bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pH Dependent Synthesis And Characterization of Bismuth Molybdate Nanostructure for Photocatalysis Degradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Abid Huda N. , Al-keisy Amar , Ahmed Duha S. , Salih Ammar T. , Khammas Abbas
Published: September 2021

Bismuth Molybdate nanostructures were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method at varied pH (2,4,6,8, and 10) for 15 h at 180°. The results show that the pH precursor solutions have a significant impact on the morphology, phase formations and photocatalytic activity. The FESEM observations and XRD analysis, at low PH level, Bi2MoO6 nanoplates have formed while gradually convert to Bi2MoO6 spherical nanoparticle at high PH level. The optical absorption study demonstrated that Bi2MoO6 nanoplates absorbed visible light, but that there was a blue shift when compared to the cubic Bi4MoO9 structures. Photocatalytic activity revealed that nanoplates in pH = 4 sample has excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of rhodamine (RhB), methylene orange (MO) and phenol under visible- light irradiation (λ > 400 nm). The most important point is photodegradation 90% of phenol within 300 min.
Enhanced the Efficiency of Enzymatic Hydrolysis on Wheat Straw via Freeze-thawing Pretreatment
Authors: Sun Jianghong , Deng Yuanfang , Li Shaohua , Xu Wenyong , Liu Guoquan
Published: September 2021

This research was investigated to enhance the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis on wheat straw via freeze-thawing pretreatment, and to find the physicochemical structural changes after this pretreatment. Results show that, this pretreatment enhances the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of cellulose and hemicellulose, and hemicellulose is more susceptible to this pretreatment. The highest enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of cellulose and hemicellulose was 57.06% and 70.66% occurred on -80℃, 24 h and -10℃, 24 h pretreated samples, with an improvement of 2.23 and 3.13 folds of control. SEM images exhibited that transverse cracks appeared before longitudinal cracks as pretreated conditions aggravated, and holes can be found on every sample after this pretreatment. FTIR and XRD analysis implied that freeze-thawing pretreatment had effect both on the crystalline and amorphous regions, and disrupted the hydrogen bonds among them. This study provided a physical pretreatment method to improve the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis on wheat straw.
An Analysis On The Dynamic Effect of Enterprise’s Environmental Governance On Green Technology Innovation: New Explanation From The Perspective of Knowledge And Technology Transfer
Authors: Pan Xianyou , Pan Xiongfeng , Wu Xianhua , Guo Shucen
Published: September 2021

Environmental governance (EG) and green technology innovation (GTI) are important means to promote the construction of ecological civilization of all countries around the world. Past scholars focused on the impact of EG on GTI based on the static perspective usually, but ignored the impact of the dynamic development law of enterprises. This study differentiates, takes enterprise’s life cycle stage as the breakthrough point, and analyzes the dynamic effect of EG on GTI at the first time. Further, considering the important of information interaction among different enterprise in the background of collaborative innovation, this study reveals the evolution trend of enterprise’s knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) in different life cycle stage, and explains the internal mechanism of the dynamic effect mentioned above. The theoretical model finds that for enterprises in different life cycle stage, the impact of EG on GTI depends on abatement cost and innovation compensation effect two aspects. The development of enterprise’s KTT helps to strengthen the incentive effect of EG on GTI, thus causing the differentiated GTI effect among different enterprises under the restrict of EG. The empirical research results based on the micro data of Shanghai and Shenzheng A-share listed firms from 2013 to 2018 in China confirm the theoretical inference. EG has a positive role in promoting GTI, however, compared with the enterprises in growth and mature stage, the positive innovation effect does not hold for the enterprises in recession stage. The statistical results show that the enterprise’s KTT in growth and mature stage is significantly better than that of enterprises in recession. Moreover, the empirical analysis results confirm that enterprise’s KTT have a positive moderating effect on the relationship between EG and GTI. Combined with the above conclusions, this study puts forward several useful management implications for improving the designing of environmental governance system, optimizing the cooperation of GTI and the EG decision-making under the background of collaborative innovation.
Feasibility of a Saliva-Based Covid-19 Screening Program in Abu Dhabi Primary Schools
Authors: Virji Ayaz , Hamiz Aisha Al , Hajeri Omniyat Al , Shehhi Budoor Al , Memari Shammah Abdulla Ali Al , Maskari Ahlam Al , Alhajri Noora , Ali Raghib
Published: September 2021

The pandemic has forced closures of primary schools resulting in loss of learning time on a global scale. In addition to face coverings, social distancing, and hand hygiene, an efficient testing method is important to mitigate spread of COVID-19 in schools. We evaluated the feasibility of a saliva-based SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing program on 18 primary schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Qualitative results show that children 4 to 5 years had difficulty producing an adequate saliva specimen compared to those 6 to 12 years. A short training video on saliva collection beforehand helps demystify the process for students and parents alike. Informed consent was challenging and should be done beforehand by school health nurses or other medical professionals to reassure parents and maximize participation. Telephone interviews with school administrators resulted in an overall 83.3% response rate. 93% of school administrators had a positive experience with saliva testing and felt the program improved the safety of their schools. 73% of respondents supported the ongoing use of saliva testing for SARS-CoV-2 on their school campuses. On-campus saliva testing is a feasible option for primary schools to screen for COVID-19 in their student population to help keep their campuses safe and open for learning.
COX-2 siRNA Strengthens The Anti-Proliferative Effects of Acid And Bile Salts on Human Esophageal Cells And Barrett Esophageal Cells
Authors: Jiangang Shen , Nayoung Kang , Hongfang Wang , Junda Li , Li Chen , Xuefeng Bai , Ming-Song Li
Published: September 2021

