bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domingo Fernández de Navarrete's Views on Chinese Religion, a Spanish Dominican to China
Authors: Wei Jingxiang
Published: May 2022

As a famous Spanish missionary and humanist in China in the seventeenth century, Domingo Fernández de Navarrete paid special attention to the religious and ideological issues of the Chinese Empire. In his book Tratados históricos, políticos, éticos y religiosos de la monarquía de China, Volumes II, III and IV specialized research and commentary on various forms of religion in China. In particular, he not only annotated and translated Confucian classics, but also translated from Latin the unpublished manuscript Respvesta Breve, written by the Jesuit priest Niccolo Longobardi., into spanish, and was also included in the Tratados, becoming the fifth volume of the book. Based on the contents of these four volumes, this article attempts to show Domingo Fernández de Navarrete 's cognition of Chinese religious thought as much as possible, in order to further explore Domingo Fernández de Navarrete's Sinology thought.
On the Much-Debated Remarriage Case of Li Qingzhao
Authors: Xiaoyi Liu
Published: May 2022

This article examines Li Qingzhao’s much-debated remarriage case. Rumor had it that the preeminent female Ci lyric writer once remarried to a corrupt minor official Zhang Ruzhou after her husband’s death. However, by closely studying Li’s biographical records and evidence unearthed by Qing textual researchers, we argue that Qingzhao was attacked primarily because of her satirical literary criticism; she was simply ill-tolerated by a male-dominant society.
An Analysis of the Multiple-interaction Characteristics of Christian Indigenization in the Ethnic Minority Areas of Southwest China: A Case Study of the Lahu Funeral Ceremony in G County of Southwest Yunnan
Authors: Yan’e YU
Published: May 2022

Christian indigenization in the ethnic minority areas of Southwest China is part of the culture change of the ethnic minorities. There appear in the Lahu funeral culture the changes of cremation and ground burial being practiced in parallel, erecting a cross and at the same time building a tomb and setting up a tombstone of typical Han style. Furthermore, the traditional Lahu concept of “the souls returning to the land of the ancestors” is found being replaced by or mixed with concepts of “the souls going to heaven” and “the souls residing in the tomb”. These changes reflect that Christian indigenization in the ethnic minority areas of Southwest China is not a two-way interaction of Christianity and the culture of a specific ethnic minority, but the multiple interaction and fusion of Christianity, the culture of the ethnic minority and cultures of the surrounding peoples.
The Characteristic of Dynamic Balance Ability and Hip Flexibility in Soccer Players with a History of the Groin Pain: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Tamura Akihiro , Shimura Keita , Inoue Yuri
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristic of hip flexibility and dynamic balance ability in the soccer players with the groin pain. The study consisted 17 male college soccer players. All participants were divided into the Groin Pain (GP) group and non-GP group, according to a history of the groin pain. Hip passive Range of Motion (ROM) test and the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) was conducted in all participants. The Mann–Whitney U test or Student’s t-test was selected to identify differences in hip ROMs and results of the mSEBT in kicking keg and supporting leg between groups. Hip abduction angle of kicking leg in the GS group were smaller than that in the non-GS group in the kicking leg (p < 0.05). There were no differences in other hip ROMs between groups (p > 0.05). There was no difference in results of the mSEBT between groups in both legs (p > 0.05). Our results were newly revealed that soccer players with the groin pain had poor hip abduction range of motion in comparison with those without the groin pain. This finding suggested that a poor hip abductor range of motion may affect the kicking biomechanics in soccer players with the groin pain.
Comparison Techniques for Optimization Switching Frequency In Energy Encryption Of Wireless Power Transfer System
Authors: Nur Hazwani Hussin  , Muhammad Mokhzaini Azizan  , Azuwa Ali  , Norhidayu Rameli  , Nur Hazirah Zaini  , Shahnurriman Abdul Rahman
Published: May 2022

This paper reviews the techniques for optimization switching frequency used in Wireless power transfer (WPT). WPT is one of the most useful ways to transfer power. Based on distances power transfer, the WPT system can be divided into three categories, namely, near, medium, and far fields. Inductive coupling and capacitive coupling contactless techniques are used in the near-field WPT. Magnetic resonant coupling technique is used in the medium-field WPT. Electromagnetic radiation is used in the far-field WPT. From the comparison in this paper, a model and design algorithm to optimize switching frequency for energy encryption of medium field wireless power transfer system are purposed. The maximum value of the performance are suitable to compute the optimal circuit parameter by algorithm itself.
A Gaia View on the Star Formation in the Monoceros OB1 and R1 Associations
Authors: Lim Beomdu , Nazé Yaël , Hong Jongsuk , Yoon Sung-yong , Lee Jinhee , Hwang Narae , Park Byeong-Gon , Lee Jeong-Eun
Published: May 2022

