bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Stellar and Binary Population Synthesis with COMPAS
Authors:   Team COMPAS, Riley Jeff , Agrawal Poojan , Barrett Jim W. , Boyett Kristan N. K. , Broekgaarden Floor S. , Chattopadhyay Debatri , Gaebel Sebastian M. , Gittins Fabian , Hirai Ryosuke , Howitt George , Justham Stephen , Khandelwal Lokesh , Kummer Floris , Lau Mike Y. M. , Mandel Ilya , de Mink Selma E. , Neijssel Coenraad , Riley Tim , van Son Lieke , Stevenson Simon , Vigna-Gómez Alejandro , Vinciguerra Serena , Wagg Tom , Willcox Reinhold
Published: February 2022

Compact Object Mergers: Population Astrophysics and Statistics (COMPAS; https://compas.science) is a public rapid binary population synthesis code. COMPAS generates populations of isolated stellar binaries under a set of parameterized assumptions in order to allow comparisons against observational data sets, such as those coming from gravitational-wave observations of merging compact remnants. It includes a number of tools for population processing in addition to the core binary evolution components. COMPAS is publicly available via the GitHub repository https://github.com/TeamCOMPAS/COMPAS/, and is designed to allow for flexible modifications as evolutionary models improve. This paper describes the methodology and implementation of COMPAS. It is a living document that will be updated as new features are added to COMPAS; the current document describes COMPAS v02.21.00.
Discovery of a Short-period and Unusually Helium-deficient Dwarf Nova KSP-OT-201701a by the KMTNet Supernova Program
Authors: Lee Youngdae , Kim Sang Chul , Moon Dae-Sik , Park Hong Soo , Drout Maria R. , Ni Yuan Qi , Im Hyobin
Published: February 2022

We present the first ever discovery of a short-period and unusually helium-deficient dwarf nova KSP-OT-201701a by the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network Supernova Program. The source shows three superoutbursts, each led by a precursor outburst, and several normal outbursts in BVI during the span of ∼2.6 yr with supercycle and normal cycle lengths of about 360 and 76 days, respectively. Spectroscopic observations near the end of a superoutburst reveal the presence of strong double-peaked H i emission lines together with weak He i emission lines. The helium-to-hydrogen intensity ratios measured by He i

λ5876 and Hα lines are 0.10 ± 0.01 at a quiescent phase and 0.26 ± 0.04 at an outburst phase, similar to the ratios found in long-period dwarf novae, while significantly lower than those in helium cataclysmic variables (He CVs). Its orbital period of 51.91 ± 2.50 minutes, which is estimated based on time-series spectroscopy, is a bit shorter than the superhump period of 56.52 ± 0.19 minutes, as expected from the gravitational interaction between the eccentric disk and the secondary star. We measure its mass ratio to be

0.37

−
0.21

+
0.32

using the superhump period excess of 0.089 ± 0.053. The short orbital period, which is under the period minimum, the unusual helium deficiency, and the large mass ratio suggest that KSP-OT-201701a is a transition object evolving to an He CV from a long-period dwarf nova with an evolved secondary star.
On the Role of Coronal Shocks for Accelerating Solar Energetic Electrons
Authors: Dresing Nina , Kouloumvakos Athanasios , Vainio Rami , Rouillard Alexis
Published: February 2022

We study the role of coronal mass ejection (CME) driven shocks in the acceleration of solar energetic electrons. Using observations by the two STEREO spacecraft, we correlate electron peak intensities of solar energetic particle events measured in situ with various parameters of the associated coronal shocks. These shock parameters were derived by combining 3D shock reconstructions with global modeling of the corona. This modeling technique provides also shock properties in the specific shock regions that are magnetically connected to the two STEREO spacecraft. We find significant correlations between the peak intensities and the Mach number of the shock with correlation coefficients of about 0.7, which are similar for electrons at ∼1 MeV and protons at >60 MeV. Lower-energy electrons with <100 keV show a smaller correlation coefficient of 0.47. The causal relationship between electron intensities and the shock properties is supported by the vanishing correlations when peak intensities at STEREO A are related with the Alfvénic Mach number at the magnetic footpoint of STEREO B and vice versa, which yields correlation coefficients of 0.03 and −0.13 for ∼1 MeV and <100 keV electron peak intensities, respectively. We conclude that the high-energy electrons are accelerated mainly by the shock, while the low-energy electrons are likely produced by a mixture of flare and shock-related acceleration processes.
Submillimeter Pulsations from the Magnetar XTE J1810-197
Authors: Torne Pablo , Bell Graham S. , Bintley Dan , Desvignes Gregory , Berry David , Dempsey Jessica T. , Ho Paul T. P. , Parsons Harriet , Eatough Ralph P. , Karuppusamy Ramesh , Kramer Michael , Kramer Carsten , Liu Kuo , Paubert Gabriel , Sanchez-Portal Miguel , Schuster Karl F.
Published: February 2022

