bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty without Bone-Grafting for Severe Glenoid Bone Loss in Patients with Osteoarthritis and Intact Rotator Cuff
Authors: McFarland Edward G. , Meshram Prashant , Rojas Jorge , Joseph Jacob , Srikumaran Uma
Published: March 2021

We previously reported on 40 patients (42 shoulders) with glenoid bone loss who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with glenoid reaming and without bone-grafting. The purpose of this study was to report the updated results in 29 patients (31 shoulders) from the original cohort who were available after a minimum 5-year follow-up. Since the last report, 1 additional patient had a baseplate failure. The cumulative incidence of baseplate failure requiring revision, accounting for the competing risk of death, was 2.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2% to 12%) at 2 years and 5.2% (95% CI, 0.9% to 16%) at 5 and 10 years. Patients who did not have an implant failure had a statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement compared with their preoperative scores on a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Simple Shoulder Test, and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Scapular notching occurred in 6 shoulders (19%). For the studied indication, reaming the glenoid flat produced excellent prosthetic survival with clinical results maintained at a minimum 5-year follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Effects of Laumontite Hydration/Dehydration on Swelling Deformation and Slake Durability of Altered Granodiorite
Authors: Yan Junsong , Shen Junhui , Zhang Kaizhen , Xu Jianjun , Duan Weifeng , Yang Richang
Published: March 2021

The mineral laumontite can undergo hydration/dehydration reactions at room temperature. The hydration/dehydration produces a 3 to 6 percent volume change in the unit cell. The effects of laumontite hydration/dehydration on swelling and slake durability were investigated using altered granodiorite containing laumontite from the dam foundation of Yangfanggou Hydro Power Station, Sichuan, China. The occurrence of laumontite in altered rocks was first determined by petrological analysis. Typical samples were then collected for laboratory X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, free swelling tests, and slake durability index (SDI) tests. The test results were analyzed to determine the quantitative relationships between laumontite content, maximum axial strain, and slake durability index. We found that hydration of laumontite led to rock swelling. As laumontite content increased, maximum axial strain increased linearly; if water penetrated the rock quickly, swelling occurred over a short period. The hydration/dehydration of laumontite decreased slake durability of the rock; the SDI decreased approximately linearly as laumontite content increased.
Full electric-field tuning of the nonreciprocal transport effect in massive chiral fermions with trigonal warping
Authors: Lee Wei-Li , Lu Elisha Cho-Hao , Li Liang , Cheng Cheng-Tung
Published: March 2021

In a noncentrosymmetric system, an intrinsic electric
polarization is allowed and may lead to
unusual nonreciprocal charge transport phenomena. As a result, a current-dependent resistance,
arising from the magnetoelectric anisotropy term of k · E × B, appears and acts as a current
rectifier with the amount of rectification being linearly proportional to the magnitude of both
current and applied magnetic field. In this work, a different type of nonreciprocal transport effect
was demonstrated in a graphene-based device, which requires no external magnetic field. Owing to
the unique pseudospin (valley) degree of freedom in chiral fermions with trigonal warping, a large
nonreciprocal transport effect was uncovered in a gapped bilayer graphene, where electric-field
tunabilities of the band gap and valley polarization play an important role. The exact cancellation
of nonreciprocal effect between two different valleys is effectively removed by breaking the inversion
symmetry via electric gatings. The magnitude of the current rectification appears to be at a
maximum when the Fermi surface undergoes a Lifshitz transition near the band edges, which is
proportional to the current and the displacement field strength. The full electric-field tuning of the
nonreciprocal transport effect without a magnetic field opens up a new direction for valleytronics
in two-dimensional based devices.
Thymol mitigates monosodium glutamate-induced neurotoxic cerebral and hippocampal injury in rats via overexpression of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling pathway as well as altering nuclear factor- kappa β and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression
Authors: Mostafa Rasha , Hassan Azza , Salama Abeer AA
Published: March 2021

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used in various food industries as a flavor enhancer. MSG is reported to cause many toxic effects, including increased neurotoxicity. The study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying thymol's neuroprotective effect against MSG-induced neurotoxic cerebral and hippocampal injury in rats. Brain injury was induced by MSG (2 g/kg; i.p.) for 15 days. Thymol (400 & 800 mg/kg/day; p.o.) was administered along with MSG. MSG control rats showed a significant reduction in behavioral activity, elevated brain tissue oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters, Nrf2 gene up-regulation, overexpression of nuclear factor-kappa β (NF-kβ), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as well as neuronal damage in the cerebral cortex & hippocampus. Thymol ameliorated MSG-induced brain injury via overexpression of the Nrf2 gene, thus increasing the cellular defense and organizing antioxidant & anti-inflammatory effects. Thymol improved behavioral activity and brain tissue GSH content. Thymol also decreased brain contents of MDA, NO, TNF-α & IL-6. Moreover, Thymol improved NF-kβ & GFAP immunohistochemical expression and histopathological picture in the cerebral cortex & hippocampus compared to MSG control rats. The aforementioned results suggest that thymol exhibits promising neuroprotective effects. The study elucidates the molecular mechanisms linking Nrf2 pathway signaling to oxidative stress, inflammation & NF-kβ expression underlying thymol’s protection against MSG-induced neurotoxicity. The study also highlights the role of GFAP expression in MSG-induced astrocyte injury of cerebrum & hippocampus of rats and the promising protective effects of thymol in ameliorating astrocyte injury.
The Effect of Hydrogenation on Structure and Superconducting Properties of FeTe0.65Se0.35 Single Crystals
Authors: Bondarenko S. I. , Prokhvatilov A. I. , Puzniak Roman , Pietosa Jaroslaw , Prokhorov A. A. , Meleshko V. V. , Timofeev V. P. , Koverya V. P. , Gawryluk D. J. , Wisniewski Andrzej
Published: March 2021

