bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enrichment medium for the isolation of Bordetella
Authors: Regan J , Lowe F
Published: May 2021

The development of a specimen collection and transport medium outfit for the rapid laboratory diagnosis of whoping cough is described. The transport medium consisted of a semisolid agar containing charcoal, cephalexin, and defibrinated horse blood. It was also found to be an excellent enrichment medium for the selective isolation of Bordetella pertussis and B. parapertussis from scantily populated specimens. The investigation of 3,237 specimens that yielded 1,419 positive isolates of Bordetella, including 86 B. parapertussis, during a 20-month period is presented. A total of 3,076 specimens were processed in the laboratory by using the enrichment medium in addition to the routine procedure. Of these specimens, 757 were submitted in our medium, from which 137 (18%) were positive. Of the 567 specimens received in Amies transport medium, 290 (51%) positive cultures were obtained by the enrichment method only and not by primary culture.
Rapid deoxyribonuclease test with methyl green
Authors: Elder B L , Trujillo I , Blazevic D J
Published: May 2021

A 4-h deoxyribonuclease test using methyl green to differentiate Serratia from other Enterobacteriaceae was developed. The tests agreed 100% with an overnight plate test for 100 Serratia, 83 Enterobacter, and 6 Klebsiella species.
Bacteriology of the urethra in normal men and men with nongonococcal urethritis
Authors: Bowie W R , Pollock H M , Forsyth P S , Floyd J F , Alexander E R , Wang S P , Holmes K K
Published: May 2021

Sixty-nine Caucasian males without a previous history of urethritis and who developed nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) and 39 similar men without urethritis (NU) were cultured from the urethra for Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, aerobes, and anaerobes. C. trachomatis infection was proven by culture of serology in 26 (38%) of the NGU group and 1 (3%) of the NU group; the C. trachomatis-negative NGU group had significantly more U. urealyticum (81%) than the C. trachomatis-positive NGU group (42%) or the NU group (59%). Aerobes were isolated from significantly more NU men (91%) than from men with NGU (66%). The aerobic and anaerobic flora of the two NGU groups were similar. The NU group had significantly more aerobic lactobacilli. Haemophilus vaginalis, alpha-hemolytic streptococci (not Streptococcus faecalis), and anaerobes, predominantly Bacteroides species. This study has provided information about the prevalence and the variety of the aerobic and anaerobic microbiological flora of the anterior urethra of sexually active males. It does not implicate any bacteria other than C. trachomatis and U. urealyticum as potential causes of NGU.
Misinformation from sputum cultures without microscopic examination
Authors: Heineman H S , Chawla J K , Lopton W M
Published: May 2021

Only 13 of 38 hospital laboratories surveyed include a Gram stain routinely in microbiological sputum examination. In a prospective three-hospital study, 60% of over 1,200 "sputum" specimens consisted predominantly of saliva, as judged by cell composition. Compared with the results of cultures in which microorganisms presumptively identified on sputum smears were specifically sought ("directed cultures"), cultures of the same specimens processed in the routine manner missed pneumococci 61%, haemophili 23%, and yeasts 44% of the time. The findings were similar in all three hospitals despite differences in administration, staffing, primary culture media, and workload. Unless microscopic examination is routinely included, half of all microbiological information rendered on sputum specimens is meaningless and subject to dangerous misapplication. Furthermore, culture must be guided by microscopic findings, or respiratory pathogens will frequently be missed. Finally, when routine culture and smear disagree, the culture cannot be assumed to be correct. Microscopic examination should be mandatory in sputum microbiology, both for specimen evaluation and as a guide to what to look for in culture.
Evaluation of Kanamycin-Esculin Bile Agar for Isolation and Presumptive Identification of
Bacteroides fragilis
Group
Authors: Chan Patrick C. K. , Porschen Richard K.
Published: May 2021

A kanamycin-esculin bile medium was useful for selective isolation and presumptive identification (24 h) of the
Bacteroides fragilis
group.
Bacto-TB hydrolysis reagent (Tween 80) for identification of Serratia
Authors: Weiner M
Published: May 2021

Among 21 species of Enterobacteriaceae, only Serratia hydrolyzed the commercially available Bacto-TB hydrolysis reagent (Tween 80). The procedure allowed accurate differentiation of Serratia within 24 h.
Solid-phase competitive-binding radioimmunoassay for detecting antibody to the M antigen of histoplasmin
Authors: Reiss E , Hutchinson H , Pine L , Ziegler D W , Kaufman L
Published: May 2021

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) was designed and compared with complement fixation and immunodiffusion tests for their relative ability to detect antibodies in sera of histoplasmosis patients. M antigen, purified from histoplasmin, was fixed to microtiter wells as the solid phase, and specific rabbit 125I-labeled anti-M globulin was the source of indicator antibodies. The optimal concentrations for the competitive-binding assay were 1.6 ng per well for M antigen and 650 ng per well for the 125I-labeled anti-M globulin. A panel of sera from 29 histoplasmosis patients and from patients with other mycoses was screened for RIA activity and in complement fixation and immunodiffusion tests that used histoplasmin and Histoplasma capsulatum yeast-form antigens. The sera of 22 histoplasmosis patients reacted in the RIA, 21 in the complement fixation, and 16 in the immunodiffusion tests. Sera of patients with other mycotic infections did not react in the RIA, with the exception of those of one blastomycosis patient and one candidiasis patient. The RIA could be modified to quantitate M antigen; as little as 125 pg could be detected. The evaluation of this panel of histoplasmosis patients' sera showed that the RIA was about equivalent in sensitivity to the complement fixation test. Some advantages of the RIA over the complement fixation test were that RIA was less prone to cross-reactions and gave better quantitation of low-titered sera. The RIA was a 1-day test, was not hindered by the anti-complementary activity of some sera, and could be modified to quantitate minute amounts of M antigen.
Improved glycine-extracted complement-fixing antigen for human cytomegalovirus
Authors: Kettering J D , Schmidt N J , Lennette E H
Published: May 2021

