bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mazri (Nannorrhops ritchiana (Griff) Aitch.): a remarkable source of manufacturing traditional handicrafts, goods and utensils in Pakistan
Authors: Abdullah  , Khan Shujaul Mulk , Pieroni Andrea , Haq Zahoor ul , Ahmad Zeeshan
Published: August 2020

Background

Mazri palm (Nannorrhops ritchiana (Griff) Aitch.) is a member of the family Arecaceae, native to Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. In Pakistan, it is used since long time for various purposes. This species plays a significant cultural and economic role in the daily lives of many rural areas in Pakistan and adjacent countries. However, the handcrafted products made up of this palm are often mainly known by specific local communities rather than by a broader range of people.

Methods

Eighty-six structured and semi-structured interviews were conducted from Mazri growing areas, villages, and markets of urban centers during the fieldwork that was conducted in diverse regions of Pakistan. Interviewees included 27 Mazri farmers, 17 locals retaining Traditional Knowledge in handcrafting Mazri palm (12 were men and 5 were women), 23 handicrafts experts (21 were men and 2 were women), and 19 sellers. The age of the informants ranged from 14 to 83 years. Study participants shared detailed information about various traditional utilizations of the Mazri palm.

Results

Mature leaves of Mazri palm are used to produce mats, baskets, hand fans, hats, cages, hot pots, salt pots, brooms, etc. in the sudy area. Hot pots, salt pots, mats, baskets, and ropes represent highly used items. The mats are used for various purposes like drying grains, performing prayers, sitting, and sleeping. As a whole, 39 different kinds of handcrafted products from the leaves were found. Our findings revealed also that other parts of the plant, ie. petioles, fruits, and bark, have been used, although more rarely, by the locals. The palm uses differ accordingly to the different cultural areas of Pakisitan, thus demonstrating that local cultural heritage significantly informs Traditional Knowledge and practices related to the use of Mazri palm. The findings suggest also that this plant represents a crucial resource for the livelihood of the local communities in dry areas of the western borders of Pakistan, starting right from the coastal areas of Baluchistan up to District Bajaur in the North, where other farming activities there are difficult due to drought conditions.

Conclusions

Traditional Knowledge about the sustainable utilization of Mazri palm is eroded in Pakistan among the younger generations due to rapid globalization and industrialization processes and appropriate strategies for revitalizing this heritage in a sustainable way should be urgently fostered.
In regard to Cuccia et al.: impact of hydrogel peri-rectal spacer insertion on prostate gland intra-fraction motion during 1.5 T MR-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Ghaffari Hamed , Navaser Mahmoud , Refahi Soheila
Published: August 2020

We read the article entitled “Impact of hydrogel peri-rectal spacer insertion on prostate gland intra-fraction motion during 1.5 T MR-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy” with great interest. In that study, the author reported that there is a statistically significant difference in the rotational antero-posterior shifts between the spacer and the non-spacer groups. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of translational shifts. However, there are some points about the study. In this letter, we aimed to clarify these points.
Cerebrospinal fluid profile of NPTX2 supports role of Alzheimer’s disease-related inhibitory circuit dysfunction in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Belbin Olivia , Xiao Mei-Fang , Xu Desheng , Carmona-Iragui Maria , Pegueroles Jordi , Benejam Bessy , Videla Laura , Fernández Susana , Barroeta Isabel , Nuñez-Llaves Raúl , Montal Victor , Vilaplana Eduard , Altuna Miren , Clarimón Jordi , Alcolea Daniel , Blesa Rafael , Lleó Alberto , Worley Paul F. , Fortea Juan
Published: August 2020

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the major cause of death in adults with Down syndrome (DS). There is an urgent need for objective markers of AD in the DS population to improve early diagnosis and monitor disease progression. NPTX2 has recently emerged as a promising cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker of Alzheimer-related inhibitory circuit dysfunction in sporadic AD patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate NPTX2 in the CSF of adults with DS and to explore the relationship of NPTX2 to CSF levels of the PV interneuron receptor, GluA4, and existing AD biomarkers (CSF and neuroimaging).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, retrospective study of adults with DS with asymptomatic AD (aDS, n = 49), prodromal AD (pDS, n = 18) and AD dementia (dDS, n = 27). Non-trisomic controls (n = 34) and patients with sporadic AD dementia (sAD, n = 40) were included for comparison. We compared group differences in CSF NPTX2 according to clinical diagnosis and degree of intellectual disability. We determined the relationship of CSF NPTX2 levels to age, cognitive performance (CAMCOG, free and cued selective reminding, semantic verbal fluency), CSF levels of a PV-interneuron marker (GluA4) and core AD biomarkers; CSF Aβ1–42, CSF t-tau, cortical atrophy (magnetic resonance imaging) and glucose metabolism ([18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography).

