bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles and routes of administration
Authors: Chenthamara Dhrisya , Subramaniam Sadhasivam , Ramakrishnan Sankar Ganesh , Krishnaswamy Swaminathan , Essa Musthafa Mohamed , Lin Feng-Huei , Qoronfleh M. Walid
Published: December 2019

In modern-day medicine, nanotechnology and nanoparticles are some of the indispensable tools in disease monitoring and therapy. The term “nanomaterials” describes materials with nanoscale dimensions (< 100 nm) and are broadly classified into natural and synthetic nanomaterials. However, “engineered” nanomaterials have received significant attention due to their versatility. Although enormous strides have been made in research and development in the field of nanotechnology, it is often confusing for beginners to make an informed choice regarding the nanocarrier system and its potential applications. Hence, in this review, we have endeavored to briefly explain the most commonly used nanomaterials, their core properties and how surface functionalization would facilitate competent delivery of drugs or therapeutic molecules. Similarly, the suitability of carbon-based nanomaterials like CNT and QD has been discussed for targeted drug delivery and siRNA therapy. One of the biggest challenges in the formulation of drug delivery systems is fulfilling targeted/specific drug delivery, controlling drug release and preventing opsonization. Thus, a different mechanism of drug targeting, the role of suitable drug-laden nanocarrier fabrication and methods to augment drug solubility and bioavailability are discussed. Additionally, different routes of nanocarrier administration are discussed to provide greater understanding of the biological and other barriers and their impact on drug transport. The overall aim of this article is to facilitate straightforward perception of nanocarrier design, routes of various nanoparticle administration and the challenges associated with each drug delivery method.
Wide-field angiography in retinal vein occlusions
Authors: Tan Colin S. , Li Kelvin Z. , Sadda SriniVas R.
Published: December 2019

Background

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy. It can result in significant visual loss from complications like macula edema, retinal and iris neovascularization, and vitreous hemorrhage. Recently, ultra-widefield imaging (UWF) has been developed for posterior pole visualization and has shown to be useful in the evaluation and treatment of RVO.

Main text

Ultra-widefield imaging (UWF) imaging allows for visualization of the retina up to an angle of 200°. This is especially important in detecting peripheral retinal pathologies, especially in retinal conditions such as RVO, where the disease process affects the peripheral as well as central retina. In particular, retinal non-perfusion in RVO is a risk factor for neovascularization. Various techniques, such as ischemic index and stereographic projection, have been described to assess areas of ischemia on UWF images. Retinal non-perfusion has an impact on disease complications, such as macular edema, and retinal and iris neovascularization. Retinal non-perfusion also has implications on disease response, including visual acuity, reduction in retinal edema and treatment burden.

Conclusion

Ultra-widefield imaging (UWF) imaging plays an important role in the assessment and management of RVO, especially in measuring retinal non-perfusion in the peripheries.
Wide-field fundus autofluorescence imaging in patients with hereditary retinal degeneration: a literature review
Authors: Oishi Akio , Miyata Manabu , Numa Shogo , Otsuka Yuki , Oishi Maho , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: December 2019

Background

Inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) refers to a heterogenous group of progressive diseases that cause death of photoreceptor cells and subsequent vision loss. These diseases often affect the peripheral retina, objective evaluation of which has been difficult until recently. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a non-invasive retinal imaging technique that depicts the distribution of intrinsic fluorophores in the retina. The primary source of retinal autofluorescence is lipofuscin, which is contained in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Excessive accumulation of lipofuscin and a window defect attributable to loss of photoreceptor pigment result in increased FAF whereas loss of the RPE results in decreased FAF. These changes can be seen during the course of IRD.

Mainbody

While conventional modalities are limited in their angle of view, recent technologic advances, known as wide-field and ultra-widefield FAF imaging, have enabled visualization of the far peripheral retina. Although clinical application of this technique in patients with IRD is still in its infancy, some studies have already indicated its usefulness. For example, an area with decreased FAF correlates well with a visual field defect in an eye with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or cone-rod dystrophy. An abnormal FAF pattern may help in the diagnosis of IRD and associated diseases. In addition, female carriers of X-linked RP and female choroideremia show characteristic appearance. Conversely, absence of abnormal FAF despite severe retinal degeneration helps differentiation of cancer-associated retinopathy.

Conclusion

This paper reviews the principles of FAF, wide-field imaging, and findings in specific diseases. Wide-field imaging, particularly wide-field FAF, will provide further information for the characteristics, prognosis, and pathogenesis of IRD.
Application of wide-field infrared reflectance imaging in retinoschisis, retinal detachments, and schisis detachments
Authors: Banda Himanshu K. , Shah Anjali , Shah Gaurav K.
Published: December 2019

Background

Retinoschisis and retinal detachment are distinguished based on features in clinical examination. Even to skilled examiners, some cases may be diagnostic challenges. Infrared and wide-angle infrared reflectance imaging are relatively new modalities that can provide additional diagnostic information. Non-contact infrared reflectance imaging (also described as near-infrared imaging) highlights sub-retinal features which may otherwise be obscured by standard retinal photography. It is non-invasive and uses the retina’s ability to absorb, reflect or scatter infrared light to produce high quality images.

