bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Nerve Net of the Actinozoa
Authors: Hall D. M. , Pantin C. F. A.
Published: April 2021

An account is given of the responses of Metridium senile to mechanical stimulation. The responses resemble those described by Parker in M. marginatum. The chief protective response is due to contraction of the longitudinal mesenteric muscles and not to contraction of the sphincter as in Calliactis. A simple apparatus for stimulation of Actinozoa is described. The behaviour of Metridium to electrical stimulation resembles that of Calliactis. The response does not depend upon the intensity of individual shocks but on their number and frequency. As with Calliactis, Metridium obeys the rule that a single stimulus produces no effect. The longitudinal mesenteries of Metridium resemble the sphincter of Calliactis remarkably closely in their properties. As in Calliactis, graded responses can be produced in Metridium by varying the frequency of stimulation. The longitudinal mesenteries require the highest frequency for a facilitated response. The parietals require a lower frequency. The sphincter requires a relatively high frequency of stimulation but its action is delayed owing to its slow rate of contraction. The graded responses of different muscles to stimulation are controlled by facilitation. They are not connected with differences in threshold. Temperature has a profound effect on the responses of actinozoans. Both contraction and relaxation are slowed at low temperatures (Q10 = 2). The facilitating effect of a stimulus endures more than three times longer for a fall in temperature of 10° C. Temperature thus greatly influences the rate of decay of the facilitation process.
Metal Ions Suppress the Abnormal Taste Behavior of the Drosophila Mutant malvolio
Authors: Orgad Sara , Nelson Hannah , Segal Daniel , Nelson Nathan
Published: April 2021

A mutation in the malvolio (mvl) gene affects taste behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. The malvolio gene encodes a protein (MVL) that exhibits homology to the mammalian natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins. It is also homologous to the Smf1 protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which we have recently demonstrated to function as a Mn2+/Zn2+ transporter. We proposed that the Drosophila and mammalian proteins, like the yeast SMF1 gene product, are metal-ion transporters. To test this hypothesis, malvolio mutant flies were allowed to develop, from egg to adulthood, on a medium containing elevated concentrations of metal ions. Mutant flies that were reared in the presence of 10 mmol l−1 MnCl2 or FeCl2 developed into adults with recovered taste behavior. CaCl2 or MgCl2 had no effect on the mutant’s taste perception. ZnCl2 inhibited the effect of MnCl2 when both ions were supplied together. Similar suppression of the abnormal taste behavior was observed when mvl mutants were fed MnCl2 or FeCl2 only at the adult stage. Furthermore, exposure of adult mutant flies to these ions in the testing plate for only 2 h was sufficient to restore normal taste behavior. The suppression of the defective taste behavior suggests that MVL functions as a Mn2+/Fe2+ transporter and that Mn2+ and/or Fe2+ are involved in the signal transduction of taste perception in Drosophila adults.
CT-based radiomics for predicting the rapid progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia lesions
Authors: Zhang Bin , Ni-jia-Ti Ma-yi-di-li , Yan Ruike , An Nan , Chen Lv , Liu Shuyi , Chen Luyan , Chen Qiuying , Li Minmin , Chen Zhuozhi , You Jingjing , Dong Yuhao , Xiong Zhiyuan , Zhang Shuixing
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

To develop and validate a radiomic model to predict the rapid progression (defined as volume growth of pneumonia lesions > 50% within seven days) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods:

Patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who underwent longitudinal chest CT between January 01 and February 18, 2020 were included. A total of 1316 radiomic features were extracted from the lung parenchyma window for each CT. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), Relief, Las Vegas Wrapper (LVW), L1-norm-Support Vector Machine (L1-norm-SVM), and recursive feature elimination (RFE) were applied to select the features that associated with rapid progression. Four machine learning classifiers were used for modeling, including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), and Decision Tree (DT). Accordingly, 20 radiomic models were developed on the basis of 296 CT scans and validated in 74 CT scans. Model performance was determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results:

A total of 107 patients (median age, 49.0 years, interquartile range, 35–54) were evaluated. The patients underwent a total of 370 chest CT scans with a median interval of 4 days (interquartile range, 3–5 days). The combination methods of L1-norm SVM and SVM with 17 radiomic features yielded the highest performance in predicting the likelihood of rapid progression of pneumonia lesions on next CT scan, with an AUC of 0.857 (95% CI: 0.766–0.947), sensitivity of 87.5%, and specificity of 70.7%.

Conclusions:

Our radiomic model based on longitudinal chest CT data could predict the rapid progression of pneumonia lesions, which may facilitate the CT follow-up intervals and reduce the radiation.

