bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of pH on the Synthesis of Cobalt Selenide Films by SILAR Method
Authors: Min Ho Soon , Shiong Ng Sha
Published: September 2021

The successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method or called SILAR method was used to produce cobalt selenide thin films for the first time. The deposition was carried out onto the substrate under different various pH values. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer were used to investigate the structure, morphology and optical properties of thin films, respectively. The XRD patterns confirmed that the presence of cubic phase cobalt selenide thin films. The grain size increased with increasing the pH value from pH 2 to pH 4 based on the FESEM images. The band gap values are in the range of 2 eV to 2.5 eV.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Evaluation of New 3- (Alkyl/Arylamino) benzo [d] isothiazole 1,1- Derivatives
Authors: Kamble Dhanraj P. , Shankarwar Anil G. , Mane Yogesh , Tigote Radhakrishna , Sarnikar Yuvaraj P. , Madje Balaji R.
Published: September 2021

The saccharine nucleus has long been recognized as a significant component in medicine. A series of Pseudo-saccharine amines derivatives (7a-j) were synthesized and examined for their antibacterial activity. After testing all compounds, the compounds 7b, 7f, 7g, 7i and 7j were found most effective against Escherichia coli, Streptococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis strains. The MIC of the compound was found from 4.6 to 16.1 μM. Further, compound 7f and 7i exhibited excellent activity against E.coli and Bacillus subtilis with MIC value 4.6 and 4.7 μM respectively. The compound 7b and 7i was found active against all the three bacteria. The zone inhibition was observed at 10 μM against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis at 0.9, 1.8, 3.9 respectively for 7b and 1.0, 1.8, and 2.0 cm respectively for 7i.
Development and Validation of a Stability-Indicating HPLC Technique for Measuring Temozolomide in its Pharmaceutical Dose Form
Authors: Shrivas Narayan , Mishra S. K.
Published: September 2021

Using RP-HPLC, an accurate and precise technique for the measurement of Temozolomide in its pharmaceutical dose form was developed and validated. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an X Terra RP 18(250mm x 4.6mm), 5 µ column using a mobile phase consisting of methanol and buffer in the ratio of 10:990v/v. The flow rate was 1mL/min with the detection wavelength of 254 nm and retention time was found to be 20 min. The developed method was validated according to ICH guidelines. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9990, linearity was observed in the range of 50-150 percent. The %RSD of the developed method for method precision and Intermediate precision was found to be 0.65 % and 0.59 % respectively. With a percent recovery of 99.82 ±0.045, the approach was confirmed to be reliable. All of the validation parameters yielded results that were within acceptable limits. It was discovered that the procedure was accurate, exact, specific, rugged, and durable. As a result, the newly discovered approach can be used for finish product of quality control and stability testing on a regular basis and it has been confirmed to be stable for Temozolomide is available in both pure and pharmaceutical dose forms.
Illicium Verum Mediated Preparation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: XRD, Spectral and Microscopic Analysis
Authors: Kalaiamthi M. , Maheshwaran A. , Hariharan K. , Poovarasan B. , Chandru P.
Published: September 2021

The Zinc oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using Zinc nitrate as the precursor and extract of Illicium verum was used as the reducing and stabilizing agent. Synthesized Zinc oxide particles in nano size were characterizedby FT-IR, Ultraviolet-visible SEM & XRD techniques. The formed nanoparticles were confirmed as zinc oxide nanoparticles by UV- Visible, FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. XRD data gave the results regarding structure and size of the prepared nano-sized particles. According to the results of XRD, the size was calculated as 27.01 nm. SEM analysis results sphere and flake like shape and morphology of Zinc oxide nanoparticles.
Waiting time for hip fracture surgery: hospital variation, causes, and effects on postoperative mortality
Authors: Kjaervik Cato , Gjertsen Jan-Erik , Engeseter Lars B. , Stensland Eva , Dybvik Eva , Soereide Odd
Published: September 2021

Aims

This study aimed to describe preoperative waiting times for surgery in hip fracture patients in Norway, and analyze factors affecting waiting time and potential negative consequences of prolonged waiting time.

Methods

Overall, 37,708 hip fractures in the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register from January 2014 to December 2018 were linked with data in the Norwegian Patient Registry. Hospitals treating hip fractures were characterized according to their hip fracture care. Waiting time (hours from admission to start of surgery), surgery within regular working hours, and surgery on the day of or on the day after admission, i.e. ‘expedited surgery’ were estimated.

