bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Revision Surgery Following Radial Head Arthroplasty without Cement for Unreconstructible Radial Head Fractures
Authors: Nolte Philip-C. , Tross Anna-K. , Groetzner-Schmidt Corinna , Jung Matthias K. , Porschke Felix , Grützner Paul A. , Guehring Thorsten , Schüler Svenja , Schnetzke Marc
Published: February 2021

Background:

Revision rates following radial head arthroplasty (RHA) for unreconstructible radial head fractures (RHFs) differ vastly in the literature, and little is known about the risk factors that are associated with revision surgery. The purposes of this study were to assess the revision rate following RHA and to determine the associated risk factors.

Methods:

A total of 122 patients (mean age, 50.7 years; range, 18 to 79 years) with 123 RHAs who underwent RHA for unreconstructible RHFs between 1994 and 2014 and were ≥3 years out from surgery were included. Demographic variables, injury and procedure-related characteristics, radiographic findings, complications, and revision procedures were assessed. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors that were associated with revision surgery following RHA.

Results:

The median follow-up for the study cohort was 7.3 years (interquartile range [IQR], 5.1 to 10.1 years). All of the patients had unreconstructible RHFs: Mason-Johnston type-IV injuries were the most prevalent (80 [65%]). One or more associated osseous or ligamentous injuries were seen in 89 elbows (72.4%). The median time to surgery was 7 days (IQR, 3 to 11 days). Implanted prostheses were categorized as rigidly fixed (65 [52.8%]) or loosely fixed (58 [47.2%]). A total of 28 elbows (22.8%) underwent revision surgery at a median of 1.1 years (IQR, 0.3 to 3.8 years), with the majority of elbows (17 [60.7%]) undergoing revision surgery within the first 2 years. The most common reason for revision surgery was painful implant loosening (14 [29.2% of 48 complications]). Univariate Cox regression suggested that Workers’ Compensation claims (hazard ratio [HR], 5.48; p < 0.001) and the use of an external fixator (HR, 4.67; p = 0.007) were significantly associated with revision surgery.

Conclusions:

Revision rates following RHA for unreconstructible RHFs are high; the most common cause for revision surgery is painful implant loosening. Revision surgeries are predominantly performed within the first 2 years after implantation, and surgeons should be aware that Workers’ Compensation claims and the use of an external fixator in management of the elbow injury are associated with revision surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1RN) Gene Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Polymorphism Association in men Infertility in Erbil City /Kurdistan Iraq
Authors: Amin Yassin Kareem , Said Ashti M. , Al-Naqshbandi Ahmed A. , Ghulam Saeed
Published: February 2021

The interleukin-1 family has multifaceted roles in men٫s reproductive syste. Out  of these is interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) which exists in men gonads, and in case of infection and inflammatory process, its activity is increased.  The current study aims to verify a possible linkage of Variable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) polymorphism of the IL-1RN gene with human men infertility. The study groups enrolled included 100 infertile men and 100 fertile and healthy men. Their seminal fluids were subjected to analysis. Also peripheral blood samples were collected for the assessment or detection of polymorphic Variable Number  Tandem Repeats (VNTR) polymorphism of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL-1RN). Two alleles, namely IL-1RN1 allele corresponding to 410bp fragment and IL-11RN2 that corresponding to 240bp fragments,  are a marker for human men infertility, detected by PCR technique. The results delineated a high frequency of IL-1RN2 allelic gene variants (26%), and two VNTR allelic gene variants carriers IL-1RN1 and IL-1RN2 (16%) among  infertile men with significant impacts on sperm motility and morphology (P< 0.000-0.002) respectively. This prospective study inKurdistan region (Erbil –Iraq)  defined a significant impact of VNTR polymorphism of IL-1RN gene in the etiology of men infertility especially on sperm motility and morphology; particularly carriers of IL-1RN2 allelic variants
Bioremediation Potential of Chlorella vulgaris and Nostoc paludosum on azo Dyes with Analysis of Metabolite Changes
Authors: Salem Olfat M.A. , Abdelsalam Asmaa , Boroujerdi Arezue
Published: February 2021

Microalgae have been used widely in bioremediation processes to degrade or adsorb toxic dyes. Here, we evaluated the decolorization efficiency of Chlorella vulgaris and Nostoc paludosum against two toxic dyes, crystal violet (CV) and malachite green (MG). Furthermore, the effect of CV and MG dyes on the metabolic profiling of the studied algae has been investigated. The data showed that C. vulgaris was most efficient in decolorization of CV and MG: the highest percentage of decolorization was 93.55% in case of MG, while CV decolorization percentage was 62.98%. N. paludosum decolorized MG dye by 77.6%, and the decolorization percentage of CV was 35.1%. Metabolic profiling of C. vulgaris and N. paludosum were performed using NMR spectroscopy. Based on 1D and 2D NMR data, 43 compounds were identified in the polar extract of C. vulgaris, while 34 polar metabolites were successfully determined in N. paludosum. The identified compounds included carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, dipeptides, steroids and phenols. Statistical analysis was carried out to recognize the pattern of metabolite variation between control and dye treated samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis showed that samples treated with MG are clearly separated from the control in both types of algae. Based on heat map data, the level of carbohydrates and amino acids concentrations are strongly affected by bioremediation of MG dye compared with CV dye. In conclusion, the present study proved that CV and MG dyes are considered as stress factors and the studied algae species exert their bioremediation activity without the dyes being absorbed into the cells.
Preparing Nanosilica Particles from Rice Husk Using Precipitation Method
Authors: Farhan Rusel Zahraw , Ebrahim Shahlaa Esmail
Published: February 2021

