bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ozone affected by a succession of four landfall typhoons in the Yangtze River Delta, China: major processes and health impacts
Authors: Zhan Chenchao , Xie Min , Huang Chongwu , Wang Tijian , Liu Jane , Xu Meng , Ma Chaoqun , Yu Jianwei , Jiao Yumeng , Li Mengmeng , Li Shu , Zhuang Bingliang , Zhao Ming , Nie Dongyang
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Landfall typhoon can significantly affect O3 in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region. In this study, we investigate a unique case characterized by two multiday regional O3 pollution episodes related to four successive landfall typhoons in the summer of 2018 in the YRD. The results show that O3 pollution episodes mainly occurred during the period from the end of typhoon and the arrival of the next typhoon. The moment that typhoon reached the 24-h warning line and the last moment of typhoon activity in the mainland China can be roughly regarded as time nodes. Meanwhile, the variations of O3 was related to the track, duration and landing intensity of the typhoons. The impact of typhoon on O3 was like a wave superimposed on the background of high O3 concentration in the YRD in summer. When typhoon was near the 24-h warning line before it landed the coast line of the YRD, the prevailing wind originally from the ocean changed to from the inland, and transported lots of precursors from the polluted areas to the YRD. With typhoon, the low temperature, strong upward airflows, more precipitation and wild wind prevented high O3 episodes. After typhoon, the air below the 700 hPa atmospheric layer was warm and dry, which was conductive to the formation of O3 from the abundance of precursors. It is note-worthy that O3 is mainly generated in the middle of boundary layer (~ 1000 m), and then transported to the surface by downward airflows or turbulences. Moreover, O3 can be accumulated and trapped on the ground due to the poor diffusion conditions because the vertical diffusion and horizontal diffusion were suppressed by downward airflows and light wind, respectively. The premature mortalities attributed to O3 exposure in the YRD during the study period is 194.0, more than the casualties caused directly by the typhoons. This work enhances our understanding of how landfall typhoons affect O3 in the YRD, which can be helpful to forecast the O3 pollution synthetically impacted by the subtropical high and typhoon.
First description and classification of the ozone hole over the Arctic in boreal spring 2020
Authors: Dameris Martin , Loyola Diego G. , Nützel Matthias , Coldewey-Egbers Melanie , Lerot Christophe , Romahn Fabian , van Roozendael Michel
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Ozone data derived from the TROPOMI sensor onboard the Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite are showing an atypical ozone hole feature in the polar region of the Northern hemisphere (Arctic) in spring 2020. A persistent ozone hole pattern with minimum total ozone column values around or below 220 Dobson units (DU) was seen for the first time over the Arctic for about 5 weeks in March and early April 2020. Usually an ozone hole with such low total ozone column values has only been observed in the polar Southern hemisphere (Antarctic) in spring over the last 4 decades, but not over the Arctic. The ozone hole pattern was caused by a particularly stable polar vortex in the stratosphere, enabling a persistent cold stratosphere at higher latitudes, a prerequisite for ozone depletion through heterogeneous chemistry. Based on the ERA5 reanalysis from ECMWF, the Northern winter 2019/2020 (from December to March) showed minimum polar cap temperatures consistently below 195 K around 20 km altitude, which enabled enhanced formation of polar stratospheric clouds. The special situation in spring 2020 is compared and discussed in context with two other ozone hole-like features in spring 1997 and 2011 that were showing comparable dynamical conditions in the stratosphere in combination with low total ozone column values. However, during these years total ozone columns below 220 DU over larger areas and over several consecutive days have not been observed. The similarities and differences of the atmospheric conditions of these three events and possible explanations are presented and discussed. It becomes apparent that the monthly mean of the minimum total ozone column value for March 2020 (i.e. 221 DU) was clearly below the respective values found in March 1997 (i.e. 267 DU) and 2011 (i.e. 252 DU), which emphasizes the noteworthiness of the evolution of the polar stratospheric ozone layer in Northern hemisphere spring 2020. These results provide a first description and classification of the development of the Arctic ozone hole in boreal spring 2020 and highlight its peculiarity.
Sampling Error in Aircraft Flux Measurements Based on a High-Resolution Large Eddy Simulation of the Marine Boundary Layer
Authors: Petty Grant W.
Published: July 2020

