bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superficial Cryotherapy versus Intralesional Corticosteroids Injection in Alopecia Areata
Authors: El Sayed Mahira Hamdy , Ibrahim Nour El-dissouki , Afify Ahmed Abdelfattah
Published: February 2022

Background:

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease leading to noncicatricial alopecia. Topical or intralesional corticosteroid (ILCS) is the accepted therapeutic option for mild cases; however, adverse effects are sometimes difficult to reverse. When the exposure to liquefied nitrogen is limited to a few seconds “superficial” cryotherapy, reactive vasodilation may improve microcirculation and nutritional status around hair follicles.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate and compare superficial cryotherapy and ILCS in the treatment of patchy AA.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective comparative study included 21 patients with patchy AA. Every patient received superficial cryotherapy on one patch, every 2 weeks for 3 months, and ILCS injection for another patch, once monthly for 3 months.

Results:

Clinical improvement was higher in cryotherapy group compared to ILCS group with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.002). On trichoscopic evaluation, terminal hair count was improved in lesions treated with cryotherapy more than lesions treated with ILCS but without statistical significance (P = 0.595) and vellus hair count was improved in lesions treated with cryotherapy more than lesions treated with ILCS with a statistical significance (P = 0.002).

Conclusions:

Cryotherapy is more effective and less painful than ILCS in the treatment of patchy AA.
Trichoscopy of Pressure-Induced Alopecia and Alopecia Areata
Authors: Neema Shekhar , Vashisht Deepak , Yadav Arun K. , Sinha Anwita , Radhakrishnan S.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Pressure-induced alopecia is an uncommon type of alopecia. It can occur in both scarring as well as non-scarring form and occurs due to ischemia resulting from prolonged head immobilisation during surgery or hospitalisation. The patchy hair loss generally involves convexities of scalp specially vertex and occiput. The hair loss is usually noticed 3 -28 days after the inciting event and regrowth of hair occurs between 1 – 4 months.

Objective:

To describe trichoscopic features of pressure alopecia and compare it with the closest differential, alopecia areata.

Methodology:

It is a retrospective observational study. Trichoscopic features of six cases of pressure alopecia seen during the study period were compared with alopecia areata and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

Results:

The study had 30 cases, six cases of pressure alopecia and 24 cases of alopecia areata. The mean age of patients with pressure alopecia and alopecia areata was 45.16 and 29.08 years respectively. Comedone- like black dots, black dots and area of scarring were statistically significant for pressure alopecia while exclamation mark hairs were significant for alopecia areata.

Conclusion:

Trichoscopy is a non-invasive test for diagnosis of alopecia and “Comedone-like black dots” are unique trichoscopic feature of pressure alopecia.
Acquired Trichorrhexis Nodosa Secondary to Trichoteiromania
Authors: Jindal Rashmi , Chauhan Payal , Bhardwaj Nancy , Chugh Robin
Published: February 2022

Trichorrhexis nodosa (TN) is a common hair shaft defect that develops as a result of excessive physical or chemical trauma. Microscopy is considered the gold standard for its diagnosis. Outpatient diagnosis thus becomes difficult in the absence of availability of microscope. Trichoscopy is emerging as an excellent tool in outpatient diagnosis of hair shaft defects. Here, we report a young girl with localized TN secondary to trichoteiromania where trichoscopy clinched the diagnosis. Classical appearance of nodes in hair shaft and transverse hair shaft fractures producing “two brooms stuck in opposite direction” was evident. This case is being reported to emphasize the advantages of trichoscopy in quick diagnosis of hair shaft defects with review of published literature.
Tailbone
Authors: Jhaveri Subir Nipunbhai , Patel Arth , Patel Sachin R. , Jhaveri Sharan S. , Yagnik Jignasu
Published: February 2022

Background:

Complete coccygectomy has proved to be a successful operation, with a success ratio of 70%–85%. Wound infection and dehiscence following coccygectomy ranges between 15% and 30%. The purpose of this article was to present improved outcomes following partial coccygectomy and to suggest modifications to mitigate wound complications.

Methods:

Seventeen patients (13 women and 4 men) underwent partial coccygectomy using a curved paramedian incision after failing nonoperative care for minimum of 6 months over the last 8 years. Twelve of these were posttraumatic, whereas five were of idiopathic origin. Patients were barred from sitting or sleeping supine for 2 weeks following the surgery. The use of water for cleaning post-defecation was also prohibited. Visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), along with a novel Coccyx Disability Questionnaire (CDQ) as well as a truncated ODI (Coccyx Disability Index – CDI) were administered preoperatively, at 6 months and then at last follow-up. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used as variables were nonparametric.

Results:

Fifteen patients completed questionnaires at a mean follow-up period of 68 months. Fourteen (93.33%) patients had good-to-excellent outcomes. VAS sitting improved from 9.27 to 0.79 (P = 0.001) and ODI improved from 68.89 to 8.27 (P = 0.001) postoperatively. Novel CDQ scores improved from 7.33 to 1.12 (P = 0.001) and CDI scores improved from 84.56 to 6.44 (P = 0.001). We compared outcomes of our partial coccygectomy cohort with those of complete or partial coccygectomy in literature, and found equivalent or superior results. Three (20%) of our patients developed wound infections, with only one (6.67%) requiring revision surgery, while the other two recovered with dressings.

