bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal and paternal psychological control and adolescents’ negative adjustment: A dyadic longitudinal study in three countries
Authors: Basili Emanuele , Zuffianò Antonio , Pastorelli Concetta , Thartori Eriona , Lunetti Carolina , Favini Ainzara , Cirimele Flavia , Di Giunta Laura , Gerbino Maria , Bacchini Dario , Uribe Tirado Liliana Maria , Lansford Jennifer E.
Published: May 2021

Psychological Control (PC) interferes with autonomy-related processes in adolescence and has a negative impact on adolescents’ development related to internalizing and externalizing problems. Several scholars suggested that PC can be used differently by mothers and fathers. However, these differences are still understudied and mainly grounded on maternal and/or adolescents’ perspectives, leading to potentially incomplete inferences on the effects of PC. The present study extends previous research on PC in two directions. First, we tested the dyadic and cumulative effects of maternal and paternal PC on adolescents’ antisocial behaviors and anxious-depressive symptoms. Secondly, we explored the cross-cultural generalizability of these associations in three countries: Italy, Colombia, and USA. Participants included 376 families with data from three consecutive years (T1, adolescents’ age = 13.70). Mothers’ and fathers’ reports of PC and youth’s reports of antisocial and internalizing behaviors were assessed. Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) we found that maternal PC predicted adolescents’ reported antisocial behaviors whereas paternal PC predicted lower anxious-depressed symptoms. Comparisons across countries evidenced the cross-cultural invariance of the longitudinal APIM across Italy, Colombia, and USA. The practical implications of these results are discussed.
Measuring attitudes towards biology major and non-major: Effect of students’ gender, group composition, and learning environment
Authors: Almasri Firas , Hewapathirana Gertrude I. , Ghaddar Fatme , Lee Nick , Ibrahim Bashar
Published: May 2021

This study examined the effect of collaborative learning (CL) versus traditional lecture-based learning (TL) pedagogies and gender group composition in effecting positive or negative attitudes of biology major and nonmajor men and women students. The experimental research method was administered in experimental and control groups to test the hypotheses. Students’ attitudes refer to their positive or negative feelings and inclinations to learn biology. A nine-factor attitude scale was administered in (1) single-gender nonmajor biology, (2) mixed-gender nonmajor biology, (3) single-gender major biology, and (4) mixed-gender biology major groups. Men (221) and women (219) were randomly assigned into single and mixed-gender classes without groups and single-gender groups (4M) or (4W) and mix-gender (2M+2W) groups. In CL nonmajor and major single-gender groups, women demonstrated significantly higher positive attitudes than men. In contrast, men’s attitudes were significantly improved in mixed-gender CL groups for major and nonmajor sections, and the effect size was larger in mix-gender classes. Women feel less anxious in single-gender groups but more anxious in mixed-gender groups. In mixed-gender groups, men’s self-efficacy, general interest, and motivation enhanced significantly; overall, men experienced greater satisfaction and triggered their desire to collaborate better, affecting all nine attitudinal factors. There was an interaction effect demonstrating the teaching pedagogy’s impact on improving students’ attitudes toward biology; students’ gender and gender-specific group composition have been the most influential factor for nonmajor students. These findings suggest that there is a need for developing gender-specific and context-specific learning pedagogies, and instructors carefully select gender grouping in teaching undergraduate science subjects.
Temporal discounting when outcomes are experienced in the moment: Validation of a novel paradigm and comparison with a classic hypothetical intertemporal choice task
Authors: Patt Virginie M. , Hunsberger Renee , Jones Dominoe A. , Keane Margaret M. , Verfaellie Mieke
Published: May 2021

When faced with intertemporal choices, people typically devalue rewards available in the future compared to rewards more immediately available, a phenomenon known as temporal discounting. Decisions involving intertemporal choices arise daily, with critical impact on health and financial wellbeing. Although many such decisions are “experiential” in that they involve delays and rewards that are experienced in real-time and can inform subsequent choices, most studies have focused on intertemporal choices with hypothetical outcomes (or outcomes delivered after all decisions are made). The present study focused on experiential intertemporal choices. First, a novel intertemporal choice task was developed and validated, using delays experienced in real time and artistic photographs as consumable perceptual rewards. Second, performance on the experiential task was compared to performance on a classic intertemporal choice task with hypothetical outcomes. Involvement of distinct processes across tasks was probed by examining differential relations to state and trait anxiety. A two-parameter logistic function framework was proposed to fit indifference point data. This approach accounts for individual variability not only in the delay at which an individual switches from choosing the delayed to more immediate option, but also in the slope of that switch. Fit results indicated that the experiential task elicited temporal discounting, with effective trade-off between delay and perceptual reward. Comparison with the hypothetical intertemporal choice task suggested distinct mechanisms: first, temporal discounting across the two tasks was not correlated; and second, state and trait anxiety both were associated with choice behavior in the experiential task, albeit in distinct ways, whereas neither was significantly associated with choice behavior in the hypothetical task. The engagement of different processes in the experiential compared to hypothetical task may align with neural evidence for the recruitment of the hippocampus in animal but not in classic human intertemporal choice studies.
Automatic segmentation of retinal layers in OCT images with intermediate age-related macular degeneration using U-Net and DexiNed
Authors: Sousa Jefferson Alves , Paiva Anselmo , Silva Aristófanes , Almeida João Dallyson , Braz Junior Geraldo , Diniz João Otávio , Figueredo Weslley Kelson , Gattass Marcelo
Published: May 2021

