bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver Protection Mechanism and Absorption Promotion Technology of Silybin Based on Intelligent Medical Analysis
Authors: Yan Bingbing , Zhang Chuanying
Published: July 2021

With the continuous popularization of smart medicine, the protective effect of silibinin in the liver has attracted much attention. This study mainly explores the liver protection mechanism and absorption promotion technology of silybin based on intelligent medical analysis. Refining of silibinin: accurately weigh 1.0 g of silibinin in a three-necked flask; gradually add 50 mL of anhydrous methanol, reflux and filter the precipitated solid; and weigh it after drying. ICR male mice were taken as experimental subjects and randomly divided into groups of 10 each. The mice in the normal group and the model group were given intragastrically with 0.5% CMC-Na solution; the mice in the silibinin group were given intragastrically with SB/CMC-Na suspension; the mice in the remaining groups were given low, medium, and high-dose suspensions to their stomachs, and silibinin 23 acylate/CMC-Na suspension was administered at a dose of 10 mL/kg for 7 consecutive days. After that, the mice were fasted for 12 hours. After 6 hours of fasting (18 hours after modeling), the blood cells from their orbits were taken, placed in a 37°C water bath for 30 minutes, and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes, and then the serum was taken; the activity equivalent of AST and ALT in serum was measured; serum determination Medium AST and ALT vitality. The mice were killed by decapitation, fresh liver tissue was immediately collected, and part of it was frozen in liquid nitrogen for the RT-PCR test. The hepatocyte expansion and death were observed using a transmission electron microscope, and the oncosis index (OI) was calculated. Another part of the liver tissue was fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde solution, embedded in paraffin, dehydrated, and sliced at 4 μm. Some sections were stained with conventional HE, and the pathological changes of liver cells were observed under light microscope; some sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry. Only one mouse died when 240 mg/kg of silibinin was given 10 minutes after the model was modeled. However, when 240 mg/kg silibinin was given to the mice 20 minutes after modeling, the mortality rate of the mice rose to 50%, and the therapeutic effect was significantly weakened. This research is helpful to advance the research of silybin in liver protection.
Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of SLN‐Loaded Thermoresponsive Hydrogel System of Topotecan as Biological Macromolecule for Colorectal Delivery
Authors: Xing R. , Mustapha O. , Ali T. , Rehman M. , Zaidi S. S. , Baseer A. , Batool S. , Mukhtiar M. , Shafique S. , Malik M. , Sohail S. , Ali Z. , Zahid F. , Zeb A. , Shah F. , Yousaf A. , Din F.
Published: July 2021

Background. Chemotherapeutic drugs cause severe toxicities if administered unprotected, without proper targeting, and controlled release. In this study, we developed topotecan‐ (TPT‐) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for their chemotherapeutic effect against colorectal cancer. The TPT‐SLNs were further incorporated into a thermoresponsive hydrogel system (TRHS) (TPT‐SLNs‐TRHS) to ensure control release and reduce toxicity of the drug. Microemulsion technique and cold method were, respectively, used to develop TPT‐SLNs and TPT‐SLNs‐TRHS. Particle size, polydispersive index (PDI), and incorporation efficiency (IE) of the TPT‐SLNs were determined. Similarly, gelation time, gel strength, and bioadhesive force studies of the TPT‐SLNs‐TRHS were performed. Additionally, in vitro release and pharmacokinetic and antitumour evaluations of the formulation were done. Results. TPT‐SLNs have uniformly distributed particles with mean size in nanorange (174 nm) and IE of ~90%. TPT‐SLNs‐TRHS demonstrated suitable gelation properties upon administration into the rat’s rectum. Moreover, drug release was exhibited in a control manner over an extended period of time for the incorporated TPT. Pharmacokinetic studies showed enhanced bioavailability of the TPT with improved plasma concentration and AUC. Further, it showed significantly enhanced antitumour effect in tumour‐bearing mice as compared to the test formulations. Conclusion. It can be concluded that SLNs incorporated in TRHS could be a potential source of the antitumour drug delivery with better control of the drug release and no toxicity.
Analysis of the Coal and Gas Outburst Mechanism from the Perspective of Tectonic Movement
Authors: Tu Qingyi , Cheng Yuanping , Xue Sheng , Ren Ting , Cheng Xiang
Published: July 2021

Coal and gas outburst is the extreme instability caused by stress, gas, and coal. In this review article, dominant factors and inducing factors of outburst were summarized; geologic features of typical outburst cases and the effects of tectonic movement on outbursts were analyzed; the outburst stages with considerations to geologic factors were divided. It was found that inducing factors, including buried depth, tectonic movement, gas composition, coal seam conditions, overlying/underlying rock conditions, and mining mode, control the outburst by influencing the dominant factors (stress, gas, and coal). Among them, tectonic movement is the key of outburst. Influenced by tectonic movement, the primary structure of coals is damaged/pulverized due to the tectonic stress and unique tectonic mode, resulting in the formation of tectonic coals. When external dynamic factors are changed, tectonic coals are crucial to outburst control for its evolution of porous structure as well as the unique mechanical behaviors and gas flowing responses. Besides, the preparation stage of outburst includes the tectonic process and mining process. The former one refers to the restructuring process of the original coal-bearing strata by tectonic movement, while the mining process is the prerequisite of outburst and it refers to the disturbance of human mining activities to the initial coal seams. It is suggested that more work is required on geological factors of outburst, and a few research areas are proposed for future research.
Standard-Dose Rituximab as Effective Therapy for Treating Malignancy-Related Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in the Eldery: A Case Report
Authors: Nelson Blessie Elizabeth , Hong Angelina , Dekmezian Mhair , Jana Bagi
Published: July 2021