Main body

The aim of this review is to describe the role of wide-field infrared imaging in screening, diagnosing, and monitoring structural peripheral retinal disorders including retinoschisis, retinal detachment or combined retinoschisis rhegmatogenous detachments. Infrared imaging can also be used to monitor anterior segment inflammation. Heidelberg Wide-Field Module lens and Heidelberg Spectralis® HRA + OCT machine (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) were used to obtain noncontact, wide-field infrared images on each study eye. Pseudocolor photos were captured by Optos Optomap® (Optos, Inc, Massachusetts, USA).

Conclusion

Wide angle infrared imaging offers a quick, noncontact, and noninvasive way to help specialists accurately diagnose, monitor for progression, and educate patients about retinal detachment, retinoschisis and even anterior segment inflammation.
Widefield imaging of retinal and choroidal tumors
Authors: Callaway Natalia F. , Mruthyunjaya Prithvi
Published: December 2019

Background

Wide-field imaging plays an increasingly important role in ocular oncology clinics. The purpose of this review is to describe the commonly used wide-field imaging devices and review conditions seen in ocular oncology clinic that underwent wide-field imaging as part of the multimodal evaluation.

Summary of review

Wide-field or wide-angle imaging is defined as greater than 50° field of view. Modern devices can reach far beyond this reporting fields of view up to 267°, when utilizing montage features, with increasingly impressive resolution. Wide-field imaging modalities include fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), indocyanine angiography (ICG), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and recently wide-field OCT Angiography (OCTA). These imaging modalities are increasingly prevalent in practice. The wide-field systems include laser, optical, and lens based systems that are contact or non-contact lens systems each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The purpose of this review is to discuss commonly used wide-field imaging modalities for retinal and choroidal tumors and demonstrate the use of various widefield imaging modalities in select ocular oncology cases.

Conclusions

Clinical examination remains the gold standard for the evaluation of choroidal and retinal tumors. Wide-field imaging plays an important role in ocular oncology for initial documentation, surgical planning, determining the relationship of the tumor to adjacent ocular structures, following tumor size after treatment, and monitoring for recurrence.
Artificial intelligence, robotics and eye surgery: are we overfitted?
Authors: Urias Müller G. , Patel Niravkumar , He Changyan , Ebrahimi Ali , Kim Ji Woong , Iordachita Iulian , Gehlbach Peter L.
Published: December 2019

Eye surgery, specifically retinal micro-surgery involves sensory and motor skill that approaches human boundaries and physiological limits for steadiness, accuracy, and the ability to detect the small forces involved. Despite assumptions as to the benefit of robots in surgery and also despite great development effort, numerous challenges to the full development and adoption of robotic assistance in surgical ophthalmology, remain. Historically, the first in-human–robot-assisted retinal surgery occurred nearly 30 years after the first experimental papers on the subject. Similarly, artificial intelligence emerged decades ago and it is only now being more fully realized in ophthalmology. The delay between conception and application has in part been due to the necessary technological advances required to implement new processing strategies. Chief among these has been the better matched processing power of specialty graphics processing units for machine learning. Transcending the classic concept of robots performing repetitive tasks, artificial intelligence and machine learning are related concepts that has proven their abilities to design concepts and solve problems. The implication of such abilities being that future machines may further intrude on the domain of heretofore “human-reserved” tasks. Although the potential of artificial intelligence/machine learning is profound, present marketing promises and hype exceeds its stage of development, analogous to the seventieth century mathematical “boom” with algebra. Nevertheless robotic systems augmented by machine learning may eventually improve robot-assisted retinal surgery and could potentially transform the discipline. This commentary analyzes advances in retinal robotic surgery, its current drawbacks and limitations, and the potential role of artificial intelligence in robotic retinal surgery.
Does the awareness of having a lumbar spondylolisthesis influence self-efficacy and kinesiophobia? A retrospective analysis
Authors: Ferrari Silvano , Striano Rosa , Lucking Eric , Pillastrini Paolo , Monticone Marco , Vanti Carla
Published: December 2019

Background

High pain self-efficacy and low kinesiophobia seem related to a better prognosis in patients complaining of low back pain (LBP). The literature stresses the potential negative effects of anatomical defect diagnosis (e.g. lumbar spondylolisthesis) on the psychological profile. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between awareness of having a spondylolisthesis, pain self-efficacy and kinesiophobia.

Methods

A secondary retrospective analysis was done. Ninety-eight subjects with subacute and chronic LBP were included: 49 subjects with diagnosed symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis and 49 subjects with diagnosed non-specific LBP. The pain self-efficacy measured with the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and the fear of movement measured with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia were considered variables to investigate, whereas diagnosis and demographic/clinical variables were considered predictors or potential confounders.

Results

By comparing the two groups, the awareness of having a spondylolisthesis did not significantly influence neither pain self-efficacy (p = 0.82), nor kinesiophobia (p = 0.75). Higher perceived pain reduces pain self-efficacy and increases kinesiophobia in both groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0,031 respectively).

