bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytotoxicity reduction of walnut green husk by white-rot fungi under solid-state fermentation
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Xuejie , Yang En , Xu Huini , Yan Jinping
Published: February 2022

Phytotoxicity reduction is one of the main aims of reusing walnut green husk (WGH) for cultivation purposes. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of bio-detoxification by selected Trametes and Schizophyllum strains under solid-state fermentation. Ninety-two isolates of filamentous fungi were obtained from forest litter, and nine strains belonging to Trametes and Schizophyllum genus were selected due to their efficient laccase production and rapid growth using WGH and corncob (w/w, 1:1) as the carbon source under solid-state fermentation. Further, enzyme activities and phytotoxicity assays showed that water extract of WGH treated by Trametes strains 120301, 10288, and 10306 showed a vast lignocellulose enzyme system, higher laccase activity (about 620 U/g), and maximal germination rate (100%), compared with 20% germination rate of the untreated extract of WGH. Our results indicated that Trametes strains are suitable for the phytotoxicity reduction of WGH and laccase production, and showed the possible role of laccase in the detoxification of agricultural wastes rich in phenols such as WGH.
Effect of educational intervention on knowledge and level of adherence among hemodialysis patients – A randomized control Trial
Authors: Dsouza Brayal , Prabhu Ravindra . A , Unnikrishnan B , Ballal sudarshan , kamath Asha
Published: February 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of an educational intervention on the level of knowledge, and adherence to the treatment regimen among haemodialysis (HD) patients as well as to describe the association between these variables. Methods: In this randomised control study, 160 HD patients at a HD centre of a 2030 bed tertiary teaching hospital in Southern India were randomly assigned into intervention (N = 80, received education and a booklet) and control (N = 80, received standard care ) groups. Knowledge, adherence were measured pre- and post-intervention using a validated questionnaire for knowledge and ESRDAQ – End stage renal disease questionnaire for level of adherence. The statistical analysis of the data was performed with the help of the Statistical Program SPSS version 19.0. The statistical significance level was set up at 0.05.Results: The increase of knowledge on disease management and adherence in the intervention group was significantly higher compared to the control group. There was no significant correlation between knowledge and adherence. Adherence improved for all the domains ie dialysis attendance, episode of shortening, adherence to medication, fluid restriction and dietary restriction. Adherence to Fluid and dietary restriction were statistically significant
Comparing the Adverse Outcomes of Different Frailty Subgroups by Employing the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) Among Elderly Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: miao Xueyi , Ding Lingyu , Lu Jinling , Hu Jieman , Xu Xinyi , Zhu Hanfei , Chen Li , Xu Qin , Zhu Shuqin
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To classify the frailty subgroups by employing the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), as well as exploring the differences in postoperative total complications, length of stay (LOS), disability, and quality of life (QOL) between each subgroup among preoperative elderly gastric cancer patients.Methods: Overall 290 patients were enrolled in this follow-up study. The TFI was used to collect the information of physical, psychological, and social frailty. The data of total complications and LOS were provided from the electronic medical records, while the data of disability and QOL were obtained from the telephone at 30 days after discharge.Results: The TFI divided the preoperative elderly gastric cancer patients into eight frailty subgroups: exclusive physical frailty (18.3%), exclusive psychological frailty (20%), exclusive social frailty (3.4%), physical and psychological frailty (14.5%), physical and social frailty (3.4%), psychological and social frailty (3.4%), multidimensional frailty (4.8%) and full robust subgroup (32%). The multidimensional frailty subgroup had worse outcomes in total complications (P=0.001) and LOS (P＜0.001) while the subgroup of physical and social frailty had poorer QOL (P=0.015) at 30 days after discharge. Conclusion: The multidimensional frailty subgroup and the physical and social frailty subgroup should be of particularly concerned in the hospital and outside hospital according to our study. It also indicates that prehabilitation strategies can be developed precisely based on reported items to improve functional status of elderly gastric cancer patients. Further studies are needed to conduct in a longer-term period to capture significant change of other outcome indicators.
Deep Skin Cancer Model based on Knowledge Distillation Technique for Skin Cancer Classification
Authors: Hassan Esraa , Shams mahmoud Y. , Hikal Noha A. , Elmougy Samir
Published: February 2022

