bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Meteorological Variables on Ambient Air Pollutants of a Coastal District in Eastern India
Authors: Mahanta SS Kalikinkar , Patil Sharada Shrinivas , Mahanta Bhagirathi , Biswas Kushalindu , Sahu Rojalin , Panda Bhabani Shankar , Mallik Malaya Ranjan
Published: March 2021

The study of various air pollutants and meteorological parameters are very important for all the researchers. Baleswar was known to be a seaside Districts of Odisha which is the economic and cultural heart of Northern Odisha. The aim of this study is to measure the air pollutants, meteorological parameters and to enumerate the air pollution index at three specific sites (Sahadevkhunta, Mallikashpur, Rasalpur) according to CPCB procedures. The air pollutants analysed by supplying through specific absorbing reagents and the pollutants were analysed up to 3 year (2017, 2018 and 2019) with a regularity of thrice per week. Analyses of our data sets showing that SO2 and NO2 concentration during summer, rainy and winter season are within the prescribe standard of NAAQS by CPCB but PM10 and PM2.5 are above the prescribed standard except PM2.5 concentration of rainy season in year 2019. Air pollution index is remaining in the condition between clean air (CA) to moderate air pollution (MAP) and it shows that the pollution index in all the sites are reducing from the year 2017 to 2019 may be due to enhancing technologies to reduce the pollutant concentration in air.
In Silico Docking Analysis and Admet Prediction of Thymoquinone Derivatives Against Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Azmi Mavara , Syed Imam Pasha , Koneru Anupama
Published: March 2021

Thymoquinone, the active constituent of Nigella sativa has been reported to have various biological activities. Due to its significance, various analogues of it have been synthesized and reported for anti-cancer activity. In the present research, we have taken the analogs of thymoquinone and performed docking study with an objective to find the binding pattern of all the molecules. Apart from this, pharmacokinetic parameters were predicted along with their toxicological parameters. From the results, the molecule Thy09 was found to have the optimized structure and further modification on this could lead to more potent compounds.
Stability of Vocal Variables Measured During the Early Communication Indicator for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: McDaniel Jena , Yoder Paul , Estes Annette , Rogers Sally J.
Published: March 2021

The Early Communication Indicator (ECI) was designed to measure expressive communication progress in young children. We evaluated using the 6-min ECI procedure for a new purpose—a sampling context for stable measures of vocal development of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We evaluated how many ECI sessions were required to adequately stabilize estimates of volubility, communicative use, and phonological complexity of vocalizations at two periods (average of 10 months apart). Participants included 83 young children with ASD (M age = 23.33 months). At study initiation, two phonological complexity variables required two sessions; other variables required three. At study endpoint, all variables required fewer sessions. Findings support the feasibility and stability of using the ECI for the new purpose.
Phase noise of the near-infrared single-mode fiber Mach–Zehnder
interferometer and its stabilization technology
Authors: Bai Yunrui , Yu Haijuan , Zhang Yong , Miao Zhangwang , He Chaojian , Dou Rui , Zhang Yuting , Lin Xuechun
Published: March 2021

We present an estimation method and an investigation on the phase-noise
stabilization for a near-infrared fiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer
(MZI) using a laser diode at 1530 nm as the light source. Based on the
theoretical analysis, the phase noise is mainly produced by the tiny
fluctuations of external temperature, whose amplitude is proportional
to the optical path difference (OPD) between two arms of optical
fibers in the interferometer. By minimizing the length difference
between two fibers in the MZI and specifying the compensation signal
applied to the piezoelectric transducer (PZT) modulator actively, the
interferometer worked stably at different phase differences. When the
interferometer was working at the 90° phase difference, which is
usually necessary for practical application, the RMS noise was
minimized to 0.47°. By quantitative analysis, the magnification ratio
of noise amplitude at room temperature per unit OPD of the MZI was
132.29°/m (

=

0.73

r
a
d

/

m

). In this experiment, a good linear
correlation between the initial OPD and the phase signal intensity was
successfully observed. Using this estimation method, an optical fiber
interferometer of different wavelengths can be built more conveniently
in practical engineering applications.
Optimization of the structured illumination series for compressive x-ray tomosynthesis
Authors: Xu Hao , Ma Xu , Zhao Qile , Restrepo Carlos M. , Arce Gonzalo R.
Published: March 2021

Compressive x-ray tomosynthesis (CXT) uses a set of encoded projection
measurements from different incident angles to reconstruct the object
under inspection. We consider the variable motion of objects on a
conveyor mechanism and establish an imaging model based on the sensing
geometry of a dynamic CXT system. Then, a numerical algorithm is
proposed to optimize the structured illumination series to improve
reconstruction accuracy with reduced radiation dose. Compared with the
state-of-the-art method, the proposed strategy increases the degrees
of optimization freedom by jointly optimizing the coding mask
patterns, locations of x-ray sources, and exposure moments in the CXT
system, thus obtaining better reconstruction performance. A genetic
algorithm is applied to achieve the optimization results. It shows
that the proposed method outperforms the traditional CXT approach by
further improving reconstruction performance under comparable
radiation dose.
Reconfigurable bandpass optical filters based on subwavelength grating waveguides with a Ge2Sb2 Te5 cavity
Authors: Badri S. Hadi , Gilarlue M. M. , Farkoush Saeid Gholami , Rhee Sang-Bong
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate a reconfigurable optical bandpass filter based on subwavelength grating (SWG) waveguide operating in the Bragg reflection regime and integrated with a cavity of the phase-change material

