bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thirty-Day Mortality for Proximal Femoral Fractures Treated at a U.K. Elective Center with a Site-Streaming Policy During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Beaven A. , Piper D. , Plant C. , Sharma A. , Agrawal Y. , Cooper G.
Published: October 2021

Background:

COVID-19 led to the reconfiguration of U.K. orthopaedic trauma services because surgical capacity was threatened in acute centers. We report the 30-day mortality of proximal femoral fractures in older adults treated at an elective orthopaedic center.

Methods:

Patients >60 years old who presented with a proximal femoral fracture to any of 4 sites in the regional trauma network were transferred to our elective center for emergency surgery. Care was modeled according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, and efforts were made to treat all patients within 36 hours. Data were collected prospectively, and mortality outcomes were recorded.

Results:

Of the 192 patients who presented to the elective orthopaedic center, 167 were treated there. The median age of the latter patients was 88 years (interquartile range, 83 to 79 years). The median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 4 (interquartile range, 4 to 6). The median time from emergency department admission to surgical treatment was 24.5 hours (interquartile range, 18.8 to 34.7 hours). The 30-day rate of mortality was 10.2%. A total of 29 (17.4%) tested positive for COVID-19 during their admission, of whom 10 died, for a case-fatality rate of 34.5%. There were no significant differences in age (p = 0.33) or Charlson Comorbidity Index (p = 0.13) between patients who tested positive and those who did not. There was no significant difference in age between those who tested positive and died and those who tested positive and did not die (p = 0.13), but there was a significant difference in Charlson Comorbidity Index between those subgroups (p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

During a pandemic, an elective orthopaedic center can be reconfigured to a surgical center for older patients with proximal femoral fractures with acceptable health-care quality outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A Sequential Approach to the Management of Posterior Glenoid Defects in RSA
Authors: Imai Shinji
Published: October 2021

Background:

Large posterior glenoid defects pose problems in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). We have adopted a sequential approach to the management of posterior glenoid defects using asymmetrical reaming, the placement of a ring graft around the central peg (bony-increased offset, or BIO), or structural bone-grafting, depending on the amount of glenoid retroversion. Furthermore, we have devised multiple bioresorbable pinning (MBP)-assisted bone-grafting, in which as many bioresorbable pins as required are inserted, from whichever aspects of the graft necessary, to achieve initial stability.

Methods:

We reviewed 52 shoulders with posterior glenoid defects undergoing RSA between 2014 and 2019 (mean follow-up, 4.8 years; range, 2 to 6 years). Twenty (38.5%) of the shoulders had glenoid retroversion of <15° and were treated by asymmetrical reaming (Group A), 19 (36.5%) of the shoulders had retroversion of ≥15° to <30° and were treated with asymmetrical reaming combined with angulated ring graft around the central peg (Group B), and 13 (25.0%) of the shoulders had retroversion of ≥30° and were treated with MBP-assisted bone-grafting (Group C).

Results:

Mean version correction was 10.6° ± 4.3° in Group A, 20.7° ± 8.8° in Group B, and 33.8° ± 9.6° in Group C. The mean postoperative active anterior elevation was 138.3° ± 12.3°, 128.3° ± 12.3°, and 126.5° ± 15.3° in the 3 groups, respectively. The mean postoperative Constant score was 66.8 ± 14.6, 62.2 ± 13.5, and 61.7 ± 16.7, respectively. The mean preoperative active anterior elevation was significantly higher in Group A than in Group C (p = 0.037). The full or partial graft-incorporation rate (≥25% of original size) was 89.5% in Group B and 100% in Group C. One glenoid fracture and 1 case of transient brachial plexus palsy occurred in Group B (10.5%), and 1 acromion fracture and 2 cases of transient brachial plexus palsy occurred in Group C (23.1%).

Conclusions:

The results of the present sequential approach to management of posterior glenoid defects by the 3 modalities were acceptable. The present MBP-assisted bone-grafting procedure is an effective treatment for cases of shoulder arthropathy with severe posterior glenoid defects. Angulated ring grafting around the central peg may yield equally acceptable results, although its graft-incorporation rate requires further follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Primary Bankart Repair Versus Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction in Patients with Subcritical Bone Loss
Authors: Ali Zakariya S. , Thavorn Kednapa , Murphy Ryland , Sparavalo Sara , Wong Ivan
Published: October 2021

Background:

Anterior shoulder instability and its treatment is a quickly evolving field of interest in orthopaedics, both for patients and for health-care systems. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction (AAGR) compared with Bankart repair in the treatment of anterior shoulder instability in patients with subcritical glenoid bone loss.

