bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Mikania Sesquiterpene Lactones on Soil Microbes
Authors: Yu Hanxia , Roux Johannes J. Le , Zhao Mengxin , Li Weihua
Published: February 2021

Background and aims Allelopathy is frequently invoked as being important for successful invasion by non-native plants. Yet, the effects of specific phytochemicals of invasive plants on soil microbes remain unexplored. Methods Here we used manipulative experiments and next generation sequencing (NGS) approaches to investigate how the sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) of invasive Mikania micrantha influence soil microbial communities and nutrients.Results We found Mikania STLs to significantly increase the regulation of soil microbial activity (i.e. increased CO2 concentrations). Using the specific STL, dihydromikanolide, we found available soil nutrients to increase in the presence of this phytochemical and that bacterial richness increased while fungal richness decreased. The presence of dihydromikanolide also increased the abundance of beneficial soil bacteria and fungi associated with nutrient cycling and supply, while simultaneously lowering pathogen abundance. Clustering analysis found bacterial functional groups, such as those involved in carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur metabolism, to be similar in experimentally-treated dihydromikanolide soils and Mikania-invaded soils collected from the field, but significantly higher than those in uninvaded soils. This suggests that M. micrantha can enhance certain bacterial functional groups via its phytochemicals. Soil fungi, on the other hand, appeared to be less sensitive to dihydromikanolide than bacteria. Conclusions We conclude Mikania STLs, and in particular dihydromikanolide, may be key factors in determining soil microbial structure and function and may contribute to the invasion success of the species. Our findings provided a new perspective for understanding the effects of invasive plants on soil microbial communities via their impacts through phytochemicals.
Effectiveness and Safety of Apixaban in Japanese Elderly Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Extremely Low Body Weight
Authors: Kadosaka Takahide , Nagai Toshiyuki , Suzuki Shinya , Sakuma Ichiro , Akao Masaharu , Yamashita Takeshi , Okumura Ken , Anzai Toshihisa
Published: February 2021

Purpose
Although direct oral anticoagulants are effective and safe in preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with low body weight, data remain limited in AF patients with extremely low body weight (< 50 kg). We aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of apixaban in this category of patients.
Methods
The J-ELD AF Registry is a large-scale, multicenter prospective observational study of Japanese non-valvular AF patients aged ≥ 75 years taking on-label doses of apixaban. The entire cohort (3,025 patients from 110 institutions) was divided into three body weight subgroups: >60 kg (n = 1,019, 33.7 %), 50–60 kg (n = 1,126, 37.2 %), and < 50 kg (n = 880, 29.1%).
Results
The event incidence rates (/100 person-years) were 1.69, 1.82 and 1.23 for stroke or systemic embolism (P = 0.60); 1.37, 1.73 and 2.73 for bleeding requiring hospitalization (P = 0.154); 2.02, 2.67 and 4.92 for total death (P = 0.003); and 0.73, 0.95 and 1.23 for cardiovascular death (P = 0.57), respectively. After adjusting for confounders by Cox regression analysis, body weight < 50 kg was an independent risk for total death but not for stroke or systemic embolism, bleeding requiring hospitalization or cardiovascular death.
Conclusions
The incidence of events in each body weight group was comparable for stroke or systemic embolism, bleeding requiring hospitalization, and cardiovascular death, and significantly higher for total death in the body weight < 50 kg group in Japanese non-valvular AF patients aged ≥ 75 years taking on-label doses of apixaban.
Dielectric relaxation in amorphous and crystalline Sb2Te3 thin films
Authors: Kononov Aleksei , Castro Rene Alejandro , Saito Yuta , Fons Paul , Bordovsky Gennady , Anisimova Nadezhda , Kolobov Alexandr
Published: February 2021

Sb2Te3 is an end-point of the GeTe-Sb2Te3 quasibinary tie-line that represents phase-change alloys widely used in optical and non-volatile phase-change memory devices. In the crystalline form it is also a prototypical topological insulator with a layered structure where covalently bonded quintuple layers are held together by weak van der Waals forces. One of the ways to fabricate a crystalline phase is solid-state crystallisation of an amorphous film, whereby the three-dimensional (3D) structure relaxes to the two-dimensional (2D) crystalline phase. The mechanism of the 3D-2D transformation remains unclear. In this work, we performed a study of relaxation processes in thin Sb2Te3 films in both amorphous and crystalline phases. We found that both phases possess two kinds of relaxators (type I and type II), where the type I fragments are identical in the two phases, while the relaxation of type II fragments are shifted to lower temperature in the amorphous phases. The activation energies of the associated relaxation processes and the values of the Havriliak-Negami parameters were determined. The differences between the relaxation processes in the two phases are discussed. The obtained result will contribute to better understanding of the 3D-2D transformation during the crystallisation of van der Waals solids.
Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Protect Neurons by Inhibiting Microglial Inflammation
Authors: Yan Ke , Bian Jia-rong , He Liang , Song Bing-wei , Dong Lun , He Jia-wei , Shen Lin-hai , Zhou Xin-zhi , Zhen Yong
Published: February 2021