Abstract. A high-resolution (1.25 m) LES simulation of the nocturnal cloud-topped marine boundary layer is used to evaluate random error as a function of continuous track length L for virtual aircraft measurements of turbulent fluxes of sensible heat, latent heat, and horizontal momentum. Results are compared with the theoretically derived formula of Lenschow and Stankov (1986). In support of these comparisons, we also evaluate and document the relevant integral length scales and correlations and show that for heights up to approximately 100 m (z / zi = 0.12), the length scales are accurately predicted by empirical expressions of the form If = Azb. The Lenschow and Stankov expression is found to be remarkably accurate at predicting the random error for shorter flight tracks, but our empirically determined errors decay more rapidly with L than the L−1/2 relationship predicted from theory. Consistent with earlier findings, required track lengths to obtain useful precision increase sharply with altitude.
Introducing the Extended Volatility Range Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometer (EVR PTR-MS)
Authors: Piel Felix , Müller Markus , Winkler Klaus , Skytte af Sätra Jenny , Wisthaler Armin
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) is widely used in atmospheric sciences for measuring volatile organic compounds in real time. In the most widely used type of PTR-MS instruments, air is directly introduced into a chemical ionization reactor via an inlet capillary system. The reactor has a volumetric exchange time of ~ 0.1 s enabling PTR-MS analyzers to measure at a frequency of 10 Hz. The time response does, however, deteriorate if low-volatility analytes interact with surfaces in the inlet or in the instrument. Herein, we present the “Extended Volatility Range” (EVR) PTR-MS instrument which mitigates this issue. In the EVR configuration, inlet capillaries are made of passivated stainless steel and all wetted metal parts in the chemical ionization reactor are surface-passivated with a functionalized hydrogenated amorphous silicon coating. Heating the entire set-up to 120 °C further improves the time-response performance. We carried out time-response performance tests on a set of 29 analytes having saturation mass concentrations C0 in the range between 10−3 and 105 µg m−3. 1/e-signal decay times after instant removal of the analyte from the sampling flow were between 0.2 and 90 s for gaseous analytes. We also tested the EVR PTR-MS instrument in combination with the CHARON particle inlet, and 1/e-signal decay times were in the range between 5 and 35 s for particulate analytes. We show on a set of exemplary compounds that the time-response performance of the EVR PTR-MS instrument is comparable to that of fastest flow tube chemical ionization mass spectrometers that are currently in use. The fast time response can be used for rapid (~ 1 min equilibration time) switching between gas and particle measurements. The CHARON EVR PTR-MS instrument can thus be used for real-time monitoring of both gaseous and particulate organics in the atmosphere. Finally, we show that the CHARON EVR PTR-MS instrument is capable of detecting highly oxygenated species (with up to eight oxygen atoms) in particles formed by limonene ozonolysis.
Quantitative imaging of volcanic SO2 plumes with Fabry Pérot Interferometer Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Fuchs Christopher , Kuhn Jonas , Bobrowski Nicole , Platt Ulrich
Published: July 2020

Abstract. We present first measurements with a novel imaging technique for atmospheric trace gases in the UV spectral range. Imaging Fabry Pérot Interferometer Correlation Spectroscopy (IFPICS), employs a Fabry Pérot Interferometer (FPI) as wavelength selective element. Matching the FPIs distinct, periodic transmission features to the characteristic differential absorption structures of the investigated trace gas allows to measure differential atmospheric column density (CD) distributions of numerous trace gases, e.g. sulphur dioxide (SO2), bromine monoxide (BrO), or nitrogen dioxide (NO2), with high spatial and temporal resolution. The high specificity in the spectral detection of IFPICS minimises cross interferences to other trace gases and aerosol extinction allowing precise determination of gas fluxes. Furthermore, the instrument response can be modelled using absorption cross sections and a solar atlas spectrum from the literature, thereby avoiding additional calibration procedures, e.g. using gas cells. In a field campaign, we recorded the temporal CD evolution of SO2 in the volcanic plume of Mt. Etna with an integration time of 1 s and 400 × 400 pixels spatial resolution. The first IFPICS prototype can reach a detection limit of 2.1 × 1017 molec cm−2 s−1/2, which is comparable to traditional and much less selective volcanic SO2 imaging techniques.
Simulation of soil carbon dynamics in Australia under a framework
that better connects spatially explicit data with Rᴏᴛʜ C
Authors: Lee Juhwan , Viscarra Rossel Raphael A. , Luo Zhongkui , Wang Ying Ping
Published: July 2020

