bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced BGMM based Lightweight Key Generation and Authentication Method for WBAN
Authors: S Dharshini , M Monicasubashini
Published: March 2021

Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) is one of the best modern inventions that supports medical science significantly. Reliability, Latency, Security and Power consumption are the vital parameters to determine the quality of a WBAN architecture. Security Key Generation and Authentication are the important tasks which impact the vital parameters. A Body Gauss-Markov Mobility model (BGMM) based lightweight key generation and authentication method is introduced in this work to improve the quality of WBAN. Enhanced BGMM, Legacy Key Generator and Idle State Key Manager are the three functional blocks used to construct the proposed system. These new function blocks are introduced in this work to achieve higher throughput, packet delivery ratio and security. The proposed work is also indented to reduce the communication delays and power consumption. Adopting new body sensor nodes and discarding unused or damaged nodes from existing network without affecting other operating nodes is the requirements of modern WBAN as well. The proposed method named as “Enhanced BGMM based Lightweight Key Generation and Authentication method for WBAN” (EBLKGAW) is deigned to manage the network stability during adaptation of new nodes and elimination of existing nodes.
Valorization of cellulose-doped lignin: application of cellulose-doped lignin-derived activated carbon in capacitors and investigation of its textural properties and electrochemical performance
Authors: Wang Liangcai , Feng Xin , Ma Huanhuan , Wu Jielong , Chen Yu , Zhou Jianbin
Published: March 2021

This work provides an idea for efficient and harmless utilization of lignin and further evaluated the textural properties of lignin-derived activated carbon/specific capacitance relationship. The yield of cellulose-doped apricot shell lignin (ASLC) was 30.42%. H3PO4/KOH was used to assist the preparation of ASLC-derived activated carbon (AAC) for capacitors. The specific surface areas of the as-obtained AAC-P-3 and AAC-K-2 were 1475.16 m2/g and 2136.56 m2/g, respectively. The specific capacitances of AAC-P-3 and AAC-K-2 were 169.14 F/g and 236.00 F/g, respectively, upon the current density of 0.50 A/g. In capacitors containing aqueous KOH as the electrolyte, the AR2 (0.983) between specific surface area and specific capacitance was highest, followed by the AR2 (0.978) between Vmicro/Vmeso and specific capacitance, the AR2 (0.975) between pore-wall thickness and specific capacitance. Consequently, the specific capacitances of the AACs depend not only the specific surface area, but also on the Vmicro/Vmeso, pore-wall thickness, and Vmicro.
Leishmania mexicana recombinant filamentous acid phosphatase as carrier for Toxoplasma gondii surface antigen 1 expression in Leishmania tarentolae
Authors: Kalaf Dalia Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Leishmania tarentolae has been used to produce recombinant intracellular and secreted proteins for their easy handling and posttranslational modifications. Filamentous acid phosphatase is a multimeric protein complex composed of many subunits assembled in a linear highly glycosylated filament, which is secreted in vast amounts into the culture supernatant via the flagellar pocket of Leishmania mexicana promastigotes. This suggested that the protein could be used as a carrier for other proteins for easy purification to generate a protein complex decorated with multiple SAG1 subunits suitable for immunisation. Surface Antigen1 protein of a Toxoplasma gondii has an immunodominant structure that is involved in binding to host cells. Previous studies used this surface protein for vaccination for its immunological importance for triggering a type 1 immune response in the host. This study aims to determine the production of recombinant filamentous protein carried subunits of the surface protein of Toxoplasma gondii for vaccination purposes. Leishmania codon-optimised SAG1 was cloned as a fusion construct into pLEXSY-ble2.1 and introduced into Leishmani. tarentolae to generate recombinant cell lines expressing of a filamentous fusion protein called SAP2SAG1. PCR confirmed the correct integration into the small ribosomal subunit RNA gene locus of Leishmania tarentolae. Immunofluorescences and Immunoblot analyses were used to detect the fusion protein in the sediment of culture supernatants of recombinant L. tarentolae promastigotes after purification by ultracentrifugation. The yield of purified protein was low that suggested further investigations of other methods for scaling large production of secreted protein.
Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase TIMP-2 in patients with myocarditis.
Authors: Kobusiak-Prokopowicz Małgorzata , Kaaz Konrad , Marciniak Dominik , Karolko Bożena , Mysiak Andrzej
Published: March 2021

