bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic evidence of HIV-1 transmission linkage between two men who have sex with men
Authors: Zhang Jiafeng , Fan Qin , Luo Mingyu , Yao Jiaming , Pan Xiaohong , Li Xingguang
Published: May 2021

Background

In China, an HIV-infected man (complainant; P2) alleged that another man (defendant; P1) had unlawfully infected him with HIV through unprotected homosexual contact in 2018.

Methods

We employed epidemiological, serological and phylogenetic analyses to investigate the transmission linkage between two men who have sex with men (MSM). Partial segments of three HIV-1 gene regions (gag, pol, and env) were amplified and sequenced by cloning. Maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian methods were used to determine the direction and estimate the timing of transmission. Local control sequences and database control sequences were also used in the phylogenetic analysis.

Results

It indicated that P2 underwent HIV seroconversion after P1 was diagnosed as HIV positive. The time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) estimates consistently showed that P1 most likely became HIV-1 infected at an earlier date than P2. P1 and P2 were infected with the same HIV-1 CRF01_AE subtype according to segments of all three gene regions (gag, pol, and env). All three genetic regions of P1 have been subject to more potential selective forces than those of P2, indicating a longer evolutionary history. Bayesian and ML trees showed similar paraphyletic-monophyletic topologies of gag and env, with the virus from P1 located at the root, which supported a P1-to-P2 transmission direction.

Conclusions

Phylogenetic investigations can elucidate HIV transmission linkage and might empower its use in the opposition of the intentional transmission of HIV-1 as a forensic tool.
Minimally invasive internal fixation for unstable pelvic ring fractures: a retrospective study of 27 cases
Authors: Wu Shuang , Chen Jialei , Yang Yun , Chen Wei , Luo Rong , Fang Yue
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of anterior subcutaneous internal fixation (INFIX) with or without posterior fixation for the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures.

Methods

Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and duration of hospital stay were recorded, and fracture union and postoperative complications were evaluated. The fracture reduction quality was evaluated using the Matta score, pelvic deformity index (PDI), and pubic symphyseal width (PSW). In addition, the functional recovery and general quality of life were evaluated using the Majeed score and the 12-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-12), respectively. Furthermore, sacral nerve injury was evaluated using the Gibbons classification.

Results

Twenty-seven patients (14 males and 13 females) with an average age of 37.4 years were followed up for a mean of 22 months. The average operation time, median intraoperative blood loss, and average duration of hospital stay were 129 ± 47 min, 100 mL, and 22 ± 13 days, respectively. All patients achieved bony union with an average union time of 13.3 weeks. Furthermore, the average PDI and PSW were 0.07 ± 0.04 vs. 0.04 ± 0.03 (P = 0.009) and 1.15 ± 1.36 vs. 0.54 ± 0.17 (P = 0.048) before and after the operation, respectively. In 78% of the patients, the Matta or Majeed scores were excellent or good. The SF-12 physical and mental health scores were 45.1 ± 10.2 and 53.2 ± 6.3, respectively. Furthermore, one superficial surgical site infection, one loosening of INFIX, one lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation, one femoral nerve injury, and two implant discomforts due to the bar were noted. Among five patients with sacral nerve injuries, four were asymptomatic, and one just had paresthesia at the last follow-up.

Conclusion

INFIX with or without sacroiliac screws can achieve satisfactory radiographic and functional outcomes in the treatment of unstable pelvic ring fractures.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2000038812. Registered 04 October 2020. Retrospectively registered.
Safety and efficacy of umbilical cord-derived Wharton’s jelly compared to hyaluronic acid and saline for knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized, controlled, single-blind, multi-center trial
Authors: Gupta Ashim , Maffulli Nicola , Rodriguez Hugo C. , Carson Eric W. , Bascharon Randa A. , Delfino Kristin , Levy Howard J. , El-Amin Saadiq F.
Published: May 2021

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in the United States of America (USA) with a fast-rising prevalence. Current treatment modalities are limited, and total knee replacement surgeries have shown disadvantages, especially for grade II/III OA. The interest in the use of biologics, including umbilical cord (UC)-derived Wharton’s jelly (WJ), has grown in recent years. The results from a preliminary study demonstrated the presence of essential components of regenerative medicine, namely growth factors, cytokines, hyaluronic acid (HA), and extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, in WJ. The proposed study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intra-articular injection of UC-derived WJ for the treatment of knee OA symptoms.

Methods

A randomized, controlled, single-blind, multi-center, prospective study will be conducted in which the safety and efficacy of intra-articular administration of UC-derived WJ are compared to HA (control) and saline (placebo control) in patients suffering from grade II/III knee OA. A total of 168 participants with grade II or III knee OA on the KL scale will be recruited across 53 sites in the USA with 56 participants in each arm and followed for 1 year post-injection. Patient satisfaction, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and 7-point Likert Scale will be used to assess the participants. Physical exams, X-rays, and MRI with Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue score will be used to assess improvement in associated anatomy.