Stellar kinematics provides the key to understanding the star formation process. In this respect, we present a kinematic study of the Monoceros OB1 (Mon OB1) and R1 (Mon R1) associations using the recent Gaia data and radial velocities of stars derived from high-resolution spectroscopy and the literature. A total of 728 members are selected using the criteria based on the intrinsic properties of young stars, parallaxes, and proper motions. The spatial distribution and kinematic properties of members show that these associations have distinct substructures. In Mon OB1, we find one northern group and two southern groups. Mon R1 is composed of three small stellar groups that are spatially and kinematically distinct. Some stars are found in a halo around these two associations. We detect patterns of expansion for most stellar groups in the associations. In addition, two stellar groups in Mon OB1 show the signature of rotation, which provides an important constraint on cluster formation. The star formation history of Mon OB1 is slightly revised. Star formation first occurred in the southern region and subsequently in the northern region. Recent star-forming events ignited deeper into the southern region, while some stars are escaping from Mon OB1, forming a halo. Mon R1 might have formed at the same epoch as the formation of the northern group in Mon OB1. Given that star formation is taking place on different scales along a large arc-like structure, Mon OB1 and Mon R1 may be the results of hierarchical star formation.
The James Webb Space Telescope Absolute Flux Calibration. I. Program Design and Calibrator Stars
Authors: Gordon Karl D. , Bohlin Ralph , Sloan G. C. , Rieke George , Volk Kevin , Boyer Martha , Muzerolle James , Schlawin Everett , Deustua Susana E. , Hines Dean C. , Kraemer Kathleen E. , Mullally Susan E. , Su Kate Y. L.
Published: May 2022

It is critical for James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) science that instrumental units are converted to physical units. We detail the design of the JWST absolute flux calibration program that has the core goal of ensuring a robust flux calibration internal to and between all the science instruments for both point and extended source science. This program will observe a sample of calibration stars that have been extensively vetted based mainly on Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite observations. The program uses multiple stars of three different, well-understood types (hot stars, A dwarfs, and solar analogs) to allow for the statistical (within a type) and systematic (between types) uncertainties to be quantified. The program explicitly includes observations to calibrate every instrument mode, further vet the set of calibration stars, measure the instrumental repeatability, measure the relative calibration between subarrays and full frame, and check the relative calibration between faint and bright stars. For photometry, we have set up our calibration to directly support both the convention based on the band average flux density and the convention based on the flux density at a fixed wavelength.
Survival of the Fittest: Numerical Modeling of SN 2014C
Authors: Vargas Felipe , De Colle Fabio , Brethauer Daniel , Margutti Raffaella , Bernal Cristian G.
Published: May 2022

Initially classified as a Type Ib supernova (SN), ∼100 days after the explosion SN 2014C made a transition to a Type II SN, presenting a gradual increase in the Hα emission. This has been interpreted as evidence of interaction between the SN shock wave and a massive shell previously ejected from the progenitor star. In this paper we present numerical simulations of the propagation of the SN shock through the progenitor star and its wind, as well as the interaction of the SN ejecta with the massive shell. To determine with high precision the structure and location of the shell, we couple a genetic algorithm to a hydrodynamic and a bremsstrahlung radiation transfer code. We iteratively modify the density stratification and location of the shell by minimizing the variance between X-ray observations and synthetic predictions computed from the numerical model, allowing the shell structure to be completely arbitrary. By assuming spherical symmetry, we found that our best-fit model has a shell mass of 2.6 M
⊙; extends from 1.6 × 1016 cm to 1.87 × 1017 cm, implying that it was ejected ∼ 60/(v

w
/100 km s−1) yr before the SN explosion; and has a density stratification with an average behavior ∼r
−3 but presenting density fluctuations larger than one order of magnitude. Finally, we predict that if the density stratification follows the same power-law behavior, the SN will break out from the shell by mid-2022, i.e., 8.5 yr after explosion.
Studying Interstellar Turbulence Driving Scales Using the Bispectrum
Authors: O’Brien Michael J. , Burkhart Blakesley , Shelley Michael J.
Published: May 2022

We demonstrate the utility of the bispectrum, the Fourier three-point correlation function, for studying driving scales of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence in the interstellar medium. We calculate the bispectrum by implementing a parallelized Monte Carlo direct measurement method, which we have made publicly available. In previous works, the bispectrum has been used to identify nonlinear scaling correlations and break degeneracies in lower-order statistics like the power spectrum. We find that the bicoherence, a related statistic which measures phase coupling of Fourier modes, identifies turbulence-driving scales using density and column density fields. In particular, it shows that the driving scale is phase-coupled to scales present in the turbulent cascade. We also find that the presence of an ordered magnetic field at large scales enhances phase coupling as compared to a pure hydrodynamic case. We therefore suggest the bispectrum and bicoherence as tools for searching for non-locality for wave interactions in MHD turbulence.
Validations and Corrections of the SFD and Planck Reddening Maps Based on LAMOST and Gaia Data
Authors: Sun Yang , Yuan Haibo , Chen Bingqiu
Published: May 2022

