bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Insemination Time on Pregnancy Rate and Ovulatory Events of Nili Ravi Buffalo Heifers in 7 Day CIDR Co-Synch
Authors: Haider Sajjad , Chishti Ghazanfar Ali , Mehmood Muhammad Usman , Jamal Muhammad Ameen , Mehmood Khalid , Shahzad Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad Zahid
Published: June 2021

The present study aimed to compare the pregnancy rates at the optimal time of artificial insemination in a 7-day CIDR Co-synch in Nili Ravi buffalo heifers. Forty Nili Ravi buffalo heifers were randomly separated into two treatments based on artificial insemination (A.I.) timing (72 vs 84 hours). All heifers were subjected to controlled internal drug release (CIDR), containing 1.38 grams of progesterone for 7 days. On CIDR removal, both treatments received 150 µg of prostaglandin intramuscularly. In 7-day CIDR Co-synch (n = 20), animals were injected 100 µg of GnRH intramuscularly and inseminated concurrently at 72 hours after CIDRs removal. The remaining half (n=20) were injected and inseminated concurrently at 84 hours of CIDRs removal. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed after 40 days of timed artificial insemination (TAI). The follicular growth rate in 7-day CIDR Co-synch was more significant at 84 than 72 hours. The interval from GnRH/A.I. to ovulation in 7-day CIDR Co-synch was significantly (P < 0.05) differ between 72 and 84 hours. Pregnancy rates were considerably higher in buffalo heifers inseminated at 84 hours (65%) than 72 hours (25%) in 7-day CIDR Co-synch treatment. In conclusion, the buffalo heifers treated with CIDR Co-synch based protocols in relation to TAI at 84 hours improves follicular growth rate, interval from GnRH/A.I. to ovulation, and pregnancy rate.
Descriptive Analysis of Reported Adverse Events Associated with Antiobesity Medications Using FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Databases 2013-2020
Authors: Alsuhibani Abdulrahman , Alrasheed Marwan , Gari Musaab , Hincapie Ana , Guo Jianfei
Published: June 2021

Background

Obesity is a globally growing health problem, and its treatment has been challenging. The usage of antiobesity medications (AOMs) has been associated with severe adverse events (AEs). Spontaneous reports of AOMs can present detailed information about AEs occurring after the time of marketing. Several AOMs have been withdrawn from the market owing to documented AEs.
Objective

To estimate and characterize the frequency of AEs attributable to the use of the AOMs between January 2013 and June 2020.
Setting:

US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) between January 01, 2013, and June 31, 2020,
Methods

A retrospective, descriptive analysis was conducted to analyze all major reported AEs including death, life-threatening, hospitalization, disability, and required intervention or congenital anomaly related to AOMs. The total numbers of AEs reports, cases, adverse reactions and outcomes were calculated for each medication, and patients' mean age and gender were reported.
Results

We found a total of 18,675 unique AEs reports associated with AOMs used for 15,143 patients. The mean age was 49.8 years [SD 1.83], while most patients were female adults (73.4 %). The main AEs of the safety reports were nausea, headache, cardiovascular diseases, dizziness, drug ineffectiveness, acute kidney failure/ kidney injury, and dry mouth. The FAERS database had 21,229 unique outcomes involving AOMs use, including 1,039 deaths (fatality ratio of 4.9% of all analyzed reports), 1,613 (7.6%) life-threatening events, 7,426 (35%) hospitalizations, and 1,249 (5.9%) disability cases. Phentermine/topiramate fatal cases represent 6% of the overall medication's reported AEs. The cardiovascular AEs were 542 reports (31%) for phentermine, 402 reports (23%) for liraglutide, 381 reports (22%) for phentermine/topiramate.
Conclusion

Although several AOMs have been withdrawn from the market and replaced with new ones, the utilization of the AOMs is widespread; the FAERS database's analysis revealed many serious AEs in the type of cardiovascular diseases and kidney complications attributable to the use of the AOMs. Therefore, it is necessary to continue and systematically monitor AOMs' safety to help optimize their use.
The association between the health-related physical fitness and inhibitory control in preschool children
Authors: Li Yiyan , Zhou Tang , Sang Menghao , Lu Yanhua , Liu Jiajia , He Xiaolong , Quan Minghui
Published: June 2021

