bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thick soft tissues around implant-supported restoration; stable crestal bone levels?
Authors: Durrani Farhan , Pandey Samidha , Nahid Rakhshinda , Singh Preeti , Pandey Aishwarya
Published: December 2021

The peri-implant tissue remodeling just after implant surgery forms a coagulum that occupies the space between mucosa and implant. This is invaded by neutrophils and a barrier forms around implant consisting of dense fibrin network. In another 2 weeks post surgery, it is replaced by connective tissue and vascular structures. In the crestal area, the proliferation of epithelium takes place and forms a junctional epithelium. The barrier epithelium around the implant matures in 6–8 weeks. Formation of biological width begins when the implant gets exposed to the oral environment. This could be through healing screw or prosthetic abutment depending on connection to the implant. It is said that thin or thick tissues have different approaches to healing as the blood supply is varied. Flap is raised during the second stage of implant surgery damaging the blood supply of surrounding tissues. Thin mucosa present around the implant crestal area might lead to more bone loss but not thick tissues as more blood vessels are present here. Bone turnover can lead to crestal bone loss up to 3.2 mm apical to soft-tissue margin. The thickness of the tissues may be a recognized biological factor that might lead to crestal bone stability. In this report, we describe three cases where bone remodeling was camouflaged by thick soft tissues around implant-supported restorations.
Clinical Profile of Patients of ASD Device Closure with Special Reference to Short and Intermediate Term Complications
Authors: Gaidhane Pramesh , Prajapati Jayesh , Patel Iva Vipul , Bhutada Bhagyashri , Yadav Chandrashekhar , Yadav Krishan , Panakkal Benny Jose
Published: December 2021

Background:

Device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) is a treatment of choice in selected patients with a suitable defect. We aimed to evaluate short- and intermediate-term outcomes with device closure in special reference to complications in Western Indian population.

Materials and Methods:

The present prospective observational study enrolled 184 patients with ASD who underwent Device closure. All patients were followed at 15–30 days (short) and 3–12 months (intermediate).

Results:

Device closure of ASD was done successfully in 180 (97.83%) patients. Systolic (P = 0.02), diastolic (P = 0.007), and mean PA (P = 0.0001) pressure were significantly decreased at postprocedure. Residual defect was resolved in 94.2% of patients by 6 months. Preprocedural Pulmonary artery hypertension was found in 36 (19.56%) patients and was reduced in 15 (8.15%) patients postprocedure and in 10 (5.43%) patients at 1 year. Residual shunt was reported in 34% of patients which was resolved in all by 6 months. At postprocedure and follow–up, patients were developed minor complications included (0.5%) moderate MR, 1 (0.5%) lower respiratory tract infection, and 3 (1.6%) local site hematoma. Eleven (5.98%) major complications involved arrythmia (2.17%), infective endocarditis (0.54%), LAA perforation (0.54%), cardioembolic shock (0.54%), device embolization (0.54%), sudden cardiac arrest (0.54%), intraprocedural acute coronary syndrome (0.54%), and cardiac tamponade (0.54%).

Conclusion:

Device closure appears to be best available option at the present time. Careful attention to the details of the technique is mandatory to achieve a successful outcome in order to avoid complication related to procedure. Patients of all ages experience reduction in pulmonary artery pressure after percutaneous device closure of ASD.
A Causal Model for the Control of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases Using a new Temperamental Personality Theory in the General Population of Western Iran
Authors: Zakiei Ali , Khazaie Habibolah , Alimoradi Mohammadreza , Kadivarian Amirmehdi , Rajabi-Gilan Nader , Komasi Saeid
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Given the need for further studies on health-promoting behaviors, the present study aimed to investigate the antecedents of controlling risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) according to the affective and emotional composite temperament (AFECT) model and the mediating role of self-regulation.

Materials and Methods:

The samples of this cross-sectional study included 776 people resident in Kermanshah in Western Iran in 2019. The participants were selected using a cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the controlling the risk factors for cardiovascular disease questionnaire (CRC), the short form self-regulation questionnaire, and the AFECT scale. The structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Results:

The analysis results indicated that there was a significant correlation between dimensions of AFECT and self-regulation with the control of risk factors for CVDs. The results also indicated that the dimensions of AFECT did not directly affect the control of risk factors for CVDs, but the mediating role of self-regulation was confirmed in this regard.

Conclusion:

According to the results, the dimensions of AFECT could affect the control of risk factors for CVDs through self-regulation; hence, the role of self-regulation in controlling CVDs should be taken into account.
The Role of Insulin Level on the Biofilm-Forming Capacity in Diabetes-Related Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Abed Wasan Ghanim , Al-Shawk Refif Sabih , Jassim Kifah Ahmed
Published: December 2021

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is more prone to get infections and the most common infection is urinary tract infection (UTI), most of the causative agents are related to biofilms, biofilm-forming capacity affected by host factors such as glucose and others.

Aims:

The objective of this research was to see how insulin affects the biofilm-forming capacity that most common pathogens associated with diabetic patients in different isolates.

