bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensibility Levels of Informed Consent Forms in a State Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic: A Descriptive Study
Authors: TAZEGÜL Gökhan
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Herein, we aimed to determine the comprehensibility levels of written informed consent forms in a state hospital internal medicine clinic.

Methods: Twenty-eight informed consent forms for diagnostic interventions, treatment applications, and hospitalization processes in a state hospital internal medicine clinic were evaluated with the comprehensibility indexes developed by Ateşman and Bezirci-Yılmaz. We evaluated comprehensibility in four main groups: primary (1st-8th grade), high school (9th-12th grade), undergraduate (13th-16th grade), and graduate education (over 16th grade).

Results: According to both comprehensibility indexes, all forms required at least a high school education. According to Ateşman, median comprehensibility was at the 13th-14th grade; according to Bezirci-Yılmaz, a median of 14.6 years of education was required for comprehensibility.

Conclusion: For comprehensibility of the informed consent forms used in the internal medicine clinic, at least high school and median university-level education were required. Considering the rate of population with a high school or higher education degree in Turkey was 43% in 2020, it is predicted that the patients’ comprehensibility of the written informed consent would be seriously low. Immediate regulations are required ethically and legally to increase the comprehensibility of existing written informed consent forms throughout society.
Acute pancreatitis following thiocolchicoside use: a case report
Authors: SOLMAZ İhsan , ÖZÇAYLAK Süleyman , KAÇAR Emrah , ESEN Rengin , KILIÇ Jehat , OZAN Mahsum
Published: April 2022

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease with high mortality and morbidity, characterized by elevated amylase and lipase, accompanied by typical abdominal pain. In this case, we present a case of acute pancreatitis developed after the use of thiocolchicoside in a 52-year-old patient with a history of cholecystectomy. There was no history of intrahepatic and choledochal stones or enlargement, hyperlipidemia, and alcohol use on MRCP. After excluding the possible cause, a diagnosis of AP caused by thiocolchicoside, a rare side effect of this drug, was made. There are case reports about the development of AP secondary to drugs in the literature, but the development of AP after thiocolchicoid is extremely rare. It is important to determine the etiology in AP cases. It is aimed to raise awareness on this issue with this case, which shows that thiocolchicoid, which is frequently prescribed in primary and secondary health care institutions, may rarely cause AP.
Abordagem psicossocial às perdas gestacionais na Atenção Primária à Saúde
Authors: Alcocer Fatima Elisa D’Ippolito , Bignotto Karoline Baruque , Barbosa Guilherme de Sousa
Published: April 2022

Introdução: Perdas gestacionais são eventos comuns na vida reprodutiva. Tendo em vista a dificuldade individual e profissional de lidar com o sofrimento mental que ocasionam, indaga-se sobre a escolha da técnica, a periodicidade e o modo de execução das abordagens que melhor se adequariam ao enfrentamento dessa situação. Sendo assim, esta revisão clínica tem como objetivo avaliar a literatura recente acerca do tema e buscar as melhores evidências científicas em relação à abordagem psicossocial a essas perdas. Métodos: Foram utilizadas palavras-chave determinadas pelo Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) para selecionar títulos de estudos nas bases de dados: PubMed, ACCESSSS, British Medical Journal (BMJ), DYNAMED, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS). Os critérios de inclusão foram: ano de publicação entre 2010 e 2020; tipo de estudo (metanálise, revisão sistemática, ensaio clínico randomizado, ensaio clínico não randomizado, coorte ou caso controle); não abordar abortamento induzido; estar em inglês, português ou espanhol; ser passível de ser encontrado na íntegra. Resultados: Foram encontrados 28 artigos, que tiveram seus resumos avaliados; 14 foram excluídos e 14 lidos na íntegra. No fim, nove estudos foram incluídos nesta revisão. Foi possível observar que sintomas psicológicos são frequentemente apresentados após perdas gestacionais, que há diversas maneiras de acessar esses dados e que não há consenso sobre qual a melhor intervenção a ser feita. Além disso, em homens e casais homossexuais, há maior chance de invisibilidade do sofrimento e menor abordagem de luto por profissionais de saúde. Conclusão: Na falta de consenso sobre quais intervenções apresentam melhores resultados, recomenda-se o rastreamento de sofrimento mental e o compartilhamento da decisão com as partes envolvidas.
Serviços de atendimento integral à saúde de transexuais e travestis no Sistema Único de Saúde
Authors: Lucena Marcelle Medeiros , Ferreira Guilherme Gomes , Floss Mayara , Melo Diego Azevedo Conte de
Published: April 2022

