bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Minor Procedure as the Management of Onychocryptosis in Community Podiatry Setting: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Teh Shu Xin , Bridgen Andrew , Ip Shek Hong
Published: December 2021

Background: Onychocryptosis is a common and debilitating condition that often require surgical management. Despite this minor procedure being the most common and effective method in managing this condition, as well as being one of the essential services provided by Health Care Professional Council (HCPC) registered podiatrists, there is limited evidence around the effectiveness of this procedure in the community setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-invasive minor procedure for the management of onychocryptosis. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken within the community podiatry department. All patients who underwent minor procedure for the management of onychocryptosis between June 2018 and December 2019 were included in this study. The data were collected from the electronic patient records using a comprehensive data collection tool. Recurrence rate and infection rate were calculated to determine the effectiveness of the minor procedure. Results: 354 minor procedures were performed on 272 patients presenting with onychocryptosis. The recurrence rate of nail regrowth following intervention was 5.6% (N=20). Patients <40 years old were more likely to experience a recurrence of nail regrowth following an intervention (N=16). The postoperative infection rate was 8.8% (N=31). Patients who had a partial nail avulsion procedure were more likely to experience postoperative infection compared to total nail avulsion.Conclusions: Although the management of onychocryptosis with this minor procedure is effective within the community podiatry department, incorporation of evaluation of patient satisfaction following this procedure is suggested within the recommendations. The limitations of this study have been highlighted and a mixed method research project is recommended to explore this area of specialty to improve patient outcome.
Exposure Factors Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence During the First Eight Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Netherlands: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Pagen Demi ME , Brinkhues Stephanie , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole HTM , Heijer Casper DJ den , Bouwmeester-Vincken Noortje , Hanssen Daniëlle AT , Loo Inge HM van , Savelkoul Paul HM , Hoebe Christian JPA
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThe availability of valid SARS-CoV-2 serological tests overcome the problem of underestimated cumulative COVID-19 cases during the first months of the pandemic in The Netherlands. This enabled us to study a wide variety of demographic, behavioural and social exposure factors associated with seropositivity during the first eight months of the pandemic in Limburg, The Netherlands. MethodsSARS-CoV-2 point-seroprevalence was determined cross-sectionally to indicate previous infection in a convenience sample of 10,000 inhabitants of the study province. Possible exposure factors were mapped by means of an extensive questionnaire. Associated exposure factors were determined using uni- and multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsSeropositivity was established in 19.5% (n=1,948) of the 10,001 participants (on average 49 years old (SD=15; range 18-90 years), majority women (n=5,829; 58.3%). Exposure factors associated with seropositivity included current education, working in healthcare and not working from home, and being a member of three or four associations or clubs. Specifically for February-March 2020, visiting an après-ski bar during winter sports in Austria, travelling to Spain, celebrating carnival, and participating in a singing activity or ball sport were associated with seropositivity. ConclusionsOur results confirm that relevant COVID-19 exposure factors generally reflected circumstances where social distancing was impossible, and the number and duration of contacts was high, in particular for indoor activities.
Determinants of Intention and COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors Among the Urban Population: The Use of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Sima , Maheri Mina , Khalkhali Hamid Reza , Didarloo Alireza
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose: COVID-19 is a new viral disease that has led to a pandemic due to its high infectivity. Since many people do not have access to available vaccines, preventive behavior is the only way to fight the disease. Despite the great emphasis on preventive behaviors, many people do not follow them so that the etiology of this issue seems necessary; hence, the present study aimed to determine the predictors of intention and COVID-19 preventive behaviors using the theory of planned behavior.Materials and Methods: The present study was descriptive-analytical and was conducted among individuals over 18 years of age living in Urmia. Samples were selected by snowball and convenience sampling. Data were collected using a valid and reliable electronic researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 4 sections (demographic characteristics, questions about knowledge, questions about constructs of the theory of planned behavior, and questions about COVID-19 preventive behaviors), and they were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods.Results: The results indicated a positive and statistically significant correlation between the COVID-19 preventive behaviors and constructs, namely the attitude (p<0.001, r=0.65), subjective norms (p<0.001, r=0.67), perceived behavioral control (p<0.001, r=0.72), and behavioral intention (p<0.001, r=0.76). Based on regression analyses, the constructs of the theory of planned behavior predicted a total of 65% of the variance of COVID-19 preventive behaviors and 73% of the variance of the behavioral intention. Among the constructs, behavioral intention (p<0.001, β=0.393) was the strongest predictor of behavior, and perceived behavioral control (p<0.001, β=0.546) was the strongest predictor of behavioral intention.Conclusion: The research results indicated the efficiency of the theory of planned behavior in predicting the COVID-19 preventive behaviors; hence, the theory and its effective constructs, especially behavioral intention, can be utilized in the development of educational programs and interventions to change the citizens' behavior towards COVID-19.
S100A6 Promotes Inflammation and Infiltration of Mononuclear/Macrophages via the p-P38 and p-JNK Pathways in Acute Liver Injury
Authors: Tong He , Wang Li , Zhang Kefan , Shi Jing , Wu yongshuai , Bao Yulong , wang changshan
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThe phagocytic S100 protein, which mediates inflammatory responses and recruits inflammatory cells to sites of tissue damage, has long been known to be expressed in cells of myeloid origin. S100A6 belongs to the A group of the S100 protein family of Ca2+-binding proteins. Currently, the mechanism by which S100A6 mediates the inflammatory response and recruits inflammatory cells to the tissue injury site is unknown.MethodsA mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) was established, and the transcriptomes of postinjury 2d and 5d liver tissues were sequenced. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) in the supernatant of the liver. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the expression of S100A6 in the liver cells. In vitro experiments proved the pro-inflammatory function of S100A6, and western blotting (WB) showed that the pathways were activated. The transwell experiment showed the infiltration of mononuclear/macrophages.ResultsWe found that S100A6 is highly expressed in liver cells during the most severe period of ALI, suggesting that it acts as an endogenous danger signal and has a pro-inflammatory function. In vitro, the mouse S100A6 recombinant protein was used to stimulate liver Kupffer cells to promote the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. Further mechanistic experiments revealed that S100A6 acts as an endogenous danger signal to activate p-P38 and p-JNK downstream of the TLR4 and P65 pathways. Similarly, transcriptome data showed that S100A6 can activate the inflammatory response in Kuffer cells. WB revealed that S100A6 had no significant effect on cell apoptosis. To continue to explore the mechanism of monocyte/macrophage infiltration, we found that TNF-α stimulates liver cells as the main source of CCL2. TNF-α can initiate the p-P38 and p-JNK pathways of liver cells to produce CCL2, thereby recruiting the infiltration of mononuclear/macrophages. ConclusionsTaken together, S100A6 is an endogenous danger signal that mediates inflammatory responses and recruits inflammatory cells to sites of tissue damage.
Assessment of Post-Covid Symptoms in Covid-19 Recovered Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study in a Tertiary Care Centre of South India
Authors: Nair Chithira V , Moni Merlin , Edathadathil Fabia , Appukuttan A , Prasanna Preetha , Roshni P R , Sathyapalan Dipu T
Published: December 2021