We present the first detection of pulsations from a neutron star in the submillimeter range. The source is the magnetar XTE J1810−197, observed with the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope on 2020 February 27, 2020 July 9, and 2021 May 15. XTE J1810−197 is detected at 353 GHz (λ = 0.85 mm) in the three epochs, but not detected in the simultaneously observed band at 666 GHz (λ = 0.45 mm). We measure an averaged flux density at 353 GHz of 6.7 ± 1.0, 4.0 ± 0.6, and 1.3 ± 0.3 mJy, and set 3σ flux density upper limits at 666 GHz of 11.3, 4.7, and 4.3 mJy, at each of the three observing epochs, respectively. Combining close-in-time observations with the Effelsberg 100 m and IRAM 30 m telescopes covering noncontiguously from 6 to 225 GHz (5.0 cm > λ > 1.33 mm), we investigate the spectral shape and frequency range of a potential spectral turn-up predicted by some pulsar radio emission models. The results demonstrate that the beamed radio emission from neutron stars can extend into the submillimeter regime, but are inconclusive on the existence and location of a potential spectral turn-up within the covered frequency range. The observed properties of the submillimeter emission resemble those of longer wavelengths and support a coherent mechanism for the production of pulsations at 353 GHz.
The Influence of Temperature and Photobleaching on Irradiated Sodium Chloride at Europa-like Conditions
Authors: Denman William T. P. , Trumbo Samantha K. , Brown Michael E.
Published: February 2022

Europa’s leading-hemisphere chaos regions have a spectral feature at 450 nm that has been attributed to absorption by crystal defects in irradiated sodium chloride, known as F-centers. Some discrepancies exist between the laboratory data of irradiated sodium chloride and the observations, including a ∼10 nm shift in central wavelength of the F-center band and the lack of the prominent 720 nm absorption on Europa from M-centers, which result from the coalescence of pairs of F-centers. Here, we perform irradiation experiments on sodium chloride in an attempt to understand these discrepancies. We show that careful control of the temperature of the sample at 120 K yields F-centers with an absorption wavelength comparable to that of Europa. In addition, we measure the effect of photobleaching—the destruction of F-centers by photons—and show that at the energetic particle and photon flux on Europa, an equilibrium will be reached where only a modest F-center absorption develops. The density of F-centers never reaches high enough values for the creation of secondary M-centers. Our experiments predict that F-centers grow during the night on Europa in the absence of photobleaching and then partially decay during the daytime. We show observations from the Hubble Space Telescope consistent with this prediction. All observations of the 450 nm F-center on Europa are now consistent with laboratory measurements of sodium chloride, confirming the presence of this salt on Europa.
Breast Milk Management in the Efforts to Reduce Bilirubin Levels in Neonatal Jaundice
Authors: Firdaus Firdaus , Hasina Siti Nur , Windarti Yunik , Wulandari Devyana Dyah
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: The baby’s delay in getting nutrition in the form of breast milk caused direct bilirubin that has reached the intestines not being bound by food and not taken out through the anus with food. In the intestine, this direct bilirubin is converted into indirect bilirubin which will be reabsorbed into the blood and this condition will cause a persistence hyperbilirubinemia condition. Hyperbilirubinemia becomes an emergency that often occurs in newborns and is characterized by the occurrence of neonatal icterus.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of breast milk management on the reduction of bilirubin levels in neonatal jaundiced infants that receive phototherapy.

METHODS: The design of this study used a quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. Sampling was done by consecutive sampling and obtained 52 respondents. This research was conducted for 4 months from April 2021 to July 2021 at the Surabaya Ahmad Yani Islamic Hospital. This study was divided into two groups, namely, the intervention group which was given phototherapy therapy by maximizing breast milk management and the control group only undergoing phototherapy. Data analysis in this study used Chi-square test for univariate variables and bivariate variables using paired t-test and independent t-test.

CONCLUSIONS: Good lactation management will have a major effect on bilirubin levels in infants receiving phototherapy. Hence, there needs a motivation for the parents, especially mothers, in exclusive breastfeeding without adding formula milk or using any breast milk substitutes so that the length of care for babies with neonatal icterus is faster and the baby’s nutrition can be fulfilled in a balanced way.
Palliative Care Education to Enhance Informal Caregivers’ Skills in Caring for Patients with Cancer: A Scoping Review
Authors: Effendy Christantie , Kurianto Endar , Darmayanti Anisa Rayu Ike , Noviana Uki , Nurjannah Intansari
Published: February 2022

Background: Living with cancer causes stress for both patients and caregivers. Empowering family caregivers is critical in palliative care. It is well known that a lack of proper knowledge and training of informal caregivers is a barrier to palliative care provision at home.
Objectives: This scoping review aimed to explore palliative care education to enhance informal caregiver skills in caring for cancer patient.
Methods: A scoping literature review was conducted with systematic searches in multiple databases – PubMed, Cochrane, PsycINFO and SCOPUS (2000 to 2021). Studies were selected based on programmes content and its impact evaluation. 
Findings: The remaining 181 citations were examined at full-text level; 173 studies did not meet inclusion criteria, yielding eight included papers. Four papers focused on palliative care educational programs for family caregivers, and four papers included patients and caregivers. There was a diverse variation in the mode of delivery and duration of educational input. The programs offered an insight into the main elements of working with individuals at a palliative care bundle. Most studies reported that participants improved their knowledge, self-efficacy, and competency and prepared for their roles.
Conclusion: The findings indicate the need of family caregivers for more regular and reliable palliative education programs. Randomized controlled trials with rigorous randomization processes, more significant sample numbers and more appropriate control groups focused explicitly on caregiver education may improve the evidence.
Synthesis and antioxidant properties of new (2,4- and 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1,2,4-triazoles
Authors: Dovbnya Dmitro V. , Kaplaushenko Andriy H. , Frolova Yuliia S. , Pruglo Evheniy S.
Published: February 2022

