bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malaria Case Management in Children at a Lower-Level Health Facility In Kampala: A mixed methods study
Authors: Ajilong Harriet , Nankunda Jolly , Rujumba Joseph , Bongomin Felix , Ndeezi Grace
Published: September 2022

Background: Malaria is often diagnosed and treated clinically despite negative test results in low-resource settings. This has resulted in substantial overuse of antimalarial drugs and delays in the diagnosis of other febrile illnesses thereby increasing mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to describe the malaria diagnosis and treatment practices for uncomplicated malaria among children aged 2-59 months with fever at a health center in Kampala district.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study was carried out at Kisenyi health center IV between January and February 2014. A total of 420 children aged 2-59 months with fever were consecutively enrolled. Information regarding malaria diagnosis and treatment practices were extracted from medical records as caretakers exited from the health facility. Key informant interviews were conducted with selected health workers at the facility. Quantitative data was analyzed using STATA version 10 into proportions, means and medians where appropriate while qualitative data was analyzed using the content thematic approach.
Results: Of the 420 children with fever enrolled, 162(38.6%) were prescribed antimalarial drugs without laboratory evaluation. Of the 206 patients who were tested for malaria, all the confirmed positive cases and 72(35%) who tested negative were prescribed antimalarial drugs. Majority of the patients (81%) received artemether- lumefantrine, the recommended first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria while a small proportion (15%) was prescribed non recommended antimalarial therapies. From logistic regression, history of antimalarial drug use was found to be significantly associated with laboratory diagnosis of malaria (p-value 0.02)
Conclusions: Appropriate malaria case diagnosis and treatment is still a challenge in lower-level health facilities. A large proportion of febrile illnesses is clinically diagnosed and treated as malaria and many patients are prescribed antimalarial drugs despite negative test results. This has led to continued misuse of antimalarial drugs and under diagnosis of other causes of fever in children thereby increasing mortality and morbidity.
Recommendations: To achieve the universal “test and treat” strategy for malaria case management and control, stakeholders should ensure regular supply of laboratory diagnostic equipment. Regular refresher training is needed so that health workers adhere to the recommended national malaria treatment guidelines. Emphasis should be put on proper examination and treatment of alternative causes of children in fever.
Low (0-5) Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score on Admission Predictive of Worse Functional Outcome after Mechanical Thrombectomy for Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion
Authors: Li Jinze , Duan Jinfeng , Zhang Luojin , Chen Jingshu , Duan yang , Yang Benqiang
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
We examined functional outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) procedures following anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (ACLVO)-related acute ischemic strokes (AIS). Results were based on admission non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) studies, using the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) as standard metric.
METHODS
Qualifying subjects were consecutive patients (N = 327) at a single center undergoing MT for ACLVO-related AIS. Each was grouped according to ASPECTS status on admission, determined from NCCT images by two physicians. Primary clinical endpoint was functional independence, assessed via modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Secondary endpoints were vessel recanalization (ie, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] score), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality.
RESULTS
In this study population (mean age, 63.6 ± 12.5 years; women, 29.3%; median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score, 15.2 ± 4.5), patients were stratified by ASPECTS tier at presentation, either 0–5 (n = 43) or 6–10 (n = 284). Multivariate logistic regression showed a relation between ASPECTS values ≤ 5 and lesser chance of 90-day functional improvement (OR = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-5.80; p = 0.049), once adjusted for age, baseline NIHSS score, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation/flutter, current/prior alcohol intake, HbA1c concentration, D-dimer level, occlusion of internal carotid artery (ICA), occlusion of ICA and middle cerebral artery (ICA + MCA), numbers of device passes, and successful recanalization.
CONCLUSIONS
ASPECTS values ≤ 5 correspond with worse long-term functional improvement (mRS scores > 2) in patients undergoing MT for ACLVO-related AIS. Other independent determinants of functional outcomes after MT are age, baseline NIHSS score, HbA1c concentration, and successful recanalization.
Residual stress control of hot-rolled strips during run-out table cooling
Authors: Wu Hao , Sun Jie , Peng Wen , Zhang Dianhua
Published: September 2022

The strips with good flatness after finish rolling will have flatness defects such as edge wave after run-out table cooling. These defects are caused by the residual stress due to inhomogeneous thermal and microstructural behaviors during the cooling stage. The traditional residual stress control methods rely too much on experience, resulting in poor control effect and poor universality. Therefore, this study proposed two residual stress control methods based on model calculation: water flow central crown, and center wave compensation control. The former is mainly based on controlling the uniformity of strip transverse temperature and microstructure. The latter is mainly controlled by mutual compensation of internal stresses. In this paper, the mathematical models of water flow central crown cooling and critical center wave compensation stress were established respectively. Meanwhile, a post-buckling model of hot-rolled strip was established to calculate the aim flatness value at exit of finishing mill under critical compensation stress. Furthermore, a fully coupled finite element model based on temperature, phase transitions, and stress was developed and it was verified using experimental data. Finally, the above two residual stress control methods were realized in the finite element model. The results showed that the two methods can reduce the residual stress and improve the flatness, and the application of center wave compensation control is more effective.
Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Human Brucella in Northeast China
Authors: Ma Han-rui , Xu Hui-jiao , Wang Xin , Bu Zhao-yang , Yao Teng , Zheng Zun-rong , Sun Yang , Ji Xue , Liu Jun
Published: September 2022