Nanosilica was extracted from rice husk, which was locally collected from the Iraqi mill at Al-Mishikhab district in Najaf Governorate, Iraq. The precipitation method was used to prepared Nanosilica powder from rice husk ash, after treating it thermally at 700°C, followed by dissolving the silica in the alkaline solution and getting a sodium silicate solution. Two samples of the final solution were collected to study the effect of filtration on the purity of the sample by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The result shows that the filtered samples have purity above  while the non-filtered sample purity was around  The structure analysis investigated by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), found that the Nanosilica powder has an amorphous structure in nature. Also, it shows a broad peak at (    The particle size distribution was determined by Atomic force microscope (AFM), the results gave that the average diameter equals  and dimension range in , while B.E.T. analysis confirms a high surface area around 618 . FT-IR Spectra experimental data showed the presence of hydrogen-bonded silanol group (Si–O–H) and siloxane group (Si–O–Si) which proved the high purity of Nanosilica particles.
Optimum Median Filter Based on Crow Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Saleh Basma Jumaa , Saedi Ahmed Yousif Falih , Al-Aqbi Ali Talib Qasim , Salman Lamees abdalhasan
Published: February 2021

A novel median filter based on crow optimization algorithms (OMF) is suggested to reduce the random salt and pepper noise and improve the quality of the RGB-colored and gray images. The fundamental idea of the approach is that first, the crow optimization algorithm detects noise pixels, and that replacing them with an optimum median value depending on a criterion of maximization fitness function. Finally, the standard measure peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity, absolute square error and mean square error have been used to test the performance of suggested filters (original and improved median filter) used to removed noise from images. It achieves the simulation based on MATLAB R2019b and the results present that the improved median filter with crow optimization algorithm is more effective than the original median filter algorithm and some recently methods; they show that the suggested process is robust to reduce the error problem and remove noise because of a candidate of the median filter; the results will show by the minimized mean square error to equal or less than (1.38), absolute error to equal or less than (0.22) ,Structural Similarity (SSIM) to equal (0.9856) and getting PSNR more than (46 dB). Thus, the percentage of improvement in work is (25%).
Exploiting Wired-Pipe Technology in an Adaptive Observer for Drilling Incident Detection and Estimation
Authors: Holta Haavard , Aamo Ole Morten
Published: February 2021

We deploy an adaptive observer recently developed for general hyperbolic partial differential equation (PDE) systems to detect and diagnose various drilling incidents. The well is modeled by a distributed PDE which, contrary to lumped models, preserves fundamental properties of well-flow dynamics enabling faster and more accurate incident detection and estimation. Wired drillpipe technology with pressure sensors is needed to locate and isolate incidents. Four realistic simulation case studies demonstrating various properties of the observer are presented. Drilling incidents treated in the simulation case studies include packoff in the annulus, formation in-flows, loss of circulation, and various combinations of these. Although simulation results show that the developed observers successfully estimate properties of the incidents that they are tailored for, they do not constitute an incident-detection system for drilling. However, they provide a part of the data on which an overall incident-detection system can rely.
Estimating HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use and analysis of HIV PrEP needs among men who have sex with men in Germany
Authors: Marcus Ulrich , Schmidt Daniel , Schink Susanne B. , Koppe Uwe
Published: February 2021

Background: Data on PrEP use in Germany is not collected systematically. We aim to estimate the number of PrEP users among men having sex with men (MSM) and describe PrEP use in Germany from 2017 through 2020. Moreover, we analyse whether PrEP needs expressed in 2017 could have been met by the expansion of PrEP until 2020.Methods: We estimated the number of PrEP users using drug prescription data, information on on-demand/intermittent PrEP use from online surveys, and number of online profiles indicating PrEP use, based on varying assumptions about the proportion of on-demand/intermittent and daily PrEP users and on the average number of PrEP pills used. Factors associated with intention to use PrEP were identified by a multivariable logistic regression analysis among respondents to an online survey. We estimated the number of MSM in need for PrEP in 2017 based on four groups defined among the survey respondents, combining respondents intending to use PrEP and respondents indicating substantial sexual risks. We used data and assumptions on self-selection biases to estimate a range for the absolute size of these groups among gay men in Germany.Results: Depending on assumptions, we estimated a total of 15,600 to 21,600 PrEP users in Germany by the end of June 2020, which corresponds to between 40 and 55% of men with the intention to use PrEP in 2017. Distributions of PrEP users from different data sources and PrEP prescriptions by federal state in Germany were highly correlated, except for major deviations for Berlin with a higher proportion of prescriptions in Berlin compared to the proportion of survey participants using PrEP. A correlation between the regional distribution of intention to use PrEP in 11/2017 and actual PrEP use by 06/2020 suggested an unequal regional distribution of unsatisfied needs. The number of men with unmet PrEP needs ranged between 27,500 and 93,000 in 06/2020.Conclusions: PrEP use in Germany has increased considerably between 10/2017 and 06/2020, but large regional inequalities persist. Results suggested that PrEP is not fully accessible and that there is a need to expand services and encourage demand.
No impact of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Turkish women with breast cancer
Authors: Cubukcu Erdem , Sahin Ahmet , Ocak Birol , Deligonul Adem , Evrensel Turkkan , Tolunay Sahsine , Gokgoz Mustafa Sehsuvar , Cetintas Sibel , Yarbas Gorkem , Senol Kazım
Published: February 2021