Abstract. We simulated soil organic carbon (C) dynamics across Australia with the Rothamsted carbon model (Rᴏᴛʜ C) under a framework that connects new spatially-explicit soil measurements and data with the model. Doing so helped to bridge the disconnection that exists between datasets used to inform the model and the processes that it depicts. Under this framework, we compiled continental-scale datasets and pre-processed, standardised and configured them to the required spatial and temporal resolutions. We then calibrated Rᴏᴛʜ C and run simulations to predict the baseline soil organic C stocks and composition in the 0–0.3 m layer at 4,043 sites in cropping, modified grazing, native grazing, and natural environments across Australia. The Rᴏᴛʜ C model uses measured C fractions, the particulate, humus, and resistant organic C (POC, HOC and ROC, respectively) to represent the three main C pools in its structure. The model explained 97–98 % of the variation in measured total organic C in soils under cropping and grazing, and 65 % in soils under natural environments. We optimised the model at each site and experimented with different amounts of C inputs to predict the potential for C accumulation in a 100-year simulation. With an annual increase of 1 Mg C ha−1 in C inputs, the model predicted a potential soil C increase of 13.58 (interquartile range 12.19–15.80), 14.21 (12.38–16.03), and 15.57 (12.07–17.82) Mg C ha−1 under cropping, modified grazing and native grazing, and 3.52 (3.15–4.09) Mg C ha−1 under natural environments. Soils under native grazing were the most potentially vulnerable to C decomposition and loss, while soils under natural environments were the least vulnerable. An empirical assessment of the controls on the C change showed that climate, pH, total N, the C:N ratio, and cropping were the most important controls on POC change. Clay content and climate were dominant controls on HOC change. Consistent and explicit soil organic C simulations improve confidence in the model's predictions, contributing to the development of sustainable soil management under global change.
Results of the third Marine Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project (MISMIP+)
Authors: Cornford Stephen L. , Seroussi Helene , Asay-Davis Xylar S. , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , Arthern Rob , Borstad Chris , Christmann Julia , Dias dos Santos Thiago , Feldmann Johannes , Goldberg Daniel , Hoffman Matthew J. , Humbert Angelika , Kleiner Thomas , Leguy Gunter , Lipscomb William H. , Merino Nacho , Durand Gaël , Morlighem Mathieu , Pollard David , Rückamp Martin , Williams C. Rosie , Yu Hongju
Published: July 2020

Abstract. We present the result of the third Marine Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project, MISMIP+.
MISMIP+ is intended to be a benchmark for ice-flow models which include
fast sliding marine ice streams and floating ice shelves and in particular
a treatment of viscous stress that is sufficient to model buttressing,
where upstream ice flow is restrained by a downstream ice shelf. A set of idealized
experiments first tests that models are able to maintain
a steady state with the grounding line located on a retrograde slope due to buttressing and
then explore scenarios where a reduction in that buttressing
causes ice stream acceleration, thinning, and grounding line retreat.
The majority of participating models passed the first test and then produced similar responses to the loss of buttressing. We find that the most important distinction between models in this particular type of simulation is in the treatment of sliding at the bed,
with other distinctions – notably the difference between the simpler
and more complete treatments of englacial stress but also the differences between numerical methods – taking a secondary role.
Exploring Coping Strategies of Transfer Students Joining Universities From Colleges
Authors: Foster Monika , Mulroy Timothy , Carver Mark
Published: July 2020

Students transitioning from colleges to universities in the United Kingdom (UK) into the second or third year of an undergraduate programme must quickly adapt to a new learning environment and new expectations. The process of transition includes intense demands on their time and, for many, a requirement to commute. The consequence can be a limited university experience compared to those who began their studies in the traditional first year. With the increase in the numbers of transfer students studying at universities in the UK, this study was set up to explore the challenges of transition at two universities using an online survey and focus groups. Results show that transfer students cope with their transition to university in multiple ways, categorised into the following themes: learning expectations, peer support, online engagement, cue-seeking and efficiency. By supporting the use of these coping strategies, universities can facilitate a better student experience and enhance student success.
Simplified diagnostic-surgical stent for accuracy of implant placement and parallelism
Authors: Habeeb Bin Mohsin Abdul , Khan Husna , Aijaz Ahmed Mohd , Mahesh Kumar M , Samee Sarah
Published: July 2020

