bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure of Mesenchymal Stem Cells to an Alzheimer’s Disease Environment Enhances Therapeutic Effects
Authors: Park Sang eon , Kim Hyeong Seop , Kwon Soo Jin , Kim Min-Jeong , Choi Suk-joo , Oh Soo-young , Ryu Gyu Ha , Jeon Hong Bae , Na Duk L. , Chang Jong Wook
Published: October 2020

BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising tool for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous studies suggested that the co-culture of human MSCs with AD in an in vitro model reduced the expression of amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) in the medium as well as the overexpression of amyloid-beta (Aβ )-degrading enzymes such as neprilysin (NEP).MethodsIn this study, we focused on the role of primed MSCs (human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) exposed to an AD cell line via a co-culture system) in reducing the levels of Aβ and inhibiting cell death. ResultsWe demonstrated that mouse groups treated with naïve MSCs and primed MSCs showed significant reductions in cell death, ubiquitin conjugate levels, and Aβ levels, but the effects were greater in primed MSCs. Also, mRNA sequencing data analysis indicated that high levels of TGF-β induced primed-MSCs. Furthermore, treatment with TGF-β reduced Aβ expression in an AD transgenic mouse model. ConclusionAD environmental preconditioning is a promising strategy to reduce cell death and ubiquitin conjugate levels and maintain the stemness of MSCs. Further, these data suggest that human WJ-MSCs exposed to an AD environment may represent a promising and novel therapy for AD.
Automatic Tooth Segmentation and Classification in Dental Panoramic X-ray Images
Authors: Zhao Shuxu , LUO QING , Liu Changrong
Published: October 2020

Background: The information of tooth shape, type and tooth position plays an important role in the understanding of pathological features in dental X-ray ﬁlms. It is of great signiﬁcance to realize the accurate tooth segmentation and tooth classiﬁcation of dental panoramic X-ray images for the construction of an intelligent dental diagnosis system.At present, the segmentation results of teeth are relatively rough, and most methods realize tooth recognition and segmentation as independent tasks, ignoring the parameter sharing between the two tasks. Therefore, an instance segmentation method which can realize tooth recognition and tooth segmentation at the same time is proposed. Methods: In model designing, the Mask R-CNN, an instance segmentation model , is adopted, which includes classiﬁcation branches and segmentation branches. The classiﬁcation branch can be used to complete the tooth recognition task and the segmentation branch to complete the tooth segmentation task. On this basis, the U-Net architecture is integrated to modify the segmentation branch to improve the segmentation eﬀect. In data engineering, two classiﬁcation schemes are designed, one according to the function of teeth, the other according to the position of teeth. Results: Based on the data of 400 panoramic X-ray ﬁlms of teeth, we combined migration learning to conduct experiments on the TensorFlow deep learning framework. The experimental results show that compared with other methods, the classiﬁcation and segmentation of teeth can be realized simultaneously in this paper, with an accuracy of more than 90%. Compared with the original model, the improved Mask R-CNN proposed in this paper improves the segmentation recall rate by 10%. In the proposed classiﬁcation scheme, the accuracy of classiﬁcation based on tooth function is 3% higher than that based on tooth position.Conclusions: The model proposed in this paper combines the two tasks of classiﬁcation and segmentation, avoids the repetitive training of the model, and improves the segmentation precision with the improved segmentation branch. Compared with the recall rate traditional methods of tooth function classiﬁcation, the proposed method based on tooth function has better classiﬁcation eﬀect.
520YS , Encoding an Ankyrin Repeat Protein, is Involved in Chloroplast Development in Rice
Authors: Wang Pingrong , Xiao Fuliang , Wang San , Guo Jia , Liu Qingsong , Tang Yulin , Zhang Xiangyu , Sun Changhui , Deng Xiaojian
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe ankyrin repeat (ANK) proteins are widely distributed in organisms ranging from viruses to plants, which play key roles in plastid differentiation, embryogenesis, chloroplast biogenesis and so on. However, only a few ANK genes have been identified in rice.ResultsIn this study, we isolated a yellow-green leaf mutant, 520ys, from japonica rice cultivar Nipponbare through ethyl methane sulfonate mutagenesis. The mutant exhibited a yellow-green leaf phenotype throughout the life cycle, arrested development of chloroplasts, reduced levels of photosynthetic pigments, and accumulated reactive oxide species. Map-based cloning suggested that the candidate gene was LOC_Os07g33660, which encodes an expressed protein containing one ankyrin repeat and showing sequence similarity with the Arabidopsis LTD/GDC1 (At1g50900). Transgenic complementation experiment confirmed that LOC_Os07g33660 is the causal gene for the mutant type of 520ys. 520YS (LOC_Os07g33660) is mainly expressed in green tissues and its encoded protein is targeted to the chloroplast. In 520ys mutant, expression levels of four light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein translocation-related genes and eight photosynthesis-related genes were significantly down-regulated.ConclusionWe characterized a novel ANK gene, 520YS, which plays a key role in chloroplast development in rice.
Chronic Ethanol Vapor Exposure Potentiates the Cardiovascular Responses to Acute Stress in Male but Not in Female Rats
Authors: Bianchi Paula Cristina , de-Souza Lucas Gomes , Costa-Ferreira Willian , Palombo Paola , de Oliveira Paulo E. Carneiro , Engi Sheila A. , Leão Rodrigo M. , Planeta Cleopatra S. , Crestani Carlos C. , Cruz Fabio C.
Published: October 2020

