bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Igennem urenhed til himlen: Den tanato-kosmologiske transformation fra israelitisk religion til kristendom
Authors: Lundager Jensen Hans J.
Published: May 2021

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the Hebrew Bible, there is no wish for a heavenly existence among human beings; God and his angels on the one hand and human beings on the other, normally maintain a safe distance from each other. Divine beings are potentially deadly for humans, and dead humans are the strongest source of impurity that threatens to encroach upon holy places. With the ‘ontological’ transformation in antique Judaism and early Christianity that opened up the possibility of an eternal life in heaven, followed a reversal of the value of death-impurity in a manner that resembles Indian Tantrism; no longer something to avoid, the way to heaven passed through dead bodies.

DANSK RESUMÉ: I Det Gamle Testamente er der ingen forventning eller ønske om et liv i himlen efter døden. Gud og guddommelige væsener på den ene side og mennesker på den anden bevarer normalt en rimelig afstand til hinanden. Guddommelige væsener er potentielt dræbende, og døde mennesker er den stærkeste form for urenhed der truer med at invadere hellige steder. Med den ‘ontologiske’ transformation der fandt sted i antik Jødedom og som åbnede for muligheden for et liv i himlen efter døden, fulgte en omvending af synet på døde menneskers kroppe, der på nogle punkter minder om den indiske tantrisme. Døde kroppe skulle ikke længere undgås, men opsøges på vejen til himlen.
COVID-19-krisen: Forløb og bekymringer
Authors: Andersen Peter B. , Jacobsen Brian Arly , Kühle Lene , Christensen Henrik Reintoft , Pedersen Heidi Frølund , Würtzen Hanne , Sørensen Jesper F.
Published: May 2021

Denne artikel leverer en oversigt over og en gennemgang af de konkrete politiske indgreb, som den danske regering foretog med henblik på at opdæmme smittespredning i de første måneder af COVID-19-pandemien i Danmark 2020.
Tidslinje
Authors: Andersen Peter B. , Jacobsen Brian Arly , Kühle Lene , Christensen Henrik Reintoft , Pedersen Heidi Frølund , Würtzen Hanne , La Cour Peter , Sørensen Jesper F.
Published: May 2021

Dette er en oversigt over Coronasygdommens første måneder i Danmark.
Livsmening, krise og optimisme under COVID-19-epidemiens første nedlukning
Authors: Pedersen Heidi Frølund , La Cour Peter
Published: May 2021

I denne artikel undersøges det, hvorvidt COVID-19-krisens første nedlukning har påvirket danskernes eksistentielt i form øget oplevelse af mening i livet og eller givet anledning til eksistentiel krise, samt om bestemte karakteristika er forbundet hermed. Vi fandt, at et stort flertal gav udtryk for håb og tillid til sekulære ressourcer såsom videnskaben, myndigheder, og menneskeheden, også blandt personer med en stærk religiøsitet. En fjerdedel af deltagerne gav udtryk for at opleve mere mening i livet, mens en fjerdedel gav udtryk for eksistentiel krise. Særligt unge gav udtryk for både øget meningsfuldhed, men også øget krise. Angivelse af krise var kraftigt korreleret til dårligere mentalt velbefindende, men også til frygt for smitte samt lavere uddannelse og indkomst, hvilket indikerer at personer med færre socio-økonomiske ressourcer synes at være mere sårbare i en krisetid som denne.
Håndvask og fællessang. Ritualer og ritualiserede handlinger i Coronaens tid
Authors: Sørensen Jesper F. , Baunvig Katrine F. , Andersen Peter B.
Published: May 2021

Baseret på data fra vores spørgeskemaundersøgelse undersøger vi i denne artikel, hvorledes og i hvilken udstrækning COVID-19 pandemien har påvirket danskerne brug af ritualer. På baggrund af en teoretisk redegørelse for forskelige ritualteorier, præsenterer vi en heuristisk model, der inddeler ritualer i 5 dimensioner: (1) ritualets formodede virkning; (2) ritualets erfarede betydning; (3) ritualets coping-potentiale; (4) ritualets evne til at skabe sammenhold; og (5) ritualets angstreducerende effekt. Disse fem dimensioner anvendes hernæst til at fortolke den kvantitative undersøgelses resultater, hvor vi lægger særlig vægt på nye instrumentelle handlinger som fx afspritnings rituelle egenskaber; på ændringer i deltagelsen i både kollektive og mere private ritualer samt i disses virtuelle versioner; og særligt på opblomstringen af virtuel fællessang som et sammenholdsritual. Vi konstaterer afslutningsvis, at COVID-19 pandemien kun i ringe grad har påvirket deltagerens holdning til og brug af ritualer og at den virtuelle fællessangs store popularitet derfor entydigt må betegnes som den afgørende rituelle fornyelse under COVID-19 pandemiens første bølge i foråret 2020.
Tillid under pres? Konkluderende overvejelser
Authors: Kühle Lene , Andersen Peter B.
Published: May 2021

