bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of boundary conditions in turbulent thermal convection
(a)
Authors: Urban P. , Králík T. , Macek M. , Hanzelka P. , Věžník T. , Skrbek L.
Published: June 2021

We report an experimental study aiming to clarify the role of boundary conditions (BC) in high Rayleigh number

turbulent thermal convection of cryogenic helium gas. We switch between BC closer to constant heat flux (CF) and constant temperature (CT) applied to the highly conducting bottom plate of the aspect-ratio-one cylindrical cell 30 cm in size, leading to dramatic changes in the temperature probability density function and in power spectral density of the temperature fluctuations measured at the bottom plate, while the dynamic thermal behaviour of the top plate and bulk convective flow remain unaffected. Within our experimental accuracy, we find no appreciable changes in Reynolds number Re(Ra) scaling, in the dimensionless heat transfer efficiency expressed via Nusselt number Nu(Ra) scaling, nor in the rate of direction reversals of large scale circulation.
Effects of Lorentz symmetry violation on a relativistic scalar particle in quantum systems
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the relativistic quantum dynamics of a scalar particle under the effect of Lorentz symmetry violation determined by a tensor

out of the Standard Model Extension is investigated. We see that the bound-state solutions of the modified Klein-Gordon equation can be obtained, and the spectrum of energy and the wave function depends on the Lorentz symmetry breaking parameters.
Stochastic entropies and fluctuation theorems for a generic 1D KPZ system: Internal and external dynamics
Authors: Rodríguez Miguel A. , Gallego Rafael , Wio Horacio S.
Published: June 2021

In a recent numerical study, we have analyzed the stochastic entropies and fluctuation theorems in a 1D KPZ system. Such a study only considered saturated fluctuations around the spatial mean value of the interface. In this way stationary solutions exist and besides, with some particular discrete version, those solutions are exactly known. In this paper we extend these previous results in two ways. On the one hand, the dynamics of the spatial mean value is taken into account. We then distinguish between the entropies associated with internal fluctuations (of the interface around the spatial mean), and external fluctuations (of the spatial mean around the sample mean) dynamics. On the other hand, a broader region of parameters is analysed. Two distinct behaviors appear depending on whether after saturation the system overcomes the Edward-Wilkinson crossover towards the KPZ regime or not.
Body, Bones, and All
Authors: Goswami Uddipana
Published: June 2021

A reflection on the different forms that violence against women takes in militarized societies like that in Assam in Northeast India. A young girl living with an abusive father is married off to an abusive husband. Like other women living with quotidian violence, she devises coping mechanisms: often the lines between reality and fantasy become blurred. The unbearable burden of a life abused (and its grim ending) can be made bearable only through recourse in the unreal and the magical.
Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organization (AAPSO) Presidium Committee Nairobi Preparations
Authors: Wiley-Yancy Destiny
Published: June 2021

The Afro-Asian People’s Solidarity Organization’s (AAPSO) Presidium Committee on Women met to prepare for the United Nations Conference on Women in Nairobi, Kenya. The committee aimed to tackle the impact of colonialism and imperialism and the ways they disproportionately impacted the lives of women. The AAPSO wanted to do this through a series of workshops focusing on the status of women in apartheid South Africa, the destabilization of women and children in Africa and Asia, the burden of debt in developing countries, and the subversive role of transnational corporations in mass media. The committee also recognized that women, particularly in Africa and Asia, formed the forefront of resistance movements, driving the struggle. This meeting shows that the Presidium Committee on Women optimistically saw women’s social justice as an integral component to the larger anticolonial and anti-imperial project.
Single-sensor filter-intensified fiber optic 4D tomographic CH* chemiluminesence flame measurements
Authors: Rising Cal , Reyes Jonathan , Knaus Darin , Micka Danny , Davis Brynmor , Belovich Vincent , Ahmed Kareem
Published: June 2021

Chemiluminesence is one of the most common reacting flow visualization
techniques, in which a narrowband wavelength associated with species
radicals is captured on an image sensor. This technique can provide
key insights into flame physics, particularly when a full 3D field can
be extracted. Tomographic imaging can capture 3D instantaneous
information, but becomes impractical to use when the technique is
extended to larger, heavier high-speed imaging equipment. This has
resulted in many researchers using fiber-based endoscopes (FBE) to
capture multiple views on a single image sensor. However, the
introduction of the fiber bundle and corresponding equipment to image
specific combustion radicals results in a low SNR imaging environment
when captured at high repetition rates. Additionally, when varying
equivalence ratios, the signal can become further diminished because
the combustion radicals signal weakens at fuel rich and fuel lean
conditions. Therefore, this work determines the efficacy of using a
filter-intensified FBE approach to capture the CH* radical of a
hydrocarbon flame under varying equivalence ratio conditions by
comparing the resulting reconstructions to previous quantitative flame
measurements.
Electrically injected InGaAsP/AlGaAs optical parametric oscillator: design and technology
Authors: Gerini Andrea , Ravaro Marco , Théveneau Claire , Garcia Michel , Gérard Bruno , Krakowski Michel , Leo Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

