bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) to Predict Perfusion Defects in Myocardial SPECT in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients
Authors: Arefnia Maryam , Ariani Toktam Hosseinnezhad , Ghodsirad Mohammadali , alirezaei Toktam , Hosseinzade Elinaz , Amoui Mahasti , pirayesh Elahe , Norouzi Ghazal
Published: July 2022

Introduction
; An increase in the average volume of platelets has been associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the use of myocardial perfusion scans to study the association between MPV and myocardial perfusion abnormalities in patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
Materials and Methods
; This was a cross-sectional study. Forty-nine patients with known type 2 diabetes DM and without obvious cardiovascular symptoms and 49 healthy individuals were included. A myocardial perfusion scan was performed in rest and stress with dipyridamole/dobutamine/exercise testing. Data entered SPSS software and analyzed. A p value below 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results;
In total, 98 participants including 49 patients with DM and 49 healthy individuals were included. Laboratory variables as well as cardiac scan items including Summed Stress Score (SSS), Summed Rest Score (SRS), Summed Difference Score (SDS), Ejection Fraction (EF) and End Systolic Volume (ESV) were not statistically different in the two groups. Only the average platelet count was higher in controls than diabetics. In regression analysis, by one-unit increase in MPV, the SRS increased by an average of 0.46 (CI; 0.08–0.83 β: 0.46), only in healthy controls.
Discussion and Conclusion
; MPV is a predictor of myocardial perfusion defects, which could be measured easily for patients in different clinical scenarios as a herald for coronary artery disease, especially in healthy individuals.
Sufentanil combined with parecoxib sodium inhibits breast cancer proliferation and metastasis via regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HER2-positive breast cancer cells
Authors: Xu Sunmian , Li Xiaohui , Li Wenbin , Ma Nina , Ma Hongjun , Cui Jian , You Xiaogang , Chen Xuexin
Published: July 2022

Background: Sufentanil combined with parecoxib sodium is a commonly used combination of postoperative anesthetic analgesics in perioperative oncology patients. However, the effects on HER2-positive breast cancer cells are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of sufentanil combined with parecoxib sodium on HER2-positive breast cancer cells.Methods: Cell proliferation, cycle, migration and invasion abilities were assessed by CCK-8 assay, plate clone formation assay, flow cytometric cycle assay, scratch and transwell invasion assays, and Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of proteins involved in cell cycle, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. The effect of tumor growth and metastasis in vivo was examined by constructing an orthotopic transplantation model of HER2-positive breast cancer in mice.Results: Functional assays indicated that sufentanil combined with parecoxib sodium induced blockade of HER2-positive breast cancer cells BT474 in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Western blot assays revealed that sufentanil combined with parecoxib sodium down-regulated the expression of Cyclin D1, MMP-9, MMP-2 and VEGFA proteins in BT474 cells, as well as the expression of mesenchymal phenotypic proteins N-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail, while upregulated the expression of epithelial phenotypic protein E-cadherin. In addition, we found that sufentanil combined with parecoxib sodium inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in a recipient mice model.Conclusion: Sufentanil combined with parecoxib sodium inhibits HER2-positive breast cancer disease progression, including cell proliferation, cycle, migration, and invasion, and this alteration is associated with EMT.
Blood-brain barrier penetrating neprilysin degrades monomeric amyloid-beta in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rofo Fadi , Metzendorf Nicole G. , Saubi Cristina , Suominen Laura , Godec Ana , Sehlin Dag , Syvänen Stina , Hultqvist Greta
Published: July 2022

