bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal gait characteristics during single- and dual-task walking are associated with the burden of cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Xia Cuiqiao , Xie Hongyang , Li Tianjiao , Ding Yu , Huang Yonghua , Zhào Hóngyi
Published: July 2022

Background
Gait impairment is common in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). White matter lesions, lacunar infarction and cerebral microbleeds are typical neuroimaging markers of CSVD. However, few analyses have discussed discrepancies in CSVD patients during single-task walking (STW) and dual-task walking (DTW). Therefore, we aimed to examine the gait characteristics of CSVD patients during STW and DTW and to investigate the association between gait performance and neuroimaging markers.
Methods
We enrolled 126 elderly patients with CSVD and 30 healthy elderly as controls. The spatiotemporal gait parameters of the participants were measured under STW, motor-cognitive DTW (cognitive DTW), and motor-motor DTW (motor DTW) conditions. Neuroimaging features were examined, and the burden of disease was calculated. The association between neuroimaging markers and gait performance was analysed, as was the dual-task cost (DTC).
Results
Conventional cognitive function and measurements of STW did not reveal any obvious difference between the control and CSVD groups. However, all spatiotemporal variables and DTC of DTW revealed significant differences between the control and CSVD groups. Furthermore, there was little significant difference in traditional cognitive function or gait parameters during STW or motor DTW according to disease severity. However, spatiotemporal characteristics and DTC during cognitive DTW revealed significant differences among the three disability groups. The total CSVD burden score and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) were negatively correlated with spatial parameters in the STW and motor DTW conditions. All neuroimaging biomarkers, except cerebral microbleeds, were correlated with all spatiotemporal parameters and DTC during cognitive DTW. The correlation coefficient of the total CSVD burden score was greater than those of the other markers. All gait performance deteriorated during cognitive DTW compared to STW. During motor DTW, only velocity and stride length showed marked reductions. For all parameters, the DTC of cognitive DTW was greater than that of motor DTW.
Conclusions
The DTW condition was associated with poorer gait performance than the STW condition. Moreover, cognitive DTW was more relevant than motor DTW for the evaluation of gait abnormalities in elderly patients with CSVD. In addition, the severity of neuroimaging lesions strongly affected gait characteristics, especially in cognitive DTW. The total CSVD burden score might have better predictive validity than any single neuroimaging marker.
Actinomycetes of Howz Soltan Lake and their metabolite diversity in Iran
Authors: Salehghamari Ensieh , Moradi Majid , Sardabi Maryam , Etesami Seyed Alireza , Hassani Gholam heidar , Hosseini zahra , Taheri Fatemeh , Eshrati Zahra , Tahmaseb Mohammad , Irian Saeed , Amoozegar Mohammad ali
Published: July 2022

Saline environments are largely unexplored sources for actinomycetes with the potential to produce biologically active secondary metabolites. A total of 34 actinomycete strains from water, sediments and mostly rhizosphere (82%) were collected from different sites of Howz Soltan Lake in Iran. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the isolated strains belonged to the genera Streptomyces, Nocardia and Saccharomonospora. Among the isolated actinomycetes, several strains had valuable biotechnological applications such as growth inhibition of human tumor cells. The results of cytotoxic assay revealed strain act9 having the most potent extract (19.716 ± 5.72 µg/ml) against the MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell. Also 38% of the strains had an antimicrobial activity against some pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms. The ethyl-acetate extract of act18 showed the most antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and was further analyzed by GC/MS. Ar-tumerone (26.41%) and Butyl isodecyl phthalate (21.77%) were the main constituents detected in the extract.. This is the first time this compound is being detected in a prokaryote. Act18 showed the most 16s rRNA sequence similarity to Streptomyces youssoufiensis. In addition, a number of the isolates produced different enzymes including lipase, amylase, protease, gelatinase, urease and lecetinase. Also, the plant growth promoting activity of some actinomycete strains were shown. Some of the strains belonging to the genera Streptomyces and Nocardia increased the seed germination, stem length and the number of Echium leaves during the 20 days. Consequently, it was concluded that actinomycetes isolated from these saline lake habitats are potentially valuable for biotechnological applications.
A Formate Dehydrogenase Enhances Aluminum Tolerance in Tobacco
Authors: Xie Yonghong , Wei Yunmin , Han Rongrong , Yu Shitian , Xu Hui , Liu Lusheng , Jiang Caode , Yu yongxiong
Published: July 2022

Formate dehydrogenase (FDH) is regarded as a universal stress protein involved in various plant abiotic stress responses. This study aims to ascertain GmFDH function in conferring tolerance to Al stress. The bioinformatics analysis demonstrates that GmFDH from Tamba black soybean (TBS) encodes FDH. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that GmFDH expression was induced by Al stress with a concentration-time specific pattern. Moreover, Al stress promotes formate content and activates FDH activity. Further studies revealed that GmFDH overexpression alleviated root growth inhibition and reduced Al and ROS accumulation in roots. In addition, transgenic tobaccos had much more root citrate exudation and much higher activity of antioxidant enzymes than wild type. Interestingly, although the expression of NtMATE and NtALS3 was not significantly different under Al stress between transgenic tobaccos and wild type, citrate synthase activity is higher in transgenic tobaccos than that of wild type, which might be the reason for citrate secretion increase. Overall, these results indicate that GmFDH overexpression alleviates Al toxicity by enhancing activities of antioxidant enzymes and promoting citrate secretion.
The outcomes and prognostic factors in patients after reoperation of persistent/recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Sun Wenyu , Di Lu , Chen Lili , Li Duanshu , Wu Yi , Xiang Jun , Zhou Shichong , Sun Tuanqi
Published: July 2022