We propose an original architecture for a monolithic electrically injected optical parametric oscillator based on a high-power distributed feedback laser diode and a nonlinear waveguide. In the epitaxial structure, the two optical cavities are set apart to avoid free carrier loss for the nonlinear interaction and coupled through a vertical modal converter. We discuss the constitutive elements of the device for which we estimate a parametric oscillation threshold of the order of 1 mW.
Optomechanical controlling of intermolecular interaction and the application in molecular self-assembly
Authors: Liu Jian , He Fei , Zhu Ka Di
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we combined cavity optomechanics and quantum mechanical mechanism of van der Waals force to study the dynamic behavior of interacting bimolecules in the plasmonic localized field, and extend it to the interacting multi-molecular system. We explored how plasmonic optomechanical coupling affects the strength of intermolecular interactions. Based on our results, we propose to use optical field to modulate the intermolecular interaction potential in plasmonic cavity, which can be utilized in the enhancement of the efficiency of the molecular self-assembly process and controlling the yield of the reaction in an optical environment. This research extends molecular optomechanics from intramolecular interactions to intermolecular interactions and may has high application potential in some nanostructure synthesis.
Analysis of the effects of jitter, relative intensity noise, and nonlinearity on a photonic digital-to-analog converter based on optical Nyquist pulse synthesis
Authors: Kress Christian , Bahmanian Meysam , Schwabe Tobias , Christoph Scheytt J.
Published: June 2021

An analysis of an optical Nyquist pulse synthesizer using Mach-Zehnder modulators is presented. The analysis allows to predict the upper limit of the effective number of bits of this type of photonic digital-to-analog converter. The analytical solution has been verified by means of electro-optic simulations. With this analysis the limiting factor for certain scenarios: relative intensity noise, distortions by driving the Mach-Zehnder modulator, or the signal generator phase noise can quickly be identified.
Design of reconfigurable on-chip wireless interconnections through Optical Phased Arrays
Authors: Calò Giovanna , Bellanca Gaetano , Barbiroli Marina , Fuschini Franco , Serafino Giovanni , Bertozzi Davide , Tralli Velio , Petruzzelli Vincenzo
Published: June 2021

In this paper we report the design of a device allowing on-chip optical wireless interconnections, based on transmitting and receiving Optical Phased Arrays (OPA). The proposed device aims at realizing high-bandwidth and power-efficient reconfigurable connections between multiple nodes, e.g. chiplets stacked onto a common silicon interposer in 2.5D manycore systems. The communication through an optical wireless switch is a completely novel approach to overcome the bottleneck of wired communication and to provide flexibility in the network topology configuration. We report the OPA design criteria as well as the results of three-dimensional Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations. We exploit the in-plane radiation of simple taper antennas to implement 1×N and N × N switching matrices. The effect of the multipath propagation in the on-chip multi-layered medium is also taken into account.
Light-induced off-axis cavity-enhanced thermoelastic spectroscopy in the near-infrared for trace gas sensing
Authors: Zheng Kaiyuan , Zheng Chuantao , Hu Lien , Guan Gangyun , Ma Yanming , Song Fang , Zhang Yu , Wang Yiding , Tittel Frank K.
Published: June 2021

A trace gas sensing technique of light-induced off-axis cavity-enhanced thermoelastic spectroscopy (OA-CETES) in the near-infrared was demonstrated by combing a high-finesse off-axis integrated cavity and a high Q-factor resonant quartz tuning fork (QTF). Sensor parameters of the cavity and QTF were optimized numerically and experimentally. As a proof-of-principle, we employed the OA-CETES for water vapor (H2O) detection using a QTF (Q-factor ∼12000 in atmospheric pressure) and a 10cm-long Fabry-Perot cavity (finesse ∼ 482). By probing a H2O line at 7306.75 cm-1, the developed OA-CETES sensor achieved a minimum detection limit (MDL) of 8.7 parts per million (ppm) for a 300 ms integration time and a normalized noise equivalent absorption (NNEA) coefficient of 4.12 × 10−9cm-1 WHz-1/2. Continuous monitoring of indoor and outdoor atmospheric H2O concentration levels was performed for verifying the sensing applicability. The realization of the proposed OA-CETES technique with compact QTF and long effective path cavity allows a class of optical sensors with low cost, high sensitivity and potential for long-distance and multi-point sensing.
Microwave-optical quantum frequency conversion
Authors: Han Xu , Fu Wei , Zou Chang-Ling , Jiang Liang , Tang Hong X.
Published: June 2021