The purpose of the work is to develop preparative methods for the synthesis of ((5-(2,4- and 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl)thio)aceto(propano-, butano-, benzo)nitriles, to investigate the reaction of acid hydrolysis, to receive the physical-chemical properties of the synthesized compounds, and to study antioxidant activity of new compounds. Preparative methods for the synthesis of (5-(2,4- and 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl)thio)aceto(propano-, butano-, benzo)nitriles have been developed for which studied the reaction of acid hydrolysis, resulting in the production of carboxylic acids. The structure of the obtained substances was confirmed by modern physical-chemical methods. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated in vitro by the method of the non-enzymatic initiation of BOD with salts of iron (II).
Strategies Necessary for Moral Courage
Authors: Lachman Vicki
Published: February 2022

Moral courage involves the willingness to speak out and do that which is right in the face of forces that would lead a person to act in some other way. In this article the author discusses the CODE acronym she has created to help nurses remember key components for actualizing moral courage. After introducing the virtue of moral courage, the author presents strategies to operationalize moral courage, organizing the discussion around the CODE acronym. “C” represents the courage (moral courage), the willingness to overcome fear and stand up for core values. The “O” reminds nurses of their obligation to adhere to the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses, which delineates nurses’ ethical responsibilities in a variety of circumstances. The “D” is for danger management, with a focus on developing cognitive strategies and overcoming risk aversion. Because moral courage is essentially an act, the “E” reflects the expression and action component. Assertiveness and negotiation strategies are presented along with clinical examples.
Creating Workplace Environments that Support Moral Courage
Authors: LaSala Cynthia , Bjarnason Dana
Published: February 2022

Nurses practicing in today’s healthcare environment are confronted with increasingly complex moral and ethical dilemmas. Nurses encounter these dilemmas in situations where their ability to do the right thing is frequently hindered by conflicting values and beliefs of other healthcare providers. In these circumstances, upholding their commitment to patients requires significant moral courage. Nurses who possess moral courage and advocate in the best interest of the patient may at times find themselves experiencing adverse outcomes. These issues underscore the need for all nurses in all roles across all settings to commit to working toward creating work environments that support moral courage. In this manuscript the authors describe moral courage in nursing; and explore personal characteristics that promote moral courage, including moral reasoning, the ethic of care, and nursing competence. They also discuss organizational structures that support moral courage, specifically the organization’s mission, vision, and values; models of care; structural empowerment; shared governance; communication; a just culture; and leadership that promotes moral courage.
11 Sargonic Tablets in the Süleymaniah Museum
Authors: Kamil Ari , Lecompte Camille
Published: February 2022

Cet article présente la publication de onze tablettes d’époque sargonique du Musée de Süleymanieh en Irak. Dix d’entre elles, provenant d’Adab, sont des textes administratifs cohérents avec le reste de la documentation de ce site publiée récemment. Un document juridique, d’Adab ou d’Isin, comporte la mention d’un triple serment dans le cadre d’une affaire peu claire relative à un équidé dusu₂.
Quand l’institution pourrit
Authors: Schlegel Jean-Louis
Published: February 2022

La réflexion de Michel de Certeau sur la pourriture s’inspire de la pratique de l’aveu sous la torture. Mais il y a toujours de l’autre qui permet de résister à l’institution. La question de la pédophilie dans l’Église catholique illustre ce point.
La folie de la vision
Authors: Mongin Olivier
Published: February 2022

Le délire interprétatif du tableau de Bosch, où l’impropre l’emporte, est moins celui du peintre que celui du spectateur. Il indique l’inversion du pensable propre à la fable mystique en proposant un regard regardé. Mais avec le cinéma du xx e  siècle, l’innocence du regard n’est plus possible.
Michel de Certeau et la culture
Authors: Fleury Laurent
Published: February 2022

Avec Mai 68 et Beaubourg comme expériences, Certeau élabore une épistémologie plurielle de la culture. En conséquence, les politiques culturelles doivent fournir les conditions d’une vie culturelle plurielle.
L’administration européenne au défi de la philosophie (et inversement)
Authors: Dewandre Nicole , Ongaro Edoardo
Published: February 2022

