bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurological Deterioration After Hemivertebrectomy for Congenital Thoracic Kyphoscoliosis with Myelopathy
Authors: Matsumoto Yuki , Watanabe Kota , Suzuki Satoshi , Nori Satoshi , Tsuji Osahiko , Nagoshi Narihito , Okada Eijiro , Yagi Mitsuru , Fujita Nobuyuki , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio
Published: August 2021

Case:

A 14-year-old adolescent boy with congenital kyphoscoliosis with T5 hemivertebra visited our hospital complaining gait disturbance. The T5 hemivertebra was resected posteriorly, and kyphosis at T4 to T7 was corrected from 43° to 36°. However, neurological status gradually deteriorated after surgery. Surgery to reduce kyphosis by bending the rods was performed with intraoperative ultrasonography, which resulted in spinal cord decompression and repulsation of the spinal cord. The muscle strength of the lower extremities improved immediately after surgery.

Conclusion:

Correction surgery for congenital kyphoscoliosis has high risk of perioperative neurological deterioration. Ultrasonography may be a useful tool for monitoring status of the spinal cord.
Occipitopexy as a Fusionless Solution for Dropped Head Syndrome
Authors: Farshad Mazda , Burkhard Marco D. , Spirig José M.
Published: August 2021

Case:

A 68-year-old woman suffered from an irradiation-induced dropped head syndrome (DHS). Fusion surgery was vehemently rejected by the patient. A new surgical method, avoiding fusion, was invented and performed to treat her DHS. This novel surgical technique of “occipitopexy”—a ligamentous fixation of the occiput to the upper thoracic spine—is described in detail. One year postoperatively, the patient was very satisfied, able to maintain a horizontal gaze, and rotate her head 20° to each side.

Conclusion:

This is the first report describing “occipitopexy” as an alternative to cervicothoracic fusion for patients with flexible DHS.
Treatment of Femoral Shaft Fractures in Patients with Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome
Authors: Mahjoub Adel , Gilbert Grace , Turkula Stefan , Mendez Gregory , Graf Kenneth , Kim Tae Won B.
Published: August 2021

Cases:

Long-bone fractures in patients with Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome (KTS), a rare disorder of the venous, lymphatic, and capillary system, are difficult to treat with many complications. Two patients diagnosed with KTS presented with closed femoral shaft fractures after low-energy falls. Conservative treatment, open reduction internal fixation, and intramedullary nailing resulted in painful nonunions. Ultimately, both patients achieved pain relief and the ability to ambulate after en bloc resection and reconstruction.

Conclusions:

These cases demonstrate the challenges in achieving bony union when treating long-bone fractures in KTS. The feasibility of undergoing extensive resection and reconstruction to regain function is best approached with a multidisciplinary team.
Intraoperative Fluoroscopy for Correcting Rotational Malalignment After Fixation of Tibial Shaft Fracture
Authors: Holler Jordan T. , Kandemir Utku
Published: August 2021

Case:

A 29-year-old man previously treated with closed reduction and intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation for a right tibial shaft fracture presented with complaint of the foot pointing outward compared with uninjured side. He was diagnosed with tibial malrotation, and a novel intraoperative imaging technique was used for correction.

Conclusion:

Literature suggests that the prevalence of tibial malrotation after IMN fixation is greater than previously thought. This case highlights the need for a simple and reliable intraoperative approach to guide and confirm correction of tibial malrotation after IMN fixation, and it demonstrates a technique that can be implemented with immediate results.
Postoperative Hyperglycemia in Patients with and without Diabetes After Major Joint Replacement
Authors: Mannion John D. , Rather Assar , Manifold Stephen , Gardner Kelly , McEvilly Margaret , Yaeger John , Siegelman Gary
Published: August 2021

Background:

Perioperative hyperglycemia can have an even more detrimental effect on postoperative outcomes in patients without diabetes than in patients with diabetes, but it has not been established if the treatment of patients without diabetes is safe and effective. We hypothesized that sliding-scale insulin for severe postoperative hyperglycemia (glucose ≥180 mg/dL) could lower mean postoperative glucose levels and minimize short-term complications in patients without diabetes undergoing major joint replacement.

Methods:

In a prospective study group, 1,398 consecutive patients, with and without diabetes, undergoing joint replacement were monitored and treated for hyperglycemia and were compared with 886 historical, less frequently monitored controls. The primary outcome was the mean glucose level in patients with and without diabetes within 48 hours after the surgical procedure. Two secondary outcomes could be examined only in the prospective study group, which, by design, had much more frequent glucose sampling and insulin use than the historical controls. First, the contribution of comorbidities and procedural factors to postoperative hyperglycemia in patients without diabetes was assessed with multivariable linear regression. Second, the ability of insulin treatment to reduce complications in patients without diabetes who developed hyperglycemia was evaluated.

Results:

In comparison with 886 historical controls, enhanced glucose management lowered the mean glucose (and standard deviation) from 129 ± 28 mg/dL to 123 ± 23 mg/dL for patients without diabetes (p = 0.041). Multivariable linear regression revealed factors that contributed to elevated mean glucose in patients without diabetes: preoperative fasting glucose (p < 0.001), perioperative steroid use (p < 0.001), general anesthesia (p < 0.001), procedure duration (p = 0.003), and transfusion (p = 0.008). Of 968 patients without diabetes, 203 developed severe hyperglycemia. The recommended insulin coverage was given to 129 of these patients, and 74 patients did not receive it for various clinical reasons. Insulin treatment reduced the frequency of positive cultures from any site (p = 0.025) and a composite of positive cultures and readmissions (p = 0.006) in comparison with no insulin treatment. No patient without diabetes who received insulin experienced mild or severe hypoglycemia.