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome involving uncontrolled inflammation due to widespread activation of immune response. HLH can be inherited or acquired secondary to infection, autoimmune, or oncologic processes such as small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). There has been minimal documentation of HLH secondary to SLL/CLL, and results of treatment have been largely unsuccessful. This case describes a critically ill elderly patient with HLH caused by SLL/CLL who was successfully treated with standard-dose rituximab and regained a high quality of life.
Studying Kidney Diseases at the Single-Cell Level
Authors: Jiang Mengmeng , Chen Haide , Guo Guoji
Published: July 2021

Background: The kidney is a highly complex organ that performs diverse functions that are essential for health. Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are damaged and fail to function properly. Single-cell analysis is a powerful technology that provides unprecedented insights into normal and abnormal kidney cell types and will transform our understanding of the mechanism underlying common kidney diseases. Summary: Our understanding of kidney disease pathogenesis is limited by the incomplete molecular characterization of cell types responsible for kidney functions. Application of single-cell technologies for the study of the kidney has revealed cellular heterogeneity, gene expression signatures, and molecular dynamics during the onset and development of kidney diseases. Single-cell analyses of kidney organoids and allograft tissues offer new insights into kidney organogenesis, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic outcomes. Collectively, a better understanding of kidney cell heterogeneity and the molecular dynamics of kidney diseases will improve diagnostic accuracy and facilitate the identification of novel treatment strategies in nephrology. Key Message: In this review article, we summarize recent single-cell studies on kidney diseases and discuss the impact of single-cell technology on both basic and clinical nephrology research.
Successful Treatment of Post-Phacoemulsification Descemet’s Membrane Detachment Assessed by Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography: A Case Report
Authors: Doi Ayaka , Akagi Tadamichi , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: July 2021

Descemet’s membrane detachment (DMD) is a rare but serious complication of phacoemulsification surgery. A small DMD may resolve spontaneously, but extensive DMD often requires intracameral injection of air, nonexpansile gases, or expansile gases. A 92-year-old man who underwent phacoemulsification and aspiration with intraocular lens placement in the right eye had significantly reduced visual acuity, with a hazy cornea after surgery. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) examination revealed extensive DMD throughout the cornea. He was treated with intracameral injection of 20% sulfur hexafluoride. As a result, the Descemet membrane was successfully reattached, and the corneal edema resolved. AS-OCT was helpful in confirming the presence and extent of DMD, provided useful information to determine the appropriate treatment, and was useful for monitoring DMD.
Immun-Checkpoint-Blockade bei fortgeschrittenem kutanen Plattenepithelkarzinom: Was wissen wir derzeit im Jahr 2020?
Authors: Wessely Anja , Steeb Theresa , Leiter Ulrike , Garberoglio Roberto , Berking Carola , Heppt Markus Vincent
Published: July 2021

Das kutane Plattenepithelkarzinom (cSCC) ist der zweithäufigste Hautkrebs und entsteht vor allem in chronisch sonnengeschädigter Haut. Nachgewiesene Hauptrisikofaktoren sind Immunsuppression, genetische Störungen wie Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Exposi­tion gegenüber bestimmten Medikamenten und Umweltnoxen. Therapie der Wahl bei cSCC ist die chirurgische Entfernung, die im Frühstadium meist kurativ erfolgt. Einige wenige Patienten entwickeln jedoch lokal fortgeschrittene Tumoren oder Fernmetastasen, die nach wie vor schwierig zu behandeln sind. Die auf CTLA-4, PD-L1 und PD-1 ausgerichtete Immun-Checkpoint-Blockade (ICB) hat die onkologische Therapie und insbesondere die Behandlung von Hautkrebserkrankungen als Tumoren mit hoher Mutationslast sehr stark verändert. In der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit liegt der Fokus auf den Unterschieden zwischen dem kutanen Plattenepithelkarzinom und dem kutanen Melanom (CM) sowie den damit verbundenen Implikationen für die Therapie. Darüber hinaus werden die aktuelle Evidenzlage zur ICB für die Behandlung des fortgeschrittenem cSCC zusammengefasst und die Chancen und Risiken dieser therapeutischen Option für diese Krebsentität erörtert. Ferner richten wir das Augenmerk auf spezielle interessierende Subgruppen von Patienten wie etwa Organtransplantatempfänger, Patienten mit malignen hämatologischen Erkrankungen, XP und Feldkanzerisierung.
A Reexamination of the Herpetofauna of Oaxaca, Mexico: Composition Update, Physiographic Distribution, and Conservation Commentary
Authors: MATA-SILVA VICENTE , GARCÍA-PADILLA ELÍ , ROCHA ARTURO , DESANTIS DOMINIC L. , JOHNSON JERRY D. , RAMÍREZ-BAUTISTA AURELIO , WILSON LARRY DAVID
Published: July 2021

