bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNMASKING THE EFFECTS OF TEACHERS WHISTLEBLOWING SOME ATTRIBUTES ON IMPLEMENTING STEM EDUCATION: NATIONAL CURRICULUM DOCUMENT 2006 PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Hassan Mehboob Ul , Akbar Rafaqat Ali
Published: May 2021

Abstract Purpose of the study: The purpose of the current research was to measure the effect of teachers self-efficacy, locus of control, and emotional labour on implementing STEM education, focusing on national curriculum document 2006 concerns/guidelines. The researchers enthusiastically explored and reported actual situations happening to implement STEM Education in male public sector primary schools of district Lahore, Punjab province of Pakistan. Methodology: The researchers structured quantitative leading to ex post facto research focusing positivist paradigm on a sample randomly selected 530 participants. The researchers administered Henson (1999) Sources of Self-efficacy Inventory, Rose and Medway (1981) Locus of Control Scale, Çukur (2009) Teachers Emotional Labour Scale, Nistor et al. (2018) Teachers questionnaire on STEM Education Practices and self-constructed questionnaire on national curriculum document 2006 based concerns/guidelines on STEM Education, to collect the data from male primary schools teachers working in public sector schools of Lahore. The researchers run regression analysis and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r) to analyze the data. Main findings: Findings of the current research revealed that teachers self-efficacy have affected 82.90%, locus of control 65.60%, emotional labour 70.50% and national curriculum document 2006 have affected 28.10% on implementing STEM education. Moreover, a significant strong relationship existed between self-efficacy and STEM education (r = .910**, n = 528, p < .05), locus of control and STEM education (r = .873**, n = 528, p < .05), emotional labour and STEM education (r = .840**, n = 528, p < .05) and a significant and weak association yield between national curriculum 2006 concerns and STEM education (r = .002**, n = 528, p < .05). Applications of the study: The findings of the current research will be applicable for primary schools male teachers who break the ice about their cognitional, social, and emotional attributes that are practised to implement STEM education focusing national curriculum document 2006; as they monotonously worked for students lap of luxury. Novelty/originality of this study: There are hardly any studies conducted on self-efficacy and STEM education but, void researches structured to measure the effect of teachers locus of control, emotional labour, and national curriculum document 2006 based concerns/guidelines on implementing STEM education. The authors has made a significant contribution by portraying clear pictures of current appealing situations happening in male public sector primary schools of district Lahore of Punjab-Pakistan.
UTILIZATION OF REMITTANCES ON HOUSE CONSTRUCTION: GROUND REALITIES AT VILLAGE KHOHAR DISTRICT GUJRAT, PUNJAB PAKISTAN
Authors: Hussain Majid Hussain Alias Ghalib , Hayat Muhammad Umer , Rasheed Abdul , Ullah Saif , Shahzad Muhammad Nadir
Published: May 2021

Purpose of the study: This study aims to find out local perception for utilization of remittances on the construction of luxurious houses in Village Khohar. Further, it aims to document the causes of international migration from this village. This study focuses on the chain migration from Pakistan to South Africa and to highlights the socio-economic status attached with showoff wealth through the construction of luxurious houses. Methodology: For this study qualitative anthropological research methods including in-depth interviews; informal discussions; and focused group discussions were used to collect empirical data. For this study, 23 migrants were selected through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted from the selected population for which a semi-structured interview guide was used. Main Findings: There is a history of migration from this village, residents of the village migrate and financially contribute to their left-behind families. The migrants spent billions of rupees on the construction of luxurious houses in which their left-behind family members live a comfortable life. The geographical and environmental reasons are important factors for international migration. Applications of this study: This study can help academicians, researchers, demographic experts, financial planners as well as policymakers to understand the factors associated with international migration along with the local perceptions about showoff wealth through the utilization of remittances. This study will also be valuable for the remittances beneficiary countries like Pakistan. Novelty/Originality of this study: Wealth is a symbol of status in traditional areas of Pakistan. The showoff wealth is associated with prestige. This topic is novel in terms of traditional and cultural practices for the utilization of wealth (remittances) on the construction of luxurious houses. The subject of this study was underexplored in the context of Pakistan in terms of the symbolic relationship between prestige and construction of luxurious houses.
UNDERSTANDING WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES: A CASE STUDY OF SAHIWAL DISTRICT, PUNJAB PAKISTAN
Authors: Ijaz Abdullah , Dogar Adnan Ahmad , Shah Ikram , Lodhi Mohammad Saeed , Dawar Shakirullah
Published: May 2021

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to analyze the socio-cultural constraints that affect different dimensions of women empowerment in rural areas of Punjab province. Political participation and self-esteem were taken as dominant characteristics of women empowerment among lots of variables that collectively define women empowerment.

Methodology: A mixed-method approach was used to study different dimensions of women empowerment. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to collect the data from 85 respondents excluding widows and divorced women. Two focus group discussions were conducted, one in each village to further understand the phenomenon or empowerment and constraints faced by women. The data got analyzed by using tables and graphs made in MS Excel.