G
e

2

S
b

2

T
e

5

(GST). Partial crystallization of GST provides us with an efficient tool to modify the effective optical properties of the GST governed by the effective medium theory. Consequently, the resonance wavelength as well as the transmission peak can be tuned in the designed filters. Numerical simulations indicate that the presented SWG waveguide with a single GST cavity offers up to 8.8 nm redshift while the transmission amplitude can be modulated from 0.544 to 0.007. The presented Fabry–Perot structure can also be used as a nonvolatile optical switch with a high extinction ratio of about 24 dB at the wavelength of 1548.3 nm.
Strongly resonant silicon slot metasurfaces with symmetry-protected bound states in the continuum
Authors: Algorri J. F. , Dell’Olio F. , Roldán-Varona P. , Rodríguez-Cobo L. , López-Higuera J. M. , Sánchez-Pena J. M. , Zografopoulos D. C.
Published: March 2021

In this work, a novel all-dielectric metasurface made of arrayed circular slots etched in a silicon layer is proposed and theoretically investigated. The structure is designed to support both Mie-type multipolar resonances and symmetry-protected bound states in the continuum (BIC). Specifically, the metasurface consists of interrupted circular slots, following the paradigm of complementary split-ring resonators. This configuration allows both silicon-on-glass and free-standing metasurfaces and the arc length of the split-rings provides an extra tuning parameter. The nature of both BIC and non-BIC resonances supported by the metasurface is investigated by employing the Cartesian multipole decomposition technique. Thanks to the non-radiating nature of the quasi-BIC resonance, extremely high Q-factor responses are calculated, both by fitting the simulated transmittance spectra to an extended Fano model and by an eigenfrequency analysis. Furthermore, the effect of optical losses in silicon on quenching the achievable Q-factor values is discussed. The metasurface features a simple bulk geometry and sub-wavelength dimensions. This novel device, its high Q-factors, and strong energy confinement open new avenues of research on light-matter interactions in view of new applications in non-linear devices, biological sensors, and optical communications.
Liquid crystal integrated metadevice for reconfigurable hologram displays and optical encryption
Authors: Zhu Shuangqi , Xu Zhentao , Zhang Hao , Yang Keyang , Wang Ning , Liu Haitao , Wang Yongtian , Xia Jun , Huang Lingling
Published: March 2021

The ultimate goal of metasurface research in recent years is to apply metasurface to reality applications and improve the performance compared to its counterpart, namely conventional optical elements with the same function. Inspired by the application of electrically addressing spatial light modulator (EA-SLM) and based on the binary holographic algorithm, here we propose a reconfigurable metadevice integrated with the nematic liquid crystal (NLC). The smart metadevice directly uses the subwavelength antennas as the main contributor to the phase accumulation instead of the NLC layer. By applying different electrical modulation patterns on the NLC, the metadevice can realize the function of dynamic holographic display as traditional SLMs but features in smaller size, higher resolution and lager field of view. In addition, we improved the existing computer-generated hologram algorithm to generate three holograms with quantitative correlation and also propose a new optical encryption method based on our metadevice. The encryption method needs four elements in total to decrypt and can fully meets the requirements of the various encrypted content. We believe such metadevice paves the way for the new generation of micro-optical display and optical encryption devices.
Study of temporal, spectral, arrival time and energy fluctuations of SASE FEL pulses
Authors: Bermúdez Macias Ivette J. , Düsterer Stefan , Ivanov Rosen , Liu Jia , Brenner Günter , Rönsch-Schulenburg Juliane , Czwalinna Marie K. , Yurkov Mikhail V.
Published: March 2021

Self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) pulses delivered by free electron lasers (FELs) are inherently fluctuating sources; each pulse varies in energy, duration, arrival time and spectral shape. Therefore, there is strong demand for a full characterization of the properties of SASE radiation, which will facilitate more precise interpretation of the experimental data taken at SASE FELs. In this paper, we present an investigation into the fluctuations of pulse duration, spectral distribution, arrival time and pulse energy of SASE XUV pulses at FLASH, both on a shot-to-shot basis and on average over many pulses. With the aid of simulations, we derived scaling laws for these parameters and disentangled the statistical SASE fluctuations from accelerator-based fluctuations and measurement uncertainties.
Farmers’ perception on soil erosion in Ghana: Implication for developing sustainable soil management strategy
Authors: Tesfahunegn Gebreyesus Brhane , Ayuk Elias T. , Adiku S. G. K.
Published: March 2021