Microglia are considered neurotoxic when activated. Regulating microglial activity during inflammatory stress is an important aspect in treating many central nervous system (CNS) diseases because microglia produce various substances that affect neurons and glial cells. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) have been shown to have a therapeutic effect following neuronal damage, which is attributed to the fact that ADSCs can differentiate into neurons or produce neurotrophic factors. However, whether ADSCs play a therapeutic role by affecting microglial activity is unclear. In this study, microglia were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to trigger an inflammatory response, and these activated microglia were co-cultured either directly with ADSCs or in ADSCs-conditioned media (ADSCs-CM). ADSCs or ADSCs-CM significantly inhibited not only microglia migration and phagocytosis but also the secretion of proinflammatory factors by microglia. Furthermore, primary hippocampal neurons were cultured with activated microglia in a Transwell co-culture system, and ADSCs or ADSCs-CM were added to investigate whether ADSCs could influence neuronal apoptosis. ADSCs could significantly inhibit neuronal apoptosis in the inflammatory state. The experimental results provided evidence that ADSCs might control microglial activation by producing different substances, indicating that ADSCs can be effective therapeutic strategies for treating diseases associated with microglial inflammation.
A new constructed wetland combined with microbial desalination cell and its application
Authors: Zhao zhimiao , Mengqi Cheng , Yanan Li , Xinshan Song , Yuhui Wang , Zhang Yinjiang
Published: February 2021

Wastewater recycling can alleviate the shortage of water resources. Saline water is seldom treated with biological processes and the recycling utilization is low. Constructed wetland (CW) is a safe and economical ecological water treatment. However, the saline water treatment performance of CW is not good. Microbial desalination cell (MDC) utilizing the bioelectro-chemical principle achieves the functions of desalination and power generation. In this study, MDC was used to strengthen CW to form a composite system, MDC-CW, through optimizing design parameters. MDC-CW was applied in the treatment of salt-containing water. The average total nitrogen removal rate in MDC-CW-P1 reached 87.33% and the average COD removal rate was 92.79%. The average desalination rate of MDC-CW-P1 was 55.78% and the average voltage of MDC-CW-P1 reached 0.40 mV. It was found that planting canna indica in the MDC-CW was conducive to the functions of desalination and power generation. The above results were also verified by the microbial testing results of gravels in substrate, plant rhizosphere and electrodes. In addition, the decontamination of the device mainly depended on the functions of the bacteria commonly used in water treatment, such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, whereas the generation of power depended on the function of Geobacter. Salt ions moved spontaneously to the cathode and anode under the premise of current generation, so that the desalination function was realized under the selective isolation function of exchange membranes. The device design and laboratory application of MDC-CW experimentally accomplished the electrochemical technology and enlarged the treatment scale of CW.
Chronic effects of different neuromuscular training on hemodynamic responses estimated vo2max and walking performance in the elderly
Authors: Scartoni Fabiana Rodrigues , Sant’Ana Leandro Oliveira , Vianna Jeferson Macedo , Machado Sérgio , Dantas Estélio Henrique Martin , Budde Henning
Published: February 2021

Resistance training is an excellent intervention for obtaining different physiological improvements in the elderly. The present study aimed to investigate the chronic effects of different neuromuscular training on cardiovascular, cardiorespiratory, and walking performance responses in the elderly. One hundred five people (64 women and 41 men) participated in the study, physically active, all over 60 years old. They were randomized to compose three groups: Strength Group, (n = 35), Resistance Group (n = 35), and Control Group, (n = 35). Both experimental groups (Strength Group and resistance group) performed four weeks of adaptation and 12 weeks of specific training. The Strength Group and the resistance group did four weeks adaptation phase and 12 weeks intervention load with 70-85% and 50-70%, respectively. The same exercise program was used in the experimental groups, using the alternating method by segment with the bench press, squat, one-sided curved stroke, leg extension, biceps curl, knee flexion, Triceps forehead. Both strength and resistance groups carried out two weekly sessions with an interval of at least 48 and a maximum of 72 hours. A pre and post-evaluation of resting heart rate (HR), blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), rate pressure product (RPP) was performed, and oxygen absorption (VO2max) and walking performance were estimated through the 1600 test meters. In systolic pressure, there was an improvement for the Strength Group (p=0.007) but not for the resistance group (p=0.172) and control group (p=0.999). Between groups, differences were observed between the Strength Group with the control group (p <0.0001). For diastolic pressure, there was a difference for the Strength Group (p=0.000) and not for the resistance group (p=0.916) and the control group (p=0.107). in an inter-group comparison, differences were observed for the Strength Group (p<0.0001) and resistance group (p=0.001) when compared with the control group. For heart hate and double product, in the intra-group analysis, no difference was observed (p>0.05), but in the intergroup, for both variables, the difference was observed for the Strength Group and resistance group when compared with the control group (p<0.0001). Concerning VO2max, the resistance group presents better intra and inter-group results (p<0.05). In walking performance, there were improvements for the Strength Group (p=0.027) and resistance group (p<0.0001). among the groups, the resistance group was the best compared to the Strength Group (p=0.000) and the control group (p<0.0001). Conclusion resistance training can be a great strategy for hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory improvement in the elderly.
AFibNet: An Implementation of Atrial Fibrillation Detection With Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Tutuko Bambang , Nurmaini Siti , Tondas Alexander Edo , Rachmatullah Muhammad Naufal , Darmawahyuni Annisa , Esafri Ria , Firdaus Firdaus , Sapitri Ade Iriani
Published: February 2021

