bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the First Year(s) of Physicians Collaboration on an Interdisciplinary Electronic Consultation Platform in the Netherlands: Mixed Methods Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sanavro Sanne M , van der Worp Henk , Jansen Danielle , Koning Paul , Blanker Marco H , Prisma Platform Study Group Marco
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Complexity of health problems and aging of the population create an ongoing burden on the health care system with the general practitioner (GP) being the gatekeeper in primary care. In GPs daily practice, collaboration with specialists and exchange of knowledge from the secondary care play a crucial role in this system. Communication between primary and secondary care has shortcomings for health care workers that want to practice sustainable patient-centered health care. Therefore, a new digital interactive platform was developed: Prisma.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the development of a digital consultation platform (Prisma) to connect GPs with hospital specialists via the Siilo application and to evaluate the first year of use, including consultations, topic diversity, and number of participating physicians.

METHODS

We conducted a mixed methods observational study, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data for cases posted on the platform between June 2018 and May 2020. Any GP can post questions to an interdisciplinary group of secondary care specialists, with the platform designed to facilitate discussion and knowledge exchange for all users.

RESULTS

In total, 3674 cases were posted by 424 GPs across 16 specialisms. Most questions and answers concerned diagnosis, nonmedical treatment, and medication. Mean response time was 76 minutes (range 44-252). An average of 3 users engaged with each case (up to 7 specialists). Almost half of the internal medicine cases received responses from at least two specialisms in secondary care, contrasting with about one-fifth for dermatology. Of note, the growth in consultations was steepest for dermatology.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital consultations offer the possibility for GPs to receive quick responses when seeking advice. The interdisciplinary approach of Prisma creates opportunities for digital patient-centered networking.
Privacy, Data Sharing, and Data Security Policies of Women’s mHealth Apps: Scoping Review and Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Alfawzan Najd , Christen Markus , Spitale Giovanni , Biller-Andorno Nikola
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Women’s mobile health (mHealth) is a growing phenomenon in the mobile app global market. An increasing number of women worldwide use apps geared to female audiences (female technology). Given the often private and sensitive nature of the data collected by such apps, an ethical assessment from the perspective of data privacy, sharing, and security policies is warranted.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this scoping review and content analysis was to assess the privacy policies, data sharing, and security policies of women’s mHealth apps on the current international market (the App Store on the Apple operating system [iOS] and Google Play on the Android system).

METHODS

We reviewed the 23 most popular women’s mHealth apps on the market by focusing on publicly available apps on the App Store and Google Play. The 23 downloaded apps were assessed manually by 2 independent reviewers against a variety of user data privacy, data sharing, and security assessment criteria.

RESULTS

All 23 apps collected personal health-related data. All apps allowed behavioral tracking, and 61% (14/23) of the apps allowed location tracking. Of the 23 apps, only 16 (70%) displayed a privacy policy, 12 (52%) requested consent from users, and 1 (4%) had a pseudoconsent. In addition, 13% (3/23) of the apps collected data before obtaining consent. Most apps (20/23, 87%) shared user data with third parties, and data sharing information could not be obtained for the 13% (3/23) remaining apps. Of the 23 apps, only 13 (57%) provided users with information on data security.

CONCLUSIONS

Many of the most popular women’s mHealth apps on the market have poor data privacy, sharing, and security standards. Although regulations exist, such as the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, current practices do not follow them. The failure of the assessed women’s mHealth apps to meet basic data privacy, sharing, and security standards is not ethically or legally acceptable.
Self-help Application for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Based on Exposure and Response Prevention Technique: Prototype Design and Usability Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors:   Ziba Parsa
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common disorder that, due to its debilitating nature, significantly affects personal abilities, job performance, social adjustment, and interpersonal relationships. There are significant barriers to accessing evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy as a first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Mobile health applications (Apps) offer a promising way to improve access to evidence-based therapies while overcoming these barriers.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to design and evaluate a prototype of a self¬-help application for people with contamination OCD based on exposure and response prevention (ERP) technique.

METHODS

This work was developed in four different phases. 1) Needs assessment: Thorough literature review, reviewing existing related programs and apps, and interviewing patients and psychiatrists; 2) Create paper prototype: Considering the functional features identified in the previous phase using wireframe sketcher software. 3)Create digital prototype: developing an actual prototype using Axure RP software based on the information obtained from the evaluation of the paper prototype by expert panel. 4) Prototype usability evaluation: Through a heuristic evaluation with experts and a usability testing with patients using SUS questionnaire.