Photons at microwave and optical frequencies are principal carriers for
quantum information. While microwave photons can be effectively
controlled at the local circuit level, optical photons can propagate
over long distances. High-fidelity conversion between microwave and
optical photons will allow the distribution of quantum states across
different quantum technology nodes and enhance the scalability of
hybrid quantum systems toward a future “Quantum Internet.” Despite a
frequency difference of five orders of magnitude, there has been
significant progress recently toward the transfer between microwave
and optical photons with steadily improved efficiency in a coherent
and bidirectional manner. In this review, we summarize this progress,
emphasizing integrated device approaches, and provide a perspective
for device implementation that enables quantum state transfer and
entanglement distribution across microwave and optical domains.
Mycophenolate mofetil versus azathioprine in kidney transplant recipients on steroid-free, low-dose cyclosporine immunosuppression (ATHENA): A pragmatic randomized trial
Authors: Ruggenenti Piero , Cravedi Paolo , Gotti Eliana , Plati Annarita , Marasà Maddalena , Sandrini Silvio , Bossini Nicola , Citterio Franco , Minetti Enrico , Montanaro Domenico , Sabadini Ettore , Tardanico Regina , Martinetti Davide , Gaspari Flavio , Villa Alessandro , Perna Annalisa , Peraro Francesco , Remuzzi Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

Background

We compared protection of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and azathioprine (AZA) against acute cellular rejection (ACR) and chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) in kidney transplant recipients on steroid-free, low-dose cyclosporine (CsA) microemulsion maintenance immunosuppression.

Methods and findings

ATHENA, a pragmatic, prospective, multicenter trial conducted by 6 Italian transplant centers, compared the outcomes of 233 consenting recipients of a first deceased donor kidney transplant induced with low-dose thymoglobulin and basiliximab and randomized to MMF (750 mg twice/day, n = 119) or AZA (75 to 125 mg/day, n = 114) added-on maintenance low-dose CsA microemulsion and 1-week steroid. In patients without acute clinical or subclinical rejections, CsA dose was progressively halved. Primary endpoint was biopsy-proven CAN. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Participants were included between June 2007 and July 2012 and followed up to August 2016. Between-group donor and recipient characteristics, donor/recipient mismatches, and follow-up CsA blood levels were similar. During a median (interquartile range (IQR)) follow-up of 47.7 (44.2 to 48.9) months, 29 of 87 biopsied patients on MMF (33.3%) versus 31 of 88 on AZA (35.2%) developed CAN (hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.147 (0.691 to 1.904, p = 0.595). Twenty and 21 patients on MMF versus 34 and 14 on AZA had clinical [HR (95% CI): 0.58 (0.34 to 1.02); p = 0.057) or biopsy-proven subclinical [HR (95% CI): 1.49 (0.76 to 2.92); p = 0.249] ACR, respectively. Combined events [HR (95% CI): 0.85 (0.56 to 1.29); p = 0.438], patient and graft survival, delayed graft function (DGF), 3-year glomerular filtration rate (GFR) [53.8 (40.6;65.7) versus 49.8 (36.8;62.5) mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.50], and adverse events (AEs) were not significantly different between groups.

Chronicity scores other than CAN predict long-term graft outcome. Study limitations include small sample size and unblinded design.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that in deceased donor kidney transplant recipients on low-dose CsA and no steroids, MMF had no significant benefits over AZA. This finding suggests that AZA, due to its lower costs, could safely replace MMF in combination with minimized immunosuppression.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00494741; EUDRACT 2006-005604-14.
Genome-wide binding analysis of 195 DNA binding proteins reveals “reservoir” promoters and human specific SVA-repeat family regulation
Authors: Smallegan Michael J. , Shehata Soraya , Spradlin Savannah F. , Swearingen Alison , Wheeler Graycen , Das Arpan , Corbet Giulia , Nebenfuehr Benjamin , Ahrens Daniel , Tauber Devin , Lennon Shelby , Choi Kevin , Huynh Thao , Wieser Tom , Schneider Kristen , Bradshaw Michael , Basken Joel , Lai Maria , Read Timothy , Hynes-Grace Matt , Timmons Dan , Demasi Jon , Rinn John L.
Published: June 2021

A key aspect in defining cell state is the complex choreography of DNA binding events in a given cell type, which in turn establishes a cell-specific gene-expression program. Here we wanted to take a deep analysis of DNA binding events and transcriptional output of a single cell state (K562 cells). To this end we re-analyzed 195 DNA binding proteins contained in ENCODE data. We used standardized analysis pipelines, containerization, and literate programming with R Markdown for reproducibility and rigor. Our approach validated many findings from previous independent studies, underscoring the importance of ENCODE’s goals in providing these reproducible data resources. We also had several new findings including: (i) 1,362 promoters, which we refer to as ‘reservoirs,’ that are defined by having up to 111 different DNA binding-proteins localized on one promoter, yet do not have any expression of steady-state RNA (ii) Reservoirs do not overlap super-enhancer annotations and distinct have distinct properties from super-enhancers. (iii) The human specific SVA repeat element may have been co-opted for enhancer regulation and is highly transcribed in PRO-seq and RNA-seq. Collectively, this study performed by the students of a CU Boulder computational biology class (BCHM 5631 –Spring 2020) demonstrates the value of reproducible findings and how resources like ENCODE that prioritize data standards can foster new findings with existing data in a didactic environment.
Vancomycin resistant Enterococci and its associated factors among HIV infected patients on anti-retroviral therapy in Ethiopia
Authors: Regasa Dadi Belayneh , Solomon Zerihun , Tesfaye Mheret
Published: June 2021

Background

The emergence of vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE) has alarmed the global community due to its tendency for colonization of the gastrointestinal tract. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients are colonized by vancomycin resistant Enterococci than other groups. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of vancomycin resistant Enterococci and its associated factors among HIV infected patients on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART).