Skin cancer is more treatable in the early stages since it spreads slowly to other parts of the body. Early detection is essential due to the rising number of cases of skin cancer, as well as the high fatality rate and high expense of medical treatment. Deep Learning algorithms have lately been used to improve the performance of a variety of biomedical image processing modalities. Their structures have been developed to solve classification challenges that are suffering from a lack of training data in skin cancer infections (actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, dermatofibroma, melanoma, nevus, pigmented benign keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, and vascular lesions are skin infections). In this work, we propose a Deep Skin Cancer (DSC) model depending on the Knowledge Distillation technique and some optimization algorithms. The experimental results based on the used benchmark datasets from the International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC) show superior performance in skin cancer diagnosis. According to the reported results, it has been empirically achieved that a sensitivity value of 99.16% has been empirically achieved, a specificity value of 99.57% with the Adamax optimizer, and a lack of labeled input image data. Furthermore, the results assist in diagnosing some COVID-19 cases due to the similarity between the skin cancer infection and the black fungus found in some COVID-19 survivors, particularly those with co-morbid conditions similar to skin cancer infection.
Vitamin D and Focal Brain Atrophy in Parkinson’s Disease With Non-dementia Patients: A Voxel-based Morphometric Study
Authors: Xu Yingying , Wang Erlei , Zhang Qilin , Ni Kairu , Liu Jing , Luo Weifeng
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The importance of vitamin D in Parkinson’s disease (PD) was explored, and vitamin D status has been suggested to influence cognition. Gray matter volume (GMV), a potential marker of cognitive function, was automatically segmented using voxel-based morphometry with SPM12 software. We investigated whether lower serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level was associated with focal brain volume reduction in PD with non-dementia (PDND) patients. Methods: Baseline neuropsychiatric performance and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels were examined in 24 PDND patients and 24 healthy controls (HCs). A set of cognitive scales were used to evaluate the cognition. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was performed to calculate each PDND patient’s GMV, based on structural magnetic resonance imaging data. Associations between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels, cognition, and GMV were evaluated.Results: The serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels of the PDND group were significantly lower than those of the HC group. The serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels of the PDND group were significantly lower than those of the HC group. The multiple linear regression analyses between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels and the scores of subtests that analyzed cognitive function showed that serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels were negatively correlated with TMT-A scores and positively correlated with SDMT and AVLT scores. Multiple regression analyses showed that the right fusiform gyrus GMV positively correlated with serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels. Conclusions: We found atrophy of the right fusiform gyrus with lower serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level in PDND patients, and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level was closely positive associated with cognition. We hypothesized that the low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level in PDND patients might affect the auditory word learning ability by reducing the GMV in the right fusiform, leading to the decline of semantic understanding and memory function.
Application of Electrical Resistivity and DRASTIC Models in the Study of Groundwater Contamination Risk in the Surroundings of the Hulene - B Waste Dump, Maputo, Mozambique
Authors: Bernardo Bernardino , Candeias Carla , Rocha Fernando Tavares
Published: February 2022

The contamination of groundwater by leachate migration around waste dumps is a growing challenge for maintaining the quality of water resources in urban centers. In this study the electrical resistivity method was applied, where six 400 m profiles were executed around the Hulene - B waste dump and then an inversion was performed by RES2D. The application of the electrical resistivity method allowed us to characterize in detail some of the fundamental aspects of the DRASTIC risk (estimating groundwater depth, characterizing the vadose zone and understand soil permeability) and to identify anomalous zones of possible fundamental contamination, which we grouped into two (i) anomalous lithological surfaces that we considered permeable and migrating leachate from the waste dump and (ii) anomalous zones in the subsoil and groundwater possibly contaminated. The computed DRASTIC index is very high for the area covered by profiles 2 and 6 (156 - 165) given the proximity of groundwater to the contaminating surface and the surrounding area consisting of very conductive materials. On profile 5 area the index is very low (96) due to the strong resistivity of the surface layers and the high depth at which groundwater was detected (> 40m). The area of profile 3 (further north of the dump) has also a low index (105) due to its distance from the contamination source (dump) and the strong resistivity of the lithological layers, indicating low permeability, in addition to the great depth (> 40m) at which groundwater were detected. Concerning profiles 1 and 4, despite presenting permeable materials at the surface (low resistivities), groundwater level was recognized at greater depth (> 40m), DRASTIC risk index was lower (115 - 125) than expected. The overall value of the DRASTIC index for the surrounding area of Hulene - B dump was estimated at 127, which represents a low overall vulnerability. However, the high vulnerability index values for the area covered by profiles 2 and 6, and given their relatively higher surficial altitude, suggest a strong groundwater contamination by horizontal dilution of leachates from the whole area surrounding of the Hulene - B waste dump.
Impact of Graphene and Hot-Rolling on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Matrix Nano-Composite
Authors: El-Bitar T. , Nouh F. , El-Kady Omayma A. , Yehia Hossam M.
Published: February 2022