Materials and Methods:

The objective was investigated by comparing the amounts of serum insulin in UTI patients to those without UTI whether the patients with T2DM or nondiabetic. The study was conducted on 40 T2DM patients divided into 20 patients with UTI and 20 without UTI, and 40 nondiabetic control subjects 20 with UTI and 20 patients without UTI. Serum insulin levels were detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results:

The mean concentration of serum insulin was a highly significant increase in T2DM in comparison to the nondiabetic control group. Pseudomonas auroginosa was the strongest biofilm producer isolate.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, insulin's direct effect was elevated the capability of biofilm formation. This contributes to a better knowledge of the causes of frequent bacterial infections in diabetics.
Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: Madhloom Raad Saady
Published: December 2021

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is of influence on about 350 million individuals worldwide, which is causing disability consecution and damaging consequences to the affected community and individuals. Treatments as antidepressant are affecting the system of monoamine where symptoms of depressive were relived in about 50% of cases. Such ratio turns into obviously low in depressed persons who failed already to cure following 2 or additional antidepressant drugs at sufficient duration and doses regarding it a treatment-resistant depression (TRD). There is an obvious requisite for quick action and influenced treatments. Ketamine (KMN) is considered an anesthetic old drug that has a promising quick action as an antidepressant in TRD patients with MDD, concentrating on clinical issues, i.e. administration route, dose, and action duration. Other indication proposes that KMN might be influenced in stress disorder as posttraumatic and ideation as acute suicidal.
Diastolic Dysfunction in Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients with Normal Ejection Fraction
Authors: Abbas Shakir Khudhair , Fadhil Safaa Hasan , Elaebi Hachim Rasan
Published: December 2021

Background:

Hypertension is the main cause of death and left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. LV hypertrophy (LVH) in the hypertensive patient has two types: eccentric and concentric which are classified according to the posterior wall thickness to LV end-diastolic dimensions.

Aim of Study:

The left ventricular diastolic function in age- and sex-matched patients with hypertension and and normal left ventricular ejection fraction was compared in the study.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 110 patients were enrolled in this study in Ibn Al-Bitar Cardiac Center from April 2013 to June 2014. History and examination were performed on each patient, then LV mass index (LVMI) was measured by echocardiography and patients were classified into two groups eccentric and concentric LVH. LV diastolic function was differentiated using echocardiography by measurements of left atrial volume index (LAVI), E wave, and A waves, the (E/A) ratio, transmitral deceleration time (DT), e' wave and the (E/e').

Results:

LVMIs did not differ between the concentric and eccentric LVH groups. The diastolic function parameters such as LAVI, E/A ratio DT, and e' wave did not differ in both groups. Concentric LVH has E/e' significantly higher (mean ± standard deviation [SD] =12.82 ± 4.4) than those with eccentric LVH (mean ± SD = 10.37 ± 3.2).

Conclusion:

In patients with hypertension and LVH, concentric LVH group may be susceptible to worse diastolic dysfunction of LV than the eccentric LVH group with a similar LVMI, so we can predict the severity of diastolic dysfunction (higher E/e' ratio) by classifying LVH into concentric and eccentric.
Comparative Study between Effect of Niclosamide and Vitamin C on Methotrexate-Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Zeki Zainab Saad , Al-Gareeb Ali I.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Niclosamide is an old drug used before in the treatment of tapeworms, its main mechanism of action is through the amelioration of mitochondrial-free radical generation. It has been thought that free radical generation has an important role in methotrexate-induced liver injury. Vitamin C, an antioxidant agent, has an essential role in the methotrexate-induced oxidative stress (OS) pathways in mice hepatocytes.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of pretreatment with Vitamin C in different doses and niclosamide in different doses on liver injury, when we induced liver injury with methotrexate.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-two albino mice were divided equally into six groups, the first group was considered as “the control group,” which received a normal saline solution, the second group was considered as “Methotrexate group,” third and fourth groups were orally pretreated with “niclosamide at a dose (70 mg/kg/day) and (140 mg/kg/day)” respectively, fifth and sixth groups were orally pretreated with “Vitamin C at a dose (100 mg/kg/day) and (200 mg/kg/day),” respectively, all groups, except the control group, were injected with “Methotrexate (20 mg/kg)” intraperitoneally on the 10th day, to induced hepatotoxicity and assessed the effect of the pretreatment with these medications on OS biomarker and histopathological alteration that induced by methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity.

Results:

It was found that pretreatment with niclosamide 70 mg/kg/day and 140 mg/kg/day and Vitamin C 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day, in mice injected with methotrexate, led to a decrease in “liver function tests, OS parameters, as well as improvement in liver tissue.” There was an improvement in “serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde” in addition to an improvement in “histological appearance,” but it was noted that pretreatment with niclosamide gives a better improvement in “liver function, OS, and liver tissue.”

