bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk-Targeted Behavioral Activation for the Management of Work-Disability Associated with Co-Morbid Pain and Depression: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Sullivan Michael , Wideman Timothy H. , Gauthier Nathalie , Thibault Pascal , Ellis Tamra , Adams Heather
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation the feasibility and impact of a risk-targeted behavioral activation intervention for work-disabled individuals with co-morbid pain and depression.
Methods

The design of the study was a single arm non-randomized trial. The sample consisted of 66 work-disabled individuals with co-morbid pain and depression. The treatment program consisted of a 10-week standardized behavioral activation intervention supplemented by techniques to target two psychosocial risk-factors for delayed recovery, namely, catastrophic thinking and perceptions of injustice. Measures of pain severity, depression, catastrophic thinking, perceived injustice and self-reported disability were completed pre-, mid-, and post-treatment. Satisfaction with treatment was assessed at post-treatment. Return to work was assessed at 6-month follow-up.
Results

The drop-out rate was 18%. At treatment termination, 91% of participants indicated that they were ‘very’ or ‘completely’ satisfied with their involvement in the treatment program. Significant reductions in pain (d = .71), depression (d = .86), catastrophic thinking (d = 1.1) and perceived injustice (d = 1.0) were observed through the course of treatment. In multivariate analyses, treatment-related reductions in depression, catastrophic thinking, perceived injustice, but not pain, contributed significant unique variance to the prediction of return-to-work outcomes.
Conclusions

Risk-targeted behavioral activation was found to be an acceptable and effective intervention for work-disabled individuals with co-morbid pain and depression. The findings suggest that interventions targeting psychosocial risk factors for pain and depression might contribute to more positive recovery outcomes in work-disabled individuals with co-morbid pain and depression.
Data-Driven Analysis In Magnetic Field-Assisted Electrical Discharge Machining of High Volume SiCp/Al
Authors: Xue Tao , Chen Long , Zhang Zhen , Zhao Jiaquan , Zhang Yi , Wen Dongxu , Wang Huachang
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a framework of data-driven intelligence system which can be applied on magnetic field-assisted electrical discharge machining (MF-EDM) machining process for SiC particulate reinforced Al-based metal matrix composites (SiCp/Al) with different high-volume fractions. The implemented system consists of data modelling, predicating, optimization and monitoring modules. A multi-objective moths search (MOMS) optimization algorithm with back-propagation neural network (BPNN) model and multi-hierarchy non-dominated strategy is proposed for tuning optimal processing performance. Data are collected from machining different fraction volumes of SiCp/Al composites by MF-EDM, with peak current, magnetic, pulse width and pulse interval time as input, and material removal rate, electrode wear rate, surface roughness as output. The BPNN model shows the best accuracy compared to K-nearest neighbours, least square support vector machine and Kriging model. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the MOMS optimization algorithm, a set of results is selected as paradigm, which dominates 95.83% original experiments. A verification experiment is also done for an optimized parameter with 65% fraction and 0.2T magnetic. Both result data and three-dimensional surface topography comparison show that the verification experiment result dominates the original experiment of similar input designs.
Implementation of A Perinatal Problem Identification Program (PPIP) In Zambia: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Mwamba Bupe , Ameyaw Edward K. , Singogo Marjory Malizyani
Published: January 2022

Background: Zambia is among the African countries with a high perinatal mortality rate. Though programs teaching medical practitioners about advanced neonatal resuscitation have reduced deaths and improved survival, more information is needed to further decrease morbidity and mortality in newborns. The objectives of this study was to implement a Perinatal Problem Identification Program (PPIP) to improve collection of information on early and late neonatal mortalities. Methods: The Perinatal Problem Identification Program was implemented in the Neonatal intensive Care unit of the Women and Newborn Hospital in Lusaka Zambia. The program started on 1 May 2019 and ended on 31 December 2019. Data entry was conducted and analysis was undertaken using the PPIP computer based software program. The PPIP software calculated neonatal deaths and their causes.Results: The Neonatal intensive care unit at women and newborn hospital recorded a total of 2640 deaths in 7 months from May 1st 2019 to 31st December 2019.The highest cause of death was prematurity with its complications at 126 (54%) in the sampled 238 recorded deaths. Followed by infection at 46 (19%) and hypoxia at 44 (18%). These deaths ranged from birth weights of less than 1000 grams to more than 2500 grams.Conclusion: The results reveal that it is possible to implement PPIP in Zambia and its use eases the audit review process, which combined with audit review meetings can improve the quality of care of neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Association Between Microsatellite Instability and 18F-FDG PET/CT Data in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: HASBEK ZEKİYE , DEMİR NECLA , YILMAZ MUKADDES , ÖZER HATİCE , ERTÜRK SEYİT AHMET , BABACAN ÖZGE ULAŞ
Published: January 2022