Background: The post-Covid symptoms among patients hospitalised with covid has to be determined for elucidating the spectrum of illness which persists even after the apparent recovery. The understanding of the post-Covid symptoms will help us to better manage aftermath of the pandemic.Aim: To determine the incidence of post-Covid symptoms in a cohort of inpatients who recovered from COVID-19 from a tertiary care centre in South India.Method: 120 survivors from patients admitted with COVID 19 were prospectively followed up for 6 weeks after their discharge from the hospital. The cohort included 50 patients requiring Intensive care unit (ICU) care and 70 ward patients. The follow-up was conducted on the second and sixth week after discharge with a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was filled by the patient/bystanders during their visit to the hospital for follow-up at 2 weeks and through telephone follow up at 6 weeks.Results: Mean age of the cohort was 55 years and 55% were males. 58.3% had mild covid and 41.7% had moderate to severe covid infection. 60.8% (n=73) of patients had at least one persistent symptom at sixth week of discharge. 50 (41.7%) patients required intensive care during their inpatient stay. Presence of persistent symptoms at 6 weeks was not associated with severity of illness, age or requirement for intensive care. Fatigue was the most common reported persistent symptom with a prevalence of 55.8% followed by weight loss (22.5%) and dyspnoea (20%). Female sex (OR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.03–5.58, p = 0.041) and steroid administration during hospital stay (OR: 4.43; 95% CI: 1.9–10.28, p = 0.001), were found to be significant risk factors for the presence of post-Covid symptoms at 6 weeks as revealed by logistic regression analysis.Conclusion: 60.8% of inpatients treated for covid had post-Covid symptoms at 6 weeks post- discharge from hospital. Female sex and steroid administration during hospital stay were identified as predictors of persistence of post-Covid symptoms at 6weeks.
Acoustic surveillance for respiratory diseases: a prospective analysis of cough trends using artificial intelligence.
Authors: Gabaldon-Figueira Juan , Keen Eric , Giménez Gerard , Orrillo Virginia , Blavia Isabel , Doré Dominique , Armendáriz Nuria , Chaccour Juliane , Fernández-Montero Alejandro , Bartolomé Javier , Umashankar Nita , Small Peter , Lapierre Simon Grandjean , Chaccour Carlos
Published: December 2021

Syndromic surveillance for respiratory disease is limited by an inability to monitor its protean manifestation, cough. Advances in artificial intelligence provide the ability to passively monitor cough at individual and community levels. We hypothesized that changes in the aggregate number of coughs recorded among a sample could serve as a lead indicator for population incidence of respiratory diseases, particularly that of COVID-19. We enrolled over 900 people from the city of Pamplona (Spain) between 2020 and 2021 and used artificial intelligence cough detection software to monitor their cough. We collected nine person-years of cough aggregated data. Coughs per hour surged around the time cohort subjects sought medical care. There was a weak temporal correlation between aggregated coughs and the incidence of COVID-19 in the local population. We propose that a clearer correlation with COVID-19 incidence could be achieved with better penetration and compliance with cough monitoring.
GIVE Statistic for Goodness of Fit in Instrumental Variables Models with Application to COVID Data
Authors: Dhar Subhra Sankar , Shalabh Shalabh
Published: December 2021