Main findings: Findings of the study indicate that although cultural constraints hinder the process of women empowerment a great deal, a husband's education along with a woman's education plays a significant role in women empowerment. Results showed that if the husband is more educated, women are more empowered politically and have higher self-esteem.

Application of the study: The significant contribution of a single factor in overall women empowerment is very interesting and needs further in-depth studies on different locations. The results can contribute to policy formulation for women empowerment on a larger scale.
Comparison of Physical Activity, Quality of Life and Menstrual Symptoms by Menstrual Pain Intensity in Turkish Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea
Authors: TOPRAK ÇELENAY Şeyda , ÖZGÜL Serap , DEMIRTURK Funda , GÜRŞEN Ceren , BARAN Emine , AKBAYRAK Türkan
Published: May 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare physical activity, quality of life, and menstrual symptoms by pain intensity in Turkish women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Method: Women with primary dysmenorrhea (n = 333) were divided into mild, moderate and severe-pain groups based on pain intensity. Physical and demographic characteristics of the participants were recorded. Pain intensity by Visual Analogue Scale, physical activity level by International Physical Activity Questionnaire-7 (IPAQ-7), quality of life by Short Form-36 (SF-36) were assessed. The presence of menstrual symptoms was recorded.

Result: Physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, role limitations due to emotional and physical problems scores of SF-36 in the severe-pain group were lower than in the mild-pain group (p < 0.05). Physical functioning and bodily pain scores of SF-36 in the moderate-pain group were lower than in the mild-pain group (p < 0.05). Role limitations due to emotional problems and bodily pain scores of SF-36 in the moderate-pain group were higher than in the severe-pain group (p < 0.05). IPAQ-7 scores did not show difference among three groups (p > 0.05). Severe-pain group had a greater number of menstrual symptoms than other groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: In this study, there was no difference between physical activity level and menstrual pain intensities in Turkish women with primary dysmenorrhea. In addition, the higher menstrual pain intensity was associated with lower quality of life and higher frequency of menstrual symptoms. Therefore, these parameters should be taken into account for assessment and treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.
Bridging health disparities: a national survey of ambulatory care pharmacists in underserved areas
Authors: Stewart Morgan P. , Fink Rhianna , Kosirog Emily , Saseen Joseph J.
Published: May 2021

Background: There is a shortage of primary care medical providers, particularly in rural communities and communities of racial and ethnic minority groups. Clinical pharmacists can help fill gaps in care among these vulnerable populations.

Objective: To identify characteristics of ambulatory care pharmacists that pursue and maintain employment within underserved areas.

Methods: An original survey was distributed nationwide to ambulatory care clinical pharmacists in underserved settings. Respondent characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Of the 111 completed surveys, a majority of respondents were White, non-Hispanic, female, with English as their only spoken language. A majority of pharmacists completed a clinical experience or specialized training focused on underserved care prior to their position. The top three motivators for pharmacists accepting their clinical position as well as staying at their job were passion for caring for underserved populations, the presence of a faculty appointment, or the freedom and flexibility of advanced clinical roles.

Conclusions: With a large majority of our respondents identifying as White and unilingual, there remains a large opportunity to increase diversity in the clinical pharmacy ambulatory care workforce caring for underserved populations. There is an observed correlation between early experiential or specialized training in underserved care and pharmacists pursuing employment in these areas. Thus, one potential long-term strategy to diversify and grow the ambulatory care clinical pharmacist workforce in underserved settings is for clinical practice sites to partner with colleges of pharmacy to recruit and maintain quality individuals who can meet the needs of diverse patient populations as well as expand student and resident training opportunities in underserved settings.
Natural cross-pollination is both a boon and bane for pigeonpea breeders
Authors: Sultana Rafat , Saxena K.B.
Published: May 2021

Natural cross-pollination in pigeonpea, mediated by insects, is a universal phenomenon with the first report appearing in 1919. Considerable information is now available on various aspects of this biological phenomenon including degree of out-crossing and pollinating agents in different parts of the world. A large variation (0-60%) has been recorded in 30 different environments across 11 countries. The role of cross-pollination in rapid deterioration of the genetic purity of cultivars and elite genetic stocks is well understood and documented by breeders and seed producers. Pigeonpea breeders have converted this constraint into an opportunity by way of visually selecting natural hybrids from landraces in farmers’ fields and deriving high yielding cultivars. In a key development, the occurrence of natural cross-pollination in the wild relatives of pigeonpea has also been recorded; and in three wild species such natural hybrids have yielded valuable cytoplasmic male sterility systems. This has encouraged breeders to develop a hybrid breeding technology with natural out-crossing playing a key role in the large-scale seed production of commercial pigeonpea hybrids.
Effect of Different Sowing Dates and Timings of Last Cut on Yield Attributes and Seed Yield of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.)
Authors: Singh Surinder , Singh Kanwaljit , Kaur Tarandeep
Published: May 2021

