bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of The Landslide Processes In Cayambe, Pichincha, Ecuador
Authors: Flores Graciela , Strokova Lyudmila A. , Varela-Aldás José
Published: March 2022

The present work proposes the use of the statistical method of frequency ratio (RF) and the hierarchical analytical process (AHP) to obtain zoning maps of the landslide processes, determining the susceptible areas in the territory of the Cayambe canton located in the province of Pichincha in Ecuador. Statistical methods use sample data based on the relationship between landslides and causal factors, evaluating the combination of these data objectively. As results, it was identified that the analysis of the landslide indices according to the FR method and the AHP method, shows that the inclination of the slope and the exposure are the important factors in the analysis of the susceptibility of the territory. However, a separate analysis shows that, for the FR method, the stratigraphic genetic complex factor is the most relevant, while for the AHP method, the most important factor is the steepness of the slope. On the other hand, the analysis of the distribution of landslides by parish shows that rural parishes present a greater number of landslide processes. In this way, it is highlighted that the Cangahua rural parish has 42% of the total landslides identified in the canton. Followed by the parishes Santa Rosa de Cusubamba and San José de Ayora, together with 29% of the landslides.
Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors and Molecular Characterization of Eimeria Species Affecting Backyard Poultry of Jammu Region, North India
Authors: Khursheed Aiman , Yadav Anish , Sofi Omer Mohi-U-Din , Kushwaha Anand , Yadav Vikas , Rafiqi Shafiya I. , Godara Rajesh , Katoch Rajesh
Published: March 2022

The present study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019 to know the prevalence of coccidiosis in backyard poultry in Jammu, Samba and Udhampur districts of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, North India. A total of 600 pooled faecal samples collected from backyard poultry were examined for presence of Eimeria oocysts. Morphometry and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based amplification of ITS-1 gene was carried to characterize the Eimeria species infecting the backyard poultry of the study area. An overall prevalence of 28.5% Eimeria spp. infection among backyard poultry birds was recorded. Among the seasons, highest prevalence was recorded during rainy season (32%) with significantly (p<0.05) high oocyst excretion (1.77±0.01) and lowest during summer (19.3%) with low oocyst excretion (0.17±0.006). Young birds upto 3 months of age were found to be more susceptible to infection than older birds, with a significantly (p<0.05) high prevalence percentage of 38.02. Morphometry with COCCIMORPH software revealed presence of Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria necatrix, and Eimeria tenella species with prevalence rates of 16.5%, 3.6%, 21.3%, and 27.6%, respectively.The amplified fragments of ITS-1 gene presented different sizes of Eimeria spp. viz. E. acervulina (321bp), E. tenella (278 bp), E. maxima (145 bp) and E. necatrix (383bp). The study concluded that although backyard poultry didn’t show clinical form of coccidiosis but may act as source of potential reservoir.
Strength, durability, and microstructure of self-compacting geopolymer concrete produced with copper slag aggregates
Authors: Arora Saloni , Jangra Parveen , Lim Yee , Pham Thong
Published: March 2022

Lack of vibrations on fresh concrete negatively influences the compaction and thus the quality of concrete. This is particularly concerning with geopolymer concrete (GPC) containing sodium silicate (Na 2 SiO 3 ), which is viscous in nature. In this study, self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) containing fly ash (FA) and ultrafine slag (UFS) with copper slag aggregates (CSA) was proposed and investigated. CSA were used as a substitute to sand (by weight) in SCGC at different percentages up to 60%. In the fresh state, slump, T500 slump flow, V-funnel, L-box, U-box, and sieve aggregation ratio tests were performed to investigate flowability, passing ability, and viscosity. At the hardened state, the compressive strength, water absorption, chloride ion resistance and sorptivity tests were examined. The flowability of SCGC improved when CSA were added, and the highest slump of 735 mm was achieved for the mix with 60% CSA. Substitution of up to 20% of CSA enhanced the properties of SCGC at all ages. Mix having 20% CSA (20CSA-SCGC) was superior to other mixes, exhibiting the highest compressive strength (47 MPa) at 365 days while possessing the lowest water absorption, sorptivity, and the highest chloride ion resistance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses also confirmed the improved microstructure of Mix 20CSA-SCGC. Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of quartz and calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) products, which were the main contributors to properties enhancement.
Quality of Care in the Last Year of Life: Adaptation and Validation of the German “Views of Informal Carers’ Evaluation of Services – Last Year of Life – Cologne”
Authors: Dust Gloria , Schippel Nicolas , Stock Stephanie , Strupp Julia , Voltz Raymond , Rietz Christian
Published: March 2022