Advances in knowledge:

Radiomic features extracted from the current chest CT have potential in predicting the likelihood of rapid progression of pneumonia lesions on the next chest CT, which would improve clinical decision-making regarding timely treatment.
Differentiation between endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers and non- endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers based on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Zhang Ximing , Li Min , Tang Zhuopeng , Li Xinyi , Song Ting
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) patients show different clinical characteristics compared with non-EAOC patients. However, a few studies are focused on the imaging characteristics of EAOC until now. We assessed MRI characteristics in differentiating EAOC and non-EAOC.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed clinical and MRI characteristics from 54 patients with 67 lesions diagnosed with primary epithelial ovarian carcinoma at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between January 2012 and October 2020. We studied MRI findings such as maximum diameter, morphology, configuration, locularity, features of mural nodules, lymphadenopathy, peritoneal implants, the presence of hyperintensity on T1WI, and hypointensity on T2WI. We also studied the clinical characteristics. Significant MRI variables in univariate analysis were selected for subsequent multivariate regression analysis. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the significant MRI variables in univariate analysis.

Results:

We found that the patients with EAOC, compared with those with non-EAOC, were younger, more unilateral, and had earlier FIGO stage. Univariate analysis revealed that morphology, locularity, growth pattern of mural nodules, and hypointensity on T2WI were factors that significantly differed between EAOC and non-EAOC. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, locularity and hypointensity on T2WI were independent predictors to distinguish EAOC from non-EAOC.

Conclusions:

EAOC typically presented as a unilocular mass with hypointensity on T2WI in cystic components. MRI could help distinguish EAOC from non-EAOC.

Advances in knowledge:

MRI is a promising tool for preoperative diagnosis of EAOC.
Retrospective evaluation of venous phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography images in patients who developed pancreatic adenocarcinomas after treatment for nonpancreatic primary cancer
Authors: Takaji Ryo , Yamada Yasunari , Shimada Ryuichi , Matsumoto Shunro , Daa Tsutomu , Endo Yuichi , Inomata Masafumi , Asayama Yoshiki
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

To clarify venous phase contrast-enhanced CT findings in early pancreatic adenocarcinomas by retrospectively evaluating CT images of pancreatic adenocarcinomas that developed during follow-up after treatment for non-pancreatic cancers.

Methods:

The study cohort comprised six patients who developed pancreatic adenocarcinomas between April 2005 and April 2020 during follow-up after treatment for non-pancreatic primary cancers. Two radiologists retrospectively evaluated CT images and reached consensus on previously reported CT findings that were suggestive of small pancreatic adenocarcinomas; namely pancreatic duct interruption and dilatation, pancreatic parenchymal atrophy, focal hypoattenuated areas, and appearance of cystic lesions. Time intervals between the first CT with these suggestive findings and the latest pre-operative CT were recorded. Doubling times were calculated in patients with hypoattenuated areas on initial CT scans.

Results:

Small (<10 mm) focal hypoattenuated areas with (n = 2) or without rim enhancement (n = 1) were identified on initial CT images of three patients. Pancreatic duct interruption and dilatation, pancreatic parenchymal atrophy, and cystic lesion were identified in two, one and one patient, respectively. Time intervals between initial and latest preoperative CT examination were 6–19 months (median, 14.5 months). Tumor doubling time according to CT findings was calculated as 46–407 days (median 106 days).

Conclusion:

Venous phase contrast-enhanced CT can provide findings that are suggestive of early pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Pancreatic phase contrast-enhanced CT should therefore be performed in patients with such findings with the aim of early detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Advances in knowledge:

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma can develop subsequently in patients with non-pancreatic malignancies. Patients with non-pancreatic cancers are often followed up with monophasic contrast-enhanced CT in venous phase timing. Venous phase contrast-enhanced CT can provide some findings suggestive of early pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Knowledge of these findings is important for early detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
A comparative analysis of high-flux and low-flux dialysis in cervical cancer patients with obstructive renal failure showing no significantly improved renal function after catheterisation
Authors: Zhang Chen-li , Xie De-qiong , Ao Li-na , Zhu Lei
Published: April 2021

Objective: This study aims to compare the clinical application value of high-flux dialysis with low-flux dialysis in patients without significantly improved renal function after cervical cancer and obstructive renal failure catheterisation.

Methods: This prospective randomised study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019. Eighty cervical cancer patients with obstructive renal failure who showed no significant renal function improvement after catheterisation were randomised into two groups (n = 40 in each group) in the Second People’s Hospital of Yibin City. High-flux and low-flux dialysis were employed in the experimental group and the control group, respectively. Treatments in both groups were provided every other day, with the whole course lasting one week. Data were recorded before and after dialysis included inflammatory factors such as IL-6, CRP and TNF-a, large and moderate molecular toxins (e.g., β2 micro-globulin, parathyrin (PTH) and cysteine protease inhibitor). Renal function changes during the dialysis were also recorded. Afterwards, the two groups were compared regarding the overall efficacy.

