bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel application of multitubular nozzle in through-feed centerless grinding process of bearing steel SAE 52100
Authors: Neto Luiz Maurício Gonçalves , Rodriguez Rafael Lemes , Lopes José Claudio , Ribeiro Fernando Sabino Fonteque , Królczyk Grzegorz M. , Sanchez Luiz Eduardo de Ângelo , de Mello Hamilton José , Bianchi Eduardo Carlos
Published: August 2021

Through-feed centerless grinding is a high-productivity machining process widely used for mass production of cylindrical parts and rotationally symmetrical parts in automotive and bearing industries. Grinding process is strictly related to large amount of heat generated in the cutting zone. This process characteristic makes pivotal and indispensable the effects of lubrication and cooling provided by metal working fluid (MWF). In this regard, this work aims to contribute to the study of MWF application in grinding process, analyzing the effects of the optimized technique developed for an eco-friendlier use of MWF by the application of a novel multitubular nozzle. The results obtained for the novel designed multitubular nozzle with compressed air outperformed the conventional nozzle system with lower oil volume employed.
Cerebrovascular Manifestations of Adult-Onset Varicella Zoster Virus Infection in the Central Nervous System: A Literature Review
Authors: Wu Hangfei , Wang Ruoru , Li Yuanyuan , Sun Xu , Li Jiasi , Bi Xiaoying
Published: August 2021

Background

Cerebrovascular complications after adult-onset varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection have been increasingly recognized. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and neuroimaging findings, treatment and outcome of these patients.
Methods

Systematic literature review from January 2000 to December 2019.
Results

We analyzed 31 articles with a total of adult-onset 34 cases, including 25 (73.53%) cases of ischemic stroke (median age 52 years), 6 of intracerebral hemorrhage (median age 70.5 years) and 3 with venous sinus thrombosis. The incidence in men was higher than in women in ischemia (72% and 28%) or venous sinus thrombosis groups (100% for men). There was median time with 42.8 days from herpes zoster infection to hospital in patients with ischemic stroke. Cognitive impairment was the most common symptoms either in the ischemic group (56%) or hemorrhagic group (83.33%). The lesions after VZV-associated cerebral infarction or hemorrhage were mutifocal and was most common in the parietal lobe. Venous sinus thrombosis was common in the transverse sinus (100%). Lesions in large vessels (48%) were common, followed by small vessels (36%) in ischemic group and multiple beaded stenosis (16.67%) were showed in hemorrhagic group by digital subtraction angiography or magnetic resonance angiography. 60.87% of the patients with antiviral treatment in the ischemic group had favorable prognosis. All patients with anticoagulant therapy in venous sinus thrombosis group improved well (100%), however, 60% of the patients with intracerebral hemorrhage had a poor prognosis or died.
Conclusion

We found ischemic stroke related with VZV encephalitis is common and mainly affects the middle-aged. In general, the young patients with venous sinus thrombosis improve completely, however, the old patients with intracerebral hemorrhage have poor prognosis. When the patient represents with some neurological symptoms within 2 months after VZV infection, and multiple lesions probably induced by vasculitis showed in neuroimaging, cerebral complications related with VZV infection should be considered even though the existence of some vascular risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Vagus Nerve Schwannoma At Cerebellopontine Angle With Extracranial Extension Through Jugular Foramen
Authors: Tang Hao , Sun Zhenghui , Zhang Jiashu , Yu Xinguang
Published: August 2021

Communicating tumors between the posterior fossa and parapharyngeal space are rare and difficult to diagnose and treat. Surgical excision of these space lesions is challenging because of the anatomical complexity of the area. In this case we successfully made full resection of a big rare vagus nerve schwannoma at cerebellopontine angle and parapharyngeal space. Surgical resection is the treatment of first choice for this disease. The degree of lesion adhesion to the brain stem and peripheral vessels determines the degree of tumor resection and prognosis of patients.
New Method for Examining Association Between Obesity and Diabetes With Age Among Korean Adults
Authors: Kang Nam Lyong
Published: August 2021

This study examined the age-dependence of the association between diabetes and obesity among Korean adults. The data from the Seventh Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017) were analyzed. This paper considered the body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHT2R) as obesity indices and the fasting blood glucose (FBG) as a diabetes index and used their lump mean values and the regression method. The WEHT2R was a more suitable index for examining the FBG than the BMI. The increase in the WHT2R of females was more sensitive to age than that of males. In contrast, the increase in the FBG of males was more sensitive to age than that of females. The ages that FBG increased to 100.0 mg/DL were 44.7 and 60.5 years for males and females, respectively. Korean adults should reduce their WHT2R to prevent the excessive increase in their FBG level and Korean males should take care of their FBG from a young age. The present results can be used for a preliminary inspection of diseases, such as functional degradation of Langerhans islets and gestational diabetes
Moral distress amongst intensive care unit professions in the UK: A qualitative study
Authors: Boulton Adam Jonathan , Yeung Joyce , Bassford Christopher , Slowther Anne-Marie
Published: August 2021

Background:

Working in intensive care presents psychological challenges to healthcare professionals, including moral distress. Concerningly, moral distress is associated with burnout and a tendency to leave the profession. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the challenges to staff wellbeing and the importance of identifying and mitigating moral distress. However moral distress remains poorly studied in the UK. Our aim was to explore the experience and response to moral distress amongst intensive care professionals in the UK and identify interventions to support professionals and improve staff wellbeing.
Methods:

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 15 interviews were performed with intensive care professionals from four units of varying size and specialty facilitates recruited from a pool of responders to a questionnaire survey. Participants were purposively sampled for hospital, profession, grade, and quantitative moral distress score. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results:

Participants included a range of intensive care professions, working experience, overall moral distress score, and were representative of the larger questionnaire sample. Moral distress occurred across all professions, levels of seniority, and in all units. Moral distress occurred in many situations, most commonly related to providing care against the patient’s wishes/interests, or resource constraints compromising care. Its experience resulted in multiple negative feelings and could lead to withdrawal from engaging with patients/families and avoiding a career in intensive care. Participants described a range of individualised coping strategies tailored to the situations faced. The most common and highly valued strategies were informal and relied on working within a supportive environment along with a close-knit team, although participants acknowledged there was a role for structured and formalised intervention. A lack of agency was central to the experience of moral distress.
Conclusions:

Moral distress is commonly encountered by UK intensive care professionals and can have an important negative impact on professional wellbeing and patient care. Interventions to support intensive care professionals should recognise the individualistic nature of coping with moral distress. Addressing moral distress may support a healthy and sustainable intensive care workforce. Achieving this requires a supportive environment and a close-knit supportive team which has implications for how intensive care services are organised.
A multi-centre quantitative assessment of moral distress amongst intensive care unit professions in the UK
Authors: Boulton Adam Jonathan , Yeung Joyce , Slowther Anne-Marie , Bassford Christopher
Published: August 2021

Background:Moral distress is a damaging experience that impacts adversely on healthcare professional wellbeing, however remains poorly studied in the UK. This study aimed to explore how widespread and severe moral distress is amongst intensive care professionals in the UK.Methods:Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a paper questionnaire that quantitatively assessed moral distress using the validated Measure of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals (MMD-HP) was distributed at four intensive care units of varying size and speciality facilities.Results:227 questionnaires were returned, including 165 nurses and 40 doctors with a mean age and ICU experience of 38.1 and 10.1 years, respectively. The median moral distress score was 108 (IQR = 78.2, range 0 to 288). Moral distress was greatest in situations related to delivering aggressive treatment that was perceived as futile or not in the patient’s best interests, closely followed by situations related to lack of resources compromising care. Moral distress was independently influenced by profession (p = 0.02) (nurses 117.0 vs doctors 78.0) and had no relationship with participant age and ICU experience. One-third indicated their intention to leave their current post due to moral distress and this was greater amongst nurses than doctors (37.0% vs 15.0%). Multiple logistic regression models included profession, gender, hospital type, age and ICU experience as covariates and had good discrimination and ability to predict intention to leave. Moral distress was associated with an intention to leave their current post in unadjusted and adjusted analyses (adjOR = 1.011 per 1 unit increase in moral distress, 1.006–1.017, p < 0.0001) and a previous post (adjOR = 1.009, 1.004–1.014, p = 0.001).Conclusions:Moral distress appears widespread amongst UK ICU professionals and is worse amongst nurses. Moral distress due to resource-related issues was more severe than comparable studies in North America. Its relationship with an intention to leave a post and the high proportion of ICU nurses considering leaving their current post due to moral distress is concerning, particularly as this study was performed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing moral distress should be a priority, however the ideal interventions remain unclear.
Lipid Metabolism Gene Expression And Cellularity of Intramuscular Adipocytes Within The Longissimus Muscle of Angus- And Wagyu-Sired Cattle When Raised To A Similar Age or Body Weight
Authors: Jaborek Jerad , Fluharty Francis , Lee Kichoon , Zerby Henry , Relling Alejandro
Published: August 2021