RESULTS

After requirement analysis, requirements were defined in the areas of information and educational elements and functional capabilities. Prototypes designed based on identified requirements include capabilities such as in-app online self-help group, assessing the severity of the symptoms of the disorder, psychological training, supportive treatment strategies, setting personalized treatment plan, tracking treatment progress through weekly reports provided, anxiety assessment, setting reminder. The results of heuristic evaluation of 5 experts showed that out of the total identified problems, the most problems are related to the” aesthetic and minimalist design” principle and the least problems are related to ”visibility of system status” and” flexibility and efficiency of use”. No problems were identified for “good error message”. Violated problem in the final application should be resolved and refinement can be made based on the experts' comments and suggestions. In usability testing with 10 patients, mean score of patients’ responses in the SUS questionnaire was 76.75 that indicates that the usability of the app prototype is good from the patient's perspective.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of heuristic evaluation with experts made it possible to identify how to provide information and to implement the capabilities in a way that can be more appropriate and easier for the user Furthermore, the results of the usability evaluation with potential prototype users showed the that implementing remote treatment with mobile app can be promising to help people with contamination OCD.
DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF INDIRECT MULTI-PORTIONED TYPE SOLAR DRYER FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE
Authors: HAQ IJAZ UL , AZAM HUSNAIN , FIRDOUS NIDA , MUDDASSIR MUHAMMAD , SAHAR AMNA , SALEEM HAROON , USMAN MUHAMMAD , MAJEED ADIL
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to minimize post-harvest damages and improve the handling of agricultural commodities. The secondary objective was to assess the performance of the dryer by varying inlet velocity of air on temperature, final moisture of the product, drying period, and drying rate
METHODS: The present research was carried out for the development, fabrication, and testing of a multi-portioned type solar dryer. The multi-portioned dryer consisted of a collector unit, air storage chamber, drying cabins, and a chimney. A fan assembly was also attached at the inlet of the collector and at the outlet of the drying compartment to control the air velocity and to remove the moist air.
RESULTS: The data obtained from the experiments revealed that the maximum temperature elevation of 36.5oC was attained during a no-load test. The results obtained after carrying out load tests revealed that the maximum drying rate of 47 g/hr was achieved at the air inlet velocity of 3.2 m/s. The initial moisture content of 80.50% was brought down to 3.31% in five sunshine hours of 150 gram sliced potatoes. Each portion received air at varying speeds, and it was observed that the portion receiving air at the lowest speed had the maximum temperature.
CONCLUSION: The lowest temperature elevation was recorded for the portion receiving air at the highest speed. The dryer was also found to be suitable for the on-field practical application for the drying of perishable commodities.
RATIONALE BEHIND THE COMPARISON OF KABA SURAM AND OTHER SURAMS WITH CORONAVIRUS DISEASE AND OTHER VIRAL FEVERS – A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: RENGARAJU MANICKAVASAGAM , KADARKARAI KANAKAVALLI
Published: September 2021

Objectives: This article intended to discuss about the rationale behind the comparison of coronavirus disease (COVID 19) and other viral fevers signs and symptoms with “Kaba Suram” and others Surams signs and symptoms with available source of Siddha literatures. Materials and Methods: Research Type: Systemic review. Design: Literature review will be done by collection of available text references from authenticated Siddha texts. Reference Authenticated Siddha Texts: 1. Yugimuni Vaithya Sinthamani, 2. Sura Vagadam, 3. Theran Karisal, 4. Theran Yamaga Venba, and 5. Sura Venba. Conclusion: Based on inference derived from Results and Discussion, we came to conclude that signs and symptoms of various viral fevers (COVID-19, dengue, chikungunya, and swine flu) are most commonly matched with the signs and symptoms of Kaba Suram, Pitha Suram, Vatha Suram, and Kaba Pitha Suram which are already mentioned in Siddhar authenticated texts.
IMPLICATIONS OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE-19 ON CLINICAL CLERKSHIP AND HOSPITAL POSTINGS
Authors: ADETUNJI BUSAYO
Published: September 2021

The coronavirus pandemic hit the world sweeping through all parts of the world, crumbling economies, and overwhelming health systems. Undergraduate medical education has been totally disrupted and put to a stop. As Nigeria braces to open on medical schools and clinical rotation about to begin, the palpable panic that accompanies patients-students spread of the virus will definitely affect undergraduate medical education in Nigeria. At present, little is known in Nigeria about the long-term effects of Coronavirus disease-19 on clinical clerkship and undergraduate medical education and adaptations to juxtapose future pandemics with medical education. This review accesses risks, plans, and policies in place and how they will affect undergraduate medical education.
TEAM-BASED LEARNING VS LECTURE-BASED LEARNING IN MEDICAL EDUCATION
Authors: IRFAN ASFIA , NAZ SANA , MEHMOOD ZAHID , NASEEM ZEHRA , NAZ KANWAL , RAZZAK SAAD ABDUL
Published: September 2021

Objective: The objective of the study is to determine better mode of learning for medical graduates by comparing team-based learning (TBL) and lecture-based learning methods.
Study Design: Comparative analytical study.
Place and Duration of Study: Surgical Ward 25 of Endocrine and General surgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, in April 2019.
Methodology: This comparative study was based on the principles of TBL; the control program used the traditional lecture-based approach. Both programs were aimed at investigating the knowledge and performance of the two groups. Thirty surgical interns were included in this study. Two groups were made by random selection of surgical interns, 15 in TBL group and other 15 in traditional teaching group. TBL group (Group A) was given the topic of thyroid diseases for self-study followed by 1 h discussion amongst the group members. Lecture-based group (Group B) was given 1 h powerpoint presentation on similar topic. As the main outcome measures, questionnaire containing twenty best choice questions was given to both groups. Performance of the two groups was checked and results calculated as total, average, and standard deviation.
Results: Group A participants’ total score (147) was higher than Group B (131) but the p-value was not found to be significant (0.144).
Conclusion: Both forms of learning methods are effective and productive in medical education.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE POWER POLITICS IN THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS AND THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR, 1918-1945
Authors: MICHAEL EDIAGBONYA
Published: September 2021