Results: Both the experimental group and the control group experienced a significant decrease in IL-6, CRP, TNF-a, β2 micro-globulin, PTH and cysteine protease inhibitor, with the decrease in the experimental group being more evident (p < 0.05). After dialysis was completed, the experimental group restored renal function indicators such as Cre, CysC and serum K+ levels more quickly than the control group (p < 0.05). The effective rate was 100% for the experimental group and 87.5% for the control group. The intragroup difference in the efficacy.was significant.

Conclusions: High-flux dialysis appears to be more beneficial for cervical cancer patients with obstructive renal failure, showing no significant improvement in renal function after catheterisation. It restored renal function more quickly, had more radical draining of inflammatory factors and large and moderate molecular toxins, and had a higher overall effective rate.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.3515

How to cite this:Zhang C, Xie DQ, Ao L, Zhu L. A comparative analysis of high-flux and low-flux dialysis in cervical cancer patients with obstructive renal failure showing no significantly improved renal function after catheterisation. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(4):1014-1019.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.3515

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Renal artery embolization for spontaneous hemorrhage in patients with acquired cystic kidney disease: A 20-year single-center experience
Authors: Chen Cheng Shi , Ahn Hyemin , Shin Ji Hoon , Li Hai-Liang , Kim Jong Woo , Ibrahim Alrashidi , Chu Hee Ho
Published: April 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization for controlling spontaneous hemorrhage in patients with acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD).

Methods: This retrospective study included 18 patients with ACKD (M:F=13:5; mean age, 56 years) who underwent renal artery embolization to control spontaneous hemorrhage between January 2001 and September 2020. The underlying etiology and clinical presentations were reviewed and previous computed tomography (CT) findings were analyzed. Furthermore, angiographic and embolization details, technical and clinical successes, and complications were assessed.

Results: Subcapsular, perirenal, and pararenal hematomas were observed on CT scans for all patients. Contrast extravasation was observed in 15 / 17 patients (88%) on contrast-enhanced CT scans. Angiography showed active bleeding in 14 patients (78%; contrast extravasation [n=6], pseudoaneurysm [n=3], and both [n=5]), suspicious bleeding in 1 (5%), and no bleeding in 3 (17%). The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 94% (17/18), respectively. Total and partial embolization was performed in 14 (78%) and 4 (22%) cases, respectively. Subsequent surgical nephrectomy was required for one patient with clinical failure due to recurrent bleeding despite total embolization. Procedure-related complications included mild post-embolization syndrome in one patient and contrast-induced nephropathy in five patients (28%) without long-term complications.

Conclusions: Renal artery embolization is safe and effective for controlling spontaneous renal hemorrhage in patients with ACKD.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.3999

How to cite this:Chen CS, Ahn H, Shin JH, Li HL, Kim JW, Ibrahim A, et al. Renal artery embolization for spontaneous hemorrhage in patients with acquired cystic kidney disease: A 20-year single-center experience. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(4):1111-1117. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.3999

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Plasmidome AMR screening (PAMRS) workflow: a rapid screening workflow for phenotypic characterization of antibiotic resistance in plasmidomes
Authors: Duedu Kwabena Obeng , Mends Joana Qwansima , Ayivor-Djanie Reuben , Essandoh Priscilla Efua , Nattah Emmanuel Mawuli , Gyamfi Jones , Kpeli Grace Semabia
Published: April 2021

Background: Phenotypic characterization of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria has remained the gold standard for investigation and monitoring of what resistance is present in an organism. However, the process is laborious and not attractive for screening multiple plasmids from a microbial community (plasmidomes). Instead, genomic tools are used, but a major bottle neck that presence of genes does not always translate into phenotypes.

Methods: We designed the plasmidome AMR screening (PAMRS) workflow to investigate the presence of antibiotic resistant phenotypes in a plasmidome using Escherichia coli as a host organism. Plasmidomes were extracted from the faecal matter of chicken, cattle and humans using commercial plasmid extraction kits. Competent E. coli cells were transformed and evaluated using disk diffusion. Thirteen antibiotic resistant phenotypes were screened.

Results: Here, we show that multiple antibiotic resistant phenotypes encoded by plasmids can be rapidly screened simultaneously using the PAMRS workflow. E. coli was able to pick up to 7, 5 or 8 resistant phenotypes from a single plasmidome from chicken, cattle or humans, respectively. Resistance to ceftazidime was the most frequently picked up phenotype in humans (52.6%) and cattle (90.5%), whereas in chickens, the most picked up resistant phenotype was resistance to co-trimoxazole, ceftriaxone and ampicillin (18.4% each).