Background: Under physiological conditions, the myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) is maintained by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). However, certain stimuli cause the upregulation of MMPs, which can lead to pathological remodeling of the ECM. We assessed serum levels of MMPs and TIMP-2 in patients with myocarditis and their relationship(s) to myocardial damage.Methods: In total, 45 patients with myocarditis who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were included, comprising 11 with concurrent chronic kidney disease (CKD). Blood samples were obtained to assess serum levels of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP-2. Results: Serum MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-2 levels negatively correlated with ejection fraction values in patients with myocarditis, while MMP-3 levels correlated with longitudinal deformation (p<0.05). Serum MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-2 levels also negatively correlated with renal function, as assessed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (p<0.05). Patients with myocarditis and concurrent CKD had higher levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 than those without kidney damage.Conclusions:1. We demonstrated serum MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-2 concentrations were related to left ventricular ejection fraction, and MMP-3 levels correlated with longitudinal deformation, indicating MMPs play an important role in the post-inflammatory remodeling of the myocardium.2. The occurrence of other heart diseases was an important element in modifying the relationship between MMPs and the degree of myocardial damage.3. Chronic kidney damage in patients with myocarditis results in increased MMP activity. A negative correlation between eGFR and MMP-2, MMP-3 and TIMP-2, and a positive correlation between creatinine and MMP-3 levels, underlines the role of fibrosis in myocarditis with concomitant chronic kidney disease.
Whole-Body MRI and Whole Body 123I-MIBG scintigraphy: comparison in Lines and High Risk Neuroblastoma. A pilot study.
Authors: Olianti Catia , Perrone Anna , Neri Emanuele , Cioni Dania , Allocca Michela , Maurizio Marco Di , Carra Federica , Tondo Annalisa
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To assess agreement between 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) and Whole Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging with diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression (WB MRI-DWIBS) in High and Low, Intermediate risk neuroblastoma, a retrospective review was performed on MIBG and DWIBS paired scans acquired at diagnosis, response-to-therapy steps, after-surgery, off therapy.Methods: 80 paired MIBG and DWIBS scans were acquired for 31 patients between June 2009 and June 2019 within 30 days, without intercurrent therapy. SIOPEN Semi-quantitative scoring systems for NB with 12 body sections was applied at whole body MIBG and WB MRI-DWIBS acquired to evaluate the disease extent. We evaluated specificity, sensitivity, overall accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of WB MRI-DWIBS respect MIBG scintigraphy considered as gold standard, and vice versa.Results: DWIBS and MIBG images were concordant in 890 out of the 960 analyzed segments, with high agreement between the two techniques (kendal =0.85 P<0.0001 and Chi 536.5975 p<0.0001). Considering MIBG as gold standard, WB MRI-DWIBS overall accuracy was 93%, sensitivity 78%, specificity 95%, PPV 77% and NPV 96%. Otherwise, MIBG overall accuracy was 93%; sensitivity 77%; specificity 97%; VPP 78%; VPN 95%, considering DWIBS as gold standard. MIBG and WB MRI-DWIBS SIOPEN scoring resulted superimposable (Rho Spearman = 0,88, p < 0,0001).Conclusions: DWIBS and MIBG images showed very high concordance. WB MRI may represent an alternative in weak-avid MIBG tumors and for follow up assessment. An integrated imaging model is proposed for HR, Low and Intermediate Risk protocols.
Association of B cell profile and receptor repertoire with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Mook-Jung Inhee , Park Jong-Chan , Noh Jinsung , Jang Sukjin , Kim Ki Hyun , Choi Hayoung , Lee Dongjoon , Chung Junho , Lee Dong Young , Lee Yonghee , Lee Hyunho , Yoo Duck Kyun , Lee Amos , Byun Min Soo , Yi Dahyun , Han Sun-Ho , Kwon Sunghoon
Published: March 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. Numerous reports have revealed that peripheral immune systems are linked to neuropathology; however, little is known about the contribution of B lymphocytes in AD. For this longitudinal study, one hundred-thirty-three participants were included in both baseline and follow-up 2nd year. Next, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire profiling followed by pair-wise overlap analysis. The longitudinal change in the B lymphocytes population was associated with increased cerebral amyloid deposition. Furthermore, patients with AD shared highly similar class-switched BCR sequences with identical isotypes despite the high somatic hypermutation rate of BCR sequences. These commonalities of BCR repertoires of the patients with AD show the possibility of immunological stimuli by amyloid precursor protein (APP). Thus, we provide evidence for both quantitative and qualitative changes in B lymphocytes during AD pathogenesis. The genetic information of patients from the NGS-based BCR repertoire profiling can lead to the development of immune-based therapeutics and treatments for AD.
Landslide susceptibility modelling based on decision tree classification model of machine learning: A case study of Kullu-Rohtang Pass transport corridor (Himachal Pradesh), India
Authors: Sharma Nirbhav , Singh Ram Babu , Malik Anand , Sharma Maheshwar
Published: March 2021