Background: Many genetical, physiological, environmental and organizational constraints associated with the low productivity of forage crops, but the most important among them is lack of quality seeds of improved cultivars to farmers. Scarcity of green fodder and low seed setting forces the farmers not to prefer for seed production. Weather extremities like unbalanced or untimely rains or high speed winds also affected seed setting. All these extremities lead to scarcity of berseem seed in Punjab and farmer are forced to paying high prices at the time of sowing. Maintaining the proper sowing time and time of last cut for fodder and for leaving the crop for seed production may help in keeping the balance between vegetative and reproductive phases for high seed yield to tackle these problems. Therefore, optimum sowing time and last cut is a very deciding factor to achieve maximum green fodder and seed yield. The current experiment aimed to study the effect of different sowing dates and timings of last cut on yield attributes and seed yield of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). Methods: In this experiment, crop was sown on five different dates with the broadcast method and also three dates of last cut of crop left for seed production. These treatments were replicated thrice. All other cultural practices were also maintained for optimum berseem productivity. The first cutting of fodder was taken after 55 days from sowing and thereafter 30 days interval. After the time of last cut, crop was left for seed production. At maturity, data on yield attributes were recorded. Results: Our investigations revealed that late sown berseem increased the yield attributes and seed yield but decreased the green fodder yield. Therefore to get maximum seed production, it is suggested that late sown 20th October has the optimum date of sowing and optimum time for leave the crop is 25th March for seed production.
Development and Assessment of an Undergraduate Research Program at a Two-Year, Rural, Hispanic-Serving Institution: The Essential Role of Partnerships
Authors:   Yakima Valley College, Loeser Matthew R. , Newkirk Makaylah ,   Yakima Valley College, Gabriel Kara I. ,   Central Washington University, Huerta Audrey D. ,   Central Washington University
Published: May 2021

This article reviews the importance of multiple stakeholders in program development, including the essential role of university and community partnerships.Yakima Valley College—a two-year, Hispanic-serving institution—partnered with four-year universities, agricultural centers, businesses, and federal and state agencies to develop a streamlined undergraduate research experience in which students work closely with a faculty mentor in a STEM field on summer projects of 120 hours each.
Research Opportunities for High School Students at the Ocean Research College Academy
Authors:   Everett Community College, Kveven Ardi
Published: May 2021

At the Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA), undergraduate research (UR) starts when students are in their third year of high school. As part of a dual credit/enrollment program in Washington state, students earn an associate of arts and science degree when they graduate from high school. With 17 years of data and more than 500 graduates who have compelling matriculation rates and baccalaureate degree attainment, ORCA provides a model for program and course-based UR replicable by others.
To Study Relationships Between Men and It’s Environments by Enlivening Bedouins Heritage in Modern Dubai
Authors: Mushtaq DN Ayesha
Published: May 2021

Region and culture have been influenced in shaping the past architecture space. It is to examine that vernacular architecture in the modem cities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). And how this view creates obstacles in the interaction of satisfying historic building forms and techniques. The greatest obstacle is the complex symbolic role that these buildings play in modem nation building. The objective of this study is to analysis the interaction between Tradition and Modernity in contemporary architecture and its relationship to the vernacular and cultural aspects, as evident in the case of the United Arab Emirates. While historic buildings are viewed with homesickness, they are also not deemed suitable for contemporary life and have been isolated in the process of economic and social development, separated from enlivening social activities, historic architecture in the UAE seems designed to survive only as outdoor museum displays.
The Role of HbA1c in Severity and Mortality Rate of ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction for Hospitalized Libyan Non-Diabetic Patients
Authors: Altalhi Hanan KG
Published: May 2021

Background: The severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is directly related to the quality of glucose control in diabetic patient. Additionally, diabetes is associated with increased mortality following acute myocardial infarction compared to general population. Objectives: To evaluate the association of HbA1c level and severity of CAD, and outcome of non-diabetic patient with STEMI in our hospital. Patients and Methods: 60 consecutives non-diabetic patient with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction were treated with thrombolytic therapy included in the present prospective study. Blood glucose and HbA1c level of all patients were measured within 3 hours of admission. Patient were divided in to 3 groups according to HbA1c level: with cut-off 6.5% as diagnostic criteria of diabetes mellitus according to (American diabetes association) group (1) 6.5%, group (2) 6.5 to 8.5%, group (3) 8.5% and above. In hospital. mortality and morbidities of acute STEMI were compared between groups. Results: The mean age was 63±15 year and mean body mass index was 26. 6±6 kg/m², 24 patients (40%) had history of hypertension, 27 patients (45%) of dyslipidemia, 36 patients (60%) were smoker. We found 45 patients with HbA1c ≤ 6 5%, 5 patients with HbA1c 6.5 -8.5 %, 10 patients with HbA1c ≥ 8.5%. There was strong correlation between admission of HbA1c and admission glucose level (P< 0.001). Infarct size as measured by peak creatinin kinase, was not correlated with HbA1c level. Conclusions: HbA1c is an important risk marker in the absence of history of diabetes mellitus in patients with AMI. The optimal management in these patients may contribute in decrease hospital mortality.
Teacher Training Policy: state of the art on the Pedagogical Residency Program from 2018 to 2020
Authors: Marcolan Cíntia de Cássia , Nepomuceno Aline Lima de Oliveira
Published: May 2021

