bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Simulation of Ultra low loss Spiral Delay line for Integrated Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Sharma Bhawna , Kishor Kamal , Pal Amrindra , Sharma Sandeep , Makkar Roshan
Published: February 2021

We report a design of 55 cm long spiral delay line at 850 nm wavelength. Propagation characteristics were simulated and analysed with fully vectorial Eigen Mode Expansion (EME) method. Bending losses were calculated and analysed for the optimization of minimum bending radius for reported structure. We have also simulated and analysed excess loss for a broadband of 200 nm at 850 nm operating wavelength. An excess loss of less than 0.2 dB is reported for the structure over the entire bandwidth range. The structure was further simulated for individual Transverse Electric (TE) and Transverse Magnetic (TM) modes and the analysis showed better results for TM mode. Reported structure is easy to fabricate, ultra-low loss and also broadband over 200 nm with a foot print of only 6×6 sq. mm. So, this design will improvise the reference arm section and will enhance the depth scanning of integrated optics based optical coherence tomography system.
Role of Paired Box 5 (PAX 5) Genetic Variant in the Development and Progression of Leukemia.
Authors: Bhat Amrita , Pandita Monika , Hakeem Supriya , Bhat Gh. Rasool , Verma Sonali , Chander Gresh , Angurana Shabab , Amin Asif , Qadri Raies Ahmed , Shah Ruchi , Kumar Rakesh
Published: February 2021

Leukemia is a heterogeneous disorder, characterized by a high proliferation of white blood cells. Various genetic studies have tried to reveal the role of contributory SNPs responsible for the development of leukemia. The expression of this factor is involved in several aspects of B-cell differentiation, including immunoglobulin gene rearrangement, BCR signal transduction, and B-cell survival so that the deletion or inactivating mutations of Pax5 causes cell arrest in the Pro-B-cell stage. The role of the present gene has previously been studied in various population groups; however, the role of this variant in Leukemia within Indian populations is unclear. In the present study, the role of genetic variant of rs3780135 of PAX5 was investigated within leukemia patients from Northern India. The variant was identified by exome sequencing and then genotyped using high throughput real-time based TaqMan assay technology and validated by SSCP and Sanger sequencing. The association of SNP with the disease was evaluated using logistic regression. It was observed that the variant rs3780135 of PAX5 showed significant association with Leukemia in the North Indian Population [OR of 1.94 (95% CI 1.51-2.48), p=1.2x10-6] in real time based TaqMan assay and allelic OR of 1.54 (1.02-2.34), at 95% CI, p=0.002 for sanger sequencing when corrected for age, gender, BMI, smoking, and alcohol. The present study concludes that the variant rs3780135 of PAX5 polymorphism act as a risk factor in the development of leukemia within Northern India population.
Live Birth After an Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Ovarian In Vitro Activation and Bone Marrow Stem Cells Transplantation in a Premature Ovarian Failure Case Report
Authors: Ljubić Aleksandar , Božanović Tatjana , Pirkovic-Cabarkapa Andrea , Perovic Andjela , Ljubić Dušica , Djuric Emilija , Štefik Debora , Abazović Džihan
Published: February 2021

Background: Patients with premature ovarian failure (POF) exhibit a diminished ovarian reserve and hormonal dysfunction. Case presentation: We aimed to restore normal hormonal function and folliculogenesis in a 31-year-old patient with POF, who had been amenorrheic for two years. We designed and performed three different ovarian regeneration procedures for three consecutive years, from 2015 to 2017: 1) intraovarian injection of activated autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP); 2) activated autologous PRP and bone marrow-derived stem cell injection into the ovaries (SEGO); 3) ovarian cortical tissue resection and fragmentation; and in vitro ovarian tissue activation with autologous PRP and bone marrow stem cell retransplantation into the ovaries (the SEGOVA). The patient exhibited no improvement following the PRP treatment. The patient regained regular menstrual cycles after the SEGO procedure, although no follicular growth was observed yet. One month after the SEGOVA procedure, follicular growth was detected, and the patient underwent several stimulation protocols without obtaining oocytes. Eight months after the SEGOVA, the patient underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a spontaneous cycle, when an oocyte of good quality was retrieved. Following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the oocyte failed to be fertilized. Eleven months after the SEGOVA, the patient reported a spontaneous pregnancy via natural conception. Pregnancy resulted in birth at term by uncomplicated vaginal delivery. After three different ovarian rejuvenation procedures, normal hormonal function and follicular growth were restored in the patient with POF, and the patient had a successful natural pregnancy following the last SEGOVA procedure. Although no ovarian function was detected after the first two procedures, they may have contributed to the outcomes from the SEGOVA procedure, a treatment that showed promising results in recovering ovarian function in patients with POF. Conclusions: It cannot be ruled out that ovarian rejuvenation with bone marrow‑derived stem cells and autologous growth factors, together with ovarian tissue fragmentation, took time to exhibit its effects and contributed to the final result – a successful natural conception and pregnancy.
A Qualitative Study of Grief among Family Members of Missing Persons in Southern Sri Lanka
Authors: Isuru Amila , Bandumithra Padmakumara , Williams Shehan
Published: February 2021