Conclusion:

Partial coccygectomy provides equivalent or superior outcomes, compared to complete coccygectomy. Postoperative modifications for 2 weeks help mitigate wound complications. The proposed novel CDQ can be used by surgeons across the globe, once validated.
C2 Intraspinal Osteochondroma Causing Spinal Cord Compression in a Patient with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
Authors: Aithala Janardhana P.
Published: February 2022

Intraspinal osteochondroma causing neurological manifestations is a rare condition and can present as either solitary osteochondroma or more commonly as a part of multiple hereditary exostoses. We report a case of osteochondroma arising from lamina of C2 in a 21-year-old patient with multiple hereditary exostoses causing spinal cord compression and cervical myelopathy. The patient presented with worsening neurological deficit and an inability to walk. Immediate laminectomy and surgical decompression were done after accurately localizing the lesion through computed tomography and magnetic resonance images. Following excision of the lesion, the patient recovered completely. The case report is followed by a review of literature highlighting the incidence of spinal osteochondroma, location preferences, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and results of decompression.
Effect of Ayurvedic management on Karna sansrava
Authors: Chaudhary Shraddha , Mehta Bhoomi , Vaghela D. B.
Published: February 2022

Karna sansrava is one of the disease entity mentioned under 28 Karna rogas (~ ear diseases) in Ayurveda. According to Acharya sushruta, the only symptom of Karna sansrava is Puya srava (~profuse purulent discharge). On the basis of the signs and symptoms, Karna sansrava can be correlated with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM). There are two types of CSOM, i.e., tubotympanic (mucosal) and atticoantral (squamous). A 25-year-old male patient presented to the outpatient department with complaints of profuse discharge and heaviness in the right ear for two months and moderate hearing loss for three years. The condition was diagnosed with tubo-tympanic type of CSOM. It was managed by Karna prakshalana (~aural toileting), Karna pramarjana (~ear mopping), Karna dhupana (~aural fumigation), Karna pichu (~medicated cotton swab in the ear), Shiro virechana nasya (~medicated nasal drops), and by internal medicines. The total treatment period was of 45 days with the follow-up of one month. After treatment, the patient got significant relief in ear discharge, heaviness in ear, and hearing loss was improved to mild level.
A Reliable Load Balancing Fault Tolerant Multi-SDN Controller approach in a typical Software Defined Network
Authors: S Sharathkumar , Sreenath N
Published: February 2022

INTRODUCTION: In the 21st Century, we have an emerging, modernized networking approach for efficient transfer of data in the form of packets i.e Software defined Networking (SDN). It is often recognized as the network paradigm acquired by an isolated independent control plane by the means of the underlying networking interface. As the communication medium is getting rapidly increased, the usage of the number of resources are also increasing in the same ratio, this results to connectivity problem in communication networks as well. If the development in technology is gaining more interest, the resource utilization will also increase.OBJECTIVES: In the proposed work here, we need to establish the connection between the client (or the end user) and the server by calculating the network performance using the parameters such as server response time and the throughput of the network by the method of load balancing.METHODS: This paper aims to identify the new methods or techniques to improve the performance of SDN with the increase in reliability, specifically required to improve the real-time data delivery. Alternatively, a reliable disjoint, distributed Multi- SDN controller will be used, to collect the updated network information like packet size, connectivity, packet flow etc. The methods involved are ideal controller optimization technique, distruption acquiscent technique and Maximum flow shortest route technique.RESULTS: From the results obtained by the simulation, the Reliable Load balancing Fault Tolerant Multi-SDN Controller(RLFTMS) approach is more reliable, fault tolerant compared to the other existing traditional mechanisms.CONCLUSION: Load balancing based on the server response time, throughput is being compared , this improves the server workload ditribution among various datacenters. Ultimately the customers or clients will have a great experience in terms of the reducing response time and increase in the throughput.
On the homotopy and strong homotopy type of complexes of discrete Morse functions
Authors: Donovan Connor , Lin Maxwell , Scoville Nicholas A.
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we determine the homotopy types of the Morse complexes of certain collections of simplicial complexes by studying dominating vertices or strong collapses. We show that if K contains two leaves that share a common vertex, then its Morse complex is strongly collapsible and hence has the homotopy type of a point. We also show that the pure Morse complex of a tree is strongly collapsible, thereby recovering as a corollary a result of Ayala et al. (2008, Topology and Its Applications 155, 2084–2089). In addition, we prove that the Morse complex of a disjoint union
$K\sqcup L$
is the Morse complex of the join
$K*L$
. This result is used to compute the homotopy type of the Morse complex of some families of graphs, including Caterpillar graphs, as well as the automorphism group of a disjoint union for a large collection of disjoint complexes.
The geography of gambling: A socio-spatial analysis of gambling machine location and area-level socio-economic status
Authors: Kristiansen Søren , Lund Rolf Lyneborg
Published: February 2022