Background
Brucella is a widespread and highly pathogenic bacteria that poses serious threats to public health and animal husbandry. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of Brucella spp. in Northeast China, to determine their antimicrobial resistance, and to preliminarily analyze the resistance mechanism.
Methods
In this study, 61 Brucella isolates were identified by abortus-melitensis-ovis-suis polymerase chain reaction, and epidemic potential was clarified by multi-locus sequence analysis. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed and the antibiotic susceptibility of the Brucella strains against 13 antibiotics was detected with the use of E-test strips.
Results
The results showed that all of the isolates were Brucella melitensis ST8, group CC4 with little genetic variation and obvious geographical characteristics. All 61 Brucella isolates were sensitive to doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and streptomycin, while 24.6%, 86.9%, 65.6%, 27.9%, 3.3%, and 1.6% were resistant to rifampin, azithromycin, cefepime, cefoperazone/sulbactam, cefotaxime, and meperidine/sulfamethoxazole, respectively. This is the first report of cephalosporin-resistant B. melitensis in China. The WGS results indicated that about 60% of the antibiotic resistance genes were associated with efflux pumps (mainly the resistance nodulation division family).
Conclusions
Brucellosis is usually treated with antibiotics for several months, which can easily lead to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. To ensure the effectiveness and safety of antibiotics for treatment of brucellosis, continuous surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility is especially important.
Rapid clearance of cytokinin controls transition from cell division to expansion during petal development in rose (Rosa hybrida)
Authors: Jing Weikun , Liu Guoqin , Gong Feifei , Deng Yinglong , Liu Jiaqi , Yang Wenjing , Sun Xiaoming , Li Yonghong , Gao Junping , Zhou Xiaofeng , Ma Nan
Published: September 2022

The size of lateral organs is determined by well-coordinated cell proliferation and cell expansion. The transition from cell proliferation to expansion remains a largely unknown question in plant biology. Here, we report that miR159, an evolutionarily conserved microRNA, plays a crucial role in the transition from cell proliferation to expansion in rose (Rosa hybrida) petals through governing rapid cytokinin catabolism. We uncovered that Cytokinin Oxidase/Dehydrogenase 6 (CKX6) is an authentic target of miR159 in petals. Knocking down miR159 levels resulted in the accumulation of CKX6 transcripts and precocious cytokinin clearance, consequently leading to an earlier transition to cell expansion and smaller petals. Conversely, knockdown of CKX6 caused excess cytokinin and delayed cell expansion, mimicking the effects of exogenous cytokinin application. MYB73, a R2R3-type MYB transcription repressor, recruited a co-repressor (TOPLESS) and a histone deacetylase (HDA19) to form a suppression complex, which governed the expression of MIR159 by modulating H3K9 acetylation levels at the MIR159 promoter. This work thus provides insights for ensuring correct timing of cell expansion and organ size via control of cytokinin catabolism.
Comparison of clinical outcomes between intense pulsed light therapy using two different filters in meibomian gland dysfunction: Prospective randomized study
Authors: Jang Joon Hyuck , Lee Koeun , Nam Sang hyu , Kim Jin , Kim Jae Yong , Tchah Hungwon , Lee Hun
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Our study compared treatment efficacy between cut-off and notch filters in intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy through a prospective, randomized paired-eye trial. Additionally, under strict environment allowing only artificial tear, the efficacy of IPL treatment alone was investigated.
Methods
One eye was selected for an acne filter and the other for a 590 nm filter. Identical IPL treatments were applied during four regimens of IPL. Tear break up time (TBUT), Oxford scale, SICCA staining score, tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, tear osmolarity, and OSDI questionnaires were evaluated before and after IPL. Meibomian gland (MG) parameters were measured.
Results
Regardless of filter, TBUT (1.95 ± 1.07 to 4.02 ± 1.58, p < 0.001), OSDI score (65.34 ± 20.66 to 41.34 ± 18.84, p < 0.001), upper lid meibum expressibility (3.08 ± 2.29 to 7.38 ± 1.28, p < 0.001), and lower lid meibum expressibility (2.88 ± 1.86 to 7.49 ± 1.00, p < 0.001) were markedly improved after IPL. Between acne and 590 nm filters, the former tended to show better efficacy in lower lid expressibility (4.94 ± 1.52 vs 4.36 ± 1.58, p = 0.279) and lower lid meibum secretion score (-11.6 ± 4.45 vs -10.1 ± 5.16, p = 0.271), although not statistically significant.
Conclusions
IPL without additional treatment is efficacious in terms of ocular surface, MG, and subjective symptoms. In addition, an acne filter may be a promising option for more MG targeted effect.
Low-temperature Machinability of Hardened Stainless Steel and Its Chip Morphology Evolution
Authors: Wang Wenyuan , Guo Minglong , Gao Hang , Hu Liwen , Wei Zhaocheng
Published: September 2022