BackgroundAggregation of the amyloid-b (Ab) peptide in the brain is one of the key pathological events in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Reducing Ab levels in the brain by enhancing its degradation is one of the important strategies to develop new therapies for AD. Neprilysin (NEP) is a membrane bound metallopeptidase and one of the major Ab-degrading enzymes. The secreted soluble form of NEP (sNEP) has been previously suggested as a potential protein-therapy degrading Ab in AD. However, similar to other large molecule, peripherally administered sNEP is unable to reach the brain due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Methods To provide transcytosis across BBB, we recombinantly fused the TfR binding moiety (scFv8D3) to either sNEP or to a previously described variant of NEP (muNEP) having higher degradation efficiency on Ab compared to other NEP substrates. To provide long blood half-life, an Fc-based antibody fragment (scFc) was added to the designs, forming sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 and muNEP-scFc-scFv8D3. Ability of the mentioned recombinant proteins to degrade Ab was first evaluated in vitro using synthetic Ab peptides followed by sandwich ELISA. For the in vivo studies, a single injection of 125-iodine labelled sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 and muNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 was intravenously administered to tg-ArcSwe mouse model of AD, using scFc-scFv8D3 protein that lacks NEP as a negative control. Different ELISA setups were applied to quantify Ab concentration of different conformations, both in brain tissues and blood samples. ResultsWhen tested in vitro, sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 retained sNEP enzymatic activity in degrading Ab. When intravenously injected, sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 demonstrated 20-times higher brain uptake compared to sNEP. Both scFv8D3 fused NEP-proteins significantly reduced Ab levels in the blood of tg-ArcSwe mice, a transgenic mouse model of AD, following a single intravenous injection. However, the degradation of brain Ab was only evident with sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 treatment, and both scFv8D3 fused NEP-proteins displayed a fast clearance from the brain. Conclusion Our study highlights the significance of BBB-penetrant proteins to study in details the effects of NEP on AD brains, avoiding the use of invasive intracranial administration or generation of NEP transgenic mice.
Quantile-Frequency Analysis and Deep Learning for Signal Classification
Authors: Li Ta-Hsin
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a new method for signal classification based on a combination of recently introduced nonlinear spectral analysis technique called quantile-frequency analysis (QFA) and deep-learning (DL) image classifiers. The QFA method converts a one-dimensional signal into a two-dimensional representation of the signal's oscillatory behavior in the frequency domain at different quantiles or a sequence of such representations that are localized in time. The DL image classifiers utilize these representations for signal classification. The benefit of this QFA-DL classification method, especially in comparison with the traditional method based on the power spectrum and spectrogram, is demonstrated by a numerical experiment using real-world data from a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) application.
Descriptors of Failed Extubation in Norwood Patients using Physiologic Data Streaming
Authors: Savorgnan Fabio , Loomba Rohit , Flores Saul , Rusin Craig , Zheng Feng , Hassan Adel , Acosta Sebastian
Published: July 2022

Objective: To evaluate the utility of high-frequency physiologic data during the extubation process and other clinical variables for describing the physiologic profile of extubation failure in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) post-Norwood procedure. Methods: Single-center, retrospective analysis. Extubation events were collected from January 2016 until July 2021. Extubation failure was defined as the need for re-intubation within 48 hours of extubation. The data included streaming heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, and cerebral/renal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The most recent blood laboratory results before extubation were also included. These markers, demographics, clinical characteristics, and ventilatory settings were compared between successful and failed extubations.Results: The analysis included 311 extubations. The extubation failure rate was 10%. According to univariate analyses, failed extubations were preceded by higher respiratory rates (p=0.029), lower end-tidal CO2 (p=0.009), lower pH (p=0.043), lower serum bicarbonate (p=0.030), and lower partial pressure of O2 (p=0.022). In the first 10 minutes after extubation, the failed events were characterized by lower arterial (p=0.028) and cerebral NIRS (p=0.018) saturations. Failed events were associated with persistently lower values for cerebral NIRS 2 hours post-extubation (p=0.027). In multivariate analysis, vocal cord anomaly, cerebral NIRS at 10 minutes post-extubation, renal NIRS at pre-extubation and post-extubation, and end-tidal CO2 at pre-extubation remained as significant co-variates.Conclusions: Oximetric indices before, in the 10 minutes immediately after, and 2 hours after extubation and vocal cords paralysis are associated with failed extubation events in patients with parallel circulation.
Overall survival among patients who undergo resection does not differ significantly between T1a and T1b hepatocellular carcinoma based on the 8th American Joint Commission on Cancer
Authors: Liu Yueh-Wei , Li Wei-Feng , Kuo Fang-Ying , Eng Hock-Liew , Wang Chih-Chi , Lin Chih-Che , Yong Chee-Chien , Yen Yi-Hao
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been used since 2018. However, whether any significant difference in overall survival (OS) exists between patients with T1a and T1b HCC who undergo resection has been controversial. We aim to clarify this issue.Methods: We consecutively enrolled newly diagnosed HCC patients who underwent liver resection (LR) from 2010 to 2020 at our institution. OS was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using log-rank tests. Prognostic factors for OS were identified by multivariate analysis.Results: This study enrolled 1250 newly diagnosed HCC patients who underwent LR. No significant differences in OS were identified between patients with T1a and T1b tumors among all patients (p=0.694), cirrhotic patients (p=0.753), non-cirrhotic patients (p=0.146), patients with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) >20 ng/ml (p=0.562), patients with AFP ≤20 ng/ml (p=0.967), patients with Edmondson grade 1 or 2 (p=0.615), patients with Edmondson grade 3 or 4 (p=0.825), patients positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg; p=0.308), in patients positive for anti–hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (p=0.781), or patients negative for both HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody (p=0.125). Using T1a as the reference, multivariate analysis showed that T1b is not a significant predictive factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.338; 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.737–2.431; p=0.339).Conclusion: No significant difference in OS was observed between patients who underwent LR to treat T1a and T1b HCC tumors.
Effectiveness of BNT162b2 and CoronaVac in children and adolescents against SARS-CoV-2 infection during Omicron BA.2 wave in Hong Kong
Authors: Lau Yu Lung , Leung Daniel , Duque Jaime Rosa , Yip Ka Man , So Hung Kwan , Wong Wilfred
Published: July 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 subvariant replaced BA.1 globally in early 2022, and caused an unprecedented tsunami of cases in Hong Kong, resulting in the collapse of elimination strategy. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) of BNT162b2 and CoronaVac against BA.2 is unclear. We utilize an ecological design incorporating population-level vaccine coverage statistics and territory-wide case-level SARS-CoV-2 infection surveillance data, and investigate the VE against infection during the Omicron BA.2 wave between January 1 to April 19, 2022, in Hong Kong for children and adolescents. We estimate VE to be 33.0% for 1 dose of BNT162b2 in children aged 5–11 and 40.8% for 2 doses of CoronaVac in children aged 3–11. We also estimate 54.9% and 86.8% VE for 2 and 3 doses of BNT162b2, and 55.0% and 92.0% VE for 2 and 3 doses of CoronaVac in adolescents aged 12–18. Our findings support preserved VE against infection by variants of concerns for children and adolescents in settings with extremely low levels of prior SARS-CoV-2 circulation.
Factors influencing fathers’ involvement in the care of hospitalized preterm newborns in Balaka, Malawi
Authors: Mhango Patani , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda
Published: July 2022

