bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Extraordinary Response of Iron Emission to the Central Outburst in a Tidal Disruption Event Candidate
Authors: He Zhicheng , Jiang Ning , Wang Tinggui , Liu Guilin , Sun Mouyuan , Guo Hengxiao , Shen Lu , Cai Zhenyi , Shu Xinwen , Sheng Zhenfeng , Liang Zhixiong , Xu Youhua
Published: January 2021

Understanding the origin of Fe ii emission is important because it is crucial to construct the main sequence of active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Despite several decades of observational and theoretical effort, the location of the optical iron emitting region and the mechanism responsible for the positive correlation between the Fe ii strength and the black hole accretion rate remain open questions. In this Letter, we report the optical Fe ii response to the central outburst in PS1-10adi, a candidate tidal disruption event taking place in an AGN at z = 0.203 that has aroused extensive attention. For the first time, we observe that the Fe ii response in the rising phase of its central luminosity is significantly more prominent than that in the decline phase, showing a hysteresis effect. We interpret this hysteresis effect as a consequence of the gradual sublimation of the dust grains situating at the inner surface of the torus into gas when the luminosity of the central engine increases. It is the iron element released from the sublimated dust that contributes evidently to the observed Fe ii emission. This interpretation, together with the weak response of the Hβ emission as we observe, naturally explains the applicability of relative Fe ii strength as a tracer of the Eddington ratio. In addition, optical iron emission of this origin renders the Fe ii time lag a potential “standard candle” with cosmological implications.
A Common Origin for Low-mass Ratio Events Observed by LIGO and Virgo in the First Half of the Third Observing Run
Authors: Safarzadeh Mohammadtaher , Wysocki Daniel
Published: January 2021

In its third observing run, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)/Virgo Collaboration has announced a potential neutron star−black hole (NS−BH) merger candidate, GW190426_152155. Together with GW190814, these two events belong to a class of binaries with a secondary mass less than 3 M
⊙. While the secondary system in GW190426_152155 is consistent with being a neutron star (NS) with a mass of

, that of GW190814 is a

object and counts as the first confirmed detection of a mass-gap object. Here we argue that these two events could have a common origin as follows: both are formed as NS−BH systems; however, the larger escape velocity of a system with more massive primary black hole (BH) increases the bound fraction of the ejecta material from the supernova explosion leading to the formation of a NS. This bound material forms a disk, which is preferentially accreted onto the NS. This scenario predicts the secondary component mass should correlate with the primary component mass, which is consistent with GW190426_152155 and GW190814. If this hypothesis is corroborated by upcoming observations, GW190814-like events can be excluded from the binary BH population when inferring their global characteristics.
Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 Discovery of an Unusual Low-mass Companion to an M Dwarf at 80 pc
Authors: Rothermich Austin , Schneider Adam C. , Faherty Jacqueline K. , Allers Katelyn , Bardalez-Gagliuffi Daniella , Meisner Aaron M. , Kuchner Marc , Kirkpatrick J. Davy , Caselden Dan , Beaulieu Paul
Published: January 2021

We present the discovery of CWISE J203546.35–493611.0, a peculiar M8 companion to the M4.5 star APMPM J2036−4936 discovered through the citizen science project Backyard Worlds: Planet 9. Given CWISE J203546.35–493611.0's proper motion (μ

α
, μ

δ
) = (−126 ± 22, −478 ± 23) and angular separation of 342 from APMPM 2036−4936, we calculate a chance alignment probability of 1.15 × 10−6. Both stars in this system appear to be underluminous, and the spectrum obtained for CWISE J203546.35–493611.0 shows a triangular H band. Further study of this system is warranted to understand these peculiarities.
The Surface Texture of Martian Lava Flows as Inferred from Their Decimeter- and Meter-scale Roughness
Authors: Rodriguez Sanchez-Vahamonde C. , Neish C.
Published: January 2021

Extensive lava flows are found in the equatorial region of Mars, shaping the surface in a very distinct way. In radar images (at the decimeter scale), these flows are bright, with circular polarization ratios greater than one. This is a typical characteristic of extremely rough, blocky lava flows on Earth. Although the source of the extreme dm-scale roughness of Martian lava flows is unknown, their surface roughness can be constrained at the meter scale in an effort to infer their emplacement style. Here, we utilized high-resolution HiRISE images of Mars to construct digital terrain models of 35 lava flows, and measure their surface roughness parameters at a scale never before examined. Our results show that at the meter scale, Martian lava flows are smoother than blocky flows seen on Earth, and similar in roughness to terrestrial pāhoehoe and rubbly flows, as well as young lunar lava flows. However, these latter flows are much smoother at the decimeter scale than Martian lava flows. The differences observed in the surface roughness of Martian lava flows compared to analog lava flows on Earth and the Moon might be the result of: (1) the differences in the emplacement style of the lava flows, and/or (2) the differences in post-emplacement modification processes on the surface of the lava flows.
Chromium Isotopic Evidence for Mixing of NC and CC Reservoirs in Polymict Ureilites: Implications for Dynamical Models of the Early Solar System
Authors: Goodrich Cyrena A. , Sanborn Matthew E. , Yin Qing-Zhu , Kohl Issaku , Frank David , Daly R. Terik , Walsh Kevin J. , Zolensky Michael E. , Young Edward R. D. , Jenniskens Peter , Shaddad Muawia H.
Published: January 2021

Nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies show that the first few million years of solar system history were characterized by two distinct cosmochemical reservoirs, CC (carbonaceous chondrites and related differentiated meteorites) and NC (the terrestrial planets and all other groups of chondrites and differentiated meteorites), widely interpreted to correspond to the outer and inner solar system, respectively. At some point, however, bulk CC and NC materials became mixed, and several dynamical models offer explanations for how and when this occurred. We use xenoliths of CC materials in polymict ureilite (NC) breccias to test the applicability of such models. Polymict ureilites represent regolith on ureilitic asteroids but contain carbonaceous chondrite-like xenoliths. We present the first 54Cr isotope data for such clasts, which, combined with oxygen and hydrogen isotopes, show that they are unique CC materials that became mixed with NC materials in these breccias. It has been suggested that such xenoliths were implanted into ureilites by outer solar system bodies migrating into the inner solar system during the gaseous disk phase ∼3–5 Myr after CAI, as in the “Grand Tack” model. However, combined textural, petrologic, and spectroscopic observations suggest that they were added to ureilitic regolith at ∼50–60 Myr after CAI, along with ordinary, enstatite, and Rumuruti-type chondrites, as a result of the breakup of multiple parent bodies in the asteroid belt at this time. This is consistent with models for an early instability of the giant planets. The C-type asteroids from which the xenoliths were derived were already present in inner solar system orbits.
A new species of geckos of the genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 from Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Mirza Zeeshan A. , Bhosale Harshal , Ansari Faizan , Phansalkar Pushkar , Sawant Mandar , Gowande Gaurang , Patel Harshil
Published: January 2021

We here describe a new species of bent-toed geckos from the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which is widespread across the Dafla and Mishmi hills, occurring at elevations ranging from 179 m to 1400 m. The new species is recovered as sister to the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis clade based on a molecular phylogeny inferred from mitochondrial NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase, subunit 2 gene. Intraspecific uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence (p-distance) for the new species was found to be between 0 and 5%, whereas the interspecific divergence from the closely-related congeners was between 19 and 30%. The new species can be differentiated from members of the C. khasiensis clade using a suite of morphological characters: moderate body size (SVL 64.9–81.7); 8–11 supralabials; 8–10 infralabials; 24–26 bluntly conical, feebly keeled dorsal tubercles; 50–60 paravertebral tubercles; ~38 ventral scales between ventrolateral folds; no precloacal groves; 6–10 precloacofemoral pores in a continuous series; 10–16 distal subdigital lamellae on IV of pes; subcaudal scalation of original tail without enlarged plates. This is the fourth reptile species described from Arunachal Pradesh from the expedition led by the team, and this further highlights the need for further herpetological investigations into the region.
Le cheval de Troie et le motif indo-européen de la triple mort au livre II de l’ Énéide de Virgile (v. 35-38)
Authors: A. J. Meulder Marcel
Published: January 2021

Au livre II de l’ Énéide (v. 35-38), dans l’ordre donné à leurs compatriotes par certains Troyens dont Capys, de détruire le Cheval de Troie, Virgile semble faire référence au motif indo-européen de la triple mort, par crémation, par une arme, par noyade, motif qui n’est attesté ni par l’ Odyssée , ni par certains écrivains grecs qui reprennent l’épisode du célèbre Cheval. Malgré l’intervention du prêtre Laocoon et trompés par la fausse prophétie de Sinon, les Troyens n’exécuteront les guerriers grecs cachés dans le Cheval par aucune des trois morts.
Un nouvel historien pour un « vieux » fragment ? Léon d’Alabanda et Léon de Stratonicée
Authors: Podestà Simone
Published: January 2021

L’article focalise son attention sur la figure de l’historien local Léon d’Alabanda, souvent identifié avec Léon de Stratonicée. Après l’analyse d’une citation tirée de l’œuvre de Porphyre et la découverte d’une inscription carienne, cette identification a partiellement perdu de son poids. L’hypothèse la plus probable est d’imaginer l’existence de deux Léon, actifs en Carie à l’époque hellénistique : le premier était un rhéteur et un historien et aurait écrit des Karika et Lykiaka  ; le deuxième, mentionné par des inscriptions locales de la Carie méridionale, était un prêtre et un érudit, auteur des ouvrages axés sur les cultes et sur les traditions culturelles de la Carie.
The Competitiveness of French Exports of Animal Products: a Comparative Analysis
Authors: Cheptea Angela , Huchet Marilyne
Published: January 2021