A low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) reflects a systemic milieu characterized by reduced inflammation and increase immune system activation – potentially favoring a better response to therapy in solid malignancies. This retrospective study of collected data aimed to assess whether NLR may predict pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in Turkish women with breast cancer. The study sample consisted of 406 patients with breast cancer who were scheduled to undergo NAC before attempting cytoreductive surgery. A pretreatment complete blood count was obtained in the week preceding NAC, and the NLR was calculated from absolute counts of neutrophils and lymphocytes. The Miller-Payne system was used to grade response to NAC. Secondary outcome measures included disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients were divided into two groups (high versus low) according to the optimal cutoff value (NLR = 1.95; low NLR ≤ 1.95, high NLR > 1.95). The rate of pCR in the low NLR group (22.3%) was similar to that observed in the high NLR group (19.8%; P = 0.20). Moreover, there were no significant differences in DFS and OS of patients in the high and low NLR groups. Based on our results, pretreatment NLR seems to have no significant predictive value in Turkish women with breast cancer who received NAC. However, prospective studies will surely provide deeper insights into the prognostic significance of NLR in this clinical setting.
The dynamics of gene transcription with periodic synthesis rate
Authors: SUN QIWEN , Jiao Feng , Yu Jianshe
Published: February 2021

The periodic transcription output is ubiquitously observed in an isogenic cell population. To understand mechanisms of cyclic behavior in transcription, we extend the gene activation process in the two-state model by assuming the synthesis rate is periodic. We derive the analytical forms of the mean transcript level and the noise. The limits of them indicate the mean level and the noise display periodic behaviors. Our numerical examples strongly suggest that the transcription system with a periodic synthesis rate generates more noise than that with a constant rate, but maintains transcription homeostasis in each period. It also suggests that if the periodicity is not considered, the calculated noise may be greater than the correct value.
An Efficient Computational Numerical Approach For Nonlinear Mathematical Influenza Disease Modelling
Authors: Sabir Zulqurnain , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Ali Mohamed R. , Arbi Adnène , Kristiawan Muhammad
Published: February 2021

In this study, an advanced computational numerical scheme based on the Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation (LMB) neural network (NN) process, i.e., LMB-NN is presented for solving the nonlinear mathematical influenza disease model. The nonlinear mathematical influenza disease model depends on four categories named susceptible S(t), infected I(t), recovered R(t) and cross-immune individuals proportion C(t). Six different cases of the nonlinear mathematical influenza disease model have been numerically treated using the LMB-NN process and the comparison of the results has been presented by using the reference data-based solutions designed based on the Adams results. The numerically obtained results of the nonlinear mathematical influenza disease model using the verification, testing, and training procedures are calculated using the LMB-NN process to reduce the functions of mean square error (MSE). For the correctness, competence, effectiveness, and efficiency of the LMB-NN process, the proportional and analysis methods are performed using the analysis of correlation, MSE results, error histograms and regression.
Assessment of Factors Causing Coffee Yield Gap Among Smallholder Farmers in Mbinga and Mbozi Districts
Authors: Kiwelu Leonard Kauwedi , Damas Philip , Mpenda Zena
Published: February 2021

This study assesses the factors causing coffee yield gap among smallholder in the study area. The aim of this study is to increase coffee productivity from the current level. The primary data were collected from 218 adopters and 102 non-adopters of improved coffee varieties using a structured questionnaire. The descriptive statistics was used to assess yield gap and linear regression model was used to determine factors causing yield gap among smallholder farmers in the study area. The findings showed that the yield potential (3000 kg/ha and 1000 kg/ha) for improved and traditional coffee varieties respectively has not yet been realized by farmers and there is a large gap between the average coffee yield (1141 kg/ha and 384 kg/ha) gained by smallholder farmers growing improved coffee varieties and farmer growing traditional coffee varieties respectively. The yield gap from smallholder farmers with improved coffee varieties was 2000 kg/ha and 646 kg/ha from traditional coffee varieties. The main factors causing coffee yield gap were lack of access to extension services (p < 0.000), plant population (0.007), low use of fertilizer (p < 0.002), coffee diseases (p < 0.008). To minimize coffee yield gap in Tanzania promotion of the use of improved coffee varieties, fertilizer and agro-inputs is important.
Investigating the pulse short electric arc milling of Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Zhang Li , Hu Guoyu , Zhou Jianping , Zhou Zongjie , Liu Kai , Zhang Shengsheng
Published: February 2021