Results

Mean waiting time was 22.6 hours (SD 20.7); 36,652 patients (97.2%) waited less than three days (< 72 hours), and 27,527 of the patients (73%) were operated within regular working hours (08:00 to 16:00). Expedited surgery was given to 31,675 of patients (84%), and of these, 19,985 (53%) were treated during regular working hours. Patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classes 4 and 5 were more likely to have surgery within regular working hours (odds ratio (OR) 1.59; p < 0.001), and less likely to receive expedited surgery than ASA 1 patients (OR 0.29; p < 0.001). Low-volume hospitals treated a larger proportion of patients during regular working hours than high volume hospitals (OR 1.26; p < 0.001). High-volume hospitals had less expedited surgery and significantly longer waiting times than low and intermediate-low volume hospitals. Higher ASA classes and Charlson Comorbidity Index increased waiting time. Patients not receiving expedited surgery had higher 30-day and one-year mortality rates (OR 1.19; p < 0.001) and OR 1.13; p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

There is inequality in waiting time for hip fracture treatment in Norway. Variations in waiting time from admission to hip fracture surgery depended on both patient and hospital factors. Not receiving expedited surgery was associated with increased 30-day and one-year mortality rates. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(9):710–720.
Clinical Research Trends of Gut Microbiome for Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Lee Su Won , Choi Jin Kwan , Yang Won Kyung , Kim Seung Hyung , Lyu Yee Ran , Park Yang Chun
Published: September 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to review the clinical research of the gut microbiome for respiratory diseases to assist the design of trials for respiratory diseases by regulating the gut microbiome with herbal medicine later. Methods: We searched three international databases (PubMed, CENTRAL and EMBASE) to investigate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the gut microbiome for respiratory diseases. The selected trials were analyzed by study design, subject diseases, inclusion/exclusion criteria, sample size, study period, intervention group, control group, outcome measures, and study results. Results: A total of 25 studies were included and published from 1994 to 2021 mostly in Europe and Asia. Subject diseases were many in the order of respiratory tract infection, cystic fibrosis, allergy, and so on. As outcome measures, the gut microbiome in a fecal sample was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis method, and symptom assessment tools related each disease were used. Major intervention drugs were probiotics and the results were mostly improved in the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome. Conclusion: Clinical studies of the gut microbiome for respiratory diseases have confirmed various effects and this review provides basic data for a well-designed clinical study for respiratory diseases by regulating the gut microbiome with herbal medicine.
Multi-window sparse spectral sampling stimulated Raman scattering microscopy
Authors: Pence Isaac J. , Kuzma Benjamin A. , Brinkmann Maximilian , Hellwig Tim , Evans Conor L.
Published: September 2021

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) is a nondestructive and rapid technique for imaging of biological and clinical specimens with label-free chemical specificity. SRS spectral imaging is typically carried out either via broadband methods, or by tuning narrowband ultrafast light sources over narrow spectral ranges thus specifically targeting vibrational frequencies. We demonstrate a multi-window sparse spectral sampling SRS (S4RS) approach where a rapidly-tunable dual-output all-fiber optical parametric oscillator is tuned into specific vibrational modes across more than 1400 cm−1 during imaging. This approach is capable of collecting SRS hyperspectral images either by scanning a full spectrum or by rapidly tuning into select target frequencies, hands-free and automatically, across the fingerprint, silent, and high wavenumber windows of the Raman spectrum. We further apply computational techniques for spectral decomposition and feature selection to identify a sparse subset of Raman frequencies capable of sample discrimination. Here we have applied this novel method to monitor spatiotemporal dynamic changes of active pharmaceutical ingredients in skin, which has particular relevance to topical drug product delivery.
Electromagnetic energy–momentum tensors in general dispersive bianisotropic media
Authors: Zhang Ruo-Yang , Xiong Zhongfei , Wang Neng , Chen Yuntian , Chan C. T.
Published: September 2021

The macroscopic electromagnetic (EM) energy–momentum tensor is one of the most important quantities characterizing the propagation and interaction of light in materials. In recent years, while exotic optical effects in various kinds of bianisotropic materials have been discovered, there still lacks a rigorous analysis of the energy and momentum of EM fields in such general cases. In this paper, using Noether’s theorem and the “Abrahamization” procedure, we obtain generalized Minkowski and Abraham EM energy–momentum tensors, applicable for both arbitrary time-dependent real EM fields and complex-valued analytic signals, in generic lossless bianisotropic media with frequency dispersion. The frequency dispersion of the materials modifies the expressions of EM energy density and Minkowski momentum, making them different from their familiar forms in nondispersive media. Our results reveal that the generalized Minkowski momenta for both real fields and analytic signals are conserved in source-free homogeneous media, while the Abraham momenta, characterizing the centroid motion of light, can change over time, which leads to the counterintuitive phenomenon that wave packets can travel along curved trajectories even in homogeneous bianisotropic media. We also show that the energy–momentum tensor for analytic signals derived from the action principle directly gives the conservation law of time-averaged fields and hence can describe the envelope evolution of waves in quasi-monochromatic approximation.
On-chip dual-band waveguide Bragg filter with identical subnanometer-bandwidth stopbands near 1310 and 1950  nm wavelengths
Authors: Tu Zhengrui , Zhang Jianhao , Alonso-Ramos Carlos , Le Roux Xavier , Vivien Laurent , Cassan Eric
Published: September 2021

We propose the realization of an on-chip dual identical narrowband Bragg filter at