Methods:

A cost-utility analysis was performed from the perspective of Canada’s publicly funded health-care system. A decision-tree model was created to simulate the progression of patients undergoing either a primary Bankart repair or AAGR. Recently published data were used to determine the recurrence rate and level of glenoid bone loss for the AAGR procedure; the recurrence rate was 1.4% in a cohort with a mean glenoid bone loss of 25.3%. A literature review on the primary Bankart procedure in patients with at least subcritical levels of glenoid bone loss yielded a recurrence rate of 22.9% in patients with a mean glenoid bone loss of 17.5%. AAGR served as the revision surgery for both primary procedures. Health utility scores for anterior shoulder instability were obtained from published literature. Total procedure costs, including costs of operating-room consumables, anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, and rehabilitation, were sourced from a hospital database. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis using 5,000 Monte Carlo simulations was performed, and results were used to create a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve.

Results:

The AAGR procedure was less costly and led to an improvement in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) when compared with the arthroscopic Bankart repair in the treatment of patients with anterior shoulder instability with subcritical glenoid bone loss (AAGR, cost = $16,682.77 [Canadian dollars] and QALYs = 5.76; Bankart, cost = $16,720.29 and QALYs = 5.46), suggesting that the AAGR is dominant, i.e., lower costs with higher QALYs. Applying a commonly used willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per QALY gained, the probability that the primary AAGR was more cost-effective was 85.8%.

Conclusions:

This study showed that, from the perspective of a publicly funded health-care system, AAGR was the economical treatment option when compared with Bankart repair in anterior shoulder instability with subcritical glenoid bone loss.

Level of Evidence:

Economic and Decision Analysis Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Modul Praktikum Larutan
Authors:   Jamilatur Rochmah, Wahyuningsih Arini Siti
Published: October 2021

Laboratorium yang terdiri dari laboratorium fisika, kimia, dan biologi ini, merupakan sarana penting untuk pendidikan dan penelitian yang akan menerapkan serta mengembangkan teori-teori dan konsep-konsep dasar dalam bidang fisika, kimia, dan biologi yang terkait. Laboratorium IPA digunakan untuk melaksanakan 15 mata praktikum yaitu: Fisika Dasar, Kimia Dasar, Biologi Umum, Fluida, Makhluk Hidup dan Kehidupan, Interaksi Antar Faktor Fisik, Interaksi Antar Makhluk Hidup, Gerak dan Perubahan, Gelombang dan Optik, Sains Lingkungan Teknologi dan Masyarakat, Zat dan Energi, Kehidupan Tingkat Sel, Larutan, Ilmu Lingkungan, Metabolisme dan Pengendaliannya.
Spinal Epidural and Subarachnoid Abscess Due to Acute Pyelonephritis in a 56-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kim Da Ham , Noh Sung Hyun
Published: October 2021

With recent advances in treatment technology, the mortality rate of spinal abscesses is decreasing. However, spinal abscesses are still unusual and difficult to treat. A 56-year-old woman presented with lower back pain and fever and chills that started two days before the visit. Initially, she showed lower limb extremity motor weakness. There was right focal acute pyelonephritis of the upper kidney portion with an associated complicated cyst on abdominal-pelvic computed tomography. Klebsiella pneumoniae was cultivated in blood and urine cultures. Spine magnetic resonance imaging with contrast enhancement was completed and the results showed epidural and subarachnoid space abscess formation in the whole lumbar space. The patient was treated with total laminectomy at L2-3 and laminotomy at L4-5 with epidural and subarachnoid abscess removal. After surgery, her back pain subsided enough that intravenous morphine was no longer needed. However, lower limb extremity motor weakness was not recovered. Antibiotics were administered to treat a potential cerebral nervous system infection for nine weeks. At the last follow-up, inflammation levels were normalized and the motor weakness in both legs was also normalized with active rehabilitation. This report described an epidural and subarachnoid abscess in a middle-aged woman due to urinary tract infection sepsis associated with acute pyelonephritis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. With proper surgery and adequate antibiotic treatment, the patient's symptoms improved significantly without any complications.
What Causes the Discrepancy between Quantitative Computed Tomography and Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry?
Authors: Yoon Hong , Kim Jung-Ho , Ryu Dal-Sung , Yoon Seung-Hwan
Published: October 2021

Objective: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a standard tool for measuring the bone mineral density (BMD), but it sometimes provides inaccurate results. In contrast, quantitative computed tomography (QCT) measures the BMD more accurately by directly measuring the trabecular bone. This study examined the factors that cause the discrepancy between DXA and QCT with advanced spinal imaging.Methods: The medical records of 59 patients who underwent DXA, QCT, and a lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were reviewed retrospectively. The following values were measured on plain radiographs, computed tomography, and MRI: lumbar lordosis, segmental scoliosis, compression fracture, spondylosis, abdominal aortic calcification, facet joint degeneration, and Modic change. The significant parameters contributing to the discordance results between DXA and QCT were evaluated by logistic regression analysis.Results: QCT identified osteoporosis in 43 patients (72.88%). DXA identified 15 osteoporotic patients (25.42%). Of the 44 patients not diagnosed with osteoporosis by DXA, 30 patients (68.18%) were diagnosed with osteoporosis by QCT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the result of DXA might be overestimated by a degenerated facet joint (odds ratio [OR] 4.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-19.07) and measurements at a fracture site (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.23-2.15).Conclusion: DXA might miss a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Facet joint hypertrophy due to degeneration revealed a stronger association with the overestimation of the BMD by DXA than the formation of osteophytes at the vertebral body. Therefore, the results of DXA should be interpreted carefully, considering the possibility of interruption.
Clinical and Radiologic Analysis of Disc Heights Change in Conservatively Treated Lumbar Herniated Disc Patients
Authors: Seo Dong-Min , Cho Yongjae , Yang Na-Re
Published: October 2021