Introdução: É inegável o cenário de marginalização institucional a que está exposta a população travesti e transexual. Isso inclui serviços mesmo no contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Esse fenômeno, como apontam a literatura e os próprios movimentos sociais, apresenta-se principalmente no desrespeito ao nome social, na discriminação, na necessidade de diagnóstico para acesso a serviços e no despreparo das equipes de saúde. Para que se possam reduzir iniquidades históricas na constituição da assistência e da implementação de políticas públicas em saúde, é necessário caracterizar a assistência ofertada a essa população no âmbito do SUS. Objetivo: Analisar como se vêm constituindo os serviços de atendimento integral à saúde de pessoas transexuais e travestis no Brasil com base em uma revisão integrativa da literatura sobre o tema. Métodos: Este é um estudo de natureza qualitativa, do tipo exploratório. Foi realizada revisão integrativa da literatura, buscando explorar o cenário de atenção à saúde trans atual no país. A busca foi conduzida nas bases Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) no período de julho a setembro de 2020. Os critérios de inclusão foram ter temática referente a serviços públicos e nacionais de atenção à saúde trans e travesti, independentemente do nível de complexidade. Resultados: Foi realizada a leitura completa de 22 trabalhos. O cenário de atenção à saúde trans e travesti no âmbito do SUS consiste, majoritariamente, em serviços de atenção especializada e concentra-se no Sul do país, em grandes centros urbanos. Os dispositivos de saúde já existentes na rede não se mostram suficientes e capacitados para realizar assistência integral em saúde, com uma ótica que fuja à heterocisnormatividade e ao modelo patologizador biomédico das transidentidades. Modelos de serviços exitosos na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), contudo, estão modificando esse cenário. Conclusões: Serviços específicos para a população trans e travesti são necessários, pois operam na lógica de sanar iniquidades históricas sofridas por essa população. A APS é um cenário estratégico nesse cuidado e políticas públicas devem operar nessa perspectiva.
Fatores associados à hipertensão arterial sistêmica e diabetes mellitus na população atendida pelo Projeto Vozes das Ruas em Jundiaí
Authors: Pires Lucas Castro , Marçola Lucas Gabricio , Siqueira João Paulo Bartolo de , Vieira Natália Arthur , Jorge Raissa Alves , Barbosa Adriano Pires , Batista Marília Jesus
Published: April 2022

Introdução: As doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) — incluindo diabetes (DM) e hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) — são responsáveis por grande parte das mortes mundiais atualmente, sendo a identificação de fatores associados uma ferramenta fundamental para sua prevenção e estratégias de promoção da saúde. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de HAS e DM na população adulta atendida pelo Projeto Vozes das Ruas (PVR) em Jundiaí (SP) e fatores associados. Métodos: Os participantes do estudo transversal, conduzido de março a novembro de 2019, foram adultos acima de 18 anos, voluntários das ações de promoção de saúde do PVR em 2019, que consistiram na aplicação de um questionário sociodemográfico e de comportamentos em saúde; na avaliação de glicemia capilar, pressão arterial, peso, altura e circunferência abdominal; e posterior aconselhamento em saúde. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados para verificar a associação dos desfechos DM e HAS com variáveis independentes. Utilizaram-se teste χ2 e regressão logística multivariada para variáveis com p<0,20, adotando-se a significância de 5%. Resultados: A amostra foi composta de 580 participantes, 50% do sexo feminino e com idade média de 48,56 anos. A prevalência autodeclarada de DM foi 16,2% e de HAS, 30,2%. Os fatores associados em comum foram: faixa etária acima de 39 anos e uso de medicação contínua. Associados à DM foram: antecedente familiar de DM, uso de unidade básica de saúde, histórico de tabagismo. Em relação à HAS as associações foram: menos de oito anos de estudo, sobrepeso e obesidade. Conclusões: Na população estudada houve elevada prevalência de duas das principais DCNT — HAS e DM — que apresentaram fatores associados de extrema relevância para o planejamento de estratégias de promoção da saúde e prevenção de doenças.
Formación médica en contextos de Atención Primaria Rural en Chile
Authors: Pesse-Sorensen Karen , Burgos de la Vega Soledad , Esnouf Mannion Sophie
Published: April 2022

Introducción: El internado constituye una fase clave de la formación médica. Situado en un contexto rural, promueve la utilización racional de recursos y el contacto de los estudiantes con realidades diversas que contrastan con su experiencia en espacios clínicos urbanos. Objetivo: Caracterizar las percepciones de estudiantes de medicina en relación al aporte del internado rural en su formación como profesionales de la salud. Métodos: Investigación cualitativa basada en 15 entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas a estudiantes de medicina de la Sede Norte de la Universidad de Chile en el último año de su carrera en el 2016. Se realizó un análisis narrativo de los contenidos de las entrevistas. Resultados: Se identifican tres ámbitos en que los estudiantes confieren importancia al internado rural para su formación profesional: (1) en la dimensión personal, el refuerzo de habilidades clínicas, la autonomía y su rol social como médicos. También visualizan su futuro laboral y otras formas de vida y necesidades de las personas. (2) En lo vinculado a pacientes y familias, destaca el valor de la interrelación médico-paciente y el reconocimiento de los determinantes sociales. (3) En la dimensión comunitaria mencionan una mayor valoración de la organización comunitaria y de los vínculos entre el paciente y su medio, y motivaciones atribuibles al rol médico más que al contexto rural. Conclusiones: La experiencia de internado rural contribuye a la formación personal y a la relación médico-paciente-familia-comunidad, poniendo en evidencia una mirada crítica de la práctica, de su rol y del sistema de salud.
Feeding broiler chicks with Schizosaccharomyces pombe-expressed phytase-containing diet improves growth performance, phosphorus digestibility, toe ash, and footpad lesions
Authors: Dang De Xin , Chun Seong Guk , Kim In Ho
Published: April 2022