I de samfundsmæssige debatter om COVID-19 italesættes pandemien gerne som en krise: som en samfundsmæssig, økonomisk, politisk krise eller som årsag til individuelle psykologiske kriser. Hvor undersøgelser fra andre dele af verden peger på, at pandemien her har medført en voksende interesse for religiøse aktiviteter og/eller refleksioner, kan vi konkludere, at denne trend kun har omfattet en meget lille del af den danske befolkning. Artiklerne i dette særnummer viser, at befolkningen har været bekymret for smitterisici. Men de viser samtidig, at religion har spillet en meget lille rolle i befolkningens håndtering af denne nervøsitet. Én forklaring herpå er den høje grad af tillid, som den danske befolkning nærer til myndigheder og til hinanden. Selvom tillidsgraden stadig er høj, tyder vores resultater dog på, at den risikerer at erodere over tid.
Remote medico-legal assessment by telephone during COVID-19: Monitoring safety and quality when documenting evidence of torture for UK asylum applicants
Authors: Cohen Juliet , Gregory Bernie , Newman Kate , Rowe Emily , Thackray Deborah
Published: May 2021

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we developed remote assessment to provide interim medicolegal reports, ensuring people could obtain medical evidence to support their asylum claim. The Freedom from Torture research ethics committee approved the project.

To audit this new way of working we collected feedback from the doctors, interpreters, individuals being assessed, and senior medical and legal staff who reviewed the reports. This paper presents findings from the first 20 assessments.

Individuals reported that the doctors developed good rapport, but in 35% of assessments reported that there were some experiences they felt unable to disclose. In 70% of assessments, doctors felt that rapport was not as good as when face-to-face. In a majority of assessments the doctor was unable to gain a full account of the torture or its impact. Doctors reported feeling cautious about pressing for more information on the telephone, mindful of individuals’ vulnerability and the difficulty of providing support remotely.

Nevertheless, in 85% of assessments doctors felt able to assess the consistency of the account of torture that was given with the psychological findings, in accordance with the Istanbul Protocol.

The surveys indicated factors that hindered the assessment: inability to observe body language, the person’s ill health, and confidentiality concerns. 

The limitations of these assessments underline the need for a follow-up face-to-face assessment to expand the psychological assessment and undertake a physical assessment.

This research indicates that psychological medico-legal reports can safely be produced by telephone assessment, but are more likely to be incomplete in terms of both full disclosure of torture experiences and psychological assessment.
Obituary
Authors: Editorial Team
Published: May 2021

In recent months, during a year when organizations that provide services for survivors of torture faced new challenges during the global COVID-19 pandemic, some of the people who have been leading the anti-torture movement for years have passed.  We would like to remember and pay tribute here to some of these figures. This list is by no means exhaustive. It is intended, through the names it contains, to serve as a tribute also to the many workers, survivors and friends who have left us.
Engaging torture survivors in the global fight against torture
Authors: Soley Berta
Published: May 2021

Lived experience can be emancipating and also paralysing, but foremost, it is immensely valuable to combat what has been suffered in first person (Henry, 2021). How to recognise that contribution and engage torture survivors in the global fight against torture? What role do survivors play in society? How to involve survivors in advocacy and policy-making processes? What are the existing power (in)balances at play? Who gets to decide whether a survivor should speak up or not? Acknowledging that it can prompt some organisational, therapeutic, and professional considerations, what are the limits? How do we ensure that the survivor’s well-being is protected along the process? To what extend should survivors be engaged in our organisation’s decision-making?

In front of the current on-going debate on the need of actively engaging torture survivors in the global fight against torture, IRCT held a webinar to explore this topic. The webinar examined torture survivor engagement in the rehabilitation process of rebuilding lives, seeking justice and torture prevention. This article summarises the discussion held during the webinar with the presentations from Léonce Byimana[1], Feride Rushiti[2], Kolbassia Haoussou[3] and Vasfije Karsniqi-Goodman[4] and further inputs from other IRCT-members.

[1] Executive Director of Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC)

[2] Executive Director of the Kosova Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (KRCTV)

[3] Director of Survivor Empowerment at Freedom From Torture

[4] Survivor and member of the Kosovan parliament
HDAC1 SUMOylation promotes Argonaute-directed transcriptional silencing in C. elegans
Authors: Kim Heesun , Ding Yue-He , Zhang Gangming , Yan Yong-Hong , Conte Darryl , Dong Meng-Qiu , Mello Craig C
Published: May 2021

Eukaryotic cells use guided search to coordinately control dispersed genetic elements. Argonaute proteins and their small RNA cofactors engage nascent RNAs and chromatin-associated proteins to direct transcriptional silencing. The small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) has been shown to promote the formation and maintenance of silent chromatin (called heterochromatin) in yeast, plants, and animals. Here, we show that Argonaute-directed transcriptional silencing inCaenorhabditis elegansrequires SUMOylation of the type 1 histone deacetylase HDA-1. Our findings suggest how SUMOylation promotes the association of HDAC1 with chromatin remodeling factors and with a nuclear Argonaute to initiate de novo heterochromatin silencing.
Clustered functional domains for curves and corners in cortical area V4
Authors: Jiang Rundong , Andolina Ian Max , Li Ming , Tang Shiming
Published: May 2021