This study mapped the geographical location and density of electronic gambling machines (EGMs) in Denmark and investigated whether gambling machines cluster in areas with specific socio-economic status (SES) characteristics. Using micro-area modeling and inverse probability weighted regression adjustments, the study was based on register data on SES, EGM location data and geographical grid data. Findings showed that EGMs were distributed throughout the country with some notable clusters in the larger cities. While identifying city-based hotspots, findings also indicated that pure population density offered merely partial explanations in term of EGM location. In terms of links between area-level SES and EGM density, the study found a significant and positive correlation between low level of SES and EGM density. This study could inform fine grained geographical risk localization and harm minimizing measures that transcends well-known administrative area classifications.
Does the System Matter? Surplus Directed to Society in Monopolistic and License-Based Gambling Provision.
Authors: Marionneau Virve , Mandolesi Gabriele , Rolando Sara , Nikkinen Janne
Published: February 2022

The comparative advantages of license-based and monopolistic gambling regimes have been discussed in previous literature from the perspective of their capacity to prevent harms, but less is known about the ability of different regimes to produce public revenue. Gambling is nevertheless an important source of revenue for public service provision. The current paper compares figures from the financial statements of two monopolistic gambling providers in Finland (Veikkaus) and Norway (Norsk Tipping), to four license-based companies operating in the Italian market (Snaitech, Sisal, Gamenet and HBG gaming) to analyze how much surplus they contribute to their host societies and what kind of factors these amounts depend on. The results show that overall, the Nordic monopolistic operations appear more effective in terms of producing gambling surplus to society than the Italian license-based companies. This difference is analyzed in terms of game product portfolios, operating costs, and levels of normal profit. The role of operating costs appears to be the most important factor explaining the lower surplus generated by Italian companies. However, the bulk of these operating costs are directed to the redistribution network which creates employment. If these employment effects are considered, both licensing and monopolistic regimes appear similarly effective. We conclude by problematizing the use of financial effectiveness as a measure for good gambling policy. High surplus collected for societies is also related to high overall gambling volumes that go against public health objectives of reducing harms.
Difficulté de la prise en charge de l’accident de décompression : à propos d’un cas vécu au Cameroun
Authors: NGom Stéphanie Esthelle Geneviève Minka , Kenmegne Caroline , Fogha Valentin Fokouo , Kuifo Cedric , Njock Louis Richard
Published: February 2022

Decompression illness is a rare complication of scuba diving. We report the case of a 29-year-old military man who was admitted to Emergency Department of General Hospital Douala a few minutes after a diving exercise, with complete dysphagia, dysphonia, rotatory vertigo, gait and balance disorder, and severe neck pain radiating along the back. After an emergency treatment, check-ups revealed a cerebral-medullary infarction which confirms the diagnosis of severe decompression sickness. In the lack of hyperbaric oxygen, the patient received normobaric oxygen therapy, antiplatelet agent, hyperhydration and physiotherapy.

Les accidents de décompression (ADD) sont des complications rares au décours d’une plongée sous-marine. Nous rapportons le cas d’un militaire de 29 ans admis aux urgences de l’Hôpital Général Douala (HGD) quelques minutes après un exercice de plongée et qui a présenté une dysphagie complète, une dysphonie, des vertiges rotatoires, un trouble de la marche et de l’équilibre et des vives douleurs cervicales irradiant le long du dos. Après une prise en charge en urgence des bilans faits ont révélé un infarctus cérébromédullaire qui confirme le diagnostic d’accident de décompression sévère. En l’absence de l’oxygène hyperbare, le patient a été mis sous oxygénothérapie normobare, antiagrégant plaquettaire, hyperhydratation et physiothérapie.
Relecteurs 2021 pour Annales Africaines de Médecine
Authors: Ntumba Jean Marie Kayembe
Published: February 2022

No abstract
Prevalence and risk factors of acute gastroenteritis caused by Rotavirus among children in tertiary hospitals, southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Igwe D. , Oshun P. , Osuagwu C. , Efunshile A. , Oduyebo O.
Published: February 2022