Results

Compared to controls, mean CSF NPTX2 levels were lower in DS at all AD stages; aDS (0.6-fold, adj.p < 0.0001), pDS (0.5-fold, adj.p < 0.0001) and dDS (0.3-fold, adj.p < 0.0001). This reduction was similar to that observed in sporadic AD (0.5-fold, adj.p < 0.0001). CSF NPTX2 levels were not associated with age (p = 0.6), intellectual disability (p = 0.7) or cognitive performance (all p > 0.07). Low CSF NPTX2 levels were associated with low GluA4 in all clinical groups; controls (r2 = 0.2, p = 0.003), adults with DS (r2 = 0.4, p < 0.0001) and sporadic AD (r2 = 0.4, p < 0.0001). In adults with DS, low CSF NPTX2 levels were associated with low CSF Aβ1–42 (r2 > 0.3, p < 0.006), low CSF t-tau (r2 > 0.3, p < 0.001), increased cortical atrophy (p < 0.05) and reduced glucose metabolism (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Low levels of CSF NPTX2, a protein implicated in inhibitory circuit function, is common to sporadic and genetic forms of AD. CSF NPTX2 represents a promising CSF surrogate marker of early AD-related changes in adults with DS.
Prednisone for patients with recurrent implantation failure: study protocol for a double-blind, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Lu Yao , Yan Junhao , Liu Jiayin , Tan Jichun , Hong Yan , Wei Daimin , Chen Zi-jiang , Sun Yun
Published: August 2020

Background

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) brings great challenges to clinicians and causes deep frustration to patients. Previous data has suggested that prednisone may play a promising role in the establishment of pregnancy and help improve the pregnancy outcome in women with RIF. But there is insufficient evidence from randomized clinical trials that had adequate power to determine if prednisone can enhance live births as the primary outcome.

Methods/design

This trial is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (1:1 ratio of prednisone versus placebo). Infertile patients with RIF who intend to undergo frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) will be enrolled and randomly assigned to two parallel groups. Participants will be given the treatment of prednisone or placebo from the start of endometrial preparation till the end of the first trimester of pregnancy if pregnant. The primary outcome is live birth rate.

Discussion

The results of this study will provide evidence for the effect of prednisone on pregnancy outcomes in patients with RIF.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800018783. Registered on 9 October 2018.
Detection of ctDNA in plasma of patients with clinically localised prostate cancer is associated with rapid disease progression
Authors: Lau Edmund , McCoy Patrick , Reeves Fairleigh , Chow Ken , Clarkson Michael , Kwan Edmond M. , Packwood Kate , Northen Helen , He Miao , Kingsbury Zoya , Mangiola Stefano , Kerger Michael , Furrer Marc A. , Crowe Helen , Costello Anthony J. , McBride David J. , Ross Mark T. , Pope Bernard , Hovens Christopher M. , Corcoran Niall M.
Published: August 2020

Background

DNA originating from degenerate tumour cells can be detected in the circulation in many tumour types, where it can be used as a marker of disease burden as well as to monitor treatment response. Although circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) measurement has prognostic/predictive value in metastatic prostate cancer, its utility in localised disease is unknown.

Methods

We performed whole-genome sequencing of tumour-normal pairs in eight patients with clinically localised disease undergoing prostatectomy, identifying high confidence genomic aberrations. A bespoke DNA capture and amplification panel against the highest prevalence, highest confidence aberrations for each individual was designed and used to interrogate ctDNA isolated from plasma prospectively obtained pre- and post- (24 h and 6 weeks) surgery. In a separate cohort (n = 189), we identified the presence of ctDNA TP53 mutations in preoperative plasma in a retrospective cohort and determined its association with biochemical- and metastasis-free survival.

Results

Tumour variants in ctDNA were positively identified pre-treatment in two of eight patients, which in both cases remained detectable postoperatively. Patients with tumour variants in ctDNA had extremely rapid disease recurrence and progression compared to those where variants could not be detected. In terms of aberrations targeted, single nucleotide and structural variants outperformed indels and copy number aberrations. Detection of ctDNA TP53 mutations was associated with a significantly shorter metastasis-free survival (6.2 vs. 9.5 years (HR 2.4; 95% CIs 1.2–4.8, p = 0.014).

Conclusions

CtDNA is uncommonly detected in localised prostate cancer, but its presence portends more rapidly progressive disease.
Integrative radiogenomics for virtual biopsy and treatment monitoring in ovarian cancer
Authors: Martin-Gonzalez Paula , Crispin-Ortuzar Mireia , Rundo Leonardo , Delgado-Ortet Maria , Reinius Marika , Beer Lucian , Woitek Ramona , Ursprung Stephan , Addley Helen , Brenton James D. , Markowetz Florian , Sala Evis
Published: August 2020

Background

Ovarian cancer survival rates have not changed in the last 20 years. The majority of cases are High-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs), which are typically diagnosed at an advanced stage with multiple metastatic lesions. Taking biopsies of all sites of disease is infeasible, which challenges the implementation of stratification tools based on molecular profiling.

Main body

In this review, we describe how these challenges might be overcome by integrating quantitative features extracted from medical imaging with the analysis of paired genomic profiles, a combined approach called radiogenomics, to generate virtual biopsies. Radiomic studies have been used to model different imaging phenotypes, and some radiomic signatures have been associated with paired molecular profiles to monitor spatiotemporal changes in the heterogeneity of tumours. We describe different strategies to integrate radiogenomic information in a global and local manner, the latter by targeted sampling of tumour habitats, defined as regions with distinct radiomic phenotypes.