The ventral visual pathway is crucially involved in integrating low-level visual features into complex representations for objects and scenes. At an intermediate stage of the ventral visual pathway, V4 plays a crucial role in supporting this transformation. Many V4 neurons are selective for shape segments like curves and corners; however, it remains unclear whether these neurons are organized into clustered functional domains, a structural motif common across other visual cortices. Using two-photon calcium imaging in awake macaques, we confirmed and localized cortical domains selective for curves or corners in V4. Single-cell resolution imaging confirmed that curve- or corner-selective neurons were spatially clustered into such domains. When tested with hexagonal-segment stimuli, we find that stimulus smoothness is the cardinal difference between curve and corner selectivity in V4. Combining cortical population responses with single-neuron analysis, our results reveal that curves and corners are encoded by neurons clustered into functional domains in V4. This functionally specific population architecture bridges the gap between the early and late cortices of the ventral pathway and may serve to facilitate complex object recognition.
The crystal structure of bromide-bound GtACR1 reveals a pre-activated state in the transmembrane anion tunnel
Authors: Li Hai , Huang Chia-Ying , Govorunova Elena G , Sineshchekov Oleg A , Yi Adrian , Rothschild Kenneth J , Wang Meitian , Zheng Lei , Spudich John L
Published: May 2021

The crystal structure of the light-gated anion channel GtACR1 reported in our previous Research Article (Li et al., 2019) revealed a continuous tunnel traversing the protein from extracellular to intracellular pores. We proposed the tunnel as the conductance channel closed by three constrictions: C1 in the extracellular half, mid-membrane C2 containing the photoactive site, and C3 on the cytoplasmic side. Reported here, the crystal structure of bromide-bound GtACR1 reveals structural changes that relax the C1 and C3 constrictions, including a novel salt-bridge switch mechanism involving C1 and the photoactive site. These findings indicate that substrate binding induces a transition from an inactivated state to a pre-activated state in the dark that facilitates channel opening by reducing free energy in the tunnel constrictions. The results provide direct evidence that the tunnel is the closed form of the channel of GtACR1 and shed light on the light-gated channel activation mechanism.
Machine learning in dental, oral and craniofacial imaging: a review of recent progress
Authors: Ren Ruiyang , Luo Haozhe , Su Chongying , Yao Yang , Liao Wen
Published: May 2021