Discussion

The study results will provide valuable information into the safety and efficacy of intra-articular administration of Wharton’s jelly for grade II/III knee osteoarthritis. The results of this study will also add to the treatment options available for grade II/III OA as well as help facilitate the development of a more focused treatment strategy for patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04711304. Registered on January 15, 2021
Preliminary study of the characteristics of rib fractures and their impact on pulmonary ventilatory function
Authors: Wu Weiming , Zhao Tiancheng , Li Yang , Guo Xiang , He Weiwei , Yang Yi
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the pulmonary ventilation function (PVF) according to different types of rib fractures and pain levels.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients with thoracic trauma admitted to our ward from May 1, 2015, to February 1, 2017. Vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured on admission. A numerical rating scale (NRS) was used for pain assessment.

Results

A total of 118 (85 males and 33 females) were included. The location of rib fractures did not affect the PVF. When the number of rib fractures was ≥5, the PVF was lower than in those with ≤4 fractures (VC: 0.40 vs. 0.47,P = 0.009; FEV1: 0.37 vs. 0.44,P = 0.012; PEF: 0.17 vs. 0.20,P = 0.031). There were no difference in PVF values between rib fractures with multiple locations and those with non-multiple locations (VC: 0.41 vs. 0.43,P = 0.202; FEV1: 0.37 vs. 0.39,P = 0.692; PEF: 0.18 vs. 0.18,P = 0.684). When there were ≥ 5 breakpoints, the PVF parameters were lower than those with ≤4 breakpoints (VC: 0.40 vs. 0.50,P = 0.030; FEV1: 0.37 vs. 0.45,P = 0.022; PEF: 0.18 vs. 0.20,P = 0.013). When the NRS ≥ 7, the PVF values were lower than for those with NRS ≤ 6 (VC: 0.41 vs. 0.50,P = 0.003; FEV1: 0.37 vs. 0.47,P = 0.040; PEF: 0.18 vs. 0.20,P = 0.027).

Conclusions

When the total number of fractured ribs is ≥5, there are ≥5 breakpoints, or NRS is ≥7, the VC, FEV1, and PEF are more affected.

Trial registration

The trial was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (as revised in 2013). The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, and individual consent for this retrospectively registered analysis was waived.
Natural drug sources for respiratory diseases from Fritillaria: chemical and biological analyses
Authors: Wang Ye , Hou Hongping , Ren Qiang , Hu Haoyu , Yang Tiechui , Li Xiwen
Published: May 2021

Fritillaria naturally grows in the temperate region of Northern Hemisphere and mainly distributes in Central Asia, Mediterranean region, and North America. The dried bulbs from a dozen species of this genus have been usually used as herbal medicine, named Beimu in China. Beimu had rich sources of phytochemicals and have extensively applied to respiratory diseases including coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Fritillaria species have alkaloids that act as the main active components that contribute multiple biological activities, including anti-tussive, expectorant, and anti-asthmatic effects, especially against certain respiratory diseases. Other compounds (terpenoids, steroidal saponins, and phenylpropanoids) have also been identified in species of Fritillaria. In this review, readers will discover a brief summary of traditional uses and a comprehensive description of the chemical profiles, biological properties, and analytical techniques used for quality control. In general, the detailed summary reveals 293 specialized metabolites that have been isolated and analyzed in Fritillaria species. This review may provide a scientific basis for the chemical ecology and metabolomics in which compound identification of certain species remains a limiting step.
Clinical and genetic findings in patients with congenital cataract and heart diseases
Authors: Li Xinru , Si Nuo , Song Zixun , Ren Yaqiong , Xiao Wei
Published: May 2021

Background

Congenital cataract (CC) and congenital heart disease (CHD) are significant birth defects. In clinical practice, the concurrence of CC and CHD is frequently observed in patients. Additionally, some monogenic diseases, copy number variation (CNV) syndromes, and diseases associated with intrauterine infection involve both cataract and heart defects. However, little is known about the association between CC and CHD. Here, we characterised the demographic, clinical, and genetic features of patients with CC and heart defects.

Methods

Medical records for 334 hospitalised patients diagnosed with CC were reviewed. Demographic and clinical features of patients with CC with and without CHD were compared. Clinical and genomic information for patients with ‘cataract’ and ‘cardiac defects’ were reviewed from Database of Chromosomal Imbalance and Phenotype in Humans using Ensembl Resources (DECIPHER). Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridisation and whole-exome sequencing were performed in 10 trio families with CC and CHD to detect de novo genomic alterations, including copy number variants and single nucleotide changes.