Since COVID-19 outbreak, scientists have been interested to know whether there is any impact of the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine against COVID-19 mortality or not. It becomes more relevant as a large population in the world may have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), for which a person may not have active tuberculosis but persistent immune responses stimulated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens, and that means, both LTBI and BCG generate immunity against COVID-19. In order to understand the relationship between LTBI and COVID-19 mortality, this article proposes a measure of goodness of fit, viz., Goodness of Instrumental Variable Estimates (GIVE) statistic, of a model obtained by Instrumental Variables estimation. The GIVE helps in finding the appropriate choice of instruments, which provides a better fitted model. In the course of study, the large sample properties of the GIVE statistic are investigated. As indicated before, the COVID-19 data is analysed using the GIVE statistic, and moreover, simulation studies are also conducted to show the usefulness of the GIVE statistic.
Improving Bioavailability of Gallic Acid and Quercetin by Designing Polymeric Nanoparticle Formulation
Authors: Patil poournima shamrao , killedar Suresh Ganapati
Published: December 2021

Objective

The pharmacokinetic properties of encapsulated polyherbal nanoparticles (Gallic acid and quercetin nanoparticle) and polyherbal extract (Amla and pomegranate fruit peels) in normal and DMH-induced colorectal cancer in rats was examined in this work.
Method

Polyherbal nanoparticles such as Gallic acid isolated from amla fruit and quercetin from pomegranate peel extract formulated into polymeric nanoparticle by using probe sonicator and high pressure homogenization.
Result

In normal and DMH-induced rats, a pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that polyherbal nanoparticles had a typical sustained release profile with a 2-fold increase in bioavailability when compared to polyherbal extract. Based on serum–concentration profiles of polyherbal nanoparticles and polyherbal extract following oral administration, the pharmacokinetic parameters for polyherbal nanoparticles and polyherbal extract were established using a single compartmental approach.
Conclusion

This research suggests that encapsulating gallic acid and quercetin in polymeric nanoparticles improves oral bioavailability than polyherbal extract of amla and pomegranate peel. Polymeric nanoparticles could be a novel therapeutic possibility for carcinogenesis prevention.
MiR-324-5P Functions as a Novel Serum Biomarker and Modulates Breast Cancer Malignant Activity
Authors: Zhang Jiling , Zhang Yanyan , Lv Shanmei , Wang Huiying , Gao Lu , Dong Xuejun
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The best management practices for patients with breast cancer（BC） involve early detection and deterioration prevention. Therefore, it is important to study the occurrence of BC and its development mechanism and explore more sensitive diagnostic and prognostic indicators.Objective: Our study explored the significance and the serum miR-324-5p application in the diagnosis and prognosis of BC and evaluated possible molecular mechanisms.Methods: MiR-324-5p expressions in the serum and tissue of patients with BC were observed by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Next, the miR-324-5p diagnostic ability in BC was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve. Kaplan-Meier analyzed the relationship between expression of miR-324-5P and prognosis. The Cox regression model evaluated the serum miR-324-5P prognostic value in predicting disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). In functional studies, cell counting Kit-8 assay and Cloning experiment were employed to assess BC cells’ proliferation level. Transwell assays and wound healing assays were performed to determine the effect of miR-324-5p on BC cell invasion and migration. In addition, the flow cytometry test was conducted to determine the effect of miR-324-5p on the apoptotic rate of BC cells. Finally, bioinformatics tools were employed to detect the potential target genes of miR-324-5p in BC.Results: miR-324-5p expression is up-regulated in in BC cells, which is related to tumor stage（p=0.0291)and age( p=0.0278). In addition, a BC diagnosis based on serum miR-324-5p levels had an 66% sensitivity, 78% specificity, and the area under the curve was approximately 0.7581. DFS (p=0.027) and OS (p<0.017) in the low miR-324-5P expression group were higher than those in the high expression group. The tumor node metastasis staging、Ki-67 and miR-324-5P were independent prognostic factors for the survival of patients with BC. In addition, miR-324-5p had a positive effect on BC cell invasion and proliferation, thereby preventing apoptosis. Finally, bioinformatics synthesis showed that the miR-324-5p target genes in BC are cysteine-rich hydrophobic domain 1 (CHIC1) and kruppel-like factor 7 (KLF7).Conclusion: MiR-324-5p may perform its oncogenic functions by interacting with the CHIC1 and KLF7 genes, and its existence in serum could serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of BC.
Performance and Feasibility of Therapeutic Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer for Ventilation Lung Scan
Authors: Chang Chih-Yung , Yang Bang-Hung , Ke Chien-Chih , Hsu Jing-Long , Jhou Rong-Hong , Chang Wen-Yi , Peng Nan-Jing , Liu Ren-Shyan
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a therapeutic vibrating mesh-type nebulizer for the pulmonary delivery of radioaerosols for lung scintigraphy in healthy subjects. Six healthy subjects (mean age of 28.7 ± 6.2 y) inhaled 2 mL of Tc-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and normal saline solution (20 mCi) via the therapeutic vibrating mesh nebulizer (DK010, DELBio, Taipei, Taiwan). The nebulizer’s mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) is between 2.3 μm and 5.0 μm (3.47 ± 0.37 μm) and the nebulization rate is greater than 0.2 ml/min. Scintigraphy was performed to count radioaerosols in the regions of interest to determine the total and regional lung deposition and extrathoracic airway deposition of aerosols, penetration of aerosols, and radioactivity count balance. The total lung deposition of aerosols was 21.2 ± 5.2% (% ex-valve dose), 27.4 ± 8.0% (% ex-device dose) and 13.8 ± 4.1% (% initial dose) in nebulizer. The extrathoracic airway deposition was 4.8 ± 1.1%. The radioactivity count balance was 5.4 ± 3.0%. The ratio of outer vs inner lung deposition (O/I ratio, or penetration index) was 1.89 ± 0.55. The delivery efficiency and the penetration of aerosols to the peripheral lung achieved by the DELBio DK010 vibrating mesh-type nebulizer are similar to the commercialized jet-type nebulizers dedicated for radioaerosol lung scintigraphy nebulizer. The therapeutic vibrating mesh-type nebulizer (DELBio DK010) is feasible for radionuclide lung ventilation scintigraphy.
Quantitative Analysis of Vegetation Dynamics in Response to Climatic Factors and Human Activities in Southwest China
Authors: Yang Cuiping , Wang Yongqiang , Wu Jiujiang , ma xiaoyi
Published: December 2021