Background: Ethanol use is related to a wide variety of negative health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases. Stress is also involved in numerous pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases and psychiatric disorders. Sexual dimorphism is an important factor affecting the cardiovascular response and have been proposed as a potentially risk factor for sex-specific health problems in human. Here, we evaluated the effect of prolonged ethanol vapor inhalation in arterial pressure, heart rate and tail skin temperature responses to acute restraint stress, investigating differences between male and female rats. Methods: We exposed male and female Long-Evans rats to ethanol vapor for 14 hours, followed by ethanol withdrawal for 10 hours, for 30 consecutive days or room air (control groups). The animals underwent surgical implantation of a cannula into the femoral artery for assessment of arterial pressure and heart rate values. The tail skin temperature was measured as an indirect measurement of sympathetic vasomotor response. Results: Chronic ethanol vapor inhalation reduced basal heart rate in both female and male rats. Sex-related difference was observed in the decrease of tail cutaneous temperature evoked by stress, but not in the pressor and tachycardiac responses. Furthermore, prolonged ethanol inhalation enhanced the blood pressure and heart rate increase caused by acute restraint stress in male, but not in female rats. However, no effect of chronic ethanol vapor was observed in the tail cutaneous temperature response to restraint in both sexes. Conclusion: Chronic ethanol vapor exposure increased the cardiovascular reactivity to stress in male, but not in female rats.
Effect of manual reduction and indirect decompression on thoracolumbar burst fracture: a comparison study
Authors: Huang Jian , Zhou Limin , Yan Zhaodong , Zhou Zongbo , Gou Xuejian
Published: October 2020

Study designRetrospective cohort study.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of manual reduction and indirect decompression on thoracolumbar burst fracture.Methods60 patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture who were hospitalized from January 2018 to October 2019 were selected and divided into experimental group (33 cases) and control group (27 cases) according to different treatment methods. The experimental group was treated with manual reduction and indirect decompression, while the control group was not treated with manual reduction. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. VAS score was used to evaluate the improvement of pain. The anterior height of injured vertebra, wedge angle of injured vertebral body, encroachment ratio of injured vertebral canal were used to evaluate spinal canal decompression and fracture reduction. JOA score was used to evaluate the improvement of spinal function.ResultsThere was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups. Compared with the control group, the VAS score and the wedge angle of injured vertebral body of the experimental group on 3 days after operation and the last follow-up were significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. The ratio of anterior height of injured vertebra of the experimental group on 3 days after operation and the last follow-up were significantly higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. The difference of the encroachment ratio of injured vertebral canal between preoperation and 3 days after operation was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. The bladder function of JOA on 3 days after operation of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. And the rest aspect of JOA on 3 days after operation and last follow-up of the experimental group were no significant difference Compared with the control group.ConclusionManipulative reduction and indirect decompression can obtain better clinical effect in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.
Naringin Increases Osteoprotegerin Expression in Fibroblasts From Periprosthetic Membrane by the Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Chao , Liu Wei , Zhang Xianlong , Zeng Bingfang , Qian Yebin
Published: October 2020

Background: The osteoclast bone resorption is critical in aseptic loosening after joint replacemrent. The balance between activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) is considered to play a central role in osteoclast maturation. Fibroblasts from the periprosthetic membrane express RANKL and promote osteoclast formation. Studies have demonstrated that naringin inhibited osteoclastogenesis and wear particles-induced osteolysis. In this study, the naringin-induced OPG/RANKL effects and its underlying mechanism were studied in fibroblasts from periprosthetic membrane. Methods: Fibroblasts were isolated from the periprosthetic membrane during hip arthroplasty for revision due to aseptic loosening. Fibroblasts were cultured and treated with or without naringin and DKK-1 (the classical inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway). OPG and RANKL mRNA and protein levels, gene expression of β-catenin and cyclin D1, which participate in the Wnt signaling pathway, were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mRNA and protein levels of OPG were enhanced by naringin in a dose dependent manner compared to that of the non-treated control. In contrast, naringin did not affect the expression of RANKL. Importantly, DKK-1 attenuated OPG expression in fibroblasts under naringin treatment. Moreover, naringin stimulated the gene expression of β-catenin and cyclin D1 in fibroblasts and the effect could be inhibited by DKK-1.Conclusion: The results indicated that naringin enhanced OPG expression through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in fibroblasts from periprosthetic membrane, which may be useful to inhibit periprosthetic osteolysis during aseptic loosening after total joint arthroplasty.
Artemisinin Attenuated Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis by Inhibiting Autophagy in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y Cell 
Authors: Yan Junqiang , Ma Hongxia , Lai Xiaoyi , Wu Jiannan , Liu Anran , Huang Jiarui , Sun Wenjie , Shen Mengmeng , Zhang Yude
Published: October 2020