Background: This study investigates intramuscular (IM) adipocyte development and growth in the Longissimus muscle (LM) between Wagyu- and Angus-sired steers compared at a similar age and days on feed (DOF) endpoint or similar body weight (BW) endpoint by measuring IM adipocyte cell area and lipid metabolism gene expression. Methods: Angus-sired steers (AN, n=6) were compared with steers from two different Wagyu sires, selected for either growth or marbling, to be compared at a similar DOF (WA-GD, n=5 and WA-MD, n=5) in experiment 1 or BW (WA-GB, n=4 and WA-MB, n=5) in experiment 2, respectively. Results: In experiment 1, WA-MD steers had a greater percentage of IM fat in the LM compared with AN and WA-GD steers. In experiment 2, WA-MB steers had a greater percentage of IM fat in the LM compared with AN and WA-GB steers. The distribution of IM adipocyte area was unimodal at all biopsy collections, with IM adipocyte area becoming progressively larger as cattle age and BW increased (P≤0.01). Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta (PPARd) was upregulated earlier for WA-MD and WA-MB cattle compared with other steers at a similar age and BW (P≤0.02; treatment×biopsy interaction). An earlier upregulation of PPARd is believed to have then upregulated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARg) at a lesser BW for WA-MB steers (P=0.09; treatment×biopsy interaction), while WA-MD steers had a greater (P≤0.04) overall mean PPARg expression compared with other steers. Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, lipin 1, and hormone sensitive lipase demonstrated expression patterns similar to PPARg and PPARd or CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta, which emphasizes their importance in marbling development and growth. Additionally, WA-MD and WA-MB steers often had a greater early expression of fatty acid transporters (fatty acid transport protein 1; P<0.02; treatment×biopsy interaction) and binding proteins (fatty acid binding protein 4) compared with other steers. With many lipolytic genes upregulated at harvest, acetyl-CoA carboxylase beta may be inhibiting fatty acid oxidation in the LM to allow greater IM fat accumulation.Conclusions: Cattle with a greater marbling propensity appear to upregulate adipogenesis at a lesser maturity through PPARd, PPARg, and possibly adipogenic regulating compounds in lysophosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol.
Amyloidosis in major body organs examined during autopsies at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital
Authors: Kirunda Jeremy Menya , Mudde Joseph Bruno , Musibika Brenda Faith , Kizito Musema , Gubya Ibrahim , Atwine Raymond , Birungi Abraham , Behayo Paddy , Ssedyabane Frank
Published: August 2021

BackgroundAmyloidosis is an infrequent disease that occurs when an abnormal protein, called amyloid, deposits in body organs and disrupts their normal function. Amyloid is not normally found in the body but it can be formed from several different types of protein. Commonly affected organs include the heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal (GI) tract/liver or the peripheral or autonomic nervous system (NS). Amyloidosis can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, spongiform encephalopathies and diabetes mellitus type 2. Main objectiveTo establish the prevalence of amyloidosis in major body organs examined during autopsies at Mbarara regional referral hospital and to correlate cause of death with amyloidosis. MethodsBrain, heart, kidney, and liver samples were obtained from 23 bodies during autopsies at Mbarara regional referral hospital which were then processed to produce 2 slides per tissue of each of the above organ samples. These slides were then stained using H&E and Congo red staining protocols and then examined for amyloidosis under the light microscope. ResultsThe mean age of the bodies was 61.26 of which 5 (21.7%) were female while 18 (78.3%) were male. 3 bodies (13.0%) tested positive for amyloidosis in the kidney; 2 males (8.70) and 1 female (4.35). All the other organs tested negative. ConclusionIn our study, body organ investigation revealed amyloid in the kidney of 3 bodies. The prevalence of amyloidosis was 13% therefore amyloidosis diagnosis ought to be put into consideration at Mbarara Regional Referral hospital.
A Multi-Country Survey on the Impact of COVID-19 on Dentists in Latin America
Authors: Moraes Rafael R. , Cuevas-Suárez Carlos E. , Escalante-Otárola Wilfredo G. , Fernández María R. , Dávila-Sánchez Andrés , Grau-Grullon Patricia , Fernández Eduardo , López Tania M. , Grazioli Guillermo , Arana Luis A. , Rondón Luis F. , Torrez Willy B. , Lima Giana S. , Schuch Helena S. , Correa Marcos B. , Demarco Flavio F.
Published: August 2021

Background: The COVID-19pandemic has significantly impacted the dental sector worldwide.Methods: The impact of the pandemic on dentistsfrom Latin America was investigated by an online survey with professionals working in 11 Spanish-speaking countries in September–December 2020. The invitations were sent to registered professionals. An open campaign was promoted on social media. The questions investigated dental care routines, work practice changes, andfeelings about the pandemic, in addition toreasons for engaging in furthersurveys.Descriptive statistics were used to identify frequencies and distributions of variables. Proportions were compared using chi-square tests.Results: A total of 2,127 responses were collected from a samplewith diverse demographic, sex, work, and education characteristics. The impact of the pandemic was considered high/very high by 60% of respondents.The volume of patients assisted weekly was significantly lower compared with the pre-pandemic period (mean reduction=14 ±15 patients). A high rate of fear to contracting the COVID-19 at work was observed (85%); 4.9% of participants had a positive COVID-19 test. The mask most frequently worn was PFF2/N95 (42%). The main professional challenges faced by respondents were reduction in the number of patientsor financial gain (35%), fear of contracting COVID-19 (34%), and burden with or difficulty in purchasing new PPE (22%).The fear to contracting COVID-19 was influenced by the number of weekly appointments. A positive test by the dentists was associated with their reports of having assisted COVID-19 patients. The most cited feelings about the pandemic were uncertainty, fear, worry, anxiety, and stress. When asked about incentives to participating in further surveys, the most common responses were receiving articles that originated from the investigation (44%)and priority access to research data (15%). Conclusion:This multi-countrysurvey indicated a high impact of the pandemic on dental care routines in Latin American offices.
Artificial polyhydroxyalkanoate poly[2-hydroxybutyrate-block-3-hydroxybutyrate] elastomer-like material
Authors: Kageyama Yuki , Tomita Hiroya , Isono Takuya , Satoh Toshifumi , Matsumoto Ken’ichiro
Published: August 2021