We determined the time scale of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) response to drought and used trend and correlation analyses to explore the spatial and temporal variability characteristics of the NDVI and SPEI and their sensitivity to climatic factors in southwest China from 2000 to 2020. We used a partial derivative approach to calculate the contributions of six climatic factors and human activities to the interannual variation in the NDVI. The results demonstrated that from 2000 to 2020, the annual mean NDVI in southwest China showed a slight decreasing trend at a rate of 0.0001 y−1. The NDVI had the highest sensitivity to the standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration index on a 12-month time scale. The NDVI exhibited a 1-year delayed response to drought. The SPEI has the highest sensitivity to precipitation. The percentage of pixels with a positive correlation between NDVI and precipitation, mean temperature, temperature difference, mean relative humidity, mean wind speed, and sunshine duration in the study area was 31.73%, 46.81%, 35.49%, 25.76%, 39.36%, and 39.89%, respectively. The average contributions of these six climatic factors to the interannual variation of NDVI were 0.00029, 0.00046, −0.00007, 0.00007, 0.0008, and 0.00001 y−1, respectively. The NDVI had the highest sensitivity to mean temperature and the lowest sensitivity to mean relative humidity. The average contributions of climatic factors and human activities to interannual variability in southwest China were 0.00156 and 0.00012 y−1, respectively. The positive influence of climatic factors on the NDVI was stronger than that of human activities. This study provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable management of the regional ecological environment.
Hybrid Selection Based Multi/Many-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Dutta Saykat , Mallipeddi Rammohan , Das Kedar Nath
Published: December 2021

In the last decade, numerous Multi/Many-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEAs) have been proposed to handle Multi/Many-Objective Problems (MOPs) with challenges such as discontinuous Pareto Front (PF), degenerate PF, etc. MOEAs in the literature can be broadly divided into three categories based on the selection strategy employed such as dominance, decomposition, and indicator-based MOEAs. Each category of MOEAs have their advantages and disadvantages when solving MOPs with diverse characteristics. In this work, we propose a Hybrid Selection based MOEA, referred to as HS-MOEA, which is a simple yet effective hybridization of dominance, decomposition and indicator-based concepts. In other words, we propose a new environmental selection strategy where the Pareto-dominance, reference vectors and an indicator are combined to effectively balance the diversity and convergence properties of MOEA during the evolution. The superior performance of HS-MOEA compared to the state-of-the-art MOEAs is demonstrated through experimental simulations on DTLZ and WFG test suites with up to 10 objectives.
Food Insecurity and NSAP Use Among Sexual Minority People: Analysis of a Population-Based Sample From National Health Interview Survey, 2017
Authors: Tree Jennifer M. Jabson , Russomanno Jennifer , Bartmess Marissa , Anderson Joel
Published: December 2021

Background

Food insecurity is a pressing public health problem. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people are at risk for food insecurity, yet this issue remains grossly understudied among this population. The purpose of this study was to add to the existing literature surrounding food insecurity and the use of Federal food assistance programs (SNAP) among LGB people.
Methods

This study used publicly available, de-identified data from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Primary variables were sexual orientation, food security status, and receipt of SNAP. Food security was assessed using the 10-item USDA Family Food Security measure.
Results

In our sample, people who identified as bisexual had the highest rates of food insecurity (23.8%, n = 76). Female sexual minorities were 52% more likely to experience food insecurity (aOR = 1.518, 95% CI 1.105–2.087, p = .01) and 44% more likely to report household SNAP assistance than their heterosexual counterparts (aOR = 1.441, 95% CI 1.025-2.028, p = .03). SNAP partially mediated the association between sexual orientation and food insecurity for LGB females.
Conclusions