In this study, characteristics of Ti6Al4V alloy are studied by pulse short electric arc milling (SEAM). In this regard, the influence of SEAM parameters on the material removal rate (MRR), relative electrode wear rate (REWR) and surface integrity of Ti6Al4V is studied. A wide variety of processing parameters, including different voltages, frequencies, duty cycles, flushing pressures, electrode rotation speeds and electrode feed rates are considered in the investigation. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrograph (EDS) and micro-hardness analysis are applied to analyze results. Moreover, a multi-channel data acquisition system is used to measure gap voltage and gap current. Obtained results cover the variation of MRR, REWR, surface roughness (Ra), average re-solidified layer thickness and average heat-affected zone thickness with different processing parameters. Furthermore, the electrode surface morphology and chemical composition of the negative growth of REWR are studied. Based on the obtained results, the microstructure of the re-solidified layer and heat-affected zone of the workpiece cross-section is confirmed. This study provides a technological basis for the high-quality pulse SEAM technology of difficult-to-machine (DTM) materials to enter the semi-finishing field.
Four - bar linkage mechanisms with continuous friction model in joint clearance
Authors: Bamdad Mahdi , Javanfar Amirhosein
Published: February 2021

Clearance joint widely occurs in the components of mechanical systems as evidence of manufacturing errors. Since a proper set of parameters in the contact and friction model could lead to a higher precision of clearance analysis, the effect of friction models when surfaces collide with a non-zero tangential velocity is examined. Unlike the crank mechanism, a double rocker four - bar linkage mechanism as a challenging problem in the impact mode is analyzed. An investigation on the dynamic modeling and analysis of double rocker four - bar linkage mechanisms with frictional revolute clearance joints is presented. In the presence of clearance joints, asserting friction force, a novel formulation of the contact model is proposed after exploring the perfect continuous friction models with easy parameterization and analyzing the applicable compliant contact force models. The perfect continuous friction models including stribeck effect, static, dynamic, and viscous friction terms are studied, and four friction models (Ambrosio, Threlfall, Anderson and Brown) are thoroughly compared. Using an appropriate model, nonlinear dynamic behaviour is examined and to profit by Poincare portrait; it is proven that either strange chaos exists in the system response. FFT analysis expresses the friction and restitution coefficient inﬂuence the nonlinear dynamics of the mechanism signiﬁcantly. The main consideration here is to present a friction model for improving continuity and computational cost. This paper comes to efficiency of the brown friction model which is used in the clearance joint for first time. The results clearly reveal that the angular accelerations of the links and the contact forces in the continuous friction models are smoother and bounded.
Retinoblastoma Mutational Screening in India: Opportunities and Challenges in Clinical Decisions and Genetic Counselling
Authors: Gupta Himika , Malaichamy Sivasankar , Mallipatna Ashwin , Murugan Sakthivel , Jeyabalan Nallathambi , Sureshbabu Vishnu , Ghosh Anuprita , Ghosh Arkasubhra , Santhosh Sam , Seshagiri Somasekar , Ramprasad Vedam L , Kumaramanickavel Govindasamy
Published: February 2021

Background: India accounts for 20% of the global retinoblastoma (RB) burden. Existing data is sparse on RB1 gene germline mutations and its influence on clinical decisions is minimally explored. Methods: Fifty children with RB underwent complete clinical examination and appropriate multidisciplinary management. Screening of germline RB1 gene mutations was performed through next-generation sequencing and Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) analysis. The mutation and non-mutation groups were compared for clinical parameters especially severity and recurrence. Results: Twenty-nine patients had bilateral RB (BLRB) and 21 had unilateral RB (ULRB). The genetic analysis revealed 20 RB1 variations in 29 probands (79%), inclusive of 3 novel mutations, previously reported 16 mutations and heterozygous whole gene deletions. The mutation detection rate (MDR) was 86.2% in BLRB and 19% in ULRB. Associations of disease recurrence (p=0.021), progression (p=0.000) and higher percentage of optic nerve invasion, subretinal seeds and high-risk pathological factors were observed in the mutation group. Clinical management was influenced by the presence of germline mutations, particularly while deciding on enucleation, frequency of periodic follow up and radiotherapy. Conclusions: We identified novel RB1 mutations and our mutation detection rate was at par with previous robust global studies. Genetic results influenced clinical management and we suggest that it should be an essential and integral component of RB-care in India.
Alteration in Arsenic Dynamics and Toxicity to Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus L.) in Response to Phosphorus in Different Textured Soils
Authors: Piracha Muhammad Awais , Ashraf Muhammad , Shahzad Sher Muhammad , Arif Muhammad Saleem , Rizwan Muhammad Shahid , Imtiaz Muhammad , Aziz Ahsan , Tu Shuxin
Published: February 2021

