bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultivation of the Oil-Producing Yeast Microorganism Rhodotorula mucilaginosa for Sustainable Production of Bio-Oil Energy
Authors: Tsai Shu-Yao , Yu Hsuan-Ti , Lin Chun-Ping
Published: March 2021

This study was focused on the development of oil-producing microorganisms to generate lipids. The yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (R. mucilaginosa) was selected for liquid-state cultivation, and the conditions for growth of the yeast cells were assessed. Additionally, the relationships between different nutrient elements and the growth of R. mucilaginosa were explored. The lipid accumulation of R. mucilaginosa is increased under nitrogen-restricted conditions. As the concentration of the carbon source increases, the accumulation of lipids is increased. However, if the carbon source concentration is further increased, the growth of yeast is inhibited. From a large-scale liquid fermentation culture with a fixed inoculation amount of 5%, and from a batch of culture experiments, it was determined that a suitable oil-producing culture was obtained on the 6th day, and the optimum conditions involved a carbon source concentration of 60 g/L, a nitrogen source concentration of 0.5 g/L, and a KH2PO4 concentration of 7.0 g/L. After utilizing different carbon sources in this study, it was found that glucose was the carbon source most conducive to the accumulation of R. mucilaginosa lipids. In addition, the extraction method and solvent for the extraction of R. mucilaginosa lipids were chosen. The acid-heat method using the green organic solvent ethyl acetate exhibited the best performance for extraction of yeast lipids under environmentally friendly and safe conditions. The analysis of lipids showed that the fatty acids obtained primarily contained C16:0, C18:1 and C18:2, and especially C18:1 (41%) lipids, indicating that R. mucilaginosa lipids are a good bio-oil source for the production of biodiesel.
Perception and Readiness Towards Integration of Learning Management System (LMS) Into Open and Distance Education
Authors: Fashina Tolulope , Adisa Oluwajoba
Published: March 2021

The rapid development of information and communication technologies has led to the use of new and digital technologies in education which involves combinations of text, graphics, audio, video, animations and other eLearning resources such as authoring tools, Learning Management System (LMS), Mobile learning and others. Arguably, using LMS leaves much to be desired. The inherent problem here is that the future of extensive adoption of ICT via LMS to enhance and promote classroom interaction in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is bleak. This is worrisome given that the country is lagging far behind in the innovative use of this web 2.0 technology to impart knowledge. Further, the low-level application of LMS in instruction connotes the loss of inherent advantages in its adoption. Also, the online setting which makes students less nervous and interactive, sharing of ideas and viewpoints; and a host of other benefit will be lost. While evidence has shown that LMS is not a new phenomenon, the use of LMS in ODL is still at its infancy, particularly in Nigeria. Research in this area is rare. A quick search on prominent research databases could testify that. It is on this thrust that this study investigates University of Ibadan undergraduate students’ perceived roles and readiness towards integration of learning management system into teaching and learning.
Group Maintenance in Aggregative Multicellularity
Authors: Jahan Israt , Larsen Tyler , Strassmann Joan , Queller David
Published: March 2021

Aggregative multicellularity occurs when dispersed cells join together to form a highly cooperative unit, in contrast to clonal multicellular organisms formed by cells that remain in contact after descent from a single cell. Because aggregative groups may include non-relatives, aggregative multicellular organisms should be particularly vulnerable to the rise of cheater cells that take advantage of social goods without paying the costs, reducing cooperation, and even threatening extinction. We review the key mechanisms by which aggregative multicellular organisms control cheaters with a focus on the best studied aggregative organisms, Myxococcus xanthus and Dictyostelium discoideum. These include various passive and active mechanisms to maintain high relatedness within aggregates, to enforce cooperation on aggregate members, and the costs of cheating on other key functions. Ultimately, aggregative multicellular organisms are not that different from clonal organisms descended from a single cell.
In vivo effectiveness of the inhibitors of telomerase against malaria parasites
Authors:   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Morozova L.F. , Kondrashin A.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Stepanova E.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Sergiev V.P. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Maksimova M.S. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Turbabina N.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Malysheva N.S. ,   Kursk State University, Kursk, Russian Federation, Solovyeva E.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Kurashkina I.V. ,   Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, Morozov E.N. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation,   Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