Conclusion

Linking radiomics and biological correlates in a targeted manner could potentially improve the clinical management of ovarian cancer. Radiogenomic signatures could be used to monitor tumours during the course of therapy, offering additional information for clinical decision making. In summary, radiogenomics may pave the way to virtual biopsies and treatment monitoring tools for integrative tumour analysis.
Yttrium-90 radioembolization as a possible new treatment for brain cancer: proof of concept and safety analysis in a canine model
Authors: Pasciak Alexander S. , Manupipatpong Sasicha , Hui Ferdinand K. , Gainsburg Larry , Krimins Rebecca , Zink M. Christine , Brayton Cory F. , Morris Meaghan , Sage Jaime , Donahue Danielle R. , Dreher Matthew R. , Kraitchman Dara L. , Weiss Clifford R.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization (RE) as a minimally invasive treatment in a canine model with presumed spontaneous brain cancers.

Materials

Three healthy research dogs (R1–R3) and five patient dogs with spontaneous intra-axial brain masses (P1–P5) underwent cerebral artery RE with 90Y glass microspheres (TheraSphere). 90Y-RE was performed on research dogs from the unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) while animals with brain masses were treated from the ICA. Post-treatment 90Y PET/CT was performed along with serial neurological exams by a veterinary neurologist. One month after treatment, research dogs were euthanized and the brains were extracted and sent for microdosimetric and histopathologic analyses. Patient dogs received post-treatment MRI at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals with long-term veterinary follow-up.

Results

The average absorbed dose to treated tissue in R1–R3 was 14.0, 30.9, and 73.2 Gy, respectively, with maximum doses exceeding 1000 Gy. One month after treatment, research dog pathologic analysis revealed no evidence of cortical atrophy and rare foci consistent with chronic infarcts, e.g., < 2-mm diameter. Absorbed doses to masses in P1–P5 were 45.5, 57.6, 58.1, 45.4, and 64.1 Gy while the dose to uninvolved brain tissue was 15.4, 27.6, 19.2, 16.7, and 33.3 G, respectively. Among both research and patient animals, 6 developed acute neurologic deficits following treatment. However, in all surviving dogs, the deficits were transient resolving between 7 and 33 days post-therapy. At 1 month post-therapy, patient animals showed a 24–94% reduction in mass volume with partial response in P1, P3, and P4 at 6 months post-treatment. While P2 initially showed a response, by 5 months, the mass had advanced beyond pre-treatment size, and the dog was euthanized.

Conclusion

This proof of concept demonstrates the technical feasibility and safety of 90Y-RE in dogs, while preliminary, initial data on the efficacy of 90Y-RE as a potential treatment for brain cancer is encouraging.
Quantification of [18F]afatinib using PET/CT in NSCLC patients: a feasibility study
Authors: van de Stadt E. A. , Yaqub M. , Lammertsma A. A. , Poot A. J. , Schober P. R. , Schuit R. C. , Smit E. F. , Bahce I. , Hendrikse N. H.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Only a subgroup of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients benefit from treatment using epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) such as afatinib. Tumour uptake of [18F]afatinib using positron emission tomography (PET) may identify those patients that respond to afatinib therapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find the optimal tracer kinetic model for quantification of [18F]afatinib uptake in NSCLC tumours.

Methods

[18F]Afatinib PET scans were performed in 10 NSCLC patients. The first patient was scanned for the purpose of dosimetry. Subsequent patients underwent a 20-min dynamic [15O]H2O PET scan (370 MBq) followed by a dynamic [18F]afatinib PET scan (342 ± 24 MBq) of 60 or 90 min. Using the Akaike information criterion (AIC), three pharmacokinetic plasma input models were evaluated with both metabolite-corrected sampler-based input and image-derived (IDIF) input functions in combination with discrete blood samples. Correlation analysis of arterial on-line sampling versus IDIF was performed. In addition, perfusion dependency and simplified measures were assessed.

Results

Ten patients were included. The injected activity of [18F]afatinib was 341 ± 37 MBq. Fifteen tumours could be identified in the field of view of the scanner. Based on AIC, tumour kinetics were best described using an irreversible two-tissue compartment model and a metabolite-corrected sampler-based input function (Akaike 50%). Correlation of plasma-based input functions with metabolite-corrected IDIF was very strong (r2 = 0.93). The preferred simplified uptake parameter was the tumour-to-blood ratio over the 60- to 90-min time interval (TBR60–90). Tumour uptake of [18F]afatinib was independent of perfusion.

Conclusion

The preferred pharmacokinetic model for quantifying [18F]afatinib uptake in NSCLC tumours was the 2T3K_vb model. TBR60–90 showed excellent correlation with this model and is the best candidate simplified method.