Artificial intelligence has been emerging as an increasingly important aspect of our daily lives and is widely applied in medical science. One major application of artificial intelligence in medical science is medical imaging. As a major component of artificial intelligence, many machine learning models are applied in medical diagnosis and treatment with the advancement of technology and medical imaging facilities. The popularity of convolutional neural network in dental, oral and craniofacial imaging is heightening, as it has been continually applied to a broader spectrum of scientific studies. Our manuscript reviews the fundamental principles and rationales behind machine learning, and summarizes its research progress and its recent applications specifically in dental, oral and craniofacial imaging. It also reviews the problems that remain to be resolved and evaluates the prospect of the future development of this field of scientific study.
Influence of Isolation Methods on Retention of Pit and Fissure Sealants in Young Permanent Teeth based on Simonsen’s Criteria: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Bandi Madhuri , Mallineni Sreekanth Kumar , Nuvvula Sivakumar
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Pit and Fissure Sealants (PFS) are chemically-active liquid materials that are introduced into the occlusal surface of caries-susceptible teeth. These form a micro mechanically bonded, protective layer preventing access to caries-producing bacteria, from rest of the oral environment. Aim: To evaluate the retention of PFS placed on young permanent teeth using two isolation methods. Materials and Methods: This clinical study was carried out in the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, at Narayana Dental College and Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India. One hundred Permanent First Molars (PFM) from 25 healthy, cooperative children in the age group of 6-9 years were assigned by block randomisation into two groups (isolation type); each group containing the upper and lower PFMs of the right and left side receiving two different treatment modalities (split-mouth design). In Group I (n=50 teeth), the teeth received sealant with rubber dam isolation, and in Group II (n=50 teeth), with cotton roll isolation. The sealant was applied to all the PFMs as indicated. All the teeth were evaluated using Simonsen’s criteria at regular intervals of 3, 6, and 12 months. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS statistical package (version 17) and statistical significance was set at 0.05. The difference in the retention of PFS with the two isolation methods was analysed using the Chi-square test. Results: After 12 months, the marginal integrity rate for sealants placed with a rubber dam and cotton roll isolation were 75% and 64%, respectively. The results were better in Group I than in Group II, although there were no statistically significant differences with respect to marginal integrity, discolouration, and anatomical failure. Conclusion: Retention of PFS in young permanent teeth was better with rubber dam than cotton rolls for isolation, though the results were not statistically significant.
Estimation of Perceived Stress among Doctors in a Peripheral Tertiary Government Medical College of West Bengal: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Das Ranjan , Mallick Nazrul , Debnath Ashis , Biswas Bijit , Mukherjee Sumit
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Doctors working in a tertiary care teaching hospital suffers higher symptoms of psychological distress. The impact of excessive stress may affect the individual employee and the organisation in terms of productivity and performance. Aim: To estimate the perceived stress among doctors and to find out the sources of their stress in a peripheral Government Medical College of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study, cross-sectional in design, conducted to assess the perceived stress and specific stressors among 95 doctors who were posted in a peripheral Government Medical College from June to November 2019. A Perceived Stress Scale (PSS 10) questionnaire was used to assess the perceived stress. Psycho-social and Environmental stressors were assessed using 11 items questionnaire. Data were analysed using the IBM statistical package for social sciences, (SPSS) software program (version 20.0) (Chicago, USA). Results: The majority of the participant (80%) had moderate level of stress, while 10.5% had low stress and 9.5% had severe stress. The mean PSS score in this study was 20.49±5.61. In univariate logistic regression analysis, significant association was found with loneliness {Odds Ratios (OR) 9.3; 95% Confidence Interval (CI)= 2.9-29.9}, family problem (OR 2.7; 95% CI=1.1-6.6) and quality of food (OR 2.9: 95% CI=1.2-7.0). Finally, loneliness (AOR 9.6; 95% CI=2.7-34.1) and family problem (AOR 3.7; 95% CI=1.3-10.1) came out to be statistically significant predictors of stress in multivariable logistic regression. Conclusion: Majority of doctors had moderate level of stress and they felt upset, nervous and stressed in last one month of preceding the survey. Professional counseling for the doctors to improve their coping and resilience behaviours is highly recommended.
Effect of Preoperative Nebulised Dexamethasone and Nebulised Magnesium Sulphate on Postoperative Sore Throat in Prone Position Surgeries- A Randomised Double-Blind Study
Authors: Kumar G Manuj , Arish BT
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Postoperative Sore Throat (POST) is a frequently encountered complication after general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation and positional changes. Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4) is a N-Methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist and dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid, both drugs helps in reducing POST by various mechanisms. Aim: To compare the effects of preoperative dexamethasone nebulisation vs preoperative MgSO4 nebulisation on sore throat in prone position surgeries. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients undergoing lumbar spine surgeries from October 2017 to April 2019, under general anaesthesia in prone position, were randomly allocated into two groups- A and B. Thirty minutes before surgery patients in each group were nebulised with respective drugs, dexamethasone 8 mg in group A and 250 mg of MgSO4 in group B. Haemodynamic parameters during laryngoscopy were noted. A standardised protocol for providing general anaesthesia was followed for all patients. After extubation, at 0, 4, 6 and 24 hours all patients were asked to grade POST, hoarseness and cough. The severity of POST was graded with four-point scale. Continuous variables were expressed as mean±SD and analysed using student t-test. The p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall incidence of sore throat in dexamethasone group was 37.5% and 20% in MgSO4 group. The incidence (p=0.026) and severity (p=0.011) of POST was significantly decreased in MgSO4 group at 6 hours where none of the patient had sore throat compared to dexamethasone where 15 (37.5%) of them had sore throat (p=0.026). None of the patients had cough and hoarseness in both groups. Conclusion:Nebulisation with MgSO4preoperatively significantly decreases the incidence and severity of POST when compared to dexamethasone and there was no statistically significant haemodynamic variability between the two groups.
Effect of Enamel Pre-etching with Sodium Hypochlorite Deproteinisation and Bonding Agent on Retention and Microleakage of Pit and Fissure Sealants: An In-vitro Study
Authors: Mubeena VV , Emmatty Tharian B , Kavita Kumar , Jose Bijimole , Riswana AM
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Sealants have proved to be one of the easiest methods of caries prevention in young permanent teeth, the placement of which is very technique sensitive. The non-invasive method of pretreating the enamel surface by deproteinising it with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 60 seconds prior to etching has proven to be a promising method for improving retention and reducing microleakage of sealant. Aim: To evaluate the effect of enamel pre-etching with sodium hypochlorite deproteinisation and bonding agent on retention and microleakage of pit and fissure sealants. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro experimental study was conducted in Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry at Annoor Dental College, Muvattupuzha, Kerala and Nanotechnology Lab at Amrita Institute of Medical Science. Freshly extracted Intact permanent maxillary and mandibular 20 third molars and 20 premolars mounted on acrylic blocks were divided into 4 groups containing 5 teeth in each group. Molars and premolar were taken for assessing the rate of retention and microleakage, respectively. Teeth in Group 1 were subjected to acid etching only, Group 2 were deproteinised prior to acid etching, Group 3 were subjected to acid etching followed by bonding and Group 4 were subjected to deproteinisation, etching and bonding. Then, all teeth were sealed with pit and fissure sealant and underwent thermocycling in artificial saliva bath for evaluation of sealant retention and microleakage. After thermocycling, retention was assessed on molar by one pre-calibrated blinded examiner by passing a 0.5 mm diameter probe along the margins of the sealant placed to verify integrity, failure, or loss of continuity based on Simonsen’s criteria (1989). To assess microleakage, premolar samples were immersed in rhodamine B, sectioned longitudinally, and examined under a stereomicroscope for assessment of microleakage. Collected data were statistically analysed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney u test. Results: The results showed 100% retention for teeth in Group 2a, Group 3a, Group 4a, while partial sealant loss was present in 3 teeth from Group 1a. The differences between the groups for retention was statistically significant (p=0.014). In the case of microleakage, Group 3b showed more microleakage and group 4b showed least microleakage and the difference between them was statistically significant (p=0.009). Conclusion: Deproteinisation and use of bonding agent increases retention of the pit and fissure sealants. However, deproteinisation is a more effective method to control microleakage when compared to bonding agent. Thus, it can be considered as an effective method for pretreating enamel surface before sealant placement.
Popliteal Nerve Block as an Alternative to Spinal Anaesthesia for Ankle Surgery in Comorbid Patient- A Case Report
Authors: Kishnani Priya , Chakarani Dharmishthaben , Mehta Jigisha , Mehta Malini
Published: May 2021