One of the most dangerous causative agents of malaria is Plasmodium falciparum, transmitted by various Anopheline mosquitoes. Due to widespread drug resistance to practically all antimalarials, novel and effective drugs to manage this important disease are urgently required. In this study we evaluated the antimalarial activity of a series of 14 compounds from the inhibitors of the telomerase group. For in vivo studies we used P. berghei strain NK 65 in white unbread mice. The most antimalarial activity was shown by Imatinib, Phosphazide and Imetelstat. We found that Imatinib is the most potent compound and therefore can serve as a potential lead for the development of new antimalarial drug. Key words: malaria, drug resistance, inhibitors of telomerase, imatinib, chemotherapy of malaria
Clinical manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in children from different age groups
Authors:   Prof. V.F.Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Falaleeva S.O. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Morgun A.V. ,   Prof. V.F.Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Borisova M.V. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Borisova E.V. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Gonchar N.A. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Makarevskaya N.Yu. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Golubenko N.K. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Miller O.M. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Pozdnyakova A.A. ,   Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation, Romanova M.V. ,   Nazarovo Regional Hospital, Krasnoyarsk region, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

Vitamin B12 deficiency affects not only the bone marrow, but also the nervous system. Usually, B12 hypovitaminosis develops slowly during several years, although infants may also have this disorder. Patients and methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical symptoms and results of routine laboratory testing in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Our sample included 19 children of 3–24 month age (Group 1) and 9 adolescents (Group 2). All patients were treated in Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Health in 2012–2019. All participants had serum levels of vitamin B12 below 83 pg/mL. Results. All patients from Group 1 were found to have nervous system disorders, including muscular hypotonia (100%), hypo- or adynamia and retardation of motor skills (63%), and hyporeflexia (42%). More than two-thirds of adolescents (67%) had pancytopenia. One-third of children of 3–24 month age (32%) developed involuntary movements during treatment with cyanocobalamin. Conclusion. Vitamin B12 deficiency in infants may manifest itself with neurological disorders that do not correlate with the severity of anemia. Children with muscular hypotonia and delayed psychomotor development should be tested for their serum level of vitamin B12 if all other potential causes of these disorders have been excluded. It is also important to perform differential diagnosis with paroxysmal conditions, including those induced by cobalamin therapy. Key words: anemia, vitamin B12, involuntary movements, hypodynamia, hyporeflexia, hypotonia, pancytopenia, cyanocobalamin
Hormonal status of adolescents with varicocele
Authors:   Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, Pichugova S.V. ,   Clinical and Diagnostic Center, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, Belyaeva S.V. ,   Clinical and Diagnostic Center, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

Varicocele is most frequently diagnosed in children and adolescents. Therefore, the assessment of the reproductive health of adolescents is highly relevant. Changes in the testicle with varicocele can trigger the development of hypogonadism, which, being masked by active puberty and not being corrected in time, may lead to infertility. Objective. Тo assess the changes in hormonal status of adolescents with left-sided varicocele, as well as the severity of testicular insufficiency depending on varicocele grade and time since surgery. Patients and methods. Adolescents with left-sided varicocele and adolescents without varicocele were annually tested for their serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and estradiol between the age of 14 and 17 years. We compared hormone levels and their dynamics between the experimental and control groups, between patients with different grades of varicocele, and between the same patients before/after surgery for varicocele. Results. Adolescents with varicocele often demonstrated changes in their hormonal status, including decreased levels of FSH, LH, and testosterone. More significant changes were observed in patients with grade III varicocele. Early varicocelectomy facilitated normalization of hormonal status in puberty. Key words: adolescents, varicocele, hormones
T helper cell subsets, key cytokines and chemokines in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (Part 1)
Authors:   State Research Institute of Highly Pure Biological Products of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Vakhitov T.Ya. , Kudryavtsev I.V. ,   Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Sall T.S. ,   State Research Institute of Highly Pure Biological Products of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Lazareva N.M. ,   State Research Institute of Highly Pure Biological Products of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Kononova S.V. ,   State Research Institute of Highly Pure Biological Products of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Khavkin A.I. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Sitkin S.I. ,   State Research Institute of Highly Pure Biological Products of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation,   V.A.Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

This review summarizes the current scientific evidence on the role of different T helper (Th) cell subsets, key cytokines, and chemokines in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. According to modern concepts, not only type Th1, but also Th17, cytokines, and other cells of innate and adaptive immunity are involved in the immunopathogenesis of IBD. Most of the review is devoted to the current understanding of the role of polarized Th17 cells and subpopulations of follicular Th cells, the main function of which is to form a specific humoral immune response in IBD mediated by B cells. The role of the intestinal microbiota in the Th cell polarization, that is, their differentiation, accompanied by the acquisition of characteristics inherent in a particular subpopulation is discussed. The presented data are important for understanding the role of immune processes, including microbiome-associated ones, in the pathogenesis of IBD. Key words: inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, T helper cell subsets, cytokines, chemokines, gut microbiome
Morphological patterns of the hip joint structure in students of choreography schools and young athletes involved in sports associated with the art of movement
Authors:   Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism, Moscow, Russian Federation, Vasiliev O.S. , Levushkin S.P. ,   Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism, Moscow, Russian Federation, Achkasov E.E. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