Introduction: This article describes a method of evaluation of available alveolar bone dimensions and guided implant placement in a patient with the fabrication of diagnostic-surgical implant template.
Case Report: We present a case of 37-year-old female patient with a missing tooth to be replaced with dental implant using guiding template. The diagnostic template was transformed into a surgical template for implant surgery. The method described is simple, enabling the practitioner to perform radiographic diagnosis and placing the implant precisely using surgical template. This helps in treatment planning and to assess available alveolar bone at the site of planned implant insertion.
Conclusion: This method is easy to follow; significant time and cost savings can therefore be realized by using this template to perform dental implant osteotomy. It provides adequate accuracy in terms of implant position, angulation and predictable treatment outcome.
Near-syncope after swimming in cold water
Authors: J. Nuckton Thomas , Chandra Ritik , D. Heye Kelley , K. Lauritzen Susan , Magocsy Mary
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Swimming in cold water ("polar bear" swimming) is growing in popularity and attracting individuals of many ages and athletic backgrounds.
Case Report: A case of 60-year-old woman swimmer who experienced near-syncope after swimming for 20 minutes in cold water (water temperature: 14°C) without a wetsuit. The patient did not have signs of clinically-relevant hypothermia but was brought to a sauna after swimming. Pre-existing volume depletion, with subsequent orthostatic hypotension made worse by swimming in cold water, was the most likely etiology of near-syncope in this patient. Clinical improvement was noted when the patient started shivering after being removed from the sauna, and all symptoms resolved after the administration of 1 L of normal saline.
Conclusion: As cold-water swimming continues to gain in popularity, emergency medicine practitioners may see more cases of swimming-related syncope and near-syncope. Depending on the presentation, the priority of treatment may be the correction of volume depletion and orthostatic hypotension, rather than active rewarming.
Tumor after tumor in two years: A rare presentation of brain glioma, meningioma and supraclavicular meningiosarcoma
Authors: Kipiani Abdul Halim Riana , Solahuddin Mohd Kenali Mohd. , Putra Sabir Husin Athar Primuharsa , Gendeh BS , Muhaizan Wan Mustaffa Wan , Rahmat Halili
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Low-grade gliomas (LGG) and meningioma are common brain tumors but it is rare for both tumors to be diagnosed in a same patient. Furthermore, it is rare for the same patient to develop an extracranial primary or metastasis meningioma. Probably this is the first case report of a second primary with extracranial meningiosarcoma in literature.
Case Report: We present a rare case of brain atypical meningioma which occurred shortly following craniotomy and radiotherapy after being diagnosed as brain glioma (diffused astrocytoma) in a 22-year-old Malay female. Tumors occurred at different sites of the brain namely the atypical meningioma at the temporal and the initial glioma at the frontal region. Subsequently, patient developed a right supraclavicular meningiosarcoma. We believe that the patient could have developed radiation-induced meningioma but the transformation period is very short. The patient's mother had history of brain tumor that added into the risk factors in this patient. However, we are unable to confirm whether the supraclavicular mass was a primary supraclavicular meningiosarcoma or metastatic meningiosarcoma progression from atypical meningioma.
Conclusion: There are multiple variant revealed associations of glioma and meningioma. However, these variant could be coincidental. There is a possibility that one tumor acts locally as an irritating factor that induced another unrelated neoplasm. Relation of two or more types of cancers might lead to new therapies, provided target surveillance for cancer patients and risk factors or causal agent are identified.
Long-term follow-up after intravenous injection of massive volume of mercury: A case report
Authors: Hao Yinglu , Li Yanping
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Mercury is the only metal that exists in liquid form at room temperature. It has no essential biological function. It is used in manufacturing switches, thermometers, and sphygmomanometers. Mercury is also used in extraction of gold and silver. Besides, it is used in pesticides and tooth fillings. Exposure to mercury can cause mercury poisoning which is also known as hydrargyria or mercurialism. Exposure can be by inhalation, ingestion or injection. Self-injection of mercury is very rare but is well documented. Although hydrargyrism has been reported well hydrargyrism via intravenous injection is rarely reported. Here we present a case of a 19-year-old boy who injected himself with massive volume of metallic mercury.
Case Report: A 19-year-old man injected himself intravenously in the left elbow with about 15 ml of metallic mercury. He complained of dizziness, chest tightness, hemoptysis, dyspnea, malaise, sweating, soreness of waist and bloody sputum for a day and was sent to the hospital immediately. X-ray showed a large number of scattered metalic substance in bilateral lung fields, and distributed along vascular channelsall over the body. He was treated with large dose of DMPS and supportive therapy, but he expired after two hospitalizations in eight months.
Conclusion: In cases of hydrargyrism with huge volume, only drug therapy may not enough. Vascular intervention therapy maybe more effective in acute period, which can remove the residual of mercury. This may improve the clinical outcome.
Bone cement implantation syndrome: An unavoidable catastrophe?
Authors: Barbosa Vera , Carneiro Sandra , Barros Joana , Rebelo Teresa
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Bone cement implantation syndrome is an important cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality (0.6–1%) in patients undergoing cemented hip arthroplasty. Clinical features include cardiac, neurologic and respiratory impairments that may lead to cardiac arrest. It has been proposed that the effect of systemically absorbed methyl methacrylate and release of endogenous mediators can be the main process which leads to multiorgan dysfunction.
Case Report: We describe a case of bone cement implantation syndrome developed in a hip arthroplasty with a catastrophic outcome, resulting in the death of the patient in 24h.
Conclusion: The review of clinical cases of bone cement implantation syndrome is essential in clinical practice given that early recognition and management of this syndrome may improve the overall prognosis.
Musculoskeletal Effects of Cancer and Cancer Treatment
Authors: Wustrack Rosanna , Rao Sandesh S. , Morris Carol D.
Published: July 2020

Improvements in cancer treatment have led to prolonged survival and increased rates of cure. An estimated 14 million cancer survivors live in the United States. The cornerstones of cancer treatment, including radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, give rise to a host of chronic health conditions, some of which affect the musculoskeletal system. As survivorship continues to improve, orthopaedic surgeons across all subspecialties will be tasked with managing these complications of treatment. This article reviews orthopaedic health concerns secondary to cancer treatment that are likely to present to orthopaedic surgeons for evaluation, such as osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, secondary malignancies, radiation-associated fractures, exercise tolerance, and perioperative evaluation.
Application and Mechanisms of Plant Growth Promoting Fungi (PGPF) for Phytostimulation
Authors: Motaher Hossain Md. , Sultana Farjana
Published: July 2020

Plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) constitute diverse genera of nonpathogenic fungi that provide a variety of benefits to their host plants. PGPF show an effective role in sustainable agriculture. Meeting increasing demand for crop production without damage to the environment is the biggest challenge nowadays. The use of PGPF has been recognized as an environmentally friendly way of increasing crop production. These fungi have proven to increase crop yields by improving germination, seedling vigor, plant growth, root morphogenesis, photosynthesis, and flowering through either a direct or indirect mechanism. The mechanisms of PGPF involve solubilizing and mineralizing nutrients for easy uptake by plants, regulating hormonal balance, producing volatile organic compounds and microbial enzyme, suppressing plant pathogens and ameliorating abiotic stresses. Successful colonization is an intrinsic factor for most PGPF to exert their beneficial effects on plants. A certain level of specificity exists in the interactions between plant species and PGPF for root colonization and growth promoting effects. There is a gap between the number of reported efficacious PGPF and the number of PGPF as biofertilizer. Efforts should be strengthened to improve the efficacy and commercialization of PGPF. Hence, this chapter summarizes valuable information regarding the application and mechanisms of PGPF in sustainable agriculture.
A Clinical Trial on the Effects of Different Regimens of Phenylephrine on Maternal Hemodynamic After Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section
Authors: Nikooseresht Mahshid , Seifrabiei Mohammad Ali , Hajian Pouran , Khamooshi Shadab
Published: July 2020

Background: Phenylephrine is used to prevent and treat hypotension during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the effects of different regimens of phenylephrine on blood pressure of candidates for the cesarean section. Methods: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, a total of 120 candidates of elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia was randomly categorized into three groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 received bolus and prophylactic saline (control group), prophylactic bolus phenylephrine (100 µg), and prophylactic phenylephrine infusion (50 µg/min), respectively. The incidence of hypotension, maternal hemodynamics, hypertension, rescue phenylephrine dose, nausea, and vomit were compared between the groups. Results: In all the three groups, the incidence of nausea and vomit, bradycardia, hypertension, and neonatal Apgar score were not statistically different (P > 0.05). However, the adjuvant phenylephrine dose requirement was remarkably different. Moreover, the mean systolic blood pressure differed significantly in the second and 7th minutes after the spinal block (P < 0.05). 35% in the first group, 15% in the second group, and 2.5% in the third group had hypotension (P = 0.001). Apart from the first measurement after spinal anesthesia, the mean heart rate showed no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: The use of prophylactic phenylephrine infusion is recommended to control the optimal blood pressure in parturients undergoing cesarean section after spinal anesthesia.
Early Intravenous Immunoglobulin as an Effective Drug for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Case Series and Case Review
Authors: Khodashahi Rozita , Sedaghat Alireza , Khodashahi Mandana
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) should be considered a serious threat to global public health. Due to a large number of infected and dead people, the development of approaches to control the epidemic condition, as well as effective and available drugs, is very important. Case Presentation: In this study, we presented three cases with COVID-19 admitted to the Imam Reza Hospital. A high dose of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was used for patients as potent and safe treatment. Moreover, case reports and case series focusing on the patients with COVID-19 were reviewed in the present study. During the literature search, 27 patients with COVID-19 were identified in 14 studies. Fever, sore throat, dry cough, fatigue, chills, and muscle pain were the common primary complications of the patients. Kaletra, oseltamivir, ceftriaxone, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and IVIG were the most prevalent drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. Conclusions: Except for the current study, IVIG was utilized in two other studies to treat patients with COVID-19, who did not respond to other therapies.
The Modeling of Succession Management in the Faculty Members of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences: A Grounded Theory
Authors: Pourmirza Kalhori Reza , Laei Susan , Kavyani Elham , Malekian Faramarz
Published: July 2020

Background: One of the strategic requirements of any organization is to have a plan for the replacement of managers, the process of which is known as succession management. Universities also need succession management. Objectives: The present study aimed to propose a valid model for succession management in medical universities. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted with a mixed sequential exploratory design in three stages. In the first stage, 29 articles were reviewed, and in the second stage, 12 semi-structured interviews were encoded with open, axial, and selective coding. The quantitative section was performed using 205 researcher-made questionnaires. Results: In total, 30 components emerged as the paradigmatic model. Some components have been reported in previous studies, and the most important dimensions emphasized by the faculty members in this study included managerial skills, senior management beliefs, the complexity of the environment, intradepartmental interactions, extracurricular pressures, organizational misconduct, the crisis of capable executives, provincial indigenous management, intra-university administrators, non-competitive rewards, physical and mental fitness, academic independence, use of scientific models, and promotion of the counseling culture. These components were related to the central issue of the organizational influential factors in succession management. Conclusions: According to the results, organizational factors such as merit-based human resource management, organizational culture, knowledge-based management, and the use of scientific models played a key role in the establishment of succession management in medical universities due to their impact on preparation, facilitation, and motivation.
Metoclopramide-Induced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: A Review Study
Authors: Ghafour Ideh , Elyasi Forouzan
Published: July 2020

