bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinant of Islamic Mutual Fund Performance: A Comparative Study Between Indonesia and Malaysia
Authors: Al Arif Mohammad Nur Rianto , Saifullah Aulia
Published: June 2021

This study aims to analyze determinant performance of Islamic equity funds and compare the performance of Indonesian Islamic equity funds with Malaysian Islamic equity funds period 2017-2019. Factors that are thought to affect the performance of mutual funds are past performance and inflation. Mutual fund performance itself is measured using the Sharpe Index. This study uses secondary data and the sample is taken using purposive sampling. Methods of data analysis using Panel Data Regression. This study indicates that simultaneously the variables Past Performance and Inflation affect the performance of Islamic equity mutual funds in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Furthermore, it partially shows that Past Performance harms the performance of Islamic equity funds, while inflation positively affects the performance of Islamic equity funds. In addition, this study also shows that there is a significant difference between the performance of Indonesian and Malaysian Islamic equity funds. Malaysian Islamic equity funds were superior to Indonesian Islamic equity funds in 2017-2019.
Preoperative Use of Cryoanalgesia in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Bryan John P.
Published: June 2021

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains the only permanent solution in resolving osteoarthritis pain and dysfunction. Pain control subsequent to TKA remains an important factor in determining outcomes and patient satisfaction. Continued opioid use in lieu of the current opioid epidemic places a burden on patients and providers to improve postoperative pain control, reduce narcotic consumption, and decrease hospital stay. Few alternatives exist in multimodal pain management while reducing narcotic consumption.
A Laboratory Investigation of the Effect of Ethanol-Treated Carbon Dioxide Injection on Oil Recovery and Carbon Dioxide Storage
Authors: Saira - , Ajoma Emmanuel , Le-Hussain Furqan
Published: June 2021

Carbon dioxide (CO2) enhanced oil recovery is the most economical technique for carbon capture, usage, and storage. In depleted reservoirs, full or near-miscibility of injected CO2 with oil is difficult to achieve, and immiscible CO2 injection leaves a large volume of oil behind and limits available pore volume (PV) for storing CO2. In this paper, we present an experimental study to delineate the effect of ethanol-treated CO2 injection on oil recovery, net CO2 stored, and amount of ethanol left in the reservoir.

We inject CO2 and ethanol-treated CO2 into Bentheimer Sandstone cores representing reservoirs. The oil phase consists of a mixture of 0.65 hexane and 0.35 decane (C6-C10 mixture) by molar fraction in one set of experimental runs, and pure decane (C10) in the other set of experimental runs. All experimental runs are conducted at constant temperature 70°C and various pressures to exhibit immiscibility (9.0 MPa for the C6-C10 mixture and 9.6 MPa for pure C10) or near-miscibility (11.7 MPa for the C6-C10 mixture and 12.1 MPa for pure C10). Pressure differences across the core, oil recovery, and compositions and rates of the produced fluids are recorded during the experimental runs. Ultimate oil recovery under immiscibility is found to be 9 to 15% greater using ethanol-treated CO2 injection than that using pure CO2 injection. Net CO2 stored for pure C10 under immiscibility is found to be 0.134 PV greater during ethanol-treated CO2 injection than during pure CO2 injection. For the C6-C10 mixture under immiscibility, both ethanol-treated CO2 injection and CO2 injection yield the same net CO2 stored. However, for the C6-C10 mixture under near-miscibility, ethanol-treated CO2 injection is found to yield 0.161 PV less net CO2 stored than does pure CO2 injection. These results suggest potential improvement in oil recovery and net CO2 stored using ethanol-treated CO2 injection instead of pure CO2 injection. If economically viable, ethanol-treated CO2 injection could be used as a carbon capture, usage, and storage method in low-pressure reservoirs, for which pure CO2 injection would be infeasible.
Shape Memory Polymers as Lost Circulation Materials for Sealing Wide-Opened Natural Fractures
Authors: Tabatabaei Maryam , Taleghani Arash Dahi , Li Guoqiang , Zhang Tianyi
Published: June 2021

While there have been various lost circulation materials (LCMs) available in the market for treating fractures during the drilling of oil and gas wells, there is still a demand for a technology to seal large fractures. Considering limitations on the size of the particles that can be circulated through the drilling equipment, especially the bottomhole assembly, simply enlarging conventional LCM particles becomes ineffective for sealing large vugs and fractures. In this study, we use shape memory polymers (SMPs) to prepare programmed LCMs with various temporary shapes, which can transform to their permanent shapes with much larger dimensions as compared to their temporary shapes. A series of steps for thermomechanical programming of SMP is designed to trigger their expansion at the reservoir temperature. The dimensions of the programmed shapes can be an order of magnitude smaller than the ones for the original shapes, making their transport through the flowlines feasible, and bridging wide-opened fractures possible. The basic idea is that, after recovery, the SMP-based LCMs form an entangled network across a large width of fracture, and SMP particles recovered within the network, filling in the pores to form an effective sealing. We seek the capability of entangled ladders and interwoven fibers in forming a network across the fracture. A permeability plugging apparatus (PPA) is used to examine the efficiency of developed LCMs. The technique of 3D X-ray computed tomography (CT) is used to visualize the internal structure of formed plugs, enabling us to understand the mechanisms of bridging, plugging, and sealing.
High MEIS3 expression intimates poor prognosis for clinical stage II/III colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Jian Ma , Li Haitao , Wang Meihua , Zhu Ming , Li Ang , Ling Yang
Published: June 2021