Results

In a retrospective analysis of 334 patients with CC over the past 10 years at our hospital, we observed a high proportion of patients (41.13%) with CHD (including innocent CHD, which reported as left-to-right shunt in echocardiography test). The CC with CHD group had higher incidences of preterm birth and Down’s syndrome than the CC without CHD group. Atrial septal defect was the most frequent heart defect. A total of 44 cases with cataracts and heart diseases were retrieved from Database of Chromosomal Imbalance and Phenotype in Humans using Ensembl Resources (DECIPHER). In total, 52 genomic alterations were reported, 44% of which were de novo germline variants. In the 10 trio families with CC and CHD, we found de novo CNVs responsible for two well-known chromosomal disorders and identified a novel pathogenic mutation in GJA8 responsible for CC.

Conclusions

We observed significant associations between CHD and CC in our 10-year patient cohort. Based on the cohort and data from DECIPHER, developmental syndromes in some patients were due to genetic defects, thus explaining the concurrence of CC and CHD. Additionally, we detected de novo mutations as an independent cause of cataracts. Our findings suggest that developmental syndromes in patients with CC deserve more attention in clinical practice by ophthalmologists.
Effectiveness of a technology-assisted, family volunteers delivered, brief, multicomponent parents’ skills training intervention for children with developmental disorders in rural Pakistan: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hamdani Syed Usman , Huma Zill-e- , Suleman Nadia , Akhtar Parveen , Nazir Huma , Masood Aqsa , Tariq Mahjabeen , Koukab Ahmareen , Salomone Erica , Pacione Laura , Brown Felicity , Shire Stephanie , Sikander Siham , Servili Chiara , Wang Duolao , Minhas Fareed Aslam , Rahman Atif
Published: May 2021

Background

Globally, there is a large documented gap between needs of families and children with developmental disorders and available services. We adapted the World Health Organization’s mental health Gap-Intervention Guidelines (mhGAP-IG) developmental disorders module into a tablet-based android application to train caregivers of children with developmental disorders. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this technology-assisted, family volunteers delivered, parents’ skills training intervention to improve functioning in children with developmental disorders in a rural community of Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Methods

In a single-blinded, cluster randomized controlled trial, 30 clusters were randomised (1:1 ratio) to intervention (n = 15) or enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU) arm (n = 15). After screening, 540 children (18 participants per cluster) aged 2–12 years, with developmental disorders and their primary caregivers were recruited into the trial. Primary outcome was child’s functioning, measured by Childhood Disability Assessment Schedule for Developmental Disorders (DD-CDAS) at 6-months post-intervention. Secondary outcomes were parents’ health related quality of life, caregiver-child joint engagement, socio-emotional well-being of children, family empowerment and stigmatizing experiences. Intention-to-treat analyses were done using mixed-models adjusted for covariates and clusters.

Results

At 6-months post-intervention, no statistically significant mean difference was observed on DD-CDAS between intervention and ETAU (mean [SD], 47.65 [26.94] vs. 48.72 [28.37], Adjusted Mean Difference (AMD), − 2.63; 95% CI − 6.50 to 1.24). However, parents in the intervention arm, compared to ETAU reported improved health related quality of life (mean [SD] 65.56 [23.25] vs. 62.17 [22.63], AMD 5.28; 95% CI 0.44 to 10.11). The results were non-significant for other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

In the relatively short intervention period of 6 months, no improvement in child functioning was observed; but, there were significant improvements in caregivers’ health related quality of life. Further trials with a longer follow-up are recommended to evaluate the impact of intervention.

Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02792894. Registered April 4, 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02792894
European paramedic curriculum—a call for unity in paramedic education on a European level
Authors: Dúason Sveinbjörn , Ericsson Christoffer , Jónsdóttir Hrafnhildur Lilja , Andersen Jeanette Viggen , Andersen Thomas Lynge
Published: May 2021

Background

There have been major developments in healthcare services as well as changes in demographics in recent years, and this has, among other things, led to increased demand for ambulance services. In general, this has also led to calls for more highly educated paramedics.

Main body

Erasmus + provided a grant for three universities and one public service provider in four Nordic countries to work on a harmonised model curriculum for a bachelor’s degree in paramedic education. The project group has now completed the first phase of the project, which was to examine what paramedic education is available in the participating countries and what laws and regulations affect both the operation of ambulance services and the education of paramedics. At the end of the project, a harmonised exemplary curriculum will be available to anyone interested in educating paramedics at the university level.

Conclusions

The growing need for highly educated paramedics should be addressed by offering a bachelor’s degree university education with an exemplary curriculum and coordinating it within Europe. The added value of a harmonised education programme within Europe would thus enable further and deeper collaboration.
Revealing two important tryptophan residues with completely different roles in a dye-decolorizing peroxidase from Irpex lacteus F17
Authors: Li Liuqing , Wang Tao , Chen Taohua , Huang Wenhan , Zhang Yinliang , Jia Rong , He Chao
Published: May 2021

Background

Dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) represent a novel family of heme peroxidases that use H2O2 as the final electron acceptor to catalyze the oxidation of various organic compounds. A DyP from Irpex lacteus F17 (Il-DyP4, corresponding to GenBank MG209114), obtained by heterologous expression, exhibits a high catalytic efficiency for phenolic compounds and a strong decolorizing ability toward various synthetic dyes. However, the enzyme structure and the catalytic residues involved in substrate oxidation remain poorly understood.