Conclusions: This workflow is a novel tool that could facilitate studies to evaluate the occurrence and expression of plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance in microbial communities and their associated plasmid-host ranges. It could find application in the screening of plasmid-encoded virulence genes.
Oral care strategies in patients in intensive care units
Authors: Sarangi Ashish , Sarangi Sukanya , Solaman Louis
Published: April 2021

Oral care is a fundamental aspect of nursing and impacts the health, comfort, and well-being of patients over both the short and long term. Providing adequate oral care for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) is particularly challenging, due in part to problems of caring for very sick patients in a busy stressful environment, which may result in oral care having a lower priority for nurses than other aspects of care. This review considers the evidence supporting the use of oral care in ICU patients and makes recommendations for comprehensive care.
Keywords: Oral health; dental care; MICU dental care
Predictors of Performance on USMLE Step 1
Authors: Wu Winnie , Garcia Katy , Chandrahas Sheila , Siddiqui Arham , Baronia Regina , Ibrahim Yasin
Published: April 2021

Background
94% of program directors cited the USMLE Step 1 score as the most important factor in determining an applicant’s competitiveness for residency. Thus, medical students are motivated to attain the highest possible score. With the recent announcement of Step 1 switching to a pass/fail standard, it is important to analyze factors which predict meeting this goal.
Objective
To investigate the factors which can influence or predict performance on USMLE Step 1.
Methods
We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and ERIC in 2019. The key words were “USMLE”, “Step-1”, “score”, “success” and “predictors.” The search included articles published between 2005 and 2019.  Studies that did not focus on Step 1 outcome or allopathic medical students in the United States were excluded.
Results
275 articles were found, 29 of which met our inclusion criteria. Analysis from these articles demonstrated that predictors of USMLE Step 1 score can be divided into unmodifiable and modifiable factors. Unmodifiable factors include gender, MCAT score, pre-clinical grades and NBME/CBSE scores. Modifiable factors include taking USMLE Step 1 within two months of completing pre-clinical courses, motivation from anxiety, multiple-choice questions completed, unique Anki cards seen and complete passes of First Aid for the USMLE Step 1.
Conclusion
Our review suggests that although students can focus on modifiable factors to increase their score, the energy expenditure required to increase Step 1 score by one point is unrealistic. This may have impacted the NBME’s decision to change Step 1 to a pass/fail exam.
Increase in Child Abuse Injuries during the COVID-19 Pandemic in West Texas
Authors: Linares Garcia Hector , Wyatt Thomas , Tucker Amber , Dissanaike Sharmila
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid increase in unemployment and business closures, leaving many families in psychosocial distress, and putting the well-being and healthy development of children at risk. There has been a sharp increase in cases of child abuse presenting to our institution during the year 2020.  Thus, we sought to quantify whether the confluence of pandemic-related social changes would result in an increase in child abuse cases severe enough to warrant emergency medical attention in the West Texas region. Through this report, we hope to underscore the need for continued vigilance by healthcare providers and educators in identifying cases of child abuse, as well as the need for additional initiatives to mitigate child maltreatment during times of socioeconomic stress.
The reduction in influenza rates in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sabu-Kurian Anna , Shrestha Kripa , Dissanaike Sharmila
Published: April 2021

Influenza affects many lives worldwide each year during the months of October through February. The 2020-2021 influenza season saw a sharp decline in the cases reported in the United States and in other countries like Great Britain in comparison to previous influenza seasons. The most likely explanations for this decline are the safety measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as physical distancing, face mask use, and better hand hygiene in the mass population, which likely reduced the transmission and infection rates of influenza this season.
Key words: influenza, surveillance, pandemic, transmission
COVID toes: a unique cutaneous indicator of COVID-19
Authors: Dowdle Travis , Brown Todd , Peterson Joshua , Banafshay Kiana , Nguyen Jeannie , Sturgeon Ashley
Published: April 2021

Background: This brief review considers major aspects of COVID toes as currently understood. Topics discussed include etiology, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, treatment, and management. Media characterization, potentially leading to intense public interest in COVID toes during the summer of 2020, is also discussed.
Methods: The literature review was conducted by selecting articles from PUBMED, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Google Scholar based on the relevance to our topic. To determine the relative search interest of the general population, a Google Trends analysis was queried on 11/17/20 for the retrospective duration of 11/17/2019–11/17/2020.
Results: The majority of patients who have presented with COVID toes are children and young adults. COVID toes generally present as acro-ischemic lesions, which are microthrombotic events in the extremities, leading to symptoms such as pseudo-chilblains or pernio-like lesions. Chilblains are histologically classified as an inflammatory disorder with a prominent perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate seen on microscopy. The regions are described as appearing erythematous to purple purpuric macules, papules, and/or vesicles. In many cases, COVID toes symptoms are self-limiting.
Conclusion: The development of COVID toes represents an additional manifestation of COVID-19 that should lead to additional testing. Knowledge of these symptoms can give healthcare workers and the general public another tool for recognizing COVID-19.
Keywords: COVID toes, COVID-19, coronavirus, chilblains, pernio
The prevalence and characteristics of adults with latent tuberculous infection in the United States and the implications for healthcare in Texas
Authors: Khan Shazma , Ike Crystal , Dennis Jeff , Nugent Kenneth
Published: April 2021