Background
The middle stages colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are severely differentiated, so suitable biomarkers are required to distinguish the cohort with high recurrence risk. We hypothesized that among the specimens retained after surgery, those from cohort who relapsed quickly after surgery may be more capable to find the high-risk markers.
Methods
A lable-free analysis was employed to identify candidate proteins markers in CRC tissues relapsed within three years since surgery. Combined with MEIS3 immunohistochemistry characteristic, we analyzed MEIS3 (myeloid ecotropic viral insertion site 3) expression level in clinical stages. Kaplan-Meier Analysis was adopted to analyze the correlation between gene expression and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) of CRC patients. Finally, cell biology methods were employed to analyze molecular mechanism for tumor cell migration and metastasis.
Results
Through proteomics immunohistochemistry analysis, we identified protein MEIS3 are mainly located in growth front and other highly invasive areas in cancer. And its expression level is closely associated to the clinical stage of CRC. Furthermore, high MEIS3 expression in cancer tissues is closely related to the 5-year DFS expectations of CRC patients. The 5-year DFS of stage II patients with high MEIS3 expression was significantly lower than that of low MEIS3 expression (60.2% % vs 81.1% p < 0.01). The 5-year DFS III patients with high MEIS3 expression was also significantly lower than those of low MEIS3 expression (38.1% vs 56.7% p < 0.01). The analysis on SW480 cells showed that MEIS3 may promote migration and invasion of CRC cells by regulating the expression of LAMB1.
Conclusion
This study intimates that MEIS3 overexpression is associated to poor prognosis for stage II and III patients, and MEIS3 can promote the CRC cells invasion through regulating LAMB1 expression.
Identification of WRKY transcription factors associated with leaf and corolla senescence in Petunia hybrida
Authors: Astigueta Francisco Horacio , Baigorria Amilcar Hernán , García Martín Nahuel , Delfosse Verónica Cecilia , González Sergio Alberto , Torre Mariana Cecilia Pérez de la , Moschen Sebastián , Lia Verónica Viviana , Heinz Ruth Amelia , Fernández Paula del Carmen , Trupkin Santiago Ariel
Published: June 2021

Several families of transcription factors (TFs) control the progression of senescence. Many key TFs belonging to the WRKY family have been described to play crucial roles in the regulation of leaf senescence, mainly in Arabidopsis. However, little is known about senescence-associated WRKY members in floricultural species. Delay of senescence in leaves and petals of Petunia hybrida, a worldwide ornamental crop are highly appreciated traits. In this work, starting from 28 differentially expressed WRKY genes of Arabidopsis during the progression of leaf senescence, we identified the orthologous in P. hybrida and explored the expression profiles of 20 PhWRKY genes during the progression of natural (age-related) leaf and corolla senescence as well as in the corollas of flowers undergoing pollination-induced senescence. Simultaneous visualization showed consistent and similar expression profiles of PhWRKYs during natural leaf and corolla senescence, although weak expression changes were observed during pollination-induced senescence. Comparable expression trends between PhWRKYs and the corresponding genes of Arabidopsis were observed during leaf senescence, although more divergences were found in petals of pollinated petunia flowers. Integration of expression data with phylogenetics, conserved motif and cis-regulatory element analyses were used to establish a list of solid candidates that could regulate more than one senescence process. Our results suggest that several members of the WRKY family of TFs are tightly linked to the regulation of senescence in P. hybrida.
Development of Slope Deformation Monitoring System Based on Tilt Sensors with Low Power Wide Area Network Technology and Its Application
Authors: Putra Aulia Dharma , Toda Hikaru , Hafidz Achmad , Matsuba Kouji , Kimikado Yuuichi , Takahashi Yoshinori , Tsuzuki Shinji , Kinoshita Naoki , Yasuhara Hideaki
Published: June 2021

A simple monitoring method for observing slope movement and deformation can be performed with tilt sensors. A more efficient monitoring method, using a type of wireless communication called LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) network technology, has also recently become available. In the present study, a monitoring system was developed that combines tilt sensors and LPWA network technology for measuring the movement of slopes and sending the information through wireless communication. Firstly, radio wave propagation experiments were conducted to find the proper location for the gateway device of the monitoring system. Then, in March 2018, the developed system that consists of tilt and water-level sensors and the wireless communication of LPWA was installed at an observation site. Since the installation, the data from the tilt sensors have been successfully collected through LPWA, and a slope failure was unexpectedly observed at the observation site during the Heavy Rain Event of July 2018, which caused severe disasters, particularly from western Japan to the Tokai region. Using the data from the tilt sensors, the rainfall data, and the groundwater level, the slope failure was analysed. A site investigation was conducted, and the shear strength parameter was examined using back analysis method. In conclusion, the developed system using sensors and LPWA has continued to efficiently monitor the movement of the targeted slope, but the collection of additional data will be required to increase the reliability of the system.
Impact of sea level rise and shoreline changes in the tropical island ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar region, India
Authors: thangaraj mageswaran , V Sachithanandam , R Sridhar , Mahapatra Manik , Purvaja R , Ramesh R
Published: June 2021