Trial registration

https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/ nr 2012-002849-38
New azaphilones from Aspergillus neoglaber
Authors: Isbrandt Thomas , Frisvad Jens C. , Madsen Anja , Larsen Thomas O.
Published: August 2020

Three new azaphilones, sassafrin E (1), sassafrin F (2), and sassafrinamine A (3), were isolated from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus neoglaber. The structures of the compounds were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and were found to be novel analogues of two already known compound classes; sassafrins and berkchaetoazaphilones. Sassafrin E and F were both oxygen containing, while sassafrinamine A additionally contained a nitrogen atom, originating from an aminoethanol moiety, as well as extensive conjugation resulting in an intense purple colour of the pure compound. The structure of sassafrin E was further confirmed using deuterium exchange experiments coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry.
N-glycolyl chondroitin synthesis using metabolically engineered E. coli
Authors: Awofiranye Adeola E. , Baytas Sultan N. , Xia Ke , Badri Abinaya , He Wenqin , Varki Ajit , Koffas Mattheos , Linhardt Robert J.
Published: August 2020

N-glycolyl chondroitin (Gc-CN) is a metabolite ofN-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), a sialic acid that is commonly found in mammals, but not humans. Humans can incorporate exogenous Neu5Gc into their tissues from eating red meat. Neu5Gc cannot be biosynthesized by humans due to an evolutionary mutation and has been implicated in causing inflammation causing human diseases, such as cancer. The study Neu5Gc is important in evolutionary biology and the development of potential cancer biomarkers. Unfortunately, there are several limitations to detecting Neu5Gc. The elimination of Neu5Gc involves a degradative pathway leading to the incorporation ofN-glycolyl groups into glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as Gc-CN. Gc-CN has been found in humans and in animals including mice, lamb and chimpanzees. Here, we present the biosynthesis of Gc-CN in bacteria by feeding chemically synthesizedN-glycolylglucosamine toEscherichia coli. A metabolically engineered strain ofE. coliK4, fed with glucose supplemented with GlcNGc, converted it toN-glycolylgalactosamine (GalNGc) that could then be utilized as a substrate in the chondroitin biosynthetic pathway. The final product, Gc-CN was converted to disaccharides using chondroitin lyase ABC and analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with multiple reaction monitoring detection. This analysis showed the incorporation of GalNGc into the backbone of the chondroitin oligosaccharide.
The effects of recreational cannabis use on glycemic outcomes and self-management behaviours in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: a rapid review
Authors: Porr Caroline J. , Rios Patricia , Bajaj Harpreet S. , Egan Aoife M. , Huot Celine , Batten Ryan , Bishop Lisa , Ryan Devonne , Davis Erin , Darvesh Nazia , Rahman Arifur , Asghari Shabnam , Acheampong Lily , Tricco Andrea C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Recent surveys of Canadian cannabis users reflect increasing consumption rates, some of whom may have diabetes. However, healthcare providers have limited information resources on the effects of recreational cannabis in people with diabetes. This rapid review was commissioned by Diabetes Canada to synthesize available evidence to guide recommendations for care of people 13 years of age and older who live with diabetes.

Methods

PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases were searched from January 2008 to January 2019. Study selection, data abstraction and quality appraisal were completed by pairs of reviewers working independently and discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer with pilot tests completed before each stage to ensure consistency. Data collected from included studies were tabulated and summarized descriptively.

Results

The search resulted in 1848 citations of which 59 publications were selected for screening, resulting in six observational studies (2 full-text articles and 4 conference abstracts) that met the pre-defined criteria for inclusion. Five studies reported higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who consumed recreational cannabis. In one study, students aged 17 to 25 years living with T1D self-reported poorer glycemic control and higher HbA1c when smoking cannabis. In one study of adults with T1D, cannabis use within the previous 12 months was associated with almost double the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis compared with no cannabis use (odds ratio [OR] 1.98; confidence interval [CI] [95% CI] 1.01–3.91). Risks for peripheral arterial occlusion and myocardial infarction were found to be higher in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who consumed recreational cannabis, and worse renal parameters were also reported in two separate studies of T1D and T2D.

Conclusions

Recreational cannabis use may negatively impact diabetes metabolic factors and self-management behaviours in people with T1D. In people with T2D, recreational cannabis may increase risks for peripheral arterial occlusion, myocardial infarction and renal disease. However, the evidence base of this rapid review was limited to six observational studies of poor to fair methodological quality, and thus, further robust, higher quality research is required to confirm the potential impact of cannabis on diabetes.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42019122829
Antimicrobial peptides in human synovial membrane as (low-grade) periprosthetic joint infection biomarkers
Authors: Banke Ingo J. , Stade Niko , Prodinger Peter M. , Tübel Jutta , Hapfelmeier Alexander , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , van Griensven Martijn , Gollwitzer Hans , Burgkart Rainer
Published: August 2020

Background

Safe diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is of utmost importance for successful exchange arthroplasty. However, current diagnostic tools show insufficient accuracy in the clinically common and challenging chronic low-grade infections. To close this diagnostic gap, reliable (bio)markers display the most promising candidates. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the innate immune response towards microbial growth. Recently we could show significant intraarticular levels of human cathelicidin LL-37 and β-defensin-3 (HBD-3) with high diagnostic accuracy in PJI synovial fluid. Consequently, these promising biomarkers were evaluated in PJI synovial membrane and synoviocytes, which may significantly facilitate histological diagnosis of PJI to improve outcome of septic joint replacement.