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 8,916 cases of tuberculosis in 2019. Reducing the number of cases of active tuberculosis requires identification of patients with latent tuberculous infections (LTBI). Optimal screening for LTBI requires information about the demographics and characteristics of people who are more likely to have had tuberculous infection. Information from the 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used to determine the number and characteristics of adults from a representative sample of the United States who had LTBI. Latent tuberculous infection was identified either by a positive skin test or by a positive QuantiFERON blood test. Information about the number of patients with active tuberculosis in Texas was determined from reports from the Texas State Department of Health Services. The NHANES database for the years 2011-2012 included 5,684 adults. Participants with a positive QuantiFERON blood test were more likely in the age group 45-64, male, foreign born, and have less than a high school education. Participants with a positive skin test had similar characteristics. Participants who had both a positive skin test and positive QuantiFERON test were more likely to be in the age group 45-64, males, foreign born, and Hispanic. In addition, they had diabetes, self-reported fair/poor health, and an educational level less than high school. In the State of Texas tuberculosis occurred more frequently in individuals older than 75 who were male and were not US born Texas residents. Important clinical diagnoses included diabetes, alcohol abuse, correctional facility residence, non-injection drug use, positive HIV status, and homelessness. Information from the NHANES study and from the State Department of Health Services in Texas provides information needed to develop screening programs for latent tuberculosis and active tuberculosis.
Effects of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy
Authors: Armin Sabiha , Nugent Kenneth
Published: April 2021

Women develop important changes in their cardiovascular and respiratory systems during pregnancy. They also have important changes in their immune system which are necessary to tolerate foreign fetal tissue. These expected alterations can increase the likelihood of poor outcomes with certain respiratory infections, especially viral infection. There is extensive literature describing COVID-19 in pregnant women, and there is evidence that this virus can infect the placenta, raising implications for maternal-fetal transmission. Women who contract COVID-19 during pregnancy are at increased risk of preterm labor and other perinatal complications when compared to non-pregnant women. Trials on the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy are in progress; several reproductive societies have recommended that women who are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant should get vaccination since there are few reports of adverse events in pregnant women who have received vaccines. Healthcare providers will need to address concerns of infertility, the possibility of vertical transmission, and neonatal infection with women regarding timely vaccination against this disease and other necessary precautions.
Keywords: coronavirus, COVID-19, pregnancy, placental pathology, vertical transmission
The Impact of an Augmented-Reality Game on Local Businesses: A Study of Pokémon Go on Restaurants
Authors: Pamuru Vandith , Khern-am-nuai Warut , Kannan Karthik
Published: April 2021

Augmented reality (AR)–based applications have been growing in prominence. Pokémon Go, one of the most popular AR game applications, has been engaging in strategic partnership with businesses. The game combines geospatial elements with gamification practices to incentivize user movement in the physical world. In this study, we examine the value of such strategic partnerships between Pokémon Go and associated businesses. Specifically, we use data of the online reviews for a firm to study consumer engagement and consumer perception after the release of the game on its associated businesses. We find that restaurants associated with Pokémon Go do indeed enjoy a higher level of consumer engagement and more positive consumer perception. We also find that characteristics of the business significantly moderate this impact overall. Using a parsimonious analytical model, we also demonstrate the mechanism behind these results. Our study provides insights into consumer economic behavior in the context of AR applications. We further inform the business owners and policymakers regarding the potential value of such strategic business partnerships with such applications.
Exploring of Dietary Patterns, and Possible Association with Educational Level, among Jordanian Pregnant Women
Authors: Tayyem Reema , Hammad Shatha , Allehdan Sabika S. , Abdelrahim Dana , Djellouli Lydia , Al-Asali Fida
Published: April 2021

Evaluating dietary patterns could provide an overall view of food and nutrient which consumed regularly. Better understanding of dietary patterns in pregnant women may be considered an acceptable mean to identify unhealthy dietary practices and the associations with undesirable pregnancy outcomes, which necessitates urgent intervention. This study aimed to determine the dietary pattern followed by Jordanian women during pregnancy in the second and third trimesters and to detect possible association between the dietary patterns and educational level. A total of 286 healthy, pregnant Jordanian women, aged ≥ 18 years with singleton pregnancies, completed the study. Sociodemographic, dietary, and physical activity data were collected using validated questionnaires. Dietary patterns were identified using a Principal Component Analysis. A multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of education level on dietary intake. Three dietary patterns were identified during the entire duration of pregnancy; ‘High-Fat, High-Sugar’, ‘Fruit and Vegetables', and ‘High Protein’ which explained about 32% of the variability of the study sample. Dietary patterns adopted by pregnant women during the second and third trimesters, separately, were able to explain about 40% of the variability during each trimester. Educational level showed associations with dietary patterns, in which ‘Fruit and Vegetables' and ‘Healthy’ patterns were remarkably manifested as the preferred pattern of consumption for the highly educated women during their third trimester. Different dietary patterns have been identified among Jordanian pregnant women throughout their pregnancy trimesters. Higher educational level could influence food choices. Fruit and Vegetables' and ‘Healthy’ patterns were the followed patterns among the highly educated women during their third trimester.
Cocoa Overconsumption and Cardiac Rhythm: Potential Arrhythmogenic Trigger or Beneficial Pleasure?
Authors: Gammone Maria Alessandra , D’Orazio Nicolantonio
Published: April 2021