Background: The most suitable approach for the treatment of recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains controversial and reoperation may be an effective method. The efficacy of reoperation in these patients with locoregional recurrence, especially the ones with unsatisfying efficacy of radioactive iodine ablation, is still uncertain. This study aimed to clarify clinical management strategies for locoregional recurrence of PTC and to explore factors that may affect long-term patient outcomes after reoperation.Methods: In total, 124 patients who initially underwent thyroidectomy and variable extents of RAI therapy and finally received reoperation for locoregionally recurrent PTC, were included. Parameters associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model.Results: Thirty-two patients had secondary clinical recurrence after reoperation during follow-up. Metastatic lymph nodes with extra-nodal extension (P=0.023) and high post-reoperative (post-reop) unstimulated thyroglobulin (unstim-Tg) levels (P=0.001) were independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival. Neither the avidity of RAI nor the frequency and dose of RAI therapies before reoperation affected long-term outcome.Conclusions: Patients with locoregionally recurrent PTC rarely benefit from additional RAI therapy before reoperation, and surgical intervention should be prioritized in the clinical management of locoregionally recurrent PTC. Metastatic lymph nodes with extra-nodal extension and post-reop unstim-Tg >10.1 ng/mL may have a poor prognosis.
Probabilistic seismic hazard assessments for Myanmar and its metropolitan areas
Authors: Yang Huan-Bin , Chang Yuan-Kai , Liu Wei , Sung Guan-Yi , Gao Jia-Cian , Thant Myo , Maung Phyo Maung , Chan Chung-Han
Published: July 2022

Although Myanmar is an earthquake-prone country, there hasn’t been proposed an official national seismic hazard map.Thus, this study conducted a probabilistic seismic hazard assessment for Myanmar and some of its metropolitan areas. Performing this assessment required a set of databases that incorporates both earthquake catalogs and fault parameters. We obtained seismic parameters from the International Seismological Centre, and the fault database includes faultparameters from paper reviews and the database. Based on seismic activities, we considered three categories of seismogenic sources—active fault source, shallow area source, and subduction zone source. We evaluated seismic activity of each source based on the earthquake catalogs and fault parameters. Evaluating the ground-shaking behaviors forMyanmar requires evaluation of ground-shaking attenuation; therefore, we validated existing ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) by comparing instrumental observations and felt intensities for recent earthquakes. We then incorporated the best fitting GMPEs into our seismic hazard assessments. By incorporating the V s 30 (the average shear velocity down to 30 m depth) map from an analysis of topographic slope, we utilized site effect and assessed nationalprobabilistic seismic hazards for Myanmar. The assessment shows highest seismic hazard levels near those faults with high slip rates, including the Sagaing Fault and along the Western Coast of Myanmar. We also assessed seismic hazard for some metropolitan cities, including Bagan, Bago, Mandalay, Sagaing, Taungoo and Yangon, in the forms of hazard curves and disaggregation by implementing detailed V s 30 maps from micro-tremor surveys. The city-scale assessments showhigher hazards for sites close to an active fault or/and with a low V s 30 , demonstrating the importance of investigating siteconditions. The outcomes of this study will be beneficial to urban planning on a city scale and building code legislation on a national scale.
How to make and trap a pseudo-vesicle with a micropipette
Authors: Wandersman Elie , Tapie Pierre , Montel Lorraine , Prevost Alexis , Pontani Lea-Laetitia
Published: July 2022

We present a simple method to produce giant lipid pseudo-vesicles (vesicles with an oily cap on the top), trapped in an agarose gel. The method can be implemented using only a regular micropipette and relies on the formation of a water/oil/water double droplet in liquid agarose. We characterize the produced vesicle with fluorescence imaging and establish the presence and integrity of the lipid bilayer by the successful insertion of α-Hemolysin transmembrane proteins. Finally, we show that the vesicle can be easily mechanically deformed, non-intrusively, by indenting the surface of the gel.
Lipid but not glucose metabolism is associated with 18FDG-PET/CT false negative lymph nodes in head and neck cancer
Authors: Meng Xiaoyan , Sun Jingjing , Xu Feng , Liu Zhonglong , he yue
Published: July 2022