L’objectif de cet article est de mesurer la compétitivité des exportations françaises de produits d’origine animale par rapport à la concurrence étrangère, sur la base d’une approche de parts de marché. Sur la période 2000-2016, la France a perdu la moitié de sa part de marché dans les produits d’origine animale, nettement plus que les autres pays européens. Seule la moitié de ces pertes s’explique par une baisse de compétitivité, l’autre moitié étant dû principalement à un effet structure géographique défavorable. De plus, nous constatons que les évolutions de prix expliquent environ un cinquième de la perte de part de marché française dans le secteur animal. Enfin, les évolutions des prix sont corrélées avec l’évolution de la demande des pays importateurs, mais pas avec celle de la demande globale pour différents produits.
Pour une dynamique de coopération des acteurs sur les territoires : la contribution du Labo de l’ESS
Authors: Bernon Françoise , Morvan Marie
Published: January 2021

Face aux crises et fractures économiques, sociales et environnementales que connaissent nos sociétés contemporaines, la nécessité de changer nos modes de consommation et d’agir ensemble devient urgente, afin de tendre vers des systèmes davantage résilients et durables. L’économie sociale et solidaire (ESS), à travers ses valeurs et formes organisationnelles mettant l’humain et l’environnement au centre de projets collectifs, est une voie à suivre pour co-construire de nouveaux récits communs à l’échelle du territoire, et un nouveau contrat social à l’échelle nationale. L’article suivant vise à présenter, de manière non exhaustive, les différentes formes de coopération possibles dans l’ESS, ainsi que leurs impacts positifs sur les territoires. Pour ce faire, le développement de cet article est décliné autour de trois chantiers thématiques portés par le Labo de l’ESS : les Pôles Territoriaux de Coopération Economique, la Transition Energétique Citoyenne et Agriculture et alimentation durables.
Le soulèvement populaire algérien à l’aune du Printemps arabe
Authors: Dris-Ait Hamadouche Louisa
Published: January 2021

Un soulèvement politique, pacifique et national, que rythment des manifestations populaires bihebdomadaires, est apparu en Algérie huit ans après le début du Printemps arabe, dont le bilan est très mitigé. En quoi le Hirak est-il comparable aux soulèvements des peuples d’autres pays arabes ? Et ces points de comparaison laissent-ils présager l’évolution du pays ?
La gestion comptable des Institutions Financières Islamiques (IFI) dans l’espace UEMOA : réalités et perspectives
Authors: Ilboudo Han-Madou
Published: January 2021

Cet article a pour objectif d’analyser la gestion comptable des institutions financières islamiques dans l’espace UEMOA. L’analyse documentaire et les entretiens semi-directifs ont été utilisés pour arriver à des résultats et recommandations. Il ressort l’absence d’un cadre règlementaire officiel actuellement et dans un tel contexte c’est le plan comptable bancaire classique qui est utilisé par les IFI, tout en procédant à des ajustements. Aussi, certaines institutions font recours à l’usage de logiciels intégrés de finance islamique importés d’autres zones. La finalisation du processus d’adoption des textes relatifs à l’activité de finance islamique y compris le cadre comptable dans l’UEMOA est une nécessité pour le développement de l’industrie de la finance islamique dans la zone. À cet effet, une présentation des organes de normalisation des comptabilités des IFI a été présentée. Une analyse comparative entre les normes comptables classiques et celles de l’AAOIFI a été faite pour orienter les perspectives d’évolution du Plan Comptable Bancaire de la zone UEMOA avec une prise en compte des spécificités des IFI.
L’influence de l’accompagnement entrepreneurial sur la performance de jeunes PME : une évaluation des structures camerounaises d’accompagnement
Authors: Nomo Théophile Serge , Pouka Pouka Marie Romuald , Anjorin Houssou Abdul
Published: January 2021

Au Cameroun, les structures d’accompagnement instaurées et institutionnalisées par les pouvoirs publics influencent-elles ou non la performance des PME juvéniles ? L’objectif de cet article est de tenter d’évaluer la performance de l’accompagnement entrepreneurial, d’en relever les limites et d’essayer de formuler quelques recommandations dans le but de l’améliorer. La recherche auprès de 4 structures d’accompagnent regroupant un échantillon de 152 PME camerounaises devrait permettre l’identification de certains aspects essentielles de l’accompagnement dont les jeunes entreprises ont besoin pour être performantes et assurer ainsi leur pérennité. Les résultats obtenus sont mitigés dans l’ensemble quant à l’impact réel de l’intervention de l’accompagnement sur la performance de jeunes PME camerounaises.
Successful Collection and Captive Rearing of Wild-Spawned Larval Klamath Suckers
Authors: Day Julie L. , Barnes Ron , Weissenfluh Darrick , Groves J. Kirk , Russell Kent
Published: January 2021

