bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Outcome Analysis of Fixation of Tibial Plateau Fractures using the Three-column Concept
Authors: Sameer M Mohamed , Bassetty Keerthy Chandra , Singaravadivelu V
Published: August 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to study the functional and radiological outcome after surgical fixation of complex intra-articular tibial plateau fractures managed by three-column concept. Materials and Methods: Ten patients with complex intra-articular tibial plateau fractures were included in this study. They were classified according to the three-column concept based on X-ray and computed tomography. All of them underwent osteosynthesis after meticulous planning and the columns were addressed using combined approaches. Results: We obtained good to excellent radiological and functional outcomes with the column-based fixation of the intra-articular tibial plateau fractures. About 90% of the patients were able to return to pre-injury level of activity without complications. Conclusion: The posterior column is a vital component of the tibial plateau and needs to be separately addressed. Three-column concept is a beneficial adjunct, especially in complex and biplanar intra-articular tibial plateau fractures, both as a diagnostic and a pre-operative planning tool.
Acute Anterior Compartment Syndrome of the Thigh without a Fracture Following a Blunt Trauma – A Case Report
Authors: Islam Zaheer Parveez , Kar Ujjal , Gogoi Abhinab
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh is an orthopedic emergency. Compartment syndrome of the thigh without a fracture or any other associated pre-injury pathology is scantily reported in the literature. Lack of awareness and inexperience often results in a failure to diagnose it. Case report: In this article, we are presenting a rare case of acute compartment syndrome involving the anterior compartment of the thigh without any bony abnormality or a fracture in a 62-year-old male who sustained an injury to his lateral aspect of the right thigh by a fall from a height. We performed an emergency fasciotomy and decompression of the involved compartment. The patient needed a subsequent skin grafting for the wound closure. Finally, after 7 months of follow-up, an excellent clinical outcome of the affected limb has been achieved. Conclusion: Thigh compartment syndrome without a fracture or other pre-injury pathological abnormalities of the thigh is relatively rare, hence there is often a fair risk that a case will go unnoticed. Therefore, a high index of clinical suspicion and prompt treatment can protect a patient with thigh compartment syndrome from long-term disability.
Fibrous Dysplasia of Radius Bone-excision and Fibula Graft: A Case Report
Authors: Patankar Hemant , Patankar Soniya , Tandon Nikhil , Bairy Abhishek
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a congenital disorder in which the bone is distorted and replaced by poorly organized and structurally unsound fibrous tissue. The disorder can be localized to a single bone or affects multiple bones. Although any bone can be affected, the bones of the upper extremity are less commonly involved by the disease. The disease process results in deformity of the bones and is often complicated by pathological fractures. Case Report: A 14-year-old girl presented with gradually progressive deformity of the right forearm for the past 1 year associated with mild pain. Skeletal radiographs of the right forearm revealed an expansile lytic lesion with ground glass appearance involving the proximal meta-diaphysis of the right radius, with its resultant bowing. The zone of transition was narrow and there was no evidence of matrix calcification. The lesion was causing thinning of the bony cortex. With this radiographic appearance in mind, a diagnosis of FD of the radius was put forth. The lesion was managed surgically. The proximal three-fourth of the radius bone was exposed and the lesion was excised along with 1 cm of normal bone on the distal side. Proximally, a thin shell of the cortex was preserved after curettage of the proximal end of the radius. Fibular cortical strut graft was harvested from the leg of same side. Graft length was kept 2 cm more than the excised bone to avoid shortening of the forearm. The graft was beveled on the distal end and jammed into the shaft of the distal radius such that 1 cm of graft was inside the original bone. A long arm or above elbow splint was applied keeping the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion and the forearm in supination for a total of 6 months. The patient was being followed up regularly. Follow-up radiographs obtained at 7 months revealed complete incorporation of the cortical bone graft with reformation of the intramedullary bone canal and restoration of hand and elbow function. Conclusion: Non-vascularized fibular cortical strut grafting is an effective treatment modality for FD of radius bone. External or internal fixation is not necessary if a tightly fitting cortical graft is jammed into the defect caused by lesion excision.
Hidradenocarcinoma over a Surgically Excised Hidradenoma of the Foot. A Case Report of a Very Rare Presentation of a Rare Tumor
Authors: del Saz Jaime Sanchez , Medrano Santiago Sanz , Nielsen Luna , Perez Javier Buendia , Gamo Elena Manrique , Parra Juan Luis Cebrian
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Hidradenocarcinomas are very rare and aggressive soft-tissue tumors, originated from sweat gland cells, which are located most frequently in head and neck, being their appearance at the extremities rare. This kind of tumor usually appears de novo and very few cases have been reported until now of appearance over benign lesions such as hidradenomas. Malignancy progression rate of hidradenomas is unknown, and this benign lesion has clinical and histopathological characteristics in common with hidradenocarcinomas that could lead to misdiagnosis. Hidradenocarcinomas have a very poor survival rate; therefore, an early diagnosis is essential for a better prognosis, and that is the reason why hidradenomas should be widely excised from the beginning, instead of performing marginal resections of this lesions that could lead to an aggressive recurrence. Case Presentation: Here is a case report of a 27-year-old woman diagnosed with a hidradenocarcinoma over a previously excised hidradenoma in the right foot. The diagnosis was made after right pelvic and inguinal lymphadenopathies appeared few months after a new small asymptomatic lump appeared at the same place in the sole of the right foot were the excised hidradenoma five years before was located. Lymph node biopsy was performed, with histopathological diagnosis of hidradenocarcinoma metastasis. Surgical local wide excision of the lump at the foot and lymphadenectomies was performed. Histopathological analysis of the samples confirmed the diagnosis of hidradenocarcinoma. The patient later received adjuvant radiotherapy and after one year there are no signs of disease recurrence. Conclusion: Many questions remain uncertain about the management and treatment of hidradenocarcinomas due to the rarity of this type of tumor. Although targeted molecular therapies have shown promising results, more studies in this field are necessary. An early diagnosis and differentiation from its benign counterparts that allow local control of the disease before spreading is essential to improve survival rates.
Acute Correction of Leg Length Discrepancy and Severe Femoral Malalignment: A Case Report
Authors: Amin Sheena J , Lands Vince , Mashru Rakesh P , Graf Kenneth W
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Approximately 70% of the population have a leg length discrepancy, with 2 cm being the threshold for surgical treatment. Although there are reports of patient outcomes after incremental leg-lengthening, there is a paucity of data regarding acute lengthening procedures. We present a unique case of acute leg lengthening and correction of severe malalignment in an adult patient after femoral malunion treated with multiple modified Sofield-Millar osteotomies and intramedullary nailing, a technique that has only previously been performed in pediatric long bone deformities. To the author’s knowledge, there have been no previous reports of acute lengthening in an adult patient to correct for such a severe deformity in a single operation. Case Report: A 48-year-old woman with a 35-year history of a right femur fracture malunion presented with a 5 cm leg length discrepancy and severe malalignment associated with pain and ambulatory dysfunction. Multiple modified Sofield-Millar osteotomies followed by placement of an intramedullary nail were performed and resulted in successful acute correction of limb length discrepancy and anatomical alignment. There was a complete union of bone with callus formation at osteotomy sites at 9 months postoperatively, and the patient reported minimal pain and improved ambulation. The patient was followed for 2 years postoperatively and experienced an improvement in ambulatory function with no pain. No post-operative complications were observed. Conclusion: Multiple modified Sofield-Millar osteotomies with intramedullary nailing were utilized for successful acute correction of limb length discrepancy and severe malalignment with improvement in pain and ambulatory function in this case of femoral leg length discrepancy in an adult patient.
Severe Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Symptom Caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis-induced Atlantoaxial Subluxation: A Case Report
Authors: Tatsumura Masaki , Koda Masao , Hirano Atsushi , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) has three characteristics: Gait disorder, urinary incontinence, and amnesia. We report a case of atlantoaxial subluxation-related NPH in a patient whose symptoms were dramatically improved by atlantoaxial fusion surgery. Case Report: A 67-year-old woman presented complaining of walking disturbance. 4 weeks after her first presentation and initial diagnosis of atlantoaxial subluxation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, the patient fell and fractured her right patella. After open surgery for the fracture with spinal anesthesia, she had urinary incontinence, cognitive decline, and gait disturbance, and brain computed tomography showed enlarged ventricles. Atlantoaxial fusion surgery was performed 8 weeks after the first presentation. Postsurgically, improvement of her memory and urinary function was noted and she was able to walk with the assistance of a cane and perform activities of daily living independently. Even 6 years after the surgery, the enlargement of the ventricles ameliorated, there was no abnormality in cognition, and she was able to walk alone and run a business. Conclusion: The atlas was subluxated, even when the cervical spine was in a neutral position, and the spinal cord was seriously compressed, which impeded cerebrospinal fluid flow. We speculate changes in cerebrospinal pressure due to spinal anesthesia-induced NPH-like symptoms, which were improved by indirect spinal decompression by atlantoaxial reduction with atlantoaxial fusion.
Surgical Repair of Traumatic Rupture of Tibialis Posterior Tendon in 32-Year-Old Male
Authors: Agrawal Laksh , Ghodke Ashok , Issrani Mohit , Kotecha Harsh , Shah Dhruv , Surme Shahish
Published: August 2022