IntroductionThe psychological and social issues experienced by family members of missing persons are different from normal grief following the death of a loved one. The term “Ambiguous loss” describes this psychological phenomenon. “Ambiguous loss” acts as a barrier to adjusting to grief, leading to symptoms of depression and intra and interpersonal relational conflicts. An in-depth understanding of this subjective experience is important.MethodA qualitative study was conducted among close family members of persons who had gone missing during the civil conflict and the 2004 tsunami in southern Sri Lanka. Purposive and snowballing sampling methods were used to recruit the participants. In-depth interviews were recorded with the help of a semi-structured guide, after informed consent. The recordings were transcribed and thematically analyzed by three independent investigators. The investigators met to code the themes and ground them through reflexivity. The triangulation process involved cross-checking with the interviewees. ResultsTheoretical sample saturation was achieved with 24 family members of missing persons. Responders were mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, and siblings of missing individuals. Six predominant themes were identified. They lacked closure, hope, guilt, helplessness, perpetual suffering, and effects due to gender roles. ConclusionThe close family member of the missing person has prolonged vacillating grief characterized by hope, guilt, helplessness, and perpetual suffering due to lack of closure. The effects are more pronounced in women through the interplay of socio-cultural factors. The surviving loved one is ‘locked in grief’ indefinitely.
Effect of Diameter, Length, and Chirality on the Properties of Silicon Nanotubes
Authors: Motamedi Mohsen , Safdari Erphan
Published: February 2021

The mechanical properties of nanostructures are a researcher's favorite topics. In the meantime, the mechanical and physical properties of the two dimensional structures and the nanotubes have attracted greater attention due to their wide application. Si (Si) nanotubes are structures consisting of Si atoms that are aligned as honeycombs (hexagonal). This structure has created some special properties in Si nanotubes. In this paper, Young’s modulus values and stress strain diagrams of Si nanotubes are investigated using molecular dynamics method and the Tersoff potential. Then, the changes effect of size and dimension was investigated for a closer look. For this purpose, the effect of nanotube diameter, length, and chirality shift from zigzag to armchair were studied. The results showed that the fracture stress of nanotube decreased with increasing the length of Si nanotube. It was also shown that the armchair structure was stronger than the zigzag. The effect of diameter change on the mechanical properties was also investigated and it was observed that no specific order could be found between the diameter changes with the Si nanotube strength. The results were in good agreement with other studies.
Periplaneta Americana Extract may Attenuate 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid-Induced Intestinal Fibrosis by Inhibiting TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Jing , Lv Pin , Rao Xiang , Wang Jiajia
Published: February 2021

PurposeIntestinal fibrosis is an incurable digestive disease accompanied by stricture formation, and it has an increasing incidence in recent years. Periplaneta americana is one of the medicinal insects with a long history. There are few reports on the effect of intestinal fibrosis. This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory effect of PA treatment on intestinal fibrosis. MethodsTNBS was used to establish intestinal fibrosis model by enema in BALB/c mice. The mice were treated with PA (50, 100, 200 mg/kg body weight) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) (40mg/kg) by gavage once a day for 6 weeks. At the end of the last week, the mice were sacrificed. Colon samples were collected for H&E and Masson staining. The mRNA and protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I and the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) / Smad signaling pathway were conducted by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. In vitro, TGF-β1 was used to induce intestinal fibrosis at human colon fibroblasts (CCD-18Co). And using real-time PCR and western blot methods to detect the expression of α-SMA and collagen I. ResultsPA inhibited the expression of α-SMA and collagen I in vivo and in vitro. But the difference was that PA inhibited the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in vivo, and the same results had not been obtained in vitro. Conclusion: PA may attenuate intestinal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, but more experiments were needed to prove it in vitro. Conclusions﻿PA has potential pharmacological effects in inhibiting intestinal fibrosis, and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway seemed promising.
Betacellulin Regulates Peripheral Nerve Regeneration by Affecting Schwann Cell Migration and Axon Elongation
Authors: Wang Yaxian , Zhang Fuchao , Zhang Yunsong , Shan Qi , Liu Wei , Zhang Fengyuan , Zhang Feiyu , Yi Sheng
Published: February 2021