The interrelation between arrhythmias and lifestyle factors is acknowledged. On the one side, there is a recognized interaction between atrial fibrillation and obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Saturated fats, excessive added salt, tea, coffee and energy drinks are often deleterious in rhythm disorders. The role of others, such as cocoa-rich foods, is less evident: several authors displayed the beneficial effect of the polyphenols content on numerous cardiovascular risk factors, while little is known about the potential link between diet and incident arrhythmias. Arrhythmias’ most frequent risk factors include aging, hypertension, congenital cardiopathy, heart failure, valvulopathy, thyroid diseases and diabetes. Nevertheless numerous arrhythmias are not related to any of these risk factors: in these cases, immunological, functional and even nutritional mechanisms might be involved in dysrhythmias’ genesis. Aim of this narrative review is to analyze the potential adverse effect of cocoa excessive consumption on cardiac rhythm and its mechanisms and to provide state-of-the-art knowledge on this topic.
Chemical Composition of Lizardfish Surimi By-Product: Focus on Macro and Micro-Minerals Contents
Authors: Jaziri Abdul Aziz , Shapawi Rossita , Mokhtar Ruzaidi Azli Mohd , Noordin Wan Norhana Md. , Huda Nurul
Published: April 2021

Surimi processing industries generated over 60% of fish by-products, including head, skin, viscera, trimming, bone, scale, and fin. Hence, an effort converting these by-products into valuable compounds and constituents is necessary for optimizing the resources. In order to implement this, the information on the chemical composition of the by-products is helpful. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition, particularly minerals of lizardfish surimi by-products. The protein, fat, ash, moisture, and carbohydrate values of by-products differed significantly (p < 0.05). Protein content was highest in the skin and scale (29.63% and 29.62%, respectively), and ash content was predominantly found in the scale (28.43%), fin (26.01%), and bone (23.58). Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium content were significantly varied respectively from 0.25% to 6.88%, 0.06% to 0.37%, 0.01% to 0.09%, and 0.01% to 0.32%. Calcium is highest in scale, whereas zinc, manganese, and iron were most abundance in all parts of the by-products sample. Zinc is mostly detected in the fin (76.75 µg/g), bone (48.67 µg/g) and scale (46.01 µg/g) parts. On the other hand, copper, chromium, selenium, cadmium and lead were detected at lower concentration (less than 2 µg/g), and complied with the safety levels set by the Malaysian Food and Regulations. These findings suggest that, by-products generated from lizardfish surimi processing may be used as ingredients to enrich nutritional value of other food products.
Efficiency analysis of cellular/LiFi traffic offloading
Authors: Khallaf Haitham S. , EL-Fikky Abd EL-Rahman A. , Elwekeil Mohamed , Elfiqi Abdulaziz E. , Mohamed Ehab Mahmoud , Shalaby Hossam M. H.
Published: April 2021

Data offloading is a promising low-cost and power-efficient solution for the expected high demands for high-speed connectivity in the near future. We investigate offloading efficiency in a cellular/light fidelity (LiFi) network. This offloading efficiency is a measure of the ratio of traffic carried by the LiFi network to the total traffic carried by both LiFi and cellular networks. We consider the two scenarios of opportunistic and delayed offloading. Effects of user density, user mobility, LiFi-signal blocking, and channel characteristics are investigated. We use Zemax to simulate LiFi channels in the proposed model. Based on our results, delayed offloading can achieve up to 60% offloading efficiency while opportunistic offloading achieves up to 18% offloading efficiency.
Vector-apodizing phase plate coronagraph: design, current performance, and future development [Invited]
Authors: Doelman D. S. , Snik F. , Por E. H. , Bos S. P. , Otten G. P. P. L. , Kenworthy M. , Haffert S. Y. , Wilby M. , Bohn A. J. , Sutlieff B. J. , Miller K. , Ouellet M. , de Boer J. , Keller C. U. , Escuti M. J. , Shi S. , Warriner N. Z. , Hornburg K. , Birkby J. L. , Males J. , Morzinski K. M. , Close L. M. , Codona J. , Long J. , Schatz L. , Lumbres J. , Rodack A. , Van Gorkom K. , Hedglen A. , Guyon O. , Lozi J. , Groff T. , Chilcote J. , Jovanovic N. , Thibault S. , de Jonge C. , Allain G. , Vallée C. , Patel D. , Côté O. , Marois C. , Hinz P. , Stone J. , Skemer A. , Briesemeister Z. , Boehle A. , Glauser A. M. , Taylor W. , Baudoz P. , Huby E. , Absil O. , Carlomagno B. , Delacroix C.
Published: April 2021

