bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large hydatid cyst in the cardiac interventricular septum: A rare case report and literature review
Authors: Gao Lin , Zhang Yixiu , Yang Xiao , Yuzhen Nima , Yangji Basang , Zhang Peng , Cuomu Yixi , Yangzong Ciren
Published: January 2024

Hydatid disease is a parasitic disease with a high incidence in pastoral
areas in Tibet. The heart is an uncommon location of echinococcosis and
involvement of the interventricular septum is even rarer. This disease
can remain asymptomatic for a long time, but may result in cardiac
tamponade and sudden death. We report a 55-year-old woman who was
diagnosed with a giant cardiac hydatid cyst involving the
interventricular septum associated with complete right bundle branch
block. However, owing to insufficient treatment, spontaneous rupture of
the cardiac hydatid cyst occurred 6 months after diagnosis, which caused
sudden death of the patient.
LUNG ULTRASOUND: AN EFFICIENT AND ACCURATE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IN CHILDHOOD PNEUMONIA. A META ANALYSIS.
Authors: lu xiaoxue , jin yangpin , Li Ying , Weng Liang , Li Hui
Published: January 2024

Background: Lung ultrasound (LUS) is widely employed in children and
neonates for diagnosing various thoracic conditions. Hence, and because
of the accumulation of information and awareness regarding radiation
exposure hazards of using chest x-ray with children, the LUS technique
was introduced and examined as a possible, useful, and safe tool instead
of using a chest radiograph. Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to
assess the diagnostic accuracy of Lung ultrasound in pneumonia-affected
pediatric patients. Methods: Literature search of published articles in
Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Journal of Web till
September 2020 were reviewed for the pre-described accuracy assessors.
Meta disc software was used for the analysis of the study. Results: Of
the 29 articles chosen, most of them were prospective studies. The
overall pooled sensitivity was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.81-0.84), and
specificity was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.81-0.86), depicting good diagnostic
performance. Conclusion: Lung ultrasound depicts an efficient diagnostic
accuracy in childhood pneumonia.
LUNG ULTRASONOGRAPHY DECREASES RADIATION EXPOSURE IN NEWBORNS WITH RESPIRATORY DISTRESS: A RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: Tandircioglu Umit Ayse , Yiğit Şule , Oguz Berna , Kayki Gozdem , Çelik Tolga , Yurdakok Murat
Published: January 2024

Background:Chest X-ray(CXR) is commonly used as a first line imaging
method to diagnose the reason of respiratory distress in NICUs.Lung
ultrasound is a new diagnostic tool for lung imaging.Objectives:We aimed
to determine the decrease in the number of CXRs on the first day of life
in newborns with respiratory distress,with the use of lung
ultrasonography.Methods:From January 2019 to June 2020,104 newborn
infants hospitalized in the NICU with respiratory distress on the first
day of life enrolled in this study(ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier
NCT04722016).We used ultrasound as the first line technique for lung
imaging.CXR was taken to determine endotracheal tube and umbilical
catheter position or if considered necessary by the physician in charge
of the infant.We calculated decreased number of CXR for every patient
and evaluated the estimated decrease in radiation exposure.Results:104
neonates with median 36 weeks(25-40)gestational age and birth weight
2410gr(600-4100) enrolled in the study.Seventy(67,3%)of these babies
were male.In the study group,24(23,1 %)patients were diagnosed with
respiratory distress syndrome(RDS),49(47,1 %) patients with transient
tachypnea of newborn(TTN),27(26 %) with pneumonia,4(3,8 %)with
congenital heart diseases.Lung ultrasonography were performed 210 times
for all infants,but CXRs were performed a total of only 107 times.CXR
wasnot taken in 27 of the patients with a diagnosis of TTN,in 2 of the
patients with a diagnosis of congenital pneumonia,and in one of the
patients with congenital heart disease.The rate of patients who have
never had a chest x-ray was 28,8%.Conclusions:We observed that usage of
lung ultrasonography decreased the number of chest X-ray and radiation
exposure in newborns with respiratory distress.
Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in preventing postpartum hemorrhage: systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Yao Qiang , Liu Dan , Xu Yifei , Zeng Linan , Zhang Lingli , Li Weimin
Published: January 2024

Background The use of tranexamic acid to prevent postpartum hemorrhage
has often been controversial. Objectives To evaluate evidence from
randomised controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of tranexamic
acid in preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Search Strategy PubMed, EMbase
and Cochrane Library, and Chinese database including CNKI, VIP and
WanFang were searched. Selection Criteria Randomized controlled trials
regarding tranexamic acid for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage
were included. Data collection and analysis Pooled relative risk was
determined as the effect analysis statistic for binary variables, while
pooled mean difference and standard mean difference was chosen for
continuous variables. Results Preventive use of tranexamic acid was
effective in reducing the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage in both
cesarean section and vaginal delivery patients (RR=0.58, 95%CI
0.52-0.66, P＜0.00001), as well as reducing the volume of intrapartum
blood loss ( -121.97, 95% CI-147.39, -96.55, P < 0.00001),
and the need for blood transfusion (RR=0.36,95%CI 0.24-0.53,P＜0.00001)
and additional medical measures to control bleeding (RR= 0.47, 95% CI
0.32-0.68, P <0.0001) following postpartum hemorrhage.
Concerning safety, the medication was not found to increase the
incidence of serious adverse reactions (RR=0.66, 95%CI 0.31-1.42,
P=0.29) or thrombotic events (RR=1.14, 95%CI 0.39-3.35, P=0.61), but
could increase the incidence of mild adverse reactions (RR = 1.55, 95%
CI 1.13-2.13, P = 0.007). Conclusion Preventive use of tranexamic acid
can reduce the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage in cesarean section
and vaginal delivery, without increasing the incidence of postpartum
thrombosis and other severe adverse events.
Sub-annular procedures for secondary mitral valve regurgitation.
Authors: Vite giuseppe , Guccione Francesco , Moscarelli Marco , Sampognaro Roberta , Salardino Massimo , Bacarella Daniela , Augugliaro Ettore , Fattouch Khalil
Published: January 2024