Background: Lymph node metastasis frequently occurs in head and neck squamous cancer (HNSCC) patients, and [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) (18FDG-PET/CT) examination for lymph node metastasis could result in false negativity and delays following treatment. However, the mechanism and resolution for 18FDG-PET/CT false negatives remain unclear. Methods: In our study, ninety-two patients diagnosed with HNSCC who underwent preoperative 18FDG-PET/CT and subsequent surgery in our institution between 2018 and 2021 were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations of glucose metabolism (GLUT1 and GLUT5), amino acid metabolism (GLS and SLC1A5), and lipid metabolism (CPT1A and CD36) markers were conducted on their primary lesion as well as lymph node sections.Results: We identified metabolic rewiring in lymph node metastasis and specific metabolic activity patterns of the false negative group. More significantly, we found that CD36 and GLS in primary lesions could be promising biomarkers for distinguishing false negative nodes as CD36 IHC score of primary lesions was significantly higher in false negative group than true positive group while GLS showed the opposite association.Conclusion: IHC examination of CD36 and GLS expression in primary lesions could be used in distinguishing lymph nodes false negatives in 18FDG-PET/CT.
Factors associated with personal recovery in an outpatient sample of people with Schizophrenia in Brazil
Authors: Silva Tiago Ribeiro , Rezende Mário César , Russinova Zlatka , Farkas Marianne , Gadelha Ary , Bressan Rodrigo A.
Published: July 2022

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the level of personal recovery and its associated factors in a Brazilian sample of people with schizophrenia. Methods This cross-sectional study comprised a non-probabilistic sample of 104 people with schizophrenia receiving outpatient care in a university psychiatric centre. Personal Recovery was measured using the short-version of the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS), comprising 24 items. We first examined the domains of personal recovery in the study sample and their associations of with the following clinical measures were also used: the Self-Assessment of Occupational Functioning Scale (SAOF); the general psychopathology, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS); the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia; the Independent Living Skills Survey (ILSS) and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI). The mean scores of RAS domains were compared using ANOVA for repeated measures and clinical measures associated with RAS total score were identified using linear multiple regression. Significance level was p<0.05. Results RAS domains with the highest levels of recovery were “Goal/success orientation” and “Reliance on others”, while the domain “Not dominated by symptoms” presented the lowest score. Higher levels of personal recovery in general were associated only with a lower level of depressive symptoms (as measured by Calgary scale) and a higher score for occupational functioning (as measured by SAOF). ConclusionThis study replicated findings from the international literature about the domains of personal recovery and its associations with important clinical constructs. It also identified specific cultural aspects such as the importance of affective and social relationships (friends, family) for life and as support for processes recovery.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Perforating Trauma with Intraorbital Foreign Body Short Title: Perforating Trauma with Intraorbital Foreign Body
Authors: Ren Hui , Hu Xiaobing , Zhou Min , Huang Yongheng , Guo Diwen , Jiang Rui , Qian Jiang
Published: July 2022

Background Perforating trauma with intraorbital foreign body (IOrbFb) is a relatively rare occurrence, which is seldom reported. For this study, we analyzed a series of patients with perforating trauma with IOrbFb who attended our center to report its essential characteristics and general prognosis.Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 31 consecutive patients with perforating trauma with IOrbFb who were admitted to the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University between 2014 and 2018. The Pearson’s and Spearman’s rank correlation was used to determine the relationships between final visual acuity and other clinical factors.Results Thirty patients (96.8%) were male and one (3.2%) was female. Eighteen patients (58.1%) had an ocular trauma score (OTS) of 1, eight patients (25.8%) had a score of 2, and five (16.1%) had a score of 3. At the end of follow-up, visual acuity was 20/40 or better in three patients (9.7%), between 20/50 and 20/200 in six patients (19.4%), 20/200 or worse in six patients (19.4%), and 16 patients (51.6%) had no light perception. Fourteen patients (45.2%) underwent evisceration or enucleation.ConclusionWe find that the visual prognosis of perforating trauma with IOrbFb is closely related to OTS and that removal of IOrbFb with current orbital surgery techniques is safe.
Original study on mathematical models for analysis of cellulose water content from absorbance/wavenumber shifts in ATR FT-IR spectrum
Authors: Cichosz Stefan , Masek Anna , Dems-Rudnicka Katarzyna
Published: July 2022

The aim of this research was to evaluate the applicability of the attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy in the quantitative analysis of the moisture content in cellulose (from 0.5-11.0wt.%). Innovatively, this work describes for the first time the variations in both absorbance and wavenumber of 16 absorption bands plotted as a function of cellulose water amount measured with Karl-Fischer titration. Different regression models were investigated (simple linear, semilogarithmic, power) and the adjusted coefficient of determination (R2) was given for each calculation. While model exhibited R2>90%, the standard error of calibration (SEC) was presented and an external validation has been performed. Regarding the absorbance-water content relationship, data recorded for sixteen peaks was successfully fitted with linear functions exhibiting R2>90%. The highest value of R2=98.7% and standard error of prediction SEP=6.0% have been assigned to the maximum from 3339-3327 cm-1 (-OH), proving ATR FT-IR usefulness in quantitative analysis.
A mendelian randomization study on causal effects of 25(OH) vitamin D levels on diabetic nephropathy
Authors: He Mingjie , Yang Ting , Zhou Ping , Bu Peiyan , Yang Xionghui , Zou Yan , Zhong Aimin
Published: July 2022