The first polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) block copolymer poly(2-hydroxybutyrate-b-3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(2HB-b-3HB)] was previously synthesized using engineered Escherichia coli expressing a chimeric PHA synthase PhaCAR with monomer sequence-regulating capacity. In the present study, the physical properties of the block copolymer and its relevant random copolymer P(2HB-ran-3HB) were evaluated. Stress–strain tests on the P(88 mol% 2HB-b-3HB) film showed an increasing stress value during elongation up to 393%. In addition, the block copolymer film exhibited slow contraction behavior after elongation, indicating that P(2HB-b-3HB) is an elastomer-like material. In contrast, the P(92 mol% 2HB-ran-3HB) film, which was stretched up to 692% with nearly constant stress, was stretchable but not elastic. The differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that the P(2HB-b-3HB) contained the amorphous P(2HB) phase and the crystalline P(3HB) phase, whereas P(2HB-ran-3HB) was wholly amorphous. Therefore, the elasticity of P(2HB-b-3HB) can be attributed to the presence of the crystalline P(3HB) phase. These results show the potential of block PHAs as elastic materials.
Recycling and Extraction of Zinc Ions in Disc-Donut Column Considering Forward Mixing Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction and Effects of Pulsed and non-Pulsed Condition
Authors: Asadollahzadeh Mehdi , Torkaman Rezvan , Torab-Mostaedi Meisam , Saremi Mojtaba
Published: August 2021

The current study focuses on the recovery of zinc ions by solvent extraction in the pulsed contactor. The Zn(II) ions from chloride solution were extracted into the organic phase containing D2EHPA extractant. The resulting data were characterized for the relative amount of (a) pulsed and no-pulsed condition; and (b) flow rate of both phases. Based on the mass balance equations for the column performance description, numerical computations of mass transfer in a disc-donut column were conducted and validated the experimental data for zinc extraction. Four different models, such as plug flow, backflow, axial dispersion, and forward mixing were evaluated in this study. The results showed that the intensification of the process with the pulsed condition increased and achieved higher mass transfer rates. The forward mixing model findings based on the curve fitting approach validated well with the experimental data. The results showed that an increase in pulsation intensity, as well as the phase flow rates, have a positive impact on the performance of the extractor, whereas the enhancement of flow rate led to the reduction of the described model parameters for adverse phase.
A Novel circRNA Highlights a Path to Cardiac Hypertrophy in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.
Authors: Tabakoff Boris , Mahaffey Jennifer , Mahaffey Spencer , Vanderlinden Lauren , Saba Laura , Hoffman Paula , Pravenec Michal
Published: August 2021

BackgroundCardiac hypertrophy can be considered a maladaptive response which in many cases results in heart failure and sudden death. Genetic predisposition to cardiac hypertrophy is ill-defined, but current research has given credence to a role of non-protein-coding RNAs in the development of cardiac hypertrophy.ResultsWe used microarrays, RNA-Seq and quantitative genetics with the spontaneously hypertensive, SHR (SHR/OlaIpcv) rat strain, the normotensive Brown Norway (BN-Lx/Cub) rat strain, and a recombinant inbred (RI) panel of rats (HXB/BXH) derived from these strains to examine the areas of the genome associated with cardiac hypertrophy. We identified circular (circ) RNAs coded within these areas. Of the 122 differentially expressed circRNAs in left ventricle of SHR and BN-Lx rats, three were transcribed from areas corresponding to the QTLs we identified for cardiac hypertrophy using the HXB/BXH rat panel. We then identified microRNAs which are “sponged” by the circ RNAs and the mRNAs which are destabilized by the microRNAs. 265 miRNAs could be identified as targets for the three circRNAs. We focused on the four miRNAs that were also differentially expressed between SHR and BN-Lx rats. One of the miRNAs (Mir-210-5p) was a target of the differentially expressed circ H2afy and circ H2afy was located within the QTL on Chr 17 (genome wide p-value = 0.011). Mir-210-5p has a binding site on the 3’ UTR of DR6, which is differentially expressed and in turn controls the expression level of NFκB. NFκB is an important component of the oxidative stress response leading to hypertrophy.ConclusionsOur work identified a novel circRNA that may be the mediator of a cascade of events that influence a cardiac hypertrophy phenotype. The circRNA and miRNA which we identified may become useful as markers of the risk for cardiac hypertrophy.
High-power Terahertz Waves for a Recycle System of Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Kawasaki Takayasu , Yamaguchi Yuusuke , Kitahara Hideaki , Irizawa Akinori , Tani Masahiko
Published: August 2021