Methods

Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among HIV infected patients on ART at from June 1 to August 30, 2020. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected by pre-tested structured questionnaire. Stool sample was collected and processed by standard microbiological techniques. Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion method was used to perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Data were entered by Epi data version 4.6.0.2 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between dependent and independent variables. P-values in the multivariable analysis, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the strength of association. P-value ≤0.05 was considered as significant.

Results

Enterococcispp was isolated on 123/200 (61.50%) patients. Among these isolates, the incidence of vancomycin resistant Enterococci was 11.4% [95% CI: (6.0–17.0)]. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns againstEnterococcishowed highest rate of resistance to ampicillin (69.9%). Multidrug resistances were observed in 49.59% ofEnterococciisolates. Study participants who had prior antibioticexposurer more than two weeks [AOR = 7.35; 95% CI: (1.2144.64)] and hospitalization for the last six months [AOR = 5.68; 95% CI: (1.09 29.74)] were significantly associated with vancomycin resistantEnterococci.

Conclusions

In our study high incidence of vancomycin resistantEnterococciwas found. Previous exposure to antibiotics for more than two weeks and hospitalization for more than six months were significantly associated with vancomycin resistantEnterococci. The isolatedEnterococcihad variable degrees of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Therefore, periodic surveillance on antimicrobial resistance pattern, adhering to rational use of antibiotics and implementing infection prevention protocols may reduce colonization by VRE.
Gross anatomy of the longitudinal fascicle of Sapajus sp.
Authors: Aversi-Ferreira Tales Alexandre , Malheiros Borges Kellen Christina , Gonçalves-Mendes Maria Tereza , Caixeta Leonardo Ferreira
Published: June 2021

Opposing genetic and cultural-social explanations for the origin of language are currently the focus of much discussion. One of the functions linked to the longitudinal fascicle is language, which links Wernicke’s area and Broca’s area in the brain, and its size should indicate the brain increase in the evolution. Sapajus is a New World primate genus with high cognition and advanced tool use similar to that of chimpanzees. A study of the gross anatomy of the longitudinal fascicle of Sapajus using Kingler’s method found it to differ from other studied primates, such as macaques and chimpanzees, mainly because its fibers join the cingulate fascicle. As in other non-human primates, the longitudinal fascicle of Sapajus does not reach the temporal lobe, which could indicate a way of separating these fascicles to increase white matter in relation to individual function. The study of anatomical structures seems very promising for understanding the basis of the origin of language. Indeed, socio-historical-cultural philosophy affirms the socio-cultural origin of speech, although considering the anatomical structures behind it working as a functional system.
Association between specific antiarrhythmic drug prescription in the post-procedural blanking period and recurrent atrial arrhythmias after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Malladi Chaitanya L. , Darden Douglas , Aldaas Omar , Mylavarapu Praneet S. , Eskander Michael , Lupercio Florentino , Han Frederick T. , Hoffmayer Kurt S. , Raissi Farshad , Ho Gordon , Krummen David , Feld Gregory K. , Hsu Jonathan C.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To evaluate if specific AADs prescribed in the blanking period (BP) after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) may be associated with reduced risk of early recurrence (ER) and/or late recurrence (LR) of atrial arrhythmias.

Methods

A total of 478 patients undergoing first-time ablation at a single institution were included. Outcomes were: ER, LR, discontinuation of AAD less than 90 days post-ablation, and second ablation. ER was defined as AF, atrial flutter (AFL), or atrial tachycardia (AT) > 30 seconds within BP. LR was defined as AF/AFL/AT > 30 seconds after BP.

Results

Of 478 patients, 14.9% were prescribed no AAD, 26.4% propafenone/flecainide, 34.5% sotalol/dofetilide, 10.7% dronedarone, and 13.6% amiodarone. Patients prescribed amiodarone were more likely to have persistent AF, hypertension, diabetes, and other comorbidities. In unadjusted analyses, there were no differences between groups in relation to ER (log rank P = 0.171), discontinuation of AAD before ninety days post-ablation (log rank P = 0.235), or freedom from second ablation (log rank P = 0.147). After multivariable adjustment, patients prescribed amiodarone or dronedarone were more likely to experience LR than those prescribed no AAD [Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) 1.83, 95% CI 1.10–3.04, p = 0.02; AHR 1.79, 95% CI 1.05–3.05, p = 0.03, respectively].