Precise correction of dust reddening is fundamental to obtain the intrinsic parameters of celestial objects. The Schlegel et al. (SFD) and the Planck 2D extinction maps are widely used for reddening correction. In this work, using accurate reddening determinations of about 2 million stars from the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) Data Release 5 and Gaia DR2, we check and calibrate the SFD and Planck maps in the middle and high Galactic latitudes. The maps show similar precision in reddening correction. We find small yet significant spatially dependent biases for the four maps, which are similar between the SFD and Planck2014-R maps, and between the Planck2014-Tau and Planck2019-Tau maps. The biases show a clear dependence on the dust temperature and extinction for the SFD and Planck2014-R maps. While those of the Planck2014-Tau and Planck2019-Tau maps have a weak dependence on the dust temperature, they both strongly depend on the dust spectral index. Finally, we present corrections of the SFD and Planck extinction maps within the LAMOST footprint, along with empirical relations for corrections outside the LAMOST footprint. Our results provide important clues for the further improvement of the Galactic all-sky extinction maps and lay a significant foundation for accurate extinction correction in the era of precision astronomy.
Anisotropy of Halo Main Sequence Turnoff Stars Measured with New MMT Radial Velocities and Gaia Proper Motions
Authors: King Charles , Brown Warren R. , Geller Margaret J. , Kenyon Scott J.
Published: May 2022

We measure the anisotropy of the Milky Way stellar halo traced by a dense sample of 18 < r < 21 mag F-type main sequence turnoff stars using Gaia eDR3 proper motions and new radial velocity measurements published here.
Prostitution des mineurs : de quoi parlons-nous ? Et de qui ?
Authors: Wallaert Bérengère , Millet Margaux
Published: May 2022

Résumé Il est difficile de définir la réalité de la prostitution des mineurs en France. Les statistiques manquent, en partie car il n’est pas facile de s’accorder sur ce qu’on entend par prostitution. Le cadre légal permet de creuser cette définition, il est intéressant de l’explorer. Pour autant il ne contient pas l’ensemble des conduites liées à la marchandisation du corps sexualisé. Qui sont ces adolescents ? On reconnait ces jeunes victimes à certains comportements typiques. Ils portent en général les traces d’un traumatisme antérieur. Ces adolescents refusent de se considérer victime de prostitution, et utilisent d’autres termes comme « michetonnage », et en effet leur mode de prostitution se distingue souvent de celui de leurs aînés, en particulier par un usage des réseaux sociaux à toutes les étapes.
Les essaims cognitifs, arme informationnelle des démocraties
Authors: Chauvancy Raphaël
Published: May 2022

L’information est une arme essentielle dans les crises avec des approches très différentes entre les démocraties et les régimes autoritaires. Ceux-ci instrumentalisent l’information à des fins de désinformation. À l’inverse, les démocraties peuvent se renforcer et contrer la menace en demeurant ouvertes.
L’enseignement de défense : nouvelles proximités universités et académies militaires
Authors: de Langlois Maurice , de Kaniv Nathalie
Published: May 2022

L’enseignement de défense – longtemps l’apanage des seuls militaires – est entré dans le monde académique tant français qu’européen. De nombreuses initiatives se développent contribuant à une meilleure approche des enjeux stratégiques avec des évolutions certaines au regard du conflit en Ukraine.
Les nouveaux territoires de l’agrobusiness
Authors: Samon Kartini
Published: May 2022

En mars 2019 s’est tenue à Bangkok une rencontre internationale de mouvements sociaux consacrée à la « justice numérique 2  ». Une soixantaine d’activistes et universitaires, issus du monde entier, y ont participé. Cédric Leterme, chargé d’étude au Centre tricontinental s’y est entretenu avec Kartini Samon, chercheuse et représentante pour l’Asie d’une organisation active auprès des mouvements paysans mobilisés pour la souveraineté alimentaire.
A direct imaging method for the exterior and interior inverse scattering problems
Authors: Zhang Deyue , Wu Yue , Wang Yinglin , Guo Yukun
Published: May 2022

This paper is concerned with the inverse acoustic scattering problems by an obstacle or a cavity with a sound-soft or a sound-hard boundary. A direct imaging method relying on the boundary conditions is proposed for reconstructing the shape of the obstacle or cavity. First, the scattered fields are approximated by the Fourier-Bessel functions with the measurements on a closed curve. Then, the indicator functions are established by the superposition of the total fields or their derivatives to the incident point sources. We prove that the indicator functions vanish only on the boundary of the obstacle or cavity. Numerical examples are also included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Las Novelas en verso de Cristóbal de Tamariz, ecos medievales y folclóricos
Authors: Lacarra María Jesús
Published: May 2022

En el artículo se presenta un estado de la cuestión en torno a las Novelas en verso de Cristóbal de Tamariz, un corpus todavía discutido, tanto por el número de textos como por sus fuentes. Se rastrean los modelos medievales de los relatos 4, 7 y 5, para detenerse en la novela 15 («El torneo»). Al hipotexto principal (novella iii, 4 de Le piacevoli notti de Giovan Francesco Straparola) se le superpone el recuerdo de la tradición folclórica, lo que explica algunos cambios.
El mal fin de Juan de buenalma de Salas Barbadillo: una descriptio personarum entre épica y novela corta
Authors: Giorgi Giulia
Published: May 2022