Background: Generalization model capacity of deep learning (DL) approach for atrial fibrillation (AF) detection remains lacking. It can be seen from previous researches, the DL model formation used only a single frequency sampling of the specific device. Besides, each electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition dataset produces a different length and sampling frequency to ensure sufficient precision of the R-R intervals to determine the Heart Rate Variability (HRV). An accurate HRV is the gold standard for predicting the AF condition. Hence, we propose a DL approach to analyze massive amounts of ECG raw data in a broad range of devices to overcome a current challenge.Results: This paper demonstrates powerful results for end-to-end implementation of AF detection based on a convolutional neural network (AFibNet). The method used a single learning system without considering the variety of signal lengths and frequency samplings. For implementation, the AFibNet is processed with a computational cloud-based DL approach. This study utilized a one-dimension convolutional neural networks (1D-CNNs) model for 11,842 subjects. It was trained and validated with 8,232 records based on three datasets and tested with 3,610 records based on eight datasets. The predicted results, when compared with the diagnosis results indicated by human practitioners, showed a 99.80% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. When tested with unseen data, the AF detection reaches 98.94% accuracy, 98.97% sensitivity, and 98.97% specificity in 0.02 seconds for one instance when processed in theDL-Cloud System.Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the proposed model approach can used in a broad range of devices and validated to unknown data to derive feature maps and reliably detect the AF periods. We have found that our cloud-DL system is suitable for practical deployment.
Multi-class Classification Method of Support Vector Machine Based on Error Correction Coding
Authors: Junfei Li , Longhai Zhao
Published: February 2021

In the space radiation environment, there will be many errors in the multi-classification results of support vector machine which caused by single event flipping , the ability of correcting classification errors through error correction coding is studied in this paper, results of simulation confirm that error correction coding can increase the accuracy ,which is beneficial for anti-single event flip.
Identification of novel candidate CD8+ T cell epitopes of the SARS-CoV2 with homology to other seasonal coronaviruses
Authors: Pushpakumara Pradeep , Madusanka Deshan , Danasekara Saubhagyagya , Jeewandara Chandima , Ogg Graham , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: February 2021

Background
Individuals who have not been exposed to the SARS-CoV2 virus have been shown to have T cells that respond to the virus, possibly due to the presence of cross-reactive T cell responses to other seasonal human coronaviruses (HCoVs). Such cross-reactive T cell immunity may lead to immunopathology or protection.
Results
To understand the influence of such cross-reactive T cell responses, we used IEDB (Immune epitope database) and NetMHCpan (ver. 4.1) to identify candidate CD8 + T cell epitopes, restricted through HLA-A and B alleles, which are seen in a frequency of > 10% in the Sri Lankan population. Conservation analysis was carried out for these candidate epitopes with the HCoVs, OC43, HKU1, NL63 and with the current circulating different variants of SARS-CoV2. 12/18 the candidate CD8 + T cell epitopes (binding score of ≥ 0.90), which had a high degree of homology (> 75%) with the other three HCoVs were within the NSP12 and NSP13 proteins. They were predicted to be restricted through HLA-A*2402, HLA-A*201, HLA-A*206 and HLA-B alleles B*3501. 31 candidate CD8 + T cell epitopes that were specific to SARS-CoV2 virus (< 25% homology with other HCoVs) were predominantly identified within the structural proteins (spike, envelop, membrane and nucleocapsid) and the NSP1, NSP2 and NSP3. They were predominantly restricted through HLA-B*3501 (6/31), HLA-B*4001 (6/31), HLA-B*4403(7/31) and HLA-A*2402 (8/31). The candidate CD8 + T cell epitopes that were homologous or were specific, with a binding score of ≥ 0.90, were found to be highly conserved within the SARS-CoV2 variants identified so far.
Conclusions
It would be crucial to understand T cell responses that associate with protection and the differences in the functionality and phenotype of epitope specific T cell responses, presented through different HLA alleles common in different geographical groups in order to understand disease pathogenesis.
Effect of the Cavus and Planus Foot on Biomechanics Aspect of the Plantar Pressure in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Barsotti Carlos Eduardo Gonçalves , Tostes Gustavo Alves , Andrande Rodrigo Mantelatto , Schmidt Ariane Verttú , Torini Alexandre Penna , Ribeiro Ana Paula
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To verify the effect of cavus and planus feet on plantar pressure during static posture in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods: Cross-sectional study. Sixty adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) were evaluated and divided into three groups: normal foot (n=20), cavus foot (n=20), and planus foot (n=20). The scoliosis was confirmed by a spine X-ray exam (Cobb angle). The plantar arch index (AI) was calculated from the ratio between the midfoot area and the total area of the foot. Distribution plantar pressure data was collected using a plantar pressure system. The contact area, maximum force, and peak pressure were acquired over areas: forefoot, midfoot, and lateral and medial rearfoot. Results: The Cobb angle of the AIS of the major curves averaged 33.7°±10.7°, the mean TK was 32.6°±6.7°, and the mean LL was 31.4°±8.3°. AIS with cavus feet showed a reduction in contact area and peak pressure on the midfoot and lateral rearfoot when compared to planus and normal feet, as well as maximum force on the midfoot and rearfoot (medial and lateral). Planus feet showed increased peak pressure and maximum force on the midfoot when compared to cavus and normal feet. Another observation was that planus feet also promoted an increase in peak pressure and maximum force on rearfoot in relation to cavus feet. Conclusions: Foot posture influences plantar pressure of patients with AIS. Cavus feet decrease the plantar load on the midfoot and rearfoot while planus feet increased plantar pressure in these regions. Level of evidence: III
Diverse Biotransformation of Sulfur in Antarctic Lake Sediments
Authors: Shen Lili , Huang Tao , Chen Yuanqing , Chu Zhuding , Xie Zhouqing
Published: February 2021