Background: To inform quality improvement and strengthen services provided in the last year of life, measuring quality of care is essential. For Germany, data on care experiences in the last year of life that go beyond diagnoses and care settings are still rare. Aim of this study was to develop and validate a German version of the ‘Views of Informal Carers’ Evaluation of Services – Short Form (VOICES-SF)’ suitable to assess the quality of care and services received across settings and healthcare providers in the German setting in the last year of life (VOICES-LYOL-Cologne). Methods: VOICES-SF was adapted and translated following the ‘TRAPD’ team approach. Data collected in a retrospective cross-sectional survey with bereaved relatives in the region of Cologne, Germany were used to assess validity and reliability.Results: Data from 351 bereaved relatives of adult decedents were analysed. The VOICES-LYOL-Cologne demonstrated construct validity in performing according to expected patterns, i.e. correlation of scores to care experiences and significant variability based on care settings. It further correlated with the PACIC-S9 Proxy, indicating good criterion validity. The newly added scale “subjective experiences of process and outcome of care in the last year of life” showed good internal consistency for each given care setting, except for the homecare setting. Test-retest analyses revealed no significant differences in satisfaction ratings according to the length of time since the patient’s death. Overall, our data demonstrated the feasibility of collecting patient care experiences reported by proxy-respondents across multiple care settings.Conclusions: VOICES-LYOL-Cologne is the first German instrument to analyse care experiences in the last year of life in a comprehensive manner and encourages further research in German-speaking countries. This instrument enables the comparison of quality of care between settings and may be used to inform local and national quality improvement activities.Trial registration: This study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00011925; Date of registration: 13/06/2017).
Comparison of Live Birth Rate Among PPOS, GnRH Antagonist and GnRH Agonist in POSEIDON Group 3
Authors: Gui Juan , Chen Jiao , Liu Qian , Wang Xiaochen , Xie Qingzhen
Published: March 2022

Background
It is difficult to select an ovarian stimulation protocol for the patients with poor ovarian reserve (POR) because few oocytes are retrieved in a single controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cycle. The aim of this study was to compare the pregnancy outcomes of different protocols in POSEIDON Group 3 patients.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients met the POSEIDON Group 3 criteria who underwent assisted reproductive technology at the Reproductive center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between April 2019 and August 2021 were included. The COS protocols included progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS), GnRH antagonist and GnRH agonist protocols. The live birth rate (LBR) was the primary outcome. The secondary outcome measures were number of oocytes retrieved, duration of gonadotropin (Gn) treatment, amount of Gn administered, fertilization rates, chemical and clinical pregnancy.
Results
A total of 309 women met the POSEIDON Group 3 criteria were included for analysis. When compared with PPOS group and GnRH antagonist group, anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count and oocytes retrieved were significantly higher in GnRH agonist group (P = 0.021; P < 0.001; P < 0.001); the basal FSH value was significantly lower in GnRH agonist group (P = 0.006); the estradiol values on trigger day and growth hormone utilization rate were significantly increased in GnRH agonist group (P < 0.001; P = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the outcomes of embryos, without significant difference in 2 pronuclear rate, transplantable embryo rate and high-quality embryo rate among the three groups. There was also no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes, although the clinical pregnancy rate (61% vs.51.2% vs.44.9%) and LBR (33.3% vs.23.3% vs.23.2%) were higher in GnRH agonist group than PPOS and GnRH antagonist groups, but not statistically significant. The chemical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in GnRH agonist group than GnRH antagonist group (80.5% vs. 56.7%, P = 0.008). LH values on trigger day were significantly higher in GnRH antagonist group than the other two groups (P < 0.001). The cycle cancellation rate and miscarriage rate were highest in PPOS group, but without significant difference.
Conclusion
For patients with POR diagnosed as POSEIDON Group 3, the LBR is comparable among the PPOS, GnRH antagonist and GnRH agonist protocols. Considering the economic cost and the prevalence of COVID-19, it is recommended to use the short COS regimens with fresh embryo transplantation.
Applicability of the Mexican Ovitrap System for Aedes Vector Surveillance in Los Patios, Colombia
Authors: Wright Eduardo , Carrillo Maria Angelica , Matamoros David , Sanchez Rocío Cárdenas , Yañez Johanna , Lorenzo Giusseppe , Kroeger Axel
Published: March 2022

Background: Vector surveillance has been ongoing since the 1960’s through larval surveys, which are not useful to serve as an alarm indicator for outbreak prediction since they are usually done in an unsystematic way. This can be achieved with the ovitrap system. This study aimed to determine the feasibility, required resources and costs of installing and maintaining an ovitrap vector surveillance system in a municipality of Colombia.Methods: The study applied a cross sectional design including the mapping of target houses, implementation of the ovitrap system (following the Mexican ovitrap model) and an analysis of resource requirements. The mapping was done using street maps from Google Earth. 40 ovitraps were manufactured and installed on 10 blocks (1 ovitrap on each side of every cardinal point of the block, every third block), and revised weekly by two vector control technicians for a four-week period. Personal interviews with the technicians regarding costs of daily income, transport needs of human resources and requirement of equipment for manufacturing and maintaining the ovitraps, were conducted for the cost analysis. Results: A map of the 40 ovitrap geolocations facilitated the implementation. Entomological findings were expressed with six indicators. These were (results in brackets): Process indicators: Percent of acceptance by houseowners (76.9%), Percent of relocation of traps (5%), Percent of ovitraps examined in 4 study weeks (97.5%, 97.5%, 97.5%, 100%), Percent of intact ovitraps (92.5%, 97.5%, 97.5%, 100%). Result indicators: Percent of positive ovitraps (80%, 90%, 75%, 97.5%), Percent of positive blocks (100%). Operational indicators: Time for the installation of 40 ovitraps (10h15m), time for the weekly reading and reinstallation (7h40m, 7h15m, 7h53m, 7h), Time for data transmission to the operational centre (8h, 4h, 2h, 2h). Cost of installing and reviewing 40 ovitraps during four weeks: COL$1,142,304.47 or US$297. Projection of costs for covering the entire municipality of Los Patios (95000 inhabitants) with 348 ovitraps in one year: COL$24,631,329.27 or US$6,404.14. Conclusions: The implementation of the ovitrap system is feasible and affordable in Colombian municipalities and other endemic areas since most of the costs are already covered by the vector control services (salaries and transport).
Study on molecular structure model and reactivity of spent mushroom substrate: experiment and simulation
Authors: hou dongmeng , hong qin
Published: March 2022