El artículo se propone estudiar la novela versificada El mal fin de Juan de buenalma insertada en la colección Corrección de vicios de Alonso Jerónimo de Salas Barbadillo. Por un lado, analiza su estructura y la mezcla genérica que la caracteriza; por otro, examina la descriptio personarum del protagonista, que se sirve de los modelos de la descripción encomiástica pseudo-ciceroniana y de la de corte judicial.
Wavy Trailing Edge Feasibility for Aircraft Engine Composite Fan Blade
Authors: Jadhav Prakash
Published: May 2022

Attempts to add the advanced technologies to aerospace composite structures like fan blade have been on in recent times to further improve its performance. As part of these efforts, it has been proposed that the wavy trailing edge could be used in the blade to reduce the noise level. It has been also proposed that it’s structural feasibility could be studied by fabricating coupons representing blade like boundary conditions and mimicking max strain contours of wavy trailing edge of blade and testing them. Suitable size coupons (baseline flat and ones with wavy edge) were designed, and appropriate boundary condition was suggested for tests. The four-point bend tests were performed on baseline flat and wavy edge coupons and after analyzing the results it was concluded that some wavy edge configurations coupons do show some knock down in the failure load/strain but the optimized wavy edge configuration coupons show almost no knockdown (within scatter) in the failure load/strains. This leads to the conclusion that the wavy edge configuration under consideration has sufficient structural integrity as per the representative coupon test
Preparation and Performance Evaluation of Graphene Heating Film
Authors: He Feng , Yang Xiao Rong , Liu Qing Hua , Gong Xu Zhong
Published: May 2022

To solve the problems of low graphene dispersion, uneven thermal conductivity, and the impact of porous polyurethane (PU) solutions on the environment. Natural nano cellulose is used as a dispersant to dissolve the graphene slurry to prepare a composite heating film. The screen-printing technology performs is used in-situ coating on heat-reflective cloth (lining fabrics for sportswear), and determines the heating effect and washing characteristics of the clothing by adjusting the content of the graphene slurry. The results show that natural nano-cellulose has a good dispersion effect. Graphene dispersions with different contents after the introduction of silver paste have good thermal and electrical conductivity. When the heating voltage is 8v and the graphene slurry concentration is 12.5% (wt), the surface temperature of the heating film can exceed 50 °C, and the power consumption is low, which can not only maintain long-term power supply, but solves the shortcomings of traditional polyester heating film such as uncomfortable wearing. Besides, after washing and immersing more than 50 times, it can still maintain good heating effect.
Fabrication of C-Doped TiO2 Nanosphere for BTEX Degradation of Paint Thinners with Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Wu Xiao Dong , Zhong Nai Fei , Yuan Rong Hui , Che Xi Hong , Wang Ying , Ye Xiang Yu
Published: May 2022

Carbon (C)-doped TiO2 nanospheres were produced using a solvothermal method, and then characterised with transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction pattern and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The C was doped into the TiO2 nanosphere as planned, and the photocatalytic oxidations were studied in environmental chambers under simulative conditions. C-doped TiO2 nanospheres' photocatalytic performance was evaluated by removing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX) of paint thinners via the illumination of visible light. A degradation ratio of 93.4% in 90 min exhibited high photocatalytic activity.
Sustainable Concrete with Coconut Fibers to Improve its Mechanical Characteristics in Buildings
Authors: Anderson Mas Mendez Jhonn , Ruthenford Smith Solano Roman , Carmen Carrera Cabrera Elsa
Published: May 2022

In the search for a dosage that allows us to design a sustainable concrete with greater resistant capacity. Different solutions are proposed that allow us to find the right addition to achieve a better performance in the physical and mechanical characteristics of concrete in fresh and hardened state. For the development of the research, the influence of the addition of coconut fiber in concrete is evaluated. For this reason, various mix designs were developed: The pattern and with the addition of coconut fiber in partial replacement of fine aggregate with designs of 0.50 %, 1.00%, 1.50% and 2.00%, making a total of 90 concrete specimens which are represented in cylindrical and rectangular specimens. For each mixture, tests were carried out for its fresh state and hardened state. From the analysis it is concluded that the most optimal relationship is achieved with 1.00% coconut fiber addition, achieving compressive and flexural strengths at 28 days of 231.60 kg / cm2 and 83.10 kg / cm2, representing percentages of increase in 11.00% and 9.00% respectively.
Properties of Modified Nano Black Carbon and Its Effects on Soil Enzyme Activities
Authors: Liu Yu Zhen , Wang Zheng , Zheng Kai Li , Cheng Jie Min
Published: May 2022