Microbial communities, sulfur isotope of sulfides (δ34SAVS and δ34SCRS) and sulfur and oxygen isotopes of sulfate (δ34SSO4 and δ18OSO4) in sediments were analyzed to study the biotransformation of sulfur in a penguin-affected lake Y2 and a pristine YO from Fildes Peninsula, Antarctic Peninsula. The microbial communities in Y2 were mainly associated with penguin activities, while those in YO were limited by nutrients. The much enriched δ34SSO4 recorded at depth of 30, 41 and 52 cm in Y2 indicates very strong sulfate reduction therein. The sulfur-degrading bacteria Pseudomonas in 0–23 cm of Y2 was 3.5 times as abundant as that of sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB), indicating remarkable remineralization of organic sulfur. While abundant SOB and 34S-depleted sulfate indicate considerable sulfur oxidation in 34–56 cm layer in Y2. In YO sediments, the highest abundance of Desulfotalea and the most enriched δ34SSO4 (35.2‰) and δ34SCRS (2.5‰) indicate strongest sulfate reduction in 28 cm layer. High abundance of Pseudomonas indicates active remineralization of organic sulfur in 3–5 cm layer in YO. While the medium δ34SSO4 and considerable abundance of SOB and SRB indicate concurrence of sulfur oxidation and sulfate reduction in other layers in YO. Our results show that high level of organic matter inputs from penguin populations support the diverse microbial community and biotransformation of sulfur in freshwater ecosystems in Antarctica.
Integrating a Clinical Pharmacist into a Multidisciplinary Pain Center: Feedback and Perspectives
Authors: BOURSIER Amélie , Ferret Laurie , Fulcrand Julie , Heiremans Julie Delvoye - , Charpentier Pascal , Dujardin Laure , Lemaire Antoine
Published: February 2021

Background:In January 2017, two clinical pharmacists joined our institution’s multidisciplinary pain center care team. They help optimize management of chronic pain patients. The purpose of this study is to present and discuss an innovative model of clinical pharmacy development in France.Method:A retrospective study for the period January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019 was conducted.The care team evaluated the clinical pharmacy service using a satisfaction questionnaire.The outcome measures were the type of activities, number of interventions and healthcare team satisfaction.Results:During this period, the clinical pharmacists intervened 1839 times. Conventional clinical pharmacy activities do not represent the majority of solicitations, which shows the advantage of both adapting the activities deployed to the expectations of care teams and expanding care packages to those needs.Pharmaceutical advice was the main activity, mostly given to physicians (55%) and patients (35%).They consisted in contributing to the choice of drug strategy, explaining the treatment, adjusting a dosage, and improving relations between hospital and community caregivers.The feedback forms showed that caregivers believe that clinical pharmacy has positive impacts on patient care and healthcare team quality of life. Conclusion:The numerous requests for clinical pharmacist interventions show the care team’s significant interest in this new activity. Clinical pharmacy has shown its added value in patient quality of care and helps optimize the patient's care pathway by decompartmentalizing hospital and community medicine.This clinical pharmacy development model is innovative in France, as pharmacists are full members of the care team. Specific activities were set up progressively according to the care team’s needs. Caregivers’ expectations and requests made in clinical pharmacy progressed over time to more specialized activities. Assessment of team satisfaction showed that this model was very well accepted by caregivers and highlights the relevance of adapting and specializing clinical pharmacy development to the care team’s needs.
Living Particulate Fluxes in Throughfall and Stemflow During a Pollen Event
Authors: Guidone Michele , Gordan D. Alex R. , Stan John Toland Van
Published: February 2021