Due to the low density of aluminum, it has become the first choice of materials for designers. Aluminum is also characterized by high specific strength. It still suffers from inferior mechanical properties, such as its high ductility, limiting its use in industry in the pure state. In this research, trials to improve the mechanical properties of aluminum by maintaining its low density. It was the first choice among materials to improve aluminum's mechanical and physical properties. Because of the importance of graphene resulting from its low density and unique properties as a newly discovered material, researchers tried to study its effect in various fields. Using the method of powder metallurgy followed by the hot rolling as a secondary process, aluminum composites reinforced with 10% copper, 2.5% alumina, and different weight ratios of graphene up to 1.5% were manufactured. The components were mixed for 45 hours in the presence of 5% hexane as a PCA by mechanical alloy milling using 12 mm balls and a 10:1 ball to powder ratio. The appropriate pressure, temperature, and sintering time were determined for the manufacture by the powder metallurgy method. The results by powder metallurgy method showed a general improvement in the microstructure and physicomechanical properties up to 1% graphene. Still, the results deteriorated at 1.5% due to the presence of some accumulations of graphene. By conducting the hot rolling process, all results exceeded their counterparts by the powder metallurgy method and improved up to 1.5%. In general, the microstructure in both cases before and after the hot rolling was ideal.
Effect of nurse-led telephone follow-up on postoperative symptoms and analgesics consumption after benign hysterectomy: a randomized, single-blinded, four-arm, controlled multicenter trial.
Authors: Kassymova Gulnara , Sydsjö Gunilla , Wodlin Ninnie Borendal , Nilsson Lena , Kjølhede Preben
Published: February 2022

Purpose: The study aimed to determine if planned telephone follow-up especially when adding structured, oriented coaching, reduces the intensity of postoperative symptoms and decreases analgesics consumption after benign hysterectomy.Methods: A randomized, single-blinded, four-armed, controlled multicenter trial of 525 women scheduled for hysterectomy in was conducted in five hospitals in the southeast health region of Sweden. The women were allocated 1:1:1:1 into four follow-up models: A) no telephone follow-up (control group); B) one planned, structured, telephone follow-up the day after discharge; C) as B but with additional telephone follow-up once weekly for six weeks; and D) as C but with oriented coaching telephone follow-up on all occasions. Postoperative symptoms were assessed by using the Swedish Postoperative Symptoms Questionnaire. Analgesic consumption was registered. Unplanned telephone contacts and visits were registered during the six weeks of follow-up. Results: In total, 487 women completed the study. Neither pain intensity, nor symptom sum score or analgesic consumption differed between the intervention groups. Altogether, 224 (46.0%) women had unplanned telephone contacts and 203 (41.7%) had unplanned visits. Independent of intervention, the women with unplanned telephone contacts had higher pain intensity and symptom sum scores, particularly if an unplanned telephone contact was followed by a visit, or an unplanned visit was preceded by an unplanned telephone contact.Conclusion: Telephone follow-up did not seem to affect recovery regarding symptoms or analgesic consumption after benign hysterectomy in an ERAS setting. Unplanned telephone contacts and visits were associated with more postoperative symptoms, especially pain. Trial registration: The study is registered in ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT01526668 retrospectively from January 27; 2012. Date of enrolment of first patient: October 11; 2011
Design and Simulation of a Plasmonic Refractive Index Nano-Sensor Based on Tunable Fano Resonance
Authors: Moeinimaleki Babak , Kaatuzian Hassan , Livani Abdolber Mallah
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a nano-scaled surface plasmon-polariton (SPP) refractive index sensor based on metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide is proposed and evaluated numerically by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Polygonal cavities, that are coupled to a disk resonator cavity, are attached to this sensor's MIM bus waveguide. Fano resonance and its characteristics are utilized to improve the essential parameters of the sensor, such as full width at half maximum (FWHM), quality factor, and sensitivity. Figure of merit (FOM) of the sensor can be increased by tuning its geometrical parameters. In optimized conditions, which are concluded in this work, the sensor shows a FWHM of 1.15 nm, a quality factor of 604.1, a sensitivity of 687.9 nm/RIU and a FOM of 598.1 RIU−1 in the visible light region. A sensor with such a high resolution can be used in highly integrated photonic circuits and biosensors. The effects of incorporating metal patches inside the disk cavity are also discussed in this paper.
Left Ventricular Assist Device and Pump Thrombosis: The Importance of the Inflow Cannula Position
Authors: Kortekaas Kirsten , de Graaf Michiel A. , Palmen Meindert , Braun Jerry , Mertens Bart J.A. , Tops Laurens F. , Beeres Saskia L.M.A.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Pump thrombosis is a devastating complication after left ventricular assist device implantation. This study aims to elucidate the relation between left ventricular assist device implantation angle and risk of pump thrombosis.
Methods

Between November 2010 and March 2020, 53 left ventricular assist device-patients underwent a computed tomography scan. Using a 3-dimensional multiplanar reformation the left ventricular axis was reconstructed to measure the implantation angle of the inflow cannula. All patients were retrospectively analyzed for the occurrence of pump thrombosis.
Results

In 10 (91%) patients with a pump thrombosis, the implantation angle was towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle. In only 20 patients (49%) of the patients without a pump thrombosis the inflow cannula pointed towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle. The mean angle in patients with a pump thrombosis was 10.1 ± 11.9 degrees towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle compared to 4.1 ± 19.9 degrees towards the septum in non- pump thrombosis patients (P<0.005). There was a trend towards a significant difference in time to first pump thrombosis between patients with a lateral or septal deviated left ventricular assist device (hazard ratio of 0.15, P=0.07)).
Conclusion