BackgroundMalawi has one of the highest incidences of premature birth, and preterm newborns are twice likely to die compared to full-term newborns. Fathers’ involvement could help with the situation because it is associated with positive outcomes. However, there is limited literature on the factors that influence fathers’ involvement in the care of preterm newborns in Malawi.MethodsA phenomenological study was conducted at Balaka District Hospital guided by the components of the model proposed by Lamb on male involvement and the Theory of planned behaviour to explore factors that influenced fathers’ involvement in the care of preterm infants. The district was selected due to its high infant mortality rate, which is above the national average. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with fathers of preterm infants purposively sampled in June 2021. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. ResultsSeveral factors influence fathers’ involvement. These are perceived difficulty with care activities and benefits of involvement, gender roles and socio-cultural beliefs, work and other family responsibilities, social support, baby’s physical appearance/nature and health status, feedback from the baby, multiple births, and hospital’s physical environment and provision of basic needs. These were reported as being barriers and facilitators to fathers’ involvement in the care of their hospitalized preterm newborns.ConclusionFathers’ involvement in the care of hospitalized preterm newborns can be improved by finding ways of resolving the barriers. This could be through education, awareness, and encouragement of the fathers and their communities.
Cancer of unknown primary site in the mandibular region: case report and literature review
Authors: Li Xiang , Qu Li-Xin , Li Jin-Mei , Chen Bo , Chen Yu-Xu , Gao Jin-Ping
Published: July 2022

Diagnosis and treatment of cancer of unknown primary (CUP)site present difficulties and produce a poor prognosis. The current case of CUP in the mandibular region was treated with docetaxel and lobaplatin chemotherapy and vascular embolization of the tumor. Tumor size was significantly reduced and the patient’s quality of life improved following radiotherapy. The case study is accompanied by a literature review to contextualize the treatment experience for CUP.
Crystal orientation effects on the optical properties of wurtzite GaN/AlN quantum dots on semi-polar substrates
Authors: Park Seoung-Hwan , Ahn Doyeol
Published: July 2022

Optical properties of epitaxial quantum dots are of considerable interest for high efficiency opto-electronic devices and room-temperature quantum light sources. In this work, the general crystal orientation effects on the spontaneous emission peak of wurtzite (WZ) GaN/AlN quantum dots (QDs) grown on semi-polar substrates is studied theoretically. As crystal orientation changes from Θ=0° to Θ=90°, the spontaneous emission peak is predicted to increase almost ten-fold. This drastic change of the spontaneous emission peak is caused by the rapid increase of the optical dipole matrix elements with crystal orientation angle. The change of the optical matrix element is due to the change of the screening of built-in potential of the WZ QDs with the crystal orientation change. In particular, the spontaneous emission peak rapidly increases when the crystal angle exceeds Θ=50°.
Training Load of Newly Recruited Nurses in Grade-A Tertiary Hospitals in Shanghai, China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Yu Chan , Jiang Jinxia , Zhong Minhui , Zhang Han , Duan Xia
Published: July 2022

Background: This study aimed to provide insight into the training load of newly recruited nurses in grade-A tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China. The lack of nurses in hospitals across China has resulted in newly recruited nurses in grade-A tertiary hospitals in Shanghai having to integrate into the work environment and meet the needs of the job quickly; thus, they undergo several training programs. However, an increase in the number of training programs increases the training load of these nurses, impacting the effectiveness of training. The extent of the training load that newly recruited nurses have to bear in grade-A tertiary hospitals in China remains unknown.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted across three hospitals in Shanghai, including one general hospital and two specialized hospitals, in 2020. A purposeful sample of 15 newly recruited nurses were invited to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. The COREQ checklist was used to assess the overall study.Results: Three themes emerged: external cognitive overload, internal cognitive overload, and physical and mental overload. Conclusions: The training of newly recruited nurses in grade-A tertiary hospitals in Shanghai is excessive, and its intensity and form need to be reasonably adjusted. Newly recruited nurses need to not only improve their internal self-ability, but also learn to reduce internal and external load. Simultaneously, an external social support system needs to be established to alleviate their training burden and prevent burnout.
Epidemiology of Mental Disorders And The Transdiagnostic Aproach In Mental Health, In Northwest of São Paulo state, Brazil
Authors: Brandão Cinara , Camargos Gláucio , Garcia Mateus , Filho Gerardo de Araújo , Borghi Fábio , de Mattos Luiz
Published: July 2022