We report here a four decades of shoreline changes and possible sea level rise (SLR) impact on landuse/landcover (LULC) in Little Andaman Island by using remote sensing (RS) and GIS techniques. A total of six remote sensing data sets covering years between 1976 and 2018 were used to understand the shoreline changes. Moreover, a Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) was used to estimate short- and long- term shoreline changes from ArcGIS environment. Besides, the Island vulnerability due to SLR was studied through using digital elevation model (DEM). As a result of Sumatra earthquake (2004), the results were showed a significant variation in shorline upliftment and subsidence. The land subsidence was noticed in the range of 1042-3077 ha with sea level rise between 1 and 5 m. Hence, we conclude that Little Andaman Island is vulnerable to SLR and overwhelm low elvation coastal zone.
Continuity of care and its determinants of routine maternal and newborn health visits in Nepal: Evidence from a nationally representative household survey
Authors: Khatri Resham Bahadur , Karkee Rajendra , Durham Jo , Assefa Yibeltal
Published: June 2021

Background Maternal and newborn health (MNH) is a priority health issue in Nepal, has high maternal and neonatal deaths. Maternal and neonatal deaths can be prevented through uptake of essential antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal interventions received during routine MNH visits. Not all women, however, receive all recommended routine visits across the MNH Continuum of Care (CoC) in Nepal. This study examined the patterns and determinants of (dis)continuity of care across the MNH continuum. Methods The study included 1,978 women aged 15–49 years who had a live birth in the two years preceding the survey. Data were derived from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2016. The outcome variable was (dis)continuity of care at different stages of MNH visits (at least four antenatal care (4ANC) visits, institutional delivery, and postnatal care (PNC) visit). Several structural, intermediary and health system explanatory variables were included in the analysis. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted, and the magnitude of (dis)continuity of care was reported as relative risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The statistical significance level was set p<0.05. Results More than two-in-five (41%) women in Nepal received all three MNH visits across the CoC. There was high risk of discontinuity of care during months or weeks prior to childbirth or around childbirth. Higher risk of discontinuation across the CoC was reported among women of disadvantaged ethnic groups, lower wealth status and illiterate. Similarly, women who speak Bhojpuri, provinces six and seven, who had higher birth order (≥4), who involved in agricultural sector, had unwanted last birth had higher risk of discontinuation of MNH visits. Women did not complete all MNH visits if they had poor awareness on health mother groups and if they perceived problem of not having female healthcare providers. Conclusions Women had poor completion of all routine MNH visits. High discontinuation was observed among disadvantaged groups across the COC. Regular monitoring using the composite indicator of continuity of care through routine health management information system is required. Program approaches should focus on disadvantaged women to improve the completion of routine MNH visits and uptake of essential interventions.
Impact of Lymphadenectomy on Short- and Long-term Complications in Patients With Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Proppe Louisa , Alkatout Ibrahim , Koch Ricarda , Baum Sascha , Kotanidis Christos , Achim Rody , Hanker Lars C. , Gitas Georgios
Published: June 2021

IntroductionEarly endometrial cancer is primarily treated surgically via hysterectomy, adenectomy and, depending on tumor stage and subtype, lymphadenectomy. Systematic lymph node dissection is known to cause surgical complications. The aim of the present study was to investigate morbidity and mortality rates associated with lymphadenectomy in patients with endometrial cancer who underwent surgery in a routine clinical setting.MethodsWe collected data from 232 patients who were operated for endometrial carcinoma between 2006 and 2018 at the University of Luebeck, Germany. Surgical complications were viewed in relation to surgical risk factors. Additionally, a questionnaire concerning long-term lymphatic complications and survival was completed. Survival was compared between patients who underwent lymphadenectomy (group I) and those who did not (group II). Results Patients in group I needed revision surgery significantly more often due to postoperative complications (such as lymphoceles) compared to those in group II (p = 0.01). The results indicate more serious complications in patients who underwent a systematic lymphadenectomy and in those with lymph node metastases.15 % of patients who underwent a systematic lymphadenectomy had lymph node metastases. Recurrences occurred in 12.5 % of cases and were significantly more frequent in patients who had undergone a lymphadenectomy, even if the lymph nodes were negative (p = 0.02). A comparison of survival data during the follow-up period revealed no significant difference.The study highlighted the need for a better preoperative risk stratification and the avoidance of lymphadenectomy for surgical staging alone.
Synthesis And Surface Modification of Cellulose Aerogel from Coconut Peat for Oil Adsorption
Authors: La Phat Nam , Huynh Nguyen Cam , Bui Khoa Dang Dang , Pham Khang Tan , Dao Tien Xuan , Tran Thang Quoc , Nguyen Trung Kim , Hoang Nam Minh , Mai Phong Thanh , Nguyen Hieu Huu
Published: June 2021