Black Carbon (BC) is a solid material obtainable from the remnants of incomplete burning of biological organisms or fossil fuels, which benefits pollution alleviation and soil amendment. In this study MBC was prepared using acidic potassium permanganate for inactivating heavy metal in soils. The specific surface area and pore volume of BC and MBC were measured by nitrogen adsorption and the space around the black carbon particles was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The contents of carboxyl, ester and phenol hydroxyl group on their surface have been determined. The effect on availability of Cu in soils and soil enzyme activity of MBC was also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of MBC demonstrated large micropores with looser aggregate structure. MBC featured a higher surface area (956.88m2·g-1), larger average pore size and pore volume than BC, which can improve its excellent adsorption ability. Using as a soil heavy metal passivator, MBC reduced the available content of copper in three soils significantly and MBC has the best passivation effect on copper in cinnamon soil. Comparison of the enzyme activities in three soils amended with MBC under constant moisture conditions revealed that MBC increased the activities of catalase, urease in different degrees and inhibited the activities of dehydrogenase in three soils. These findings suggest that MBC has a strong passivation ability to Cu and would be applied to the remediation of copper contaminated soil.
Effect of Different Parameters on Lithium Ion Transfer through PVDF-UIO-66 Cation Selective Hybrid Membrane via Electrodialysis Technique
Authors: Zeid Ahmed U. , El Shazly Ahmed Hassan , El Kady Marwa F.
Published: May 2022

This study aims to increase the efficiency of Li ion recovery via electrodialysis technique by manipulating several parameters. The membrane used for this study consists of a polymer matrix that acts as a backbone, and a metal organic framework (MOF) that acts as the cation selective agent. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was chosen for this study due to its mechanical properties and chemical stability. UIO-66 was chosen as the cation selective MOF and prepared via hydrothermal method and characterized using XRD. The membrane matrix was synthesized using phase inversion casting technique. After casting, the membrane was characterized using XRD and FTIR to ensure that the MOF was successfully embedded. The investigated operation parameters are voltage applied, initial Li ion concentration, and time of operation. The tests were conducted at a selected value of each other controlled variable while manipulating only one variable at a time. The studied concentrations were 100, 200, 300, and 400 ppm, while the applied voltage varied from to 10 to 40 V with a 10 V step. The time parameter studeid was 1, 2, 3, and 4 hrs. This study aims to show the parameters’ effects on the recovery of the lithium ion. The highest recovery was recorded for each parameter.
Intrathecal Rituximab as a Rescue Therapy in Refractory Pure CSF Positive, Non-Teratomatous Type Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis
Authors: Krishnan Parameswaran , Thomas Kurian
Published: May 2022

NMDAR antibody encephalitis is the most common autoimmune encephalitis characterized by a myriad of neuropsychiatric symptoms. It predominantly affects females and is associated with ovarian teratoma (58%). Nineteen percent do not respond to treatment and are left with serious neurological deficits. A subset of NMDAR encephalitis with antibody positivity in CSF alone without ovarian teratoma is often found to be refractory to treatment. We name them
Pure CSF positive, non-teratomatous type anti-NMDAR encephalitis
. We report two such cases who responded to intrathecal rituximab, to highlight a novel treatment as a rescue therapy to prevent long-term disability and improve clinical outcomes.
Serum erythroferrone diagnostic value in patients with beta-thalassemia with iron overload
Authors: Saeed Aliaa , Nabil Neven , Elsalakawy Walaa , Metwali Riham , Khattab Ahmed , Naguib Mary Gamal
Published: May 2022

Introduction
Patients with beta-thalassemia experience a major complication besides their anemia, which is the iron overload and its complications up to death. Erythroferrone (ERFE) and hepcidin are the major controlling factors for serum iron level, being inversely related to each other. Patients with iron overload are thought to have low serum hepcidin and high serum ERFE levels. So, serum ERFE is postulated to be involved in the pathogenesis of iron overload in patients with β-thalassemia. A cross-sectional study has been conducted, including 112 participants: 80 patients with β-thalassemia and 32 healthy age-matched and sex-matched controls. Serum ERFE, ferritin, and hepcidin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared among patients with β-thalassemia and healthy controls. Patients had significantly higher serum ferritin, ERFE, as well as lower serum hepcidin levels as compared with healthy age-matched and sex-matched controls, with P values less than 0.001, less than 0.001, and 0.045, respectively. Serum ERFE may serve as an important marker for iron overload and may represent a future possible therapeutic target using anti-ERFE to control iron overload.
Expressivity of ABO antigens and increased predisposition for periodontal disease
Authors: Babu J Suresh , Joyshree C , Swarnalatha C , Alshammari Tayf Naif Radhi , Kranthi Kosuru , Kolte Deepak R. , Alshammari Mohammad Saafaq , Alshammari Fatma Ayyad , Nayyar Abhishek Singh
Published: May 2022

Context

and aim Association between certain systemic diseases and ABO antigens is a well-known fact. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is any association between periodontal disease and ABO blood group antigens.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 subjects who were randomly selected from individuals referred for periodontal treatment. The study subjects were segregated into healthy gingiva/mild gingivitis (Group I), moderate/severe gingivitis (Group II) and varying grades of periodontitis groups (Group III), based on Loe and Silness index and clinical attachment loss as the criteria. The study groups were, further, categorized and graded using the Ramfjord's periodontal disease index. Blood samples were collected to identify ABO blood groups.