Shortnose Chasmistes brevirostris and Lost River Suckers Deltistes luxatus endemic to the Klamath River Basin on the California–Oregon border have experienced dramatic population declines in parallel with many other Catostomid species. Captive propagation has become a key element of many endangered fish recovery programs, although there is little evidence of their success in restoring or recovering fish populations. We initiated a novel rearing program for Klamath suckers in 2016 with the goal of developing a husbandry strategy that better balances the ecological, genetic, and demographic risks associated with captive propagation. We collected 4,306 wild-spawned Klamath sucker larvae from a major spawning tributary May–June 2016 and reared them at a geothermal facility established through a partnership with a local landowner and aquaculture expert. Mortality during collection was <1%. We reared larvae in glass aquaria for 17–78 d until they reached approximately 30 mm total length, upon which we moved them to round fiberglass tanks for 14–46 d or until reaching approximately 60 mm total length. Overall survival of larvae to ponding for final growout was 71%. Larval tank-rearing survival was 98% for 37 d until an isolated fish health incident affected three aquarium populations, reducing survival to transfer to 75%. Survival after transfer to round fiberglass tanks for 14–46 d was 94%. This study outlines the first successful collection and early life-history husbandry of wild-spawned endangered Klamath suckers that we are aware of.
An Ensemble Feature Subset Selection for Women Breast Cancer Classification
Authors: Kalaivani A.
Published: January 2021

Breast cancer leads to fatal diseases both in India and America and takes the lives of thousands of women in the world every year. The patients can be easily treated if the signs and symptoms are identified at the early stages. But the symptoms identified at the final stage spreads in the human body, and most of the time, the cancer is identified at the final stage. Breast cancer detected at the early stage is treated easily rather than at the advanced stage. Computer-aided diagnosis came into existence from 2000 with high expectations to improve true positive diagnosis and reduce false positive marks. Artificial intelligence revolved in computing drives the attention of deep learning for an automated breast cancer detection and diagnosis in digital mammography. The chapter focuses on automatic feature selection algorithm for diagnosis of women breast cancer from digital mammographic images achieved through multi-layer perceptron techniques.
A Content-Based Approach to Medical Image Retrieval
Authors: K. Anitha , K. Naresh , D. Rukmani Devi
Published: January 2021

Medical images stored in distributed and centralized servers are referred to for knowledge, teaching, information, and diagnosis. Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) is used to locate images in vast databases. Images are indexed and retrieved with a set of features. The CBIR model on receipt of query extracts same set of features of query, matches with indexed features index, and retrieves similar images from database. Thus, the system performance mainly depends on the features adopted for indexing. Features selected must require lesser storage, retrieval time, cost of retrieval model, and must support different classifier algorithms. Feature set adopted should support to improve the performance of the system. The chapter briefs on the strength of local binary patterns (LBP) and its variants for indexing medical images. Efficacy of the LBP is verified using medical images from OASIS. The results presented in the chapter are obtained by direct method without the aid of any classification techniques like SVM, neural networks, etc. The results prove good prospects of LBP and its variants.
Correlation and Analysis of Overlapping Leukocytes in Blood Cell Images Using Intracellular Markers and Colocalization Operation
Authors: G. Balanagireddy , K. Ananthajothi , T. R. Ganesh Babu , V. Sudha
Published: January 2021

This chapter contributes to the study of uncertainty of signal dimensions within a microscopic image of blood sample. Appropriate colocalization indicator classifies the leukocytes in the region of interest having ragged boundaries. Signal transduction has been interpreted using correlation function determined fluorescence intensity in proposed work using just another colocalization plugin (JaCoP). Dependence between the channels in the colocalization region is being analysed in a linear fashion using Pearson correlation coefficient. Manders split, which gives intensity, is represented in a channel by co-localizing pixels. Overlap coefficients are also being analysed to analyse coefficient of each channel. Li's intensity correlation coefficient is being used in specific cases to interpret the impact of staining.
A Survey on Early Detection of Women's Breast Cancer Using IoT
Authors: Malathi P. , Kalaivani A.
Published: January 2021

The internet of things is probably one of the most challenging and disruptive concepts raised in recent years. Recent development in innovation and availability have prompted the rise of internet of things (IoT). IoT technology is used in a wide scope of certified application circumstances. Internet of things has witnessed the transition in life for the last few years which provides a way to analyze both the real-time data and past data by the emerging role. The current state-of-the-art method does not effectively diagnose breast cancer in the early stages. Thus, the early detection of breast cancer poses a great challenge for medical experts and researchers. This chapter alleviates this by developing a novel software to detect breast cancer at a much earlier stage than traditional methods or self-examination.
Ethics and Social Responsibility
Authors: da Anunciação Pedro Fernandes , Briones-Peñalver Antonio Juan , Bernal-Conesa Juan Andres , Esteves Francisco Madeira
Published: January 2021