This paper discusses the power politics in the League of Nations. It examines the League of Nations as a formal international organisation whose purpose was the maintenance of world peace. It analyse the gross oppression of the major European powers over the smaller nations, as well as engaging in bitter rivalry yet the League of Nations could not take decisive actions. The inability of the League of Nations to prevent the occurrence of the Second World War also came to focus. Data for the study was obtained through oral interview as primary sources and secondary sources such as books, newspapers, articles, theses, dissertation journals etc. It was found that the establishment of the League of Nations became an acceptable concept because of casualties and devastation associated with the First World War. It was demonstrated that the League of Nations later became a toothless bull dog because it could not prevent the constant violations of its covenant by the major European powers. It was also found that the second world could have been avoided if the organisation was proactive in handling the issues that led to the war. It concluded that the League of Nations lacked the cohesive force to adequately intervene in conflict and crises.
CAUSES AND PSYCHOSOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN AMBO TOWN MARRIED WOMEN
Authors: FAYERA MULISA , GETACHEW ABERA
Published: September 2021

Intimate partner violence is a pattern of coercive tactics that can include physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and emotional abuses against intimate partners, with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control. The aim of this study is to investigate intimate partner violence and associated factors in Ambo town. The participants of the study were household women between the age15 to 49. Data were collected by using both quantitative and qualitative methods. To collect the quantitative data, 389 household women of Ambo Town were randomly selected for closeended questionnaire. In qualitative method , 12 participants (six women were victims of IPV and six other married women) were purposely selected for semi structured and 10 key informants were also purposely selected for Focus group discussion. The data collected from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools through SPSS.20 and the qualitative data was analyzed narratively. The results of the study demonstrated that from the total 389 sample, 343 women did not agree with their husband and only 46 women reported that they agree with their husband. This shows that there was a problem of disagreement between wives and their husbands. Besides, causes and psychosocial consequences of IPV were directly related with intimate partner violence.
WOMEN´S PERCEPTIONS OF MENOPAUSE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE MEANING OF LIFE AND THE CULTURE O FEAR
Authors: GUILLÉN FLOR IVETT REYES
Published: September 2021

In this article, an analysis of the results found in a research whose objective was to know the perceptions of women about menopause and its relationship with the culture of fear is presented. Information was obtained through structured interviews. The analysis focused on the recognition of its importance and the presence of fear before this stage of life. Likewise, the results were analyzed in relation to the importance of the meaning of life as the goal of human existence, without forgetting the relationship of this theme with fear. Fear was an agent of control of our aspirations and the identification of our scope. Important results were obtained in relation to both the fear of old age and the fear of death. A group of women under the age of forty and a group of women over the age of 40 years were interviewed. The young women who participated in the study expressed fear of death, and they are saddened to leave unfinished projects; while the fear reflected by older women generates that same sadness but directed only to the purely familiar aspects.
De vuelta a casa: el retorno de los jóvenes españoles desde Europa
Authors: González-Martín Beatriz , Pumares Pablo
Published: September 2021

El contexto de crisis económica y el marco de libre circulación en la Unión Europea han estimulado una significativa salida de jóvenes españoles hacia Europa. La novedad de volver a ser país de emigración, tras el boom inmigratorio vivido, y el recuerdo de tiempos pasados, han puesto el énfasis en la importancia de esta movilidad de jóvenes españoles y en la pérdida de talento que conlleva. En cambio, se ha prestado menos atención a la ganancia de capital humano que puede entrañar que retornen, lo cual dependerá de quién retorne y de las posibilidades que tenga de utilizar lo aprendido. El artículo analiza los factores que afectan en la decisión de retornar o quedarse, y la influencia que tienen en qué tipos de emigrantes regresan y su posterior desempeño en España. Se sustentará en 80 entrevistas a jóvenes españoles retornados de Alemania, Reino Unido o Italia, realizadas en 2015 en el marco del proyecto XXXX.
Se hace camino al andar. Reemigración de latinoamericanos desde España hacia otros países europeos (2006-2018)
Authors: Pérez-Caramés Antía , Domínguez-Mujica Josefina , Ortega-Rivera Enrique
Published: September 2021

Es sobradamente conocido el impacto migratorio de la crisis económica de 2008 en España: la contracción de la inmigración y el aumento de los flujos de emigración, tanto de españoles como de extranjeros, ya fuera en este último caso por retorno o por reemigración a un tercer país. Con el objetivo de profundizar en esta última tendencia, este artículo dirige su atención a los ciudadanos nacidos en países latinoamericanos que emigraron desde España hacia otros destinos europeos, tratando de demostrar que la reemigración revela una identidad cambiante y resiliente más allá de la crisis. Para ello, esta investigación complementa la aproximación cuantitativa a los flujos de reemigración, con un análisis cualitativo a partir de entrevistas semiestructuradas. Las respuestas y declaraciones de los reemigrantes permiten desvelar las circunstancias, motivaciones y estrategias que guiaron su iniciativa de volver a emigrar, así como sus complejos  sentimientos de pertenencia.
Estimulando la mejora de comunicaciones en los Encuentros o Reuniones de Trabajo de los Comités de Investigación de la FES
Authors: García Calavia Miguel Ángel , Moreno Colom Sara
Published: September 2021