Background Growth factors execute essential biological functions and affect various physiological and pathological processes, including peripheral nerve injury and regeneration. Our previous sequencing analysis found that betacellulin (Btc), an epidermal growth factor protein family member, showed elevated mRNA expressions in the nerve segment after rat peripheral nerve injury, implying the potential involvement of Btc during peripheral nerve repair. Methods Expression of Btc was examined in Schwann cells. The role of Btc in regulating Schwann cells was investigated by transfecting cultured cells with siRNA segment against Btc or exposed cultured cells with Btc recombinant protein, respectively. The biological functions of Schwann cell-secreted Btc on neurons were also determined. Moreover, the in vivo effect of Btc on Schwann cell migration and axon elongation after rat sciatic nerve injury were further evaluated.Results Immunostaining images and ELISA readings showed Btc was present in and secreted by Schwann cells. Transwell migration and wound healing observations showed that siRNA against Btc impeded Schwann cell migration while exogenous Btc advanced Schwann cell migration. Besides the regulating effect on Schwann cell phenotype, Btc secreted by Schwann cells might influence neuron behavior and affect axon length. In vivo evidence showed that Btc enhanced axonal regrowth and nerve regeneration after both rat sciatic nerve crush injury and transection injury. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated Btc-mediated Schwann cell-axon interactions, revealed the essential roles of Btc on Schwann cell migration and axon elongation, and implied the potential application of Btc as a regenerative strategy for treating peripheral nerve injury.
Myocarditis: a Whole Heart Involvement Revealed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Mapping. A Case-control Study
Authors: Pereira Tiago Bartzen , Balk Maurício , Pereira Gabriela Bartzen , Ramos Victória Schmidt , Giordani Luciano , Schvartzman Paulo Roberto , Beck-da-Silva Luis
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To ascertain if differences in T1 and T2 mapping exist between ventricular wall segments with and without late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in patients with myocarditis, and to compare these findings to those of control subjects.Methods: In a case-control design, 22 patients with Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) evidence of myocarditis and 18 controls with normal CMR were assessed. The workup included: (1) T1 mapping (ShMOLLI); (2) LGE; (3) T2 mapping (SSFP); and (4) the T2 signal intensity of the myocardium divided by that of skeletal muscle (T2 ratio). T1 and T2 mapping of affected (LGE+) and unaffected (LGE-) ventricular segments of cases were compared, as were those of controls versus cases.Results: On within-group comparison, ventricular segments with evidence of late enhancement (LGE+) in cases showed a mean T1 value significantly different from that of unaffected (LGE-) ventricular walls (1057±30 vs. 1028±48; p=0.0001). On between-group comparison, the mean T1 value of LGE- segments in cases was significantly different from the mean of the corresponding walls in controls (1028±48 vs. 996±10; p<0.0001). The mean T2 maps of LGE- walls in cases were not statistically different from those of controls (49±4 vs. 49±1; p=0.9229).Conclusions: This case-control study suggests that T1 mapping demonstrates significant alterations in the myocardium of patients with myocarditis even in the absence of late gadolinium enhancement. Specifically, T1 mapping revealed diffuse myocardial involvement not evidenced by LGE imaging. T2 mapping was noncontributory.
Puerarin Restore Impairment of Intestinal and Adipose Immunity Response to Influenza Infection in Mice
Authors: xu peiping , Zeng Mao-Seng , Yu Wen-Di , Wang Hui-Xian , Liu Jin-Yuan
Published: February 2021

Influenza is an acute viral respiratory disease, which can also cause gastroenteritis like symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Immune dysfunction of adipose tissue is involved in the occurrence and prognosis of influenza viral pneumonia. In this study, we analyzed the intestinal and adipose immune responses in mice contracted with influenza virus and found that the impairment of intestinal and adipose immunity response to influenza infection in mice can be restored by puerarin, which is isolated from Gegen (Chinese name).Here, we report that the lung, small intestines(duodenum, ileum, jejunum) and large intestines(colon and rectum) show obvious inflammatory lesions in mice following virus infection, with significantly increased levels of viral load, inflammatory cytokines[interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17,and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a],Toll 3, 4 and 9, integrin avb3 and a4, decreased sIgA level compared to that of NC group (P<0.05~0.001). Influenza virus could infect mesenteric lymph nodes and adipose tissue of mice, and the adipokines (e.g., leptin, visfatin, chemokine and adiponectin) of lung and mesenteric adipose tissue are disordered. Puerarin improved the impairment of the intestinal and adipose immune responses in mice infected with influenza virus. Our findings suggest that influenza virus infection can infect adipose tissue and lead to intestinal adipose immune dysfunction in normal-weight mice. The impairment of intestinal and adipose immunity response to influenza infection in mice could be restored by puerarin.
A Genetic Resource for Rice Improvement：introgression Library of Agronomic Traits for All AA Genome Species in Genus Oryza
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhou Jiawu , Peng Xu , Li Jing , Deng Xianneng , Deng Wei , Yang Ying , Yu Yanqiong , Tao Dayun
Published: February 2021