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe) -expressed phytase on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility, organ indexes, meat quality, toe ash, and footpad lesions score in broiler chicks.Methods: A total of 390 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 5 groups based on the initial body weight (42.15±0.17 g), there were 6 replicate cages per treatment and 13 birds (mixed sex) per cage. The experimental period was 45 days, including 4 periods (starter, days 1 to 10; grower, days 11 to 24; finisher 1, days 25 to 38; finisher 2, days 39 to 45). Dietary treatments were based on a corn-soybean meal-basal diet and supplemented with 500, 750, 1,000, and 1,500 FTU/kg S. pombe-expressed phytase. One phytase unit (FTU) was defined as the amount of enzyme that catalyzes the release of one micromole phosphate from phytate per minute at 37°C and pH 5.5.Results: The inclusion of increasing levels of phytase in the diet linearly increased the body weight gain during days 1 to 10 (p = 0.001), 25 to 38 (p = 0.016), 39 to 45 (p = 0.018), and 1 to 45 (p = 0.004), feed intake during days 25 to 38 (p = 0.032), feed conversion ratio during days 1 to 10 (p = 0.001), 39 to 45 (p = 0.038), and 1 to 45 (p = 0.012), carcass weight (p = 0.035), toe ash (p<0.001), and apparent ileal phosphorus digestibility (p = 0.049). However, the footpad lesions score (p = 0.040) decreased linearly with the increase in phytase levels in the diet.Conclusion: Dietary supplementation of S. pombe-expressed phytase was beneficial to the growth performance, toe ash, apparent ileal phosphorus digestibility, and footpad lesions of broiler chicks in a dose-dependent manner.
Whole genome sequencing of Luxi Black Head sheep for screening selection signatures associated with important traits
Authors: Liu Zhaohua , Tan Xiuwen , Wang Jianying , Jin Qing , Meng Xianfeng , Cai Zhongfeng , Cui Xukui , Wang Ke
Published: April 2022

Objective: Luxi Black Head sheep (LBH) is the first crossbreed specialized for meat production and was developed by crossbreeding Black Head Dorper sheep (DP) and Small Tailed Han sheep (STH) in the farming areas of northern China. Research on the genomic variations and selection signatures of LBH caused by continuous artificial selection is of great significance for identifying the genetic mechanisms of important traits of sheep and for the continuous breeding of LBH.Methods: We explored the genetic relationships of LBH, DP, and several Mongolian sheep breeds by constructing phylogenetic tree, principal component analysis and linkage disequilibrium analysis. In addition, we analysed 29 whole genomes of sheep. The genomewide selection signatures have been scanned with four methods: heterozygosity (HP), fixation index (FST), cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) and the nucleotide diversity (θπ) ratio.Results: The genetic relationships analysis showed that LBH appeared to be an independent cluster closer to DP. The candidate signatures of positive selection in sheep genome revealed candidate genes for developmental process (HoxA gene cluster, BCL2L11, TSHR), immunity (CXCL6, CXCL1, SKAP2, PTK6, MST1R), growth (PDGFD, FGF18, SRF, SOCS2), and reproduction (BCAS3, TRIM24, ASTL, FNDC3A). Moreover, two signalling pathways closely related to reproduction, the thyroid hormone signalling pathway and the oxytocin signalling pathway, were detected.Conclusion: The selective sweep analysis of LBH genome revealed candidate genes and signalling pathways associated with developmental process, immunity, growth, and reproduction. Our findings provide a valuable resource for sheep breeding and insight into the mechanisms of artificial selection.
Chemical composition and standardized ileal digestibility of crude protein and amino acid in whole yeast and autolyzed yeast derived from sugarcane ethanol production fed to growing pigs
Authors: Kaewtapee Chanwit , Jantra Nontawut , Petchpoung Krittaya , Rakangthong Choawit , Bunchasak Chaiyapoom
Published: April 2022

Objective: This research determined the chemical composition and the apparent and standardized ileal digestibility (AID and SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in whole yeast and autolyzed yeast derived from sugarcane ethanol production fed to growing pigs.Methods: Six growing pigs were randomly allocated in a replicated 3×3 Latin square design with 3 diets and 3 periods of 7 days each, resulting in a total of 6 experimental replications. Three assay diets were formulated using whole yeast, autolyzed yeast, or soybean meal as the sole sources of dietary CP and AA. Pigs were allowed to adapt to the assay diets for 5 days. Thereafter, ileal digesta samples were collected continuously for 8 hours on days 6 and 7.Results: There was no difference in the chemical composition between whole yeast and autolyzed yeast, but whole yeast had low digestibility of CP and AA due to the presence of a rigid cell wall. As conducting autolysis can induce cell wall damage, the AID and SID of CP and AA were greater in autolyzed yeast than in whole yeast.Conclusion: The information obtained on the SID of CP and AA in both yeast products can be used for the accurate estimation of the bioavailability of CP and AA in feed formulations. The yeast products derived from sugarcane ethanol production are an alternative protein source in pig diets.
Microbial short-chain fatty acids: a bridge between dietary fibers and poultry gut health — A review
Authors: Ali Qasim , Ma Sen , La Shaokai , Guo Zhiguo , Liu Boshuai , Gao Zimin , Farooq Umar , Wang Zhichang , Zhu Xiaoyan , Cui Yalei , Li Defeng , Shi Yinghua
Published: April 2022