Restrictive mitral valve annuloplasty is the worldwide used technique to
treat secondary mitral valve regurgitation. This procedure is still
associated with high rate of recurrent mitral valve regurgitation at 1
year follow-up. In the last 2 decades, several investigators proposed
different surgical techniques to add to mitral valve annuloplasty to
improve the long-term repair results in secondary mitral valve
regurgitation. Papillary muscle (PPM) relocation technique aimed to
reduce the distance between the head of PPM and the mitral annulus to
relieve leaflets tethering and improve coaptation. Chordal cutting
procedure consist in cutting a limited number of basal chordae to
improve systolic leaflet motion and coaptation and reduce leaflets
tethering; eliminating secondary chordae in the anterior leaflet can
allow the leaflets to assume a more normal and less taut configuration,
with more effective coaptation at their free margin. Chordal cutting and
transfer procedure was proposed to maintain the continuity between the
mitral apparatus and the left ventricle. PPM sling or approximation
technique is performed using prolene suture reinforced with pleagets to
joint bot papillary muscles; this technique reduce the muscles
displacement and improve systolic coaptation. Several papers showed the
superiority of the adjunction subannular procedure up to isolated
restrictive annuloplasty in term of outcomes .
TLR7/8: a paradigm for the manipulation of immunologic reactions for immunotherapy
Authors: Li Shen , Song Jumin , Zhang Ke , Zhang Changle , Deng Guangwei
Published: January 2024

The innate immune system recognizes conserved features of viral and
microbial pathogens via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Toll-like
receptors (TLRs) are one type of PRRs used by the innate immune system
to mediate the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote
innate and adaptive immune responses. TLR family members TLR7 and TLR8
(refer as TLR7/8 subsequent) are endosomal transmembrane receptors that
recognize purine-rich single-stranded RNA and bacterial DNA and thereby
elicit an immunologic reaction to pathogens. TLR7/8 have been
demonstrated to mediate pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion by
activating immune cells. Accumulating evidence indicate that TLR7/8 are
closely related to numerous immune-mediated disorders, specifically
cancers, autoimmune diseases, and viral diseases. The TLR7/8 agonists
and antagonist used as drugs or adjuvants have been well identified in
preclinical studies and clinical trials as promising immunostimulators
for the immunotherapy of these immune-mediated disorders. These
achievements are a good reason for humans to open new doors for
exploring immunotherapy of immune-mediated disorders. Nevertheless, many
needs remain unmet, and their therapeutic effects are poor, and always
cause strong immune-related toxicities. In this mini review, we present
an overview of the TLR family members, particularly TLR7/8, and address
the underlying molecular mechanisms and clinical implications of TLR7/8
in immune-mediated disorders.
Existence and concentration of positive solutions for a class of Kirchhoff-type equations with steep potential well
Authors: Zhou Jian , Wu Yunshun
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we consider the existence and concentration of positive
solutions of the Kirchhoff-type problem \[
\left\{ \begin{array}
[c]{ll}%
-\left(a+b\int_{\mathbb{R}^3}|\nabla
u|^2dx\right)\Delta
u+\lambda V(x)u=f(x,u)\text{,} &
\text{in
}\mathbb{R}^{3}\text{,}\\
u>0~~~~\text{in
}\mathbb{R}^{3}~~~~u\in
H^1(\mathbb{R}^3)\text{,}%
\end{array} % \right.
\] where $a,b>0$ are constants,
$\lambda>0$ is a parameter. Under some
suitable assumptions on $V$ and $f$, the existence and concentration
of positive solutions is obtained by using variational methods.
Correlation of Acute Flank Pain with Number of Pregnancies and Hydronephrosis; An Observational Study
Authors: Böyük Abubekir , Özbek Mustafa Latif , Ilhan Rasit , Verep Samed , Onen Meryem Merve , Erdem Selcuk , Tevfik Tzevat
Published: January 2024

