bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proautoimmune Allele of Tyrosine Phosphatase, PTPN22, Enhances Tumor Immunity
Authors: Orozco Robin C , Marquardt Kristi , Mowen Kerri , Sherman Linda A
Published: August 2021

The 1858C>T allele of the tyrosine phosphatase PTPN22 (causing amino acid substitution R620W in encoded protein lymphoid tyrosine phosphatase) is present in 5–10% of the North American population and is strongly associated with numerous autoimmune diseases. Although much research has been done to define how this allele potentiates autoimmunity, the influence PTPN22 and its proautoimmune allele have in tumor immunity is poorly defined. To interrogate the role this allele may have in the antitumor immune response, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate mice in which the ortholog of lymphoid tyrosine phosphatase, PEST domain–enriched protein (PEP), is mutated at position 619 to produce the relevant proautoimmune mutation (R619W). Results of this study show that mice homozygous for this alteration (PEP-619WW) resist tumor growth as compared with wild-type mice. Consistent with these results, tumors from PEP-619WW mice have more CD45 infiltrates containing more activated CD8 T cells and CD4 T cells. In addition, there are more conventional dendritic cell type 1 (cDC1) cells and fewer myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumors from PEP-619WW mice. Interestingly, the tumor-infiltrating PEP-619WW cDC1 cells have decreased PD-L1 expression compared with cDC1 cells from PEP-wild-type mice. Taken together, our data show that the proautoimmune allele of Ptpn22 drives a strong antitumor response in innate and adaptive immune cells resulting in superior control of tumors.
Implicit integration algorithm for Hoek-Brown elastic-plastic model
Authors: Wan R G
Published: August 2021

A realistic strength criterion often used to describe the yielding behaviour of a jointed rock mass at a continuum level is the well-known Hoek and Brown criterion. This paper is concerned with a 3-D stress generalization of the Hoek-Brown failure criterion by
means of an elliptical functional which leads to a smooth deviatoric trace in the stress space. For its incorporation into a finite element analysis involving plasticity calculations, the formulation of an implicit stress integration algorithm is presented. The key computational methodology alludes
to the notion of consistent tangent modulus and implicit return mapping schemes (radial and closest point return) for stress integration in a finite element analysis. Within the context of non-linear elastoplastic analysis, it is found that formulation of such consistent modulus and success into
achieving numerical efficiency are closely intertwined. Indeed, the procedure results into accurate and rapid convergence of the displacement finite element scheme during the search for equilibrium. This means that considerable savings in computational time can be achieved for large scale problems.
Numerical examples which focus on the Hoek-Brown plasticity model are presented in order to fully appreciate the robustness of the algorithm, and hence the viability of such method to practical problems.
Effect of change in tidal volume on left to right shunt across ventricular septal defect in children – A pilot study
Authors: Pathak Pravin , Das Sambhunath , Gupta Saurabh Kumar , Hasija Suruchi , Choudhury Arindam , Gharde Parag , Makhija Neeti , Chauhan Sandeep
Published: August 2021

Background :

Pulmonary vascular resistance, an important determinant of shunting across ventricular septal defects (VSD), rises at both extremes of lung volume.

Aims :

We sought to determine the effect of changes in tidal volumes (VT) on pulmonary blood flow (Qp), systemic blood flow (Qs), and shunt (Qp/Qs) in children with VSD.

Setting :

Single-center teaching hospital.

Design :

Prospective observational study.

Methods :

Thirty children with a mean age of 11.8 ± 5 months undergoing surgical closure of VSD were studied. Hemodynamics and shunt-related parameters were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography measured at three different VT i.e. 10, 8, and 6-ml/kg keeping the minute ventilation constant.

Results :

Reduction in VT from 10 to 8 to 6 ml/kg led to a reduction in gradient across VSD measuring 23.5, 20 and 13 mmHg respectively (P < 0.001). Similarly, right ventricluar outflow tract (RVOT) diameter, RVOT velocity time integral, Qp (57.3 ± 18.1, 50.6 ± 16.9, 39.9 ± 14.7 mL; P < 0.001), Qs (24.1 ± 10.4, 20.0 ± 8.7, 15.3 ± 6.9 mL; P < 0.001) and peak airway pressure (17.2 ± 1.5, 15.8 ± 1.3, 14.5 ± 1.2 cmHg; P < 0.001) showed progressive decline with decreasing VT from 10 to 8 to 6 ml/kg, respectively. However, Qp/Qs (2.4 ± 0.4, 2.6 ± 0.4, 2.6 ± 0.4) demonstrated a minor increasing trend.

Conclusion :

Lower VT reduces the gradient across VSD, the pulmonary blood flow, and the peak airway pressure. Hence, ventilation with lower VT and higher respiratory rate maintaining adequate minute ventilation might be preferable in children with VSD. Further studies are required to confirm the findings of this pilot study.
Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy secondary to incessant ectopic atrial tachycardia in two infants
Authors: Karmegaraj Balaganesh , Balaji Seshadri , Raju Prasanna Narayanan , Subramanian Pradheep , Subramanian Raju , Ibrahim Syed , Razeen Mohamed , Krishnakumar Raman
Published: August 2021