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that can cause visual impairment and affects the elderly over 50 years of age. AMD is characterized by the presence of drusen, which causes changes in the physiological structure of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the boundaries of the Bruch’s membrane layer (BM). Optical coherence tomography is one of the main exams for the detection and monitoring of AMD, which seeks changes through the evaluation of successive sectional cuts in the search for morphological changes caused by drusen. The use of CAD (Computer-Aided Detection) systems has contributed to increasing the chances of correct detection, assisting specialists in diagnosing and monitoring disease. Thus, the objective of this work is to present a method for the segmentation of the inner limiting membrane (ILM), retinal pigment epithelium, and Bruch’s membrane in OCT images of healthy and Intermediate AMD patients. The method uses two deep neural networks, U-Net and DexiNed to perform the segmentation. The results were promising, reaching an average absolute error of 0.49 pixel for ILM, 0.57 for RPE, and 0.66 for BM.
Characterizing and predicting person-specific, day-to-day, fluctuations in walking behavior
Authors: Chevance Guillaume , Baretta Dario , Heino Matti , Perski Olga , Olthof Merlijn , Klasnja Predrag , Hekler Eric , Godino Job
Published: May 2021

Despite the positive health effect of physical activity, one third of the world’s population is estimated to be insufficiently active. Prior research has mainly investigated physical activity on an aggregate level over short periods of time, e.g., during 3 to 7 days at baseline and a few months later, post-intervention. To develop effective interventions, we need a better understanding of the temporal dynamics of physical activity. We proposed here an approach to studying walking behavior at “high-resolution” and by capturing the idiographic and day-to-day changes in walking behavior. We analyzed daily step count among 151 young adults with overweight or obesity who had worn an accelerometer for an average of 226 days (~25,000 observations). We then used a recursive partitioning algorithm to characterize patterns of change, here sudden behavioral gains and losses, over the course of the study. These behavioral gains or losses were defined as a 30% increase or reduction in steps relative to each participants’ median level of steps lasting at least 7 days. After the identification of gains and losses, fluctuation intensity in steps from each participant’s individual time series was computed with a dynamic complexity algorithm to identify potential early warning signals of sudden gains or losses. Results revealed that walking behavior change exhibits discontinuous changes that can be described as sudden gains and losses. On average, participants experienced six sudden gains or losses over the study. We also observed a significant and positive association between critical fluctuations in walking behavior, a form of early warning signals, and the subsequent occurrence of sudden behavioral losses in the next days. Altogether, this study suggests that walking behavior could be well understood under a dynamic paradigm. Results also provide support for the development of “just-in-time adaptive” behavioral interventions based on the detection of early warning signals for sudden behavioral losses.
Effects of osmotic pressure on the irreversible electroporation in giant lipid vesicles
Authors: Sarkar Malay Kumar , Karal Mohammad Abu Sayem , Ahmed Marzuk , Ahamed Md. Kabir , Ahammed Shareef , Sharmin Sabrina , Shibly Sayed Ul Alam
Published: May 2021

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a nonthermal tumor/cell ablation technique in which a series of high-voltage short pulses are used. As a new approach, we aimed to investigate the rupture of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) using the IRE technique under different osmotic pressures (Π), and estimated the membrane tension due to Π. Two categories of GUVs were used in this study. One was prepared with a mixture of dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG), dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) and cholesterol (chol) for obtaining more biological relevance while other with a mixture of DOPG and DOPC, with specific molar ratios. We determined the rate constant (kp) of rupture of DOPG/DOPC/chol (46/39/15)-GUVs and DOPG/DOPC (40/60)-GUVs induced by constant electric tension (σc) under different Π. Theσcdependentkpvalues were fitted with a theoretical equation, and the corresponding membrane tension (σoseq) at swelling equilibrium under Π was estimated. The estimated membrane tension agreed well with the theoretical calculation within the experimental error. Interestingly, the values ofσoseqwere almost same for both types of synthesized GUVs under same osmotic pressure. We also examined the sucrose leakage, due to large osmotic pressure-induced pore formation, from the inside of DOPG/DOPC/chol(46/39/15)-GUVs. The estimated membrane tension due to large Π at which sucrose leaked out was very similar to the electric tension at which GUVs were ruptured without Π. We explained theσcand Π induced pore formation in the lipid membranes of GUVs.
Implementation of GeneXpert MTB/Rif proficiency testing program: A Case of the Uganda national tuberculosis reference laboratory/supranational reference laboratory
Authors: Kabugo Joel , Namutebi Joanita , Mujuni Dennis , Nsawotebba Andrew , Kasule George William , Musisi Kenneth , Kigozi Edgar , Nyombi Abdunoor , Lutaaya Pius , Kangave Fredrick , Joloba Moses L.
Published: May 2021