A substantial number of changes to the composition of the herpetofauna of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, including taxonomic additions and deletions, have occurred in the five years since our original assessment of this region. These changes now establish a herpetofauna of 480 species for the state. A number of taxonomic and nomenclatural changes involving the Oaxacan herpetofauna also are discussed. Updated patterns of physiographic distribution, endemism, and conservation status of the members of the state herpetofauna are examined.
A new species of Pseudione sensu lato (Isopoda: Bopyridae) on a squat lobster host from the deep South-West Atlantic
Authors: PEREIRA EMANUEL , DOTI BRENDA LÍA , ROCCATAGLIATA DANIEL
Published: July 2021

A new bopyrid, Pseudione chiesai n. sp., is herein described based on an ovigerous female and an adult male found in the right branchial chamber on a specimen of Munida spinosa Henderson, 1885. This parasite was collected in the Mar del Plata submarine canyon at 819 m depth during the expedition “Talud Continental I” carried out by the Argentine RV Puerto Deseado in 2012. P. chiesai n. sp. belongs to the Pseudione “crénelés” group sensu Bourdon (1972, 1976), which currently contains seven species, all of which have galatheoid crabs as hosts. P. chiesai n. sp. can be separated from the other species in the Pseudione “crénelés” group by the following combination of characters: (1) both sides of the body convex, (2) frontal lamina with a few, shallow indentations, (3) coxal plates 1–4 and tergal projections 1–4 with distinct irregular margins, mainly on the right side, (4) pereomeres 5–7 with single/branched lateral digitations, (5) maxilliped palp well-developed and setose, and (6) pleon with lateral plates 1–5 distally rounded and directed laterally. The taxonomic position of this new species is briefly discussed.
A new species of Hetereleotris (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Socotra Archipelago (north-western Indian Ocean), a rare case of a hole-associated adaptation in gobiid fishes
Authors: KOVAČIĆ MARCELO , BOGORODSKY SERGEY V. , ZAJONZ UWE , TORNABENE LUKE
Published: July 2021

A new cryptobenthic gobiid species Hetereleotris nasoramosa sp. nov. is described based on the holotype and five paratypes collected from the north-eastern part of Socotra Island, Arabian Sea, from moderately large pieces of coral rocks with holes at depths of 8–11 m. Molecular phylogenetic analysis placed the new species within the genus Hetereleotris. Hetereleotris nasoramosa sp. nov., differs from all species of Hetereleotris in having developed tentacles extending from each anterior and posterior nostril and five transverse suborbital papillae rows (instead four or six in other species). The new species superficially resembles the recently described Red Sea endemic species Cerogobius petrophilus by having forward-set, elevated eyes, a short snout, a moderately large mouth, a relatively deep and short caudal peduncle, and developed tentacles on the head, but differs from it by the same characters of developed tentacles extending from each anterior and posterior nostril and five transverse suborbital papillae rows as from other Hetereleotris species. Both species also share a specific habitat preference for tight holes in rock covered by micro-algae. A full description of the species is provided as well as a revised key to the species of Hetereleotris.
Polycentropus aileenae n. sp. (Trichoptera: Polycentropodidae), a caddisfly species from the eastern Nearctic, with new state records for members of the Polycentropus confusus Species Group
Authors: ORFINGER ALEXANDER B. , MOULTON JOHN K.
Published: July 2021

A new eastern Nearctic species of tube-making caddisfly of the genus Polycentropus Curtis 1835 (Trichoptera: Polycentropodidae) is described and illustrated based on adult males and females. Polycentropus aileenae n. sp., a member of the Polycentropus confusus Species Group, is reported from the Canadian province Nova Scotia and the U.S. states Tennessee and Pennsylvania. The species is diagnosed based on multiple aspects of the male genitalia, including inflection of the dorsal processes of the preanal appendages and the slightly recurved dorsum of the apex of the phallus. New U.S. state records of P. confusus Hagen 1861 and P. elarus Ross 1944 from Florida, and P. thaxtoni Hamilton & Holzenthal 1986 from Alabama, are also provided.
MiR-532-3p Suppresses Nucleus Pulposus Cells Proliferation and Extracellular Matrix Production, Promotes Cell Apoptosis via Targeting High Mobility Group AT-Hook 2
Authors: Long Zhisheng , Gong Feipeng , Li Chen
Published: July 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of microRNA (miR)-532-3p in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Further, whether miR-532-3p regulates HMGA2 in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells was explored. We collected human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues from the patients
with IDD, and detected miR-532-3p in NP tissues using RT-qPCR. MiR-532-3p mimic and inhibitor were constructed, and they were transfected into the human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs) by Lipofectamine 3000. MTT assay was conducted to determine cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis and extracellular
matrix remodeling were examined by flow cytometric, Caspase 3/8 Assay Kits and Western blot. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to investigate whether miR-532-3p targets High mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2). We found miR-532-3p expression level was significantly increased in NP
tissues of IDD patients, comparing with the controls. MiR-532-3p exerted an inhibitory effect on HNPCs proliferation; however, cell apoptosis and the degradation of extracellular matrix were induced by miR-532-3p. MiR-532-3p directly targets HMGA2, and HMGA2 overexpression reversed the role
of miR-532-3p mimic in HNPCs proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Our study is the first to report that miR-532-3p might suppress NP cell proliferation, promote cell apoptosis and inhibit ECM production of NP cells via targeting HMGA2, thus facilitating the progression
of IDD. MiR-532-3p was supposed to be a novel target for the treatment of IDD.
miR-1 Activates NF-κB to Promote the Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Mouse Models of Glioma
Authors: Zhou Long , Wang Kui , Liu Meixia , Wei Wen , Liu Liu , Pan Ke
Published: July 2021