Recycling of persistent materials is one of most important subjects to be addressed towards the sustainable society. Amyloid fibril is such a tough biomaterial that can be designed for various industrial applications, and it is usually difficult to dissociate the once made fibrous conformation due to the cross β-sheet stacks. We propose here a unique but versatile approach to handle the fibril formation by using two-kinds of high-power terahertz waves. Lysozyme and β2-microglobulin peptide fragment were employed as model samples, and those fibrils were clearly disaggregated accompanied by decrease of β-sheets and increase of α-helices by the irradiation of 5.3 THz free electron laser tuned to 56 μm, as shown by infrared (IR) microscopy and scanning-electron microscopy (SEM). In contrast, those fibrous conformations were reversely self-associated by the irradiation of 0.42 THz wave tuned to 720 μm from gyrotron, as shown by optical and IR microscopies, SEM, and small-angle X-ray scattering. The overall reaction is performed at room temperature within 30 min without external heating and high-pressures. Therefore, amyloid fibrils can be dissociated and associated under the proper far-infrared radiation conditions, which inspires a sustainable recycling system of fibrous biomaterials.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic On Sleep Quality in Students and Employees: Web-Based Survey
Authors: Ionescu Tiberiu Constantin , Zaharia Stefan , Minecan Elma , Fetecau Bogdana Ioana , Tudose Catalina
Published: August 2021

Background

Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are experiencing severe mental distress. Thus, during the last year, drastic changes occurred in everyday life of every human being. Following social distancing and economic insecurity, significant increases in mental health concerns (loneliness, anxiety, depression, or insomnia) have developed.
Methods

Following social distancing and economic insecurity, significant increases in mental health concerns (loneliness, anxiety, depression, or insomnia) have developed. The objective of this study was to explore the sleep quality in students and employees, during the COVID-19 pandemic. 620 responses were validated.
Results

In this study, more than 20% of the participants scored above the cut-off score for insomnia and almost 40% screened positive for mild problems with sleep. All these results are indicating an exacerbation of sleep disturbances. Although there is an increased prevalence of sleep disorders among respondents, these changes were not directly associated with the presence of the infection or its severity, but rather with various demographic, socio-economic variables and finally with the presence of a pre-existing psychiatric disorder.
Conclusions

In conclusion, sleep disorders among students and employees are a major health issue associated with great psychological burden. Up to date, research of insomnia during a pandemic crisis is limited. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to explore sleep difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic in students and employees in Romania. This study uncovered a high-level of insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women, single people, or presence of psychiatric disorders were more susceptible to sleep difficulties.
The role of mHLA-DR in the early diagnosis of sepsis patients with severe trauma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Guo-sheng , Wen Da-Lin , Qiu Jin-Chao , Wang Qiang , Peng Guo-Xuan , Du Juan , Zhang Peng , Zhang An-Qiang , Deng Jin
Published: August 2021

Background

HLA-DR is a common and significant biomarker in sepsis. However, as a biomarker of post-traumatic sepsis, there are few studies. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the value of HLA-DR in the diagnosis of severe traumatic sepsis.
Methods

We developed a strategy for literature retrieval from the PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science,EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. All studies published until June 1, 2021, were retrieved. All studies that were included considered HLA-DR in the diagnosis of adult post-traumatic sepsis, and each study calculated the sensitivities and specificities.
Results

The study included 8 articles involving 639 trauma patients. combined sensitivity was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.75–0.86), the combined specificity was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.62–0.71), the positive likelihood ratio was 2.29 (95% CI, 1.73–3.04), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.32 (95% CI, 0.23–0.44). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.84(95% CI, 0.80–0.87), and the Q index was 0.76. The combined diagnostic odds ratio was 9.11 (95% CI, 5.37–15.45).
Conclusions

The results of this meta-analysis showed that HLA-DR could be considered as a useful biomarker for the early diagnosis of severe traumatic sepsis. Its sensitivity and diagnostic abilities are excellent. However, its specificity is inadequate. Therefore, it should be combined with other clinical indicators to assess post-traumatic sepsis, and cannot be used in the diagnosis of a disease alone.
Application of DSM-BIA in dry weight assessment in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Chen Qi , Wang Zheng , Liu Na , Mu Shujuan , Guo Peng , Li Shichao , Bai Jiajia , Zhou Jingwei , Li Yan
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesDry weight assessment (DWA) is an important part of dialysis and fluid management in patients receiving renal replacement therapy. With the development of bioimpedance analysis (BIA), the development of the direct segmental multi-frequency BIA (DSM-BIA) has provided a more convenient measure for DWA of dialysis patients, but its accuracy remains unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the application of DSM-BIA in DWA of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients.DesignThis is a cross-sectional study. Using the conventional BIA as a reference, we examined the accuracy of the DSM-BIA technique for assessing dry weight in CAPD patients and analyzed the potential factors influencing their fluid volume status.Setting and Participants:A total of 31 patients with end-stage renal disease receiving CAPD and 310 healthy volunteers were recruited for this study.MethodsThe intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the consistency between DSM-BIA and the conventional BIA for DWA. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to explore the influencing factors associated with the edema index.ResultsDSM-BIA and the conventional BIA technology were consistent in DWA in CAPD patients (ICC female 0.972, ICC male 0.882, ICC total 0.960). Similarly, Bland-Altman plots showed good agreements between the two methods in DWA for both genders. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis showed both eGFR level (P = 0.04) and serum NT-pro BNP concentration (P = 0.007) were positively correlated with the ratio of extracellular water to total body water (ECW/TCW).ConclusionsDSM-BIA in DWA has good accuracy in clinical applications and has potential application value for fluid volume management in CAPD patients.
The Need for Surgery of Isolated Sphenoid Sinus Disease Care Based on Imaging Findings
Authors: Uraguchi Kensuke , Higaki Takaya , Kozakura Kenichi , Doi Akira , Makihara Seiichiro , Noda Yohei , Ohta Tsuyoshi , Kariya Shin
Published: August 2021