Methods

In this prospective single-center controlled clinical study (diagnostic level II), consecutive patients with total hip (THR) and knee (TKR) replacements were included undergoing primary arthroplasty (n = 8), surgical revision due to aseptic loosening (n = 9) and septic arthroplasty with coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 8) according to the criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS). Semiquantitative immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of LL-37, HBD-3 and HBD-2 in synovial membrane and isolated synoviocytes based on Total Allred Score (TS) and Immunoreactive Remmele and Stegner score (IRS) was performed. For statistical analysis, SPSS 26.0/R3.6.3 (p < 0.05) was used.

Results

The AMPs LL-37 and HBD-3 were significantly elevated (up to 20×) in synovial membranes from PJI compared to aseptic loosening or primary arthroplasty. The area under the curve (AUC) in a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was equal to 1.0 for both scores revealing excellent diagnostic accuracy. Isolated synoviocytes as cellular AMP source showed comparable results with a significant LL-37/HBD-3-increase up to 3 × in PJI. In contrast, local HBD-2 levels were negligible (p > 0.23) upon PJI with a lower diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.65) in analogy to our previous findings with synovial fluid.

Conclusions

Our results implicate AMPs as promising and specific biomarkers for the histological diagnosis of PJI.
Correction to: Waste heat: the dominating root cause of current global warming
Authors: Bian Qinghan
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Exact distributions of statistics for making inferences on mixed models under the default covariance structure
Authors: Weerahandi Samaradasa , Yu Ching-Ray
Published: August 2020

At this juncture when mixed models are heavily employed in applications ranging from clinical research to business analytics, the purpose of this article is to extend the exact distributional result of Wald (Ann. Math. Stat. 18: 586–589, 1947) to handle models involving a number of variance components.Due to the unavailability of exact distributional results for underlying statistics, currently available methods provide small group/sample inference only for balanced ANOVA models or simple regression models. The exact distributional results developed in this article should prove useful in making inferences by such methods as parametric bootstrap, fiducial, and generalized p-value approach, when there are a number of variance components to deal with.
Recycled eggshells as precursors for iron-impregnated calcium oxide catalysts for partial oxidation of methane
Authors: Karoshi Gourishankar , Kolar Praveen , Shah Sanjay B. , Gilleskie Gary
Published: August 2020

There is a significant interest in converting eggshells into value-added products. Therefore, the goal of this research is to synthesize and study iron-impregnated eggshells as a catalyst for partial oxidation of methane. The objectives of this research were to test the effects of iron loading, flow rate, oxygen concentration, and temperature on methane oxidation. The catalysts were synthesized using ferric chloride hexahydrate at various loadings and tested in a heated stainless-steel reactor under different experimental conditions. The reaction products included C2–C7 hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide depending on the reaction conditions. Results indicated that iron loading beyond 5 wt% caused a decrease in methane conversion. A decrease in oxygen concentration enhanced methane conversion with a substantial drop in the production of CO2. Besides, an increase in temperature resulted in a decrease in methane conversion with a simultaneous increase in the production of CO2 via overoxidation. The reusability experiments indicated that the catalyst was active for four reaction cycles. Our results indicate that eggshells can be used as catalyst support for methane partial oxidation and can simultaneously solve the waste disposal problems faced by the poultry industry.
Calcium channel blocker induced gingival enlargement following implant placement in a fibula free flap reconstruction of the mandible: a case report
Authors: Quach Henry , Ray-Chaudhuri Arijit
Published: August 2020

Background

Gingival tissue enlargement is a common side effect of antiepileptic medications (e.g. phenytoin and sodium valproate), immunosuppressing drugs (e.g. cyclosporine) and calcium channel blockers (e.g. nifedipine, verapamil, amlodipine) (Murakami et al. 2018, Clin Periodontol 45:S17–S27, 2018). The clinical and histological appearances of lesions caused by these drugs are indistinguishable from one another (Murakami et al. 2018, Clin Periodontol 45:S17–S27, 2018). Drug-induced gingival enlargement is rarely seen in edentulous patients.

Case presentation

This case presents a 72-year-old female with a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth treated with surgical excision and fibula-free flap reconstruction. Following the uncovering of osseointegrated implants placed in the fibular-free flap, the patient developed gingival enlargement of the floor of the mouth. Cessation of amlodipine and switching to an alternative medication lead to a resolution of the enlarged tissue.

Conclusions

This case illustrates that gingival enlargement can occur around dental implants, most notably in rehabilitation cases in patients who have had head and neck cancer. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of gingival enlargement in hypertensive patients taking calcium channel blockers prior to implant placement.
Wind turbine performance analysis for energy cost minimization
Authors: Charabi Yassine , Abdul-Wahab Sabah
Published: August 2020