∼

1310

and

∼

1950

n
m

wavelengths simultaneously based on the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. By taking advantage of subwavelength corrugation behavior at large wavelengths and the difference in the mode areas of the involved modes at the two widely separated wavelengths, undesired diffraction losses are circumvented while achieving Bragg resonances at the two wavelengths simultaneously. A double-corrugation Bragg grating rib waveguide filter is proposed, with two sets of gratings, the inner one close to the rib operating near 1310 nm wavelength, with the outer grating being designed to achieve a transmission dip around 1950 nm. Introducing a proper lateral misalignment to the set of inner grating indents, a dual identical narrowband Bragg filter with

∼

0.47

n
m

3 dB bandwidth at

∼

1310

n
m

and

∼

1950

n
m

is achieved. The proposed design strategy based on the SOI platform relies on a single-etching fabrication process and presents potential applications in situations where equal-bandwidth filtering is needed in on-chip communications and sensing.
Enhancement of squeezing with cascaded and coherent feedback-controlled degenerate optical parametric amplifiers
Authors: Han Yashuai , Zhang Zhao , Zhou Zhengxian , Qu Jun , He Jun , Wang Junmin
Published: September 2021

The squeezing level of light on atomic resonance produced by a degenerate optical parametric amplifier (DOPA) is now limited by blue or violet pump-light-induced loss, and it is difficult to improve the squeezing by simply reducing the loss of DOPA. In this study, two promising schemes, namely, the cascaded DOPA (C-DOPA) and the coherent feedback-controlled DOPA (CFC-DOPA), are theoretically discussed. For a ideal case, the CFC-DOPA can realize infinite squeezing output but requires almost infinite accuracy in phase locking. For a practical case with feasible physical parameters of realistic systems, the performance of squeezing enhancement for the C-DOPA and CFC-DOPA is compared. The C-DOPA shows advantages in the megahertz frequency range, while the CFC-DOPA shows advantages in the low-frequency range. At a general analysis frequency of 2 MHz, C-DOPA shows better robustness against the loss of the system. As a price, it requires a smaller instability tolerance for phase locking. With the C-DOPA, the squeezing on Rb atomic resonance can be pushed from

−

5

d
B

to

−

7

d
B

. Our analytical results can provide a valuable reference for designing experimental devices to efficiently produce high-quality squeezed light on atomic resonance, which has potential applications in quantum information processing and quantum metrology.
Full-field stress measuring method based on terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
Authors: Kang Kai , Du Yufeng , Wang Shibin , Li Lin an , Wang Zhiyong , Li Chuanwei
Published: September 2021

Terahertz wave has been used to obtain the internal information of materials due to its penetrability to optically opaque materials. In this paper, we propose a full-field stress measuring method using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The theoretical model of the method was established based on the stress-optical law, and the method was then validated experimentally. A four-point bending experiment was conducted to determine the stress-optical coefficient of the specimen material, after which the proposed method was used to measure the stress distribution of a diametrically loaded disk. The experimental results present a reasonable agreement with the theoretical solution.
Physical optics framework for electromagnetic scattering from electrically large targets coated with a uniaxial electric anisotropic medium based on point-source excitation
Authors: He Jing-Jing , He Si-Yuan , Zhu Guo-Qiang , Zhu Ling-Kun
Published: September 2021

Aiming to determine the scattered estimation of complex and electrically large targets coated with the uniaxial electric anisotropic medium (UEAM) from a distributed excitation source, the demanding study is simplified by constructing the physical optics (PO) architecture which consists of three aspects, the discrete facet modeling, the tangent plane approximation, and the scattering of an infinite PEC plate coated with the UEAM based on point-source excitation, including the electric and magnetic dipole. We depict the outer surface of an electrically large scatterer as the constitution of countless tiny triangular facets. From the tangent plane approximation employed in the PO method, the scattered fields of any discretized facet induced by the equivalent electromagnetic currents (EECs) can be further evaluated as the surface fields of an infinite UEAM-coated PEC slab. Therefore, the rigorous solution of the dyadic Green’s function (DGFs) for an infinite anisotropic-medium-coated PEC plate under point-source incidence is computed first. Moreover, characterizing the ray propagation process of the plane wave spectrum, the asymptotic technique of the saddle point is employed to obtain the scattered ray field in the spatial domain. Finally, the total scattered fields are obtained by the field superposition of the overall illuminated facets under point-source excitation. Compared with the reference solution, the proposed method is validated, and the simulation results of the representative shapes coated with the UEAM layer from a point source are presented.
Issue of spatial coherence in MQW based micro-LED simulation
Authors: Wang Le , Sun Jie , Yan Qun , Lin Jiao , Guo Weiling , Chen Enguo , Xu Chen , Liu Yongzhen
Published: September 2021

In existing flip-chip LED simulations, the light extraction efficiency is related to the multiple quantum well (MQW) to metal reflector distance because of optical interference. We calculate the contrast using several typical light intensity distributions among the several QWs in MQW. The coherence is obtained analytically. When the luminosity of each QW is equal, the contrast is ∼0, meaning the light is incoherent, contrary to traditional studies. The spatial coherence is important only when the light emission comes from just one QW. As the MQW has a not negligible thickness, the traditional single-dipole model is no longer accurate.
Multi-format microwave signal generation based on an optoelectronic oscillator
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Zhang Lingjie , Wu Yilin , Zhang Zhiyao , Zhang Shangjian , Zhang Yali , Sun Bao , Liu Yong
Published: September 2021