Pollen shedding can produce rapid, abundant exchanges of nutrient-rich biomass 9 from plant canopies to the surface. When pollen deposits onto understory plants, it can be 10 washed off during storms via throughfall (a drip flux) and stemflow (a flux down plant stems). 11 Pollen deposition may also alter the organismal community on plant surfaces, changing other 12 biological particulates transported by throughfall and stemflow. We report concentrations and 13 fluxes of pollen and other biological particulates (flagellate cells, nematodes, rotifers, mites and 14 hexapodans) in throughfall and stemflow from an understory forb, Eupatorium capillifolium 15 (Lam. dogfennel), during a Pinus palustris (Mill. longleaf pine) pollen shedding event, then 16 compare these results to observations collected when pollen was absent. Pollen flux was 95.6 x 17 106 grains ha-1 season-1 from dogfennel canopies (63% and 37% transported by throughfall and 18 stemflow, respectively), representing 0.1-3.2 g ha-1. Median concentrations in flagellates, 19 nematodes and rotifers for throughfall and stemflow were higher during pollen shedding; 20 however, mites and hexapodan concentrations were similar regardless of pollen presence. This 21 is the first report of flagellate and hexapodan concentrations in canopy drainage waters. 22 Flagellate concentrations were higher than for other organisms—being similar to those 23 reported for streams, 105-107 cells L-1—and hexapodan fluxes were ~50 individuals m-2 per 1 cm 24 of rainfall. These results indicate that throughfall and stemflow can (i) transport ecologically 25 relevant amounts of pollen and organisms from the phyllosphere to the surface, and (ii) that 26 the composition and flux of biological particulates can change markedly during pollen shedding.
Preparation of Silica Gel Obtained From Early Cretaceous Sidi Aich Sands (Central Tunisia)
Authors: Lazaar Khalil , Pullar Robert , Hajjaji Walid , Jamoussi Fakher
Published: February 2021

The study describes the chemical–mineralogical characterization of Barremian sand deposits. These Sidi Aich sands were collected in central Tunisia. The collected raw silica sand from the Jebel Meloussi (central Tunisia) was characterised by different techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction showed a predominance of quartz and potassic feldspars and lower amounts of kaolinite and calcite. The obtained silica gels had pore diameters over 20 Å and specific surface areas up to 183 m2/g, close to those reported for commercial silica gel materials. The N2 adsorption isotherms have shown that new materials synthesised from Tunisian silica sands are mesoporous materials with high chemi-physical adsorption capabilities.
Prevalence and Recurrence Rates of Cytomegalovirus Infection among Patients with Hematological Diseases of the Brazilian Western Amazon
Authors: Silva Jean Melo , Pinheiro-Silva Renato , Oliveira Regiane Costa de , Alves Carlos Eduardo De Castro , Barbosa Anderson Nogueira , Pontes Gemilson
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a worldwide distributed pathogen that may cause serious complications in patients with hematological diseases. This study aimed to serologically characterize the CMV infection in patients suffering from hematological diseases in Amazonas, Brazil.
Methods: Serum samples from 323 patients were tested for the presence of anti-CMV IgM or IgG antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positive samples for IgM were submitted to the IgG avidity test to differentiate primary infection from recurrent infection. An epidemiological questionnaire was administered to collect sociodemographic information of the study population.
Results: The overall prevalence of CMV infection verified in this study was 91.3%. The highest rates were found in patients suffering from platelet disorders (94.5%), anemia (93.3%), or leukemia (91%). The study population was predominantly composed of individuals with low socioeconomic status. Blood transfusions were more often in patients with anemia or leukemia, but it was not correlated with the positivity for CMV infection. Measurement of IgG avidity in patients positive for anti-CMV IgM demonstrated a recurrent infection rate of 5.2% (17/323). Over 80% of recurrent infection occurred in patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) or anemia.
Conclusions: Our findings indicated that CMV infection is highly prevalent in patients with hematological diseases from the Brazilian western Amazon. The prevalence observed progressively rose with increasing age, whereas anemia or ALL disease figured as risk factors for the recurrence of CMV infection.
The prevalence and socio-demographic risk factors of coexistence of stunting, wasting and underweight among children under five years in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Rocky Khan , Rahman Md Shafiur , Billah Baki , Kabir Russell , Perera Nirmala K. P. , Kader Manzur
Published: February 2021

Background

Childhood malnutrition in all its forms is a significant public health challenge for developing countries like Bangladesh. There is a gap in knowledge of the coexistence of various forms of malnutrition among children under five years (under-5) in Bangladesh. This study aims (i) describe prevalence and risk factors for the coexistence of stunting, wasting and underweight among children under-5 in Bangladesh.
Methods

This study included 6,610 and 7,357 under-5 children from Bangladesh Demographic Health Surveys (BDHS) 2014 and 2017/18 respectively. Associations between coexistence stunting, wasting and underweight and socio-demographic factors were assessed by the Chi-square test and negative binomial regression.
Results