Farmers’ perception on soil erosion has not adequately reported in the conditions of Ghana though its causes and effects are time and site-specific. The objective of this study was to assess farmers’ perception on soil erosion and implication for developing soil management strategy in the Eastern and Northern Regions of Ghana. A total of 130 household head farmers were interviewed and complemented with field observation and group. Data was analyzed using descriptive, chi-square test, T-test and binary logistic regression. The results show that there was significant variation in socioeconomic, farm and institutional attributes among the farmers`in the study regions. In the Eastern and Northern Regions, significantly higher proportions of the farmers (95.7% and 86.7%, respectively) perceived soil erosion as serious problem. Significantly higher proportions of the respondents (80%) perceived severe erosion problem at homestead land in the Eastern Region whereas severe erosion in the Northern Region was more noticed at distance farmlands (85.0%). In the two regions, the major causes of severe erosion as perceived by most farmers were over-cultivation, deforestation and heavy rainfall events. In the Eastern and Northern Regions, 58.6% and 75.0% of the farmers perceived, respectively, that soil erosion severity has been increased since the past 10-years. Perceptions of most frequently noted indicators of soil erosion were declined productivity, shallow soil depth, presence of rills, sheet erosion, soil loss from farmland, and change in soil color. Results of the binary logistic regression indicate that there is heterogeneity in the factors accounting for the perception of soil fertility. In developing promising soil management strategy in the study area, attention must be given to key socioeconomic, biophysical, farm and institutional factors.
Positive emotion dispositions and emotion regulation in the Italian population
Authors: Chirico Alice , Shiota Michelle N. , Gaggioli Andrea
Published: March 2021

The goal of this large-scale study was to test the relationship between positive emotion dispositions (i.e., Joy, Contentment, Pride, Love, Compassion, Amusement, and Awe) and two strategies of emotion regulation (i.e., reappraisal and suppression) in the Italian population. 532 Italian-speaking adults completed the Dispositional Positive Emotion Scales (DPES), the Positive and Negative Affective Schedule (PANAS), the Italian Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and the Big-Five Inventory (BFI). DPES scales showed high reliability. Exploratory Factor Analysis showed that a 6-factor model fits the Italian sample better. Joy and Contentment loaded on the same factor. Items assessing the other five emotions loaded on separate factors. The patterns of relationships between positive emotion dispositions, positive and negative affects traits (PANAS), and personality traits (BFI) indicated concurrent validity of the DPES. Twelve separated multiple regression models with BFI and ERQ factors as predictors and DPES factors as response variables showed that Extraversion significantly positively predicted of all DPES emotions. Agreeableness predicted Happiness, Love, Compassion, and Awe positively. Conscientiousness predicted Amusement and Love negatively and Compassion, Pride, and Happiness positively. Neuroticism predicted all emotions negatively except for Compassion. Positive emotions were significantly and positively predicted by reappraisal, and negatively predicted by suppression.
Alcohol consumption and neurocognitive deficits in people with well-treated HIV in Switzerland
Authors: Darling Katharine E. A. , Locatelli Isabella , Benghalem Nadia , Nadin Isaure , Calmy Alexandra , Gutbrod Klemens , Hauser Christoph , Brugger Peter , Hasse Barbara , Kovari Helen , Kunze Ursi , Stoeckle Marcel , Fux Christophe , Rossi Stefania , Di Benedetto Caroline , Früh Severin , Schmid Patrick , Tarr Philip E. , Daeppen Jean-Bernard , Du Pasquier Renaud , Cavassini Matthias ,   on behalf of the NAMACO Study Group, Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: March 2021

Background

Hazardous alcohol consumption and HIV infection increase the risk of neurocognitive impairment (NCI). We examined the association between alcohol consumption and specific neurocognitive domain function in people with HIV (PWH) taking modern antiretroviral therapy.

Methods

The Neurocognitive Assessment in the Metabolic and Aging Cohort (NAMACO) study is a prospective, longitudinal, multicentre and multilingual (French, German and Italian) study of patients aged ≥45 years old enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). Baseline data from 981 study participants were examined. Five neurocognitive domains were evaluated: motor skills, speed of information processing, attention/working memory, executive function and verbal episodic memory. NCI was examined as binary (presence/absence) and continuous (mean z-score) outcomes against Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for Consumption (AUDIT-C) scores using logistic and linear regression models, respectively.

Results

Most participants (96.2%) had undetectable viral loads and 64% were aged >50 years old. Hazardous alcohol consumption was observed in 49.4% of participants and binge drinking in 4.2%. While alcohol consumption frequency and quantity were not associated with NCI, the practice of binge drinking was significantly associated with impaired motor skills and overall neurocognitive function in both binary (odds ratio, OR ≥2.0,P<0.05) and continuous (mean z-score difference -0.2 to -0.4,P≤0.01) outcomes. A significant U-shaped distribution of AUDIT-C score was also observed for motor skills and overall neurocognitive function.

Conclusions

In this cohort of PWH with well-controlled HIV infection, NCI was associated with the practice of binge drinking rather than alcohol consumption frequency or quantity. Longitudinal analysis of alcohol consumption and NCI in this population is currently underway.
Distribution and preservation of the components of the engulfment. What is beyond representative genomes?
Authors: Soto-Avila Lizeth , Merce Ricardo Ciria , Santos Walter , Castañeda Nori , Gutierrez-Ríos Rosa-María
Published: March 2021