Landslide hazards are responsible for causing substantial destruction and losses in mountainous region. In order to lessen the damage in these vulnerable areas, the key challenge is to predict the landslide events with accuracy and precision. The principal objective of the study conducted is to assess the landslide susceptibility along the transport corridor from Kullu to Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh, India. To achieve this objective, a detailed landslide inventory has been prepared based on the imagery data and frequent field visits. A total of 197 landslides were taken under consideration including 153 rock slides and 44 debris slides. Nine landslide factors were prepared initially and their relationships with each other and with the type of landslide was analysed. Later, information gain ratio measure was used to identify the triggering factors having best score for eliminating the unimportant factors. Train_test_split method was used to classify the dataset into training and testing groups. Decision tree classification model of machine learning was applied for landslide susceptibility model (LSM). The performance was evaluated using classification report and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results obtained have proved that the decision tree classification model of machine learning performed well and have a good accuracy in forecasting landslide susceptibility in the area considered for this study.
Surgical Treatment of Early Postpartum Hemorrhage Caused by Lower Uterine Segment Atony
Authors: Habek Dubravko , Marton Ingrid , Prka Matija , Luetić Ana Tikvica , Vitić Mirjam , Jurković Ana
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Lower uterine segment atony is recently being recognized as one of the major reasons for early postpartum hemorrhage.Methods: We present our experience in surgical treatment of lower uterine segment atony patients that were delivered in our tertiary perinatal center during the 10 years period (2010-2019).Results: This particular study enrolled total number of 29 543 deliveries with 215 cases of early PPH (0,72%). LUSA was diagnosed in 44 cases or in 29,93% in all uterine atony cases. Exploration of the lower uterine segment accompanied by evacuation of the coagula was conducted in 5 cases (11,36%), haemostatic ligation procedures according to authors: Losickaja in 2 cases, Hebisch-Huch in 9 cases, Habek in 5 cases, Hebisch-Huch+Losickaja in 9 cases. Evacuation procedures were combined with ligation techniques in 7 cases, evacuation methods with ligation techniques and balloon tamponade in 2 cases, exploration combined with gauze tamponade in 1 case and ligation procedures with balloon tamponade in 3 cases. According to our results, haemostatic ligation procedures alone or combined with tamponade, have shown to be highly effective in 88,63%. Conclusion: Transvaginal approach for surgical treatment of lower uterine segment atony is accessible, feasible, successful and life saving. It can be easily performed in inpatient and outpatient care settings followed by administration of uterotonics, uterostiptics and tranexamic acid and fluid replacement. All of the above mentioned methods are of great importance in the prevention and treatment of obstetric hemorrhagic shock, development of coagulopathy, multiorgan failure, postpartum hysterectomy and finally vital for fertility preservation.
Acute myocarditis associated with secondary cerebral edema in a patient with COVID-19: Case report
Authors: Rossa Isabella Cristina Mendes , Marques Gustavo Lenci , Twardowschy Carlos Alexandre
Published: March 2021

Female patient, 44 years old, admitted with symptoms of COVID-19. She presented elevation of cardiac troponin I, as well as diffuse hypokinesia in transthoracic echocardiography, which suggested the diagnosis of myocarditis. Next, a skull tomography showed diffuse cerebral edema and tonsilar herniation, and the patient evolved with brain death
The effects of stillbirth and abortion on the next pregnancy: a longitudinal study
Authors: Feleke Berhanu Elfu , Feleke Teferi Elfu , Nigussie Azezu , Misgan Eyaya
Published: March 2021

Background: abortion and stillbirths are the common obstetrics condition in Ethiopia and their effect on the next pregnancy was not well identified in resource limited settings. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of stillbirth and abortion on the next pregnancy.Methods: A prospective cohort study design was implemented. The study was conducted in Mecha demographic surveillance and field research center catchment areas. The data were collected from January 2015 to March 2019. Epi-info software was used to calculate the sample size. The systematic random sampling technique was used to select stillbirth and abortion women. Poison regression was used to identify the predictors of MCH service utilization; descriptive statistics were used to identify the prevalence of blood borne pathogens. The Kaplan Meier survival curve was used to estimate survival to pregnancy and pregnancy related medical disorders.Results: 1091 stillbirth and 3,026 abortion women were followed. Hepatitis B was present in 6% of abortion and 3.2 % of stillbirth women. Hepatitis C was diagnosed in 4.7 % of abortion and 0.3 % of stillbirth women. HIV was detected in 3 % of abortion and 0.8 % of stillbirth women. MCH service utilization was determined by knowledge of contraceptives [IRR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.18-1.42], tertiary education [IRR 4.29, 95% CI: 3.72 -4.96], secondary education. [IRR 3.14, 95% CI: 2.73 -3.61], married women [IRR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.84 -2.34], family size women [IRR 0.67, 95% CI: 1.001 -1.01], the median time of pregnancy after stillbirth and abortion were 12 months. Ante-partum hemorrhage was observed in 23.1 % of pregnant mothers with a past history of abortion cases and post-partum hemorrhage was observed in 25.6 % of pregnant mothers with a past history of abortion.PIDM was observed 14.3 % of pregnant mothers with a past history of stillbirth and pregnancy-induced hypertension was observed in 9.2 % of mothers with a past history of stillbirth.
Water Conservation Initiative in a Public School from Tropical Country: Performance and Sustainability Assessments
Authors: Praveena Sarva Mangala , Themudu Sri
Published: March 2021