Background: Vitamin D supplementation is correlated with a reduced risk of DN, but it is unclear whether this relationship is causal.Methods: We analyzed the causal effect of vitamin D on diabetic nephropathy by using a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis, which was based on a study comprising 4315 TypeⅠDiabetes Nephropathy (T1DN) patients, and a study with 7938 TypeⅡDiabetes Nephropathy (T2DN) patients. Meanwhile, we also repeated some previous studies on the influence of KMI and BMI on DN, as well as the effect of vitamin D on renal function.Results: MR shows that 25(OH)D has a non-causally association with the early/later stage of T1DN (early: OR =0.279, p=0.336; later: OR= 1.517, p=0.699) and T2DN (early: OR=0.915, p=0.374; later: OR= 1.209, p=0.123), nor with the kidney function of DM patients eGFRcyea (Beta=-0.038, p=0.803) or UACR (Beta=-0.353, p=0.678). ﻿Conclusions: Vitamin D may not be associated with DN or kidney function in diabetic patients.
Double trouble of Covid-19 and extreme droughts: stakeholders' dilemma between climate change adaptation and recreation services in the city and community-owned forests
Authors: Saha Somidh , Beckmann-Wübbelt Angela , Türk Lynn , Almeida Iulia , Fricke Annika , Sotirov Metodi
Published: July 2022

Increasing urbanization, climate change, and plant disease pose accumulative threats to city and community-owned forests (CCF). This requires the forest to adapt to new climatic conditions to continuously provide essential recreational functions for the urban population in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for CCF as a place to meet, play sports, and relax. However, our knowledge of challenges in combining climate change adaptation and the increased number of visits and demand for recreation in CCF management is yet limited. In this study, we, for the first time, interviewed 16 stakeholders from different backgrounds about their opinions on climate change adaptation (CCA) of CCF, its importance as a recreational space, and conflicts between the two fields of action that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected that comparing perspectives from different stakeholder groups can lead to improved reflection and strengthen the sustainable management of the CCF through knowledge-based and participative decision-making. Using semi-structured interviews and qualitative data analytics with MAXQDA software, we found that stakeholders particularly highlighted the importance of the recreational function of the CCF during the pandemic. At the same time, the behavior of visitors was criticized. We identified that functional conflicts between the need for relaxation and essential functions for CCA of the CCF have increased during the pandemic. These include other biodiversity and protective functions. The interviewees, therefore, suggested enhancing the local population's communication and education. Further, the possibility of increased visitor guidance has been discussed. It has been identified that more research and location-adjusted planning are needed to evaluate the use of non-native species for the urban forest’s climate change adaptation.
Standardizing Prognostication and Management of Spontaneous Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage: A Novel Scoring System
Authors: Varshney Rahul , Arora Nitish , Khullar Varun
Published: July 2022

Background: Factors that are used in spontaneous ICH prognostication score cannot be generalized to basal ganglia haemorrhages. Our study aimed in developing a novel scoring system for prognosticating and management of basal ganglia haemorrhages, including factors likely to influence mortality or survival. Methods: A prospective study was performed of 351 patients with spontaneous basal ganglia haemorrhage. The patients were either managed conservatively or underwent operative intervention. Mortality at 90 days was recorded. Using univariate and multivariable logistic regression, the association between various plausible factors and 90-day mortality was tested. Factors found to be significant were used to develop a novel scoring system and the association between 90-day mortality and modified ICH score was calculated. This score was subsequently used to standardize the management with a score correlation to treatment guidelines, thus advocating either conservative or operative management depending upon the score. Thus based on this scoring system, we tried to develop a range below which conservative management was advisable, a score favouring operative intervention, and a score above which operative intervention was futile, since both conservative and surgical treatment resulted in the same outcome.Results: We analyzed 339 cases, overall, 90-day mortality was 37.75% (n=128). The survival rate in patients having modified ICH score of 7 or less than 7 was 91.66%, however, it decreased to 12.19% in patients having a score > 7. A modified ICH score of 7 or less than 7 could predict the survival in 93.8% (95% CI 89.7-96.7) of patients and had a specificity of 85.9%%. The positive predictive value of modified ICH score 7 or < 7 was 91.7% (95%CI 87.1-95.0). In patients with score of 6, surgery was advisable in almost 50% of cases and the mortality was 100 percent even after surgical intervention in patients having score of 10 or more. Conclusion: Modified ICH score is a useful tool for predicting 90-days mortality, the area under the ROC curve was 93% which was higher than any other studies for spontaneous ICH. This scoring system can also aid in deciding the line of management of basal ganglia bleed patients.Trial registration: retrospectively registered
Applying Theory of Planned Behaviour to Understand Interinstitutional Collaboration in Chronic Disease Management: A Cross-Sectional Study from Fujian Province, China
Authors: Teng Li , Dai Yue , Peng Tao , Su Yuan , Pan Lingyi , Li Yueping
Published: July 2022