High-titered, sensitive, and stable complement-fixing antigens for human cytomegalovirus were consistently produced from human diploid fibroblast cells infected at a high multiplicity of virus, harvested after 7 days of incubation, and sonically treated immediately in 0.1 M glycine buffer, pH 9.5.
Long-term treatment outcomes from a patient’s perspective with Treacher Collins syndrome
Authors: Smith Francis , Fowler Peter , Ellis Pamela
Published: May 2021

The management of patients with Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS) is complex and involves many different specialists within multidisciplinary teams (MDT). The treatment pathway extends from birth well into adulthood and is associated with a heavy burden of care. Due to the extensive nature of the interaction with these patients, MDT members have opportunities to provide enhanced patient-centred care and support.This case report provides an overview of the current knowledge of the aetiology of TCS, the management of these patients and provides a unique perspective from one of the coauthors who has TCS and reports on his treatment experiences and long-term treatment outcomes. By having a better understanding of the impact of TCS and treatment provided, MDT members can not only provide improved clinical treatment but also offer improved patient experiences for those with craniofacial anomalies in particular an increased awareness of the psychosocial challenges they endure.
Silent, isolated ACTH deficiency in malignant melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Heck Ansgar , Winge-Main Anna K
Published: May 2021

Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has drastically improved the prognosis for melanoma patients, but immune-mediated adverse events can occur in any organ, including the pituitary. In ICI-induced hypophysitis, lymphocytic infiltration and hypersensitivity reactions cause headache and pituitary deficiency. Most cases with ICI-induced hypophysitis develop central adrenal insufficiency. Here, we describe three patients treated with anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (ipilimumab) for metastatic malignant melanoma: case 1 was asymptomatic when hypocortisolism was suspected; case 2 had symptoms of hypocortisolism and suspected severe systemic infection; case 3 had unspecific fatigue. In all cases, routine cortisol measurements and clinical suspicion (cases 2 and 3) led to the diagnosis of adrenocortical hormone (ACTH) deficiency and thereby central adrenal insufficiency. Undiagnosed and untreated, central adrenal insufficiency results in adrenal crisis. In patients treated with ICI, particularly, ipilimumab, hypophysitis and ACTH deficiency must be considered if morning cortisol is low or unspecific clinical symptoms of hypocortisolism are present.
Is percutaneous glue injection one of the treatments for arteriovenous malformation pinna?
Authors: Das Sauradeep , Thangavel Saranya , Alexander Arun , Krishnan Nagarajan
Published: May 2021

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the head and neck is a rare phenomenon, more so when it is an extracranial AVM like the auricle. AVMs are caused by genetic mutations. Most are probably present in the subclinical form at birth and then evolve; some may arise postnatally or during adolescence or get aggravated by precipitating factors like trauma, infection or hormonal influence like puberty or pregnancy. Once diagnosed, the feeding vessels have to be identified using radiological investigations. They are then embolised via means of percutaneous embolisation and surgical resection.
Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis related to extravasation of parenteral solution in very low birthweight neonates
Authors: Huang Hai-Bo , Zhang Qian-Shen , Tingay David G , Cheung Po-Yin
Published: May 2021

Central venous catheter (CVC) placement is common in the care of very low birthweight (VLBW) preterm neonates. Although it is generally considered to be safe, CVC placement is associated with complications, including extravasation that may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. We report the clinical course of an extremely preterm neonate born at 27 weeks gestation, and another 5 VLBW preterm neonates reported in the literature with hemidiaphragmatic paralysis related to extravasation of parenteral solution from CVC placement. In VLBW preterm neonates, spontaneous recovery of diaphragmatic paralysis related to extravasation of parenteral solution is possible.
Endovascular reperfusion of M2 occlusions in acute ischemic stroke reduced disability and mortality: ETIS Registry results
Authors: Muszynski Patricio , Anadani Mohammad , Richard Sébastien , Marnat Gaultier , Bourcier Romain , Sibon Igor , Dargazanli Cyril , Arquizan Caroline , Maïer Benjamin , Blanc Raphaël , Lapergue Bertrand , Consoli Arturo , Eugene Francois , Vannier Stephane , Spelle Laurent , Denier Christian , Boulanger Marion , Gauberti Maxime , Saleme Suzana , Macian Francisco , Clarençon Frédéric , Rosso Charlotte , Naggara Olivier , Turc Guillaume , Ozkul-Wermester Ozlem , Papagiannaki Chrisanthi , Viguier Alain , Cognard Christophe , Le Bras Anthony , Evain Sarah , Wolff Valérie , Pop Raoul , Timsit Serge , Gentric Jean-Christophe , Bourdain Frédéric , Veunac Louis , Gory Benjamin , Finitsis Stephanos Nikolaos
Published: May 2021

Background

The predictors of successful reperfusion and the effect of reperfusion after endovascular treatment (EVT) for M2 occlusions have not been well studied. We aimed to identify predictors of successful reperfusion and the effect of reperfusion on outcomes of EVT for M2 occlusions in current practice.