The infrastructure features of the spent mushroom substrate (SMS) were detected and explored based on experimental data acquired from Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) as well as Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG). Further, molecular simulation methods were combined with diverse testing technologies to build the 2D models and associated 3D models from cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Eventually, a rational 3D model was constructed for SMS using complicated geometry optimization calculations and annealing dynamics simulations. According to the Mulliken population analysis and electron density analysis, the π–π conjugation effect of the aromatic ring structures was obviously influenced by the oxygen atoms; thus, resulting in the electron accumulation on these oxygen atoms. At the same time, in the Furan ring and pyran ring structures, oxygen exhibited a greater electronic charge density and reactivity in contrast to other atoms. Furthermore, the molecular orbitals for HOMO and LUMO were computed to check the chemical reaction characteristics of the SMS. According to HOMO-LUMO energy gap, the structure of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons provided reaction sites for the reaction and played a key role in chemical bond breaking.
H3K4me3 enrichment defines neuronal age, while a youthful H3K27ac signature is recapitulated in aged neurons
Authors: Giles Katherine , Phipps Andrew , Cashion Jake , Huskins Shannon , Mercer Timothy , Robinson Mark , Woodhouse Adele , Taberlay Phillippa
Published: March 2022

Neurons live for the lifespan of the individual and underlie our ability for lifelong learning and memory. However, aging alters neuron morphology and function resulting in age-related cognitive decline. It is well established that epigenetic alterations are essential for learning and memory, yet few neuron-specific genome-wide epigenetic maps exist into old age. Comprehensive mapping of H3K4me3 and H3K27ac in mouse neurons across lifespan revealed plastic H3K4me3 marking that differentiates neuronal age linked to known characteristics of cellular and neuronal aging. We determined that neurons in old age recapitulate the H3K27ac enrichment at promoters, enhancers and super enhancers from young adult neurons, likely representing a re-activation of pathways to maintain neuronal output. Finally, this study identified new characteristics of neuronal aging, including altered rDNA regulation and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Collectively, these findings indicate a key role for epigenetic regulation in neurons, that is inextricably linked with aging.
The UK Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) Randomized Clinical Trial (the UK-REBOA trial): Study Protocol
Authors: Jansen Jan O. , Cochran Claire , Boyers Dwayne , Gillies Katie , Lendrum Robbie , Sadek Sam , Lecky Fiona , MacLennan Graeme , Campbell Marion , Moran Chris , Brohi Karim , Morrison Jonathan J. , Tai Nigel R.M. , Harris Tim , Norrie John , Paterson Alan , Welch Nick
Published: March 2022

BackgroundHaemorrhage is the most common cause of preventable death after injury. REBOA is a novel technique whereby a percutaneously inserted balloon is deployed in the aorta, providing a relatively quick means of temporarily controlling haemorrhage and augmenting cerebral and coronary perfusion, until definite control of haemorrhage can be attained. The aim of the UK-REBOA trial is to establish the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a policy of standard major trauma centre treatment plus REBOA, as compared with standard major trauma centre treatment alone, for the management of uncontrolled torso haemorrhage caused by injury. Methods/DesignPragmatic, Bayesian, group-sequential, randomised controlled trial, performed in 16 major trauma centres in England. We aim to randomize 120 injured patients with suspected exsanguinating haemorrhage to either standard major trauma centre care plus REBOA, or standard major trauma centre care alone. The primary clinical outcome is 90-day mortality. Secondary clinical outcomes include 3h, 6h, and 24h mortality, in-hospital mortality, 6-month mortality, length of stay (in hospital and intensive care unit), 24h blood product use, need for haemorrhage control procedure (operation or angioembolisation), and time to commencement of haemorrhage control procedure (REBOA, operation, or angioembolisation). The primary economic outcome is lifetime incremental cost per QALY gained, from a health and personal social services perspective.DiscussionThis study, which is the first to randomly allocate patients to treatment with REBOA or standard care, will contribute high-level evidence on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of REBOA in the management of trauma patients with exsanguinating haemorrhage, and will provide important data on the feasibility of implementation of REBOA into mainstream clinical practice.Trial registrationISRCTN16184981
Fatigue in perinatal stroke is associated with resting-state functional connectivity
Authors: Wrightson James G. , Carlson Helen L. , Condliffe Elizabeth G. , Kirton Adam
Published: March 2022