Background: Diarrhea is a worldwide problem and rotavirus is the commonest viral etiologic agent. In Nigeria, diarrhea causes more than 315,000 deaths of preschool-age children annually. In Ebonyi State, it is among the leading causes of pediatric emergency visits and one of the major causes of infant morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of acute gastroenteritis due to rotavirus infection among under-five children in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of 275 children under 5 years of age hospitalized for acute watery diarrhea, who were consecutively recruited into the study. Stool samples were collected from each child for rotavirus antigen detection using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Socio-demographic information of each child and selected risk factors were collected using structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done on SPSS software version 20.0, and association of demographic characteristics and risk factors with rotavirus diarrhoea was measured using Chi-square test, odds ratio (and 95% confidence interval). Significant value was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of rotavirus diarrhea among children under 5 years of age in this study was 26.5% (73/275). Aside from educational level of the mothers, there was no significant association between any of the socio-demographic characteristics and prevalence of rotavirus diarrhoea (p>0.05). Although the prevalence of diarrhoea in the children was lower with the use of maize gruel (pap) as weaning feed (26.3%, 71/270) compared to the use of other complementary feeding such as ‘Cerelac’ and ‘NAN’ (40%, 2/5), this association did not reach a significant level(OR=0.5352, 95% CI=0.0875-0.3270, p=0.6110), probably due to the small number of children weaned using other complementary feeds. Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of rotavirus diarrhea in children under 5 years of age in this study is an indication of the need for the parents/guardians of these children to improve child feeding hygiene.
Sustainability likelihood of community and social development projects in Oyo and Ekiti States, Nigeria
Authors: Obar Eucharia E. , Adekoya Adegbenga E.
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the gender and generational involvement of community members on the sustainability likelihood of the Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) in Oyo and Ekiti states, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 130 respondents (16 youth, 42 adult male, 34 adult female and 38 elders). Focus group discussion was used to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Respondents indicated their involvement in project phases: needs assessment (2:54, 6:5, 5:1), funding (2:23), decision making (12:4, 9:2, 7:2, 2:30), formulation of Community Development Plan (5:8, 3:3, 35:1), training (3:2, 6:6) and implementation (5:2, 2:25, 3:6, 9:3). None of the projects were insured (11:5, 2:26, 19:4), maintenance committee was set in place (8:32, 2:41), projects were relevant (19:7, 6:12, 20:10) and environmental impact assessment was carried out (7:8, 2:46, 3:13, 1:34). The facilitators of CSDP should monitor the activities of community members and ensure that the community members comply with the activities required for the implementation of the projects as stated in the CSDP implementation manual.
Knowledge of eggplant farmers on the proper use of pesticides in Khartoum State, Sudan
Authors: Abdelbagi Azhari Omer , Ismail Rihab Eltahir Abdalla , Ishag Abd Elaziz Sulieman Ahmed , Hammad Ahmed Mohammed Ali , Hur Jang-hyun
Published: February 2022

The knowledge of eggplant farmers on the proper use of pesticides was evaluated in Khartoum State. Questionnaire was distributed to farmers in North Nile Farms (NN), East Nile Farms (ENF), and West Nile Farms (WNF) to solicit information. Interviews and questionnaires revealed that there is a limited level of awareness among farmers. The majority (94%) of farmers did not abide by recommended disposal procedures, they only damage and bury the containers inside the farms. The majority of farmers (66%) were not aware of the safety period for any given product. The excessive use of pesticides in eggplant production and reliance only on pesticides as a pest management strategy calls for the implementation of IPM programs integrating the use of environmentally soft chemicals with other non-chemical control methods to manage pests and diseases. Safety periods should be carefully watched to reduce the level of residues in eggplant fruits below the acceptable level and to ensure sustainable and safe production.
Cocoa-farmers’ preferred training schedule on good agricultural practices in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Akinmolafe Abiodun Oladele
Published: February 2022

The study examined cocoa farmers’ preferred training schedule on good agricultural practices (GAP) in Ondo State, Nigeria. A total of 294 cocoa farmers were sampled through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected on respondents’ personal and socio-economic characteristics, perceived knowledge level in selected cocoa production management practices, method of training, form of training, venue of training, time of the year (month) for training and medium of expression. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and percentage. The study revealed that cocoa farmers can read and write Yoruba language (86.1%), the majority (75.6%) had between 6 – 17 years of formal education, and 60.9% were participating in religious organization. Cocoa farmers preferred practical demonstration method of training (85.4%) and training in groups (96.6%). They also preferred training at farm site (83.0%) as well as using the local dialect (60.9%) as medium of communication. Any training for cocoa farmers should be designed using practical demonstration and small plot adaptive technique.
Influencing Generations: Pre-service teachers’ environmental worldviews at a South African university
Authors: Goldschagg Paul , Long Dianne
Published: February 2022

One of the key means of achieving environmental mindfulness is through education. Using a social transformation orientation lens and questions in the Revised New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale (Dunlap, Van Liere, Mertig & Emmet Jones, 2000), this study at a South African university examines the environmental worldviews of a cohort of pre-service education students prior to and after completing an introductory module on Resources and Environmental Management as part of a Social Science course. Quantitative results indicate that the module did not change NEP scores significantly, suggesting that engagement with the course content is low and hence concern for the environment is low. The results suggest that more emphasis ought to be placed on environmental education to improve pre-service education students’ mindfulness towards the environment.Keywords: sustainability and environmental education in teacher education; Geography education; environmental worldviews
Protective effect of huperzine A against isoproterenol-induced myocardial damage in rats via regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Lili , Wang Fengnian
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To investigate the cardioprotective effect of huperzine A (Hup A) against isoproterenol (ISO)- induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats.