Context: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has been introduced as a rare but lethal and idiosyncratic reaction to neuroleptics/antipsychotics. The most obvious risk of this syndrome is the use of neuroleptics, especially high-potency ones. Metoclopramide is also known as an anti-nausea medication administered before surgery to manage digestive problems. Evidence Acquisition: Formerly, it had been assumed that metoclopramide was a type of chlorobenzamide that was not in the phenothiazine group but free of extrapyramidal side effects (EPSs). The sequential reports of complications indicate that metoclopramide can cause EPSs and drug-induced motor side effects. A total number of 5044 articles were obtained after the initial search. Then, two researchers independently screened out their titles, and abstracts and 20 articles were finally selected based on the inclusion criteria. Results: Of the 20 articles reporting metoclopramide-induced NMS, treatments had been successful in 16 (80%) cases, but it had led to death in four (20%) patients. There were 11 and 8 male and female patients, respectively, and gender was not mentioned for a patient in one article. The age range of the patients was from six months to 84 years, and the mean age was 50.92 years. Conclusions: Although NMS following metoclopramide intake is reported very rarely, it should be considered for any psychiatric symptoms with unexpected mental changes, muscle rigidity, and fever after being treated with metoclopramide. The neuroleptic malignant syndrome can occur following multiple doses or just one dose of metoclopramide. Also, metoclopramide use in patients affected with kidney failure is accompanied by a higher risk of NMS. A previous history of NMS, a recent episode of catatonia, and severe agitation are all taken into account as risk factors in this domain.
COVID-19 Incidence in Pakistan: Gender Disparity
Authors: Waris Abdul , Ali Muhammad , Khan Atta Ullah , Ali Asmat , Bangash Arshad Khan , Baset Abdul
Published: July 2020

Context:: The COVID-19 outbreak was first experienced in China and rapidly spread to 212 countries/regions of the world, including Pakistan. It has affected both males and females, but the incidence is higher in males than in females worldwide. Evidence Acquisition:: According to the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination of Pakistan, the female infection rate is much lower than the male infection rate in Pakistan (3.6% vs. 6.7%, respectively). What are the main possible reasons that created gender disparity in COVID-19 incidence in Pakistan? We reviewed different factors that created gender disparity in COVID-19 Incidence in Pakistan. Results:: The biological differences, social, professional, religious, psychological factors, cultural, and lifestyle aspects have created a gender disparity in COVID-19 incidence in Pakistan. Conclusion:: This study mainly focused on the main possible reasons (mentioned above) that COVID-19 has affected men more than women worldwide, especially in Pakistan.
Effect of Education Based on Extended Theory of Planned Behavior on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Pregnant Women in Darmian in 2017
Authors: Rasoli Hajar , Masoudy Gholamreza , Ansari Hossein , Bagheri Hossein
Published: July 2020

Background: Appropriate breastfeeding reduces health disorders and death among infants. Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of educational intervention based on the extended theory of planned behavior. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 168 pregnant women from 20 health centers were allocated into intervention and control groups by a multi-stage sampling method. The data collecting tool included demographic and constructs of an extended theory of planned behavior. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed by an expert panel and Cronbach's alpha test, respectively. The educational methods encompassed face to face training, pamphlet and flashcards distribution, and clip presentation. Two 45-minute educational sessions were conducted; the data were recollected 6 months after the delivery. Results: The mean ages of the intervention and control group were 29 ± 6 and 28.7 ± 5.9. The pregnancy rate and age of the pregnancy in the intervention group were 2.7 ± 1.4 and 29 weeks, respectively. After the intervention, the mean score of the behavior in the intervention group increased compared to the control group. The intention (B = 0.4, P = 0.01) and perceived behavior control (B = 0.42, P = 0.03) were the predictors of the behavior. Conclusions: The structures of the extended theory of planned behavior are suitable framework to promote exclusive breastfeeding among pregnant women.
Comparing the Effects of Oleoresin of Pistacia atlantica Tree and Diclofenac Gel on the Knee Osteoarthritis Improvement
Authors: Peivastegan Mahtab , Rajabi Mehdi , Zaferani Arani Hamid , Olya Maedeh , Atashi Hesam Adin , Abolghasemi Shahla
Published: July 2020