Fatigue is prevalent in youth with perinatal stroke, but the causes are unclear. Predictive coding models of adult post-stroke fatigue suggest that fatigue may arise from dysfunction in predictive processing networks. To date, the association between fatigue and neural network connectivity in youth with perinatal stroke has not been examined. The present study examined the association between fatigue and the functional connectivity of predictive processing neural networks, measured using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, in individuals with perinatal stroke. Participants who reported experiencing fatigue had weaker functional connectivity between the non-lesioned middle frontal and supramarginal gyri and between the non-lesioned intracalcarine cortex and the lesioned paracingulate cortex. In contrast, participants reporting fatigue had stronger functional connectivity between the lesioned inferior temporal gyrus and non-lesioned insula. These results suggest that fatigue in youth with hemiparetic cerebral palsy caused by perinatal stroke is associated with the functional connectivity of hubs previously associated with predictive processing and fatigue. These results suggest potential cortical and behavioral targets for the treatment of fatigue in individuals with perinatal stroke.
Role of modified nasopharyngeal oxygen therapy in apnoeic oxygenation under general anaesthesia: A single-centre, randomized controlled clinical study
Authors: Huang Shaoqiang , Geng Weilian , Chen Changxing , Chen Yaobing , Yu Xinhua
Published: March 2022

Apnoeic oxygenation is particularly important for patients who cannot be intubated/oxygenate after anaesthesia induction. We aimed to compare safe apnoea times between patients receiving modified nasopharyngeal oxygen therapy and those receiving high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO) following the induction of general anaesthesia.This was a single-centre, randomized controlled clinical study. Eighty-four female patients undergoing elective laparoscopic gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia were randomly assigned to the high-flow nasal oxygen therapy group or the modified nasopharyngeal oxygen therapy group. A Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to describe the apnoeic oxygenation time.The safe apnoea time of the patients in the Naso group was higher than that of the patients in the HFNO group (20 (19.3 to 20.0) vs. 16.5 (12.9 to 20) minutes, P < 0.05). The incidence of SpO2 < 95% in the Naso group was lower than that in the HFNO group; hazard ratio 0.3 (95% confidence interval 0.2 to 0.6, P < .0001).The modified nasopharyngeal airway which uses far less oxygen than HFNO is a convenient and effective method of apnoeic oxygenation in normal female patients. Trial registration: www.chictr.org.cn,ChiCTR2000039433；date of registration:28/10/2020
Advances of isomerizing-hydrogenating properties of CoMo catalysts supported on ASA-Al2O3
Authors: Avdeenko E. A. , Nadeina K. A. , Lushchikova A. E. , Larina T. V. , Pakharukova V. P. , Gerasimov E. Yu. , Prosvirin I. P. , Gabrienko A. A. , Vatutina Yu. V. , Klimov O. V. , Noskov A. S.
Published: March 2022

CoMo/Al2O3-ASA catalysts with different Al2O3/ASA ratio have been studied. The amount of ASA (Si/Al ratio 0.25 wt./wt.) varied from 0 to 100 % in the support. Supports and catalysts were characterized by low-temperature N2 adsorption-desorption, TPD-NH3, IRS of adsorbed pyridine, HRTEM, UV-vis spectroscopy, XPS, XRD, bulk crushing strength. Catalysts were tested in hydrotreating of the model FCC gasoline containing 250 ppm of sulfur from thiophene, 40 wt.% of toluene, 40 wt.% of heptane and 20 wt.% of 1-hexene. It was shown that the introduction of ASA to the support increased the amount of weak Brønsted acid sites and weak and medium Lewis acid sites. The addition of ASA changed the morphology of sulfide active component and extract Co from the composition of the CoMoS phase. It was shown that presence of more than 50 wt.% of ASA in the samples demonstrated significant changes in the selectivity of CoMo catalysts.
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Authors: Wu Song , Yuqing Li , Dewang Zhou , Kang Wu , Guanghui Zhu , Peng Guoyu , Shang Wang , Yu Lu , Zhang Lei , Zhou Houhong , Dongdong Lu , Wu Xinchen , Dongdong Tang , Ying Tang , Fangchen Wan , Ziyu Zhou , Guixiao Huang , Thiery Jean
Published: March 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Inter-annual variation patterns of carbon footprint of farmland ecosystems in industrial provinces in China--Guangdong Province as an example
Authors: Qiao Guotong , Chen Fei , Wang Na , Zhang Dandan
Published: March 2022