The maintenance of poultry gut health is complex depending on the intricate balance among diet, the commensal microbiota, and the mucosa, including the gut epithelium and the superimposing mucus layer. Changes in microflora composition and abundance can confer beneficial or detrimental effects on fowl. Antibiotics have devastating impacts on altering the landscape of gut microbiota, which further leads to antibiotic resistance or spread the pathogenic populations. By eliciting the landscape of gut microbiota, strategies should be made to break down the regulatory signals of pathogenic bacteria. The optional strategy of conferring dietary fibers (DFs) can be used to counterbalance the gut microbiota. DFs are the non-starch carbohydrates indigestible by host endogenous enzymes but can be fermented by symbiotic microbiota to produce shortchain fatty acids (SCFAs). This is one of the primary modes through which the gut microbiota interacts and communicate with the host. The majority of SCFAs are produced in the large intestine (particularly in the caecum), where they are taken up by the enterocytes or transported through portal vein circulation into the bloodstream. Recent shreds of evidence have elucidated that SCFAs affect the gut and modulate the tissues and organs either by activating G-protein-coupled receptors or affecting epigenetic modifications in the genome through inducing histone acetylase activities and inhibiting histone deacetylases. Thus, in this way, SCFAs vastly influence poultry health by promoting energy regulation, mucosal integrity, immune homeostasis, and immune maturation. In this review article, we will focus on DFs, which directly interact with gut microbes and lead to the production of SCFAs. Further, we will discuss the current molecular mechanisms of how SCFAs are generated, transported, and modulated the pro-and anti-inflammatory immune responses against pathogens and host physiology and gut health.
Supplementation of guanidinoacetic acid and rumen-protected methionine increased growth performance and meat quality of Tan lambs
Authors: Zhang Jian Hao , Li Hai Hai , Zhang Gui Jie , Zhang Ying Hui , Liu Bo , Huang Shuai , Guyader Jessie , Zhong Rong Zhen
Published: April 2022

Objective: Tan lambs (n = 36, 3 mo old, 19.1±0.53 kg) were used to assess effects of dietary guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and rumen-protected methionine (RPM) on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and serum parameters.Methods: Lambs were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, with 6 pens per group and 2 lambs per pen. Dietary treatments were: basal diet alone (I); basal diet supplemented with 0.08% GAA+0.06% RPM (II); and basal diet supplemented with 0.08% GAA+0.08% RPM (III). Diets were provided three times a day for 90 d. Intake per pen was recorded daily and individual lamb body weight (BW) was measured monthly. Carcass traits were measured after slaughter and meat quality at the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken on a subgroup of lambs for analysis of indicators mostly related to protein metabolism.Results: Final BW and average daily gain for the first and second month, and for the entire experiment were greater in Treatment II compared to Treatment I (p<0.05), whereas feed to gain ratio was lower (p<0.05). Treatment II had the optimal dressing percentage and net meat weight proportion, as well as crude protein and intramuscular fat concentrations in muscles. Treatment II improved meat quality, as indicated by the greater water holding capacity, pH after 45 min and 48 h, and lower shear force and cooking loss. Dietary supplementation of GAA and RPM also increased the meat color a* and b* values at 24 h. Finally, Treatment II increased total protein, and serum concentrations of albumin and creatinine, but decreased serum urea nitrogen concentrations, indicating improved protein efficiency.Conclusion: In this study, 0.08% GAA+0.06% RPM supplementation improved growth performance and meat quality of Tan lambs.
Identification and functional prediction of long non-coding RNAs related to skeletal muscle development in Duroc pigs
Authors: Ma Lixia , Qin Ming , Zhang Yulun , Xue Hui , Li Shiyin , Chen Wei , Zeng Yongqing
Published: April 2022

Objective: The growth of pigs involves multiple regulatory mechanisms, and modern molecular breeding techniques can be used to understand the skeletal muscle growth and development to promote the selection process of pigs. This study aims to explore candidate lncRNAs and mRNAs related to skeletal muscle growth and development among Duroc pigs with different average daily gain (ADG).Methods: A total of 8 pigs were selected and divided into two groups: H group (high-ADG) and L group (low-ADG). And followed by whole transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and mRNAs.Results: In RNA-seq, 703 DE mRNAs (263 up-regulated and 440 down-regulated) and 74 DE lncRNAs (45 up-regulated and 29 down-regulated) were identified. In addition, 1,418 Transcription factors (TFs) were found. Compared with mRNAs, lncRNAs had fewer exons, shorter transcript length and open reading frame length. DE mRNAs and DE lncRNAs can form 417 lncRNA-mRNA pairs (antisense, cis and trans). DE mRNAs and target genes of lncRNAs were enriched in cellular processes, biological regulation, and regulation of biological processes. In addition, quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was used to detect the functions of DE mRNAs and lncRNAs, the most of DE mRNAs and target genes of lncRNAs were enriched in QTLs related to growth traits and skeletal muscle development. In single-nucleotide polymorphism/insertion-deletion (SNP/INDEL) analysis, 1,081,182 SNP and 131,721 INDEL were found, and transition was more than transversion. Over 60% of percentage were skipped exon events among alternative splicing events.Conclusion: The results showed that different ADG among Duroc pigs with the same diet maybe due to the DE mRNAs and DE lncRNAs related to skeletal muscle growth and development.
Comparison of Intraperitoneal Versus Intravenous Dexamethasone on Postoperative Pain, Nausea, and Vomiting After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Nazemroaya Behzad , Keleidari Behrooz , Arabzadeh Alireza , Honarmand Azim
Published: April 2022