Background: The integrated management of chronic diseases in Sanming City aims to improve the efficiency and quality of chronic disease management through the collaboration between different levels of medical institutions. This study applied the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to understand the interinstitutional collaboration in chronic disease management (ICCDM) among health care personnel.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 274 health care personnel was conducted in medical institutions in Fujian Province, China, from March 2022 to April 2022. A self-administered questionnaire based on TPB theory was applied to measure the participants' ICCDM behaviours.Results: The proposed TPB model revealed that attitude was significantly and positively associated with behaviour intention, and behaviour intention and perceived behavioural control were significant predictors of ICCDM behaviour.Conclusion: TPB provides insights into ICCDM behaviour. Due to the fact that attitude, perceived behavioural control, and behavioural intention towards ICCDM behaviour were demonstrated to be significant predictors of ICCDM behaviour, these factors may be a promising focus of ICCDM interventions in the integrated management of chronic diseases in China.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wray Curtis J. , BSA Baylee O’Brien , Cen Putao , Rowe Julie H , Faraoni Erika Y. , Bailey Jennifer , Thosani Nirav
Published: July 2022

INTRODUCTIONEmerging data suggests neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with improved survival. However, less than 40% demonstrate a meaningful radiographic response to NAC. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) has emerged as a new modality to treat PDAC. We hypothesize that NAC plus EUS-RFA can be used in the management of resectable PDAC.METHODSProspective review of PDAC patients meeting criteria of resectable tumor anatomy that underwent NAC chemotherapy plus EUS-RFA followed by pancreatic resection. Radiographic imaging, perioperative and short-term outcomes were recorded. Surgical pathology specimens were analyzed for treatment response.RESULTSThree eligible patients with resectable PDAC received 4 months of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus EUS-RFA. One month after completion of neoadjuvant treatment, all 3 patients underwent standard pancreaticoduodenectomy without complications. After a 6 week recovery, all patients completed 2 months of post-op adjuvant chemotherapy.CONCLUSIONSIn our institutional experience, this treatment protocol appears safe. Patients tolerated the combination of chemotherapy and endoscopic radiofrequency ablation. Patients underwent pancreatic resection with uneventful recovery. This novel neoadjuvant approach may provide a more effective alternative to chemotherapy alone.
Porcine testing of a novel second generation mechanical thrombectomy device to evaluate effects on arterial and venous intima and vessel integrity
Authors: Horowitz Michael , Repko Brandon , Le Hieu , Bulova Julia , Bobo Benjamin
Published: July 2022

Background: This investigational study reports initial results from testing a new type of mechanical thrombectomy device in a porcine model. The novel technical innovation involves the use of two manually expandable wire spheres that are capable of opening between 3-16 mm in diameter independently of one another and moving independently of one another fore and aft along a common shaft over a 5 cm distance. Methods: The investigational thrombectomy device was introduced and deployed in vivo within the porcine venous and arterial vasculature. Following deployment and device activation within the animal’s vascular system, arteries and veins were surgically explanted and histopathologic examination was conducted to determine the device’s effects on the vascular surfaces. Statistical analysis was not utilized. Results: Repeated device deployment and use in porcine veins and arteries failed to demonstrate intimal injury (radiographically and histologically) even when the device’s spheres were expanded beyond 100% of the native vessel’s diameter and translated along the vessel’s intima. Conclusions: This in vivo study of a novel mechanical thrombectomy device has demonstrated no untoward effects on the internal anatomy of instrumented arteries and veins despite active device expansion repeated surface wall fore and aft friction. Future investigations aim to demonstrate that this device can better treat acute, subacute and chronic venous and arterial thromboembolic disease as compared to currently available technologies.Trial Registration: This article does not report the results of a health care intervention on human participants.
WITHDRAWN: Effects of flow velocity and wall properties on the hydrogen production performance of microchannel reactors
Authors: Chen Junjie
Published: July 2022

The steam reforming of hydrocarbon or alcohol fuels has attracted increasing interest in the context of the production of hydrogen However, the mechanisms for the effects of design factors on heat transfer characteristics are still not fully understood. This study relates to a thermochemical process for producing hydrogen by the catalytic endothermic reaction of methanol with steam in a thermally integrated microchannel reforming reactor. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are conducted to better understand the consumption, generation, and exchange of thermal energy between endothermic and exothermic processes in the reactor. The effects of flow velocity and wall properties on heat transfer characteristics and reactor performance are investigated. The results indicate that the thermal conductivity of the channel walls is fundamentally important. Materials with high thermal conductivity are preferred for the channel walls. Thermally conductive ceramics and metals are well-suited. Wall materials with poor heat conduction properties degrade the reactor performance. The channel walls of the reactor must be formed using materials with excellent heat conduction properties. To avoid heat loss and increase thermal efficiency, the reactor walls are preferably as thin as possible. The combustion chamber and reforming chamber are preferably oriented so that heat is transferred from the combustion chamber into the reforming chamber. The inclusion of a pleated arrangement of reforming panels provides a more compact reforming system while retaining the desired low pressure drop characteristic of standard panel reformer configuration. The internal pressure within the containment vessel may be used to provide pressure against the exterior surface of the stack, and thereby provide structural support for the stack. The exothermic catalytic combustion reaction provides the necessary heat flux to increase the temperature of the reactants in both channels such that the endothermic reaction will occur. Design recommendations are made to improve hydrogen production performance for the reactor.
Infective Endocarditis with Escherichia coli Secondary to Urosepsis
Authors: Karunathilake Parackrama , Kularatne WKS , Bowaththage Sunil , Kobbegala KGVJ , Fasrina MZF , Nasim Fathima Nujha , Costa MN , Jezeema ZKM , Rajapaksha RMID , Ranawaka RAND
Published: July 2022