The abstract must not include a heading. It should be no more than 200 words long and contain no references or subheadings.The sequestration of carbon by agricultural ecosystems is an important part of the world carbon cycle and plays an important role in carbon reduction in all Chinese provinces, especially industrial provinces. Taking Guangdong Province, a major industrial province, as an example, and estimating the carbon emissions, carbon sequestration, and carbon footprint of Guangdong's farmland ecosystems and analyse the inter-annual dynamics of the three, to provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of carbon reduction policies and industrial restructuring in Guangdong and other provinces with similar industrial structures in the context of the “dual carbon” target. The study shows that, over the past 20 years, the annual average carbon emissions from farmland in Guangdong Province has been 3.7624 million , with the overall variation is basically the same, and the main factor of total carbon emissions is the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied. The overall carbon sequestration capacity of Guangdong's farmland ecosystems showed a decreasing trend, with a decrease of 10.32%, and the average annual carbon sequestration amount was 19.0363 millionand the main influencing factor of the total carbon sequestration is the economic production of paddy and sugar cane. The average annual carbon footprint of Guangdong's farmland ecosystems is 531,100, which is in a state of carbon ecological surplus, at the same time the carbon surplus and carbon footprint show a decreasing trend year by year.
Numerical simulation and experimental research of fractal suspended carrier based on nonlinear equation
Authors: Zhao Bi , Wu Yunpeng , Wan Ruyin , Yang Dongke , Zheng Zhicheng , Wan Ajun
Published: March 2022

The geometric structure of the suspended carrier is an important factor that directly affects the effluent quality of the moving bed biofilm reactor, and it should be a valuable mathematical solution to solve the nonlinear equation through numerical simulation and experimental research. Therefore, this study has designed and prepared a coral-shaped fractal suspension carrier based on nonlinear equations, and verify the effectiveness of the new carrier for sewage treatment through FLUENT numerical simulation and domestic sewage treatment experiments. The experimental results show that the coral-shaped fractal suspension carrier has a significant effect on the velocity, vortex distribution and gas phase distribution of the flow field in the reactor. The mass transfer dead area in the reactor is reduced, the number of vortices is significantly increased and the fractal dimension of the carrier is negatively correlated with the flow velocity and pressure drop of the fluid. After stabilization, the average removal rates of COD and NH4+-N by the reactor are 89.5% and 93.21% respectively, the effluent quality reach the national first-class A standard, and the sewage treatment performance is good. At the same time, this research provides a preliminary research basis for the method of solving nonlinear equations through numerical simulation and experimental research.
Spatial planning of eco-industrial park based on reverse logistics
Authors: Yang Qing , Wang Chen , Cai Chenyang , Liu Xingxing
Published: March 2022

The concept of sustainable development that people pay more and more attention to environmental protection and ecological civilization construction has become more and more popular among people. Eco-industrial parks are an effective way to achieve the dual goals of economic benefits and environmental friendliness, and promote the development of circular economy. This paper aims at the problems of disconnection between industrial chain network and spatial planning in the planning of eco-industrial parks in various countries, a spatial planning method is proposed. The specific steps of the method: firstly, introduce reverse logistics to discriminate and select industrial sub-chains to construct an industrial symbiosis chain network; then conduct suitability evaluation of residential and industrial land to form a park land layout plan; finally, use the goal achievement matrix to realize the park's spatial layout. The paper discusses the practical application of this method in conjunction with the planning of the vein industrial park in city A.
Dexmedetomidine attenuates hyperalgesia induced by brachial plexus root avulsion by restoring the GLT- 1 function via PKA signaling
Authors: Xu Xiaoying , Ren Zhiheng , Tang Ying , Zilundu Prince L. M. , Zhou Yingying , Li Wenfu , Hou Jiawei , Fu Yixin , Mai Yunlin , Huang Yu , Liaquats Zaara , Cheng Xiao , Ye Jiang-Hong , Zhou Li-Hua , Fu Rao
Published: March 2022

Background: Chronic neuropathic pain often occurs with unclear mechanisms after brachial plexus root avulsion (BPRA) injuries. Emerging evidence suggests that the maladaptation of spinal glial glutamate transporter GLT-1 causes extracellular glutamate accumulation, contributing to central sensitization of chronic pain. Dexmedetomidine (DMET), an α2-adrenergic receptor (α2AR) agonist, widely used in the clinic as a sedative and analgesic drug, has been shown to inhibit glial activation. This study assessed DMET effects on BPRA induced pain and the possible involvement of GLT-1 regulation. Methods: The right C8 and T1 roots were avulsed to establish a lower trunk BPRA injury rat model and LPS-induced activation of rat primary cultured astrocytes. Then we used the molecular and behavioral assay combined with pharmacological manipulation to test the hypothesis that DMET attenuates the pain and neuroinflammation through restoring the GLT-1 function via PKA signaling.Results: The mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia appeared and reached the peak at 1-day post-injury (dpi) and persisted for at least 28 dpi. Notably, BPRA enhanced phosphorylated PKA levels, reduced GLT-1 expression, and caused an imbalance between anti- and proinflammatory cytokines in the affected spinal segments. Acute systemic or local DMET administration, at the un-sedative doses, demonstrated an analgesic effect. Moreover, a 3-days intrathecal DMET treatment ameliorated hyperalgesia and allodynia of BPRA injured rats by attenuating PKA phosphorylation, IL-1β, and IL-6, while restoring the levels of GLT-1, IL-4, and IL-10 in the spinal cord. Significantly, intrathecal administration of the selective PKA inhibitor H89 mimicked, but the PKA activator 8-Br-cAMP blocked DMET’s effects. Conclusion: Overall, these results suggest that PKA inactivation mediates DMET's analgesic effect for the pain induced by BPRA injury through the recovery of GLT-1 function.
An experimental study of conductivity reactivity index for assessment of cerebrovascular autoregulation in cerebral ischemic rabbits
Authors: Xu Jia , Li Haocheng , Jin Gui , Zhuang Wei , Bai Zelin , Sun Jian , Chen Mingsheng , Wang Feng , Yang Xu , Qin Mingxin
Published: March 2022