Aim: We aimed to investigate the correlation of acute flank pain
incidence with number of pregnancies and hydronephrosis. Material and
method: Forty-eight patients admitted with acute flank pain have been
included in this study. Patients with urinary tract infection, abnormal
urinalysis, kidney or ureteric stone have been excluded. Twenty-four
were nulliparous and the remaining pregnancies were multiparous. All
patients had urinary ultrasound (US) by the same radiologist. Visual
analogue scale (VAS) was used. All the patients had conservative
management firstly. same radiologist. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was
used when patients admitted to the hospital. All the patients had
intravenous fluid therapy as conservative management, paracetamol as
analgesic treatment and oral nitrofurantoin as antibiotherapy. Patients
who did not benefit from conservative treatment had ureteral JJ stent
placement. Results: Nulliparous pregnant were younger and had earlier
gestational weeks (25.1±3.7 – 28.7±3.8 p=0.004 and 22,9±3.7 – 26.3±4.0
p=0.005), but higher VAS scores. In the nulliparous pregnant women, a
significant, medium level positive correlation was found between the
degree of hydronephrosis and the VAS scores. It was observed that the
higher the hydronephrosis, the higher the VAS scores were. On the other
hand, in multiparous pregnant women, no correlation was detected between
the degree of hydronephrosis and the VAS scores. In comparison of two
groups in relation to BM, hydronephrosis degree, hydronephrosis side,
serum creatinine levels, type and side of pain, no significant
difference was identified. Forty-two percent of patients described a
colic pain. While 91.7% of the patients benefitted from conservative
treatment, 4 patients had JJ stent insertion. Conclusion: This study
demonstrates that there is a correlation between acute flank pain and
hydronephrosis and that the degree of hydronephrosis increases as the
pain intensifies, especially in the nulliparous, such correlation is
stronger. Keywords: Pregnancy, hydronephrosis, acute flank pain,
nulliparous, multiparous
Thermal Stability and Pathways of Four 3-Phenyl-2-propene Compounds Oxidation
Authors: Yu Chang , Liang Min , Dai Su , Cheng Hai , Ma Li , Lai Fang , Li Wei , Liu Xiong
Published: January 2024

It is a new attempt to investigate thermal stability and reactivity of
four 3-Phenyl-2-propene compounds by MCPVT. The temperature of initial
oxygen absorption (Ta) and rapid oxidation(TR) were calculated. Results
showed that four 3-Phenyl-2-propene compounds were stable under nitrogen
atmosphere. The Ta of cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, β-methylstyrene
and cinnamic acid were 271.25K, 292.375K, 323.125K, and 363.875K, and
the TR of cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, β-methylstyrene and cinnamic
acid were 301.125K, 332.75K, 357.91K, and 385.375K, respectively. The
oxidation reactivity order was derived: cinnamaldehyde >
cinnamyl alcohol > β-Methylstyrene > cinnamic
acid. The oxidation kinetics of four 3-Phenyl-2-propene compounds was
calculated, which showed a second-order reaction. Peroxide
concentrations of initial oxidation were determined by iodimetry, and
the oxidation products were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass
spectrometry (GC-MS). Results showed peroxides were generated. According
to the complex oxidation products, important insights into the pathways
of oxidation were provided.
Diagnostic Properties of RDC/TMD Criteria for TMJ Internal Derangement versus MRI Gold Standard.
Authors: Feng Li , Yang Zhao , Chen Shiyue , Wan Jianghua , Rastogi Sanjay , Choudhury Rupshikha
Published: January 2024

Objective: To correlate the clinical RDC/TMD findings with Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic aid in the internal derangement
of TMJ. Methods: The present study consists of a total sample size of 14
subjects clinically diagnosed with the internal derangement of TMJ.
According to the set criteria by Research Diagnostic Criteria for
Temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD), the subjects were subjected to
MRI after a thorough evaluation. The diagnostic findings were compared
with MRI. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the
specificity, sensitivity, and kappa coefficient. Results: Twenty-five
percent of sensitivity and fifty-seven percent of specificity were
observed for RDC/TMD diagnosis regarding MRI in the total sample. Kappa
value was found to be in the moderate range. Conclusion: The clinical
findings based on RDC/TMD alone were not sufficient for the diagnosis of
TMJ, and MRI’s internal derangement still a “golden standard” among
the other modalities.
Evaluation of Prognostic Factors Associated with Intensive Care Unit Mortality in Patients with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Hizarci Burcu , Sadri Sevil , Sargin Fatma Deniz , Oz Huseyin
Published: January 2024

Background: Although the outcome of patients admitted to ICUs have
considerably improved in recent years, HSCT continues to be
significantly associated with mortality. Purpose: The aim of the study
was to examine prognostic factors associated with ICU mortality after
HSCT. The Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE
II) was used as a prognostic scoring system. Methods: Within the scope
of the research, the clinical and laboratory data of 52 patients who
were admitted to the ICU after undergoing HSCT between 2013 and 2019
were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Mortality risk was found to be
4.22 times higher in patients who received MV within the first 24 hours
(p=0.047), 18.37 times higher in patients who received TPN support
(p=0.007), and 158.17 times higher in recipients of vasopressor drug
support compared to those who did not (p<0.001). It was found
that a one unit increase in GCS score decreased mortality risk by
0.58-fold (p=0.015). Additionally, a one unit increase in heart rate was
found to increase mortality risk 1.03-fold (p=0.010). Whereas, one-unit
increases in systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure
decreased the mortality risk by 0.91 and 0.92-fold, respectively
(p=0.001 and p=0.002). Mortality was not associated with APACHE II or
Graft-versus-host disease. Conclusion: Receiving MV, TPN or vasopressor
treatment, and having lower GCS, higher heart rate, lower systolic and
diastolic blood pressure were associated with an increase in the risk of
ICU mortality in HSCT recipients admitted to the ICU.
Separation Needs for Fermentative Biohydrogen Enrichment with Membranes: Insights from Process Simulation
Authors: He Xuezhong , Lei Linfeng , Dai Zhongde
Published: January 2024