Con motivo de la celebración del V Encuentro del Comité de Investigación de Sociología del Trabajo, se convocaron sendos premios de Mejores Comunicaciones Junior y Senior. El objetivo de este premio era doble: por un lado, estimular la presentación de comunicaciones bien sistematizadas que hagan los encuentros más fructíferos; por otro, reconocer esta labor dentro del ámbito de la Sociología del Trabajo e incrementar la visibilidad científica y académica de dicha área de conocimiento.  Los premiados fueron Tiago Vieira por su comunicación “Autoexplotación entre trabajadores de distribución por plataformas: el caso de Glovo” y Pablo Sanz del Río por su comunicación “Corporatismo y coproducción en la lucha contra el empleo irregular: un estudio de caso”.
Luis Enrique Alonso, Carlos J. Fernández Rodríguez y Rafael Ibáñez Rojo, R. (Eds.). Estudios sociales sobre el consumo. Madrid: Centro de investigaciones sociológicas, 2020
Authors: De Castro Pericacho Carlos
Published: September 2021

Este volumen puede considerarse como un estado de la cuestión del campo de la sociología del consumo en España. En él participan algunos de los investigadores más reconocidos de todas las franjas generacionales desde los más reputados y consolidados hasta los/as más jóvenes. Esta apertura en la selección de voces también se refleja en el propio contenido del volumen. Los compiladores sostienen que la pluralidad o fragmentación de un objeto de investigación como el consumo en las sociedades contemporáneas requiere una aproximación plural desde el punto de vista epistemológico y metodológico. Así pues, el volumen recoge una amplia muestra de los paradigmas teóricos presentes en la sociología del consumo, así como de las aproximaciones metodológicas.
Identifying Silent Fungal Infections Complicating Obstructive Uropathy Due to Renal Papillary Necrosis in Diabetic Patients –A Step Towards Preventing Recurrent Obstructive Uropathy
Authors: Kone Kalyanaram , Nagaraj Parthiban , Mallikarjun Naveen Thimiri , Philipraj Joseph
Published: September 2021

Introduction and Objectives: Renal papillary necrosis is one of the common causes of obstructive uropathy in diabetic patients. During removal of necrosed renal papilla, many patients were observed to have fluffy necrotic material in the ureter, and renal pelvis, and a few among them present again with recurrent episodes of obstructive uropathy and sepsis following DJ stent removal. Our study aimed to identify the significance of this fluffy necrotic material and its evaluation by histopathological examination (HPE).

Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study done in our institute by compiling data of 56 patients admitted with obstructive uropathy secondary to renal papillary necrosis who underwent a protocol-based treatment from 2016 to 2019. All these patients underwent initial DJ stenting followed by check flexible ureteroscopy or nephroscopy after 6 weeks. The white, necrotic fluffy material collected during initial DJ stenting or with subsequent flexible ureteronephroscopy was sent for HPE. All these patients were followed up for 1-3 years.

Results: Out of 56 patients, 15 patients had fluffy necrotic material in the bladder on initial cystoscopy, of which 1 patient was diagnosed with aspergillosis and 1 patient with candida infection on HPE. During check flexible ureteroscopy (FU), 19 patients had minimal burden of fluffy necrotic material in renal pelvis, of which one patient was diagnosed with aspergillosis, one with candida (same patient diagnosed on cystoscopy), and one patient with both aspergillus and candida colonies on HPE. 5 patients had the significant burden of fluffy necrotic material in the renal pelvis, requiring removal via percutaneous nephroscopic access. Among these 5 patients, 2 were diagnosed with aspergillosis and 1 with candida infection on HPE. A total of 32 patients had single papilla, and 24 had multiple papillae in the pelvicalyceal system. 5 out of 7 patients with positive fungal pathology had negative fungal cultures. Compared to our historical data of 4% mortality and 22% recurrent obstructive uropathy in the 3 years preceding the adoption of this protocol, with the present protocol, no patient developed recurrent pyelonephritis during follow-up of 1–3 years after DJ stent removal following complete evacuation of necrotic material and appropriate antifungal treatment.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for check ureterorenoscopy and removal of all necrotic papillae and debris to establish a microbiological and histopathological diagnosis along with proper antifungal treatment to prevent episodes of recurrent pyelonephritis and obstructive uropathy.
The political AI
Authors: Gyulai Attila , Ujlaki Anna
Published: September 2021

This article adopts a political theoretical perspective to address the problem of AI regulation. By disregarding the political problem of enforceability, it is argued that the applied ethics approach dominant in the discussions on AI regulation is incomplete. Applying realist political theory, the article demonstrates how prescriptive accounts of the development, use, and functioning of AI are necessarily political. First, the political nature of the problem is investigated by focusing on the use of AI in politics on the one hand and the political nature of the AI regulation problem on the other. Second, the article claims that by revisiting some of the oldest political and theoretical questions, the discourse on guidelines and regulation can be enriched
through the adoption of AGI and superintelligence as tools for political theoretical inquiry.
Diversity-sensitive social platforms and responsibility
Authors: Reinhardt Karoline
Published: September 2021