Aim: Our aim in this study was to evaluate the relationship between microsatellite instability (MSI) status and 18F-FDG PET/CT data in patients with colorectal cancer.Materials and Methods: Our study included 74 patients who underwent PET/CT in preoperative staging with the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and then underwent surgical resection. In the immunohistochemical examination, nuclear staining was considered positive for all antibodies. Normal colon mucosa and lymphocytes in tissue were used as an internal positive control group. The absence of nuclear staining in tumor cells was considered "loss" in "Mismatch Repair Gen" proteins. MSI status of patients was divided into 3 groups according to the occurrence of MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, MSH6 gene proteins, and also the number of MSI genes. It is defined as a high frequency of microsatellite instability (MSI-H) when two or more of the five markers in the tumor DNA were positive. If only one marker was positive, the tumor is termed as low frequency of MSI (MSI-L). And MSS is determined when all of the five markers were negative. Results: While MSI was not detected in 56 of the patients (75.7%), MSI was detected in 18 patients (24.3%). 4 patients (5.4%) had MSH-L, while 14 patients (18.9%) had MSH-H. In the analysis made considering all 3 groups, there was no statistically significant relationship between MSI status and SUVmax (p=0.835). Liver metastases were present in 11 (36.7%) of 30 patients who were metastatic at the time of diagnosis. Distant metastasis incidence was lower in 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with MSI-H (p=0.010). In addition, a significant correlation was found between the presence of liver metastases and MSI, and liver metastasis was not observed in any of the 14 patients with MSI-H (p=0.041).Conclusion: Although not statistically significant, SUVmax values were found to be higher in patients with MSI-H. In addition, metastasis rates were found to be lower in patients with microsatellite instability in accordance with the literature data.
Temperature Dependence of The Thermo-Optic Coefficient In 4H-SiC and GaN Slabs At The Wavelength of 1550 nm
Authors: Rao Sandro , Mallemace Elisa Demetra , Cocorullo Giuseppe , Faggio Giuliana , Messina Giacomo , Corte Francesco Giuseppe Della
Published: January 2022

The refractive index and its variation with temperature, i.e. the thermo-optic coefficient, are basic optical parameters for all those semiconductors that are used in the fabrication of linear and non-linear opto-electronic devices and systems. Recently, 4H single-crystal Silicon Carbide (4H-SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) have emerged as excellent building materials for high power and high temperature electronics, and wide parallel applications in photonics can be consequently forecasted in the near future, in particular in the infrared telecommunication band of λ=1500-1600 nm.In this paper, the thermo-optic coefficient (dn/dT) is experimentally measured in 4H-SiC and GaN substrates, from room temperature to 480 K, at the wavelength of 1550 nm. Specifically, the substrates, forming natural Fabry-Perot etalons, are exploited within a simple hybrid fiber–free space optical interferometric system to take accurate measurements of the transmitted optical power in the said temperature range. It is found that, for both semiconductors, dn/dT is itself remarkably temperature dependent, in particular quadratically for GaN and almost linearly for 4H-SiC.
Chronic Kidney Disease in a Large National Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment Program
Authors: Paengsai Ninutcha , Noppakun Kajohnsak , Jourdain Gonzague , Cressey Tim R. , Salvadori Nicolas , Chaiwarith Romanee , Tantraworasin Apichat , Mary Jean Yves , Bowonwatanuwong Chureeratana , Bhakeecheep Sorakij , Traisathit Patrinee , Kosachunhanun Natapong
Published: January 2022

Introduction:
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is associated with a risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially when used with protease inhibitors or in Asian populations. Data from the Thai national health insurance system were used to assess the incidence of CKD in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in real-world practice.
Materials and methods
We analyzed data from patients who initiated one of the following first-line ART regimens: (i) zidovudine+lamivudine+nevirapine (AZT+3TC+NVP); (ii) zidovudine+lamivudine+efavirenz (AZT+3TC+EFV); (iii) tenofovir+lamivudine+nevirapine (TDF+3TC+NVP); (iv) tenofovir+lamivudine/emtricitabine+efavirenz (TDF+3TC/FTC+EFV); and (v) tenofovir+lamivudine+lopinavir/ritonavir (TDF+3TC+LPV/r). CKD was defined as glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for >3 months, or a confirmed 2010 WHO diagnosis (ICD-10 code N183, N184, or N185). Death competing risks survival regression models were used for the analysis.
Results
Among 27,313 participants, median age 36.8 years, body mass index 20.4 kg/m2, and absolute CD4 cell count 146 cells/mm3, followed for a median 2.3 years, 245 patients (0.9%) were diagnosed CKD (incidence 3.2 per 1,000 patient-years of follow-up; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8-3.6). Compared with patients receiving AZT+3TC+NVP, the risk of CKD measured by adjusted sub-distribution hazard ratio (aSHR) was higher in patients on TDF+3TC+LPV/r (6.5, 95% CI 3.9-11.1), on TDF+3TC+NVP (3.8, 95% CI 2.3-6.0) and on TDF+3TC/FTC+EFV (1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.3). Among patients receiving TDF, compared with those receiving TDF+3TC/FTC+EFV, the risk was higher on TDF+3TC+LPV/r (4.0, 95%CI 2.3-6.8) on TDF+3TC+NVP (2.3, 95%CI 1.4-3.6) .
Conclusions
This real-world study suggest that the role of TDF in increasing the risk of CKD, especially when combined with LPV/r or NVP.
A Novel 2-Phase U-net Algorithm Combined with Optimal Mass Transportation for 3D Brain Tumor Detection and Segmentation
Authors: Lin Wen-Wei , Lin Jia-Wei , Huang Tsung-Ming , Li Tiexiang , Yueh Mei-Heng , Yau Shing-Tung
Published: January 2022