Background Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's. The drugs currently used to treat PD cannot inhibit the development of PD, and long-term use produces severe drug resistance and adverse reaction. Artemisinin (ART) is an active ingredient of Artemisia annua and has a neuroprotective effect, but the mechanism is still unclear. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of ART in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Results There was no significant cytotoxicity when the ART concentration was under. 40μM. The 20μM ART for 24h could increase the cell viability by reducing oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cell. In addition, immunoblot and immunofluorescence results showed that MPP+ treatment increased the expression of Beclin1, LC3II/LC3I and decreased the expression of P62, while ART can reverse the changes caused by MPP+. Discussion More and more researches reported that ART and its derivates have neuroprotective effects through anti-oxidant and anti-apoptosis. we found that pre-treated cells with 20μM ART for 4h could significantly increase the viability in Parkinson's disease cell model. The oxidative stress and apoptosis were the main reason for the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, while artemisinin can attenuate oxidative stress and apoptosis in MPP+-lesioned dopaminergic neurons. The levels of autophagy proteins LC3II/I, Beclin1 and P62 also showed that MPP+ increased the autophagy level, and pre-treatment with ART decreased the autophagy level, which may be the pathological mechanism for artemisinin to reduce oxidative stress damage and apoptosis. Conclusions These results indicate that ART exerts a positive effect on MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells in terms of anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptosis. These effects may be related to autophagy. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the critical role of ART in PD treatment.
De Novo Design and Bioactivity Prediction of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors Using ULMFit
Authors: Santana Marcos , Silva Floriano Paes
Published: October 2020

The global pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) created a rush to discover drug candidates. Despite the efforts, so far no vaccine or drug has been approved for treatment. Artificial intelligence offers solutions that could accelerate the discovery and optimization of new antivirals, especially in the current scenario dominated by the scarcity of compounds active against SARS-CoV-2. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is an attractive target for drug discovery due to the absence in humans and the essential role in viral replication. In this work, we developed a deep learning platform for de novo design of putative inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M pro ). Our methodology consists of 3 main steps: 1) training and validation of general chemistry-based generative model; 2) fine-tuning of the generative model for the chemical space of SARS-CoV- M pro inhibitors and 3) training of a classifier for bioactivity prediction using transfer learning. The fine-tuned chemical model generated >90% valid, diverse and novel (not present on the training set) structures. The generated molecules showed a good overlap with M pro chemical space, displaying similar physicochemical properties and chemical structures. In addition, novel scaffolds were also generated, showing the potential to explore new chemical series. The classification model outperformed the baseline area under the precision-recall curve, showing it can be used for prediction. In addition, the model also outperformed the freely available model Chemprop on an external test set of fragments screened against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, showing its potential to identify putative antivirals to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, among the top-20 predicted hits, we identified nine hits via molecular docking displaying binding poses and interactions similar to experimentally validated inhibitors.
Effects of Intraoperative Ketamine Versus Dexmedetomidine on Release of Inflammatory Mediators in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy. Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Elghamry Mona Raafat , Naguib Tamer Mohamed , AbdAlraheem Taysser Mahmoud , Dawood Lamees Mohamed
Published: October 2020

Background: Surgery and anesthesia are sources of stress to the patients. Inflammatory reactions to this stress have adverse effects on wound healing and remote organs in addition to long-term sequels e.g. adhesion formation. We compared the effects of dexmedetomidine and ketamine on perioperative level of serum inflammatory biomarkers including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and C- reactive protein. Methods: We included Seventy-five patients, aged 30-60, ASA I–II, and scheduled for laparoscopic hysterectomy. Patients were randomized to receive intraoperative ketamine (bolus dose 0.25 mg/kg then continuous infusion 250 µg/kg/h), dexmedetomidine (1µg/kg bolus dose then continuous infusion 0.5 µg/kg/h), or placebo. The primary outcome was to measure serum level of inflammatory biomarkers. Hemodynamic parameters, Recovery time, and complications within 24 hours postoperative were recorded.Results: Whilst there was significant increase in concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers 6 and 24 h postoperative in all groups, there were significant differences between ketamine and dexmedetomidine group as compared to control group with no significant differences between ketamine and dexmedetomidine group. As regard hemodynamic parameters, there were significant increase in ketamine group and decrease in dexmedetomidine group as compared to base line with no need for medical intervention. There was delayed recovery in ketamine group versus control and dexmedetomidine group (24.3 ± 6.4, 12.6 ± 2.0, 13.5 ± 3.3 min respectively; P < 0.001). More complications were reported in ketamine group but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine and ketamine are comparable as regards attenuation of perioperative inflammatory response. However, dexmedetomidine has a favorable safety profile.Trial registry number is (PACTR201910617459894: date of registration 10/24/2019)
Development of Chinese Chestnut Whiskey: Yeast Strains Isolation, Fermentation System Optimization, and Scale-Up Fermentation
Authors: Shi Cuie , Shoubao Yan , Jiaquan Guang
Published: October 2020