Being analogue to arsenic (As), phosphorus (P) may affect As dynamics in soil and toxicity to plants depending upon many soil and plant factors. Two sets of experiments were conducted to determine the effect of P on As fractionation in soils, its accumulation by plants and subsequent impact on growth, yield and physiological characteristics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Experimental plan comprised of two As levels (60 and 120 mg As kg-1 soil), four P (0-5-10-20 g phosphate rock kg-1 soil) and three textural types (sandy, loamy and clayey) with three replications. Among different As fractions determined, labile, calcium-bound, organic matter-bound and residual As increased while iron-bound and aluminum-bound As decreased with increasing P in all the three textural types. Labile-As percentage increased in the presence of P by 16.9-48.0% at As60 while 36.0-68.1% at As120 in sandy, 19.1-64.0% at As60 while 11.5-52.3% at As120 in loamy, and 21.8-58.2% at As60 while 22.3-70.0% at As120 in clayey soil compared to respective As treatment without P. Arsenic accumulation in plant tissues at both contamination levels declined with P addition as evidenced by lower bioconcentration factor. Phosphorus mitigated the As-induced oxidative stress expressed in term of reduced hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde while increased glutathione, and consequently improved the achene yield. Although, P increased As solubility in soil but restricted its accumulation in plant tissues, leading to reversal of oxidative damage and improved sunflower growth and yield in all the three soil textural types, more profound effect in sandy texture.
Impact of Mycoplasma pneumoniae coinfection in children with adenovirus pneumonia
Authors: Wei Jin-feng , Pan Shan-shan , Wu Su-ling , Jin Xue-feng , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2021

Background Since the winter of 2018 to the end of 2019, there has been an epidemic of Adenovirus infection in southern China, including Zhejiang province, and the number of children suffering from adenovirus pneumonia has increased significantly. Adenovirus pneumonia is often accompanied by other infections in children[3,4], but the effect of other Pathogenic coinfection on the AP has been reported few. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is also an important pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia, accounting for 20-40% of children's CAP[5]. As we know the Impact of Mycoplasma pneumoniae coinfection in children with adenovirus pneumonia, which has drawn the attention of the society and the Paediatrician now has not been reported before. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of MP coinfection on hospitalized AP patients, to identify the risk factors for those patients. Methods Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPSs) or sputum specimens for Culturing were collected from patients once they were admitted to our hospital. ADV-Ag, MP-IgM and MP nucleic acid was tested at the same time, then we classify under two groups(single AP groups and AP groups coinfected with MP) . The clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging findings and clinical medication of the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results A total of 171 patients diagnosed with single AP and 125 patients diagnosed with AP coinfected with MP. Coinfection group lead to a significantly longer duration of fever than single AP group(p=0.03). Shortness of breath was more commonly found in the coinfection group(P = 0.023).there was no statistical difference in pulmonary signs and blood tests between the two groups (P > 0.05). pulmonary imaging, such as pulmonary consolidation, atelectasis, pleural effusion and multi lobe lesions were more common in the coinfection group (P < 0.05). The patients with coinfection had a more severe symptom, leading to a significantly longer hospitalization time, and increasing the proportion of patients using glucocorticoids and / or gamma globulin, needing oxygen inhalation(P < 0.05). Conclusions The occurrence of adenovirus pneumonia coinfected MP is high. prediction factors of prolonged fever duration and pulmonary imaging can be used to predict MP coinfection in children with adenovirus pneumonia. AP patients coinfected MP may easily turn into severe illness, and a reasonable change in treatment is necessary.
Investigating Fracture Properties of The Additively Manufactured PLA Using Sub-Size Specimens
Authors: Simandjuntak Sarinova , Jiang Chulin , Kathke Tobias , Sanders David , Chen Jiye , Bausch Nils
Published: February 2021

In the absence of an acceptable test standard for determining fracture properties of a single edge notched sub-size non-metallic (plastic) specimen, the test method’s viability of the ASTM-5045’s energy approach and the Roberts and Newton solution for Charpy V-Notch (CVN) impact testing was investigated. The strain energy release rate (SERR) and fracture toughness were determined by subjecting the sub-size specimens of additively manufactured Polylactic Acid (PLA) to a three-point flexural and a CVN impact testing. A Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technique was adapted to manufacture thin specimens by sequentially layering a 100mm thick raster in (-45/45)° and (0/90)° orientation. The toughness values of the flexural specimens increase with the number of layers (specimen thickness) and are clearly influenced by the layer orientation. Thicker CVN impact test specimens, however, resulted in relatively lower toughness values. This was due to a reduction of constraints for plane strain conditions that the existing impact test standard/procedure considered. When compared with the impact testing method, the flexural testing using the energy approach demonstrates a better capability to capture the effect of an increase in the energy absorbed for the air gaps to plastically deform and for the delamination to take place in the sub-size specimens. The X-Ray Tomographic images of the flexural test specimens confirmed the presence of air gaps where the onset of the cracking and delamination were observed, whilst the micrographic images revealed mode I intra-laminar fracture for all test specimens.
Title: Transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal pathways associated with fruit color in plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.)
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang Xue-Song , Cui Long , Zhang Yan-Bo
Published: February 2021