This study demonstrates that left ventricular assist device implantation angle is associated with pump thrombosis. Almost all patients in whom a pump thrombosis occurred during follow-up had a left ventricular assist device implanted with the inflow-cannula pointing towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle.
Shock-Induced Vibration Suppression of Composite Truss Core Sandwich Plates via Distributed Nonlinear Energy Sinks
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Wei Xing , Luo Zhong , Chen Jianen , Cao Dongxing , Guo XiangYing
Published: February 2022

In order to solve the problem of limited installing space and strict additional quality, the effects of distributed nonlinear energy sinks (NES) on a composite truss core sandwich plate are investigated in this paper. Choose five NESs here and inset them in the different places of the sandwich plate to suppress the vibration of the plate, which is excited by a half-wave shock. The coupled dynamic equations of the system are derived by the principle of conservation of energy. Then, numerical simulation are applied to discuss the vibration control performance of the five NESs with different parameters. The distribution of the five NESs are analyzed and the optimal position distributions are obtained. Based on the optimal location, the transient responses of the system are studied. Moreover, five NESs are compared with a single one in different dimensions. Finally, it is found that the selection of parameters have a great impact on the effectiveness of the five NESs. The new distribution way is introduced to improve the suppression effects of the five NESs in the sandwich plates.
Analysis of potentially inappropriate medication based on drug-drug interactions in older adults with psychiatric disorders: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Yu , Yang Man , Ding Yaping , Wang Huanqiang , Zhang Hailin , Wang Dandan , Zhuang Tianchi , Ji Minghui , Cui Yan , Wang Hong
Published: February 2022

Background

Polypharmacy increases the risk of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) and drug-drug interactions (DDI). This study conducts a retrospective analysis to detect PIMs, DDIs and adverse drug reactions (ADR) among older adults with psychiatric disorders.
Methods

A retrospective analysis was carried out based on medical records of aged inpatient people with psychiatric disorders. Demographic details, hobbies, medical history, medication and laboratory examination were extracted. Three criteria and one online DDIs database were used to detect PIMs and DDIs. The minimally clinical important difference (MCID) was defined as the score change of the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) between admission and discharged. Mean and standard deviation (SD) was used for continuous variables and frequency was calculated for dichotomous variables. Ordinal regression was carried out to detect the independent factors of PIM. Binary logistic regression analysis was implemented to determine the independent factors on the likelihood of ADR or the MCID. ANOVA was used to detect the relationship between the co-administration of drugs and the changes of ALT, AST, urea nitrogen, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results

96.8% inpatients had at least 1 PIM and lorazepam was the most frequently prescribed drug (75.0%). Co-administration of three or more central nervous system (CNS) active drugs was the principal DDI (70.45%) and the most frequent DDI which should be avoided was the co-administration of lorazepam and olanzapine (55.5%). The common ADR were constipation (25.6%), hepatotoxicity (14.0%) and extrapyramidal symptoms (13.0%). The co-administration of quetiapine and potassium chloride was an independent risk factor of constipation (P=0.011, OR=10.821, 95%CI [1.738 67.748]) and the score change of TESS scale (P=0.024, OR=0.024, 95%CI [1.274 32.288]).
Conclusions

The rate of PIM in the elderly with psychiatric disorders is high and brought serious adverse consequences. Further studies to prevent medication-related problems and costs such as raising awareness of PIM and DDI among healthcare professionals and patients, regulating deprescription, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanism of drugs induced DDIs, and the influence of different drug administration routes on DDIs among aged people are needed.
Comparison of Four Diagnostic Criteria for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis – A Diagnostic Accuracy Study in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Schroeder Maria , Giese Melanie , Wijaya Charles , Winterland Sarah , Nuechtern Annika , Grensemann Joern , Matthews Hanna , Wichmann Dominic , Stamm Johannes , Rohde Holger , Christner Martin , Ozga Ann-Kathrin , Steurer Stefan , Heinemann Axel , Simon Marcel , Fischer Marlene , Kluge Stefan
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: In the absence of lung biopsy there are various algorithms for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients that rely on clinical signs, underlying conditions, radiological features, and mycology. The aim of the present study was to compare four diagnostic algorithms in their ability to differentiate between probable IPA (i.e. requiring treatment) and colonization in critically ill patients. In addition, we determined their diagnostic accuracy to detect proven IPA. METHODS: For this diagnostic accuracy study, we included a mixed ICU population with a positive Aspergillus culture from respiratory secretions that were treated in a German quarternary care hospital between 2005 and 2020. Four different diagnostic algorithms were applied to all patients. We compared agreement among the four algorithms to discriminate probable IPA from colonization. In a subgroup of patients with lung tissue histopathology available we determined the sensitivity and specificity of the single algorithms to detect proven IPA. RESULTS: A total number of 684 critically ill patients were included. The mean age of the study population was 63 years (IQR 52-73). Sixty-nine percent (n=472) were medical and 31% (n=212) were surgical ICU patients. Overall, 79% (n=543) of patients fulfilled the criteria for probable IPA according to at least one diagnostic algorithm. Only 4% of patients (n=29) fulfilled the criteria for probable IPA according to all four algorithms. Agreement among the four diagnostic criteria was low (Cohen’s kappa 0.07-0.29). From 85 patients with histopathological examination of lung tissue 40% (n=34) had confirmed IPA. The new EORTC/MSGERC ICU working group criteria had high specificity (0.59 [0.41-0.75]) and sensitivity (0.73 [0.59-0.85]). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of mixed ICU patients, the agreement among four algorithms for the diagnosis of IPA was low. The 2021 EORTC/MSGERC ICU working group criteria achieved the highest specificity and sensitivity to detect proven IPA. Although improved by the latest diagnostic criteria, the discrimination of invasive fungal infection from Aspergillus colonization in critically ill patients remains challenging and may require further optimization.
Is a Plant-Based Diet Associated with Relationship Aggression?
Authors: Taft Casey , Franz Molly , Hamilton Evelyn , Smethurst Madeline , Garza Anissa , Padilla-Medina Diana , Davis Maxine
Published: February 2022