In this study, we used Chinese chestnut as the main raw material to develop a novel type of whiskey. First, 16 yeasts were isolated and identified for producing aroma using olfactory plate assay. Of these, we screened nine yeast strains based on their fermentation capacity, aroma profile, and sensory evaluation. The results demonstrated the combination of strains HN006 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and HN010 (Wickerhamomyces anomalus) provided satisfactory wine fermentation with an interesting flavor profile, as strain HN010 was highly aromatic and had elevated sensory scores with comparatively low ethanol yield, while strain HN006 had a poor flavor profile but produced the largest amount of ethanol. Subsequently, we co-cultured strains HN006 and HN010 to optimize the fermentation system. The results revealed the following optimum parameters: a mixed inoculum of 6% (v/v) at an HN006/HN010 ratio of 1: 2 (v/v), a raw material ratio of 5: 3: 2 (chestnut: malt: glutinous rice), and yeast extract concentration of 6 g/L. Additionally, this fermentation system was successfully scaled-up to a 1000 L pilot-scale system. The results of this study showed that strains HN006 and HN010 could be used as alternatives for whiskey fermentation, as well as provided a generalized experimental scheme to assess other microorganisms.
Restricting Phosphorous Can Manage Growth and Development of Containerized Sweet Basil, Dill, Parsley, and Sage
Authors: Currey Christopher J. , Metz Vincent C. , Flax Nicholas J. , Litvin Alex G. , Whipker Brian E.
Published: October 2020

The objective of this research was to quantify the effects of phosphorous (P) concentrations on the growth, development, and tissue mineral nutrient concentrations of four popular culinary herbs commonly grown in containers. Seedlings of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Italian Large Leaf’), dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Fernleaf’), parsley (Petroselinum crispum ‘Giant of Italy’), and sage (Salvia officinalis) were individually transplanted to 11.4-cm-diameter containers filled with soilless substrate comprising canadian sphagnum peatmoss and coarse perlite. Upon transplanting and throughout the experiment, seedlings were irrigated with solutions containing 0, 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg·L−1 P; all other macro- and micronutrient concentrations were the same across P concentrations. Plants were grown for 4 weeks in a greenhouse; after that time, data were collected. Relationships between height and width and P concentrations were nonlinear for all four species; height and width increased as P increased to more than 0 mg·L−1 until the species-specific maxima; after that time, no further increase occurred. The same trend was observed for the branch length of sweet basil and sage, and for internode length, leaf area, and shoot dry mass of all four species. Although visible P deficiency symptoms were observed for plants provided with 0 mg·L−1 P, there were no signs of P deficiency for plants provided with ≥5 mg·L−1 P, even though tissue P concentrations were below the recommended sufficiency ranges. As a result of this research, containerized sweet basil, dill, parsley, and sage can be provided with 5 to 10 mg·L−1 P during production to limit growth and produce plants without visible nutrient deficiency symptoms that are proportional to their containers.
pH Buffering in Pine Bark Substrates as a Function of Particle Size
Authors: Pancerz Magdalena , Altland James E.
Published: October 2020

Stability of substrate pH in container-grown crops is important for proper nutrient management. The objective of this research was to determine the pH buffering capacity of pine bark substrates as a function of particle size and compare those results to sphagnum peat. The weight equivalent of 100 cm3 for fine, medium, and coarse pine bark and sphagnum peat, either as a whole or partitioned into several particle size ranges, was placed in a 250-mL glass jar and filled with 100 mL of an acid or base solution ranging from 0 to 50 meq·L−1 in 10 meq·L−1 increments. After 24 hours, pH was measured. An experiment was also conducted in the greenhouse. The weight equivalent of 500 cm3 of sphagnum peat, fine pine bark, or coarse pine bark was filled into 10-cm plastic pots and irrigated with one of the following: tap water or 10 meq·L−1 of HCl, NaOH, H2SO4, or KHCO3 and with or without a water soluble fertilizer. Substrate pH was determined 4 and 8 weeks after potting using the pour-through method. In all experiments, sphagnum peat had less buffering capacity than pine bark against pH changes from acidic solutions, whereas pine bark had less buffering capacity than sphagnum peat to pH changes from basic solutions. Substrate pH buffering in pine bark increased with decreasing particle size, whereas pH buffering in sphagnum peat was less responsive to particle size. These results will help growers and substrate manufacturers understand how substrate components contribute to pH management during crop production.
#YardFruits: Twitter as a Tool to Disseminate Horticulture Education during a Pandemic
Authors: Stafne Eric T.
Published: October 2020