Engulfment requires the coordinated, targeted synthesis and degradation of peptidoglycan at the leading edge of the engulfing membrane to allow the mother cell to completely engulf the forespore. Proteins such as the DMP and Q:AH complexes inBacillus subtilisare essential for engulfment, as are a set of accessory proteins including GerM and SpoIIB, among others. Experimental and bioinformatic studies of these proteins in bacteria distinct fromBacillus subtilisindicate that fundamental differences exist regarding the organization and mechanisms used to successfully perform engulfment. As a consequence, the distribution and prevalence of the proteins involved in engulfment and other proteins that participate in different sporulation stages have been studied using bioinformatic approaches. These works are based on the prediction of orthologs in the genomes of representative Firmicutes and have been helpful in tracing hypotheses about the origin and evolution of sporulation genes, some of which have been postulated as sporulation signatures. To date, an extensive study of these signatures outside of the representative Firmicutes is not available. Here, we asked whether phyletic profiles of proteins involved in engulfment can be used as signatures able to describe the sporulation phenotype. We tested this hypothesis in a set of 954 Firmicutes, finding preserved phyletic profiles defining signatures at the genus level. Finally, a phylogenetic reconstruction based on non-redundant phyletic profiles at the family level shows the non-monophyletic origin of these proteins due to gain/loss events along the phylum Firmicutes.
National noncommunicable disease monitoring survey (NNMS) in India: Estimating risk factor prevalence in adult population
Authors: Mathur Prashant , Kulothungan Vaitheeswaran , Leburu Sravya , Krishnan Anand , Chaturvedi Himanshu Kumar , Salve Harshal Ramesh , Amarchand Ritvik , Nongkynrih Baridalyne , Kumar P. Ganesh , K. S. Vinay Urs , Ramakrishnan Lakshmy , Laxmaiah A. , Boruah Manjit , Kumar Sanjeev , Patro Binod Kumar , Raghav Pankaja Ravi , Rajkumar Prabu , Sarma P. Sankara , Sharma Rinku , Tambe Muralidhar , Thankappan K. R. , Arlappa N. , Mahanta Tulika Goswami , Joshi Rajnish P. , Rustagi Neeti , Gupta Sonia , Behera Binod Kumar , Shelke Sangita Chandrakant , Galhotra Abhiruchi , Bhuyan Pranab Jyoti , Pakhare Abhijit P. , Kumar Dewesh , Topno Roshan K. , Gupta Manoj Kumar , Trivedi Atulkumar V. , Garg Suneela
Published: March 2021

Background

The primary objective of National NCD monitoring survey (NNMS) was to generate national-level estimates of key NCD indicators identified in the national NCD monitoring framework. This paper describes survey study protocol and prevalence of risk factors among adults (18–69 years).

Materials and methods

NNMS was a national level cross-sectional survey conducted during 2017–18. The estimated sample size was 12,000 households from 600 primary sampling units. One adult (18–69 years) per household was selected using the World Health Organization-KISH grid. The study tools were adapted from WHO-STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance, IDSP-NCD risk factor survey and WHO-Global adult tobacco survey. Total of 8/10 indicators of adult NCD risk factors according to national NCD disease monitoring framework was studied. This survey for the first time estimated dietary intake of salt intake of population at a national level from spot urine samples.

Results

Total of 11139 households and 10659 adults completed the survey. Prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use was 32.8% (95% CI: 30.8–35.0) and 15.9% (95% CI: 14.2–17.7) respectively. More than one-third adults were physically inactive [41.3% (95% CI: 39.4–43.3)], majority [98.4% (95% CI: 97.8–98.8)] consumed less than 5 servings of fruits and / or vegetables per day and mean salt intake was 8 g/day (95% CI: 7.8–8.2). Proportion with raised blood pressure and raised blood glucose were 28.5% (95% CI: 27.0–30.1) and 9.3% (95% CI: 8.3–10.5) respectively. 12.8% (95% CI: 11.2–14.5) of adults (40–69 years) had ten-year CVD risk of ≥30% or with existing CVD.

Conclusion

NNMS was the first comprehensive national survey providing relevant data to assess India’s progress towards targets in National NCD monitoring framework and NCD Action Plan. Established methodology and findings from survey would contribute to plan future state-based surveys and also frame policies for prevention and control of NCDs.
Social cognition in first-degree relatives of bipolar disorder: Theory of Mind and nonverbal sensitivity
Authors: Espinós Usue , Fernández-Abascal Enrique G. , Ovejero Mercedes , Lahera Guillermo
Published: March 2021

Social cognition might be impaired in first degree relatives (FDR) of BD but existing research shows controversial results about social cognitive impairments in this population. The aim of this study was to assess Theory of Mind (ToM) and nonverbal sensitivity in FDR of BD and compare the results with those of two groups of persons with remitted bipolar disorder (BD), type I and II, and a control group. Social cognitive ability was examined in first degree relatives of BD, with a biological parent, offspring or sibling diagnosed with the disorder. For this study, 37 FDRs of bipolar patients, 37 BD I, 40 BD II and 40 control participants were recruited. Social cognition was explored by means of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and the MiniPONS. Results showed a significant impairment in FDR of BD in the ToM task, but not in nonverbal sensitivity. Performance of FDRs in social cognition is better than that of BDs (either type I or type II) but worse when compared with that of healthy individuals without a family history of psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, no differences were found between BD I and BD II groups. Males and older participants showed a worse performance in all groups. Group family therapy with FDRs of BD might include training in the recognition of nonverbal cues, which might increase the understanding of their familiars with BD, in order to modify communication abilities.
Let’s (not) get together! The role of social norms on social distancing during COVID-19
Authors: Martínez Déborah , Parilli Cristina , Scartascini Carlos , Simpser Alberto
Published: March 2021