This report describes two cases of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy secondary to incessant ectopic atrial tachycardia (EAT) in an infant presenting with severe left ventricular dysfunction and hemodynamic instability. The two cases were managed differently. The first required mechanical ventilation and was resistant to conventional antiarrhythmic drugs. After the initiation of enteral ivabradine (0.15mg/kg) the heart rate slowed with significant improvement in hemodynamics, peripheral perfusion and sinus rhythm was restored after 12 hours. Ivabradine was continued and the patient was discharged home after 10 days of hospitalization. The second case was managed by early initiation of ivabradine and resulted in restoration of sinus rhythm within 4 hours, thus avoiding trials of conventional anti-arrhythmic drugs with unstable hemodynamic profile. The infant was discharged after 5 days of hospitalization on ivabradine..
Comparative evaluation of immunohistochemical expression of MCM2 and Ki67 in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Swain Sushmita , Nishat Roquaiya , Ramachandran Sujatha , Raghuvanshi Malvika , Behura Shyam Sundar , Kumar Harish
Published: August 2021

Aim and Objectives:

The aim and objective of the study were to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of proliferative markers, Ki67, and MCM2 in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), to compare the relationship of their staining patterns, and to look for correlation between them, if any.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty archival paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of previously diagnosed cases of OED, OSCC each, and 10 normal oral mucosa were used in the study. Immunohistochemical staining for MCM2 and Ki67 markers was done and the slides were individually evaluated for MCM2 and Ki67 expression, with immunopositivity determined on the basis of dark brown staining of the nucleus. The number of positively stained nuclei was counted in 10 representative areas and the data were charted and statistically analyzed.

Results:

The overall mean expression of both the proteins increased progressively from normal mucosa to OED to OSCC. In normal mucosa, all positively stained nuclei were seen in the basal compartment of the epithelium, while in dysplastic cases, expression was seen toward the surface of squamous epithelium. In OSCC, the frequency of expression of MCM2 and Ki-67 proteins showed an inverse correlation with the degree of tumor differentiation. In well-differentiated cases, the positivity of either marker was restricted to the outermost layer of the tumor cells. In moderately differentiated cases, an expression of Ki-67 was more diffuse in inner layers, whereas the MCM2 antigen was found to be more intense and diffuse in both the inner and outer layers. Whereas in poorly differentiated SCC, positive expression was seen in most of the tumor cells, the mean expression of MCM2 was found to be higher than that of Ki67 in all cases.

Conclusion:

MCM2, as a proliferation marker, is superior to Ki67 as it indicates the capacity of proliferation and the ability of DNA replication of a cell.
Retinoblastoma
Authors: Beniwal Vimla , Maheshwari Guncha , Beniwal Surender , Dhanawat Aditya , Tantia Pankaj , Adlakha Pramila
Published: August 2021

Background:

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy of childhood. The present study was undertaken to overcome the scarcity of data regarding the epidemiology, demographic and clinical profile, and nature of the first health-care professional consulted.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective analysis of medical records was performed for all cases of retinoblastoma who presented to the department of ophthalmology and oncology between 2010 and 2017. A total of 54 cases were reviewed.

Results:

Unilateral disease was seen in 85.2% while 14.8% presented with bilateral disease with a median age of 3 years and 2 years, respectively, at diagnosis. The male: female ratio was 2:1. The most common presenting symptom was leukocoria which was noticed in 42 patients (77.7%), followed by red eye (33.3%) and proptosis (20.3%). The most common stage of presentation was Stage I (44.4%), followed by Stage IV (20.4%), Stage III (9.3%), and Stage II (5.6%). The median time to diagnosis was 8.7 months (range, 0.5–98.7 months), and the median time to treatment was 37.4 days (range, 0–645 days). Majority of the patients were referred by local ophthalmologists (48%), followed by general practitioners (20%), nurses (19%), and quacks (13%). Enucleation was the most preferred treatment modality (48.1%), followed by chemotherapy (33.3%), radiotherapy (13%), photocoagulation (3.7%), and exenteration (1.9%). The overall remission rate was 79.6%, while 12.3% had relapse and 7.4% died.

Conclusion:

The study showed a dire need for timely detection and treatment of retinoblastoma which is possible with improved awareness and better accessibility to health-care facilities. It also revealed a decrease in histopathological risk factors with chemoreduction.
Total Orbital Exenteration - Experience from a Tertiary Cancer Care Center in Northern India
Authors: Bhakuni Yogendra Singh , Sharma Kailash Chand , Rajappa Suhas Kodasoge , Ram Dharma , Dewan Ajay Kumar , Chand Rashika , Maheshwari Udip , Jajodia Ankush , Babu Koyyala Venkata Pradeep
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Orbital exenteration (OE) is a defacing procedure reserved for advanced head and neck malignancies involving the orbit. Even though it is cosmetically unappealing and associated with complete loss of vision in one eye, the procedure has low surgical morbidity and recurrence rates and should be considered in appropriate patients after adequate patient counseling. Due to relative rarity of the procedure, there is a paucity of literature, particularly in India.

Aim:

To analyze the role and indications of OE, operative details, morbidity, and postoperative complications in patients who had undergone total OE in a tertiary care cancer hospital.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 5-year (2011–2016) data of those who had OE from our computerized database. The retrieved data were analyzed for demographic profile, operative details, morbidity, and survival rates.

Results:

Out of 20 patients analyzed, 13 were male and 7 were female. Majority of the patients have secondary eyeball extension (15/20). Most frequent indication for exenteration was tumor of eyelid origin. Reconstruction after surgery was done by temporalis flap (n = 10), anterolateral thigh-free flap (n = 6), and split skin graft (n = 4). None of the patients had any intraoperative complications. One patient developed flap necrosis and managed by flap revision. One patient had wound dehiscence and managed conservatively. At a mean follow-up of 20 ± 9.6 months, two patients had recurrence of primary disease. Mortality occurred in two patients; 1 case for disease related and another one for other medical condition.