Background
Inhibitory control develops rapidly during the preschool stage, and development of inhibitory control in this period is significant for the healthy growth of the future. However, most studies paid more attention to children and adolescents in recent years, but less focus on preschool children. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the association between the health-related physical fitness and inhibitory control in preschool children.
Methods
This study was a cross-sectional study, 128 preschool children in Yangpu District of Shanghai were recruited by convenient sampling. The health-related physical fitness T-score (HPFT) was obtained by adding standard scores of six indicators: body mass index, handgrip strength, standing long jump, one-leg balance, 2×10m shuttle run test, and 20m shuttle run test. Inhibitory control was assessed using the flanker task and reflected by reaction time and accuracy.
Results
A total of 120 preschoolers were included in the final statistical analysis. After adjusting the confounders, HPFT was associated with reaction time (β=-2.49ms, 95%CI: -4.22, -0.75). Similarly, a negative association was observed between one-leg balance and reaction time (β=-12.04ms, 95%CI: -18.94, -5.15), and between 20m shuttle run and reaction time (β=-23.28ms, 95%CI: -37.00, -9.56). Compared with the participants in the lowest tertile, HPFT (β=-158.74, 95%CI: -309.63, -7.84), one-leg balance(β=-267.25ms, 95%CI: -420.71, -113.79) and 20m shuttle run (β=-215.58ms, 95%CI: -374.67, -56.49) were all negatively associated with reaction time of those in the highest tertile.
Conclusion
In addition, there was a non-linear relationship between HPFT and reaction time (β=-3.46ms,95%CI: -5.39, -1.53) when HPFT > 249. In conclusion, in order to improve the inhibitory control, it’s suggested that HPFT of preschoolers should be at least 249.
Distribution and Diversity of Macrophytes in Relation to Some Physico-Chemical Factors in the Ketar River, Ziway Catchment, Ethiopia
Authors: Chibsa Yadesa , Mengistou Seyoum , Kifle Demeke
Published: June 2021

Distribution and diversity of macrophytes in relation to some physico-chemical factors in the Ketar River were studied from December, 2017 to November, 2018. Physico-chemical parameters and macrophytes were collected from three stations along the river for eight months. Onsite measurements and laboratory work of physico-chemical was analyzed as recommended by APHA [31]. Macrophytes were collected manually using belt transect method. Except for pH and surface water temperatures, all the physico-chemical parameters measured showed no significant difference spatially. During the study period, sixteen macrophyte species belonged to fourteen families were identified. Among the identified macrophyte, 11 of them were emergent, while 3 were rooted with floating leaves and 2 free-floating. Free-floating macrophytes were shared the highest abundance followed by emergent. This research observed that the site (site 3) that was exposed to minimal human impact was rich in diversity and abundance of macrophytes. All the sites were dominated by emergent macrophytes that attained the highest relative frequency followed by rooted emergent species. Azolla nilotica and Pistia stratiotes were shared the highest abundance and were the dominant macrophyte with the relative frequency of 7.24% and density of 40.91%, and 7.93% and 26.54%, respectively. Under a favorable environment, nutrient loading from nearby creates more favorable conditions for the infestation of the invasive species (A. nilotica and P. stratiotes) to flourish and out-compete the other species of macrophyte. Therefore, anthropogenic activities that enhance nutrient addition to the River should be regulated.
Prevalence and risk factors of mental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: a systematic review
Authors: Hosen Ismail , Mamun Firoj al , Mamun Mohammed A.
Published: June 2021

Background

The newly incepted Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global public health threat, subsequently impacting individuals’ psychological wellbeing along with the risk of physical complications. Under the circumstance, it is essential to synthesize the existing evidence on psychological consequences regarding potential implications for policymaking and practice. Thus, a systematic attempt was compiled to review the Bangladeshi literature related to common mental health problems (i.e., depression, anxiety and stress) conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods

Adhering to the PRISMA guideline, a systematic literature search was performed using Scopus, Medline or PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and Google, between 20 December 2020 and 5 March 2021, followed by predetermined eligibility criteria. The inclusion criteria for this review were observational studies concerning at least one common mental disorder (i.e., stress, depression and anxiety) prevalence and risk factors reported after the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh and being published in peer-reviewed journals or preprint servers in the English language. A total of 24 preprint and peer-reviewed articles were finally recruited after meeting the inclusion criteria.
Results