Our findings add to the growing empirical evidence documenting food insecurities among sexual minority adults. Our results reiterate the need for sexual orientation to be included in nationally representative federal food security measures.
The Centres for Disease Control Light Trap (CDC LT) and The Human Decoy Trap (HDT) Compared to The Human Landing Catch (HLC) for Measuring Anopheles Biting in Rural Tanzania
Authors: Namango Isaac Haggai , Marshall Carly , Saddler Adam , Ross Amanda , Kaftan David , Tenywa Frank , Makungwa Noely , Odufuwa Olukayode , Ligema Godfrey , Ngonyani Hassan , Matanila Isaya , Bharmal Jameel , Moore Jason , Moore Sarah , Hetzel Manuel
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThe intensity of vector mosquito biting is an important measure for malaria epidemiology and control. The human landing catch (HLC) is an effective entomological surveillance tool, but is labour-intensive, expensive and raises safety issues. The Centres for Disease Control light trap (CDC LT) and the human decoy trap (HDT) are less costly and exposure-free alternatives. This study compared the CDC LT and HDT against the HLC for measuring Anopheles (An.) biting in rural Tanzania and assessed their suitability as HLC proxies.MethodsIndoor mosquito surveys using HLC and CDC LT and outdoor surveys using HLC and HDT were conducted in 2017 and in 2019 in Ulanga, Tanzania in 19 villages, with one trap per house per night. Species composition, sporozoite rates and the numbers of mosquitoes caught by different trap types were compared. Aggregating the data by village and month, the Bland-Altman approach was used to assess agreement. ResultsOverall, 66,807 Anopheles funestus and 14,606 An. arabiensis adult females were caught from 6,013 CDC LT, 339 indoor HLC, 136 HDT and 195 outdoor HLC collections. Overall, the CDC LT caught fewer malaria vectors than indoor HLC: An. arabiensis (Adjusted rate ratio (Adj.RR) =0.35 (95% confidence interval (CI):0.27-0.46)) and An. funestus (Adj.RR=0.63(95%CI:0.51-0.79)). HDT caught fewer malaria vectors than outdoor HLC: An. arabiensis (Adj.RR=0.04(95%CI:0.01-0.14)) and An. funestus (Adj.RR=0.10(95%CI:0.07-0.15)). The bias and variability of the ratios of geometric mean mosquitoes caught by CDC LT and HDT relative to HLC collections for the same village-month were dependent on mosquito densities. The relative efficacies of both CDC LT and HDT declined with mosquito abundance. The variability in the ratios was substantial for low HLC counts and decreased as mosquito abundance increased. CDCLT caught a higher proportion of infected An. arabiensis and An. funestus than HLC, and HDT caught no infected mosquitoes.ConclusionsIf caution is taken in appreciation of its limitations, the CDC LT is suitable for use in routine entomological surveys and may be preferable for measuring sporozoite rates for Afrotropical mosquitoes. Use of HLC is useful to estimate human exposure to mosquitoes for estimating Entomological Inoculation Rate (EIR). The present design of the HDT is not amenable for use to conduct large-scale entomological surveys.
WITHDRAWN: Effect of Different Temperatures on the Life Table Parameters of Rhyzobius Lophanthae Blaisdell (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: KAYAHAN Ali , AHMED Qasim Hussein , KARACA İsmail
Published: December 2021

The purple scale predator, Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is known as coccidophagous ladybird predator, and effective against scales’ insects. The present study aimed to evaluate the optimum temperature for the species to be more efficient. In this study, the life table parameters of R. lophanthae were determined on different temperatures at 4, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 °C and 60% RH, by calculations using RmStat-3 software according to Euler-Lotka equation. The results showed that the intrinsic rates of increase (rm) were 0.016, 0.022, 0.030, 0.052, 0.056, 0.068, 0.120, 0.142, 0.132, 0.021 females/females/day, respectively, while the net reproductive rates (R0) were 7.082, 9.514, 11.960, 50.906, 54.150, 49.525, 56.883, 80.944, 31.149, 1.882 females/females/generation, respectively. The mean generation times (T0) were 125.966, 104.602, 84.009, 75.742, 71.511, 57.568, 33.801, 30.866, 25.978, 30.759 days, respectively. Total productivity rates (GRR) were 34.865, 39.210, 48.216, 201.990, 209.469, 166.207, 177.779, 303.751, 105.751, 12.622 egg/female, respectively. The study concluded that 26-30 °C was the optimum temperature range for the efficient role of R. lophanthae under laboratory conditions. From the results, it is still needed to do more studies on the interactions of pests, predators with environmental conditions.
Evaluation of an Ayurvedic formulation in clinical recovery of COVID-19 patients: A placebo controlled pilot study among moderate-severe patients
Authors: Arun Abhishek , Gupta Amit , Subramanian Saumya , Kanchibhotla Divya
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis that has affected millions of people worldwide. Apart from measures taken to reduce the transmission of virus and provide symptomatic relief to patients, a potent drug targeted against the virus is required to manage the disease. Traditional medicines with an array of phytochemicals and potent anti-viral properties, can provide alternate solution in the therapeutic cure of COVID-19.Objective: The present study investigates the efficacy of an Ayurvedic formulation, NOQ19, on the rate of recovery and clinical improvement among moderate-severe COVID-19 infected patients who were not on a ventilator or in intensive care unit.Methods: A placebo controlled randomized study design, with 1:1 ratio between the intervention and placebo arms was adopted. The participants were provided their respective intervention along with the standard of care treatment. A follow up was conducted on Day 7 and Day 10 to assess the rate of recovery and clinical improvement. Rate of recovery was the primary outcome measured and was determined by a negative result on the RT-PCR test. The secondary outcomes included clinical improvement among patients and were measured using blood biomarkers.Results: The NOQ19 arm had a higher percentage of population who turned RT-PCR negative on Day 7 (23%) when compared to the placebo arm (11%). Further subgroup analysis demonstrated that for both moderate and severe patients, there were a greater percentage of population who were RT-PCR negative in the NOQ19 arm compared to the placebo arm at Day 7: (NOQ-19: 22.22%, Placebo: 14.29% for moderate patients), (NOQ19: 23.08% Placebo: 0% for severe patients). By Day 10, both populations depicted an almost similar percentage of the population who were RT- PCR negative. Both the groups demonstrated an improvement in blood biomarkers, although the improvement was greater in the NOQ19 arm. None of the patients in the intervention arm reported any adverse events.Conclusion: The results of this pilot RCT indicates that NOQ19 along with standard of care treatment can be considered as an effective therapy for COVID-19 and aid early recovery from the disease.
Fever Among Preschool Aged Children: A Cross-Sectional Study Assessing Lebanese Parents’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Pediatric Fever Assessment and Management
Authors: Sakr Fouad , Akiki Zeina , Akel Marwan , Malaeb Diana , Dabbous Mariam , Salameh Pascale
Published: December 2021