Conclusion:

The OE has still a role and is indicated for a variety of conditions. The surgical procedure remains safe, and major morbidity is dictated by the type of reconstruction. Although skin graft is the simplest reconstructive option, many a times, myocutaneous/free flap is required in advanced cases.
A Rare Presentation of Myelomatous Pleural Effusion in Immunoglobulin g Subtype of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Yaseen Yawar , Shah Parvaiz Ahmad , Mir Bilal Ahmad , Amreen Saika
Published: August 2021

Myeloma is a disease of neoplastic plasma cells that synthesize an abnormal amount of immunoglobulins (Igs) or Ig fragments. Multiple myeloma is associated with many complications such as impaired hematopoiesis resulting in anemia and other cytopenias, osteolytic bone lesions, hypercalcemia, and renal dysfunction. However, myelomatous pleural effusion is a rare complication of multiple myeloma, particularly at initial presentation. Herein, we report such a rare complication of myelomatous pleural effusion as initial presentation in a 65-year-old female with IgG type of myeloma.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Cluster Differentiation and Friend Leukemia Integration1 for the Diagnosis in a Series of Molecularly Confirmed Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors
Authors: Murthy Sudha S. , Fonseca Daphne , Challa Sundaram , Kodandapani Suseela , Arya Sahithi Shilpa , Gundimeda Sandhya Devi , Rao B. Vishal , Ahmed Faiq , Mundada Manasi , Lavanya Nambaru , Rajappa Senthil J. , Alluri Krishnam Raju , Koppula Veeraiah , Rao T. Subramanyeshwar
Published: August 2021

Background:

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a cost-effective and routinely available ancillary technique for the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT). However, molecular confirmation is needed for precise diagnosis.

Aim:

This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the commonly used IHC markers cluster differentiation (CD99) and friend leukemia integration1 (FLI1) in a series of molecularly confirmed ESFT.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective review of the ESFT confirmed by either fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) during a period of 10 years was done. The demographic, clinical, and radiologic data were noted from medical records. The histology was reviewed with CD99, FLI1, and additional markers, wherever performed. The sensitivity and specificity of CD99 and FLI1 for the diagnosis of ESFT were calculated.

Results:

There were 72 ESFT patients in the study period, confirmed by FISH (EWSR1 rearrangement) in 53 and RT-PCR (EWS-FLI1) in 19. The female-to-male ratio was 1.06. The median age at diagnosis was 21 years. The cases included 22 skeletal and 50 extraskeletal sites. The positivity of CD99 and FLI1 was 98.46% and 94.83%, respectively, and both were positive in 55/72 (76.39%) cases. The sensitivity and specificity of CD99 were 98.46% and 20%, and those of FLI1 were 94.83% and 28.57%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Although the sensitivity for CD99 and FLI1 was high, the specificity was low toward the diagnosis of ESFT. The combined use of CD99 and FLI1 could confirm only 76.39% of molecularly confirmed ESFT, emphasizing the need for a precise diagnosis by molecular technique.
EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collection, using a modified technique of cystotome alone without a FNA needle
Authors: Rai Praveer , Harish KC , Majeed Abdul , Goel Amit
Published: August 2021

Background:

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage for pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) involves puncture with a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) needle, followed by tract dilation involving exchange of multiple accessories, and finally deployment of stent. The procedure is time consuming and carries a risk of loss of wire access and hence technical failure. We used a modified technique with a 10-F cystotome alone instead of a FNA needle and dilators.

Methods:

We retrospectively analysed records of consecutive patients who had undergone EUS-guided drainage of PFC using a modified technique, with puncture of PFC using a 10-Fcystotome, followed by passage of a guidewire through it into the PFC cavity and deployment of a biflanged, 2-cm-long, fully covered self-expanding metal stent over it. Technical and clinical success rates and procedure time were assessed.

Results:

Forty-five patients underwent PFC drainage, median age was 35 (12–76), and 35 (77.8%) were males. The median (range) duration of symptoms was 125 (38–1080) days, while the median PFC size was 11.8 × 11 × 11 cm, and the follow-up period after stent removal was 111 ± 72 (18–251) weeks. The procedure took 10 (8–12) min and had technical and clinical success rates of 100 and 97.8%, respectively. Minor complications occurred in six (13.3%) patients, while recurrence occurred in one.

Conclusion:

EUS-guided drainage of PFC using a cystotome is a quick, effective and safe procedure. It may also be less expensive since it obviates the use of FNA needles and dilators, and is likely to be a useful alternative to the conventional technique.
Effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 on oral health-care workers (HCWs) at the regional dental center in Qassim, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsalman Wesam Talal , Alharbi Saad Mulhi , Albattah Abeer Hani , Almas Khalid
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Since the emergence of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the pandemic has rapidly spread all over the globe, affecting millions of people and resulted in over 1,900,000 deaths. During the outbreak of COVID-19 situation, health-care workers in general and dental team specifically are at risk of developing psychological distress and other mental health symptoms.

Aim:

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) on oral health-care workers (HCWs) at the Regional Dental Center in Qassim and how it affects their practice and daily life in terms of psychological, mental, behavioral manner, and social well-being.

Materials and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional, single dental care facility-based study. A bilingual questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 150 HCWs. The questionnaire contained 26 questions covering the following domains: (a) demographic data, (b) knowledge testing and sources of information, (c) personal precautions and infection control measures, and (d) behavioral and psychological aspects. The questionnaire was distributed through the social media platform. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics were used for data summarization and presentation.