Background In order to reveal the mechanism of fruit color changes in plum, two common plum cultivars Changli84 (Ch84, red fruit) and Dahuangganhe (D, yellow fruit) in Northeast China were selected as plant materials. Transcriptome sequencing and metabonomic analyzing were performed at three different developmental stages: young fruit stage, colour-change stage, and maturation stage. Results “Flavonoid biosynthesis” was significantly enriched in the KEGG analysis. Some DEGs in “Flavonoid biosynthesis” pathway had an opposite trend between the two cultivars, such as CHS, DFR and FLS. In the current study, procyanidin B1 and B2 had the highest level at young fruit stage in Ch84 and the content of procyanidin B2 decreased sharply at the color change stage. Conversely, the content of cyanidin increased with the growth of fruit and reached the peak at the maturation stage. Conclusion The content of procyanidin B1 and B2 in plums at young fruit stage might be the leading factors of the matured fruit color. At the maturation stage, the cyanidin produced by procyanidins keeps the color of the fruit red. Correspondingly, genes in “flavonoid biosynthesis” pathway play critical roles in regulating the accumulation of anthocyanin in plum.
The link between urbanization and air pollution in Turkey: Evidence from dynamic Autoregressive Distributed Lag simulations
Authors: Aslan Alper , ALTINOZ BUKET , OZSOLAK BAKİ
Published: February 2021

This study investigates the relationship between urbanization and air pollution in Turkey. Dynamic ARDL method was used for the period 1960–2014. According to the findings, there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between long-term urbanization and Co2. If urbanization increased by 1%, carbon emissions increased by 0.02%. There is a similar relationship between the shocks that will occur in population growth and Co2 emission in the long term. However, there is a negative and statistically insignificant relationship between the two variables. In the relationship between GDP and Co2, there is a positive relationship in the long term. GDP increase of 1% increases Co2 emissions by 0.11%. There is a similar relationship between long-term GDP shocks and Co2 emissions. According to short-term analysis results, energy consumption increases Co2 emissions by the same rate as GDP. However, the astonishing result of the study emerges here. Empirical results show that a long-term positive shock in energy consumption reduces CO2 emissions and a negative shock increases pollution. According to these results, Turkey has not reached the point of sustainable growth. For this reason, this developing country needs to make regulatory implementations and determine future policies for these impacts affecting air pollution.
Molecular insertion regulates the donor-acceptor interactions in cocrystals for the design of piezochromic luminescent materials
Authors: Zhai Chunguang , Yin Xiu , Niu Shifeng , Yao Mingguang , Hu Shuhe , Dong Jiajun , Shang Yuchen , Wang Zhigang , Li Quanjun , Sundqvist Bertil , Liu Bingbing
Published: February 2021

Developing a universal strategy to design new piezochromic luminescent materials with desirable properties remains challenging. Here, we report that insertion of a non-emissive molecule into a donor (perylene) and acceptor (TCNB) binary cocrystal can realize fine manipulation of intermolecular interactions between perylene and TCNB for desirable piezochromic luminescent properties. A continuous pressure-induced emission enhancement up to 3 GPa and a blue shift from 655 nm to 619 nm have been observed in perylene-TCNB cocrystals upon THF insertion, in contrast to the red-shifted and quenched emission observed when compressing perylene-TCNB cocrystals and other cocrystals reported earlier. By combining experiment with theory, it is further revealed that the inserted non-emissive THF forms blue-shifted H-bonds with neighboring TCNB molecules and promote a conformation change of perylene molecules upon compression, causing the blue-shifted and enhanced emission. This strategy remains valid when inserting other molecules as non-emissive component into perylene-TCNB cocrystals for abnormal piezochromic luminescent behaviors. Our strategy could also be extended to other cocrystals with different donor-acceptor components, opening a new way for designing novel piezochromic luminescent materials for future applications.
Implementation of nursing process among nurses at Woldia Referral hospital, Northern Ethiopia: An institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Getie Addisu , Wondmieneh Adam , Gebremeskel Teshome
Published: February 2021

Background

Many countries have adopted the nursing process as a basic requirement for quality health care services, but there is a problem with its implementation in the clinical areas of many hospitals. Even though nurses accept the benefits of the nursing process, they do not use it practically. The implementation of the nursing process in Ethiopia is not well organized and developed. Many health care settings in Ethiopia demand the application of the nursing process in clinical practice.
Methods

An institutional-based, cross-sectional study design was conducted at Woldia referral hospital. A simple random sampling technique was applied to select study subjects. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires from February to March 2020. Binary logistic regressions were used. Then, P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in this study.
Result

This study reviled that 62.8% of nurses implemented the nursing process. Work experience greater than or equal to five years [AOR: 1.79; 95% CI (1.31–4.84)], support from the administration of the organization to do the nursing process [AOR: 1.98; 95% CI (1.22–3.01)], and knowledgeable nurses [AOR: 2.21; 95% CI (1.32–4.97)] are significantly associated with the implementation of the nursing process.
Conclusion