Aims: Investigating the effect and mechanism of COX-2 on viability, intestinal metaplasia, and atypia of human esophageal squamous and Barrett esophageal cell lines. Methods: Human esophageal squamous and Barrett esophageal cell lines were transfected with COX-2 expression vector and COX-2 siRNA, then were treated with acid, bile salts, and a mixture of both. Cell viability, the expression of COX-2, NF-κB, CDX-2, MUC2 and BMP-4, and the morphology and microstructure of cells were observed. Results: The viability of the COX-2 over expressed cells was significantly higher than that of the control cells, while the viability of the COX-2 siRNA-treated cells was significantly lower than that of the control cells. The intestinal metaplasia and atypia were observed in cells over expressing COX-2. Acid, bile salts, and their mixture inhibited the viability of the two cell lines, but the inhibitory effect of the mixture was stronger than single treatment with either. siRNA of COX-2 strengthened the anti-proliferative effects of the mixture on Het-1A and BAR-T cells. Expression of NF-κB, CDX-2 and BMP-4 was positively correlated with COX-2 expression. Conclusion: COX-2 may influence the viability, atypia and intestinal metaplasia of human esophageal cells and Barrett esophageal cells. Activation of NF-κB, CDX-2, and BMP-4 signaling pathway by COX-2 may be part of the mechanisms.
Haploidentical Transplantation in a DNA Ligase IV Deficiency Patient: A Case Report and Review of The Literature
Authors: Zhang Zhaoxia , Hu Tao , Hu Mengze , Cui Xiaodai , Liu Rong
Published: September 2021

Background: DNA ligase IV (LIG4) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the DNA LIG4 gene. Nowadays hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT) is the most effective treatment option. Matched sibling or unrelated donor was the best choice for those patients. However, it will be a problem for LIG4 deficiency patients without proper donor as above but needed urgent transplantation because of infection or bone marrow failure. Furthermore, mixed donor chimerism after transplantation is more common in LIG4 deficiency patients because of reduced intensity conditioning(RIC) regimen. How to deal with those problems? Here we report a case which the patient received haploidentical HSCT and got complete donor chimerism after donor stem cell infusion. Results:The patient was diagnosed as LIG4 deficiency at 8-month-old. At 14 months of age, she received a T cell receptor(TCR)α/β and CD19+ B cells depleted graft from his haploidentical father, followed a RIC regimen with no additional graft versus host disease(GvHD) prophylaxis. Engraftment was as usual. However, mixed donor chimerism occurred after transplantation and viremia persisted. Cryopreserved donor cell infusion was initiated. The chimerism grew up steadily and viremia disappeared at four months post transplantation. Conclusions: This case report gives an example of successful haploidentical transplantation and donor stem cell infusion as a treatment option in a mixed donor chimerism situation after HSCT in LIG4 deficiency patients.
Whole Exon Sequencing of Primary Lesion and Liver Metastatic Lesion in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor：A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Shi Yanfen , Zhong Dingrong , Li Yuanliang , Tan Huangying , Li Zhaoqing , Luo Jie
Published: September 2021

Background: Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(p-NENs) are classified into neuroendocrine tumors (NET) G1, G2, G3, and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) according to WHO classification. NET and NEC are different pathogenesis. The two kinds of tumors that occurred in the same part have not been reported. We found 4 foci of NEN G3 in a primary pancreatic NET G2. The cell atypia was obvious with Ki67 index of 50-70%, focal necrosis, there were 12 hepatic metastatic nodules with similar morphology to NEN G3, which is difficult to identify NEC and NET G3.Case presentation: A patient with pancreatic NET was selected to perform whole exome sequencing on primary pancreatic NET G2 and liver metastatic NEN G3 paraffin tissues.NET G2 had 13 somatic mutations, while NEN G3 had 72 somatic mutations and Copy number variation in 4 genes. P.S493N point mutation of TRIOBP gene was detected in NET G2 and NEN G3. 5-fold amplification of MDM4 is found in the metastatic liver lesion.Conclusion: NET G2 and NEN G3 are closely related to TRIOBP gene. Oncogene amplification (MDM4) in liver metastases may be associated with morphological malignant transformation.
Effect of Phonophoresis On Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yang Fu-An , Chen Hung-Lun , Peng Chih-Wei , Liou Tsan-Hon , Escorpizo Reuben , Chen Hung-Chou
Published: September 2021