Background: Despite all of the benefits provided by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, such as rapid recovery and shorter hospital stay for patients, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postoperative pain (POP) still remains high. Objectives: This study was designed to compare the effects of intraperitoneal (IP) and intravenous (IV) dexamethasone on the reduction of PONV and POP. Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on a study population of 86 adult patients who were scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the American Society of Anesthesiologists class I-II. The patients were randomized into three groups, namely IP dexamethasone (n = 29), IV dexamethasone (n = 29), and control (n = 28) groups. The patients were followed for clinical outcomes, including PONV, POP, and consumption of antiemetics, and their hemodynamic status during the first 24 hours after the surgery. Results: In the first 24 hours after the operation, no significant differences were observed in nausea (P = 0.41) and vomiting (P = 0.38) between the IP and IV dexamethasone groups. However, there was a lower severity of nausea in the IP group (P = 0.001). Additionally, the visual analog scale score representing POP was significantly reduced in the IP group (P = 0.02). No significant differences in the hemodynamic status were observed after the operation between all the three groups. Conclusions: The administration of 8 mg IP dexamethasone was associated with significantly reduced pain and severity of nausea, but not PONV, after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Cytotoxic Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Artemisia haussknechtii Boiss
Authors: Nasseri Sajjad , Delnavazi Mohammad-Reza , Shirazi Farshad H. , Mojab Faraz
Published: April 2022

: Cytotoxic activity of crude extract and fractions (petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and n-butanol) of Artemisia haussknechtii aerial parts was investigated by MTT assay. Dichloromethane fraction showed the highest cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 297.17 ± 7.99 µg/mL). Phytochemical analysis of the most effective fraction was carried out using normal phase column chromatography (CC) to get eight sub-fractions (A-H). Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used for further purification. Four known compounds with cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines were isolated from the most active fraction, including 5-Hydroxy-3',4',6,7-tetramethoxyflavone (eupatilin 7-methyl ether), 5-hydroxy 3,3',4',6,7-pentamethoxy-flavone (artemetin), 6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin (scopoletin), and methyl caffeate. Structure elucidation of isolated compounds was done using spectroscopic techniques, including ESIMS and 1D-NMR (1H and 13C). Cytotoxic activity of A. haussknechtii is probably due to coumarin and flavonoid compounds.
A Child with Massive Pericardial and Pleural Effusion and Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Authors: Rafiei Tabatabaei Sedigheh , Karimi Abdollah , Zamani Alireza , Khalilian Mohammad Reza , Sadr Saeed , Nazari Taiebeh , Shirvani Fariba
Published: April 2022

Introduction: chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a genetic disease characterized by recurrent life-threatening fungal and bacterial infections and granuloma formation. Pericardial effusion is rare in this disease. Case Presentation: The study reports a 13-year-old boy with CGD and a history of recurrent infections such as pneumonia and abscesses. The patient presented with shortness of breath, cough, abdominal pain, and chest pain and was diagnosed with severe pericardial and pleural effusion. The patient was treated with antibiotics, antifungals, and steroids and finally underwent pericardiotomy. Conclusions: Treatment of CGD patients with recurrent infections and inflammatory lesions is challenging and requires individual decision-making for each patient.
Respiration Monitoring using a Motion Tape Chest Band and Portable Wireless Sensing Node
Authors: Lin Yun-An , Noble Emerson , Loh Chin-Hsiung , Loh Kenneth J.
Published: April 2022

The measurement of vital signs (such as respiration rate, body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure), especially during strenuous activities, is essential for physical performance and health monitoring. A variety of wearable chest band sensors have been developed, commercialized, and widely used in consumer and healthcare settings. The plethora of technology choices also means that each unique chest band sensor may require different data acquisition hardware and software systems, and data may not be transferable between platforms. Therefore, the objective of this work was to develop a low-cost, disposable, respiration sensor that could be attached onto any elastic chest band. The approach was to spray-coat graphene nanosheet (GNS)-based thin films onto unidirectionally stretchable elastic fabric to form a piezoresistive material. Snap buttons were incorporated at the ends of the fabric so that they could be attached onto any chest band, removed at any time, and replaced for a new data collection event. The resistive nature of the nanocomposite sensor means that they can be easily interfaced (e.g., using a voltage divider) with any existing data acquisition (DAQ) module while adding respiration monitoring capabilities. To facilitate testing of these nanocomposite respiration sensors, a miniature DAQ module with four sensing channels was also prototyped. Then, tests were performed with human subjects wearing a nanocomposite chest band and a reference commercial respiration monitoring chest band. Simultaneous measurements of subject respiration verified the respiration monitoring performance of these low-cost, disposable, nanocomposite fabric sensors.
"I'm some kind of anti-Browning": the counterpoint of the English pretext and subtext in the "Poem without a Hero" of A. Akhmatova
Authors: Pavlova Tatiana , Ustinovskaya Alena Aleksandrovna , Drozdova Ekaterina Aleksandrovna , Belousova Ol'ga Geral'dovna
Published: April 2022