Utilizing the optimal mass transportation (OMT) technique to convert an irregular 3D brain image into a cube, a required input format for the U-net algorithm, is a brand new idea for medical imaging research. We develop a cubic volume-measure-preserving OMT (V-OMT) model for the implementation of this conversion. The contrast-enhanced histogram equalization grayscale of fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) in a brain image creates the corresponding density function. We then propose an effective two-phase U-net algorithm combined with the V-OMT algorithm for training and validation. First, we use the U-net and V-OMT algorithms to precisely predict the whole tumor (WT) region. Second, we expand this predicted WT region with dilation and create a smooth function by convoluting the step-like function associated with the WT region in the brain image with a 5×5×5 blur tensor. Then, a new V-OMT algorithm with mesh refinement is constructed to allow the U-net algorithm to effectively train Net1--Net3 models. Finally, we propose ensemble voting postprocessing to validate the final labels of brain images. We randomly choose 1000 and 251 brain samples from theBraTS 2021 training dataset, which contains 1251 samples, for training and validation, respectively. The Dice scores of the WT, tumor core (TC) and enhanced tumor (ET) regions for validation computed by Net1--Net3 were 0.93705, 0.90617 and 0.87470, respectively. A significant improvement in brain tumor detection and segmentation with higher accuracy is achieved.
Defect levels coupled with oscillations and frustrated spins by Fe+3 in co-precipitated Aluminum ferrites
Authors: Dash Ritambhara , Gaurav Kumar , Kumari Neha , Kumar Prashant , Ranjan Saurabh , Bhagat Vikash , Bhattacharyya Arnab S
Published: January 2022

The degradation of organic dyes determines the suitability of a photocatalyst for wastewater treatments. Metal oxides like TiO2, ZnO, CuO, Fe2O3, Ce2O3, and Al-doped Ni Ferrites can degrade dyes. However, fine-tuning of physicochemical properties of the reaction system and characteristics of the reactor plays a significant role in making photocatalytic degradation a large-scale activity. The photoactivity gets altered by altering the Fe+3 ion concentration. The mechanism behind such changes has been addressed here, along with a unique magnetic property of frustrated spins observed.
Can Whole-body MRI Replace CT in Management of Metastatic Testicular Cancer? A Prospective, Non-inferiority Study.
Authors: Larsen Solveig Kärk Abildtrup , Løgager Vibeke , Bylov Catharina , Nellemann Hanne , Agerbæk Mads , Als Anne Birgitte , Pedersen Erik Morre
Published: January 2022

Purpose Concerns of imaging-related radiation in young patients with high survival rates have increased the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in testicular cancer (TC) stage I. However, computed tomography (CT) is still preferred for metastatic TC. The purpose of this study was to compare whole-body MRI incl. diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) with contrast-enhanced, thoracoabdominal CT in metastatic TC.Methods A prospective, non-inferiority study of 84 consecutive patients (median age 33 years) with newly diagnosed metastatic TC (February 2018 - January 2021). Exclusion criteria were age <18 years, claustrophobia and MRI contraindications. Patients had both MRI and CT before and after treatment. Anonymised images were reviewed by experienced radiologists.Lesion malignancy was evaluated on a Likert scale (1 benign – 4 malignant). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated on patient and lesion level. For non-inferiority testing, the difference in sensitivity between CT and MRI was calculated. The level of significance was set at 5%. ROC curves and interobserver agreement were calculated.Results On patient level, MRI had 98% sensitivity and 75% specificity compared to CT. On lesion level within each modality, MRI had 99% sensitivity and 78% specificity, whereas CT had 98% sensitivity and 88% specificity. MRI sensitivity was non-inferior to CT (difference 0.57% (95% CI -1.4-2.5%)). The interobserver agreement was substantial between CT and MRI. Conclusion MRI with DWIBS was non-inferior to contrast-enhanced CT in detecting metastatic TC disease. Trial registration www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT03436901, finished July 1st 2021.
Phytocompounds of Bistorta macrophylla (D. Don) Sojak. as bioavailability enhancers of fluconazole and amphotericin B to better manage Candida species infections
Authors: Rolta Rajan , Shukla Shivani , Kashyap Anjali , Kumar Vikas , Sourirajan Anuradha , Dev Kamal
Published: January 2022

Bistorta macrophylla (D. Don) Sojak. is a medicinal plant of high altitude and so far, not been scientifically explored? Since prehistoric times, B. macrophylla has been used to cure stomach pain, pyretic fever, flu, lungs infections, diarrhea, vomiting. The present research was aimed to examine the phytochemicals, antifungal, and synergistic potential of methanolic extracts of B. macrophylla. Methanolic extract of B. macrophylla was found to have high phenolic (191.18 ± 29.18 mg g−1 GAE) and flavonoid (26.71 ± 3.21 mg g−1 RE) content. Methanolic extract also demonstrate strong antifungal action with diameter of zone of inhibition of 17.5±0.5 mm (fungicidal) against both the strains of C. albicans (MTCC277 and ATCC90028). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methanolic extract was found to be 62.5 µg ml−1 against C. albicans (MTCC277 and ATCC90028). In addition, the combination of methanolic extract of B. macrophylla with antifungal antibiotics (fluconazole and amphotericin B) showed synergistic interaction with MIC reduction from 4-128 folds against both candida strains. GC-MS analysis of methanolic extract revealed the presence of 15 major phytocompounds with area more than 1%. Molecular docking showed that sucrose and 9,9-Dimethoxybicyclo [ 3.3.1] nona-2,4-dione has highest binding energy of -6.3 and -5.1 KJ/mol against Cytochrome P450 14 alpha-sterol Demethylase (PDB ID: 1EA1) protein respectively. Combination of methanolic extract of B. macrophylla with antifungal antibiotics (fluconazole, amphotericin B) can be used to treat drug-resistant candida.
Why do people consent to receiving SARS-CoV2 vaccinations? A Representative Survey in Germany
Authors: Walach Harald , Ofner Michael , Ruof Viviane , Herbig Markus , Klement Rainer J.
Published: January 2022