The impeller material FV520B hardened stainless steel is a typical difficult-to-machine material. During the cutting process, the force and heat load are large, it is easy to work hardening, the tool fails early, and the chip breaking is difficult, which leads to a series of problems such as low processing efficiency, poor processing quality and high cost. In addition to changing the mechanical properties of materials, low-temperature cooling will also promote forced heat transfer in the cutting area, which is an important development direction for clean cutting in the future. In this paper, the effects of low temperature cooling (18℃~-196℃) on cutting machinability and chip morphology evolution of FV520B were systematically studied from macroscopic and microscopic aspects by setting triaxial milling and orthogonal turning experiments respectively based on low temperature jet formed by mixing liquid nitrogen and compressed air. Explore the influence of different jet temperature on cutting force, cutting vibration, surface roughness and tool life under the conditions of variable cutting speed, variable axial depth and variable feed per tooth; The influence of different jet temperature on chip morphology, chip deformation degree and adiabatic shear zone under variable cutting speed was explored. The analysis of the experimental results shows that: low temperature cutting with liquid nitrogen can significantly improve the machinability of the material FV520B and promote the formation of sawtooth chips. The research in this article lays a practical and theoretical basis for the low-temperature cutting of impeller material FV520B, and provides a potential new process for high-quality, high-efficiency and clean machining of impellers.
Early removal of the infrapatellar fat pad beneficially alters the pathogenesis of moderate stage idiopathic knee osteoarthritis in male Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs
Authors: Afzali Maryam F. , Radakovich Lauren B. , Sykes Madeline M. , Campbell Margaret A. , Patton Kayley M. , Sanford Joseph L. , Vigon Nicole , Ek Ryan , Narez Gerardo E. , Marolf Angela J. , Donahue Tammy L. Haut , Santangelo Kelly S.
Published: September 2022

Background: The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) is the largest adipose deposit in the knee; however, its contributions to the homeostasis of this organ remain undefined. To determine the influence of IFP on joint health, this study evaluated the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) following excision of the IFP in a rodent model of naturally-occurring disease.
Methods: Male Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs (n=18) received surgical removal of the IFP in one knee at 3 months of age; contralateral knees received sham surgery as matched internal controls. Mobility and gait assessments were performed prior to IFP removal and monthly thereafter. Animals were harvested at 7 months of age. Ten set of these knees were processed for microcomputed tomography (microCT), histopathology, transcript expression analyses, and immunohistochemistry (IHC); 8 sets of knees were dedicated to microCT and biomechanical testing (material properties of knee joints tissues and anterior drawer laxity).
Results: Fibrous connective tissue (FCT) developed in place of the native adipose depot. Gait demonstrated no significant differences between IFP removal and contralateral hindlimbs. MicroCT OA scores were improved in knees containing the FCT. Quantitatively, IFP-containing knees had more osteophyte development and increased trabecular volume bone mineral density (vBMD) in femora and tibiae. Histopathology confirmed maintenance of articular cartilage structure, proteoglycan content, and chondrocyte cellularity in FCT-containing knees. Transcript analyses revealed decreased expression of adipose-related molecules and select inflammatory mediators in FCTs compared to IFPs. This was verified via IHC for inflammatory mediators. The medial articular cartilage in knees with native IFPs showed an increase in equilibrium modulus, which correlated with increased amounts of magnesium and phosphorus.
Discussion/Conclusion: Formation of the FCT resulted in reduced OA-associated changes in both bone and cartilage. This benefit may be associated with: a decrease in inflammatory mediators at transcript and protein levels; and/or improved biomechanical properties. Thus, the IFP may play a role in the pathogenesis of knee OA in this strain, with removal prior to disease onset appearing to have short-term benefits.
Prevalence, clinical characteristics and echocardiographic parameters of arrhythmias among patients with rheumatic heart disease attending Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Makatu Clara Damascene , Mutagaywa Reuben Kato , Peter Ponsian , Barongo Aileen , Kifai Engerasiya
Published: September 2022