Introduction: This article reports a case of surgical repair of traumatic rupture of tibialis posterior (TP) tendon in a young healthy male after alleged history of grinder (heavy machine) injury over the foot, with the help of a suture anchor and running whip stitch followed by immobilization in a below knee slab postoperatively. The acute rupture of the TP tendon (TPT), compared to an acute rupture of the Achilles tendon, is a quite uncommon disease to be diagnosed in the emergency department setting. In most cases symptoms related to a TP dysfunction, like weakness, pain along the course of the tendon, swelling in the region of the medial malleolus, and the partial or complete loss of the medial arch with a flatfoot deformity precede the complete rupture of the tendon. Case Report: A 32-year-old healthy male presented to the outpatient clinic with a history of pain and swelling in the right foot for 10 months after alleged history of sustaining a grinder (heavy machine) injury to the medial aspect of the right foot 10 months ago. Anteroposterior and oblique radiographs of the right foot suggestive of no skeletal pathology and patient was managed conservatively with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and compression bandaging. A magnetic resource imaging of the right foot was advised after no relief of symptoms and was suggestive of high-grade tear of the distal tibialis posterior tendon from the level of medial malleolus to its insertion. Surgical repair of the TPT was planned with a suture anchor placed in the navicular bone. The procedure was carried out under spinal anesthesia and there were no complications in the intraoperative or post-operative period. Patient was given a below knee slab with the foot in inversion postoperatively which was revised into a below knee cast with foot in inversion. Six-week post-operative follow-up, cast was removed and physiotherapy was started for the patient that included Active Ankle ROM and Gait Training, patient had a Modified Olerud and Molander Score of 45/100. Six-month post-operative follow-up, patient was relieved of chronic pain and was able walk and stand on his toes without pain and showed significant improvement in gait with Modified Olerud and Molander Score 90/100. Conclusion: The TPT is the main dynamic stabilizer of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. With appropriate surgical technique, adequate post-operative immobilization followed by physiotherapy surgical repair of the TPT helped alleviate the chronic pain experienced by the patient during weight bearing activities.
A Case of Calcaneal Intraosseous Lipoma along with Haglund Deformity and Chronic Tendoachilles Tear Managed using Double Row Suture Anchor Repair Augmented with FHL Graft and Curettage of Lipoma with Filling the Cavity Using Hydroxyapatite Bone Substitute
Authors: Marfatia Ankit , Kondewar Pranay , Nadvi Safiuddin
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Achilles’ tendon is the largest tendon in the body, Tendon is an anatomical structure with inherent less blood supply and so more prone to injury and notorious healing outcomes. The management options for tendoachilles injury depend on the location of the tear, degree of retraction of the torn ends, and patient-related factors. Intraosseous lipoma is very rare benign tumor of bone accounting for 0.1% of all bone tumors. Most common site being proximal femur involvement of calcaneum is very rare presentation. Symptomatic patients with significant heel pain need operative intervention in the form of curettage alone or in combination with filling cavity with bone graft or bone graft substitutes. Many people use PMMA bone cement to fill the void. Case Report: A 65-year-old male presented with chronic heal pain and difficulty in walking. On clinical examination and radiological investigation, calcaneal intraosseous lipoma was confirmed along with insertional tendinopathy of tendoachilles and haglund syndrome causing tear at insertion into calcaneal tuberosity. We managed this patient in single-stage surgery using tendoachilles split approach for removing haglund deformity and double row anchor suturing for tendon reattachment. Repair was augmented with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) graft fixed using interference screw in the calcaneum. Lipoma was approached with separate medial approach. Cortical window created, lipoma curettage was done, and cavity filled with hydroxyapatite bone graft substitute. Conclusion: Tendoachilles split approach with double row suture anchor repair along with FHL graft gives good clinical outcome in insertional tendinopathy of tendoachilles with haglund syndrome. Curettage of intraosseous lipoma with filling the void using bone graft substitute such as hydroxyapatite gives good results and pain relief.
Atmospheric optical turbulence mitigation using iterative image registration and least squares lucky look fusion
Authors: Rucci Michael A. , Hardie Russell C. , Martin Richard K. , Gladysz Szymon
Published: August 2022