Background
The existing literature demonstrates insufficient parental knowledge around fever, and international guidelines suggest studying parents’ perceptions and practices in treating febrile sickness. This study investigated parental knowledge, attitudes and practices toward fever in preschool children to help address all pointed gaps and provide information with the aim of supporting clinical reports for parental education.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was used to explore parental experiences with fever. Participants were recruited randomly from schools all over Lebanon targeting the preschool divisions to include parents of children aged 5 years or less. An electronic self-administered questionnaire was sent to the parents through the schools’ emails and e-learning mobile applications, with a separate message encouraging parents to take time to fill carefully the survey.
Results
A total of 733 parents were included in the study. Only 44% identified fever correctly according to the recognized definition by international guidelines. A significant association between parents’ knowledge of antibiotics and years of parenting experience was found (ORa = 4.23, 95% CI 1.41-12.68, P=0.01). Other sociodemographic factors that were significantly associated with parents’ knowledge of antibiotics were age (ORa = 3.42, 95% CI 1.09-10.73, P=0.036) and education level (ORa = 7.99, 95% CI 3.71-17.23, P<0.001). Greater than 75% usually give their children antipyretics without consulting a doctor. Approximately one-quarter of parents (26.3%) consulted different doctors at the same time, of which more than half (58.4%) had received different medical information.
Conclusions
This research determines deficiencies in parents’ knowledge of fever with some malpractices in its management. It provides insight for healthcare providers to empower parental experiences by offering the necessary information to enhance general outcomes of febrile sickness.
Genomic Insights into the Diversity of Non-Coding RNAs in Bacillus Cereus Sensu Lato.
Authors: Gonçalves Kátia B. , Appel Renan J. Casarotto , Boas Laurival A. Vilas , Cardoso Priscilla F. , Boas Gislayne T. Vilas
Published: December 2021

Bacillus cereus sensu lato is a group of bacteria of medical and agricultural importance in different ecological niches and with controversial taxonomic relationships. Studying the composition of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in several bacterial groups has been an important tool for identifying genetic information. However, to date, no comparative genomics study of ncRNA has been performed in this group. Thus, this study aimed to identify and characterize the set of ncRNAs from 132 strains of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus anthracis to obtain an overview of the diversity and distribution of these genetic elements in these species. We observed that the number of ncRNAs differs in the chromosomes of the three species, but not in the plasmids, when species or phylogenetic clusters were compared. The prevailing functional/structural category was Cis-reg and the most frequent class was Riboswitch. However, in plasmids, the class Group II intron was the most frequent. Also, nine ncRNAs were selected for validation in the strain B. thuringiensis 407 by RT-PCR, which allowed to identify the expression of the ncRNAs. The wide distribution and diversity of ncRNAs in the B. cereus group, and more intensely in B. thuringiensis, may help improve the abilities of these species to adapt to various environmental changes.
Pseudoretinoblastoma: Distribution Based on Gender, Age, and Laterality
Authors: Mirzayev Ibadulla , Gündüz Ahmet Kaan , Ateş Funda Seher Özalp , Tetik Diğdem
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To investigate the distribution of pseudoretinoblastoma (PSRB) cases based on gender, age, and lateralityMethods: The clinical records of 607 patients (851 eyes) who were referred for suspicion of retinoblastoma between October 1998 and May 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were stratified by age as follows: ≤1 year, >1-3 years, >3-5 years, and >5 years.Results: PSRB conditions were detected in 190/607 (31.3%) patients. Of 190 patients, 129 (67.9%) were males and 61 (32.1%) were females (p=0.001). The 3 most common diagnoses were persistent fetal vasculature (PFV; 16.3%), Coats disease (15.3%), and optic nerve head drusen (ONHD; 5.3%). In males, the 3 most common diagnoses were Coats disease (20.2%), PFV (14.0%), and chorioretinal coloboma (6.2%). The 3 most common diagnoses in females included PFV (21.3%), retinal dysplasia, congenital glaucoma, and combined hamartoma (each accounting for 6.6%). PFV was the most common diagnosis in ≤1 year old patient group (26.6%). Coats disease and PFV were the most common diagnoses in >1-3 years old patient group (16.7%, for each diagnosis). Coats disease was the most common diagnosis in >3-5 years old (30.8%) and >5 years old patient groups (13.1%). PSRBs were unilateral in 121/190 (63.7%) patients and bilateral in 69/190 (36.3%). The most common unilateral and bilateral diagnoses were Coats disease (24.0%) and PFV (24.6%) respectively.Conclusion: In our study, 31.3% of patients referred for suspicion of retinoblastoma received the diagnosis of PSRB. PSRB spectrum encompasses different diseases, the distribution of which differ depending on gender, age, and laterality.
The Anti-platelet and Anticoagulant Potential of Isorhamnetin and Its New Derivatives Isolated From Sea Buckthorn Fruits in Whole Blood
Authors: Rolnik Agata , Skalski Bartosz , Zuchowski Jerzy , Stochmal Anna , Olas Beata
Published: December 2021