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic rheumatoid diseases, which affects the cartilage and tissue surrounding the joints. OA causes pain and disability among the old population in most of the developing and developed countries. This disease does not have a definitive treatment, and a conventional treatment only controls the symptoms and pain. Pistacia atlantica cream can inhibit many of the enzymes involved in the inflammation process of OA. Objectives: The current study aimed at evaluating the effect of the topical cream of P. atlantica oleoresin on pain relief in patients with knee OA. Methods: P. atlantica cream formulated in the current study was used to reduce the pain, inflammation, and problems of patients with knee OA; it also descended the serious side effects of conventional therapies. The present clinical trial was conducted on 84 patients with knee OA (grade 2 or 3) parallelly for three-month periods, and diclofenac gel was used as a control drug in the same dosage and period. The formulation was analyzed for standardization with the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry apparatus. The Western Ontario and McMaster universities OA index questionnaire was used to assess the treatment trends. Results: The improvement trend was observed in both groups, while patients who received P. atlantica cream had a significantly higher rate of symptoms improvement than those receiving diclofenac gel (P < 0.05). Conclusions: P. atlantica cream significantly reduced pain and stiffness of joints in patients while performing daily living activities. High analgesic effect of α-pinene and the anti-inflammatory effect of P. alantica were the main reasons for the high inflammatory effect of P. atlantica. Finally, the topical use of P. atlantica cream formulated in the current study, along with other common drugs, can be suggested.
Motivating a “Thinkable Politics”
Authors: Christion Tim ,   International Association for Environmental Philosophy
Published: July 2020

Climate change is one of the greatest collective action problems ever faced. The social and cultural barriers to intersubjectively motivating concern and agency are sweeping. It seems all but impossible to imagine politically viable solutions commensurate with the realities of the problem, and likewise find visionary ways of framing this problem to inspire meaningful solutions. One therefore perceives an abyss between ‘problem’ and ‘solution,’ as expressed in irreconcilable debates between problem-driven and solution-driven strategies for motivating climate action. Drawing on Merleau-Ponty’s dialectical phenomenology of motivation and class consciousness in particular, I argue that his call for a “thinkable politics” can help activists bring problem-driven and solution-driven motives for climate response into productive relation.
Algorithms, Agency, and Respect for Persons
Authors: Rubel Alan , Castro Clinton , Pham Adam ,   Department of Philosophy, Florida State University
Published: July 2020

Algorithmic systems and predictive analytics play an increasingly important role in various aspects of modern life. Scholarship on the moral ramifications of such systems is in its early stages, and much of it focuses on bias and harm. This paper argues that in understanding the moral salience of algorithmic systems it is essential to understand the relation between algorithms, autonomy, and agency. We draw on several recent cases in criminal sentencing and K–12 teacher evaluation to outline four key ways in which issues of agency, autonomy, and respect for persons can conflict with algorithmic decision-making. Three of these involve failures to treat individual agents with the respect they deserve. The fourth involves distancing oneself from a morally suspect action by attributing one’s decision to take that action to an algorithm, thereby laundering one’s agency.
Early stages of Mg–Nb alloy corrosion in a balanced salt solution – STEM-HAADF and EIS study
Authors: Leinartas Konstantinas , Juzeliūnas Eimutis , Staišiūnas Laurynas , Selskis Algirdas , Grigucevičienė Asta , Bučinskienė Dalia , Juškėnas Remigijus , Ručinskienė Alma
Published: July 2020

Thin Mg–Nb alloy films having a thickness below 1 µm were deposited by magnetron sputtering on glass substrates with Nb concentrations of 4, 26 and 32 at.%. Distribution of the elements within the deposits was identified by a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) equipped with a high angle annular dark field (HAADF) detector, which showed on a nanometer scale fine Nb-enriched structures. XRD identified nano-crystallinity of the deposits with grain sizes of the order of tens of nanometers. The corrosion behaviour of the films has been studied in a balanced salt solution, whose pH and ion concentrations were close to those of the human blood plasma. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy implied a localized corrosion with diffusion limitations within a layer of corrosion products. The corrosion rates were determined in situ by Tafel extrapolation and EIS-derived polarization resistance; both methods provided reliable results for corrosion resistant alloy with ca. one third of Nb. Alloying of Mg with Nb makes it possible to adjust the corrosion activity of the alloy according to biomedical requirements for in vivo applications.
Feasibilities for silicon recovery from solar cells waste by treatment with nitric acid
Authors: Šleiniūtė Agnė , Urbelytė Liucija , Denafas Julius , Kosheleva Arina , Denafas Gintaras
Published: July 2020

The feasibilities of silicon recovering from solar cell waste (SCW) by treatment with nitric acid at its concentrations of 1, 2, 3 and 4M were investigated. The research results have shown that complete leaching of aluminum from the silicon matrix is not possible. It can be explained by formation of aluminum compounds with oxygen and silicon on the aluminum particles. Total silver leaching is achieved at maximal 4M concentrations of nitric acid. The influence of nitric acid concentrations on the leaching efficiency of these metals is significantly reduced at higher temperatures (up to 50°C). Higher metal leaching efficiency is characteristic of larger SCA particles under more favourable spatial conditions for penetration of nitric acid ions.
Towards adaptive method for peak migration time correction: discretization period in electropherograms
Authors: Drevinskas Tomas , Maruška Audrius , Naujokaitytė Gintarė , Telksnys Laimutis , Kaljurand Mihkel , Stanys Vidmantas , Cowles John , Gorbatsova Jelena
Published: July 2020