Malaysia is a tropical country that gets high rainfall throughout the year that can be utilized for various activities including water conservation. Water conservation initiatives in Malaysia are mainly concentrated in commercial and residential buildings but public buildings such as schools have been underutilized. Thus, this study aims to conduct a water conservation initiative in a primary school in Malacca (Malaysia). Water audit were conducted to identify the highest water usage location and the most suitable water conservation method in a school setting. Lastly, the sustainability performance of the rainwater harvesting system was evaluated via the Sustainable Development Analytical Grid (SDAG) assessment tool. Water footprint findings demonstrated that approximately 60% of total water use was due to toilet use. The rainwater harvesting system was selected as this method enables the use of a renewable source (rainwater) and it conveniently fit with the existing building rooftop and plumbing system to engender high sustainability potential and collaboration opportunities. After several months of operation, environmental, social, and economic benefits were observed. Sustainable assessment has indicated that all the six dimensions were well balanced with scores greater than 50% and continued improvements will increase the project’s sustainability in the future. This study approach is generalizable to any school worldwide with a similar water footprint as a water restoration at both local and global contexts to achieve United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
A theoretical model for predicting the behaviour of BTEX in the unsaturated zone and groundwater (Bahía Blanca, Argentina).
Authors: Zanello Victoria , Scherger Leonardo Ezequiel , Castoldi Micaela Carbajo , Lexow Claudio
Published: March 2021

Gas stations are one of the most important sources of soil and groundwater contamination in urban areas around the world. In this work, a mathematical model was applied to assess the risk of the physical media contamination. The model is based on the chemical properties of fuels and site-specific hydrological properties. The group of hydrocarbons selected were the monoaromatic: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX). The mathematical model was used to evaluate the behaviour of each compound in each partitioning phase (dissolved, volatile, solid and non-aqueous liquid phase). Furthermore, mass flux of BTEX reaching groundwater was calculated according to steady flow under two different conditions: (1) considering only sorption and volatilization, and (2) adding biodegradation. In all cases, the total mass of BTEX leachate was greater when biodegradation was not considered. In areas with unsaturated zone thickness greater than two meters, sorption is the main process affecting BTEX transport. Otherwise, when water table is placed at shallower depths, contaminants are predominately dissolved. In all cases, the lowest proportion of BTEX were in the volatile phase. The model presented in this work proved to be an interesting tool to evaluate the behaviour of BTEX in soil and groundwater and its applicability being directly related to environmental and urban management of pollution from gas stations. The methodology applied in this work could be extrapolated to any site of the world with the same problematic. Particularly, the theoretical model allowed to defined zones with high and low risk of contamination in Bahia Blanca, Argentina.
Performance Improvement of UV Photodetectors using Cd-doped ZnO Nanostructures
Authors: Abbasi Fatemeh , Zahedi Fahimeh , Yousefi Mohammad hasan
Published: March 2021

The present research performed thermal decomposition to synthesize pure zinc oxide (ZnO) and cadmium-doped ZnO (ZnO:Cd) nanorods with ZnO to Cd weight ratios of 93:7, 95:5 and 97:3. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were performed and current/voltage and current/time measured to determine the optical, structural and morphological characteristics of ZnO and ZnO:Cd. The XRD results suggested the hexagonal wurtzite structure of all the samples and the successful incorporation of Cd into the ZnO structures. This incorporation caused a spherical to rod-like change in the shape of the nanostructures. An intense and sharp peak was observed at 380 nm (3.26 eV) in the UV region of the PL spectra of all the samples. A UV photodetector fabricated on the basis of ZnO and ZnO:Cd nanorods with a metal-semiconductor-metal configuration showed the significant photocurrent and photosensitivity of the ZnO:Cd samples in the UV photodetection application. The sensitivity of the fabricated ZnO photodetectors with Cd percentages of 0, 3, 5 and 7% was respectively obtained as 110.62, 463.28, 762.40 and 920.30. The fastest photoresponse, with a rise and decay time of 2.5 and 4 s, respectively, was associated with the sample doped with 5% Cd.
Design and fabrication of Ag3VO4/g-C3N4 heterostructure photocatalyst for enhanced visible light degradation of various organic pollutants
Authors: Sujatha N , Meenachi M , Harshulkhanb S Mohammed , Hegazy H.H
Published: March 2021