Objective: to answer the question: Why do people consent to being vaccinated with novel vaccines against SARS-CoV2? Design: Representative survey Setting: Online panel Participants: 1032 respondents of the general German population Method: a representative survey among German citizens in November/December 2021 which resulted in 1032 complete responses on vaccination status, socio-demographic parameters and opinions about the COVID-19 situation. Results: Almost 83% of the respondents were vaccinated. The major motivation was fear of medical consequences of an infection and the wish to lead a normal life again. The major motivation to be not vaccinated was the fear of side effects and skepticism about long-term effectiveness and safety. Sixteen percent of vaccinated respondents reported some serious side effect, while more than 30% reported health improvements, mostly due to the relief of psychological stress and social reintegration. We also validated a “Corona Orthodoxy Score – COS” consisting of 7 items reflecting opinions on Covid-19. The scale is reliable (alpha = 0.76) and unidimensional. The COS was a highly significant predictor of vaccination status and readiness to be vaccinated in a multivariable logistic regression model. Those who were vaccinated were more likely to live in smaller households (OR = 0.82, p=0.024), had a higher income (OR = 1.27, p<0.001), a higher COS score (OR 1.4, p<0.0001) and utilized less alternative media (OR = 0.44, p=0.0024) and scientific publications (OR=0.42, p=0.011) as information sources. Conclusions: The major motives for being vaccinated are fear of medical symptoms and the wish to lead a normal life. Those not wanting to be vaccinated cite a lack of knowledge regarding long-term safety and side effects as reasons. This can likely only be overcome by careful and active long-term efficacy and safety monitoring.
Factors Controlling the Extreme Storm Surge Flooding - Insights From Coastal Sedimentary Record of the Southern Baltic Sea
Authors: Leszczyńska Karolina , Stattegger Karl , Moskalewicz Damian , Jagodziński Robert , Kokociński Mikołaj , Niedzielski Przemysław , Szczuciński Witold
Published: January 2022

Climate change and related sea-level rise pose significant threats to sandy lowland coasts, which account for approximately 30% of the global coastline. However, the role of key controlling factors responsible for the frequency and extent of extreme storm surge of inundation regime is not yet fully understood. Here, we present the longest to date, high-resolution sedimentary record of extreme storm surge flooding from the microtidal southern Baltic Sea, spanning two periods: 3.6-2.9 ka BP and 0.7 ka BP until present. Wetland sediments, including sandy event layers, were analyzed by sedimentological (grain size, loss-on-ignition, micromorphology), geochronological (14C, 210Pb, 137Cs), geochemical (XRF), mineralogical (heavy minerals) and micropaleontological (diatoms) methods. Our results revealed that both periods are characterized by high-frequency storm surge flooding in order of 1.3 – 4.2 events per century. They are correlated to widely recognized enhanced storminess periods in NW Europe and took place during both rising and fluctuating sea levels. The presented results show that the storm surge driven coastal inundation frequency and extent largely depend on the development of coastal barriers (e.g., beach ridges). Thus, in the context of the future coastal storm surge hazard, the protection of existing coastal barriers is essential.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Findings and Prognosis in Type 1 Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: Leali Marco , Aimo Alberto , Ricci Giulia , Torri Francesca , Todiere Giancarlo , Vergaro Giuseppe , Grigoratos Chrysanthos , Giannoni Alberto , Aquaro Giovanni Donato , Siciliano Gabriele , Emdin Michele , Passino Claudio , Barison Andrea
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Cardiac involvement is a major determinant of prognosis in type 1 myotonic dystrophy (DM1), but limited information is available about myocardial remodelling and tissue changes. Aim of the study was to investigate cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings and their prognostic significance in DM1.
Methods

We identified all DM1 patients referred from a neurology unit to our CMR laboratory from 2009 to 2020.
Results

Thirty-four patients were included (aged 45±12, 62% males). At CMR, 5(15%) had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<50% and 4(12%) a right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF)<50%. Compared to age- and sex-specific reference values, 12(35%) had a decreased end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi), 7(21%) a decreased mass index (LVMi), and 29(85%) a reduced LVMi/LVEDVi. Nine (26%) showed mid-wall late gadolinium enhancement (LGE; 5±2% of LVM), and 14(41%) fatty infiltration. In a subset of 13(38%) patients, native T1 in the interventricular septum (1,041±53 ms) approached the upper reference limit (1,089 ms) and the extracellular volume was slightly increased (33±2%, reference<30%). Over 2.5(1.5-4.0) years, 2(6%) patients died for infectious and respiratory complications, 5(15%) underwent device implantation; 4/21(19%) with Holter developed repetitive ventricular ectopic beats (VEBs). Lower RV volumes (p=0.043), higher anteroseptal wall thickness (p=0.024) and LV fatty infiltration (p=0.029) were associated with device implantation, LGE mass was associated with VEBs (p=0.003) and death (p<0.001).
Conclusion