The subject of the study is the intertextual dialogue of the "Poem without a Hero" by A. Akhmatova with texts by Robert Browning: the poetic diptych "Porphyria's Lover" and "My last Duchess". The object of the study is the counterpoint of the pretext and subtext of English literature in the multilayered and polysemantic text of the "Poem without a Hero", to which Akhmatova herself attributed the "triple bottom". The authors consider in detail the overlap of the motives of Browning's poems with the text of the "Poem without a Hero" and demonstrate the systemic "mirroring" of the reflection of situations: the complexes of the motives of the Browning diptych in Akhmatova are inverted. Particular attention is paid to the issues of various interpretations of the text of the poem "Porphyria's Lover" and related interpretation options for individual scenes and fragments in the text of the "Poem without a Hero". The main conclusions of the study are the establishment of an unambiguous semantic connection of the "Poem without a hero" with two Browning poems. The research methods include comparative-historical and intertextual. A special contribution of the authors to the study of the topic is the substantiation of the trace of Robert Browning's diptych in the text of "Poems without a Hero": traditionally, another work of Browning is indicated among the sources of the poem. The novelty of the research is determined by the involvement of new material and the proposal of a new reading of Akhmatova's self-identification as "anti-Browning". These words should be deciphered not only by projecting the relationship of the Browning and Barrett pair onto the Gumilev and Akhmatova pair, but also as a reference to the mirror reversal of the situations described by Browning in the dramatic monologues of the diptych.
Investigation of AlGaN/GaN Schottky barrier diodes on free-standing GaN substrate with low leakage current
Authors: Wu Peng , Zhang Tao , Zhang Jin-Cheng , Hao Yue ,   National Key Discipline Laboratory of Wide Bandgap Semiconductor, Xidian University, Xi’an 710071, China
Published: April 2022

Benefiting from the excellent properties of GaN with a wide bandgap of 3.4 eV as well as high critical field of 3.3 MV/cm, GaN-based devices prove to be a promising candidate in extreme conditions. Especially, high-density high-mobility two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) induced by spontaneous piezoelectric polarization in AlGaN/GaN heterostructure enables AlGaN/GaN device to lower on-resistance (RON). However, owing to the lack of free-standing GaN substrate with large size and high quality, the epitaxis of GaN is always based on hetero-substrate such as Al2O3, Si and SiC, which shows large lattice mismatch and thermal mismatch. The large mismatch between GaN and substrate leads to high dislocation as well as high leakage current (IR) of GaN devices. In this work, high-performance AlGaN/GaN Schottky barrier diode with low IR and low turn-on voltage (VON) is fabricated on a 3-inch free-standing GaN substrate with C-doping GaN buffer layer to suppress IR. Owing to the suppressed dislocation density of the AlGaN/GaN epitaxial wafer on free-standing substrate, low Ohmic contact resistance (RC) is difficult to achieve the suppressed penetration of Ohmic metal into 2DEG channel, which is adverse to the high current density. In this work, a low RC of 0.37 Ω·mm is obtained by one-step self-aligned Ohmic process, including the etching of partial AlGaN barrier layer and lift-off of Ohmic metal. The 2DEG is formed under the effect of residual AlGaN barrier layer, and the short distance between 2DEG and Ohmic metal contributes to lowering the value of RC. The groove anode region is defined by the low damaged inductively coupled plasma process with a low etching rate of 1 nm/min, and the total depth is 35 nm, confirmed by atomic force microscope. Fully removing the AlGaN barrier layer from the anode region makes the anode metal directly contact the 2DEG channel, thereby improving the performance of the fabricated AlGaN/GaN Schottky barrier diode (SBD) with a low VON of 0.67 V, low IR of 3.6 × 10–8 A/mm, and an ION/IOFF ratio of up to 3 × 107. The values of differential RON,sp are calculated to be 0.44, 0.86, 1.59, 2.55 mΩ·cm2 for GaN SBDs with various values of LAC of 6, 10, 15, 20 μm, and the values of RON,sp determined at an anode current density of 100 mA/mm are 1.27, 2.08, 3.29, 4.63 mΩ·cm2, respectively. As the measured temperature increases from 300 to 425 K, the IR is increased only by 3 times to 1.6 × 10–7 A/mm, which shows the great potential for next-generation power electronics.
Resolution characteristics of varying doping and varying composition AlxGa1–xAs/GaAs reflective photocathodes
Authors: Deng Wen-Juan , Zhu Bin , Wang Zhuang-Fei , Peng Xin-Cun , Zou Ji-Jun ,   Engineering Research Center of Nuclear Technology Application (East China University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Nanchang 330013, China,   Jiangxi Province Engineering Research Center of New Energy Technology and Equipment, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China
Published: April 2022