More than sixty present nurses implemented the nursing process. Work experience, organizational support to implement the nursing process, and knowledge were significant factors affecting the implementation of the nursing process.
Combined Impact of Pre-sensitization and Delayed Graft Function on Allograft Rejection in Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation: Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Hanbi , Park Yohan , Ban Tae Hyun , Song Sang Heon , Song Seung Hwan , Yang Jaeseok , Ahn Curie , Yang Chul Woo , Chung Byung Ha
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not delayed graft function (DGF) and pre-transplant sensitization has a synergistic adverse effect on allograft outcome after deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT) using the Korean Organ Transplantation Registry (KOTRY) database, the nationwide prospective cohort. The study included 1,370 cases between May 2014 and June 2019. The cases were divided into 4 subgroups according to pre-sensitization and the development of DGF post-transplant (non-pre-sensitized-DGF(-)(n=1100), non-pre-sensitized-DGF(+)(n=133), pre-sensitized-DGF(-)(n=116), and pre-sensitized-DGF(+)(n=21)). We compared the incidence of biopsy-proven allograft rejection (BPAR), time-related change in allograft function, allograft or patient survival, and post-transplant complications across 4 subgroups. The incidence of overall BPAR and acute antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) was significantly higher in the pre-sensitized-DGF(+) subgroup than in other 3 subgroups. In addition, multivariable cox regression analysis demonstrated that pre-sensitization combined with DGF is an independent risk factor for both overall BPAR (hazard ratio 3.253, p = 0.005) and acute ABMR (hazard ratio 7.589, p < 0.001). Moreover, DGF and pre-sensitization showed significant interaction. Pre-sensitization combined with DGF did not show significant impact on allograft function, and allograft or patient survival. In conclusion, pre-sensitization and DGF had a synergistic adverse impact on allograft rejection after DDKT.
Rating of Physiotherapy Student Clinical Performance in A Paediatric Setting: Is It Possible to Gain Assessor Consistency?
Authors: Fulton Tessa , Myatt Kerry , Kirwan Garry W , Clark Courtney R , Dalton Megan
Published: February 2021

Background: During workplace based clinical placements, best practice in assessment dictates that students should expect consistency between assessors rating their performance. To assist clinical educators (CEs) to provide a consistent assessment of physiotherapy student performance, nine paediatric vignettes depicting various standards of student performance, as assessed by the Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (APP), were developed. The project aimed to evaluate the consistency of physiotherapy educators assessing student competence in a paediatric setting using video vignettes alongside the APP. Methods: Thirty-six CEs, with minimum 3-years clinical experience and had supervised a student within the past year, were sent three videos at four-week intervals. Videos depicted the same clinical scenario, however student performance varied with each video. Consistency among raters was assessed using percentage agreement to establish reliability. Results: The vignettes were assessed a combined total of 60 times. Across scenarios, percentage agreement at the not adequate level was 100%, and combining adequate or better, percentage agreement was >86%. The study demonstrated strong consensus when comparing not adequate to adequate or better student performance. Importantly, no student performance scripted as not adequate was passed by any assessor. Conclusions: Experienced educators demonstrate consistency in identifying a not adequate from adequate or better performance when assessing a one-off student performance using the APP. These validated video vignettes will be a valuable training tool to improve educator consistency when assessing student performance in paediatric physiotherapy.
Application of a new position in endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery: modified prone split-leg position
Authors: Wang Daming , Sun Hongliang , Xie Dongdong , Liu Zhiqi , Yu Dexin , Ding Demao
Published: February 2021

Background: Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) well established as a minimally invasive procedure for is treatment of multiple urolithiasis. The position is the key to the perfect combination of Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia (GMSV) and prone split-leg position are widely used. However, both positions have their own advantages and disadvantages. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of ECIRS in the treatment of multiple urolithiasis in the modified prone split-leg position.Patients and methods: Total 96 patients with multiple urolithiasis underwent ECIRS in modified prone split-leg position from September 2017 and January 2021. Relevant demographic and clinical data were analysed retrospectively. Clinical outcomes such as stone free rate, complications and postoperative hospital stay were evaluated. Factors predicting stone free rate were also evaluated. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables and Student t test was applied for continuous variables of the treatment groups.Results: The mean renal stones size was 32.5 ± 10.7 mm and renal stone surface area was 712.2 ± 264.8 mm2. The mean ureteral stones size was 24.8 ± 12.3 mm. The mean surgical time was 82.2 ± 38.3 min. The incidence of complications was 16.7%, mainly grade 1 and grade 2. No complications occurred above grade 3. The stone was completely removed in 75 (78.1%) patients in a single operation. The risk factors affecting the stone free rate of ECIRS were analyzed, only the number of involved calyces by stone was found to be significant (p=0.01).Conclusion: ECIRS is safe and effective in the treatment of multiple renal calculi or multiple renal calculi with ipsilateral ureteral calculi in the modified prone split-leg position. The modified of prone split-leg position makes the retrograde operation more convenient, which is conducive to the combination of RIRS and PCNL.
Enhanced growth – more than reforestation – counteracted biomass carbon emissions (1990-2020)
Authors: Noe Julia Le , Erb Karl-Heinz , Matej Sarah , Magerl Andreas , Bhan Manan , Gingrich Simone
Published: February 2021