There is an ongoing debate on how algorithms and machine learning can and should deal with human diversity while avoiding the pitfalls of statistical stereotyping, the re-enforcement of clichés and the perpetuation of unjust discrimination. Computer
scientists try to tackle these issues by developing algorithms and social-interaction protocols for mediating diversity-aware interactions between people, for instance on diversity-sensitive social platforms. At the same time, diversity-related data often comprise sensitive personal data, and their collection, storage and management increases the vulnerability of users to various misuse scenarios. Already this observation leads to the question, how do we need to conceptualize responsibility to do justice to the increased vulnerability? In this paper, I thus focus on the questions a diversity-sensitive social platform raises with regard to responsibility, and propose a tentative ethical framework of responsibility for these platforms.
The emperor is naked
Authors: Vică Constantin , Voinea Cristina , Uszkai Radu
Published: September 2021

With AI permeating our lives, there is widespread concern regarding the proper framework needed to morally assess and regulate it. This has given rise to many attempts to devise ethical guidelines that infuse guidance for both AI development
and deployment. Our main concern is that, instead of a genuine ethical interest for AI, we are witnessing moral diplomacies resulting in moral bureaucracies battling for moral supremacy and political domination. After providing a short overview
of what we term ‘ethics washing’ in the AI industry, we analyze the 2021 UNESCO Intergovernmental Meeting of Experts (Category II) tasked with drafting the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and show why the term ‘moral diplomacy’ is better suited to explain what is happening in the field of the ethics of AI. Our paper ends with some general considerations regarding the future of the ethics of AI.
AI and the resurrection of Technological Determinism
Authors: Héder Mihály
Published: September 2021

This paper elaborates on the connection between the AI regulation fever and the generic concept of Social Control of Technology. According to this analysis, the amplitude of the regulatory efforts may reflect the lock-in potential of the technology in question. Technological lock-in refers to the ability of a limited set of actors to force subsequent generations onto a certain technological trajectory, hence evoking a new interpretation of Technological Determinism. The nature of digital machines
amplifies their lock-in potential as the multiplication and reuse of such technology is typically almost cost-free. I sketch out how AI takes this to a new level because it can be software and an autonomous agent simultaneously.
First-in-Human Use of a Novel 4D Intracardiac Echocardiography Catheter To Guide Interventional Electrophysiology Procedures
Authors: Kaplan Rachel , Narang Akhil , Gay Hawkins , Gao Xu , Gibreal Mohammed , Arora Rishi , Chicos Alexandru , Kim Susan , Passman Rod , Patil Kaustubha , Pfenniger Anna , Verma Nishant , Lin Albert , Knight Bradley
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Standard two-dimensional (2D), phased-array intracardiac
echocardiography (ICE) is routinely used to guide interventional
electrophysiology (EP) procedures. A novel four-dimensional (4D) ICE
catheter (VeriSight Pro®, Philips, Andover, MA) can obtain 2D and
three-dimensional (3D) volumetric images and cine-videos in real time
(4D). The purpose of this study was to determine the early feasibility
and safety of this 4D ICE catheter during EP procedures. Methods: The 4D
ICE catheter was placed from the femoral vein in ten patients into
various cardiac chambers to guide EP procedures requiring transseptal
catheterization, including ablation for atrial fibrillation and left
atrial appendage closure. 2D- and 3D- ICE images were acquired in real
time by the electrophysiologist. A dedicated imaging expert performed
digital steering to optimize and post-process 4D images. Results: Eight
patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation (cryoballoon in 7 patients,
pulsed field ablation in 1, additional radiofrequency left atrial
ablation in 1). Two patients underwent left atrial appendage closure.
High quality images of cardiac structures, transseptal catheterization
equipment, guide sheaths, ablation tools, and closure devices were
acquired with the ICE catheter tip positioned in the right atrium, left
atrium, pulmonary vein, coronary sinus, right ventricle, and pulmonary
artery. There were no complications. Conclusion: This is the
first-in-human experience of a novel deflectable 4D ICE catheter used to
guide EP procedures. 4D ICE imaging in safe and allows for acquisition
of high-quality 2D and 3D images in real-time. Further use of 4D ICE
will be needed to determine its added value for each EP procedure type.
Comparative efficacy of 5 surgical methods in the treatment of mitral regurgitation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Weimin , Hou Biao , Zhang Yuhai , Li Qin , Wang Liang
Published: September 2021

Objective This study has been compared the effectiveness of different
surgical methods in the treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR) in adults
by using network meta-analysis method, so as to provide reference for
clinical selection of the best surgical scheme. Methods The PubMed,
EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI and Chongqing VIP Information
databases were comprehensively searched until December 2020. We
collected retrospective comparative studies on surgical procedures
including 3D endoscopic mitral valve surgery(3D-MVS), robot assisted
mitral valve surgery(R-MVS); totally thoracoscopic mitral valve
surgery(T-MVS), small incision mitral valve surgery (M-MVS) and
traditional thoracotomy mitral valve surgery(C-MVS). Addis1.16.8
software was used for network meta-analysis. Results A total of 31
studies were included, 12998 patients, involving 5 surgical methods.
Network Meta analysis showed that: in terms of complications (OR: 0.65,
95% CI: 0.13 to 3.00, probability rank = 0.37) and mitral regurgitation
(OR:0.03, 95%CI: 0.0 to 8315, probability rank=0.64), the 3D-MVS group
had the lowest event rate. In terms of blood transfusion rate (OR: 0.55,
95% CI: 0.16 to 1.84, probability rank=0.45), T-MVS had the lowest
event rate. In addition, with the exception of operation time and chest
drainage, the R-MVS group has the best curative effect. Conclusion These
minimally invasive surgery has their own advantages and disadvantages.
Overall, 3D-MVS is most satisfactory, but more samples are needed.
A xylose-utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain serves as a better host for producing acetyl-CoA derived n-butanol
Authors: Lee Yeon Jung , Tran Phuong Hoang Nguyen , Ko Ja Kyong , Gong Gyeongtaek , um youngsoon , Han Sung Ok , Lee Sun-Mi
Published: September 2021