Since late Mar. 2020, many universities halted normal operations due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although extension uses many different techniques to educate consumers, it has been slow to grasp the power of social media. Faced with a dilemma of using digital methods instead of in-person field days, short courses, and workshops, Twitter was a viable alternative, especially for broad audience engagement. Tweet threads were posted on Twitter every Monday morning from 6 Apr. to 8 June 2020. Each thread consisted of 10 tweets. A hashtag #YardFruits was used to start the thread and for later reference. For the first nine threads only one fruit species was discussed per thread. The final thread consisted of single tweets of several species. Engagement percentage did not differ over time but did differ among the crop species. Tweets that did not include a photo received less engagement (2.7%) than those that did include a photo (4.7%). My Twitter account saw a 6.5% increase in followers during the series. Grape (Vitis sp.), passion fruit (Passiflora sp.), fig (Ficus carica), and pear (Pyrus communis) threads had the least engagement and were different from the Other Fruits thread. All other threads were similar. Extension educators can grow their influence by using well-targeted, focused tweets and tweet threads, especially those that use hashtags and photos.
Anaesthetic Management of a Giant Cervico-Occipital Meningocele with Cleft Palate
Authors: Mansi Jain  , Niti Dalal  , Charu Bamba
Published: October 2020

Meningocele is herniation of meninges and CSF through the skull and vertebral defect. The major anaesthetic challenges encountered in management of cervico-occipital meningocele include difficulty in securing airway, proper positioning of the neonate without pressure on the meningocoele sac, maintaining prone position and prevention of electrolyte disturbances and hypothermia. Associated congenital anomalies also can cause anaesthesia and procedure related complications. We report a case of 25 day old neonate with giant cervico occipital meningocele with cleft palate posted for excision and repair.
Role of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant in Labour Analgesia in Pre-eclampsia: A Prospective Study
Authors: Jyothsna C  , Roopa Kotha
Published: October 2020

Background: Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist with several diverse actions like sedation, anxiolysis, sympatholysis, analgesia, and decreased intraoperative anesthetic requirements (narcotic, inhalational). Intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine can be used as an adjuvant in labour analgesia in preeclampsia patients as onset is faster and duration of analgesia is longer. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to determine the role of intravenous Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant in Labour analgesia in PIH.Subjects and Methods:This was a prospective study and was done in the department of Anaesthesia at Maheshwara Medical College. Our study included 60 full term pregnant women with preeclampsia, within 25 to 45 years age range. They were divided into two groups, as Test group and Control group of 30 patients each. Test group received IV Dexmedetomidine and Control group received IV Fentanyl.Results:Maximum number of cases 15/30 (50%) were in the age group 31-35 years, Majority were primigravida ie, 60% ( 36/60). Onset of analgesia was faster, duration of analgesia was longer and uterine contraction was greater with IV Dexmedetomidine as compared to IV fentanyl.Conclusion:From the present study we conclude that IV Dexmedetomidine can be used for labour analgesia in pregnant women with preecampsia and observed that onset and duration of analgesia are better and also it gives stable maternal parameters of maternal heart rate and mean blood pressure.
Clinical Comparison of Epidural Clonidine and Verapamil with Ropivacaine in Abdominal Hysterectomy; A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study.
Authors: Suraj Kumar  , Manoj Tripathi  , Deepak Malviya  , Sujeet Rai  , Sumit Kumar  , Manoj Kumar Giri
Published: October 2020

Background: Adjuvants, when combined with local anaesthetics, increase duration of block, improve quality of blockade and accelerate onset of block. The aim of this study is to assess the analgesic properties and postoperative analgesia of Clonidine and verapamil in the epidural block for abdominal hysterectomy.Subjects and Methods:Ninety patients were divided into three groups Group l- patient were given ropivacaine (0.75%) in the dose of 20 ml, Group II -0.75% ropivacaine 20 ml with verapamil in the dose of 2.5 ml, Group III -0.75% ropivacaine 20 ml with Clonidine in the dose of 1mcg/kg body weight. Patients were assessed for onset, degree, level, duration of sensory and motor block, duration of complete analgesia and postoperative analgesia, rescue analgesic requirement, sedation score and adverse effects.Results:When groups I and II were compared, onset of sensory and motor block was found to be statistically insignificant (p>0.05), while it was early in group III in comparison to groups I and II and statistically significant ( p<0.05). The duration of sensory block in group III was more in comparison to groups I and II  and were statistically significant ( p<0.05). The mean duration of analgesia in group I was 184.03 + 5.20 mins, in group II was 300.46 + 5.80 mins and in groups, III was 538 + 12.80 mins.Conclusion:Verapamil does not enhance the onset, duration of the sensory and motor block, though Clonidine in the dose of 1ug/kg enhances the onset of sensory block. The duration of postoperative analgesia with verapamil was more and much higher compared to Clonidine.
Clinical Comparative Study between Fentanyl and Dexmedetomidine with Bupivacaine for Lower Limb Surgery in Spinal Anaesthesia
Authors: Tuhin Vashishth  , Sangeeta Varun
Published: October 2020