Results

Here, we obtained a high-resolution structure (2.0 Å, PDB: 7D8M) of Il‑DyP4 with α-helices, anti-parallel β-sheets and one ferric heme cofactor sandwiched between two domains. The crystal structure of Il‑DyP4 revealed two heme access channels leading from the enzyme molecular surface to its heme region, and also showed four conserved amino acid residues forming the pocket for the conversion of hydrogen peroxide into the water molecule. In addition, we found that Trp264 and Trp380, were two important residues with different roles in Il‑DyP4, by using site-directed mutagenesis and an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study. Trp264 is a noncatalytic residue that mainly is used for maintaining the normal spatial conformation of the heme region and the high-spin state of heme Fe3+ of Il‑DyP4, while Trp380 serves as the surface-exposed radical-forming residue that is closely related to the oxidation of substrates including not only bulky dyes, but also simple phenols.

Conclusions

This study is important for better understanding the catalytic properties of fungal DyPs and their structure–function relationships.
Longitudinal change in hippocampal and dorsal anterior insulae functional connectivity in subjective cognitive decline
Authors: Viviano Raymond P. , Damoiseaux Jessica S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Subjective cognitive decline, perceived worsening of cognitive ability without apparent performance issues on clinical assessment, may be an important precursor to dementia. While previous cross-sectional research has demonstrated aberrant brain functional connectivity in subjective cognitive decline, longitudinal evaluation remains limited.

Methods

Here, we examined trajectories of functional connectivity over three measurement occasions ~18 months apart, using voxelwise latent growth models in cognitively unimpaired older adults with varying self-report of subjective cognitive decline (N = 69).

Results

We found that individuals who reported a greater degree of subjective cognitive decline showed a larger subsequent decrease in connectivity between components of the default mode network and increase in connectivity between salience and default mode network components. The change in functional connectivity was observed in the absence of change in cognitive performance.

Conclusion

The results indicate that functional brain changes may underly the experience of cognitive decline before deterioration reaches a level detected by formal cognitive assessment.
Potential clinical biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis with an omic approach
Authors: Puentes-Osorio Yolima , Amariles Pedro , Calleja Miguel Ángel , Merino Vicente , Díaz-Coronado Juan Camilo , Taborda Daniel
Published: May 2021

Objective

To aid in the selection of the most suitable therapeutic option in patients with diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis according to the phase of disease, through the review of articles that identify omics biological markers.

Methods

A systematic review in PubMed/Medline databases was performed. We searched articles from August 2014 to September 2019, in English and Spanish, filtered by title and full text; and using the terms "Biomarkers" AND “Rheumatoid arthritis".

Results

This article supplies an exhaustive review from research of objective measurement, omics biomarkers and how disease activity appraise decrease unpredictability in treatment determinations, and finally, economic, and clinical outcomes of treatment options by biomarkers’ potential influence. A total of 122 articles were included. Only 92 met the established criteria for review purposes and 17 relevant references about the topic were included as well. Therefore, it was possible to identify 196 potential clinical biomarkers: 22 non-omics, 20 epigenomics, 33 genomics, 21 transcriptomics, 78 proteomics, 4 glycomics, 1 lipidomics and 17 metabolomics.

Conclusion

A biomarker is a measurable indicator of some, biochemical, physiological, or morphological condition; evaluable at a molecular, biochemical, or cellular level. Biomarkers work as indicators of physiological or pathological processes, or as a result of a therapeutic management. In the last five years, new biomarkers have been identified, especially the omics, which are those that proceed from the investigation of genes (genomics), metabolites (metabolomics), and proteins (proteomics). These biomarkers contribute to the physician choosing the best therapeutic option in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Accelerated failure-time model with weighted least-squares estimation: application on survival of HIV positives
Authors: Mustefa Yesuf Abdela , Chen Ding-Geng
Published: May 2021

Background

Survival analysis is the most appropriate method of analysis for time-to-event data. The classical accelerated failure-time model is a more powerful and interpretable model than the Cox proportional hazards model, provided that model imposed distribution and homoscedasticity assumptions satisfied. However, most of the real data are heteroscedastic which violates the fundamental assumption and consequently, the statistical inference could be erroneous in accelerated failure-time modeling. The weighted least-squares estimation for the accelerated failure-time model is an efficient semi-parametric approach for time-to-event data without the homoscedasticity assumption, which is developed recently and not often utilized for real data analysis. Thus, this study was conducted to ascertain the better performance of the weighted least-squares estimation method over the classical methods.

Methods

We analyzed a REAL dataset on Antiretroviral Therapy patients we recently collected. We compared the results from classical methods of estimation for the accelerated failure-time model with the results revealed from the weighted least-squares estimation.