Background: Rice improvement depends on the availability of genetic variation, and AA genome Oryza species are the natural reservoir of favorable genes which are useful for rice breeding. Developing the introgression library using multiple AA genome species was rarely reported.Results: In this study, to systematically evaluate and utilize potentially valuable QTLs/genes or allelic variations, based on the evaluation and selection of agronomic traits, 6372 introgression lines (ILs) were raised by crossing 330 accessions of 7 AA genome species as the donor parents, with three elite cultivars of O. sativa, Dianjingyou 1, Yundao 1 and RD23 as the recurrent parents, respectively. Further, twenty-six, twenty-six and nineteen loci were detected in the multiple donors using 1,401 ILs in the Dianjingyou 1 background for grain length, grain width, and the ratio of grain length to grain width, respectively. Interestingly, ten loci had opposite effect on grain length in the different donors, so did grain width. Moreover, one locus for grain width, qGW3.1, was validated using the segregation population derived from the donor of O. glumaepatula. Conclusions: This introgression library provided the powerful resource for future rice improvement and genetic dissection of allelic variations. Selections of favorable alleles that are present in wild relatives proceed the driving force of the rice domestication.
WITHDRAWN: Vitamin D Deficiency in Premenopause: Endothelial and Diastolic Functions With Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Akhan Onur , Dogdus Mustafa
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency(VDD) is a common condition in all ages, especially in winter, and causes several adverse outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases. Although there is conflicting information about the causes of cardiac events in VDD, the commonly accepted cause is a pathogenic relationship with hyperparathyroidism.Aim: We aim to demonstrate the effects of hyperparathyroidism, if present, on endothelial and diastolic functions using echocardiography, carotid and brachial tissue Doppler imaging(tDi) in premenopausal women with VDD independent from other confounding risk factors.Methods: Our study is a cross-sectional, observational study investigating premenopausal women aged 18-50 who applied to internal medicine. The patients were divided into two groups according to their parathyroid hormone(PTH) levels. While PTH levels are within the normal range in 41 patients, it was high in 29 patients. Study groups are analyzed for basal characteristics, standard echocardiographic evaluation, carotid, and brachial artery tDi features.Results: There were no significant differences in age, height, weight, body mass index(BMI), and diastolic blood pressures(BP) between the groups(all p values>0.05). Systolic BPs were significantly higher in the secondary hyperparathyroidism, no patients diagnosed with hypertension(Mean systolic BP 124±8, p=0.020). The rate of severe VDD was 78%. In terms of diastolic parameters, prolongation of A wave durations and decreased E/A ratio were observed in the secondary hyperparathyroidism(p values are 0.043 and 0.031, respectively). Carotid and brachial tDi; carotid intima-media thickness(IMT) is significantly higher in secondary hyperparathyroidism(p=0.032).Conclusion: We showed that high PTH levels have adverse effects on diastolic functions(A wave, E/A ratio) and endothelial functions(carotid IMT) in premenopausal women with VDD, even in the absence of other confounding risk factors. We can state that our study's findings will contribute to the literature and are predictive for future studies.
Early Donepezil Monotherapy or Combination With Metoprolol Significantly Prevents Subsequent Chronic Heart Failure in Rats With Reperfused Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Meihua , Zheng Can , Toru Kawada , Uemura Kazunori , Masashi Inagaki , Nishikawa Takuya , Saku Keita , Sugimachi Masaru
Published: February 2021

PurposeAcute myocardial infarction (MI) remains a leading cause of chronic heart failure, and MI size is a strong predictor of prognosis. Clinical guidelines recommend that oral β-blockers be initiated early after reperfused MI (RMI). Here, we compared the effects of donepezil, metoprolol, and their combination on infarct size and progression of cardiac remodeling in rats with RMI.MethodsRMI (n = 103) was induced in 8-week-old male rats by occluding the left coronary artery (30 min), followed by reperfusion. The animals were randomly assigned to untreated (UT, n = 16), donepezil-treated (DT, 5 mg/kg·day, n = 21), metoprolol-treated (MT, 70 mg/kg·day, n = 23), and combination of donepezil and metoprolol (DMT, n = 18) groups.ResultsOn day 8 after surgery, rats in the DT and DMT groups exhibited significantly improved myocardial salvage, owing to the prevention of apoptosis and suppression of macrophage infiltration, compared with rats in the UT group. After the 10-week treatment, the rats in the DT and DMT groups exhibited decreased heart rate, reduced MI size, attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction, and decreased plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide, norepinephrine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. However, no cardioprotective effects were observed among rats in the MT group.ConclusionsDonepezil monotherapy or in combination with metoprolol significantly improved myocardial salvage, reduced MI size, limited the progression of cardiac remodeling, and prevented subsequent chronic heart failure in rats with RMI. Thus, donepezil monotherapy or combination with metoprolol may be applied as pharmacotherapy post-RMI.
Expression of Arabidopsis Ornithine Aminotransferase (AtOAT) Encoded Gene Enhances Multiple Abiotic Stress Tolerances in Wheat
Authors: Anwar Alia , Wang Ke , Wang Jing , Shi Lei , Du Lipu , Ye Xingguo
Published: February 2021

Key Message The drought and salt tolerances of wheat were enhanced by ectopic expression of the Arabidopsis ornithine aminotransferase (AtOAT) encoded gene. The OAT was confirmed to play a role in proline biosynthesis in wheat.Abstract Proline (Pro) accumulation is a common response to both abiotic and biotic stresses in plants. Ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) is pyridoxal-5-phosphate dependent enzyme involved in plant proline biosynthesis. During stress condition, proline is synthesized via glutamate and ornithine pathways. The OAT is the key enzyme in ornithine pathway. In this study, an OAT gene AtOAT from Arabidopsis was expressed in wheat for its functional characterization under drought, salinity and heat stress conditions. We found that the expression of AtOAT enhanced the drought and salt stress tolerances of wheat by increasing the proline content and peroxidase activity. In addition, it was confirmed that the expression of AtOAT also played a partial tolerance to heat stress in the transgenic wheat plants. Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the transformation of AtOAT up-regulated the expression of the proline biosynthesis associated genes TaOAT, TaP5CS, and TaP5CR, and down-regulated that of the proline catabolism related gene TaP5CDH in the transgenic plants under stress conditions. Moreover, the genes involved in ornithine pathway (Orn-OAT-P5C/GSA-P5CR-Pro) were up-regulated along with the up-regulation of those genes involved in glutamate pathway (Glu-P5CS-P5C/GSA-P5CR-Pro). Therefore, we concluded that the expression of AtOAT enhanced wheat abiotic tolerance via modifying the proline biosynthesis by up-regulating the expression of the proline biosynthesis associated genes and down-regulating that of the proline catabolic gene under stresses condition.
Determinants of Survival Among HIV/AIDS Patients With The Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy In Henan Province of China 
Authors: Jin Yantao , Zhang Miao , Ma Yan-min , Guo Hui-jun , Li Peng-yu , Yang Chun-ling , Wang Dong-li , Xu Qianlei , Liu Zhibin
Published: February 2021