Blood platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis, the process responsible for keeping blood flowing in the circulatory system. However, unnecessary platelet activation can lead to aggregation at the site of atherosclerotic plaque rapture and the formation of a thrombus, which promotes atherothrombotic diseases. Various dietary components, such as phenolic compounds, are known to demonstrate antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties, and it is possible that these could form an important element in the prophylaxis and therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Our present study examines the biological activity of isorhamnetin (compound 1) and two isorhamnetin derivatives, compound 2 (3-O-beta-glucoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnoside) and compound 3 (3-O-beta-glucoside-7-O-alpha-(3”’-isovaleryl)-rhamnoside), isolated from the phenolic fraction of sea buckthorn fruit, against human washed blood platelets and human whole blood in vitro. The anti-platelet and anticoagulant potential was determined using (A) flow cytometry, (B) the thrombus-formation analysis system (T-TAS) and (C) colorimetry. The tested flavonoids demonstrated anticoagulant and anti-platelet potential, including anti-adhesive activity, with these effects being more intense in compound 2 than isorhamnetin. Compound 2 inhibited GPIIb/IIIa and P-selectin expression on blood platelets from whole blood, and demonstrated anti-adhesion properties in washed blood platelets and anti-coagulant potential in whole blood, measured by T-TAS.
Clinical Application of Chromosomal Microarray Analysis in Fetuses with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Jin Yuxia , Li Suping , Tang Ping , Chen Jie , Yang Jing , Liu Xiaodan , Yang Li , Jiang Huling , Hu Yue , Zhou Qinqin , Ni Meidi , Shen Huaxiang
Published: December 2021