A novel approach to generating multi-format microwave signals directly from an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Through applying different low-frequency electrical waveforms to the bias port of the electro-optic Mach-Zehnder modulator, the net gain in the OEO cavity is dynamically controlled to make the OEO work at different status. Hence, different microwave signals can be generated in the oscillation process. In the proof-of-concept experiment, a single-tone microwave signal at 4.005 GHz is generated by using a direct-current driving voltage. Microwave pulse trains centered at 4 GHz and with repetition rates of 390 kHz and 3.9 MHz are generated under fundamental and 10th-order harmonic mode locking, respectively, by using sinusoidal driving voltages. Besides, rectangular microwave waveforms centered at 4 GHz and with duty cycles of 25%, 50%, and 75% are generated under gain switching status by using rectangular driving voltages. The proposed method is also able to generate other types of microwave signals in a broad frequency range, which can find applications in a multi-functional microwave photonic system.
Theoretical analysis of glide-Z2 magnetic topological photonic crystals
Authors: Kim Heejae , Cheng Hengbin , Lu Ling , Murakami Shuichi
Published: September 2021

Gapped systems with glide symmetry can be characterized by a Z2 topological invariant. We study the magnetic photonic crystal with a gap between the second and third lowest bands, which is characterized by the nontrivial glide-Z2 topological invariant that can be determined by symmetry-based indicators. We show that under the space group No.

230

(

I
a

3
¯

d

), the topological invariant is equal to a half of the number of photonic bands below the gap. Therefore, the band gap between the second and third lowest bands is always topologically nontrivial, and to realize the topological phase, we need to open a gap for the Dirac point at the P point by breaking time-reversal symmetry. With staggered magnetization, the photonic bands are gapped and the photonic crystal becomes topological, whereas with uniform magnetization, a gap does not open, which can be attributed to the minimal band connectivity exceeding two in this case. By introducing the notion of Wyckoff positions, we show how the topological characteristics are determined from the structure of the photonic crystals.
Probing T-cell response by sequence-based probabilistic modeling
Authors: Bravi Barbara , Balachandran Vinod P. , Greenbaum Benjamin D. , Walczak Aleksandra M. , Mora Thierry , Monasson Rémi , Cocco Simona
Published: September 2021

With the increasing ability to use high-throughput next-generation sequencing to quantify the diversity of the human T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, the ability to use TCR sequences to infer antigen-specificity could greatly aid potential diagnostics and therapeutics. Here, we use a machine-learning approach known as Restricted Boltzmann Machine to develop a sequence-based inference approach to identify antigen-specific TCRs. Our approach combines probabilistic models of TCR sequences with clone abundance information to extract TCR sequence motifs central to an antigen-specific response. We use this model to identify patient personalized TCR motifs that respond to individual tumor and infectious disease antigens, and to accurately discriminate specific from non-specific responses. Furthermore, the hidden structure of the model results in an interpretable representation space where TCRs responding to the same antigen cluster, correctly discriminating the response of TCR to different viral epitopes. The model can be used to identify condition specific responding TCRs. We focus on the examples of TCRs reactive to candidate neoantigens and selected epitopes in experiments of stimulated TCR clone expansion.
Should we keep some distance from distancing? Regulatory and post-regulatory effects of emotion downregulation
Authors: Diers Kersten , Dörfel Denise , Gärtner Anne , Schönfeld Sabine , Walter Henrik , Strobel Alexander , Brocke Burkhard
Published: September 2021

Emotion regulation is an indispensable part of mental health and adaptive behavior. Research into emotion regulation processes has largely focused on the concurrent effects of volitional emotion regulation. However, there is scarce evidence considering post-regulatory effects with regard to neural mechanisms and emotional experiences. Therefore, we compared concurrent effects of cognitive emotion regulation with effects at different (immediate, short- and long-term) time intervals. In an fMRI study with N = 46 (N = 30 at re-exposure) young healthy adults, we compared neuronal responses to negative and neutral pictures while participants had to distance themselves from or to actively permit emotions in response to these pictures. We investigated the temporal dynamics of activation changes related to regulation in cognitive control brain networks as well as in the amygdala during stimulation (concurrent effects, timepoint 1) and post-stimulation (immediate, timepoint 2), as well as during re-exposure with the same pictures after short (10 minutes, timepoint 3) and long (1 week, timepoint 4) time intervals. At timepoint 1, negative pictures (versus neutral pictures) elicited a strong response in regions of affective processing, including the amygdala. Distancing (as compared to permit) led to a decrease of this response, and to an increase of activation in the right middle frontal and inferior parietal cortex. We observed an interaction effect of time (stimulation vs. post-stimulation) and regulation (distance vs. permit), indicating a partial reversal of regulation effects during the post-stimulation phase (timepoint 2). Similarly, after 10 minutes (timepoint 3) and after 1 week (timepoint 4), activation in the amygdala was higher during pictures that participants were previously instructed to distance from as compared to permit. These results show that the temporal dynamics are highly variable both within experimental trials and across brain regions. This can even take the form of paradoxical aftereffects at immediate and persistent effects at prolonged time scales.
The prevalence and clinical features of pulmonary embolism in patients with AE-COPD: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Fu Xiaofang , Zhong Yonghong , Xu Wucheng , Ju Jiangang , Yu Min , Ge Minjie , Gu Xiaofei , Chen Qingqing , Sun Yibo , Huang Huaqiong , Shen Linfeng
Published: September 2021