Oil spillage is one of the world’s biggest environmental problems, its various impacts including shifting the balance of the ecosystem, affecting marine animals, and inhibiting economical activities. Therefore, the efficient resolution of this issue is a topic of great interest. In this work, the solution of choice is an adsorption method using aerogels made from coconut peat. Cellulose coconut peat aerogels (CCPA) are synthesized by cross-linking method with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and freeze-drying technique to form the porous structure. The CCPA are furthermore dip-coated in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) to obtain PDMS-coated cellulose coconut peat aerogel (CCPA-P) with hydrophobic properties for the studying of oil adsorption. The characteristics of CCPA and CCPA-P are evaluated by density and porosity, specific surface area following Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) theory, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. Results showed that CCPA-10 with the mass ratios of cellulose to PVA 10:1 had the lowest density of 28.21 mg/cm3, highest porosity of 98.15 %. Furthermore, the modified CCPA-P10 had maximum adsorption capacity of up to 2.083 and 2.452 mg/mg for the static adsorption model and dynamic adsorption model, respectively. This indicates that coconut peat is a viable material for aerogel synthesis in oil adsorption applications.
Flow based intrusion Detection system with Whale Optimization and Evolutionary Algorithms (EA) for Diversified Traffic Streams
Authors: rajiv k , Chandra G Ramesh , Prashanthi Vempaty , Akila V , Himabindu D. Dakshayani
Published: June 2021

The technological growth and advances in the internet led to the generation of huge volume of data that networks must be capable of transmitting. Providing security to this data is a challenging task. The development in the internet attracts several vulnerable attacks. The researchers in the literature proposed several machine learning, Deep learning and ANN based approaches for efficient attack detection. However, these approaches are prone to high false alarm rates and exhibits poor performance for diversified incoming traffic, because these methodologies relay on the packet level or transaction level features. The performance is inversely proposal to the diversity ratio of packet level features. To handle this, we introduced a combination of high-performed evolutionary algorithms and neural networks for attack classification at flow level with low false alarm rates and high detection accuracy. A unique set of flow features are defined to handle the traffic at flow level and optimal feature selection using whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). The gravitational search (GS), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) combinations are used in attack detection phase to train the ANN and results proposed model as GSPSO-ANN with WOA. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated with NSL-KDD and CSE-CIC-IDS2018 datasets. The results are compared with other ANN based conventional methods. The results inferred that the proposed GSPSO-ANN with WOA attained maximum detection accuracy with low false alarm rates and processing time and also maintained consistency in the performance for diversified traffic.
Implementing Integrity Assurance System for Big Data
Authors: Alyami Fawaz , Almutairi Saad
Published: June 2021

With the rapid advancement of big data technology and statistical data analysis solutions, the computing of big data and its services has become the subject of research and popular applications. There are many problems related to data quality that lead to making wrong decisions in institutions and companies. Current research rarely discusses how to validate data effectively to ensure its quality Integrity is data validity. It is a task that is not an easy task that is usually undertaken in national statistical organizations and institutions. There is an urgent need to produce a general framework to verify the integrity of big data. This methodology has been devoted to proposing a model that works on data integrity, especially big data, and how to address the validation process. The data also includes the validity of the data fields and the validity of measuring the data and assessing the compatibility with the data cycle chain. The speed of the processing process and the accuracy of the verification process for the integrity of big data are considered. Based on using the latest technologies and programming languages, the research was based on the programming language in Python and real test data.
Mitigation of Nonlinear Phase Noise in Single-channel Coherent 16-QAM Systems Employing Logistic Regression
Authors: de Paula Romulo , Marim Lucas , Penchel Rafael , Bustamante Yessica Rumaldo , Abbade Marcelo Francisco Luis , Perez Grethell Georgina , Aldaya Ivan
Published: June 2021

We propose and analyze a classier based on logistic regression (LR) to mitigate the impact of nonlinear phase noise (NPN) caused by Kerr induced self-phase-modulation in digital coherent systems with single-channel unrepeated links. Simulation results reveal that the proposed approach reduces the bit error ratio (BER) in a 100-km-long 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM) system operating at 56-Gbps. Thus, the BER is reduced from 6.88·10 -4 when using maximum likelihood to 4.27·10 -4 after applying the LR-based classification, representing an increase of 0.36 dB in the effective Q-factor. This performance enhancement is achieved with only 624 operations per symbol, which can be easily parallelized into 16 lines of 39 operations.
HP-SFC Algorithm for MmWave Massive MIMO Hybrid Precoding Systems
Authors: Du Ruiyan , Liu Huajing , Liu Fulai , Li Dan
Published: June 2021