Conclusion

Following first-time catheter ablation, there were no differences between specific AAD prescription and risk of ER, while those prescribed amiodarone or dronedarone in the BP were more likely to experience LR than those prescribed no AAD, which may represent an association due to confounding by indication.
Capacity building of healthcare workers: Key step towards elimination of viral hepatitis in developing countries
Authors: Rastogi Aayushi , Chauhan Sapna , Ramalingam Archana , Verma Madhavi , Babu Seena , Ahwal Sarita , Bansal Akanksha
Published: June 2021

Background

Lack of awareness about viral hepatitis (VH) potentially predisposes the healthcare workers (HCWs) to a higher risk of infection and may in turn increase the risk of transmission of the infection to their families and in the community. Thus, combating VH, requires adequate and updated training to the HCWs. With this objective, Project PRAKASH designed a meticulously planned training program, aimed to assess the effect of a one-day training on VH among in-service nurses.

Methods and material

The content and schedule of scientific sessions of the training program were decided by subject experts to improve knowledge, attitude and practice(KAP) related to VH among in-service nurses. A 54-item questionnaire divided into four domains: Transmission and Risk Factors; Prevention; Treatment; Pathophysiology and Disease Progression were used to assess the KAP related to VH. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: demographic details, knowledge(30-items), attitude(12-items) and practice(12-itmes) with a total score of 30, 60 and 24 respectively in each section. The pre-post knowledge assessment was done and impact assessment survey was undertaken among the participants who completed six months post-training period. Paired-t-test was used to assess the effect of training on knowledge using SPSSv-22.

Results

A total of 5253 HCWs were trained through 32 one-day trainings, however data for 4474 HCWs was included in final pre-post knowledge analysis after removing the missing/incomplete data. Mean age of participants was 33.7±8.4 with median experience of 8(IQR: 3–13). Mean improvement in knowledge score was found to be significant (p<0.001) with mean knowledge score of 19.3±4.4 in pre-test and 25.7±3.9 in the post-test out of 30. Impact assessment survey suggested change in attitude and practice of HCWs.

Conclusion

The one-day training programs helped the in-service nurses to enhance their knowledge related to viral hepatitis. The study provided a roadmap to combating viral hepatitis through health education among HCWs about viral hepatitis.
Effects of moisture content and tillage methods on creep properties of paddy soil
Authors: Liu Guoyang , Xia Junfang , Zheng Kan , Cheng Jian , Du Jun , Li Dong
Published: June 2021

The rheological properties parameters of paddy soil affect the interaction between the tillage tools and soil, thus influencing the operation quality and power consumption. In order to study the effects of tillage methods and moisture content on the rheological properties parameters of paddy soil in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, uniaxial compression creep tests of paddy soils with four moisture contents under no tillage (moisture contents: 26.71%, 24.52%, 23.26%, 21.28%) and plough tillage (moisture contents: 26.77%, 25.55%, 23.40%, 20.56%) were carried out using a TMS-PRO texture analyzer. The creep properties curves obtained from the tests, and the rheological constitutive equation of paddy soil under compression was established by Burgers viscoelastic model. Respectively, the quantitative change rules of creep properties of paddy soil with different moisture contents under different tillage methods and the correlation between these parameters were explored. The results showed that the moisture content under the three-year plough tillage and no tillage methods had significant influence on the rheological properties parameters of paddy soil (P < 0.05). The instantaneous elastic modulus, delay elastic modulus, and viscosity coefficient of the two paddy soils (no tillage and plough tillage soils) decreased with the increase of moisture content. However, the variation rules of relaxation time and delay viscosity coefficient with moisture content differed between these two paddy soils. Specifically, the strain rate of the two paddy soils decreased as moisture content decreased, where the total strain combines elastic strain, viscous strain, and viscoelastic strain. The initial strain rate and steady strain rate of the plough tillage paddy soils were lower than that of the no tillage paddy soils. The established creep model equation could be used to obtain viscoelastic rheological parameters of paddy soil in a wide range. The fitting equations between rheological parameters and moisture content were introduced into Burgers model, and the coupling equations between creep deformation and moisture content and time were derived, which could be used to predict the creep properties and deformation behavior of paddy soil in a certain range of no tillage and ploughed field. Overall, this study has a certain theoretical significance for the development and improvement of paddy soil rheology theory, and can also provide theoretical basis and technical support for the research of agricultural machinery design optimization, field water, soil conservation, soil tillage and compaction related simulation analysis in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
Discontinuation of oral anticoagulation therapy after successful atrial fibrillation ablation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Liu Xue-Hui , Xu Qiang , Luo Tao , Zhang Lei , Liu Hong-Jun
Published: June 2021