Methods

Patients with acute ischemic stroke due to isolated M2 occlusions who were enrolled in the prospective multicenter Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry in France between January 2015 and March 2020 were included. The primary outcome was a favorable outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at 90 days. Successful reperfusion was defined as an improvement of ≥1 points in the modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction score between the first and the last intracranial angiogram.

Results

A total of 458 patients were included (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 14; 61.4% received prior intravenous thrombolysis). Compared with the non-reperfused patients, reperfused patients had an increased rate of excellent outcome (OR 2.3, 95% CI 0.98 to 5.36; p=0.053), favorable outcome (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.31 to 5.93; p=0.007), and reduced 90-day mortality (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.79; p<0.01). Admission NIHSS score was the only predictor of successful reperfusion. First-line strategy was not a predictor of successful reperfusion or favorable outcome, but the use of a stent retriever, alone or with an aspiration catheter, was associated with higher rates of procedural complications and 90-day mortality.

Conclusions

Successful reperfusion of M2 occlusions reduced disability and mortality. However, safety is a concern, especially if the procedure failed.
Design of foundations against differential settlement
Authors: Naghibi Farzaneh , Fenton Gordon A.
Published: May 2021

The serviceability limit state (SLS) design of foundations typically proceeds by limiting the total settlement of individual foundations and thereby attempting to restrict the differential settlement between pairs of foundations. Due to the uncertain nature of the supporting ground, the magnitude of settlement and differential settlement are random. As it is often the differential settlement that governs serviceability, it is desirable to provide design requirements that suitably restrict differential settlements. This paper investigates, by Monte Carlo simulation, the distribution of the maximum differential settlement between pairs of foundations as a function of the spacing between foundations and the number of foundations — groups of four, nine, or 16 foundations, arranged on a grid — are considered. The effects of the correlations between the equivalent stiffness of the ground under each foundation, as well as between the loads applied to the foundations, on the distribution of the maximum differential settlements and angular distortions are investigated. Ratios of resistance factor to resistance bias factor are presented that can be used to calibrate design requirements on the total settlement of individual foundations that also simultaneously achieve acceptable performance with respect to angular distortion.
“Awakening the sleeping giant”: re-Indigenization principles for transforming biodiversity conservation in Canada and beyond
Authors:   M’sɨt No’kmaq, Marshall Albert , Beazley Karen F. , Hum Jessica , joudry shalan , Papadopoulos Anastasia , Pictou Sherry , Rabesca Janet , Young Lisa , Zurba Melanie
Published: May 2021

Precipitous declines in biodiversity threaten planetary boundaries, requiring transformative changes to conservation. Colonial systems have decimated species and ecosystems and dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their rights, territories, and livelihoods. Despite these challenges, Indigenous-governed lands retain a large proportion of biodiversity-rich landscapes. Indigenous Peoples have stewarded the land in ways that support people and nature in respectful relationship. Biodiversity conservation and resurgence of Indigenous autonomies are mutually compatible aims. To work towards these aims requires significant transformation in conservation and re-Indigenization. Key to both are systems that value people and nature in all their diversity and relationships. This paper introduces Indigenous principles for re-Indigenizing conservation: ( i) embracing Indigenous worldviews of ecologies and M’sɨt No’kmaq, ( ii) learning from Indigenous languages of the land, ( iii) Natural laws and Netukulimk, ( iv) correct relationships, ( v) total reflection and truth, ( vi) Etuaptmumk—“two-eyed seeing,” and “strong like two people”, and ( vii) “story-telling/story-listening”. Although the principles derive primarily from a Mi’kmaw worldview, many are common to diverse Indigenous ways of knowing. Achieving the massive effort required for biodiversity conservation in Canada will entail transformations in worldviews and ways of thinking and bold, proactive actions, not solely as means but as ongoing imperatives.
Gibbs measures of Potts model on Cayley trees: A survey and applications
Authors: Rozikov U. A.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we give a systematic review of the theory of Gibbs measures of Potts model on Cayley trees (developed since 2013) and discuss many applications of the Potts model to real world situations: mainly biology, physics, and some examples of alloy behavior, cell sorting, financial engineering, flocking birds, flowing foams, image segmentation, medicine, sociology, etc.
On the Versatility of Bracha’s Byzantine Reliable Broadcast Algorithm
Authors: Raynal Michel
Published: May 2021

G. Bracha presented in 1987 a simple and efficient reliable broadcast algorithm for [Formula: see text]-process asynchronous message-passing systems, which tolerates up to [Formula: see text] Byzantine processes. Following an idea recently introduced by Hirt, Kastrato and Liu-Zhang (OPODIS 2020), instead of considering the upper bound on the number of Byzantine processes [Formula: see text], the present short article considers two types of Byzantine behavior: the ones that can prevent the safety property from being satisfied, and the ones that can prevent the liveness property from being satisfied (a Byzantine process can exhibit only one or both types of failures). This Byzantine differentiated failure model is captured by two associated upper bounds denoted [Formula: see text] (for safety) and [Formula: see text] for liveness). The article shows that only the threshold values used in the predicates of Bracha’s algorithm must be modified to obtain an algorithm that works with this differentiated Byzantine failure model.
Distributing Information in Small-World Networks: Four Social Cases of the Process of Contagion in Spain
Authors: Belli Simone , Reyes Leonardo
Published: May 2021