According to the established resolution model and modulation transfer function (MTF) of varying doping and varing composition reflection-mode (r-mode) AlxGa1–xAs/GaAs photocathode, the resolutions of four types of r-mode photocathodes, i.e. linearly varying doping and linearly varying Al composition, uniform doping and linearly varying Al composition, linearly varying doping and uniform Al composition, uniform doping and uniform Al composition structures, are simulated, and the effects of Al composition, the types of doping, AlxGa1–xAs layer thickness, GaAs layer thickness, and incident light wavelength on the resolution of cathodes are analyzed. The simulation results indicate that the varying doping and varying band-gap structures can also upgrade the resolution for r-mode AlxGa1–xAs/GaAs photocathodes, and the effect of linearly varying doping and linearly varying composition structure are more pronounced. The simulation results also show that the MTFs of the cathodes with the Al composition varying from 0.45 to 0 linearly declining are highest. The MTFs of the cathodes with the linearly varying doping from 1019−1018 cm–3 are higher than that with uniform 1019 cm–3 doping. With the increase of AlxGa1–xAs thickness, GaAs thickness and incident light wavelength, the MTFs of four types photocathode have different regularities.
Implementation of spectral clustering algorithm for automatic identification of plasma coherence patterns
Authors: Zhao Zi-Bo , Zhuang Ge , Xie Jin-Lin , Qu Cheng-Ming , Qiang Zi-Wei ,   School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Published: April 2022

The number of data accumulated by controllable nuclear fusion devices is too large, and a large number of data have not been fully exploited. In such big data processing machine learning can play an important role. Therefore, in this work the spectral clustering method is used to realize the automatic processing of data, which can easily and quickly find the pattern information contained in the data. The discovery of these patterns is of great significance in improving plasma confinement and understanding plasma physics. In addition, in this work the spectral clustering method is applied to the electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI), one-dimensional diagnostic system electron cyclotron emissiometer, magnetic probe, soft X-ray, fast radiation (fast bolometer) and other different diagnostic systems on the EAST tokamak device. The sawtooth pattern is identified, the migration of the spectral clustering method is verified, and the problems of poor data processing migration in supervised learning and the need to rely on a large number of labeled data are solved. Finally, in this work, the ECEI and magnetic probe data are used to discover a possible new mode in the time domain and frequency domain respectively, which provides a new idea for exploring new modes.
Present Status, Role and Challenges of Farmer Producer Organization
Authors: Shrivastava Sanjana , Jat Mangi Lal , Shrivastava Kalpna
Published: April 2022

Farmers can increase their income by increasing the productivity, decreasing the cost of cultivation in their field, ensuring the competitive price for their product with a transparent price discovery mechanisms, and also by integrating allied activities in farming, organizing the farmer producer organizations (FPOs) will be the best solution for attaining our target goal. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) consist of many collective Producers, especially small and marginal farmers to form an effective association to collectively address many challenges in agriculture practices, such as improved access to investment, technology, inputs, and markets availability. Farmer producer organization ensures better productivity and income for the member producers through an organization of their own. Its main purpose is to enhance the productivity of the farmer by providing linkage to the farmers, where the members will get more benefits. This review article throws light on the various dimension of the FPOs based on the review of available literature. As literature related to FPOs is scarce in the Indian situation, more reviews from global studies are included for a better understanding of various dimensions of FPOs.
Correlation between Biographic Profile and Compliance to Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alzahrani Mohammed Jamaan
Published: April 2022

Purpose: We aimed to find out how well Saudi Arabian healthcare workers followed infection control guidelines and determine whether there is a considerable relationship between the biographic profile of healthcare staff and their degree of compliance with infection control Key Performance Indicator (KPI).

Methods: This descriptive-correlation study was conducted on healthcare workers from different Saudi Arabian hospitals. The study used a three-point Likert scale, and the rating scales used were “3” to indicate always, “2” to indicate sometimes, while “1” was used to indicate never.

Results: Of the 180 respondents, 62.8% of the included healthcare workers were young adults, 73.3% were males, 68.3% were doctoral degree holders, 66.1% were licensed medical doctors, and 39.4% were advanced beginners. Saudi healthcare workers have an overall level of “high compliance” (mean=2.29). Most of the study respondents had “high compliance” with the strategies of infection control. Chi-square test of independence (r2) revealed a statistically significant relationship between compliance to infection control practices and the following variables: age (p=0.0100), sex (p=0.0177), educational attainment (p=0.0001), and profession (p<0.0001).

Conclusions: In Saudi Arabia, healthcare staff generally follow infection control procedures. Moreover, biographic profiles are significantly associated with the degree of infection prevention practice compliance by healthcare staff.
Vacciplant and Calliete Cotreatment Synergically Induces Phenolic Compounds Production in Plantain (Musa x paradisiaca L.) and Trigger the Natural Defense Activation for Protection to Black Leaf Streak Disease
Authors: Lucien Gogbeu Dan Gbongué , Abou Yeo Navigué , Laurent N’cho Achi , Siaka Traore , Hilaire Kouakou Tanoh , Daouda Kone
Published: April 2022

Aims: To evaluate the synergistic action of two elicitors or stimulators of natural plant defense, vacciplant and calliete, on the synthesis of defense metabolites and their impact on tolerance to Mycosphaerella fijiensis, causal agent of the black leaf streak disease (BLSD) in plantain (Musa x paradisiaca L.).

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Abidjan (southern Côte d'Ivoire) in 2019.

Methodology: The ability of plants co-treated with vacciplant+calliete to product phenolic compounds was compared to vacciplant and the control. Subsequently, the treated plants were inoculated with the pathogenic filtrate of Mycosphaerella fijiensis in order to induce the black leaf streak disease. Afterwards, the content of phenolic compounds was determined and then their analysis by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography was performed (U-HPLC). Finally, foliar pigments were quantified to have an indication of the sanitary state of elicited and infected plants.