Biohydrogen production from biomass dark fermentation provides a great
potential to achieve a green hydrogen economy. However, the purification
of fermentative biohydrogen requires advanced separation technologies.
This work focuses on the techno-economic feasibility analysis of
H2-selective carbon membrane systems for biohydrogen enrichment by
investigation of process operating parameters and membrane materials.
High vacuum operation is favorable to reduce the specific cost. While
the feed compression operation provides better separation performance,
and the minimum specific cost of $ 0.026/Nm3 was identified to achieve
the biohydrogen recovery of 90 % with a feed pressure of 6 bar. A
two-stage carbon membrane system is technically feasible to reach the
biohydrogen purity of >99.5 vol.% with the specific cost
of $ 0.06/Nm3, which is lower than pressure swing adsorption. Compared
to enhancing the membrane selectivity, improving hydrogen permeance by
developing submicrometer asymmetric carbon membranes is urgently needed
to increase its competitiveness for biohydrogen purification.
Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of circular plate Based on Nonlocal Elasticity Theory Using Variational Iteration Method
Authors: shishesaz mohammad , Shariati Mojtaba , SeyedRoknizadeh Seyed Alireza , Bakhshi Mohammad A. , Hosseini Mohammad
Published: January 2024

In this study, the nonlinear free vibration of a circular plate
considering small scale effects has been investigated by using the
nonlocal elasticity theory for a first time. To take into account the
nonlinear geometric effects, the nonlinear model of von Karman strain
has been used while the governing differential equation was extracted
according to Hamilton principle. The Galerkin weighted residual method
in conjunction with the variational iteration method (VIM) was
introduced to solve the governing equations for simply supported and
clamped edge boundary conditions. For further comparison, the nonlinear
equation was solved using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. Very good
agreements were observed between the results of both methods, while the
former method made the solution much easier. Additionally, it was
observed that the ratio of thickness to radius, h/R, plays an important
role on the nonlinear frequencies. This effect appears to be minute if
the local elasticity theory is adopted. However, results indicated that
the nonlocal effect may be ignored provided h/R ratio is very small.
Dynamics of melting heat transfer in thermally developed and chemically reactive flow of Eyring- Powell liquid through a curved channel
Authors: Naveed Muhammad , Imran Muhammad , Akhtar Shehraz , Ullah Sami
Published: January 2024

This article considers the consequences of melting heat transfer and
chemical reactions, namely the homogeneous and heterogeneous in Eyring-
Powell liquid flow via a semi-permeable curved channel in presence of
applied magnetic field. The characteristics of heat transport phenomena
are also inspected by the application of thermal radiation. By adding
the scheme of curvilinear coordinates and some appropriate similarity
conversions nonlinear ordinary differential equations is acquired. The
numerical simulation of the determined flow equations is estimated by
using the shooting procedure. The influence of multiple factors on the
flow equations, surface drag force and rate of heat transport are
thoroughly discussed via graphs and table. It is noted from current
study that surface drag force and concentration of the liquid are rises
with a rising values of the melting parameter, while fluid velocity and
its temperature decreases.
Morphological assessments about root apex of permanent mandibular first and second premolars in a Turkish population
Authors: Babayeva Fidan , ORHAN Ekim Onur , Irmak Özgür
Published: January 2024

Aims (I) To assess apical morphological data of mandibular first and
second premolars in a Turkish population at a young-adult age range (II)
to analyze potential correlations between the size and position of the
foramina. Materials and Methods Extracted sound teeth with varied
reasons were collected from an adult volunteer population as willing to
donate. The mean age of volunteers was 25.4±4.6. Morphological data were
obtained from specimens using a stereomicroscope integrated with the
software. The number, size, shape, and position of apical foramina and
frequency of accessory foramina were quantified. Mann-Whitney U and
Spearman’s rank correlation tests were performed (α=0.05). Results A
total of 237 teeth were investigated. The majority of the specimens had
one major apical foramen. The frequency of major apical foramina was
between 1–3 for both groups. The median (Q1-Q3) apical foramina size in
mandibular first and second premolars were 55,180µm2 (39,119-85,639µm2)
and 67,483µm2 (43,757-98,410µm2), respectively. The majority of foramina
shape was irregular (38.2%) for the mandibular first premolars whereas,
was oval (35.3%) for the second premolars. The median (Q1-Q3) location
of apical foramina with respect to the anatomic apex was 664 µm
(512-907µm) in mandibular first premolars and 677µm (515-1053µm) in
mandibular second premolars. Conclusions The size and location of apical
foramina mostly overlap between the mandibular first and second
premolars of a young adult Turkish population. The shape of the apical
foramina might be the only relevant variation concerning the apical
morphology between the mandibular first and second premolars in young
adults. The interaction between the size and location of apical foramina
in mandibular premolars of young adults seems not significant.
Gestational and Neonatal Outcomes of a New Three-Step Procedure for Emergency Cerclage
Authors: Morente Lorena Sabonet , Castellano Manuel Gómez , Mesa Ernesto González , López Jesús S Jiménez
Published: January 2024