In later years, numerous viable photocatalysts have been created in order to illuminate the issues of natural toxins. In this work, heterostructured photocatalysts Ag3VO4/g-C3N4 were prepared by effortless hydrothermal route in order to anchor Ag3VO4 on the surface of the g-C3N4 nanosheets. The prepared samples were fairly characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), photoluminescence, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by degrading malachite green (MG) and 2,4 dimethyl phenol (DMP) in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. Compared with Ag3VO4 and g-C3N4, the heterojuncted photocatalyst 50 wt% Ag3VO4/g-C3N4 exhibits the best activity such as high degradation efficiency (99%), high apparent constant (0.0923 min− 1) and long term stability towards DMP under visible light irradiation. The development of a phase scheme heterojunction between Ag3VO4 and g-C3N4 improved the photocatalytic efficiency of Ag3VO4/g-C3N4 composites. Furthermore, the porous structure of g-C3N4 and the effect of Ag surface plasmon resonance (SPR) speed up the isolation and transfer of electron-hole pairs, reducing the likelihood of recombination.
Facilitators and Barriers to Clinical Practice Guideline-Consistent Supportive Care at Pediatric Oncology Institutions: A Children’s Oncology Group Study
Authors: Sugalski Aaron J. , Lo Tammy , Beauchemin Melissa , Grimes Allison C. , Robinson Paula D. , Walsh Alexandra M. , Santesso Nancy , Dang Ha , Fisher Brian T. , Wrightson Andrea Rothfus , Yu Lolie C. , Sung Lillian , Dupuis L.Lee
Published: March 2021

Background: Clinical practice guideline (CPG)-consistent care improves patient outcomes, but CPG implementation is poor. Little is known about CPG implementation in pediatric oncology. This study aimed to understand supportive care CPG implementation facilitators and barriers at pediatric oncology National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) institutions. It is one of three sub-studies within the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) study ACCL15N1CD.Methods: Healthcare professionals at 26 pediatric, COG-member, NCORP institutions were invited to participate in face-to-face focus groups. Serial focus groups were held until saturation of ideas was reached. CPG implementation facilitators and barriers were solicited using nominal group technique (NGT) and implementation of specific supportive care CPG recommendations was discussed. Notes from each focus group were analyzed using a directed content analysis. The top five themes arising from analysis of NGT items were identified, first from each focus group and then across all focus groups.Results: Saturation of ideas was reached after seven focus groups involving 35 participants from 18 institutions. The top five facilitators of CPG implementation identified across all focus groups were: organizational factors, individual factors, user needs and values, system factors and implementation strategies. The top five barriers of CPG implementation identified were: organizational factors, individual factors, system factors, user needs and values, and professional. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals at pediatric NCORP institutions believe that organizational factors are the most important determinants of supportive care CPG implementation. They believe that CPG-consistent supportive care is most likely to be delivered in organizations that prioritize evidence-based care, provide structure and resources to implement CPGs and eliminate implementation barriers.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02847130. Date of registration: July 28, 2016.
Mapping implementation climate for integrating evidence-based task-strengthening strategies for hypertension control within HIV clinics in Nigeria
Authors: Iwelunmor Juliet , Ezechi Oliver , Obiezu-Umeh Chisom , Oladele David , Nwaozuru Ucheoma , Aifah Angela , Gyamfi Joyce , Gbajabiamila Titilola , Musa Adesola Z. , Onakomaiya Deborah , Rakhra Ashlin , Jiyuan Hu , Odubela Oluwatosin , Idigbe Ifeoma , Tayo Bamidele O. , Ogedegbe Gbenga
Published: March 2021

Background: Evidence-based task-strengthening strategies for hypertension (HTN) control (TASSH) are not readily available for patients living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa where the dual burden of HTN and HIV remains high. We are conducting a cluster randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of practice facilitation versus a self-directed control (i.e., receipt of TASSH with no practice facilitation) in reducing blood pressure and increasing the adoption of task-strengthening strategies for HTN control within HIV clinics in Nigeria. Prior to implementing the trial, we conducted formative research to identify factors that may influence the integration of TASSH within HIV clinics in Nigeria.Methods: This study was conducted with purposively selected healthcare providers at 29 HIV clinics, followed by a one-day stakeholder meeting with 19 representatives of HIV clinics. We collected quantitative practice assessment data using two instruments: a) an adapted Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool to assess the capacity of the clinic to manage NCDs and b) Implementation Climate Scale to assess the degree to which there is a strategic organizational climate supportive of the evidence-based practice implementation. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and measures of scale reliability. We also used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), to thematically analyze qualitative data generated and relevant to the aims of this study.Results:Across the 29 clinics surveyed, the focus on TASSH (mean=1.77 (SD=0.59)) and educational support (mean=1.32 (SD=0.68)) subscales demonstrated the highest mean score, with good–excellent internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alphas ranging from 0.84 to 0.96). Within the five CFIR domains explored, the major facilitators of the intervention included relative advantage of TASSH compared to current practice, compatibility with clinic organizational structures, support of patients' needs, and intervention alignment with national guidelines. Barriers included perceived complexity of TASSH, weak referral network and patient tracking mechanism within the clinics, and limited resources and diagnostic equipment for HTN.Conclusion:Optimizing healthcare workers' implementation of evidence-based TASSH within HIV clinics requires attention to both the implementation climate and contextual factors likely to influence adoption and long-term sustainability. These findings have implications for the development of effective practice facilitation strategies to further improve the delivery and integration of TASSH within HIV clinics in Nigeria.
Age-related hypertrophy of adenoid and tonsil with its effects on craniofacial morphology
Authors: Huang Xin , Gong Xu , Gao Xuemei
Published: March 2021