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a multisystem disease that results from infection, usually bacterial, of the endocardial surface of the heart. The main causative organisms of IE are gram-positive streptococci, staphylococci, and enterococci infection. Although Escherichia coli is among the most common causes of gram-negative bacteremia, IE due to this pathogen is rare. Here we report a case a 68-year-old female was presented with 10 days history of fever diagnosed with infective endocarditis according to Modified Duke Criteria where her blood culture isolated Escherichia coli organisms. On day two of admission, the patient developed an episode of atrial fibrillation, which was resolved with two stat doses of verapamil 2.5 mg. The patient was treated with intravenous cefotaxime 2 g 8 hourly. Intravenous antibiotics were continued for six weeks, and the patient had complete recovery without any complications.
Home Blood Pressure in Target Range as an Additional Therapeutic Goal in Hypertensive Patients. Telemonitoring-based Analysis.
Authors: Ionov Mikhail , Usova Elena , Egorov Michil , Zvartau Nadezhda , Konradi Alexandra
Published: July 2022

Aim
Guidelines recommend treating hypertension (HTN) keeping office blood pressure (BP) within the therapeutic range (TR) rather than aiming to achieve only cut-off value. Time of office BP values in TR is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. However, data on home BP in TR are lacking. Telehealth simplify collection and structure home BP. We aim to find reliable proportion of home systolic (S) BP in TR (sBPiTR) and to evaluate its impact on overall BP control.
Methods
We used the data of HTN patients who participated in BP telemonitoring and counseling for 3 months. We divided sBPiTR (110–130 mmHg, all SBP readings except the very or every 1st day) by quartiles (< 25; 25 to 49; 50 to 74; >74). A weighted Cohen's kappa coefficient was an estimate of inter-rater reliability between sBPiTR and office SBP or home SBP in TR at 3 months. We used binomial logistic regression to evaluate the predictive value of sBPiTR on target office/home SBP achievement.
Results
A total of 123 patients were included (median age 54 years; 102 males) with a median office SBP of 140 mmHg. By 3 months it decreased to 130 mmHg (p < 0.001), and 60.2% patients achieved a target of 120–139 mmHg. More patients were in the upper sBPiTR quartiles (70% versus 30%). There was a slight agreement between office SBP in TR and sBPiTR ≥ 50% (k = 0.19, p < 0.035). The reliability increased when countered against home SBP in TR (k = 0.32–0.65], p < 0.0001). Patients with sBPiTR ≥ 50% were more likely to fall within office SBP TR (OR 2.41, 95% CI [1.06 to 5.51] and home SBP TR (OR 5.2 95% CI [2.06–13.12] after adjustment for baseline covariates.
Conclusion
The threshold of 50% of home SBP measurements within 110–130 mmHg has a slight agreement with office BP control and a fair agreement with home BP control. This variable may serve a predictor for achievement of target SBP both for in- and out-of office. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
Analisis Multidimensional Profil Mahasiswa Studi Kasus : Program Studi Sistem Informasi UKDW
Authors: Arsa Paskha A Agustinus , Oslan Yetli , Ernawati Lussy
Published: July 2022

In teaching and learning activities, analysis of students is needed. This is done to determine the proper way of learning. The right way of learning can increase the motivation of students. If the motivation of students increases, the academic value will also increase. One way that can be done is to classify students based on predetermined categories. The UKDW SI Study Program does not yet have a system that can classify the categories of students. This research was conducted to answer the above problems. Then machine learning will be built, which can automatically determine the categories of students. The method used to classify students is the Support Vector Machine (SVM). SVM has the advantage that it can be applied to cases that have high dimensions. The conclusion from this research is that the SVM method is very appropriate to be implemented in this study. This is evident in the machine learning model accuracy test on the system, which is 92.3%. With the existence of machine learning to classify students, teachers make it easier to do analysis. So that it is expected to provide an overview of the appropriate learning methods to be applied to students.
Sistem Informasi Inventory Bahan Baku Dan Barang Menggunakan Metode FIFO Studi Kasus Sinergi Co-Working
Authors: Lefrandy Pradana Alfonsius , Wijana Katon , Sutedjo Budi
Published: July 2022