This paper presents an alternating iteration hybrid precoding algorithm for the switch network-based dynamic fully-connected (SFC) structure, namely HP-SFC algorithm. Firstly, based on the sparsity of switch network, the optimization problem of the analog switch precoding matrix is transformed into a binary dictionary updating problem, which avoids to deal with the binary constraint straightly. Then, the optimization problem of the analog phase shifter (PS) precoding matrix is modeled as a quadratic unimodular programming problem by the vectorization of the analog PS precoding matrix. So that the analog PS precoding matrix can be readily optimized. Finally, the analog switch precoding matrix, the analog PS precoding matrix and the digital precoding matrix are alternately optimized via the block coordinate descent, the generalized power method and the least square, respectively. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can provide brilliantly hybrid precoding performence campared with the previous works, for example: 1) it reduces the hybrid precoding matrix residual, so that its spectral efficiency is close to the full digital optimal precoding; 2) it provids at least 15\% energy efficiency improvement comparing with related algorithms.
Association Between the Morphological Features of Necrotizing Pancreatitis on Endoscopic Ultrasound and the Outcome of Endoscopic Transmural Step-Up Approach
Authors: Ding Ling , Li Xue-Yang , Tan Ji-Xue , Xia Liang , He Wen-Hua , Xiong Hui-Fang , Zhu Yong , Liu Pi , Shu Xu , Liu Zhi-Jian , Zhu Yin , Chen You-Xiang , Lu Nong-Hua
Published: June 2021

BackgroundTo investigate the association between features of necrotic collections on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and outcomes of the endoscopic transmural step-up approach.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study analyzing patients with necrotic collections underwent endoscopic transmural step-up approach. According to the amount of solid necrotic debris quantified as a percentage of the total collection size, participants were divided into three groups: <30% (group 1), 30%-50% (group 2), and >50% (group 3).Results Out of a total of 134 patients, the mean necrotic collection size was 8.5 (7.0, 10.0) cm, with <30% (group 1), 30%-50% (group 2) and >50% (group 3) solid debris present in 52, 59, and 23 patients, respectively. Patients with more solid necrotic debris needed more sessions of necrosectomy (group 1, 1 (0, 1) time vs. group 2, 1 (1, 2) time vs. group 3, 2 (2, 3) times, P<0.001), more likely experienced stent occlusion (group 1, 9.6% vs. group 2, 16.9% vs. group 3, 34.8%; P<0.05), and had a longer hospital stay (group 1, 25.5 (17.3, 44.0) days vs. group 2, 28.0 (19.0, 41.0) days vs. group 3, 40.0 (30.0, 58.0) days; P<0.05). Procalcitonin (OR, 6.14; 95% CI, 1.40-26.94; P<0.05) and any organ failure (OR, 11.51; 95% CI, 2.42-54.78; P<0.01) were independently associated with clinical failure of the endoscopic transmural step-up approach.ConclusionsMore solid debris on EUS predicted more sessions of necrosectomy, stent occlusion, and hospital stay. Procalcitonin and organ failure are risk factors for clinical failure of the endoscopic transmural step-up approach.
Design of Photonic Crystal Fiber with Large Mode Area for Flat-top Mode Generation
Authors: Zhang Zuxing , Lu Guangwei , Liu Shuang , Lv Dongyu , Chen Mengmeng
Published: June 2021

We report a large mode area photonic crystal fiber with a top-hat mode field. The optical fiber has a multi-layer square structure with air holes and doped layer. A flat and top-hat-like mode intensity profile is provided through the reasonable design of the doped layer. The modal characteristics including effective mode area, dispersion and confinement loss are investigated. The proposed fiber with a top-hat mode generation may have potential applications in laser drilling, laser cleaning, imaging, spectroscopy, and so on.
Factors that Influence Satisfaction of People Living with HIV(PLHIV) with Differentiated ART Delivery Models in East Central Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Baleeta Keith , Muhwezi Augustin , Tumwesigye Nathan , Kintu Betty Nsangi , Riese Sara , Byonanebye Dathan , Mbonye Martin , Mwehire Daniel , Iriso Robert , Ayebazibwe Bernard , Bailey Lauren , Lopez Deborah , McGough Laura , Etukoit Michael , Nantamu Dyogo , Wasswa Jacob , TIbengana Baker , Nakitende Louisa
Published: June 2021

Background
The World Health Organization and Uganda Ministry of Health recommend differentiated service delivery models (DSDM) as patient-focussed approaches for delivering antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) who have undetectable viral loads. We sought to determine the factors significantly associated with patient satisfaction with ART services amongst PLHIV enrolled in DSDMs.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study of a random sample of PLHIVs accessing ART within DSDMs at nine facilities in East Central Uganda. Eligible patients were adult PLHIVs active on ART and enrolled in a DSDM (Community Client Led ART Delivery (CCLAD), Community Drug Distribution Points (CDDP) and Fast-Track Drug Refill (FTDR) models) for at-least twelve months. Data was collected over two months (June-July 2019). A validated tool was used to assess PLHIV satisfaction with service delivery in DSD. Logistic regression was used to establish factors associated with patient satisfaction with DSD services.
Results
Overall out of the 842 participants enrolled onto the study, 530(63.5%) accessed HIV care through CDDPs, 166(20.1%) through CCLAD, and 146 (16.3%) through FTDR DSDMs. Generally, 541 (64.2%) were satisfied with DSDM services : 78.7% in CDDP, 42.8% in CCLAD and 36.3% in CCLAD. The factors associated with patient satisfaction were being on CDDP [aOR = 3.42, 95% CI = 2.15–5.44] and FTDR[aOR = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.34–6.31] DSDMs relative to CCLAD, greater than three years on DSDM [aOR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.12–4.87], lower transport costs (< $ 1.35) per clinic visit [aOR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.59–3.60] being employed either in agriculture[aOR = 4.41, 95% CI = 2.62–7.41] or any other employment sector [aOR = 4.22, 95% CI = 2.46–7.27]relative to being unemployed, participation of a friend/relative [aOR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.22–2.61] and not drinking alcohol [aOR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.24–4.29].
Conclusions
The study highlighted that 64.2% of the patients are satisfied with services in DSDM. Service delivery factors (DSDM model type, time spent in DSDM, and having friend or relative enrolled at the ART point providing social support), social factors (employment, and alcohol consumption), and transport costs were all associated with patient satisfaction with DSDM. Implementers of DSDMs need to further adapt services to address these factors to improve patient satisfaction in DSDMs.
Thyroid Function and Reduced Kidney Function with Aging in Chinese Older Adults: A Cross- sectional Study
Authors: Wei Lu , Bai Yun , Zhang Yu , Yong Zhenzhu , Zhang Qun , Zhao Weihong , Zhu Bei
Published: June 2021