Single crystals of FeTe0.65Se0.35, with the onset of critical temperature (Tc) at 14 K, were hydrogenated for 10–90 hours at various temperatures, ranging from 20 to 250 oC. It is shown that tetragonal matrix becomes unstable and crystal symmetry is reduced for the crystals hydrogenated already at 200 oC despite that molecular impurities do not change matrix symmetry, unless the material is not destroyed under hydrogenation at 250 oC. Bulk Tc, takenat the middle of the transition, equal to about 12–13 K for the as-grown FeTe0.65Se0.35, increases by 1–2 K. The critical current density determined in magnetic field range of 0–70 kOe increases 4–30 times as a result of hydrogenation at 200 oC for 10 h. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies confirmed higher value of the bulk Tc for hydrogenated crystals. Thermal diffusion of hydrogen leads to substantial structural changes, causes degeneration of crystal quality, and significantly affects superconducting properties. A strong correlation was observed between the structural changes and changes in the parameters of the superconducting state for the hydrogenated crystals.
Connexin 26 (GJB2) Gene Mutations Linked With Autosomal Recessive Nonsyndromic Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Iraqi Population
Authors: Al-janabi Anwar Madlool , Ahmmed Habeeb Shuhaib , Al-Khafaji Salih Mahdi
Published: March 2021

Background:Deafness is a total or partial hearing loss that may appear at any ages with different degrees of severity. Approximately 50% of hearing loss have a genetic origin, among them, the nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness represents about 70% of the cases. From them 80% corresponding to autosomal recessive inheritance deafness. Objective: Autosomal recessive deafness was not been studied enough at molecular level in Iraq, so this study aimed to detect the prevalence of the three most common mutations of Connexin 26 (GJB2) gene in nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness for Iraqi population.Method: The current case-control study was conducted from January 2018 to January 2020 at molecular laboratory in Anatomy and Histology Department/ faculty of Medicine/ Kufa University/Najaf/ Iraq. The study was included 95 deaf patients (55 males and 40 females) their age range between 11-40 years old and 21.5 ± 6.3 year (mean ± SD) and 110 healthy control group, their ages range between 10-40 years old and 20.1 ± 5.9 year (mean ± SD), these two groups were matched in age and gender. In order to detect c.35delG, 235delC and 167delT mutations in GJB2 gene, we were employed the polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique.Results: From 95 deaf patients with ARNSHL who were participated in this study, the c.35delG was the main frequent mutation encountered with GJB2 gene, among them 35(36.8%) were homozygous, 40(42.1%) were heterozygous and 20 (21.1%) were wild genotypes. The second degree mutation in GJB2 gene was c.235delC mutation, which from the 95 deaf patients, there were 21 (22.1%) carried out homozygous, 33 (34.7%) heterozygous and 42(44.2%) wild genotypes. None of the 95 deaf patients were showed the c.167delT mutation, on the other hand these variants were not detected in healthy control group which was studied parallel with patients group.Conclusion: Our data conclude that the GJB2 c.35delG and c.235delC gene mutations were the main cause of ARNSHL in Iraqi deaf population.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Potential Carbamate Prodrugs of 5′-methylthioadenosine (MTA)*
Authors: Ranade Ashwini Sadanand , Bertino Joseph R , Hu Longqin
Published: March 2021

5′-Methylthioadenosine (MTA) is a natural substrate of MTA phosphorylase (MTAP) and is converted to adenine via a salvage pathway for AMP production in normal healthy cells. The lack of MTAP expression in many solid tumors and hematologic malignancies compared to normal healthy cells has been explored in a potential therapeutic strategy to selectively target tumor cells using antimetabolites such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and 6-thioguanine (6-TG) while protecting normal healthy cells with MTA. Herein, a series of carbamate prodrugs, namely the N-(alkyloxy)carbonyl-MTA derivatives 2a-f, was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as potential prodrugs of MTA. All carbamate prodrugs were stable in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 at 37 °C. In the presence of mouse liver microsomes, the prodrugs were converted to MTA at varying rates with the hexyl and butyl carbamates 2a and 2b most readily activated (t1/2 of 1.2 and 9.4 h, respectively). The activation was shown to be mediated by carboxyesterases present in mouse liver microsomes.
Multimodality Imaging for Optimal Device-size Selection During Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Thai Population
Authors: Montrivade Sakolwat , Lertsuwunseri Vorarit , Tumkosit Monravee , Srimahach Suphot
Published: March 2021