Ethics is an important social and technological issue. The powerful computer capabilities provide new frontiers of economic and social human activities. Information, about employees, consumers, and markets, becomes more relevant when it enables economic decisions and impacts on the organization's competitiveness. Recent examples such as fake news show a necessity of a comprehensive and multidimensional economic and social approach to frame the use of algorithms and technologies to guarantee suitable ethical patterns in the information society. It is important to analyze the sensibility of economic stakeholders to the ethical limits of information collection and treatment about consumers and technology users. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the proposed model for ethical analysis through a proof of concept applied to a Portuguese energy operator, framing the identification and mitigation of the ethical risks associated with the continuous digital transformation process.
Analytical Technology Tools Against Corruption and Internal Frauds
Authors: Silva Rafael Velasquez Saavedra , Saavedra da Silva Matheus Felipe
Published: January 2021

In Brazil, organized crime, unfortunately, finds a fertile field that allows its growth and development due to several different aspects. Also, the vast and continental dimension of the Brazilian territory, the evident social inequality, and in many cases, the lack of synergy and collaboration among municipal, provincial, and federal levels are problems. It is important to mention that, in recent times, via its main institutions—executive, legislative, and judiciary—Brazil has been organizing itself and trying to tackle corruption on different fronts, with the use of advanced technology, new procedures of criminal investigation, an increased collaboration between different players and internal cooperation, the celerity in the process of penal persecution, and the revision of laws related to the theme. This chapter aims at displaying technological innovations that have helped law enforcement to act with rigor, speed, and assertiveness in the production of evidence from digital evidence, while respecting the Brazilian Constitution, individual rights, and guarantees of every citizen.
Protection Study in the EPS, Electrical Power System
Authors: Vinicius Duarte Barbosa Gustavo , Tavares Santos José Ronaldo
Published: January 2021

Electrical power systems are susceptible to faults caused, for example, by storm, pollution, vandalism, lightning, salt spray, etc. The unscheduled interruption in the supply of electricity to consumers, whether industrial, residential, or commercial, entails severe fines for the transmission utility and/or electricity distributor, imposed by the regulatory agency. Thus, the EPS must have a well-dimensioned protection system, capable of identifying the fault, which is characterized by a single-phase, two-phase, three-phase short circuit, among others, and interrupt the missing section in the minimum time so that the effects of this lack are as small as possible for the SEP, especially with regard to its integrity and operational security.
Business Games in the Development of Competencies of the Navy Supply Officers
Authors: Oliveira Igor , Maravilhas Sérgio , Oliveira Sérgio Ricardo Goes
Published: January 2021

The Brazilian Navy encourages the adoption of active learning methodologies aiming the development of competencies in the military. This research aims to analyze the contributions of the game Simulador para Treinamento em Administração (Simulator for Training in Administration) in the development of competencies of the Supply Officers who accomplished the Curso de Aperfeiçoamento em Intendência para Oficiais (CAIO). This research has a qualitative approach and an exploratory-descriptive nature. A questionnaire was used to investigate the participants' perception and semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand the expectation of the Centro de Instrução Almirante Newton Braga (CIANB) regarding the application of business games for the development of competencies. The results show that the participants positively perceive the use of business games as a teaching-learning strategy. Finally, it was possible to map the competencies developed with the application of the STA and verify that the intended objectives with the use of the methodology were met.
The Importance of Defining a Roadmap for a Digital Transformation
Authors: Costa Marta Lamelas , Loureiro João , Gata Catarina
Published: January 2021

The transition from a traditional organizational logic to a digital one is not immediate as it forces a readjustment of processes, Information Systems and even organizational structures. The company selected for analysis belongs to the civil construction sector. The case study consists of identifying and detailing operational procedures in the field of information systems and consequent diagnosis of the transition to a digital scenario, preparing it for new global competitiveness scenarios, as well as analyzing the intra and extra-organizational dimensions that should be considered in the process of transformation. The operational management of the company is based on traditional procedures, where data recording is mostly handwritten. It would be beneficial to use knowledge management systems, preparing the company for an increasingly widespread trend, such as the digital economy. This would allow an increase in the efficiency and productivity of processes, through the improvement of production, archive, and knowledge management in the scope of its operations.
The 50 most cited articles in ankle surgery
Authors: Lobo Sean , Zargaran David , Zargaran Alexander
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to establish a ranking of the 50 most cited research articles pertaining to ankle surgery in the field of orthopaedics. In addition, the demographic features such as the date of publications, location of primary author and country of the publisher were all analysed. Studies similar to these have been completed in other subspecialties, however we were not able to find studies relevant to ankle surgery. The Web of Science Cor Collection Database was utilised to identify the target articles. The most cited article was cited 394 times and the least was cited 120 times, and the majority of articles were published in the United States of America. This research will benefit the scientific community in identifying popular research topics, identifying lacking fields and identifying key hubs in the field of ankle surgery.
Molecular Typing of Community-acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from 2- to 6-year old Children by Staphylococcal Protein A and Agr Typing in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Mobasherizadeh Sina , Shojaei Hasan , Azadi Davood , Havaei Seyed Asghar , Ataei Behrooz , Khorvash Farzin
Published: January 2021

Background:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a considerable public health concern in the entire world due to the rapid spread of this bacterium in human community; also the epidemiology of MRSA has changed, as the isolation of MRSA strains from healthy and non-healthy patients. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance profile of community-acquired (CA)-MRSA nasal carriage in the Iranian samples.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 25 CA-MRSA were isolated from the anterior nares of 410 healthy preschool children. All MRSA isolates were characterized by the detection of the toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) and typed by γ-hemolysin genes, agr groups, and staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing. Kirby-Buyer antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed and interpreted as per the standard guidelines.