Background

Following the WHO’s endorsement of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay for tuberculosis diagnosis in 2010, Uganda’s ministry of health introduced the assay in its laboratory network in 2012. However, assessing the quality of the result produced from this technique is one of its major implementation challenges. To bridge this gap, the National tuberculosis reference laboratory (NTRL) introduced the GeneXpert MTB/RIF proficiency testing (PT) Scheme in 2015.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study on the GeneXpert PT scheme in Uganda was conducted between 2015 and 2018. Sets of panels each comprising four 1ml cryovial liquid samples were sent out to enrolled participants at preset testing periods. The laboratories’ testing accuracies were assessed by comparing their reported results to the expected and participants’ consensus results. Percentage scores were assigned and feedback reports were sent back to laboratories. Follow up of sites with unsatisfactory results was done through “on and off-site support”. Concurrently, standardization of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and practices to the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17043:2010 was pursued.

Results

Participants gradually increased during the program from 56 in the pilot study to 148 in Round 4 (2018). Continual participation of a particular laboratory yielded an odd of 2.5 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.22 to 4.34] times greater for achieving a score of above 80% with each new round it participated. The “on and off-site” support supervision documented improved performance of failing laboratories. Records of GeneXpert MTB/RIF PT were used to achieve accreditation to ISO 17043:2010 in 2018.

Conclusion

Continued participation in GeneXpert MTB/RIF PT improves testing accuracy of laboratories. Effective implementation of this scheme requires competent human resources, facility and equipment, functional quality management system, and adherence to ISO 17043:2010.
Association of maternal birth weight with the risk of low birth weight and small-for-gestational-age in offspring: A prospective single-center cohort study
Authors: Shibata Megumi , Ogawa Kohei , Kanazawa Seiji , Kawasaki Maki , Morisaki Naho , Mito Asako , Sago Haruhiko , Horikawa Reiko , Arata Naoko
Published: May 2021

Background

Although low birth weight in Japan has slightly increased over the past several decades, the association between maternal birth weight and pregnancy outcomes remains poorly understood.

Methods

In this hospital-based, prospective cohort study conducted at the National Center for Child Health and Development, we obtained information on pregnant women’s birth weight via their maternal and child health handbook. We analyzed 944 women born at term after dividing them into five categories according to their birth weight: <2500 g, 2500–2999 g, 3000–3499 g, 3500–3999 g, and ≥4000 g. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and trend analysis were used to elucidate the extent to which maternal birth weight was associated with small-for-gestational-age and low birth weight in offspring, as well as with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Results

Compared with women with a birth weight of 3000–3499 g, those born with a birth weight <2500 g had a significantly higher risk of low birth weight (adjusted odds ratio: 5.39, 95% confidence interval: 2.06–14.1) and small-for-gestational-age (adjusted odds ratio: 9.11, 95% confidence interval: 3.14–26.4) infants. No significant association was found between the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and preterm birth. A linear relationship was observed between the lower birth weight categories and a higher risk of low birth weight and small-for-gestational-age (p-values for trends: 0.009 and <0.001, respectively), but no linear relationship was observed for the risk of preterm birth and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (p-value for trends: 0.317 and 0.157, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that lower maternal birth weight is associated with small-for-gestational-age and low birth weight in offspring of women born at term.
Determinants of healthcare worker turnover in intensive care units: A micro-macro multilevel analysis
Authors: Daouda Oumou Salama , Hocine Mounia N. , Temime Laura
Published: May 2021

Background

High turnover among healthcare workers is an increasingly common phenomenon in hospitals worldwide, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). In addition to the serious financial consequences, this is a major concern for patient care (disrupted continuity of care, decreased quality and safety of care, increased rates of medication errors, …).

Objective

The goal of this article was to understand how the ICU-level nurse turnover rate may be explained from multiple covariates at individual and ICU-level, using data from 526 French registered and auxiliary nurses (RANs).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in ICUs of Paris-area hospitals in 2013. First, we developed a small extension of a multi-level modeling method proposed in 2007 by Croon and van Veldhoven and validated its properties using a comprehensive simulation study. Second, we applied this approach to explain RAN turnover in French ICUs.

Results

Based on the simulation study, the approach we proposed allows to estimate the regression coefficients with a relative bias below 7% for group-level factors and below 12% for individual-level factors. In our data, the mean observed RAN turnover rate was 0.19 per year (SD = 0.09). Based on our results, social support from colleagues and supervisors as well as long durations of experience in the profession were negatively associated with turnover. Conversely, number of children and impossibility to skip a break due to workload were significantly associated with higher rates of turnover. At ICU-level, number of beds, presence of intermediate care beds (continuous care unit) in the ICU and staff-to-patient ratio emerged as significant predictors.

Conclusions

The findings of this research may help decision makers within hospitals by highlighting major determinants of turnover among RANs. In addition, the new approach proposed here could prove useful to researchers faced with similar micro-macro data.
Esophageal fistula after definitive concurrent chemotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pao Tzu-Hui , Chen Ying-Yuan , Chang Wei-Lun , Chang Jeffrey Shu-Ming , Chiang Nai-Jung , Lin Chia-Ying , Lai Wu-Wei , Tseng Yau-Lin , Yen Yi-Ting , Chung Ta-Jung , Lin Forn-Chia
Published: May 2021

Background

The literature regarding esophageal fistula after definitive concurrent chemotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains lacking. We aimed to investigate the risk factors of esophageal fistula among ESCC patients undergoing definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) via IMRT technique.