The present retrospective cross-sectional study was to compare craniofacial patterns resulted from different locations of upper airway obstruction. The study was conducted among 466 consecutive orthodontic patients who were divided into four groups: adenoid hypertrophy group (AG: 70 girls and 56 boys, 11.73±2.51 years), tonsillar hypertrophy group (TG: 38 girls and 21 boys, 12.47±2.72 years), adenotonsillar hypertrophy group (ATG: 36 girls and 33 boys, 11.07±3.35 years) and control group (CG: 151 girls and 61 boys, 12.92±2.34 years). Standard cephalometric examinations were used to compare the craniofacial differences between groups. The result indicated that adenoids and tonsils reached peak at around 6 years of age, after which the tonsils decreased more remarkably than the adenoids. Compared with CG, the proportions of skeletal class II in AG (43.7%) and ATG (44.9%) were significantly increased and the proportion of skeletal class III in TG (32.2%) was significantly increased. In age- and sex-adjusted linear regression models regarding CG as a benchmark, AG and ATG were positively correlated with ANB, MP/SN and FH/SGn but negatively correlated with SNB. In contrast, TG was positively correlated with SNA and SNB. Conclusion: Adenoid hypertrophy tended to lead to mandibular retrusion and high mandibular plane angle. In contrast, tonsillar hypertrophy showed a trend in mandibular protrusion. However, children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy did not show a mean facial pattern of the above two but were rather similar to those with isolated adenoid hypertrophy. It seemed that adenoid hypertrophy lasted longer and played a greater role.
Comparative of Meibomian Gland Morphology in Patients With Evaporative Dry Eye Versus Non-Dry Eye
Authors: Crespo-Treviño Ricaurte Ramiro , Salinas-Sánchez Anna Karen , Amparo Francisco , Garza-Leon Manuel
Published: March 2021

Many recent studies have demonstrated that morphological changes are one of the key signs of Meibomian gland disease (MGD) . These changes can be seen even before symptom onset, potentially underestimating the prevalence of MGD; however, Until now, there is no conclusive information about the impact of MG morphology in tear film physiology and disease. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anatomical and morphological MG alterations between patients with evapo-rative DED and healthy controls. Retrospective chart review of Seventy-five patients with evaporative dry eye and healthy individuals who had dry eye assesments included Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, Meibum quality, meibum expressibility, lid margin abnormality, ocular staining, non-invasive tear film break-up time, and Meibography. We did not find significant differences in MG alterations in the upper lid between healthy and dry-eye subjects. Patients with evaporative dry eye presented MG alterations in the lower lid more frequently than healthy subjects (54.8 vs 30.3%; p=0.03). The presence of shortened glands was the only MG alteration that was more prevalent in the lower lid in dry-eye patients than in healthy subjects (p <0.05). Subjects with evaporative dry eye presented more alterations in the lower lid than healthy subjects.
Predictors of Neurologic Outcomes and Mortality in Physically Abused and Unintentionally Injured Children Admitted to Intensive Care Units
Authors: wu han-ping , Lee En-Pei , Hsia Shao-Hsuan , Lin Jainn-Jim , Chan Oi-Wa
Published: March 2021

Background: This study aimed to identify the risk factors and predictors of neurologic outcomes and mortality for children with physical abuse and unintentional injury admitted to intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the data for children with maltreatments admitted to the pediatric, neurosurgery and trauma ICUs between 2001 and 2019. Clinical factors were analyzed and compared between the physical abuse and the unintentional injury groups, including age, gender, season of admission, identifying settings, injury severity score, etiologies, length of ICU stay, neurologic outcomes, and mortality. Neurologic assessments were conducted with the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category scale.Results: A total of 2,481 forensic children were collected, and there were 480 victims (19.3%) admitted to the ICus, including 156 physical abused and 324 unintentional injured. The significant difference between the two groups included age, histories of prematurity, clinical outcomes, head injury, neurosurgical interventions, clinical manifestations, brain computed tomography findings, and laboratory findings (all p<0.05). Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounted for the majority of ICU patients. Abusive head trauma (AHT) was 87.1% in the abused group. In the abused group, only 46 (29.4%) cases achieved a favorable neurologic outcome. While268 (82.7%) achieved a favorable neurologic outcome in the unintentional injured group, Shock within 24 hours and spontaneous hypothermia (body temperature <35°C) presented the strong risk factors for poor neurologic outcomes and mortality in both group. Post-traumatic seizure was also associated with poor neurologic outcomes in both groups. Conclusions: In children with physical abuse and unintentional injuries on ICU admission, initial presentation with shock and spontaneous hypothermia may serve as the powerful predictors for mortality; and shock and convulsion may serve as the powerful predictors for poor neurologic outcomes. In addition, retinal hemorrhage could be a risk factor for poor neurologic outcomes in critical victims with physical abuse, and spontaneous hypothermia could be a risk factor for poor neurologic outcomes in unintentional injuries.
Visualizing the cultural landscape gene of traditional settlements in China: a semiotic perspective
Authors: Hu Zui , Josef Strobl , Min Qingwen , Tan Min , Cheng Fulong
Published: March 2021