Conclusion:

Niclosamide is better than Vitamin C in protecting the hepatocytes against methotrexate-induced liver injury, also niclosamide and Vitamin C have a dose-dependent protecting effect against methotrexate-induced liver injury.
The Value of Combination of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in the Evaluation of Breast Masses
Authors: Mahmmud Narmein Abdsattar , Ahmed Sahar Basim , Othman Ansam Moyaser
Published: December 2021

Aim of the study:

The aim was to characterize benign and malignant breast lesions on the basis of their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) morphology and dynamic contrast enhancement in combination with the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and their apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values at 1.5 T MRI, along with histopathological correlation.

Patients and Methods:

In this prospective study, 56 patients with suspicious breast mass who underwent 1.5 T MRI and proved by histopathology were included. Morphology was studied depending on the MRI signal intensity and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging plus kinetic curve of enhancement of breast lesions. DWI and ADC values were calculated at b values of 0, 600, and 850 s/mm. The ADC value and histopathology correlation were analyzed.

Results:

Out of the 56 lesions, 27 lesions were histologically malignant (48.2%) and 29 were histologically benign (51.8%), with age range between 25 and 75 years, with a mean of 54.1 years, and with a standard deviation of ±12.69 years. The MRI results found a sensitivity (SN) of 85.2%, a specificity (SP) of 72.4%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 74.2%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 84%, and an accuracy of 78.6%. The DWI findings were as follows: 100% SN, 82.8% SP, 84.4% PPV, 100% NPV, and 85.3% accuracy. The combined MRI interpretation and DWI and ADC findings were as follows: 100% SN, 92.1% SP, 71.1% PPV, 100% NPV, and 86.4% accuracy. All malignant lesions showed restriction at DWI, while only 17.2% of the benign lesions are restricted at DWI. The mean of ADC value was higher in benign cases as compared to the malignant lesions (0.815 vs. 1.287 × 10−3) with statistically significant difference (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The combination of contrast-enhanced breast MRI with DWI and ADC value increases the diagnostic accuracy and SP in the characterization of benign and malignant breast lesions.
Evidence-based effectiveness of herbal treatment modality for recurrent aphthous ulcers – A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Srivastava Adit , GC ShivaKumar , Pathak Swarnasmita , Ingle Ekta , Kumari Anjali , Shivakumar Sahana , PG Navin Kumar , Singh Akhilesh Kumar
Published: December 2021

Recurrent Apthous Ulcers (RAU) has affected mankind through time immemorial. It is the most commonly prevalent oral mucosal lesion manifesting as painful ulcers involving non – keratinised oral mucosa. This review was done to assess herbal intervention in RAU patients for outcomes of ulcer size and pain intensity. Literature search of published articles in Medline, Scopus, Ovid and Journal of Web upto August 2020 were reviewed for the pre-described outcomes. Revman 5.4 software was used for study analysis. Total 9 articles were finally chosen for qualitative analysis. Meta analytic comparison demonstrated the ulcer reduction (CI = -2.22 to – 0.09; p <0.001) and pain intensity (CI = -4.60 to – 0.08; p <0.001) was reduced in the herbal group as compared to the controls. A definite evidence of herbal intervention was noted in alleviating RAU signs and symptoms.
Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 gene expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its clinicopathological correlation
Authors: Umashankar Krishnapriya , Jayaraj Gifrina , Sherlin Herald J. , Don K. R. , Santhanam Archana
Published: December 2021

Background:

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are calcium-dependent and zinc-containing endopeptidases which enhance cancer progression by regulating angiogenesis, migration, proliferation, and invasion. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies in India, and it is observed over 90% of cases. In OSCC, MMP9 which belongs to the gelatinase group promotes tumor progression by angiogenesis, disturbing tissue morphology that allows tumor growth which breaks the basement membrane and enables metastasis, and its overexpression in OSCC is proven to have prognostic value.

Aim and Objectives:

To assess the expression of MMP9 in OSCC and to correlate the MMP9 expression with pathological staging of the OSCC.

Materials and Methods:

Ten OSCC tissue samples and normal tissue samples were collected. Total RNA was extracted and the complementary DNA was generated. The specific primers used in the primers were synthesized. Total reaction volume was 20 μl. The polymerase chain reaction condition included 95°C for 30 s followed by 40 cycles of two steps: 95°C for 5 s and 60°C for 30 s. The relative quantification of genes was evaluated.

Results:

Upregulation of MMP9 gene regulation was observed in OSCC tissue samples when compared to the controls. Correlating with the pathological staging, we observed that 30% tumors were stage IVA with involvement of adjacent structures and 30% had lymph node involvement.