Examinations of links between plant-based diet and indices of physical and mental health have received increased attention in the scientific literature in recent years. However, there has been little to no published research examining associations between plant-based diet and use of aggressive behavior. The current study examined the link between a plant-based diet and partner aggression in a nationally representative United States sample of 1,763 individuals while controlling for childhood trauma and partner aggression victimization. Results indicated that while a plant-based diet was associated with greater use of relationship aggression at the bivariate level, this association did not remain significant when accounting for childhood trauma and aggression victimization. These results suggest the importance of considering the role of trauma and victimization when examining links between plant-based diet and aggression, and point to a number of possible avenues for additional investigation to better understand these associations.
Elemental dynamics in hair accurately predict future autism spectrum disorder diagnosis: an international multi-center study
Authors: Austin Christine , Curtin Paul , Arora Manish , Reichenberg Abraham , Curtin Austen ,   Miyuki Iwai-Shimada3, Wright Robert , Wright Rosalind , Remnelius Karl Lundin , Isaksson Johan , Bolte Sven , Nakayama Shoji
Published: February 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition diagnosed in approximately 2% of children. Reliance on the emergence of clinically observable behavioral patterns only delays mean age of diagnosis to approximately 4 years. However, neural pathways critical to language and social functions develop during infancy and current diagnostic protocols miss the age when therapy would be most effective3,4. We developed non-invasive ASD biomarkers using mass spectrometry analysis of elemental metabolism in single hair strands, coupled with machine learning. We undertook a national prospective study in Japan where hair samples were collected at 1 month and clinical diagnosis was undertaken at 4 years. Next, we analyzed a national sample of Swedish twins and, in our third study, participants from a specialist ASD center in the US. In blinded analysis, a predictive algorithm detected ASD risk as early as 1 month with 96.4% sensitivity, 75.4% specificity, and 81.4% accuracy (n=486; 175 cases).
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant causes mild pathology in the upper and lower respiratory tract of Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Armando Federico , Beythien Georg , Kaiser Franziska , Allnoch Lisa , Heydemann Laura , Rosiak Malgorzata , Becker Svenja , Gonzalez-Hernandez Mariana , Lamers Mart , Haagmans Bart , Guilfoyle Kate , Amerongen Geert van , Ciurkiewicz Malgorzata , Osterhaus Albert , Baumgärtner Wolfgang
Published: February 2022

Since its discovery in 2019, multiple variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been identified worldwide. The present study investigates virus spread and associated pathology in the upper and lower respiratory tracts in the early phase of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection in the Syrian golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) in comparison to previous identified variants of concern (VOCs). Syrian golden hamsters were infected intranasally with SARS-CoV-2 614G or with VOCs Gamma, Delta and Omicron. Pathological changes both in the upper and lower respiratory tract of VOC Omicron infected hamsters were milder than those caused by the other investigated strains. VOC Omicron infection caused only a mild rhinitis with mild involvement of the olfactory epithelium and minimal lesions in the lung with frequent sparing of the alveolar compartment. Similarly, viral antigen detection as well as infectious SARS-CoV-2 titers were lower in upper and lower respiratory tract of VOC Omicron infected hamsters. These findings demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 VOC Omicron variant has a decreased pathogenicity for both the upper and lower respiratory tract of Syrian golden hamsters.
Are all Schatzker Type-II tibial plateau fractures alike? A retrospective study
Authors: Chouhan Devendra K , Bhayana Himanshu , Prakash Mahesh , Dhillon Mandeep Singh
Published: February 2022