Background: Thyroid function may be a factor influencing renal function in general population. Renal function and thyroid function vary with aging, thus the association of thyroid function and declining kidney function in older adults was different from this in the young and remains controversial. The aim of this study was to estimate association between thyroid function in reference interval and reduced kidney function with aging in Chinese older adults.Methods: A total of 15729 adults, 23.3% (N= 3624) of which were older population, were collected in the health check-up department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2018 to January 2020.Basic demographic information was collected by physician-administered questionnaire. The variation tendency of thyroid function with aging was investigated by mean of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulatinghormone (TSH) in subgroups for every 10 years. Associations between kidney and thyroid function were estimated with β value by multiple linear regression and with odds ratio (OR) by multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, body mass index and serum urine acid. Results: In the older population, an increased trend of TSH, a decreased trend of FT3 and little change of FT4 were identified with aging. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) remarkably decreased with increasing TSH (β: -0.081) and declining FT3 (β: 0.083) concentrations. Compared with the population in the lowest FT3 quartile (3.10-4.45 pmol/L), the prevalence of eGFR< 75ml/min/1.73m2 significantly decreased by 22.0% with FT3 4.46-4.81 pmol/L, 27.6% with FT3 4.82-5.20 pmol/L and 34.9% with FT3 5.21-6.8 pmol/L in older individuals (P for trend <.001). The OR was 1.315 with high-normal TSH, comparing to low-normal TSH in older persons (P: 0.025). Similar results were found between prevalent eGFR< 60ml/min/1.73m2 and thyroid function. The prevalent reduced kidney function was not remarkably associated with FT4 in the reference range.Conclusions: This study demonstrated a significant association between thyroid function and kidney function, especially FT3 in older population. The clinician were advised to evaluate renal function with low-normal FT3 and high-normal TSH in case of potential decreased kidney function.
Urban-Rural Dimension of Fall and its Associated Risk Factors Amongst Community Dwelling Older Adult in Indonesia
Authors: Nugraha Susiana , Prasetyo Sabarinah , Susilowati Indri Hapsari , Rahardjo Tribudi W
Published: June 2021

Background: Falls are common problem among older people, WHO (2014) estimated 424,000 fatal cases of falls occur every year, making fall as the one of the causes of death in the older adult due to accidental injury. This study aimed to assess the risk of falling among community dwelling older adult in rural and urban area. Method: Using a proportional sample size we determine 2 areas that describe rural and urban area in West Java Prefecture. The incidence of fall in the last 12 month is selected as outcome variable. Sociodemographic background, chronic medical condition, fear of falling, visual and hearing impairment, Activity Daily Living (ADL) Barthel index, the physical performance (Short Performance Physical Battery (SPPB)), and living environment were assessed to identify the factor contribute to the incidence of falling. Result: a total of 611 older people participated this study consist of 381 (62%)older persons living in rural area and 230 (38%) person are living in urban area, 70 percent of them at the range of 60-69 years old, and 73% of them are female. The prevalence of fall in rural area (16.5%), is significantly higher than urban area (10.7%). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed, male gender (OR= 0.29;95%CI (0.095 - .882)), chronic illness (OR=3.25 95%CI (1.236 - 8.533) and visual impairment (OR=3.6; 95%CI (1.517 - 8.544)) are associated with risk of fall in among older adult living in urban area. On the other hand, Visual impairment (OR=1.81; 95%CI (1.027– 3.179)) and living environmental (OR=3.36; 95% CI (1.137-9.921)) are significantly associated with fall in among older adult living in rural area. Conclusion: We identify the different risk factors for falls in urban and rural area. The results can be concluded that a different approach is needed to reduce the risk of falling for the older adult in urban and rural areas based on risk factors.
Nanobody Armed T Cells Endow CAR-T Cells the Ability to Against Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Wang Liyan , Li Yanning , Li Guangqi , Zhang Xiaochun , Jiang Dan , Zhang Yanting , Liu Liyuan , Chu Yuankui , Xu Guangxian
Published: June 2021