Cet article consiste en un dialogue philosophique entre deux experts venus d’horizons différents. Il débute par une série d’interpellations croisées et nourries de leur positionnement respectif, tant à l’égard de la philosophie que dans leur rapport à l’objet « administration ». Après un premier échange où chacun se présente après avoir lu l’autre, le dialogue porte sur les auteurs cardinaux des deux protagonistes pour dériver ensuite sur une conceptualisation relationnelle des administrations et des fonctionnaires qui les composent ainsi que de grands enjeux politico-pratiques qu’elles doivent désormais affronter.
An Evaluation of Goldeye Life History Characteristics in Two Kansas Reservoirs
Authors: Miller Brett T. , Flores Ernesto , Waters D. Scott , Neely Ben C.
Published: February 2022

Goldeye Hiodon alosoides are native through much of Canada and the Mississippi River drainage in the United States. Life history characteristics have been described for several commercially important populations in northern portions of their range, but there is a paucity of information available for more southernly populations. Milford and Lovewell Reservoirs are in the Kansas River basin and harbor the only two lentic Goldeye populations in Kansas. Further, anecdotal observations suggest declining population abundance. We sought to examine temporal trends in relative abundance and describe current size structure, body condition, and population dynamics of these two remnant populations. Both populations had decreasing relative abundance over the previous 24-y period, although decreases in the Lovewell population were most profound. In Milford Reservoir, the median total length of sampled Goldeye was 268 mm (minimum = 235 mm; maximum = 431 mm). The estimated maximum observed age for Goldeye was 8; however, age-1 Goldeye were the most abundant year-class that we collected, accounting for 80% of sampled fish. We fit a von Bertalanffy growth model to back-calculated length at annulus formation with parameter estimates of L∞ = 402 mm, K = 0.93, and t0 = 0.29. We collected two individuals at Lovewell Reservoir; therefore, no analyses were conducted. Overall, this study provides cursory knowledge of two remnant Goldeye populations in Kansas. These results can be applied to promote better understanding of their ecological role in these reservoirs and other midwestern impoundments with remnant populations.
Short Communication: Case Study on Stock Verification in a Semi-automated Environment with Special Reference to the Library of the Open University of Sri Lanka
Authors: Marasinghe M. M. I. K. , Balasooriya A. H. K. , Amarasekara K. M. R. K. , Abeysekera K. H. T. , Gunasekara R. M. , Wickramarathne K. D.
Published: February 2022

Stock verification is considered as an essential activity for all types of libraries although the libraries face difficulties in managing it with the regular library works. Development of a simple method to carry out the stock verification of less technologically oriented libraries would benefit the libraries in numerous ways. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to document the stock verification process carried out by the library of the Open University of Sri Lanka and to elaborate on the outcomes and challenges of the stock verification procedure carried out by the library of the Open University of Sri Lanka. This will serve as a reference document to libraries that functioned under a semi-automated environment. The study details the procedure followed by the Open Universitylibrary while employing a minimum of library resources such as library staff, capital, management, etc. The whole process was conducted in 02 phases as;01) physical verification, which involved extracting required data from each book in the physical collection and identifying obsolete, outdated books and books to be repaired and02) data comparison with the accession register to identify lost/ missing books. The study also details the outcomes of the processwhich include deriving a simple method with minimal human and mechanical errors which enables periodically carrying out the process, increasing the quality and the currency of the book collection,enhancing the library staff skills, and the overcoming the challenge of managing the process with minimum staff, who are parallelly carrying out their routine work at the library.
Evaluating acephate and azadirachtin for control of Psyllopsis discrepans (Flor) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and prevention of decline of ash trees
Authors: Boone Jeff , Wist Tyler J. , Prager Sean M.
Published: February 2022

Over the past 20 years, ash trees (Oleaceae) in parts of the western United States of America and Canada have been subject to infestations with the psyllid Psyllopsis discrepans (Flor) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). Infested trees show a series of symptoms, including pseudogalls, canopy loss, and in many cases, tree death. This is an expensive problem for urban forests, particularly in the context of emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and Dutch elm disease (Ophiostomataceae), which also impact the diversity of urban forests. This paper presents results from a study on the efficacy of two tree-injected insecticides, Orthene® (acephate) and TreeAzin® (azadirachtin). Trees were treated with these insecticides, and egg and adult psyllids were counted. In addition, canopy cover and severity of pseudogalling were visually assessed. Orthene reduced canopy loss and severity and amount of pseudogalling compared to what occurred on control trees; however, there were more eggs on Orthene-treated trees, indicating that any potential benefit was offset by higher egg counts after treatment. Due to the rapid decline of the ash trees, TreeAzin could not be successfully injected.
ATF7ip Targets Transposable Elements for H3K9me3 Deposition to Modify CD8+ T Cell Effector and Memory Responses
Authors: Sin Jun Hyung , Kashyap Sujit , Acenas Dante , Cortez Jessica T , Lee James , Marson Alexander , Matloubian Mehrdad , Waterfield Michael R
Published: February 2022