Students of choreography schools and young athletes involved in sports associated with the art of movement usually have dysplastic hip joints with normal acetabular coverage and femoral Coxa valga, whose normal limits require further discussion. We have identified 5 X-Ray morphological patterns of the hip joint structure typical of such individuals, and analyzed their association with professional qualities. Key words: hip dysplasia, dysplastic constitution, Coxa valga, young athletes, rhythmic gymnastics, choreography, ballet
Factors Contributing to Landslide Susceptibility of the Kope Formation, Cincinnati, Ohio
Authors: Glassmeyer Michael P. , Shakoor Abdul
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors that contribute to the high frequency of landslides in the Kope Formation and the overlying colluvial soil present in the Cincinnati area, southwestern Ohio. The Kope Formation consists of approximately 80 percent shale inter-bedded with 20 percent limestone. The colluvium that forms from the weathering of the shale bedrock consists of a low-plasticity clay. Based on field observations, LiDAR data, and information gathered from city and county agencies, we created a landslide inventory map for the Cincinnati area, identifying 842 landslides. From the inventory map, we selected 10 landslides that included seven rotational and three translational slides for detailed investigations. Representative samples were collected from the landslide sites for determining natural water content, Atterberg limits, grain size distribution, shear strength parameters, and slake durability index. For the translational landslides, strength parameters were determined along the contact between the bedrock and the overlying colluvium. The results of the study indicate that multiple factors contribute to landslide susceptibility of the Kope Formation and the overlying colluvium, including low shear strength of the colluvial soil, development of porewater pressure within the slope, human activity such as loading the top or cutting the toe of a slope, low to very low durability of the bedrock that allows rapid disintegration of the bedrock and accumulation of colluvial soil, undercutting of the slope toe by stream water, and steepness of the slopes.
Analysis of Production Data from Communicating Multifractured Horizontal Wells Using the Dynamic Drainage Area Concept
Authors: Ahmadi Hossein , Clarkson Christopher R. , Hamdi Hamidreza , Behmanesh Hamid
Published: March 2021

Reduction of fracture/well spacing and increases in hydraulic fracture stimulation treatment size are popular strategies for improving hydrocarbon recovery from multifractured horizontal wells (MFHWs). However, these strategies can also increase the chance of fracture interference, which can not only negatively impact the overall production but also introduce complexities for production data analysis. A semianalytical model is therefore developed to analyze production data from two communicating MFHWs and applied to a field case.

The new semianalytical model uses the dynamic drainage area (DDA) concept and assumes three porosity regions. The three-region model is comprised of a primary hydraulic fracture (PHF), an enhanced fractured region (EFR) adjacent to the PHF, and a nonstimulated region (NSR). Assuming a well pair primarily communicates through PHFs, the equations for two communicating wells are coupled and solved simultaneously to model the fluid transfer between the wells. This method is used within a history-matching framework to estimate the communication between the wells by matching the production data.

The semianalytical model is first verified against a more rigorous, fully numerical simulation model for a range of fracture/reservoir properties. These comparisons demonstrate that there is excellent agreement between the fully numerical simulation model results and the new semianalytical model.

The semianalytical model is then employed to history-match production data from six MFHWs (drilled from two adjacent well pads) exhibiting different degrees of communication. For the purpose of history matching the data, only strong communication between pairs of wells (intrapair communication) is considered in the three-region model, and the results show good agreement with the field data.

A flexible, yet simple, semianalytical model is developed for the first time that can accurately model the communication between multiple well pairs. This approach can be used by reservoir engineers to analyze the production data from communicating MFHWs.
Trends in valorization of the invasive crab Portunus segnis for cleaner production of chitin, chitosan, and protein hydrolysate
Authors: Jabeur Fadoua , Mechri Sondes , Mensi Fethi , Gharbi Ines , Naser Yosri Ben , Kriaa Mouna , Bejaoui Nejla , Bachouche Samir , Badis Abdelmalek , Annane Rachid , Djellali Mostapha , Sadok Saloua , Jaouadi Bassem
Published: March 2021