The use of wind energy worldwide has overgrown in recent years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Wind power is free, but the installation and maintenance of wind turbines remain very costly. The size of the installation of the wind turbine is not only determined by wind statistics at a given location, but also by turbine infrastructure and maintenance costs. The payback time of the turbine is dependent on turbine energy costs. This study estimates the wind power generation capacity of Northern and Southern Oman and discusses the selection of the most economical, efficient and reliable wind turbines in Oman. HOMER Pro Software was used in this paper to evaluate the wind energy data in the north and south of Oman and to provide well-informed guidance on the most suitable turbines for the power needs of each area. Six different standard wind turbines were measured and compared in terms of the cost of energy and performance. The simulation analysis reveals that the DW54 turbine is the best possible turbine to generate electricity in northern Oman at $0.119/kW. Due to the difference in the wind regime between the north and the south of Oman, the simulation showed that the Hummer H25.0–200 kW turbine is the best option for south Oman with power generation at $0.070/kW. The northern wind turbine plant can efficiently contribute to decarbonization of the energy sector in Oman, with a potential reduction of CO2 emission approximately 19,000 tons/year in comparison to natural gas and 28,000 tons/year in comparison to diesel. In the Southern Power Plant, carbon emissions are reduced by 18,000 and 12,000 tons/year compared to diesel and natural gas.
A co-production approach guided by the behaviour change wheel to develop an intervention for reducing sedentary behaviour after stroke
Authors: Hall Jennifer , Morton Sarah , Hall Jessica , Clarke David J. , Fitzsimons Claire F. , English Coralie , Forster Anne , Mead Gillian E. , Lawton Rebecca
Published: August 2020

Background

Stroke survivors are highly sedentary; thus, breaking up long uninterrupted bouts of sedentary behaviour could have substantial health benefit. However, there are no intervention strategies specifically aimed at reducing sedentary behaviour tailored for stroke survivors. The purpose of this study was to use co-production approaches to develop an intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour after stroke.

Methods

A series of five co-production workshops with stroke survivors, their caregivers, stroke service staff, exercise professionals, and researchers were conducted in parallel in two-stroke services (England and Scotland). Workshop format was informed by the behaviour change wheel (BCW) framework for developing interventions and incorporated systematic review and empirical evidence. Taking an iterative approach, data from activities and audio recordings were analysed following each workshop and findings used to inform subsequent workshops, to inform both the activities of the next workshop and ongoing intervention development.

Findings

Co-production workshop participants (n = 43) included 17 staff, 14 stroke survivors, six caregivers and six researchers. The target behaviour for stroke survivors is to increase standing and moving, and the target behaviour for caregivers and staff is to support and encourage stroke survivors to increase standing and moving. The developed intervention is primarily based on co-produced solutions to barriers to achieving the target behaviour. The developed intervention includes 34 behaviour change techniques. The intervention is to be delivered through stroke services, commencing in the inpatient setting and following through discharge into the community. Participants reported that taking part in intervention development was a positive experience.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study that has combined the use of co-production and the BCW to develop an intervention for use in stroke care. In-depth reporting of how a co-production approach was combined with the BCW framework, including the design of bespoke materials for workshop activities, should prove useful to other researchers and practitioners involved in intervention development in stroke.
Oral and maxillofacial surgical services amid COVID-19 pandemic: perspective from Tanzania
Authors: Sohal Karpal Singh , Simon Elison N. M. , Kalyanyama Boniphace , Moshy Jeremiah Robert
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a global pandemic that affects individuals from all walks of life. Considering that the virus can be passed on directly from person to person through respiratory droplets, contact, fomites, and saliva, the oral and maxillofacial surgeons are exposed to COVID-19 in their daily clinical duties. This is because of the nature of their work, which entails working within a short distance from patients’ oral cavity and upper airway. As such, there is a need for having locally tailored standard guidelines for managing patients with oral and maxillofacial conditions during the COVID 19 pandemic in Tanzania.
Improving cognitive mapping by training for people with a poor sense of direction
Authors: Ishikawa Toru , Zhou Yiren
Published: August 2020

The skill of spatial learning and orientation is fundamental in humans and differs widely among individuals. Despite its importance, however, the malleability of this skill through practice has scarcely been studied empirically, in contrast to psychometric spatial ability. Thus, this article examines the possibility of improving the accuracy of configurational understanding of the environment by training. A total of 40 adults with a poor sense of direction participated in the experiment; and were randomly assigned to either a condition in which they received feedback only or a condition in which they additionally practiced allocentric spatial updating. Participants walked one route in each session, once a week for 6 weeks, and conducted spatial tasks designed to assess their knowledge of the route. A total of 20 people with an average sense of direction also participated as a comparison group. Results showed that training in allocentric spatial updating improved the accuracy of direction estimates, although the size of the effect was limited: the improvement was not large enough to equate the performance in the groups with a poor versus average sense of direction. The two groups, however, did not differ in spatial skill in mental rotation or path integration. Feedback was effective for improving accuracy in straight-line distance estimates and sketch maps: repeated trials with feedback led to improved accuracy by the sixth session to a level comparable to the group with an average sense of direction. The results show that flexible translation between viewer-centered and environment-centered representations is difficult and not readily trainable, and provide insights into the nature of individual differences in large-scale environmental cognition.
Perceptions and reasons of E-cigarette use among medical students: an internet-based survey
Authors: Alzalabani Abdulmohsen A. , Eltaher Sheref M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Nowadays, E-cigarette use shows a significant increase among adults and youth in many countries, although there is still a public health debate about its relative effects compared to the traditional cigarettes.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence, perceptions, possible reasons of use, and factors associated with E-cigarettes use among medical students at Taibah University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

An internet-based online survey study was conducted between September and November 2019 which contains socio-demographic data, data related to smoking and E-cigarette use, and data related to reasons of E-cigarette use.