Background
Arrhythmia is a known complication of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). It is critical to recognize arrhythmias early on so that prompt preventative actions and vigilant monitoring may be considered while treating these patients.
Aim
This study aimed at determining the prevalence, clinical characteristics and echocardiographic parameters of arrhythmias among RHD patients attending Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI).
Methodology:
Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 patients with an echocardiography diagnosis of RHD aged 18years and above attending JKCI. Demographic and clinical information was documented. Echocardiography and a resting and 24 hours ambulatory Holter monitoring electrocardiography were done. Chi square test was used to determine association between variables and those with a p value ≤ 0.2 were entered in a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the independent factors associated with arrhythmias. P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The receiver operating curve was used to determine the critical point beyond which arrhythmias develop.
Results
Median age was 39 years IQR (30,52). Females were 257(65.9%). Asymptomatic patients were 208 (53.3%). Most patients belonged to NYHA functional class I&II. The most common valve lesion was mitral stenosis 228 (58.5%). Arrhythmias were found in 276 (70.77%) patients, of which 193 (49.5%) patients were from resting ECG and 83/197 (44.7%) patients from holter electrocardiography. Independent factors for arrhythmias were, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III&IV (a0R 4.67, 95% CI 1.82-12.00 p = < 0.01) and severe left atrial diameter enlargement (aOR 7.28, 95% CI 3.17–16.70 p = < 0.01). The critical point beyond which arrhythmias develop was found to be left atrium diameter > 48mm.
Conclusion
We found a high prevalence of arrhythmias among patients with RHD. The independent predictors of arrhythmias were left atrium dilatation and NYHA functional class III-IV. We recommend close monitoring for arrhythmias among RHD patients in sinus rhythm with higher NYHA functional class and dilated left atrium.
An Investigation on the status of Iran's insurance industry in the underwriting of climate change
Authors: Hamzeh Asma , Farzaneh Mohammad Reza , Banimostafaarab Faezeh , Khordadi Mohammad Javad
Published: September 2022

Global warming and as a result the phenomenon of climate change have caused significant changes such as increasing temperature, increasing atmospheric hazards, and decreasing rainfall in recent decades in different regions of the world, especially mid-latitudes like Iran. Providing appropriate strategies for climate change insurance plays an important role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. This research has been done in order to investigate the situation of Iran's insurance industry in the underwriting of climate change. Therefore, in the beginning, insurance plans and coverage and climate change risk management strategies are reviewed in selected developed and developing countries. Then, the experiences of global surveys, including questioning based on the exposure of the American insurance industry, the climate change survey of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the global survey of the financial plan of the United Nations Environment Program, and the insurance survey of the Scandinavian region regarding climate change are used in order to develop a questionnaire in line with the current situation of Iran country in the field of climate change insurance. Finally, the results of the questionnaire’s analysis distributed among 35 insurance experts on climate change risk management, show that some insurance companies, despite predicting the impact of climate risks in their insurance processes and empowering their employees, don’t have any plan for the assessment and mitigation of greenhouse gases, regular assessment of climate hazards, providing incentives and modeling. Also, the strategy of annual re-pricing and risk-based pricing has the highest priority to face climate change in insurance companies.
JEL classification: Q54, G22
The influence of Resilience, Burnout and Job Satisfaction on Team development in the primary care setting : the Singapore experience
Authors: Chang Qi Chang Tricia , Wong Kay Wye Sabrina , Koh Hui Li , Lee Eng Sing
Published: September 2022

Background
Team-based care is associated with improved quality, cost and access of care and team functioning plays an important role. However, team development may be affected by team member burnout, resilience, job satisfaction, and workplace characteristics. Team-based care was introduced in the National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP) through the teamlet care model, where small teams consisting of two family physicians, a nurse and care coordinator provided care for a fixed panel of patients, with improved care continuity, comprehensiveness and integration of care. This study aimed to assess burnout, resilience and job satisfaction amongst different healthcare professionals working in NHGP teamlets, and to determine the association with team development.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey study was conducted recruiting all teamlet members. Survey measures included the Team Development Measure (TDM), Maslach Burnout Inventory Human services survey (MBI-HSS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 2 (CD-RISC 2) and War, Cook and Wall’s Job Satisfaction scale. Scores were compared amongst professional groups and the relationship between TDM and the other scores were explored using correlation analysis and multivariable linear regression.
Results
A total of 88 family physicians, 31 nurses and 27 care coordinators completed the survey, giving an overall response rate of 82.3%. Family physicians reported the highest burnout scores in all three MBI subdomains. There were no significant differences in TDM, resilience and job satisfaction scores amongst the health professions. Multivariable linear regression revealed that lower depersonalisation scores, higher job satisfaction scores and social interaction outside of work were significantly associated with higher TDM scores.
Conclusions
The association between depersonalisation, job satisfaction and social interaction outside work with TDM scores could inform the development of future interventions aimed at improving team development. Steps should be taken to address the higher levels of burnout experienced by family physicians.
MOS only nano-watt sub-bandgap voltage reference
Authors: Rashtian Mohammad
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a nano-watt bandgap voltage reference (BGR). The self-cascode structure is provided as a proportional-to-absolute-temperature (PTAT) voltage. Due to the low slope of the PTAT voltage, a voltage divider consisting of five similar MOSFET transistors is presented. The resulting output voltage will be one-fifth of the complementary-to-absolute-temperature (CTAT) voltage and four-fifths of the PTAT voltage. All MOSFETs are standard CMOS transistors biased in the sub-threshold region where one of them is utilized as a diode. Post-layout simulation results using the standard 0.18 µm CMOS process show a nominal output voltage of 0.132 V. The power consumption is 12.7 nW at 0.7 V of the power supply. The average temperature coefficient (TC) is about 28.5 ppm/oC over a temperature range of 0 oC to 100 oC. The proposed BGR occupies a small area of 0.00067 mm2.
Endophytic bacteria improve plant growth through induction of phytohormones related gene expression in jute
Authors: Aktar Nasima , Hossain Md. Sabbir , Amin Mohammad Ruhul , Ahmed Rasel , Ahmed Borhan , Ullah Md. Wali , Hossain Quazi Mosaddeque , Islam Md. Shahidul
Published: September 2022