Phonophoresis is an alternative treatment for knee osteoarthritis. However, evidence supporting the advantages of phonophoresis remains inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to illustrate the effect of phonophoresis. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies from the date of their inception to 28 June, 2021. The eligibility criteria were: (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs); (2) patients diagnosed as having knee osteoarthritis; (3) treatment with either phonophoresis or therapeutic ultrasound with placebo gels; and (4) reporting clinical and functional outcomes. Continuous variables are expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. The analysis included nine RCTs covering a total of 423 patients. The intervention group significantly outperformed the control group in visual analog scale score [SMD = −0.65, 95% CI (−1.04, −0.25), P = 0.001], Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score [SMD = −0.71, 95% CI (−1.26, −0.16), P = 0.01], and walk test score [SMD = −0.67, 95% CI (−1.21, −0.13), P = 0.02]. As a result, phonophoresis might alleviate pain and improve function in the short term. Further high-quality, large-scale RCTs are required to confirm the benefits.
Chronic Exposure to Biomass Ambient Particulate Matter Triggers Ams Polarization and Activation in Rat Lung
Authors: Wang Shenlin , Chen Yuhua , Hong Wei , Wu Fan , Li Bing , Zhou Yumin , Ran Pixin
Published: September 2021

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which a variety of immune cells are involved; among them, the role of alveolar macrophages (AMs) remains unknown in the pathogenesis and development of COPD. We aimed to study the function of AMs from different stages of chronic biomass fuel (BMF) exposed rats, and investigate the signal pathways which regulate AMs polarization. Methods: 180 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into BMF group and clean air control (CON) group. After BMF exposure for 4 days, 1 month, and 6 months, the cytokine secretion and function of AMs were determined by flow cytometry, and further confirmed in mRNA level by qPCR, in protein level by WB and immunofluorescent assay. Bone marrow derived macrophages(BMDMs) were cultured, and PPARγ agonist, PPARγ KO lentivirus, and TGFβ1were used as the intervention in vitro. Results: We found that pro-inflammatory factors increased, while CD206 in AMs decreased remarkably at 4 days. Interestingly, pro-inflammatory macrophages shared a feature of anti-inflammatory macrophages. Consistent with IL4 upregulated in BALF, p-Stat6 and PPARγ in AMs elevated at 4 days. After BMF exposure for 6 months, CD206, TGFβ1, and p-Smad3 were significantly higher than the control groups. PPARγ reversed the M1 phenotype induced by PM, and drove the macrophages into the M2 phenotype in vitro. Conclusion: We demonstrated that the dynamic phenotype and functional change of AMs during BMF exposure, and both PPARγ and TGFβ1 were important molecules regulated AMs’ function.
Construction Of Plastic Waste Extruding Machine To Produce Filaments Of 3D Printing Machine
Authors: Sonjaya Muhammad Luthfi , Mutmainnah Mutmainnah , Hidayat Muh Farid
Published: September 2021

This paper presents design and development of plastic waste extruding machine to provide 3D printing filaments. The motivation of this research is to create a 3d printer filament from plastic waste using simple machine components. In addition, another goal is to create valuable items from plastic waste. The research process begins with design, needs analysis, machine rebuilding and electrical assembly, machine function testing, analysis of filament, and filament testing in 3D printing machine. The categories of shredded plastic material were plastic cups (polypropylene, PP) and a mixture of plastic bottles (polyethylene terepththalate, PET) and plastic cups (polypropylene, PP). The analysis of the research was the capacity of the extrusion machine, the best temperature in producing filaments based on shapes and sizes, and testing of 3D printing filaments of plastic waste which was applied to the 3D printing machine. The result showed that 190°C was the greater temperature to heat the barrel, machine capacity of each plastic waste category, and the characteristic plastic waste was almost similar compared to market filament of polylactic acid (PLA) in terms of filament size and 3D printing machine parameter.
Postural Habits and Joint and Muscle Pain of Iranian School-Aged Students Undergoing Virtual Classes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Bagherian Sajad , Baker Julien
Published: September 2021

Background
The current lifestyle, with its growing use of contemporary technologies, has resulted in changes in people's behavior, causing them to become increasingly sedentary and to develop unhealthy body habits. An essential variable determining an individual's physical and emotional well-being is posture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the postural habits and any related joint and muscle pain among school-aged students in Iran during the COVID-19 quarantine.
Methods
The present study used a cross-sectional methodology. An online survey was utilized to measure participants' postural habits and joint and muscle pain during the COVID-19 quarantine in Iran. Participants self-reported their postural habits and any joint and muscle pain during the COVID-19 epidemic. A chi-square test was used to determine the differences in the distribution of the participant responses (P < 0.05).
Results
The survey was completed by 43,660 school-aged students (15,532 boys and 28,128 girls; ages 8–17 years). The results indicated that 57% of the students reported that they did not maintain correct posture while taking virtual classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results revealed the following postural details, leaning forward (28%), leaning backward (11%) or curving (18%) during virtual classes. The majority of respondents (54%) reported feeling some joint or muscle pain while taking virtual classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The greatest pain was reported in the neck (28%), upper back (14%) and lower back (13%).
Conclusion
These findings can help inform efforts to protect and promote children's health and posture during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the reopening of schools following the quarantine period, the findings from this study indicate that screening students for health risks such as body postural status will be necessary.
Dynamical Downscaling Projections of Late 21st Century U.S. Landfalling Hurricane Activity
Authors: Knutson Thomas R , Sirutis Joseph J. , Bender Morris A. , Tuleya Robert E.
Published: September 2021