NF-κB activation and its abnormal expression are involved in the progression of glioma. miRNA plays a crucial role in bone diseases. The role of NF-κB is becoming more and more important. The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanism by how miR-1 regulates
NF-κB signaling. C57 glioma mouse models were divided into osteoporosis (OP) group and control group. qPCR was used to measure miR-1 levels in OP and control mice. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured and transfected with miR-1 specific siRNA to establish miR-1
knockout cell model followed by analysis of cell apoptosis, expression of NF-κB signaling molecules by western blot. qPCR results showed that miR-1 levels in OP mice were significantly reduced compared to control mice. A large number of siRNA particles were observed in transfected
BMSCs under a fluorescence microscope. qPCR results showed that siRNA transfection significantly suppressed miR-1, indicating successful transfection. Flow cytometry revealed significant differences in cell apoptosis between miR-1 siRNA group and the NC group. Western blot indicated miR-1
promoted BMSCs differentiation via NF-κB mediated up-regulation of ALP activity. The expression of miR-1 is low in BMSCs of mice with glioma. In addition, BMSCs differentiation is enhanced by NF-κB activation via up-regulating miR-1.
Characterization and Application of Bioactive Glass and Chitosan Nanoparticles for Tooth Enamel Remineralization
Authors: Ishikawa Rina , Nagasaki Ryota , Kawamura Naohiko , Zuñiga Heredia Enrique Ezra , Nezu Takashi , Ito Shuich , Aita Hideki , Iijima Masahiro
Published: July 2021

We investigated the remineralization of demineralized enamel surfaces through the application of bioactive glass (BG) and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs). BG and CNPs were immersed in artificial saliva for 7 days. The resulting crystals were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning
electron microscopy (SEM). Embedded enamel blocks were immersed in demineralization solution and then classified into five treatment groups: (1) No material applied; (2) toothpaste containing NaF (F); (3) CNP hydrogel; (4) distilled water slurry containing BG; and (5) CNP hydrogel containing
BG (BG-CNP). The enamel blocks were immersed in an artificial saliva solution for 1 month; each material was applied twice per day. Nanoindentation testing of enamel surfaces was performed during the immersion period. We found that unidirectional rod-shaped crystals formed in the artificial
saliva solutions treated with BG and BG-CNP, showing multiple XRD peaks for hydroxyapatite. The mechanical properties of enamel surfaces decreased markedly following immersion in the demineralization solution, and significantly recovered after 1 month of BG-CNP and BG treatment compared to
other the specimens. Porous demineralized enamel surfaces were filled with a remineralization layer after immersion in saliva and application of NaF, BG, and CNP-BG. Thus, daily application of CNP-BG or BG facilitates enamel remineralization.
Characterization and measurement of gamma radiation shielding of a new tungsten-lignin composite
Authors: de Souza Armando Cirilo , Aristone Flavio , Gouvea Adriana Fatima Gomes , Fernandes Hedielly Brasil , Miyai Adailto , Rossi Jesualdo
Published: July 2021

This research has been carried on to analyze the capability of a new composite to be effectively used as shielding of gamma radiation. The preparation of a metal-organic composite formed by tungsten and Kraft lignin is presented. Samples have been characterized through X-rays and scanning electron microscopy measurements. The results led to the study of the different phase formations. The microscopic analyzes indicate that two different phases are present in the composite. The absence of oxidation in the process even after the temperature treatment imposed to form the sample has also been noticed. Measurements of the attenuation have been performed to study its ability to absorb gamma radiation. A sample of cobalt 60 (Co-60), for which the peak energies are at 1173 keV and 1332 keV, was used as a source of gamma radiation in the experiment of attenuation. The measured attenuation of gamma radiations when the composite is placed to act as a shield is only 16% smaller than the attenuation obtained for standard pure tungsten. This is a clear indication that the new metal-organic composite is suitable for the fabrication of devices dedicated to shielding radiation, with the advantage of being easier to manipulate.
Fatal officer involved shootings following the use of TASER conducted energy weapons
Authors: Williams Howard E , Reinhard Daniel , Oriola Temitope B
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the risks and causes of fatal officer involved shootings (OIS) following ineffective applications of TASER conducted energy weapons (CEWs). Content analysis of open-source records resulted in quantitative and qualitative characteristics and conditions associated with the ineffective application of CEWs resulting in fatal OIS. Research and field-use data indicate that CEWs were ineffective in as many as 47% of applications. From 1985 through 2020, 1349 fatal OIS followed ineffective applications of CEWs in the United States. Officers were more likely first to use CEWs to subdue minority suspects before fatally shooting them than they were with White suspects. In 14 instances since 2004, suspects shot and killed 16 law enforcement officers following ineffective applications of CEWs. The policy implications of the findings are articulated. This is the first study to examine the use of deadly force following the ineffective use of TASER technology.
Depoliticisation, hybridisation and dual processes of stigmatisation: An examination of the civilising offensive in China’s rural areas through moral review councils
Authors: Zhang Shaoying
Published: July 2021