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is an important birth defect, but its mechanism is still unclear. In recent years, genetic causes including chromosomal abnormalities are associated with the occurrence of congenital heart disease. In this study, CMA technology is applied to explore the genetic causes of congenital heart disease, so as to further clarify the correlation between genotype and phenotype and prepare for late pregnancy intervention and postnatal diagnosis and treatment.Objective: To explore the chromosomal abnormalities and copy number variation (CNVs) of fetuses with CHD by CMA technology, and to clarify the clinical application value of CMA technology as a detection method of first-tier antenatal CHD.Methods: Amniotic fluid sample from 155 pregnant women diagnosed with fetus CHD by prenatal ultrasound from 2018 to 2021 are collected for SNP-array detection and karyotype analysis. According to the detected CNVs results, FISH, CMA or karyotype analysis are further selected for parental verification.Results: Among the 155 fetuses with CHD, a total of 32 (20.6%) cases of chromosomal abnormalities are detected, of which 31.3% are chromosome number abnormalities. CNVs of likely pathogenicity and unknown significance are 2.5% and 5.2% respectively. The detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities in CHD of different subtypes is different, among which the high detection rate is complex CHD (31.2%), right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (30.7%) and conotruncal defects (25%). The detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities in CHD with extracardiac structural abnormalities is significantly higher than that in isolated CHD (52.4% vs 11.3%, p<0.05). In addition, the detection rate of CHD with abnormal extracardiac structure is significantly higher than that of CHD with soft markers (52.4% vs 17.8%, p<0.05), which is statistically significant. There is no significant difference in detection rate between CHD with soft markers and isolated CHD (17.8% vs 11.3%). Of the 155 pregnant women with fetus CHD, 59 chose to terminate their pregnancies, some of which were terminated according to the results of SNP-array, and some of which were terminated according to the severity of CHD.Conclusion: SNP-array technology can be used to detect chromosomal abnormalities of first-tier antenatal CHD fetuses, with high resolution, short reporting period and high efficiency. Meanwhile, pregnancy intervention can be taken according to the results.
Assessment of New Composites Containing Polyamide-6 and Lead Monoxide as Shields against Ionizing Photonic Radiation based on Computational and Experimental Methods
Authors: Malekie Shahryar , Shooli Hassan , Hosseini Mohammad Amin
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to introduce new composites, containing polyamide-6 (PA6) and lead monoxide (PbO), to protect against ionizing photon sources used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Five composites, containing various weight percentages of PbO filler (0, 5, 10, 20, and 50%), were developed in this study. Initially, the numerical attenuation value was estimated using XMuDat program by calculating the mass attenuation coefficients at different energy levels. Next, the samples were synthesized based on the melt-mixing method in a laboratory mixing extruder, and their characteristics were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Finally, experimental radiation attenuation tests were carried out. Based on the SEM results, the acceptable filler weight percentage was up to 20%; however, substantial aggregates formation was observed at the highest weight percentage. The results of XRD analysis showed a higher tendency for crystallization by decreasing the amorphous area, while increasing the filler weight percentage. Moreover, the amount of mass loss was monitored at different temperatures, revealing that the filler incorporation improved the thermal durability of the samples. According to the radiation results, a good agreement was observed between the experimental and computational data, except when aggregates formation was substantial. According to the experimental data, by increasing the lead weight percentage from 0% (crude PA6) to 50%, the half-value layer decreased from 3.13 to 0.17 cm at an energy level of 59 keV and from 7.28 to 4.97 cm at an energy level of 662 keV. Considering these promising results, the applicability of PA6/PbO composites for protection against low- and medium-energy ionizing photon sources must be investigated in future studies.
Quantitating Psychological Status-Quo among Students in Bangladesh using Zung’s Self-Rating Anxiety Analysis: Architecting a Blueprint to Predict Behavior in Lockdowns
Authors: Munna Masudul Haque , Jimmy Abdun Naqib
Published: December 2021

The study objective is to create a baseline of the anxiety level among students in Bangladesh during country-wide lockdown phase. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using snowballing technique. The integral instrument in this study is the Zung self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) self-rating anxiety questionnaire. Data was cleaned and statistical analysis was conducted using Excel. 822 respondents were obtained. 3.17%, 71.41%, and 25.42% experienced minimal, Mild to severe, and extreme levels of anxiety, respectively. The male gender experienced 4.24%, 65.17%, and 30.59% of normal, mild to severe, and extreme anxiety levels, whereas the female counterpart experienced 1.87%, 78.88%, and 19.25% of the respective levels. The main stress factors were revealed to be uncertainty over the future concerning academics and professional careers. The anxiety level also appears to be a driving factor in influencing individuals to break isolation during the lockdown. This paper attempts to outline a blueprint to predict individual behavior in relation to their anxiety status-quo, and breed further research under this umbrella.
Experimental Study on Source Failure Mechanism and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Red Sandstone Under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Xu Hailiang , Zhu Wanyu , Song Yimin , An Dong , Ren Hehuan
Published: December 2021

In order to study the rock fracture mechanism and precursor characteristics, uniaxial compression experiments of red sandstone were carried out. Using acoustic emission technology and digital speckle correlation method as experimental observation means, the evolution characteristics of deformation field and acoustic emission index during rock deformation were studied. The results show that : (1) The deformation concentration of rock deformation localization zone is the main cause of nonlinear evolution of rock stress-strain curve. (2) The volume parameters of different types of cracks in rock acoustic emission change with the relative displacement rate and dislocation rate of deformation localization zone. (3) In terms of failure types, there are more high-frequency components of tensile fracture main frequency, more low-frequency components of shear fracture main frequency, and wider distribution of mixed fracture main frequency. In the time sequence, the spectrum distribution of acoustic emission signals is wide and the amplitude is small at the sudden change time. At the sudden change time, the spectrum distribution of acoustic emission signals becomes narrow, the amplitude increases, and the spectrum distribution of peak points is greatly narrowed. Therefore, it is considered that the spectrum distribution is greatly narrowed can be used as an early warning precursor.
A Study on Universal Factor Determining the Evolution of Surface Roughness During Electrochemical Polishing
Authors: Ji Jianwei , Ajmal Khan M. , Zhan Zejin , Yi Rong , Deng Hui
Published: December 2021

Electrochemical polishing (ECP) is widely used for scratch- and damage-free finishing of metal components. Though the polishing effect of ECP has been confirmed in many researches, the influence of polishing parameters on evolution of surface roughness is still ambiguous owing to the use of different ECP systems. In this paper, the universal factor determining the evolution of surface roughness during ECP is studied by theoretical analysis as well as experiments. Theoretical analysis based on viscous layer mechanism demonstrates that the material removal thickness is the key parameter governing the roughness evolution of the polished surface regardless of other parameters including the voltage, current and electrolyte concentration and so forth. A series of experiments were designed and carried out to verify the proposed hypothesis. Both the experimental results and already published researches proved the validity and universality of the newly developed hypothesis on surface roughness evolution. This work is of great significance for further understanding the finishing mechanism of ECP and process control for its practical applications.