Conclusions:

Postoperative hyperglycemia is frequent in patients without diabetes after orthopaedic surgery, but an enhanced glucose management program can lower mean postoperative glucose levels. The treatment of hyperglycemia in patients without diabetes reduced short-term complications and was associated with minimal side effects.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Current State of Synovial Fluid Biomarkers in Sports Medicine
Authors: Markus Danielle H. , Berlinberg Elyse J. , Strauss Eric J.
Published: August 2021

» While the gross mechanical abnormalities contributing to posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) have been well described, new research is demonstrating that these insults to the articular cartilage may also initiate changes in the joint microenvironment that seed the development of PTOA.

» A growing amount of literature has identified key biomarkers that exhibit altered expression in the synovial fluid following a knee injury, with a portion of these molecules remaining elevated in the years following an injury.

» These biomarkers have the potential to aid in the early detection of PTOA before radiographic evidence becomes apparent. Furthermore, deciphering the processes that occur within the articular microenvironment after trauma may allow for better identification of therapeutic targets for the prevention and earlier treatment of PTOA.
The late Berriasian early evolutionary burst of the Orbitolinidae: New insights into taxonomy, origin, diversification and phylogeny of the family based on data from eastern Serbia
Authors: Schlagintweit Felix
Published: August 2021

New data from the Carpatho-Balkanides of eastern Serbia evidence the more or less near-simultaneous "explosive" first appearances of several genera of the Orbitolinidae in the late Berriasian. Most of the observed taxa were previously recorded from strata not older than the Late Hauterivian (= classical Urgonian of southeastern France), evidence that these ages refer to local first appearance data. The diversified assemblage from Serbia includes representatives of the subfamilies Dictyoconinae: genera Cribellopsis ARNAUD-VANNEAU, Montseciella CHERCHI & SCHROEDER, Orbitolinopsis HENSON, Urgonina FOURY & MOULLADE, Valserina SCHROEDER & CONRAD, Vanneauina SCHLAGINTWEIT, and Dictyorbitolininae: genus Paracoskinolina MOULLADE. Representatives of the Orbitolininae (with complex embryo) have not been observed. They appeared later in the fossil record seemingly during the Late Hauterivian-early Barremian. All together 17 taxa are reported, of which three in open nomenclature. A new species is described as Cribellopsis sudari n. sp. The majority of the observed species display medium- to high-conical tests and a rather simple exoskeleton lacking horizontal partitions (rafters). The new data contradict a phylogenetic evolution of distinct genera displaying different internal test structures one after the other in time (= ancestor-descendant relationships) as postulated by some authors. The explosive radiation ("early burst") of the Orbitolinidae in the late Berriasian is accompanied by the first appearance date of several other large benthic foraminifera including mostly agglutinating (e.g., Ammocycloloculina, Choffatella, Drevennia, Eclusia, Moulladella, Pfenderina, Pseudotextulariella) but also complex porcelaneous taxa (Pavlovcevina) providing evidence for a bioevent in this time period that exceeds the number of taxa originating in the previous (Tithonian) and the following stage (Valanginian). The early evolutionary history of the Orbitolinidae can be considered a classical example of adaptive radiation within the clade's history.
A Self-Supervised Machine Learning Approach for Objective Live Cell Segmentation and Analysis
Authors: Raphael Marc , Robitaille Michael , Byers Jeff , Christodoulides Joseph
Published: August 2021

Machine learning algorithms hold the promise of greatly improving live cell image analysis by way of (1) analyzing far more imagery than can be achieved by more traditional manual approaches and (2) by eliminating the subjective nature of researchers and diagnosticians selecting the cells or cell features to be included in the analyzed data set. Currently, however, even the most sophisticated model based or machine learning algorithms require user supervision, meaning the subjectivity problem is not removed but rather incorporated into the algorithm’s initial training steps and then repeatedly applied to the imagery. To address this roadblock, we have developed a self-supervised machine learning algorithm that recursively trains itself directly from the live cell imagery data, thus providing objective segmentation and quantification. The approach incorporates an optical flow algorithm component to self-label cell and background pixels for training, followed by the extraction of additional feature vectors for the automated generation of a cell/background classification model. Because it is self-trained, the software has no user-adjustable parameters and does not require curated training imagery. The algorithm was applied to automatically segment cells from their background for a variety of cell types and five commonly used imaging modalities - fluorescence, phase contrast, differential interference contrast (DIC), transmitted light and interference reflection microscopy (IRM). The approach is broadly applicable in that it enables completely automated cell segmentation for long-term live cell phenotyping applications, regardless of the input imagery’s optical modality, magnification or cell type.
Colossal Barocaloric Effects with Ultralow Hysteresis in Two-Dimensional Metal–Halide Perovskites
Authors: Mason Jarad , Seo Jinyoung , McGillicuddy Ryan , Slavney Adam , Zhang Selena , Yakovenko Andrey , Zheng Shao-Liang
Published: August 2021