Background: In general, ISSD may be detected due to clinical symptoms, but some ISSDs are found incidentally during radiological examinations for the assessment of unrelated diseases. This study aims to evaluate the clinical aspects of all ISSDs detected by image inspection. Methods: A total of 94 patients with ISSD were enrolled in this study. The study patients were classified into two groups: a group who improved with conservative treatment (n=25), and a group who did not improve with conservative treatment (n=69). Their clinical symptoms, medical histories, pathologies, and imaging findings were assessed.Results: The incidence of high signal intensity on T2-weighted images in the improvement group was significantly higher compared with the non-improvement group. Conversely, the incidences of bone erosion and expansion were significantly higher in the non-improvement group. Of the 42 cases receiving surgery, 10 cases (23.8%) had asymptomatic ISSD.Conclusion: This study suggests that ISSD with high signal intensity on T2-weighted images and/or without bone erosion and expansion in imaging findings could improve by conservative treatment or watchful waiting. Because some asymptomatic ISSD cases required surgery, proper diagnosis of ISSD regardless of clinical symptoms is important to prevent severe illness.
Post-Evaluation of Slope-Cutting on Loess Slopes Under Long-Term Rainfall Based on Model Test
Authors: Liu Guodong , Xu Shiqiang , Zhou Zhijun , Li Tao
Published: August 2021

Failures of treated slope occurring in China are at a consistently increasing rate, leaving the huge number of treated loess slopes calling for post-evaluation, however, no mature technique is in place. Depended on an loess slope in Shaanxi province treated by slope-cutting, indoor geotechnical and model tests were conducted, revealing the rainwater infiltration characteristics and pressure varying characteristics inside the slope, the results of which were then adopted to perform the post-evaluation of the treated slope. The results showed that the rainwater scouring effect on the loess slope surface attenuates gradually, and enters a steady stage after the first year of rainfall. The rainwater preferentially penetrates the platforms with gradually attenuating rates, however the wetting front can not be deemed as the boundary between the saturated and unsaturated areas, as the most parts of the model slope were indicated unsaturated by the pore water pressure sensors. Caused by the in-situ stress release, the soil pressures don’t increase but decrease sharply at the start of the rainfall. The displacements mainly occurs in the first two years of rainfall, following by steady periods. The model test results and investigation results were then used to conduct the post-evaluation of the prototype slope, which formed a post-evaluation frame relevant to other slope post-evaluations.
Components Analysis of Recycled Alkali Black Liquor Combined with Corn Straw under Ozone Pretreatment
Authors: Li Fei , Lu Xiaohong , Li Yiming , Fang Shuo , Zhou Xia , Zhao Zhezhen , Liu Ping
Published: August 2021

Previous studies showed that the cellulase hydrolysis of corn straw pretreated with circulating alkali black liquor combined with ozone was suppressed. In this paper, the alkali black liquor was sequentially withdrawn for 0–6 times under the optimal pretreatment conditions, and components characterization was analyzed to identify the main factors inhibiting cellulase hydrolysis in recycled alkali black liquor. Through the component analysis, the organic matter and acid precipitation contents increased throughout the cycles. At the fourth cycle, the cellulase hydrolysis rate was decreased significantly, the growth of lignin content in alkali black liquor was slowed down and the total dissolved solid increment was decreased to 8.33mg/mL, 69.52% lower than previous cycle increase. GC-MS results showed that phenols, benzene ring heterocyclic and furans were main degradation products. It indicated that small molecular organics and lignin were inhibitors of cellulase hydrolysis, which accumulated during recycling, reducing alkali utilization and delignification efficiency, resulting in lower enzymatic hydrolysis rate. This study has revealed the components inhibiting the enzymatic hydrolysis of corn straw in recycled alkali black liquor, which is beneficial to the recovery and efficient utilization of recycled alkali black liquor.
Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Solitary Thyroid Nodule
Authors: Nasr Burkan , Nasr Burkan , Qubati Mohammed , Qubati Sultan , Tamimi Abd alhakim Al , Rabo Yasser Abd , Tam Abd alfatah Al , Shujaa Mohamed Al , Shehari Mohammed Al , Aljunaeed Anwar
Published: August 2021

Aim

Preoperative distinction between benign and malignant in solitary thyroid nodules is important. It helps to avoid unnecessary surgery and its adverse effects, such as hypothyroidism, hypocalcemia, and recurrent nerve injury.
Methods

Descriptive perspective analyzed data over a period of 6 years April 2015__April 2021 in Saudi Hospital at Hajjah, Yemen. 226 thyroid operations for 207 patients ,135 patients diagnosis as Solitary thyroid nodule and 72 patients as Multi nodular goiter. Patients with a clinically solitary thyroid nodule were included in the study group.
Results