This case study is part of a research project based in Spain between 2011 and 2014 on the social institutions and affective processes involved in what is normally referred to as social movement. Our purpose is to study how information circulates in small-world networks in which the dynamics are modeled with a stochastic version of Greenberg–Hasting’s excitable model. This is a three-state model in which a node can be in an excited, passive, or susceptible state. Only in the susceptible state does a node interact with its neighbors in the small-world network, and its interaction depends on the probability of contagion. We introduce an infection probability, which is the only parameter in our implementation of Greenberg–Hasting’s model. The small-world network is characterized by a mean connectivity parameter and by a disorder parameter.

The resulting dynamics are characterized by the average activity in the network. We have found transitions from inactive to active collective regimes, and we can induce this transition by varying. We search for different dynamics within small-world networks of citizens’ organizations by going through the following steps: identifying alliance patterns; looking for robust small-world attributes and how they are constructed; and interpreting the three modes of our model.
On the structure of finite groups with dominatable enhanced power graph
Authors: Mahmoudifar A. , Babai A.
Published: May 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a group. The enhanced power graph of [Formula: see text] is a graph with vertex set [Formula: see text] and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if there exists [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text]. Also, a vertex of a graph is called dominating vertex if it is adjacent to every other vertex of the vertex set. Moreover, an enhanced power graph is said to be a dominatable graph if it has a dominating vertex other than the identity element. In an article of 2018, Bera and his coauthor characterized all abelian finite groups and nonabelian finite [Formula: see text]-groups such that their enhanced power graphs are dominatable (see [2]). In addition as an open problem, they suggested characterizing all finite nonabelian groups such that their enhanced power graphs are dominatable. In this paper, we try to answer their question. We prove that the enhanced power graph of finite group [Formula: see text] is dominatable if and only if there is a prime number [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and the Sylow [Formula: see text]-subgroups of [Formula: see text] are isomorphic to either a cyclic group or a generalized quaternion group.
On a generalization of principal weak (po-)flatness of S-posets
Authors: Rashidi Hamideh , Golchin Akbar , Saany Hossein Mohammadzadeh
Published: May 2021

In [H. Rashidi, A. Golchin and H. Mohammadzadeh saany, On [Formula: see text]-flat acts, Categ. Gen. Algebr. Struct. Appl. 12(1) (2020) 175–197], the study of [Formula: see text]-flatness property of right acts [Formula: see text] over a monoid [Formula: see text] that can be described by means of when the functor [Formula: see text]-preserves some pullbacks is initiated. In this paper, we extend these results to [Formula: see text]-posets and present equivalent description of [Formula: see text]-po-flatness of [Formula: see text]-posets. We show that [Formula: see text]-flatness does not imply torsion freeness in [Formula: see text]-posets and give some general properties and a characterization of pomonoids for which some other properties of their posets imply this condition.
Efficacy of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin plus Ponatinib Followed by Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in a Patient with Relapsed Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Micheva Ilina , Gerov Vladimir , Dimitrova Stela , Efraim Merlin
Published: May 2021

Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph + ALL) is an aggressive disease with poor outcomes. Despite the incorporation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in the therapeutic strategies, patients who relapse after chemotherapy plus TKI have poor overall survival (OS) and less chance to proceed to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) which remains the only curative approach. Therefore, new drugs, such as antibody-targeted therapies alone or in combination with TKIs, offer new therapeutic options for those patients. However, the combination of inotuzumab plus ponatinib has limited application. We present a case of a patient affected by Ph + ALL with T315I mutation successfully treated after early relapse with inotuzumab plus ponatinib, followed by allogeneic HSCT and ponatinib maintenance.
Limit Analysis of Collapse Mechanisms for Tunnel Roofs Subjected to Pore Water Pressure: A Numerical Approach
Authors: Liu Jing-jing , Chen Tie-lin , Xie Chang-ling , Tian Jian-hua , Wei Yu-xin
Published: May 2021

The collapse mechanism of a circular unlined tunnel roof subjected to the pore water pressure under plane strain conditions is investigated in this article. First, the model of calculating the function expression of the detaching surface for the collapsing block is formed in the framework of the upper bound theorem of limit analysis and the extremum principle. The analytical solution of the pore water pressure around the tunnel in a two‐dimensional steady seepage field is employed in the equations of the model. Then, the numerical approach based on the Runge–Kutta algorithm and traversal search method is proposed to solve the complex equations. The obtained expression of the detaching surface for the collapsing block provides the shape of the collapsing block and a theoretical basis for designing the support force for tunnels. The proposed limit analysis method and numerical approach are verified by comparing with existing theoretical solutions and the numerical simulation result, and they are suitable for deep, shallow tunnels and layered strata. Moreover, the effects of different parameters on the collapse mechanism are investigated, and qualitative results are provided.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid in a Tertiary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abate Enyew , Alamirew Kassahun , Admassu Eleni , Derbie Awoke
Published: May 2021