Results and discussion:

The response rate was 72%, with the age range from 18 to 54 years, with female 60% to male 40% distribution. A very high level of awareness about the COVID-19 ranging from 60% to 100% was found among participants. The main sources of information regarding coronavirus were Ministry of Health (MoH), social media, followed by the World Health Organization website. Almost 90% started regular hand hygiene and paying attention to the proper use of personal protective equipment. Almost 70% agreed to stop treating patients due to their perception of the risk of contamination. Almost 90% of them felt afraid of transferring the infection to their families. Majority of them spent their time on social media, while nearly 50% on reading and sleeping. Almost two-third of the participants do highly trust the precautions which have been taken by the MoH and the Regional Dental Center in Qassim.

Conclusions:

It is concluded that the HCWs had good knowledge and awareness about COVID-19. They are concerned about their safety and possibility of spread of infection to their families and considered to stop regular dental treatment. Their satisfaction is moderate about the safety measures provided by MoH and the center. Future research should be carried out at multicenter, primary, secondary, and tertiary care centers to generalize the findings.
Coronavirus disease 2019 and oral health
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Shrivastava Prateek Saurabh
Published: August 2021

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted all the areas of health care, including interruptions in the delivery of essential health care services in varied settings. In the oral settings, the virus transmission can happen either through direct transmission via inhalation of droplets produced during coughing or sneezing, or direct transmission via mucous membranes, or indirect transmission through contaminated surfaces or fomites. It is quite obvious that most of the aerosol-generating procedures are being done in the oral settings and thus the potential risk of transmission of infection cannot be ruled out. There is a specific need to strengthen infection prevention and control measures in the oral health care settings. In conclusion, the oral health care services need to be rigourosly strengthened in the current pandemic as there is a potential risk for the spread of the COVID-19 infection. The need of the hour is to continue the delivery of emergency services and at the same time delay the routine procedures to ensure safety of the patients as well as the health care personnel.
Knowledge and perception regarding personal protection equipment and infection control measures against COVID-19 among dental practitioners of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqahtani Saeed Ali , Alshahrani Mashael Obaid , Alnefaie Mona Oweidh , Almofrej Abdullah Mana , Aldaghsh Fahad Hassan , Alamri Nasser Saad , Alshamrani Sultan Saleh
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

The lack of interest and knowledge related to personal protection equipment (PPE) and infection control measures might have a detrimental effect on dental occupational workers.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and perception of dental practitioners about PPE to limit the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between May and June 2020 among the dental practitioners working in public and private sectors of Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was distributed among dental practitioners across Saudi Arabia using E-mails or WhatsApp software. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: (1) basic demographic characteristics (gender, professional status, type of dental setup, and working experience) and (2) knowledge and attitude regarding the use of a face mask, gloves, gowns, and personal hygiene. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize frequencies and percentages.

Results and Discussion:

The total number of the responses received was 535 (68.8% – male and 31.2% – female). Only 17.8% knew that surgical masks are made of nonwoven fabric and that the middle layer acts as a barrier (39.8%). Regarding gloves, 57.4% of the participants agreed that latex/nitrile gloves are more reliable and durable. On the contrary, satisfactory knowledge regarding face shield, gown, hand hygiene, and infection control measures was observed.

Conclusions:

This study showed a low level of certain PPE knowledge among dental practitioners. However, knowledge and perception about biosafety, face shield, gown, hand hygiene, and infection control measures were found to be higher and adequate among the participants.
Diagnostic performance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in anorectal melanoma
Authors: Bakare Ajinkya N. , Agrawal Archi , Saklani Avanish , Engineer Reena , Purandare Nilendu , Shah Sneha , Puranik Ameya , Rangarajan Venkatesh
Published: August 2021

To evaluate the diagnostic role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in initial staging and restaging of anorectal melanoma. This was a single-institution, retrospective observational study; patients for initial staging and with clinical or radiological suspicion of disease recurrence referred for PET/CT between January 2006 and December 2015 were included in the study. Diagnostic performance of PET/CT was evaluated for baseline staging and disease recurrence. A total of 61 patients who were referred for initial staging were included. PET/CT correctly detected primary lesion in 57 (93.44%) cases, regional nodes in 46 (75.4%) cases, nonregional nodes in 22 (36%) cases, and distant metastases in 25 (41%) cases. The sensitivity (SN); specificity (SP); positive predictive value (PPV); negative predictive value (NPV); and accuracy for primary lesion, regional nodes, nonregional nodes, and distant metastases were 96.6%, 100%, 100%, 50%, and 96.7%; 97.9%, 100%, 100%, 93.3%, and 98.4%; 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, and 100%; and 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. A total of 24 patients were included for suspected recurrence/restaging. All the patients were treated previously by surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. PET/CT detected disease recurrence in 20 (83.3%) patients. Ten patients had recurrence at the primary site, 8 of whom also had distant metastases and 2 had only locoregional metastatic nodes. In the remaining 10 patients, there was no primary site recurrence; however, 2 patients had locoregional nodal and distant metastases and 8 patients had only distant metastases. PET/CT was false negative in 1 patient, which missed liver metastasis. SN, SP, PPV, and NPV of PET/CT was found to be 95%, 100%, 100%, and 75%, respectively, with accuracy of 96%. PET/CT demonstrates overall high diagnostic accuracy in the initial staging and detection of recurrent disease in cases of anorectal melanoma.
Somatostatin-receptor avidity of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor thrombus in porto-caval venous systems on 99mTc-Octreotide and posttherapeutic 177Lu-DOTA-TATE scans
Authors: Amoui Mahasti , Ahmadi Reyhane , Qutbi Mohsen , Asli Isa Neshandar
Published: August 2021