Efficient xylose catabolism in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae
enables more economical lignocellulosic biorefinery with improved
production yields per unit of biomass. Yet, the product profile of
glucose/xylose co-fermenting S. cerevisiae is mainly limited to
bioethanol and a few other chemicals. Here, we introduced an
n-butanol-biosynthesis pathway into a glucose/xylose co-fermenting S.
cerevisiae strain (XUSEA) to evaluate its potential on the production of
acetyl-CoA derived products. Higher n-butanol production of
glucose/xylose co-fermenting strain was explained by the transcriptomic
landscape, which revealed strongly increased acetyl-CoA and NADPH pools
when compared to a glucose fermenting wild-type strain. The acetate
supplementation expected to support acetyl-CoA pool further increased
n-butanol production, which was also validated during the fermentation
of lignocellulosic hydrolysates containing acetate. Our findings imply
the feasibility of lignocellulosic biorefinery for producing fuels and
chemicals derived from a key intermediate of acetyl-CoA through
glucose/xylose co-fermentation.
Human vaccine candidate (DDVax) development against Rift Valley Fever: dissemination safety studies in mosquitoes
Authors: Campbell Corey L. , Snell Trey K. , Bennett Susi , Wyckoff John , Harris Emma K. , Hartman Daniel A. , Lian Elena , Bird Brian , Stenglein Mark D. , Bowen Richard , Kading Rebekah , Darragh *
Published: September 2021

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen with
significant human and veterinary health consequences that periodically
emerges in epizootics. RVF causes fetal loss and death in ruminants and
in humans can lead to liver and renal disease, delayed-onset
encephalitis, retinitis, and in some cases severe hemorrhagic fever. A
live attenuated vaccine candidate (DDVax), was developed by the deletion
of the virulence factors NSs and NSm from a clinical isolate, ZH501, and
has proven safe and immunogenic in rodents, pregnant sheep and non-human
primates. Deletion of NSm also severely restricted mosquito midgut
infection and inhibited vector-borne transmission. To demonstrate
environmental safety, this study investigated the replication,
dissemination and transmission efficiency of DDVax in mosquitoes
following oral exposure compared to RVFV strains MP-12 and ZH501.
Infection and dissemination profiles were also measured in mosquitoes 7
days after feeding on goats inoculated with DDvax or MP-12. Hypothesis:
DDVax should infect mosquitoes at significantly lower rates than other
RVF strains and, due to lack of NSm, be transmission
incompetent. Exposure of Ae. aegypti and Cx. tarsalis to
6-8 log plaque forming units (PFU)/mL DDVax by
artificial bloodmeal resulted in significantly reduced DDVax infection
rates in mosquito bodies compared to controls. Plaque assays indicated
negligible transmission of infectious DDVax in Cx. tarsalis
saliva (1/140 sampled) and none in Ae aegypti saliva (0/120).
Serum from goats inoculated with DDVax or MP-12 did not harbor
detectable infectious virus by plaque assay at 1, 2, or 3
days-post-inoculation; infectious virus was, however, recovered from
mosquito bodies that fed on goats vaccinated with MP-12 (13.8% and
4.6%, respectively), but strikingly, DDvax positive mosquito bodies
were greatly reduced (4%, and 0%, respectively). Furthermore, DDVax
did not disseminate to legs/wings in any of the goat-fed mosquitoes. 
Collectively, these results are consistent with a beneficial
environmental safety profile .
The effect of aortic esophageal fistula treatment after TEVAR with artificial vessel bypass（Single center clinical experience）
Authors: Tang Tiansheng , Wang Taoyuan , Ding Zhiwei , Wu Changjuan , Jian Kaitao , Liu Jianshi
Published: September 2021