Results:

A total of 25 (6.1%) MRSA isolates were recovered from the anterior nares of 410 preschool children. Sixteen isolates (64%) were positive for the TSST-1 gene. Three agr specificity groups were determined, as follows: eight (32%) isolates belonged to agr Group I, five (20%) isolates belonged to agr Group II, and 12 (48%) isolates belonged to agr Group III. The repeated profiles of these spa types of 25 isolates were organized into eight different lineages groups. Five of lineages contained a single strain, three of lineages contained two strains, and three of lineages consisted of more than three strains.

Conclusions:

The results of our study show that the rate of MRSA in our region is significantly high. Additionally, spa type t037 was the predominant type among CA S. aureus.
Fabrication and Characterization of Glycerol/Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Transparent Hydrogel Films Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Wound Dressing Applications
Authors: Samadi Ali , Azandeh Saeed , Orazizadeh Mahmoud , Bayati Vahid , Rafienia Mohammad , Karami Masoud Ali
Published: January 2021

Background:

Wounds have a bad prognostic nature and excessive discharges whose regular wound dressings are ineffective. Hydrogels are the best candidates for dressing such wounds due to their high water content and ability to exchange substances. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to make a novel hydrogel wound dressing following the integration of various findings on wound healing and the use of regenerative medicine.

Materials and Methods:

Various compounds were fabricated by glycerol/chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and then characterized to obtain the optimal composition using several techniques, including a water vapor passage test, scanning electron microscopy, water absorption, tensile strength, biodegradability, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and antibacterial test.

Results:

The findings revealed the optimal dressing ratio. Better antibacterial activity was found for the silver nanoparticle (AgNP) dressing.

Conclusion:

Our new fabricated dressing, glycerol/chitosan/PVA hydrogel loaded with AgNPs, exhibited satisfactory wound healing properties.
Surgical Management of High-Grade Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Kailash Karthik , Ganesan Sudhir , Yuvaraj Nalli Ramanathan , Krishnan Appaji , Dhillon Charanjith S. , Pramod Kalale Sudarshan , Gadde Saikrishna
Published: January 2021

Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of one vertebra over the adjacent vertebrae and a usual cause of low back pain and spinal imbalance. High-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) is defined as Meyerding grades III, IV, and V or greater than 50% anterior translation of vertebrae resulting in spinal canal stenosis and neural compression. Management of HGS has been varied and fraught with opinions and its spectrum of management consists of in situ fusion, fusion and reduction combination techniques and vertebrectomy. Literature review was done on the various modalities of treatment and studies showed good clinical outcomes with the procedures. This review highlights the biomechanics of HGS and spondyloptosis, description of techniques of in situ fusion, reduction and fusion and, thereby, evaluate and give current recommendations in the surgical management of HGS. A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar for papers relevant to HGS was performed. Twenty-one articles were included after title, abstract, and full-text review and grouped to analyze the effect of surgical approach, instrumentation, reduction, and decompression on patient radiographic and clinical outcomes. The level of evidence was low in ascertaining the superiority of one technique over the other. HGS is a complex disorder that can be addressed with varying procedures for it. No single technique has been proven to be better than the other. Each of the procedures described earlier has their own advantages and disadvantages, and these have to be weighed with the clinical scenario and the individual skill level of the treating surgeon before deciding on the appropriate procedure. The ideal recommendations for doing the above procedures were enumerated. However, no single procedure can be taken as the best fit for the given condition as the literature does not show one to be better than the other.
Spondylolysis and Pars Repair Technique
Authors: Sri Vijay Anand K. S. , Eamani Naresh Kumar , Shetty Ajoy Prasad , Rajasekaran S.
Published: January 2021