Nearly 4,400 TWh of electricity—20% of the total consumed in the world—is used each year by refrigerators, air conditioners, and heat pumps for cooling. In addition to the 2.3 Gt of carbon dioxide emitted during the generation of this electricity, the vapor-compression-based devices that provided the bulk of this cooling emitted fluorocarbon refrigerants with a global warming potential equivalent to 1.5 Gt of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. With population and economic growth expected to dramatically increase over the next several decades, the development of alternative cooling technologies with improved efficiency and reduced emissions will be critical to meeting global cooling needs in a more sustainable fashion. Barocaloric materials, which undergo thermal changes in response to applied hydrostatic pressure, offer the potential for solid-state cooling with high energy efficiency and zero direct emissions, as well as faster start-up times, quieter operation, greater amenability to miniaturization, and better recyclability than conventional vapor-compression systems. Efficient barocaloric cooling requires materials that undergo reversible phase transitions with large entropy changes, high sensitivity to hydrostatic pressure, and minimal hysteresis, the combination of which has been challenging to achieve in existing barocaloric materials. Here, we report a new mechanism for achieving colossal barocaloric effects near ambient temperature that exploits the large volume and conformational entropy changes of hydrocarbon chain-melting transitions within two-dimensional metal–halide perovskites. Significantly, we show how the confined nature of these order–disorder phase transitions and the synthetic tunability of layered perovskites can be leveraged to reduce phase transition hysteresis through careful control over the inorganic–organic interface. The combination of ultralow hysteresis (< 1.5 K) and high barocaloric coefficients (> 20 K/kbar) leads to large reversible isothermal entropy changes (> 200 J/kg•K) at record-low pressures (< 300 bar). We anticipate that these results will help facilitate the development of barocaloric cooling technologies and further inspire new materials and mechanisms for efficient solid-state cooling.
Overlapping community detection algorithm based on similarity of node relationship
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Wang Ning
Published: August 2021

Community discovery is a vital link in the research of social networks. Aiming at the shortcomings of the current local extension-based community discovery algorithm in local community discovery and extension, we propose a based on relationship similarity and local extension Overlapping community detection algorithm(RSLO). First, use the node's relationship similarity strategy to find close seed communities. Then, according to the discovered seed community, the similarity between the neighbor nodes of the community and the community is calculated, and the nodes whose similarity meets the threshold are selected. After that, an adaptive optimization function is used to expand the community. Finally, the free nodes that have not been divided into the community are divided into communities, thereby achieving a more comprehensive community discovery. We conduct experiments on classic datasets and artificially generated networks. The results show that the RSLO algorithm can find accurate and objective community structures.
Self-Reported Symptom Study of COVID-19 Chemosensory Dysfunction in Malaysia
Authors: Lee Shen-Han , Yeoh Zhi Xiang , Sachlin Ida Sadja'ah , Gazali Norzi , Soelar Shahrul Aiman , Low Lee Lee , Alwi Sharifah Baizura Syed , Kamalden Tengku Mohamed Izam Tengku , Shanmuganathan Jothi , Zaid Masliza , Wong Chun Yiing , Chua Hock Hin , Yusuf Suhaimi , Muhamad Dzawani , Devesahayam Philip Rajan , Ker Hong Bee , Salahuddin Zulkiflee , Mustafa Mahiran , Sawali Halimuddin , Lee Heng Gee , Din Sobani , Misnan Nor Arisah , Mohamad Amran , Ismail Mohd Noor , Periasamy Chenthilnathan , Chow Ting Soo , Krishnan Elang Kumaran , Leong Chee Loon , Lim Linda Pei Fang , Zaidan Nor Zaila , Ibrahim Zambri , Wahab Suhaila Abd , Hashim Siti Sabzah Mohd ,   Malaysian COVID-19 Anosmia Research Group
Published: August 2021

Alterations in the three chemosensory modalities – smell, taste, and chemesthesis – have been implicated in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), yet emerging data suggest a wide geographic and ethnic variation in the prevalence of these symptoms. Studies on chemosensory disorders in COVID-19 have predominantly focused on Caucasian populations whereas Asians remain understudied. We conducted a nationwide, multicentre cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire on a cohort of RT-PCR-confirmed adult COVID-19 patients in Malaysia between 6 June to 30 November 2020. The aim of our study was to investigate their presenting symptoms and assess their chemosensory function using self-ratings of perceived smell, taste, chemesthesis, and nasal blockage. In this cohort of 498 patients, 41.4% reported smell and/or taste loss when diagnosed with COVID-19, which was the commonest symptom. Blocked nose, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal disturbances were independent predictors of smell and/or taste loss on multivariate analysis. Self-ratings of chemosensory function revealed a reduction in smell, taste, and chemesthesis across the entire cohort of patients that was more profound among those reporting smell and/or taste loss as their presenting symptom. Perceived nasal obstruction accounted for only a small proportion of changes in smell and taste, but not for chemesthesis, supporting viral disruption of sensorineural mechanisms as the dominant aetiology of chemosensory dysfunction. Our study suggests that chemosensory dysfunction in COVID-19 is more widespread than previously reported among Asians and may be related to the infectivity of viral strains. Study Registration: NMRR-20-934-54803 and NCT04390165
Clinical features of B. 1.617.2 (delta) variant concern (VOC): first case in Iraq
Authors: Essa Rawand , Ahmed Sirwan , Bapir Dunya , Abubakr Chawan , Rasul Shero , Khdir Awat , Wsu Zhiar
Published: August 2021