Conclusions

It seems that the awareness of an anatomical defect as spondylolisthesis does not significantly affect the beliefs of carry out activities and movements despite the pain. Other studies with wider samples are required, to confirm these preliminary results.
Surgically-induced brain injury: where are we now?
Authors: Travis Zachary D. , Sherchan Prativa , Hayes William K. , Zhang John H.
Published: December 2019

Neurosurgical procedures cause inevitable brain damage from the multitude of surgical manipulations utilized. Incisions, retraction, thermal damage from electrocautery, and intraoperative hemorrhage cause immediate and long-term brain injuries that are directly linked to neurosurgical operations, and these types of injuries, collectively, have been termed surgical brain injury (SBI). For the past decade, a model developed to study the underlying brain pathologies resulting from SBI has provided insight on cellular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. This model, as seen in a rat, mouse, and rabbit, mimics a neurosurgical operation and causes commonly encountered post-operative complications such as brain edema, neuroinflammation, and hemorrhage. In this review, we elaborate on SBI and its clinical impact, the SBI animal models and their clinical relevance, the importance of applying therapeutics before neurosurgical procedures (i.e., preconditioning), and the new direction of applying venom-derived proteins to attenuate SBI.
Failure affects subjective estimates of cognitive load through a negative carry-over effect in virtual reality simulation of hip fracture surgery
Authors: Rölfing Jan Duedal , Nørskov Jeppe Kempf , Paltved Charlotte , Konge Lars , Andersen Steven Arild Wuyts
Published: December 2019

Background

Cognitive overload can impair learning, and different factors might affect cognitive load during simulation-based training. In this study, we investigate the role of failure in repeated practice of virtual reality (VR) simulation of hip fracture surgery on cognitive load (CL) estimated by secondary-task reaction time test and two questionnaires.

Methods

The VR simulation training program consisted of three competency levels of increasing complexity starting with the placement of a Kirschner wire in a fractured hip of one patient, adding clinical variability at the intermediate level, and performing the entire dynamic hip screw procedure in 24 different patients at the highest level. Thirteen consecutive passed simulations were required to advance to the next level. Performance was measured as passing/failing a procedure and the number of failed procedures within the latest three and five simulations. CL was measured objectively using reaction time testing during simulation and subjectively using the NASA-TLX and PAAS questionnaires. The study was carried out at a simulation center from November 2016 to March 2019. Forty-two first-year orthopedic surgery residents from the Central Denmark Region and the North Denmark Region participated in the training program.

Results

A failing performance in the simulated procedure was associated with a higher CL than passing a procedure. The subjective CL estimates were affected by the number of failures during last three and five procedures with a higher number of failures being associated with a higher CL. In contrast, relative reaction time estimates of CL were not affected by previous failures.

Conclusions

Questionnaires for estimation of CL seem to be affected by participant frustration after failure—a meta-cognitive “carry-over” effect. This could be a general limitation of the subjective questionnaire approach to estimate CL. Reducing CL through instructional design and handling of participant frustration might improve the learning outcome of simulation training programs.
A 91-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis successfully underwent maintenance hemodialysis via arteriovenous fistula after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a case report with literature review
Authors: Yasukawa Minoru , Omizo Hiroki , Sakai Kazuhiro , Kitagawa Sachiko , Kikuyama Takahiro , Yamanaka Masaki , Ochiai Fumika , Togashi Ryo , Nemoto Yoshikazu , Ota Tatsuya , Kawashima Hideyuki , Takamura Shintaro , Watanabe Yusuke , Kozuma Ken , Shibata Shigeru , Fujigaki Yoshihide
Published: December 2019

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has evolved to be a treatment of choice in high-risk patients with aortic stenosis (AS). However, it is not known whether TAVI is safe and beneficial for the creation of arteriovenous fistula for maintenance hemodialysis in high-risk patients with severe AS.

Case presentation

A 91-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to oligoanuria and progressive renal dysfunction. She was diagnosed with anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease. She had hypertension, chronic kidney disease stage G3b, and AS. We chose not to perform immunosuppressive therapy and plasmapheresis for anti-GBM disease because the risk of death outweighed the benefit of treatment. Hemodialysis with a venous catheter was initiated for the renal indication. As she showed severe AS, she had a risk of cardiac decompensation after arteriovenous fistula creation for dialysis. Following the clinical decision-making process, she underwent TAVI. Although she required the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker for an advanced atrioventricular block that occurred 11 days after TAVI, arteriovenous fistula was successfully created thereafter. She could undergo maintenance hemodialysis using arteriovenous fistula.