The prevalence of coexistence of stunting, wasting and underweight gradually declined from 5.2% in 2014 to 2.7% in 2017/18. Children of uneducated mothers ((Adjused incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 5.0, 95% CI 2.3, 11.0)); with low birth weights (aIRR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4, 5.1); children of age group 36–47 months (aIRR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5, 4.1); and children of underweight mothers (aIRR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4, 2.7) were the most important risk factors. However, maternal educational status was not associated with coexistence of stunting, wasting and underweight among children under-5 in 2014 whereas in 2017/18 it was the most influential risk factor. Moreover, watching television less than once a week increased the risk of coexistence of stunting, wasting and underweight by 54% (aIRR 1.54, 95% CI 1.0, 2.4).
Conclusions

one out of thirty-five under-5 children were identified to have coexistence of stunting, wasting and underweight in Bangladesh. The burden of malnutrition was disproportionate among uneducated mother, underweight mother, low birth weight and socio-economically poorest household. Our study indicates that there is a need for multi-level interventions from household level to societal level to reduce consequences of childhood malnutrition.
Changes in air-pollution related behaviour measured by Google Trends Search Volume Index in response to reported air quality in Poland
Authors: Nazar Wojciech , Plata-Nazar Katarzyna
Published: February 2021

Background
Decreased air quality is connected to a higher number of hospital admissions and an increase in daily mortality rates. Thus, Poles’ behavioural response to sometimes elevated air pollution levels is vital. The aim of this study was to carry out analysis of changes in air-pollution related information seeking behaviour in response to nationwide reported air quality in Poland.
Methods
Google Trends Search Volume Index data was used to investigate Poles’ interest in air pollution-related keywords. PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations measured across Poland between 2016 and 2019 were collected from the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection databases. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and the R2 correlation coefficient of determination were used to measure spatial and seasonal correlations between reported air pollution levels and the popularity of search queries.
Results
The highest PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were observed in southern voivodeships and during the winter season. Similar trends were observed for Poles’ interest in air-pollution related keywords. All R2 coefficient of determination values were > 0.5 and all correlations were statistically significant.
Conclusion
Poland’s air quality does not meet the World Health Organisation guidelines. Also, the air quality is lower in southern Poland and during the winter season. It appears that Poles are aware of this issue and search for daily air quality data in their location. Greater interest in air quality data in Poland strongly correlates with both higher regional and higher seasonal air pollution levels.
Health System Factors That Influence Treatment Delay in Women With Breast Cancer in Sub-saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gbenonsi Gloria , Boucham Mouna , Belrhiti Zakaria , Nejjari Chakib , Huybrechts Inge , Khalis Mohamed
Published: February 2021

BackgroundBreast cancer patients in sub-Saharan Africa experience long delays between their first presentation to a health care facility and the start of cancer treatment. The role of the health system in the increasing delays in treatment has not been widely investigated. This review aimed to identify existing information on health system factors that influence treatment delays in women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa to contribute to the reorientation of health policies in the region.MethodsPubMed, ScienceDirect, African Journals Online, Mendeley, ResearchGate and Google Scholar were searched to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and July 2020. We performed a qualitative synthesis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Related health system factors were extracted and classified according to the World Health Organization’s six health system building blocks. The quality of qualitative and quantitative studies was assessed by using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program quality-assessment tool and the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool, respectively. In addition, we used the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research tool to assess the evidence for each qualitative finding.ResultsFrom 14,184 identified studies, this systematic review included 28 articles. We identified a total of 36 barriers and 8 facilitators that may influence treatment delay in women with breast cancer. The principal health system factors identified were mainly related to human resources and service delivery, particularly difficulty accessing health care, diagnostic errors, poor management, and treatment cost.ConclusionThe present review shows that treatment delay among women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa is influenced by many related health system factors. Policy makers in sub-Saharan Africa need to tackle the financial accessibility to breast cancer treatment by adequate universal health coverage policies and reinforce the clinical competencies for health workers to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate care for women with breast cancer in this region.
Detection of parathyroid adenomas with 4DCT: Towards a true four-dimensional technique
Authors: Raeymaeckers Steven , De Brucker Yannick , Vanderhasselt Tim , Buls Nico , De Mey Johan
Published: February 2021