The diversity of marine biomasses is a set of exploitable and renewable resources with application in several sectors. In this context, a co-culture based on three protease-producing bacterial isolates namely; Aeribacillus pallidus VP3, Lysinibacillus fusiformis C250R , and Anoxybacillus kamchatkensis M1V strains, was carried out in a medium based on the invasive blue crab Portunus segnis bio-waste. Optimization of proteases production was performed using a central composite design (CCD). The highest level of proteases production obtained was 8,809 U/mL in a medium comprising 75 g/L of Portunus segnis by-product powder (Pspp ). The recovered protein hydrolysate (P Hyd ) was found to be active towards radical scavenging power, and against angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). The extraction efficiency of the blue crab chitin (BC) was achieved with a yield of 32%. Afterward, chitosan was prepared through chitin N -deacetylation with a yield of 52%, leading to an acetylation degree (AD) of 19% and solubility of 90%. The spectrum of chitin and chitosan were depicted by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The biological value of Pspp and its obtained derivates were evidenced via accredited protocols. These data constitute a roadmap towards a circular and sustainable bio-economic strategy for a clean transformation of a recalcitrant waste to bio-based products.
The Impact of Using Mobile Applications on Health Outcomes in Patient Self-Management of Oral Anticoagulation Therapy
Authors: Moghaddasi Hamid , Haji Mohammadreza Naderi , Sharif-Kashani Babak , Kazemi Alireza
Published: March 2021

Background

Between one and two percent of the population of the developed countries are currently treated with oral anticoagulation therapy. The transition of all or part of the responsibility for therapy management to the patient is an appropriate strategy to respond increasing demand for oral anticoagulation therapy. The main objective of this original study was to investigate the impact of using mobile applications on health outcomes in patient self-management of oral anticoagulation therapy.
Methods

The papers reviewed in this study had two key characteristics: firstly, they were written in English, and secondly, they used mobile application in oral anticoagulation therapy. An Android mobile application called XrinA was developed to provide warfarin patient self-management. The study was conducted following a Before-After study design. In the Before and After periods, patients were treated as usual and by using the developed application, respectively.
Results

In the Before period, the mean percentage of International Normalized Ratios (INRs) within the therapeutic range and Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) of patients was 31.63% and 34.4%, respectively. In the After period, the mean percentage of INRs within the therapeutic range and TTR of patients was 41.41% and 49.97%, respectively. In the After period, the mean INRs within the therapeutic range and the mean TTR increased by 9.78% and 15.57%, respectively.
Conclusions

Overall, the use of mHealth applications improved outcomes in patient self-management of oral anticoagulation therapy in terms of the percentage of INRs within the therapeutic range and TTR.
A Measure of Active Interfaces in Supported Catalysts for High-temperature Reactions
Authors: Lee Siwon , Ha Hyunwoo , Bae Kyung Taek , Kim Seunghyun , Choi Hyuk , Kim Jun Hyuk , Seo Jongsu , Choi Jin , Jo Yong-Ryun , Kim Bong-Joong , Lee Kang Taek , Kim Hyun You , Jung WooChul
Published: March 2021

Formulating knowledge of structure-function relationships in heterogeneous catalysis is central to the rational design of highly efficient catalysts, yet the elucidation of dominant reaction sites has remained as a grand challenge for researchers. Here, we present a novel methodology that can be used to visualize metal-gas and metal-oxide-gas interfaces in three dimensions and to quantify their catalytic activity levels. As a case study, CH4 oxidation occurring in a Pt/CeO2 system is chosen. By employing thermally robust Pt@CeO2 model catalysts with size-tunable and monodisperse cores, and gas-permeable shells, we reconstruct a series of heterogeneous structures in 3D via electron tomography and match the information precisely to catalytic activity data and theoretical calculations. This strategy reveals that the two different interfaces concurrently catalyze the CH4 oxidation and that their contribution to the overall reaction rate changes dynamically with respect to the Pt size, temperature, and gas atmosphere. Our results provide a new analytic platform on which to explore reaction pathways and mechanisms applicable to multiple reactions and materials.
Dynamics and Wave Propagation in Nonlinear Piezoelectric Metastructures
Authors: Mosquera-Sánchez Jaime Alberto , De Marqui Carlos
Published: March 2021

This paper reports dynamical effects in onedimensional locally resonant piezoelectric metastructures that can be leveraged by nonlinear electrical attachments featuring either combined quadratic and quartic, or essentially quartic potentials. The nonlinear electromechanical unit cell is built upon a linear host oscillator coupled to a nonlinear electrical circuit via piezoelectricity. Its dynamical response to prescribed longitudinal harmonic displacements is approached in the frequency and time domains. Semi-analytical harmonic balance (HB)-based dispersion relations are derived to predict the location and edges of the nonlinear attenuation band. Numerical responses show that weakly and moderately nonlinear piezoelectric metastructures (NPMSs) promote a class of nonlinear attenuation band where a bandgap and a wave supratransmission band coexist, while also imparting nonlinear attenuation at the resonances around the underlying linear bandgap. Besides, strongly nonlinear regimes are shown to elicit broadband chaotic attenuation. Negative capacitance (NC)-based essentially cubic piezoelectric attachments are found to potentiate the aforementioned effects over a broader bandwidth. Excellent agreement is found between the predictions of the HB based dispersion relations and the nonlinear transmissibility functions of undamped and weakly damped NPMSs at weakly and moderately nonlinear regimes, even in the presence of NC circuits. This research is expected to pave the way towards fully tunable smart periodic metastructures for vibration control via nonlinear piezoelectric attachments.PACS 05.45.-a . 62.30.+d . 62.65.+kMathematics Subject Classification (2010) 37N15 . 74H45 . 74H65 . 74J30
Can verbal autopsy improve the diagnostic accuracy of Physicians in Shanghai? Application of SmartVA
Authors: Chen Lei , Xia Tian , Rampatige Rasika , Li Hang , Adair Tim , Joshi Rohina , Gu Zhen , Yu Huiting , Fang Bo , McLaughlin Deirdre , Lopez Alan D. , Wang Chunfang , Yuan Zheng'an
Published: March 2021