Capillary electrophoresis often causes unrepeatable peak migration times in the electropherogram due to changes of electroosmosis, yet in some cases this separation technique does not have a replacement alternative. Some attempts to overcome this issue have been performed introducing internal standards into the sample and compensating peak shifting in time. However, existing vector calculation-based methods are computationally intensive for portable instrumentation and usually limited to post-processing applications with 1 or 2 markers. In this work, an original approach of compensating peak migration time shift via signal discretization period correction is proposed. Using the proposed method, the number of reference points or markers that are used for compensation is extended. This method is effective in compensating migration time of peaks in real samples, where high sample injection volumes are used. Using 4 reference peaks in compensation, the method was capable of reducing the relative standard deviation of migration time of the peaks in the electropherograms more than 15 times. Corrected signal discretization periods indicated very high correlations with recorded separation currents, what can be perspective developing an adaptive peak migration time compensation method in capillary electrophoresis.
Comparative evaluation of antioxidant activity of Cannabis sativa L. using FRAP and CUPRAP assays
Authors: Kubilienė Asta , Marksa Mindaugas , Baranauskaitė Justė , Ragažinskienė Ona , Ivanauskas Liudas
Published: July 2020

Cannabis is one of the oldest plants on earth, which is known and used for medical purposes. There are many articles on hempseed oil research in the scientific databases, while the antioxidant activity of Cannabis sativa L. herb extracts has not been extensively studied yet, to our knowledge. In the present study, antioxidant properties of different Cannabis sativa L. varieties from different regions of Lithuania were examined. Spectrophotometric FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) methods were used for determination. It was found that Cannabis sativa L. herb extracts possess antioxidant activity. The strongest antioxidant activity was evaluated in the Futura variety and the lowest in Manoica. The obtained results showed that a statistically significant (p ˂ 0.05) higher reductive power was determined by analysing the raw material by the spectrophotometric FRAP method. According to the hemp growth location in Lithuania, the highest TEAC values were estimated in the samples from the North region.
Biosynthesis, purification, characterization and immobilization of laccase from Lithothelium sp.
Authors: Radveikienė Ingrida , Pilotaitė Ingrida , Dainytė Rimgailė , Vidžiūnaitė Regina
Published: July 2020

Novel fungal laccase isoenzymes (namely L95-1 and L95-2) produced by the Ascomycete Lithothelium sp. isolated from the forest soil were purified. However, only one of them was characterized, because the other isoenzyme lost its activity during purification. Extracellular L95-1 laccase was purified 30-fold using ion-exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography, with an overall yield of 88%. The molecular mass of purified L95-1 was estimated to be 85 kDa by SDS-PAGE analysis. L95-1 laccase was stable at temperature 4–22°C and pH 6.0–6.5. The substrate specificity of L95-1 laccase was examined with various compounds. Determined affinity constants (KM) varied in a wide range of 3.7–2020.0 µM, whereas catalytic efficiency constants (kcat/KM) covered a range of 0.008–1.9 µM–1 s–1. The optimum pH for most substrates varied in a range from pH 5.0 to 6.0. Sodium azide and fluoride strongly inhibited L95-1 activity, whereas sulphate salts inhibited weakly. The laccase was immobilized on the Fe3O4 nanoparticles and characterized. Residual activity remained at 20% after ten cycles of ABTS oxidation reaction. The immobilized laccase showed higher tolerance to various metal salts. The properties of L95-1 laccase make it potentially useful in the biotechnological applications.
Characterization of redox properties of FAD cofactor of Thermotoga maritima thioredoxin reductase
Authors: Valiauga Benjaminas , Rouhier Nicolas , Jacquot Jean-Pierre , Čėnas Narimantas
Published: July 2020

The fluorescence properties of FAD of Thermotoga maritima thioredoxin reductase (TmTR), taken together with the amino acid sequences and structures of similar TRs, are consistent with the interdomain rotation in the catalysis of TmTR. The standard redox potential of FAD of TmTR, –0.230 V, determined by the reactions with 3-acetylpyridine adenine dinucleotide (APAD+/APADH) redox couple, is close to that of E. coli TR. During the reduction of duroquinone with TmTR, the transient formation of neutral FAD semiquinone, and, possibly, FADH2–NAD+ complex was observed. This shows that in spite of obligatory twoelectron (hydride)-transfer between NADH and physiological disulfide oxidants, the FAD cofactor of TmTR may exist under a stable semiquinone form.