135 cases of clinically detected STN,126 female and 9 male patients, between 14_65 years age, median 41 years and mean 39.76 years, (94, 41)patients respectively Rt side thyroid effect more than Lt side, FNAC sensitivity, specificity and accuracy was (61%, 72%, 64%)respectively. Postoperative histopathology reported 100 (74%) patients as having benign thyroid nodules and 35 patients (26%) as having malignant thyroid nodules. Postoperative transient hypocalcemia was observed in 9 patients (7%), and temporary horsnese was observed in 3 patients (2%).
Conclusion

The incidence of malignancy in STN is high. Rapid growth by history and hard fixed nodule by examination and hypoechoic, micro calcification and cervical lymphadenopathy on USG frequently in malignant nodules. Male risk factors for thyroid cancer included age, number and size of nodules. FNAC is more helpful for diagnosing aspiration under USG guidance and reading by experience histopathologists. The type of surgery depends on preoperative evaluation, including history, examination, ultrasound, FNAC result, and intraoperative assessment of the nodule. There are fewer complications of thyroid surgery by experienced surgeons.
Association of Triglyceride Glucose-Body Mass Index and Incident Diabetes Mellitus: A Secondary Retrospective Analysis Based On a Chinese Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Fan , Ding Xiaohan , Chen Zhuangsen , Liao Yan , Chen Miaoling , Yao Weili , Liang Qian , Hu Haofei , Wang Xinyu
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) has been proposed as a marker of insulin resistance (IR). However, evidence for the relationship between TyG-BMI and the incidence of diabetes mellitus remains limited. This study investigated the association between TyG-BMI and diabetes occurrence in Chinese individuals.MethodsThis retrospective study included a cohort of 204978 non-diabetic individuals using data from healthy screening program data in China between 2010 and 2016. The independent and dependent variables are TyG-BMI and incident of diabetes, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the relationship between TyG-BMI and incident diabetes. Generalized additive models were used to identify non-linear relationships. Subgroup analysis helped better understand other factors that may affect the association between TyG-BMI and diabetes to identify potential special populations. And the data were downloaded from the DATADRYAD website.ResultOur study indicated that the incidence of diabetes increases with the rise of TyG-BMI (HR = 1.023, 95%CI(1.022, 1.024) ) after adjusting age, gender, SBP, DBP, TC, HDL, LDL, ALT, AST, Scr, smoking status, drinking status, family history. There was a nonlinear relationship between TyG-BMI and the incidence of diabetes, and the inflection point was 232.416. The effect size and confidence interval of the left and right sides of the inflection point were 1.029 (1.027, 1.031), 1.016 (1.014, 1.018), P for interaction < 0.0001. Subgroup analysis showed that the correlation was stronger in the population aged 20–30 (P for interaction < 0.0001, HR 1.029, 95%CI:1.024 to 1.035),and the same trend was found in the following populations: age 30–40(HR = 1.032), age 40–50(HR = 1.029), HDL (high group) (HR = 1.024 ), SBP<140(HR = 1.025), DBP<90(HR = 1.024), current drinker(HR = 1.031), and ever drinker(HR = 1.032).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that increased TyG-BMI was positively correlated with incident diabetes in Chinese. TyG-BMI and incident diabetes had non-linear relationship. Before and after TyG-BMI equals 232.416, the risk of diabetes increased by 2.9% and 1.6%, respectively, when TyG-BMI increased one unit.
Structural and Genetic Diversity of Entamoeba Gingivalis Trophozoites Isolated From Diseased and Healthy Periodontal Sites
Authors: EL-Dardiry Marwa A. , Abdel-Aal Amany A. , Nahnoush Reham K. , Elmallawany Marwa A. , Akmal Mohamed , Afife Adam A. , Badr Mohamed S.
Published: August 2021

The variability aspects of Entamoeba gingivalis concerning periodontal diseases are poorly studied. The reason is that many researchers rejected the notion that it can cause periodontal disease. The current study aimed to compare the morphological and genetic variability within trophozoites isolated from diseased and healthy periodontal sites. The practical investigation included a detailed microscopic analysis and gene scanning of the 18S-SSU rRNA by real-time PCR. All trophozoites isolated from diseased sites were significantly larger than those from healthy sites. Besides, they were clustered together with many other leuko-phagocytes. Gene scanning revealed diversity within the isolates of mutant trophozoites isolated from diseased sites. Four melting curves matched the H57 strain, while the remaining eight expressed the wild strain. Most of the isolates from healthy sites were wild-type, while only two isolates represented the H57 strain. However, the study confirmed morphological and genetic variability between different isolates, more in-depth molecular studies are required to investigate the role of this oral protozoan in the pathogenicity of periodontal affection. The study highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary diagnostic strategies by employing exported clinical investigators to reach truthful scientific outcomes concerning the association of certain microorganisms to particular diseases or disorders.
The role of indigenous knowledge and local knowledge in water sector adaptation to climate change in Africa: A structured assessment
Authors: Zvobgo Luckson , Johnston Peter , Williams Portia Adade , GAMI Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative , Trisos Christopher , Simpson Nicholas Philip
Published: August 2021