Background

Accurate data on causes of death are essential for policy makers and public health experts to plan appropriate health policies and interventions to improve population health. Whereas approximately 30% deaths of Shanghai either occur at home or are not medically attended; the recorded cause of death in these cases may be less reliable than for a hospital death. Verbal Autopsy is a practical method that can help determine causes of death in regions where medical records are insufficient or unavailable. In this research, the smart VA tool was adopted to assign the cause of death of home deaths and to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the tool, the results were compared with routine practice to ascertain the value, if any, of incorporating VA into the diagnostic practices of physician in Shanghai certifying the cause of home deaths.
Methods

This pilot study selected home deaths certified by 16 community health centers from 3 districts represent urban, suburb, and urban-suburb areas in Shanghai, from December 2017 to June 2018. The medical records for all deaths for which a VA was carried out in these 3 districts during same period were carefully evaluated an independent Medical Record Review (MRR) team. Causes of death from both the SmartVA sample and the UCOD from the MRR were transformed to the SmartVA cause list for comparison. The concordance between the initial diagnosis and MRR UCOD and post-VA diagnosis and MRR UCOD was assessed using Chance Corrected Concordance.
Results

Overall CSMF accuracy improved from 0.93, based on the initial diagnosis, to 0.96 after the application of SmartVA. The misclassification of the initial diagnosis compared to that from the MRR. 86.3% of the initial diagnoses assigned the correct CODs, after the VA investigation, 90.5% of the post-VA diagnosis assigned the correct CODs.
Conclusions

Although Shanghai has an established and well-functioning CRVS system, SmartVA for Physicians contributed to an improvement in the accuracy of death certification. In addition, SmartVA may be a useful tool for inferring some special causes of death, such as those CODs classified as undetermined.
Does Radical trachelectomy (RT) during pregnancy have higher obstetrical and oncological risks than RT before pregnancy?
Authors: Shinkai Shota , Ishioka Shinichi , Mariya Tasuku , Fujibe Yuya , Kim Miseon , Someya Masayuki , Saito Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2021

Purpose
Radical trachelectomy (RT) with pelvic lymphadenectomy has become a new treatment option for young patients with uterine cervical cancer stages 1A2–1B1 who desire the preservation of their fertility. However, the application of RT for pregnant patients is still controversial. We comparatively studied both obstetrical and oncological outcomes of pregnant patients who underwent vaginal RT during pregnancy and those who underwent vaginal RT before pregnancy.
Methods
Both obstetrical and oncological results of eight patients who underwent vaginal RT with pelvic lymphadenectomy during pregnancy in our institute between 2010 and 2020 (Group A), and ten pregnant patients who underwent vaginal RT with pelvic lymphadenectomy before pregnancy during the same period (Group B) were reviewed based on their medical charts.
Results
There were no significant differences in blood loss, surgical time, or surgical completeness between Group A and Group B. Nor were there significant differences in obstetrical outcomes between the two groups. However, two of the eight patients in Group A had recurrence of the cancer. None of the patients in Group B has shown any signs of recurrence thus far.
Conclusion
Vaginal RT during pregnancy does not affect the obstetrical prognoses of patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer, and it might be a tolerable treatment modality for them. However, oncologically, it should be performed carefully as there is a risk of recurrence.
Establishment of lightning detection sensors network in India: retrieval of essential climate variables and vulnerability mapping
Authors: Taori Alok , Suryavanshi Arun , Gharai Biswadip , Pawar Sunil , Seshasai M. V. R.
Published: March 2021