Results

We found that the data are heteroscedastic and indicated that the weighted least-square method should be used to analyze this data. The weighted least-squares estimation revealed more accurate, and efficient estimates of covariates effect since its confidence intervals were shorter and it identified more significant covariates. Accordingly, the survival of HIV positives was found to be significantly linked with age, weight, functional status, CD4 (Cluster of Differentiation agent 4 glycoproteins), and clinical stages.

Conclusions

The weighted least-squares estimation performed the best in providing more significant effects and precise estimates than the classical accelerated failure-time methods of estimation if data are heteroscedastic. Thus, we recommend future researchers should utilize weighted least-squares estimation rather than the classical methods when the homoscedasticity assumption is violated.
UNESCO World Heritage properties in changing and dynamic environments: change detection methods using optical and radar satellite data
Authors: Agapiou Athos
Published: May 2021

The article presents recent capabilities of active and passive earth observation sensors along with related processing image chains, for monitoring UNESCO World Heritage properties. Exceptional heritage sites and landscapes are found in dynamic environments, whereas both anthropogenic and natural changes are observed. The use of radar and optical satellite imageries can be used as a systematic observation tool for stakeholders, to map drastic or slowly driven landscape changes towards the better protection and management of these sites and their surrounding areas. The study presents the results from the analysis of the European Copernicus Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite images over two broader areas in the Eastern Mediterranean basin that hold important UNESCO World Heritage properties. Initially, a recent strong earthquake of a 6.7 magnitude scale in the Aegean Sea is studied using radar Sentinel-1 images. These radar images were processed through the Hybrid Pluggable Processing Pipeline (HyP3) cloud platform for analyzing both significant changes of the VV (vertical transmit, vertical receive) and VH (vertical transmit, horizontal receive) backscattering signal as well as through an Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) analysis. Then, long-term changes in Cyprus during the last two decades are monitored by a Sentinel-2 image compared to the European Corine Land Use Land Cover data of 2000. These changes are mapped after a supervised classification process using the random forest (RF) classifier. The overall results demonstrate that the recent developments of the space sector in all its segments (resolution of the sensors, the capacity to storage in the cloud, processing advancements and open-access datasets and tools) can be beneficial for monitoring UNESCO World Heritage properties.
Potential adverse events in Japanese women who received tozinameran (BNT162b2, Pfizer-BioNTech)
Authors: Shimazawa Rumiko , Ikeda Masayuki
Published: May 2021

Reports of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) following the administration of coronavirus vaccines have raised concerns regarding their safety. Although no regulatory authority has recognized ICH as an adverse event associated with tozinameran (BNT162b2, Pfizer-BioNTech), fatal and non-fatal cases have been reported. In Japan, 10 fatal cases (five men and women) have been reported to date. Four of the five women died of ICH and the other died of aspiration pneumonia, whereas all five men died of causes other than stroke. This imbalance is incompatible with the mortality data on cardiovascular diseases in the National Statistics, which show no apparent disparity between sexes or between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Cumulatively, our analysis reveals a disproportionately high incidence of death by ICH in Japanese women who received tozinameran, suggesting a potential association of ICH with the vaccine. Although we understand that the benefits of tozinameran still outweigh the risks, we believe that a causal link with the vaccine is not proven but possible and warrants further analysis.
Pharmacoeconomics in Africa: needs, prospect and challenges
Authors: Ben-Ajepe Temitope , Nwogu Ifechukwu Benedict , Olaoye Damilola Quazeem , Mustapha Abdulhafeez Ayodele , Uwizeyimana Theogene , Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo
Published: May 2021

Africa as a continent has experienced a continuous increase in the cost of healthcare as its demands increase. With many of these African countries living below the poverty threshold, Africans continue to die from preventable and curable diseases. Population increases have led to an increase in demands for healthcare, which unfortunately have been met with inequitable distribution of drugs. Hence, the outcomes from healthcare interventions are frequently not maximized. These problems notably call for some economic principles and policies to guide medication selection, procurement, or donation for population prioritization or health insurance. Pharmacoeconomics drives efficient use of scarce or limited resources to maximize healthcare benefits and reduce costs. It also brings to play tools that rate therapy choice based on the quality of life added to the patient after a choice of intervention was made over an alternative. In this paper, we commented on the needs, prospect, and challenges of pharmacoeconomics in Africa.
Low-frequency earthquakes along the Ryukyu Islands triggered by teleseismic earthquakes
Authors: Kinjo Ayumi , Nakamura Mamoru
Published: May 2021