Background: Optimal device size selection is crucial for percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the standard imaging technique for LAA assessment, however there are discrepancies among different imaging modalities. We aimed to evaluate the agreement between device size and LAA size measured by three methods: multi-detector cardiac computed tomography (MDCT), TEE, and angiography. Methods: Patients who underwent percutaneous LAA closure at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from 2012 to 2020 were included in this study. MDCT, TEE and angiography were reviewed. LAA ostial diameter, landing zone diameter and maximal depth from each imaging modality was measured and analyzed. Agreement between landing zone diameter and implanted device size was assessed.Results: We reported on 61 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous LAA closure. The mean age of patients was 74.0 ± 8.4 years. The mean CHA2DS2 score, CHA2DS2-VASc score and HAS-BLED score were 2.8 ± 1.4, 4.6 ± 1.8 and 2.6 ± 1.0, respectively. Device implantation was successful in all patients (100%). Two different LAA closure devices were used: Watchman (n = 43, 70.5%) and Omega (n = 18, 29.5%). Maximum landing zone diameter measured by MDCT scan, TEE and angiography were 23.4 ± 3.9 mm, 22.2 ± 4.8 mm and 22.7 ± 3.5 mm, respectively. MDCT measurement was significantly larger than TEE measurement (p = 0.015) and closer to implanted device size compared with TEE and angiography. The difference between landing zone diameter measured by CT scan and device size was -1.65 ± 2.0 mm compared with -4.8 ± 4.6 mm for TEE and -4.3 ± 3.3 mm for angiography.Conclusion: MDCT sizing of LAA results in larger measurement than TEE. Routine implementation of MDCT sizing may improve procedural success with more accurate device size selection.
Cross-section of self-reported asthma triggers on children with asthma in China: data from smartphone-based Chinese Children's Asthma Action Plan
Authors: Zhang Changhao , Kong Yan , Shen Kunling
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Modeling and Analysis of Nonlinear Axial Force Generated by Automotive Drive-shaft Systems Based on Fractal Theory
Authors: Feng Huayuan , Shangguan Wen-Bin
Published: March 2021

The nonlinear generated axial force (NGAF) of an automotive drive-shaft system is mainly induced by the tripod joint in the drive-shaft system, which will lead to vibration and noise of a vehicle. On the basis of fractal theory, this paper conducts modeling and analysis of the NGAF from the micro level to study the NGAF more effectively. In order to describe the micro contact and friction states between rollers and tracks inside the tripod joint more accurately, a correction method for correcting the distribution function of asperities between rollers and tracks is proposed. Based on the proposed correction method and a calculation model of the NGAF, a fractal model of the NGAF considering rough surface characteristics is established. The fractal model is mainly related to the fractal parameters, the material parameters, the operating conditions and the correction coefficient of the distribution function of asperities. Using Sobol' global sensitivity analysis method, the first order and overall global sensitivities of the fractal model of the NGAF are subsequently analyzed to determine the influence of the factors on the NGAF. The effectiveness of the fractal model and the analytical method for the NGAF is verified by the experiment and calculation examples. The results show that modeling and analysis of the NGAF considering rough surface characteristics are essential to reveal the relationships between the NGAF and the fractal parameters, the material parameters and the correction coefficient from the micro level, which is helpful for the design and analysis of the NGAF of the drive-shaft system.
The Effects of Different Music Genres on Heart Rate Variability in Extremely and Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Neonates: an Italian Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Sgobbi Barbara , Bolis Maria Elena , Morlacchi Laura , Meessen Jennifer , Raglio Alfredo , Agosti Massimo
Published: March 2021