Conclusions

TAVI is safe and beneficial for the creation of arteriovenous fistula shortly after initiating acute hemodialysis using a catheter in a very old patient with anti-GBM disease.
Design ecologies: sustaining ethno-cultural significance of products through urban ecologies of creative practice
Authors: Walker Stuart , Mullagh Louise , Evans Martyn , Wang Yanzhong
Published: December 2019

This paper presents an account of field research and its findings from an international knowledge exchange project entitled Design Ecologies: Sustaining ethno-cultural significance of products through urban ecologies of creative practice, jointly funded by the UK’s Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Beijing. The contribution of this paper is to effectively communicate the processes, mechanisms and benefits of an academic knowledge exchange programme. In this case, six exchange visits were carried out, three to China by the British team and three to the UK by the Chinese team. These visits offered opportunities for both teams to gain insights into a variety of heritage sites and craft practices, as well as to the wider policy landscapes in each country. We found that the use of certain terms, like ‘creative industries’, to refer to traditional craft practices and other heritage related activities can be problematic as they tend to emphasise their instrumental rather than their intrinsic value. The Chinese team found the importance and significance of volunteers within the UK’s cultural heritage landscape to be very different from that of China, which does not have a history of volunteering. On the other hand, China supports its Intangible Cultural Heritage through adoption of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, hereafter referred to as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) programme or UNESCO convention (UNESCO 2019b; Cominelli and Greffe 2012); in contrast, the UK has not ratified the UNESCO convention. The China team commented on the UK’s approach to heritage that keeps a sense of ‘living’ heritage, e.g. The English Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre in which people still live and work. In China, such areas are often depopulated to preserve the heritage and focus on tourism. The British team identified opportunities for design contributions in the visualisation of interrelated and interdependent “ecosystems” of design and production, as observed in Jingdezhen Ceramics Factory. Also, at Taoxichuan Creative Zone design was already being used effectively for the design of artefacts, points of sale, branding and packaging. There is much potential for this to be explored and developed further with different case studies in the UK and China. A shared understanding was developed from the knowledge exchange visits and visit reports created by each of the respective teams. These led to a set of conclusions, insights and themes. Finally, this project has already paved the way for a further Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) research project entitled Located Making, in collaboration with the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology and Ningxia University.
Nutrient dynamics in decomposing litter from four selected tree species in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoh Thomas , Edu Esther
Published: December 2019

Background

Nutrient release during litter decomposition was investigated in Vitex doniana, Terminalia avecinioides, Sarcocephallus latifolius, and Parinari curatellifolius in Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria (January 10 to March 10 and from June 10 to August 10, 2016). Leaf decomposition was measured as loss in mass of litter over time using the decay model Wt/W0 = e−kd t, while $$ \mathrm{Kd}=-\frac{1}{t} In\left(\frac{Wt}{W0}\right) $$Kd=−1tInWtW0 was used to evaluate decomposition rate. Time taken for half of litter to decompose was measured using T50 = ln 2/k; while nutrient accumulation index was evaluated as NAI =$$ \left(\frac{\omega t\ Xt}{\omega \mathrm{o}X\mathrm{o}}\right). $$ωtXtωoXo.

Results

Average mass of litter remaining after exposure ranged from 96.15 g, (V. doniana) to 78.11 g, (S. lafolius) in dry (November to March) and wet (April to October) seasons. Decomposition rate was averagely faster in the wet season (0.0030) than in the dry season (0.0022) with P. curatellifolius (0.0028) and T. avecinioides (0.0039) having the fastest decomposition rates in dry and wet seasons. Mean residence time (days) ranged from 929 to 356, while the time (days) for half the original mass to decompose ranged from 622 to 201 (dry and wet seasons). ANOVA revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) in decomposition rates and exposure time (days) and a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between species and exposure time in both seasons.

Conclusion

Slow decomposition in the plant leaves implied carbon retention in the ecosystem and slow release of CO2 back to the atmosphere, while nitrogen was mineralized in both seasons. The plants therefore showed effectiveness in nutrient cycling and support productivity in the ecosystem.
Are asylum seekers more likely to work with more inclusive labor market access regulations?
Authors: Slotwinski Michaela , Stutzer Alois , Uhlig Roman
Published: December 2019

In the face of recent refugee migration, early integration of asylum seekers into the labor market has been proposed as an important mechanism for easing their economic and social lot in the short as well as in the long term. However, little is known about the policies that foster or hamper their participation in the labor market, in particular during the important initial period of their stay in the host country. In order to evaluate whether inclusive labor market policies increase the labor market participation of asylum seekers, we exploit the variation in asylum policies in Swiss cantons to which asylum seekers are as good as randomly allocated. During our study period from 2011 to 2014, the employment rate among asylum seekers varied between 0 and 30.2% across cantons. Our results indicate that labor market access regulations are responsible for a substantial proportion of these differences, in which an inclusive regime increases participation by 11 percentage points. The marginal effects are larger for asylum seekers who speak a language that is linguistically close to the one in their host canton.