Cerebrovascular autoregulation function is the mechanism ensuring the maintenance of constant cerebral blood flow by adjusting the caliber of cerebral vessels. It is important to have an effective noncontact tool for assessment and monitoring of the function in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The adjustment of intracranial arteriole caliber leads to changes in the conductivity of entire brain by relative changes in cerebral blood volume. Here, the electrical properties measurement of entire brain by magnetic induction phase shift with two contactless coils placed across the head is a valuable alternative to assess the function. Then, we proposed the correlation coefficient between spontaneous slow oscillations in arterial blood pressure and corresponding slow spontaneous oscillations in magnetic induction phase shift as a new index called conductivity reactivity index. The novel index is preliminarily confirmed the feasibility to monitor cerebrovascular autoregulation function after ischemic stroke on the animal experience. It has the potential to be used for noncontact, global, deep, bedside and real-time assessment of cerebrovascular autoregulation function of patients with cerebral ischemic stroke.
Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Pelvis: a single-center study of 17 cases
Authors: Deventer Niklas , Budny Tymoteusz , Gosheger Georg , Vaal Marieke , Burkhardt Jana , Deventer Nils
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: The aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign, but locally aggressive cystic lesion of the bone. It usually occurs in the metaphysis of long bones of adolescents and young adults but can also affect the pelvis.METHODS: This single-center study is a retrospective review of 17 patients with primary ABCs of the pelvis. The patients were treated surgically, by polidocanol instillation and, in selected cases, transarterial embolization.RESULTS: 17 patients with the diagnosis of a primary ABC of the pelvis were included in the study. Six patients were male (35.3%) and eleven patients female (64.7%); the mean age was 17.6 (9-49) years. The mean follow-up time was 50.2 months (12-136 months). The most common location of manifestation was the pubis (6; 35.3%), followed by the ilium (6; 35.3%), the sacrum (3; 17.6%) and the ischium (2; 11.8%). Eight patients were treated by intralesional curettage with the use of adjuvants, one patient by marginal resection, seven by sequential instillation of polidocanol and one patient by simple observation. Five patients received an additional transarterial embolization. After intralesional curettage local recurrence was detected in 4/8 cases (50%). After instillation therapy six patients (85.7%) had a stable disease without recurrence, only one patient (14.3%) had a persistent disease with need of additional treatment and was therefore converted to intralesional curettage without local recurrence in the follow-up.CONCLUSIONS: Sequential instillations of polidocanol are a promising, minimally invasive treatment method for ABCs of the pelvis and can be well combined with transarterial embolization.
Developing a Hospital Accreditation Surveyors Model: Delphi Study
Authors: ghazanfari  , mosadeghrad
Published: March 2022

Background: Accreditation surveyors determine the quality and safety status of hospital services by inspecting facilities, equipment and supplies; reviewing documents; interviewing staff, patients and their families; analyzing performance indicators; and informing the public in the form of an accreditation score. The Iranian hospital accreditation surveyors faces several challenges. The overall aim of this study was to develop a model for Iran national hospital accreditation surveyors model according to ISQua requirements. Methods: This research uses the modified Delphi technique to develop and verify a model of Hospital Accreditation Surveyors. The first draft of the Hospital Accreditation Surveyors model was introduced through a critical review of 20 pioneer accreditation models and semi-structured interviews with 151 key informants from Public, private, semi-public, charity and military hospitals in Iran. two rounds of Delphi were conducted with 28 experts of hospital accreditation to verify the proposed model. Panel members were selected from authors of research articles and key speakers in the area of hospital accreditation, senior managers of the country’s health system, university professors in the fields of health policy and management across the country.Results: A comprehensive model for hospital accreditation surveyors in two parts of conceptual and procedural was introduced and verified in this study. In this model, a set of criteria are developed for surveyor selection in the domains of personality, attitude, qualifications, work experience, knowledge and skills, and behavior. Ways of empowering surveyors and the content of basic, advanced, and continuous training courses were identified. Deployment, compensation, and composition of accreditation teams and the tasks assigned to the surveyors are also determined. Finally, the evaluation methods of surveyor and surveyor management plan are identified.Conclusion: A comprehensive hospital accreditation surveyors model was developed and verified. Systematic thinking is one of the advantages of the proposed model for Iranian hospital accreditation surveyors. In this model, special attention is paid to the selection, training, deployment, compensation, and evaluation of surveyors. Hospital accreditation bodies can use this model to develop or revise their hospital accreditation surveyors’ models.
Subclinical High Resolution Chest CT Scan Features In Psoriasis
Authors: Samrah Shaher M. , Qarqaz Firas , Obeidat Omar , Bataineh Zineb , Ramadan Anoud , Zubaidi Ghid Al , Alwani Mustafa , Abualnaaj Dina , Za’nouneh Fares J. Abu , Zoubi Khalid Al , Samrah Randa S. , Kubbara Aahd F. , Khassawneh Basheer Y.
Published: March 2022