The lost of quality of life in Brazil and in the world is due to the consequences of mental disorders (MD). These disorders have heterogeneous symptoms and a multifactorial etiology. We carried out a descriptive and retrospective observational study with the aim of characterizing the profiles of psychiatric patients in the northwest of São Paulo State. We analyzed data from the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital de Base of São José do Rio Preto, a teaching hospital, under the administration of the XV Regional Health Department (DRS XV). We typify the appointments that occurred between the years 2018 to 2020, observing the predominant disorders in a sample of 8,384 appointments. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) represents the highest recurrence. Most patients are female and the mean age was 45 years. The prevalent symptoms are sadness, anxiety, and irritability. The most commonly used medications are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). The epidemiological characterization of MD in the northwest of São Paulo state indicates a symptomatic comorbidity. These data provide evidence for the establishment of more specific protocols in mental health and advocate a dimensional transdiagnostic approach according to aspects of the new review proposed by the ICD-11.
Gender Analysis of Journal of Perinatology Authorship During COVID-19
Authors: Gadek Lauren , Dammann Christiane , Savich Renate , Oji-Mmuo Christiana , Barrera Leonardo , Gallagher Patrick , Machut Kerri
Published: July 2022

Objective
To examine authorship gender distributions before and during COVID-19 in the Journal of Perinatology.
Study Design
We collected data from the Journal of Perinatology website. Author gender was determined using Genderize.io or a systematic internet search. Our primary outcome was the difference between the number of published articles authored by women during the pandemic period (March 2020-May 2021, period two), compared with the preceding 15-month period (period one). We analyzed the data using chi-square tests.
Results
Publications increased from period one to two by 8.9%. There were slightly more female than male authors overall (52.8%), but fewer as last author (43.3%) for the combined time periods. Female authorship distribution was not different from period one to two.
Conclusions
Though publications increased overall, authorship gender distribution did not change significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women authors remain underrepresented overall and specifically as last author, considering the majority of current neonatologists are women.
Association between war-related traumatic events and blood pressure trajectory: A population-based study among Palestinian adults living in Gaza
Authors: Jebril Majed , Mazidi Mohsen , Liu Xin , Baibing Mi , Arafat Heba , Shi Zumin , Wang Youfa
Published: July 2022

Background: Little is known regarding health status in environment characterized by instability and ongoing war risks. This study investigated hypertension disease burden and associations of war-related traumatic events with blood pressure (BP) trajectory over time amongst Palestinian adults in Gaza Strip.Methods: From nine primary healthcare centers, medical records between 2013 and 2019 were collected for 1000 Palestinian adults living in Gaza. Multinomial logistic regression analysis examined associations between war-related traumatic events and BP trajectories derived using latent class trajectory analysis (LCTA).Results: The prevalence of self-reported injury (of participants or their family members), death of a family member, and violence due to house bombing was 51.4%, 54.1%, and 66.5%, respectively. In total, 22.4% and 21.4% participants had constant-very-high (CVH) SBP (>160 mmHg) and DBP (>95 mmHg), and normal-stable SBP and DBP was found only 54.9% and 52.6%, respectively. Injury (participants or family members), death of a family member, and violence due to house bombing during wars were associated with CVH SBP with odds ratios (95%CI) of 1.79 (1.28-2.48), 1.90 (1.36-2.65), and 1.44 (1.01-2.05), respectively. The corresponding figures were 1.92 (1.36-2.71), 1.90 (1.35-2.68), and 1.62 (1.13-2.38) for CVH DBP. Living in debt was positively associated with CVH SBP, OR (95%CI) of 2.49 (1.73-3.60) and CVH DBP, OR (95%CI) of 2.37 (1.63-3.45).Conclusions: The disease burden related to war-related traumatic events is high, and positively related to adverse BP trajectory among Palestinians living in Gaza. Intervention programs are needed to manage and prevent chronic diseases for this vulnerable population. Funding: This research was funded in part by the US-based China Medical Board (CMB, grant number 16-262); National Natural Science Foundation of China, grant number 82173504, 82011530197; and the Chinese National Key Research and Development Program (grant number 2017YFC0907200, 2017YFC0907201).
Modelling motor units in 3D: Influence on muscle contraction and joint force via a proof of concept simulation
Authors: Saini Harnoor , Klotz Thomas , Röhrle Oliver
Published: July 2022