Methods: Forty healthy male rats were divided into 4 groups. Control rats received only saline. Rats in Hup A group were injected with Hup A (0.5 mg/kg) only; ISO-treated MI rats were injected with ISO, while ISO + Hup A rats were pre-treated with Hup A prior to ISO exposure and again treated with Hup A. Lipid levels, antioxidant status, cardiac markers, as well as the proteins associated with the PI3k/Akt signaling pathway were determined.

Results: Pre- and post-treatment with Hup A resulted in marked reductions in cardiac markers, heart weight, lipid peroxidation product (MDA), and lipid levels, along with improved antioxidant enzyme activities (p < 0.01). Rats treated with Hup A displayed normal cardiac fibrillar structure, relative to ISO- treated rats. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of Akt and PI3k (pAkt/Akt and pPI3k/PI3k ratios) were significantly upregulated (p < 0.01) in Hup A treated rats.

Conclusion: Pre- and post-treatment of rats with Hup A exerted potent cardioprotective effect against ISO-induced cardiac failure in rats. Thus, Hup A can potentially be developed as adjuvant therapy in clinical practice for alleviating MI-related problems.
Effect of resveratrol on endocrine function, oocyte oxidation and apoptosis in mice with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Huang Weiyan , Duan Lili , Wu Meiyu , Wang Lei , Wang Zhifang
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of resveratrol on endocrine function, oocyte oxidative stress and oocyte apoptosis in mice with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: Healthy female Kunming mice (n = 180) were assigned to control, model and resveratrol groups, respectively. Changes in ovarian tissue in each group, including apoptosis of granulosa cells, were measured. Oocyte abnormal mitochondria, changes in oocyte mitochondrial membrane potential, expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-9 in oocytes evaluated. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in each group were also assayed.

Results: Compared with the model group, the levels of sex hormones, ovarian cell apoptosis and abnormal mitochondria of mice in the resveratrol group were significantly reduced, while uterine weight increased (p < 0.05). The expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-9, GPx and SOD, and ROS levels in the resveratrol group decreased significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Resveratrol significantly improves endocrine function in PCOS mice, but inhibits oocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress response. Thus, resveratrol may be useful in the treatment of PCOS but further clinical trials are required to confirm it.
Effect of papain enzyme administration in pH alteration, VEGF phosphorylation, and its impact on collagen degradation using a rat model of abnormal scarring
Authors: Wihastyoko Herman Y.L. , Soeharto Setyawati , Widjajanto Edi , Handono Kusworini , Pardjianto Bambang
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To analyze the effect of enzyme papain administration, after its injection into abnormal scars of Rattus norvegicus rats, on pH alteration (ΔpH) of scar tissue, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression levels, and determine their impact on collagen degradation.

Methods: This study used Rattus norvegicus as an experimental animal. The pH measurement of the scar tissue was carried out before papain injection at 12th weeks while abnormal scar was established after papain injection at 15th weeks. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was examined by Western blot technique, while hydroxyproline levels were measured using QuickZyme Total Collagen Assay.

Results: Changes in ΔpH, VEGF expression, and hydroxyproline levels in the treatment group were significant (p < 0.05) compared to control. Path analysis showed a direct relationship between the parameters (p < 0.01), except for the correlation between VEGF and hydroxyproline value (p = 0.23).

Conclusion: Papain enzyme administration increased ΔpH value of abnormal scar tissue. A high dose of papain also causes an increase of collagen degradation process, as a response to angiogenesis deflation.
Effect of propofol on lung metastasis of circulating tumor cells after colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Wu Shi , Jia Shiting , Long Houwen
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of propofol on lung metastasis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, and the mechanism involved.

Methods: Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) male BALB/c mice (n = 30; mean age = 7 ± 1 weeks; mean weight = 19 ± 3 g) were used for this study. To establish mouse model of CRC, 100 μL of CRC (CT26) cells was injected into the caudal vein of each mouse. Three groups of 10 mice were used: control, 5 μL/mL propofol, and 10 μL/mL propofol groups. Changes in pulmonary superficial nodules of mice lungs were determined. Colorectal cancer cell (CT26) proliferation and apoptosis were measured using Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining and in situ terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, respectively.

Results: The number of pulmonary nodules and proportion of proliferating cells (Ki-67 expression level) were significantly higher in 5 μL/mL propofol-treated mice, relative to control, but markedly lower in 10 μL/mL propofol group than in 5 μL/mL propofol group (p < 0.05). Although apoptotic index increased in 5 μL/mL propofol group, cell apoptosis was comparable among the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: These results suggest that propofol promotes pulmonary metastasis of CTCs after CRC surgery via stimulation of CTC proliferation in the lungs. Therefore, caution should be exercised in the use of propofol in colorectal cancer surgery.
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation in pre-eclampsia: Analysis of effectiveness and safety
Authors: Gao Yanyu , Luo Dan , Wang Qiong , Lin Juan
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of calcium and vitamin D (vit D) supplementation initiated at early pregnancy in high-risk women on reduction of preeclampsia risk.