Evidence of human adaptation actions responding to climate impacts is increasing in Africa. However, a holistic understanding of effective adaptation across the diversity of African contexts is still limited at a continental scale. Despite high reliance on indigenous knowledge (IK) and local knowledge (LK) for climate adaptation in Africa, the potential risk reduction of IK and LK and its role in supporting transformative adaptation responses is yet to be established. Here, we assess the influence of IK and LK on the implementation of water sector adaptation in Africa and describe the relationship between adaptation and indigenous and local knowledge systems. Eighteen (18) water sector response types were identified from the academic literature through the Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative (GAMI). The most implemented measures across Africa influenced by IK and LK were household-level and individual measures and included irrigation, rainwater harvesting, water conservation and ecosystem-based measures (mainly agroforestry). Southern, west, and east Africa show relatively high evidence of the influence of IK and LK on the implementation of water adaptation responses while north, and central Africa show lower evidence. At country level, Zimbabwe display highest evidence (77.8%) followed by Ghana (53.6%), Kenya (46.2%) and South Africa (31.3%). Adaptation responses with IK and LK influence recorded higher evidence of risk reduction compared to articles without IK and LK. Analysis of intended nationally determined contributions (iNDCs) shows the most implemented water adaptation actions in academic literature are consistent with water sector adaptation targets set by most African governments. Yet only 10.4% of the African governments included IK and LK in adaptation planning in the iNDCs. The study recommends a coordinated approach to adaptation that integrates multiple knowledge sources including IK and LK to ensure greater effectiveness and scalability of current and potential water adaptation measures in Africa.
Detecting Agricultural and Meteorological Drought With Gross Primary Production Recovery Including Spatiotemporal Statistical Analysis in East Africa's Lake Victoria Basin
Authors: Hao Yuefeng , Baik Jongjin , Fred Sseguya , Choi Minha
Published: August 2021

Drought imposes severe, long-term effects on global environments and ecosystems. A better understanding of how long it takes a region to recover to pre-drought conditions after drought is essential for addressing future ecology risks. In this study, drought-related variables were obtained using remote sensing and reanalysis products for 2003 to 2016. The meteorological drought index (standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index [SPEI]) and agricultural drought index (vegetation condition index [VCI]) were employed to estimate drought duration time (DDT) and drought recovery time (DRT). To the basin’s west, decreasing rainfall and increasing potential evapotranspiration led to decreasing SPEI. On the east side, decreasing soil moisture from each depth effects vegetation condition, which results in a decreasing gross primary productivity and VCI. Extreme meteorological drought events are likely to occur in the basin’s northeastern and middle western areas, while the southern basin is more likely to suffer from extreme agricultural drought events. The mean SPEI-based DDT (2.45 months) was smaller than the VCI-based DDT (2.97 months); the average SPEI-based DRT (2.02 months) was larger than the VCI-based DRT (1.63 months). Most of the area needs 1 or 2 months to recover from drought except for the basin’s northwestern area, where the DRT is more than 8 months. DDT is the most important parameter in determining DRT. These results provide useful information about regional drought recovery that will help local governments looking to mitigate potential environmental risks and formulate appropriate agricultural policies in Lake Victoria Basin.
Maize Male Reproductive Organs Affected by Different Timings of Water Deficit
Authors: Li Yebei , Wu Chunjiang , Zhang Bingchao , Zhang Ping , Wang Pu , Huang Shoubing
Published: August 2021

Compared with female reproductive organs, the development of male reproductive organs was got less attention in maize because of its oversupply in amount even under water deficit. Thus, a rainout shelter experiment was designed to explore the effect of different timings of water deficit on pollen vitality and exterior and interior ultra-structure of pollen grains, starch particles in pollen grains, anther fresh weight, and vascular bundle number and its organizational structure in tassel pedicel. There were five water treatments included in this study, viz. well water treatment (CK), water deficit during 6- to 8- leaf stage (V6 − 8), 9- to 12- leaf stage (V9 − 12), 13-leaf stage to tasseling (V13 − T), and silking to blister (R1 − 2), respectively. Results showed that the percentage of pollen grains with strong vitality decreased remarkably by 27.3–45.9% under water deficits, while that of pollen grains with weak vitality increased by 27.2–34.7%. The percentage of pollen grains with no vitality was significantly increased only when water deficit occurred around silking, which was up to 8.6% for V13 − T and 19.7% for R1 − 2 compared with 1.0% for that of CK. Both shrunken pollen apertures (including annulus and operculum) and less starch particles might partially explain the weakened pollen vitality for water deficits before tasseling. Furthermore, the assimilation flux to male reproductive organs might be restricted by the influenced vascular bundle system under water deficits before tasseling, with manifestation showing in anther fresh weight and starch particle status in pollen grains. Specifically, V9 − 12 and V13 − T water deficits delayed differentiation of vascular bundle but had no influence on vascular bundle number, which might be one reason for their decreased anther fresh weight and less starch particles in pollen grains. Conversely, V6 − 8 water deficit significantly decreased vascular bundle number but had no significant influence on anther fresh weight and starch particles in pollen grains. R1 − 2 water deficit almost had no influences on above indicators except for pollen vitality. Overall, this research highlight that male reproductive organs could be influenced by water deficits in maize, which deserves more attention in further breeding especially under the background of high-quality requirement for pollen vitality of the maize hybrids that have a small tassel size.