Since the initial report of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS CoV-2) in Wuhan, China, in 2019, the virus has constantly mutated, resulting in the appearance of novel variants. In December 2020, the B.1.617.2 (delta) variant concern (VOC) was first reported in India, and rapidly spread around the globe, is now the main brand in the United Kingdom, and it has grown dramatically. Here we present the clinical features and laboratory findings of the first case of B. 1.617.2 (delta) variant concern (VOC) in Iraq. A 6-year-old female child presented with severe abdominal pain, headache, severe vomiting and diarrhea, runny nose, alerted mental status, loss of appetite and fever. The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 delta variant B.1.617.2 by RT-PCR. The patient was treated by administration of glucose saline 4% for 3 days, ceftriaxone vial 1 mg every 12 h for 6 days, and an acetaminophen bottle on a need to prevent fever followed by a Flagyl bottle every 24 h for 3 days. Vaccination and prevention the spread of the virus and against it are important preventive approaches for delta variant. Sore throat, runny nose, headache, and vomiting, diarrhea are the major clinical features of the delta variant. This was followed by an elevation of the leukocyte WBC, and blood platelets. To reduce the impact of new delta variant B.1.617.2 infection; handwashing, wearing a double mask, avoiding crowded and closed settings, social distancing, lockdown, and ensuring good ventilation are major significant options against this variant.
Cochlear And Vestibular Involvement In Children With Henoch Schönlein Vasculitis
Authors: Bucak Abdulkadir , Bükülmez Ayşegül , Kuzu Selcuk , Günebakan Çağlar , Yıldız Erkan , Kınar Abdullah
Published: August 2021

Purpose: In this study, our purpose is to evaluate cochlear and vestibular function in juveniles with HSV using audiometry, DPOAEs, and cVEMP tests.Methods: 40 children diagnosed with HSV from the pediatry clinic and 40 age and sex-matched healthy children were evaluated with distortion product otoacoustic emissions, audiometry, and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) test in a tertiary hospital.Results: The audiometry average values ​​for both ears of HSV group and the control subjects were compared, and as a result, median 4.7 dB sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) was found for HSV group compared to control group at 250 Hz and it was statistically significant (p <0.001). An average of 6.4 dB SHL was detected at 8000 Hz (p <0.001). There was a statistically significant difference among HSV and control group regarding measurement results of average p1-n1 latency time of both ears (0.9 milliseconds (ms) increase, P = 0.035). In HSV patients, the median amplitude difference of both ears' average p1 n1 was found to be 5,6 millivolt, statistically significantly decreased compared to the control group (p = 0.003).Conclusion: This study, firstly in literature, demonstrated that HSV may cause hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction in children. We think this might be due to autoimmune mechanisms.
Computational Prediction of the Molecular Mechanism of Statin Group of Drugs Against SARS-CoV-2 Pathogenesis
Authors: Ghosh Dipanjan , Ghoshdastidar Debabrata , Roy Kamalesh , Ghosh Arnab , Sikdar Nilabja , Biswas Nidhan , Chakrabarti Gopal , Das Amlan
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic had raised a severe health concern across the globe, as most countries are fighting with the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although several vaccines had cleared the clinical trials and are being administered in different countries, the degree of protection varies due to the emergence of novel viral strains. Moreover, no antiviral drug against SARS-CoV-2 was reported to date. Recently published reports on statin therapy on COVID-19 patients indicated that statin therapy is associated with a better clinical outcome and a significant reduction in mortality risk.MethodsBlind docking of the critical structural and functional proteins of SARS-CoV-2 like RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, M-protease of 3-CL-Pro, Helicase, and the Spike proteins ( wild type and mutants) with the statin molecules were performed using the Schrodinger docking tool. Prevalent mutations in the spike protein were determined by analyzing the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences deposited in GISAID, using the NextAlign aligner tool. Wild type and mutant spike proteins were modeled using the Swiss Model server and subjected to energy minimization via YASARA server. The percentage of the allowed region was determined by the Ramachandran plot. The MD simulation studies of free protein templates and protein-ligand complex were performed using NAMD (Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics) program; v 2.8.ResultsWe observed that fluvastatin and pitavastatin showed fair binding affinities to RNA polymerase, 3-CL-Pro, and spike-double mutant with similar docking scores. But of all the target proteins, fluvastatin showed the strongest binding affinity to the helicase with the glide score, emodel score, and glide energy values of -11.333, -66.511 and -58.72 (kcal/mol), respectively. Pitavastatin having similar chemical properties like fluvastatin (logP and pKa values) exhibited strong biding affinities to RdRp, 3-CL-Pro, and S-double mutant. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the formation of a stable drug-protein complex. ConclusionThus our study shows that of all the statins, fluvastatin can bind to multiple target proteins of SARS-CoV-2, including the spike-mutant proteins. This property might contribute to the potent antiviral efficacy of this drug.
Dynamic causal modeling for EEG during complex laparoscopic skill acquisition
Authors: Walia Pushpinder , Kamat Anil , De Suvranu , Dutta Anirban
Published: August 2021

Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) is a prerequisite for board certification in general surgery in the USA. It includes a motor skills portion with five psychomotor tasks of increasing task complexity: (i) pegboard transfers, (ii) pattern cutting, (iii) placement of a ligating loop, (iv) suturing with extracorporeal knot tying, and (v) suturing with intracorporal knot tying. Learning these tasks typically relies on extensive practice [1]. Nemani et al. [2] showed that the wavelet coherence based functional connectivity from functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data between the medial prefrontal cortex and the supplementary motor area (SMA) was lower for experts than novices during FLS pattern cutting task. Here, SMA is known for the plasticity of interhemispheric connectivity involving sensorimotor network [3] relevant in learning bimanual laparoscopic tasks; however, transcranial direct current (tDCS) of SMA resulted in more variability during FLS pegboard transfers than bilateral primary motor cortex tDCS. Here, it is essential to differentiate tDCS effects on the pre-SMA from SMA proper in the SMA complex during laparoscopic skill acquisition due to differences in their fiber tracts [4] and their relevance to motor task complexity. Prior work using fNIRS-based activation during most complex FLS suturing task with intracorporeal knot tying [5] showed the involvement of premotor/frontal module [4] related Brodmann areas (BA), shown in Figure 1c, including ventrolateral PFC (VLPFC; BA: 44, 45, 47), frontopolar (FP; BA: 10), dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC; BA: 9, 46) as well as a part of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC; BA: 11) on the lateral brain surface in addition to SMA complex. However, the effective connectivity of this cognitive-motor control network was not investigated based on dynamic causal modeling (DCM) [6], where the temporal resolution of electroencephalogram (EEG) can capture fast interactions expected via short frontal lobe connections [4]. Therefore, our research aimed to identify hidden brain networks during FLS suturing with intracorporeal knot tying skill acquisition using DCM of EEG.
Evaluate equivalent-sectional shear modulus for laminated glass beams using in torsion tests and photogrammetry method
Authors: Uheida Kal , Deng Yu , Zhang Hexin , Galuppi Laura , Gao Jiaxiang , Xie Li , Huang Shuge , Qin Xuanshen , Wong Simon H F , Guo Jianwen , Zhang Guangxin , Mohamed Ahmed
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes a concise concept for quantifying the shear/torsional stiffness of the laminated glass beams experimentally by introducing the Equivalent-Sectional Shear Modulus (ESSM), that is directly measured from the torque and sectional-rotation correlation with the torsion test and tailor-made photogrammetry technique. The advantage of this method is originated from the concept of measuring the overall rotation to torque response of a laminated glass beam altogether rather than the component individually. This eliminates the uncertainties of analytical approximations that are commonly adopted by most existing methods in which the composite shear/torsion stiffness is derived from its component mechanical properties. The photogrammetry technique increased the accuracy of the sectional rotation measurement by acquiring dense displacement sample points on the glass beam simultaneously. The accuracy of the photogrammetry setup and efficacy of the test design were proven by a micrometre and a monolithic glass beam test. One sample each for the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and SentryGlas Plus (SGP) laminated glass beams were tested multiple times non-destructively to determine the ESSM. The result of the SGP laminated glass beam showed a closer agreement with the previous studies, however the result of the PVB laminated glass beam exhibited a larger difference from the previous studies. It also suggested that mechanical properties of the interlayer played an important role in the composite behaviour of the laminated glass beam. The experimental outcomes have demonstrated the proposed method is an accurate and effective technique for measuring the ESSM of laminated glass beams.
Albion Strawberry Responds to Mulch Treatments and Low Tunnels Covered with Photoselective Films
Authors: Orde Kaitlyn M. , Marini Rich , Demchak Kathleen , Sideman Rebecca
Published: August 2021

The impact of photoselective films on strawberry plants in a low tunnel system has not been well investigated in the northeastern United States, nor have there been studies looking at the effect of mulch color in a plasticulture system. During two separate years (2016 and 2017), we evaluated ‘Albion’ in an annual system with three ground mulch treatments (black plastic, white-on-black plastic, and no plastic) and under six cover treatments. Five of the cover treatments were low tunnel films that varied in their ultraviolet, photosynthetically active, and near-infrared radiation transmission profiles: Tufflite IVTM (TIV), KoolLite Plus (KLP), Trioplast (TRP), and custom-manufactured UV-transparent (UVT) and UV-blocking (UVO) films. The sixth cover treatment was the traditional open bed environment (no low tunnel). ‘Albion’ produced fruit for 18 to 19 continuous weeks during both years until as late as Thanksgiving (24 Nov.) in 2016. Overall, the average marketable yield was greater in 2017 (486 g/plant) than in 2016 (350 g/plant), and it was greater on black mulch than on no mulch (445 vs. 380 g/plant, respectively); white mulch was intermediate (419 g/plant) (P ≤ 0.05). There was not a significant increase in marketable yield under low tunnels compared with open beds. The average fruit mass was greater under KLP and UVO than open beds (TIV and UVT were intermediate), and greater on beds with no mulch than black mulch (white mulch was intermediate). Across cover treatments, plants on black mulch produced more runners than plants on white or no mulch, and the black mulch/open bed treatment generated the greatest number of runners in both years, more than double most other treatments in 2016. The present study demonstrates that mulch selection is important for maximizing the yield of ‘Albion’ in the Northeast region, and that both mulch and cover impact runnering and fruit size. For plant propagators producing ‘Albion’ tips in a field environment, the results of this study suggest they are likely to maximize runner quantity by cultivating plants on black mulch without low tunnel cover.
Fate and mass loading of antibiotics in hospital and domestic wastewater treatment plants in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Sinthuchai Donwichai , Boontanon Suwanna Kitpati , Piyaviriyakul Pitchaya , Boontanon Narin , Jindal Ranjna , Polprasert Chongrak
Published: August 2021

Excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment, especially in low- to middle-income countries. This study investigated the occurrence, relative abundance, and fate of eight antibiotics at each treatment stage in four domestic and four hospital wastewater treatment plants (dWWTPs and hWWTPs, respectively), as well as mass loadings into the receiving water environments in Bangkok, Thailand. Samples were prepared by solid-phase extraction and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Antibiotic concentrations were higher in hWWTPs than dWWTPs; approximately 60 times for influents and 10 times for effluents. Ciprofloxacin concentration increased in most dWWTPs, especially in the aeration unit and return sludge, suggesting that it predominantly occurred in the solid phase. Sulfamethoxazole predominantly occurred in the dissolved form, which is more difficult to degrade, and exhibited high concentrations in effluent. Moreover, antibiotic pollutant loadings were approximately 30–3,530 times higher from dWWTPs than from hWWTPs due to higher daily discharges from the domestic sector. These plants are a major point source of antibiotic residue release to aquatic environments; thus, their efficiency should be improved by incorporating advanced treatment processes to ensure effective removal of antibiotics.
Magnetic solid-phase extraction based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes combined ferroferric oxide nanoparticles for the determination of five heavy metal ions in water samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Ning , Bian Yuwei , Dong Xinyi , Gao Xun , Zhao Longshan
Published: August 2021

An excellent magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MMWCNT) containing carboxyl material modified with ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles was synthesized as the adsorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of five heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Cd2+, Cr4+) in water samples followed by on-line inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection. The characteristics of the adsorbent were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Some factors affecting extraction efficiency including pH of sample solution, the amount of adsorbent, extraction method and time, concentration and volume of desorption solvent, desorption time and evaluation of coexisting ions were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, good linearity (r ≥ 0.9951) was obtained within the range of 0.1–50.0 ng·mL−1. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were 4.0–25.0 ng·L−1 and 15.0–80.0 ng·L−1, respectively. And satisfactory recoveries of five heavy metal ions ranged from 81.11% to 105.53% were acquired, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were no more than 6.05%. The MMWCNT synthesized had strong adsorption force for the five investigated heavy metal ions, respectively. Hence, the proposed method was so suitable and sensitive that it can be applied to the determination of trace analysis of heavy metals in water samples.
The Association between Tumor-associated Macrophages and Glioblastoma: A Potential Target for Therapy
Authors: Heidari Arash , Sharif Pouya M. , Rezaei Nima
Published: August 2021

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults, causing
many deaths each year. The life expectancy of patients from the time of diagnosis does not exceed 15 months.
Tumoral cells are generally surrounded by a bed of tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of various components
such as different immune cells, stromal cells, and blood vessels. Previous studies on the treatment of
this tumor have generally focused on cancerous cells and, therefore, have introduced conventional therapies for
eradicating this tumor, including maximal safe surgery, chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), and radiotherapy.
Despite treatment with this method, tumors almost always recur, and life expectancy has not increased
much. Recently, due to the discovery of the various roles of immune cells (including tumor-associated
macrophages or TAMs) in the pathogenesis of this disease, the path of studies has moved towards targeting
them as a treatment for glioblastoma. In this review, we aimed to investigate recent studies on the different
roles of TME components, the role of TAM in the pathogenesis, and novel methods that target TAMs, including
induction of TAM repolarization, inhibition of TAM-produced cytokines, and prohibition of immune system
suppression induced by TAMs. In this regard, various targets, including colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-
1) receptors, Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), or chemokine receptor (CXCR) pathways, are investigated.
An Efficient Alternative to the Total Synthesis of Isophytol
Authors: Yerramreddy Thirupathi R. , Yiannikouris Alexandros
Published: August 2021

An improved and alternative method for the total synthesis of isophytol from citral via
using pseudoionone intermediate was developed and described in this manuscript. This alternative
commercially viable approach involves six steps and it represents an alternative method commercially
viable over existing published synthetic methods in the literature. This goal was achieved by
developing and optimizing an efficient and high yield procedure for the synthesis of a key intermediate
i.e. 6,10,14-trimethylpentadectrimethylpentadec-5-en-2-one, by reacting 2-methoxypropene
with a tertiary alcohol (3,7,11-trimethyldodec-1-ene-3-ol). Isophytol was provided in 58-60%
overall yield from citral with >99% purity, evaluated by TLC, GC, and NMR.
Immobilized Palladium Nanoparticles on Phosphanamine-grafted
Cellulose for Arylation of Uracil
Authors: Yang Qian , Ma Na , He Yangqing , Yu Xiaojiao , Yao Binghua
Published: August 2021

Background:

The synthesis of 5-arylation uracil nucleosides is an imperative challenge,
especially for the method of Suzuki reaction using N-unprotected uracil as materials, which holds
the potential to enhance the yield.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to find a more efficient catalyst to increase the yield of
aryluracils and aryluridines.