China has a deep traditional culture and a very long history, and is very rich in traditional settlements (designated as “Famous Historic-Cultural Villages/Towns”, “China Traditional Villages” by China Government). To help people develop the traditional settlements to achieve the great goal of Chinese National Rejuvenation, Chinese scholar put forward the Cultural Landscape Gene Theory of Traditional Settlements (CLGTS) in 2003. Since then, CLGTS has been employed to solve the issues of Chinese traditional settlements, such as the identification and regionalization of cultural genes in traditional settlements, and the understanding of architectural features. Although CLGTS has made great strides in many fields, there is still a lack of scientific findings in exploring the symbol mechanism from a perspective of semiotics. To explore this, we first examine the core features of CLGTS through a dialectic perspective. We analyze two features of CLGTS in depth. First, CLGTS is the dialectic combination of macro settlement image and micro cultural factors of traditional settlements, material appearance and inherent traditional cultural implications, overall features and local self-renewal mechanisms, qualitative and quantitative methods, superiority of cultural factors and rich cultural connotation. Second, CLGTS is famous for its nonlinearity, self-organization, and self-iteration due to various spatial shape and complex structures. Based on the above, we present the concept of a CLGTS Symbolization Method. Then, we further elaborate the key features, classification methods, and corresponding representation methods of CLGTS symbols. Finally, by using Visual C#.net program language, we develop a prototype system of the Traditional Landscape Genetic Symbol Database (TLGSD) to create and manage CLGTS symbols. Test results show that TLGSD can meet the needs of constructing a CLGTS symbol database for a given region. This study is of great significance to explore and contribute to the CLGTS Symbolization Method.
Application of shearwave™ elastography to evaluate heat-induced changes in the young's modulus of fresh bovine muscle: A preliminary study
Authors: Júnior José Francisco Silva Costa , Oliveira Viviane Bastos , Matheo Lucas Lobianco De , Pereira Wagner Coelho
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the variation in the Young’s modulus (E) of bovine muscle samples as a function of temperature change generated by therapeutic ultrasound using Shearwave™ Elastography.MethodsInitially, the bovine muscle was heated via therapeutic ultrasound with a frequency of 3 MHz, nominal intensity of 2 W·cm-2, and application time of 2 min. Immediately following cessation of therapeutic irradiation, an E image was recorded and the stiffness was measured in circular area positioned at six depths (from 0.4 to 2.9 cm) in the center of the region of interest. Next, an E image was recorded every minute for the first 5 min. Over the next 30 min, an image was recorded every 5 min. Finally, an image was acquired 60 min after cessation of therapeutic irradiation. In the second test, the same experimental procedure was performed 60 min later with the physiotherapy equipment configured with a 10-min application time. Finally, during the ultrasonic irradiation of a new bovine muscle sample, the physiotherapeutic transducer was applied in a circular motion and with an angular velocity of 3.6 ± 0.3 rad·s-1.ResultsIn the first test, the bovine muscle E decreased from 212.2 ± 32.8 to 80.1 ± 13.8 kPa at 0.4 cm-depth, as the temperature increased from 18.2 to 44.9 °C. This effect was reversed when the temperature decreased. In the second test, denaturation and cell death occurred, so an artifact appeared in the elastographic image and the Shearwave™ Elastography did not capture the E from the depth of 1.9 cm.ConclusionWe confirmed that it is possible to use Shearwave™ Elastography to investigate heat-induced changes in the elastic modulus of biological tissue.
Variation of Livestock Grazing Intensity Modified the Magnitude of Carbon Sequestration and Flow within the Plant-Soil System of a Meadow Steppe Ecosystem
Authors: Jin Dongyan , Yan Ruirui , Li Linghao , Qi Jiaguo , Chen Jiquan , Xu Hongbin , Yan Yuchun , Xin Xiaoping
Published: March 2021