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic factors of disc height loss in spontaneous resolution of herniated lumbar disc patients.Methods: From January 2017 to December 2018, a total of 56 symptomatic herniated lumbar disc patients (36 men and 20 women) were investigated retrospectively in this study. Clinical findings including age, sex, pain, and smoking history were examined in each group (group A, patients with not-changed disc heights; group B, patients with decreased disc heights). Radiologically, the level, severity, laterality, modic change, and disc degeneration of lumbar disc herniation were investigated between groups. We compared demographic and radiologic findings between groups.Results: A total of 56 patients were enrolled (group A, 30 patients; group B, 26 patients). There were no significant statistical differences in age, sex, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, level of disc herniation, and laterality of disc herniation between groups. Group A had more protrusion cases (14/30 cases) and group B had more Sequestration (11/26 cases). About Modic change and disc degeneration classification, group B had more modic change cases and more disc degeneration cases than group B.Conclusion: In this study, there were no significant differences in demographic findings, level of disc herniation, the status of disc herniation, laterality of disc herniation, VAS of back pain between group A and group B.
Vertical Leakage Occurred after an Earthquake: Suggestions for Utilizing the Mixed Flow Model
Authors: Yang Qiuye , Zhang Yan , Fu Li-Yun , Ma Yuchuan , Hu Junhua
Published: October 2021

Permeability is an important parameter of shallow crust that affects underground water migration. It is important to calculate the permeability changes caused by earthquakes for underground engineering safety and pollutant dispersion. The response analysis of groundwater in wells, to Earth tides, has been widely used to calculate permeability. However, the calculation results and the judgment of leakage are controversial. In this study, the water level response of both the M2 and O1 tidal waves in the Zuojiazhuang well was analyzed. An optimization fitting, using the mixed flow model, was performed to calculate the hydraulic parameters of aquifers and aquitards. After the Wenchuan earthquake, the horizontal transmissivity of aquifers increased temporarily and then slowly recovered. However, after the Tohoku earthquake, the horizontal transmissivity increased permanently by one order of magnitude. The vertical hydraulic conductivity increased permanently by three orders of magnitude, meaning that vertical leakage occurred. As both the M2 and the O1 waves are used as constraints for the calculation with the mixed flow model, the results of this study are more precise than those of previous ones. This article also gives some suggestions for utilizing the mixed flow model.
G.B. Itelson as a Prototype of Albert Lichtenberg. To the History of Writing the Story of Andrey Platonov’s Garbage Wind
Authors:   Institute of Russian Literature (Pushkin House) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Barsht Konstantin A.
Published: October 2021

The article analyzes the life path and tragic death of the philosopher Grigory Borisovich Itelson (1852–1926) emigrated from Russia. According to the as­sumption put forward in the article, he became the prototype of Albert Lichten­berg, the hero in the story of Andrey Platonov Garbage Wind (1933), which de­scribes the fate of a lonely German scientist, “the physicist of outer space”, who was killed by the Nazis for protesting against fascism. The article analyzes a number of coincidences between the fate of G.B. Itelson and the philosopher Lichtenberg described in the story Garbage Wind, in particular, the way of life and the circumstances of death. The author of the article finds in the text of Platonov’s story some allusions to G.B. Itelson – features of the worldview, pub­lication by the hero of the story of the book The Universe as a desolate space, burned in the square by the fascists, which is seen as a hint of the book by Felix Eberti Stars and World History. Thoughts about space, published by G.B. Itelson in 1923. The author analyzes the reason for Platonov’s appeal to the personality of Itelson, who was a personal friend of A. Einstein and the main translator of his books into Russian. Through these publications in the 1920s, A. Platonov got acquainted with the General and Special Theory of Relativity, which had a strong influence on the writer’s worldview and largely shaped the poetics of his works. The article argues for the possibility of Platonov’s acquaintance with the obitu­ary of G.B. Itelson, written by A.A. Goldenweiser and published in the Berlin Russian newspaper Ruhl, which describes in detail the life and tragic death of the philosopher at the hands of the Nazis
Balancing of Values and the Value of Balancing (Part Two)
Authors:   SE University, Gadzhiev Gadis A. , Voinikanis Elena A. ,   HSE University
Published: October 2021