Background

The safety of discontinuing oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation remains controversial. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the safety and feasibility of discontinuing OAC therapy after successful AF ablation.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched up to October 2020 for prospective cohort studies that reported the risk of thromboembolism (TE) after successful AF ablation in off-OAC and on-OAC groups. The primary outcome was the incidence of TE events. The Mantel-Haenszel method with random-effects modeling was used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 11,148 patients (7,160 in the off-OAC group and 3,988 in the on-OAC group) from 10 studies were included to meta-analysis. No significant difference in TE between both groups was observed (OR, 0.73; 95%CI, 0.51–1.05; I2 = 0.0%). The risk of major bleeding in off-OAC group was significantly lower compared to the on-OAC group (OR, 0.18; 95%CI, 0.07–0.51; I2 = 51.7%).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that it may be safe to discontinue OAC therapy in patients after successful AF ablation. Additionally, an increased risk of major bleeding was observed in patients on OAC. However, the results of this meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution because of the heterogeneity among the included study designs. Large-scale and adequately powered randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings.
Rationale and study protocol for the Movement Oriented Games Based Assessment (MOGBA) cluster randomized controlled trial: A complex movement skill intervention for 8–12 year old children within ‘Made to Play’
Authors: Morley David , Rudd James , Issartel Johann , Goodway Jackie , O’Connor Donna , Foulkes Jonathon , Babic Mark , Kavanagh Jennifer , Miller Andrew
Published: June 2021

There is a positive relationship between children’s movement competence and physical activity, with a further relationship established between physical activity and childhood obesity. The Movement Oriented Games Based Assessment (MOGBA) is a delivery and assessment intervention designed to improve children’s complex movement skills, based on principles of motor development and assessment theories. MOGBA aims to improve children’s movement competence, physical fitness and self-perceptions (physical and game) and increase children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). MOGBA is to be used in the ‘Made to Play’ initiative, involving 105 sports and activity programs across 21 countries, involving over 25 million children. A multi-site cluster randomized controlled trial will take place across three global sites (UK, Ireland and Australia). Each site will recruit eight primary schools (four experiment, four control) with each school providing two separate classes of children from age ranges 8–12 years (Site n = ~300, total n = 904). After baseline assessments, schools will be randomly allocated to an experimental or wait-list control group. Following two half-day workshops, trained facilitators will deliver the MOGBA intervention for 9 weeks. The main intervention components include delivery of 14 games-based activities with associated assessments of children’s movement and differentiation to meet children’s needs by manipulating space, effort and relationships. The primary outcome of the trial is to improve children’s’ movement competence (The Dragon Challenge), with secondary outcomes of improving children’s’ in-activity and leisure-time MVPA (5-day accelerometer), physical fitness (standing long jump and push ups) and self-perceptions (physical and game). Data will be analysed using multilevel modelling approaches. The MOGBA intervention has been designed to improve children’s movement competence and scalable interventions based on MOGBA could be applied across programs within the Made to Play initiative, globally. The trial is registered at the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12619001320145p, 27 Sep 2019).
Age as a determining variable in the practice or abandonment of physical exercise among young people
Authors: Portela-Pino Iago , Valverde-Esteve Teresa , Martínez-Patiño María José
Published: June 2021

Background

Numerous studies have reported a gradual decline in the practice of physical exercise with age, confirming high dropout rates in the adolescent period. The aim of this study was to investigate the motivation or barriers that lead to greater or lesser adherence to physical exercise among children and adolescents.

Methods

In this study, 1,081 individuals volunteered to participate [239 children (age: 10.89 ± .66 years) and 842 adolescents (age: 14.9 ± 1.75 years)]. For this purpose, we used the Self-Report on Motivation for Exercising (AMPEF) and Self-Report on Barriers to Exercising (ABPEF) questionnaires.

Results

The most significant motivational factors in the practice of physical exercise (in both children and adolescents) are competition, social recognition and challenge (t = -16.02, p < .001), prevention and positive health (t = 5.24, p < .001) and affiliation, fun and well-being (t = -19.54, p < .001), while the barriers focus on fatigue and laziness (t = -13.20, p < .001) and body image and physical-social anxiety (t = -5.71, p < .001). It is also observed that adolescents showed significantly higher motivation than children and greater presence of barriers in the practice of physical exercise.

Conclusions

The age is a determining variable to include in preventive and intervention programs for the practice of physical exercise.
Evaluation of DNA extraction yield from a chlorinated drinking water distribution system
Authors: Putri Ratna E. , Kim Lan Hee , Farhat Nadia , Felemban Mashael , Saikaly Pascal E. , Vrouwenvelder Johannes S.
Published: June 2021