In this article, I examine the moral review councils (MRCs) established in China’s rural areas since the early 1980s. I show that MRCs create a liminal plebeian public sphere in the context of a civilising offensive that deals with the uncivil behaviours of individuals and disputes between neighbours. In this plebeian public sphere, the MRC incorporates techniques of the Maoist mass meeting, the democratic election, traditional mediation and a pedagogy of exemplars, all of which are depoliticised into purely technical instruments. Their institutional legitimacy comes from organised virtues based on councillors’ male seniority and the democratic method of their selection. MRCs, as an instrument of a civilising offensive, are a kind of paternalistic technology, which involves a complex strategy of a hybridity of acts, relationships, thoughts, desires and temptations of village residents in the context of the reform era. The people targeted in this civilising offensive often experience two levels of stigmatisation and their participation determines the effectiveness of the operation of MRCs.
Self-Rated Health Status Based on the Type of Health Insurance: A Socioeconomic Perspective
Authors: Sohn Minsung , Jung Minsoo , Choi Mankyu
Published: July 2021

To investigate the effects of public and private health insurance on self-rated health (SRH) status within the National Health Insurance (NHI) system based on socioeconomic status in South Korea. The data were obtained from 10 867 respondents of the Korea Health Panel (2008-2011). We used hierarchical panel logistic regression models to assess the SRH status. We also added the interaction terms of socioeconomic status and type of health insurance as moderators. Medical aid (MA) recipients were 2.10 times more likely to have a low SRH status than those who were covered only by the NHI, even though the healthcare utilization was higher. When the interaction terms were included, those not covered by the NHI and had completed elementary school or less were 16.59 times more likely to have a low SRH status than those covered by the NHI and had earned a college degree or higher. Expanding healthcare coverage to reduce the burden of non-payment and unmet use to improve the health status of MA beneficiaries should be considered. Particularly, the vulnerability of less-educated groups should be focused on.
Revisiting Tourism Destination Image: A Holistic Measurement Framework Using Big Data
Authors: Bui Vinh , Alaei Ali Reza , Vu Huy Quan , Li Gang , Law Rob
Published: July 2021

Understanding and being able to measure, analyze, compare, and contrast the image of a tourism destination, also known as tourism destination image (TDI), is critical in tourism management and destination marketing. Although various methodologies have been developed, a consistent, reliable, and scalable method for measuring TDI is still unavailable. This study aims to address the challenge by proposing a framework for a holistic measure of TDI in four dimensions, including popularity, sentiment, time, and location. A structural model for TDI measurement that covers various aspects of a tourism destination is developed. TDI is then measured by a comprehensive computational framework that can analyze complex textual and visual data on a large scale. A case study using more than 30,000 images, and 10,000 comments in relation to three tourism destinations in Australia demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound features of tubercular lymphadenopathy
Authors: Rana Surinder S , Bush Nikhil , Dawra Saurabh , Sharma Ravi , Srinivasan Radhika , Gupta Rajesh
Published: July 2021

There is lack of data on the contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound features of tubercular lymph node; our retrospective analysis of 37 patients with enlarged mediastinal and abdominal lymph nodes showed heterogeneous enhancement in the great majority (70%).
Robust adaptive dual layer sliding mode controller: Methodology and application of uncertain robot manipulator
Authors: Ma YA-Jun , Zhao Hui , Li Tao
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a novel robust adaptive dual layer sliding mode control (ADLSMC) for the problem of high accuracy tracking trajectory of robot manipulator in the presence of uncertainties and external disturbances. This new control scheme has a dual layer structure. The first layer drives the robot manipulator system reaches the global nonlinear sliding surface in finite time, and the second layer tackles the values of the two control gains overestimation problem. Moreover, compared with the traditional super-twisting with time delay estimation algorithm, the proposed controller can realize not only set-point tracking but also dynamic tracking, which is very widely used in practice. The stability of the closed–loop system and the finite time convergence are analyzed using Lyapunov techniques. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by simulations and experimental studies.
Online Otolaryngology: A Comprehensive Model for Medical Student Engagement in the Virtual Era and Beyond
Authors: Landeen Kelly C. , Esianor Brandon , Stevens Madelyn N. , Fernando Shanik , Merriam Joanne , Kreth Kimberly , Whigham Amy S. , Haynes David , Eavey Roland
Published: July 2021