This paper presents an atmospheric optical turbulence mitigation method
that uses a sequence of short-exposure frames. An iterative block
matching registration method is proposed for image dewarping. The
dewarped frames are combined in a least squares lucky look (LL) fusion
process. Here image patches are weighted so as to produce a fused
image that is consistent with a theoretical LL optical transfer
function (OTF) model. Finally, a Wiener filter is applied to provide
deconvolution of the LL OTF. We also explore the LL selectivity
tradespace. As the selectivity increases, the LL OTF becomes more
favorable but the signal-to-noise ratio suffers, and vice versa. A
restoration algorithm is applied to simulated data for quantitative
analysis and two different real-world datasets for subjective
evaluation. The proposed approach provides improved results compared
with the benchmark methods.
Grinding edge machining process on small-sized lens module components in a mobile phone
Authors: Chen Yi , Wang ZhenZhong , Li LuCheng
Published: August 2022

The periscope phone lens has a bright application prospect; however, the problem of a large chipping size in the grinding process for the periscope phone lens module components seriously limits its development. We address the problem of the large edge chipping size in the grinding process of small-sized module components of periscope mobile phone cameras by investigating the influence of the grinding speed, feed speed, and grinding depth on the chipping size through theoretical simulation analysis and single-factor variable experimental verification. The optimal grinding process parameters were preferred, and yield experiments were conducted using the preferred process parameters. The results show that increasing the grinding speed and decreasing the feed speed and grinding depth can effectively suppress the chipping size of the component grinding edge.
Beam spatial intensity modification based on stimulated Brillouin amplification
Authors: Wang Yue , Cui Can , Lu Zhiwei , Bai Zhenxu , Wang Yulei , Yuan Hang
Published: August 2022