Methods

A total of 129 consecutive ESCC patients receiving definitive CCRT with IMRT between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed. The cumulative incidence of esophageal fistula and survival of patients were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared between groups by the log-rank test. The risk factors of esophageal fistula were determined with multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

Median follow-up was 14.9 months (IQR, 7.0–28.8). Esophageal perforation was identified in 20 (15.5%) patients, resulting in esophago-pleural fistula in nine, esophago-tracheal fistula in seven, broncho-esophageal fistula in two, and aorto-esophageal fistula in two patients. The median interval from IMRT to the occurrence of esophageal fistula was 4.4 months (IQR, 3.3–10.1). Patients with esophageal fistula had an inferior median overall survival (10.0 vs. 17.2 months, p = 0.0096). T4 (HR, 3.776; 95% CI, 1.383–10.308; p = 0.010) and esophageal stenosis (HR, 2.601; 95% CI, 1.053–6.428; p = 0.038) at baseline were the independent risk factors for esophageal fistula. The cumulative incidence of esophageal fistula was higher in patients with T4 (p = 0.018) and pre-treatment esophageal stenosis (p = 0.045). There was a trend toward better survival after esophageal fistula among patients receiving repair or stenting for the fistula than those only undergoing conservative treatments (median survival, 5.9 vs. 0.9 months, p = 0.058).

Conclusions

T4 and esophageal stenosis at baseline independently increased the risk of esophageal fistula in ESCC treated by definitive CCRT with IMRT. There existed a trend toward improved survival after the fistula among patients receiving repair or stenting for esophageal perforation.
Is there a role for neuregulin 4 in human nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?
Authors: De Munck Toon J. I. , Boesch Markus , Verhaegh Pauline , Masclee Ad A. M. , Jonkers Daisy , van Pelt Jos F. , du Plessis Johannie , Korf Hannelie , Nevens Frederik , Koek Ger H. , Van der Merwe Schalk , Verbeek Jef
Published: May 2021

Background

Neuregulin 4 (Nrg4), a novel adipokine enriched in brown adipose tissue has been observed to negatively regulate de novo hepatic lipogenesis and limit nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rodents. However, the role of Nrg4 in human NAFLD remains unclear to date. We analysed Nrg4 plasma levels and its association with liver disease severity together with the transcriptional profile of the Nrg4 pathway in liver and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of NAFLD patients.

Methods

Plasma Nrg4 levels were measured in 65 NAFLD patients and 43 healthy controls (HC). Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were diagnosed and quantified with chemical shift MRI and transient elastography respectively. Furthermore, blood lipid levels, HOMA-IR and systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ) were analysed. Microarray analyses to assess differences in the Nrg4 and its receptor family ErbB pathway in liver and VAT from an independent patient group with biopsy proven NAFL (simple steatosis) (n = 4), NASH (n = 5) and normal liver (n = 6) were performed.

Results

Plasma Nrg4 levels were not significantly different between NAFLD patients and HC (p = 0.622). Furthermore, plasma Nrg4 levels did not correlate with the hepatic fat fraction (r = -0.028, p = 0.829) and were not significantly different between NAFLD patients with or without hepatic fibrosis (p = 0.087). Finally, the expression profile of 82 genes related to the Nrg4-ErbB pathway in liver and VAT was not significantly different between NAFL, NASH or obese controls.

Conclusion

Our study does not support a role for Nrg4 in the pathophysiology of human NAFLD.
Dissecting contact tracing apps in the Android platform
Authors: Kouliaridis Vasileios , Kambourakis Georgios , Chatzoglou Efstratios , Geneiatakis Dimitrios , Wang Hua
Published: May 2021

Contact tracing has historically been used to retard the spread of infectious diseases, but if it is exercised by hand in large-scale, it is known to be a resource-intensive and quite deficient process. Nowadays, digital contact tracing has promptly emerged as an indispensable asset in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The work at hand offers a meticulous study of all the official Android contact tracing apps deployed hitherto by European countries. Each app is closely scrutinized both statically and dynamically by means of dynamic instrumentation. Depending on the level of examination, static analysis results are grouped in two axes. The first encompasses permissions, API calls, and possible connections to external URLs, while the second concentrates on potential security weaknesses and vulnerabilities, including the use of trackers, in-depth manifest analysis, shared software analysis, and taint analysis. Dynamic analysis on the other hand collects data pertaining to Java classes and network traffic. The results demonstrate that while overall these apps are well-engineered, they are not free of weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and misconfigurations that may ultimately put the user security and privacy at risk.
STING regulates metabolic reprogramming in macrophages via HIF-1α during Brucella infection
Authors: Gomes Marco Tulio R. , Guimarães Erika S. , Marinho Fabio V. , Macedo Isabella , Aguiar Eric R. G. R. , Barber Glen N. , Moraes-Vieira Pedro M. M. , Alves-Filho José Carlos , Oliveira Sergio C.
Published: May 2021