In high-risk patients with significant cardiovascular and other systemic disorders, administration of central neuraxial block or general anaesthesia is usually associated with adverse haemodynamic effects and high perioperative mortality. This case report is about a 57-year-old male patient with known case of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) posted for lower limb debridement. He had comorbidities like cellulitis, sepsis, uncontrolled diabetes, multiorgan dysfunction and was haemodynamically unstable. Peripheral nerve blockade keeps the haemodynamic more stable as compared to central neuraxial blockade and general anaesthesia. Therefore, popliteal nerve block was given to the patient in prone position. Peripheral nerve locator was used and after eliciting the response of foot twitch local anaesthetic drug was deposited. Adequate sensory motor block was achieved and surgery was carried out uneventfully. Patient was vitally stable throughout the surgery. Thus, it was seen that peripheral nerve blocks are an effective alternative to central neuraxial blockade and general anaesthesia in high risk patients undergoing below knee surgeries.
Perioperative Management of Button Battery Foreign Bodies in the Paediatric Aerodigestive Tract- A Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Chhabra Vibha , Jain Mukul Kumar , Motiani Poonam , Gupta Abhishek , Sadhoo Apurva
Published: May 2021

The use of Button Battery (BB) has increased rapidly now-a-days. Children are prone to inadvertent ingestion, aspiration or insertion of BBs while playing with toys. It poses a serious health hazard as it is corrosive. Hence, early diagnosis and quick treatment are essential to prevent its fatal complications. A thorough evaluation of each case is necessary based on a detailed history taking, physical examination, blood and radiological investigation, and diagnostic endoscopy. General anaesthesia is usually preferred during endoscopic examination and removal of BB foreign bodies. The complications depend on the duration and site of impaction. This is a case series of three children with different presentations of BB foreign bodies and author’s experience in the diagnosis and management.
Prospective Cohort Study Comparing Varying Doses of Cisatracurium and Atracurium on Intubating Conditions in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Anjali Chandrasekharan , Radha Korumbil Raghavan , Biji Kannammadathy Poulose
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Cisatracurium and atracurium are non-depolarising muscle relaxants belonging to benzylisoquinolinium group. Intubating dose of cisatracurium is found to be safer than atracurium owing to the histamine release and resultant respiratory and cardiac side-effects associated with the latter. However, intubating conditions of twice the ED95 dose (2xED95) of cisatracurium are not as satisfactory as equipotent dose of atracurium because of its higher potency. Aim: To compare the time of onset, intubating conditions and mean duration of action of three and four times ED95 doses (3 and 4xED95) of cisatracurium with 2xED95 dose of atracurium so as to find out an ideal intubating dose of cisatracurium that is comparable with 2xED95 of atracurium. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective cohort study that included 102 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. They were divided into three groups of 34 each to receive atracurium 0.5 mg/kg (group A), cisatracurium 0.15 mg/kg (group B) or cisatracurium 0.2 mg/kg (group C) for intubation. Onset and duration of neuromuscular block were assessed using Train Of Four (TOF) stimuli. Total time for intubation and mean intubation scores were also noted. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 18.0. Qualitative data were compared using Chi-square test and quantitative data compared using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: Onset of neuromuscular blockade in groups A, B and C were 292.06±61.486, 204.71±39.407 and 120.88±37.284 seconds (p-value <0.001), respectively. Mean intubation score was highest in group C along with least intubating time (p-value <0.001). The mean duration of action in groups A, B and C were 40.44±5.275, 48.24±5.888 and 63.38±7.659 minutes, respectively (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The 3 and 4xED95 doses of cisatracurium are superior to 2xED95 dose of atracurium in providing faster onset of action, better intubating conditions, shorter intubation time and longer duration of action. The 4xED95 dose of cisatracurium may be considered for rapid intubation in two minutes.
Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy Between Topical Calcipotriol Used Along With Topical Clobetasol And Topical Clobetasol Monotherapy In Treatment Of Alopecia Areata: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Gupta MohanLal , Singh Shivangna , Khan Bushra Hasan