Introduction -Lateral tibial plateau is the commonest area to encounter the malunion inspite of surgical intervention. Limitation in fracture understanding has role to play and currently available classifications are lacking information about the morphological description of the fracture and injury to the associated ligaments/meniscus.Aims, Hypothesis and Methodology -In an attempt to add the information to Schatzker's type-II fracture, we propose a technical tip for detailed injury characterization. Clinical and radiological records of 20 patients with Schatzker's-II fracture tibial plateau were evaluated to identify heterogeneity of fracture.Results -Four displacement patterns of depression were seen, with varying severity of comminution involving the depressed fragment. The cortical split was in multiple planes in 55% of cases and associated injury to meniscus and MCL were identified in 40% of cases.Conclusion-Tibial plateau fracture classified as Schatzker's Type II tibial plateau fractures are morphologically split and depression fracture of the lateral tibial plateau, with concealed fracture heterogeneity in displacement patterns, fracture configuration, and associated injury to menisci or ligaments.
Percepciones de profesionales sanitarios sobre medidas no farmacológicas para el manejo del dolor crónico
Authors: Garcia-Uribe John-Camilo , Castaño-Diez Natalia
Published: February 2022

Introducción: el dolor como problema multicausal, es abordado en gran medida solo desde el ámbito farmacológico. Lo cual, dificulta un manejo integral de los pacientes. Objetivo: identificar las percepciones de un grupo de profesionales de la salud, (profesionales de enfermería y medicina) de la ciudad de Medellín frente al uso de medidas no farmacológicas para el tratamiento del dolor crónico en los adultos. Metodología: investigación cualitativa con enfoque etnográfico particularista. Los participantes fueron seleccionados a través de la técnica de bola de nieve y contactados de manera telefónica para acordar una entrevista presencial en profundidad. Se realizó una transcripción y análisis de información simultáneamente, hasta construir un mapa de categorías. Resultados: cuatro realidades determinan el uso del tratamiento no farmacológico por parte de los profesionales en medicina y enfermería. Estas son: la concepción del dolor que tiene cada profesional de salud, la formación profesional, la experiencia y el ámbito de las instituciones de salud. Conclusión: aunque el manejo no farmacológico pueda ser efectivo existe poca formación de los profesionales en el manejo del dolor y barreras como el contexto social y cultural, la occidentalización del conocimiento, burocratización del sistema de salud, protocolización del cuidado, falta de credibilidad en este tipo de tratamientos y dificultades económicas para acceder a este tipo de terapias.
Parametric analysis of discrete multiple-cavity models with the quasi-two-dimensional friction model for transient cavitating pipe flows
Authors: Sun Qiang , Hao Yingqi , Cheng Peifeng
Published: February 2022

Discrete multiple-cavity models coupled with quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) friction models are effective solutions to simulating transient cavitation pipe flows. The simulation accuracy of such models hinges upon the understanding of key parameters of the models, which remains elusive so far. To address such an open issue, this paper employs the discrete vapor cavity model (DVCM) and the discrete gas cavity model (DGCM), combined with the quasi-2D friction model, with a particular focus on revealing the sensitivity of these models to the key parameters such as grid number and weighting parameters. Based on the quantitative analysis and pressure fluctuation history, a method is developed to evaluate the accuracy of numerical results. Results show that the inclusion of the quasi-2D friction model improves the accuracy of predicting time of cavity formation and collapse; however, it does not affect the selection of grid number. Meanwhile, numerical results are sensitive to the weighting parameter of the viscous term in the quasi-2D friction model except for the case of low-intensity cavitation and its value of 1 is suggested for all cases. From the practical point of view, our finding is helpful to understand the feature of discrete multiple-cavity models and improve the simulating accuracy of transient cavitation pipe flows.
Immune Response Studies Based on P2X7 Receptors: A Mini-Review
Authors: Deng Ying , Zhou Mengting , Zhao Xingtao , Xue Xinyan , Liao Li , Wang Jing , Li Yunxia
Published: February 2022

Inflammation, as a complex immunopathological process, is the organism's natural defense response
against harmful, foreign, and destructive immune or non-immune factors. It is the main pathological form of
various diseases, such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, periodontitis, alcoholic steatohepatitis, asthma,
and other diseases. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is widely distributed in vivo and up-regulated in various inflammatory
pathological states. Studies have shown that milder chronic inflammation is related to a deficiency
or inhibition of P2X7R, which is an indispensable part of the pro-inflammatory mechanism in vivo. P2X7R, a
unique subtype of seven purinergic P2X receptors, is an ATP-gated non-selective cationic channel. P2X7R will
promote the influx of Ca2+ and the outflow of K+ after being stimulated. The influx of Ca2+ is essential for activating
the body's innate immune response and inducing the production of inflammatory factors. This paper reviews
the regulation of P2X7R in inflammation from the perspectives of innate immunity and adaptive immunity.
Nanocarriers’- An efficient drug delivery system for neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and associated risk of nanocarriers, future perspectives - A review
Authors: Ashique Sumel
Published: February 2022