Macrophages metabolic reprogramming in response to microbial insults is a major determinant of pathogen growth or containment. Here, we reveal a distinct mechanism by which stimulator of interferon genes (STING), a cytosolic sensor that regulates innate immune responses, contributes to an inflammatory M1-like macrophage profile upon Brucella abortus infection. This metabolic reprogramming is induced by STING-dependent stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), a global regulator of cellular metabolism and innate immune cell functions. HIF-1α stabilization reduces oxidative phosphorylation and increases glycolysis during infection with B. abortus and, likewise, enhances nitric oxide production, inflammasome activation and IL-1β release in infected macrophages. Furthermore, the induction of this inflammatory profile participates in the control of bacterial replication since absence of HIF-1α renders mice more susceptible to B. abortus infection. Mechanistically, activation of STING by B. abortus infection drives the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) that ultimately influences HIF-1α stabilization. Moreover, STING increases the intracellular succinate concentration in infected macrophages, and succinate pretreatment induces HIF-1α stabilization and IL-1β release independently of its cognate receptor GPR91. Collectively, these data demonstrate a pivotal mechanism in the immunometabolic regulation of macrophages during B. abortus infection that is orchestrated by STING via HIF-1α pathway and highlight the metabolic reprogramming of macrophages as a potential treatment strategy for bacterial infections.
Evaluation of Rural Tourism in Berettyóújfalu District
Authors: Godáné Sőrés Anett , Kovács Éva Katalin , Szabó Bernadett , Vargáné Csobán Katalin
Published: May 2021

Tourism and – in the countryside – rural tourism can fulfill an essential role in the economy and in rural development. The strengthening and diversification of the economic base of the countryside cannot be viewed as sufficient on its own; there can be a need for the development of the activities which use local means with the diversification and variegation of those activities. The implementation of diversification, production, processing, and marketing of folk-like goods, linking agriculture to tourism can contribute to the economy and to the increase of the region-carrying power of the given population. In our study, we examined the tourism of the district of Berettyóújfalu. We found out that the possibilities for tourism in the district of Berettyóújfalu are less known and the seasonal fluctuation connecting to programs means a particular problem. Helping the information flow, organizing and popularization of traditional and rural-like programs, tasting of local foods and creating program packages can result in a more balanced season and can provide a more reliable source of income for the hosts of the rural district
The effect of different fertilizer treaments on the yield and quality of winter wheat
Authors: Jakab Péter , Festő Dávid , Zoltán Gábor , Komarek Levente
Published: May 2021

The effect of fertilization on the yield and quality of winter wheat was studied on meadow soil in 2015-2016 years in Hódmezővásárhely. The experiment was set up on the area of SZTE Tangazdaság Ltd, in three replications. The preceding crop was alfalfa. Four fertilizer steps were applied besides the control: N80PK30, N100PK30, N120PK0, N120PK30 kg/ha active ingredients. The year 2015-2016 was favourable for winter wheat production. The amount of precipitation in the vegetative period of winter wheat was higher by 92.8 mm than the average. We processed the obtained data by single factor variant analysis. In control treatment the yield was 5.70 t/ha. We obtained the maximum yield 7.37 t/ha in N80PK30 kg/ha fertilizer treatment. The yield difference between the two treatments was statistically justified. The nutrient doses higher than N80PK30 did not increase the yield of wheat. The examined quality parameters (gluten content, crude protein content, Zeleny number) reached the highest value in N80PK30 treatment. Our scientific results proved, that in the case of good preceding crop we can reduced the amount of fertilizer, which is important in environmentally and economical point of you.
Severe Erosive Esophagitis Secondary to Gastric Outlet Obstruction Related to Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Authors: Braun David S. , Bushe Bryce , Lytvak Irina , Kedia Prashant
Published: May 2021

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare clinical condition characterized by a mucin-producing tumor. PMP tumor cells migrate to abdominal and pelvic sites, eventually enveloping intra-abdominal organs and compressing the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with PMP are often asymptomatic in early stages of the disease, but in later stages develop symptoms including abdominal pain, acute abdomen, increased abdominal girth, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. Nonspecific symptoms combined with a relatively modest accuracy of imaging modalities frequently lead to delay in PMP diagnosis and treatment, thereby increasing morbidity. We present a case demonstrating severe erosive esophagitis as a result of PMP-associated gastric antrum compression.
Management of a Gastrobronchial Fistula Presenting 5 Years After a One-Loop Gastric Bypass
Authors: Saber Toufic , Backi Saleem Abdel , Aoun Charbel , Ghabi Elie , El Rassi Ziad
Published: May 2021

Anastomotic leaks and gastric fistulas are recognized complications after sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. They are, however, almost unheard of following a one-anastomosis gastric bypass. A gastrobronchial fistula, an exceedingly rare complication after bariatric surgery, has to date never been described following a one-anastomosis gastric bypass. Furthermore, there is no consensus regarding the management of this challenging complication. In our case, we present a patient who was discovered to have a gastrobronchial fistula 5 years after a one anastomosis gastric bypass. After 2 failed attempts at endoscopic stent placement, the patient was successfully managed with a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy over the fistula.
A Case Series of Extrapulmonary Mycobacterium in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Lamm Kevin , Jacobs Carl , Russo Mark W.
Published: May 2021