The second part of the article is devoted to the analysis of two epistemological problems that are directly related to the balancing of values in judicial prac­tice – the nature of human rights and the relationship between law and non-le­gal normativity. According to the authors, the dispute between Habermas and Alexy over what is the authority of law in the area of human rights illustrates the conflict between Kantian legal philosophy and jurisprudence of interests, between the absolutism of deontological ethics and consequentialism. Balanc­ing legal values, using, among other things, the economic analysis of law, is one of the ways of the conscious evolution of law, its synchronization with the flow of life of society. Another problem is related to the conflict between the natural boundaries of law as a scientific and practical field of knowledge, and the regu­latory function of law, which presupposes a timely and adequate response of the law to external events and challenges. The authors turn to Luhmann’s dis­tinction between the normative closeness of law and its cognitive openness and come to the conclusion that there is both direct and indirect communication be­tween law and other normative systems (such as ethics and economics). Law assimilates and transforms ideas and values ​​of other areas of knowledge, but it shares with them the same context, which allows us to speak of the common cognitive structures
Effect of Temporary Punctal Plugs Implanted at the End of Biaxial Phacoemulsification in Preventing Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Issa Hazem Sameh , Issa Sameh Khaled
Published: October 2021

Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of temporary punctal plugs implanted at the end of biaxial phacoemulsification in preventing dry eye disease. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University; Syrian Private University; Al Andalus University for medical sciences.Materials and method: Prospective randomized controlled study, comprised 30 eyes of 30 patients with age related cataract, divided into two groups, in the first-study group( 17eyes) temporary punctal plugs were implanted through the upper punctum after biaxial phaco, while in the second- control group(13 eyes) biaxial phaco was performed without punctal plugs. Results were studied one day, one week and one month after surgery, outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity UCVA, meniscus height, tear film break up time (FTBUT), and patient’s satisfaction. All surgeries were performed using direct chop technique.Results: the difference in UCVA between the two groups was statistically evident at all follow up intervals (P= 0.002, 0.014, 0.006 respectively). Meniscus height was better in the first group compared to the second, the difference was statistically evident one day and one week after surgery( P= 0.02, 0.03 respectively), while the difference was not evident one month after surgery. FTBUT values were better in the first group, but the difference was not statistically evident one day and one week after surgery (P=0.60- 0.21 respectively), while it became statistically evident one month after surgery (P= 0.02). No statistically evident difference was found between the two groups regarding patient’s satisfaction.Conclusion: Temporary punctal plugs implanted at the end of biaxial phacoemulsification were effective in preventing dry eye disease.
Evidence of oceanic plate delamination in the Northern Atlantic
Authors: Duarte Joao , Riel Nicolas , Civiero Chiara , Silva Sonia , Rosas Filipe , Schellart Wouter , Custodio Susana , Almeida Jaime , Terrinha Pedro , Ribeiro Antonio
Published: October 2021

The Earth’s surface is constantly being recycled by plate tectonics. Subduction of oceanic lithosphere and delamination of continental lithosphere constitute the two most important mechanisms by which the Earth’s lithosphere is recycled into the mantle. Delamination or detachment in continental regions typically occurs below mountain belts due to a weight excess of overthickened lithospheric mantle, which detaches from overlying lighter crust, aided by the existence of weak layers within the continental lithosphere. Oceanic lithosphere is classically pictured as a rigid plate with a strong core that does not allow for delamination to occur. Here, we propose that active delamination of oceanic lithosphere occurs offshore Southwest Iberia. The process is assisted by the existence of a lithospheric serpentinized layer that allows the lower part of the lithosphere to decouple from the overlying crust. Tomography images reveal a sub-lithospheric high-velocity anomaly below this region, which we interpret as a delaminating block of old oceanic lithosphere. We present numerical models showing that for a geological setting mimicking offshore Southwest Iberia delamination of oceanic lithosphere is possible and may herald subduction initiation, which is a long-unsolved problem in the theory of plate tectonics. We further propose that such oceanic delamination is responsible for the highest-magnitude earthquakes in Europe, including the M8.5-8.7 Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 and the M7.9 San Vincente earthquake of 1969. In particular, our numerical models, in combination with calculations on seismic potential, provide a solution for the instrumentally recorded 1969 event below the flat Horseshoe abyssal plain, away from mapped tectonics faults. Delamination of old oceanic lithosphere near passive margins constitutes a new class of subduction initiation mechanisms, with fundamental implications for the dynamics of the Wilson cycle.
Hemorrhagic Cystitis in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Role for Age and Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Galli Eugenio , Sorà Federica , Gianfrancesco Luca Di , Giammarco Sabrina , Metafuni Elisabetta , Limongiello Maria Assunta , Innocenti Idanna , Autore Francesco , Laurenti Luca , Chiusolo Patrizia , Bacigalupo Andrea , Sica Simona
Published: October 2021