Functional heterogeneity of a skeletal muscle refers to its ability to produce a variety of force vectors through the localised, regional recruitment of motor units. Existing three-dimensional, macroscopic, continuum-mechanical muscle models (3D models) neglect motor unit anatomy and are thus ill-suited to investigate a muscle's functional heterogeneity. Here, we develop a method to generate and enrich 3D models with motor unit anatomy and activity information: First, a virtual innervation process is applied to group idealised computational fibres into motor units. Second, the discrete microstructure is homogenised to form continuous volumetric motor unit distributions. Third, motor unit activity is computed as a function of its firing times and twitch properties. As a proof of concept, we generated multiple masticatory models, each with different (masseter) motor unit distributions. The masticatory models were supplied with identical motor unit activity to simulate a sub-maximal static bite. The virtual innervation method captured physiological hallmark features of motor unit anatomy such as size, shape, position, and overlap. We found that motor unit anatomy significantly influenced bite force direction while having minimal impact on magnitude. Motor unit position played a more significant role than motor unit overlap. These results highlight the importance of modelling motor unit anatomy in understanding movement, particularly for muscles with complex internal architecture. This method provides an environment to investigate the interplay between motor control, skeletal muscle mechanics, and joint kinematics. Such investigations are relevant for the functional heterogeneity of healthy and pathological muscles.
Genome-wide SNPs reveals inbreeding, small populations, and strong genetic isolation in a threatened frog (Litoria littlejohni)
Authors: Stock Sarah E. , Klop-Toker Kaya , Wallace Samantha , Kelly Oliver , Callen Alex , Seeto Rebecca , Mahony Stephen V. , Hayward Matt W. , Mahony Michael J.
Published: July 2022

The status of many amphibian populations remains unclear due to undetected declines driven by disease and difficulties in obtaining accurate population estimates. Here, we used genetic data (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) to investigate Australia’s poorly understood Littlejohn’s treefrog, Litoria littlejohni across its fragmented distribution. We detected five identifiable genetic clusters, with moderate to strong genetic isolation. At a regional scale, population isolation likely of population crashes, resulting in small populations with evidence of founder effects. Moderate genetic isolation was detected among populations on the Woronora Plateau despite short distances between population clusters. Evidence of recent declines was apparent in three populations that had very small effective population size, reduced genetic diversity and high inbreeding values. The rates of inbreeding detected in these populations combined with their small size leave these populations at elevated risk of extinction. The Cordeaux Cluster was identified as the most robust population as it was the largest and most genetically diverse. This study exemplifies the value of employing genetic methods to study rare, cryptic species. Despite low recapture rates using traditional capture-recapture demographic methods, we were able to derive population estimates, describe patterns of gene flow, and demonstrate the need for urgent conservation management.
Advanced Oxidation Processes against p-Amino Benzoic Acid in Groundwater Samples
Authors: Gautam Anupam Kumar
Published: July 2022

Organic waste from four groundwater sources near an oil refinery in Vadodara, India, was analysed using a spectrophotometer to identify phenolic chemicals. The average concentration of phenolic compounds in these samples was 0.38 mg L-1 using the Folin technique. It was discovered that p-aminobenzoic acid was the most common form of phenolic contamination in the samples. The breakdown of these compounds in soil and the activity of bacteria, which can lead to the construction of structures more resistant to different kinds of oxidation, is the focus of current environmental research on removing p-aminobenzoic acid from real water samples. Using a 2 mg L-1 laboratory sample of different aromatic chemicals to assess the efficiency of AOP in eliminating p-aminobenzoic acid from the groundwater sources under investigation is necessary. Actual samples must be analysed for O3/UV and O3/UV/H2O2 in each of these methods (5000 mg L-1 H2O2, 15 min UVC, 2 mg L-1 O3, 15 min UVC). For actual samples, the average removal rate was 79.52 percent, whereas the average removal rate for lab samples was just 79.52%. The O3/UV approach appears to be the most cost-effective, simplest to deploy, and safest solution for large-scale projects, according to the research.
HIV-related bilateral inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of the adrenal gland: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Liu Hui , Zhu Zhiqiang , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yanyan , Hu Xiaopeng
Published: July 2022