Background. 4DCT is a commonly performed examination in the management of primary hyperparathyroidism, combining three-dimensional imaging with enhancement over time as the fourth dimension. We propose a novel technique consisting of 16 different contrast phases, instead of three or four different phases. The main aim of this study was to see if this protocol allows for the detection of parathyroid adenomas within dose limits. Our secondary aim was examining the enhancement of parathyroid lesions over time.Methods. For this prospective study, we included 15 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism prior to surgery. We obtain a 4DCT with 16 different phases: an unenhanced phase followed by 11 consecutive arterial phases and 4 venous phases. Centered on the thyroid, continuous axial scanning is performed over a fixed 8cm or 16cm coverage volume after start of contrast administration.Results. In all patients an enlarged parathyroid can be demonstrated, mean lesion size is 13.6mm. Mean peak arterial peak enhancement for parathyroid lesions is 384 HU compared to 333 HU for the normal thyroid. No statistical difference could be found. Time to peak (TTP) is significantly earlier for parathyroid adenomas compared to normal thyroid tissue: 30.8s versus 32.3s (p value 0.008). Mean Slope of Increase (MSI) of the enhancement curve is significantly steeper compared to normal thyroid tissue: 29.8% versus 22.2% (p value 0.012). Mean dose length product was 890.7 mGy.cm with a calculated effective dose of 6.7 mSv.Conclusion. We propose a feasible 4DCT scanning-protocol for the detection of parathyroid adenomas. We manage to obtain a multitude of phases, allowing for a dynamic evaluation within an acceptable exposure range when compared to classic helical 4DCT. Our 4DCT protocol may allow for a better visualization of the pattern of enhancement of parathyroid lesions, as enhancement over time curves can be drawn. This way wash-in and wash-out of contrast in suspected lesions can be readily demonstrated. Motion artifacts are less problematic as multiple phases are available.
The impact of metastable intermolrecular nanocomposite particles on kinetic decomposition of heterocyclic nitramines using advanced solid-phase decomposition models
Authors: Elbasuney Sherif , Hamed Abdelaziz , Yehia M. , Ramzy Hesham , Abdelgawad Ahmed , Gobara Mohamed , Mokhtar Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Oxygen atoms on the surface of oxide catalysts have low coordination number; they are negatively charged. Surface oxygen can act active sites for decomposition of energetic nitramines (i.e. HMX); additionally hydrous surface can release active ȮH radicals. Colloidal oxide particles can fulfil these requirements. Furthermore oxide particles can induce thermite reaction with aluminium particles. This study reports on the facile fabrication of colloidal ferric oxide particles of 5 nm; Colloidal Fe2O3/Al binary mixture was integrated into HMX matrix via co-precipitation technique; uniform dispersion of nanothermite particles was verified using SEM. Naonothermite particles experienced dramatic change in HMX thermal behaviour with an increase in total heat release by 63 %. The impact of themrite particles on HMX kinetic decomposition was evaluated using an integral isoconversional method of KAS, and Kissinger models. The mean value of apparent activation was reduced by 23.5 % and 24.3 % using Kissinger and KAS models respectively. This dramatic change in HMX decomposition can be ascribed to the ferric oxide reactivity and the facile integration of colloidal thermite particles.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Expanding Hepatitis B Vaccination among Healthcare Workforce in Ethiopia
Authors: Tewihubo Dinksew , Gebrehans Micheale , Asmamaw Getahun
Published: February 2021

Objective: Three doses of monovalent Hepatitis B vaccinations that given for six months were the most effective as well as a safe way to prevent Hepatitis B viral infection. Ethiopia is one of the countries with high endemicity of Hepatitis B infection. Hence, examining cost-utility analysis of hepatitis B vaccination coverage among healthcare workers in Ethiopia was found the most essential work.
Method: : Markov model for expanding vaccination coverage (3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine) was simulated based on the data obtained from black lion specialized hospitals and distinctive works of literature. In Ethiopia, the current vaccine coverage among health care workers accounts for around 14%. Most health workforce (241,250) of Ethiopia was first considered as susceptible with a probability of getting Hepatitis B Virus acutely and 5-10% chance of progressing to chronic Hepatitis B. This study was conducted from a healthcare payer perspective, with 3% discount rate of cost and health outcome as WHO recommendation. Primarily health outcome was measured by QALY gain and ICER. Deterministic analysis and tornado diagrams were employed to manage parameter uncertainty and show a plausible range of cost and effectiveness of variables obtained from published articles and black lion specialized hospitals.
Result: Current vaccination program is more expensive (US$29.99) with a positive incremental cost of US$ 1.32 and less effective that have negative incremental effectiveness of -0.08 and total life year gains of 28.54 than Expanded Hepatitis B vaccination strategy which costs US$ 28.67 and gives relatively high total life-year gain of 28.62. The resulting ICER was US$ 16.23 per QALY gained. Hence, ICER was a negative current vaccination strategy that was dominated which means that is a more expensive and less effective strategy. One-way sensitivity analysis provides that the current vaccine coverage was dominated for an increase in the risk of infection among unvaccinated individuals.
Conclusion: Increasing current vaccine coverage from 14% to 80% among all Ethiopian all healthcare workforces was the most cost-effective strategy.
The impact of armed conflict on the epidemiological situation of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Libya, Syria, and Yemen
Authors: Daw Mohamed Ali
Published: February 2021

Background: Since the Arab uprising 2011, Libya, Syria, and Yemen have gone through a major armed conflict. This resulted in a high rate of mortality, injury, and population displacement with a collapse of the health care system. Furthermore, it was complicated by the emergence of, COVID-19 as a global pandemic which made the population of these countries strive under unusual conditions to tackle both the pandemic and the ongoing wars. The objectives of this study were to determine the impacts and influence of armed conflicts on the epidemiology of Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) within these war-torn countries and outline the needed strategies to combat the spread of the pandemic and its upcoming consequences. Methods: The official and public data regarding the dynamics of armed conflict and the spread, of SARS-COV-19 in Libya, Syria, and Yemen were collected from all available sources. Starting from the early emergence of the COVID-19 in each country until the end of December 2020. Datasets were analyzed through a set of statistical techniques and the weekly resolved data were used to probe the link between the intensity levels of the armed conflict and the spread of the pandemic.Results; Data indicated that there is an increase in the intensity of violence levels at an early stage from March to August reached up to two folds in the three countries particularly in Libya. In this violent period, few cases of COVID-19 were reported ranging from 5-53 cases/day. From September to December, a significant decline in the level of the armed conflict was accompanied by steep upsurges in the number of reported COVID-19 cases reached up to 500 cases/day. The highest accumulative cases of COVID-19 were reported in Libya, Syria, and Yemen respectively.Conclusions: Our analysis demonstrates that the armed conflict has provided an opportunity for SARS-COV-19 to spread. At the early weeks of the pandemic that coincided with high levels of the armed conflict few cases were officially reported indicating a vast undercount, which may suggest a hidden mitigating spread at an early stage. Then the pandemic increased immensely as the armed conflict decline to reach the highest by December. A full-blown transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic in these countries is expected. Therefore, urgent national and international strategies should be implemented to combat the pandemic and its upcoming consequences.
Pericarditis caused by Enterococcus faecium with acute liver failure treated by a multifaceted approach including antimicrobials and hemoadsorption
Authors: Köhler Thomas , Pletz Mathias W. , Altmann Simon , Kirchner Carmen , Schwier Elke , Henzler Dietrich , Winde Günther , Eickmeyer Claas
Published: February 2021