Plants live in association with complex populations of microorganisms, including Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) which confers improved growth and enhanced stress tolerance to plants. This large and diverse group includes endophytic bacteria that can colonize the internal tissues of plants. This study aimed to identify the molecular and physiological characteristics of a non-rhizobial bacterial species from the surface-sterilized root of healthy and nematode-infested jute (Corchorus capsularis;Corchorus olitoriusand an advanced variety ofCorchorus olitorius, Robi-1), an annual fiber bearing plant species. Using universal primers to amplify bacterial 16S rDNA, we identified 59 culturable gram-positive bacterial isolates from healthy and nematode-infected jute plants. All the selected isolates were gram-positive ofBacillusandStaphylococcusgenus. The endophytes were positive for pectinase, xylanase, cellulase, and phosphatase, all of which may influence jute physiology. Selected bacterial species increased the root length, shoot length, and germination rate.B. cereussignificantly increased the growth phenotype and biomass ofC. capsularis(CVL-1) whereasS. hominisshowed significant growth increment inC. olitorius(O-9897) and the combination of all bacteria produced the same effect in the advanced line ofC. olitorius(Robi-1). Higher expression of growth-promoting hormones GA-20 and GA-03 oxidase consolidate that plant growth was increased through induction of increased production of growth hormone gibberellin. Altogether, our results demonstrate thatB. cereus(MCN3) andS. hominis(MON1) display plant growth-promoting traits of potential interest for agricultural applications.
A SUR version of the Bichon criterion for excursion set estimation
Authors: Duhamel Clément , Helbert Céline , Zuniga Miguel Munoz , Prieur Clémentine , Sinoquet Delphine
Published: September 2022

Many model inversion problems occur in industry. These problems consist in finding the set of parameter values such that a certain quantity of interest respects a constraint, for example remains below a threshold. In general, the quantity of interest is the output of a simulator, costly in computation time. An effective way to solve this problem is to replace the simulator by a Gaussian process regression, with an experimental design enriched sequentially with a well chosen acquisition criterion. Different inversion-adapted criteria exist such as the Bichon (also known as Expected Feasibility Function) and deviation number criteria. There also exist a class of enrichment strategies (Stepwise Uncertainty Reduction) which select the next point by measuring the expected uncertainty reduction induced by its selection. In this paper we propose a SUR version of the Bichon criterion. An explicit formulation of the criterion is given and test comparisons show good performances on classical test functions.
Traumatic intraoral herniation of buccal fat pad
Authors: Kedia Daksh , Kshirsagar Rajesh , Nair Vivek , Jha Gaurav
Published: September 2022

Intraoral herniation of the buccal fat pad is a rarely encountered injury in the pediatric group population. It presented as a yellowish blood-tinged pedunculated mass of soft tissue which was nontender and non-pulsatile emanating from the left buccal mucosa following minor trauma to the buccal soft tissues at the level of the maxillary occlusal plane near the parotid papilla. The purpose of this case report is to showcase the rare traumatic prolapse of the buccal fat pad in a young girl and its successfully surgical management by repositioning at a delayed time interval.
Thresholds between modulational stability, rogue waves and soliton regimes in saturable nonlinear media
Authors: Dias Wandearley , Buarque Anderson , Passos Frederico , Morais Denilson , Bezerra Luciano
Published: September 2022

We study a third-order nonlinear Schr ö dinger equation for a saturable nonlinear media, which can represent either optical pulse propagation in 1D nonlinear waveguide arrays or electron dynamics in one-dimensional lattices. Here, we describe how stable uniform solutions can evolve into regimes in which they are localized. We analyze the existence conditions for such dynamical regimes, as well as the intermediate (breather and chaotic-like solutions). Since regimes are significantly changed by the saturable parameter, we show phase diagrams with critical nonlinear strengths separating such regimes. Numerical data and analytical approach show the nonlinear strength above which uniform solutions become breather solutions increasing with the saturation parameter. We also reveal chaotic-like solutions exhibiting clear signatures of emerging rogue waves, such as peaks showing long-tailed statistics. The thresholds of this regime are increased by the saturable nonlinearity. On the other hand, the regime of localized solutions, which are well-described by bright soliton-like structures, becomes less accessible with increase of saturation.
Software components selection process: comparative study
Authors: Yahlali Mebarka
Published: September 2022