Background: To estimate the survival and effectors of mortality among HIV/AIDS patients switch to second-line highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) in rural China.Methods: A three years’ retrospective cohort study was conducted and HIV/AIDS patients switched to the second-line ART between January 2009 to December 2014 enrollment. The data collected from medical records and analysis using Kaplan-Meier statistics and COX regression models.Findings: A total of 2883 HIV/AIDS participants followed up for 8445 person-years, 183 (6.5%) died, 14(0.5%) lost follow-up and the mortality rate 2.17/100 person-years. After adjusting other confounding factors by multivariable COX regression, age older than 50 years (HR,3.37; 95%CI, 1.92-5.92), Traditional Chinese medicine therapy (HR,0.48; 95%CI, 0.33-0.71), CD4 cell count littler than 200 cells/μl (HR,2.97; 95%CI, 1.90-4.64), AST or ALT higher than 50 u/L (HR,1.55; 95%CI, 1.15-2.11) were each independently associated with mortality among HIV/AIDS patients switch to second-line ART.Conclusions: Our retrospective cohort study indicates that mortality among HIV/AIDS patients switch to second-line ART lower than most other studies. However, the limitations of a retrospective cohort could have biased the study, so prospective studies should be carried out to confirm our primary results. The result of our study suggest that Chinese therapy was potential treatment for HIV/AIDS patients.
­Removal Of Basic Green 4 Dye Using Raw and Surface Modified Streculia Foetida Seeds
Authors: Gandhi Manikandan , Narayanan Meyyappan , Ramu Pitchai
Published: February 2021

Industrialization and Urbanisation are considered as some of the important problems for the pollution of air, soil, and water system. Among these systems, water is affected to the great extent. The addition of the various pollutants to the water resources is considered as the major threat for the deterioration of water quality and makes it unsuitable for domestic purposes. Out of many water pollutants, dyes are the most hazardous substances for plants, animals, and also humankind. Majorly, malachite green dyes are used in the industries processes like textile industries to produce large quantities of colored effluents that contain organic and inorganic chemical compounds. So, effective and efficient treatment of them is very important for eco-friendly sustainability. In the present study, the Indian or the Wild almonds (Sterculia foetida as its biological name) was used as an adsorbent for the removal of basic green 4 dye from the aqueous solutions in batch mode operations. The basic parameters like initial concentration, pH, contact time, and adsorbent dosage were studied. The experimental result shows that the Sterculia foetida seeds are very good adsorbent for the removal of basic green4 dye from the prepared dye solutions.
Risk Potential for Organ Dysfunction Associated with Sodium Bicarbonate Therapy (SBT) in Critically Ill Patients with Hemodynamic Worsening
Authors: Wang Tiehua , Yi Lingxian , Zhang Hua , Wang Tianhao , Xi Jingjing , Zeng Lin , He Junlin , Zhang Zhongheng , Ma Penglin
Published: February 2021

Background: The role of sodium bicarbonate therapy (SBT) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether hemodynamic status before SBT contributed to the heterogeneous outcomes associated with SBT in acute critically ill patients.Methods: We obtained data from patients with metabolic acidosis from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-III database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to match the SBT group with the control group. Logistic regression and Cox regression were used to analyze a composite of newly “developed or exacerbated organ dysfunction” (d/eOD) within 7 days of ICU admission and 28-day mortality associated with SBT for metabolic acidosis.Results: A total of 1765 patients with metabolic acidosis were enrolled, and 332 pairs obtained by PSM were applied to the final analyses in the study. An increased incidence of newly d/eOD was observed in the SB group compared with the control group (54.8% vs 44.6%, p<0.01). Multivariable logistic regression indicated that the adjusted OR of SBT for this composite outcome was no longer significant [OR (95% CI): 1.39 (0.9, 1.85); p=0.164]. This effect of SBT did not change with the quintiles stratified by pH. Interestingly, SBT was associated with an increased risk of the composite of newly d/eOD in the subgroup of patients with worsening hemodynamics before SBT [adjusted OR (95% CI): 3.6 (1.84, 7.22), p< 0.001]. Moreover, the risk potential for this composite of outcomes was significantly increased in patients characterized by both worsening [adjusted OR (95% CI): 2.91 (1.54, 5.47), p< 0.001] and unchanged hemodynamics [adjusted OR (95% CI): 1.94 (1.01, 3.72), p=0.046) compared to patients with improved hemodynamics before SBT. Our study failed to demonstrate an association between SBT and 28-day mortality in acute critically ill patients with metabolic acidosis.Conclusions: Our findings suggested that SBT for metabolic acidosis was associated with an increased risk potential for subsequent d/eOD, while the hemodynamic status remained unstable during the acute phase of critical illness.
Strengthening healthcare providers’ capacity for intra-uterine device and contraceptive implant services in humanitarian and fragile settings: a case study from Nepal using the clinical outreach refresher training model (S-CORT)
Authors: Gardner Kamille , Zaeem Shabana , Ghimire Jagadishwor , Anisuzzaman AKM , Syaivuya Bergson Kakule , Greer Alison , Kalyanpur Anushka , Tran Nguyen Toan
Published: February 2021