Background: Music and music therapy, live or recorded, has been gradually introduced in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of our Hospital in addition to standard medical and nursing care, to improve premature neonates’ neurophysiological development. The present study focused on music genres, starting from the parents’ sound experience and musical tastes that neonates experienced during the pregnancy period. The study explored the effects of different music genres also on Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) neonates since most studies refer to Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) neonates with birth weight > 1000 gr. The study aims to investigate the influence of different music genres on Heart Rate Variability (HRV) of preterm neonates.Methods: a prospective randomized study was conducted. Preterm neonates (gestational age <32 weeks, birth weight <1500g), were recruited. On the basis of birth order, they underwent a daily randomized music listening program (25 minutes, every day, for 3 days) based on different music genres listening (soft pop-rap, pop-rock and classical music), followed by 1 day of no music monitoring (25 minutes). An electrocardiogram was performed to evaluate HRV parameters in each neonate with and without music exposure.Results: twenty-seven (13 ELBW, birthweight <1000 g and 14 VLBW, birthweight 1000-1500 g) infants were included and HRV parameters were analysed. In the VLBW group no significant results were found between the music genres. In the ELBW group, during Soft Pop-Rap music listening, starting after 5 minutes High Frequency (HF) increase significantly (HF P =0.0096) and Low Frequency (LF) and LF/HF indices decrease significantly (LF P= 0.0096; LF/HF P=0.0068). The same trend was from 15 minutes of music listening high frequency (HF) increased and low frequency (LF) decreased (LF P=0.007; HF P= 0.007), Consequently LF/HF also decreased significantly (LF/HF P = 0.0093).Conclusion: A significant decrease in the activity of the sympathetic and a simultaneous increase of the parasympathetic nervous system were found in the ELBW group during Soft Pop-Rap music listening. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04049526 The Effects of different music genres on heart rate variability in extremely and very low birth weight new-borns.
DNA damage contributes to age-associated differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Jin Rui , Niu Chang , Wu Fengyun , Zhou Sixin , Han Tao , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Xiaona , Xu Shanrong , Zhang Jun , Li Xinyue , Wang Yinggui , Gao Ting , Yu Mengnan , Wang Ruiguan , Zhang Changjian , Li Jiangbo , Liu Qi , Zhao Haijing , Qin Lingmei , Li Yufang , Yang Peng , Tian Shen , Zhou Duoqi , Chen Wei , Ye Qinong , Cao Cheng , Cheng Long
Published: March 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, is known to disproportionately affect older individuals. Age is the most important determinant of disease severity and mortality. How aging processes affect the disease progression remains largely unknown. Here we found that DNA damage, a common denominator and major cause of aging, promoted susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in cells and intestinal organoids. SARS-CoV-2 entry was facilitated by DNA damage caused by either telomere attrition or extrinsic genotoxic stress and hampered by inhibition of DNA damage response. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the DNA damage response increased expression of ACE2, the receptor of SARS-CoV-2, by activation of transcription factor c-Jun in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of c-Jun significantly reduced cell susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. To explore the clinical clues of contribution of DNA damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection, we analyzed the expression of ACE2, γH2Ax and p-c-Jun in old and young human and mouse tissues. Expression of ACE2 was elevated in older human and mouse tissues and positively correlated with γH2Ax and p-c-Jun. Finally, targeting DNA damage by increasing the DNA repair capacity, alleviated cell susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Our data provide insight into the age-associated differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection and a novel target for anti-viral intervention.
Isolation, characterization and antibiotic susceptibility of staphylococcal isolates, with special reference to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, from anterior nares of health care workers in a tertiary health care centre.
Authors: Chaurasia Mukul , Agrawal Neha , Chourasia Ankita , Bhatnagar Monica , Parihar Geeta , Rastogi Vijaylatha , Tak Amit
Published: March 2021

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) and its resistant form Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common nosocomial pathogen, causing a wide range of infections in humans. The anterior nares are the main ecological niche for S.aureus. Nasal carriage of S. aureus acts as an important reservoir of infection among the colonized health care workers and they transmit the infection to the community. The aim of the present study is to estimate nasal colonization of S.aureus (with special reference to MRSA) in health care workers (doctors and nursing staff) and its antibiotic susceptibility pattern.Methods: A descriptive study was planned in the Department of Microbiology, JLN Medical College, Ajmer (Rajasthan, India) after due approval from institutional ethics committee. A total of 170 health care workers of either sex and ages between 18 to 60 years were screened for S.aureus. Identification was done using standard microbiological techniques, by studying their morphology, colony and biochemical characteristics. MRSA was detected by cefoxitin disc diffusion test, oxacillin disc diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of oxacillin by E-test and oxacillin screen agar test. The observations were described in proportions and chi-squared test was used to find independence. Statistical significance was considered at 5%. Results: Among 170 samples, 159 (93.53%) samples (50 doctors and 109 nursing staff) had staphylococci colonization. Out of 159 isolates, 34(21.38%) isolates were S.aureus. Further, 8(5.03%) S. aureus isolates were resistant to both cefoxitin and oxacillin and had oxacillin MIC values ≥ 4 µg/ml and were considered MRSA. All the MRSA belonged to nursing staff [Males: 5.50% , Females :1.83%]. All S. aureus and MRSA isolates were found sensitive to linezolid. In addition, 0.63% MRSA was found vancomycin intermediate S. aureus (VISA) and all MRSA isolates were sensitive to mupirocin (minimum inhibitory concentration ≤ 4 µg/ml).Conclusion: Screening and treatment of health care workers colonized with MRSA should be an important component of hospital infection control policy. These measures will prevent spread of infection to patients and community and thereby reduce the morbidity, mortality and health care costs associated with nosocomial infections.
 Assessment of The Effect of Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Supplementation on Anthropometric Measurements, Body Composition, Visceral Adiposity Index And Metabolic Status In Obese and Overweight Women 
Authors: Haidari Fatemeh , Mohammadshahi Majid , Zarei Mehdi , Haghighizadeh Mohammad Hosein , Mirzaee Fatemeh
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally. Among several methods for treating obesity, the use of dietary supplements is common recently. One supplement that can help in this regard might be vitamin B6 in high doses.The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pyridoxine hydrochloride supplementation on anthropometric measurements, body composition, visceral adiposity index and metabolic status in obese and overweight women.Methods and Study Design: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 44 obese and overweight women aged 18–50 years were selected and divided randomly into two groups: an intervention group (receiving 80 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride supplement for 8 weeks) and control group (receiving placebo for 8 weeks). Results: In the pyridoxine hydrochloride group, weight(p=0.01), body mass index(p=0.009), fat mass(p=0.003), waist circumference(p=0.005), visceral adiposity index(p=0.001), fasting insulin, Insulin Resistance(HOMA-IR), Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein(LDL), Triglycerides (TG) and leptin(p<0.001) decreased whereas adiponectin(p<0.001) increased in comparison to the baseline values. There was a significant difference in fat mass, visceral adiposity index, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and TG between pyridoxine hydrochloride and control groups following intervention in adjusted models(p<0.05).Conclusions: The findings suggest that vitamin B6 supplementation may be effective in reducing BMI and improving body composition and biochemical factors associated with obesity.Trial registration: Iran Clinical Trials Registry: IRCT20181002041206N1. Registered on 31 October 2018, https://en.irct.ir/trial/34220.
The Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for Young Individuals with High-Level Perceived Stress: Study Protocol for a Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial
Authors: Wu Jingsong , Han Mengyu , He Youze , Xie Xiaoting , Song Jian , Geng Xiujuan
Published: March 2021