Background

The prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) is highly controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the epidemiology and characteristics of PE with AE-COPD for current studies.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases for studies published prior to October 21, 2020. Pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. Odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals were used as effect measures for dichotomous and continuous variables, respectively.

Results

A total of 17 studies involving 3170 patients were included. The prevalence of PE and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in AE-COPD patients was 17.2% (95% CI: 13.4%-21.3%) and 7.1% (95% CI: 3.7%-11.4%%), respectively. Dyspnea (OR = 6.77, 95% CI: 1.97–23.22), pleuritic chest pain (OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 2.06–5.12), lower limb asymmetry or edema (OR = 2.46, 95% CI:1.51–4.00), higher heart rates (MD = 20.51, 95% CI: 4.95–36.08), longer hospital stays (MD = 3.66, 95% CI: 3.01–4.31) were associated with the PE in the AE-COPD patients. Levels of D-dimer (MD = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.80–2.23), WBC counts (MD = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.14–2.70) were significantly higher and levels of PaO2was lower (MD = -17.20, 95% CI: -33.94- -0.45,P<0.05) in the AE-COPD with PE group. The AE-COPD with PE group had increased risk of fatal outcome than the AE-COPD group (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.43–3.50).

Conclusions

The prevalence of PE during AE-COPD varies considerably among the studies. AE-COPD patients with PE experienced an increased risk of death, especially among the ICU patients. Understanding the potential risk factors for PE may help clinicians identify AE-COPD patients at increased risk of PE.

Prospero registration number

CRD42021226568.
Predicting affinity ties in a surname network
Authors: Mendoza Marcelo , Bro Naim
Published: September 2021

From administrative registers of last names in Santiago, Chile, we create a surname affinity network that encodes socioeconomic data. This network is a multi-relational graph with nodes representing surnames and edges representing the prevalence of interactions between surnames by socioeconomic decile. We model the prediction of links as a knowledge base completion problem, and find that sharing neighbors is highly predictive of the formation of new links. Importantly, We distinguish between grounded neighbors and neighbors in the embedding space, and find that the latter is more predictive of tie formation. The paper discusses the implications of this finding in explaining the high levels of elite endogamy in Santiago.
Melatonin improves rate of monospermic fertilization and early embryo development in a bovine IVF system
Authors: Gutiérrez-Añez Juan Carlos , Henning Heiko , Lucas-Hahn Andrea , Baulain Ulrich , Aldag Patrick , Sieg Birgit , Hensel Vivian , Herrmann Doris , Niemann Heiner
Published: September 2021

The developmental competence of male and female gametes is frequently reduced underin vitroconditions, mainly due to oxidative stress during handling. The amino-acid derived hormone melatonin has emerged as a potent non-enzymatic antioxidant in many biological systems. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of melatonin on post-thaw sperm quality, fertilizing ability, and embryo development and competencein vitroafterin vitrofertilization. Frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa were incubated either in the presence of 10−11M melatonin (MT), or its solvent (ethanol; Sham-Control), or plain Tyrode’s Albumin Lactate Pyruvate medium (TALP, Control). Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry data after 30 min, 120 min, and 180 min incubation did not reveal any significant effects of melatonin on average motility parameters, sperm subpopulation structure as determined by hierarchical cluster, or on the percentage of viable, acrosome intact sperm, or viable sperm with active mitochondria. Nevertheless,in vitromatured cumulus-oocyte-complexes fertilized with spermatozoa which had been preincubated with 10−11M melatonin (MT-Sperm) showed higher (P< 0.01) rates of monospermic fertilization, reduced (P< 0.05) polyspermy and enhanced (P< 0.05) embryo development compared to the Control group. Moreover, the relative abundance ofMAPK13in thein vitro-derived blastocysts was greater (P< 0.05) than observed in the Control group. In conclusion, adding melatonin to the sperm-preparation protocol for bovine IVF improved proper fertilization and enhanced embryonic development and competencein vitro.
Risk factors for hospitalization among persons with COVID-19—Colorado
Authors: Vahey Grace M. , McDonald Emily , Marshall Kristen , Martin Stacey W. , Chun Helen , Herlihy Rachel , Tate Jacqueline E. , Kawasaki Breanna , Midgley Claire M. , Alden Nisha , Killerby Marie E. , Staples J. Erin ,   on behalf of the Colorado Investigation Team
Published: September 2021

Background

Most current evidence on risk factors for hospitalization because of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) comes from studies using data abstracted primarily from electronic health records, limited to specific populations, or that fail to capture over-the-counter medications and adjust for potential confounding factors. Properly understanding risk factors for hospitalization will help improve clinical management and facilitate targeted prevention messaging and forecasting and prioritization of clinical and public health resource needs.