BackgroundTaking advantages of nanobody (Nb) in immunotherapy, here we investigate the cytotoxicity of Nb based Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (Nb CAR-T) against Lymphoma cells.MethodsCD19 Nb CAR-T, CD20 Nb CAR-T, and Bispecific Nb CAR-T cells were generated by panning anti-human CD19, CD20 specific nanobodies sequences from naive phage display library, then integrating Nb genes with lentiviral cassette that included other CARs elements, and finally transducing T cells that were expanded under optimization system with above prepared CARs lentiviruses. Prepared Nb CAR-T cells were co-cultured with tumor cell lines or primary tumor cells for 24 hours or 5 days to evaluate the biological function. ResultsObtained several Nb sequences specific to CD19 and CD20. Optimized culture conditions of T cells that expand 87.5 folds after 7 days of activation. Generated Nb CAR-T cells that could recognize Burkitt lymphoma cell lines (Raji and Daudi), induce activation, proliferation, and therefore kill target cells specifically. Furthermore, same results were also obtained from patient samples with cytotoxicity about 60%. Conclusions﻿Our study demonstrated that nanobody based single and bispecific CAR-T cells have certain killing ability against both tumor cell lines and patient-derived tumor cells in vitro.
Efficacy and Safety Among Second-Generation and Other Basal Insulins in Adult Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: - Martin , Zhou Yi , Takagi Tatsuya , Tian Yu-Shi
Published: June 2021

Aims: To assess the comparative efficacy and safety of second-generation basal insulins (glargine U300 and degludec U100) vs. neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) and first-generation basal insulins (glargine U100 and detemir) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) adults. Methods: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar (until January 2021) were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with ≥ 12 weeks of follow-up comparing efficacy (HbA1c) or safety (hypoglycemia and weight gain) between second-generation basal insulins vs. other basal insulins in T1D adults were included. Bayesian network meta-analyses were used to estimate risk ratio, hazard ratio, and mean difference. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to appraise evidence certainty. Results: Eighteen RCTs (≥ 24 weeks of follow-up) involving 7,283 randomized participants were included for main analysis. Moderate to high certainty evidence suggested that second-generation basal insulins showed equivalent HbA1c reduction compared with NPH and first-generation basal insulins. Compared with second-generation basal insulins, low to high certainty evidence suggested that NPH was associated with a higher risk of patients experiencing severe hypoglycemia; NPH and first-generation basal insulins were associated with a higher rate of nocturnal confirmed hypoglycemic events. For the weight gain, glargine U300 was comparable to detemir (low certainty), but degludec U100 was greater than detemir (moderate certainty).Conclusions: In T1D adults, second-generation basal insulins maintained equivalent efficacy of glycemic control (moderate to high certainty), with differences in safety (low to high certainty) compared with NPH and first-generation basal insulins during ≥ 24 weeks of follow-up.
Upper Cervical Spine Fracture-Dislocation in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: Application of Halo Vest Before and During Posterior Surgery
Authors: Yang Haisong , Sun Yuling , Wang Liang , Gao Chunyan , Yu Fengbin , Xu Tianming , Lu Xuhua
Published: June 2021

Background

It is a challenge to reduce and immobilize the broken “bamboo spine”, especially for the upper cervical spine, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) before and during posterior surgery.
Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the case histories, operations, neurologic outcomes, follow-up data, and imaging records of 17 patients with AS and upper cervical spine fracture-dislocation who underwent surgical treatment in three clinical spine center from 2010 to 2019. A halo vest was used to reduce and immobilize fractured spinal column ends. The neurological injury was evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale score and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score before and after operation. Complications and time of bone fusion were recorded.
Results

Fourteen patients achieved closed anatomical reduction after halo vest application. No displacement in fracture ends and loss of reduction occurred after prone position. No patient presented with secondary neurological deterioration. All patients was performed posterior surgery. The surgery improved the ASIA grade in all patients (P < 0.001). The mean JOA score also increased significantly at last follow-up compared to preoperation (14.5 ± 2.3 vs. 9.2 ± 2.4, P < 0.01). No severe complication and death occurred. All patients reached solid bony fusion at 12-month follow-up.
Conclusions

Use of a halo vest before and during the operation is safe and effective in patients with AS who develop upper cervical spine fracture-dislocation. This technique makes positioning, awake nasoendotracheal intubation, nursing, and the operation more convenient. It can also provide satisfactory reduction and rigid immobilization and prevent secondary neurologic deterioration. .
Bacillus Licheniformis PF9 Improves Barrier Function and Alleviates Inflammatory Responses Against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli F4 Infection in the Porcine Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Li Qiao , Chen Yanhong , Yu Changning , Azevedo Paula , Gong Joshua , Yang Chengbo
Published: June 2021