PURPOSE Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a frequent complication during allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). HC worsen transplant outcomes and patients wellbeing in terms of pain, medicalization and need for supportive care. Deeper understanding of HC risk factors may contribute to focus on more intense prevention in high risk patients. METHODS In this report we analyzed 237 consecutive patients who had received HSCT in order to identify possible risk factors for HC and their consequences, focusing on transplant- and gender-related risk factors.RESULTS HC occurred in 17% of patients, with higher incidence in males (21% vs 11%, p = 0.03). Risk factors for HC were age over 55 years, recipients male gender, mismatched-HLA, reduced intensity conditioning and cyclophosphamide-based graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Patients with grade II-IV acute GVHD and detectable BKV and JCV viruria developed more HC. In multivariate analysis, higher age remained independent (p = 0.013). Patients with HC experienced longer hospitalization and higher non relapse mortality (NRM). Prostatic hyperplasia (more than 40 cm^3) was found in 33% of male patients, who developed HC in 32% of cases (vs 16% in patients with smaller prostates, p = 0.032). In male patients, prostatic volume and age were independent risk factors for HC (p = 0.016 both).CONCLUSIONS Age is the major risk factor for HC, with a possible role for cyclophosphamide based GVHD prophylaxis and HLA mismatch. In male population, prostatic hyperplasia is an independent additional risk. As HC is frequent and associates with prolonged hospitalization, more intensive prophylactic strategies could be considered in high-risk subsets.
Three-dimensional change of molar position during alignment and leveling with PASS and MBT™: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Su Hong , Xu Kaiyuan , Feng Tingting , Han Bing , Chen Gui , Xu Tianmin
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Molar tip back bends added on steel wire is a classical anchorage control method used in Tweed Edgewise and Begg technique. With the development of straight wire appliance (SWA), especially the wide use of Nickel-titanium (NiTi) wire makes bending up impractical in the first stage of the treatment. However, mesial movement of molars occurs when fine NiTi wire was engaged into the molar buccal tube with forward tipping prescription. This single-center 2-arm parallel randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the physiologic anchorage spee-wire system (PASS) vs MBT™ straight-wire system with regards to their capacity of anchorage control during alignment and leveling.Method: The sample consisted of 64 CL I/ CL II orthodontic patients who underwent maxillary first premolar extraction. Minimal randomization was used to select the sample. Two bracket systems were used—PASS and MBT™. The digital study models included three time points: pre-treatment(T0), the first 3 months during treatment(T1), and the first 6 months during treatment(T2). Study models of different time point were superimposed and movements of maxillary first molar, canine, and central incisor were evaluated. Results: In the first 6 months of the treatment, the maxillary first molars were tipped distally (2.67±4.59°) and moved distally(0.03±1.02mm) in the PASS group; They were tipped mesially(1.95±3.04°) and moved mesially (0.67±0.79mm) in the MBT™ group. Vertically, the maxillary first molars were slightly extruded in the PASS group – the mesial cusp 0.50±0.73mm and the distal cusp 0.18±0.67mm; however, they were intruded in the MBT™ group – the mesial cusp 0.19±0.52mm and the distal cusp 0.05±0.56mm. Besides molars, the maxillary canines also exhibited treatment difference– the inter-canine width was increased by 1.31±2.00mm in the PASS group in contrast to 2.37±1.72mm in the MBT™ group. No other difference was found. Conclusion: Compared with MBT™, PASS was better at preserving maxillary anchorage during alignment and leveling.
An Expedient Approach Towards Statistical Analysis of Formalin Business Policy Using Design of Experiment in a Petrocomplex Plant in India
Authors: Mukherjee Anupam , Roy Kunal , Jana Dipak Kumar , Khatua Pijus
Published: October 2021

Due to civilization, solvent-based paints are abundantly used for painting. Typical solvents include raw Methanol, Ethanol, cellosolve, Amylacetate, and Xylene. After painting, these huge raw solvents are emitted into the atmosphere, which continuously pollutes our environment. Global environment consciousness induced scientists to use aqua-based paints as it never emits harmful material in the atmosphere. Formaldehyde is one of the major components used to produce aqua-based thermosetting resin adhesives, used worldwide in the paints and panel industries. Perceiving the current state of formaldehyde production, development, applications in industrial sectors and demand in the trading industry, a new approach has been envisaged to revitalize the quality of formalin/formaldehyde in petrocomplex plants by the unique design of experiment model based on the collected data. The superiority of formalin depends on some primary constraints such as specific gravity, acid value and solid content of the product. The parameters which control the primary quality measuring constraints are methanol flow-rate, air-supply, and temperature during the reaction process. Based on these three inputs and three output parameters a statistical optimization analysis has been explored with the help of Box-Behnken design by exploring the robustness of soft computing tool (RSM) from an industrial engineering perspective with the overall desirability of 0.744.
Patient Reported Outcomes and Complications during Head & Neck Cancer Radiotherapy before versus during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hamilton Sarah , Chau Nicole , Berthelet Eric , Wu Jonn , Tran Eric , Chevrier Melanie , Lau Victoria , Chan Matthew , DeVries Kimberly , Lapointe Vincent , Olson Robert A
Published: October 2021