Component-Based Software Engineering (CBSE) paradigm aims to develop software by assembling and deploying reusable units, called software components. This approach tries to improve the flexibility, re-usability and maintainability of applications, and helps develop complex and distributed applications deployed on a wide range of platforms, by plugging commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, rather than building them from scratch. In this context, the selection step is very important. It consists of searching and selecting appropriate software components from a set of candidate components in order to satisfy the developer-specific requirements. In the selection process, both functional and non-functional requirements are generally considered. Several component selection processes have been proposed, with the aim of finding and selecting an appropriate software component from a set of candidate components to satisfy the developer's specific requirements
Benefits of Ketogenic Diet Beyond Epilepsy Control: Promising Enhancement in Adaptive Behavior
Authors: El-Rashidy Omnia , Nassar May , Shokair Wafaa , El-Gendy Yasmin
Published: September 2022

Background
The Ketogenic Diet (KD) is gaining attention as a management line in childhood drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). The objective of this study was to highlight KD benefits for Ain Shams University (ASU) Children’s Hospital patients.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included all patients at the Ketoclinic of ASU Children’s Hospital since its start. Anthropometric measurements and laboratory data were assessed. To evaluate KD efficacy, Chalfont severity score and daily frequency of epileptic attacks were recorded. Vineland test was used to demonstrate the adaptive behavior of a selected group of patients.
Results
The record of the Ketoclinic included 143 patients. Weight and height/length assessment showed significant increase with significant decrease in the severity of seizures and its frequency after KD. There were no significant changes in the lipid profile of the patients. Vineland test showed significant improvement in the adaptive behavior in 65%.
Conclusions
The Ketoclinic data proves that KD is a tolerable, safe, and effective line of therapy for DRE in children without significant negative impact on their anthropometric measurements or lipid profile. furthermore, the enhancement in adaptive behavior is a promising finding, thus it is prudent to recommend wider scale studies for longer duration to demonstrate additional cognitive benefits.
Blockage of retinoic acid signaling via RARγ suppressed the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by arresting the cell cycle progression of the G1-S phase
Authors: Yamakawa Kohei , Koyanagi-Aoi Michiyo , Machinaga Akihito , Kakiuchi Nobuyuki , Hirano Tomonori , Kodama Yuzo , Aoi Takashi
Published: September 2022

Background
Ours and several studies have reported that, in some cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the expression of squamous lineage markers, such as esophagus-tissue specific genes, correlated with a poor prognosis. However, the mechanism by which the acquisition of squamous lineage phenotypes leads to a poor prognosis remains unclear. We previously reported that retinoic acid signaling via retinoic acid receptor γ (RARγ signaling) determines the differentiation lineage into the esophageal squamous epithelium. These findings hypothesized that the activation of RARγ signaling contributed to acquiring squamous lineage phenotypes and malignant behavior in PDAC.
Methods
This study utilized public databases and immunostaining of surgical specimens to examine RARγ expression in PDAC. We evaluated the function of RARγ signaling by inhibitors and siRNA knockdown using PDAC cell line and patient-derived PDAC organoids. The mechanism of the tumor-suppressive effects by blockage of RARγ signaling was determined by RNA-sequencing and Western blotting.
Results
RARγ expression increased via transformation from normal pancreatic duct to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and PDAC, and its expression correlated with a poor patient prognosis. In PDAC cell lines, blockage of RARγ signaling suppressed cell proliferation by inducing the cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase without causing apoptosis. We demonstrated that blockage of RARγ signaling upregulated p21 and p27 and downregulated many cell cycle genes, including cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, using patient-derived PDAC organoids, we confirmed the tumor-suppressive effect of RARγ inhibition and indicated the synergistic effects of RARγ inhibition with gemcitabine.
Conclusions
This study clarified the function of RARγ signaling in PDAC progression and demonstrated the tumor-suppressive effect of selective blockage of RARγ signaling against PDAC. These results suggested that RARγ signaling might be a new therapeutic target for PDAC.
Medical Data Classification using Swarm Intelligence Technique
Authors: Tarle Balasaheb
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the clinical decision support system (DSS) has emerged as an important area in medical sciences to assist clinicians in medical diagnosis. Health records classification is based on learning from various health datasets to improve the better quality of DSS in health care. The main objective of this investigation is to establish a system for the successful classification of health data. OLPP orthogonal local preservation projection has been used to obtain promising outcomes in the classification of medical data. This is a high-dimensional data input package. A feature-reduction tool is then used to reduce the functionality space without compromising the calculation accuracy. The Artificial Neural Network shall be used as a classifier. We used an optimization algorithm to boost efficiency. The "artificial bee colony algorithm" is a bio-based optimization algorithm used by a neural network. The strategy for optimizing the NN artificial bee colony's weight during the learning process improves the performance of classification. Our proposed solution findings have shown that, in comparison to other types, our optimal classifier findings are better. The medical datasets used to represent the average improvement in the proposed system classification quality with the current form is around 15%.
Oxidative Stress-Related LncRNAs Serve as a Biomarker of Prognosis for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Huang Hao , Wei Yaqing , Yao Hao , Chen Ming , Sun Jinjin
Published: September 2022