Spondylolysis is an important cause of low back pain in children and adolescents, especially in those involved in athletic activities. Spondylolysis is caused either by a fracture or by a defect in the pars inter-articularis and can be unilateral or bilateral. Among the various hypotheses regarding the etiopathogenesis of pars lysis, the occurrence of chronic micro-fractures secondary to repetitive extension and rotational stresses across pars remains the most convincing explanation to date. The majority of these patients remain asymptomatic. Imaging contributes to the staging and prognostication of the lesions, planning the line of management, and monitoring the response to treatment. Nonoperative treatment with activity restriction, braces, graded physiotherapy, and rehabilitation forms the cornerstone of management. Surgery is indicated in a specific cohort of patients whose symptoms persist despite an adequate conservative trial and includes spinal fusion and pars defect repair techniques. Patients who demonstrate good pain relief after diagnostic pars infiltration can be considered for pars repair. Patients aged ≤25 years, those with an athletic background, unilateral pathologies, and those without associated spondylolisthesis, instability, or disc degeneration are ideal candidates for pars repair. The overall outcome in spondylolysis is good, and 85% to 90% of athletes return to sports at 6 months following conservative or surgical line of treatment. In this current narrative review, we comprehensively discuss the etiology, patho-anatomy, natural history, clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and management of spondylolysis with special emphasis on direct repair techniques of pars.
Novel Method of Plugging the Hole
Authors: Kumar Yadav Naresh , Venkatesh Ramesh , Thomas Sherina , Pereira Arpitha , Shetty K. Bhujang
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To describe the surgical outcomes of macular holes (MHs) by inserting a human amniotic membrane (hAM) plug.

Methods:

In this retrospective, interventional, comparative case series, 10 patients who had undergone hAM plugging for a MH were included in the study. Seven patients had idiopathic full-thickness MHs, 1 patient had traumatic MH, and 1 patient each had a MH-induced retinal detachment and combined retinal detachment. The control group included 10 cases with similar configuration and duration of MHs treated with the inverted peeling of the internal limiting membrane technique. All patients underwent a standard 3-port, 25-gauge transconjunctival pars plana vitrectomy and hAM plug transplantation in the subretinal space under the MH. The anatomic and functional outcomes were assessed at 4 weeks postsurgery.

Results:

At the 4-week follow-up visit, all the MHs in the hAM plug group achieved hole closure, whereas 80% of the eyes in the control group were able to achieve hole closure. Improvement of 0.1 logMAR vision was noted in 8 of the 10 patients. At the 4-week follow-up visit, the external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone layer continuity over the hAM was defined only in one case. No significant difference was found between the hAM plug group and controls in visual and anatomical responses. No complications following hAM transplantation such as rejection, endophthalmitis, or hypotony were noted following surgery.

Conclusion:

Subretinal hAM graft transplantation can be a useful option in the repair of primary or refractory MHs not only for achieving anatomic closure but also for the accompanying visual improvement.
Comparison of the Surgical Outcomes of Single-Site, Mitomycin C-Augmented Trabeculectomy Combined with Phacoemulsification Versus Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery
Authors: Mansoori Tarannum , Balakrishna Nagalla
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To compare the safety, efficacy, and outcome measures of a single-site, mitomycin C (MMC)-augmented trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification (PT) versus manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) with the posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation as a primary surgery in the patients with primary glaucoma coexistent with cataract.

Methods:

From April 2015 to August 2017, medical records of all the patients who underwent combined cataract surgery with PCIOL and MMC augmented trabeculectomy were reviewed. One hundred and thirty-seven eyes met the inclusion criteria. Ninety-seven eyes which underwent PT with MMC were compared with forty eyes that underwent MSICS combined with trabeculectomy (MSICST) MMC. Outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of anti-glaucoma medications (AGM). Complications, if any, were noted in both the groups.

Results:

The mean follow-up period after surgery was 18.6 ± 7.7 months (range, 12–40 months). At the last follow-up visit, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups, in terms of mean logMAR BCVA (PT: 0.22 ± 0.31, MSICST: 0.21 ± 0.33,P= 0.8), mean IOP reduction (PT: 13.9 ± 2.98 mmHg, MSICST: 14.1 ± 4.12 mmHg,P= 0.8), and mean number of AGM (PT: 0.03 ± 0.8, MSICST: 0.025 ± 0.7,P= 0.8). Complications were few and transient. One eye in the PT group was considered as a failure and had to undergo needling, repeat trabeculectomy, and later, cyclodestructive procedure. None of the eyes in the MSICST group required an additional procedure for IOP reduction.

Conclusion:

There was no difference in the mean IOP reduction, BCVA, and mean number of AGM between the two procedures, and both appeared to be safe and effective techniques as a primary surgery in the patients with coexistent cataract and glaucoma.
Giant Cell Tumor
Authors: Rajabi Mohammad Taher , Poursayed Lazarjani Seyedeh Zahra , Mohammadi S. Saeed , Veshagh Mohammad , Hosseinzadeh Farideh , Rafizadeh Seyed Mohsen , Amoli Fahimeh Asadi , Hosseini Simindokht
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To present a patient with giant cell tumor (GCT) of the orbit by changing behavior from an intraorbital mass to an intraosseous tumor.

Methods:

A 16-year-old boy presented with pain, swelling, erythematous of the left upper and lower eyelids, proptosis, and diplopia. Ophthalmic examination revealed chemosis, conjunctival injection, limited elevation, depression as well as abduction in the left eye.