Inclusive labor market access regulations substantially increase the employment chances of asylum seekers, in particular if the language distance is short.
Evaluation of biological control agents for managing squash powdery mildew under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Elsisi Ahmed A.
Published: December 2019

Squash (Cucurbita pepoL.), is one of the most important vegetable crops for human nutriment in Egypt and the world. One of the most serious diseases that infect squash and cause yield losses was powdery mildew, caused byPodosphaera xanthisii. The aim of this study was to investigate the role ofBacillus subtilis,Paenibacillus polymyxa(109cell ml/1),Trichoderma harzianum,T. album,T. virideandT. hamatum(107spore ml/l) for controlling disease under greenhouse conditions. Results indicated that all treatments significantly inhibited the conidial germination ofP. xanthiithan control in vitro and decreased the incidence and disease severity after spraying with the bio-agents on squash plants under greenhouse conditions. The fungicide, Topas-100 (10.0% penconazole “w/v” [(R,S-1-(2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-Q pentyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole]), followed byB. subtiliswas highly significant for decreasing disease incidence (2.8 and 5.3%, respectively) and disease severity percentage (3.5 and 4.8%, respectively) than the control. The activities of biochemical changes, i.e., peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and total phenols, were significantly upregulated as results of most treatments. Also, bio-agent treatments caused significant increase in yield characteristics of squash plants such as fruit number/plant and fruit weight/plant than control.B. subtilisrecorded the highest increase (110.9% and 98.7%) in fruit number and fruit weight/plant than control.
Metabolic and oxidative status of West African dwarf does at different reproductive stages in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Jimoh Abubakar Olatunji , Ojo Olayinka Abosede , Ihejirika Uchechi Daureen Gift
Published: December 2019

Background

A study was conducted to investigate changes in oxidative stress indicators of West African dwarf (WAD) goats at different reproductive stages. There are a total of 35 dry does, 30 gravid does at first trimester (40–45 days post-mating), 33 gravid does at second trimester (85–90 days post-mating), 31 gravid does at third trimester (135–140 days post-mating), and 40 postpartum does (30–35 days postpartum). Fastened blood samples were collected from all tagged animals and serum obtained. Serum was assayed for lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant activity, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase, serum biochemical, glucose, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, and creatinine using standard procedures.

Results

Result revealed that intense metabolic changes were associated with late prepartum and postpartum does as pronounced in oxidative and biochemical indicators of WAD does. Significant differences were found in serum biochemical indices across the different physiological stages of the doe except for triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein. Antioxidant defense is higher at early and mid-gestation and dry does, through low lipid peroxidation and high antioxidant activity as compared to late gestation and lactation does.

Conclusion

The observed result shows that the WAD does display oxidative stress during late gestation and lactation owing to intense metabolism. Antioxidant fortification should be employed especially during late gestation and lactation to counteract the oxidative stress in WAD goats.
Evaluation of almond young trees growth and nutritional status under different slow-release compound fertilizer types and doses at Nubaria region
Authors: Nabila E. K. , Abourayya M. S. , Mahmoud Thanaa Sh. M. , Eisa R. A. , Rakha Amal M. , Amin O. A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Slow-release fertilizers (SRF) are quite numerous, and diverse group of materials are involved in the improvement of the effectiveness of fertilization, mitigation of the negative impact of fertilizers on the environment, and the reduction of labor and energy consumption connected with the application of conventional fertilizers. The objective of the experiment was to measure vegetative growth parameters and nutritional status of Nonpareil almond young trees under two types of slow-release compound fertilizers: Matador at 30, 60, and 120 kg/Feddan and Nitrophoska at (25, 50, and 100 kg/Feddan. The experiment was conducted in the Experimental Research Station of National Research Centre at Nubaria, El Behera governorate, Egypt, during successive growing seasons 2018 and 2019.

Results

The results indicated that increasing doses of slow-release fertilizer significantly improved vegetative growth of trees. The highest dose of Nitrophoska had significantly higher stem length, diameter, numbers of branches and leaves/trees, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf fresh and dry weight while the highest significant of specific leaf dry weight was obtained by applying the highest dose of Matador compared with control trees that received the fast-release fertilizer NPK 19:19:19 at 200 kg/Feddan. Leaf mineral contents of some macro (N, P, K and Mg) and micro elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) were significantly increased as a result of application with slow-release fertilizers. Nitrophoska at 100 kg/Feddan gave the highest values of nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and iron while Matador at 120 kg/Feddan gave the highest value of manganese. Matador at all doses resulted in a significant increment in phosphorus concentration in leaves in both seasons. Nitrophoska at 100 kg/Feddan and Matador at 120 kg/Feddan recorded the highest values of zinc and copper without significant differences between them.

Conclusions

It could be concluded that application with slow-release fertilizers resulted in a positive and significant influence on most investigated vegetative growth measurements and leaf mineral contents of Nonpareil almond trees, since the application with Nitrophoska at 100 kg/Feddan was the most effective treatment for increasing growth measurements and improving leaf nutritional status of Nonpareil almond trees grown under Nubaria condition.
Relationship between risk perception and occupational accidents: a study among foundry workers
Authors: Jafari Mohammad Javad , Saghi Fahimeh , Alizadeh Ebrahim , Zayeri Farid
Published: December 2019

Background

Risk perception is an effective factor in the determining of the incidence of unsafe behaviors and the occurrence of occupational accidents in the workplace.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between risk perception and occupational accidents among foundry workers in Tehran, Iran.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, all male workers in a foundry unit were initially selected (n = 245). After applying the study criteria and dismissing incomplete returned questionnaires, only 109 workers were included in the study. The General Health Questionnaire and the Flynn et al. Risk Perception Questionnaire were used to assess the mental health and risk perception of workers, respectively. Data regarding the occupational accidents of workers were also extracted from the accidents’ records of the foundry. Workers with a record of occupational accidents during 2013–2016 were compared with workers without an occupational accident record.