Background. Fetal bowel could pass meconium, a green viscous fluid, before or during labour and most intrauterine passage of meconium is associated with several fetomaternal factors that lead to increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Given that there is a paucity of data, this study was conducted to assess the proportion and associated factors of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) in women who came for labour and delivery service in a tertiary hospital. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 June to 31 August 2018 among 606 labouring mothers at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered pretested questionnaire and data checklist. Factors associated with MSAF were explored using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results. MSAF occurred in 24.6% (149/606) of pregnancies. Nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 21.9, 95% Confidence interval [95% CI]: 10.96–43.83), postterm pregnancy (AOR: 4.54, 95% CI: 2.24–9.20), duration of labour more than 15 hours (AOR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.76–4.53), pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.45–4.05), oligohydramnios (AOR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.25–5.12), interpregnancy interval less than 2 years (AOR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.12–4.51), and monthly family income less than 5000 Ethiopian Birr (185 USD) (AOR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.18–3.51) were significantly associated with MSAF. Conclusions. In this study, the proportion of MSAF was at 24.6% which was higher than a previous report in Ethiopia. Nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern, postterm pregnancy, duration of labour more than 15 hours, pregnancy-induced hypertension, oligohydramnios, interpregnancy interval less than 2 years, and monthly family income less than 5000 Ethiopian Birr were factors associated with an increased risk for MSAF. Therefore, interventions aimed at detecting MSAF early should consider these factors.
Recent Advancement in Anticancer Activity of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau
Authors: Lin Chung-Ming , Chen Hsin-Han , Lung Chi-Wen , Chen Hui-Jye
Published: May 2021

Clinacanthus nutans is a traditional medicinal herb that is applied for the therapy of snake bites, skin infection, herpes infection, burns, scalds, dysentery, and diabetes. Clinacanthus nutans is also used to treat several cancers, including breast, cervical, colon, gastric, head and neck, liver, lung, pancreatic, and skin cancers, as well as lymphoma and leukemia; however, the underlying mechanisms of its anticancer activity remained undetermined. We searched PubMed and Google with key words “Clinacanthus nutans and cancer” and collected recent papers of Clinacanthus nutans with anticancer activity. We focused on the preparation, effects, and action mechanisms of Clinacanthus nutans extracts on various types of cancers. We hope that this mini review can help update our knowledge about active components, effects, and molecular mechanisms of extracts from this promising herb Clinacanthus nutans for ongoing studies and speed up its clinical application in the future.
The Effect of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Watercress on the Levels of Protein Carbonyl, Inflammatory Markers, and Vitamin E in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Sedaghattalab Moslem , Razazan Marzieh , Shahpari Mohsen , Azarmehr Nahid , Larki Rozina Abbasi , Sadeghi Hossein , Asfaram Arash , Taheri Tahere , Pourshohod Aminollah , Moslemi Zahra , Abbaszadeh-Goudarzi Kazem , Doustimotlagh Amir Hossein
Published: May 2021

Introduction. Chronic kidney disorder is a main public health concern. Inflammatory processes and oxidative stress are common in end-stage renal disease patients. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of watercress (WC) on the inflammatory cytokines and protein carbonyl (PCO) contents in chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods. This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial performed on 46 hemodialysis patients. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: intervention group (500 mg hydroalcoholic extract of WC every day for 4 weeks) and control group (500 mg of white flour every night for 4 weeks). The blood samples were taken to determine the levels of vitamin E, PCO, and inflammatory cytokines at baseline and the end of treatment. Results. Forty-five patients completed the study (22 patients in the intervention group and 23 patients in the control group). There was a significant reduction in the PCO level (20.33 ± 4.40 vs. 15.06 ± 6.41,

P
=
0.001

) in the intervention group; also, this change was statistically significant relative to the control group. Furthermore, there were significant reductions in hs-CRP (8953.30 ± 5588.06 vs. 7249.86 ± 5091.62,

P
=
0.007

) and IL-6 (60.10 (55.99, 73.10) vs. 55.21 (53.39, 60.48),

P
=
0.050

) in the intervention group, but these changes were not significant in comparison with the control group. Conclusion. We conclude that the hydroalcoholic extract of WC reduced the PCO content in hemodialysis patients via inhibition of protein oxidation. Although WC administration had caused a significant reduction in IL-6 and CRP levels, these differences were not statistically significant relative to the control group. Further research is needed to identify the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of WC in hemodialysis patients.
Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in Airborne Particulate Matter Samples by Gas Chromatography in Combination with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS)
Authors: Vu-Duc Nam , Phung Thi Lan Anh , Le-Minh Thuy , Nguyen Lan-Anh , Nguyen-Thi Huong , Pham-Thi Loan-Ha , Doan-Thi Van-Anh , Le-Quang Huong , Nguyen-Xuan Hung , Thi Nguyen Thao , Nguyen Phuong Thanh , Chu Dinh Binh
Published: May 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the family of organic contaminations, have been shown to have negative effects on human health. However, until now, the comprehension on occurrence, distribution, and risk assessment of human exposure to PAHs has been limited in Vietnam. In this work, a capillary gas chromatography coupled with electron impact ionization tandem mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS/MS) has been introduced for analysis of 16 PAHs in some particulate matter samples. PAHs have been separated on the TG 5 ms capillary gas chromatographic column and detected by tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The PAHs in the particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10) samples were extracted by ultrasonic-assisted liquid extraction and cleaned up by an acidic silica gel solid phase extraction. The linearity range of all analyzed PAHs was from 5 to 2000 ng mL−1 with R2 ≥0.9990. Limit of detection (LOD) of PAHs in particulate matter sample was from 0.001 ng m−3 (Br-Naph) to 0.276 ng m−3 (Fln). The recovery of PAHs was investigated by international proficiency testing samples. The recoveries of PAHs in proficiency testing sample ranged from 79.3% (Chr) to 109.8% (IcdP). The in-house validated GC-EI-MS/MS method was then applied to analysis of some particulate matter samples that were collected in the Hanoi areas. The total concentrations of PAHs in several brands of samples collected from Hanoi were found in the range of 226.3 ng m−3–706.43 ng m−3. Among the studied compounds, naphthalene was found at high frequency and ranged from 106.5 ng m−3 to 631.1 ng m−3. The main distribution of the PAHs in particulate matter samples was two-ring and three-ring compounds.
An Approach of Statistical Corrections to Interactions in Hadron Resonance Gas
Authors: Hanafy Mahmoud , Maher Muhammad
Published: May 2021