Liver transplant recipients are at increased risk of infection because of the immunosuppression required after transplantation. Infection by Mycobacterium species increases the morbidity and mortality of liver transplant recipients. The prompt recognition and diagnosis of opportunistic infection is necessary for good outcomes, particularly during periods of increased immunosuppression. The balance of immunosuppressive therapies during prolonged treatment with hepatotoxic medications has not been well studied and should be tailored for the unique clinical setting of each patient. The goal of treatment in these patients is to eradicate the disease and preserve allograft function.
Endoscopic Ultrasound–Directed Transgastric Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for Removal of Cystic Duct Coils: A Novel Application of an Emerging Technique
Authors: Parvataneni Swetha , Kumar Vikas S. , Khan Yakub I. , Deivert Duane E. , Obuch Joshua , Khara Harshit S.
Published: May 2021

The altered anatomy of patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery creates technical challenges for endoscopic and surgical treatment of gallstones. We present a unique case of a post-RYGB patient with complicated gallbladder surgery requiring coiling and embolization of the cystic duct for bile leak. The cystic duct coils migrated out into the bile duct forming a nidus for infection and biliary obstruction, which was resolved using the novel endoscopic ultrasound–directed transgastric routine endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography technique, with successful transpapillary removal of cystic duct coils in RYGB anatomy.
Systemic Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis Involving the Large Intestine
Authors: Swaminathan Renugadevi , Igbinedion Samuel , Pandit Sudha
Published: May 2021

Amyloidosis is characterized by extracellular tissue deposition of fibrils resulting in disruption of tissue structure and function. Gastrointestinal amyloidosis commonly results from chronic inflammatory disorders (amyloid A amyloidosis) and is less commonly seen in immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis. We present a rare case of a 50-year-old man with a history of immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis who presented with abdominal pain, blood in stool, diarrhea, and weight loss. Colonoscopy and biopsies revealed amyloid deposits in the colon. The patient subsequently was referred to colorectal surgery for evaluation of total colectomy with further plans for chemotherapy and subsequent hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Dropped Gallstone-Related Right Subhepatic and Parietal Wall Abscess: A Rare Complication After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Ray Sukanta , Kumar Dilip , Garai Dibyendu , Khamrui Sujan
Published: May 2021

Gallbladder perforation and stone spillage is a common intraoperative problem during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Most of these stones are retrieved intraoperatively. The incidence of lost or unretrieved stones is approximately 2%, and very few patients may develop complication. Most common complication of dropped or spilled gallstones is abscess, particularly around the abdominal wall port sites and in the perihepatic space. We report a case of dropped stone-related right subhepatic and parietal wall abscess 39 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient was treated successfully by operative drainage of the abscess along with complete removal of stones. The patient was asymptomatic at 6-month follow-up.
Hepatitis-Induced Porphyria: Are Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents the Way of the Future?
Authors: John Jason J. , Sterling Richard K.
Published: May 2021

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common porphyria and has a strong association with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and iron overload. Previous HCV treatment regimens, including interferon with or without ribavirin, may precipitate PCT relapse. Few case reports have shown that newer oral therapies, such as direct-acting antiviral agents, can successfully treat PCT parallel with HCV treatment. We present a case of a patient with non–iron-associated mixed porphyria that dramatically improved with direct-acting antiviral agent therapy for his HCV supporting the association of porphyria with chronic HCV.
Hepatitis B Virus/Hepatitis D Virus–Coinfected Liver Transplant Candidate Receiving Hepatitis B Virus-Deoxyribonucleic Acid–Positive Allograft and Treated With High-Dose Hepatitis B Immune Globulin
Authors: Hammami Muhammad Baraa , Kohli Ruhail , Woreta Tinsay , Sulkowski Mark S. , Hamilton James P. , Toman Lindsey , Saberi Behnam , Laurin Jacqueline , Wang Jacqueline Garonzik , Philosophe Benjamin , Cameron Andrew M. , Gurakar Ahmet
Published: May 2021

Liver transplantation (LT) for patients with hepatitis D virus (HDV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection is uncommon in the United States. Previous case reports described poor outcomes when hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive grafts are transplanted in HBV/HDV-coinfected recipients. However, LT from an HBsAg-negative/HBV-deoxyribonucleic acid–positive donor in an HBV/HDV-coinfected recipient has not been reported. We describe the clinical course and management of an HBV/HDV-coinfected recipient who had LT from an HBsAg-negative/HBV-deoxyribonucleic acid–positive deceased donor and was treated with high-dose hepatitis B immune globulin in combination with an oral tenofovir alafenamide.
Discordant Pathological and Endoscopic Diagnosis: Consider Floaters
Authors: Sapp Abby R. , Wander Praneet , Ali Usman , Gong Yulan , Milano Reza V. , Bartel Michael J.
Published: May 2021