Objectives

To identify risk factors for hospitalization using patient questionnaires and chart abstraction.

Methods

We randomly selected 600 of 1,738 laboratory-confirmed Colorado COVID-19 cases with known hospitalization status and illness onset during March 9–31, 2020. In April 2020, we collected demographics, social history, and medications taken in the 30 days before illness onset via telephone questionnaire and collected underlying medical conditions in patient questionnaires and medical record abstraction.

Results

Overall, 364 patients participated; 128 were hospitalized and 236 were non-hospitalized. In multivariable analysis, chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure with oxygen requirement (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 14.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45–147.93), taking opioids (aOR 8.05; CI 1.16–55.77), metabolic syndrome (aOR 5.71; CI 1.18–27.54), obesity (aOR 3.35; CI 1.58–7.09), age ≥65 years (aOR 3.22; CI 1.20–7.97), hypertension (aOR 3.14; CI 1.47–6.71), arrhythmia (aOR 2.95; CI 1.00–8.68), and male sex (aOR 2.65; CI 1.44–4.88), were significantly associated with hospitalization.

Conclusion

We identified patient characteristics, medications, and medical conditions, including some novel ones, associated with hospitalization. These data can be used to inform clinical and public health resource needs.
Physiological respiratory parameters in pre-hospital patients with suspected COVID-19: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Mälberg Johan , Hadziosmanovic Nermin , Smekal David
Published: September 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented emergency medical services (EMS) worldwide with the difficult task of identifying patients with COVID-19 and predicting the severity of their illness. The aim of this study was to investigate whether physiological respiratory parameters in pre-hospital patients with COVID-19 differed from those without COVID-19 and if they could be used to aid EMS personnel in the prediction of illness severity.

Methods

Patients with suspected COVID-19 were included by EMS personnel in Uppsala, Sweden. A portable respiratory monitor based on pneumotachography was used to sample the included patient’s physiological respiratory parameters. A questionnaire with information about present symptoms and background data was completed. COVID-19 diagnoses and hospital admissions were gathered from the electronic medical record system. The physiological respiratory parameters of patients with and without COVID-19 were then analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and logistic regression.

Results

Between May 2020 and January 2021, 95 patients were included, and their physiological respiratory parameters analyzed. Of these patients, 53 had COVID-19. Using adjusted logistic regression, the odds of having COVID-19 increased with respiratory rate (95% CI 1.000–1.118), tidal volume (95% CI 0.996–0.999) and negative inspiratory pressure (95% CI 1.017–1.152). Patients admitted to hospital had higher respiratory rates (p<0.001) and lower tidal volume (p = 0.010) compared to the patients who were not admitted. Using adjusted logistic regression, the odds of hospital admission increased with respiratory rate (95% CI 1.081–1.324), rapid shallow breathing index (95% CI 1.006–1.040) and dead space percentage of tidal volume (95% CI 1.027–1.159).

Conclusion

Patients taking smaller, faster breaths with less pressure had higher odds of having COVID-19 in this study. Smaller, faster breaths and higher dead space percentage also increased the odds of hospital admission. Physiological respiratory parameters could be a useful tool in detecting COVID-19 and predicting hospital admissions, although more research is needed.
Indirect markers for length adjustment in distal biceps tendon allograft reconstruction
Authors: Beeler Silvan , Hecker Andreas , Bouaicha Samy , Meyer Dominik C. , Wieser Karl
Published: September 2021

Chronic musculotendinous retraction, shortening and fibrosis after distal biceps tendon tears makes a primary reconstruction often difficult or even impossible. Interposition reconstruction with allograft provides a solution, however there is no consensus about appropriate intraoperative graft length adjustment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to find a practical reference value for distal biceps tendon length adjustment. Three-dimensional surface models of healthy distal biceps tendons were created based on 85 MRI scans. The tendon length was measured from the myotendinous junction to the insertion on the bicipital tuberosity. Inter-epicondylar distance (IED) and radial head diameter (RHD) were measured on antero-posterior radiographs as a surrogate for patient size. Correlations between the tendon length and IED, RHD and patient’s height (PH) were calculated. Mean length of the external part of the distal biceps tendon was 69mm (female 64mm, male 71mm). The tendon length in mm was on average 1.1 times of the IED (mm), 3 times of the RHD (mm) and 0.4 times of PH (cm). Herewith, the tendon length could be predicted within a narrow range of +/-1cm in 84% by using IED, 82% by using RHD and 80% by using PH. Intra- and inter-reader reliabililty of IED and RHD was excellent (R2 = 0.938–0.981). The distal biceps tendon length can be best predicted within 1cm with an accuracy of 82–84% using the IED and RHD with an excellent intra- and inter-reader reliability.
Intracellular Staphylococcus aureus employs the cysteine protease staphopain A to induce host cell death in epithelial cells
Authors: Stelzner Kathrin , Boyny Aziza , Hertlein Tobias , Sroka Aneta , Moldovan Adriana , Paprotka Kerstin , Kessie David , Mehling Helene , Potempa Jan , Ohlsen Knut , Fraunholz Martin J. , Rudel Thomas
Published: September 2021