Purpose
This study compares patient reported outcomes and treatment related complications during radiotherapy before (August 2019 -Feb 2020) versus during (March -October 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and Methods
The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory – Head & Neck Module was used to assess curative intent H&N cancer patients’ symptoms during radiotherapy.
Results
There were 158 patients in the pre-pandemic cohort and 137 patients in the pandemic cohort. There was a trend towards more patients requiring an enteral feeding during the pandemic (21% vs 30%, p = 0.07). Weight loss was higher during the pandemic (mean − 5.6% vs 6.8%, p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, treatment during the pandemic was associated with higher symptom scores for coughing/choking while eating (2.7 vs 2.1, p = 0.013).
Conclusions
Complication rates during H&N radiotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic were similar at our institution relative to the pre-pandemic era although weight loss was greater and patients reported more severe choking/coughing while eating.
Millicomposting Versus Vermicomposting: A Statistical Comparison Of The Quality Of The Resulting Organic Composts
Authors: Batista Lorena Gonzaga Dobre , Montero Leda Lorenzo , Shinzato Mirian Chieko
Published: October 2021

The efficiency of millicomposting (M, with millipedes), vermicomposting (V – with earthworms), and traditional composting (C – no invertebrates) of vegetal waste was investigated statistically. Composting took place in closed systems to avoid external interferences during the experiments and allow monitoring of the main physico-chemical parameters. The experiments were replicated six times (n = 6). Quality was assessed via analysis of variance (one-way and Welch procedures) and post-hoc comparisons. Temperature profiles were similar in the three composting types. After 92 days, the compost volume produced in V (51%) decreased more than in M (43%) and C (44%) (p = 0.001). Organic carbon, nitrogen contents, and C/N ratios were also similar (all p > 0.1). Vermicomposting produced humus of higher nutritional quality, whereas M leachates yielded higher nutritional levels and maturity degrees. The Ca content was higher in V and M, while K and Mg were higher in V. pH, Ca, Mg, P2O5, and S contents were higher in V than in C (all p < 0,05). The leachate volumes, electrical conductivity, and Na+ and PO43− contents were similar in the three composting types (p > 0.05). pH, K+ and NH4+ contents were higher while the NO3− was lower in V than in M (all p < 0.005). The only difference observed in C was lower pH when compared to those of V. Although all three composting types were efficient in producing mature, high-quality organic fertilizers, the addition of detritivorous animals improved the composting efficiency and the quality of the final products. This study also attested the potential of millicomposting in producing good-quality liquid fertilizers.
Detection of Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions by using High Fluorescent Carbon Dots Doped With S and N as Fluorescence Probes
Authors: Liu Huadong , Xu Haoxuan , Li Hewei
Published: October 2021

In this paper, carbon quantum dots (S-N-CDs) containing sulfur and nitrogen were synthesized using citric acid and thiourea. The average particle size of N-S-CDs is 8nm. The N-S-CDs surface contains various of functional groups, which has good water solubility. The fluorescence quantum yield of N-S-CDs is as high as 36.8%. N-S-CDs emits strong blue fluorescence in aqueous solution and has good photostability in neutral and alkaline Nacl solution. N-S-CDs has unique selectivity and high sensitivity to Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions, and the lowest detection limits are 1.4μM and 0.16μM, respectively. Under the interference of other metal ions, Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions can still effectively and stably quench the fluorescence of N-S-CDs. In addition, in the detection of actual samples, N-S-CDs can effectively detect Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions in tap water and lake water.
Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Ascophyllum Nodosum Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Mishra Sunil Kumar , Sinha Saket , Singh Amit Kumar , Upadhyay Prabhat , Kalra Diya , Kumar Pradeep , Tiwari Kavindra Nath , Singh Rajan , Singh Rakesh Kumar , Kumar Arvind , Tripathi Alok , Chauhan Brijesh Singh , Srikris S
Published: October 2021