A 62-year-old woman with a history of abdominal pain presented with multiple hepatic lesions and dilatation of portal, splenic and superior mesenteric veins on the magnetic resonance imaging referred for a 99mTc-octreotide scan. Accordingly, similar octreotide-avid lesions were found as well as an uptake in the epigastric region conforming to the anatomy of the portocaval venous system, compatible with a tumor thrombosis. Then, the patient underwent two cycles of therapy with 177Lu-DOTA-TATE, on that the same appearance was observed. The uptake in the tumor thrombus remained somewhat unchanged, but clinically, a significant improvement of the intractable ascites was achieved.
Accelerometer-measured stepping cadence patterns in Korean adults: an analysis of data from the 2014-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Geon Hui , Sung Hoyong , Ryu Yeun , Lim Jungjun , Kim Joon-Sik , Kim Hak Kyun , Kim Yeon Soo
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify the stepping cadence patterns in Korean adults by using objectively measured accelerometer data to analyze the time spent in each cadence category by sex and age.METHODS: During the 2014-2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1,703 males and females aged 19-64 years provided at least 1 valid day of data (wearing an accelerometer ≥ 10 hr/d). The mean cumulative time and percentage per day in 8 cadence categories (0, 1-19, 20-29, 30-59, 60-79, 80-99, 100-119, and ≥ 120 steps/min) by sex and age group were calculated.RESULTS: Cumulative time and percentage per day decreased across the incremental cadence categories. Participants spent 360.08± 2.56 min/d in the non-movement cadence category and 361.50± 2.28 min/d in the incidental movement cadence category. However, they spent only about 18.1 min/d (2.1%) at ≥ 100 steps/min. Males spent significantly more time in the cadence categories of sporadic movement, purposeful steps, slow walking, and medium walking, but the other categories, except for brisk walking, had higher values in females (p< 0.001). The older age group spent less time in non-movement cadence categories, and the youngest and oldest groups spent more time at a higher cadence (≥ 100 steps/min) than the other age groups. Similar patterns were found in a subgroup analysis by sex.CONCLUSIONS: Korean adults spent most of their time at a low cadence and only a few minutes at a high cadence (≥100 steps/min); this trend was consistent across sex and age groups.
Effect of Cassava Starch Sources on Growth and Feed Utilization of Nile Tilapia Fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus) Reared Under Two Dietary Protein Levels
Authors: Mahanama Dulmini , Radampola Kumudu , Heenkenda Erangi
Published: August 2021

A 42-day experiment was performed to evaluate the growth performance and feed utilization of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed iso-lipidic diets (5% lipid) contain 17% or 25% of cassava starch extract from fresh root (R starch) or from dry chips (D-starch) at 37% and 30% protein levels. The diets were ie: 37% protein -FM25R17 & FM25D17, 30% Protein- FM15R25 & FM15D25. 144 fish (1.11+0.02g) were distributed in 12 tanks (54 L). Protein level or starch source had no impact on final weight, length, average daily gain, specific growth rate, food conversion ratio, hepato somatic index, viscero somatic index, and Whole-body composition of fish. Protein Efficiency Ratio was not affected by starch source; however, it was significantly higher in diets with low protein content. Apparent Digestibility Coefficient of dry matter was not affected by starch source but was significantly high in low (30%) protein diet. Inclusion of R starch substantially reduced the cost of feed and increased economic profitability. Tilapia fed FM15R25 diet showed similar growth and nutrient utilization to fish fed 37% protein diets and cost of FM15R25 diet was lower than other diets. Therefore, FM15R25 is the best practical diet among the tested diets for Nile tilapia fingerlings.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers from outpatient facilities and retirement or nursing homes in a Swiss canton
Authors: Zürcher  Kathrin , Mugglin  Catrina , Suter-Riniker  Franziska , Keller Peter M. , Egger  Matthias , Müller  Sandro , Fluri Michael , Hoffmann  Matthias , Fenner Lukas
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers are more frequently exposed to SARS-CoV-2 than the general population. Little is known about healthcare settings outside of hospitals. We studied the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers in outpatient facilities and retirement or nursing homes in the Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS: Longitudinal seroprevalence study among healthcare workers with examinations at baseline and 2 months between June and September 2020. The Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG and Liaison/Diasorin SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG assay were used to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. All participants provided demographic information. We report descriptive statistics and calculated the seroprevalence with 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS: We included 357 healthcare workers; their median age was 43 years (interquartile range 29–54), and 315 (88.2%) were female. Forty-nine (13.7%) were physicians, 87 (24.4%) practice assistants and 221 (61.9%) nurses. Overall seroprevalence among healthcare workers in outpatient facilities and retirement or nursing homes was 3.4% (12/357). The 12 seropositive healthcare workers were all nurses (12/221, 5.5%); 11 worked at retirement or nursing homes and one at the hospital's outpatient clinic. Symptoms such as loss of smell or taste, shortness of breath, and fever were more prevalent among seropositive healthcare workers than seronegative healthcare workers. No close contact had detectable antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
CONCLUSIONS: Seroprevalence among healthcare workers was low, but higher among nursing staff of retirement or nursing homes. Healthcare workers at private practices were able to protect themselves well during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pandemi Sürecinde Spor Salonlarında Egzersiz Yapan Kişilerde Gıda Takviyesi Kullanma Durumunun İncelenmesi
Authors: SAMAR Ezgi
Published: August 2021