Objective:The objective of our study was to evaluate a new technique for
emergency cerclage performed in a cohort of patients with cervical
incompetence in the second trimester of pregnancy.Design:Prospective
observational studySetting:HMIPopulation:24pregnant women at 15 to 24 wk
gestation with cervical dilatation and bursa prolapsed.Methods:Depending
on the clinical condition of the patient, a new emergency cerclage was
performed with a technical consisting of a first cerclage in a
purse-string and a second occlusive cerclage located inferiorly to the
first one.The technique ended with the performance of a cervical
cleisis, depending on the presence or absence of prolapse.This procedure
is called the Three-Step Procedure for Emergency Cerclage (TSEC).Outcome
measureLatency period to deliveryResults:Latency from procedure to
delivery, pregnancy duration, infant birth weight, rate of premature
amniorrhexis.The mean latency from procedure to delivery was 14 weeks +
6 days, the mean weight of the newborns was 2550 g, and the mean age at
delivery was 35 weeks.The neonatal survival rate was 95.8%. The rate of
premature amniorrhexis<34 weeks was 8.3% with successful
perinatal outcomes. There were significant differences (p <
0.05) between groups when we sub-divided the cohort in terms of history
of conization,preterm delivery,and bursal prolapse.The multivariate
regression model showed that best predictor variables for latency to
delivery were cervical dilatation at diagnosis, the use of the
TSEC,cervical length after the procedure, and gestational age at
diagnosis.Conclusion:The excellent results obtained with the TSEC
procedure in terms of the latency from procedure to delivery,
gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and few reported
complications
Experience with the Evidence Map in Oral Ozone Therapy - Importance for Integrative and Complementary Health Practices
Authors: Cordon Rosely , Laganá Dalva Cruz , Traina Andreia Aparecida , Lago Andréa , Ghelman Ricardo , Abdala Carmen Veronica , Schveitzeg Mariana , Portella Caio , Labat Rodrigo Marcos
Published: January 2024

integrative and complementary health practices in differents forms. The
evidence map was based on the 3iE evidence searched in the databases:
LILACS, PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library, seeking systematic and
narrative reviews, analyzed in an excel characterization spreadsheet.The
circles located at the intersections between the interventions and the
outcomes represent the identified studies. The color of the circles
represents the confidence level. In the period from October 2019 to
January 2020, fifteen studies were found, five of which were systematic
reviews and ten narrative reviews, published between 2006 and 2019, with
different levels of confidence. The highlighted intervention was oral
ozone therapy as a bacterial colony reduction and decontamination agent,
with emphasis on topical oxygen-ozone gas mixtures, topical ozonized
water. Oral ozone therapy can bring benefits to clinical practice and
patients.
Parenteral smoking affects asthma status of their children
Authors: Boskabady Mostafa , Hajizadeh Ali Asghar , Ahanchian Hamid , Memarzia Arghavan , Jafarnezhad Maryam , Golafshani Armin , Hossein Boskabady Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Objectives: While the prevalence and severity of asthma influenced by
environmental factors, the effect of parenteral smoking on asthma status
of their children was examined. Methodology: 90 asthmatic children, 32
with smoker and 58 with non-smoker parents were studies in two sessions
three years apart by evaluating respiratory symptoms (RS) prevalence and
severity, various drugs used and pulmonary function tests (PFT)
including forced vital capacity, forced volume in the first second, peak
expiratory flow, and maximum expiratory low at 75, 50 and 25% of vital
capacity (FVC, FEV1, PEF, MEF75, MEF50, MEF25 respectively). Results:
The prevalence and severity of all RS were significantly increased in
asthmatic children with smoking parents after 3 years except prevalence
and severity of night wheeze and the prevalence of chest wheeze
(p<0.05 to p<0.001) but PFT values were
non-significantly reduced. In asthmatic children with non-smoking
parents, the prevalence and severity of RS were decreased after 3 years
which was significant for night and chest wheeze for prevalence and
night cough and chest wheeze for severity (all, p<0.05) and
PFT values were increased which were statistically significant for FVC,
FEV1, MEF50 and MEF25 (p<0.05 to p<0.01). Drugs used
by the group with smoking parents were increased and were significantly
higher than their reduction in the groups with non-smoking parents at
the end of the study (p<0.05 for fluticasone propionate
125/salmeterol and budesonide160/formoterol). Conclusion: Long-term
parenteral smoking increased prevalence and severity of RS and drug used
but decreased PFT values of their asthmatic children.
Covid-19 and spirometry: is it time for a change?
Authors: Klain Angela , Indolfi Cristiana , Dinardo Giulio , Decimo Fabio , Giudice Michele Miraglia del
Published: January 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused the closure of many clinics and wards,
some of which have been equipped for the management and care of ill
patients. In the last year, many countries have adopted a common plan to
contain hospital infections by limiting the execution of respiratory
function tests (TFR), including spirometry, exclusively to urgent /
necessary cases. All the recommendations of the major scientific
societies regarding the use of spirometry in the Covid era were
formulated in spring 2020, in the initial stages of the pandemic.
Currently, the continuous acquisition of knowledge about Covid-19 and
the vaccination of healthcare personnel, allows us to face a new phase
of the pandemic, in which it is possible for us to adapt our lifestyle
and health procedures in order to reduce the risk of contagion in the
hospital setting. In the following article, we have reported the
recommendations of major international and national respiratory
societies, emphasizing the need for a review considering new scientific
advances. In addition, we shared our work experience at the Pediatric
Respiratory Disease Clinic of University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’
during the last months of the pandemic.
Comparison between the relationship serum levels of ANA Profiling panel antibodies and clinical symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: shokri hasan , Rafatpanah Houshang , hashemzadeh kamelia
Published: January 2024