Background: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4 commonly colonizes the small intestine and releases enterotoxins that impair the intestinal barrier function and trigger inflammatory responses. Although Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) has been reported to enhance intestinal health, it remains to be seen whether there is a functional role of B. licheniformis in intestinal inflammatory response in intestinal porcine epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) when stimulated with ETEC F4.Methods: In the present study, the effects of B. licheniformis PF9 on the release of pro-inflammation cytokines, cell integrity and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation were evaluated in ETEC F4-induced IPEC-J2 cells.Results: B. licheniformis PF9 treatment was capable of remarkably attenuating the expression levels of inflammation cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-8, and IL-6 during ETEC F4 infection. Furthermore, the gene expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated upstream related genes of NF-κB signaling pathway has been significantly inhibited. These changes were accompanied by a significant decreased phosphorylation of p65 NF-κB during ETEC F4 infection with B. licheniformis PF9 treatment. The immunofluorescence and western blot analysis revealed that B. licheniformis PF9 increased the expression levels of zona occludens 1 (ZO-1) and occludin (OCLN) in ETEC F4-infected IPEC-J2 cells. Meanwhile, the B. licheniformis PF9 could alleviate the epithelial barrier function assessed by the trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and cell permeability assay. Interestingly, B. licheniformis PF9 protect IPEC-J2 cells against ETEC F4 infection by decreasing the gene expressions of virulence-related factors (including luxS, estA, estB, and elt) in ETEC F4.Conclusions: Collectively, our results suggest that B. licheniformis PF9 might reduce inflammation-related cytokines through blocking the NF-κB signaling pathways. Besides, B. licheniformis PF9 displayed a significant role in the enhancement of IPEC-J2 cell integrity.
‘They don’t want to give people bad news’: a qualitative exploration of the potential of prognostic indicators for initiating and supporting difficult conversations at the end-of-life
Authors: Griffiths Jane , Spencer K. , Stone P. , Kalpakidou A. K. , Keeley V. , Buckle P. , Finlay D-A , Todd C.
Published: June 2021

Background There is increasing evidence that patients with incurable cancer approaching the end-of-life, their carers and clinicians want to know how much time is left to live. Prognostic models can help with planning for the end of life and sorting out affairs, but we know very little about the acceptability of the models to patients, carers and clinicians.Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 29 patients, 20 carers and 32 clinicians who took part in a large validation study of prognostic models, to find out how acceptable they are. Interview data were entered into NVivo 10 and analysed using the five stages of Framework Analysis: (i) familiarisation, (ii) developing a thematic framework, (iii) indexing, (iv) charting, and (v) mapping and interpretation.Findings The use of prognostic models was acceptable to patients and carers, and largely acceptable to clinicians. There was marked discrepancy however between the wishes of patients and carers for prognostic discussions, and the willingness of clinicians to initiate and conduct these conversations. Clinicians’ reluctance was founded on the dual principles of working in patients’ best interests and doing no harm, but was at odds with what patients and carers actually wanted. Conclusion Prognostic models such as PiPS may be a useful adjunct to clinical decision making, but also a helpful tool for initiating difficult conversations at the end of life. In order to conduct these conversations skilfully, communication skills training tailored to end of life prognostic conversations is needed.
Characterization of aerosol particles during a high pollution episode over Mexico City
Authors: Carabali Giovanni , Villanueva-Macías José , Ladino Luis , Álvarez-Ospina Harry , Raga Graciela , Andraca-Ayala Gema , Miranda Javier , Grutter Michel , Silva Monserrat , Riveros-Rosas David
Published: June 2021

More than 7 thousand wildfires were recorded over Mexico in 2019, affecting almost 640 thousand hectares. Most of these fires occurred during the warm-dry season generating dense smoke plumes, impacting urban areas in the central part of the Mexican plateau. From May 10 to 17, 2019, biomass burning (BB) plumes affected Mexico City (MC) and diffused across the basin, drastically reducing visibility. Due to the severity of this high atmospheric pollution (HAP) episode, the local government declared an environmental contingency, warning the population. Fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations were ~ 2 times higher than the nation's air quality standards. Likewise, aerosol optical measurements indicated that visibility was mainly affected by fine aerosol particles. Electron microscopy analysis of aerosol samples obtained during the HAP days shows a high incidence of strong absorbent soot and tarballs (TB). These types of particles were simultaneously observed in MC and at the high-altitude Altzomoni Atmospheric Observatory (~ 4010 m.a.g.l.). Elemental analysis of the particles shows that the composition is dominated by sulfur and potassium, evidencing a strong influence of the BB emissions, but also suggests the presence of urban pollution from MC at the remote Altzomoni site.
Unsteady Couette Flow Past Between Two HorizontalRiga Plates With Hall and Ion Slip Current
Authors: Nasrin Sonia , Mondal Rabindra Nath , Alam Md. Mahmud
Published: June 2021

In this article, we have investigated an unsteady Couette flow past between two horizontal Riga plates with the Hall and Ion-slip effects. Riga plate is the combination of electrodes and permanent magnets that creates a plane surface that produced the electromagnetic hydrodynamic fluid behavior and mostly uses in industrial processes with fluid flow affairs. It is used as an agent to reduce skin friction and also diminish the turbulent effects. The numerical solutions are acquired by using the explicit finite difference method and estimated results have been gained for various values of dimensionless pressure gradient parameter, the Hall and Ion-slip parameters, modified Hartmann number, Prandtl number, Eckert number. The expression of skin friction and Nusselt number has been computed and the outcomes of the relevant parameters on various distributions have been sketched and presented as well as graphically.