Tremors and low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs), which occur in the plate interface, can provide useful information about the state of aseismic stress transfer in mega-earthquake fault zones. We estimated the distribution of triggered LFEs in the subducted plate interface. Specifically, we detected LFEs in the Ryukyu Trench triggered by the surface waves of large teleseismic earthquakes by using the waveform records of broadband and short-period seismometers installed in the Ryukyu Arc. We selected a total of 45 teleseismic earthquakes with magnitudes of more than 7.5, which occurred between 2004 and 2017, for the analysis. We could detect the triggered LFEs for five teleseismic earthquakes. Then, we determined the hypocenters of LFEs by using the relative arrival times of LFEs for each station. The LFEs were distributed in the south of Okinawa Island and the Yaeyama area. Moreover, they were distributed around the source fault of the slow slip events. These were almost the same as and concentrated near to the locations of the most active LFE clusters accompanying very low-frequency earthquakes, suggesting higher sensitivity of inducing LFEs near these clusters. This indicates that the LFEs accompanying VLFEs are activated by stress acceleration in the Yaeyama and Okinawa areas.
Lens thickness and associated ocular biometric factors among cataract patients in Shanghai
Authors: Meng Jiaqi , Wei Ling , He Wenwen , Qi Jiao , Lu Yi , Zhu Xiangjia
Published: May 2021

Background

To evaluate the distribution of lens thickness (LT) and its associations with other ocular biometric factors among cataract patients in Shanghai.

Methods

Twenty-four thousand thirteen eyes from 24,013 cataract patients were retrospectively included. Ocular biometric factors including LT, central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), white-to-white (WTW) distance, anterior corneal curvature, and axial length (AL) were obtained using the IOLMaster700. The associations between LT and general or ocular factors were assessed.

Results

The mean age was 62.5 ± 13.6 years and 56.1% were female. The mean LT was 4.51 ± 0.46 mm. The LT was greater in older patients (P < 0.001). LT was positively correlated with CCT, while negatively correlated with ACD, WTW, and anterior corneal curvature (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that increased LT was associated with older age, male gender, thicker CCT, shallower ACD, larger WTW, and flatter anterior corneal curvature (P < 0.001). LT changed with a variable behavior according to AL. In short eyes LT increased as AL increased, then decreased with longer AL in normal eyes and moderate myopic eyes, but increased again as AL increased in highly myopic eyes. Thickest LT was found in the 20.01–22 mm AL group. The correlation between LT and other biometric factors remained significant when stratified by ALs.

Conclusions

In a large Chinese cataractous population, we found that the thicker lens may be associated with older age, male gender, thicker CCT, shallower ACD, larger WTW, and flatter anterior corneal curvature. As AL increased, the change of LT was nonlinear, with the thickest lens seen in the 20–22 mm AL group.
Development of calcium fluoride thin film on Ti-6Al-4V material by a dip coating process with an intermediate shellac layer for biocompatible orthopedic applications
Authors: Ritwik A. , Saju K. K.
Published: May 2021

Calcium fluoride (CaF2) is widely used for different bio applications ranging from biomedical imaging to cell labeling. The biocompatible properties of CaF2 combined with superior mechanical properties of titanium alloy makes it a perfect choice for orthopedic and dental implants. A dip-coating process was employed to develop a thin film of CaF2 coating on Ti6Al4V material with an intermediate thin layer of shellac (natural resin). The developed coating was subjected to X-ray powder diffraction method (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the surface characteristics. The dip-coated implant material was also subjected to mechanical property evaluation, dissolution behavior study, and corrosion behavior study. In vitro study of the developed implant material was also carried out to assess the biocompatibility. The obtained results suggest use of CaF2 coating developed by this method for producing biocompatible orthopedic implants.
Hydrocephalus associated with occipital encephalocele: surgical management and clinical outcome
Authors: Nagy Mohamed Ragab , Saleh Ahmed Elsayed
Published: May 2021

Background

Encephaloceles are cystic congenital malformations in which central nervous system (CNS) structures, in communication with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways, herniate through a defect in the cranium. Hydrocephalus occurs in 60–90% of patients with occipital encephaloceles.

Objective

Assessment of the surgical management of hydrocephalus associated with occipital encephalocele and its effect on the clinical outcome.

Methods

Between October 2015 and October 2019, a retrospective study was conducted on seventeen children with occipital encephaloceles who were operated upon. The presence of progressive hydrocephalus was determined by an abnormal increase in head circumference and an increase in the ventricular size on imaging studies. A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was applied in patients who had hydrocephalus. The clinical outcome was graded according to the developmental milestones of the children on outpatient follow-up visits.

Results

The mean age at surgery was 1.6 (range, 0–15) months. There were ten girls (58.8%) and seven boys (41.2%). Ten encephaloceles (58.8%) contained neural tissue. Ten patients (58.8%) had associated cranial anomalies. Eleven children (64.7%) had associated hydrocephalus: four of them (36.4%) diagnosed preoperatively, while seven children (63.6%) developed hydrocephalus postoperatively. Ten of them (90.9%) were managed by VP shunt. All children with hydrocephalus had some degree of developmental delay, including six (54.5%) with mild/moderate delay and five (45.5%) with severe delay. Half of the patients (50%) of the children with occipital encephalocele without hydrocephalus had normal neurological outcome during the follow-up period (p value= 0.034).