A network of 25 lightning detection sensors (LDS) has been established by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). In the present network, sensors are located in the north-east, east coastal, central and southern locations of India. Geo-location of the lightning occurrences is estimated using time of arrival algorithm. Thus obtained lightning occurrences have been used to derive climate variables (ECVs) and to understand the vulnerable regions. We carry out overlay analysis on a Geographical Information System (GIS) platform on the monthly aggregate number of CG flash occurrences to identify the vulnerable Indian states during July 2019 to November 2020. We note that December-January reported the least number of cloud-to-ground (CG) flash occurrences while, August-September were the months with most number of CG flash occurrences. We also note that during the period under the scrutiny in this report, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh states recorded the most number of CG lightning flash occurrences.
Cost-utility analysis of olanzapine in four-drug antiemetic therapy in Japanese patients treated with highly emetogenic cisplatin-containing chemotherapy
Authors: Kondo Yu , Tachi Tomoya , Sakakibara Takayoshi , Kato Jun , Mizuno Takahito , Miyake Yoshio , Teramachi Hitomi
Published: March 2021

Purpose Olanzapine has been shown to have an additive effect on the three-drug antiemetic therapy, consisting of aprepitant, palonosetron, and dexamethasone, in a highly emetogenic cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. Although olanzapine may be more economical than aprepitant or palonosetron, an adequate cost-efficacy analysis has not been conducted. We conducted a cost-utility analysis to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of olanzapine in four-drug antiemetic therapy among Japanese patients.Methods We simulated model patients treated with highly emetogenic cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and developed a decision-analytical model of patients receiving triple antiemetic therapy with or without olanzapine. The cost, probabilities, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of each treatment were calculated from the perspective of the Japanese healthcare payer. The threshold ICER was set at 45,867 United States dollars (USD) (5 million Japanese yen) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). The probabilities, utility value, and other costs were obtained from published sources. The robustness of this model was validated by one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.Results The calculated ICER was 5,156 USD/QALY, which was below the threshold. Under the set conditions, the probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed a 100% probability that olanzapine was cost-effective. Based on the one-way sensitivity analysis, reducing the cost of olanzapine below 10.78 USD placed the ICER below the threshold. Conclusion Olanzapine was cost-effective in the four-drug antiemetic therapy for Japanese patients treated with highly emetogenic cisplatin-containing chemotherapy
Temporal Change in Seismic Wave Attenuation Using High-stable Vibration Sources.
Authors: TSUJI Shuhei , Yamaoka Koshun , Ikuta Ryoya
Published: March 2021

We developed a method to detect attenuation changes during seismic wave propagation excited by precisely controlled artificial seismic sources, namely Accurately Controlled Routinely Operated Signal System (ACROSS), and applied it to monitor the temporal changes for in situ data collected by previous studies. Our method, together with the use of the ACROSS sources, is less susceptible to noise level changes, from which conventional methods such as envelope calculation suffer. The method utilizes the noise level that is independently estimated in the frequency domain and eliminates the influence of the noise from the observed signal. For performance testing, we applied this method to a dataset that was obtained in an experiment at Awaji Island, Japan, from 2000 to 2001. We detected a change in amplitude caused by rainfall, variation in atmospheric temperature, and coseismic ground motions. Among them, coseismic changes are of particular interest because there are limited studies on coseismic attenuation change, in contrast to many studies on coseismic velocity decrease. At the 2000 Western Tottori earthquake (MW = 6.6, epicenter distance of 165 km), a sudden decrease in amplitude of up to 5% was observed. The coseismic amplitude reduction and its anisotropic characteristics, which showed a larger reduction in the direction of the major axis of velocity decrease, were consistent with the opening of fluid-filled cracks, as proposed by previous studies. The W corresponding to the amplitude change gives similar values to those reported in previous studies using natural earthquakes.
COVID-19: Access to Information, Level of Trust and Adherence to Health Advice Among Migrants in Norway
Authors: Madar Ahmed A , Benavente Pierina , Czapka Elżbieta , Herrero-Arias Raquel , Haj-Younes Jasmin , Hasha Wegdan Hasha Wegdan , Deeb George , Møen Kathy A , Ortiz-Barreda Gaby , Diaz Esperanza
Published: March 2021