Background: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare disease that mostly occurs in younger people and is located in the lungs in the general population. We report a rare case of adrenal IMT in a patient with HIV infection, which is believed to be the first of its kind worldwide.Case presentation: We present a rare case of a 44-year-old man with HIV infection who was diagnosed with adrenal IMT. The patient refused regular highly active antiretroviral therapy 13 years ago until he was admitted to hospital after an adrenal mass was found. The patient underwent successful computed-tomography-guided needle biopsy, and pathological analysis showed fibroblastic–myofibroblastic proliferation with inflammatory infiltration, which confirmed a diagnosis of IMT. We failed to perform complete resection of the tumor because of its diffuse invasion. The patient was complicated with severe multiple pulmonary infections postoperatively because of immunodeficiency, which eventually caused his death 2 months later.Conclusion: Differential diagnosis of IMT is difficult, and tumor biopsy is an important means of diagnosis. Surgical resection is preferred for both adrenal and HIV-related IMTs. Conservative treatment should be considered when there are technical difficulties with complete resection, and most patients have achieved good outcomes. However, more cases and longer follow-up are warranted to confirm long-term outcomes of HIV-related IMT.
Pain-coping scale for children and their parents: a cross-sectional study in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other causes of musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Backström Maria , Vuorimaa Hanna , Tarkiainen Maarit , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Kröger Liisa , Aalto Kristiina , Rebane Katariina , Markula-Patjas Kati , Malin Merja , Sard Sirja , Keskitalo Paula , Korkatti Katja , Grönlund Minna-Maija , Möttönen Milja , Pohjankoski Heini , Hietanen Maiju , Kärki Johanna , Vähäsalo Paula
Published: July 2022

Background
In a chronic pain-causing disease such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the quality of coping with pain is crucial, and parents have a substantial influence on their children’s pain-coping strategies. This study aimed to develop scales for assessing parents’ strategies for coping with their children’s pain and a shorter improved scale for children usable in clinical practice.
Methods
The number of items in the Finnish version of the pain-coping questionnaire was reduced from 38 to 20. A corresponding scale was created for parental use. We recruited consecutive patients aged 8–16 years who visited a paediatric rheumatology outpatient clinic and reported musculoskeletal pain during the past week. The patients and parents rated the child’s pain on a visual analogue scale from 0 to 100 and completed pain-coping questionnaires and depression inventories. The selection process of pain questionnaire items was performed using factor analyses.
Results
The study was conducted in nine hospitals evenly distributed throughout Finland. The average (standard deviation) age of the 130 patients was 13.0 (2.3) years; 91 (70%) were girls. Four factors were retained in the new, improved Pain-Coping Scales for children and parents. Both scales had 15 items with 2–5 items/factor. All analytic assumptions of the factor analyses were fulfilled.
Conclusions
We created a shorter, feasible pain-coping scale for children and a novel scale for caregivers. Both showed good validity and reliability. In clinical work, the pain coping scales may serve as a visualisation of different types of coping resources for paediatric patients with pain and their parents and facilitate the identification of families in need of psychological support.
Determination of chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC in the paddy ecosystem and its risk assessment
Authors: Mahato Saraswati , M Bheemanna , R Harischandra Naik , Hurali Sujay , Pallavi M S , Rao Saroja N , M Nagaraj Naik , Paramsivam M
Published: July 2022

Supervised field trials were conducted during rabi and kharifseasons to evaluate the dissipation pattern of chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC in the paddy ecosystem. Modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) method was used for the extraction and clean-upof chlorantraniliprole residues and determined using LC-MS/MS in the ESI positive mode. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.01 µg g− 1for paddy leaf, straw, husk, and brown rice, and for soil was 0.005 µg g− 1. The obtained average recoveries were 84.30–88.92%, 94.25–97.81%, 90.21–93.38%, 93.57–96.40% and 89.93–91.14% from paddy leaf, straw, husk, brown rice and soil, respectively. The relative standard deviation was less than 9% in all the matrices. The residues in paddy leaf dissipated within 35 to 40 days with a half-life of 4.33–5.07 days in rabi and 3.92– 4.86 days in kharifat 30 and 60 g a.i. ha− 1, respectively. The residues in soil dissipated within 15–21dayswith a half-life of 14.44–15.75 and 13.33–14.44 days in rabi and kharif season, respectively. At harvest, chlorantraniliprole residues were not detected in straw, husk, and brown rice. The dietary risk of paddy leaf (green fodder) for cattle was found safe for consumption as the hazard index is less than one. Soil ecological risk assessment was found to be less than one (RQ < 0.1) for earthworms and arthropods.
Prevalence and risk factors determinants of the non-use of insecticide-treated nets in an endemic area for malaria: analysis of data from Cameroon
Authors: Kuetche Magloire T.C. , Tabue Raymond N. , CD Fokoua-Maxime , Evouna Armel M. , Billong Serge , Kakesa Olivier
Published: July 2022