Background: High level of perceived stress may result in negative effects both psychologically and physically on individuals, and may predispose onset of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. However, there is no suitable intervention for it. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) studies have shown its therapeutic efficacy in treatment resistant patients with stress-related disorders. Here we describe an exploratory study protocol to investigate the effect of the intervention for the individuals with high level of stress.Method: This is a single blinded, randomized sham-controlled trial, targeting at young healthy adults aging from 18 to 24 years old. Forty eligible volunteers will be recruited and randomly divided into active and sham rTMS group. All subjects will take a set of neuropsychological and biological assessments and MRI scanning before and right after the intervention. During the interventional period, 12-session stimulations will be performed in four weeks with three sessions per week. The primary outcome will detect the difference of Chinese 14-item perceived stress scales between active and sham rTMS groups after intervention. Secondary outcomes will examine the differences of other affective measurements, level of cortisol, and MRI derived neural functional measures between the two groups after intervention.Discussion: This trial aims to examine the effect of the 12-session rTMS intervention on individuals with high level of perceived stress. Positive or negative findings from any of the outcome measures would further our understanding of the efficacy of the stimulation and its neural impact. If effective, it would provide an evidence for a new treatment for high perceived stress.Trial registration: This study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900027662) (http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=45660). Registered 23th November 2019.
Clinico-morphological Profile of Cutaneous Fungal Infections: An Experience from a Tertiary Care Government Hospital in North India
Authors: Jain Ekta , Punia Rajpal Singh , Chander Jagdish , Bhalla Mala
Published: March 2021

Background: Cutaneous fungal infections are predominantly seen in hot tropical countries like India. In the past decade, there has been an escalation in recurrent and chronic fungal infections. Skin biopsy may play a critical role in rapid identification of these infections.

Methods: Fifteen cases of cutaneous fungal infections over a period of 6 years were included. Formalin-fixed tissue was subjected to hematoxylin and eosin and histochemical staining including Gomori Methanamine Silver and Periodic Acid Schiff . Results of KOH smear test and fungal culture were included wherever available. The clinico-morphological patterns in various cutaneous fungal infections was evaluated.

Results: Most patients were between 25 to 40 years of age and commonly presented as skin ulceration, followed by nodular swelling and multiple discharging sinuses. Candidiasis and Mycetoma infections were the commonest infections. Others included: Cryptococcosis, Dermatophytosis, Chromoblastomycosis and Mucormycosis. The predominant histopathologic patterns were perivascular and interstitial inflammation. Eleven cases were confirmed by KOH examination and culture.

Conclusion: The morphologic spectrum of cutaneous fungal infections is varied. Initial presentations of these fungal infections may be indicative of the onset of a life-threatening systemic mycoses. Thus, the histopathologic evaluation of skin tissue specimens is critical for their rapid and accurate diagnosis.
Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistocytosis in COVID-19
Authors: Jetty Stephanie Lilia Pushpam , Noronha Dotton Denis , Nayak Akshatha , Dsouza Altin
Published: March 2021

We present case of a 53-year-old lady who is a known case of rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension in Karnataka, South India, who presented with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) like symptoms  (fever, cough and breathlessness) due to COVID-19. During the course of treatment further investigations revealed evidence of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistocytosis (HLH). This case emphasizes the need for a thorough workup to identify the etiology of HLH as it may unmask a treatable entity in a COVID-19 patient.
Cistotomía asistida por laparoscopia en un caballo de Paso Fino con cálculo vesical
Authors: Ossa Bernal Juan Felipe , Duque Betancurt Diego , Gallego Rodríguez Renso Sneider , Jaramillo Morales Camilo
Published: March 2021