DM1 patients display structural and functional cardiac abnormalities, with variable degrees of cardiac muscle hypotrophy, fibrosis and fatty infiltration. Such changes, as evaluated by CMR, may anticipate the worsening of electrical disturbances.
Influenza and Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccination During Pregnancy, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2019
Authors: Oduyebo Titilope , Kortsmit Katie , Simeone Regina , Kahn Katherine , Razzaghi Hilda , Galang Romeo , Ellington Sascha , Ruffo Nan , Barfield Wanda , Warner Lee , Cox Shanna
Published: January 2022

Background

Influenza and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines is recommended for pregnant women to protect themselves and their infants from adverse health outcomes.
Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of maternal influenza and Tdap vaccination and determine factors associated with receipt of these vaccines.
Methods

We analyzed 2019 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, from 43 jurisdictions. We estimated the overall prevalence of women reporting receipt of a healthcare provider offer or recommendation for influenza vaccine (n=44,528), and influenza vaccine during the 12 months before delivery (n=44,213). We also estimated Tdap vaccine receipt during pregnancy from the 21 jurisdictions (n=22,972). Maternal influenza and Tdap vaccination were examined by selected maternal characteristics and by jurisdiction.
Results

Overall, 86.4% of women reported being offered or recommended an influenza vaccination, and 60.8% of women reported receiving an influenza vaccination in the 12 months prior to their delivery, ranging from 36.0% in Puerto Rico to 82.1% in Rhode Island. Tdap receipt during pregnancy was 73.7%, ranging from 52.2% in Mississippi to 85.1% in Vermont. Prevalence of influenza vaccination was lower among women aged 18–24 years (52.2%), who are non-Hispanic black (44.5%), with a high school diploma or less education (51.3%), with no prenatal insurance (43.2%), having no (42.0%) prenatal care, with ≥3 previous live births (49.3%) and not offered or recommended the influenza vaccine by a healthcare provider (20.0%). Tdap vaccination also varied by all characteristics examined and was lower among similar groups of women observed to have lower influenza vaccination uptake.
Conclusion

In 2019, influenza and Tdap vaccination were suboptimal among women with a recent live birth. It is important that U.S. jurisdictions provide equitable access to these vaccines during pregnancy. These results may also inform efforts for vaccination for other infectious diseases among pregnant women.
“…All of a sudden, I realized I was not well prepared for the transition”: A Qualitative Exploration of University Students’ Perspectives on the Emergency Distance Education amidst the COVID-19 Crisis in Jordan
Authors: Al-Tammemi Ala'a B. , Nheili Rana , Jibuaku Chiamaka H. , Tamimi Dua’a Al , Aljaberi Musheer A. , Khatatbeh Moawiah , Barakat Muna , Al-Maqableh Hindya O. , Fakhouri Hussam N.
Published: January 2022

Our current study aimed at exploring the university students’ perspectives on the emergency distance education strategy that was implemented during the COVID-19 crisis in Jordan, one of the countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Utilizing a qualitative design supported by Moore’s theory of transactional distance, a total of 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with university students of various study levels and disciplines. Data were inductively analyzed using thematic analysis as suggested by Braun and Clarke. Seven themes have emerged, including, (i) psychological response, (ii) digital preparedness and equality, (iii) technical competencies and technostress, (iv) interpersonal communication, (v) learning materials, (vi) non-reliable evaluation methods, and (vii) opportunities. Our findings provide evidence that the sudden transition from traditional on-campus to the online distance education was significantly challenging in many aspects and was not a pleasant experience for many participants. Various factors under the jurisdiction of academic institutions and decision-makers are considered main contributing factors to the students’ educational experiences amid the pandemic crisis. Therefore, better planning and more sustainable utilization of educational resources have paramount importance in providing a high-quality education. Additionally, more dedicated efforts in terms of equitable, reliable, and credible evaluation systems should be considered in Jordan’s distance education strategy.
Phylogeny of different Helicobacter pylori strains could not be explained by 16S rRNA gene due to high similarity in gene sequence across strains
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: January 2022

Understanding the evolutionary relatedness of different strains of a species helped identify strain-specific differences that may be useful for disease diagnosis and treatment. Typically, such strain level typing would be augmented by molecular assays such as DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic tree analysis. This work utilizes public data on the 16S rRNA gene sequence of different strains of Helicobacter pylori to help plot the phylogenetic tree that describes the evolutionary trajectories of the different strains. Results from multiple sequence alignment reveals high level of conservation in 16S rRNA gene sequence across strains. This then translates into a phylogenetic tree structure that suggests very close evolutionary relationships of the different strains except for one outlier strain. Even in the case of the outlier strain, its evolutionary distance from other brethren was also not large. Overall, the results obtained in this study indicates that 16S rRNA gene may not capture strain-level phylogeny between different strains of the same species, and point to efforts in elucidating this phylogenetic effect in other genes of the species. Such genes may be involved in virulence during pathogenesis in humans, and may thus be subjected to higher evolutionary pressure and natural selection.
Effect of Deep Mixing Grid Spacing On The Settlement of Liquefied Soil, Using Numerical Approach
Authors: Rahmani Fereshteh , Hosseini Seyed Mahdi
Published: January 2022