Conclusion:

This study is done to assess the possibility of MMP9 gene expression as a prognostic biomarker for OSCC.
The superior eyelid crease approach with retroseptal dissection
Authors: De Feudis Francesco , Girotto Riccardo , Balercia Paolo
Published: December 2021

The orbit can be affected by primary intraconal lesions as well as cavernous hemangiomas. This article illustrates for the first time the retroseptal dissection (RD) route combined to the superior eyelid crease approach (SECA) to treat a symptomatic hemangioma inside the superomedial intraconal space. It also reviews the main studies about the argument. A 42-year-old woman affected by a mild painful proptosis and some accommodation difficulties in her right eye. The magnetic resonance imaging revealed a soft intraconal mass in the superomedial quadrant of the right orbit. The lesion was removed performing a SECA with RD through an incision inside a natural eyelid crease. Disappearance of pain with an improvement of accommodation was reported immediately. During the whole follow-up, the visual acuity, field examinations, and ocular motility did not reveal any impairment. Our approach represents a valid, quick, not technically demanding and mini-invasive method to access the superomedial intraconal space. Finally, it gives excellent functional and cosmetic results.
Prevalence of Breakthrough Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea Vomiting in Patients on Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy
Authors: Lokkur Pooja P. , Mahanta Neelakshi , Kalita Naba Kumar , Deka Hitesh , Kutum Niharika , Ray Arpita
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a distressing side-effect of cancer chemotherapy which may lead to noncompliance with treatment or delay in treatment. Breakthrough nausea and vomiting is the current unmet need in the management in of CINV.

Objectives:

The present study was planned to determine the prevalence of breakthrough CINV in patients on highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) and to evaluate the need for rescue medications in them.

Materials and Methods:

The present observational study was conducted on chemotherapy-naive patients, who were scheduled to receive HEC. The patients who received at least 2 cycles of HEC over a 1-year study period enrolled as a study sample. All patients were subjected to a questionnaire which consists of the demographic details, details of disease and prescribed chemotherapy, and probable risk factors for CINV. The severity of nausea vomiting was calculated using the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer antiemetic tool. The incidence of breakthrough nausea vomiting was assessed and accordingly the rescue medication was used.

Results:

A total of 100 patients received at least 2 cycles of HEC which consisted of breast carcinomas (n = 74), ovarian carcinoma (n = 13), lung carcinoma (n = 2), periampullary carcinoma (n = 3), sarcoma (n = 4), lymphoma (n = 3), and seminoma (n = 1). Anthracycline-cyclophosphamide combination for breast cancer was the most prescribed chemotherapy regimen. Forty-six patients developed breakthrough nausea/vomiting. Domperidone followed by olanzapine was the preferred rescue medications used. History of CINV in previous cycle and young age (<50 years) were the risk factors associated with breakthrough nausea vomiting in our study.

Conclusion:

Breakthrough nausea vomiting is a major challenge in patients receiving HEC regimen.
A Retrospective Analysis of Biosimilar and Reference Trastuzumab in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 Positive Early and/or Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant-Adjuvant Setting
Authors: Kulkarni Rahul , Kulkarni Shriniwas , Pathan Almas , Nag Shona
Published: December 2021

Background:

There is limited real-world evidence on the treatment outcomes with Trastuzumab, specifically with biosimilars. This analysis aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Trastuzumab in early and/or locally advanced breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant-adjuvant treatment in the real world setting and to compare biosimilar with reference trastuzumab.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2)-positive breast cancers, who were treated with trastuzumab-based standard therapies. The survival curves were generated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Event-free survival (EFS) was calculated. All patients were assessed for toxicity as per CTCAE version 4.0. The subgroup analysis was carried out to compare the effectiveness of biosimilar with reference trastuzumab.

Results:

A total of 88 patients were evaluated from 2008 to 2018. EFS at 1, 2, and 5-year was 89.5%, 78%, and 44.2%, respectively. The median EFS was 43 months. In subgroup analysis, the 1, 2-, and 3-year EFS rates were 86.7%, 86.7%, and 57.8%, respectively, for reference Trastuzumab (n = 29) as compared to 91%, 74.4%, and 56.9%, respectively, for Biosimilar Trastuzumab (n = 59). Similarly, median EFS was 43 months and not reached, respectively. There was no significant difference in EFS between the two groups (P = 0.991). A significant asymptomatic decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≥10% to below the lower limit of normal was noted in only two patients (2.3%). There was no significant difference observed in reduction of LVEF to below the lower limit of normal between the two groups (P = 0.514). The common grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) observed such as vomiting, diarrhea, pancytopenia, and anemia were mostly due to chemotherapy. These AEs were comparable in both groups.

Conclusions:

The EFS in our study is consistent with the historical data. Safety and effectiveness of biosimilars were comparable to the reference transtuzumab.
Ifosfamide Induced Encephalopathy
Authors: Bijivemula Namratha Sai Reddy , Vaddeboina Nishith , Dattatreya P. S. , Suresh A. V. S. , Vamsy Ch. Mohan
Published: December 2021

Ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy (IIE) is a rare adverse event and is usually transient and reversible. However, it may cause permanent neurological dysfunction and even death if not addressed early. The use of aprepitant and presence of acute kidney injury may precipitate IIE. In this report, a 55-year-old female presented with a 3-month history of abdominal mass and bleeding per vagina and was diagnosed as locally advanced high-grade uterine leiomyosarcoma. She underwent surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and combination chemotherapy with doxorubicin plus ifosfamide regimen. During her third cycle chemotherapy, despite dose adjustment of ifosfamide according to patient's creatinine clearance, the patient became aphasic, disoriented, and landed in a stuporous state. After complete evaluation and ruling out other causes, she was diagnosed with IIE for which she was treated with methylene blue and thiamine. This patient showed dramatic response within 8 h of methylene blue administration and complete recovery within 24 h. Our report focuses on the risk factors for the development of IIE and the persistent risk despite ifosfamide dose adjustment according to creatinine clearance.
Extrapolation of compactness on weighted spaces
Authors: Hytönen Tuomas , Lappas Stefanos
Published: December 2021

Let

T

be a linear operator that, for some

p_1\in(1,\infty)

, is bounded on

L^{p_1}(\tilde w)

for all

\tilde w\in A_{p_1}(\mathbb{R}^d)

and in addition compact on

L^{p_1}(w_1)

for some

w_1\in A_{p_1}(\mathbb{R}^d)

. Then

T

is bounded and compact on

L^p(w)

for all

p\in(1,\infty)

and all

w\in A_p(\mathbb{R}^d)

. This “compact version” of Rubio de Francia's celebrated weighted extrapolation theorem follows from a combination of results in the interpolation and extrapolation theory of weighted spaces on the one hand, and of compact operators on abstract spaces on the other hand. Moreover, generalizations of this extrapolation of compactness are obtained for operators that are bounded from one space to a different one (“off-diagonal estimates”) or only in a limited range of the

L^p

scale. As applications, we easily recover several recent results on the weighted compactness of commutators of singular integral operators, fractional integrals and pseudo-differential operators, and obtain new results about the weighted compactness of commutators of Bochner–Riesz multipliers.
Expert’s Heuristic Biases in Airport Predictive Risk Assessments
Authors:   Faculdade de Tecnologia, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Brazil, Cunha Daniel , Andrade Michelle ,   Faculdade de Tecnologia, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Brazil
Published: December 2021

Expert perceptions have been increasingly used to perform risk assessments in airport predictive risk assessments in recent years. Although it is known that biases are less influential in groups of experts when compared to laypeople, they still can be residually present in such tasks with this specific group. Therefore, this article aims to propose (1) the pragmatic organization of knowledge about the biases that may affect airport risk assessments by groups of experts and (2) which of them most often arise in this type of analysis and at what intensity. For the development of the work, we carried out a dense bibliographic review of the theme. Later, we performed a predictive risk assessment and a survey, with the support of an experienced group of 30 experts from Brazilian regulatory agency and airport operators. After 1224 risk judgments, experts were able to clearly indicate regulations and their sections that are disproportionately more and less important in terms of risk, leading States to a better regulatory quality only by changing their logic of actions to a risk-based approach. Later the group answered a survey on a list of 12 heuristic biases created from the bibliographic review. Results showed that, in fact experts have a resistance to biases influence, mainly based in their academic and professional background, but also showed this influence is not exactly negligible. It was also possible to rank the heuristic biases in terms of importance and indicate that experts tend to concern with three hierarchical information characteristics when judging risk: at first, would be the form in which risk problems are presented; second, how they interpret information presented; and third, the amount of information presented.
Stereo Vision-Based Road Debris Detection System for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Authors:   Hitachi America, Ltd., USA, Ramaiah Naveen Kumar Bangalore , Kundu Subrata Kumar ,   Hitachi America, Ltd., USA
Published: December 2021

Reliable detection of obstacles around an autonomous vehicle is essential to avoid potential collision and ensure safe driving. However, a vast majority of existing systems are mainly focused on detecting large obstacles such as vehicles, pedestrians, and so on. Detection of small obstacles such as road debris, which pose a serious potential threat are often overlooked. In this article, a novel stereo vision-based road debris detection algorithm is proposed that detects debris on the road surfaces and estimates their height accurately. Moreover, a collision warning system that could warn the driver of an imminent crash by using 3D information of detected debris has been studied. A novel feature-based classifier that uses a combination of strong and weak features has been developed for the proposed algorithm, which identifies debris from selected candidates and calculates its height. 3D information of detected debris and vehicle’s speed are used in the collision warning system to warn the driver to safely maneuver the vehicle. The performance of the proposed algorithm has been evaluated by implementing it on a passenger vehicle. Experimental results confirm that the proposed algorithm can successfully detect debris of ≥5 cm height for up to a 22 m distance with an accuracy of 90%. Moreover, the debris detection algorithm runs at 20 Hz in a commercially available stereo camera making it suitable for real-time applications in commercial vehicles.
OBD-II Communications Anomaly List
Authors:   Vehicle E E System Diagnostic Standards Committee
Published: December 2021

To define a list of anomalies related to OBD Communications. Misinterpretations of various OBD Communications Standards and Recommended Practices have resulted in OBD “no-communications” situations in the field. This Information Report identifies the most prevalent of these.
Fourth Industrial Revolution and Geopolitics of Knowledge Production: The Question of Africa’s Place in the Global Space
Authors: Ezeogu Uchenna A.
Published: December 2021