Methods: This prospective cohort study involved 492 pregnant women who had experienced pre-eclampsia or eclampsia in their current pregnancy (high risk) and were either on calcium (1000 mg/day) as well as vit D (400 IU/day) supplementation at early pregnancy or none. All the included pregnant women received standard doses of calcium (1500 mg/day) and vit D (600 IU/day) supplementation post 20 gestation weeks till childbirth. The primary outcome was pre-eclampsia characterized by hypertension as well as proteinuria.

Results: From March 10, 2015 to February 24, 2018, each of the 246 pregnant women were assigned to the calcium/vit D group versus control group with no calcium/vit D. In the calcium/vit D group, 26.45 % developed preeclampsia compared to 32.11 % in control group with a Risk ratio [RR] of 0.82 (95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.62-1.08; p 0.167). No serious adverse events were related to calcium or vit D.

Conclusion: Calcium/vit D supplementation during early pregnancy did not demonstrate any significant reduction in pre-eclampsia. Large, high-quality studies with higher patient numbers are needed for adequate testing of impact of calcium/vit D on pre-eclampsia.
Effectiveness and safety of co-administration of moxifloxacin with netilmicin in drug-resistant tuberculosis patients, and its impact on inflammatory factors and immune function
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Yanping , Chen Li , Zhang Guiying , Zhu Hongzhu
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To study the effectiveness and safety of co-administration of moxifloxacin with netilmicin in drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) patients, and its impact on levels of inflammatory factors and immune function.

Methods: We enrolled 100 patients with drug-resistant TB admitted to People’s Hospital of Rizhao between May 2017 and October 2019. The patients were randomly allocated to control group and study group, with 50 patients per group. The control group received moxifloxacin at a dose of 0.2 g t.i.d. for 6 months and the study group received netilmicin at a dose of 0.1 g t.i.d. plus. The response, incidence of adverse reactions, expression levels of inflammatory factors, immune function, and sputum-negative status after 2, 4 and 6 months of TB treatment were compared.

Results: The study group showed markedly higher response than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were lower incidence of adverse effects in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The expression levels of inflammatory factors were significantly lower in the study group, while the concentrations of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ were markedly higher (p < 0.05). After 2, 4 and 6 months of TB treatment, cases of sputum-negative conversion were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Co-administration of moxifloxacin with netilmicin produces much higher effectiveness and safety than moxifloxacin monotherapy, decreases inflammatory factor levels and improves immune function in patients with drug-resistant TB.
Compound Tongluo Decoction promotes generation and homing of endothelial progenitor cells after cerebral infarction in rats by activating Shh signaling
Authors: Hui Zhen , Wu Wei , Xu Chengcheng , Wang Sulei , Li Jianxiang , Zhang Jinghua , Zhang Zhennian
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To investigate the protective effects of Compound Tongluo decoction (CTD)on neurological function in rats, and the mechanism involved in its angiogenesis-promoting effect.

Methods: Rats were arbitrarily assigned to sham group, permanent middle cerebral artery infarction (pMCAO) group, and PMCAO+CTD group (pMCAO plus 7-day oral treatment with CTD). Neurological deficit scores and volume of stroke-damaged areas were measured after 7 days of treatment. The levels of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BMEPCs) in serum and brain tissues were determined by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. The expression levels of sonic hedgehog (Shh), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and angiopoietin-1(Ang-1) at infarct sites and in BMEPCs were quantitated using western blot assay.

Results: The results showed that CTD markedly ameliorated neurological deficit, reduced volume of affected areas, and promoted the production and homing of BMEPCs. Moreover, CTD upregulated Shh, VEGF and Ang-1expressions at ischemic sites and EPCs, but promoted the proliferation and metastasis of EPCs. The CTD-induced changes were significantly suppressed by Shh inhibitor cyclopamine (CP).

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that CTD promotes angiogenesis after cerebral infarction, probably by stimulating Shh signaling and triggering production and homing of EPCs, thereby providing neuroprotection against cerebral infarction. Thus, CTD is a potential neuroprotective agent against cerebral infarction in humans.
Morphometric study of humpback whale mother-calf pairs in the Sainte Marie channel, Madagascar, using a simple drone-based photogrammetric method
Authors: Ratsimbazafindranahaka Maevatiana , Razafimahatratra Emilienne , Mathevet Robin , Adam Olivier , Huetz Chloé , Charrier Isabelle , Saloma Anjara
Published: February 2022

Morphometric studies of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) occurring in the Indian Ocean area have been limited by the technology currently available. In the Sainte Marie channel, Madagascar, straightforward aerial single-camera photogrammetry was tested on mother-calf pairs that combines standard Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with free, easy-to-access, and user-friendly software. The goals of the study were to estimate mother and calf body measurements and to investigate the effect of maternal parity (primiparous versus multiparous, based on length) on calf size. A mean length of 12.4±1.2 m for mothers (N = 16) and 5±0.9 m for calves (N = 16) was estimated. The size of calves did not depend significantly on maternal parity. The photogrammetry method used was simple and cost-effective, yet produced convincing morphometric measurements with acceptable precision and accuracy. The coefficients of variation (CVs) of repeated estimates and the level of error were relatively low (CV = 2.31 % for a known-sized object and average CV = 2.52 % for individual whales; average error = 1.8 % for a known-sized object). These results will encourage more teams to study the morphometry of large marine mammals despite limitations in terms of resources.
Barriers and Facilitators to eHealth Technology Use Among Community-Dwelling Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Singh Gurkaran , Nimmon Laura , Sawatzky Bonita , Ben Mortenson W.
Published: February 2022