Various neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are becoming a major issue in global life. Several treatment options are available, but the major problem of all these approaches is the presence of the highly protective blood-brain barrier (BBB) which limits the possible drug transportation towards CNS. BBB particularly allows some specific components like small sized lipophilic agents through the capillary endothelial membrane. The major challenge to delivering the drug into CNS is the presence of the highly protective BBB; thus, currently, a nanocarrier-based drug delivery system has been approved for an effective and safe approach. This review has depicted a clear view about the route of nanocarrier based drug administration, the reason behind choosing nanocarriers, and what are the several nanocarriers (such as lipoplex, polyplex, nano-micelles, dendrimers, exomes, nanogels, etc) that used to treat the mentioned brain disorders and potential risk, future aspects.
Cooperação intermunicipal e capacidade de governança uma revisão conceptual
Authors: Dias Ricardo Cunha , Seixas Paulo Castro
Published: February 2022

Intermunicipal cooperation and multilevel governance are inseparable concepts in current European Union (EU) policy. However, these concepts have been maintained in different theoretical bodies. In this context, this paperreviews these concepts, aiming toidentifythe factors that explain the instruments of intermunicipal cooperation in the EU, and how its governance capacity can be problematized in a multilevel logic. The text concludes by warning about the Europeanization ofthese instruments, a factor that the literature has left in the background.
COP26: reflections on the power of science as a force against climate change
Authors: Annette Lucy
Published: February 2022

The COP26 began on 31 October 2021 and, over two weeks, world leaders, scientists, activists and delegates from across the globe congregated to devise a collaborative plan to tackle the climate crisis head on. Heralded by many as essentially a last attempt to save the planet, there
were high expectations for the climate event. Global warming represents a very real and pressing threat to planet Earth, and research and innovation are crucial to the development of solutions to mitigate the detrimental impacts of climate change. How will key outcomes and commitments from
the event impact on research and the scientific community?
Physical Activity in Patients With Heart Failure During and After COVID-19 Lockdown: Single-Center Observational Retrospective Study
Authors: Brasca Francesco Maria Angelo , Casale Maria Carla , Canevese Fabio Lorenzo , Tortora Giovanni , Pagano Giulia , Botto Giovanni Luca
Published: February 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic forced several European governments to impose severe lockdown measures. The reduction of physical activity during the lockdown could have been deleterious.

Objective

The aim of this observational, retrospective study was to investigate the effect of the lockdown strategy on the physical activity burden and subsequent reassessment in a group of patients with heart failure who were followed by means of remote monitoring.

Methods

We analyzed remote monitoring transmissions during the 3-month period immediately preceding the lockdown, 69 days of lockdown, and 3-month period after the first lockdown in a cohort of patients with heart failure from a general hospital in Lombardy, Italy. We compared variation of daily physical activity measured by cardiac implantable electrical devices with clinical variables collected in a hospital database.

Results

We enrolled 41 patients with heart failure that sent 176 transmissions. Physical activity decreased during the lockdown period (mean 3.4, SD 1.9 vs mean 2.9, SD 1.8 hours/day; P<.001) but no significant difference was found when comparing the period preceding and following the lockdown (–0.0007 hours/day; P=.99). We found a significant correlation between physical activity reduction during and after the lockdown (R2=0.45, P<.001). The only significant predictor of exercise variation in the postlockdown period was the lockdown to prelockdown physical activity ratio.

Conclusions

An excessive reduction of exercise in patients with heart failure decreased the tolerance to exercise, especially in patients with more comorbidities. Remote monitoring demonstrated exercise reduction, suggesting its potential utility to encourage patients to maintain their usual physical activity levels.
Promoting Resilience and Well-being Through Co-design (The PRIDE Project): Protocol for the Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Prototype Resilience-Based Intervention for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth
Authors: Lucassen Mathijs F G , Samra Rajvinder , Rimes Katharine A , Brown Katherine E , Wallace Louise M
Published: February 2022

Background

Sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) are at an increased risk of a range of mental health problems. However, few evidence-informed interventions have been developed specifically to support their mental well-being. Interventions that are evidence-informed for the general population and are fine-tuned specifically with SGMY in mind proffer considerable potential. A particular opportunity lies in the delivery of engaging interventions on the web, where the focus is on enhancing the coping skills and building the resilience of SGMY, in a way that is directly relevant to their experiences. On the basis of earlier work related to an intervention called Rainbow SPARX (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts), we seek to create a new resource, especially for SGMY in the United Kingdom.

Objective

This project has 3 main objectives. First, together with SGMY as well as key adult experts, we aim to co-design a media-rich evidence-informed web-based SGMY well-being prototype toolkit aimed at those aged between 13 and 19 years. Second, we will explore how the web-based toolkit can be used within public health systems in the United Kingdom by SGMY and potentially other relevant stakeholders. Third, we aim to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the toolkit, which will inform the design of a future effectiveness study.