Aims: Livestock grazing, one of the principal utilization patterns, usually exerts a substantial effect on the carbon allocations between the above- and belowground components of a grassland ecosystem. The major aims of this study were to evaluate the proportions of 13C allocation to various C pools of the plant-soil system of a meadow steppe ecosystem in response to livestock grazing intensity.Methods: In situ stable 13C isotope pulse labeling was conducted in the plots of a long-term grazing experiment with 4 levels of grazing intensities. Plant and soil materials were sampled at on eight occasions (0, 3, 10, 18, 31, 56 and 100 days after labeling) to analyze the decline in 13C over time, and their composition signature of 13C were analyzed by the isotope ratio mass spectrometer technique.Results: We found a significantly larger decline in assimilated 13C for the heavily grazed swards compared to other grazing intensities, with the relocation rate of 13C from shoots to belowground C pool being the highest. In contrast, light grazing significantly allocated 13C assimilates in the belowground pool, especially in the live root and topsoil C-pools.Conclusions: The effects of livestock grazing on the carbon transfers and stocks within the plant-soil system of the meadow steppe were highly intensity dependent, and different carbon pools differed in response to gradient changes in grazing intensity.
Effect of Graphene Encapsulated Styrene-butyl Acrylate Copolymer Microspheres on Enhancing the Dielectric Properties of Polymethyl Methacrylate
Authors: You Feng , Zhou Cong , Peng Zitong , Jiang Xueliang , Yao Chu , Yao Junlong , Zhao Pei
Published: March 2021

In this work, the dielectric properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were obviously improved by using graphene encapsulated microspheres through soap-free emulsion polymerization technique. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation implied that styrene-butyl acrylate copolymer (SBA) microspheres and reduced graphene oxide encapsulated SBA microspheres (rGO@SBA) was successfully obtained through using soap-free emulsion polymerization. The dielectric constant of PMMA/rGO@SBA could reach 46.64 at 1000 Hz by incorporating only 0.26 wt% rGO. On the other hand, three different PMMA based composites were also prepared by adding rGO and SBA through conventional emulsion polymerization and simple physical blending. The dielectric constant results revealed that all these composites presented low dielectric constant compared with composites through soap-free emulsion polymerization technique. The possible reason was that the isolated rGO sheets can interconnect with each other to from three-dimensional segregated network structure through hot pressing technique. SEM results demonstrated that the rGO encapsulated SBA structure could be retained after hot pressing. Therefore, soap-free emulsion polymerization technique can favorably fabricated rGO encapsulated polymer microspheres with high dielectric properties.
Comparison of the effect of incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercises on hemodynamic parameters of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Barkhordari-Sharifabad Maasoumeh , Zerang Fatemeh
Published: March 2021

Background

Hemodynamic changes are among the common complications after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercises are widely used in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercises on hemodynamic parameters of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Methods

This is a clinical trial that was performed on 40 heart patients who were candidates for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and then randomly divided into two groups. One day before surgery, one group was taught how to perform deep breathing exercises (DBE) and the other group was taught how to use incentive spirometry in practice. Hemodynamic indices were measured and recorded before the intervention, the first, second, and the third day after the intervention. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS ver.16 and descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
Findings:

The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on the first day after the intervention in patients undergoing the incentive spirometry group was significantly higher than the DBE group (p < 0.05). On the third day after the intervention, the mean arterial SaO2 in patients of the incentive spirometry group was significantly higher than the DBE group and the mean respiratory rate (RR) in patients in the incentive spirometry group was significantly lower than the DBE group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of other indices (p > 0.05).
Conclusion

The results showed that incentive spirometry has a greater effect on hemodynamic indices of patients undergoing CABG compared to DBE, so, it is recommended to use incentive spirometry to improve hemodynamic indices in these patients.
Trial registration:

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), IRCT20191028045267N1. Registered 12 March 2020, https://www.irct.ir/trial/43365
Infection by Trypanosoma spp. in Platydoras armatulus (Siluriformes, Doradidae), in Southwestern Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Virgilio Lucena Rocha , Texeira Gabriele Oliveira , Melo Henrique Paulo Silva De , Junior Sérgio Luiz Prolo , Takemoto Ricardo Massato , Camargo Luís Marcelo Aranh , Meneguetti Dionatas Ulisses
Published: March 2021

Trypanosoma is a hemoflagellate capable of infecting a wide variety of invertebrates and vertebrates, such as Neotropical freshwater fish. Thus, the present study described and morphologically compared Trypanosoma sp., found in Platydoras armatulus, Valenciennes, 1840, in southwestern Amazon. A sampling of fish specimens was carried out in a river located in Guajará, Amazonas, Brazil. Fish blood samples were collected through a cardiac puncture. Thus, smears were made for quantification, morphometric measurements, and morphotyping of trypanosomes found. Prevalence, mean abundance, and intensity of parasitism were estimated in the specimens of parasitized fish. Five fish specimens were collected, showing a 100% prevalence of parasites in the host. We found two Trypanosoma morphotypes, A and B, in which A had the highest infection intensity in host specimens. Thus, the present study showed the first report of Trypanosoma spp. in P. armatulus, besides the probability of two parasitic morphospecies in the blood of these fish specimens.