We propose a new model for hadrons with quantum mechanical attractive and repulsive interactions sensitive to some spatial correlation length parameter inspired by the Beth-Uhlenbeck quantum mechanical nonideal gas model (Uhlenbeck and Beth, 1937). We confront the thermodynamics calculated using our model with a corresponding recent lattice data at four different values of the baryon chemical potential,

μ

b

=
0
,
170
,
340
,
425
 
MeV

over temperatures ranging from

130
 
MeV

to

200
 
MeV

and for five values for the correlation length ranging from

0

to 0.2 fm. For equilibrium temperatures up to the vicinity of the chiral phase transition temperature ≃160 MeV, a decent fitting between the model and the lattice data is observed for different values of

r

, especially at

μ

b

,
r

=

170
,
0.05

,

340
,
0.1

,
and
 

340
,
0.15

, where

μ

b

is in MeV and

r

is in fm. For the vanishing chemical potential, the uncorrelated model

r
=
0

, which corresponds to the ideal hadron resonance gas model, seems to offer the best fit. The quantum hadron correlations seem to be more probable at nonvanishing chemical potentials, especially within the range

μ

b

∈

170
,
340
 
MeV

.
Random Response and Crossing Rate of Fractional Order Nonlinear System with Impact
Authors: Zheng Yang , Wu Jiayin , Xu Ming
Published: May 2021

The random response and mean crossing rate of the fractional order nonlinear system with impact are investigated through the equivalent nonlinearization technique. The random additive excitation is Gaussian white noise, while the impact is described by a phenomenological model, which is developed from the actual impact process experiments. Based on the equivalent nonlinearization technique, one class of random nonlinear system with exact probability density function (PDF) solution of response is selected. The criterion of the appropriate equivalent nonlinear system is the similarity with the original system on the damping, stiffness, and inertia. The more similar, the higher the precision. The optimal unknown parameters of the equivalent random nonlinear system in the damping and stiffness terms are determined by the rule of smallest mean‐square difference. In the view of equivalent nonlinearization technique, the response of the original system is the same as that of the equivalent system with the optimal unknown parameters in analytical solution manner. Then, the mean crossing rate is derived from stationary PDF. The consistence between the results from proposed technique and Monte Carlo simulation reveals the accuracy of the proposed analytical procedure.
BTK Promotes Atherosclerosis by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Injury, and ER Stress of Macrophages
Authors: Qiu Junxiong , Fu Yuan , Chen Zhiteng , Zhang Lisui , Li Ling , Liang Diefei , Wei Feng , Wen Zhuzhi , Wang Yajing , Liang Shi
Published: May 2021

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic metabolic disease in arterial walls, characterized by lipid deposition and persistent aseptic inflammation. AS is regarded as the basis of a variety of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It is widely acknowledged that macrophages would become foam cells after internalizing lipoprotein particles, which is an initial factor in atherogenesis. Here, we showed the influences of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) in macrophage‐mediated AS and how BTK regulates the inflammatory responses of macrophages in AS. Our bioinformatic results suggested that BTK was a potential hub gene, which is closely related to oxidative stress, ER stress, and inflammation in macrophage‐induced AS. Moreover, we found that BTK knockdown could restrain ox‐LDL‐induced NK‐κB signaling activation in macrophages and repressed M1 polarization. The mechanistic studies revealed that oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury, and ER stress in macrophages were also suppressed by BTK knockdown. Furthermore, we found that sh‐BTK adenovirus injection could alleviate the severity of AS in ApoE-/- mice induced by a high‐fat diet in vivo. Our study suggested that BTK promoted ox‐LDL‐induced ER stress, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses in macrophages, and it may be a potential therapeutic target in AS.
Multivariate Dynamic Sneak-Out Inequalities on Time Scales
Authors: Nosheen Ammara , Aslam Aneeqa , Khan Khuram Ali , Mahmood Awan Khalid , Moradi Hamid Reza
Published: May 2021