Methods:

We first constructed the phosphanamine-grafted cellulose (PAGC) from cellulose material.
Then, we prepared the nanocatalyst PAGC/Pd(0) through heating and reducing the mixture of
PAGC and Pa(OAc)2.

Results:

When using this nanocatalyst to catalyze the Suzuki reaction of 5-iodouracil or 5-iodouridine
and aryl heterocyclic boronic acids, the arylation yields have been significantly improved.

Conclusion:

This means that the resultant nanocatalyst exhibits a remarkable catalytic efficacy for
Suzuki arylation of 5-iodouracil and 5-iodouridine.
Treatment approaches in ovarian masses in children
Authors: Ertan Kübra , Sarıkaya Mehmet , Akbaş Hilal , Özcan Sıkı Fatma , Kara Buket
Published: August 2021

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate clinical features, treatment approaches and outcomes of children with ovarian mass.
Materials and Methods: In our clinic, the oncologic charts of children with a mass in the ovary between 2009 and 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients' demographic features, symptoms and signs, diagnosis, treatments and outcomes were noticed.
Results: The age of 55 patients included in the study ranged from two months to 18 years (median, 12.9 years). While the ages of 38 patients were ≥ 10 years (69.1%), 17 of them were
Comparison of tube thoracostomy and thoracoscopic debridement in the treatment of empyema in children
Authors: Tanriverdi Halil İbrahim
Published: August 2021

Objective: Empyema is an important problem that develops after pneumonia in children. Antibiotherapy and drainage of purulent fluid form the basis of treatment. Various methods are used for drainage. Thoracoscopic debridement is widely used today with the development of minimally invasive methods. In this study, patients who were treated for empyema in the period before the use of thoracoscopic debridement in our clinic were compared with the patients who were treated in the period after the use of thoracoscopic debridement.

Materials and methods: For this purpose, cases before thoracoscopic debridement (Group 1, n = 25) and patients after thoracoscopic debridement (Group 2, n = 28) were compared in various aspects. While tube thoracostomy was applied to all cases in the first group, thoracoscopic debridement was applied to the cases in the second group whether or not tube thoracostomy was applied.

Results: Fever, leukocytosis, respiratory distress and purulent drainage lasted shorter in the group in which thoracoscopic debridement was applied, in other words, clinical improvement was faster. In the group in which thoracoscopic debridement was applied, the duration of tube thoracostomy was shorter and the need for thoracotomy was less than in the group not applied.

Conclusion: Thoracoscopic debridement accelerates the recovery of empyema in children. In this, it is effective to debride fibrin and septations in the pleural space more effectively and quickly under the camera view. Therefore, thoracoscopic debridement should be the first option in the treatment of empyema without delay.
Analisis Perubahan Daya Dukung Sumberdaya Air Berdasarkan Ketersediaan dan Kebutuhan Air di DAS Gembong Tahun 2010-2020
Authors:   Universitas Sebelas Maret, Widyaningsih Mega , Muryani Chatarina ,   Universitas Sebelas Maret, Utomowati Rahning ,   Universitas Sebelas Maret
Published: August 2021

Perubahan penggunaan lahan terjadi di Daerah Aliran Sungai (DAS) Gembong Kabupaten Karanganyar khususnya di Kecamatan Tawangmangu yang terletak di bagian hulu DAS Gembong terjadi akibat meningkatnya pengembangan kawasan wisata. Sebagai pengatur tata air dan kawasan resapan, keberadaannya perlu dilestarikan fungsinya untuk menjaga keseimbangan ekosistem di DAS tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui daya dukung sumber daya air, dan perubahan daya dukung sumber daya air dari tahun 2010 hingga 2020. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode deskriptif kuantitatif dengan pendekatan keruangan. Perhitungan ketersediaan air disimulasikan berdasarkan data curah hujan dan iklim, sedangkan kebutuhan air dihitung berdasarkan berbagai macam peruntukan kebutuhan air. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa daya dukung sumber daya air di DAS Gembong pada tahun 2010 dan 2020 dalam keadaan surplus. Tahun 2010 terjadi surplus penggunaan air sebesar 24,163,553.54 m3 per tahun, sedangkan tahun 2020 juga terjadi surplus air sebesar 23,550,429.40 m3 per tahun. Berdasarkan nilai daya dukung sumber daya air antara tahun 2010 hingga 2020 telah mengalami perubahan yang cukup signifikan karena mengalami penurunan yang cukup tinggi sebesar 1,360,828.92 m3.
Evaluasi Kinerja Instalasi Pengolahan Air Limbah (IPAL) Domestik di Inkubator Bisnis Permata Bunda Kota Bontang
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Sutanhaji Alexander Tunggul , Suharto Bambang ,   Universitas Brawijaya, Darmawan Ahmad Raihan ,   Universitas Brawijaya
Published: August 2021