CD8+ T cells are critical for the immune response to pathogens and tumors, and CD8+ T cell memory protects against repeat infections. In this study, we identify the activating transcription factor 7 interacting protein (ATF7ip) as a critical regulator of CD8+ T cell immune responses. Mice with a T cell–specific deletion of ATF7ip have a CD8+ T cell–intrinsic enhancement of Il7r expression and Il2 expression leading to enhanced effector and memory responses. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing studies identified ATF7ip as a repressor of Il7r and Il2 gene expression through the deposition of the repressive histone mark H3K9me3 at the Il7r gene and Il2–Il21 intergenic region. Interestingly, ATF7ip targeted transposable elements for H3K9me3 deposition at both the IL7r locus and the Il2–Il21 intergenic region, indicating that ATF7ip silencing of transposable elements is important for regulating CD8+ T cell function. These results demonstrate a new epigenetic pathway by which IL-7R and IL-2 production are constrained in CD8+ T cells, and this may open up new avenues for modulating their production.
Group B Streptococcus Surface Protein β: Structural Characterization of a Complement Factor H–Binding Motif and Its Contribution to Immune Evasion
Authors: Xu Xin , Lewis Marffy Alexander L , Keightley Andrew , McCarthy Alex J , Geisbrecht Brian V
Published: February 2022

The β protein from group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a ∼132-kDa, cell-surface exposed molecule that binds to multiple host-derived ligands, including complement factor H (FH). Many details regarding this interaction and its significance to immune evasion by GBS remain unclear. In this study, we identified a three-helix bundle domain within the C-terminal half of the B75KN region of β as the major FH-binding determinant and determined its crystal structure at 2.5 Å resolution. Analysis of this structure suggested a role in FH binding for a loop region connecting helices α1 and α2, which we confirmed by mutagenesis and direct binding studies. Using a combination of protein cross-linking and mass spectrometry, we observed that B75KN bound to complement control protein (CCP)3 and CCP4 domains of FH. Although this binding site lies within a complement regulatory region of FH, we determined that FH bound by β retained its decay acceleration and cofactor activities. Heterologous expression of β by Lactococcus lactis resulted in recruitment of FH to the bacterial surface and a significant reduction of C3b deposition following exposure to human serum. Surprisingly, we found that FH binding by β was not required for bacterial resistance to phagocytosis by neutrophils or killing of bacteria by whole human blood. However, loss of the B75KN region significantly diminished bacterial survival in both assays. Although our results show that FH recruited to the bacterial surface through a high-affinity interaction maintains key complement-regulatory functions, they raise questions about the importance of FH binding to immune evasion by GBS as a whole.
The outbreak of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant make imperative the adoption of telerehabilitation in the Bulgarian health care system
Authors: Papathanasiou Jannis , Kashilska Yana , Bozov Hristo , Petrov Ivo , Masiero Stefano
Published: February 2022

The rapid spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 globally will challenge the accessibility and the delivery of physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) services. Many health care systems throughout the world performed effective reforms such as the transition to telerehabilitation (TR). In Bulgaria, TR is still not regulated by law, and terms such as teleconsultation and tele-education have not yet been introduced. The adoption of TR in the Bulgarian health care system will undoubtedly increase the accessibility to rehabilitation treatment for a larger group of Bulgarian patients with various neurological, cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and oncological conditions and will significantly contribute to the PRM services modernization in Bulgaria.
A review of automated digital clinical system of breast cancer detection using fine needle aspiration cytology images
Authors: Kalita Manjula , Mahanta Lipi B. , Das Anup Kumar
Published: February 2022

Screening of microscopic slides is a manual process that involves its subjectivity. A semi-automated computer-based system can contribute to the detection of screening errors by increasing the reliability measure. Traditional machine learning approach or deep learning approach can be used in the semi-automated digital clinical system. The traditional machine learning approach is not very efficient because it involves a lot of heavy mathematics and not able to learn highly complex features. This article presents a systematic summary of the existing solutions of detection of malignancy (breast cancer detection) from fine-needle aspiration cytology images and the segmentation method of nuclei because malignancy can be observed mainly from nuclei feature. It also reports various research issues, challenges and proposes the future research direction. This analysis is helpful for the better use of existing methods and for improving their performance, as well as designing new methods and techniques.
Response to cisplatin in a metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patient
Authors: Yadav Budhi Singh , Gupta Ankita , Rai Bhavana , Bal Amanjit
Published: February 2022

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are aggressive tumors with a high risk of visceral metastasis and poor prognosis. Here, we report a case of a 57-year-old postmenopausal female with gBRCA1-positive metastatic breast cancer. She was treated for endometrioid type, Stage IB Grade 2 endometrial carcinoma with pelvic external beam radiation in 2014. In 2016, she developed Stage I TNBC for which she underwent BCS followed by chemotherapy with anthracycline and taxanes. She also received accelerated partial breast irradiation. In 2019, she developed brain and lung metastasis. For the brain disease, she underwent gross total excision followed by whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). For the lung lesion, she received stereotactic body radiotherapy. Subsequently, she developed extensive metastases which were treated with cisplatin and vinorelbine chemotherapy and had a complete response. Within 5 months, she developed rapid progression of the disease in brain, lungs, and right adrenal. She was treated with palliative WBRT, but she died of progressive disease within the next 2 months.
Follicular Porokeratosis of the Scalp
Authors: Gómez-Zubiaur Alba , Medina-Expósito Ileana , Fernández-Flores Angel , Trasobares-Marugán Lidia
Published: February 2022