Objective: To investigate the effect of aortic esophageal fistula
treatment after thoracic aortic endovascular repair (TEVAR) with
artificial vessel bypass. Methods: The clinical data of 6 consecutive
patients who received surgical treatment at Shanghai Deda Hospital from
September 2019 to June 2021 due to aortic esophageal fistula after TEVAR
were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males, aged (47.7±8.2) years
old (range: 35-56 years old). All patients had recurrent fever, and 4
patients had positive blood cultures. According to the specific
conditions of the patients, all patients underwent artificial blood
vessel bypass and jejunostomy under general anesthesia without
extracorporeal circulation. One case underwent artificially infected
vascular segment resection and esophageal repair at the same time. 5
cases underwent artificial infection vascular resection, 4 of them
underwent esophageal repair, and 1 case had a large intraoperative
fistula and local resection of the esophagus. Sensitive antibacterial
drugs were continued after the operation for 6 to 8 weeks. Results:
There were 2 deaths in hospital, 1 case of large cerebral infarction
early postoperatively, and 1 case of septic shock. The remaining 4
patients recovered well after the operation and were discharged. The
follow-up period was 2 to 23 months. During the follow-up period, the
remaining patients had no recurrence of infection and esophageal
fistula. Conclusion ：In patients with aortic esophageal fistula after
TEVAR, the establishment of artificial vascular bypass, the resection of
the infected vascular segment, contemporaneous or staged esophageal
repair, regular anti-infective treatment can obtain a good prognosis.
So Many Ways…
Authors: Hashmi Fayyaz
Published: September 2021

Enlargement of left ventricular outflow tract using an autologous
pericardial patch for the anterior mitral valve leaflet and septal
myectomy through trans-mitral approach for the hypertrophic obstructive
cardiomyopathy Zhang et al (1) describe their experience in septal
myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Of 247 consecutive
cases with HOCM treated during 2016-2019 with a variety of techniques,
this report is on 16 patients who underwent trans-mitral septal myectomy
and enlargement of left ventricular outflow with an autologous
pericardial patch in transverse configuration. The technique reportedly
decreased the gradient from average 90+ to 10+ mm Hg and resolved
systolic anterior leaflet motion in all with only mild residual mitral
regurgitation. There were no deaths or any other major complications in
this group. It is a small group of patients with excellent result but no
definitive conclusion can be drawn regarding validity of the technique
from this study. The controversy remains regarding the approach,
trans-aortic vs. trans-mitral and whether leaflets should be left alone,
plicated or lengthened as well as whether mitral valve should be
repaired or replaced in addition to septal myectomy. One certainty
remains, extended myectomy done either way, is the foundation of the
surgical treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Pediatric anterior larynx: presentations and associations
Authors: Smaily Hussein , El-Hakim Ismaeel , El-Hakim Hamdy
Published: September 2021

Objective: The literature on the entity of the anterior larynx (AL) is
restricted to little evidence on the difficulty encountered in exposing
the larynx for intubation, perioperative morbidity and mortality, and
scant reports on its prevalence in general adults and children. We here
describe the prevalence of AL in a series of children presenting with
aerodigestive symptoms and explore its association with functional
abnormalities, congenital and structural anomalies or conditions.
Setting: Tertiary pediatric center Methods: we conducted a retrospective
case-control study. Using a prospectively collected surgical database we
identified patients diagnosed with AL (grades IIb-III-IV Modified
Cormack-Lehane scale) and sex and age-matched controls who had undergone
full airway endoscopy for aerodigestive symptoms. We collected the
demographics, presentations, associated diagnoses, and investigations.
We compared the proportion of patients with large airway abnormalities
and dysmorphism and estimated the prevalence of AL. Results: over a
5.5-year period, 58 children (28 females) were matched with 58 controls.
Although both groups presented with permutations of stridor, respiratory
failure, cyanotic spells, swallowing and feeding difficulties and SDB,
AL presented much more with swallowing and feeding problems (33 vs 20,
p<0.05). There were significantly more children with
dysmorphism in the AL group (29 vs 9, P < 0.05). The
prevalence of AL was 4.9%. Conclusions: This is the first study to
report the prevalence of AL amongst a cohort of children with
aerodigestive symptoms. Its significant association with dysmorphic
features warrants genetic consultation. It is associated with swallowing
abnormalities that justifies a systematic instrumental evaluation
Predicting postoperative hypertension among patients with ventricular septal defect in infants.
Authors: Kawamura Junpei , Ueno Kentaro , Shimozono Tsubasa , Takahashi Yoshihiro , Nakae Koji , Okamoto Yasuhiro
Published: September 2021

Background: Patients with strong pulmonary vascular occlusive lesions
are at risk of developing postoperative pulmonary hypertension (PH). We
aimed to evaluate preoperative right ventricular (RV) function in
patients with ventricular septal defect (VSD) who required cardiac
surgery during infancy and consequently developed postoperative PH and
to determine whether we could preliminarily evaluate postoperative PH in
these patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 55 infants with VSD
who underwent cardiac surgery between March 2014 and April 2020. We
evaluated the measurements of preoperative general function and 2D
strain between these two groups: a group with postoperative PH (post-PH,
n=10) and a group without postoperative PH (post-NPH, n=45). Results:
Post-PH patients had a significantly lower tricuspid annular plane
systolic excursion (TAPSE) (11.1 mm), TAPSERA (the proportion of TAPSE
due to right atrial (RA) contraction alone) (7.0 mm), RA ejection
fraction (36.1 %) and RA expansion index (56.4 %) than the post-NPH
patients. Furthermore, the post-PH group had a significantly lower peak
RA longitudinal strain (PRALS) (32.0 %) than the post-NPH group
(43.0%). Multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that PRALS
was independent echocardiographic parameters for the presence of post-PH
(OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.36, p = 0.03) . The sensitivity and
specificity of predicting post-PH for ≤ 35 % of the PRALS were 88.9 %
and 70.0 %, respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.85 (p
< 0.01). Conclusion: RA parameters demonstrated preoperative
RV diastolic dysfunction in the post-PH group. PRALS could be useful
factors for predicting postoperative PH.
USING CORONARY SINUS DIAMETER AND COLLAPSE INDEX TO ESTIMATE RIGHT ATRIAL PRESSURE FOR ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC SYSTOLIC PULMONARY ARTERIAL PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
Authors: SAYDAM GÜNDÜZALP , Kilinc Ali , Tosun Veysel , Korucuk Necmettin , Guntekin Unal , yaman mehmet
Published: September 2021