Liquefaction occurs in a loose and saturated sand layer, induces quite large damages to infrastructures, the importance of liquefaction mitigation has been emphasized to minimize earthquake disasters for many years. Many kinds of ground improvement techniques based on various improvement principles have been developed for liquefaction mitigation. Among them, deep mixing method with grid pattern was developed for liquefaction mitigation in the 1990s, where the grid of stabilized column walls functions to restrict the generation of excess pore pressure by confining the soil particle movement during earthquake. In this study, a parametric study of the grid-form deep mixing wall is performed using numerical modeling with GID+OpenSees interface V2.6.0. The finite element method with a three-dimensional analysis model can be used to estimate the foundation settlement over liquefiable soil layer. The validity of the developed model was evaluated by comparing the results obtained from the model with the results of numerical studies and the experimental centrifuge test to investigate the effect of deep mixing grid wall on the settlement and generation of excess pore pressure ratio of liquefiable soil. Based on the analysis, the settlement for improved soil was 69% smaller than the settlement for unimproved soil. The results also indicated that the grid wall space, relative density, and stiffness ratio between soil-cement columns and enclosed soil plays an important role in the occurrence of liquefaction and volumetric strains.
Regional Variation and Factors Associated With Fetal Macrosomia in Ethiopia
Authors: Nugussu Gurmessa , Banbeta Akalu , Abdisa Jaleta
Published: January 2022

Background: Globally, there is an increase in the prevalence and incidence of fetal macrosomia. In Sub-Sahara African countries including Ethiopia, all infants were not weighed at birth, and there is a limit to knowledge regarding fetal macrosomia in Ethiopia. The main objective of this study is to assess the regional variation and determinants of fetal macrosomia using the multilevel logistic regression model.Methods: The study was based on the recent Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey of 2016. A total of 2110 weighted infants at birth were extracted. Multilevel logistic regression analysis is performed to identify the factors associated with fetal macrosomia after various candidate models for their efficiency have been compared based on Akaike’s Information Criteria. Chi-square test of association and the inter-class correlation (ICC) are used to test and compute the variation of fetal macrosomia among the regions, respectively.Results: The overall prevalence of fetal macrosomia among the weighted infants at birth is 219 (10.4%). Based on the estimated chi-square test, there is a significant difference in fetal macrosomia across the regions of Ethiopia. The ICC reveals that 14% of the variation in fetal macrosomia can be explained by grouping the infants into the regions. Random intercept with fixed slope model fits the study data well as compared to the other competitors. Based on this model, the age of the mother, residence, educational level of mother, body mass index of mother, gestational age, wealth index, multiple pregnancies, and the infant sex are the significant factors associated with fetal macrosomia in all regions of Ethiopia.Conclusion: Concerned bodies, including the ministry of health and its hierarchical body, need to give special support and attention to women aged between 35 and 49, post-term pregnant women, and overweight or obese women to minimize the prevalence of fetal macrosomia.
Longitudinal Surface Measurements of Human Blastocysts Show That The Dynamics of Blastocoel Expansion Are Associated With Fertilization Method And Ongoing Pregnancy
Authors: Marion Eva Sophie van , Chavli Effrosyni A. , Laven Joop S.E. , Steegers-Theunissen Régine P.M. , Koster Maria P.H. , Baart Esther B.
Published: January 2022

Background: Despite all research efforts during this era of novel time-lapse morphokinetic parameters, a morphological grading system is still routinely being used for embryo selection at the blastocyst stage. The blastocyst expansion grade, as evaluated during morphological assessment, is associated with clinical pregnancy. However, this assessment is performed without taking the dynamics of blastocoel expansion into account. Here, we studied the dynamics of blastocoel expansion by comparing longitudinal blastocoel surface measurements using time-lapse embryo culture. Our aim was to first assess if this is impacted by fertilization method and second, to study if an association exists between these measurement and ongoing pregnancy. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including 225 couples undergoing 225 cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment with time-lapse embryo culture. The fertilization method was either conventional IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with ejaculated sperm or ICSI with sperm derived from testicular sperm extraction (TESE-ICSI). This resulted in 289 IVF embryos, 218 ICSI embryos and 259 TESE-ICSI embryos that reached at least the full blastocyst stage. Blastocoel surface measurements were performed on time-lapse images every hour, starting from full blastocyst formation (tB). Linear mixed model analysis was performed to study the association between blastocoel expansion, the calculated expansion rate (µm2/hour) and both fertilization method and ongoing pregnancy. Results: The blastocoel of both ICSI embryos and TESE-ICSI embryos was significantly smaller than the blastocoel of IVF embryos (beta -1121.6 µm2; 95% CI: -1606.1 to -637.1, beta -646.8 µm2; 95% CI: -1118.7 to 174.8, respectively). Still, the blastocoel of transferred embryos resulting in an ongoing pregnancy was significantly larger (beta 795.4 µm2; 95% CI: 15.4 to 1575.4) and expanded significantly faster (beta 100.9 µm2/hour; 95% CI: 5.7 to 196.2) than the blastocoel of transferred embryos that did not, regardless of the fertilization method. Conclusion: Longitudinal blastocyst surface measurements and expansion rates are promising non-invasive quantitative markers that can aid embryo selection for transfer and cryopreservation.
Pregabalin Abuse During Pregnancy and Global Developmental Delay in Infants
Authors: Khan Jahan Zeb , Fletcher Emma , Collins Aishling , Fenton Fiona
Published: January 2022