U.S. landfalling tropical cyclone (TC) activity was projected for late 21st century conditions using a two-step dynamical downscaling framework. A regional atmospheric model, run for 27 seasons, generated tropical storm cases. Each storm case was re-simulated (up to 15 days) using the higher resolution GFDL hurricane model. Thirteen CMIP3 or CMIP5 modeled climate change projections were explored as scenarios. Robustness of projections was assessed using statistical significance tests and comparing the sign of changes derived from different models. The proportion of TCs (tropical storms and hurricanes) making U.S. landfall increases for the warming scenarios (by order 50% or more). For category 1-3 hurricane frequency, a robust decrease is projected (basin-wide), but robust changes are not projected for U.S. landfalling cases. A relatively robust increase in U.S. landfalling category 4-5 hurricane frequency is projected, averaging about +400% across the models; 10 of 13 models/ensembles project an increase (statistically significant in three individual models), while three models projected no change. The most robust projections overall for U.S. landfalling TC activity are for increased near-storm rainfall rates: these increases average +18% (all tropical storms and hurricanes), +26% (all hurricanes), and +37% (major hurricanes). Landfalling hurricane wind speed intensities show no robust signal, in contrast to a ~5% increase in basin-averaged TC intensity; basin-wide Power Dissipation Index (PDI) is projected to decrease, partly due to decreased duration. TC translation speed increases a few percent in most simulations. A caveat is the framework’s low correlation of modeled U.S. TC landfalls vs. observed interannual variations (1980-2016).
Transient Tourniquet and Electro-cauterization applied for Surgery in Metacarpal Fractures Under Local Anesthesia with Epinephrine
Authors: XIE Ren-Guo
Published: September 2021

Background : The purpose of this study is to illustrate whether the electro-cauterization and transient tourniquet enhanced efficiency of local anesthesia with epinephrine in surgery of metacarpal fractures. Methods : Forty-four consecutive cases of metacarpal fractures with estimated major operative time more than 30 minutes were enrolled. Local anesthesia with epinephrine, electro-cauterization and transient tourniquet were performed. Data regarding anesthesia effect, bleeding in the surgical field (with inflating and deflating tourniquet), time when patient felt uncomfortable with tourniquet, inspection of the surgical outcome, and some other surgical tricks were collected and evaluated. Results : All patients felt no pain for whole surgical period in the surgical field. Time when patient felt uncomfortable with tourniquet was about 16 minutes. Mean tourniquet time was about 29 minutes. There was no or less bleeding in the surgical field for whole surgical period. The anatomical structures, such as nerve, tendon and vessel can be easily distinguished and dissected. Outcome of repair and reconstruction could be examined with instructed movement. Postoperative inspection showed no symptom of inflammation. Conclusions : Local anesthesia with epinephrine, electro-cauterization and transient tourniquet for major hand surgery can save time and obtain wide-awake effect, which would satisfy both doctors and patients.
miR10a Mediate Tamoxifen Resistance in ER-Positive Breast Cancer Cells Through Down-Regulation of RFPL-3/hTERT
Authors: Sun Wei , Han Wenjie , Li Aiying , Shi Youkui
Published: September 2021

Tamoxifen (TAM) is used as a first-line endocrine treatment for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers. However, some patients develop TAM resistance after treatment and the role of miRNAs in TAM resistance still unknown. qPCR assay was performed to assess the expression levels of miR10a and RFPL-3 /hTERT. Western blot analysis was used to determine RFPL-3 /hTERT levels. The direct correlation between miR10a and RFPL-3 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. CCK-8 assay and PicoGreen dsDNA quantification assay were applied to determine cell proliferation ability. In this study, we found that miR10a is downregulated in breast cancer with TAM resistance and that low expression of miR10a is associated with poor prognosis. By studying the regulatory mechanism, we found that miR10a functions as a negative regulator of RFPL-3 mRNA by binding the 3’-UTR region and disrupting the interaction between RFPL-3 and hTERT, which inhibits the proliferation of ER-positive breast cancer cells with TAM resistance. Collectively, our study findings indicate that the downregulation of miR10a activates RFPL-3/hTERT and induces tamoxifen resistance in ER-positive breast cancer cells.
The Predictive and Therapeutic Role of Complement in Gliomas
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Li Shuwang , Liu Fangkun
Published: September 2021