Amaç: Çalışmada pandemi sürecinde spor salonlarında egzersiz yapan kişilerde gıda takviyesi kullanma durumu incelenmiştir.
Yöntem: Çalışma Artvin ve Kars ilinde özel spor salonlarında pandemi sürecinde egzersiz yapan gönüllü 153 kişiyle yapılmıştır. Anket formu 27 soru olup ilk 17 soru kişisel bilgi ve diğer 10 soruda gıda takviyesi ile ilgilidir. Veriler frekans analizi, ortalama, minimum maksimum değer, standart sapma ve parametrik olmayan bulgular için Ki-kare testi ve Mann- Whitney U ile değerlendirilmiştir.
Bulgular: Katılımcıların pandemi sürecinde gıda takviyesi kullanma durumlarına bakıldığında; %58.8’inin kullanmamış, %41.2’sinin ise kullanmıştır. Cinsiyete göre; kadınların %26’sı ve erkeklerin %37’si, yaşa göre; 21-30 yaşta %38.5,  31-40 yaşta %43.1 ve 41-50 yaşta %47.1’i, eğitim durumlarına göre; lise %38’i, önlisans %47.1’i ve lisans mezunlarının %40.6’sı gıda takviyesi kullanmaktadırlar. Katılımcıların  %50.32’si bağışıklık sistemini güçlendirmek, %27.09’u sağlığını korumak, %26.45’i enerjik hissetmek, %23.87’si kilo kontrolü ,%23.22’si demir veya vitamin eksiklikleri ve %20.64’ü kasları güçlendirmek için kullandığını gözlenmiştir. En fazla vitamin D kullanılmıştır (n=42).
Sonuç: Pandemi sürecinde katılımcıların %58.8’inin herhangi bir gıda takviyesi kullanmadığı, %41.2’sinin ise kullandığı tespit edilmiştir. Pandemi sürecinde hastalıktan korunmak için güçlü bir bağışıklık sistemine sahip olmak gerekmektedir. Bu bağlamda doğru ve doktor kontrolünde kullanılan gıda takviyelerinin sağlıklı beslenmeye yardımcı olacağı düşünülmektedir.
რატომ იძირება ასე ხშირად გემები - ადამიანის ფაქტორი ზღვაოსნობის უსაფრთხოებაში
Authors: TAVBERIDZE VAKHTANG
Published: August 2021

ვახტანგ თავბერიძე
ბათუმის ნავიგაციის სასწავლო უნივერსიტეტის პროფესორი, ნავიგაციის კათედრის გამგე, ფოთის ნავსადგურის კაპიტანი
საქართველო, ბათუმი
E-mail: v.tavberidze@bntu.edu.ge
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7323-5570
 
მოკლე აღწერა
სტატიაში გაანალიზებულია თანამედროვე საზღვაო ინდუსტრიაში უაღრესად მნიშვნელოვანი საკითხი თუ რატომ, რა ფაქტორების გამო იზირება გემები, რა არის მისი გამომწვევი მიზეზები. გაანალიზებულია ულტრათანამედროვე ტექნოლოგიებისა და კოსმოსური მასალების საუკუნეში მრავალწლიანი სამწუხარო გამოცდილების მიუხედავად,  გემები მაინც იძირება. თანამედროვე საკრუიზო ლაინერები გაცილებით დიდია ვიდრე ოდესმე ყოფილა. მათი მისწრაფება დაუვიწყარი შთაბეჭილებებისკენ იგებს პრინციპს „რაც მეტია მით უკეთესია“. მაგრამ ზოგიერთი სპეციალისტი მიიჩნევს რომ ისინი მეტისმეტად დიდი მოცულობისაა იმდენად, რამდენადაც ერთი გემის ჩაძირვამ შესაძლებელია 1000 ადამიანის სიცოცხლე შეიწიროს. მაგრამ ასეთია საზღვაო ნაოსნობის ინდუსტრიის ბუნება, რდესაც ხდება კატასტროფა ის იღებს გიგანტურ მასშტაბებს.
მართალია გვიან, მაგრამ საკრუიზო ინდუსტრიამ დაიწყო ზღვაზე უსაფრთხოების საკითხების გადახედვა, სადაც გაითვალისწინებენ წარსულის შეცდომებს. თუმცა,  როგორც იტყვიან, დრო გვიჩვენებს...
სასოფლო-სამეურნეო კოოპერატივების განვითარების პრიორიტეტები და რეგულირების მექანიზმები
Authors: SANIKIDZE HAMLET
Published: August 2021

ჰამლეტ სანიკიძე
ბათუმის შოთა რუსთაველის სახელმწიფო უნივერსიტეტი, ბიზნესის ადმინისტრირების სადოქტორო პროგრამის დოქტორანტი
საქართველო, ბათუმი
E-mail: hamleti2015@gmail.com
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1156-4840
 