Porokeratosis (PK) is an epidermal disorder of keratinization, caused by a clone expansion of a mutated keratinocyte that generates a thin parakeratotic column: the cornoid lamella (CL). Depending on the clinical presentation, we differentiate up to 6 different types of PK. Most frequent locations for the lesions are limbs and trunk, while scalp is rarely affected. The possible origin of the CL in the epidermal appendages has been proposed (ostia of the eccrine glands and infundibulum of the follicle). The first case of PK limited to the scalp with exclusive involvement of the hair follicles is presented in this manuscript. It helps identify the clinical description and especially the trichoscopy as a diagnostic key in follicular PK and also to elucidate if it is an incidental histological finding or a new different clinical variant of PK.
Learning Curve of Thoracic Pedicle Screw Fixation by Freehand Technique
Authors: Abbas Zahir , Asati Sanjeev , Kundnani Vishal G. , Jain Sanyam , Patel Ankit , Raut Saijyot
Published: February 2022

Background:

The freehand method of inserting thoracic pedicle screw has become one of the most popular techniques; however, data on its learning curve are scanty. The purpose of this study was to delineate the learning curve and to evaluate the safety of freehand technique of thoracic pedicle screw placement in nondeformed spine.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 92 consecutive patients who underwent thoracic posterior stabilization with pedicle screws using freehand technique between 2012 and 2017 in various pathologies of nondeformed spine from T1 to T10 at a single institution by a single surgeon were analyzed. Patients were divided into four quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, with 23 patients each) with each consecutive group serving as control for its prior. Demographics (age, sex, pathology involved) and complications were evaluated. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan was taken for evaluation of screws perforation including level, direction, grade, and severity of perforation.

Results:

Of total of 735 screws inserted in 92 patients, 72 screws were perforated with a perforation rate of 9.79%. Of the total perforations, more than half (63.88%) were of Grade 2 and maximum perforations were seen in the lateral direction (58.3%). Total three critical perforations were noted but none of them were symptomatic. The highest rate of perforation was evident at T4 vertebra (18.29%), whereas it was lowest at T9 (3.79%). The perforation rate showed a statistically significant (P < 0.05) decline in Q2 as compared to Q1 achieving asymptote in Q1 after approximately 80–100 screws.

Conclusion:

A steep learning curve is associated with the freehand technique of thoracic pedicle screws and asymptote can be achieved after approximately 80–100 screws. Novice surgeons can reduce the learning curve by doing practice on saw bone models and cadaveric dissection learning to avoid perforations and other complications with understanding the complex anatomy and variations encountered in the typical thoracic spine.
Predicting Outcomes Following Cervical Spine Trauma
Authors: Scivoletto Giorgio
Published: February 2022

Outcome prediction is fundamental for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) to allow correct counselling of patients and their families and to determine resource allocation during and after rehabilitation immediately after the lesion. Furthermore, knowledge of the natural history of SCI is mandatory to project and assess the results of clinical trials. Thus, the aim of this narrative review was to provide a clear picture of the neurological and functional outcomes of subjects with cervical SCI. This review was based on MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The following search terms were used: prognosis prediction, SCI, tetraplegia/quadriplegia, neurologic recovery, and ambulation/gait/walking recovery. All article types of the manuscript were included with the exception of animal studies and studies in languages other than English. Both neurological and functional recovery could be prognosticated by the severity of the lesion as assessed by radiological findings and the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI). The effect of other factors (such as age, gender and presence of specific syndromes) is also discussed in relation to neurologic and walking recovery.
Presacral Epidermoid
Authors: Mediratta Sunit
Published: February 2022

Epidermoid cysts of the presacral space are a rare congenital entity. They have mostly been reported among women. We report a case of a 28-year-old male presenting with chronic constipation wherein magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was suggestive of an anterior sacral meningocele associated with an epidermoid. This patient underwent a laparotomy and total excision of the mass. The lesion turned out to be an epidermoid cyst without any intradural communication or associated meningocele. This report highlights the limitations of imaging while it accentuates the need to perform diffusion-weighted MRI sequences for all cystic tumors in this region and to choose the correct operative approach based on its exact location in the presacral space.
Ayurvedic management of Pityriasis versicolor in children
Authors: Nandakumar Anjali
Published: February 2022

Pityriasis versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by the Malassezia species, which is commonly found in the trunk region. It is found very often in children as they tend to play outdoor and get exposed to microbes. Here, it is a case report of nine years old female child having typical symptoms of Pityriasis versicolor, which is correlated to Sidhma kushta in Ayurveda. The case was treated successfully within 28 days, with internal medications, including Aragwadhadi kashayam, Aragwadharishtam, and Vilwadi agada, considering the antifungal and antimicrobial properties of the drugs. Local application of Lepa (~external application) was made with paste prepared of leaves of Nimba (~Azadirecta indica A. Juss.) and Aragwadha (~leaf of Cassia fistula Linn.) after cleaning the area with water. As the observations are encouraging, the formulation and approaches can further be studied in a larger sample size.
Protein Hydrolysate from Splendid Squid (Loligo formosana) Fins: Antioxidant, Functional Properties, and Flavoring Profile
Authors: Singh Avtar , Utomo Putri Gabriella Averina , Mittal Ajay , Hong Hui , Yesilsu Ahmet Faruk , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: February 2022