Methods

The first objective will be met by conducting the following: approximately 10 interviews with SGMY and 15 interviews with adult experts, a scoping review of studies focused on psychosocial coping strategies for SGMY, and co-design workshops with approximately 20 SGMY, which will inform the creation of the prototype toolkit. The second objective will be met by carrying out interviews with approximately 5 selected adult experts and 10 SGMY to explore how the toolkit can be best used and to determine the parameters and user-generated standards for a future effectiveness trial. The final objective will be met with a small-scale process evaluation, using the think out loud methodology, conducted with approximately 10 SGMY.

Results

The study commenced on September 1, 2021, and data gathering for phase 1 began in October 2021.

Conclusions

A considerable body of work has described the issues faced by the SGMY. However, there is a dearth of research seeking to develop interventions for SGMY so that they can thrive. This project aims to co-design such an intervention.

Trial Registration

Research Registry Reference researchregistry6815; https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#home/registrationdetails/609e81bda4a706001c94b63a/

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/31036
An App-Based Intervention for Pediatric Weight Management: Pre-Post Acceptability and Feasibility Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Cox Jennifer S , Hinton Elanor C , Hamilton Shield Julian , Lawrence Natalia S
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

A multidisciplinary approach to weight management is offered at tier 3 pediatric weight management services in the United Kingdom. Encouraging dietary change is a major aim, with patients meeting with dieticians, endocrinologists, psychologists, nurse specialists, and social workers on average every other month.

OBJECTIVE

This research sought to trial an inhibitory control training smartphone app—FoodT—with the clinic population of a pediatric weight management service. FoodT has shown positive impacts on food choice in adult users, with resulting weight loss. It was hoped that when delivered as an adjunctive treatment alongside the extensive social, medical, psychological, and dietetic interventions already offered at the clinic, the introduction of inhibitory control training may offer patients another tool that supports eating choice. In this feasibility trial, recruitment, retention, and app use were the primary outcomes. An extensive battery of measures was included to test the feasibility and acceptability of these measures for future powered trials.

METHODS

FoodT was offered to pediatric patients and their parents during a routine clinic appointment, and patients were asked to use the app at home every day for the first week and once per week for the rest of the month. Feasibility and acceptability were measured in terms of recruitment, engagement with the app, and retention to the trial. A battery of psychometric tests was given before and after app use to assess the acceptability of collecting data on changes to food choices and experiences that would inform future trial work.

RESULTS

A total of 12 children and 10 parents consented (22/62, 35% of those approached). Further, 1 child and no parents achieved the recommended training schedule. No participants completed the posttrial measures. The reasons for not wanting to be recruited to the trial included participants not considering their weight to be connected to eating choices and not feeling that the app suited their needs. No reasons are known for noncompletion.

CONCLUSIONS

It is unclear whether the intervention itself or the research processes, including the battery of measures, prevented completion. It is therefore difficult to make any decisions as to the value that the app has within this setting. Important lessons have been learned from this research that have potential broad relevance, including the importance of co-designing interventions with service users and avoiding deterring people from early-stage participation in extensive data collection.
Energy Conservation By Using Electric Transportation Vehicle
Authors: Rewatkar Harshal
Published: February 2022

Abstract: This paper presents the design and implementation of a complete electric transportation vehicle by conservation by energy resources. Electric vehicles are widely used for pollution free transportation but it has been observed that distance travelled by battery operated electric vehicle is very less as pared with the other fuel powered engine and poor regenerative energy recapturing from the vehicle. There are so many types of losses in power converter which increase consumption of battery energy. For increment of distance travelled by electric vehicles and increment of recapturing of regenerative energy we have to improve performance of all component used in electric vehicle like electric motor, power converter and energy storage system like battery. That’s why in this project used alternator and voltage booster. This project presents comparative study of all components used in an electric vehicle. This project also concluded that which drive or converter is suitable for electric vehicle is being proposed. Best coordination of all components can lead to optimize power consumption in electric vehicle. Energy dissipated in power train during the operation of conversion from electrical energy to mechanical energy and vice-versa should be minimize. Keywords: Electric vehicle; motor; Energy storage system; Battery; Alternator
IoT Based Electronic Valve System with Quantitative Control and Patient Monitoring
Authors: .R Nandan
Published: February 2022

Abstract: Electronic valves have been widely used in production and daily life. Now electronic valves are moving towards four directions of streamlining, intelligent, generalization and customization. Automated glucose flow control and monitoring system is about monitoring the flow of glucose automatically. By using this monitoring system, we can monitor the glucose flow. Health monitoring system is one of most important and practical applications of wireless sensor network (WSN). Even though various health monitoring devices based on WSN are used, they are still quite limited in the sense of mobility and accuracy. This project can be implemented in automatic flow control of glucose in hospital, in physical vapor deposition, in chemical supply control of plants which grows in water (hydroponics). Keywords: Electronic valve, Quantitative analysis, Flow control, Hydroponics, WSN, Health monitoring.