The beam spatial intensity distribution is critical to laser applications both in the scientific and the industrial fields. Here, a method for beam spatial intensity modification based on stimulated Brillouin amplification (SBA) is proposed, which provides an alternative approach of laser beam shaping accompanied by efficient energy amplification. Three beam shaping schemes based on SBA has been demonstrated and evaluated in theoretical simulation and experiments with pulsed laser. The results indicate that the spatial distribution can be modified by manipulation of the beam polarization and the intensity. Finally, the shaped Stokes beam has been modified into the flat-top distribution with the output pulse energy increasing to 4.43 times of the input energy, proving the feasibility of SBA spatial shaping method.
Spontaneous giant vortices and circular supercurrents in a trapped exciton–polariton condensate
Authors: Jheng Shih-Da , Chen Ting-Wei , Cheng Szu-Cheng
Published: August 2022

We theoretically study an exciton–polariton condensate trapped in a harmonic potential with an annular pump. With a circular pump, predictions were made for a spontaneous rotating vortex lattice packed by singly quantized vortices. If the circular pump is replaced by an annular pump, singly quantized vortices are absorbed into the central hole and form a multiply quantized vortex. For a sufficiently narrow annular width, all vortices are absorbed into the central hole, ultimately forming a giant vortex with supersonic circular supercurrents flowing around it. Vortex–antivortex pairs can be generated if a defect is present in these supersonic circular supercurrents. We further discover that the motion of the vortex–antivortex pairs depends on the position at which they were generated. We suggest that this property can be used to control whether the velocity of the circular supercurrents is above or below the sound velocity.
Compact optical grating compressor
Authors: Ivanov V.
Published: August 2022

A novel design of a grating-based optical pulse compressor is proposed. The proposed compressor provides a large group delay dispersion while keeping the compressor linear size small. The design of the proposed compressor is based on a traditional Treacy compressor with a straightforward modification of inserting two lenses between the compressor’s gratings. This simple alternation aims to substantially increase group delay dispersion of the compressor or alternatively to decrease the compressor size while maintaining its group delay dispersion. A theoretical description of the enhanced compressor has been developed in the paraxial approximation. A detailed numerical model has been built to calculate the compressor parameters more accurately. These theoretical studies have revealed that the enhanced optical compressor provides a significant increase in the group delay dispersion compared to a standard Treacy compressor.
Investigating the generation and propagation evolution of orange optical vortices using continuous-wave KGW Raman lasers with astigmatic mode transformations
Authors: Tung J. C. , Li P. L. , Hou M. H.
Published: August 2022

Various high-order orange beams (HOBs) at 588 nm are produced via off-center pumped Nd:YVO4/KGW Raman lasers. We experimentally confirm that the HOBs can be fairly sustained at the incident pump power of 2.88 W, where the average output powers are overall from 300 mW to 160 mW with increasing the off-center displacements from 0.14 mm to 0.21 mm. The HOBs are further transformed by using an astigmatic mode converter to generate a variety of structured lights with optical vortices. Moreover, theoretical wave functions are analytically derived to characterize the propagation evolution of the converted HOBs. The experimental patterns for all propagating positions are excellently reconstructed by the derived wave functions, and the evolution of phase structures is numerically calculated to manifest the robust optical vortices.
Spatially variant deblur and image enhancement in a single multimode fiber imaged by deep learning
Authors: Deng Qilin , Wen Zhong , Dong Zhenyu , Tang Jianbin , Chen Wei , Liu Xu , Yang Qing
Published: August 2022

A single multimode fiber has been applied in minimally invasive endoscopy with wavefront shaping for biological research such as brain imaging. Most of the fibers, such as step-index and graded-index multimode fibers, give rise to spatially variant blur due to limits on the numerical aperture and collection efficiency. Routines to solve this problem are based on iterative algorithms, which are often slow and computer-intense. We developed a method to synthesize datasets for driving a deep learning network to deblur and denoise the spatially variant degraded image. This approach is fast (5 ms), up to three orders of magnitude faster than the iterative way. Furthermore, our method can be applied to different types of fiber endoscopy, and two types of fiber are tested here. The performance is verified on fluorescence beads and three kinds of biological tissue sections in the experiment, demonstrating effectiveness in image enhancement.
High-depth-resolution imaging of dispersive samples using quantum optical coherence tomography
Authors: Hayama Kyohei , Cao Bo , Okamoto Ryo , Suezawa Shun , Okano Masayuki , Takeuchi Shigeki
Published: August 2022