Results

A total of 527 out of 720 students completed an online questionnaire, 15.9% of the surveyed students used E-cigarettes, older age, male, higher college class, those who have ≥ 1 close friend who smokes, family history of smoking, and housemates who smoked E-cigarettes show a significantly higher percentage of E-cigarettes use. The first reason for E-cigarettes use namely that, E-cigarette helps to reduce tobacco consumption with no intention to quit smoking was the highest (89.2%), followed by E-cigarette being less toxic than tobacco (88.4%), and finally E-cigarette helps to avoid having to go outside to smoke (62.05%). Logistic regression analysis showed that sex, more than one close friend who smokes, family history of smoking, and housemates who smoked E-cigarettes were significant factors associate with its use.

Conclusion

E-cigarette use appears to be relatively common than conventional cigarette among the participants. Our study participants perceived that it can help people quit, less harmful, and less addictive. The most common reason for its use among the study participants was that E-cigarette helps to reduce tobacco consumption in users with no intention to quit smoking.
The use of automated sequential blood pressure in hypertension clinics compared with office and ambulatory blood pressure measurements
Authors: Mahmoud Kareem , ElAroussy Ayah , Baghdady Yasser , ElAroussy Wafaa , ElDeeb Heba
Published: August 2020

Background

Office blood pressure (OBP) measurement is the most common method of blood pressure measurement. However, it is associated with several pitfalls as white coat effect and masked hypertension. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is usually used for diagnosis of hypertension and elimination of white coat effect. This study aimed to assess the correlation and degree of agreement of the automated sequential blood pressure (ASqBP) with OBP and ABPM. Patients presented to hypertension clinic were included. Each patient had his blood pressure recorded by three methods: OBP using a digital sphygmomanometer device, unattended ASqBP using sequential BP devices with recording of the readings over 30 min, and ABPM that was performed within 48 h of office visit using portable BP devices with BP recording over 24 h.

Results

We recruited 64 patients (age 50.0 ± 15.0 years and female gender 53.1%). We found a strong positive correlation between ASqBP and OBP readings (r 0.81 for SBP and 0.83 for DBP, p < 0.001). We also found a strong positive correlation between ASqBP and ABPM readings (r 0.74, p < 0.001). The ASqBP readings were lower than OBP (137.0 ± 16.8/86.4 ± 13.8 vs. 142.7 ± 15.5/88.5 ± 12.3) and close to ABPM readings (average 24 h, 134.0 ± 15.4/88.5 ± 12.3, and daytime, 135.8 ± 15.7/82.1 ± 13.7). For SBP readings, there was moderate agreement between ASqBP and AMBP (both average and daytime). For DBP readings, there was fair agreement between ASqBP and AMBP (both average and daytime).

Conclusion

ASqBP measurement has good correlation with OBP and ABPM readings. Unattended automated office pressure has moderate degree of agreement with ABPM for the SBP& fair degree of agreement for the DBP. It can be used in the hypertension clinics to eliminate the problems of white coat effect and marked BP variability.
In silico molecular docking studies and MM/GBSA analysis of coumarin-carbonodithioate hybrid derivatives divulge the anticancer potential against breast cancer
Authors: Pattar Shridhar Veeresh , Adhoni Shakeel Ahamed , Kamanavalli Chandrappa Mukappa , Kumbar Suresh Sadashiv
Published: August 2020

Background

There are many biomarkers associated with breast cancer. Higher expression of PIK3CA (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase Cα), in its upregulated form, is associated with Hr+ and Her2− breast cancer; therefore, many drugs were synthesized against this protein to treat breast cancer patients. FDA recently approved that the drug alpelisib also inhibits PI3KCα (PDB ID-5DXT) in BC patients with Hr+ and Her2−. In present study, we have exploited fourteen coumarin-carbonodithioate derivatives and alpelisib against this protein along with eighteen others which are responsible for causing BC through computational analysis. We have used Schrödinger Maestro 11.2 version for our in silico docking study, and to calculate relative binding energies of ligands, we used prime MM-GBSA module.

Result

Docking study revealed that among all fourteen compounds, 2f, 2a, 2d, and 2e showed the highest G score than the alpelisib and coumarin against PI3KCα with − 9.3, − 9.0, − 9.0 and − 9.1 kcal/mol respectively, along with individual G score of alpelisib (− 8.9) and coumarin (− 7.9). Prime MM-GBSA analysis gave the relative binding energies of alpelisib, 2f, and 2e with − 19.94864535, − 18.63076296 and − 13.07341286 kcal/mol sequentially.