Over the last decade, the vector-apodizing phase plate (vAPP) coronagraph has been developed from concept to on-sky application in many high-contrast imaging systems on 8 m class telescopes. The vAPP is a geometric-phase patterned coronagraph that is inherently broadband, and its manufacturing is enabled only by direct-write technology for liquid-crystal patterns. The vAPP generates two coronagraphic point spread functions (PSFs) that cancel starlight on opposite sides of the PSF and have opposite circular polarization states. The efficiency, that is, the amount of light in these PSFs, depends on the retardance offset from a half-wave of the liquid-crystal retarder. Using different liquid-crystal recipes to tune the retardance, different vAPPs operate with high efficiencies (

>

96
%

) in the visible and thermal infrared (0.55 µm to 5 µm). Since 2015, seven vAPPs have been installed in a total of six different instruments, including Magellan/MagAO, Magellan/MagAO-X, Subaru/SCExAO, and LBT/LMIRcam. Using two integral field spectrographs installed on the latter two instruments, these vAPPs can provide low-resolution spectra (

R

∼
30

) between 1 µm and 5 µm. We review the design process, development, commissioning, on-sky performance, and first scientific results of all commissioned vAPPs. We report on the lessons learned and conclude with perspectives for future developments and applications.
Temperature dependent determination of the S-branch Raman linewidths of oxygen and carbon dioxide in an oxyfuel relevant mixture
Authors: Misoi Henry , Hölzer Jonas I. , Seeger Thomas
Published: April 2021

The temperature dependence of theO2andCO2S-branch linewidths in a 30/70%O2−CO2mixture between 295 K and 1900 K has been studied by a picosecond time-resolved pure rotational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (RCARS) approach. The S-branch Raman linewidths are required for diagnostics of thermodynamic properties in oxyfuel combustion processes by RCARS, where this mixture is of special interest, because it is regularly used to replace air when transiting from air-fed to oxyfuel combustion. The obtained linewidths for oxygen and carbon dioxide show a strong deviation from pure self-broadened linewidths and previously used Q-branch linewidths, respectively. A discussion on the expected impact on RCARS thermometry and concentration evaluations as well as a description of specific properties of oxygen and carbon dioxide and their effect on the dephasing behavior of the Raman coherences and, thereby the Raman linewidths, is included, along tabulated linewidths data of both molecules.
Indocyanine green dye based bimodal contrast agent tested by photoacoustic/fluorescence tomography setup
Authors: Mokrousov Maksim D. , Thompson Weylan , Ermilov Sergey A. , Abakumova Tatiana , Novoselova Marina V. , Inozemtseva Olga A. , Zatsepin Timofei S. , Zharov Vladimir P. , Galanzha Ekaterina I. , Gorin Dmitry A.
Published: April 2021

Multimodal imaging systems are in high demand for preclinical research, experimental medicine, and clinical practice. Combinations of photoacoustic technology with other modalities including fluorescence, ultrasound, MRI, OCT have been already applied in feasibility studies. Nevertheless, only the combination of photoacoustics with ultrasound in a single setup is commercially available now. A combination of photoacoustics and fluorescence is another compelling approach because those two modalities naturally complement each other. Here, we presented a bimodal contrast agent based on the indocyanine green dye (ICG) as a single signalling compound embedded in the biocompatible and biodegradable polymer shell. We demonstrate its remarkable characteristics by imaging using a commercial photoacoustic/fluorescence tomography system (TriTom, PhotoSound Technologies). It was shown that photoacoustic signal of the particles depends on the amount of dye loaded into the shell, while fluorescence signal depends on the total amount of dye per particle. For the first time to our knowledge, a commercial bimodal photoacoustic/fluorescence setup was used for characterization of ICG doped polymer particles. Additionally, we conducted cell toxicity studies for these particles as well as studied biodistribution over time in vivo and ex vivo using fluorescent imaging. The obtained results suggest a potential for the application of biocompatible and biodegradable bimodal contrast agents as well as the integrated photoacoustic/fluorescence imaging system for preclinical and clinical studies.
Ray-wave duality of electromagnetic fields: a Feynman path integral approach to classical vectorial imaging
Authors: Babington James
Published: April 2021