The present study performs a diagnosis of the scientific productions in Brazil about the Pedagogical Residency Program (PRP), from 2018 to 2020, in the repositories CAPES Periodicals and BDTD. Three dissertations and 41 articles were found. The results showed that the contributions of the program in initial training, the experiences of pedagogical practice and the studies relating the supervised internship and the PRP were the most recurrent themes in the analyzed publications. It is possible to conclude that the program has contributed to initial and continuing teacher education from a critical and reflective perspective of pedagogical practice, highlighting the importance of the collaborative process in the dialogue between university and school, and the articulation between theory and practice. On the other hand, it also presents the concern with the implementation of the program in terms of curriculum guidelines aligned to the BNCC, the overvaluation of practice and the permanence of effective public policies for training.
Teacher Education: study on professional development in productions published on the CAPES journals portal
Authors: Santos Luiz Anselmo Menezes , Santos Antônio Hamilton dos , Souza Viviane Novaes de , Moura Hudson Leonardo Cordeiro de
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to identify and analyze scientific publications related to training that address professional development. It was based on the selection of articles from the CAPES Journal Portal database, in which 12 references were analyzed. Among the main authors that supported this work, choose: (Garcia, 1999), (André, 2017), (Alarcão, 2014), (Gatti & Barreto, 2009) who have a great contribution in research on teacher professional development. The methodology used, according to (Morosini & Fernandes, 2014), stands out as a review of the literature, of the state of knowledge type. The results show that it is necessary for the teacher to develop professionally, always renewing his knowledge, overcoming the difficulties present in the school context, introducing new instruments and mechanisms so that the classes have more meanings and senses and consequently a solidification in relation to the - students' learning, thus contributing to the existence of comprehensive training.
Robotic Arm Control System Based on Brain-Muscle Mixed Signals
Authors: Cheng Li-Wei , Li Duan-Ling , Yu Gong-Jing , Zhang Zhong-Hai , Yu Shu-Yue
Published: May 2021

Aiming at the existing problems of BCI (brain computer interface), such as single input signal source, low accuracy of feature recognition, and less output control instructions, this paper proposes a robotic arm control system based on EEG (electroencephalogram) and EMG (electromyogram) mixed signals. The system flow is as follows: Firstly, the EMG signal of the unilateral arm and the EEG signal of the left and right hand motor imagery is collected synchronously. Then the collected EEG and EMG signals are extracted and classified, and the corresponding classification instructions are obtained. Finally, the multi-instruction real-time control of the robotic arm is realized under the classification instruction. The experimental verification results show that: The 10 subjects all realized the real-time multi-command control of the robotic arm, and the average recognition accuracy of each action reached more than 94%. The proposed system enriches the diversity of hybrid BCI and provides a theoretical basis and application foundation for the extended application of BCI in robotic arm control.
Bending Properties of Additively Manufactured Commercially Pure Titanium (CPTi) Limited Contact Dynamic Compression Plate (LC-DCP) Constructs: Effect of Surface Treatment
Authors: Lee Seungjong , Ahmad Nabeel , Corriveau Kayla , Himel Cameron , Silva Daniel , Shamsaei Nima
Published: May 2021

BackgroundAdditive manufacturing of metallic materials, a layer-wise manufacturing method, is currently gaining attention in the biomedical industry because of its capability to fabricate complex geometries including customized parts fitting to patient requirements. However, one of the major challenges hindering the full implementation of additively manufactured parts in safety-critical applications is their poor mechanical performance under cyclic loading. This study investigated both quasi-static bending properties (bending stiffness, bending structural stiffness, and bending strength) and bending fatigue properties of additively manufactured (AM) commercially pure titanium (CPTi) limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) constructs. The results were compared with commercially manufactured (CM) counterparts.MethodsAM CPTi LC-DCP with different surface conditions including as-built, single shot-peened, dual shot-peened, and chemically assisted surface enhancement conditions and CM counterparts were mechanically tested based on ASTM International standard for metallic bone plates (ASTM F382). Bending stiffness, bending structural stiffness, and bending strength was measured by quasi-static bending tests, and bending fatigue properties were obtained by cyclic bending tests. ResultsBending stiffness and bending structural stiffness of AM CPTi LC-DCPs are comparable to CM counterparts; however, the bending strength of AM CPTi LC-DCPs is lower than CM counterparts. The fatigue strength of as-built AM CPTi LC-DCPs is lower compared to the CM counterparts. However, after post surface treatments, single shot-peened, dual shot-peened, and chemically assisted surface enhancement AM CPTi LC-DCPs exhibit statistically comparable fatigue strength to the CM CPTi LC-DCPs.ConclusionAM CPTi LC-DCP could be considered as an alternative to CM LC-DCP in applications that require less bending strength (~5.44 N·m). Post surface treatment should be considered on as-built implants to improve fatigue strength.
The Functions of Clusterin Expression in Renal Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Macrophage Activation
Authors: weng xiaodong , Li Jing , Guan Qiunong , Zhao Haimei , Wang Zihuan , Gleave Martin E. , Nguan Christopher YC , DU Caigan
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe expression of clusterin (CLU) in mice increases resistance to renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and promotes renal tissue repair. However, the mechanisms underlying of the renal protection of CLU remain largely unknown. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), found in different compartments of the kidney, may contribute to kidney cell turnover and injury repair. This study investigated the in vitro functions of CLU in kidney mesenchymal stromal cells (KMSCs). MethodsKMSCs were isolated by digestion of kidney tissues with collagenase type 1 and growth in plastic culture plates. Cell surface markers, apoptosis and phagocytosis were determined by flow cytometry, and CLU protein by Western blot. ResultsKMSCs isolated from both wild type (WT) and CLU knockout (KO) mice positively expressed CD133, Sca-1, CD44, and CD117, and negatively of CD34, CD45, CD163, CD41, CD276, CD138 and CD79a. There was no difference in trilineage differentiation to chondrocytes, adipocytes and osteocytes between WT and KO KMSCs. CLU protein was expressed in and secreted by WT KMSCs, and it was up-regulated in response to hypoxia, but the degrees of hypoxia-induced apoptosis in WT KMSCs were not significantly different from those in KO KMSCs. The WT KMSCs proliferated faster than KO KMSCs in cultures. Furthermore, the incubation of macrophages with CLU-containing culture medium from WT KMSCs increased the CD206 expression in the macrophages and their phagocytic capacity. ConclusionOur data for the first time demonstrate the functions of CLU in the promotion of KMSCs proliferation, and may be required for KMSCs-regulated macrophage M2 polarization and phagocytic activity.
Differentiation of PEDV Classical Attenuated Vaccine Strains from Wild-type Strains using One-Step Real-Time Fluorescent Reverse Transcription PCR Assay Targeting ORF1 Nucleotides Deletion Region
Authors: Wang Zhilin , Li Xuerui , Shang Youjun , Wu Jinyan , Dong Zhen , Wang Wanning , Liu Yongsheng , Lan Xi
Published: May 2021

BackgroundPorcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a pathogen causing serious disease and resulting in severe economic losses in the swine industry. In recent years, although China has adopted a large-scale vaccine immunization strategy, many types of PEDV strains, including classical attenuated vaccine strains, have been discovered in the immunized pig herds. Therefore, monitoring the prevalence of different types of PEDV strains is particularly important for the production of pigs and the safety evaluation of related attenuated vaccines MethodsIn the study, a one-step real-time fluorescent reverse transcription PCR (one-step real-time RT-PCR) assay targeting 24-nucleotide deletion in the ORF1 region of three PEDV classical attenuated vaccine strains (derived from classical strains) was established, which could effectively distinguish PEDV classical attenuated vaccine strains and wild-type strains. ResultsIn our study, the RNA detection limits for PEDV wild-type strains and classical attenuated vaccine strains were 3.0×103 copies and 3.0×102 copies, respectively. This assay was highly specific for PEDV, with no cross-reactivity for other viruses, causing diarrheal disease. A total of 117 swine fecal samples were analysed by this established real-time RT-PCR assay, indicating that classical attenuated vaccine strains were present in the swine herds in Gansu province, China. Additionally, a pair of primers and two probes of the established assay can be placed in one reaction tube to distinguish PEDV classical attenuated vaccine strains and wild-type strains. ConclusionOur results provided an effective and cheap technology platform for clinical rapid identification testing and epidemiological investigations of PEDV wild-type strains and classical attenuated vaccine strains
Surgical Management of Obstructive Urolithiasis and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopic Identification of Uroliths in Dogs: A Report of Six Cases
Authors: S Thajunnisa A , Philip Laiju M , M. Dileepkumar K. , S. Anoop , Venugopal Syam K. , D. John Martin K. , A. Abdul Lathief K. , B. Devanand C.
Published: May 2021

Six dogs with signs of obstructive urolithiasis presented to University Veterinary Hospitals Mannuthy and Kokkalai, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University over a period of two months formed subject for the present study. All the animals were having history of difficult urination with clinical signs like stranguria, pollakuria, anuria and/or haematuria. Haemato-biochemical investigations, blood gas analysis, urinalysis, survey radiographs and ultrasonography were performed to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis. Surgical interventions were done under general anaesthesia using either urethrotomy, cystotomy or a combination of both, depending upon the site of obstruction. Post-operative pH modulators, anti-spasmodics, antibiotics and analgesic therapy were employed depending upon the condition of patient and all the animals had an uneventful recovery. When stones retrieved through surgery were subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) to identify the chemical composition, three samples were identified as a combination of struvite, calcium oxalate dihydrate and calcium apatite crystals and three samples were a mixture of calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcium phosphate. Identification of specific calculi composition using spectroscopy was helpful in prevention of recurrence through management practices and therapeutic diet postoperative.
The Compound LG283 Inhibits Bleomycin-induced Skin Fibrosis and Vascular Injury via Antagonizing TGF-β /Smad/Snail Mesenchymal Transition Pathways
Authors: Utsunomiya Akira , Chino Takenao , Utsunomiya Natsuko , Luong Vu Huy , Matsushita Takashi , Sasaki Yoko , Ogura Dai , Niwa Shin-ichiro , Oyama Noritaka , Hasegawa Minoru
Published: May 2021