Staphylococcus aureusis a major human pathogen, which can invade and survive in non-professional and professional phagocytes. Uptake by host cells is thought to contribute to pathogenicity and persistence of the bacterium. Upon internalization by epithelial cells, cytotoxicS.aureusstrains can escape from the phagosome, replicate in the cytosol and induce host cell death. Here, we identified a staphylococcal cysteine protease to induce cell death after translocation of intracellularS.aureusinto the host cell cytoplasm. We demonstrated that loss of staphopain A function leads to delayed onset of host cell death and prolonged intracellular replication ofS.aureusin epithelial cells. Overexpression of staphopain A in a non-cytotoxic strain facilitated intracellular killing of the host cell even in the absence of detectable intracellular replication. Moreover, staphopain A contributed to efficient colonization of the lung in a mouse pneumonia model. In phagocytic cells, where intracellularS.aureusis exclusively localized in the phagosome, staphopain A did not contribute to cytotoxicity. Our study suggests that staphopain A is utilized byS.aureusto exit the epithelial host cell and thus contributes to tissue destruction and dissemination of infection.
Fashion systems of earth logic and transition for this time and place
Authors: Whitty Jennifer
Published: September 2021

Time and place are central concepts to the dynamic system and phenomenon of fashion. Yet, perhaps for the first time in history, fashion seems to be out of sync with the values, mindsets and wisdom of this time and this place. Despite fashion’s claim to be situated in the ‘now’ or an idealized future, much of what we think and know about clothing from production, design, aesthetics, use and disposal speaks to, and is from, another time and place – the past – when our relationship with and understanding of our place in nature and the earth was markedly different. Western exceptionalism has led to a superiority of thought and action, as we have deemed ourselves to be above and apart from nature. We behave like the planet’s resources and capacity are infinite and limitless, ours for the taking. An anthropocentric, reductionist, modernist, colonial, capitalist, materialistic growth logic has ruled our thinking, actions and conception of time and place. It is clear that the construction of this ‘place’ or system does not consider planetary boundaries or a multiplicity of voices, particularly Indigenous voices. This exploratory design article was conducted through the lens and methodology of Transition Design, and builds on the work of the Earth Logic Fashion Action Research Plan, to acquire new insights to develop a roadmap for change through recommendations for new models, methods and mindsets. As the models of the past have abruptly stopped or been put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic, this article seizes this moment and this place to open new entry points for change. It asks us to deeply examine and reimagine the fashion system as part of nature, a ‘whole place’ that honours and is conscious of all worldviews and different modalities of time.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with Eimeria species infection in cattle of different geographical regions of Indonesia
Authors: Ekawasti Fitrine , Nurcahyo Raden Wisnu , Firdausy Lintang Winantya , Wardhana April Hari , Sawitri Dyah Haryuningtyas , Prastowo Joko , Priyowidodo Dwi
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim: Eimeria spp. are gastrointestinal protozoans that affect animal productivity, thereby causing symptoms that range from bloody diarrhea to death. These symptoms cause economic losses to farmers. The distribution of Eimeria spp. in cattle has, therefore, been reported to have spread widely, especially in the tropics and subtropics. Indonesia is a tropical country at high risk of Eimeria infections. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors related to the levels of eimeriosis in beef cattle originating from different geographic areas in Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: Here, 817 fecal samples were collected from beef cattle in Indonesia, including 282 calves, 535 adults, 530 males, and 287 females. In addition, 156 semi-intensively and 661 intensively managed cattle were randomly collected. Then, fecal samples were analyzed by parasitology examinations.

Results: Screening examination using the sugar flotation modification method showed that Eimeria spp. were prevalent in Indonesia, as 65.4% of the bacterial strain was detected. The prevalence of identified Eimeria spp. in Indonesia was highest in North Maluku (Maluku Island) (94.1%), whereas the lowest levels were observed in West Java (24.0%) (Java Island). The prevalence was also found to be higher in males (79.3%) than females (51.9%). Similarly, levels in semi-intensively managed cattle (66.7%) were higher than those subjected to intensive management (65.9%). However, its prevalence in calf and adult cattle was similar.