Statistical analysis used

Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) while the χ
2 test was used for statistical analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The findings of the present study suggested that patients with blood group antigens O and B were more predisposed to develop periodontitis with at least one side with attachment loss of more than 3 mm and with a periodontal pocket depth of more than 4 mm (P<0.001).

Conclusion

There is a correlation existing between periodontal disease and ABO blood group antigens as far as this region was concerned. This association could be explained by the various blood group antigens acting as receptors for infectious agents associated with periodontal disease. This broad correlation between periodontal disease and ABO blood group antigens pointed toward the susceptibility of the subjects with certain blood groups to periodontal disease.
Parvovirus-associated pure red cell aplasia − can we still make a diagnosis in resource-constrained setting by conventional laboratory method?
Authors: Ali Sidra A. , Shaikh Muhammad S.
Published: May 2022

Human parvovirus B19 has been linked with a wide variety of disorders in both pediatric and adult population. Commonly seen manifestation of the virus in patients with persistent infection of parvovirus B19 is suppression of erythropoiesis, leading to transient aplastic anemia and pure red cell aplasia. Host immunity plays an important role in disease expression, and the complications are generally reported in immunocompromised host or with underlying red cell disorders. We report a case of pure red cell aplasia in a previously healthy boy without any underlying disease, following asymptomatic infection with parvovirus B19. The diagnosis was based on clinical grounds with help of morphological findings typical of parvovirus B19 infection.
Hemoglobin scavenger receptor (cluster of differentiation 163) role in acute leukemia
Authors: Salah Mohamed Hossam El Din , Eissa Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Background

Cluster of differentiation 163 (CD163) is a biomarker correlated with several normal and pathological states.

Aim

This work was carried out to evaluate the expression of CD163 in patients with acute leukemia.

Patients and methods

The study was carried out on 50 participants divided into three groups: 10 apparently normal healthy individuals, 30 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and 10 patients with acute lymphoid leukemia. All participants were subjected to a thorough history and clinical examination. Becton–Dickinson Calibur FACScan color multiparameter flow cytometry was used for the detection of CD163 expression in patients with acute leukemia.

Results

There was a significant difference in CD163 expression between AML and acute lymphoid leukemia (F=7.83) (P=0.001). CD163 expression was not observed in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, it was expressed in 14 patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia. Five patients were diagnosed as M4, and all of them (100%) showed positive expression of CD163. Eight patients were diagnosed as M5, and all of them (100%) showed positive expression of CD163. However, CD163 was expressed in only one case among 17 patients with AML subtypes other than M4/M5. There was a significant difference between monocytic and nonmonocytic leukemic patients regarding CD163 expression (P<0.001). There was a strong correlation between CD163 and other markers predominantly found in monocytic leukemia such as CD14 (r=0.8) (P<0.001), CD15 (r=6.43) (P<0.001), and CD64 (r=0.82) (P<0.001).

Conclusion

CD163 was exclusively expressed on the monocytic and myelomonocytic leukemia, so it can be used for the diagnosis of the monocytic type of AML. Although it cannot be used as a prognostic marker, it could be a novel immunotherapeutic intervention for acute monocytic and myelomonocytic leukemia.
In vitro comparison of the cytotoxic effects of lenalidomide alone and in combination with verapamil on myeloma cell line
Authors: Tastemur Şeyma , Şencan Mehmet , Terzi Hatice , Ergül Merve , Taştemur Mercan
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant hematological disease characterized by monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells. High-dose chemotherapy with novel agents and autologous stem cell transplantation are options for treatment. However, MM treatment generally results in failure. The most important reason for this failure is the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Various studies have been tried to combine chemosensitizer agents that increase the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutics to eliminate the drug resistance. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of verapamil on the cytotoxic effect of lenalidomide on the myeloma cell line.

Materials and methods

Verapamil is a chemosensitizer that suppresses the P-glycoprotein. In our study, lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory agent, was compared alone and in combination with verapamil for cytotoxic effects. U266 MM cell line was used in the study. At the concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 50, and 100 µM, lenalidomide alone and the combination of lenalidomide at the same concentrations with 2.5 µg/ml of verapamil were compared in terms of possible cytotoxic properties. Cell viability was measured by XTT (2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide) test.

Results

A statistically significant decrease in the inhibitor concentration, causing 50% decrease in cell proliferation (IC50) of lenalidomide, was provided via verapamil administration. Our study revealed that the cytotoxic effect of lenalidomide increases when combined with verapamil.

Conclusion

We aimed to understand whether the cytotoxic effect of lenalidomide, which has an important place in the treatment of MM, can be increased with an easily available drug such as verapamil. We think that more studies and meta-analyses are needed owing to the different results related to the subject in the literature, and we hope to set an example for new studies.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome during management of hematological disorders
Authors: Gupta Gopila , Seth Tulika , Garg Vikas , Kumar Pawan , Naranje Priyanka , Agrawal Arpit , Mahapatra Manoranjan , Aggarwal Mukul
Published: May 2022

Background

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a disorder of reversible subcortical vasogenic brain edema with acute neurological symptoms. Diagnosis of PRES is based on exclusion, and treatment consists of symptomatic management.