BackgroundSepsis and septic shock are still life-threatening diseases with a high mortality rate. We report a complex case of peritonitis with pericarditis and acute liver failure caused by septic shock. Potentially hepato-toxic antibiotic therapy levels were monitored using the liver maximum capacity (LiMAx®) test and standard treatment was supplemented by adjunctive hemoadsorption with CytoSorb®. Case presentationThe case features a 29-year-old woman with a history of Crohn's disease and cachexia. Peritonitis caused by Enterococcus faecium was diagnosed later due to an ileum perforation. The hematogenic spread led to the pericarditis. In addition, sepsis-related acute-liver-failure complicated antimicrobial therapy further. The combination of standard therapy, anti-infective medication and blood purification was associated with inflammation control, hemodynamic stabilization and a concomitant decrease in vasopressor support. An efficient, sustained reduction in plasma bilirubin levels was achieved while maintaining liver function.ConclusionsThis case shows how complex infectious diseases with an atypical infectious focus resulting in septic shock can be successfully treated. A combination of antimicrobial (tigecycline and caspofungin) and long-term adjunctive hemoadsorption therapy was administered while hepato-toxic antibiotic medication was monitored by liver function testing.
Pure and Linear Frequency Converter Temporal Metasurface
Authors: Taravati Sajjad , Eleftheriades George V.
Published: February 2021

Metasurfaces are ultrathin structures which are constituted by an array of subwavelength scatterers with designable scattering responses. They have opened up unprecedented exciting opportunities for extraordinary wave engineering processes. On the other hand, frequency converters have drawn wide attention due to their vital applications in telecommunication systems, health care devices, radio astronomy, military radars and biological sensing systems. Here, we show that a spurious-free and linear frequency converter metasurface can be realized by leveraging unique properties of engineered transmissive temporal supercells. Such a metasurface is formed by time-modulated supercells; themselves are composed of temporal and static patch resonators and phase shifters. This represents the first frequency converter metasurface possessing large frequency conversion ratio with controllable frequency bands and transmission magnitude. In contrast to conventional nonlinear mixers, the proposed temporal frequency converter offers a linear response. In addition, by taking advantage of the proposed surface-interconnector-phaser-surface (SIPS) architecture, a spurious-free and linear frequency conversion is achievable, where all undesired mixing products are strongly suppressed. The proposed metasurface may be digitally controlled and programmed through a field programmable gate array. This makes the spurious-free and linear frequency converter metasurface a prominent solution for wireless and satellite telecommunication systems, as well as invisibility cloaks and radars. This study opens a way to realize more complicated and enhanced-efficiency spectrum-changing metasurface.
Relativistic Equation Failure for LIGO Signals
Authors: Dongfang X.D.
Published: February 2021

Signal waves of the monotone increasing frequency detected by LIGO are universally considered to be gravitational waves of spiral binary stars, and the general theory of relativity is thus universally considered to have been confirmed by the experiments. Here we present a universal method for signal wave spectrum analysis, introducing the true conclusions of numerical calculation and image analysis of GW150914 signal wave. Firstly, numerical calculation results of GW150914 signal wave frequency change rate obey the com quantization law which needs to be accurately described by integers, and there is an irreconcilable difference between the results and the generalized relativistic frequency equation of the gravitational wave. Secondly, the assignment of the frequency and frequency change rate of GW10914 signal wave to the generalized relativistic frequency equation of gravitational wave constructs a non-linear equation group about the mass of wave source, and the computer image solution shows that the equation group has no GW10914 signal wave solution. Thirdly, it is not unique to calculate the chirp mass of the wave source from the different frequencies and change rates of the numerical relativistic waveform of the GW150914 signal wave, and the numerical relativistic waveform of the GW150914 signal wave deviates too far from the original waveform actually. Other LIGO signal waveforms do not have obvious characteristics of gravitational frequency variation of spiral binary stars and lack precise data, so they cannot be used for numerical analysis and image solution. Therefore, LIGO signals represented by gw50914 signal do not support the relativistic gravitational wave frequency equation. However, whether gravitational wave signals from spiral binaries that may be detected in the future follow the same co quantization law? The answer is not clear at present.