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play a role in oxidative stress by altering the tumor microenvironment, thereby affecting pancreatic cancer progression. There is currently limited information on oxidative stress-related lncRNAs as novel prognostic markers of pancreatic cancer.
Materials and Methods: Gene expression and clinical data of patients with pancreatic cancer were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-PAAD) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC-PACA) database. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was constructed to identify genes that were differentially expressed between normal and tumor samples. Based on the TCGA-PAAD cohort, a prediction model was established using lasso regression and Cox regression. The TCGA-PAAD and ICGC-PACA cohorts were used for internal and external validation, respectively. Furthermore, a nomogram based on clinical characteristics was used to predict mortality of patients. Differences in mutational status and tumor-infiltrating immune cells between risk subgroups were also explored and model-based lncRNAs were analyzed for potential immune-related therapeutic drugs.
Results: A prediction model for 6-lncRNA was established using lasso regression and Cox regression. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that patients with lower risk scores had a better prognosis. Combined with Cox regression analysis of clinical features, risk score was an independent factor predicting overall survival of patients with pancreatic cancer in both the TCGA-PAAD and ICGC-PACA cohorts. Mutation status and immune-related analysis indicated that the high-risk group had a significantly higher gene mutation rate and a higher possibility of immune escape, respectively. Furthermore, the model genes showed a strong correlation with immune-related therapeutic drugs.
Conclusion: Based on oxidative stress-related lncRNAs, this study demonstrated that using WGCNA to identify prognosis-related genes and combining Cox and lasso regression analysis facilitated the establishment of a new signature that may more accurately and effectively predict the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer.
Digestibility of protein and iron bioavailability from enriched sprouts
Authors: Zielińska-Dawidziak Magdalena , Białas Wojciech , Piasecka-Kwiatkowska Dorota , Staniek Halina , Niedzielski Przemysław
Published: September 2022

Plant ferritin is suggested as a good source of iron for human. Usually present in trace amounts, it was induced in legumes seeds by their sprouting in FeSO4 solution. Fortified sprouts were digested in the in vitro model of the human gastrointestinal tract. ~49% of lupine and ~ 45% of soy proteins were extracted into gastric fluid and next ~ 12% and only ~ 1% into intestine fluid from lupine and soybean, respectively. Gastric digestion released mainly ferrous iron (~ 85% from lupine and ~ 95% in soybean sprouts). Complexed iron constituted ~ 43% of total iron in intestine after lupine digestion and ~ 55% after soybean digestion. Intestine digestion doubled the total iron released from lupine sprouts (from ~ 21% up to 38%), while in soybean it increase from ~ 16% up to ~ 23%. Ferritin presence was confirmed by the specific antibodies in digestive fluids, but it is only partially extracted from sprouts during in vitro digestion.
Cervical lordosis ratio is an effective parameter for selecting the posterior approach of multisegmental cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Ma Sheng , Miao Jia Hang , Yu Hui Lin , Qu Zhe , Pan Bin , Feng Hu
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The cervical lordosis ratio (CLR), an index of cervical hyperextension and hyperflexion, was used to validate the posterior approach selection strategy in patients with multisegmental cervical spondylotic myelopathy. (MCSM).
Methods:A retrospective review of 141 patients who had undergone posterior cervical surgery for MCSM in our hospital between December 2015 and March 2020 was conducted, with 63 patients receiving laminectomy and fusion (LCF group) and 78 patients receiving laminoplasty (LP group).The demographic characteristics of the two groups (gender, age, BMI, and follow-up time) were compared. C2-7 Cobb angle (CL), C2-7 range of motion (C2-7ROM), flexion Cobb angle (flexCL), extension Cobb angle (extCL), flexion range of motion (flexROM), and extension range of motion (extROM) were compared between the two groups (extROM). The clinical effect indices of the two groups, including the JOA and VAS scores, were compared. The C2-7cobb angle difference before and after operation (ΔCL), namely postoperative C2-7 Cobb angle (postCL) - preoperative C2-7 Cobb angle (preCL), was used to assess cervical lordosis alignment change . Calculate the cervical lordosis ratio (CLR) using 100% flexROM/C2-7ROM.The function of the CLR ratio in predicting postoperative severe cervical lordosis loss (CL -10) was evaluated using ROC curve analysis. All patients were separated into a low ratio group (L-CLR) and a high ratio group(H-CLR) based on the critical value of the CLR ratio (68.5%). The cervical lordosis alignment index and clinical impact index between the two operation groups were once more analyzed in these two ratio groups. The differences of various indicators between the two operating groups and the corresponding indicators between different ratio groups were assessed and compared using an independent sample t-test.
Results: Cervical lordosis alignment index decreased significantly after LCF and LP (p=0.039,p=0.002), and cervical lordosis alignment change（ΔCL) in LP group was greater than that of LCF group (p=0.043), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.043). According to ROC curve analysis, the CLR ratio can predict severe cervical lordosis alignment change (ΔCL≥-10) with great precision (AUC=0.792). There was no significant difference in cervical lordosis alignment change (CL) between the LCF and LP groups in the L-CLR group (p=0.141). The CL of the LP group in the H-CLR group was greater than that of the LCF group (P(ΔCL≥ -10), which had a higher probability of postoperative severe cervical lordosis alignment change (42.6%,28.5%).
Conclusions: The cervical lordosis ratio could be used as a decision-making index for the choice of posterior surgery approach for multisegmental cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Laminoplasty could be considered in the low ratio group, while laminectomy and fusion could be considered in the high ratio group.
Self-gripping mesh in laparoscopic obturator hernia repair: clinical experience in a single institution
Authors: Sugiyama Tomohiro , Takeuchi Yuji , Kinoshita Osamu , Mori Yoshihiro , Ishikawa Akira , Kominami Hiroaki , Urano Naomi , Higuchi Ichiro , Hasuike Yasunori
Published: September 2022