Protein hydrolysates (PH) from splendid squid fins (Loligo formosana) (SFPH) with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH) (10-40%) were prepared using alcalase and characterized. The yield of SFPH was increased with increasing DH (p<0.05). All SFPHs showed high protein content but low fat and ash contents. The lightness of SFPH was reduced with augmenting DH as advocated by increasing redness and yellowness (p<0.05). All SFPH samples having DH above 10% exhibited relative solubility higher than 90% (p<0.05). Foaming properties of SFPH were also improved with increasing DH. In general, antioxidant activities upsurged with increasing DH, except metal chelating activity and DPPH radical scavenging activity, which were decreased at higher DHs. Molecular weight (MW) of peptides was lowered with increasing DH as measured by size exclusion chromatography and SFPH having DH 40% (SFPH-40) possessed a higher proportion of peptides with smaller MW. SFPH-40 was rich in aspartic acid/asparagine and glutamic acid/glutamine. SFPH-40 had bitterness, especially at high concentrations. SFPH-40 contained a high number of volatile compounds associated with squid flavor. Thus, hydrolysates from squid fin could serve as an alternative nutrient with flavoring characteristics and antioxidant properties for food applications.
Invasive fungal infections and COVID-19: a review
Authors: Fayemiwo S.A. , Adegboro B.
Published: February 2022

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are major causes of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients all over the world with a global prevalence of 15%. Since the first case of COVID-19 was reported on February 27, 2020, in Nigeria, it had been discovered across all geopolitical zones in Nigeria. As the medical community confronts the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, determining whether patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop fungal complications, especially invasive aspergillosis, is crucial. This review aimed to highlight the fungal co-infections that might be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and modalities for their diagnosis, prevention, and management, with the view to reducing the high mortality associated with these infections.
High faecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) among hospitalized patients at Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital, Lomé, Togo in 2019
Authors: Godonou A.M. , Lack F. , Gbeasor-Komlanvi F.A. , Konlani L. , Dossim S. , Ameyapoh Y.A. , Ekouevi K. , Dagnra A.Y. , Salou M.
Published: February 2022

Background: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) are a global health concern, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Even in the absence of infections, colonization by these pathogens is still a great threat because of the risk of cross transfer among hospitalized patients. Faecal carriage of ESBL-PE remained poorly documented in Africa. This study aimed to determine faecal carriage rate of ESBL-PE, factors associated with carriage, and antimicrobial susceptibility of the strains among hospitalized patients at Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospitals (CHU SO) in Lomé, Togo.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of 105 randomly selected hospitalized patients between September and November 2019. Socio-demographic and clinical data as well as rectal swabs were collected after obtaining the consent of the selected participants. Rectal swabs were cultured on selective bromocresol purple (BCP) lactose agar containing 6µg/l ceftazidime, for isolation of Enterobacteriaceae. Identification of each isolate was performed using Uriselect 4 medium and API 20E. Antibiotic susceptibility of the bacterial isolates was performed by the Bauer-Kirby agar disc diffusion test and interpreted according to CASFM-EUCAST recommendations.

Results: The faecal carriage rate of ESBL-PE among selected hospitalized patients was 80.9% (85/105). Escherichia coli was the most frequent bacteria 69.5% (73/105), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 22.8% (24/105). The antibiotic profile of ESBL producing Escherichia coli showed resistance to amoxycillin+clavulanic acid (72.6%), ticarcillin+clavulanic acid (82.2%), piperacillin+tazobactam (30.1%), cefoxitin (30.1%) ciprofloxacin (84.9%), levofloxacin (76.7%), nalidixic acid (83.6%), chloramphenicol (26.0%), gentamicin (49.3%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (86.3%), imipenem (5.5%), and ertapenem (21.9%). All (100%) isolates were sensitive to amikacin and fosfomycin. None of the characteristics or risk factors assessed was significantly associated with faecal carriage of ESBL-PE.