In this study, we extend some “sneak-out” inequalities on time scales for a function depending on more than one parameter. The results are proved by using the induction principle and time scale version of Minkowski inequalities. In seeking applications, these inequalities are discussed in classical, discrete, and quantum calculus.
Evaluation of the Impact of Iron Deficiency Anemia during Pregnancy on Hospital Admission and Utilization of Hospital Resources in Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai, UAE
Authors: Aftab Nighat , Faraz Saima , Hazari Komal , Fahad Asma , AlSawalhee Nadia , AlQedrah Amal , Naqvi Shazia , Paulose Litty , Abdelkareem Widad , EL Gergawi Taghrid
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is endemic among pregnant females worldwide. Liposomal iron preparation is a novel therapy for treating IDA in pregnant females. There is a lack of research on cost-effect and comparison between various new iron preparations as liposomal and intravenous (IV) iron supplements in the international literature. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effect and maternal-fetal outcome of IDA during pregnancy in Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai, UAE. Design: The study was a quasi-experimental study. Settings: Settings include tertiary-care hospital settings affiliated with academic center in UAE. Patients and Methods: A total of 226 pregnant women were inducted in the study who were controlled in terms of age, BMI, baseline hemoglobin (Hb), severity of anemia, and ferritin levels. There were 116 patients who received oral liposomal iron pyrophosphate and 110 patients received IV iron saccharate complex for 4 weeks. The overall cost-effect and maternal-fetal outcomes were compared in 2 groups. Main Outcomes Measured: The main outcomes measured the cost-effect of liposomal and IV iron therapy, and the 2 treatments were compared in terms of maternal and fetal outcomes. Result: The subjects were matched for age and body mass index and showed that the patients in the IV group were more symptomatic than those in the oral group (18.1 vs. 31.9% p value <0.01). There was no statistically significant difference among women from different nationalities living in UAE (p value 0.079). There were 98 (84.4%) patients in the oral group and 99 (90%) patients in the IV group who achieved the desired Hb levels after 1 month of treatment (p value = 0.878). Moreover, the side effects were also comparable in both groups (1.72 vs. 1.82% p value = 0.56). The incremental cost-effect ratio for IV iron was USD 108,633/rise to desired Hb. Conclusion: Liposomal iron preparations may be cost-effective and have fewer side effects than IV iron. In terms of outcome, the maternal and fetal variables are comparable in liposomal and IV groups.
Medo de cair em idosos classificados como vulneráveis de um centro de referência à atenção da saúde do idoso
Authors: França Júlio César Queiroz de , Ferreira Miguel Jânio Costa , Lobos Juan Carlos Costa Mata , Santana Roseanne Maria Silva Barbosa , Moraes Júnior Juarez Belmiro , Carneiro Andréa Santana , Monteiro Silvio Gomes , Gonçalves Maria Claudia
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Correlacionar o medo de cair com a vulnerabilidade em idosos. Método: A vulnerabilidade foi avaliada por meio da Pesquisa sobre Idosos Vulneráveis (VES-13) e o medo de cair pela Escala de Eficácia de Quedas - Internacional – Brasileira (FES-I-BR), participaram idosos de ambos os sexos e idade (60-85 anos), foram excluídos voluntários com limitações cognitivas e os que não participavam do grupo de convivência. Foram aplicado os testes de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, de Mann-Whitney, de Spearman, de regressão logística binária e para análise de sensibilidade e especificidade da FES-I-BR, empregou-se a curva da característica do operador receptor (ROC), a análise foi realizada em 95% nível de confiança e p<0,05 foi adotado.  Resultados: Entre os n= 123 idosos, foi observado que (33,3%) são vulneráveis, n= 120 (97,6%) apresentaram alguma preocupação em cair. Entre as atividades analisadas na FES-I-BR, 21,1% estão extremamente preocupados em cair ao andar em superfícies escorregadias e foi observada uma correlação positiva e significativa entre a pontuação do VES-13 com a pontuação da FES-I-BR, a FES-I-BR foi um previsor significativo para a vulnerabilidade.  A FES-I-BR de forma aceitável mostrou-se capaz de discriminar o medo de cair de vulneráveis de não vulneráveis em uma área de 0,656 (p<0,005), sensibilidade de 53,7% e especificidade de 69,5%.  Conclusão: O medo de cair está correlacionado com a vulnerabilidade, os idosos vulneráveis apresentaram mais medo de cair, o medo de cair é fator preditor de vulnerabilidade e a FES-I-BR foi capaz de discriminar o medo de cair de idosos vulneráveis e não vulneráveis.
Protocolo intensivo de reabilitação para o desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor em uma criança com microcefalia: um estudo de caso
Authors: Tavares Amanda Braceloti , Sant'Anna Junior Augusto , Borges Nathalia Cristina , Santiago Hildemberg Agostinho Rocha de , Junior Ivair Matias , Menezes-Reis Rafael
Published: May 2021

Microcephaly is a multifactorial disease that can be developed congenitally or due to environmental causes. It affects the skullcap bones, causing premature fontanelles closure, in which it restricts the internal skull space, which consequently affects the growth and normal development of the brain, leading to mild, moderate or severe neuropsychomotor disorders. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the neuropsychomotor development of a child with microcephaly, before and after an intensive physical therapy protocol. This is a case report in which the motor milestones and function levels were evaluated before and after an intensive physical therapy protocol performed for a consecutive 30 days period. Important results were obtained in cervical control, midline head alignment, object handling, lifting hands to mouth and postural alignment. Thus, it is concluded that the intensive physical therapy protocol is an effective alternative that helps and enhances the child's neuropsychomotor development.
Validade de construto do Functional Impairment Test-Hand and Neck/Shoulder and Arm (FIT-HANSA) para trabalhadores com queixas no membro superior de um hospital terciário
Authors: Silva Natalia Claro , Pinola Lívia  Nahas , Ricci Flávia Pessoni Faleiros Macêdo , Fifolato Thais Marques  , Lopes Ester Rodrigues do Carmo , Suzuki Karen Ayumi Kawano , Fonseca Marisa de Cássia Registro
Published: May 2021