Quantum optical coherence tomography (QOCT) is a promising approach to overcome the degradation of the resolution in optical coherence tomography (OCT) due to dispersion. Here, we report on an experimental demonstration of QOCT imaging in the high-resolution regime. We achieved a depth resolution of 2.5

μ

m, which is the highest value for QOCT imaging, to the best of our knowledge. We show that the QOCT image of a dispersive material remains clear whereas the OCT image is drastically degraded.
High-quality 8-fold self-compression of ultrashort near-UV pulses in an Ar-filled ultrathin-walled photonic crystal fiber
Authors: Luan Jie , Russell Philip St.J. , Novoa David
Published: August 2022

We demonstrate generation of 7.6 fs near-UV pulses centered at 400 nm via 8-fold soliton-effect self-compression in an Ar-filled hollow-core kagomé-style photonic crystal fiber with ultrathin core walls. Analytical calculations of the effective compression length and soliton order permit adjustment of the experimental parameters, and numerical modeling of the nonlinear pulse dynamics in the fiber accurately predicts the spectrotemporal profiles of the self-compressed pulses. After compensation of phase distortion introduced by the optical elements along the beam path from the fiber to the diagnostics, 71% of the pulse energy was in the main temporal lobe, with peak powers in excess of 0.2 GW. The convenient setup opens up new opportunities for time-resolved studies in spectroscopy, chemistry, and materials science.
On the initiation of fiber fuse damage in high-power ytterbium-doped fiber lasers
Authors: Tian Jiading , Wang Zehui , Xiao Qirong , Li Dan , Yan Ping , Gong Mali
Published: August 2022

Fiber fuse effect can occur spontaneously and propagate along optical fibers to cause widespread damage; it threatens all applications involving optical fibers. This paper presents two results. First, it establishes that the initiation of fiber fuse (IFF) in silica fibers is caused by virtual-defect-induced absorption. Critical temperatures and critical optical powers for IFF are simulated for the first time using a 3D solid-state heat transfer model with heat source generated by the virtual-defect-induced absorption. In this method, formation energies of the virtual defects can be uniquely determined, which offers critical information on the chemical reasons for fiber fuse. Second, this paper offers a method to evaluate operating temperatures of fiber lasers. General analytical solutions of the operating temperatures along gain fibers are deduced. Results of 976-nm laser-diode-pumped and 1018-nm tandem-pumped ytterbium-doped fiber (YDF) amplifiers using 10/130-μm YDFs are calculated. Potential limits caused by fiber fuse are discussed.
The role of men in antenatal care and preventing HIV transmission from mothers to infants in Gambella region, Ethiopia
Authors: Kaba Mirgissa , Kaufman Michelle R. , Ruff Andrea
Published: August 2022

Prevention of vertical transmission of HIV has evolved over the past two decades. Although public health agencies advocate for male involvement in such interventions, their role in the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV remains limited. This study aims to explore the role of men in antenatal care and prevention of vertical transmission of HIV in the Gambella region of Ethiopia. The study was conducted among the Nuer and Anuak communities in Gambella region. Participants included female antenatal care attendees at two health centers, men who were husbands, local health extension workers of the catchment villages, and health care providers and managers. Data were collected using focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews. Recordings were transcribed, coded, and analysed using thematic approaches. MAXQDA version 11 was used to facilitate data organization and reduction. Findings showed that men in Gambella are not expected to accompany their wives to health facilities or encourage them to visit the facilities in connection to pregnancy. Participants reported that men rarely visit health facilities with their partners, and they are largely unaware of the connection between antenatal care during pregnancy and prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV. Participants indicated that women’s attendance at health facilities during pregnancy is not a common practice, and if they do visit them in connection to pregnancy there may be suspicion she has HIV. In this cultural context, men do not have a role in the health care of their wives during pregnancy. Men’s engagement may be further lessened by the common perception that visiting a health facility in connection to pregnancy is associated with HIV.
In silico analysis and in planta production of recombinant ccl21/IL1β protein and characterization of its in vitro anti-tumor and immunogenic activity
Authors: Marashi Hasan , Beihaghi Maria , Chaboksavar Masoud , Khaksar Samad , Tehrani Homan , Abiri Ardavan
Published: August 2022