Background

As eHealth technologies become a more prevalent means to access care and self-manage health, it is important to identify the unique facilitators and barriers to their use. Few studies have evaluated the use or potential use of eHealth technologies in spinal cord injury (SCI) populations.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to explore and identify barriers and facilitators to engagement with eHealth technologies among individuals with SCI.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Data were collected via one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with a subsample of 20 community-dwelling participants enrolled in a larger clinical trial. Analysis of the transcripts was undertaken using a four-phase process of content analysis.

Results

Our analysis identified three barriers to engagement with eHealth technologies, including (1) overcoming a digital divide to comprehending and utilizing eHealth technologies, (2) navigating internet resources that provide too much information, and (3) interacting with these technologies despite having limited hand function. Our analysis also identified three facilitators to using eHealth technologies, including (1) having previous successful experiences with eHealth technologies, (2) being able to use voice activation features, and (3) being able to interact in an online community network.

Conclusion

By exploring barriers and facilitators to eHealth technology use, these findings may have a short-term impact on informing researchers and clinicians on important factors affecting engagement of individuals with SCI with telemedicine, mobile, and web applications (apps) and a long-term impact on informing future development of eHealth interventions and tools among chronic disease populations.
The Mori fan of the Dolgachev-Nikulin-Voisin family in genus $2$
Authors: Hulek Klaus , Liese Carsten
Published: February 2022

In this paper we study the Mori fan of the Dolgachev-Nikulin-Voisin family in degree $2$ as well as the associated secondary fan. The main result is an enumeration of all maximal dimensional cones of the two fans.

Comment: Substantially revised final version
"ins Sprachdunkle": Theoriegeschichte der Unverständlichkeit 1870–1970
Authors: Christen Felix
Published: February 2022

Unverständlichkeit ist eine Einladung zum Denken und deshalb ein Movens jener Art unausgesetzter Reflexion, aus der Theorie entsteht. Was unverständlich ist, fordert das Verstehen heraus, setzt ihm aber auch Grenzen. Deshalb ist die Dunkelheit eines Wortes, eines Verses oder gar eines ganzen Textes seit der Antike ebenso ein Stein des Anstoßes wie auch eine Einladung zum Denken. Nicht nur der konkreten Frage, was etwas Unverständliches bedeutet, sondern auch der abstrakteren, was Unverständlichkeit überhaupt heißt - wovon man spricht, wenn man von Unverständlichkeit spricht -, gilt dann die Aufmerksamkeit. Diese Frage wird in der Moderne angesichts von Werken der Literatur und Kunst, die kaum mehr verständlich scheinen, besonders dringlich. In insistenten Lektüren von Texten und Entwürfen Nietzsches, Heideggers, Adornos und Celans rekonstruiert Felix Christen die rhetorischen, hermeneutischen, ästhetischen und poetologischen Kontexte der Reflexion von Unverständlichkeit und zeigt, dass Unverständlichkeit ein initiales Moment moderner Theoriebildung ist. Der Theoretisierung von Unverständlichkeit wohnt dabei auch eine ethische Dimension inne, die bei Adorno, insbesondere aber bei Celan explizit wird.
A nova fronteira agrícola do Brasil: um ensaio teórico sobre a insustentabilidade na região do Matopiba
Authors: Nepomoceno Taiane Aparecida Ribeiro , Carniatto Irene
Published: February 2022

A sustentabilidade socioambiental é determinada pelas relações estabelecidas, numa lógica de respeito, justiça e equidade, isso contempla as práticas produtivas. Logo, em função das características agricultáveis o Matopiba, como fronteira agrícola, vem sendo disputado e as relações inerentes colocadas em xeque. O objetivo deste artigo foi reunir indícios da dinâmica agrícola na região do Matopiba e sua relação com a sustentabilidade socioambiental. Para isso, foi desenvolvida uma revisão de literatura narrativa e pesquisa documental, de caráter exploratório, com coleta de dados na plataforma SIDRA do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. A monocultura, desenvolvida a partir de um pacote tecnológico robusto e a internacionalização das grandes áreas da região de Cerrado, viabiliza a produção de commodities, com destaque para a soja. Além de impactos ambientais, o modelo de desenvolvimento capitalista adotado, aumenta as desigualdades de acesso à terra e modifica a dinâmica sociocultural dos campesinos e povos tradicionais. Assim, não há indícios suficientes para confirmar a sustentabilidade socioambiental no Matopiba, isto, porque o desenvolvimento da região têm se pautado na inferiorização das classes menos favorecidas e do planeta. Portanto, o Matopiba atende aos interesses de grupos dominantes e compromissos políticos firmados, tendo por base a destruição planetária.
Análise multitemporal de incêndios florestais ocorridos no Estado de Minas Gerais entre 2001 e 2020
Authors: Latuf Marcelo de Oliveira , Rios Guilherme da Silva , Pereira Raiane Cristina
Published: February 2022