Emerging field of green nanotechnology has gained the attention of biologists due to the cost-effective and environment friendly advancements. The most preferred method being by biological means involving plants and their extracts, in the present investigation silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesised by sunlight-driven method, coated with aqueous extract (AE) of whole plant powder of Ascophyllum nodosum. High-resolution Scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), High-resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and particle size analysis were used to determine the nature of nanoparticles. The techniques confirmed the formation of spherical and particles of desired range of size. AgNPs exhibited a much greater DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) radical scavenging activity which was almost six to seven folds more than that exhibited by the AE alone. Anti-leishmanial and cytotoxic activity was evaluated on Leishmania donovani promastigote and amastigote. This raises the possibility of utilization of green synthesised AgNPs in leishmaniasis treatment.
Compression with unified and accessible byte blocks to enhance management and analyses of UKBB-scale genotypes
Authors: Li Miaoxin , Zhang Liubin , Yuan Yangyang , Peng Wenjie , Tang Bin , Li Mulin Jun , Gui Allen
Published: October 2021

Whole-genome sequencing projects of millions of persons contain enormous genotypes, entailing a huge memory burden and time overhead during computation. Here, we introduce Genotype Blocking Compressor (GBC), a method for rapidly compressing large-scale genotypes into a fast-accessible and highly parallelizable format. We demonstrate that GBC has a competitive compression ratio to help save storage space. Furthermore, GBC is the fastest method to access and manage compressed large-scale genotype files (sorting, merging, splitting, etc.). Our results indicate that GBC can help resolve the fundamental problem of time- and space-consuming computation with large-scale genotypes, and conventional analysis would be substantially enhanced if integrated with GBC to access genotypes. Therefore, GBC's advanced data structure and algorithms will accelerate future population-based biomedical research involving big genomics data.
The effect of Pressure- or Volume- controlled ventilation on inflammatory factors of patients undergoing surgery with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiao Bo , Chen Mingyuan , Luo Xi , Chen Chan , LIU Jin
Published: October 2021

Objective During the COVID-19 pandemic, some patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia may have concurrent disease that must be accepted surgery. However, the extensive inflammatory response existed in this population, especially in the lungs. And various ventilation could affect the inflammation of lungs. Therefore, how to choose the ventilation mode to reduce the effect of mechanical ventilation on inflammation is an important clinical practice. We aim to investigate the effect of different ventilation modes on inflammatory factor levels of patients undergoing surgery with COVID-19 through this systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods and analysis This systematic review and meta-analysis have been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The PubMed, Embase via Ovid, Chinese Biological Medical Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) will be searched from inception to date to find relevant studies. In addition, the relevant literature was also hand-searched. Two searchers independently selected the studies, extracted data and assessed the quality of studies included. The Review Manager 5.4 software (The Cochrane library,Oxford,England) will be used for data synthesis and meta-analysis. Continuous variables were embodied by Weight Mean Differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Dichotomous outcomes were embodied by Odds ratio with 95%CI. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not required because the data was collected from the published studies. Finally, the results of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021251937
Testing the effectiveness of Community-Based Continuous Training Project on Improving the Domains of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Intention Among Expecting Couples in Rural Settings of Rukwa Tanzania, A Controlled Quasi Experimental Study
Authors: Moshi Fabiola Vincent
Published: October 2021

Background: According to theory of planned behavior, the intention to engage into a behavior predicts the behavior to occur. The intention to engage into a behavior is influenced by three domains which are the attitude towards the behavior, the perceived subjective norms and the perceived behavior control. The study aimed at testing the effectiveness of a Community Based Continuous training (CBCT) intervention on improving the three domains of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) intention. Method: The quasi-experimental study design with control was done from June 2017 until March 2018. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to obtain 561 couples. Pre-test and end-line information were collected using semi-structured questionnaires developed using theory of planned behavior. The effectiveness of the intervention on improving domains of BPCR intention was assessed by using both independent t-test and pared t-test. Results: In comparison between groups at posttest assessment, there was a significant increase in mean scores only on perceived subjective norms in the intervention group if compared to the control group among pregnant women. Among male partners, none of the domain showed a significant difference between the intervention group and control group. In the comparison within groups, mean scores in all three domains had significant increase at posttest in both groups among male partners while among pregnant women the significant increase in the three domains were only among pregnant women in the intervention group. The predictor of change on attitudes and subjective norms mean scores were only the intervention β=0.065, p<0.05 and β=0.112, p=0.001 respectively. Predictors of change in perceived behavior control mean scores towards birth preparedness were level of education (secondary school, β=0.066, p<0.05), age at marriage (more than 24 years, β=0.069, p<0.05) and ethnic group (others, β=-0.067, p<0.05).Conclusion: The improvement brought by the intervention indicates that the intervention has the potential to significantly change the attitude and subjective norms domains of BPCR intention. The study recommends the CBCT intervention to be used in rural community to improve attitude and perceived subjective norms of BPCR intention.
Stimulating Music Supports Attention in Listeners with Attentional Difficulties
Authors: Woods Kevin , Sampaio Gonçalo , James Tedra , Przysinda Emily , Hewett Adam , Spencer Andrea , Morillon Benjamin , Loui Psyche
Published: October 2021