CCL21 has an essential role in anti-tumor immune activity. Epitopes of IL1β have adjuvant activity without causing inflammatory responses. CCR7 and its ligands play a vital role in the immune balance; specifically, in transport of T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells to the lymph nodes. This study aimed to produce epitopes of CCL21 and IL1β as a recombinant protein and characterize its in vitro anti-tumor and immunogenic activity. A codon-optimized ccl21/IL1β gene was designed and synthesized from human genes. Stability and binding affinity of CCL21/IL1β protein and CCR7 receptor were examined through in silico analyses. The construct was introduced into N. tabacum to produce this recombinant protein and the structure and function of CCL21/IL1β were examined. Purified protein from transgenic leaves generated a strong signal in SDS PAGE and western blotting assays. FTIR measurement and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrography showed that ccl21/IL-1β was correctly expressed in tobacco plants. Potential activity of purified CCL21/IL1β in stimulating the proliferation and migration of MCF7 cancer cell line was investigated using the wound healing method. The results demonstrated a decrease in survival rate and metastasization of cancer cells in the presence of CCL21/IL1β, and IC50 of CCL21 on MCF7 cells was less than that of non-recombinant protein. Agarose assay on PBMCsCCR7+ showed that CCL21/IL1β has biological activity and there is a distinguishable difference between chemokinetic (CCL21) and chemotactic (FBS) movements. Overall, the results suggest that CCL21/IL1β could be considered an effective adjuvant in future in vivo and clinical tests.
Parents’ and guardians’ acceptability of COVID-19 vaccination for children in Ghana: An online survey
Authors: Kyei-Arthur Frank , Kyei-Gyamfi Sylvester , Agyekum Martin Wiredu , Afrifa-Anane Grace Frempong , Amoh Bernard Akyeampong
Published: August 2022

Few studies have examined the intentions of parents and guardians to vaccinate their children younger than 18 years against COVID-19 in Ghana. Parents are the decision makers for children younger than 18 years; therefore, we examined parents’ and guardians’ intentions to accept the COVID-19 vaccines for their children. An online survey was conducted among 415 parents and guardians in Ghana. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 was used to analyse the data. We found that 73.3% of parents/guardians would allow their children to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The binary logistic regression analysis shows that parents/guardians with Senior High School education, those who believed COVID-19 could not be cured, and those who agreed and those who neither agreed nor disagreed with the statement “once the vaccine is available and approved, it would be safe” were less likely to accept COVID-19 vaccine for their children. Also, parents/guardians who neither agreed nor disagreed that “the best way to avoid the complications of COVID-19 is by being vaccinated”, those who agreed that “I am of the notion that physiological/natural community is better compared to vaccine-induced immunity” and “I believe the vaccine programming may be likened to the new world order” were less likely to accept COVID-19 vaccine for their children. There is a need for public health practitioners to intensify education on the benefits and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as provide regular and up-to-date information about vaccines’ safety to parents and guardians.
College openings in the United States increase mobility and COVID-19 incidence
Authors: Andersen Martin S. , Bento Ana I. , Basu Anirban , Marsicano Christopher R. , Simon Kosali I.
Published: August 2022

School and college reopening-closure policies are considered one of the most promising non-pharmaceutical interventions for mitigating infectious diseases. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of these policies is still debated, largely due to the lack of empirical evidence on behavior during implementation. We examined U.S. college reopenings’ association with changes in human mobility within campuses and in COVID-19 incidence in the counties of the campuses over a twenty-week period around college reopenings in the Fall of 2020. We used an integrative framework, with a difference-in-differences design comparing areas with a college campus, before and after reopening, to areas without a campus and a Bayesian approach to estimate the daily reproductive number (Rt). We found that college reopenings were associated with increased campus mobility, and increased COVID-19 incidence by 4.9 cases per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.9–6.9), or a 37% increase relative to the pre-period mean. This reflected our estimate of increased transmission locally after reopening. A greater increase in county COVID-19 incidence resulted from campuses that drew students from counties with high COVID-19 incidence in the weeks before reopening (χ2(2) = 8.9, p = 0.012) and those with a greater share of college students, relative to population (χ2(2) = 98.83, p < 0.001). Even by Fall of 2022, large shares of populations remained unvaccinated, increasing the relevance of understanding non-pharmaceutical decisions over an extended period of a pandemic. Our study sheds light on movement and social mixing patterns during the closure-reopening of colleges during a public health threat, and offers strategic instruments for benefit-cost analyses of school reopening/closure policies.
Whole exome sequencing of high-risk neuroblastoma identifies novel non-synonymous variants
Authors: Przybyła Weronika , Gjersvoll Paulsen Kirsti Marie , Mishra Charitra Kumar , Nygård Ståle , Engebretsen Solveig , Ruud Ellen , Trøen Gunhild , Beiske Klaus , Baumbusch Lars Oliver
Published: August 2022

Neuroblastoma (NBL), one of the main death-causing cancers in children, is known for its remarkable genetic heterogeneity and varied patient outcome spanning from spontaneous regression to widespread disease. Specific copy number variations and single gene rearrangements have been proven to be associated with biological behavior and prognosis; however, there is still an unmet need to enlarge the existing armamentarium of prognostic and therapeutic targets. We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) of samples from 18 primary tumors and six relapse samples originating from 18 NBL patients. Our cohort consists of 16 high-risk, one intermediate, and one very low risk patient. The obtained results confirmed known mutational hotspots in ALK and revealed other non-synonymous variants of NBL-related genes (TP53, DMD, ROS, LMO3, PRUNE2, ERBB3, and PHOX2B) and of genes cardinal for other cancers (KRAS, PIK3CA, and FLT3). Beyond, GOSeq analysis determined genes involved in biological adhesion, neurological cell-cell adhesion, JNK cascade, and immune response of cell surface signaling pathways. We were able to identify novel coding variants present in more than one patient in nine biologically relevant genes for NBL, including TMEM14B, TTN, FLG, RHBG, SHROOM3, UTRN, HLA-DRB1, OR6C68, and XIRP2. Our results may provide novel information about genes and signaling pathways relevant for the pathogenesis and clinical course in high-risk NBL.
A Structural Equation Model (SEM) for the socio-economic impacts of ecotourism development in Malaysia
Authors: Darda Md. Abud , Bhuiyan Md. Anowar Hossain
Published: August 2022