Background – Access to modern family planning methods, including long-acting and reversible contraceptives (LARCs), to prevent unplanned pregnancy is critical to avert maternal deaths in humanitarian and fragile settings, where clinicians often have limited LARC competencies. This paper explores the perspectives and recommendations of providers and trainers involved in piloting the Clinical Outreach Refresher Training for Sexual and Reproductive Health module (S-CORT) on LARCs in Nepal.Methods – Qualitative data from end-of-training evaluations, which were self-filled by 15 trainees, a focus group discussion involving 11 of them, and written feedback from five co-trainers were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. Results were intersected with those from pilots held in Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Results – Results suggest that the module could increase participants’ counseling and clinical skills, help anchor readiness for family planning and LARC provision before humanitarian emergencies, and reinforce informed consent, service privacy and confidentiality, and access for underserved populations, including adolescents. Recommendations for improvement included the advanced provision of the learning resources for self-study to promote blended learning and avail more clinical practice time.Conclusions – When the lack of skilled human resources is a barrier to LARC services in humanitarian and fragile settings, the S-CORT strategy could offer a rapid hands-on refresher training opportunity for clinicians requiring knowledge and skills update. Such a capacity-development approach could be valuable not only for emergency response but also in contexts prioritizing disaster preparedness planning.
Preparation and Characterization of Undoped and Chromia-Doped Porous Alumina Using Different-Sized Particles
Authors: Nguyen Yen Ngoc , Le Hai Minh , Nanko Makoto , Dang Khanh Quoc
Published: February 2021

Highly porous alumina (Al2O3) was prepared by sintering of Al2O3 powder using ammonia bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) as a pore-forming agent and chromia (Cr2O3) as a sintering additive. In order to investigate the influence of particle shape and size on the characterization of sintered porous Al2O3, the starting Al2O3 powders included commercial disk micro-sized powder and synthesized spherical nanopowder. The nanoscale Al2O3 powder was produced via combustion synthesis route. At the optimal pore-forming agent concentration, the porous Al2O3 sintered by nanoparticles had a smaller pore size and a lower total porosity than the one prepared by microparticles. The differences of open porosity and closed porosity between porous Al2O3 synthesized by micro and nano-scale powders with and without Cr2O3 dopant were also discussed. In addition, the compressive strength of porous Al2O3 achieved by nano-sized powders, especially with Cr2O3 dopant, had a higher value in comparison with the one prepared by micro-sized powders.
Comparison of Student Performance, Self-mutual and Tutor Teaching Assessments in PBL Tutorial Process Between 1st and 4th Year Dental Undergraduates
Authors: Zhou Ting , Chen Yanjun , Xu Rui , Yang Chun
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Evaluate the effectiveness of PBL teaching and analyze potential influencing factors between senior and junior from the perspectives of student performance, student self-mutual and tutor teaching evaluations.Results: Study found the overall three comparative assessments scores of Grade 4 were significantly higher than those of Grade 1(P＜0.01). Further analysis revealed no significant difference of student performance score between Grade 4 and Grade 1 in the 1st unit (P＞0.05), but it was improved and maintained significantly since 2nd time (P＜0.01).Moreover, each self-mutual evaluation of 4th year students was significantly higher than that of 1st year students, especially in the second half of the course (P＜0.01).And, all the evaluations of tutor teaching from seniors were significantly higher than those from juniors (P＜0.01). Finally, no significant correlation between student self-mutual scores and those given by tutors no matter high or lower grade (P＞0.05).
Evolving from Didactic to Dialogic: An Action Research for Improving Teaching Practices in the mini-CEX Workshops
Authors: Liao Kuo-Chen , Peng Chang-Hsuan
Published: February 2021

BackgroundFaculty development is imperative to ensure successful outcomes in the training of competent physicians. However, how faculty developers can improve the delivery of an assessment workshop through researching their individual teaching practices remains unexplored.MethodsIn 2016, the authors conducted four cycles of action research in the context of mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX) workshops. Multiple sources of qualitative data, including a faculty developer’s reflective journal, field notes taken by a researcher-observer, and post-workshop written reflection and feedback from fourteen workshop attendees, were collected and analyzed thematically.ResultsBy doing action research, the faculty developer scrutinized each step as an opportunity for change, enacted adaptive practice and reflection on teaching practices and formulated action plans to transform a workshop design. In so doing, a workshop evolved from didactic to dialogic with continuous improvement on enhanced engagement, focused discussion and participant empowerment through a collaborative inquiry into feedback practice. These action research cycles also supported development of adaptive practice and identity formation in the faculty developer.ConclusionsThe systematic approach of action research serves as a vehicle to enable faculty developers to investigate individual teaching practices as a self-reflective inquiry, to examine, rectify, and transform processes of program delivery, and ultimately introduce themselves as agents for change and improvement.
Interplay between intra-urban population density and mobility in determining the spread of epidemics
Authors: Hazarie Surendra , Panos David Soriano , Arenas Alex , Gomez-Gardenes Jesus , Ghoshal Gourab
Published: February 2021