Aims

To study the clinical features, radiological findings, and outcomes of PRES in patients with hematological disorders.

Patients and methods

Case files of patients diagnosed with PRES from January 2016 to November 2019 were reviewed. PRES was diagnosed based on clinical features and MRI findings. Primary diagnosis, clinical history, vital signs, laboratory parameters, treatment summary, and neuroimaging findings were recorded.

Results

A total of 16 patients were diagnosed with PRES. Their median age was 7 years (range, 2–25 years). A total of 12 patients had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, who were on induction phase, two patients had aplastic anemia, and one each had acute myeloid leukemia and beta-thalassemia major. All patients had hypertension and 15 had seizures as initial presentation of PRES. Overall, 12 patients had bilateral subcortical white matter hyperintensity on T2 in occipital and parietal lobes on MRI. All patient recovered, except one, who had residual neurological deficit. All patients were restarted on the disease therapy once the patients were stabilized. No recurrences were observed.

Conclusion

Early recognition of PRES may help initiate timely treatment and reduce morbidity and mortality. Implicating agents may be withheld during the symptomatic period. Its management is symptomatic, and therapy may be restarted once patient is clinically stable. Its prognosis is favorable, but some patients may have residual neurological deficit.
A bibliometric analysis of global research performance on tuberculosis (2011–2020): Time for a global approach to support high-burden countries
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad , Humayun Ayesha , Imran Muhammad , Bashir Muhammad A. , Malik Ahmad A.
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:

Tuberculosis (TB) is a persistent public health issue requiring consistent global effort for its eradication and control. Research on the subject plays a vital role in combatting the disease, giving future directions, and meeting the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study aimed to evaluate the global TB research trends and performance from 2011 to 2020.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

All the data for TB-related research publications from 2011 to 2020 were extracted from the Web of Science database and a comprehensive analysis was performed on the R-bibliometrix package.

RESULTS:

An increasing number of publications with an annual growth rate of 6.32% and a plateau in production from 2015 to 2018 was observed. Of 145 countries, the United States of America (USA), China, India, the United Kingdom, and South Africa led and made up half of the global contribution. Out of 91,862 authors, Zhang Y was the most productive with 205 articles and Barry CE had the highest H-index of 45. Only seven of the top 20 authors were from high-burden countries. The University of Cape Town was the leading institutional affiliation, followed by Stellenbosch University and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The most frequent international collaboration was between the USA and South Africa, occurring on 1203 instances. Only five of the top 30 high-burden countries were present in the top 30 collaborations. PLOS ONE, disseminating 2271 articles, was the most productive out of 3500 sources.

CONCLUSION:

The past decade has seen a steady increase in global TB research. Prominent authors, affiliations, and countries showed collaborative trends, but publications were found to be mostly from developed, low-burden countries except China, India, and South Africa. To meet the goals set by the SDGs and the WHO End TB Strategy, high-burden countries need to explore feasible opportunities and global support to enhance their expected TB-related research contributions.
Evaluation of microalbuminuria in obesity phenotypes
Authors: Alagh Arzoo R. , Shukla Samarth , Acharya Sourya , Vagha Sunita , Dhingra Loveleen
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:

Obesity is a universal health issue of the present time. Nearly 2 billion people were estimated to be either overweight or obese in 2020, with nearly 3.4 million deaths worldwide. Proteinuria is now widely known to be a significant predictor of renal pathologies including end-stage renal disease. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the presence of microalbuminuria (MA) in obese individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients attending the outpatient department of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha. From the subjects meeting the study criteria, selected 150 individuals with BMI ≥ 25 that formed the obese group. Obese individuals were further subdivided as metabolic healthy obese (MHO) and metabolic abnormal obese (MAO) based on metablic syndrome criteria. From the non-obese patients (BMI≤25), one age and gender matched control was selected for each obese subject. All subjects were tested for MA by dipstick method. Data was analyzed using SPSS and Chi-square test was performed to test for statistical significance.

RESULTS:

The study reflected the association of MA in the groups studied. The metabolic abnormal obese group was noted as having the highest percentage of positive cases (53.7%) of MA, followed by the MHO group (31.3%). A significant association of prevalence of MA was seen in MHO and MAO obese individuals (P < 0.001). MA was present in the urine samples of 26 (31.3%) obese subjects in the MHO group, 36 (53.7%) in the MAO group, and 8 (5.3%) in the control population.