While effective preventive measures against COVID-19 are now widely known, many individuals fail to adopt them. This article provides experimental evidence about one potentially important driver of compliance with social distancing: social norms. We asked each of 23,000 survey respondents in Mexico to predict how a fictional person would behave when faced with the choice about whether or not to attend a friend’s birthday gathering. Every respondent was randomly assigned to one of four social norms conditions. Expecting that other people would attend the gathering and/or believing that other people approved of attending the gathering both increased the predicted probability that the fictional character would attend the gathering by 25%, in comparison with a scenario where other people were not expected to attend nor to approve of attending. Our results speak to the potential effects of communication campaigns and media coverage of compliance with, and normative views about, COVID-19 preventive measures. They also suggest that policies aimed at modifying social norms or making existing ones salient could impact compliance.
Complications following equine sacroiliac region analgesia are uncommon: A study in 118 horses
Authors: Offord Samuel C. J. , Read Rachel M. , Pudney Camilla J. , Bathe Andrew P.
Published: March 2021

Background

Diagnosis of sacroiliac region pain is supported by a positive response to sacroiliac region analgesia (SIRA). Varying techniques have been described for SIRA; with clinician preference often dictating method. Potential complications following SIRA include ataxia and recumbency. No study has specifically evaluated the prevalence of complications.

Objectives

To describe the complication prevalence following SIRA in a referral clinic.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Review of records from horses presented to two of the authors at Rossdales, Newmarket, between January 2014 and December 2018, that underwent SIRA. Injection was performed using a blind midline approach with 20 mL mepivacaine (Intra-Epicaine 20mg/ml; Dechra) infiltrated through a straight 18 gauge 8.9cm spinal needle subdivided into four sub-locations per block.

Results

118 horses were included, with 167 individual blocks. One horse showed a mild hindlimb gait abnormality following SIRA, which resolved uneventfully over 3 hours; complication rate 1/118 horses (0.85%; 95% CI: 0,2.5%), 1/167 joints (0.60%; 95% CI: 0,1.8%). SIRA subjectively improved lameness/performance in 132/167 (79%) joints. 49/118 (42%) received bilateral SIRA with 53/118 (45%) evaluated ridden following SIRA.

Main limitations

Small population numbers with low complication prevalence rate.

Conclusions

SIRA, using the described technique, has a low (0.85%) prevalence of complications.
Magnitude and associated factors of peripheral cytopenia among HIV-infected children attending at University of Gondar Specialized Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Bayleyegn Biruk , Woldu Berhanu , Yalew Aregawi , Asrie Fikir
Published: March 2021

Background

Isolated or multi lineage cytopenia are the most common clinicopathological features and independently associated with increased risk of disease progression and death among human immunodeficiency virus infected children. In the study area, there is scarcity of data about the magnitude of various cytopenia.

Objectives

Aimed to determine the magnitude and associated factors of peripheral cytopenia among HIV infected children at the University of Gondar Specialized Referral Hospital ART clinic, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on 255 HIV infected children from January- April 2020. None probable convenient sampling technique was used to select the study participant. Socio demographic data were collected by pre tested structured questionnaire via face-to-face interview and their medical data were obtained from their follow-up medical records. Moreover, blood specimens were collected and examined for complete blood count, viral load and blood film, whereas stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasites. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of cytopenia. P-Value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Result

The overall magnitude of peripheral cytopenia was 38.9%. Anemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia and bi-cytopenia were 21.2%, 12.2%, 11%, 1.6% and 3.9% respectively. Being in the age group of 2–10 years (AOR = 5.38, 95%CI 2.33–12.46), AZT based regimen (AOR = 5.44, 95%CI: 2.24–13.21), no eating green vegetables (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.26–4.92) and having plasma viral load >1000 copies /ml (AOR = 5.38, 95%CI: 2.22–13.03) showed significant association with anemia.

Conclusion

Anemia was the predominant peripheral cytopenia among HIV infected children in this study. It was strongly associated with AZT based drug type, age below 10 years and high viral load. Critical stress should be given for early investigation and management of cytopenia in addition to the use of alternative drug which leads to higher viral suppression and lower risk of toxicity issue.
Combined pre- and post-capillary pulmonary hypertension: The clinical implications for patients with heart failure
Authors: Ibe Tatsuro , Wada Hiroshi , Sakakura Kenichi , Ugata Yusuke , Maki Hisataka , Yamamoto Kei , Seguchi Masaru , Taniguchi Yousuke , Jinnouchi Hiroyuki , Momomura Shin-ichi , Fujita Hideo
Published: March 2021

Background

The prognostic implications of combined pre- and post-capillary pulmonary hypertension (Cpc-PH) in patients with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH-LHD) remain controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the new PH-LHD criteria, recommended by the 6th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension and to determine the prognostic value of Cpc-PH.

Methods

A total of 701 patients with symptomatic heart failure who had undergone right-heart catheterization were divided into the following four groups: (i) Isolated post-capillary PH (Ipc-PH) group; mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) >20 mmHg, pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) >15 mmHg, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) <3 Wood units (WU) (ii) Cpc-PH group; mPAP >20 mmHg, PAWP >15 mmHg, and PVR ≥3 WU (iii) borderline-PH group; mPAP >20 mmHg and PAWP ≤15 mmHg (iv) non-PH group; mPAP ≤20 mmHg. Multivariate Cox hazard analysis was used to investigate whether Cpc-PH was associated with cardiac outcomes.