Pregabalin is a medication licensed for the treatment of epilepsy and anxiety disorders. In addition, Pregabalin is increasingly recognised as a drug of abuse. Teratogenic effects have been demonstrated in animal models, however, there is a dearth of research relating to potential teratogenic effects in humans. This case highlights the potential role of intrauterine exposure to Pregabalin in contributing to Global Developmental Delay in two children.
Targeted Delivery of Intranasally Administered Cyclovirobuxine D Liposomes to Brain for Treatment Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Anti-oxidative Stress and Activating Autophagy
Authors: Liu Tuo , Yang Fang , Lu Xiangyi , Liu Chang , Yu Yang , Chen Zhilian , Long Yongling
Published: January 2022

The lack of effective therapy mandates development of treatment for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI. The previous study suggested that Cyclovirobuxine D (CVBD) encapsulated in Angiopep-conjugated Polysorbate 80-Coated Liposomes showed a better brain targeting by intranasal administration. Therefore, this study focused on the protection and mechanism of CVBD brain-targeted liposomes in treating CIRI. In order to evaluate these, the CIRI rat model was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-reperfusion. Pharmacological evaluation was assessed in vivo by general indexs, neurobehavioral scores, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, histopathological staining (HE staining and Nissl staining), small animal magnetic resonance imaging, biochemical assay and Western blot. The results show that CVBD liposomes alleviated pathological damage of brain. Futhermore, the protective effect of CVBD liposomes on OGD/R-injured HT22 cell was investigated by cell fusion degree, cell proliferation curve and cell viability. OGD/R-injured HT22 cell was infected by mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus. The autophagosome and autophagy flow were observed by laser confocal microscopy, and autophagy-related protein expressions (LC3, p62 and Beclin 1) were analyzed by Western blot. Meanwhile, the classic autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine, was used to explore the autophagy-regulated mechanism of CVBD brain-targeted liposomes in treating CIRI. In cell model of oxygen and glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation, CVBD liposomes increased cell viability and decreased ROS level. CVBD liposomes improved oxidative stress protein expressions and activated autophagy in vitro. Furthermore, CVBD liposomes reversed the decrease of cell viability, increase of ROS level, and reduction of protein expressions associated to anti-oxidative stress and autophagy induced by chloroquine. Collectively, CVBD liposomes inhibited CIRI via regulating oxidative stress and enhancing autophagy level in vivo and in vitro, showing a great potential in treating CIRI in clinic.
Multimodal Optimization with the Local Optimum Ranking 2 Algorithm
Authors: Duarte Francisco Daniel Filip
Published: January 2022

In optimization tasks, it is interesting to achieve a set of efficient solutions instead of one single output, in the case the best solution is not suitable. Many niching methods offer a diversified response, yet some important problems are common: (1) The most interesting solutions of each local optimum are not identified. Thus, the output is the overall population of solutions, which increases the work of the designer in verifying which solution is the most interesting. (2) Existing niching algorithms tend to distribute the solutions on the most promising regions, over-populating some local optima and sub-populating others, which leads to poor optimization.To solve these challenges, a novel niching method is presented, named local optimum ranking 2 (LOR2). This sorting methodology favors the exploration of a defined number of local optima and ranks each local population by objective value within each local optimum. Thus, is performed a multi-focus exploration, with an equalized number of solutions on each local optimum, while identifying which solutions are the local apices. To exemplify its application, the LOR2 algorithm is applied in the design optimization of a metallic cantilever beam. It achieves a set of efficient and diverse design configurations, offering both performance and diversity for structural design challenges.In addition, a second experiment describes how the algorithm can be applied to segment the domain of any function, into a mesh of similar sized or custom-sized elements. Thus, it can significantly simplify metamodels and reduce their computation time.
Etemadi Fuzzy Linear Regression (EFLR)
Authors: Etemadi Sepideh , Khashei Mehdi
Published: January 2022

Modeling and forecasting are among the most powerful and widely-used tools in decision support systems. The Fuzzy Linear Regression (FLR) is the most fundamental method in the fuzzy modeling area in which the uncertain relationship between the target and explanatory variables is estimated and has been frequently used in a broad range of real-world applications efficaciously. The operation logic in this method is to minimize the vagueness of the model, defined as the sum of individual spreads of the fuzzy coefficients. Although this process is coherent and can obtain the narrowest α-cut interval and exceptionally the most accurate results in the training data sets, it can not guarantee to achieve the desired level of generalization. While the quality of made managerial decisions in the modeling-based field is dependent on the generalization ability of the used method. On the other hand, the generalizability of a method is generally dependent on the precision as well as reliability of results, simultaneously. In this paper, a novel methodology is presented for the fuzzy linear regression modeling; in which in contrast to conventional methods, the constructed models' reliability is maximized instead of minimizing the vagueness. In the proposed model, fuzzy parameters are estimated in such a way that the variety of the ambiguity of the model is minimized in different data conditions. In other words, the weighted variance of different ambiguities in each validation data situation is minimized in order to estimate the unknown fuzzy parameters. To comprehensively assess the proposed method's performance, 74 benchmark datasets are regarded from the UCI. Empirical outcomes show that, in 64.86% of case studies, the proposed method has better generalizability, i.e., narrower α-cut interval as well as more accurate results in the interval and point estimation, than classic versions. It is obviously demonstrated the importance of the outcomes' reliability in addition to the precision that is not considered in the traditional FLR modeling processes. Hence, the presented EFLR method can be considered as a suitable alternative in fuzzy modeling fields, especially when more generalization is favorable.
Avaliação de fatores primários e secundários no desenvolvimento da cárie dentária em pacientes infantis: um estudo piloto
Authors: Bento Laura Imbriani , Sousa Yara Teresinha Correa Silva , Gonçalves Francyenne Maira Castro , Emerenciano Nayara Gonçalves , Danelon Marcelle
Published: January 2022