Background
The human complement system plays an essential role in innate immunity in the tumor microenvironment. However, the exact function of complement in gliomas progress is still ambivalent and unclear.
Methods
A total of 194 complement genes were included in our study to build a risk score model based on the CGGA database and was verified by the validation database and our sequencing data. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare survival differences between groups. CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms were applied to explore immune infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment. The biological processes and functions were identified by GO and KEGG analysis.
Results
We build a risk score model using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis based on the CGGA database and verified in the TCGA database. Patients with gliomas in the low-risk group have a better prognosis and were associated with low grade, 1p19q codeletion, IDH mutant status, MGMT promoter methylation. In addition, the low-risk group is prone to have more infiltration of CD4 naive T cells and monocytes. Patients with gliomas in the low-risk group exhibit temozolomide sensitivity. Moreover, we explored several vital pathways that were associated with complement genes in this study.
Conclusion
Complement-related gene signature can predict the malignancy and outcome of patients with gliomas and was related to temozolomide sensitivity, which might act as a promising target for gliomas therapy in the future.
Evaluation of Correlation between the Cross-sectional Area of Posterior Cervical Extensor Muscles and Cervical Sagittal Alignment in Patients with Hirayama Disease
Authors: Tian Ye , Xie Lin , Jang Jianyuan , Wang Hongli
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To assess correlation between the cross-sectional area (CSA) of posterior cervical extensor muscles (PCEMs) and the cervical sagittal alignment in Hirayama disease (HD) patients.Methods: We analyzed the MRI (Magnetic resonance imagine) T2WI and X-rays of 60 male HD patients who visited our hospital from June 2017 to February 2020. Their mean age was 18.95±1.67 years (range 16-22 years). MRI image is used to measure the CSA of cervical PCEMs. The ratio of muscle CSA to vertebral body areas (VBA) at the same level is defined as R-CSA. Cervical sagittal alignment includes C2-7 cobb angle, T1 slope, and C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA). The geometric center of the C3-6 vertebral body was determined using the line connecting the C2 inferior endplate and the C7 upper endplate. When located behind the line, it is defined as a “Local kyphotic deformity” (LKD). The number of vertebral bodies involved in kyphotic deformity was determined by Local kyphosis angle (LKA) measured. Spearman correlation analysis (α=0.05) was used to determine the relationship between R-CSA and sagittal parameters. Results: Spearman correlation test revealed that R-CSA negatively correlated with T1S (S=0.34, p=0.01) and LKA (S=0.44, p=0.01) but did not correlated with C2-C7 cobb angle (S= 0.20, p=0.12) or C2-C7 SVA (S=-0.17, p=0.46). (p＜0.05)Conclusions: In Hirayama disease, the CSA of PCEMs is related to T1s and LKA and exercising the PCEMs should be given enough attention.
Identification and Comparison of Biological Characteristics and Pathogenicity of Different Mating types of V. Dahliae Isolated from Potato and Sunflower
Authors: Liu Lin , ADDRAH MANDELA , Yuanyuan Zhang , Jia Ruifang , Zhang Jian , Zhao Jun
Published: September 2021

Potato is one of the most important staple crops in the world. China is one of the leading producers of potato, but the industry faces soilborne diseases such as Verticillium wilt. The identification and comparison of the biological characteristics and pathogenicity of different mating types of Verticillium dahliae isolated from potato and sunflower in the major planting regions in China is of great importance. This is to help unravel the sudden increase in infected fields and the V. dahliae population diversity. Molecular techniques were used to isolate and identify the V. dahliae pathogens in sunflower and potato planting materials as well as field plants. The data obtained revealed that the mating type population in sunflower was MAT1-1 and that of potato was MAT1-2, but all the samples belonged to race two. There was a significant percentage of MAT1-1 isolates present in potato, which is a new trend. We conclude that the weather conditions and the conventional crop rotation practices of farmers using sunflower and potato could be the reason for the rise in infection and mating type transfer between sunflower and potato.
Proper protein intake, adequate sleep and short screen time can promote physical growth and reduce the incidence of obesity in children aged 3~7 years
Authors: Wu Hua-Hong , Li Hui , Zong Xin-Nan , Zhang Ya-Qin
Published: September 2021

Background

With the rapid development of social economy in China, children's dietary behaviors and lifestyle has undergone great changes. Picking eating, inappropriate protein intake, inactive lifestyle may lead to children's poor physical growth. Especially for preschool children who are in the key period for the formation of dietary habits and lifestyle, early identification of problems in their diet and living habits and interventions will be the key procedure to improve the growth and health level of the whole population.
Methods

All subjects were from a cross-sectional survey in China, a total of 53172 preschool children were included. The anthropometric measurement was completed on site, and dietary behavior, physical activity, sleeping and screen time were collected by face-to-face interview using a self-made questionnaire.
Results

