presented approach are confirmed using COMSOL Multiphysics as well as with the results of the image theorem that is applicable when the dimensions of the bar are large enough; so it could be considered an infinite soft magnetic plane.
A Compact Dual-band Planar Antenna Loaded with Magneto Dielectric Ferrite
Authors: Li Yongwei , Feng Quanyuan , Zheng Zongliang
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a compact dual-band planar antenna loaded with magnetodielectric ferrite is proposed for ISM/GSM/UMTS. Slot and ring structures are dual-resonant mode generators of the antenna. And the characteristic mode analysis is used for the modeling, analysis, and optimization of the proposed antenna. Because of the loading of a piece of rectangular Co22W hexaferrite medium, this antenna can be used in lower frequency bands. The electromagnetic parameters of this ferrite are measured by the transmission line method. Finally, the antenna is fabricated and measured. The operation frequency band (S<11<11−-10 dB) is determined to be 80 MHz (890–970 MHz) and 370 MHz (1.87–2.24 GHz) with the dual resonance frequencies of 925 MHz and 2.175 GHz, respectively, which is capable for ISM (915 MHz)/GSM900/UMTS applications.
Dual-Band Phased Array 5G Mobile-Phone Antenna with Switchable and Hemispherical Beam Pattern Coverage for MIMO-Diversity Communications
Authors: Parchin Naser Ojaroudi , Dardeer Osama M. , Amar Ahmed S.I. , See Chan Hwang , Abd-Alhameed Raed
Published: March 2022

A new design of dual-band antenna array with 3D-coverage beam steering characteristic for millimeter-wave (MM-Wave) communications is proposed in this manuscript. The antenna covers frequency bands of 18 GHz and 28 GHz. Its configuration contains three subarrays of patch radiators along the edge area of the smart phone printed circuit board (PCB). Each sub-array contains eight elements of dual-band patch antennas with C-shaped slots. The resonant frequencies of the single element radiator can be adjusted by tuning the sizes of the embedded C-shaped slot and the main patch radiator. The beam-steerable antenna is designed on an N9000 PTFE dielectric. In order to achieve high gain beams and also for covering wider beam-steering area, each sub-array is deployed in different top-sides of the PCB with a dimension of 55××110 mm22. Using three uniform linear eight element sub-arrays, hemispherical beam pattern coverages can be achieved. The proposed antenna provides good performances in terms of gain, radiation and total efficiencies, and beam steering properties which make it suitable for use in the fifthgeneration (5G) mobile-phone platforms.