A prática de alimentação, além de fatores secundários, recebe destaque na etiologia da Cárie na Primeira Infância (CPI). Essa doença é definida como a presença de uma ou mais superfícies dentárias cariadas, perdidas ou obturadas em crianças com idade inferior a 6 anos, tendo o presente estudo como objetivo avaliar as práticas alimentares na infância, bem como fatores secundários, e sua relação com a cárie dentária de pacientes atendidos na Clínica de Odontopediatria I e II da Universidade de Ribeirão Preto. Inicialmente, este estudo foi submetido ao Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da UNAERP, o qual foi aprovado, e posteriormente, foi realizada a coleta de dados. Para a avalição, foi aplicado um questionário estruturado abordando alguns itens sobre hábitos da criança e seu responsável: Alimentação; Escovação; Erupção dentária; Dieta; Avaliação comportamental; Presença de lesões cariosas; entre outros. Após os dados serem tabulados e analisados de forma descritiva, foi possível evidenciar que das 34 crianças participantes do estudo, 97% realizaram amamentação natural (peito). A alimentação industrializada iniciou-se em 53% dos participantes entre 1 e 2 anos; 59% escovavam os dentes 3x/dia ou mais, sendo que 35% não recebiam auxílio. 97% utilizavam pasta de dente fluoretada. A maioria (65%) relatou não usar o fio dental; 53% tiveram o nascimento do primeiro dente antes dos 6 meses de idade e 38% entre 6 meses e 1 ano. 59% consomem doces 1x/dia, sendo que 79% nunca foram ao nutricionista. Ao exame clínico, 24% apresentaram lesão de mancha branca (75% ativa). É possível concluir que hábitos nocivos à saúde bucal de crianças pré-escolares podem resultar em consequências negativas para os elementos dentários.
Síndrome congênita pelo Zika Vírus (SCZ) e seus aspectos estomatológicos: uma revisão sistematizada
Authors: Aguiar Eduarda Candida Gomes , Ribeiro Eliane de Oliveira Aranha , Walter Cátia Crivelenti de Figueiredo
Published: January 2022

Em 2015 houve um aumento significativo no número de crianças nascidas com microcefalia no Brasil. Vários estudos associaram este achado e outros defeitos congênitos à infeccção pelo vírus Zika, designando-se de Síndrome congênita pelo Zika vírus. Este estudo teve como objetivo pesquisar os principais aspectos estomatológicos de crianças acometidas pela síndrome congênita do Zika Vírus, por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura. Realizou-se uma busca dos dados nas plataformas de pesquisa PubMed, SciELO, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e no Google Acadêmico, de onde foram selecionados 14 artigos. Os principais achados foram: alteração na sequência e cronologia de erupção dentária; alterações de esmalte; freio lingual encurtado; grande predisposição no desenvolvimento de cáries; e doenças periodontais. A análise dos dados sugere que a inclusão do cirurgião dentista na equipe multiprofissional de cuidados a essas crianças, ainda nos primeiros meses de vida desses pacientes, é fulcral para detecção e  prevenção de doenças estomatognáticas.
Uso e necessidade de prótese dentária em idosos nordestinos: avanços, perspectivas e desafios
Authors: Galvão Iúska Cyntia Mariz , Lira Allyson Martim Medeiros , Magalhães Diego Almeida , Gouveia Filho Marcelo Marques , Santos Sandryenne Rayanne Barbosa Gois , Silva Maria das Graças Barbosa da , Catão Maria Helena Chaves de Vasconcelos
Published: January 2022

Segundo dados de 2018, colhidos da agência de notícias do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), o número de idosos havia crescido 18% em cinco anos e ultrapassava 30 milhões em 2017. De forma a ratificar esse processo de envelhecimento populacional, o Ministério da Saúde inteirou que em 2030 o número de idosos ultrapassará o total de crianças, o que gera uma maior necessidade de atenção e sensibilidade para com essa imensa parcela da população, que no passado foi submetida a uma prática odontológica mutiladora atrelada à iniqüidade no acesso aos serviços de saúde bucal, acarretando em alto índice de edentulismo, ainda persistente após a implantação dos Laboratórios Regionais de Prótese Dentária (LRPDs), incorporados pela Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal. Desse modo, o presente artigo objetiva uma análise dos avanços e perspectivas do uso e inópia de prótese dentária em idosos nordestinos, a fim de evidenciar a importância de um alcance ainda maior da Odontologia reabilitadora para acréscimo na qualidade de vida dos idosos brasileiros.