Background: Migrants in Norway bear a higher burden of COVID-19 infections and hospitalization as compared to non-migrants. The aim of our study was to understand migrants’: i) perception of health risk, ii) access to information, iii) degree of trust in and iv) adherence to recommendations.Methods: An online survey was performed between May and July 2020 among 529 Polish, Arabic, Somali, Tamil, and Spanish-speaking migrants. Unweighted and weighted descriptive analysis and chi-squared tests were performed for all migrants together and for each language group.Results: There were statistically significant differences among groups in their perception of risk of infection. Although the vast majority reported having received sufficient information, high level of adherence to preventive measures and trust in Norwegian authorities, there were statistically significant differences among groups regarding the importance of sources of information and level of trust, which was lowest for the Polish group. Over all, migrants reported very high adherence to preventive measures.Conclusion: Understanding how migrants are dealing with this pandemic is crucial to improve the dissemination of information and trust in the health authorities for the different groups.
Corneal Cross-linking for Keratoconus and Post-LASIK Ectasia and Failure Rate: A 3 Years Follow-up Study
Authors: CHANBOUR WASSEF , elzein lulwa , Younes Mohamad ali , issa mohamad , warhekar pramod , chalala elias , jarade elias
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE: To report the response of keratoconus(KC) and post-LASIK ectasia (referred as ‘’ectasia’’) to the corneal crosslinking(CXL) and to compare the rate of progression between KC and ectasia at 3 years.METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing CXL for either KC or ectasia. 54 eyes(31 patients) with ectasia and 111 eyes(67 patients) with KC were included in the study. Corrected distance Visual acuities(CDVA), refraction, keratometry(K) and pachymetry were followed over 3 years. Simultaneous Photorefractive keratectomy(PRK) and CXL was performed on 20 KC and 20 ectasia eyes. Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments(ICRS) was performed on 51 KC and 6 ectasia eyes.RESULTS: In KC, CDVA, spherical equivalence, sphere, cylinder and mean K improved at 3 years post-CXL(p-value<0.05), but, these values improved without reaching a statistical significance in ectasia. 12 of 54 eyes with ectasia(22.2%) and 4 of 111 eyes(3.6%) with KC had progression post CXL(p-value:0.0001). Ectasia patients diagnosed with progression were older at presentation (36.1 years) than non-progressive ectasia patients(31 years)(p-value:0.02), and also older than KC patients.Sub-analysis excluding PRK and ICRS cases showed that there was an improvement in mean sphere (from -5.23±4.2D to-4.46±3.89D)(p-value:0.03) cylinder(from 2.54±1.68D to 1.97±1.51D)(p-value:0.03) mean keratometry(from 46.81±3.78D to 46.01±3.25D)(p-value:0.006) in KC patients 3 years post CXL(40patients). Compared to baseline, all the mean refractive and tomographic variables deteriorated at 3 years post CXL in ectasia(28 patients)(p-value>0.05). Also, 2 of 40 patients with KC(5%) vs. 7 of 28 patients with ectasia(25%) had progression 3 years post-CXL and the difference between both groups remained statistically significant(p-value:0.027). CONCLUSION: Eyes with post-LASIK ectasia seems to be less responsive to CXL than KC.
Sexual Assault and White Matter Hyperintensities Among Midlife Women
Authors: Thurston Rebecca , Jakubowski Karen , Wu Minjie , Aizenstein Howard , Chang Yuefang , Derby Carol , Koenen Karestan , Barinas-Mitchell Emma , Maki Pauline
Published: March 2021

Background
Traumatic experiences have been linked to poor mental and physical health. However, there has been little examination of their relationship to neuroimaging markers of cerebrovascular risk. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are markers of brain small vessel disease. WMHs can be detected decades before the onset of dementia and other disorders and can serve as early markers for these brain disorders. We tested whether traumatic experiences were associated with brain WMH volume among midlife women.
Methods
In the MsBrain study, 145 women (mean age = 59 years) without cardiovascular disease, stroke, or dementia were recruited. Women completed questionnaires [trauma checklist, depression, post-traumatic stress measures]; physical measures [body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP)]; phlebotomy; actigraphy sleep measurement, and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance brain imaging for WMHs. Cross-sectional associations between traumatic experiences and WMH volume were assessed in linear regression models. Covariates were age, race/ethnicity, education, BMI, BP, lipids, preeclampsia, sleep, and additionally depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Results
68% of women endorsed at least one of the traumas assessed. The most common trauma was sexual assault (23% of women). Women with trauma exposure had greater WMH volume than women without trauma [B(SE) = .24 (.09), p = .01, multivariable]. The single trauma most associated with WMH was sexual assault [B(SE) = .25 (.11), p = .02, multivariable]. Results persisted adjusting for depressive or post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Conclusions
A trauma history, particularly sexual assault, was associated with greater WMH volume controlling for covariates, including depressive and post-traumatic symptoms. Sexual assault may place women at risk for poor brain health.
Improving Nurse’s Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Toward Nurse’s Role in Organ Donation Process in a Context-based Learning Course
Authors: Ahmady Soleiman , Hosseini Toktam Masoumian , Hosseini Mohsen Masoumian
Published: March 2021