1)Among preschool children, 34.0% were picky eaters, the growth level of them was lower than non-picky eaters, the height SDS and weight SDS of picky eaters were 0.01 ± 1.00 and 0.10 ± 1.10, and those of non-picky eaters were 0.17 ± 1.01 and 0.17 ± 1.15. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). 2) The growth level of children with high frequency of milk and eggs intake was higher than others: the height SDS and weight SDS of children ate more than 6 eggs per week were 0.26 ± 0.99 and 0.25 ± 1.13, those who did not eat eggs were − 0.12 ± 1.02 and − 0.20 ± 1.10; the height SDS and weight SDS of children drank more than 6 bags of milk per week were 0.17 ± 1.01 and 0.14 ± 1.14, and those did not drink milk were − 0.14 ± 1.04 and − 0.21 ± 1.15. 3༉Only 12.3% of children met all sleeping, physical activity and screen time requirements in guidelines, and they have higher HtSDS and lower WtSDS. 4) Multivariate analysis showed more protein intake, inadequate sleep were risk factors of overweight and obesity, while short screen time was a protective factor.
Conclusions

Appropriate protein intake, adequate sleep and shorter screen time are associated with healthy physical growth and reduced risk of obesity and obesity in preschool children.
Perspectives of stakeholders of the free maternity services for economicaly constrained mothers in western kenya, lessons for universal health coverage
Authors: Ochieng Beverly , Kaseje Margaret , Kaseje Dan , Oria Kevin , Magadi Monica
Published: September 2021

The strategic aim of universal health coverage (UHC) is to ensure that everyone can use health services they need without risk of financial impoverishment. Linda mama (Taking care of the mother) initiative focuses on the most vulnerable women, newborns and infants in offering free health services. Financial risk protection is one element in the package of measures that provides overall social protection, as well as protection against severe financial difficulties in the event of pregnancy, childbirth, neonatal and perinatal health care for mothers and their children. Purpose of study was to find out the extent of awareness, and involvement among managers, service providers and consumers of “Linda mama” supported services and benefits of the initiative from the perspectives of consumers, providers and managers Methods We carried out cross sectional study in four sub counties in western Kenya: Rachuonyo East, Nyando, Nyakach, and Alego Usonga. We used qualitative techniques to collect data from purposively selected knowledge rich individuals, managers, service providers and service consumers. Findings From the perspectives of managers, service providers and consumers of the “Linda Mama” scheme emerge concepts, principles and pathways of successful health interventions. Managers and service providers were well aware of the initiative and were involved in it. Participation in “Linda Mama” seemed to be more prominent among managers and service providers. Routine household visits by community health volunteers to sensitize mothers and community engagement was core to the initiative. The managers and providers of services displayed profound awareness of how requiring identification cards and telephone numbers had the potential to undermine equity by excluding those in greater need of care such as under-age pregnant adolescents.Maternity and mother child health services improved as a result of the funds received by health facilities. “Linda Mama” reimbursements helped to purchase drug and reduced workload in the facility by hiring extra hands. Conclusion The initiative seems to have influenced attitudes on health facility delivery through: Partnership among key stakeholders and highlighting the need for enhanced partnership with the communities. It enhanced the capacity of health facilities to deliver high quality comprehensive, essential care package and easing economic burden.
Complete Teager Energy Operator: A Novel Method for Enhancing Micro-impact Signal
Authors: Dong Xu , li huipeng
Published: September 2021

The output of conventional Teager energy operator (TEO) is approximately equal to the square product of the instantaneous amplitude and the instantaneous frequency ( A 2 Ω 2 ). The original TEO can effectively enhance the transient shock components and suppress the non-impacting elements, and it also changes the frequency distribution of the original shock. In this paper, a complete Teager energy operator is proposed, and its expression is more exact than original method. By keeping the positive and negative distribution of the shock signal x ( t ), the fundamental frequency energy of the impulses can be effectively enhanced. The incipient fault characteristics of large-scale rotating machinery are typically micro shock pulse, extremely weak and mixed with heavy noise. Preprocessing the fault signal and enhancing the micro shock component are essential means to extract the early fault features. In the experiment part, the applicability of the proposed method is verified by the simulated micro impact signal, the common bearing fault data-sets and the practical measured data of the test bench.
An Investigation on The Role of In-between Spaces in Iranian Traditional Houses as an Architectural Heritage: The Case of Kashan Houses
Authors: Havashemi Abbas , Peysokhan Mina , Aminnayeri Behnaz , Oanahi Siamak
Published: September 2021

In-between spaces have the duty of separating other space by putting a distance between them, facilitating spatial identification and specification along with creating consequent spaces which gradually lead passers from public environment to more private sections. Designing such spaces was considered a necessity with significant importance in the architecture of Iranian Traditional Housing. Therefore, regarding the importance of the issue under study, the goal is to discover strategies applied in Iranian Traditional Houses by benefiting from the data gathered through a survey carried out on 50 respondents and technicians in the field of Iranian Traditional Architecture. To do so, EFA was utilized to specify factors creating by in between spaces in traditional houses. The result revealed that elements of continuity, hierarchy and spatial organization are the most evident factors in the architect of Iranian Traditional Houses and as the statistic showed that the highest level variance belonged to spatial organization.
Reactive Oxygen Spices Scavenging Behavior of Selenium Upon Vinyl Chloride Interaction With Hemoglobin
Authors: Oushani Negar Hajimohammadi , Valipour Masoumeh , Maghami Parvaneh
Published: September 2021