CONCLUSION:

Both MHO and MAO subgroups of obese individuals showed higher proportion of MA indicating adverse renal function. Therefore, primary prophylactic measures such as health education and lifestyle modification should be promoted for the obese to reduce their body weight and thereby possibly reduce the risk of future obesity-related renal complications.
Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in pregnant women in Oman and its effect on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Al Shidhani Asma S. , Al Rawahi Naama A. , Al Yahiyai Zuwaina K. , Masood Imrana , Al Saadi Zainab A. , Al Shukaili Samah S. , Rizvi Sayed G. , Jose Sachin
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor disorder during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of RLS and explore the associated risk factors and outcomes in Omani women in the first and third trimester and at 2-week postpartum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study included 305 pregnant women visiting four health centers in Muscat between May 2018 and October 2020. A structured questionnaire was used and data were collected through review of electronic records and face-to-face interviews. The International RLS Study Group criteria were used to diagnose RLS. Participants were interviewed during their first trimester, their third trimester, and at their 2-week postpartum visit. Results were presented as means and standard deviations or percentages, as appropriate. To assess the association between RLS and various variables, unpaired t-test or McNemar’s test were used, as appropriate.

RESULTS:

The mean age at baseline was 29.8 ± 5.28 years. The prevalence of RLS was significantly higher in the third trimester (41.0%) than in the first trimester (15.7%) and postpartum period (15.1%) (P < 0.001), although there was no significant difference in severity. Family history and personal history of RLS were the only independent correlates of RLS (P < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). No associations were noted with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes or other comorbidities, including anemia. However, there was a significant relationship between the development of RLS and weight gain during pregnancy (P = 0.023).

CONCLUSION:

One in six pregnant Omani women may be at risk of RLS during the first trimester, while one in 2–3 may be at risk in the third trimester, particularly those with a personal or family history of RLS and those who gain >12 kg during pregnancy.
Hesitancy for influenza vaccine among healthcare workers and mothers of preschool children: A cross-sectional study in Zagazig, Egypt
Authors: Hussein Yasmin H. H. , Ibrahim Mona H. , Badran Shahenda G. , Eldeeb Seham M.
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:

Vaccine hesitancy is a worldwide issue. To intensify our efforts to find a solution to this problem, we need to comprehend its magnitude and underlying causes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of influenza vaccine hesitancy and the reasons for it among healthcare workers (HCWs) and mothers of preschool children attending Zagazig Maternal and Child Healthcare (MCH) Center, Sharqia Governorate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Zagazig MCH Center involving 77 HCWs and 210 mothers of preschool children. Two validated questionnaires (one for HCWs and one for mothers of preschool children) were used to collect data on hesitancy to influenza vaccine. Data analysis perfomed using SPSS v 25.0. For quantitative variables, statistical significance was determined using t-test, whereas Chi-square test was employed for quantitative variables. Poisson regression model was used to determine the independent predictors of influenza vaccine hesitancy. P < 0.05 was used as a level of statistical significance.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of hesitancy to the influenza vaccine was 46.8% among HCWs and 54.3% among mothers of preschool children. Fear of side effects (42.9%) and doubt in the usefulness of the vaccine (42.1%) were the most frequent barriers. Hesitancy was significantly more prevalent in the negative-attitude HCWs (62.0%) than positive-attitude HCWs (18.5%). According to Poisson regression analysis, the age of the index child, the mothers’ source of information, and the frequency of vaccination were the critical indicators of influenza vaccine hesitancy in the studied mothers.

CONCLUSION:

Influenza vaccine hesitancy among the studied sample is high (46.8% among HCWs, and 54.3% among mothers of preschool children). Periodic health education campaigns to increase awareness and change the negative attitude about the influenza vaccine are recommended.
Occupational Rights Workshops: Critical Reflection, Discussion, and Collaboration with Occupational Therapists
Authors:   , Arakaki Michelle
Published: May 2022

In the summer of 2020, occupational therapy organizations condemned systemic racism and called on the profession to improve its’ practices in promoting justice and enhancing efforts in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020; World Federation of Occupational Therapists). Since then, there have been formations of DEI committees, opportunities for continuing education in justice and antiracist practice, and more discussion in the literature on how therapists could support the occupational rights of their clients. Occupational rights are “the right of all people to engage in occupations that contribute positively to their well-being and the well-being of their communities” (Hammell, 2008, p. 62). The problem is that there is a lack of discussion on how to promote occupational rights in occupational therapy practice when faced with institutional, cultural, political, personal, and interpersonal barriers in the workplace. To address this problem, this capstone looked to increase the knowledge and practice of occupational rights among occupational therapists by facilitating interacting workshops that stimulated individual and collective critical reflection, discussion, and collaboration on how to implement occupational rights into daily practice. Four sites with practicing occupational therapists, four didactic occupational therapy graduate students, and a small group of occupational therapy faculty participated in a workshop or focus group that centered the conversation around occupational rights. Each workshop and focus group received background information about occupational rights, participated in an activity and/or discussion about occupational rights, and ended the experience with group reflections and collective accountability commitments on how to continue to learn and incorporate occupational rights into practice. Results of the workshops and focus groups saw most participants understanding how occupational rights connect with other justice concepts, feeling comfortable discussing the topic with their peers, and wanting to participate in more workshops like the one they attended.