Introduction: SLE is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease that is
caused by autoantibodies and immune complexes for unknown reasons and
causes damage to cells and organs. The aim of this study was to evaluate
the association of ANA panel antibody with clinical manifestations in
patients with SLE Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was
performed on 110 patients with SLE. Clinical manifestations were
evaluated according to ACR and SLICC criteria. In serum, the surface of
ANA Profilling antibody was examined Results: There was no significant
relationship between ANA profiling tests and disease manifestations.
Except for the Anti-Ds DNA test, which was significantly associated with
the clinical manifestations. (P <0.05). The results obtained
from the logistic regression model show that none of these variables
age, sex, malar rash, discoid, oral ulcer, nephritis and arthritis have
a significant effect on the outcome Anti-U1RNP / Sm (RNP / Sm), Anti-RO-
52 recombinants, Anti-La / SS, Anti-SM not available (P >
0.05) Only age at onset has a significant effect on Anti SSA-Ro 60 (SSA)
and Anti-Ds DNA tests. That is, on average, for each year of increasing
the duration of the disease, the chance of a positive chance is about
and about 16% increases for both tests. No significant correlation was
observed with other test results at baseline. Conclusion: The present
study shows an increase in the age of onset of the disease and also a
decrease in the percentage of renal disorders compared to the study of
the previous two decades in Iran.
Two Cases of Refractory Pediatric Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Blain Sarah , Kondyli Maria , Bruycker Jean-Jacques De , Winikoff Rochelle
Published: January 2024

APS is an autoimmune disease in which patients are at increased risk of
thrombosis and/or pregnancy complications. CAPS is a form of severe APS
with multisystemic involvement and microvascular thrombi. Both entities
are treated with anticoagulation and multimodal immunotherapy regimens.
We present two APS cases in which patients did not meet criteria for
CAPS, but needed CAPS-like treatment to stop the progression of
thromboses. This case series stresses the importance of stringent
follow-up in APS to ensure regression of thromboses. They also emphasize
the need of aggressive immunotherapy in refractory APS.
Cyclic fatigue resistance and surface roughness of Rotary NiTi Instruments after Simulated Clinical Use in Curved Root Canals -- An Atomic Force Microscopy Study.
Authors: BHAT RAKSHA , KINI ARJUN , SHETTY PREETHESH , SHETTY NIHAR , PENUGONDA BAPANAIAH
Published: January 2024

Objectives: To examine the cyclic fatigue resistance and surface
topography of TruNatomy (TN; Dentsply Sirona, Maillefer, Ballaiges,
Switzerland) and ProTaper Gold (PTG, Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties,
Tulsa, OK, USA) nickel-titanium rotary files and to evaluate the
presence of alterations to the surface topography following
instrumentation in simulated curved canals . Materials and Methods:
Twenty-four nickel-titanium instruments; twelve each of TN and PTG file
systems were tested for cyclic fatigue resistance. All the files were
rotated in a simulated root canal with a standardized diameter, angle of
curvature, and a radius of curvature of a specific cyclic fatigue
testing device until fracture occurred. Time to fracture was recorded
for each instrument in each group in seconds. The fractures instruments
were subjected to atomic force microscopy analysis. Average roughness
and root mean square values were chosen to investigate the surface
features of endodontic files. The mean values and standard deviation
were then calculated. Data was analyzed using Mann Whitney U test.
Results: The Time taken to fracture was marginally higher in PTG
instruments in comparison to the TN file systems. The PTG files
exhibited higher surface roughness when compared with the TN files (p
< 0.05). Conclusions: The TN file system had a higher cyclic
fatigue resistance than PTG. The cyclic fatigue causing the file
breakage did affect the surface topography of the files. The PTG files
showed a higher level of surface porosity value than the TN files.
A new perspective on local adaptation in whole-tree carbon allocation reveals the limited response of altitudinal treeline to climate warming
Authors: Zhou Quan , Shi hang , He Rui , Liu haikun , Zhu wenting , Yu dongyue , Zhang Quanfa , Dang Haishan
Published: January 2024

Understanding how tree individuals allocate whole-tree total
nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) between growth and storage is key to
reveal the response of altitudinal treeline to climate warming. Yet,
modellings of total carbon allocation currently ignore local adaptation
under cold stress. We used a reciprocal transplant experiment and an
experimental warming treatment to identify whether low temperature
causes genetic differentiation in treeline species Larix chinensis. The
results show that the ratio of nonstructural carbohydrate storage to
growth (R-value) which presents an explicit C-based tradeoff of
growth-storage is influenced neither by adaptation nor by plasticity.
High-elevation trees require a stable proportion of NSC storage to
maintain survival, leading to convergence in R-value, while the
low-elevation populations show stronger co-gradient plasticity. Warming
does not eliminate the advantage of local adaptation in the proportion
of NSC storage, supporting the perspective that cold-adapted edge
populations do not change heritable variation in carbon allocation under
climate warming.
On fixed figure problems in fuzzy metric spaces
Authors: Dhananjay Gopal , Martinez Juan , ÖZGÜR Nihal
Published: January 2024

Fixed circle problems belongs to a realm of problems in metric fixed
point theory. Specifically, it is a problem of finding self mappings
which remain invariant at each points of the circle in the space.
Recently this problem is well studied in various metric spaces. Our
present work is in the domain of the extension of this line of research
in the context of fuzzy metric spaces. For our purpose, we first define
the notions of a fixed circle and of a fixed Cassini curve then
determine suitable conditions which ensure the existence and uniqueness
of a fixed circle (resp. a Cassini curve) for the self operators.
Moreover, we present a result which prescribed that the fixed point set
of fuzzy quasi-nonexpansive mapping is always closed. Our results are
supported by examples.
Contraception Use Among Muslim Women in Alexandria, Egypt - a Descriptive Pilot Study
Authors: Namoos Asmaa , Abdelkarim Maryam , Zook Salma , Khamis Assem , Bader Norhan , Abosamak Nour Eldin , Ramadan Dina , Abdou Mostafa , Ramadan Rana , Faried Ola , Fawzy Abd El-Moneim , Gal Tamas
Published: January 2024