BackgroundVinyl chloride (VC) a colorless gas with a pleasant odor that is capable of entering the body through oral or inhalation routes. Extensive studies on this compound indicated that it is a carcinogen, and Vinyl chloride exposure can result in a specific type of cancer in VC workers. Whereas hemoglobin plays a vital role in oxygen transfer throughout the body, the effect of VC on human hemoglobin has not been studied in a molecular aspect. Furthermore, selenium as an antioxidant is a vital factor for the health of humans and animals. Therefore, the effect of the antioxidant capability of selenium on the interaction between vinyl chloride and hemoglobin was studied.MethodsThe effect of the antioxidant capability of selenium on the interaction between VC and hemoglobin was investigated by different spectroscopy methods such as UV-visible, Fourier-transform infrared, chemiluminescence, and fluorescence spectroscopies and molecular dockingResultsThe results indicated the destruction of hemoglobin structure in the presence of different concentrations of vinyl chloride, but in the presence of selenium, the damaging effect of VC on hemoglobin structure was decreased, relying on its antioxidant capability results.ConclusionsAccording to our findings, vinyl chloride destroyed hemoglobin structure utilizing ROS production, and the presence of selenium as an antioxidant inhibits the destroying effect of vinyl chloride on hemoglobin
Effectiveness of task-sharing in providing comprehensive long-acting reversible contraceptives through Level IV health extension workers in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Teklu Alula , Seid Awol , Mormu Kassahun , Demlew Tesfa , Tekle Ephrem , Assefa Berhane , Alem Simegnew , Medhin Girmay , Delele Kesetebirhan , Tesfay Teklemichael G.
Published: September 2021

Background: Modern family planning uptake in Ethiopia, primarily short-acting injectables, has increased after the engagement of community health extension workers (HEWs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using Level IV health extension workers to deliver long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) at the community level. Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was used to recruit 710 women who received LARC insertion services at pilot health posts within eight months before survey time. The interviewer administered a data collection tool to collect the required data through a house-to-house survey. The questionnaire had sections covering demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, reproductive history, use of family planning methods, knowledge about LARC methods (i.e., IUCD and Implanon), and service satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Chi-square test was used to identify the determinants of LARC use. Results: Out of 702 LARC users included in the study, 92.7% received services from Level IV HEWs. The median age of clients was 30 years (IQR: 25–35), 92.7% were married, and 22.6% were new family planning users (75% Implanon users and 19.4% Jaddelle users). Of the aggregated variables, 67.38% had good knowledge of LARC, 92.28% had positive attitudes in availing services at health posts, and 92.76% was the satisfaction score of clients. New users tended to be young, Muslim, less likely to want more children, and more likely to decide on contraception on their own. At eight months post insertion, LARC use was effective in preventing pregnancy (99.7%) with low removal (n = 36, 5.1%) and expulsion rates (n = 1, 0.1%). No infection was reported. The major reasons for removal were side effects and the desire to have children. Client knowledge, attitude, and satisfaction were found to be high. In conclusion, trained Level IV HEWs provided LARCs safely and effectively at the health post level as an alternative service delivery outlet.
Effect of Web-based Clinical Decision Support Systems on Adherence to Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis guideline among ICU Nonsurgical Patients: A Prospective Before and After Study
Authors: Karajizadeh Mehrdad , Zand Farid , Sharifian Roxana , Vazin Afsaneh , Bayati Najmeh
Published: September 2021

Background and objective: There is a gap between expert recommendations and clinical practice in (Venous Thromboembolism) VTE prophylaxis among nonsurgical patients worldwide. Rate of adherence to evidence-based practice is inadequate in the nonsurgical population. Therefore, this study aimed to determine The effect of Clinical Decision Support Systems(CDSS) on the use of the appropriate VTE Prophylaxis in Nonsurgical Patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study (pre and post-implementation CDSS for recommendation VTE prophylaxis order set) to analyze the effect of the CDSS within CPOE on the appropriate VTE prophylaxis in three ICUs of the Nemazee hospital (before intervention from 20 April 2020, to 21 November 2020 and post-intervention duration form 7 April 2021, to 9 July 2021). The pre-intervention and post-intervention phase samples comprised 175 and 27 patients, respectively. P-value is less than 0.05 was considered a significant level. All statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 24.Results: Adherence to VTE prophylaxis guidelines after introduced CDSS for recommendation VTE prophylaxis within CPOE system in nonsurgical patients in ICUs increase from 48.6% to 77.8% (p-value<01). However, mortality rate (pre-intervention 13.80% vs post-intervention 14.80%(p-value=0.88)) and means of length of stay (pre-intervention 13.66 vs post intervention13.63(p-value=0.49)) in ICU have not significantly change after introduced CDSS for recommendation VTE prophylaxis order sets.Conclusion: The results indicate that the CDSS for recommendation VTE prophylaxis within CPOE improves adherence to VTE prophylaxis in nonsurgical patients at ICUs, which assist provider to select the most tailored VTE prophylaxis. Further study needs to evaluate implemented CDSS for recommendation VTE prophylaxis in nonsurgical patients at a province and national level.
Early Palliative Referral Reduces the Odds of Receiving Chemotherapy During the Last 30 Days of Life, a Single Center Experience From Windsor Essex, Ontario, Canada.
Authors: Woldie Indryas , Elfiki Tarek , Kulkarni Swati , Springer Colvin , McArthur Eric , Freeman Nicole
Published: September 2021