A tissue floater or extraneous cross-contamination tissue on a microscopic slide is rare; however, it is a potential cause of diagnostic error. Occasionally, on collecting and processing of specimens, cross-contamination of tissue occurs leading to pathologic findings that are inconsistent with endoscopic findings. If the extraneous tissue is neoplastic, it can lead to a false-positive diagnosis. We present a case of discordant pathological and endoscopic diagnosis of invasive squamous carcinoma of the esophagus.
Risk Stratification Score Improves Sensitivity for Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia in Colorectal Cancer Screening: The Oshima Study Workgroup
Authors: Sekiguchi Masau , Kakugawa Yasuo , Ikematsu Hiroaki , Hotta Kinichi , Konda Kenichi , Tanaka Yusaku , Takamaru Hiroyuki , Yamada Masayoshi , Sakamoto Taku , Saito Yutaka , Imai Kenichiro , Ito Sayo , Koga Yoshikatsu , Iwasaki Motoki , Murakami Yoshitaka , Matsuda Takahisa
Published: May 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Noninvasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening methods with higher sensitivity for advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) than the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) alone are warranted. This study aimed to elucidate the diagnostic performance of a risk stratification score calculated using baseline individual characteristics and its combination with FIT for detecting ACN.

METHODS:

This cross-sectional analysis of data from a prospective cohort in Izu Oshima, Japan, included asymptomatic individuals age 40–79 years who underwent both 2-day quantitative FIT and screening colonoscopy. The 8-point risk score, calculated based on age, sex, CRC family history, body mass index, and smoking history, was assessed. Colonoscopy results were used as reference.

RESULTS:

Overall, 1,191 individuals were included, and 112 had ACN. The sensitivity and specificity of the 1-/2-day FIT (cutoff: 50–200 ng Hb/mL) for ACN were 17.9%–33.9% (4.9%–22.0% for right-sided ACN) and 91.8%–97.6%, respectively. The risk score's c-statistic for ACN was 0.66, and combining the score (cutoff: 5 points) with 1-/2-day FIT (cutoff: 50–200 ng Hb/mL) yielded a sensitivity and specificity for ACN of 46.4%–56.3% (43.9%–48.8% for right-sided ACN) and 76.6%–80.8%, respectively. The specificity of the risk score and FIT combination for all adenomatous lesions was 82.4%–86.4%.

DISCUSSION:

The 8-point risk score remarkably increased the sensitivity for ACN, particularly for right-sided ACN. Although the specificity decreased, it was still maintained at a relatively high level. The risk score and FIT combination has the potential to become a viable noninvasive CRC screening option.
Oral Proton Pump Inhibitors May Be as Effective as Intravenous in Peptic Ulcer Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Csiki Endre , Szabó Hanna , Hanák Lilla , Szakács Zsolt , Kiss Szabolcs , Vörhendi Nóra , Pécsi Dániel , Hegyi Eszter , Hegyi Péter , Erőss Bálint
Published: May 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Current guidelines recommend intravenous (IV) proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB). We aimed to compare the efficacy of oral and IV administration of PPIs in PUB.

METHODS:

We performed a systematic search in 4 databases for randomized controlled trials, which compared the outcomes of oral PPI therapy with IV PPI therapy for PUB. The primary outcomes were 30-day recurrent bleeding and 30-day mortality. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes, while weighted mean differences (WMDs) with CI were calculated for continuous outcomes in meta-analysis. The protocol was registered a priori onto PROSPERO (CRD42020155852).

RESULTS:

A total of 14 randomized controlled trials reported 1,951 peptic ulcer patients, 977 and 974 of which were in the control and intervention groups, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between oral and IV administration regarding 30-day rebleeding rate (OR = 0.96, CI: 0.65–1.44); 30-day mortality (OR = 0.70, CI: 0.35–1.40); length of hospital stay (WMD = −0.25, CI: −0.93 to –0.42); transfusion requirements (WMD = −0.09, CI: −0.07 to 0.24); need for surgery (OR = 0.91, CI: 0.40–2.07); further endoscopic therapy (OR = 1.04, CI: 0.56–1.93); and need for re-endoscopy (OR = 0.81, CI: 0.52–1.28). Heterogeneity was negligible in all analysis, except for the analysis on the length of hospitalization (I2 = 82.3%, P = 0.001).

DISCUSSION:

Recent evidence suggests that the oral administration of PPI is not inferior to the IV PPI treatment in PUB after endoscopic management, but further studies are warranted.
Molecular identification of microbial contaminations in the fitness center in Makkah region
Authors: Turkstani Mustafa Abdalhalim , Sultan Rania Mohammed Sabir , Al-Hindi Rashad Rizk , Ahmed Mohamed Morsi Mohamed
Published: May 2021