Incêndios florestais têm causado impactos em diversas regiões do globo, ocorrendo de forma mais expressiva no período correspondente à estação seca. Além da sazonalidade do clima, a ação antrópica quase sempre está relacionada às ocorrências de incêndios em áreas de pastagens ou pela abertura de áreas para cultivos. Para subsidiar a prevenção e o combate aos incêndios, técnicas de sensoriamento remoto posicionam-se como ferramenta valiosa no monitoramento espaço-temporal do comportamento do fenômeno. No presente estudo, utilizou-se a plataforma Google Earth Engine e produtos da coleção MODIS Burned Area Monthly Global, para análise da dinâmica espaço-temporal de incêndios florestais no Estado de Minas Gerais ocorridos entre 2001 e 2020. Resultados apontam que 12.683.036ha foram consumidos ao menos uma vez pelo fogo no Estado, o que corresponde a 21,6% da área total. A mesorregião do Noroeste de Minas obteve 43,3% de seu território afetado ao menos uma vez pelo fogo, enquanto na análise por biomas, destaque para o Cerrado, com 31,2% impactado. Destaque entre as unidades de conservação, o Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, que posiciona-se como uma das áreas de maior recorrência. A partir dos resultados obtidos, espera-se subsidiar ações efetivas no combate e prevenção de incêndios no Estado de Minas Gerais.
Characteristics and Management of Unplanned Hospitalizations from the Emergency Department to our Surgical Oncology Clinic: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Çaparlar Mehmet Ali , Dokcu Şeref , Demirci Salim
Published: February 2022

AIM Unplanned and emergency hospitalizations in oncology clinics bring additional costs to health services provided and additional burdens on service planning of the hospitals. We have very little information because studies on this subject are insufficient. This study, it is aimed to discuss unplanned and urgent admissions from the emergency department to a surgical oncology clinic in the light of current literature. PATIENTS AND METHOD Medical records of 227 consecutive patients admitted to our clinic were collected and reviewed retrospectively over electronic data system. The patients' data were analyzed according to their demographic and clinical characteristics and classified according to the pre-diagnosis, gender, reasons for hospitalization, initial treatment, clinical referral to the emergency room, and the type of treatment administered after admission. Categorical variables were evaluated with Pearson Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. For p<0.05, the results were considered statistically significant. RESULTS Mean age of the patients was approximately 60 years, and gender distribution was equal. The most common admission to the emergency department was the patient's admission (67.4%), the most common primary diagnosis was gastric cancer (31.3%), and the most common emergency pathology requiring hospitalization was ileus-subileus (50.7%). 25.5% of admissions consisted of patients who were readmitted after discharge. After hospitalization, 38.3% of the patients required a significant intervention. Most patients were admitted during working hours (85%) and on weekdays (89%). The mean Charlson comorbidity index was 6.8 for those who had major surgery and differed significantly with the probability of undergoing major surgery (p= .012). CONCLUSION Most of patients had pathology requiring intervention. These patients required palliative care. However, acceptance rates of patients for palliative care, which should be considered, necessitate revision of these services. In addition, high number of early readmissions requires us to review our criteria for post-operative care, management of complications, and discharge.
Investigation of the Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic Process on Consumers' Behaviors in Purchasing Some Unpackaged Food Products
Authors: Kaya Şeyda
Published: February 2022

Abstract In a global scale, rapid population growth and lifestyle changes increase the tendency towards packaged foods in the production and consumption sectors. However, despite many advanced techniques used in the food industry, packaged foods can increase consumers' concerns about healthy eating. On the other hand, it is reported that there is no definite evidence that the new type of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan-China, is transmitted by food, but infected people in the food chain can cause contamination. This study aimed to examine the effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on consumers' view of unpackaged food products. 150 volunteers who shopped at various markets, bazaars and other sales stalls in Bitlis Province between November 2020 and January 2021, determined by simple random sampling, were included in the study. The questionnaires created by the researcher, were applied face to face to the participants by following the mask, social distance and cleaning rules. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with the SPSS 23 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) package program, at a 95% confidence interval, at a significance level of p<0.05. The sample size was determined by the method of reaching 5-10 times the number of question in the survey in order to carry out multivariate analysis. In conclusion; after the Covid-19 Pandemic, it was observed that the participants decreased their purchasing of the unpackaged products they bought before the pandemic (p<0.001). When the food categories are examined separately, it is seen that the consumers reduce the purchase of bagel, pastry, cruller, cup corn (d-0.769) the most and the unpackaged bread (d-0.185) the least. In addition, it was observed that the purchasing behaviors of the participants for unpackaged food products differed significantly both before the pandemic (p<0.001) and after the pandemic (p<0.001), according to their income level. This study is the only study in the literature in which this relationship is specifically examined, and it is thought that it can contribute to future studies in this sense.