Background: Chemotherapy use closer to the end of life is becoming an important issue in cancer care. There are now multiple studies and local reviews addressing this issue. Understanding the practice locally will give valuable insight and opportunity for improvement.Methods: The study is a retrospective chart review of patients on chemotherapy at the Windsor Regional Cancer Center who died between April 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2018. Information on demographics, type of cancer, type, intent and route of chemotherapy, line of chemotherapy, referral to hospice and palliative care services was collected.Results: A total of 681 patients on chemotherapy died between April 1st, 2016 to Dec 13th, 2018. Of these, 119 (17.4 %) passed away within 30 days following chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was parenteral (Intravenous and Subcutaneous) for the majority (75.2%) of the patients. Most (66.4%) of the patients died of disease progression. Intent for chemotherapy was palliative in 85% of patients, adjuvant/neoadjuvant in 6.6% and curative in 8.4% of the patients. Chemotherapy was 1st, 2nd, 3rd line or more in 67.4%, 21.3% and 11.3% of the patients respectively. The type of chemotherapy was conventional in 74.3% of patients and targeted/immunotherapy in 25.7% of patients.Of the variables studied, lack of palliative referral and having lung cancer or melanoma were significantly associated with higher risk of getting chemotherapy within the last four weeks of life. The odds of getting chemotherapy in within the last four weeks of life is 0.35, 95% CI (0.24-0.53), P <0.001 for those who were referred to palliative care. On the other hand, the odds of getting chemotherapy was 4.18, 95% CI (1.17-13.71), P = 0.037 and 2.21, 95% CI (1.24-4.01), P = 0.037 for those with melanoma and lung cancer respectively.Conclusion: Administration of chemotherapy within the last 30 days of life could cause unnecessary suffering to patients and cost to society. Early referral to palliative care was significantly associated with reduced risk of getting chemotherapy within the last 30 days of life in this study. Prospective study is recommended to further investigate the role of early palliative referral on use of chemotherapy during the last 30 days of life.
A Multi-Objective Mathematical Model for Real-Time Employee Assignment in the Service Industry
Authors: Budak Gercek , Chen Xin
Published: September 2021

The American economy has shifted toward services since the 1980s. The service industry is an important part of economy and is growing quickly in the last three decades. It is more human-capital intensive than the manufacturing sector and there is a shortage of highly-skilled workforce. One solution to this problem is to improve the efficiency through optimization. Because demand in the service industry changes constantly, it is a great challenge to determine the number of employees and their tasks to improve customer service while reducing cost. This article develops a multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model to dynamically assign employees to different workstations in real time. A case study of the model is solved in less than one second and its pareto optimal solutions determine the number of employees who are assigned to each workstation and the expected customer service times. The mathematical model is robust and provides optimal employee assignment and service rates for workstations in many situations.
β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutrate (HMB) Supplementation and Functional Outcomes in Multi-trauma Patients: A Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomised Clinical Trial (BOOST trial)
Authors: Wittholz Kym , Fetterplace Kate , Abdelhamid Yasmine Ali , Presneill Jeffery J , Beach Lisa , Thomson Benjamin , Read David , Koopman René , Deane Adam M
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThere are no therapies proven to diminish the muscle wasting that occurs in patients after major trauma who are admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutrate (HMB) is a nutrition intervention that may attenuate muscle loss and, thereby, improve recovery. The primary aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of a blinded randomised clinical trial of HMB supplementation to patients after major trauma who are admitted to the ICU. Secondary aims are to establish estimates for the impact of HMB when compared to placebo on muscle mass and nutrition-related patient outcomes.MethodsThis prospective, single centre, blinded, randomised, placebo controlled, parallel group, feasibility trial with allocation concealment will recruit 50 participants over 18 months. After informed consent, participants will be randomised [1:1] to receive either the intervention (three grams of HMB dissolved in either 150ml of orange juice for those allowed oral intake or 150ml of water for those being enterally fed) or placebo (150ml of orange juice for those allowed oral intake or 150ml of water for those being enterally fed). The intervention will be commenced in ICU, continued after ICU discharge and ceased at hospital discharge or day 28 post randomization, whichever occurs first. The primary outcome is the feasibility of administering the intervention. Secondary outcomes include change in muscle thickness using ultrasound, and other nutritional and patient-centred outcomes. DiscussionThis study aims to determine the feasibility of administering HMB to critically ill multi-trauma patients throughout ICU admission until hospital discharge. Results will inform design of a larger randomised clinical trial. Trial registrationThe protocol is registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ANZCTR: 12620001305910, registered 02/12/2020 https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380744&isReview=true. UTN: U1111-1259-5534