Desalination technology based on Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane filtration has been resorted to provide high-quality drinking water. RO produced drinking water is characterized by a low bacterial cell concentration. Monitoring microbial quality and ensuring membrane-treated water safety has taken advantage of the rapid development of DNA-based techniques. However, the DNA extraction process from RO-based drinking water samples needs to be evaluated regarding the biomass amount (filtration volume) and residual disinfectant such as chlorine, as it can affect the DNA yield. We assessed the DNA recovery applied in drinking water microbiome studies as a function of (i) different filtration volumes, (ii) presence and absence of residual chlorine, and (iii) the addition of a known Escherichia coli concentration into the (sterile and non-sterile, chlorinated and dechlorinated) tap water prior filtration, and directly onto the (0.2 μm pore size, 47 mm diameter) mixed ester cellulose membrane filters without and after tap water filtration. Our findings demonstrated that the co-occurrence of residual chlorine and low biomass/cell density water samples (RO-treated water with a total cell concentration ranging between 2.47 × 102–1.5 × 103 cells/mL) failed to provide sufficient DNA quantity (below the threshold concentration required for sequencing-based procedures) irrespective of filtration volumes used (4, 20, 40, 60 L) and even after performing dechlorination. After exposure to tap water containing residual chlorine (0.2 mg/L), we observed a significant reduction of E. coli cell concentration and the degradation of its DNA (DNA yield was below detection limit) at a lower disinfectant level compared to what was previously reported, indicating that free-living bacteria and their DNA present in the drinking water are subject to the same conditions. The membrane spiking experiment confirmed no significant impact from any potential inhibitors (e.g. organic/inorganic components) present in the drinking water matrix on DNA extraction yield. We found that very low DNA content is likely to be the norm in chlorinated drinking water that gives hindsight to its limitation in providing robust results for any downstream molecular analyses for microbiome surveys. We advise that measurement of DNA yield is a necessary first step in chlorinated drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) before conducting any downstream omics analyses such as amplicon sequencing to avoid inaccurate interpretations of results based on very low DNA content. This study expands a substantial source of bias in using DNA-based methods for low biomass samples typical in chlorinated DWDSs. Suggestions are provided for DNA-based research in drinking water with residual disinfectant.
Burnout among medical students of a medical college in Kathmandu; A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shrestha Dhan Bahadur , Katuwal Nagendra , Tamang Ayush , Paudel Agrima , Gautam Anu , Sharma Muna , Bhusal Ujwal , Budhathoki Pravash
Published: June 2021

Background

Medical students are more prone to burnout than the general population and students of other faculties due to the demanding nature of medical education with limited time and resources. Burnout has a negative impact on the academics and personal life of the students which can continue into their professional life and ultimately hamper patient care. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of burnout among medical students of a medical college and find its association with age, gender, and year of study.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of a medical college in Kathmandu, Nepal from 14 January to 7 March, 2021. Stratified sampling followed by a simple random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire using the English version of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory adapted for students (OLBI-S) and analyzed in STATA version 15.

Results

The prevalence of burnout was found out to be 65.9% (n = 229). And of the remaining, 12.7% were exhausted, 11.4% were disengaged and 10.0% were neither exhausted nor disengaged. Burnout had no significant association with age in years, gender, and year of study.

Conclusions

This study shows an alarming prevalence of burnout in almost two-thirds of medical students. These results indicate the necessity of employing effective strategies by relevant authorities for the mental well-being of future physicians. Further multicenter prospective studies are required for a better understanding of the prevalence and associated factors of burnout.
Reflexión en torno al encuadramiento jurídico de las personas repartidoras de plataformas digitales
Authors: Poquet Catala Raquel
Published: June 2021

En este trabajo se realiza un análisis en torno a la consideración jurídica de la nueva prestación de servicios surgida en el contexto de la actual digitalización, concretamente, de las personas repartidoras de las plataformas digitales. Se parte del análisis de las notas de laboralidad, especialmente, de la dependencia o subordinación y de la ajenidad, frente a la caracterización de la persona trabajadora por cuenta propia. Asimismo, se realiza un estudio del Derecho comparado de nuestro entorno, concretamente, de Francia e Italia, y, a partir de todo ello, plantear propuestas regulatorias.
Prosumo, alienación y explotación. Reflexiones en torno al trabajo digital.
Authors: Barba del horno Mikel
Published: June 2021

Las transformaciones digitales están teniendo una gran influencia en el ámbito del trabajo. El sociólogo George Ritzer ha propuesto una gran narrativa que defiende que estamos entrando en una nueva fase del capitalismo que él denomina capitalismo de prosumidores. En este nuevo estadio se estaría produciendo una creciente confusión entre las actividades de producción y consumo. Desde una perspectiva marxista, Christian Fuchs ha defendido, basándose en la Teoría del Valor Trabajo de Marx, que los prosumidores son trabajadores explotados.

Desde el punto de vista de muchos autores y autoras, en la era digital se estarían produciendo transformaciones importantes en los procesos de trabajo que estarían alterando la misma dinámica de acumulación del capital. En este artículo se presenta una propuesta teórica alternativa para tratar de comprender los nuevos fenómenos del trabajo digital que está basada en los conceptos de alienación y explotación y que defiende una continuidad con los procesos de transformación del trabajo que se encuentra en marcha desde los años setenta.
Factors associated with rs1801394 of the methionine synthase reductase gene polymorphism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Krylov M. Yu. , Gridneva G. I. , Muravyev Yu. V.
Published: June 2021

Clinical response to methotrexate (MT) therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be predicted on the basis of some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes, involved in folate metabolism. One of these SNPs is the rs1801394 (A66G) polymorphism of the methionine synthase reductase gene (MTRR). We investigated the association of this polymorphism with the clinical characteristics of RA patients after 6 months of MT therapy. Studies of the relationship between the response to MT therapy and the rs1801394 polymorphism have not been carried out in Russia previously.

Objective: to study the possible association of the rs1801394 polymorphism with the clinical characteristics of patients with RA after 6 months of MT therapy.