The present study investigates the perception of local communities and obtains the socio-economic impacts of ecotourism development in Terengganu, Malaysia. Two ecotourism places of Terengganu namely Lake Kenyir and Sekayu Recreational Forest had purposively been chosen for study. A non-probability convenience sampling was adopted for sample selection and a structured questionnaire was administered among 310 respondents to investigate the perception of the local communities. Factor analysis was done to identify the latent constructs and a theoretical Structural Equation Model (SEM) was proposed and tested. Results show that employment opportunities, homestay accommodations, and community participation are some positive socio-economic impacts of ecotourism development. Moreover, degradation of natural resources and break-up of religious traditions have been identified as negative socio-economic impacts. To ensure sustainable ecotourism development and endure the maximum benefit to the local communities, these negative impacts should be minimized. Encouragement should be given to local communities to accelerate the positive impacts of ecotourism.
Intentional abortion and its associated factors among female sex workers in Iran: Results from national bio-behavioral surveillance-2020
Authors: Moradi Ghobad , Gouya Mohammad Mehdi , Ezzati Amini Elnaz , Ghorbani Sahar Sotoodeh , Akbarpour Samaneh , Zareie Bushra , Izadi Neda , Kashefi Farzaneh , Moradi Yousef
Published: August 2022

Purpose

In addition to estimating the prevalence of intentional abortion in Iranian female sex workers (FSWs), this study identified related factors using the data of a national study.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilizes the third round of integrated bio-behavioral surveillance-III data in Iranian FSWs in December 2019 and August 2020, and 1515 Participants were selected in 8 geographically diverse cities in Iran. Logistic regression was performed using unweighted analysis to identify factors associated with intentional abortion. Stata software (version 14), respondent-driven sampling analyses, and R (version 4.1.2) was used for data analysis.

Results

From 1390 participants with valid responses to the abortion question, 598 (37.3%; 95% CI: 32.43, 42.11%) reported intentional abortion during their life. According to the age groups, the highest prevalence of abortion was in the age group of 31 to 40 years (42.60%). In the multivariate logistic regression model, the marital status (divorced women (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.27), concubines (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.02, 3.11)), work experience in brothels (AOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.84), the type of sex (AOR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.35, 5.58), the history of sexual violence (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.01), and alcohol consumption (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.01) were significantly associated with a history of intentional abortion.

Conclusion

Intentional abortion’s prevalence among Iranian FSWs has been much higher than that of the general female population in Iran, which is an alarming issue in the public health of this group and needs more effective interventions. In addition, alcohol consumption, working in a brothel, and being divorced are essential factors in increasing abortions among sex workers.
Pollen morphology and variability of native and alien, including invasive, species of the genus Spiraea L. (Rosaceae) in Poland
Authors: Wrońska-Pilarek Dorota , Sowelo Mateusz , Antkowiak Wojciech , Bocianowski Jan , Lechowicz Kacper
Published: August 2022

The pollen morphology was studied in 25 taxa of the genusSpiraeaL. The aims of this study were to describe the pollen morphology and variability and to determine whether the pollen features of alien, expansive or invasiveSpiraeaspecies differ from those of other taxa. The species ofSpiraeawere analysed for nine quantitative pollen traits as well as the following qualitative traits: the outline, shape and exine ornamentation. In total, 750 pollen grains were measured. Based on the pollen key exine ornamentation features, then individualSpiraeaspecies were distinguished, while the other species formed groups of usually 2–3, up to 8 species. The most important pollen features included length, width and course of grooves and striae, presence or absence of perforations, as well as their number and diameter. The most variable taxa for all the nine biometric traits jointly wereS.×billardii,S.veitchii,S.nipponicaandS.cana. The pollen of the invasiveS.tomentosadiffered from the other taxa studied, unlike the other invasive species (S.douglasiiandS.japonica).
In Moonlight, Perpetually Outside
Authors: Wooden Isaiah Matthew
Published: August 2022

This article explores the ways the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight reveals and reflects a Black spatial imaginary that explicitly and inextricably links Blackness, queerness, and the outside. In sharpening focus on its central character's journey from bullied kid to alienated high school student to hardened twenty-something, Moonlight, I argue, repudiates many of the anti-Black premises that vitalize the project of white supremacy and the white spatial imaginary, particularly those that cast Black people as always already unfit or unworthy—of freedom, of intimacy, of pleasure, of life. Simultaneously, the film draws attention to and invites viewers to grapple with the ways that Blackness always already indexes a waywardness, a transience, a queerness, a “movement in excess” that is itself an instantiation and expression of refusal, a being in and for the outside.
Manhaj Waḥīd ad-Dīn Khān fī al-’Aqīdah wa Taṭbīquhu fī Qaḍiyyati Wujūdi Allāh
Authors: Bin Has Qois Azizah , Farhah Farhah , Sifa’urrohmah Astuti
Published: August 2022