In this work, we address the connection between population density centers in urban areas, and the nature of human flows between such centers, in shaping the vulnerability to the onset of contagious diseases. A study of 163 cities, chosen from four different continents reveals a universal trend, whereby the risk induced by human mobility increases in those cities where mobility flows are predominantly between high population density centers. We apply our formalism to the spread of SARS-COV-2 in the United States, providing a plausible explanation for the observed heterogeneity in the spreading process across cities. Armed with this insight, we propose realistic mitigation strategies (less severe than lockdowns), based on modifying the mobility in cities. Our results suggest that an optimal control strategy involves an asymmetric policy that restricts flows entering the most vulnerable areas but allowing residents to continue their usual mobility patterns.
Thyroid Hemiagenesis With TI-RADS 2 Nodule in the Contralateral Lobe: a Case Report
Authors: Sereke Senai Goitom , Oriekot Anthony , Bongomin Felix
Published: February 2021

Background: Thyroid hemiagenesis is a rare congenital anomaly in which one lobe of thyroid gland fails to develop. There is a higher incidence of associated thyroid disorders in patients with thyroid hemiagenesis. Case presentation: A 32-year-old female presented to a hospital with complaint of painless neck swelling of 3-month duration with associated globus sensations. There were no history of thyroid related problems or thyroid related treatment prior to her presentation. Physical examination demonstrated a mobile right thyroid swelling but no obvious nodular contour. Neck ultrasound demonstrated absent left lobe of thyroid gland, right thyroid gland with solitary nodule of TI-RADS 2 and isthmus in situ. Extensive search for possible ectopic thyroid tissue was negative. Thyroid function test was euthyroid. Conclusion: Early detection of this entity and follow up monitoring of thyroid morphologic and hormonal function have paramount importance.
A Pretest – Posttest Pilot Study for the Development and Preliminary validation of a tool for the clinical assessment of Radioiodine Induced Sialadenitis
Authors: CHRISTOU ANDRI , Papastavrou Evridiki , Merkouris Anastasios , Charalambous Andreas
Published: February 2021

Background: The clinical assessment of radioiodine -induced sialadenitis is relied on the observer-defined toxicity grading model. However, this model has significant limitations, the major one being the lack of systematic assessment based on objective criteria. The main aim of this study was the development and testing of an assessment tool which could examine the severity of post irradiation sialadenitis.Methods: The development of the Sialadenitis Assessment Tool proceeded through three phases. The first and second phase included a literature review and the development of the tool which derived from the review, respectively. The third phase involved a pilot testing of the Assessment Tool to a sample of 34 patients undergoing I131. The assessment was carried out by two independent HCPs, pre- and post-radioiodine therapy. The results of the assessment tool were compared to other scales, including the DIRIX and EORTC H&N35.Results: The Cohen’s kappa test, suggested that the Sialadenitis Assessment Tool (SAT) is a reliable tool for the assessment of sialadenitis (Cohen’s K =1). The concurrent and internal validity tests, showed a tendency of association with most variables (p <0.001) in the DIRIX s and EORTC QLQ-HN35 scales.Conclusions: Preliminary evidence show that Sialadenitis Assessment Tool is a valid and reliable tool to assess radioiodine-induced sialadenitis in patients undergoing I131 therapy post thyroidectomy.
WITHDRAWN: Fungi associated with grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) with emphasize on pestalotioid species in Kurdistan Province, Iran
Authors: Khaledi Esmail , Moghadam Jamal Nahvi , Abdollahzadeh Jafar , Amini Jahanshir
Published: February 2021

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are destructive and important economically with worldwide distribution. In this survey 233 fungal isolates were obtained from grapevine cultivars showing trunk diseases symptoms in Kurdistan Province, Iran. Based on sequences data and morphology 24 species belong to 20 genera were characterized. Botryosphaeriaceae, Alternaria, Sporocadaceae and Phaeoacremonium members were the most prevalent identified fungal groups. At the species level Botryosphaeria dothidea, Alternaria malorum, Phaeoacremonium aleophilum and Acremonium sclerotigenum were the most frequent identified species. All species are new records in Kurdistan Province. Clonostachys rosea and Neoscytalidium novaehollandiae are new records on grapevine in Iran. Acremonium sclerotigenum, Alternaria chlamydosporigena, Ascochyta herbicola and Paecilomyces formosus are new records on grapevine around the world. In phylogenetic analyses based on LSU, ITS, TEF-1α and TUB2 sequence data four pestalotioid species belong to Sporocadaceae were identified. Of these, three species are new for science and introduced here as Seimatosporium marivanicum, Sporocadus kurdistani and Xenoseimatosporium kurdistanicum. Furthermore, three new combinations in Sporocadus are proposed.
Steganography in Color Animated Image Sequence for Secret Data Sharing Using Secure Hash Algorithm
Authors: Basak Ratan Kumar , Chatterjee Ritam , Dutta Paramartha , Dasgupta Kousik
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a high capacity steganographic approach with secret message validation scheme at the receiver end. The proposed idea develops specifically for animated GIF, the cover media, to conceal secret text messages where Least Significant Digit (LSD) method is employed to embed secret information in the form of ASCII value. To validate the secret information at the receiver end, the secret text is encoded with Secure Hash Algorithm-1(SHA1) which is subsequently embedded in certain pre-defined portion of the cover media. The proposed algorithm is experimented on a large set of colored animated image sequences by varying text messages which produces satisfactory results. The proposed method also maintains good visual perceptibility while securing high embedding capacity
Estimating the Value of Statistical Life in China: A Contingent Valuation Study in Six Representative Cities
Authors: Cao Chaoji , Song Xinke , Cai Wenjia , Li Yichao , Cong Jianhui , Yu Xueying , Niu Xiaoyue , Gao Mengzhao , Wang Can
Published: February 2021