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a collagen disease that exhibits intractable fibrosis and vascular injury of the skin and internal organs. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling plays a central role in extracellular matrix (ECM) production by myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts may be derived from epithelial and endothelial precursor cells in addition to resident fibroblasts. Recently, our high-throughput in vitro screening discovered a small compound, LG283, that can disrupt the differentiation of dermal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. This compound was originally generated as a curcumin derivative. MethodsIn this study, we investigated the effect of LG283 on inhibiting fibrosis and vascular injury. The action of LG283 on TGF-β-dependent fibrogenic activity, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and endothelial cell mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) was analyzed in vitro. The effects of LG283 were also examined in a bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis mouse model.ResultsLG283 suppressed TGF-β-induced ECM expression, Smad3 phosphorylation, and expression of transcription factors responsible for the mesenchymal transition, Snail 1 and 2, in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. LG283 was also found to block EMT and EndoMT in cultured human epithelial cells and endothelial cells, respectively. During these processes, Smad3 phosphorylation and/or expression of Snail 1 and 2 were inhibited by LG283 treatment. In the bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis model, oral administration of LG283 efficiently protected against the development of fibrosis and vascular injury without affecting cell infiltration or cytokine concentrations in the skin. No apparent adverse effects of LG283 were found. LG283 treatment remarkably inhibited the enhanced expression of phosphorylated Smad3 in the bleomycin-injected skin. Increased expression of Snail 1 and 2 were reduced by LG283 treatment in the mouse model. ConclusionsThe LG283 compound exhibits antagonistic activity on fibrosis and vascular injury through inhibition of TGF-β/Smad/Snail mesenchymal transition pathways and thus, may be a candidate therapeutic for treatment of SSc. Furthermore, the screening of EMT and/or EndoMT regulatory compounds may be an attractive approach for SSc therapy.
Intra-Abdominal Multicentric Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors Mimicking Ruptured Appendicitis.
Authors: Yang Fu-Fei , Chan Ren-Hao , Lee Chung-Ta , Li Tsung-Hua
Published: May 2021

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are a rare soft tissue neoplasm, usually seen in children and adolescents, which are predominantly found in the pulmonary region. The extrapulmonary multicentric lesions are exceedingly rare. We herein report the case of a 19-year-old female who developed acute bowel obstruction which caused by multicentric IMTs. We described her clinical presentations, operative finding, and pathological finding.
Performance Evaluation of Mobile Liquid Cooled Thermoelectric Refrigeration System for Storage-cum-Transportation of Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Chavan Prasad , Sidhu Gagandeep Kaur
Published: May 2021

The performance of a liquid-cooled thermoelectric refrigeration (LCTR) system for the storage of summer fruits and vegetables, viz., bitter gourd, okra, mango, and papaya indicated impressive results for physiological loss in weight, firmness and colour values, and overall acceptability of the crop. The LCTR system significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) the physiological loss in weight (PLW) of bitter gourd, okra, mango, and papaya to 11.51%, 10.99%, 12.29%, and 19.17%, respectively, compared to conventional ambient storage of the crop. A lesser change in colour was observed for the crop subjected to LCTR, recording 14.04, 11.46, 16.41, and 23.68 for bitter gourd, okra, mango, and papaya, respectively. All the crops witnessed a nonsignificant effect (p < 0.0001) on the quality attributes of the crop stored in LCTR and a vapour compression refrigeration system. LCTR enabled a pronounced increment in the shelf life of bitter gourd, okra, mango, and papaya by 7, 8, 10, and 13 days, respectively, compared to the storage at ambient conditions. The system is economical, has a higher coefficient of performance (0.85) compared to the coefficient of performance (COP) of the existing thermoelectric refrigeration system, and maintains the freshness and quality of perishable agricultural produce during marketing and transportation.
Clinical Impact of Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Retrosternal Reconstruction After Esophagectomy
Authors: YAMADA LEO , Saito Motonobu , Suzuki Hiroya , Mochizuki Shotaro , Endo Eisei , Kase Koji , Ito Misato , Nakano Hiroshi , Yamauchi Naoto , Matsumoto Takuro , Kaneta Akinao , Kanke Yasuyuki , Onozawa Hisashi , Hanayama Hiroyuki , Okayama Hirokazu , Fujita Shotaro , Sakamoto Wataru , Watanabe Yohei , Hayase Suguru , Saze Zenichiro , Momma Tomoyuki , Ohki Shinji , Kono Koji
Published: May 2021

Background Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is relatively rare but cannot be negligible because it can cause fatal complications. Although it is reported that the occurrence rate of UEDVT has increased due to central venous catheter (CVC), cancer, and surgical invasion, there are still limited information for esophagectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical factors, including CVC placement and thromboprophylaxis approach, as well as retrosternal space’s width as a predictive factor for UEDVT in patients receiving esophagectomy. Methods This study included 66 patients who underwent esophagectomy with retrosternal reconstruction using a gastric tube. All patients routinely underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) on the 4th postoperative day. Low-molecular-weight-heparin (LMWH) was routinely administered by the 2nd postoperative day. To evaluate retrosternal space’s width, (a) The distance from sternum to brachiocephalic artery and (b) the distance from sternum to vertebra were measured by preoperative CT, and the ratio of (a) to (b) was defined as the width of retrosternal space. Results Among all patients, 11(16.7%) suffered from UEDVT, and none was preoperatively received CVC placement, while 7 were inserted in non-UEDVT cases. Retrosternal space’s width in patients with UEDVT was significantly smaller than that in patients without UEDVT (0.17 vs. 0.26; P < 0.0001). A cutoff value of the width was 0.21, which has high sensitivity (87%) and specificity (82%) for UEDVT prediction, respectively. Conclusion The existence of CVC may not affect the development of UEDVT, but preoperative evaluation of retrosternal ratio may predict the occurrence of UEDVT.
A Dialogue on Fifth Dimension, Empty-SPace
Authors: Chauhan Prashant
Published: May 2021