BackgroundMalaria is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in Cameroon. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) significantly reduce malaria transmission, but their use is not common among populations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of the non-use of ITNs and identify its major determinants.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on interview data collected in households selected across all the regions of Cameroon through a non-probabilistic, random, 2-stage stratified sampling process. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the distribution of baseline characteristics across the households, and statistical tests assessed if the distribution of these characteristics differed significantly based on the non-use of ITNs, with 0.05 serving as a threshold of the p-value for statistical significance. The prevalence of the non-use of ITNs was estimated, and logistic regression models were used to tally the odds ratios of the associations between various factors and the non-use of ITNs, along with their 95% confidence intervals. Sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the curves were also determined, and the Hosmer Lemeshow test was used to measure the goodness of fit of each statistical model. Results Of the 7593 households interviewed, 77% had at least one ITN and 59% of the population used ITNs. Only 72% of the population with at least one ITN actually used it. The logistic model of the Multivariate analysis was significant at 5%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.7087 and the error rate was 18.01%. The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 97.56% and 13.70% respectively. The factors that were associated with ITN use were the presence of sufficient nets in the household ( p <0.0001), the region of residence (p< 0.0001), the level of education of the respondent (p < 0.0001) and the standard of living (p=0.0286). Sex, age, colour preferences, as well as the shape and size of the net were not associated with ITN use.ConclusionsThe use of ITNs was low and varied according to specific factors. These identified factors could be used as the foundations of effective sensitization campaigns on the importance of ITNs.
Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for the Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Critically pediatric patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Hengxin , Liang Yujian , Wang Ruizhi , Wu Yijie , Zhang Xiaoyun , Huang Hao , Yu Xuegao , Hong Mengzhi , Liao Kang , Xu Hongxu , Liu Min , Chen Peisong , Chen Yili
Published: July 2022

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia(PJP) in critically pediatric patients. Methods Seventeen critically pediatric patients with PJP and 60 patients diagnosed with non-PJP pneumonia who were admitted in pediatric intensive care unit between June 2018 to July 2021 were enrolled. Conventional methods and mNGS for detecting Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) were analyzed. The patients' demographics, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, treatments and 30-days mortality were compared. Results MNGS showed a satisfying diagnostic performance with a sensitivity of 100% in detecting P. jirovecii compared to Gomori Methenamine silver staining(5.9%) and serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan(86.7%). The diagnostic specifificity of mNGS for PJP was higher than that of serum BDG(56.7%). In PJP cohort, over one thirds' cases had mixed infections. Compared with survivors, non-survivors had higher stringently mapped read numbers(SMRNs) in BALF(P < 0.05), suggesting SMRNs may play a potential role in the severity of response. The detection for P. jirovecii by mNGS both in BALF and blood reached a concordance rate of 100%,and the SMRNs in the BALF were remarkably higher than that in blood samples. Initial antimicrobial treatment was modifified in 88.2% of PJP patients based on the mNGS results. Conclusion MNGS is a potential and efficient technology in diagnosing PJP and shows a satisfying performance in the detection of co-pathogens. Both blood and BALF samples for mNGS are suggested for the presumptive diagnosis of PJP.
Mapping of resistance loci in wheat line Milan/S87230//Babax to South African races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Prins Renée , de Klerk Corneli , Boshoff Willem H.P. , Bender Cornel M , Pretorius Zacharias A , Botha Kirsty S , Wessels Elsabet
Published: July 2022

The continuous emergence of new Puccinia striiformis Westend f. sp. tritici Erikss (Pst) races requires a sustained search for useful sources of resistance. A CIMMYT bread wheat line (pedigree: Milan/S87230//Babax; renamed NSRPan4) was identified as highly resistant to South African Pst races. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population was developed by crossing NSRPan4 with Avocet S. Stripe rust data collected for RILs, using Pst race 6E22A+, include seedling infection types determined under controlled conditions as well as adult plant responses determined in field trials over three consecutive seasons. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping identified stripe rust resistance genes/QTL on chromosomes 2A and 2B, temporarily designated as QYr.ufs-2A.2(Yr17) and QYr.ufs-2B.1, respectively. The QTL interval on chromosome 2A, which includes the Lr37/Yr17/Sr38 gene complex (also referred to as the 2NS/2AS or 2NVS segment), conferred a significant seedling (R2 23.5%) and adult plant resistance effect (R2 up to 54.5%). The QTL on 2B contributed up to 46.4% of phenotypic variance observed. Three minor QTL, temporarily designated as QYr.ufs-1B.1 (possibly Lr46/Yr29), QYr.ufs-3D.1 and QYr.ufs-7A.1 were also detected. Our results support findings that notwithstanding the reported virulence for Yr17, the Lr37/Yr17/Sr38 segment remains useful in combination with other sources of resistance in certain genetic backgrounds and environments. Together with QYr.ufs-2B.1 and in the presence of the detected minor QTL and yet unidentified resistances, it was a consistent major contributor to the high level of stripe rust resistance in NSRPan4 to South African races of Pst.
Maternally Inherited Diabetes and Deafness (MIDD) - a Series of Case Reports
Authors: SureshKumar Pichakacheri , Radha Venkatesan , Mohan Viswanathan , Kumar Sidharth S , Babu Aishwarya Suresh
Published: July 2022

Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) is a rare form of diabetes, caused by a mutation in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) which impairs mitochondrial function by decreasing the efficiency of the Leucine Transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) in adding amino acids to developing proteins. MIDD has a prevalence of 0.5–3% among diabetic population but almost always misdiagnosed and managed as either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus, which adversely impacts their long term outcome. So it is important to differentiate these cases early enough and to institute correct treatment. We report on 3 cases of MIDD which was confirmed by genetic testing and five of their first degree relatives with similar clinical presentation. A heteroplasmic missense mutation in the MT-TL1 gene (chrm: 3243A > G mitochondrial DNA) was detected in all three patients but genetic confirmation was not possible in their relatives for want of patient consent for genetic study. To our knowledge, this is the largest series of MIDD reported from India.
Desain dan Implementasi Program Layanan Jemaat GKJ Gondokusuman Yogyakarta dengan Metode RAD
Authors: Ruben Advindo Yossie , Indriyanta Gani , Setiadi Hendro
Published: July 2022

The development of GKJ Gondokusuman which became an open church made church boards and pastors required to give satisfaction to the congregation. With these problems, it is necessary to have an application for the GKJ Gondokusuman congregation data collection service program. Where in the GKJ Gondokusuman congregation data collection service application, the church congregation can independently update their personal data. The development of this application will apply the Rapid Application Development (RAD) method by following the stages starting with requirements planning (planning the terms), followed by a RAD design workshop, and ending with implementation. The GKJ Gondokusuman congregation data collection service application program was successfully built in this study. Each stage of the RAD method in developing the GKJ Gondokusuman service application runs smoothly and well, as evidenced by the black box test results that have been carried out by the GKJ Gondokusuman service application, which can be used to update the personal data of the congregation members.
AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY GENERATION FROM CHARCOAL PRODUCED FROM BRAZILIAN PINE (Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Ktze) SEED RESIDUES
Authors: Sampaio Danielle , Santos Alfredo , Dias Ananias Francisco , Lelis Roberto
Published: July 2022

The perspective is that the energy demand will grow in the coming decades worldwide. The search for renewable energy sources is urgent and necessary. Residual biomass may be a promising source of raw material for obtaining bioenergy. Thus, this research sought to evaluate the energetic and physicochemical properties of residues from the seeds of Brazilian pine (Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Ktze). The chemical analysis included the extractive, holocellulose, and Klason lignin contents. The residues were pyrolyzed according to the final temperature of each process (300 ºC – 550 ºC) and a control treatment. The proximate analysis was performed to determine the moisture content, volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon. We determined bulk density, the higher heating value, and the net heating value. The determination of the energetic density was also calculated. The residues showed significant values in lignin and extractives. The pyrolysis treatments performed at the final temperature of 350 ºC and 400 ºC presented a higher value of gravimetric charcoal yield. The charcoal obtained at 500 ºC and 550 ºC had better energetic properties. The Brazilian pine seed residues under the pyrolysis process presented desirable energy characteristics, showing its potential for use as a raw material in bioenergy generation.
Spatially Adaptive DGL Test for Robust User-Assisted Multilabel Segmentation
Authors: AFŞER Hüseyin
Published: July 2022

Recently, the DGL test has been successfully applied to the user-assisted image segmentation problem where different types of user inputs, e.g. labeled pixels from ground truth masks, bounding boxes and pixel seeds, can be robustly leveraged to assist the segmentation process in a simple and effective way. However, in the baseline method the spatial information of the user inputs is not utilized and the test is implemented in the color domain. In this work, we propose a spatially adaptive version of the DGL test where the spatial information of the user-input regions is incorporated into the decision making process of the original test for an improved segmentation performance. We show that the proposed approach can be simply and seamlessly integrated into the baseline method without increasing its computational and algorithmic complexity. We demonstrate simulations on the Berkeley’s BSDS500 image database that validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. We also present benchmarking results which indicate that the accuracy can be improved by about 3% compared to the baseline method.
Analysis of the ideal body features for Zimbabwean women for the achievement of the better fitment of fashion products
Authors:   MPhil Student, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Komichi Rufaro Sharon , Chimbindi Felisia ,   Senior Lecturer, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Dandira Tarirai ,   Senior Lecturer, Chinhoyi University of Technology
Published: July 2022

The research paper explores the Zimbabweans’ view of ideal woman’s body features to provide a comprehensive overview of what is considered an acceptable silhouette in Zimbabwe’s cultural groups in order to achieve better fitment of fashion products by clothing manufacturers. The study used a qualitative research approach in which participants for the interview were purposively selected based on assumed knowledge of cultural norms, values, and beliefs. The study participants comprised both men and women of above 56 years from different cultural groups in Zimbabwe, drawn from the ten provinces namely Matebeleland north, Matebeleland south Bulawayo Harare Mashonaland central, Mashonaland west, Mashonaland east, Masvingo, Midlands, and Manicaland. The study sample consisted of ten elderly partcipants, 5 males and 5 females purposively selected from one district per province. These were subjected to in-depth face-to-face interview and observations to get their perspective on the ideal body features of an ideal woman according to their cultural norms, values and beliefs. The study findings revealed that the ideal body features for the Zimbabwean woman are large nicely curved hips, narrow waist and well-shaped burst area, conforming to pear-shaped silhouette, giant and averagely built body. These ideal features are molded onto the girl child through traditional medicinal consumption and physiological intervention at a tender age from birth to six years.