Background: Although psoriasis is considered a systemic disease, no clear association has been established between psoriasis and lung diseases. Methods: Adult psoriasis patients with no known active pulmonary disease or respiratory symptoms were screened for subclinical pulmonary manifestations and possible parenchymal changes using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the chest. Patients were classified according to the severity of skin manifestations. The clinical characteristics and radiographic findings of these patients were evaluated.Results: A total of 59 patients with psoriasis were included, among which 47 (79.7%) had abnormal HRCT scan features. Micronodules were the most common detected lung lesions (66.1%), followed by interlobular septal thickening (23.7%), fibrosis (11.9%), and ground-glass opacity (6.8%). Other HRCT findings included emphysematous changes and calcified granulomas. Abnormal HRCT findings correlated with older age and duration of psoriasis but not with the severity of skin manifestations.Conclusions: Micronodules and interlobular septal thickening were the most detected lung lesions in patients with psoriasis. These findings of the pilot study highlight the possible pulmonary involvement in patients with psoriasis. Larger multicenter studies are needed to further clarify these findings.
Unintended Consequences of An Analog Fix in A Digital Era: Transport Ventilators Associated with Significantly Longer Duration of Intubation for Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Durrance Richard Jesse , Johnson Keely , Dhamra Umaima , Davila-Molino Manuel , Ricker Sawyer , Sheth Nirali , Papademetrio Demetrius , Astua Alfredo
Published: March 2022

Background:The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic heavily impacted New York City, and stretched healthcare resources to the limits. The sudden spike in acutely ill patients with respiratory failure required the mobilization of the national stockpile of ventilators and a multitude of providers without expert ventilator training to meet the needs of patients. These ventilators do not display easily interpretable parameters of the ventilator-patient interaction, which could have a negative impact on patient care.Methods:A retrospective review of all adult patients admitted for at least 24 hours and requiring mechanical ventilation at a heavily impacted urban hospital in New York City during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was undertaken. The type of ventilator (standard vs transport – or limited in display) was evaluated with respect to mortality, hospital length of stay, and factors associated with prolonged intensive care management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (sedation, analgesia, paralytics). Regression analysis was performed to evaluate for confounding factors.Results:From March 2, 2020 through May 9, 2020, 313 patients were included. Overall mortality was 84%. When compared to standard ventilators, patients placed on transport ventilators had significantly longer length of stay (17 days vs 9 days, p = 0.001), more days intubated (11 days vs 5 days, p = 0.007), longer duration of prone-positioning (5 days vs 3 days, p = 0.05), a greater need for sedation / analgesia (p < 0.001), and greater need for vasopressor support (p = 0.002). No difference in mortality (p = 0.41), barotrauma (p = 0.29), successful extubation (p = 0.77) or tracheostomy (p = 0.36) was observed.Conclusions:The lack of proper ventilation equipment is associated with prolonged hospitalization and critical illness. Given the economic and human burden that results from prolonged acute-care, it would benefit both patients and the healthcare system to recognize the infrastructure requirements required to respond to health crises of the future.
Benzyladenine Effects On Polyamine Contents And Proteomic Profiles During In Vitro Shoot Development And On Ex Vitro Rooting In Dalbergia Nigra (Vell.) Allemão Ex Benth. (Fabaceae)
Authors: Pessanha Lidia dos Santos , Aragão Victor Paulo Mesquita , de Oliveira Tadeu dos Reis , de Sousa Kariane Rodrigues , Silveira Vanildo , Santa-Catarina Claudete
Published: March 2022

Dalbergia nigra is an endangered species from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, and in vitro propagation can be applied for the conservation of this species. The aim of this study was to establish in vitro propagation and ex vitro rooting in D. nigra and evaluate the alterations in polyamines (PAs) and protein profiles during shoot development. The effect of MS and WPM culture media on in vitro germination was tested (%). For shoot induction, explants of apical and cotyledonary nodal segments from 45-day-old seedlings were inoculated in WPM culture medium supplemented with benzyladenine (BA; 0, 2.5 and 5 μM). Shoots obtained in vitro without and with 2.5 μM BA were rooted ex vitro with different concentrations (0, 100 and 500 μM) of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The best growth of seedlings was obtained in WPM culture medium. Treatment with 2.5 μM BA significantly increased the length of shoots by increasing free putrescine contents and the accumulation of proteins associated with shoot elongation, such as aspartate aminotransferase, elongation factor, calreticulin-3, and cell division cycle protein 48. Ex vitro rooting was obtained in all treatments of IBA, and the use of auxin was not necessary. The BA used for shoot multiplication significantly affected rooting, reducing the induction and number of roots but increasing the length of roots. This study showed the relevance of cytokinin, PAs and proteomic profiles on in vitro shoot development, as well as the auxin and cytokinin balance on ex vitro rooting in D. nigra.
Approximate solutions of the biochemical reaction kinetics model for methane production from anaerobic digestion process of cellulose using sigmoid-weighted neural networks
Authors: Fard Saeed Panahian , Pouramini Jafar , Hafshejani Akram Safari
Published: March 2022