La urolitiasis es la presencia de concreciones minerales de los cristales de orina en las vías urinarias. En los equinos esta patología tiene una prevalencia baja (0,4% a 0,5%), su presentación se da en riñones y vejiga generalmente, siendo ésta última el sitio de mayor frecuencia. Los urolitos más reportados en caballos se encuentran compuestos por carbonato de calcio. El diagnóstico se realiza comúnmente  relacionando los hallazgos del examen clínico junto con la ecografía. Para el tratamiento se realiza abordaje quirúrgico. Un equino macho castrado, criollo colombiano, de doce años y un peso de 350 kg fue remitido para interconsulta por la presentación histórica de dos meses de pigmenturia y disuria, a la palpación transrectal se encontró una estructura redonda y compacta de aproximadamente 7 cm de diámetro ubicada en la vejiga, lo cual fue confirmado mediante ecografía vesical y cistoscopia, a su vez, se realizó citología del sedimento urinario. El abordaje terapéutico se hizo mediante manejo médico y quirúrgico por la técnica de cistotomía asistida por laparoscopia. El objetivo de este artículo es describir el primer reporte de caso de un urolito y de una cistotomía asistida por laparoscopia en un Caballo Criollo Colombiano.
Tiroiditis no-Hashimoto y feocromocitoma en un canino: un reporte de caso
Authors: Ávila Coy Jersson , Doncel Díaz Benjamín , Ordoñez Fontecha Diego , Gordillo González Daniel , Vasquez Machado Gersson , Iregui Castro Carlos
Published: March 2021

Se reporta un caso de endocrinopatía múltiple constituido por tiroiditis linfocítica y feocromocitoma en un canino labrador hembra de 6 años de edad con historia de síncopes, alopecia, descamación, hiperpigmentación e hiperqueratosis en cola y nariz, intolerancia al ejercicio, disnea, depresión leve; paraclínicamente mostró TSH elevada, T4 disminuida, hipercolesterolemia, hipertrigliceridemia; por electrocardiografía se diagnosticó taquicardia supraventricular. Se trató con levotiroxina sódica vía oral, con respuesta parcial; sin embargo, después de varias semanas, la paciente falleció súbitamente. En la necropsia se evidenció una condición corporal 4/5, alopecia axilar y abdominal, reducción de tamaño de las glándulas tiroides con infiltración de tejido adiposo; en la médula adrenal se encontró una masa color amarilla; las arterias coronarias, basilares cerebrales y de las serosas gastrointestinales estaban engrosadas con material granular amarillento intramural y oclusión luminal; el miocardio mostró regiones blanquecinas difusas al azar. Microscópicamente se encontró una tiroiditis linfocítica multifocal con atrofia severa e infiltración de tejido adiposo; aterosclerosis de las arterias de múltiples órganos con trombosis; infartos crónicos y agudos del miocardio, dermatosis atrófica y feocromocitoma. Este es el primer reporte de hipotiroidismo primario en nuestro medio con énfasis en patología macro y microscópica, así mismo es el primer caso en la literatura de endocrinopatía múltiple constituida por tiroiditis linfocítica y feocromocitoma.
Influência de fatores abióticos sob miogênese de peixes teleósteos
Authors: Sánchez Roncancio Charles Oswaldo , Da Silva Souza José Gilmar , Arias Vigoya Ángel Andrés
Published: March 2021

Os peixes teleósteos são organismos que, geralmente, apresentam limite de crescimento indeterminado e estão presentes em diferentes biomas com diversas características ambientais. Os teleósteos possuem até 80% de sua composição corporal formado por tecido muscular, composto porfibras musculares e células satélites indiferenciadas, formando um tecido muscular complexo cuja forma é muito variada em função das espécies que compõem este grupo de animais. Um ponto importante a ser considerado é que o crescimento muscular dos peixes é influenciado pelas condições ambientais em que estão inseridos. Esta influência ocorre à nível molecular afetando a transcrição e funcionalidade de diferentes transcritos relacionados à miogênese em diferentes fases do desenvolvimento dos peixes. Esta revisão tem o objetivo de discutir alguns dos pontos chave sobre a influência dos fatores ambientais sobre o desenvolvimento e crescimento muscular dos peixes.
On the Textual History of the Suśrutasaṃhitā (1): A Study of Three Nepalese Manuscripts
Authors: Klebanov Andrey
Published: March 2021

This article presents a detailed introduction to the study of three Nepalese manuscripts of the Suśrutasaṃhitā, one of which happens to be the oldest verifiably dated Sanskrit manuscript preserved in the region. The article consists of three larger sections. The first part provides a thorough critical survey of research that has been done on this material to date. The second section provides a detailed description of the manuscripts, translates and discusses their colophons and deals extensively with various problems involved in their dating. The final section of the article looks at characteristic features of the Nepalese version of the Suśrutasaṃhitā by focusing on its structure, selected structural elements and selected elements of content.
Особенности характеристик солнечно-слепых электронно-оптических преобразователей с алмазными фотокатодами
Authors: Беспалов В.А. , Ильичёв Э.А. , Казаков И.П. , Кирпиленко Г.А. , Козлитин А.И. , Минаков П.В. , Сарайкин В.В. , Клековкин А.В. , Куклев С.В. , Петрухин Г.Н. , Рычков Г.С. , Соколов Д.С. , Теверовская Е.Г.
Published: March 2021