Results:

Multislice computed tomography scan (CT scan) of the orbit and paranasal sinuses showed a hyperdense, oval, extraconal mass with bone erosion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit showed an inferior lateral isointense, oval, extraconal mass that had indented the globe. The patient underwent superior lateral orbitotomy, and the orbital mass was excised. Two months later, the patient developed proptosis, severe chemosis, and eyelid erythema in the same eye. CT scan showed an intraosseous mass in the lateral wall of the orbit that had pushed the globe anteromedially. Intraosseous tumor was resected, and the lateral orbital wall was drilled during the second surgery. GCT was diagnosed based on pathological survey.

Conclusion:

Following the resection of the orbital GCT, the tumor behavior may change to an intraosseous lesion.
A Study of Epidemiological Factors in Antenatal Mothers with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension at the Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Lakhute Sadhana V. , Kendre Varsharani , Dixit Jagannath
Published: January 2021

Background:

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is one of the most common causes of both maternal and neonatal morbidity, affecting about 5%–8% of pregnant women. The risk factors postulated to influence the risk of PIH among the mothers include sociodemographic factors, genetic factors, pregnancy-related complications, or personal factors.

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to study the sociodemographic profile, prevalence, and epidemiological risk factors of PIH in antenatal patients.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at GMC Latur, Maharashtra, India, as a part of postgraduation thesis work and was approved by MUHS Nashik. A total of 1600 antenatal care cases were selected. The study variables included mother's age, parity, height, body mass index, socioeconomic profile, and diet. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to capture the demographic data and obstetric history. PIH prevalence in this study was found to be 6.06%. Primi-parity, age above 30 years, poor socioeconomic status, less education, joint family, >36 weeks of gestation, >5 g of salt intake, and moderate-to-severe anemia are some of the important epidemiological risk factors found to be associated with PIH.

Conclusion:

Pregnancy in later stages and primigravida's should be monitored carefully for PIH, and it should be prevented. Health education should be given about the consumption of iron tablets and iron rich food items to prevent anemia.
Histomorphology Panorama of Neoplastic Gastrointestinal Lesions in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Bamanikar Sunita , Sonkawade Dayanand , Bhandari Parul , Bamanikar Arvind , Chandanwale Shirish , Buch Archana
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are one of the most common malignancies accounting for 11% of all cancers. There is an increasing burden of GI cancer worldwide, wherein gastric cancer ranks fourth and esophageal cancer ranks the eighth most common cancer. Histopathological confirmation is always necessary for planning appropriate treatment regimen. Hence, in this study, we aim to analyze and correlate with clinical parameters the spectrum of all GI neoplasms encountered in our institute.

Materials and Methods:

The present study is carried out during 5 years' period of all neoplastic GI specimens received in the department of pathology.

Results:

Of the total 259 biopsy and excised specimens from neoplastic cases, benign were 14 (5.4%) and malignant lesions were 245 (94.6%) with adenocarcinoma being the most common histotype. The frequency of male was marginally higher with M:F ratio of 1.1:1 was observed in all GI diseases with exception of gall bladder which revealed female predominance. The mean age of patients was 55.2 years. Colorectal carcinoma was more commonly observed (40.5%) than esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (27.4%).

Conclusion:

Neoplasm of the colorectal region was the most common followed by esophagus tumors. The most common age group affected was 51–60 years. With an increasing incidence of neoplastic lesion in GIT, prevalence and mortality of the disease can be minimized with early detection of lesion, histopathological examination being gold standard.
Potential Role of Vitamin D as an Antiviral Agent
Authors: Ghosh Joyeta
Published: January 2021

Vitamin D has potential antimicrobial activity, the deficiency of which has deleterious effects on the general well-being and longevity, predisposing major public health problem worldwide. About 1 billion people have Vitamin D deficiency, which is prevalent among all ethnicities and age groups throughout the world. In addition, the incidence of antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a major threat to public health, and it is estimated to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 throughout the world. Vitamin D, as a mighty antimicrobial agent, may decrease the occurrence of infection through numerous pathways. Vitamin D strengthens innate immunity by modulating the production of various anti-microbial peptide (AMPs), cytokine, chemokines and interleukin responses. Vitamin D is responsible for the regulation of >200 genes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptotic genes. It acts as the key holder for modulating systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial respiratory functions. Thus, a Vitamin D replete state appears to benefit most infections. As an antiviral agent, Vitamin D may constitute an inexpensive prophylactic option either by itself or as a synergistic agent during the treatment of different viral infections. The present review stipulates the importance of Vitamin D and its possible mechanisms against treating any kind of viruses. Relevant published articles were summarized by performing computerized literature searches (searches were made in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and Scirus) of different authentic databases using the following keywords: Vitamin D, VDR, infections, antimicrobial peptides, viruses, and COVID-19. The future for the sunshine vitamin as an antiviral agent looks brighter. More scientific proposition entailing in vitro, in vivo, or genomic studies are required to understand how important Vitamin D is against viral infections.