Sinergi Co-Working a place that is a collaboration of a workspace and cafe, which is located at Jl. Cendrawasih No.32b, Demangan, Yogyakarta. All inventory recording activities at this cafe are still being done manually. Starting from recording the incoming and outgoing raw materials and goods. As a result, the inventory flow is not good enough to cause inventory to become damaged or production failure. Users who can access bookkeeping are many. This also results in frequent errors in recording, reports that are not detailed or lacking and inventory becomes obstructed and accumulation occurs in the warehouse. The research objective was to create an inventory system for raw materials and goods using the First In First Out method to answer and solve problems that occurred. This research makes inventory recording better and more systematic so that the operational flow of materials and goods is always fresh. Using such a system improves the flow of inventory. And a good display will help employees or users increase their knowledge of product knowledge. The inventory system that has been successfully built was tested on 10 respondents with 11% less agreeable results. The system is needed, but it is still considered lacking by respondents. In the inventory flow that will be in the actual field. It could be that the system runs well but in the field, it doesn't, due to employee negligence. Then the biggest result is Agree 49%. The inventory system is correct and appropriate to answer all existing problems.
Investigation of the Effect of Solid Wire and Flux Combinations Used in Submerged Arc Welding of the LPG Cylinders on Mechanical Properties
Authors: NUHOĞLU Uğur , MERT Tolga , TÜMER Mustafa
Published: July 2022

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder is a type of pressure vessel that used to store and transport liquefied gases. In this study, S460MC steel with a thickness of 1.50 mm and submerged arc welding method were used in the manufacturing of LPG cylinders. Selection of the welding consumables (wire, flux) and optimization of the welding parameters (current, voltage, travel speed) are the primary focus of the study. Selected welding parameters have been verified as a result of visual and radiographic (X-ray) tests and macroscopic examinations. In order to analyze the effects of welding consumables on mechanical properties, test specimens were prepared, then tensile and hardness tests were performed and it was observed that molybdenum element increased the mechanical strength. In order to fulfill the requirements of the LPG cylinder production standard, bursting & volumetric expansion tests and pressure fatigue tests were performed and the requirements were met.
Modelling of aerobic granular sludge reactors: the importance of hydrodynamic regimes, selective sludge removal and gradients
Authors: Derlon Nicolas , Garcia Villodres Mercedes , Kovács Róbert , Brison Antoine , Layer Manuel , Takács Imre , Morgenroth Eberhard
Published: July 2022

Hydraulic selection is a key feature of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) systems but existing aerobic granular sludge (AGS) models neglect those mechanisms: gradients over reactor height (Hreactor), selective removal of slow settling sludge, etc. This study aimed at evaluating to what extent integration of those additional processes into AGS models is needed, i.e., at demonstrating that model predictions (biomass inventory, microbial activities and effluent quality) are affected by such additional model complexity. We therefore developed a new AGS model that includes key features of full-scale AGS systems: fill-draw operation, selective sludge removal, distinct settling models for flocs/granules. We then compared predictions of our model to those of a fully mixed AGS model. Our results demonstrate that hydraulic selection can be predicted with an assembly of four continuous stirred tank reactors in series together with a correction code for plug-flow. Concentration gradients over the reactor height during settling/plug-flow feeding strongly impact the predictions of aerobic granular sludge models in terms of microbial selection, microbial activities and ultimately effluent quality. Hydraulic selection is a key to predict selection of storing microorganisms (phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAO) and glycogen-accumulating organisms (GAO)) and in turn effluent quality in terms of total phosphorus, and for predicting effluent solid concentration and dynamic during plug-flow feeding.
Copper removal from aqueous solution using chemical precipitation and adsorption by Himalayan Pine Forest Residue as Biochar
Authors: Bashir Misbah , Mohan Chander , Tyagi Shivani , Annachhatre Ajit
Published: July 2022

This research deals with the use of pine residue biochar as an adsorbent for the removal of copper from aqueous solution which is a major component of printed circuit boards from E-waste. Biochar was produced from pine residue such as bark, cone and needle through pyrolysis, and the effect of temperature on biochar properties was assessed. The biochar yield of about 33% and maximum surface area of 368 m2/g was obtained at pyrolysis temperature of 650°C. FTIR analysis revealed the existence of C-O, O-H and C = C functional groups on the surface of biochars. The point of zero charge of pine biochars were in the range 5.55 to 5.75. Batch adsorption studies revealed maximum copper adsorption capacity of 60–81 mg/g at near neutral pH. The batch adsorption data fitted well with Langmuir isotherm and followed the pseudo-second order kinetics. Adsorption of copper onto the biochar surface mainly followed physisorption which was reversible in nature. Desorption study revealed that pine biochar could be reused up to three cycles. Column adsorption data fitted well with Thomas model. These investigations revealed that the pine residue, which otherwise results in adverse environmental impacts, can be converted into useful resource like biochar as a heavy metal adsorbent.
Hsa_circ_0008092 Contributes to Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in
Hepatocellular Carcinoma via the miR-502-5p/CCND1 Axis
Authors: Maimaiti Yilihamu , Kamali Aihesan , Yang Peng , Zhong Kai , Abuduhadeer Xiaokaiti
Published: July 2022

Background:

The present study was targeted at investigating the effects of
hsa_circRNA_0008092 (circ_0008092) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation,
migration, invasion and apoptosis, and its related mechanism.