Results

Findings showed that a one-unit increase in the risk perception score resulted into an increase of approximately 33% in the odds of the occurrence of occupational accidents, but this rate was not significant (p = 0.695). In addition, the study found no significant relation between the risk perception score and the frequency of occupational accidents (Spearman’s r = 0.003, p = 0.977).

Conclusion

There is no statistically significant relationship between risk perception and occupational accidents among foundry workers in Tehran, Iran.
Dynamic imaging of Ostwald ripening in copper oxide nanoparticles by atomic resolution transmission Electron microscope
Authors: Kim Na Yeon
Published: December 2019

Structural evolution of copper oxide nanoparticles is examined, especially with respect to Ostwald ripening under electron beam irradiation. Dissolution of the smaller particles into the larger one was clearly observed at the atomic scale using advanced transmission electron microscope.
Comprehensive analysis of whole genome methylation in mouse blastocysts cultured with four different constituents following in vitro fertilization
Authors: Horibe Yu , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Arai Miyuki , Okamura Kohji , Hashimoto Kazunori , Matsui Hideo , Hata Kenichiro
Published: December 2019

Background

With the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART), diseases believed to be caused by ART have begun to be identified as imprinted disease. However, no conclusion has been reached. So we sought to determine whether ART procedures disturb gene methylation and whether imprinted genes alone are selectively disturbed. To examine whether the constituents of the culture medium contribute to the changes in methylation, we used a mouse model to conduct IVF and comprehensively analyzed 5′–C–phosphate–G–3′ (CpG) by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) using a second-generation sequencer to determine changes in methylation using four types of culture media with different amino acid constituents.

Results

We cultured ova to the blastocyst stage in a mouse model in culture media with four different amino acid constituents. Each culture medium included (1) KSOM culture medium (NoAA), (2) KSOM media + essential amino acids (EAAs), (3) KSOM medium + non-essential amino acids (NEAAs), or (4) KSOM medium + EAAs + NEAAs (AllAA) analyzed by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. The results showed that (1) there were many regions that maintained hypermethylation with NEAAs, (2) there was little effect of demethylation on reprogramming in the 5′UTR and promoter regions, and (3) specific changes were observed in imprinted genes such as Nnat and Nespas.

Conclusions

Compared with EAAs, NEAAs could protect genes from demethylation caused by reprogramming. On the imprinted genes, methylation of the promoter region of H19 was decreased by NEAAs, suggesting that specific genes were prone to changes in methylation. It was suggested that these changes could provide similar results in humans. Further studies are needed to understand how changes in methylation may affect gene expression profiles.
Strain imaging to assess early effects of successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy on left atrium mechanics
Authors: Sravan K Reddy N. , Ranjan Shetty K. , Sudhakar Rao M. , Sree Madhurya Reddy M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Global left atrial strain (LA) has been used as a novel assessment tool to evaluate left atrial function. However, not much has been investigated to study the effect of percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV) in patients with rheumatic severe mitral stenosis on global LA strain. We studied the relationship between global left atrial (LA) strain and severe mitral stenosis and the effect of BMV on LA strain.

Results

A total of 29 patients satisfying the criteria for severe mitral stenosis underwent balloon mitral valvotomy (67% females; mean age, 39.53 ± 11.78 years). Global left atrial strain was assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography before and after valvuloplasty. Global LA strain was impaired in patients with severe mitral stenosis and improved 24–48 h following BMV (13.4 ± .75% vs 17.37 ± 6.95%, p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in mitral mean gradient (MMG) (16.94 ± 6.62 mmHg vs 8.19 ± 4.01 mmHg, p < 0.001) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) (47.84 ± 9.07 mmHg vs 36.88 ± 7.69 mmHg, p < 0.001) after BMV. Mitral valve area (MVA) (1.045 ± 0.17 cm2 vs 1.94 ± 0.22 cm2, p < 0.001) significantly increased after BMV. Results were compared with 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Conclusion

Global LA strain can be taken as an indicator of left atrial function, and its improvement following valvotomy may be taken as a good indicator of successful BMV.
The impact of the use of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds and drug-coated balloons in coronary bifurcation lesions
Authors: Elwany Mostafa , Zaki Amr , Latib Azeem , Testa Luca , Ielasi Alfonso , Piraino Davide , Geraci Salvatore , El Zawawy Tarek , Cortese Bernardo
Published: December 2019

Background

Despite the improvement in techniques and tools, coronary lesions involving a bifurcation are still challenging and the outcome with drug-eluting stents is not always optimal. The role of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) and drug-coated balloons (DCB) in this setting has not been adequately investigated yet.