Background: Spinal anesthesia is a preferred technique of choice in infraumbilical surgeries. The spinal anesthesia effect can be improved by adding various adjuvant like Fentanyl, clonidine, dexmedetomidine. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha 2 adrenergic agonists. The aim of study to compare efficacy and safety between Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl with Bupivacaine.Subjects and Methods:A prospective randomized, double-blind study was conducted on 100 patient by dividing them into two groups. Group D: 2.5ml (12.5mg) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 5mcg (0.5ml) dexmedetomidine and Group F : 2.5ml(12.5mg) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 2 5mcg(0.5ml)  fentanyl. The total volume injected intrathecally was 3.0ml in ASA I and II grade patient undergoing lower limb surgery.Results:Patients in dexmedetomidine groupD had a significantly longer sensory and motor block time than patients in fentanyl group F.The mean time of sensory regression to level S1 was 306.00 ± 13 .32 in group D and 206.14± 16.69 in group F(P<0.001). The regression time of motor block to reach modified Bromage 0 was 257.70±14.61 in group D and 178.54±14.23 in group F(P<0.001).Conclusion:Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine is associated with prolonging motor and sensory block as compare to Fentanyl.
Comparison of Fascia Iliaca Block with Intravenous Paracetamol, as Postoperative Analgesic Method for Femur Surgery
Authors: Praveen kumar Shekhrajka  , Dhaval kumar C Patel
Published: October 2020

Background: Postoperative pain is extremely unpleasant which causes severe discomfort to the patient as well as it increases the anxiety, hospital stay so overall total burden. Objectives: Comparison of efficacy between fascia iliaca block with intravenous paracetamol, as postoperative analgesic method after femur surgery. Simultaneously requirement of other analgesics in the first 24 hours.Subjects and Methods:Prospective longitudinal study conducted in patients belonging to age group of 18 to 65 years posted for femur surgeries. All patients were received Intrathecal injection of 3.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and divided into two groups. After completion of surgery Group I received the Fascia Iliaca block with thirty ml of 0.25% of injection bupivacaine and Group II received injection Paracetamol one gram intravenously. Duration of analgesia, time from block / iv PCM to 1st rescue analgesia, number of patients as well as total doses of required rescue analgesics in 1st 24 hours were observed postoperatively.Results:From One hour onwards at all the time interval, mean pain scores was less in FIB group as compared to PCM group(p<0.001). In FIB group 15 (42%) patients had more than 24 hours and 11(32%) patients had 12-24 hours of analgesia, where as in PCM Group not a single patient had more than 12 hours of analgesia. In FIB group only 20 (57%) patients required rescue analgesic as compared to 35 (100%) patients in PCM group.Conclusion:In FIB insertion point is away from femoral vessels and can be provided without nerve stimulator. Post-operative it is extremely crucial to provide analgesia specially initial 24 hours. FIB can provide prolong duration of analgesia, so helps in early mobilization and early rehabilitation as well as it also reduces opioid requirements. Thus, Fascia iliaca block is an effective, easy and affordable method for postoperative analgesia and can be used safely as a part of multimodal approach to pain relief after femur surgery.
Comparison of Tramadol and Pethidine for Control of Shivering Following Central Neuraxial Blockade
Authors: Prameela VS  , Madhu Kumar BS  , Kumar Brijesh
Published: October 2020

Background: Central neuraxial blockade is associated with shivering in 40-60% of the patients. A popularly used drug to control shivering is pethidine. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of tramadol on shivering and compare it with the efficacy of pethidine. The study was also intended to compare the haemodynamics, complications and recurrence of shivering with the use of pethidine and tramadol. Subjects and Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted in Department of Anaesthesiology, Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Devanahalli, Bengaluru. In this study, 80 consenting patients of either gender, aged between 20-60 years, in American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grades 1, 2 and 3 according to ASA who experienced shivering during or immediately after elective surgeries under central neuraxial blockade (spinal, epidural and combined spinal and epidural) were randomized to receive either pethidine 1mg/kg or tramadol 1 mg/kg for control of shivering. The time interval for the onset of shivering after regional anaesthesia, onset of disappearance of shivering after drug administration, complete disappearance of shivering, hemodynamics, recurrence of shivering and complications were recorded. Results: There was no statistical difference in the onset of disappearance between the 2 groups (p=0.615). Time taken for complete disappearance of shivering after 5 minutes interval period was statistically more in Group T (17.5% vs 5% in Group P) with p= 0.154. Recurrence of shivering occurred more in the tramadol group as compared to pethidine group which was strongly significant statistically (27.5% vs 5.0%) with p=0.006. However the incidence of complications was higher with pethidine with a greater drop in mean blood pressure, increased indicators of respiratory depression, more sedation, greater nausea, vomiting and itching. Conclusion:  The present study results may conclude that tramadol is an effective drug in the control of shivering with more stable hemodynamic and fewer side effects such as sedation, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting and itching. However one must be prepared for a slight delay in the onset of its action and expect a recurrence of shivering which may require further therapy. Pethidine, with its equal efficacy may be advocated in patients allergic to tramadol and where sedation is desirable.
Evaluation of the Causes of Cancellation of Cases on the Day of Surgery
Authors: Geeta Karki  , Vishwadeep Singh  , Ashita Mowar
Published: October 2020