Results

The study subjects were allocated into the Ipc-PH (n = 268), Cpc-PH (n = 54), borderline-PH (n = 112), or non-PH (n = 267) groups. The Cpc-PH group was associated significantly with adverse cardiac events even after adjustment for clinically relevant confounding factors for heart failure prognosis (vs. non-PH group: HR 2.98 [95% CI 1.81–4.90],P<0.001; vs. Ipc-PH group: HR: 1.92 [95% CI 1.19–3.08],P= 0.007).

Conclusions

The new definitions of PH-LHD stratified patients into 4 categories. Long-term clinical outcomes were significantly different between the four categories, with Cpc-PH having the worst cardiac outcomes.
Predictive factors affecting percutaneous drainage duration in the percutaneous treatment of common bile duct stones
Authors: Kim Min Uk , Lee Yoontaek , Lee Jae Hwan , Cho Soo Buem , Lee Myoung Seok , So Young Ho , Choi Young Ho
Published: March 2021

The duration of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is a critical factor that determines the duration of treatment. This study aimed to evaluate factors affecting the PTBD duration in patients who underwent percutaneous treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. This study analyzed data of 169 patients who underwent percutaneous treatment of CBD stones from June 2009 to June 2019. Demographic data, characteristics of stone, procedure-related factors, and laboratory findings before the insertion of PTBD tubes were retrospectively evaluated. To assess the effect of confounding factors on the PTBD duration, multivariate linear regression analysis was applied, incorporating significant predictive factors identified in the univariate regression analysis. In the univariate regression analysis, the predictive factor that showed high correlation with the PTBD duration was the initial total bilirubin level (coefficient = 0.68, P < .001) followed by the short diameter of the largest stone (coefficient = 0.19, P = .056), and previous endoscopic sphincterotomy (coefficient = -2.50, P = .086). The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the initial total bilirubin level (coefficient = 0.50, P < .001) and short diameter of the largest stone (coefficient = 0.16, P = .025) were significantly related to the PTBD duration. The total bilirubin level before PTBD tube insertion and the short diameter of the largest CBD stone were predictive factors for the PTBD duration in patients who underwent percutaneous CBD stone removal. Careful assessment of these factors might help in predicting the treatment period, thereby improving the quality of patient care.
Is Prolonged Stress Causes Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome? A Survey from Delhi, National Capital Region
Authors: Goyal Anjana , Doomra Reena , Atkaan Neha , Singh Shiny , Bhatia Shreya
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND Poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine ovarian disorder found to be affecting 6-26% of female respondents globally.1 Symptoms include hirsutism, anovulation and psychological factors like severe mood swings, depression etc. Stress, which is majorly caused by unhealthy lifestyle, especially in prolonged cases alters the metabolism of body and causes severe diseases like PCOS and decreases the efficiency of females. This study aims to evaluate as to whether stress is one of the major hidden reasons for PCOS in the females of Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region). METHODS 120 female students had given their consent to fill an online questionnaire made on Google forms and were distributed via WhatsApp. The form consisted of 31 questions distributed over stress and symptoms of PCOS. RESULTS Efficiency of 54.5 % of the respondents had decreased in the absence of sound sleep as they mostly experienced ‘situational stress’. Recurrence of sleeplessness had led to anger in 71 % of above respondents. It was also observed that 55 % of the respondents had a sign of early reproductive / late adolescence and they experienced irregular menstrual cycle along with facial hair, stretch marks, acne and severe hair fall. CONCLUSIONS 57 % of the respondents had both stress and symptoms of PCOS. Modifications in their lifestyles / dietary habits could control and improve the situation. Healthy lifestyle certainly helps in the treatment but is not a complete cure for PCOS. KEY WORDS Stress, PCOS, Lifestyle, Psychological Analysis
Maxillofacial Prosthesis for Combined Intra and Extra-Oral Defect – A Case Report
Authors: Bhola Rajiv Dharampal , Pisulkar Sweta Gajanan Kale , Godbole Surekha Anil Dubey , Purohit Hetal Satish , Borle Anjali Bhoyar
Published: March 2021

Combined intra and extra oral defects can be stated as those facial defects which have an intraoral communicating route. Midfacial defects are aptly classified into 2 major categories by Marunick et al. 1 as midline midfacial defects in which the nose and / or upper lip defects are included; and the second major group was lateral defects in which the cheek and orbital defects are categorized. However, defects which include combinations of the above-mentioned defects are in existence. Midfacial defects which are acquired, present themselves often with severe disfigurement of structures and hence show impaired function. It is a meticulous task to rehabilitate the defects which are caused as a result of cancerous lesion resection as they are huge. Such post resection lesions frequently are rehabilitated by a facial prosthesis to maintain function as well as the appearance in the normal form. In adjunction to the facial prosthesis, an intraoral prosthesis which constitutes of an obturator is also required to regain the natural speech and pattern of swallowing. Fabrication of such facial prosthesis not only requires the artistic capability but also excellent clinical decision making of the prosthodontist. Mode of retention of the combined prosthesis should also be kept in mind while fabricating as it is also a difficult task to retain them because of the size and weight of the same. Moreover the prosthesis should also be secured in its place with these aids which can also prove as a challenge. This case report states rehabilitating a large surgically resected midfacial defect with the assistance of a “3-piece prosthesis” which constitutes a sectional intraoral obturator along with maxillary and mandibular extraoral facial prosthesis.
Turmeric Oil Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Christopher Varusha Sharon , Roy Anitha , Rajeshkumar Shanmugam
Published: March 2021