We consider how vectorial aspects (polarization) of light propagation can be implemented and their origin within a Feynman path integral approach. A key part of this scheme is in generalizing the standard optical path length integral from a scalar to a matrix quantity. Reparametrization invariance along the rays allows a covariant formulation where propagation can take place along a general curve. A general gradient index background is used to demonstrate the scheme. This affords a description of classical imaging optics when the polarization aspects may be varying rapidly and cannot be neglected.
Evidence of air quality data misreporting in China: An impulse indicator saturation model comparison of local government-reported and U.S. embassy-reported PM2.5 concentrations (2015–2017)
Authors: Turiel Jesse S. , Kaufmann Robert K.
Published: April 2021

This paper analyzes hourly PM2.5 measurements from government-controlled and U.S. embassy-controlled monitoring stations in five Chinese cities between January 2015 and June 2017. We compare the two datasets with an impulse indicator saturation technique that identifies hours when the relation between Chinese and U.S. reported data diverges in a statistically significant fashion. These temporary divergences, or impulses, are 1) More frequent than expected by random chance; 2) More positive than expected by random chance; and 3) More likely to occur during hours when air pollution concentrations are high. In other words, relative to U.S.-controlled monitoring stations, government-controlled stations systematically under-report pollution levels when local air quality is poor. These results contrast with the findings of other recent studies, which argue that Chinese air quality data misreporting ended after a series of policy reforms beginning in 2012. Our findings provide evidence that local government misreporting did not end after 2012, but instead continued in a different manner. These results suggest that Chinese air quality data, while still useful, should not be taken entirely at face value.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms affect miRNA target prediction in bovine
Authors: Sousa Marco Antônio Perpétuo de , de Athayde Flavia Regina Florêncio , Maldonado Mariângela Bueno Cordeiro , Lima Andressa Oliveira de , Fortes Marina Rufino S. , Lopes Flavia Lombardi
Published: April 2021

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can have significant effects on phenotypic characteristics in cattle. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that act as post-transcriptional regulators by binding them to target mRNAs. In the present study, we scanned ~56 million SNPs against 1,064 bovine miRNA sequences and analyzed, in silico, their possible effects on target binding prediction, primary miRNA formation, association with QTL regions and the evolutionary conservation for each SNP locus. Following target prediction, we show that 71.6% of miRNA predicted targets were altered as a consequence of SNPs located within the seed region of the mature miRNAs. Next, we identified variations in the Minimum Free Energy (MFE), which represents the capacity to alter molecule stability and, consequently, miRNA maturation. A total of 48.6% of the sequences analyzed showed values within those previously reported as sufficient to alter miRNA maturation. We have also found 131 SNPs in 46 miRNAs, with altered target prediction, occurring in QTL regions. Lastly, analysis of evolutionary conservation scores for each SNP locus suggested that they have a conserved biological function through the evolutionary process. Our results suggest that SNPs in microRNAs have the potential to affect bovine phenotypes and could be of great value for genetic improvement studies, as well as production.
The proportion and effect of corticosteroid therapy in patients with COVID-19 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Junning , Yang Weixia , Chen Puwen , Guo Jianbin , Liu Rui , Wen Pengfei , Li Kun , Lu Yao , Ma Tao , Li Xiaoli , Qin Siqing , Zhang Yumin , Wang Yakang
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a global challenge. Corticosteroids constitute a group of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs that are widely used in the treatment of COVID-19. Comprehensive reviews investigating the comparative proportion and efficacy of corticosteroid use are scarce. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials to evaluate the proportion and efficacy of corticosteroid use for the treatment of COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis of research articles, including observational studies and clinical trials, by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry, and China Academic Journal Network Publishing databases. Patients treated between December 1, 2019, and January 1, 2021, were included. The outcome measures were the proportion of patients treated with corticosteroids, viral clearance and mortality. The effect size with the associated 95% confidence interval is reported as the weighted mean difference for continuous outcomes and the odds ratio for dichotomous outcomes.

Results

Fifty-two trials involving 15710 patients were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the proportion of COVID-19 patients who received corticosteroids was significantly lower than that of patients who did not receive corticosteroids (35.19% vs. 64.49%). In addition, our meta-analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the proportions of severe and nonsevere cases treated with corticosteroids (27.91% vs. 20.91%). We also performed subgroup analyses stratified by whether patients stayed in the intensive care unit (ICU) and found that the proportion of patients who received corticosteroids was significantly higher among those who stayed in the ICU than among those who did not. The results of our meta-analysis indicate that corticosteroid treatment significantly delayed the viral clearance time. Finally, our meta-analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the use of corticosteroids for COVID-19 between patients who died and those who survived. This result indicates that mortality is not correlated with corticosteroid therapy.

Conclusion

The proportion of COVID-19 patients who received corticosteroids was significantly lower than that of patients who did not receive corticosteroids. Corticosteroid use in subjects with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections delayed viral clearance and did not convincingly improve survival; therefore, corticosteroids should be used with extreme caution in the treatment of COVID-19.