Incorporating the health impacts into all kinds of policy decisions has become the shared expectations of policymakers and the public, hoping to obtain the most significant health benefits with the least policy costs. The value of statistical life (VSL), which represents the additional cost that individuals are willing to reduce the risk of death, is a core tool for monetizing health impacts. Though VSL has been widely studied internationally, the existing VSL research in China has limitations on regional representativeness, questionnaire design, and discussion of influencing factors. To fill these research gaps, we selected six representative cities in six typical provinces based on cluster analysis and conducted a face-to-face contingent valuation interview (n=3936) from March 7, 2019, to September 30, 2019, using the hypothetical vaccine as the payment tool followed by double-bounded dichotomous choice questions. The respondents' willingness to pay (WTP) to reduce the death risk from air pollution was elicited and used to quantify the VSL of typical urban residents. Also, we discussed the determinants of WTP and VSL in comparison with previous studies. Results showed that the WTP varied from 455-763 yuan, corresponding to a VSL range of 3.79-6.36 million yuan (price in 2019) in different cities. Therefore, the VSL in China in 2019 was estimated to be 5.10 million yuan, which was 1.2-41 times of the previous studies (in 2019 price). It was also proven that influencing factors such as monthly expenditure levels, environmental concerns, risk attitudes, and assumed market acceptance, which had been seldom discussed in previous studies, had significant impacts on the WTP and the VSL. There were substantial differences in the influencing factors of residents' WTP in different cities, which provided a reasonable explanation for the large gap of the VSL among six representative cities.
“A Randomized Comparison of Sample Adequacy and Diagnostic Yield of EBUS-TBNA using various Suction Pressures”
Authors: Mohan Anant , Iyer Hariharan , Madan Karan , Hadda Vijay , Mittal Saurabh , Tiwari Pawan , Jain Deepali , Pandey R M , Garg Avneet , Guleria Randeep
Published: February 2021

Introduction: The evidence for using vacuum suction during EBUS is sparse, and the optimal suction pressure for obtaining adequate samples is not yet determined.Objectives: To assess the influence of suction on adequacy and diagnostic yield of EBUS TBNA.Methods: This single-center, prospective, randomized, non-inferiority trial assessed whether no-suction and 10 ml suction are non-inferior to 20 ml suction for adequacy and diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA aspirates.Results: 323 lymph nodes were sampled using EBUS-TBNA. Baseline characteristics of lymph nodes were comparable in the three suction groups. The overall adequacy of EBUS-TBNA aspirates in the "No-suction," 10ml, and 20ml suction was 90%, 83.49%, and 77.88%, respectively. The difference in the adequacy was groups 12.12% (95%CI: 3.93 - 20.3) and 5.61% (95%CI: -3.27- 14.49) for no-suction versus 20ml and 10ml versus 20ml suction, respectively. No-suction and 10 ml were non-inferior to 20 ml suction in terms of sample adequacy. At a superiority margin of 3.92%, no-suction was superior to 20 ml suction for sample adequacy (p<0.05). The overall diagnostic yield was comparable (63.6%, 52.3%, and 57.7% in 0, 10 ml, and 20 ml, respectively; p-not significant). The proportion of aspirates which were predominantly blood was similar (No-suction -10.9%, 10ml - 13.8%, 20ml - 15.4%; p=0.62)Conclusions: EBUS-TBNA with or without the application of vacuum suction does not influence specimen adequacy and diagnostic yield. “No-suction” is superior to 20ml suction pressure and is associated with a lesser risk of bloody samples.
Effect of using RT-44 as phase-change material in the porous microchannel
Authors: Alibeigi Mahdi , Sabzeali Mohammadreza
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the influence of the utilizing RT-44 which, knows as a phase-change material (PCM) has used in an overall porous layer channel or optional additive nano particle of water/ZnO with three injecting fluid from its lower wall is investigated. The boundary condition slip-walls for the lower and higher walls of the micro-channel as insulation and constant temperature is considered. respectively, for assessment of PCM and nanoparticles consequences, the volume fraction of 0,2% and 5% determined for both of nanofluid and PCM. The result show that the Nusselt number increased with adding PCM to the porous media and decreasing with adding nanoparticles. When volume fraction of nano fluid is 5% the relative Nusselt number was calculated for PCM volume fraction of 1%,2% and 5% with amount of \(N{u^*}=0.9607\),\(N{u^*}=0.9710\)and\(N{u^*}=0.9869\).respectively, for more supplementary the microchannel has levelized in two stage and three stage. The bulk temperature calculated for three stages for each level, at first stage was 299.90 K, at second stage was 302.38 K and 302.72 K at third stage. For considering the geometric parameters effect an optimization with monte Carlo(MC) method has been simulated in terms of maximizing Nusselt number ,it approved the relative Nusselt number Nusselt 1.026 and it increasing 0.26 K at the end of micro channel. Finally, the Additive PCM to porous material purposed for heating and additive nanofluid to the porous media purposed for cooling as well, the multistage channel purposed for heating at the latest stage.