Patients and methods. The study included 60 patients with RA who met the ACR / EULAR criteria (2010) and received≥20 mg MT per week continuously. Based on the EULAR criteria, patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=30) with a good (DAS28>1.2) and group 2 (n=30) with an unsatisfactory (DAS28 <1.2) response to MT therapy. Genotyping of the rs1801394 polymorphism was performed by allelic discrimination using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results and discussion. The frequency distribution of the A66G polymorphism genotypes in both groups was similar, however, in the 2nd group with an unsatisfactory response, there was a tendency towards a higher frequency of the mutant GG genotype (p=0.067). An association of the A66G polymorphism with gender and disease duration was found. In group 1, the AG genotype was more often detected in men than in women (p=0.017). In group 2, the AG genotype was also more common in men (p=0.075). In addition, in this group, carriers of the G allele (genotypes AG and GG) had a longer duration of the disease than carriers of the AA genotype (p=0.003 and p=0.005, respectively).

Conclusion. In the present study, the relationship of the studied polymorphism rs1801394 of the MTRR gene with gender and duration of RA disease was established.
Safety and efficacy of 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tarasova G. M. , Belov B. S. , Cherkasova M. V. , Aseeva E. A. , Reshetnyak T. M. , Popkova T. V. , Kosheleva N. M.
Published: June 2021

Objective: to study the safety and efficacy of the 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPV-23) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Patients and methods. The study included 75 patients with definite diagnosis of SLE at the age of 19–68 years, 10 (13%) of them had high SLE activity, 18 (24%) – moderate, 42 (56%) – low, in 5 (7%) patients the disease was in remission. PPV-23 was injected subcutaneously in a single dose of 0.5 ml. In 60 patients the follow-up period was ≥12 months, in 15 – from 2 to 6 months. Patients were examined before and 1, 3 and 12 months after immunization.

Results and discussion. In 38 (50.7%) patients, standard local vaccination reactions of mild and moderate severity were noted, in 1 (1.3%) – a general reaction of mild severity, in 2 (2.7%) – mild diarrhea during 1 day, in 1 (1.3%) – a hyperergic reaction of the Artyus phenomenon type, the symptoms were relieved within 7 days. During 12 months of follow-up, neither exacerbations of SLE, reliably associated with vaccination, nor new autoimmune phenomena, were detected. After 1 year of observation, the number of responders to vaccination was 58%, non-responders – 42%. The duration and activity of the disease, age over 50 years, glucocorticoid therapy > 10 mg per day, did not significantly affect the vaccine response. There was a decrease in the immune response in patients on biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) therapy compared to patients without such treatment (43 and 68% of cases, respectively), p=0.058. There was no difference between rituximab and belimumab treated subjects. There was a tendency for the prevalence of vaccination responses among patients, who received bDMARDs <1 year before immunization, as well as among patients in whom this therapy was initiated after the administration of PPV-23. There was a positive trend in decrease of pneumonia, acute and exacerbations of chronic bronchitis episodes and sinusitis.

Conclusion. Sufficient immunogenicity, good tolerability and clinical efficacy of PPV-23 in patients with SLE, including those who received combined immunosuppressive therapy, have been shown. The use of bDMARDs reduces the number of patients with a vaccine response. The number of responders to vaccination increases when immunization is carried out before the initiation of therapy with bDMARDs or when this therapy is initiated <1 year before immunization. Further long-term prospective studies in large patient cohorts are required.
Forecasting index of unfavorable outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Aseeva E. A. , Nikishina N. Yu. , Mesnyankina A. A. , Solovyev S. K. , Isaeva B. Sh. , Koilubaeva G. M. , Lila A. M.
Published: June 2021

The development of irreversible organ damage (IOD) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) significantly increases the risk of death, worsens the quality of life and significantly increases the cost of treatment. The development and implementation of specific tools that will promote early identification of the risk of unfavorable outcomes is a priority. The article presents literature review on a new method for prediction of unfavorable outcomes in SLE – frailty index (FI, vulnerability index). FI, developed by a group of international experts on the basis of the database of the international cohort of SLE patients – SLICC (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics) – is easily reproducible in real clinical practice and can be used in patients with an early stage of SLE to predict the risk of death, the development of IOD. and hospitalization. The SLE Forecasting index of unfavorable outcomes (SLICC-FI) appears to be a promising clinical and research tool for identifying those who need more careful monitoring and an individual therapeutic strategy at an early stage of the disease.
Clinical principles for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal (non-specific) lower back pain
Authors: Golovacheva V. A. , Golovacheva A. A. , Fateyeva T. G.
Published: June 2021

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for a neurologist visit. In 90–95% of cases, LBP is nonspecific (musculoskeletal). The diagnosis of nonspecific LBP based on symptoms, somatic and neurological examination data, the absence of «red flags» (symptoms and signs characteristic of specific causes of back pain, discogenic radiculopathy, or lumbar stenosis). We review the modern principles of acute, subacute, and chronic nonspecific LBP treatment. We also discuss interventional and non-interventional treatment approaches, emphasizing the importance of combination therapy and an interdisciplinary approach.