The number of medical applications of silver nanoparticles is constantly increasing due to their high bactericidal properties coupled with low toxicity towards living cells. Because of this expanding use of silver nanoparticles, novel methods of synthesis have been developed in order to achieve nanoparticles preparation through inexpensive and environmentally friendly process.1 Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles is an approach that meets those requirements. Nanoparticles are an intermediate between bulk materials and individual atoms with unique properties. Nanoparticles have been employed in various fields such as catalysis, ceramics, drug delivery and diagnostics and therapies of oncology.2 Several studies have described the controlled synthesis of metal nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes mediated by bio molecules, which is nontoxic and minimises environment damage. Antioxidants have been widely used as additive to provide protection against oxidative degradation of foods.3 Although many synthetic chemicals, such as phenolic compounds are found to be strong radical scavengers, they usually have serious side effects.4 In view of this, antioxidant substances obtained from natural sources will be great interest. Turmeric is extensively used as spice, as a colouring agent for textiles, pharmaceuticals, confectionary and cosmetics.5 In Indian system of medicine, turmeric is used in stomach-ache, as a blood purifier, carminative, appetiser and tonic.5,6 Turmeric is also used in drugs against cancer, dermatitis, AIDS (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome) and high cholesterol level.7 During the course of this study, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles using turmeric oil and characterised them using UV-vis spectroscopic analysis and checked for their antioxidant activity
Bizonytalanság és kockázat a termelési hálózatokban – egy reálopciós megközelítés
Authors: Csapi Vivien
Published: March 2021

Az aktuális gazdasági környezetben a termelő vállalatok hatékonysága a vállalat belső prioritásából ellátásilánc- prioritássá nőtte ki magát. A termelési hálózatok mértéktelen optimalizálása a költségcsökkentés vagy a javuló vevőszolgáltatások előnye mellett hátrányokat is magával hozott. A pufferek, a raktárkészletek csökkentése, a szállítási idők rövidülése, a hálózatok karcsúsodása gyakoribb zavarokat, szakadásokat és magasabb kockázatkoncentrációt eredményezett. A vállalkozások számára mára létfontosságúvá vált ezen új kihívások, a kockázatok, valamint azok egymással való viszonyának értékteremtő láncon belüli átfogó feltárása. A következő tanulmány e kockázatok, a kockázatokat eredményező bizonytalansági források feltárására, majd a lehetséges kockázatkezelési stratégiák közül a reálopciós lehetőségek azonosítására koncentrál. A szerző arra tesz kísérletet, hogy reálopciók feltárásával szűkítse az ellátási lánc bizonytalansága – a kockázat, valamint a reálopciós teória közötti rést. Az ellátási lánc bizonytalansági tényezőinek és a kockázati típusok azonosítását követően a legtipikusabb reálopciók (halasztási, elvetési, szakaszos, növekedési, feltárási, összetett, lízing reálopció) bevethetőségét, illetve mellőzésüknek okait vizsgálja a termelésmenedzsment keretrendszerében.
Agama Dan Media: Teori Konspirasi Covid-19
Authors: Lubis Nikmah
Published: March 2021

Virus corona muncul pertama kali di Wuhan China yang merupakan virus yang menginfeksi pernapasan atau disebut Covid-19. Penyebarannya yang begitu cepat sampai ke seluruh negara menimbulkan pengaruh terhadap beberapa sektor, seperti kesehatan, sosial, politik, ekonomi maupun agama. Penyebaran informasi yang cepat dan menyeluruh yang dilakukan oleh media, menjadi kesempatan sebagian orang untuk menyebar hoax, rumor dan konspirasi yang dilakukan untuk kepentingan pribadi dan golongan tertentu. Penyebaran tersebut tidak terlepas dari otoritas yang dimilikinya. Otoritas politik dan otoritas agama mengalami penurunan legitimasi sehingga media baru membuat fragmentasi otoritas tetapi ada ketimpangan pengetahuan antara pemerintah, ahli kesehatan, dan masyarakat biasa. Sehingga masyarakat bebas menggunakan media apapun untuk bersuara. Para otoritas agama juga ikut meramaikan media online dan media sosial dalam menyampaikan pendapatnya tentang Covid-19. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pengumpulan data sekunder yang bersumber dari artikel jurnal, media online. Hasilnya otoritas agama memiliki pengaruh kuat dalam menyampaikan informasi kepada khalayak. Walaupun sebagian informasi yang disampaikan bertentangan dengan otoritas lainnya seperti otoritas kesehatan dan politik (pemerintah)[The corona virus first appeared in Wuhan China, which is a virus that infects respiration or is called Covid-19. The spread is so fast that the whole country has an influence on several sectors, such as health, social, political, economic and religious. The rapid and comprehensive dissemination of information carried out by the media has become an opportunity for some people to spread hoaxes, rumors and conspiracies carried out for personal and certain group interests. The spread is inseparable from the authority it has. Political authority and religious authority have decreased legitimacy so that the new media create fragmentation of authority but there is a knowledge gap between the government, health experts, and ordinary people. So that people are free to use any media to speak out. Religious authorities have also participated in online media and social media in expressing their opinions about Covid-19. This study uses qualitative methods with secondary data sourced from journal articles, online media. The result is that religious authorities have a strong influence in conveying information to the public. Although some of the information contradicts other authorities such as health and political authorities (government)]
@Wardahmaulida_: Platform Islami Media Sosial Dari Niqab Eksklusif pada Niqab Fashion
Authors: Romario Romario
Published: March 2021