Waḥid ad-Dīn Khān has a profound interest in the questions of faith within the discourse of Kalam with the emergence of challenges in religion and the cognitive explosion in contemporary thought. In this case, Khān is encouraged to defend Islamic theology from challenges, such as the evidence-based questions about the existence of God. Those inquiries are arising among Western atheists, who are seeking scientific, empirical, and rational evidence. Responding to this challenge, Khān defends the theology by introducing a fresh paradigm of Kalam, a scientific theory based on Quranic foundations. This discourse encourages the ramification of Quranic values to remind God’s intention, configures the “scientific” verses with new scientific discoveries, inspires the complete verses of God in the human soul, and integrates Islamic-theological literature with scientific methods. Khān argues that modern scientific discoveries are parallel with the Qur'an, in which the human mind and divine revelation are colliding with each other.
Fish-for-Sex (FFS) and risk of HIV Infection among Fishers in Elmina Fishing Community in Ghana
Authors:   DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, MINISTRY OF GENDER, CHILDREN AND SOCIAL PROTECTION, Kyei-Gyamfi Sylvester
Published: August 2022

This paper is a follow-up to a cross-sectional study which employed mix-methods for data collection and analysis to investigate a relationship between mobility and HIV risks amongst 385 fishers in Elmina. It discusses the roles of men and women in fish-for-sex (FFS), reasons for such transactional sexual activity and its implications for HIV risk infection. The theory of gender and power has been utilized to explain gender dynamics in power inequalities, and their effects on interpersonal sexual relationships between males and females within the fishing community. The paper concludes sex-division of labour exists in the study area and thrives on socio-cultural norms and power inequalities, which mainly favours men, as it gives them the power to exploit women through the supply of fish. Another observation from the paper is that as long as the female fishers require capital for their fish trade and the male fishers have greater control over the supply of the fish, the women will have very little basis to negotiate for. The paper therefore establishes linkage between fish-for-sex relationship and risk of HIV exposure among fishers in Elmina. The paper recommends empowerment of female fishers by granting them trading capital to limit their overdependence on male fishers for capital, and prevent them from exchanging sex for fish. The paper also calls for the intensification of education by relevant agencies involved in HIV education on safe sex practices through the use of condoms in fishing communities.
The Impact of International Migration on Skills Supply and Demand in South Africa
Authors: Yu Derek
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the demographic, education and labour market characteristics of three groups: (1) immigrants into South Africa; (2) natives who remained in the country; (3) emigrants into the top five destination countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA). The empirical findings were used to examine the extent of migration to and from the country, from the perspectives of skills supply and demand. Emigrants were most educated, enjoyed the lowest unemployment probability (about 10%), and were most likely to be involved in high-paying skilled occupations and tertiary sector activities as full-time employees (if employed). The immigrants fared worse than the emigrants but better than natives. These immigrants, mainly originating from the other African countries, were slightly more educated, but enjoyed higher LFPR (75%) and lower unemployment likelihood (20%), compared with the natives (55% and 30% respectively). Furthermore, for both above-mentioned two groups, they were distinguished into long-term, medium-term and short-term migrants, and it was found that long-term migrants fared relatively better in the labour markets of their respective host countries. Overall, the findings strongly indicated brain drain out of South Africa, and exodus of highly educated and skilled people is not complemented by a rapid increase of supply of equally educated and skilled labour force entrants in the country. The study recommended four policy suggestions: ease up regulations to attract skilled immigrants, promote entrepreneurial activities of immigrants, better develop and retain skills of the natives, improve migration and vacancy data capture, availability, usage and analysis.
Destination Substitution and Social Networks among Urban Refugees in Kampala, Uganda
Authors:   University of the Witwatersrand, Anyanzu Francis , DeWet-Billings Nicole
Published: August 2022

A significant number of refugees and asylum seekers live in Kampala as opposed to the rural settlement areas. However, what is less known is the extent of destination substitution among these refugees and factors associated with changes in destination. Using a survey of 479 refugees from eight nationalities, this study examined the influences of social networks on destination substitution among refugees in Kampala. It was found that more than half of the refugees substituted their initially intended destination with Kampala. Refugees with social network ties in Kampala are likely to substitute their preferred destination for Kampala compared to those who do not have social network ties in Kampala. The study contributes to the literature on destination choices and social networks by showing that the refugees have destination preferences, but these preferences can be constrained by prevailing circumstances. Facilitated by social networks with alternative destinations, refugees may substitute their preferred destinations with a proxy destination in cities in neighboring countries.