When in-person experiences were taken away from medical students and residency applicants during the COVID-19 pandemic, institutions had to pivot to virtual experiences. We present here a comprehensive overview of virtual engagement for medical students. As we increasingly embrace virtual opportunities, it may be possible to continue utilizing these programs for many years to come.
The Book of Daniel as Witness to the Pluriform Bible
Authors: Yarchin William
Published: July 2021

The Book of Daniel is an anthology that comes to us in a variety of compositional configurations distinguished in their organization by genre and chronology. Daniel’s varied compositional configurations—MT, Old Greek, Theodotion, Syriac—characterize the book as a literary exercise in divinatory wisdom that can point readers in different directions. The wisdom promoted in MT Daniel is mantic in that it is concerned with how knowledge of God’s effective reality in history can be divined (apocalyptic). In other forms of Daniel, the wisdom recommended for ancient Jews is mundane in that it is concerned with how they may conduct themselves with integrity within their own communities and relative to others (wisdom). I argue that, in the case of Daniel, the meaning of this biblical book is indicated not only in its semantic content but also through the various compositional configurations given to it during antiquity. This finding is consistent with a need for the sort of textually and compositionally pluriform Bible edition articulated by James Sanders.
Gender Issues in the Care of Elderly: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nair Shruti , Sawant Neena , Thippeswamy Harish , Desai Geetha
Published: July 2021

Aging is an inevitable physiological process. A significant increase has been noted in the elderly population over the years. Aging population face challenges with physical health conditions, but also mental health problems. Care of the elderly is influenced by health conditions, health services, as well socio cultural factors. Gender plays an important role in the aging process with significant differences noted in the aging process, variations in health conditions as well care received. The current review addresses the role of gender in the aging process and its influence in the prevalence, clinical presentation and course of various mental and physical health conditions in the elderly. The review identifies gaps in understanding the gender perspectives related to long-term elderly care, legal and financial issues. The review emphasizes the necessity to address the gender perspective in aging to adequately meet the health demands of the elderly.
Regulation of Long-Term Care Homes for Older Adults in India
Authors: Harbishettar Vijaykumar , Gowda Mahesh , Tenagi Saraswati , Chandra Mina
Published: July 2021

The rising aging population in India has led to an increased caregiving burden, and accordingly, the number of residential care facilities is also burgeoning. There is no regulatory framework or registration authority specifically for residential care homes in India. The article’s objective is to understand the need for a regulatory framework in India in the context of historic and global experiences in the UK, USA, and Europe. Although there is a lack of literature comparing the community home-based care and residential care, one study reported a preference for home-based care in the South Asian context. Elder abuse and deprivation of rights of seniors are common, and there is a need to bring in more safeguards to prevent these from the perspective of the older adults, their family members, the care providers, and the state. While the main priority of meeting care needs in long-term care is a challenge given the lack of trained care staff, the quality control mechanisms also need to evolve. A review of adverse incidents, complaints, and litigations also highlights the need for regulation to improve the standards and quality of care. The article explores lacunae of residential care facilities in the Indian context and provides recommendatory parameters for evaluating the quality of care provided. Relevant sections of the statutory new Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 in India could provide a regulatory framework ensuring rights and liberties of the residents are upheld. The authors propose a state-run model for elderly care homes and commencement of framing regulations appropriate to the Indian context.
The In Vitro Evaluation of Preosteoblast Migration From 3-D-printed Scaffolds to Decontaminated Smooth and Minimally Rough Titanium Surfaces: A Pilot Study
Authors: Stuani Vitor de Toledo , Kim David Minjoon , Nagai Masazumi , Chen Chia-Yu , Sant’Ana Adriana Campos Passanezi
Published: July 2021

In vitro evaluations are essential to gaining a better understanding of re-osseointegration, while reducing animal use and the overall costs of peri-implantitis studies. This pilot study evaluated preosteoblast migration from 3-D-printed scaffolds to decontaminated titanium microimplants, creating a system that tries to mimic the bone–implant interface. Smooth (S) and minimally rough (R) titanium microimplants were incubated in Escherichia coli cultures and divided into six groups according to the decontamination protocol applied: EDTA gel (EDTA); chlorhexidine (CHL); chlorhexidine-soaked gauze (GCHL); scaling (SC); titanium brush (TiB); and implantoplasty (IP). Pristine S and R microimplants were used as the controls (C). After the decontamination procedures, the microimplants were inserted in 3-D-printed polyurethane-based scaffolds previously inoculated with preosteoblast cell cultures. Cellular migration was assessed after 24, 72 and 120 hours by ATP quantification. At the 120-hour time point, there was no statistically significant difference between S-C, S-EDTA, S-CHL, S-GCHL and S-SC ( p > 0.05), and between R-C, R-EDTA and R-GCHL ( p > 0.05). The in vitro model developed in this pilot study successfully demonstrated cell migration on the different decontaminated surfaces. This methodology suggests that on smooth microimplants, EDTA, GCHL, SC and TiB decontamination may have a reduced impact on preosteoblast migration, while on minimally rough microimplants, EDTA and GCHL decontamination affected cell migration the least. However, when selecting a decontamination protocol, the effectiveness of the decontamination per se must also be considered.
Taking responsibility, making irresponsibility: Controversies in human gene editing
Authors: Meyer Morgan
Published: July 2021