The outbreak of social media provides an alternative to celebrities who appear besides on television. The term social media celebrities also appear as 'selebgram' and 'selebtwitt'. Their appearance is based on a number of fans on social media who actively follow them both on the Instagram or the Twitter. This celebrity culture gives birth to interesting public figures who have never been found on television. One interesting program is @wardahmaulina_, a Muslim woman who uses a niqab of various colors in each of her postings. Her popularity began from her love affair with Natta Reza, who is now her husband, and was widely discussed in the social media. The story of their introduction only through Instagram and later married, much liked by citizens. Since then, both Natta Reza and Wardah have become popular. This paper focuses on discussing new phenomena about Wardah’s models of dressing (1.3 million of Instagram followers) that make the niqab a fashion trend. The niqab itself was initially stigmatized by the salafi movement as it tends to be rigid but is now undergoing a transformation after the appearance of figures like Wardah who presents the niqab with a more trendy and attractive style in the Muslimah market culture. This paper shows that the niqab is no longer synonymous with a rigid salafi movement but has transformed into a trendy Muslim outfit.[Merebaknya media sosial memberikan alternatif selebriti yang tampil selain di televisi. Istilah selebriti media sosial bermunculan dengan sebutan ‘selebgram’ dan ‘selebtwitt’. Kemunculan mereka berdasarkan banyaknnya penggemar di media sosial yang aktif mengikuti baik di instagram ataupun twitter. Kultur selebriti ini melahirkan tokoh publik menarik yang sebelumnya tidak pernah ditemui ditelevisi. Salah satu selebgram yang menarik adalah @wardahmaulina_, ia seorang Muslimah yang menggunakan niqab berbagai warna dalam setiap postingannya. Kepopulerannya dimulai ketika kisah asmaranya dengan Natta Reza yang kini menjadi suaminya, ramai diperbincangkan di ruang media sosial. Kisah perkenalan mereka yang hanya melalui instagram kemudian menikah, banyak disukai oleh warganet. Semenjak itulah nama Natta Reza dan Wardah populer. Paper ini fokus membahas fenomena baru tentang model berpakaian Wardah (1,3 Juta pengikut instagram) yang menjadikan niqab sebagai tren fashion. Niqab sendiri yang pada awalnya distigmakan denga gerakan salafi yang cenderung kaku, kini mengalami transformasi setelah tampilnya sosok seperti Wardah yang menampilkan niqab dengan lebih trendi dan menarik dengan budaya pasar muslimah. Paper ini menunjukkan bahwa niqab tidak lagi identik dengan gerakan salafi yang kaku, namun sudah bertransformasi menjadi pakaian muslimah yang trendi.]
RELASI KUASA POLITIK TOKOH AGAMA DALAM HEGEMONI PEMILUKADA 2020
Authors: Adi Pradana Mahatva Yoga
Published: March 2021

AbstrakArtikel ini menggambarkan relasi kuasa politik yang dilakukan tokoh agama di Kabupaten Malang dalam rangka pemilihan kepala daerah. Dalam wilayah sosial kemasyarakatan, tokoh agama memiliki status yang tinggi sampai akhirnya disebut sebagai elit lokal. Status sosial itu berupa kekuasaan yang lahir dari legitimasi masyarakat. Selain itu kekuasaan politik yang di miliki berasal dari jaringan yang dibangun dengan latar belakang organisasi. Meskipun tulisan ini berawal dari hasil survey, penulis menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan model studi kasus. Dimana yang menjadi sumber data berasal hasil wawancara tokoh, masyarakat serta pelaku yang tinggal dan mengenal tokoh agama yang masuk dalam politik. Dalam konteks lokalitas masyarakat Kabupaten Malang, tokoh agama menjadi rujukan alternatif pemecahan masalah. Kekuasaan tokoh agama menjadi modal awal dipilih oleh masyarakat. Oleh karena itu sangatlah wajar apabila tokoh agama memiliki posisi yang penting dalam kontestasi politik lokal. Dengan dimensi kekuasaan yang dijelaskan oleh Gaventa dalam teori Powercube serta tokoh filsafat politik lain. Menunjukkan kekuasaan tokoh agama berada dalam wilayah yang disebutkan Gaventa, terlihat didalam struktur kekuasaan, tidak terlihat diluar sebagai penasehat dan tersembunyi dengan melakukan gerakan bawah tanah. Oleh karena itu posisi tokoh agama dalam berpolitik juga menjadi kian digemari oleh para elit politik dalam dukung mendukung.