Background: Cancellation of elective operation on the day of surgery is a common phenomenon in all hospitals, which is a great concern in countries like India with limited resources. This study was aimed to assess incidence and causes for this which will help to enhance efficiency and minimize wastage of resources and manpower.Subjects and Methods:The study was carried out over six months and included all patients posted for elective surgery. The reasons for cancellation were classified into four types - anaesthesia related, patient related, surgeon related and hospital/resource related.Statistical analysis: Descriptive and basic analytical statistics were used and data is expressed as number and percentage.Results:A total of 4447 patients were posted for surgery during the study period of which 595 patients were cancelled on the day of surgery with a cancellation rate of 13.37 %. Highest cancellation rate was found in Orthopaedics (39.65%) followed by ENT (14.32%), General Surgery(10.02%) and Obstetrics and Gynaecology (8.53 %). Maximum cancellations were due to surgeon related factors (46.72%) followed by anaesthesia related (21.68%), patient related (20%) and hospital/resource related (11.6%).Conclusion:Most of the reasons for cancellation are potentially avoidable. If causes are identified and appropriately addressed to the efficiency of OT can be improved. Regular audits are regularly recommended.
A Study on Morphometric Dimensions of Human Fetal Spleen at Different Gestational Ages
Authors: D. Srivani  , P. Sofia  , J. Jayachandra Pillai
Published: October 2020

Introduction:The spleen is the largest hemolymphatic organ of the human body that plays a significant role in Hematopoiesis and immune phagocytosis. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of spleen as hematopoietic organ in fetal period, role in synthesis of immunoglobulins & defense of human body against infections. A thorough knowledge of splenic morphometry and dimensions is vital in comprehending the development of spleen in fetal period.Aim:The aim of the study is to study detailed morphometric analysis  human fetal splenic specimens of various gestational ages  and compare the findings with earlier studiesSubjects and Methods:The  present  study  included  40  fetal cadaveric spleen and  morphometric features i.e.,length, breadth, width and weight of spleen were measured.Results:The average weight of the fetal spleen was 1.98 gm and varied from 0.1 to 5.1 gm. The average length, breadth and width of spleen in prenatal group were 2.21 cm, 1.39 cm and 0.645 cm respectively. In the present study the average weight of the fetal spleen was 1.98 gm and varied from 0.1 to 5.1 gm. There was statistically significant increase in splenic weight till 33 weeks.Conclusion:Knowledge of spleen size at different gestational ages will help in early detection and diagnosis of splenic anomalies, identifying congenital malformations, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of intrauterine infections.
Morphometric Analysis of Bicipital Groove in Haryanvi Population
Authors: Neeru Ghalawat  , Vivek Singh Malik  , Vipin Kumar Garsa  , Suresh Kanta Rathee
Published: October 2020

Introduction:Bicipital groove (BG) in the proximal part of humerus is an indentation formed between the lesser and greater tubercle forms the lateral edge of lesser tubercle forms the medial border of bicipital groove. It contains the long head of the biceps brachii muscle, its synovial sheath and an ascending branch of the anterior circumflex humeral artery. The depth and width are very important in retention of tendon of biceps. Several authors reported greater incidence of sublaxation and dislocation of tendon of biceps when the BG is shallow. Morphometry of bicipital groove may influence the functions of surrounding structure leading to various pathological condition. BG is important landmark for replacement of prosthesis of shoulder. Thus knowledge of BG is highly useful in prosthetic sizing, positioning and designing. Aim and objectives – To study the morphometry of bicipital groove (BG).Subjects and Methods:Present study was done on 50 humeri in PGIMS Rohtak in which 25 were of right side and 25 left side. The length, width, depth of BG and the length of the medial and lateral wall of intertubercular sulcus were measured using digital Vernier caliper. Data was recorded separately for right and left humeri then it was analyzed statistically using independent t test, p value <0.05 were considered significant. The data was presented as mean ±SD.Results:In present study above stated parameters were measured which came out to be statistically insignificant except the width of BG, which showed the statistical difference. The p value for the width of BG was < 0.05. Conclusion:Knowledge of BG is highly useful in prosthetic sizing, positioning and designing. The present study is an attempt to determine the morphometric parameters of BG in terms of length of medial wall, lateral wall, length of BG, width and depth of BG. The data on morphometry of BG will be of utmost use for radiologists, orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists.
Demand Forecast of Weapon Equipment Spare Parts Based on Improved Gray-Markov Model
Authors: Li Ou , Liu Bailin , Li Chenhao , Gao Dan
Published: October 2020

The demand for spare parts of weapons and equipment is time-varying and random. It is difficult to predict the demand for spare parts. Therefore, on the basis of gray GM(1,1), a state transition probability matrix based on improved state division is used to establish a demand forecast model for weapon equipment and spare parts. The model not only considers the characteristics of the GM(1,1) model’s strong handling of monotonic sequences, but also extracts the characteristics of random fluctuation response of data through the transformation of the state transition probability matrix, avoiding the phenomenon of the worst prediction results when the maximum probability state is not the actual state. It is proved through experiments that the prediction result based on the improved gray-Markov model is superior to the traditional model and the classic gray-Markov prediction model, and the accuracy of the improved model is about 1.46 times higher than that of the gray model.
Investigation of denoising effects on forecasting models by statistical and nonlinear dynamic analysis
Authors: Rahmani Farhang , Fattahi Mohammad Hadi
Published: October 2020