Results

From the databases of 6 italian centers with high proficiencies in newer technologies, we retrospectively collected all consecutive cases of coronary bifurcations managed or attempted with the implantation of at least one BVS in the main vessel and the use of one DCB in the side branch (SB). Primary study endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at the longest available follow-up. Fourty patients fulfilled the enrollment criterion, 22.5% had diabetes and 50% an acute coronary syndrome. Average syntax score was 15.04 ± 7.18, all lesions were de novo, and 27 patients (67.5%) had a type 1,1,1 Medina lesion. Twenty-three lesions (57.5%) involved the proximal left anterior-descending artery/first diagonal branch. Only 32.5% of patients underwent an intravascular imaging-guided angioplasty. Average lesion length was 21.4 mm in the main vessel and 11.49 mm in the SB. MV was always predilated and BVS received a postdilation in 100% of the cases. In 42.5% of the cases, the DCB was used during final kissing balloon inflation, and in no cases, a stent/BVS was required in the SB. Procedural success was achieved in 100% of the cases. After an average follow-up of 15.5 (± 11.5) months, we observed no MACE with only one case of target vessel revasularization (2.5%).

Conclusions

Management of coronary bifurcation lesions with the use of newer technologies including BVS and DCB seems feasible and effective at mid-term and long-term clinical follow-up.
Behavior rating and intelligence testing in primary school children exposed to multiple adverse experiences
Authors: Salah El-Din Ebtissam M. , Shehata Manal A. , El-Wakkad Amany , Ismail Somaia , Eid Ehab M. , El-Gebaly Howida H. , Elkhatib Alshimaa A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Early childhood frequent exposure to toxic stress such as abuse or neglect, parental substance abuse or parental mental illness, and violence can have a cumulative impact on the child’s mental health. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the association between frequent exposures to family-related adverse experiences and the development of behavioral and cognitive impairment in a random sample of Egyptian primary school children.

Results

Witnessing household member treated violently was the most prevalent adversity in 90.4% of the studied students, followed by emotional neglect in 88.6%. The highly exposed children were more likely to have below-average performance IQ, 2.5 times more than the exposed group (P = 0.03) [IQ score is considered average if it ranged 90–110 and below average if it ranged 70–89]. They were nearly 3 times at risk to develop behavioral problems (P = 0.003), 2.5 times more likely to develop attention deficit (P = 0.02), and nearly 5 times more likely to develop externalizing behavior (P < 0.001) than their peers.

Conclusion

Early exposure to adverse experiences increases the child’s vulnerability to attention deficit and externalizing behavior with negative impact on IQ scores especially performance IQ.
Assessment of the percentage of apparent diffusion coefficient value changes as an early indicator of the response of colorectal hepatic metastases to chemotherapy
Authors: El-Husseiny Nada Gamal , Mehana Sayed Mohamed , El Zawawy Sherif Farouk
Published: December 2019

Background

Colorectal cancer is considered one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of DWI-MRI in predicting response to chemotherapy in this cohort.

The study included 30 lesions in 20 biopsy proven-colorectal cancer patients with hepatic metastasis larger than 1 cm. All patients underwent both triphasic CT with intravenous contrast, pre-chemotherapy MRI (axial T2 and DW sequences) which was repeated 21 days following chemotherapy. A follow-up CT was done 2 months later. The response of the lesions was evaluated using the RESCIST criteria. On MRI, the lesions corresponding to the ones chosen on CT were identified and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of pre- and post-chemotherapy images were recorded and correlated with the CT results.

Results

In the study, 17 (56.7%) of the lesions showed response to chemotherapy while 13 (43.3%) were non-responding. There was no significant difference in pretreatment ADC values between responding and non-responding lesions (p = 0.14). The mean percentage increase in ADC values in responding lesions was 42% compared to 18% in non-responding lesions (p < 0.001). Lesions that showed less than 18% increase were all found to be non-responsive

Conclusion

DWI-MRI has an emerging role in early assessment of early treatment response that can be detected before morphological response for patients with hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer. Based on our study, the use of 25 % as the cutoff point of percent difference in ADC for detection of non-responding lesions proved to be successful only 21 days after the 1st chemotherapy cycle.
T2* dynamic contrast enhanced MR perfusion for cervical cord lesions; does it work?
Authors: Abdelgawad Mohamed Saied , Reda Mohamed Ihab Samy , El-Maaboud Nermeen Abd El-Monsef Abd
Published: December 2019

Background

The goal of this work was to assess the value of magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion in narrowing the differential diagnosis of cord lesions.

Thirty eight patients with different cervical cord lesions were involved in this study. This includes 20 males and 18 females, ranging between 13 and 60 years old.

Conventional MR with T2W (axial and sagittal) and pre and post contrast T1W (axial and sagittal) in addition to the T2* MR perfusion sequence were done. The final diagnosis of cervical cord tumors was achieved by biopsy and histopathological diagnosis, while inflammatory lesions were proved by clinical, laboratory data and follow-up for six months.