Purpose: We propose a treatment strategy for obturator hernia repair using a self-fixating mesh. An obturator hernia is a relatively rare type of abdominal hernia with a high mortality rate, with surgery being the only treatment option. Various approaches to repairing obturator hernia using meshes and tackers have been proposed. Nonetheless, postoperative complications such as chronic inguinal pain and hemorrhage have been reported with tacker-fixated mesh approaches.
Although the self-adhesive property of a self-fixating mesh enables tacker-less hernia repair, it is rarely used in inguinal hernia repair. Tacker-less repair reduces the likelihood of chronic pain development; however, the difficulty in handling the mesh in the abdominal cavity must be overcome.
Methods: We have been using a self-fixating mesh (PG mesh; ProGrip™ laparoscopic self-fixating mesh) for obturator hernia repair since April 2020. In two cases preceding the introduction of the PG mesh for obturator hernia repair, we experienced difficulty attaching the PG mesh; nevertheless, we successfully performed obturator hernia repair by simplifying the method, using three steps, to attach the PG mesh.
Results: Between April 2020 and September 2021, we encountered seven cases of obturator hernia. Of these cases, five were repaired using the PG mesh. Postoperatively, one patient had a small subcutaneous hematoma with no postoperative complications, including chronic pain and hemorrhage. The postoperative recovery time was not prolonged, and there was no recurrence of symptoms during the observation period.
Conclusion: PG mesh appears to be suitable for obturator hernia repair.
Exposure of dogs and cats to Borrelia miyamotoi infected Ixodes ricinus ticks in urban areas of the city of Poznań, west-central Poland
Authors: Liberska Justyna , Michalik Jerzy , Dabert Mirosława
Published: September 2022

Background
Borrelia miyamotoi is an emerging human pathogen causing relapsing fever-like disease termed B. miyamotoi disease. The bacterium belongs to relapsing fever borreliae and similarly as spirochete species from the group of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is transmitted only by hard-bodied ticks within the Ixodes ricinuscomplex. Borrelia miyamotoi has not been so far shown to cause illness in dogs or cats, and is poorly documented in veterinary medicine. The aim of our study was to determine the B. miyamotoi infection prevalence in (i) host-seeking and (ii) engorged Ixodes sp. ticks collected from dogs and cats during their inspection in veterinary clinics of the city of Poznań, west-central Poland.
Methods
Host-seeking ticks were sampled in dog walking areas localized in urban forested recreational sites of the city. We screened 1059 host-seeking and 837 engorged I. ricinus ticks removed out of 680 tick infested animals (567 dogs and 113 cats). Moreover, 31 I. hexagonus ticks (one larva, 13 nymphs and 17 females) were collected from three cats and one larva and one nympf from two dogs and one dog was infested with a single Dermacentor reticulatus female.
Borrelia species were identified by amplification and sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene and the flaB gene fragments.
Results
DNA of B. miyamotoi was detected in 22 (2.1%) of the host-seeking ticks, in all developmental tick stages, and in all study areas. A similar infection prevalence (1.8%) was identified in the engorged I. ricinus ticks. Out of the infested animals, 2.2% were exposed to B. miyamotoi positive ticks. Out of the I. hexagonus ticks, three (9.1%) one female and two nymph , yielded DNA of B. miyamotoi. A single Dermacentor reticulatusfemale collected from a dog tested PCR-negative for the bacterium.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that the bacterium is well-established and broadly present in tick populations from different urban ecosystems of the city of Poznań. The lack of difference in mean infection prevalence between animal-derived and host-seeking I. ricinus ticks, suggests that systematic surveillance of pets, may be useful to evaluate the risk of acquiring Borrelia miyamotoi disease in urban areas. Additional studies are needed to further elucidate the role of domestic and wild carnivores in the epidemiology of B. miyamotoi which remains unknown.