Francis Fukuyama postulated that there are two powerful forces at work in human history. One, he calls, ‘the logic of modern science’ and the other, ‘the struggle for recognition’. I agree with Fukuyama that human developmental progression is propelled by these twin principles. It is my position that these principles have been the drivers of geopolitics. In this paper, I argue that, in addition, knowledge production is a major factor in geopolitics and that the Euro-American worldview has occupied the place of hegemony by reason of knowledge production. Africa has been denied having any form of epistemic tradition by the Euro-American world to sustain itself in the position of hegemony. In the era of Fourth Industrial Revolution, it will be antithetical for Africa to continue to adopt or consume technologies driven by Eurocentrism without projecting its contribution to the global space. Hence, using a critical hermeneutical approach, I contend that Africa needs to make a unique African contribution in the era of Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is Africa’s unique contribution that will guarantee Africa a place in geopolitics.
Gender Equality and Sustainable Development: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Nigerian Laws and Practices to Guarantee the Woman’s Human Right
Authors: Odeyinde Oluwakemi
Published: December 2021

In light of the prevalence of discriminatory practices and violence against women, gender equality has been internationally recognized as one of the sustainable development goals to be achieved by state parties before the year 2030. However, achieving equality between men and women has been the greatest human right issue in Nigeria. The main aim of this article is to show that women are important in promoting sustainable development. However there are provisions of the Nigerian law which discriminate against a woman. This article argues that sections 221, 353, 357 and 360 of the Criminal Code and sections 55, 282(2) of the Penal Codediscriminate against a girl or woman. In addition, although Nigeria is a party to a number of international treaties such as CEDAW, gender discrimination remains a major threat to sustainable development. The limited number of women appointed in the senate shows the extent of marginalization of women in Nigeria. For example, the United Nations rating of Nigeria in human development is low due to the fact that the percentage of seats held by women in parliament is so minimal compared to the men. Therefore the findings of this article are to assist policymakers in enforcing sustainable practices that promote gender equality by among other things, amending the relevant provisions of the criminal code and the penal code which discriminates against a female in Nigeria. Finally, to reconsider bringing back the gender equality bill that was rejected for second reading in 2015 at the floor of the senate.
Puerarin mitigates acute liver injury in septic rats by regulating proinflammatory factors and oxidative stress levels
Authors: Zheng Jinan , Huang Qing , Fang Jingjing
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To determine the protective effect of puerarin against acute liver injury in septic rats, and the mechanism involved.Methods: Eighty-seven Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to control, sepsis and puerarin groups (each having 29 rats). Serum levels of NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-6, ALT and AST were assayed. Liver lesions and levels of NO, SOD, iNOS and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using standard procedures.Results: Compared with the control group, the levels of NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, AST, ALT, NO, MDA and iNOS significantly increased in the sepsis group, while SOD level decreased significantly. In contrast, there were marked decreases in NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-1β, AST, ALT, NO, MDA and iNOS in puerarin group, relative to the sepsis group, while SOD expression level was significantly increased (p <0.05). The level of p-p38 in liver of septic rats was up-regulated, relative to control rats, while Nrf2 significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The expression level of p-p38 in the puerarin group was significantly decreased, relative to the sepsis group, while the expression level of Nrf2 significantly increased (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Puerarin mitigates acute liver injury in septic rats by inhibiting NF-kB and p38 signaling pathway, down-regulating proinflammatory factors, and suppressing oxidative stress. Thus, puerarin may be developed for use in the treatment liver injury.
Clinical efficacy and safety of Kanglaite injection, adjuvant cemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dong Yumei , Wei Shihong , Xia Xiaojun , Qi Yuexiao , Song Haixia , Cai Yaqin , Guo Liyun
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of the combination of Kanglaite injection (KLTi) and gemcitabine and cisplatin (GP) chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan-Fang, CBM, and CQVIP were comprehensively searched from January 2010 till November 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of KLTi plus GP in the treatment of NSCLC were selected and assessed for inclusion. Review Manager 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.Results: Twenty-five RCTs on advanced NSCLC examined the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed that compared with GP chemotherapy alone, KLTi plus GP chemotherapy significantly improved objective response rate (ORR) (RR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.23-1.51, p < 0.00001), disease control rate (DCR) (RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.11 - 1.23, p < 0.00001), and reduced adverse drug reactions(ADRs) such as hair loss (RR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.47 - 0.76, p < 0.0001), gastrointestinal reaction (RR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.62 - 0.75, p < 0.00001), impairment of liver and kidney function (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.53 - 0.80, p < 0.001), nervous system damage (RR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.26 - 0.69, p = 0.0005), myelosuppression (I-II phase) (RR = 0.79, 95 % CI 0.66 - 0.95, p = 0.01), myelosuppression (III-IV phase) (RR = 0.44, 95 % CI0.27 - 0.72, p = 0.001), anemia (RR = 0.74, 95 % CI 0.60 - 0.91, p = 0.006), leukopenia (RR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.69, 0.87, p < 0.0001), thrombocytopenia (RR = 0.59, 95 % CI 0.49, 0.72, p < 0.00001), hypochromia (RR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.59, 0.92, p = 0.008).Conclusion: KLTi adjuvant GP chemotherapy reduces adverse effects in patients with advanced NSCLC. Thus, KLTi might be an effective and safe intervention for NSCLC
MiR 206 inhibits reorganization of the cytoskeleton in melanoma cells by targeting DDX5
Authors: Wu Shenglin , Nie Shan , Wang Jian
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To investigate the role and mechanism of microRNA-206 (miR-206) in cytoskeleton reorganization in melanoma cells.