In this study, the denoising effect on the performance of prediction models is evaluated. The 13-year daily data (2002–2015) of hydrological time series for the sub-basin of Parishan Lake of the Helle Basin in Iran were used to predict time series. At first, based on observational precipitation and temperature data, the prediction was performed, using the ARIMA, ANN-MLP, RBF, QES, and GP prediction models (the first scenario). Next, time series were denoised using the wavelet transform method, and then the prediction was made based on the denoised time series (the second scenario). To investigate the performance of the models in the first and second scenarios, nonlinear dynamic and statistical analysis, as well as chaos theory, was used. Finally, the analysis results of the second scenario were compared with those of the first scenario. The comparison revealed that denoising had a positive impact on the performance of all the models. However, it had the least influence on the GP model. In the time series produced by all the models, the error rate, embedding dimension needed to describe the attractors in dynamical systems and entropy decreased, and the correlation and autocorrelation increased.
Investigating statistical bias correction with temporal subsample of the upper Ping River Basin, Thailand
Authors: Wuthiwongtyohtin Srisunee
Published: October 2020

This study aims to investigate different statistical bias correction techniques to improve the output of a regional climate model (RCM) of daily rainfall for the upper Ping River Basin in Northern Thailand. Three subsamples are used for each bias correction method, which are (1) using full calibrated 30-year-period data, (2) seasonal subsampling, and (3) monthly subsampling. The bias correction techniques are classified into three groups, which are (1) distribution-derived transformation, (2) parametric transformation, and (3) nonparametric transformation. Eleven bias correction techniques with three different subsamples are used to derive transfer function parameters to adjust model bias error. Generally, appropriate bias correction methods with optimal subsampling are locally dependent and need to be defined specifically for a study area. The study results show that monthly subsampling would be well established by capturing the monthly mean variation after correcting the model's daily rainfall. The results also give the best-fitted parameter set of the different subsamples. However, applying the full calibrated data and the seasonal subsamples cannot substantially improve internal variability. Thus, the effect of internal climate variability of the study region is greater than the choice of bias correction methods. Of the bias correction approaches, nonparametric transformation performed best in correcting daily rainfall bias error in this study area as evaluated by statistics and frequency distributions. Therefore, using a combination of methods between the nonparametric transformation and monthly subsampling offered the best accuracy and robustness. However, the nonparametric transformation was quite sensitive to the calibration time period.
Preparation of mesoporous ammonium phosphotungstate/silica catalyst and study on the degradation performance of chlorothalonil
Authors: Tan Wei , Zhang Yifei , Wang Tianli , Liu Lei , Ye Junxiu , Yang Min , Wang Hongbin
Published: October 2020

Chlorothalonil is widely used to control fungal diseases and it is usually detected in the environment. Phototransformation is an important process to remove chlorothalonil from the aquatic environment. The mesoporous ammonium phosphotungstate/silica catalyst (NH4PW/SiO2) was synthesized from cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as raw materials by adding insoluble ammonium phosphotungstate into the alkaline alcohol–water system by the sol-gel method. The structure of NH4PW/SiO2 was characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The photocatalytic activity of NH4PW/SiO2 was evaluated by using the organic pesticide chlorothalonil as a model reactant. The result indicated that when the dosage of NH4PW/SiO2 is 0.02 g, the illumination is 180 min, the concentration of chlorothalonil is 5 mg/L, pH = 5, the degradation effect is better, and the degradation rate reaches 83.23%. The results contributed to the understanding of chlorothalonil phototransformation and the potential of mesoporous SiO2 to effectively enhance the photocatalytic activity of NH4PW (64.16%) to reduce aquatic toxicity and pollution by chlorothalonil.
An investigation on the adaptability of residential rainwater harvesting system in Tamil Nadu – techno-economic considerations and the way forward
Authors: Vasudevan Mangottiri , Natarajan Narayanan
Published: October 2020

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is one of the most important means of water conservation today. Although there is tremendous emphasis on the implementation of this versatile technology at various levels, many of us are unaware of its significance and its consequences. This study examines the perception and awareness of people in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, of the RWH system through a questionnaire survey. The survey was conducted to infer basic information on rainwater harvesting features, water quality and conservation, economics of implementation and financial support. The results show that there is an increasing need to promote the usage of harvested rainwater for domestic purposes rather than direct groundwater recharge. The potential risks in the reliable supply of available water sources demand large-scale implementation of RWH especially in apartments. Fewer people are aware of the technical details of operation and maintenance of the RWH system (22.2%) while more people are aware of the general layout of the system (50.5%). Longer experience in using RWH systems (for more than two years) builds confidence in using them for consumptive uses compared with the response from recent adopters. This also demonstrates the scope for a radical change in the perception of water quality by continuous awareness and financial incentives.