Results: plants treated with vacciplant and inoculated, as well as plants co-treated with vacciplant+calliete and inoculated, accumulated more phenolic compounds than the control plants. However, the phenol content of the co-treated plants (191.10 mg/g FL) was higher than that of the plants treated with vacciplant alone (142 mg/g FL). In addition, qualitative analysis by U-HPLC revealed that treated plants synthesized de novo two compounds including trans-resveratrol, a stilbene with significant antifungal activity, in plants co-treated with vacciplant+calliete. In addition, it allowed the plants to acquire a higher leaf greening state than those treated with vacciplant alone, indicating a more intense photosynthetic activity and thus a good sanitary state

Conclusion: Vacciplant+calliete has a synergistic effect on the activation of the plantain's defense reactions and thus on the good tolerance to M. fijiensis, an agent of plantain BLSD.
Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on in-Hospital and Short-Term Outcomes of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Elsoudy Ahmed Mahmoud , Nassar Mohamed Bayoumi , Naseem Mohamed , Badr Seham Fahmy
Published: April 2022

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. The acute coronary syndrome is a potential risk factor for atrial fibrillation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of atrial fibrillation on in-hospital and short-term outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out on 80 patients with acute coronary syndrome with or without AF. Patients were classified into 3 groups: group I (50 patients) with acute coronary syndrome without AF, group II (15 patients) with acute coronary syndrome with new onset AF and group III (15 patients) with acute coronary syndrome with pre-existing AF. All patients were subjected to laboratory investigations (CBC, kidney functions and liver function tests) and twelve-lead surface ECG.

Results: ACEI, warfarin, amiodarone and PCI were significantly different among studied groups. ACEI was significantly lower in group 3 when compared to group 1. Warfarin, amiodarone, HF and AKI were significantly higher in group 2 and group 3 compared to group 1. PCI was significantly higher in group 1 and group 2 compared to group 3.

Conclusions: New-onset and pre-existing AF remained associated with an increased risk of in-hospital complications as heart failure and acute renal failure compared to patients presented with acute coronary syndrome without AF. Anticoagulation as warfarin and antiarrhythmic drugs as amiodarone were largely used in patients with AF during hospitalization.
Impact of Hydropriming on Fresh and Naturally Aged Seeds of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl)
Authors: Nidhi . , Mor V. S. , Tanwar Hemender , Duhan D. S. , Bhuker Axay , Singh Vikram , Dalal P. K. , Raj M. S. Puneeth , Shivani .
Published: April 2022

Aims: An investigation was undertaken to identify the effect of hydropriming on germination, seedling growth and vigour in fresh, one year and two year old seeds of bottle gourd (Pusa Naveen variety and HBGH-35 hybrid).

Study Design: The present experiment was laid in Complete Randomized Design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the laboratories of the Department of Seed Science & Technology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2020. 

Methodology: Seeds of both genotypes were soaked in distilled water for 48 hours in half volume of water with respect to seed weight (w:v) at a constant temperature of 25°C. Then after, germination test was performed using ‘Between Paper’ method to assess the effect of hydropriming on germination and seedling vigour related parameters.

Results: It was observed that hydropriming treatment significantly enhanced the germination and vigour of fresh and aged seeds of bottle gourd. Fresh seed lot recorded maximum germination (88.00%), shoot length (21.32 cm), root length (16.89 cm), seedling length (38.21 cm) and seedling dry weight (59.30 mg), vigour index I (3363) and vigour index II (5219) as compared to one year and two year old seed. However, effect of hydropriming was more pronounced on aged seeds as compared to fresh seeds. There was an increase in germination percentage in one year old seed to an extent of 9.69%, in two year old seed to an extent of 7.36%, whereas in fresh seeds it was only 2.30% as a result of hydropriming treatment.

Conclusion: It was concluded that one year old seed lot responded better to hydropriming treatment than two year old and fresh seed lot.
Lovastatin Concentration in Pleurotus ostreatus as Affected by Acid and Blanching Treatments Combined to Drying and Canning Processes
Authors: Mobou E. Y. , Yadang G. , Begoude A. D. B. , Nkoue A. T. , Kamdem S. L. Sado
Published: April 2022

Aims: Lovastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug produced by several filamentous fungi as a secondary metabolite. Its concentration in mushroom can be affected by many post-harvest processes. In this study, fruiting bodies of Pleurotus ostreatus grown on corn cobs were used to evaluate the effect of conservation techniques on their lovastatin concentration.

Methodology: acid and blanching treatments combined to different processes of fruiting bodies conservation like sun drying, oven drying and canning by autoclave cooking were tested to evaluate their effect on lovastatin concentration.

Results: Sun drying, oven drying at 60°C/70°C and canning using autoclave cooking at 100°C did not significantly affect lovastatin concentration. On the contrary, oven drying at 80°C caused the reduction of this compound up to 45.4% with respect to fresh product irrespective of the precedent use of citric acid or blanching treatments. Also, during canning, the use of autoclave heat treatments at temperatures 110 and 121°C for 15 minute caused a significant reduction of lovastatin concentration of about 52.2% and 48.9% respectively compared to the control. In this regards, it can be concluded that processes that use dry thermal treatments higher than 80°C and autoclave heat treatments higher than 100°C will contribute to the reduction of lovastatin, the cholesterol-lowering compound in Pleurotus ostreatus.