Inkubator Bisnis (Inbis) Permata Bunda merupakan kompleks bangunan kewirausahaan penyandang disabilitas di kota Bontang, Kalimantan Timur. Inbis Permata Bunda mempunyai sistem IPAL domestik sendiri. IPAL ini dirancang bekerja sama dengan PT. Pupuk Kaltim dan selesai pada tahun 2019 namun mengalami redesain pada tahun 2020. IPAL mulai berjalan setelah mengalami redesain, sehingga perlu dilakukan evaluasi untuk mengetahui kinerja IPAL Inbis Permata Bunda. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk menginventarisasi air limbah, mengevaluasi kinerja IPAL, dan melakukan review desain untuk memberikan rekomendasi IPAL Inbis Permata Bunda. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian evaluatif formatif. Evaluasi kinerja IPAL didasarkan pada inventarisasi sumber air limbah, evaluasi proses pengolahan, dan evaluasi outlet air limbah. Sampling dilakukan dengan metode grab sampling. Evaluasi proses didasarkan pada uji laboratorium dan dibandingkan dengan referensi standar desain. Parameter yang dijadikan acuan adalah pH, BOD, COD, TSS. Fe, dan Pb. Outlet air limbah yang dihasilkan dari IPAL Inbis Permata Bunda sesuai dengan baku mutu Permen LH No. 68 tahun 2016. Secara keseluruhan kinerja IPAL masih berjalan dengan baik namun secara efisiensi waktu pengolahan masih terlalu lama akibat debit yang terlalu kecil.
Analisis Kelimpahan Mikroplastik Pada Air Permukaan di Sungai Metro, Malang
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Sutanhaji Alexander Tunggul , Rahadi Bambang ,   Universitas Brawijaya, Firdausi Nazarina Tiftah ,   Universitas Brawijaya
Published: August 2021

Mikroplastik merupakan plastik dengan ukuran kecil yaitu <5mm. Berdasarkan sumbernya, mikroplastik primer yaitu di produksi dalam ukuran yang kecil untuk kepentingan tertentu dan rnikroplastik sekunder berasal dari penguraian plastik yang lebih besar sebelumnya. Penelitian dilakukan di Sungai Metro Malang yang mengalir melalui Kota Malang dan berakhir di Kecamatan Kepanjen Kabupaten Malang. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu mengetahui jenis, kelimpahan dan sumber mikroplastik di Sungai Metro Malang. Sampel air diambil pada tiga titik lokasi yaitu hulu, tengah dan hilir. Tahapan penelitian yaitu penyaringan sampel, pengeringan sampel, pemurnian dengan Wet Peroxide Oxidation (WPO) yaitu dengan 20 mL larutan Fe (II) 0.05 M, larutan H202 20 mL dan NaCl 6 gram per 20 mL sampel, pemisahan partikel dengan density separator dan pengamatan dengan mikroskop Olympus SZX 16. Jenis mikroplastik yang ditemukan yaitu fiber, film dan fragmen dengan jumlah yang paling banyak yaitu pada titik 3 (hilir). Warna mikroplastik yang didapatkan yaitu bening, biru, merah, dll. Ukuran mikroplastik paling banyak yaitu pada saringan 177 μm. Kelimpahan dan beban pencemar mikroplastik didapatkan paling tinggi yaitu jenis fiber pada titik 3 (hilir). Mikroplastik diketahui bersumber dari adanya penggunaan plastik pada lahan pertanian dan pemukiman yang menjadi tata guna lahan di Daerah Aliran Sungai (DAS) Metro Malang.
Potential Analysis of Lemna sp. Extract as Immunostimulant to Increase Non-Specific Immune Response of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) against Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Armando Eric , Lestiyani Ayu , Islamy R. Adharyan
Published: August 2021

Lemna sp. is known to have several bioactive compounds and polysaccharide macromolecules that can function as immunomodulators to affect non-specific immune responses to increase the body's resistance to pathogens. This study aims to determine the potential of catfish eye extract as an immunostimulant by observing non-specific tilapia immune parameters. The extraction method used was 96% ethanol maceration for 2 days with a ratio of 1: 4. The experimental design used a Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments (doses 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mg/kg, control + and control -) and 3 replications. The non-specific parameters of immunity observed included total plasma protein (Bradford method), superoxide dismutase and lysozyme activity. The data obtained will be analyzed using ANOVA, if there is a significant difference, it will be further tested with Duncan Multiple. Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that the highest total plasma protein was found in treatment C (giving an extract of 0.3 mg/kg body weight) with an average total plasma protein after 12 days of maintenance of 4.99 g / dL. The extract dose of 0.3 mg/body weight showed a rapid decrease in SOD and increase Lysozyme activity.
Sustainable Suburban Environment and Service for Happier Households
Authors: Voon Boo Ho , Wang Liping , Teo Ai Kiat
Published: August 2021

Many emerging economies have allocated significant amount of resource for sustainable suburbanization and development initiatives to serve and care for the targeted communities for happier households. The governments, private enterprises, and NGOs have been working together for sustainable suburban socio-economic development. Their sustainability practices and good quality service have helped to achieve the desired development outcomes for a better quality of life for the stakeholders. This paper aims to share the case study of Batu Kawa Suburb (Kuching, Sarawak) and the related lessons from Shaoxing (Zhejiang, China) to understand sustainable suburbanization environment and service for sustainability. 
Keywords: Sustainable suburban environment; Service.
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6i17.2886