Methods: MiR-206 and RNA helicase p68 (DDX5) expression levels were measured in A375, A875, and HEM-M cells by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A DDX5 overexpression cell line was constructed, and DDX5 overexpression, A375, and A875 cells were transfected with miR-206 mimic or DDX5 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Transwell assay was used to assess cell migration and invasion of A375 and A875 cells, while Luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the putative target of miR-206. DDX5, miR-206, vinculin, coronin3, and ezrin expression levels were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Protein expressions of DDX5, vinculin, coronin3, and ezrin were evaluated by western blot analysis.

Results: DDX5 expression was higher and miR-206 expression lower in A375 and A875 cells when compared to HEM-M cells (p < 0.05). Knockdown of DDX5 and overexpression of miR-206 repressed invasion and migration, and inhibited expression of vinculin, coronin3, and ezrin in A375 and A875 cells (p < 0.05). However, overexpression of DDX5 reversed the effect of miR-206 on cytoskeletal protein expression. Luciferase reporter assay data confirmed that DDX5 is a direct target of miR-206 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: MiR-206 suppresses reorganization of the cytoskeleton in melanoma cells by targeting DDX5, and is thus, a promising target for the treatment of melanoma.
Human communities living in the central Campania Plain during eruptions of Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei
Authors: Mauro Antonio Di Vito  , Paola Aurino  , Giuliana Boenzi  , Elena Laforgia  , Ilaria Rucco
Published: December 2021

Archaeological and volcanological studies have revealed that eruptions of Neapolitan volcanoes have conditioned human settlement patterns since prehistoric times. The occurrence of high intensity explosive eruptions, interspersed with long periods of quiescence, has characterized the last 10 ka of activity of these volcanoes. Geoarchaeological studies, carried out in advance of investigations for the construction of the Rome-Naples and the new Naples-Bari railway lines, have made possible a detailed reconstruction of human presence in the central part of the Campania Plain up to the coastal strip, between the late Neolithic and the late Bronze Age. The examined chronological interval includes sequences of pyroclastic deposits erupted by both Campi Flegrei and Somma-Vesuvius, and paleosols with evidence of anthropic frequentation.  Altogether, the geoarchaeological data have provided a detailed picture of human settlement and activities through time with a particular focus on a long period of quiescence of the two volcanoes and also during their intense activity.
Smartphone-based active vaccine safety surveillance (SmartVax) at a Swiss adult vaccination clinic – a pilot study
Authors: Guedel Daniela S. , Peters Ian J. , Banderet Florian , Epple Varenka , Egli Sabine , Mehling Matthias , Mayr Michael , Leeb Alan , Berger Christoph T.
Published: December 2021

INTRODUCTION: Post-licensure surveillance of adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) is critical for detecting rare but severe AEFI. SmartVax software, using smartphone technology, actively solicits reports of AEFI via automated, opt-out SMS surveys to vaccine recipients in the days following immunisation. We report on a pilot study to test the feasibility and acceptance of SmartVax in Switzerland.
METHODS: Between February and September 2020, consecutive subjects immunised at an adult immunisation clinic and the employee health service at the University Hospital of Basel were screened. Participants included three subgroups: healthcare workers (HCW), subjects with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) and clients of the regular adult immunisation clinic. Three days after vaccination, participants received an SMS inquiring if they had any AEFI. In the case of an AEFI, subjects received an automated SMS with a link to an online survey assessing the type and temporal evolution of the AEFI. Descriptive statistics of response rate, time-to-response, frequency and type of AEFI by vaccine and clinical subgroup were performed.
RESULTS: Of 293 subjects screened, 276 were included (46.6% routine vaccination check-up visits, 33.3% HCW, 20.1% IMID patients) receiving 625 vaccinations during 360 immunisation visits. The SMS response rate was high (90.3%), with a median time-to-respond of 47 minutes (interquartile range11–205). After 29.8% of immunisation visits at least one AEFI was reported. There were no differences in frequency or type of AEFI between the three clinical subgroups. The recombinant, adjuvanted zoster vaccine Shingrix® was associated with the highest rate of local and systemic reactions.
CONCLUSION: Monitoring post-licensure vaccine safety using the active SMS-based surveillance system SmartVax is feasible in Switzerland. We observed a high acceptance in the diverse study population, including healthcare workers and IMID patients. High response rates in the elderly and reliable monitoring almost in real-time make SmartVax a promising tool for COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring.
Powstaniec, dziennikarz, opozycjonista. Szkic o Jerzym Zieleńskim
Authors: Olaszek Jan
Published: December 2021

W artykule zaprezentowana została droga życiowa dziennikarza Jerzego Zieleńskiego. Omówione zostały jego wojenne losy, postawa powojenna, relacje z komunistyczną policją polityczną, kariera dziennikarska i działalność opozycyjna. Artykuł wpisuje się debatę historiograficzną o ewolucji postaw wobec systemu komunistycznego inteligencji w czasach PRL.