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a hair disorder characterised by non-scarring, patchy loss of hair from scalp and other parts of the body. For the treatment of AA, topical steroid is one of the first line therapeutic options. Topical vitamin D analogue Calcipotriol has immunomodulatory action. Vitamin D receptors (VDR) are present in the hair follicles,therefore for treatment of AA topical vitamin D analogue Calcipotriol can be considered. Aim: To comparatively evaluate the role in terms of efficacy of topical vitamin D analogue Calcipotriol when used along with topical Clobetasol in comparison to topical Clobetasol used alone for AA treatment. Materials and Methods: In this randomised, open label, clinical study, sixty patients (age 20-32 years) diagnosed with AA were randomly assigned into two groups, thirty patients in each from Sept 2019 to Feb 2020. Topical Clobetasol (0.05%) was applied on the affected area twice a day for 24 weeks by Group A patients. While both topical Clobetasol (0.05%) and topical Calcipotriol (0.005%) was applied on the affected area twice daily for 24 weeks by Group B patients. Parametery like Age, Serum Hydroxy Vitamin D (25(OH)D) and SALT Score were mesured at baseline. At regular intervals of time (i.e baseline, 6,12,24 weeks), SALT (Severity Of Alopecia Tool) score was evaluated. Mean values of the data were evaluated using student's t-test and chi-square test based on whether the data was quantitative or qualitative in nature respectively. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: With respect to age and gender distribution both the groups were comparable (p>0.05). For patients of group A and group B the mean values of SALT score at baseline were 10.45±5.25 and 9.85±4.95, respectively (p=0.65). In patients of Group A and Group B towards the end of 24 weeks the mean values of SALT score decreased to 5.98±4.32 (p=0.0007) and 3.66±3.53 (p=0.0001), with a greater decrease in SALT score seen in Group B (p=0.05) i.e., the group in which patients were treated with topical calcipotriol 0.005% along with topical Clobetasol 0.05%. Conclusion: Topical calcipotriol 0.005% lotion used along with topical Clobetasol 0.05% lotion had higher efficacy than topical Clobetasol 0.05% lotion used alone, in the treatment of AA.
Clinical Efficacy of Ambu Aura Gain vs Laryngeal Mask Airway Proseal in Paediatric Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery under General Anaesthesia: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Agrawal Nidhi , Kumar Shailly , Gupta Arushi
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Laryngeal Mask Airway ProSeal (LMA-P) is considered a gold standard among second generation supra glottis airway devices as an effective, safe and reusable ventilatory device. Ambu Aura Gain (AAG) is a newer single use second generation airway device with a soft inflatable cuff and preformed shape. Aim: To compare the clinical effectiveness and oral pharyngeal seal pressures between LMA ProSeal and AAG in children receiving controlled ventilation. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 100 paediatric patients in age group of 1 to 12 years, weighing 5 to 30 kg, fulfilling the criteria of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status I and II and undergoing elective surgical procedures. Patients were randomised into two groups. Secondary objective was to compare the ease, success and total time for achieving effective ventilation and ease of placement of gastric tube and fibreoptic visualisation of glottis view in both the groups. Quantitative variables were compared using Independent t-test/Mann-Whitney Test and qualitative variables were compared using Chi-Square test/Fisher’s-Exact test. Results: The median (IQR) Oropharyngeal Seal Pressure (OSP) was much higher with AAG 22 cm (21-23) of water as compared to LMA ProSeal 21 cm (20-22) of water and the difference was statistically significant (p-value <0.0001). Time taken for achieving effective ventilation {median (IQR)} was significantly less with AAG {18 (17-19) seconds} as compared to that with LMA ProSeal {19 (18-20) seconds} (p=0.0005). The two devices were comparable in terms of success and ease of insertion of device, ease of placement of gastric tube and fibreoptic visualisation of glottis view. Conclusion: The study suggests that AAG, a single use device, is a useful substitute to LMA ProSeal to ventilate paediatric patients undergoing elective surgical procedures.
Integrated Farming Systems: A Review of Farmers Friendly Approaches
Authors: Sheikh Md. Mohiuddin , Riar T.S. , Pervez A.K.M. Kanak
Published: May 2021

Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) is a set of interrelated agro-economic activities where the components interact in a particular agrarian setting. The main thrust is to minimize risks and increase profitability. Around 90-95 percent of nutritional requirements are self-supplied through resource recycling, which curtails the cost of cultivation and increases profit margins and employment. Considering the IFS's importance, this is a review of the productivity, problems, and suggestions for improving IFS. The study's methodology was to integrate the secondary sources. We found efficient integration of field crops with farm animals for sustainable production, income generation, and employment opportunities for resource-poor rural farm families. Financial support with technical assistance and guidance for improving the standard of living of the farm families is suggested. An integrated farming system demonstration center should be established in every district for potential farmers to easily visit them and be informed about IFS as an option.
Evaluation of Vitamins C and E on Spermeogram and Malondialdehyde Concentration in Chilled Semen of Nigerian Indigenous Turkey Toms (Meleagris gallopavo)
Authors: Echekwu W. O. , Madu J. M. , Okeke R. O. , Opaluwa-Kuzayed I. G. , Idoga E. S. , Suleiman I. O. , Umar D. S. Bunjah
Published: May 2021