Understanding the carbon (C) balance in global forest biomass is key for climate change mitigation. However, land-use and environmental drivers affecting forest C fluxes remain poorly isolated and quantified. Following a counterfactual modelling approached based on global Forest Resource Assessments, we show that in the hypothetical absence of changes in forest (i) area, (ii) harvest or (iii) burnt area, global forest biomass would reverse from an actual cumulative net C source of c. 2.4 GtC to a net C sink of 23.6, 2.7 and 5.2 GtC, respectively in 1990–2020. In contrast, cumulative emissions would be 12.9 GtC, i.e. 6 times higher, in the absence of forest growth changes. A typology systematically assessing C flux drivers reveals that enhanced growth, more than reforestation, counteracted C emissions. This sink function may, however, be discontinued in the future, thus alerting to the need for safer strategies to effectively preserve or enhance C sequestration.
A Case Study of Fabry Nephropathy and Its Progression: The First Reported Case in Malaysia
Authors: Lin Ingrid Ting Pao , Ong Andy Tang Sing , Lom Fam Tem , Hong Clare Tan Hui
Published: February 2021

IntroductionFabry disease (FD) is a rare metabolic disorder caused by the genetic deficiency of the lysosomal hydrolase alpha-galactosidase A, causing common and serious kidney complications. We report the first case of Fabry disease detected in Malaysia. Clinical ScenarioA 35-year-old man had an incidental finding of proteinuria during routine health screening. His symptoms included frothy urine and intermittent lower limb swelling. Renal biopsy showed features of Fabry’s disease which was confirmed with genetic testing. He had classical hemizygous Fabry disease of c.610 C>T with Fabry nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, and cornea verticillata. He was then started on be Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) with agalsidase till date. ConclusionProteinuria is the predominant factor in Fabry nephropathy predicting renal disease progression rate. Early Fabry Disease diagnosis could prevent kidney disease progression through the timely initiation of treatment which will help enhance the quality of life of the patient, as the disease progresses.
Grape Seed Proanthocyanindin Extract Moderated Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cellular Senescence Through NAMPT/SIRT1/NLRP3 Pathway
Authors: Wu Yan , Dai Sanyou , Long Yang , Liu Hongzhuo , Wan Weiwei , Wan Guangming , Wan Wencui , Zhu Wei
Published: February 2021

Background: Cellular senescence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell was an important cause of degenerative retinal disorders, however, the potential effects of grape seed proanthocyanindin extract (GSPE) through regulating NAMPT/SIRT1/NLRP3 pathway remained unclear.Methods: The effects of GSPE on the cellular senescence biomarkers as well as NAMPT and NAD+ contents were detected in both in-vivo and in-vitro RPE cell models. The protection of GSPE treatment on the mitochondrial homeostasis and barrier function of RPE cells were detected with mtDNA lesions, JC-1 staining, ZO1 expression, trans-epithelial cell resistance (TEER) as well as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) expressions. The GSPE treatment with NAMPT inhibitor, Fk866, and SIRT1 inhibitor, EX-527, was used in the potential NAMPT/SIRT1/NLRP3 mechanism detection.Results: GSPE significantly improve the NAMPT and NAD+ content in aging mice and thus alleviated the RPE cellular senescence. In advanced in-vitro studies, GSPE could be an activator of NAMPT and thus relieved H2O2 induced NAD+ depression. In advanced analyses, it was reported that GSPE could alleviate mitochondrial homeostasis, barrier function and SASP of aging RPE cells. Thus, detection the SASP in in-vitro aging model provided us knowledge in the understanding of the anti-aging role of GSPE and following detailed pathological mechanism analyses demonstrated that GSPE demonstrated the protective effects in aging RPE cells through NAMPT/SIRT1/NLRP3 pathway.Conclusions: These findings indicate that GSPE alleviated cellular senescence both in-vivo and in-vitro through NAMPT/SIRT1/NLRP3 pathway. This study highlighted the importance both the potential GSPE in degenerative retinopathy as well as the crosstalk of NAD+ metabolism, SIRT1 function and NLRP3 activation.
Determining Slope- and Free Air Flow Wind Profiles for WKB Prandtl Models.
Authors: Spoeck Gunter , Arbeiter Maximilian
Published: February 2021

During night time, when the air close to the surface cools-down and the atmosphere becomes stable, katabatic down-slope ows may occur in mountainous regions. Contrary, during day time, when the sun heats-up the air close to the surface, and the atmosphere becomes unstable, anabatic upslope ows are prevalent. Up to date, slope winds in the WKB Prandtl model are determined solely by means of specifying the height zj of the maximum turbulent jet above ground. Furthermore, depending on zj parameters K0 and h for a height-dependent eddy thermal diffusivity function KH(z) and a parameter C determining the amplitude for the Prandtl wind speeds must be specified. They are most often estimated from height-dependent wind speeds u, including slope angle α and fixed Prandtl number Pr = KM/KH with KH = KH(z) and KM the eddy viscosity. Having estimated those parameters, friction velocity u*, friction temperature θ* and sensible heat ux QH may be calculated. This article takes the reverse approach: From specified slope angle α, Pr, u*, θ*, QH and specified form of the eddy thermal diffusivity function KH(z) the corresponding WKB Prandtl model is identified. Furthermore, the relationship between u* and θ* calculated via Monin-Obukhov similarity theory for at terrain and those for the WKB Prandtl model are investigated. Using this relationship, we give hints how our new parametrization of the WKB Prandtl model may be used to determine slope ows and free air ows in a micro meteorological model of an alpine valley for pollutant dispersion calculations. We illustrate our derivations by applying our algorithms for the calculation of the WKB Prandtl model to four examples with two taken from Grisogono et al. (2015).