Gravity and space-time are relative to each other because gravity or more precisely a gravitational wave is the only candidate responsible for empty-space around a mass and empty-space is the only candidate responsible for the mass of an object. It is true that a gravitational wave is a ripple in space-time but space-time is a result of a web of gravitational waves is also true and hence it is more appropriate to call space-time as gravitational-space-time and its known word to us is empty-space. Smallest unit of this web of gravitational waves is known as kaushal constant (K) [1]. Gravity is a result of the force of attraction in between two adjacent kaushal constants of the adjacent planes at a relative point in gravitational-space-time and hence this can be nicknamed as a web of gravity. The slower you move through space, the smaller your gravity web (or weaker the relative gravity) and hence the faster you move through time and vice versa. This paper is a solution to both mathematical and theoretical problem encountered in the field of quantum gravity [2] using theory of special connectivity [3].
Frequency of thrombocytopenia associated with gentamicin therapy
Authors: Leach M.F , AuBuchon J.P
Published: May 2021

Many drugs, including antibiotics such as gentamicin, have been associated with the development of a drug-induced thrombocytopenia. Serologic methods for detection of drug-dependent plateIet antibodies (DDPAs) are not routinely performed, and the incidence of such antibody-mediated thrombocytopenia is not known. As we routinely perform solid-phase red cell adherence assays for the detection of DDPAs, a study was designed to determine the incidence of gentamicin-associated platelet antibodies (GAPAs) in our institution. Adult patients who received gentamicin from 1/1/98 to 7/31/98 were evaluated for inclusion in the study. Testing for the presence of GAPAs was performed if the patient had a decrease in platelet count while receiving gentamicin or if the platelet count increased or decreased within 3 days of the last gentamicin therapy. Patients receiving gentamicin without development of thrombocytopenia were tested as controls. During the study period, 926 patients received gentamicin, with 324 (35%) being evaluated for the presence of GAPAs; GAPAs were identified in 25 of 659 patients (4%) eligible for the study. All control samples were found to lack GAPAs. If only patients exhibiting changes in platelet counts are considered, the incidence increases to 7.7 percent, with females apparently being almost twice as likely to develop GAPAs than are males. Gentamicin-associated thrombocytopenia is not an infrequent occurrence in hospitalized patients.
Immunohematalogy
1999;15:167-170.
Immunoprophylaxis using intravenous Rh immune globulin should be standard practice when selected D-negative patients are transfused with D-positive random donor platelets
Authors: Ewing C.A. , Rumsey D.H. , Langberg A.F. , Sandler S.G.
Published: May 2021

A 67-year-old female developed excessive bleeding and thrombocytopenia following cardiovascular surgery. Her blood type was group A, D–. The only platelet products available in the transfusion service were random donor platelet concentrates from D+ donors. She was transfused with a pool of 6 D+ random donor platelet concentrates. Anti-D undetected in her pretransfusion serum by solid-phase antibody screen was present 11 days later. Retrospectively, the patient provided a history of having two pregnancies more than 40 years ago, prior to the availability of immunoprophylaxis by Rh immune globulin (RhIG). Although studies have shown that as many as 19 percent of D– people may develop anti-D following transfusion of platelets from D+ donors, there is no specific standard requiring immunoprophylaxis with RhIG to prevent Rh alloimmunization after transfusion of random donor platelet concentrates from D+ donors. In contrast, vigorous efforts are routine for preventing Rh alloimmunization in D– patients requiring red cell transfusions or D– females during pregnancy or after delivery of D+ newborns. The absence of a comparable practice standard for platelet transfusions is based, in part, on concern that intramuscular injections of conventional RhIG may cause local hemorrhage in thrombocytopenic persons. The recent availability of a Food and Drug Administration-approved preparation of intravenous RhIG makes Rh immunoprophylaxis in thrombocytopenic patients safe and practical. We recommend that intravenous RhIG be considered if it is necessary to transfuse random donor platelet concentrates from D+ donors to D– recipients. As a minimal standard, intravenous RhIG should be administered to all D– females of childbearing age who are recipients of pools of random donor platelet concentrates from D+ donors.
Rapid screening of platelet donors for PlA1 (HPA-1a) alloantigen using a solid-phase microplate immunoassay
Authors: Procter J.L. , Vigue F. , Alegre E. , Honda J. , Matsuo K. , Reid D.
Published: May 2021