The Functional Impairment Test-Hand and Neck/Shoulder/Arm (FIT-HaNSA) is an instrument that assesses fatigue resistance and upper limb performance through thick motor functions commonly used in everyday life. Objective: To analyze the construct validity of the FIT-HaNSA in workers with symptoms in the upper limb, through the correlation between the fatigue resistance of the segment with the muscle strength scores of the shoulder, elbow and hand, with the ability to work (ICT) and with upper limb dysfunction (QUICK DASH-Br). Methods: Thirty-nine workers from a tertiary hospital with an average age of 42.9 years (SD13.29) were recruited. The Biodex System 4 Pro ™ isokinetic measurement instruments, JAMAR® handgrip dynamometer, QuickDASH-Br and ICT were applied and correlated with FIT-HaNSA. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was used to quantify the association between the instruments. Results: FIT-HaNSA showed a weak to moderate correlation between the muscular strength of the shoulder, elbow and hand (r= 0.18 - 0.58), but significant for the shoulder and hand. The association between FIT-HaNSA with QuickDASH-Br and ICT was weak (r= -0.38 and 0.21). Conclusion: Our study provided preliminary evidence regarding the expected relationships and validity of FIT-HaNSA as a measurement tool for the assessment of fatigue and discomfort in workers with complaints in the upper limb.
Dependência funcional e fatores associados em idosos de uma macrorregião de saúde
Authors: Araújo Ingrid Vitória de Sousa , Oliveira Nayara Gomes Nunes , Marchiori Gianna Fiori , Tavares Darlene Mara dos Santos
Published: May 2021

Objective: To verify the functional dependence to perform basic, instrumental and advanced activities of daily living among the older people, and associated factors. Method: Cross-sectional an analytical study, developed with 1.611 older people from the community of a Health Macro-region of the State of Minas Gerais. In data collection, the following were applied: Mini-Mental State Examination; Structured questionnaire prepared by the Collective Health Research Group; Brazilian version of the Short Physical Performance Battery; Katz index; Lawton & Brody and Advanced Activities of Daily Living scales and the frailty phenotype. Results: 6.5% of the older people were dependent for basic activities; 70.7% partial/total dependent for instrumental activities and 25.1% had less participation in advanced activities. Dependence on basic and instrumental activities of daily living associated with the age group of 80 years or more (p= 0.001; p<0.001); presence of 5 or more morbidities (p= 0.023; p= 0.017); disability/poor physical performance (p<0.001; p<0.001) and pre-frailty/frailty (p= 0.015; p<0.001), respectively. Dependence on instrumental activities was also associated with no schooling (p<0.001). The lower participation in advanced activities was associated with no schooling (p<0.001); individual monthly income ≤ 1 minimum wage (p<0.001); disability/poor physical performance (p<0.001) and pre-frailty/frailty (p<0.001). Conclusion: The older adults showed a higher percentage of dependence to perform instrumental activities. Physical health is related to the functional dependence of the elderly, regardless of the complexity of daily activities; and should be considered when planning nursing interventions aimed at preventing and / or rehabilitating functional decline in this age group.
Reliability of the PhysioPlay™ device for assessing the reaction time of cancer patients
Authors: Anciães Júlia da Costa , Alves Ricardo da Silva , Silva Pereira Paola de Paula , Nascimento Eduarda Suellen Figueiredo Silva do , Iunes Denise Hollanda , Bressan Paulo Alexandre , Carvalho Leonardo César
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Determinar a confiabilidade intra-avaliador e inter-avaliador da interação Physioplay-Kinect e do dispositivo Trigno para avaliar o tempo de reação (TR) de voluntários com câncer em tratamento. Métodos: 46 voluntários com câncer em tratamento participaram do estudo e foram distribuídos em três grupos: Grupo de Quimioterapia (GQ), Grupo de Radioterapia (GR), e Grupo de Quimioterapia-Radioterapia (GQR). O TR para todos os voluntários foi avaliado utilizando o dispositivo PhysioPlay™ e Trigno. Resultados: Na análise intra-avaliador, foram observados excelentes níveis de confiabilidade (Physioplay: ICC> 0,99; Trigno 8: ICC>0,92) em todos os grupos. Na análise inter-avaliador, foram observados excelentes níveis de confiabilidade no GQ (Physioplay: ICC= 0,98; Trigno 8: ICC= 0,98); excelente (Physioplay: ICC= 0,98) e bom (Trigno 8: ICC= 0,44) níveis no GR; bons (Physioplay: ICC= 0,49) e razoáveis (Trigno 8: ICC= 0,29) níveis no GQR. Conclusão: Os dispositivos PhysioPlay™ e Trigno provaram ser confiáveis para avaliar o TR de voluntários com câncer em tratamento.