As the condition increases and seeks to remain healthy, the number of people who plan to join a fitness center or "gym" has increased markedly. From where this individual does understand, the study of the variety of bacteria showing the stolen has led him to care for people, with a popular fitness center located in the province of Makka, Saudi Arabia. Different bacteria must be eliminated from other gyms in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in a total of three areas 46 two sports equipment. Both types and characteristics of bacteria, while some have been tested in hemolytic surgery for antibiotic resistance. Corynebacterium antibiotics in different forms did not react the same; however, isolates tested for M17 and N12 showed the greatest resistance to antibiotics. Furthermore, sixteen bacterial strains of human blood β-agar displayed high hemolytic activity. In the gym isolates 2 (9 strains) followed in gym 1 (7 modes), B row hemolytic activity was highest. It is important to note that gram-positive bacteria were positive in all kinds of ways, and catalase was positive. Six strains belonging to the genus Bacillus, Brachybacterium, Geobacillus, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, and Staphylococcus and other pathogenic bacteria were known as possible individuals to use the morphological, biochemical, and rRNA gene of the 16S series. In general, this research illustrates the health and fitness centers in the individual being studied and the risks that are considered necessary to periodically study possible microbial contamination in the mixture in the gym to ensure people's protection.
Process optimization for enhanced production of cellulases form locally isolated fungal strain by submerged fermentation
Authors: Abdullah Roheena , Akhtar Ammara , Nisar Kinza , Kaleem Afshan , Iqtedar Mehwish , Iftikhar Tehreema , Saleem Faiza , Aslam Farheen
Published: May 2021

Cellulase has myriad applications in various sectors like pharmaceuticals, textile, detergents, animal feed and bioethanol production, etc. The current study focuses on the isolation, screening and optimization of fungal strain through one factor at a time technique for enhanced cellulase production.  In current study sixteen different fungal cultures were isolated and the culture which quantitatively exhibits higher titers of cellulase activity was identified both morphologically and molecularly by 18S rDNA and designated as Aspergillus niger ABT11. Different parameters like fermentation medium, volume, temperature, pH and nutritional components were optimized. The highest CMCase and FPase activities  was achieved in 100ml of M5 medium in the presence of 1% lactose and sodium nitrate at 30 oC, pH5 after 72 hours. The result revealed A. niger can be a potential candidate for scale up studies.
Association between TSH status and prevalence of miscarriages and stillbirth
Authors: Kaleem Afshan , Javed Rabail , Khalil Kashmala , Iqtedar Mehwish , Abdullah Roheena , Riaz  Lubna , Ahmad Nadeem , Aslam Farheen
Published: May 2021

Thyroid hormones play a significant role in normal human body growth. Abnormalities in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels can result in pregnancy loss due to miscarriages and intrauterine death (IUD). The objective of the study was to assess the levels of association of thyroid stimulating hormone with miscarriages and IUD. The descriptive study involving 110 samples between 18-40 years of age fulfilling inclusion criteria were sampled for TSH testing (2ml blood) after attaining their written informed consent. The mean age of participants was 29.49±4.26 year. The prevalence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism was 3.64% and 2.73%, respectively. Complications like gestational hypertension, depression and oligomenorrhea were found prevalent in these females. Majority of females were taking high/low iodine than recommended iodine level (150mcg). This work shows that there is a significant association between pregnancy loss and disturbed TSH levels among pregnant females.
La vigencia del contrato psicológico: Aproximaciones teóricas y empíricas desde las Américas
Authors: Vesga R. Juan Javier , Chiuzi Rafael , Díaz-Juarbe Roberto O. , Guedes Gondim Sônia Maria , Rios Mino Correia , García-Rubiano Mónica , Forero-Aponte Carlos , Martínez-Mejía Emmanuel , Ascencio Cabrera Erika Mariana , Aponte-Restrepo Estefanía , González-Herrera Álvaro Giovanni
Published: May 2021

The continuous changes that characterize the world of work and labor relations today change in various ways the perceptions, expectations and beliefs of workers and employers regarding the content and fulfillment of their commercial relations. Thus, these perceptions, expectations and beliefs configure psychological contracts which define the framework of the interactions between individuals and organizational agents and influence their attitudes, behaviors and decisions as well. That’s why the psychological contract constitutes a fundamental element for understanding the psychosocial processes involved in labor relations. This book aims to offer an overview of the diversity that characterizes the conceptual reflection and research on the psychological contract carried out from various countries in the Americas. Researchers from Colombia, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Brazil, Canada and Spain present a set of theoretical and empirical works that seek to deepen the understanding of employee-organization relations in the multiple labor contexts of their countries. Summarizing, this book offers for the first time a broad, though not exhaustive, overview of psychological contract research in a selection of Spanish, English, and Portuguese-speaking American countries in the south, center, and north of the continent, also represents a valuable contribution to research in organizational and work psychology in those contexts.
Flow and Yield Characteristics of Yield Stress Fluids Using Hysteresis Loop Test Below Slip Yield Point
Authors: Sato Yasunori , Sugihara Yukinobu , Takahashi Tsutomu
Published: May 2021

The flow characteristics of angel O/W emulsion, which is a yield stress fluid, was investigated. The hysteresis loop test was conducted for the strain below the slip yield point, and the single relaxation Maxwell model was used to fit the experimental data. Using these methods, the shear-rate dependence, stress dependence, and time dependence of the viscoelastic properties of the sample were evaluated in the region below the slip yield point. The shear-rate dependence induced by the stress-ramp rate and the stress dependence from the maximum applied stress influence the viscoelastic characteristics below the slip yield point in terms of the flow history. However, the time dependence of the viscoelastic characteristics could not be confirmed for any creep time. The yield stress measured in the stress-ramp test increases with the stress-ramp rate owing to the contribution of the viscous strain from the flow history.