მოკლე აღწერა
განვითარების პერსპექტივის თვალსაზრისით, სოფლის მეურნეობის საწარმოო კოოპერატივები, როგორც კოოპერატიული მეურნეობები, შეიძლება გახდნენ, პირველ რიგში, ფართომასშტაბიანი მეურნეობები, ეკონომიკური და სოციალური ხასიათის მრავალი უპირატესობით. კერძოდ, მსხვილი მეურნეობები უფრო მეტად ისწრაფვიან სამეცნიერო და ტექნოლოგიური პროგრესისკენ. მათთვის უფრო ადვილია არახელსაყრელი ბუნებრივი და ეკონომიკური ფაქტორების გაძლება, სოფლად სოციალური განვითარების პრობლემების მოგვარება და ა.შ. მართვის სხვა ფორმებთან შედარებით, საწარმოო კოოპერატივები სრულად შეესაბამება სოფლის მეურნეობის მახასიათებლებს და გლეხთა ინტერესებს. მიუხედავად იმისა, რომ სსკ, ისევე როგორც მართვის სხვა ოსფ მქონე საწარმოებში მომუშავეთა კეთილდღეობა, ყალიბდება ხელფასებისა და პირადი მიწის ნაკვეთებიდან მიღებული შემოსავლის ხარჯზე, კოოპერატივში შემოსავლის შრომითი ფორმა უფრო მკაფიოდ ვლინდება. ბიზნესის სოციალურ-ეკონომიკური პირობების დროს შეიძლება ველოდოთ სსკ-ს რაოდენობის შემცირებას ან მათ ეკონომიკურ საზოგადოებად გადაკეთებას, მათ საფუძველზე მცირე საწარმოების, გლეხურ-ფერმერული მეურნეობის შექმნას ან მათ სხვაგვარ დაყოფა-გადანაწილებას მეწარმე სუბიექტებს შორის.
კვლევის შემდეგ დადგინდა, რომ ძირითადი ფაქტორები, რომლებიც უარყოფით გავლენას ახდენს სოფლის მეურნეობის ორგანიზაციების ფინანსურ მდგომარეობაზე, არის: გაყიდული პროდუქციის დაბალი ფასები; ფასების უთანასწორობა გაყიდულ და შეძენილ სამრეწველო და სოფლის მეურნეობის პროდუქტებზე; განუვითარებელი საბაზრო ინფრასტრუქტურა; მთავრობის სუსტი მხარდაჭერა და ა.შ.
Presentación del Dossier. Socioformación, sostenibilidad y educación
Authors: Calles-Santoyo María Elena , Rodríguez-Peralta Lourdes
Published: August 2021

Presentación del Dossier. Socioformación, sostenibilidad y educación
A Journey of Hidden Outburst of Anger Shackling a Person with Schizophrenia: The Indonesian Context
Authors: Windarwati Heni , Keliat Budi , Ismail Raden , Bachtiar Adang , Erawati Erna
Published: August 2021

Shackling a person with schizophrenia violates human rights. This process is often carried out when the person has committed acts of violence and hostility. In this study, we focus on considering the shackling of a person with schizophrenia in Indonesia’s context. We used grounded theory (GT; Charmaz, 2011) with 23 participants located in the East Java Province, Indonesia. The participants consisted of people with schizophrenia who were shackled by their ankles, families treating people with schizophrenia, the cadre volunteers, prominent figures, and nurses. We used in-depth interviews using semi-structured questions. We identified five phases associated with the process of shackling a person with schizophrenia: (a) distress signal, (b) high demand for treatment, (c) a change of positive convictions, (d) loss of confidence and capability, and (e) restrictions. Understanding the process of shackling people with schizophrenia will help the Indonesian government prevent people with schizophrenia from being shackled by their ankles.
MODES OF TRANSILLUMINATION OF THE DENSE PLASMA LAYER
VIA ELECTROMAGNETIC BEAM
Authors: Mykhailenko B.R. , Anisimov I.O.
Published: August 2021

Interaction of the powerful electromagnetic ray of the limited radius with a dense plasma layer was studied viacomputer simulation using the PIConGPU software package in 3D geometry. The characteristic modes of channel formation in the barrier (namely laminar and turbulent) are described. Turbulent mode can be associated with the fast transillumination, observed in laboratory experiments. The channel formation time as a function of the incident beam power and the plasma layer density is studied. Information transparency is also observed at the third harmonic of the incident wave.
EXPERIMENTAL TESTING BENCH FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS OF PLASMA GENERATED BY PULSED GUNS WITH THE DIELECTRIC SURFACE BREAKDOWN
Authors: Vinnikov D.V. , Katrechko V.V. , Yuferov V.B. , Tkachev V.I. , Petrenko S.A. , Fomin V.T.
Published: August 2021

The experimental testing bench “ETB-PG” was designed to study the operation of plasma guns. The constructional design of plasma guns with replaceable dielectric operating on the surface sparkover basis has been proposed. Discharge currents and voltages under atmospheric and vacuum conditions have been determined. The two types of discharges were detected in the pressure range varying from the atmospheric value to 10-5 Torr. An experimental Paschen curve has been plotted. A statistical dependence of the types of discharges on the number of pulses, the pressure in the chamber, and the breakdown voltage has been established. The results of optical studies of the plasma flow generated by plasma guns in the vacuum of 2∙10-4 to 2∙10-5 Torr have been presented. The propagation velocity of the plasma flow in axial and radial directions has been measured. The glow time of the injected plasma was determined for different types of the discharges. The spectrograms of the composition and degree of the plasma ionization have been obtained.
INHOMOGENEOUS TRAVELLING-WAVE ACCELERATING SECTIONS AND WKB APPROACH
Authors: Ayzatsky M.I.
Published: August 2021

The paper presents the results of a study of the possibility of using the WKB approach to describe Inhomogeneous Travelling-Wave Accelerating Sections. This possibility not only simplifies the calculation, but also allows the use of simpler physical models of transient processes. Using the traveling wave concept simplifies the understanding of pulsed-excited ITWAS transients and the development of methods to mitigate their effect on beam parameters.
MEASUREMENT OF THE LOCAL ELECTRON TEMPERATURE IN SELF-COMPRESSED PLASMA STREAM
Authors: Solyakov D.G. , Volkova Yu.Ye. , Garkusha I.E. , Marchenko A.K. , Ladygina M.S. , Staltsov V.V. , Petrov Yu.V. , Chebotarev V.V. , Merenkova T.M. , Makhlai V.A. , Yeliseyev D.V.
Published: August 2021