Conclusions

Occipital encephalocele is often complicated by hydrocephalus. The presence of hydrocephalus resulted in a worse clinical outcome in children with occipital encephalocele, so it can help to guide prenatal and neonatal counseling.
Novel Photoluminescent Gold Complexes Prepared at Octanethiol–Water Interfaces: Control of Optical Properties by Addition of Silver Ions
Authors: Tameike Mio , Niidome Takuro , Niidome Yasuro , Kurawaki Junichi
Published: May 2021

Octanethiol (C8-SH) was shaken with an aqueous solution containing Au(III) and/or Ag(I) ions. The C8-SH molecules reacted with the Au(III) ions to form red-luminescent Au thiolates. The addition of silver ions generated blue-luminescent species, and red-luminescent species also formed in the reaction solution. The blue-luminescent species contained gold–silver (AuAg) bimetallic thiolate complexes. Increasing the silver fraction resulted in higher yields of the blue-luminescent species, but the spectral properties of the two kinds of complexes were almost independent of the silver fraction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the complexes contained metal gold (Au(0)) and silver ions (Ag(I)). The addition of thiol-terminated poly(ethylene oxide) (mPEG-SH) assisted the dialysis of the blue-luminescent complexes. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigations revealed the presence of metallic complexes (5 nm) and complex aggregates (50–200 nm). Luminescent sites, which were bimetallic sites containing gold and silver atoms, were formed in the complexes.
Synthesis and Properties of Fused Extended Tetrathiafulvalene Donors with Dithienylmethylene Spacer and Application to Organic Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Yamauchi Tomokazu , Kubo Takashi , Fujioka Atsushi , Yoshimura Aya , Shirahata Takashi , Miyamoto Hisakazu , Yao Masaru , Misaki Yohji
Published: May 2021

Several derivatives of 1,3-dithiole[3]dendralene derivatives with two thiophene spacers (2) were synthesized. The results of an X-ray structure analysis of an analog without fused TTF units and a DFT calculation of the unsubstituted-2 (2Aa) suggested that 2Aa had a structure significantly distorted between the central 1,3-dithiole (DT) ring and one of the thiophene rings. Cyclic voltammograms of tetrakis(n-hexylsulfanyl) derivatives (2Be and 2Ce) consisted of one pair of two-electron redox waves and five pairs of one-electron redox waves in correspondence with the presence of seven redox-active DT rings. The tetrakis(methylsulfanyl) or bis(ethylenedithio) derivative (2Bc or 2Bd) worked as a positive electrode material for lithium-ion batteries, and the 2Bc/Li and 2Bd/Li cells exhibited the first discharge capacities of 133–138 mAh g−1.
Design of Linearly Substituted Fullerene Bis-Adducts with High Dielectric Constants Based on Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Matsumoto Fukashi , Sumino Shuhei , Iwai Toshiyuki , Ito Takatoshi
Published: May 2021

The low dielectric constants of organic semiconductors, relative to those of inorganic materials, are an intrinsic limitation. Improving the dielectric constant is important for the development of organic electronics. In this study, we established a method for increasing the dielectric constant of fullerene derivatives based on theoretical calculations and cheminformatics. We designed linearly substituted C70 fullerene bis-adducts with two different substituents and investigated the properties of the thin film devices. The bis-adducts had relatively high dielectric constants and moderate electron mobilities. Our study reveals that high-throughput computational screening is an effective strategy for the design of fullerene bis-adducts with high dielectric constants.
Analysis and forecast of environmental pollution
Authors: Strel'nikov Viktor , Chernysheva Natal'ya
Published: May 2021

The proposed textbook deals with various aspects of the analysis, prediction and evaluation of various types of impacts on the environment. It is intended to provide future ecologists with an idea of the main types of habitats of living organisms, the main types of impacts on environmental components, methods of sampling in different environments, as well as their analysis. The basic concepts of environmental impact assessment on environmental components, environmental forecasting and modeling are analyzed.
For undergraduate students of higher educational institutions in the field of "Ecology and nature Management". It may be of some interest to specialists of related specialties.
Economics of construction and installation organizations
Authors: Serov Viktor , Moiseenko Natal'ya , Bogomolova Ekaterina
Published: May 2021

The textbook provides a holistic view of the construction and installation organization as a subject of production and management and as a production and socio-economic system. Its role and place as a primary link in the general system of the national economy, the internal and external environment of its functioning are considered. Production resources, production capital and production capacity of construction and installation organizations, methods and indicators of their condition and use are characterized. The content and indicators of the costs of construction production, the cost of construction products and construction and installation works, income, profit and profitability of production and economic activities are disclosed. The basics of contractual relations of construction contractors and risk assessment of their production and economic activities, assessment of the economic condition, competitiveness and position in the construction contract markets are described.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students studying in the areas of training 38.03.01 "Economics" (profile "Economics of enterprises and organizations"), 38.03.02 "Management" (profile "Production Management"), teachers, as well as for a wide range of specialists of construction and installation organizations.
Shakespeare's Existentials
Authors: Gorohov Pavel
Published: May 2021