Methods:

The gene expression profiles of GSE166678 were downloaded from the Gene Expression
Omnibus database, and differentially expressed circRNAs in human HCC were screened out.
Besides, circ_0008092, microRNA-502-5p (miR-502-5p) and cyclin D1 (CCND1) expressions in
HCC tissues and cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRTPCR).
Cell countering kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell and flow cytometry assays were used to detect the
proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of HCC cells. Bioinformatics was utilized to predict
the targeted relationships between miR-502-5p and circ_0008092, as well as miR-502-5p and
CCND1 mRNA 3'-untranslated region (3’UTR). Western blot assay was applied to detect CCND1
protein expression in HCC cells.

Results:

Circ_0008092 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells, which was associated with a
shorter survival time in patients with HCC. Circ_0008092 overexpression promoted proliferation,
migration and invasion, and inhibited apoptosis of HCC cells; circ_0008092 knockdown worked
oppositely. Circ_0008092 directly targeted miR-502-5p and negatively modulated miR-502-5p
expression. CCND1 was a target gene of miR-502-5p, and was positively and indirectly modulated
by circ_0008092.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that circ_0008092 promotes HCC progression by regulating the miR-
502-5p/CCND1 axis.
Systematic Review of the Frequency of Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist
Intervention in the Primary Care Setting for Diabetes Self-Management
Education for Patients with Type II Diabetes
Authors: Henderson Dana , Salmons Hannah , Winston Paris , Koehn Deborah A.
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this systematic review is to discuss the ideal frequency of Registered
Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN) contact required to improve glycemic control in patients with
type 2 diabetes in the primary care setting.

Methods:

Researchers completed a literature search between April 1 and June 30, 2020. Researchers
identified 184 studies and included seven studies for full-text analysis. Eligible studies
were required to occur in a primary care setting, use A1C as an outcome measure, and use some
form of education or contact with an RDN. Study quality was assessed using the NIH Study Quality
Assessment Tool.

Results:

Compared to the usual care group of each study, increased contact with an RDN improved
A1C lowering regardless of frequency (round-the-clock, monthly, biannually). The largest decreases
occurred in the round-the-clockand quarterly touch groups. Studies varied in modality (inperson,
telehealth, etc.) and type of intervention. The participants had A1Cs between 8.07% and
10.25% before intervention. With RDN contact of any frequency between provider visits and participants
saw A1Cs decreased between 0.66% and 2.2%.

Conclusion:

Greater glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes in the primary care environment
is linked to more frequent RDN contact than that advised by the American Diabetes Association
Standards of Care.
Computational Simulation of Atherosclerosis Progression Associated with Blood Pressure in a 2-D Idealized Human Carotid Artery Model
Authors: Alagbe Edith E. , Amoo Temiloluwa E. , Ayeni Augustine O. , Oyedele Oluwakayode S. , Ashiekaa Vershima D.
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Cardiovascular diseases are a known health threat with no respect for age. The need to understand the initiation and progress of the disease is expedient in proper diagnosis and management of the disease.

Objective:

The work is targeted at simulating the effect of elevated blood pressure on the initiation and development of plaque over time concerning wall shear stress, WSS and plaque wall stress, and PWS.

Methods:

Conditions such as blood velocity, pressure, and arterial wall conditions associated with blood flow in arteries, as well as patient-specific characterization related to these variables and conditions, were plugged into modified models in the COMSOL multiphysics software. The artery was modeled as an idealized 2-D carotid artery model.

Results:

Results showed that the WSS distribution with respect to changes with a blood pressure of 500 Pa gave the highest WSS value at the plaque neck and 1500 Pa gave the highest WSS value in the regions close to the plaque root. It was also observed that as the plaque size increased, the region experiencing severely high values for WSS also expanded.

Conclusion:

It can be recommended that blood pressure monitoring is necessary to curb the attendant cardiovascular diseases associated with high blood pressure.
Analysing the Social Responsibility among Dentists of Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Rai Archana , Rai Vineet , Berhanu Tizeta
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Dentistry is essentially a business at present. The present study aimed to analyze the meaning and implications of social responsibility among the dentists of Ethiopia. It further evaluated whether the dental professionals of Ethiopia consider themselves as responsible for equitable distribution of dental care.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 dentists practicing in Addis Ababa and Jimma city of Ethiopia in the academic year 2017-18. Simple random sampling technique was used to collect the required sample. The results were recorded by filling the predesigned self-administered questionnaire by the dentists. The descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation were used for data analysis using the software SPSS version 20.

Results:

Among 200 dentists, 168 dentists (which make up 84% of the sample of 200 dentists) considered finance as a major barrier to accessing dental health care in Ethiopia. Further, 168 (84% of the sample) said that the meaning of social responsibility in the dental profession was providing better access to dental care to those who are underserved. All of the participants (100%) who lived in Addis Ababa and 92% of participants of Jimma thought that social responsibility should be taught as a part of public health dentistry.

Conclusion:

Dentists were aware of their responsibilities in terms of providing better access to dental care to those who are underserved, but most of them considered finance as the major barrier. So, they looked at dentistry primarily as a business. This shows not only dentists working in the dental profession are socially liable for guaranteeing fair admittance to dental care, but the society and government are also responsible for its proper implementation.