Conclusion

This study provides an insight into the coumarin-carbonodithioate derivatives that could act as inhibitors of PI3KCα like alpelisib. Further prime MM-GBSA study revealed ligand binding energies and ligands strain energies.
Effective safe technique for surgical canalization of congenital aural atresia with the same session reconstruction of the meatus and TM by split thickness graft (Autograft)
Authors: Hasaballah Mohammed Saad , Teaima Ahmed Abdelmoneim , Milad Peter , Mady Ossama Mustafa
Published: August 2020

Background

This case series study is to evaluate the results of our technique for correction of congenital aural atresia. Seventeen patients were done from 2015 till 2018, 4 cases bilateral and 13 unilateral. Surgical canalization of congenital aural atresia with the same session reconstruction of the meatus and TM by split thickness graft (Autograft) was done. Follow-up is done weekly for 3 months then every 2 weeks for another 3 months, till we establish the formation of EAC. All cases were followed up for at least 1 year.

Results

All patients have now established skin limned external canal. There is no facial nerve or dural or sigmoid injuries. Only one case TMJ was exposed during the surgical procedure. One case had postauricular wound gapping and another one was complicated after 1 year by stenosis. All patients improved subjectively in speech and language postoperatively except one case who has autism and still undertreatment.

Conclusion

Congenital aural atresia is a challenging surgery. Surgical canalization with the same session grafting of the drum and the formed cavity by split thickness skin graft is effective with minimal minute rate of complications and recurrence.
Delay in referral of rheumatoid arthritis patients to rheumatology clinic
Authors: Saad Sahar Ahmed , Alhaj Najwa Khalil
Published: August 2020

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory connective tissue disease with both articular and extra articular manifestations. Early diagnosis and proper treatment affect strongly the patients’ quality of life. In the early phase of the disease, effective treatment and strict monitoring would help to achieve remission within the shortest period. Delay in detection of these cases and consequently late referral to a rheumatologist result in loss of the golden time when effective treatment must start.

Results

Delay of patients’ referral by the family physician was the most statistically significant factor responsible for the delay in starting of a specific therapy for RA.

Conclusion

Clear guidelines according to 2016 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis (Combe et al., Ann Rheum Dis 76:948–959, 2017) must be known to all primary care physicians to suspect RA and to avoid delay in referral of patients.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and initial period of lockdown on the mental health and well-being of adults in the UK
Authors: White Ross G. , Van Der Boor Catharina
Published: August 2020

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and well-being were assessed in a convenience sample of 600 UK adults, using a cross-sectional design. Recruited over 2 weeks during the initial phase of lockdown, participants completed an online survey that included COVID-19-related questions, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the World Health Organization (Five) Well-Being Index and the Oxford Capabilities Questionnaire for Mental Health. Self-isolating before lockdown, increased feelings of isolation since lockdown and having COVID-19-related livelihood concerns were associated with poorer mental health, well-being and quality of life. Perceiving increased kindness, community connectedness and being an essential worker were associated with better mental health and well-being outcomes.
Three-Dimensional Printed Molds for Image-Guided Surgical Biopsies: An Open Source Computational Platform
Authors: Crispin-Ortuzar Mireia , Gehrung Marcel , Ursprung Stephan , Gill Andrew B. , Warren Anne Y. , Beer Lucian , Gallagher Ferdia A. , Mitchell Thomas J. , Mendichovszky Iosif A. , Priest Andrew N. , Stewart Grant D. , Sala Evis , Markowetz Florian
Published: August 2020

PURPOSE

Spatial heterogeneity of tumors is a major challenge in precision oncology. The relationship between molecular and imaging heterogeneity is still poorly understood because it relies on the accurate coregistration of medical images and tissue biopsies. Tumor molds can guide the localization of biopsies, but their creation is time consuming, technologically challenging, and difficult to interface with routine clinical practice. These hurdles have so far hindered the progress in the area of multiscale integration of tumor heterogeneity data.

METHODS

We have developed an open-source computational framework to automatically produce patient-specific 3-dimensional–printed molds that can be used in the clinical setting. Our approach achieves accurate coregistration of sampling location between tissue and imaging, and integrates seamlessly with clinical, imaging, and pathology workflows.

RESULTS

We applied our framework to patients with renal cancer undergoing radical nephrectomy. We created personalized molds for 6 patients, obtaining Dice similarity coefficients between imaging and tissue sections ranging from 0.86 to 0.96 for tumor regions and between 0.70 and 0.76 for healthy kidneys. The framework required minimal manual intervention, producing the final mold design in just minutes, while automatically taking into account clinical considerations such as a preference for specific cutting planes.

CONCLUSION

Our work provides a robust and automated interface between imaging and tissue samples, enabling the development of clinical studies to probe tumor heterogeneity on multiple spatial scales.
Documenting Difficult Intubation in the Context of Video Laryngoscopy: Results From a Clinician Survey
Authors: Kauffman Matthew , Urman Richard D. , Yao Dongdong
Published: August 2020

Ambiguity in defining difficult intubation involving video laryngoscopy (VL) may pose potential risks to patients. To improve airway documentation practices, we surveyed anesthesia providers on their difficult intubation interpretations and VL use. Of clinicians surveyed, 66.4% considered 3 or more intubation attempts difficult, while only 10.9% considered Cormack-Lehane grade 3–4 view with direct laryngoscopy difficult. Moreover, over 50% would choose VL as their first-line device for anticipated difficult intubation. These results suggest that clinicians inconsistently interpret difficult intubations, especially in cases involving VL. There is a need for provider education and standardization of airway documentation, inclusive of VL.