The results of investigations of solar-blind image converter tubes (ICTs), sensitive in the ultraviolet spectral range are presented. Photocathodes sensitive layers of the ICT are based on boron-doped polycrystalline diamond films were grown up on sapphire substrates for the first time. Spectral range of the ICT sensitivity is 180…250 nm, the threshold sensitivity value without the electron flow multiplier ~ 10-9 W/Hz0.5 and spectral sensitivity ~ 12 - 15 mA/W.
Увеличение коэффициента эллиптичности электромагнитной волны при помощи поляризатора на основе меандровой линии
Authors: Гафаров Е.Р. , Ерохин А.А. , Литинская Е.А.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a method for increasing the axial ratio of an electromagnetic wave from small values about 0.2-0.3 to 1 was proposed using a meander line polarizer. The direct and inverse problems of the meander line polarizer excitation were solved. The reproducibility was shown.
The effect of urban air pollution on mental stress: A nationwide study of university students in China (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Weifang , Peng Sihui , Fu Jialu , Xu Ke , Wang Huihui , Jin Yu , Yang Tingzhong , Cottrell Randall R
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Studies exploring the relationship between air pollution levels and mental stress have rarely been done, and no studies have been done comparing university student mental stress levels based on regional air pollution levels.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between air pollution and mental stress among university students.

METHODS

Participants were 11,942 students, who were identified through a multistage survey sampling process conducted in 50 universities. Regional air pollution levels were retrieved from a national database, and mental stress was measured using a perceived stress scale. Both unadjusted and adjusted methods were utilized in the data analyses.

RESULTS

Mental stress prevalence was 36.9% (95% CI: 24.4%–49.5%). The final model indicated that regional air pollution levels were positively associated with students’ mental stress.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided new and direct evidence of the health hazards of air pollution. The findings underscore the need to develop and implement stringent environmental protection policies, while simultaneously raising public awareness of environmental protection.

CLINICALTRIAL

NONE
Mental Health Screening in General Practices as a Means for Enhancing Uptake of Digital Mental Health Interventions: Observational Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Whitton Alexis E , Hardy Rebecca , Cope Kate , Gieng Chilin , Gow Leanne , MacKinnon Andrew , Gale Nyree , O'Moore Kathleen , Anderson Josephine , Proudfoot Judith , Cockayne Nicole , O'Dea Bridianne , Christensen Helen , Newby Jill Maree
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Digital mental health interventions stand to play a critical role in managing the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, enhancing their uptake is a key priority. General practitioners (GPs) are well positioned to facilitate access to digital interventions, but tools that assist GPs in identifying suitable patients are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the suitability of a web-based mental health screening and treatment recommendation tool (StepCare) for improving the identification of anxiety and depression in general practice and, subsequently, uptake of digital mental health interventions.

METHODS

StepCare screens patients for symptoms of depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire) and anxiety (7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale) in the GP waiting room. It provides GPs with stepped treatment recommendations that include digital mental health interventions for patients with mild to moderate symptoms. Patients (N=5138) from 85 general practices across Australia were invited to participate in screening.

RESULTS

Screening identified depressive or anxious symptoms in 43.09% (1428/3314) of patients (one-quarter were previously unidentified or untreated). The majority (300/335, 89.6%) of previously unidentified or untreated patients had mild to moderate symptoms and were candidates for digital mental health interventions. Although less than half were prescribed a digital intervention by their GP, when a digital intervention was prescribed, more than two-thirds of patients reported using it.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing web-based mental health screening in general practices can provide important opportunities for GPs to improve the identification of symptoms of mental illness and increase patient access to digital mental health interventions. Although GPs prescribed digital interventions less frequently than in-person psychotherapy or medication, the promising rates of uptake by GP-referred patients suggest that GPs can play a critical role in championing digital interventions and maximizing the associated benefits.

CLINICALTRIAL
Patient Satisfaction and Trust in Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Orrange Sharon , Patel Arpna , Mack Wendy Jean , Cassetta Julia
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Los Angeles County is a hub for COVID-19 cases in the United States. Academic health centers rapidly deployed and leveraged telemedicine to permit uninterrupted care of patients. Telemedicine enjoys high patient satisfaction, yet little is known about the level of satisfaction during a crisis and to what extent patient- or visit-related factors and trust play when in-person visits are eliminated.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine correlates of patients’ satisfaction with a telemedicine visit.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational study conducted in our single-institution, urban, academic medical center in Los Angeles, internal medicine patients aged ≥18 years who completed a telemedicine visit between March 10th and April 17th, 2020, were invited for a survey (n=1624). Measures included patient demographics, degree of interpersonal trust in patient-physician relationships (using the Trust in Physician Scale), and visit-related concerns. Statistical analysis used descriptive statistics, Spearman rank-order correlation, and linear and ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 1624 telemedicine visits conducted during this period, 368 (22.7%) patients participated in the survey. Across the study, respondents were very satisfied (173/365, 47.4%) or satisfied (n=129, 35.3%) with their telemedicine visit. Higher physician trust was associated with higher patient satisfaction (Spearman correlation r=0.51, P<.001). Visit-related factors with statistically significant correlation with Trust in Physician score were technical issues with the telemedicine visit (r=–0.16), concerns about privacy (r=–0.19), concerns about cost (r=–0.23), satisfaction with telemedicine convenience (r=0.41), and amount of time spent (r=0.47; all P<.01). Visit-related factors associated with patients’ satisfaction included fewer technical issues (P<.001), less concern about privacy (P<.001) or cost (P=.02), and successful face-to-face video (P<.001). The only patient variable with a significant positive association was income and level of trust in physician (r=0.18, P<.001). Younger age was associated with higher satisfaction with the telemedicine visit (P=.005).