For the first time in the Russian historical and philosophical literature, the monograph attempts to comprehensively consider the philosophical views of the great playwright and thinker. Shakespeare is presented as a philosopher who considered in his masterpieces the relation of man to the world through a series of"borderline situations". Shakespeare not only anticipated the existentialist philosophers, but also appeared in his work as the greatest philosopher-anthropologist. He reflects on the essence of nature, space and time only in close connection with thoughts about human life.
For a wide range of readers interested in the history of philosophy and Shakespeare studies.
Economic analysis
Authors: Plaskova Nataliya , Prodanova Natal'ya
Published: May 2021

The textbook reveals the theoretical foundations of economic analysis, modern methods and techniques of financial and managerial analysis of the activities of economic entities. The development of materials by students is necessary in their further practical activities, will contribute to improving the quality of analytical work in organizations of various industries and organizational and legal forms, and serve as a justification for the optimal strategy and tactics of doing business. It contains theoretical, methodological and practical questions of the basic academic discipline "Economic Analysis".
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For bachelors studying in the fields of "Economics", "Management", "State and Municipal Management", "Economic Security".
Atmospheric chemistry
Authors: Surkova Galina
Published: May 2021

The textbook contains material corresponding to the course of lectures on atmospheric chemistry prepared for students studying meteorology and climatology. The basic concepts of atmospheric chemistry are given, its gaseous components, as well as aerosols and chemical processes related to their life cycles, which are important from the point of view of the formation of the radiation, temperature and dynamic regime of the atmosphere, as well as its pollution, are considered. The main regularities of the transport of impurities in the atmosphere and the role of processes of different spatial and temporal scales in this process are presented. The concept of approaches of varying degrees of complexity used to model the transport of matter in the atmosphere, taking into account its chemical transformations, is presented. The processes in the gaseous and liquid phases that affect the chemical composition and acidity of clouds and precipitation are described. Modern methods of using information about the concentration and state of chemical compounds, including their radioactive and stable isotopes, to obtain information about the meteorological regime of the atmosphere in the present and past are considered.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the field of training "Hydrometeorology".
Accounting and financial accounting in agriculture
Authors: Saygidmagomedov Anvarbeg
Published: May 2021

The textbook is devoted to accounting financial accounting in agriculture. For each chapter, tests and tasks are given to determine the correspondence of invoices for business transactions and, conversely, the content of business transactions for a given correspondence of invoices.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students and teachers of economic specialties and students of advanced training courses.
Modeling the economy
Authors: Sigal Anatoliy
Published: May 2021

The textbook describes the main sections of the discipline "Modeling of economics", read by students in the master's program in the direction of training 38.04.05 "Business Informatics". The presentation of theoretical information is illustrated by a detailed analysis of specific numerical examples. The textbook contains the tasks of a comprehensive test in the discipline "Modeling of the economy".
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying for a master's degree in the direction of training 38.04.05 "Business Informatics".
Introduction to information and communication technologies
Authors: Gagarina Larisa , Kuznecov Grigoriy , Portnov Evgeniy , Doronina Anna
Published: May 2021

The textbook examines the main milestones in the history of the development of information technologies, computing and computer technology abroad and in Russia. Special attention is paid to the methodology of scientific research in the field of infocommunications. The current sections of the development of telecommunications technologies in the field of multimedia networks and network operating systems are presented. In order to develop practical skills, a laboratory workshop is given.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For senior students of technical specialties, postgraduates, researchers, teachers of higher educational institutions, students of advanced training institutes.
From the history of American journalism.
Authors: Alent'eva Tat'yana
Published: May 2021

The monograph examines the period in the history of the United States immediately preceding the Civil War of 1861-1865. The problem that is at the center of the author's attention is the public opinion of Americans on the most important domestic political issues. The paper analyzes the influence of the newspaper "New York Tribune" on the formation of views, opinions and preferences of Americans. For the first time in Russian American studies, a thorough analysis of the leading periodical of the pre-war period is given, the composition of the editorial staff and the views of journalists are described in detail. Special attention is paid to the founder and publisher of "Tribune" Horace Greeley. The monograph examines both socio-economic problems and the party-political struggle. The most important compromise measures, the Civil War in Kansas, the presidential elections of 1856 and 1860 are evaluated through the prism of the comments of the New York Tribune and at the same time through the perception of its readers. As a result, the monograph creates a multicolored palette of opinions of North Americans, their perception of the situation in the country on the eve of the Civil War. This allows us to expand and deepen our understanding of the causes of the second North American revolution.
For professionals, students, and anyone interested in the problems of history.