Conclusion: Bovine eimeriosis spp. were detected at high prevalence in Indonesia, and high-level risks were observed in infected males, including those under the semi-intensive management. In addition, although the results from oocyst examinations were based on qualitative analysis, the endemicity levels of Eimeria spp. among farms in Indonesia should be considered because Eimeria spp. were distributed in most parts of Indonesia. Based on the results of this study, we provide the first information about the prevalence of bovine eimeriosis from different geographical locations in Indonesia, which have differing climates associated with the level of the existing risk factors. Hence, farmers are advised to pay more attention to strict biosecurity techniques on their farms, thereby favoring the early control of bovine eimeriosis.
The knowledge economy: An opportunity for radical workplace intervention?
Authors: Warhurst Chris
Published: September 2021

This article has two features. The first offers a brief overview of the purpose and character of radical social science, specially, labour process analysis, and its shortcomings in this respect. The second highlights how challenging current orthodox thinking about the future of work and employment can be used to overcome those shortcomings. It outlines one possible reworking of this orthodoxy to exploit it to push for amelioration of that work and employment. More specifically, a critique of knowledge work is complemented with suggestions drawn from a wide range of evidence-based secondary literature on work and employment with the purpose of indicating how the current knowledge economy policy agenda can be turned to create the potential for the ‘better job’.
Práticas integrativas e complementares no serviço público de saúde
Authors: Do Vale Araújo Melo Clarice , Leal de Souza Rezende Maria da Gloria , Moreira Junior Luiz Claudio , Paula Janice Simpson
Published: September 2021

A Organização Mundial de Saúde reconhece a importância das Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em Saúde – PICS e incentiva seu uso no serviço de saúde. Diante disso, objetiva-se apresentar o serviço de práticas integrativas e complementares ofertado no Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS em Jeceaba, Minas Gerais. Foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal, com perfil descritivo e exploratório, utilizando dados secundários dos prontuários no serviço público de acupuntura em Jeceaba. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas, condições clínicas e queixas principais, além de dados sobre o número de atendimentos e o tipo de tratamento realizado. Como resultados do relato de experiência, foram avaliados 419 prontuários. A idade média dos indivíduos atendidos foi de 40,4 anos (DP: 17.8). Em relação ao gênero, 299 (71,4%) usuários eram mulheres, a maioria casados (44,4%) e trabalhadores urbanos (46,3%). As queixas principais se referiam, em sua maioria, a sintomatologias dolorosas relacionadas ao sistema musculoesquelético, e a procura pelo serviço foi por demanda livre (26,5%). A partir dos resultados encontrados, pode-se concluir que o atendimento em Jeceaba, MG, pelos 16 anos de sua existência e pelos dados coletados, representa uma experiência exitosa de incorporação das Práticas Integrativas e Complementares no SUS, atendendo às diversas demandas físicas e psicológicas, e incluindo todos os ciclos de vida da população.
Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy Using Sobel edge detection method in DIP
Authors: Patil Jyoti , Chaudhari Dr. A. L.
Published: September 2021

Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that occurs as a result of vascular changes in the retina, It is a major cause of loss of vision. Automated image processing has the potential to assist in the early detection of diabetes, by detecting changes in blood vessel patterns in the retina. Image processing techniques can reduce the work of ophthalmologists and the tools used automatically locate the exudates. 0In this paper the process and knowledge of Digital Image Processing (DIP) is used. Automated analysis techniques for retinal images have been an important area of research for developing screening programmers. By using MATLAB for programming to develop the DIP tool for diagnosis of eye infection . Sobel edge detection algorithm is a method to find the edge pixels in an image. Edges are pixels which carry important information in an image. Thus sobel method is best technique for features are extended & used to classify the pixels in the patch into vessel and non vessel
Delivering Experiential Learning Through Virtual Study Tour and Alternative Internship Options During a Pandemic
Authors: Cho Eunjoo , Smith Kathleen R. , Hubert Stephanie K.
Published: September 2021

The unprecedented impact of COVID-19 recreated our learning environment. With nearly all institutions shifting to remote teaching during the outbreak, our program was quickly tasked to transition to online instruction for two experiential courses: The May intersession New York study
tour for undergraduate students and the summer internship program for graduating seniors whose internships were cancelled or could not be secured due to the pandemic. We integrated experiential learning through appointment journaling in the May intersession New York study tour and through
weekly activity reports in the virtual alternative summer internship. Throughout the entire process and in logical sequence, students in both courses were able to engage in the experiential learning cycle developed by Kolb (1984). These modifications successfully connected students to fashion
companies and exploratory career experiences.
Teaching in an Undergraduate Dietetics Program and Internship During COVID-19
Authors: Rogus Stephanie , Martin Shadai , Phillips Sylvia Gabriela
Published: September 2021

During the spring semester of 2020, COVID-19 disrupted teaching at universities across the United States ("Coronavirus Hits Campus," 2020). Transitioning courses online presented many difficulties for instructors (Gannon, 2020; McMurtrie, 2020b; Schmalz, 2020), and educators in family
and consumer sciences (FCS)–and dietetics in particular–worked to engage students, administer exams, address confusion with content, and identify alternatives for supervised practice within a very short timeframe. This paper discusses the challenges faced and solutions discovered
by undergraduate and graduate dietetics program faculty at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in transitioning face-to-face courses to online. It also discusses how changes in teaching practices during this time will affect the future of dietetics education. Both programs are accredited by
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), which requires programs (undergraduate, graduate, and dietetic internships) to meet specific learning competencies and supervised practice hours and provide documentation that requirements are met (Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics, 2020b). Although accreditation is not unique to dietetics programs, the specific requirements, varied practice sites, and range of possible solutions merit attention.