This pilot project explored knowledge, attitudes and practices related
to contraception in Alexandria, Egypt using questionnaire assisted
interviews. The goal of the study was to test and validate the survey
instrument for a larger scale study. Methods: Participants were women
randomly selected at outpatient clinics at Alexandria University
Hospitals in September and October 2020. The inclusion criteria were to
be 18 years or older female and to be able to give consent. The
recruitment goal for this pilot study was 100 participants. The
consented participants were interviewed using a questionnaire survey
about demographics, socio-structural and contraceptive use. The
questionnaire was tested before the interviews using a focus group of 11
randomly selected volunteer women who attended the Obstetrics and
Gynecology Department at the University of Alexandria in Egypt. Results:
The age of study participants ranged from 18–60 with a mean of 34
years. Almost all participants had previously heard of various
contraceptive methods and 75% used them before. The majority of the
participants did not know about emergency contraception and believed
that there was nothing to be done to prevent pregnancy after an
unprotected sexual encounter. Most respondents had a favorable attitude
toward family planning, and their main sources of information about the
topic were family and friends. Conclusions: Preliminary findings show
that most women knew about contraception methods, though not many of
them heard of emergency contraception. Because of the patriarchal nature
of Egyptian society, sexual health and family planning education should
target the whole population.
Relationship Between dominant-frequencies/rotors and Low-voltage Areas Using an Advisor HD Grid Mapping Catheter after Pulmonary Vein Isolation of Non-paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kumagai Koji , Kurose Yuki , Sato Tsukasa , Sumiyoshi Takenori , Yambe Minoru , Komaru Tatsuya
Published: January 2024

Background This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between
dominant frequencies (DFs)/rotors and low-voltage areas (LVAs) using the
Advisor HD grid (HDG) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in
non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods A total of 73
non-paroxysmal AF patients were prospectively investigated. After
pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), an online real-time phase mapping system
was used to detect the location of rotors with critical non-passively
activated ratios (%NPs) of≧50% in each LA segment, and high-DFs of
≧7Hz were simultaneously mapped. After recovering sinus rhythm, LVAs
(<0.5mV) were mapped using the HDG. Results Sixty-eight of 73
(93.2%) AF patients had minimum to mild LVAs (<10%)
regardless of an enlarged LAD and LA volume (45±6.1mm and 142±30ml).
There were no significant differences in the max and mean DF values and
%NPs between the patients with and without recurrent AF/AT (atrial
tachycardia). However, LVAs were significantly greater in the patients
with AF/AT than in those without (6.4±8.0% vs. 2.5±2.6% P=0.003).
Furthermore, the number of high-DF sites overlapping with LVAs was
significantly greater in the patients with AF/AT than in those without
(0.5±0.8 vs. 0.2±0.7, P=0.019). The AF/AT freedom off anti-arrhythmic
drugs after the PVI was significantly lower in the patients with
high-DFs sites overlapping with LVAs than in those without during
11.6±0.8 months of follow-up (35.7% vs. 69.5%, p=0.021). Conclusions
High-DF sites overlapping with LVAs detected accurately by the HDG,
regardless of whether a minimum to mild extent, might be more selective
targets after a PVI in non-paroxysmal AF patients.
Dynamic analysis of a phytoplankton-fish model with the impulsive feedback control depending on the fish density and its changing rate
Authors: Li Dezhao , Zhang Tonghua , Cheng Huidong
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes a comprehensive fishing strategy that takes into
consideration the population density of fish and its current growth
rate, which provides new ideas for fishing strategies. Firstly, we
establish a phytoplankton-fish model with the impulsive feedback control
depending on the density and rate of change of the fish. Secondly, the
complex phase and impulse sets of this model are divided into three
cases, then the Poincare map for the model is defined, and analyzed the
properties of Poincare map. In addition, the sufficient and necessary
conditions for the global asymptotic stability of the order-1 periodic
solution and existence condition of order-k periodic solution are
discussed. The action threshold depends on the density and rate of
change of the fish, which is reasonable than earlier studies. The
analysis method proposed in this paper also plays an important role in
the analysis of impulse models with complex phase sets or impulse sets.
PERFORMANCE OF MELTING HEAT TRANSFER AND INTERNAL ENERGY CHANGE ON ELECTROMAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC NON- NEWTONIAN NANOFLUID FLOW OVER A RIGA PLATE.
Authors: Ajala Adebayo , obalalu Adebowale , Akindele oladimeji , Alao Saheed , Okunloye Adepoju
Published: January 2024