Anaerobic digestion process is a spreading rapidly biotechnology for conversion of various organic wastes into bioenergy. This process can be modelled as a biochemical reaction kinetics. This approach is useful for analysis of the process. For this reason, efficient numerical methods are needed to solve this type of model. The main contribution of this study is to solve the biochemical reaction kinetics model for methane production from anaerobic digestion process of cellulose. This model provides a system of ordinary differential equations. For solving this system, a method is designed based on the universal approximation capability of a three layer feedforward sigmoidweighted neural networks with Adam optimization algorithm. This method is illustrated with numerical simulations. Moreover, the classical numerical methods such as Runge-Kutta method (RK45) and sigmoid neural networks are presented to show that all methods yield similar results.
Brief Overview of Dietary Intake, Gut Microbiota, Metabolic Markers and Research Opportunities in Sample of Egyptian Women
Authors: Hassan Nayera Elmorsi , Shebini Salwa M. El , El-Masry Sahar A , Ahmed Nihad H. , Kamal Ayat N. , Ismail Ahmed , Alian Khadija M , Mostafa Mohammed I , Selim Mohamed , Afify Mahmoud A.S.
Published: March 2022

Back ground: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a phenotype caused by interaction of host intrinsic factors such as genetics and gut microbiome, and extrinsic factors such as diet and lifestyle. Aim: To demonstrate the interplay of intestinal microbiota with obesity, MetS markers and some dietary ingredients among sample of Egyptian women. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 115 Egyptian women; 82 obese (59 without MetS and 23 with MetS) and 33 normal weight ones. Anthropometric assessment, 24 hours dietary recall, laboratory evaluation of liver enzymes (AST and ALT), leptin, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting blood glucose (FBS), insulin and lipid profile, in addition to fecal microbiota analysis were done. Results: The obese women with MetS had the highest significant values of anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and consumed diet high in calories, protein, fat and carbohydrate, low in fiber and micronutrients. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes was the abundant bacteria among different gut microbiota, with low Firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes Ratio, and insignificant differences between the 3groups. Firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes Ratio significantly correlated positively with total cholesterol and LDL-C and negatively with SCFA. Conclusion: The dietary factor, dysbiosis and the metabolic product short chain fatty acids have been implicated in causing metabolic defects.
Maternal Knowledge and Breastfeeding Practices in Infants
Authors: Cardoso Isabella Barreto , Azevedo Luana Rebeca do Nascimento , Antunes Tainá , Santos Aline Beltrame dos , Masquio Deborah Cristina Landi
Published: March 2022

The study aimed to investigate maternal knowledge and breastfeeding practices in infants. This was a cross-sectional study, which involved 41 mothers of infants up to 2 years of age, users of one school, in the city of São Paulo. A questionnaire with closed questions was applied, containing: sociodemographic data, infant data, information on the practice of breastfeeding, maternal knowledge and previous guidance received on breastfeeding. Most of the mothers interviewed were between 30 and 39 years old, are married and have an extra-domestic occupation. It was noted that 100% of infants received breast milk for some period, 53.7% received infant formula and 12% had already received cow's milk. About 65.8% of mothers received previous guidance on breastfeeding. Most of the interviewees knew the recommended time of exclusive breastfeeding and the total duration of breastfeeding. The main reasons reported for early weaning were low milk production and return to work. Most of the mothers interviewed were aware of the benefits, recommendations and practices of breastfeeding and, for the most part, practiced them. However, mothers also showed to believe in beliefs and taboos on the subject.
The Determinant Factors that Hinders Urban Planning Implementation in Nekemte Town: The Case of 2008 Structure Plan
Authors: Negeri Mulatu Dinsa , Guta Mulugeta Soruma , Erena Sitotew Haile
Published: March 2022

Urban structure plan is widely used plan in the process of urbanization and rapid urban spatial expansion. However, rapidly growing urban centers of Ethiopia are facing challenges to implement their structure plan within the time horizon. Thus, this study aims to investigate the determinant factors that hinder structure plan implementation in Nekemte town. Questionnaire survey, interview, observation and land use survey were used to collect data. Descriptive data analysis and regression model were used to analyze the data. The main findings of the study show that all identified factors: lack of active participation, lack commitment, political instability and lack of sufficient budget significantly contribute for the failure of structure plan implementation at P-value of 0.05. The regression analysis further indicated that, lack of community participation; − 0.0499 coefficients is the most determining factors and followed by customary land tenure and lack of awareness − 0.0489 and − 0.0468 coefficients respectively. Hence, future structure plan implementation endeavors of Nekemte city must be underpinned by inculcating Community participation and awareness of structure plan required to implement the plan to the expected level. Furthermore, use of modern technology like GIS and appropriate man power are also equally recommended to enhance structure plan implementation of Nekemte city.