The article presents the life path of the journalist Jerzy Zieleński: his wartime experiences, post-war attitudes, relations with the communist political police, journalistic career and opposition activities. The article is a part of the historiographic debate on the evolution of attitudes of intelligentsia towards the communist system in the times of the Polish People’s Republic.
Comparison of Gurumukhi and Latin scripts in handwriting identification: A forensic perspective
Authors: Kaur Amanpreet , Garg R. K. , Mahajan Meenakshi
Published: December 2021

The present study has been carried out to study the possibility of handwriting comparison in cases where document under question is inscribed in different language and the available standards are in other language. The aspect is prevalent in the field of languages since people around the globe are being attracted to learn new languages, but their native language always has some impact on the next learned languages. Punjabi is the first language taught in the schools of Punjab and other languages afterward. Punjabi is the mother tongue of Punjab area and in contemporary times most of the population of Punjab leaning towards learning English language. For this study, 1200 samples in Punjabi and English from 100 individuals who studied English as well as Punjabi and using these languages on a daily basis were collected and analyzed. Class characteristics like alignment, slant, size, the arrangement of a piece of handwriting, connections, fluency line quality of handwriting along with the characters of letter form and formation were considered and the results were further analyzed statistically using Chi-square test. The results of the present study revealed the handwriting written in distinct scripts is similar and comparable with each other. Additionally, the study will help correlate a person’s handwriting with ethnicity, nationality, and region based on the characters present in the handwriting samples.
Reflections on the nature of individuality in the process of identifying handwriting and signatures
Authors: Dziechciaruk Janusz
Published: December 2021

The fundamental principle of identification, based on the condition that there is a unique combination of independent discriminating elements in handwriting, is analysed. The results of experiments conducted on distorted handwriting suggest that there may only be one handwriting habit that is responsible for the individuality of handwriting. By analysing disguised and simulated signatures and applying the isochrony principle, it seems reasonable to conclude that the mutual interaction between the speed of writing and the curvature of a graphic line is the only habit, and the quality of a graphic line the only feature responsible for the individuality of handwriting. The article introduces a number of ideas for evaluating the quality of a graphic line during handwriting examination, and a number of new opportunities for research into biometric electronic signatures.
The accuracy of geographic profiling methods based on the example of burglaries in Warsaw
Authors: Górski Michał
Published: December 2021

In the current study different geographic profiling methods were tested on a sample of burglaries in Warsaw. Overall 38 crime series were included in study, accuracy was measured as hit score and error distance. Results show limited obtained accuracy, comparably lower than what can be seen in similar tests conducted in western cities, but each method also shows improvement with series length. This shows that it is possible to use geographic profiling in polish setting, but also that there are significant limitations that one has to consider.
The views of judges and prosecutors on the opinions of psychologist expert witnesses in cases concerning witness testimony
Joanna Kabzińska
Authors: Kabzińska Joanna
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this qualitative research is to explore the perceptions of Polish judges and prosecutors regarding the role of psychologist expert witnesses in the evaluation of eyewitness testimony. Two main research questions were formulated: What are the criteria for selecting psychologist expert witnesses to participate in interviews and then to formulate expert opinions? What do judges and prosecutors expect from psychologist expert witnesses and their evaluations of eyewitness testimony? In-depth interviews were conducted involving judges (N = 31) and prosecutors (N = 30), both male (N = 35) and female (N = 26). Though other factors, such as availability, were also frequently mentioned, the judges and prosecutors declared that their choices of psychologist expert witnesses were predominantly determined by their professional abilities. These criteria correspond with the characteristics that judges and prosecutors claim to value the most in psychologist expert witnesses: their specialist fields, their experience, and their reliability in carrying out their work. It is of particular importance to the evaluation of witness testimony that judges and prosecutors recognize that, for an opinion to be complete, there is a need for psychological testing and diagnosis in addition to being present at interviews. However, judges and prosecutors do not always recognise the difference between legal conceptions of witness credibility and the assessments of it formulated by psychologist expert witnesses. The research provides an unique insight into the expectations of Polish judges and prosecutors regarding the role of psychologist expert witnesses in evaluating, and reporting on, witness testimony. To identify the aspects of psychologists’ opinions that are particularly valued by judges and prosecutors can enable better cooperation and communication between psychologists and legal professionals.