This article deals with the electromagnetohydrodynamic Casson Nanofluid
flow induced by a stretching Riga plate in a non-Darcian porous medium
under the influence of internal energy change, Arrhenius activation
energy, chemical reaction, and Melting heat transfer. The flow motion is
induced as a result of the introduced mechanism that capable of
controlling or assisting a weakly hydromagnetic fluid flow process
called the Riga plate. In most of the literature, the thermophysical
properties of the fluid are assumed to be constant. However, this
present study bridges this gap by assuming that viscosity, conductivity,
and diffusivity are all temperature-dependent. Also, the exponential
decaying Grinberg term is used as a resistive force in this
investigation due to the electromagnetic properties of the Riga plate in
the momentum conservation equation. The resulting coupled nonlinear
ordinary differential equations are solved by optimal homotopy analysis
method (OHAM) and validated with Galerkin weighted residual method
(GWRM). The results reveal that; Casson fluid exhibits a solid
characteristic when yield stress is more than the shear stress, also the
chemical reaction parameter reduces the nanoparticle volume fraction.
Moreover, this article includes some future recommendations.
Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Wellbeing amongst the Fertility Population: Web- based Cross- Sectional Study
Authors: Schaler Laurentina , Wingfield Mary , Glover Louise
Published: January 2024

Objective: Effect of the pandemic, and associated disruption of
reproductive services, on mental wellbeing of those whose fertility
journey was disrupted during the first phase of COVID-19 Design: Web-
based cross- sectional study Setting: Not for profit fertility clinic
Population: Fertility patients Methods: Web- based cross- sectional
study of fertility patients who had an appointment over a 7 week period
Main Outcome Measures: Effect of the pandemic on mental wellbeing of
those whose fertility journey was disrupted Results: 135 responses were
received giving a response rate of 16.3%. 117 responses were analysed
following exclusion of incomplete responses. The mean well- being score
in our population was 45.03 + 0.796 (n=117), significantly lower than
the published average WEMWBS score (P<0.0001). When a
gender-based analysis was performed, female fertility patients had a
lower score during the period under observation compared to the
published average WEMWBS scores (Female: 49.6 + 0.34, n=644 vs 44.4 +
0.88, n=99, P< 0.0001; Male: 50 + 0.43, n=4429 vs 47.3 + 1.81,
n=26, P=0.136). There was no significant difference in average
well-being score in the 30-39yr category compared to the over 40yr group
(44.9 + 0.97 vs 45.0 + 1.39). Participants with children scored higher
than those without (46.8 + 1.19 (n=38) vs 44.1 + 1.02 (n=79)).
Conclusions: Increased levels of depression and anxiety coupled with
added uncertainty of clinic closures and disruption to services have led
to a statistically significant lower WEMWBS scores in the fertility
population.
Echocardiographic features of infective endocarditis in South Africa: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Pecoraro Alfonso , Herbst Philip , Joubert Lloyd , Hassan Karim , Pienaar Colette , Taljaard Jantjie , Prozesky Hans , Janson Jacques , Doubell Anton
Published: January 2024

Background: Historically, infective endocarditis(IE) in South Africa was
associated with the viridans group of streptococci affecting patients
with underlying rheumatic heart disease(RHD). A changing IE
bacteriological profile raises the question of whether the profile of
underlying valvular abnormality has changed. Methods: The Tygerberg
Endocarditis Cohort study prospectively enrolled patients with IE
between November 2019 and April 2021. Patients underwent detailed
transthoracic-and transoesophageal echocardiography to assess their
underlying cardiac and valvular structure. Results: Seventy one patients
were included. A predisposing endocardial abnormality was detected in
49.3% of patients, with RHD the most common single identifiable
aetiology(16.9%). In-hospital mortality rate was similar in patients
with and without a predisposing endocardial abnormality(20% vs 16.7%;
p=0.72), as was the rate of embolic events(20% vs. 27.2%;p=0.58).
Significantly more patients with a predisposing endocardial abnormality
had an indication for surgery(94.3% vs 69.4%;p<0.01). The
viridans group of streptococci were more prevalent in patients with a
predisposing endocardial abnormality(25.7% vs 2.7%;p<0.01).
Left-sided linear vegetation size more than 10mm was associated with an
increased risk of in-hospital mortality(24vs.5%; p=0.05). Conclusion:
We have observed a marked decrease in the prevalence of RHD in this
cohort of patients with IE. The viridans group of streptococci was an
uncommon cause of IE in patients where no predisposing endocardial
abnormality was detected. The presence of a predisposing endocardial
abnormality was not associated with an increased risk of in-hospital
mortality or embolic events. Linear vegetation length more than 10mm was
associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients
with left-sided IE.
Endothelial Dysfunction in COVID-19 patients assessed with Endo-PAT2000
Authors: Cimino Giuliana , Vizzardi Enrico , Calvi Emiliano , Pancaldi Edoardo , Pascariello Greta , Bernardi Nicola , Inciardi Riccardo , Raddino Riccardo , Lombardi Carlo , metra marco
Published: January 2024

Background: It has been widely reported that the Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) attaches human cells by
using the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, but vascular
impairment described during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
infection is primarily due to the direct involvement of the endothelial
cells by the virus or secondarily to the inflammatory host response is
currently unknown. Methods: We therefore aimed to demonstrate in vivo
the presence of endothelial dysfunction in six COVID-19 patients without
cardiovascular risk factors or pre-existing cardiac condition, using the
Endo-PAT 2000, a device able to measure endothelial vasodilation
function in a rapid and non-invasive way. Results: Four patients were
positive for endothelial dysfunction, with RHI values between 1.13-1.56
(average value 1.32, normal values >1.67); in one of the
two negative patients the reported RHI value was slightly above the
cutoff (1.72). Conclusion: Our findings confirm that COVID-19 patients
are at higher risk of developing endothelial dysfunction. In addition,
our results demonstrate that endothelial impairment may occur even in
the absence of cardiovascular risk factors.