Background: The Nurse’ knowledge, Attitude and Practice toward their roles in the Organ Donation Process are extremely important to the success of organ donation. Therefore, the nurses involved with this phenomenon should be aware of their roles. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Context-Based Learning educational program on Nurse' knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about Nurse's Role in Organ Donation Process.Methods: In this Experimental study, Through Random Assignment, 3 ICU Wards of Gheam Hospital of Mashhad university of medical science devoted to Context-based Learning (Intervention) and 6 Wards devoted to Workshop Group (Control). Then through the Stratified Random Sampling Allocation Method, Demandable Nurses That Determine based on Pilot Study Were Selected and Intervention Was Done on 60 ICU Nurses (each group, n=30(. The CBL Training was performed in 3 sessions, every session length 2 hours, and the Time Interval between Sessions was 1 week. In the workshop group, Intervention was performed in two stages, every stages length 3 hours and between two stages was last 1 week. Both groups before and 1 month after intervention complete the questionnaire of Assessing Nurse's Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Nurse's Role in Organ Donation Process. Data Analysis was done by SPSS11.5 software and by using t-test, Paired test, Wilcoxon, Man-whinny, and Chi-Square.Results: Change Score of Knowledge in Context-Based Learning was (43/4± 13/1) greater Than Workshop Group (14/3± 4/0) that statistically was Significant (p<0/001). Also in Attitude Change Score in Context-Based Learning was (28/7 ± 21/2) greater Than the Workshop group (13/1± 8/7) which statistically was Significant (p<0/001). Furthermore, in Practice Change Score in Context-Based Learning was (73/6± 21/1) greater Than the Workshop group (23/3± 6/8) which statistically was Significant (p<0/001).Conclusion: Based on Results, the Context-Based Learning Method had more effect in increasing the average Level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about the Nurse’s Role in the Organ Donation Process rather than the Workshop Method. It is therefore suggested to utilize Context-Based Learning Method for the education of Nurse's Role in Organ Donation Process.
Improve Efficiency in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell by Surface modification of TiO2 Photoelectrode by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: varishetty Madhu Mohan , Murakam Kenji Murakam , jonnalagadda Madhavi , M Rajini kanth
Published: March 2021

Pure TiO2 and surface-modified TiO2 (SMT) films from zinc acetate solution have been developed with fluorine-blended SnO2 (FTO) auxiliaries. support material using spray pyrolysis for use into dye-sensitation solar cells (DSCs). Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) profiles indicate that pure TiO2 and SMT exhibit the same crystal structure. Optical absorption studies do not indicate a significant absorption difference between SMT and pure TiO2. Impedance measurements reveal that ZnO covered on TiO2 nanoparticles increase particular exterior imepedance also suppress about reverse transmission from photo-induced electron emmiting with SMT to the electrolyzer. Surface morphology and surface fundamental study were performed using FE-SEM, field emission scanning electron microscopy and EDX, energy dissipation X-ray spectroscopy. The photo electrochemical (J-V curves) values of DSCs for pure SMT and TiO2 thin films have been relatively investigated. Outstanding results display such that about bypassed photo electric current (JSC) of pure TiO2 increased from 16.73 mAcm− 2 to 18.09 mAcm− 2 additionally through open-loop voltage (VOC) for DSCs containing SMT thin films changed between 0.71 V to 0.75 V. This indicates that the ZnO layer on TiO2 nanoparticles contributes to the surface resistance, which impedes the flow of back scattered electrons to the electrolyte significantly. Cell power transformation productivity has been increased about 8.25 to 9.3%.
Validity and Reliability of Persian Version of the 12-Item Expectations Regarding Aging Survey Iranian Older Adults Population during COVID-19 Pandemic.
Authors: Nia Hamid Sharif , She Long , somasundram Sotheeswari , fomani Fatemeh khoshnavay , kaveh Omolhoda , Hosseini lida
Published: March 2021

Background: The current pandemic has classified older people into the most vulnerable category. Prior to the pandemic, they led active social lives, but are now cautioned to adopt more precautionary and preventive behaviors. Older people are advised to change their lifestyle given the challenges and expectations regarding aging. Therefore, the present study is designed to assess the construct validity and reliability of the Persian version of the 12-Item Expectations Regarding Aging Survey among older adult Iranian population during COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: The Persian version of this scale was developed using translation and revision in current study. The construct validity was assessed through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Also, the reliability was assessed through through its internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega), composite reliability (CR), and maximal reliability (MaxR). The data compiled online was based on a sample of 400 older adults aged above 65 years. Results: The results of the study indicate that the Persian version of this scale comprises three factors with 11 items (Factor 1: Physical Health; Factor 2: Mental Health; Factor 3: Cognitive Function) that explaining 65.764% of the total variance. The CFA results, after reviewing the model modification indices, shows the revised three factors model fits the data well with excellent internal consistency and reliability. Conclusion: The finding indicates that the Persian Version of ERA is reliable and valid. It can be used for aging, educational, and clinic research, to develop and evaluate on suitable intervention to enhance the quality of life among Iranian aging population.