PlA1 and PlA2 are alternative platelet-specific alloantigens in the PlA1 system. Sensitization to PlA1 underlies most cases of neonatal alloim- mune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) and posttransfusion purpura (PTP) in white populations. A rapid and simple method for large-scale platelet phenotyping is desirable for identifying expectant mothers at risk of allosensitization and for identifying PlA1-negative donors when transfusions are indicated for treatment of NAIT or PTP. We investigated the effectiveness of a solid-phase microplate immunoassay for this purpose. Platelet-rich donor plasmas were tested using the Capture-P® kit (Immucor, Norcross, GA). Platelet monolayers in microtiter wells were incubated with anti-PlA1, washed, and exposed to red blood cells (RBCs) precoated with anti-human IgG. Adherence of RBCs in a diffuse pattern across the well surface indicated the attachment of anti-PlA1 to PlA1-positive platelets whereas sedimentation of unattached RBCs into a central pellet indicated the platelets were PlA1-negative. Of 520 donors, 15 (2.88%) tested PlA1-negative, which correlates well with the reported PlA2,2 frequency in whites of 2.25 percent. Results were confirmed by DNA genotyping and/or immunoblotting. This screening technique permits phenotyping donors for PlA1 alloantigen with minimal specialized equipment. Confirmatory testing for PlA2 alloantigen can be reserved for donors that test negative for PlA1.
Comparison of affinity column technology and LISS tube tests
Authors: Champagne K. , Spruell P. , Chen J. , Voll L. , Schlanser G. , Moulds M.
Published: May 2021

Proteins G and A coated on agarose have been extensively used in affinity chromatography. Protein G will bind to all four subclasses of human IgG and protein A to the subclasses IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4. This IgG binding ability of protein G and protein A has been used in a red cell affinity column technology developed for the detection and identification of IgG red cell antibodies. When serum or plasma is incubated in a microcolumn with red blood cells (RBCs) that express the appropriate antigens, the antibodies become attached to the RBC surface. When the microcolumns are centrifuged, the RBCs pass through a viscous barrier into an active matrix containing proteins G and A. Positive tests adhere at the top of the gel and negative tests pass through, settling to the bottom. This study was undertaken to compare affinity column technology with low-ionic saline solution (LISS) tube tests in a reference laboratory setting. Over a 1-year period, 314 samples were tested in parallel by affinity column technology and by LISS tube technique. Both methods detected antibodies directed at common RBC antigens, high-incidence and low-incidence RBC antigens, and warm-reacting autoantibodies. IgM antibodies were not detected by affinity column technology. Affinity column technology compares favorably with the LISS tube technique for IgG antibody detection and identification.
Comparison of gel technology and red cell affinity column technology in antibody detection
Authors: Chanfong S.I , Hill S.
Published: May 2021

Both column (gel) agglutination technology and red cell affinity column technology (ReACT™) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for antibody detection and identification. Parallel studies using these two methods were performed on 100 samples to evaluate their sensitivity, advantages, and disadvantages. Sixteen significant antibodies, anti-D(2), -C(1), -E(1), -c(1), -C,D(1), -K(4), -S(1), -Fya(3), -Jka(1), and -Jkb(1), were found during the study. MTS-Gel detected one anti-D due to Rh immune globulin but missed one anti-Jka. ReACT missed one anti-D and one anti-Jkb. MTS-Gel detected one anti-I and one anti-H whereas ReACT detected two anti- H but not anti-I. No false positive reactions were found by either method. Sensitivity based on this study for MTS-Gel is 93.3% and ReACT is 86.7%. Advantages for MTS-Gel included the small volume needed for testing, and the reaction was stable for 48 hours; for ReACT, there was less spin time and no special pipette was needed. Disadvantages for MTS-Gel included the need for a special pipette and manual preparation of 0.8% RBC suspensions, and the disadvantages for ReACT included the small column for reaction reading and the reaction was stable for only 24 hours.
A comprehensive IgA service provided by a blood transfusion center
Authors: Munks R. , Booth J.R. , Sokol R.J
Published: May 2021

IgA is best known in transfusion practice for its deficiency when anti-IgA antibodies cause severe anaphylactic reactions. Following the realization that IgA deficient products were needed on demand, blood donors were routinely screened, initially by latex agglutination inhibition and subsequently by hemagglutination inhibition using an Olympus PK-7200™ blood grouping machine. IgA deficiency (<.0016 g/L) was found in 357 (with anti-IgA in 28%) of 301,310 donors, an incidence of 1 in 844. By screening new donors and directed call-up, group O, D-red blood cell (RBC) units are always in stock. During 1 year, the center supplied 79 units of RBCs and 64 units of fresh frozen plasma to a variety of patients with IgA deficiency, including three undergoing liver transplantation. The center also provides a reference service for IgA/anti-IgA status. The technique used (hemagglutination inhibition) has a sensitivity well below the threshold of standard quantitation methods. Samples were most commonly referred from departments investigating possible immunodeficiency and suspected transfusion reactions. Of 247 patients investigated, 122 had IgA deficiency, 43 with anti-IgA (of whom 5 had suffered a transfusion reaction). Donors and patients with anti-IgA were issued blood group cards warning that they should only receive IgA deficient products.