Conclusion: Faecal carriage rate of ESBL-PE in these hospitalized patients was very high, but no factor was associated with carriage of ESBL-PE among the study population. Implementation of infection control measures, and surveillance are needed to limit the spread of these resistant pathogens within CHU SO healthcare facilities.
Uptake of conservation agriculture technology through farmer field schools in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique
Authors: Cipriano Inacio M. , Onautsu Didy O. , Tarassoum Titki D. , Adejumobi Idris I. , Bolakonga Bily A.
Published: February 2022

The study assessed the levels of usage of conservation agriculture technology in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo and Angonia, Mozambique. A structured questionnaire was randomly administered to 192 farmers in each study site to collect data through a multistage sampling process. The study employed descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression to examine possible relationships among the study parameters. The results showed that land size used for conservation agriculture was a significant predictor in both study sites. Farmers’ intention to adopt depended on the services of vulgarisation of conservation agriculture technology. The results further showed that Kisangani farmers do not use the three-conservation agriculture technology at the same time, but they use crop rotation (54%). However, farmers use the three technologies (30%) simultaneously and soil cover (38%) in Angonia. The results suggest that efforts to promote adoption in Kisangani should be based on equal provision of extension services in all locations, and that the current farmer field schools (FFS) approach should be redesigned for contextualisation. For both study sites, the results imply that the use of FFS should be adapted to the use of farmer-to-farmer extension services, which can improve the upscaling of conservation agriculture to increase food security in a sustainable manner.
Formulation, characterization and in-vitro evaluation of solid lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of a new anticancer agent, 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d] pyrimidine derivative
Authors: Elsayed Amani , Belal Amany
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To investigate the physicochemical properties and in vitro cytotoxic effect of a potent epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase (EGFRWT-TK) inhibitor, 1H-pyrazolo [3,4-d] pyrimidine (FEP) derivative and formulated as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using stearic acid (ST) or glycerylmonostearate (GMS).

Methods: The SLNs were prepared by hot homogenization and sonication method. The effect of formulation variables on particle size, zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI) of SLNs were studied, and an optimized formulation selected. Drug-excipient interactions were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Mammary gland breast cancer (MCF-7) and human colon cancer (HCT116) human cell lines were used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of the free and FEP-loaded SLNs.

Results: The particle size of the SLNs was in the range of 138 - 819 nm, while zeta potential varied from -15 to -20 nm. FEP-loaded SLNs exhibited significant cytotoxic effect compared to the free drug and doxorubicin in the two cell lines (p < 0.05). The activity was higher in HCT116 compared with MCF-7 cells (p < 0.007). The concentration of FEP loaded SLNs, free drug and doxorubicin that showed 50 % inhibition (IC50) for breast cancer cells were 1.06 ± 0.09, 2.58 ± 0.16 and 3.75 ± 0.4 μg/ml, respectively.

Conclusion: The findings show that FEP-loaded SLNs have greater in-vitro cytotoxic activity than the free FEP, and thus, might improve cancer therapy in humans.
Anxiety and depression among pharmacy students before and during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Al-Qerem Walid , Hammad Alaa , Amawi Haneen A. , Jarab Anan S. , Ling Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To evaluate factors associated with anxiety and depression among pharmacy students before and during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires were translated into Arabic and placed on the e-learning platforms of two Jordanian universities after conducting cognitive interviews. Validity and reliability of the two translated questionnaires were evaluated by conducting Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and calculating Cronbach’s alpha. T-tests and binary regression were conducted to evaluate factors associated with anxiety and depression among pharmacy students.

Results: Several factors were associated with depression and anxiety including being an international student (p < 0.05), living alone and away from their primary country of residence (p < 0.05), female gender (p < 0.01), and being a fifth-year student (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: A tool to evaluate anxiety and depression among pharmacy students in Jordan has been successfully validated. Also, the results show that pharmacy students suffered from high levels of anxiety and depression, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
LncRNA-NEAT1/miR-148a-3p axis regulates cell viability, apoptosis and autophagy through wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in Breast Cancer
Authors: An Song , Xia Yuren , Gao Zilu , Sun Xiaoxuan , Wang Jian
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Breast cancer has over the years been one of major acute carcinomas in women. This study investigated the fundamental mechanistic functions of the lncRNA-NEAT1/miR-148a-3p/Wnt/β-catenin axis in moderating cell viability, apoptosis and autophagy in Breast Cancer (BC).

Methods: RT-qPCR measured expression of lncRNA NEAT1 and microRNA-148a-3p in human cell lines for Breast Cancer. Cell transfection upregulated or silenced the genes with CCK-8, western blot and FCM apoptosis assays determining the cellular growth, proliferation and protein expression related to autophagy biomarkers. Furthermore, luciferase assay analyzed the luciferase activity of lncRNA- NEAT1 and microRNA-148a-3p

Results: The outcomes indicated that LncRNA-NEAT1 was upregulated in BC cell lines and promoted cell viability, autophagy and inhibited Apoptosis in BC cells. However, lncRNA-NEAT1 knockdown inhibited cell viability, autophagy and enhanced apoptosis. In addition, lncRNA-NEAT1 directly targeted microRNA-148a-3p. And, it was found that microRNA-148a-3p overturns the cellular viability, autophagy and inhibitory effects on Apoptosis imposed by lncRNA-NEAT1 overexpression. Lastly, overexpressed lncRNA-NEAT1 activated the Wnt/β-catenin regulatory network through sponging microRNA-148a-3p in BC cell lines.

Conclusion: The present study showcased that lncRNA-NEAT1 could enhance tumor development in breast cancer via playing the role of molecular sponge to microRNA-148a-3p, and eventually hyper invigorating the Wnt/β-catenin regulatory network.