The study aims to evaluate the effect of antioxidant vitamins C and E on spermeogram and malondialdehyde concentration in chilled semen of Nigerian indigenous turkey toms (Meleagris gallopavo). The results from this study showed that supplementation of the diluents of turkey semen with antioxidants resulted in improvement in spermatozoa motility, pH, volume and   reduced rate of lipid peroxidation compared to the control (T0).  Vitamin E recorded a better result in relation to motility, viability and   lipid peroxidation rate better than a combination of vitamin C and E. Improvement in semen concentration of turkey tom were recorded in the semen of turkey extended with vitamin C. These results demonstrate that lipid peroxidation is a significant factor affecting the fertility of stored turkey sperm and those methods to prevent or reduce lipid peroxidation remain to be elucidated.
Individual Anchoveta(Engraulisringens) Fishing Quota and the Administration and Control of Fishing Activity in a Region of Peru
Authors: Estrada Iván Saldaña
Published: May 2021

Aims:The research was carried out with the objective of determining whether the individual anchoveta(Engraulisringens) fishing quota for direct human consumption constitutes a regulatory alternative for the administration and control of fishing activity to the extent that it allows greater efficiency of the industry, the increase in value total fisheries, the improvement in the safety of fishing and the sustainability of the hydrobiological resource.

Methodology:The research is applied, non-experimental type and descriptive correlational design. The sample consisted of 50% of National and Comparative Legislation, Doctrine, Jurisprudence and Specialized Records on fishing issues; and by 30 experts in fisheries: lawyers 25% and representatives of fishermen 25%, from the District of Chimbote; Two questionnaires were developed to collect the data of the variables under study.

Results:The results are presented in tables and statistical figures. The results showed that the individual quota of anchoveta(E.ringens)fishing for direct human consumption constitutes 43.3% a regulatory alternative to administer and control the fisheries administration, Chimbote, 2018.

Conclusion:It was evidenced that the individual quota for fishing for direct human consumption allows a greater efficiency of the industry, the increase in the total value of the fisheries, the improvement in the safety of fishing and the sustainability of the hydrobiological resource. The individual fishing quota is a system that deserves to be seriously evaluated in Peru, with a broad participation not only of fishing entrepreneurs, but also of the various actors of civil society.
Effect of Integrated Phosphorus Management on Macro and Micronutrient Status of Soil in Bt-Cotton
Authors: Rushi K. V. S. L. Raj , Rani P. Prasuna , Prasad P. R. K. , Kumar P. Anil
Published: May 2021

Aim: To evaluate the impact of integrated use of phosphorus on soil fertility in Bt-Cotton.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications.

Place of Study: At College Farm, Agricultural College, Bapatla, Guntur district.

Methodology: After the preliminary layout, Tulasi-BG II hybrid of cotton was used as a test crop, with a spacing of 90 cm x 60 cm in the experimental site. Farmyard Manure @ 10 t ha-1 was applied 10 days prior to sowing while phosphorus solubilising bacteria @ 5 kg ha-1 was applied one day before sowing. Phosphorus was applied as per the treatments basally at sowing whereas, the recommended dose of nitrogen and potassium (120 and 60 kg ha-1, respectively) were applied in four equal splits at 20, 40, 60, and 80.

Results: The treatments showed no significant influence on available nitrogen and potassium but, comparatively higher values of nitrogen and potassium were observed in organic treated plots. The available phosphorus content was markedly influenced by level of phosphorus as well as components of integration at all the crop growth stages. Highest available phosphorus was recorded on integration of maximum dose of phosphorus with Phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB) and Farmyard manure (FYM). The available micronutrient contents in soil did not show any marked difference among the treatments at all the stages of crop growth.

Conclusion: Application of phosphorus along with Phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB) and Farmyard manure (FYM) can reduce the phosphorus requirement to crops as well as improves soil health.
Reflective Tutoring and International Presence of Graduate Students: Teacher Training Experiences
Authors: Juárez Graciela González , Pancardo Diana Cecilia Tapia , Gómez Gandhy Ponce , Hernández Cynthia Ramírez
Published: May 2021

Background: The criteria for assessing the impact of tutoring are descriptive and results-oriented to train graduate professionals and researchers. The voice of the actors is null and void to identify thoughtful practices that promote the presence of students in academic activities abroad.

Objective: To search the international experiences of teachers that enhance the international presence of the students of the master’s degree in Nursing. 

Methods: Qualitative research with descriptive design and oriented in tutor experiences to empower students to participate in international academic events. The study population was intentional according to their international track record, experience in tutoring and availability and five tutors from the Master of Nursing Program participated. An interview was conducted via virtual, during pandemic confinement, lasting an hour and a half on average. Interviews were transcribed and analysis categories identified using AtlasTi.

Results: Tutoring experiences were systematized into five categories: tutoring perception, tutoring conditions, tutoring objective, relevant tutoring experiences, contribution to master's internationalization.