Results

Neoplastic lesions were found in 13 patients, while 25 patients had inflammatory lesions. Relative cord/cerebral blood volume (rCBV) was significantly higher in neoplastic lesions when compared to non-neoplastic ones (2 ± 1.13 vs 1.01 ± 0.62), respectively. A cutoff value of 1.38 or higher has high sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 83% in differentiating between these lesions.

Conclusion

T2* is a valuable technique in differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic cervical cord lesions.
Comparison of 2D Fat Suppressed Proton Density (FS-PD) and 3D (WATS-c) MRI pulse sequences in evaluation of chondromalacia patellae
Authors: Tawfik Ahmed Ibrahim , Kamr Wael Hamza , Taman Saher Ebrahim
Published: December 2019

Background

Comparing the diagnostic performance of widely used 2D FSE technique (fat-suppressed proton density; FS-PD) and the 3D technique (water-selective cartilage scan; WATS-c) in evaluation of the chondromalacia patella by using arthroscopy as reference standard

Results

Seventy-five adult patients were enrolled in this study. They underwent MRI examinations then arthroscopy done in 2–4 days after it. MRI was done using 2D (FS-PD) and 3D (WATS-c) sequences and MR images were compared by two radiologists separately, then grading of the cartilage lesions was performed according to modified Noyes grading system and comparison between grade 0–1, 2, and 3 lesions was done using arthroscopic findings as a reference. A false-negative result is considered if there was undergrading of chondromalacia and false-positive result if chondromalacia was overgraded. Each sequence sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy was calculated by both readers.

For reader 1, the sensitivity is 69% for WATS-c and 80% for FS-PD and the accuracy is 90% for WATS-c and 92% for FS-PD and for reader 2, the sensitivity is 56% for WATS-c and 84% for FS-PD and the accuracy is 88% for WATS-c and 94% for FS-PD.

Conclusion

2D FS-PD images showed better diagnostic performance than 3D WATS-c images for evaluating chondromalacia patella.
Revascularization of a specific angiosome for limb salvage: does the target artery matter?
Authors: Hendawy Khaled , Fatah Moustafa Abdel , Ismail Osman Aboelcibaa Osman , Ismail Osama , Essawy Mohamed G. , Kader Moustafa Abdel
Published: December 2019

Background

To compare clinical outcomes and technical success when direct versus indirect revascularization was achieved after endovascular technique for critical limb ischemia patients with isolated below-the-knee lesions. Fifty patients were included, 34 male and 16 female, their age from 49 to 77 years (mean 63 ±16). All patients were subjected to infra-genicular angioplasty and divided into direct 28 (31 limbs) and indirect groups 22 (24 limbs). Antegrade approach through ipsilateral CFA was used in 48 patients, while retrograde approach through tibiopedal access was used in 2 patients. Diagnostic angiography was done for all cases and duplex ultrasound was used for follow-up.

Results

One hundred thirty-two lesions were encountered, 46 in the ATA, 43 in PTA, 29 in peroneal artery, and 19 in dorsalis pedis artery. Transluminal approach was done in 47 limbs while subintimal cross was used in 8 limbs. After 1 year follow-up, AFS was 75% in the direct group and 67% in the indirect group. Freedom from MALE was 65% in the direct group and 55% in the indirect group. Freedom from MA was 86% in the direct group and 75% in the indirect group.

Conclusion

When there is a choice of target artery for revascularization, preference should be given to the artery directly feeding the wound’s angiosome.
Outcome of MC3 ring annuloplasty for moderate and severe functional tricuspid regurgitation associated with rheumatic mitral valve disease
Authors: Al-Elwany Shady Eid , Mubarak Yasser Shaban , Kamal Yasser Ali
Published: December 2019

Background

To evaluate early and midterm outcomes of tricuspid ring annuloplasty using three-dimensional (3D) MC3 ring for treatment of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) during mitral valve replacement for rheumatic valve disease.

Results

This prospective study included 105 patients who underwent repair for ≥ moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR) during mitral valve replacement for rheumatic valve disease. Between January 2016 and December 2018, a group of 23 patients who underwent ring annuloplasty with Edward MC3 rings was compared to another group of 82 patients who underwent standard suture (DeVega) repair. The primary outcome was residual TR (≥ moderate TR). During an average follow-up period of 18.84 ± 9.90 months (range 3–33 months), the preoperative grade of TR improved significantly in both groups. The postoperative mean of TR in the MC3 group was significantly lower than that in the DeVega group (0.17 ± 0.49 versus 0.77 ± 0.93, P = 0.004). The rate of TR recurrence (≥ 2+ TR) was significantly higher after MC3 ring annuloplasty (4.3% versus 23.1%, P = 0.03). Freedom from mild TR was 30.5% in the DeVega group and 61% in the ring annuloplasty group (P = 0.007). Freedom from residual TR was 76.8% in the DeVega group and 95.7% in the ring annuloplasty group (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The use of MC3 rings is a safe and effective alternative to DeVega repair for the management of FTR. However, further evaluation of long-term durability is recommended.