The local electron temperature measurements with the double electric probe in the compression zone are presented. Electric probes make it possible to measure the electron temperature with a reasonably good spatial resolution. Double electric probe application for electron temperature measurements in the dense self-compressed plasma stream is discussed. We have shown experimentally that the electric probe operates in a diffusion regime.
CONTRIBUTION OF DRIFT AND DIFFUSION TO WATER CAPACITY DEIONIZATION
Authors: Kudin D.V. , Ostroushko V.M. , Pashchenko A.V. , Rodionov S.V. , Yegorov M.O. , Zavada L.M.
Published: August 2021

Drift and diffusion of ions in a cavity having the shape of oblate ellipsoid of revolution are considered. The obtained approximate relationship, between the time of drift and diffusion filling of deep cavity with ions, contains the applied voltage and the ratio of cavity size to the distance between electrodes. It shows that in the performed experiments with the device for water capacitive deionization the filling of electrodes by ions was carried out, mainly, due to diffusion.
Hardships of drugs monitoring – Ambiguities in pharmacovigilance (PV) rules 2018 and guidelines 2019 in the Pakistan
Authors: Nazish Abbas  , Jabeen Rawshan
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Pharmacovigilance is the monitoring of drugs in and after post marketing surveillance phase of drug development and clinical trials. The phases in clinical trials is restricted to a certain population size under some conditions therefore all effects of medicine which is under trials is limited to the involved participants and it needs to be monitored through a constant channel later for eliminating the adverse events of drugs, when it is ready to be used by general consumers. In a country like Pakistan where self-medication and over the counter (OTC) medicine rate is already very high 25-75%, the regulations to control this health threat is weak due to the weak regulations.
This paper is aimed to address the critical analysis on the pipeline draft of Pharmacovigilance Rules 2018 and Guidelines 2019 of Pakistan.
Methodology and Rationale: The qualitative document analysis has been done by using National PV guidelines and Rules 2018 draft of Pakistan. The culture of reporting adverse events of medicines in Pakistan is not followed because of no awareness and no PV training of Pharmacists and Physicians in healthcare settings who could disseminate PV and understand the need of this hence. Pharmaceutical industries also do not adopt and accept this subject properly because of no regulations by the government and regulatory authorities. They do not have proper workforce and departments for PV.
Comparison of harmonic scalpel versus Milligan Morgan technique in haemorrhoidectomy patients
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Abbas Syed Tatheer , Javaid Amna , Arshad Naveed , Shair Falak
Published: August 2021

Objectives: To assess the comparison of harmonic scalpel versus Milligan Morgan technique in patients undergoing haemorrhoidectomy.
Methodology: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted at General Hospital, Lahore, from March 2019 to September 2019. Informed consent was obtained from eligible 60 patients. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. In group-A, haemorrhoidectomy was conducted according to the harmonic scalpel method. In group-B, open haemorrhoidectomy was performed by the Milligan Morgan procedure. Data was assembled through a designed questionnaire and investigated via SPSS version 25. Data were stratified for descriptive statistics, level of haemorrhoids and period of haemorrhoids. Post-stratification, independent sample t-test was used.
Results: Mean age of both groups patients were 44.6±7.6 and 43.8±8.2 years, respectively. In group-A, mean operative time was 20.8±2.8 minutes, while 26.5±2.8 minutes in group-B, which was statistically significant with p-value of 0.001. In group-A, mean convalescence period was 9.7±2.9 days, while 13.4±3.7 days in group-B, which was statistically significant with p-value of 0.001. The mean convalescence period with harmonic scalpel method was 7.4 days (range 5–14, SD 3.6) versus 18.6 days (range 7–30, SD 5.4) with Milligan Morgan technique (P?0.001). This research observed that harmonic scalpel method required almost six weeks for complete wound healing, whereas in  Milligan Morgan technique, complete wound healing was achieved after three months (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Harmonic scalpel haemorrhoidectomy found an advantageous method when assessing the operative time and convalescence period. Hence, Harmonic scalpel haemorrhoidectomy can be adapted as a safe and effective alternative method for treating symptomatic haemorrhoids.
Continuous...
Mind the gap. Stakeholders perspective on resilience building in the City of
Authors:   Erasmus University Rotterdam, Esteban Theresa Audrey O.
Published: August 2021

In 2016 the City of Rotterdam joined the 100 Resilient Cities of The Rockefeller Foundation. The 100 Resilient Cities is an initiative emphasizing the need for cities to build resilience. Rotterdam was one of the first to heed the call of the 100 Resilient Cities highlighting the city’s position as a frontrunner in addressing climate adaptive urban planning projects and innovative means in dealing with flood risks and vulnerabilities. Learning from the great North Sea flood of 1953 disaster experience, the Netherlands ensured strong preventive measures making the country safe from flooding. The City of Rotterdam benefits from these strong preventive measures as this safeguards the city and the biggest and most important port in Europe from any disaster. However, these strong preventive measure have also muted the concept of resilience on the stakeholders. This is also further weighed down by the many different initiatives present in the city. The paper seeks to investigate the institutional and non-institutional actors perspective on resilience and the environmental threats in the City of Rotterdam. The research assumes that knowledge and experience on Rotterdam’s environmental vulnerabilities and threats lead to better collaboration between and among stakeholders in making the city resilient. This knowledge and experience also leads to the mutual adaptation of roles between the government and other stakeholders of the city such as the citizens, businesses, academe, civil society organizations among others. The research explores questions related to stakeholders perception on risk and vulnerability of the city to disasters, disaster awareness and concern, and their definition of resilience and a resilient city.