Objective: According to Bernoulli Equation, systolic pulmonary artery
pressure is obtained echocardiographically by adding estimated right
atrial pressure (RAP) to the multiply of square of tricuspid
regurgitation flow rate by four. RAP is estimated based on inferior vena
cava (IVC) diameter and collapse. Our objective is to investigate
usability of coronary sinus(CS) diameter and collapse, measured by
echocardiography for estimating RAP. Methods: Our study is a single
center, prospective study. 136 patients, over 18 years of age and
without exclusion criteria, who admitted to Akdeniz University Hospital
Cardiology Department between March 2017 and March 2018 and were
scheduled to undergo right heart catheterization for any reason were
included study. Results: Patients were divided into two groups as
invasively measured RAP ≥10 mmHg (n: 57) and RAP <10 mmHg (n:
79). In group with RAP ≥10 mmHg, maximum IVC and CS diameter were higher
than group with RAP <10 mmHg, IVC and CS collapse indices were
lower (p <0.001). Optimal cut-off value for maximum IVC
diameter was 19.6 mm (sensitivity 63.2%, specificity 87.3%), for IVC
collapse index was 46.1 (sensitivity 75%, specificity 79.7%), for
maximum CS diameter was 11 mm (sensitivity 64.9%, specificity 77%),
for CS collapse index was 39.2 (sensitivity 75.4%, specificity 88.6%).
Conclusion: Significant relationship was found between invasively
measured RAP and maximum IVC diameter, collapse index and maximum CS
diameter and collapse index. Results of CS parameters were as
significant as results of IVC parameters therefore it shows that CS can
also be used for estimating RAP.
Wandering spleen with splenic arteriovenous torsion
Authors: Hashiguchi Genichi , Hamada Takashi , Yamashita Mampei , Kuroki Tamotsu
Published: September 2021

This was a rare case of wandering spleen with splenomegaly and abdominal
pain due to splenic arteriovenous torsion after childbirth.
Segregation and intermixing in polydisperse liquid-solid fluidized beds: A multi-fluid model validation study
Authors: Tiwari Shashank S. , Ghatage Swapnil V. , Joshi Jyeshtharaj , Kong Bo
Published: September 2021

Multifluid model (MFM) simulations have been carried out on liquid-solid
fluidized beds (LSFB) consisting of binary and higher-order polydisperse
particle mixtures. The role of particle-particle interactions was found
to be as crucial as the drag force under laminar and homogenous LSFB
flow regimes. The commonly used particle-particle closure models are
designed for turbulent and heterogeneous gas-solid flow regimes and thus
exhibit limited to no success when implemented for LSFB operating under
laminar and homogenous conditions. A need is perceived to carry out
Direct Numerical Simulations of liquid-solid flows and extract data from
them to develop rational closure terms to account for the physics of
LSFB. Finally, a recommendation flow regime map signifying the
performance of the MFM has been proposed. This map will act as a
potential guideline to identify whether or not the bed expansion
characteristics of a given polydisperse LSFB can be correctly simulated
using MFM closures tested.
Mechanism study of the pyrolysis of acetylene based on reaction molecular dynamics
Authors: Zhang Minhua , Zhou Baofeng , Chen Yifei , Gong Hao
Published: September 2021

In the utilization of acetylene as the raw material in chemical
engineering, the understanding of its pyrolysis mechanism is a key issue
to avoid its explosion. The ReaxFF molecular dynamics method has been
employed to explore the pyrolysis process of acetylene at different
temperatures and pressures, and the reaction mechanism and kinetic model
were determined. The simulation results showed that the pyrolysis
mechanism of acetylene can be divided into three temperature ranges. The
simulation results further revealed the influence of pressure on the
pyrolysis of acetylene. Through the identification, quantification and
evaluation of the reaction trajectory, the reaction network for the
pyrolysis of acetylene to generate species below C10 is obtained.The
kinetic model of acetylene pyrolysis has been revised and perfected, and
the results obtained are in good agreement with the experimental data.
The role of food allergy in the etiology of infantile eosinophilic pustular folliculitis
Authors: Metin Zuhal , Metin Mustafa
Published: September 2021

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) of infancy (EPFI), as a rare
variant of EPF, is an inflammatory dermatosis characterized by recurrent
outbreaks, itchy papulopustules and involvement of scalp and other body
areas. In our case, we present a 3-month-old boy with persistent itchy
vesiculopustular rashes on the scalp, hands and feet, eosinophilia in
the peripheral blood test, widespread eosinophil clusters in the swab of
the pustule and egg allergy in the skin prick test. This is the first
case of EPFI associated with food allergy that is permanently suppressed
by elimination diet with the limited use of cetirizine.