Background music is widely used to sustain attention, but little is known about what musical properties aid attention. This may be due to inter-individual variability in neural responses to music. We test the hypothesis that music can sustain attention by affecting oscillations via acoustic amplitude modulation, differentially for those with varying levels of attentional difficulty. We first show that heavily-modulated music improves sustained attention for participants with more ADHD symptoms. FMRI showed this music elicited greater activity in attentional networks in this group only, and EEG showed greater stimulus-brain coupling for this group in response to the heavily-modulated music. Finally, we parametrically manipulated the depth and rate of amplitude modulations inserted in otherwise-identical music, and found that beta-range modulations helped more than other frequency ranges for participants with more ADHD symptoms. Results suggest the possibility of an oscillation-based neural mechanism for targeted music to support improved cognitive performance.
Postsynaptic synucleins mediate vesicular exocytosis of endocannabinoids
Authors: Ding Jun , Albarran Eddy , Sun Yue , Liu Yu , Raju Karthik , Dong Ao , Li Yulong , Wang Sui , Sudhof Thomas
Published: October 2021

Two seemingly unrelated questions have long motivated studies in neuroscience: How are endocannabinoids, among the most powerful modulators of synaptic transmission, released from neurons? What are the physiological functions of synucleins, key contributors to Parkinson’s Disease? Here, we report an unexpected convergence of these two questions: Endocannabinoids are released via vesicular exocytosis from postsynaptic neurons by a synuclein-dependent mechanism. Specifically, we find that deletion of all synucleins selectively blocks all endocannabinoid-dependent synaptic plasticity; this block is reversed by postsynaptic expression of wildtype but not of mutant α-synuclein. Loading postsynaptic neurons with endocannabinoids via patch-pipette dialysis suppressed presynaptic neurotransmitter release in wildtype but not in synuclein-deficient neurons, suggesting that the synuclein deletion blocks endocannabinoid release. Direct optical monitoring of endocannabinoid release confirmed the requirement of synucleins. Given the role of synucleins in vesicular exocytosis, the requirement for synucleins in endocannabinoid release indicates that endocannabinoids are secreted via exocytosis. Consistent with this hypothesis, postsynaptic expression of tetanus-toxin light chain, which cleaves synaptobrevin SNAREs, also blocked endocannabinoid-dependent plasticity and release. The unexpected finding that endocannabinoids are released via synuclein-dependent exocytosis assigns a function to synucleins and resolves a longstanding puzzle of how neurons release endocannabinoids to induce synaptic plasticity.
Identification and HPLC Purification of Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) from the Seed Coats, Leaves and Bark of Givotia Rottleriformis Griff.
Authors: Kamatham Samuel
Published: October 2021

Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid; ASA) is an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer molecule derived from salicylic acid (SA) and produced by different companies worldwide because of the wide range of therapeutic applications in human. Accumulated evidence suggest that ASA relieves pain, swelling, cold or flu, prevent colorectal cancer and cardiovascular diseases. ASA induces defense response against wide range of pathogens in plants. Recently, we reported benzoylsalicylic acid (BzSA) and other anti-cancer molecules such as gallic acid (GA) methyl gallate from the seed coats of G. rottleriformis 1-3. Here we are reporting the natural aspirin first time from the seed coats, leaves and bark of G. rottleriformis. HPLC chromatogram of hexane extract of seed coats, leaves and bark have shown a peak at RT 24.8min coeluted with the aspirin standard. The purified aspirin from the seed coats were subjected to 1H NMR and were confirmed as aspirin. These results suggest that aspirin biosynthesis is taking place in seed coats, leaves and bark of G. rottlerifirmis and supports the medicinal properties of G. rottleriformis. These results suggest that the seedcoats, leaves and bark of this plant contains the highly useful medicinal compounds to treat the rheumatism, cancer, cardiovascular, psoriasis, anti-inflammatory and other skin diseases.
Plasmonic Characteristics of Rhodium Dual Broken Nanorings In UV-Visible Regime
Authors: Zhang Yue , Dong Dandan , Xiong Tao , Wang Wei , Sun Cheng
Published: October 2021

This work reports on the plasmonic properties of a symmetry-breaking system consisting of rhodium dual broken nanorings, in the ultraviolet-visible regime. In the structure, two rhodium broken rings are located with a separation on the scale of nanometers. As the separation, the light polarization, and the relative orientation of the broken angles are respectively varied, the plasmonic scattering efficiency of the system is investigated, using the finite difference time domain method. Multiple plasmonic resonances are revealed, and the associated asymmetry-induced Fano-like lineshapes are fitted to a model that employs multiple Fano lineshape functions. The resonance wavelengths, the spectral widths, and the characteristic q values are determined from the best fit parameters, and the plasmonic characteristics of the system are quantitatively probed. The results in this work may be beneficial in designs of plasmonic devices that operates at ultraviolet-visible wavelengths.