In current discussions, human germline editing is often called ‘irresponsible’. Looking at the international summits on human gene editing held in 2015 and in 2018 and the announcement by He Jiankui of the birth of two gene-edited babies in November 2018, this article analyses how ‘irresponsible’ research was the result of various (dis)qualifications and demarcations. Against a background of discussions of responsibility, an individual scientist was singled out, his experiments were scrutinized for their soundness, legality and safety and ethical and moral stances were questioned. These are features of a process that I call ‘irresponsibilization’. This irresponsibilization of research is entangled with calls for further action: Irresponsible research like that of He Jiankui should be contained, the veracity of knowledge claims needs to be confirmed, and institutions and decision-makers are called to act. The controversy turned ‘irresponsible’ into an active category, and rendered explicit its political, institutional and practical ramifications.
The oracles of science: On grant peer review and competitive funding
Authors: Roumbanis Lambros
Published: July 2021

From a purely epistemological point of view, evaluating and predicting the future success of new research projects is often considered very difficult. Is it possible to forecast important findings and breakthrough in science, and if not, then what is the point trying to do it anyway? Still, that is what funding agencies all over the world expect their reviewers to do, but a number of previous studies has shown that this form of evaluation of innovation, promise and future impact are a fundamentally uncertain and arbitrary practice. This is the context that I will discuss in the present essay, and I will claim that there is a deeply irrational element embedded in today’s heavy reliance on experts to screen, rank and select among the increasing numbers of good research projects, because they can, in principal, never discern the true potential behind the written proposals. Hence, I think it is motivated to see grant peer review as an ‘oracle of science’. My overall focus will be on the limits of competitive funding and also that the writing and reviewing of proposals is a waste of researchers’ precious time. And I will propose that we really need to develop new ways of thinking about how we organize research and distribute opportunities within academia.
Fear of campaign violence and support for democracy and autocracy
Authors: von Borzyskowski Inken , Daxecker Ursula , Kuhn Patrick M.
Published: July 2021

Election violence is common in many developing countries and has potentially detrimental implications for democratic consolidation. Drawing on political psychology, we argue that citizens’ fear of campaign violence undermines support for democracy while increasing support for autocracy. Using individual-level survey data from 21 electoral democracies in Sub-Saharan Africa, we find robust support for our argument. Citizens fearing campaign violence are less likely to support democracy and multi-party competition, more likely to favor a return to autocracy, and less likely to turn out to vote. Our findings have important implications for democratic survival and provide further impetus for reducing electoral violence.
Practices and Patterns of Hourly Neurochecks: Analysis of 8,936 Patients With Neurological Injury
Authors: LaBuzetta Jamie Nicole , Hirshman Brian R. , Malhotra Atul , Owens Robert L. , Kamdar Biren B.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Patients experiencing acute neurological injury often receive hourly neurological assessments (“neurochecks”) to capture signs of deterioration. While commonly utilized in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting, little is known regarding practices (i.e., variations by age and ordering services) and patterns (i.e., duration and post-discontinuation plans) of hourly neurochecks. To inform future quality improvement intervention efforts, we performed an analysis of hourly neurochecks using an electronic health record-based dataset.

Study Design and Methods:

Our 75-month retrospective dataset consisted of all health system ICU patients who received hourly neurochecks. Variables included age, admission diagnosis category, ordering provider, post-discontinuation order, and discharge destination. Multivariable Cox regression was used to evaluate factors associated with hourly neurocheck duration.

Results:

We evaluated 9,513 first admission hourly neurocheck orders in 8,936 patients. The trauma, neurosurgery, and neurocritical care services were responsible for 4,067 (43%), 2,071 (22%) and 1,697 (18%) hourly neurocheck orders, respectively. Median (interquartile range) hourly neurocheck duration was 1.09 (0.69, 2.35) days, and was greater than 3 and 7 days, respectively, for 1,773 (19%) and 640 (7%) patients. Median hourly neurocheck duration ranged from 0.87 (0.65, 1.68) to 1.60 (0.83, 2.97) days for neurosurgical and non-neurological ICU services, respectively. Upon discontinuation, 2,225 (23%) of hourly neurochecks were transitioned to no neurochecks.

Conclusion:

Substantial differences exist between ICU services and practice patterns surrounding hourly neurochecks. Understanding these differences will help inform intervention efforts aimed at streamlining hourly neurocheck practices and outcomes for patients with acute neurological injury.
Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Survival Among Critically Ill Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Choi Chansong , Lennon Ryan J. , Choi Dae Hee , Serafim Laura Piccolo , Allen Alina M. , Kamath Patrick S. , Shah Vijay H. , de Moraes Alice Gallo , Simonetto Douglas A.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Obesity paradox is a phenomenon in which obesity increases the risk of obesity-related chronic diseases but paradoxically is associated with improved survival among obese patients with these diagnoses.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to explore the obesity paradox among critically ill patients with cirrhosis admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort of 1,143 consecutive patients with cirrhosis admitted to the ICU between January of 2006 and December of 2015 was analyzed. Primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality with secondary end points including ICU and short-term mortality at 30 days post ICU admission.