CONCLUSIONS

There have been calls for redesigning primary care after the COVID-19 pandemic and for the widespread adoption of telemedicine. Patients’ satisfaction with telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic is high. Their satisfaction is shaped by the degree of trust in physician and visit-related factors more so than patient factors. This has widespread implications for outpatient practices and further research into visit-related factors and the patient-provider connection over telemedicine is needed.
Streiflichter Urbaner Diakonie
Authors: Sigrist Christoph
Published: March 2021

Christoph Sigrist hat im Herbst 2016 anlässlich eines mehrmonatigen Studienurlaubs zahlreiche diakonische Gemeinden und Projekte in verschiedenen urbanen Kontexten auf drei Kontinenten besucht. Anreiz für seine Forschungen in den Städten und Grossstädten bildete die in der Wissenschaft gemachte Beobachtung, wonach die stattfindende Urbanisierung – verstanden als «eine umfassende Transformation der Gesellschaft» bzw. eine «industrielle Organisation der Gesellschaft» – eine spezifisch auf urbane Räume ausgerichtete Diakonie notwendig mache, in der «gemeinsam und füreinander Wege zu einer neu ausgestaltenen Solidarkultur, einer Kultur der Sorge miteinander und füreinander» zu suchen seien, «mit besonderem Blick auf diejenigen Menschen, Gruppen und Schlüsselpersonen, die bei diesen Exklusions- und Inklusionsprozessen von der Teilhabe am gesellschaftlichen Leben ausgeschlossen werden oder schon lange sind». Aufgrund der je kontextuell sehr unterschiedlichen Städte stellte sich Sigrist bei den Besuchen die Frage: « Wie zeigt sich Urbane Diakonie in unterschiedlichen städtischen Kontexten, insbesondere in Kontexten, die durch Rassismus und Apartheid eine lange exkludierende Tradition aufweisen?»Sigrist berichtet in seinem Beitrag «Streiflichter Urbaner Diakonie» von seinen Besuchen in Chicago (u.a. bei Rev. Dr. Otis Moss und den Projekten seiner Trinity United Church of Christ), in London (u.a. zum Community Engagement des Council of Southwark), in Pretoria und Johannesburg (u.a. bei Prof. Stephan de Beer und seiner Tshwane Leadership Foundation TLF), in Nürnberg (u.a. mit Besuchen in diakonischen Citykirchenprojekten) sowie in Berlin (anlässlich der Tagung der Evangelischen Akademie zu Berlin zum Thema «An den Rändern der Stadt. Urbane Peripherien»).Die Besuche mit den Projektberichten und den entsprechenden Reflexionen bieten einen reichen Fundus an Materialien, die «ein ganzes Programm urbaner Diakonie enthalten, das es in den nächsten Jahren in dieser der Diakoniewissenschaft eigenen Kongruierung von Theorie und Praxis interdisziplinär zu entwickeln gilt».
Einleitung
Authors: Hofstetter Simon
Published: March 2021

Einleitung
Werte. Warum es sie gibt, wenn wir sie brauchen
Authors: Gebhard Dörte
Published: March 2021

Dörte Gebhard setzt sich in ihrem Beitrag «Werte. Warum es sie gibt, wenn wir sie brauchen» kritisch mit der Wertedebatte und hinterfragt entsprechende «Wert(er)findungsprozesse» in diakonischen Einrichtungen. Sie geht zwar mit Jüngel und seiner «radikale[n] Infragestellung der Rede von Werten» einig, hält aber gleichwohl fest an der «Pflicht, sich mit den aktuell vorhandenen Wertdebatten kritisch auseinanderzusetzen».Anhand zweier Beispiele problematisiert sie unterschiedliche Aspekte in Wertdebatten: Zum Ersten illustriert sie, wie die islamkritische Stiftung Zukunft CH zwar eine historische Kontinuität von genuin schweizerischen Werten propagiert, aber es gemäss Gebhards Analyse dennoch nicht schafft, einen propagierten festen Wertekanon in sich schlüssig zu entwickeln. Zum Zweiten weist sie exemplarisch am Beispiel der «Ehre» auf, wie nahe die gesellschaftlichen Vorstellungen im Preussen des 19. Jahrhunderts und in Kreisen junger Muslime im heutigen Berlin sind, «auch wenn der Graben von fast zwei Jahrhunderten, zwei Religionen und zwei Kulturen zu überbrücken ist».Sie hält weiter fest, dass es selbst «christliche Werte […] nur als disparate (Über)fülle [gibt], sie stellen keinen Kanon dar, den man nur wiederfinden und studieren müsste». Angesichts dieser «pluralen Situation von Wertwahrnehmungen» und der vorfindlichen «Fülle möglicher Wertsetzungen» plädiert sie dafür, dass Werte zu jeder Zeit «kommuniziert und bewertet werden» müssen. «Werte, ganz gleich, woher sie stammen und wie und wo sie in Geltung stehen und beobachtet werden, sind auf Kommunikation angewiesen». Gerade auch im diakonischen Alltag gelte es, immer wieder neu die Balance von unterschiedlichen, zuweilen divergenten Werten zu finden.