Discussion: Tutoring is a role of great complexity that does not stick to the elaboration of the thesis, it implies dissemination of academic work in international contexts, knowledge of students to plan the accompaniment, establishment of academic networks as results of the program's mobility actions.

Conclusions: Postgraduate tutoring involves assessing the significance of research and its scopes that are delimited by the characteristics of the students, the international experiences of teachers, but also of institutional support to support mobility and the linkage promoted by teachers.
Modulation of Negative Differential Resistance in Black Phosphorus Transistors
Authors: Cheng Ruiqing , Yin Lei , Hu Rui , Liu Huijun , Wen Yao , Liu Chuansheng , He Jun
Published: May 2021

Negative differential resistance (NDR), which describes the current decrease as the applied bias increases, holds great potential for varieties of electronic applications including radio‐frequency oscillators, multipliers, and multivalue logics. Here, the modulation of a unique NDR effect in ambipolar black phosphorus (BP) transistors is reported, which is activated by specific electrical field dependence of lateral carrier distribution and is distinct from conventional NDR devices that rely on quantum tunneling. The NDR device exhibits a high peak current density (34 µA µm−1) and a high operating temperature. More importantly, due to the strong coupling between the channel and the gate electrode, both the NDR peak current and peak/valley voltages can be effectively modulated by the electrostatic gate. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that light can serve as an additional terminal for NDR modulation. The findings could provide an important insight into the transport behavior of BP transistors and contribute to the design of ambipolar‐semiconductor‐based electrical circuits.
Kirigami Structures of Shape Memory Polymer by Femtosecond Laser Scribing and Constrained Heating
Authors: You Hongshu , Zhang Yachao , Hu Yanlei , Song Yuegan , Xue Cheng , Ji Shengyun , Li Rui , Li Longfu , Li Jiawen , Wu Dong , Chu Jiaru
Published: May 2021

Kirigami‐inspired structures have found a large variety of applications such as mechanical metamaterials, electronic devices, and biomedicine. In this paper, a facile method is reported to construct deformable Kirigami structures on shape memory polymer with femtosecond laser. Simple slits are scribed using femtosecond laser via an athermal manner and then spontaneously transformed into complicated Kirigami structures under the constrained heating. The deformation process of the Kirigami structures is systematically investigated, which can be accurately predicated by simulation results and thus provide the basis for the programmable structure preparation. The Kirigami structures with controllable deformation are obtained by engineering the initial laser‐scribed pattern and heating condition. The method features simplicity, neglectable material loss, and does not need external mechanical force. As a proof of concept demonstration, the as‐prepared Kirigami structure is utilized for efficient water harvesting. This work holds great promise in broad applications including mechanical metamaterials and bioinspired functional surfaces.
Promising Immunotherapies against COVID‐19
Authors: Guo Haodong , Zhou Lili , Ma Zhenyu , Tian Zhixin , Zhou Fangfang
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has led to a severe pandemic and deeply affected the livelihood of people worldwide. In response to the pandemic, researchers have been rapidly studying different aspects of COVID‐19, such as virus detection, vaccinations, and epidemiological aspects of the disease. It has been reported that SARS‐CoV‐2 can induce uncontrolled inflammation and cause a lack of antiviral response, thereby aggravating the disease. Therefore, recovery of immune functions is key to COVID‐19 treatment. Many clinical trials are exploring suitable therapies, and some progress has been made. Early administration of interferons may prevent COVID‐19 exacerbation and/or promotes recovery from the diseases. Inhibitors of inflammation can prevent cytokine storms and multi‐organ damage. Convalescent plasma containing neutralizing antibodies has played an important role in therapeutic options at the beginning of the pandemic owing to the lack of other effective methods. To aid the development of treatment options for COVID‐19, this review focuses on immunotherapies, including treatment with interferons, inhibition of pro‐inflammatory mechanisms, and the use of convalescent plasma.
The Power of Silk Technology for Energy Applications
Authors: Strassburg Stephen , Zainuddin Shakir , Scheibel Thomas
Published: May 2021

Silk fibers are a remarkable material made of proteins possessing excellent mechanical properties that match or even outperform, in some aspects, high performance fibers such as Kevlar and steel. Silk proteins can be further produced recombinantly, allowing the possibility for genetic modification, enhancing silks’ already impressive range of benefits. Thus far, little research has explored the possibility of incorporating silk‐based materials in electronic or energy systems. With an increasing global concern for climate change and the dwindling reserves of fossil fuels, silk (or silk‐derived) hybrid materials are a promising avenue of scientific exploration in energy storage and conversion devices, flexible and wearable electronics and even as photovoltaic devices, which will be reviewed here within. Despite this, silk has seen only little interest for applications in hybrid energy devices in the recent years. Here within, some of the applications and benefits of silk‐based materials in several systems including: flexible electronics, thermal and thermoelectric devices, mechanical energy devices, sensors, and photovoltaic solar cells are examined. In addition to biocompatibility, high tensile strength, and renewability, silk also adds many benefits to hybrid energy systems such as tunability, multifunctionality, and versatility, making silk one of the most all‐encompassing materials for use in hybrid devices.