Results:

Logistic regression with generalized additive models was used, controlling for clinically relevant and statistically significant factors to determine the adjusted relationship between body mass index (BMI) and ICU, post-ICU in-hospital, and 30 day mortality following ICU discharge. ICU and hospital length of stay was similar across all BMI classes. Adjusted ICU mortality was also similar when stratified by BMI. However, a significant reduction in post-ICU hospital mortality was observed in class I and II obese patients with cirrhosis (BMI 30-39.9 kg/m2) compared to normal BMI (OR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.83; P = 0.014). Similarly, overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2) and class I and II obese patients with cirrhosis had significantly lower 30-day mortality following ICU discharge (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.87; P = 0.014; OR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.86; P = 0.012, respectively) compared to those with normal BMI.

Conclusion:

The signal of obesity paradox is suggested among critically ill patients with cirrhosis.
Managing Advanced Parkinson Disease
Authors: Hwang Helen , Norris Scott A.
Published: July 2021

Advanced Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with treatment-related motor fluctuations and reduced ability to perform activities of daily living. Progression of non-motor symptoms and medication-induced adverse effects complicate focused approach to motor symptom management, frequently accelerating reduced quality of life. It is thus critical for clinicians to consider disease progression versus therapeutic contributions when balancing management decisions. Such an approach requires careful recognition of inflection points resulting from therapeutic decisions and should prompt consideration of reduced pharmacologic burden and increased reliance on non-pharmacologic strategies in advanced disease. The successful approach to advanced PD requires a multidisciplinary effort focused on improving the patient’s and family’s quality of life, sometimes requiring sacrifice of motor symptom benefit. Here, we emphasize management strategies in advanced PD, focusing on the need to balance the therapeutic approach across advancing motor symptoms, progressive non-motor features, and potential pharmacologic adverse effects.
Investigation of crack density, white layer thickness, and material characterization of biocompatible material commercially pure titanium (grade-2) through a wire electric discharge machining process using a response surface methodology
Authors: Kumar Anish , Sharma Renu , Gujral Rajneesh
Published: July 2021

Biocompatibility is usually observed as the absence of communication of a material with living tissue. Commercially pure titanium grade-2 has become the preferred biocompatible material for various devices mainly used in orthopedic and dental implants and it is also used in aviation and aircraft. Commercially pure titanium has good ductility, higher stiffness, and fatigue resistance. The novelty of the present research work was focused on studying the effect of wire electric discharge machining factors on surface roughness, material removal rate, crack density, and white layer thickness. After machining, the wire electro-discharge machined surface was analyzed through a scanning electron microscope. Further energy dispersive analysis and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy techniques were applied to investigate the material migration on a work surface and brass wire. Each output response has been modeled through analysis of variance to analyze the adequacy. It was observed that pulse on time, pulse off time, peak current, and spark gap voltage are the most significant factors. These factors have been significantly deteriorating the microstructure of machined samples remarkably deeper, leading to wider craters, globules of debris, and micro-cracks. A white layer thickness was also observed in a discontinuous and non-uniform pattern at the cross-section of the machined sample due to rapid heating and quenching phenomena in the wire electric discharge machining process. A multi-objective optimization “desirability” function was applied to obtain the optimal solutions by numerical and graphical methods. In essence, the wire electric discharge machining is a non-traditional process to achieve the accuracy of biocompatibility parts of commercially pure titanium and also finds the improvement in surface morphology.
Influence of two-phase suction injection on performances of the scroll refrigeration compressor with a high-temperature shell
Authors: Sun Shuaihui , Zhe Wang , Liansheng Li , Gaoxuan Bu
Published: July 2021

The two-phase suction injection can reduce the discharge temperature of scroll refrigeration compressors, which work under a high-pressure ratio. The heat transfer along the pipe axis from the shell affects the two-phase suction injection significantly for the compressor with a high-temperature shell. In this paper, the suction mixing and heat transfer model was developed to calculate the heat transfer along the pipe axis from the high-temperature compressor shell. Then the model was coupled with the two-phase compressor model to obtain the compressor performance under different suction injection volume flow rates. The compressor with two-phase suction injection was tested under different injection volume flow rates to validate the model. The results indicated that the discharge temperature decreased by 2 °C when the mass injection ratio increased by 1%. As the injection volume flow rates increased, the total mass flow rate increased due to the reduction of the specific volume of the suction fluid; the input work decreased because of the reduction of specific work and the improvement of the motor's electric efficiency. The cooling capacity decreased since the cooling capacity of the injection refrigerant was wasted for cooling the suction process and the compressor shell, especially at high injection volume flow rates. The coefficient of performance reached the maximum value at the injection volume flow rate of 0.015 m3·h−1 and became lower than the coefficient of performance without injection when the injection volume flow rate raised to 0.035 m3·h−1. Hence, the two-phase suction injection can reduce the discharge temperature efficiently at low injection volume flow rates with a slight improvement of coefficient of performance.