Out of 24 studies, utmost of the investigation was directed among the general population (n = 9), followed by diverse cohorts such as students (n = 7), healthcare professionals (n = 4), COVID-19 infected individuals (n = 1), quarantined individuals (n = 1), wage-earners (n = 1), and bankers (n = 1). However, the prevalence range of anxiety (10.6–81.8%), depression (12.1–82.4%), and stress (11.1–85.6%) were found among altogether available literature during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Moreover, the associated risk factors of mental disorders included gender, age, residence area, family size, monthly family income, educational status, marital status, physical exercise, smoking, alcohol use, personal protective equipment, fear of COVID-19, presence of chronic illness, being unemployed and exposure of COVID-19 related news and social media.
Conclusions

This systematic review provides baseline data on mental disorders across various Bangladeshi cohorts, which are anticipated to be helpful to the respective authorities of the country implement cohort-specific mental health strategies.
Comparison of Alignment and Prosthesis Positioning Accuracy Between Robotics and Personalized 3D Preoperative Planning in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Lei Kai , Liu LiMing , Yang PengFei , Xiong Ran , Yang Liu , He Rui , Guo Lin
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Lower limb alignment is crucial in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Previous studies have shown that robotics and personalized three-dimensional (3D) preoperative planning could improve postoperative alignment accuracy compared with conventional TKA, but comparison between the above two techniques has never been reported. The purpose of this study was to compare the alignment and prosthesis positioning accuracy between robotics and personalized 3D preoperative planning in TKA.Methods: A consecutive series of patients who received TKA in our Center from September 2020 to January 2021 were enrolled. After 1:2 matching, 52 and 104 patients were eventually included in robotics group and personalized 3D preoperative planning group, respectively. Multiple postoperative alignment variables, operation time, tourniquet time, length of hospital stay, hemoglobin (Hb) decrease at 1 and 3 days after operation were recorded and compared.Results: Compared with personalized 3D preoperative planning, robotics had significantly lower frontal tibial component (FTC) angle absolute deviation (P<0.001) and less FTC outliers (P<0.05). The postoperative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle and frontal femoral component (FFC) angle were different between two groups, while the absolute deviations were similar. Hb decreases of robotics were significantly lower than those of personalized 3D preoperative planning (P<0.001), while the operation time and tourniquet time were longer (P<0.001).Conclusion: Compared with personalized 3D preoperative planning, robotics has more accurate tibial component coronal alignment and less postoperative Hb decrease, while the operation time is significantly longer.Trial registration: The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000036235. Registered 22 August 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=59300
An Independent Prognostic Model Based on Ten Autophagy-Related Genes in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Tian Jiahui , wu yi , Zeng Xuan , Fang Xiaoxiao , Fu Chunyan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Pancreatic cancer(PC) is a common cancer with high lethality and low survival rate. Autophagy is involved in the biological process of PC. Thus, we intended to explore the function of autophagy-related long noncoding RNA signature for survival assessment in PC.
Methods

Based on 10 autophagy-related lncRNAs, the prognostic model was attained through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Subsequently, the relationship network of 10 lncRNAs was crystallized in co-expression network and Sankey diagram. Survival analysis and ROC curve were used to evaluate the signature. GSEA was utilized to screen enriched gene sets.
Result

The OS has significant deference in low-risk group and high-risk group(P < 0.001). The ROC curve further proved the potential utility of the signature(AUC = 0.815). GSEA was significantly enriched in cancer-related gene sets.
Conclusion

The signature has potential to evaluate clinical prognosis in PC. The 10 autophagy-related lncRNAs may achieve great development for PC in target therapy field.
Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of 755 Patients with Skin Cancers in Hainan, China: A 12-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Sun Lengbing , Lu Jiejie , Zhang Ming , Yang Xianxu , Wu Weiwei , Liu Qiao
Published: June 2021

Background: Skin cancers are the most frequent types of all malignant tumours with increasing incidence rates worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the clinical–pathological characteristics of skin cancers in patients visited at the Department of Dermatology of the Fifth People's Hospital of Hainan Province from China during the last 12 years. Methods: The hospital database was searched for patients with skin cancers over a period of 12 years ( from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2020) , and a retrospective review was conducted and a descriptive data analysis was undertaken on patients. Results: A total of 755 specimens of skin cancers were confirmed during this period, of which 696 (92.19%) were common skin cancers and of which 59(7.81%) were rare skin cancers. The incidence is on the rise year by year, with a marked decline in 2020. The common skin cancers were basal cell carcinoma (341, 48.99%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (148 , 21.26%) and Bowen’s disease (109, 15.66%) . The range of age at the time of skin cancers was from 40 to 79 years (73.01% ). Males and females showed an almost similar incidence. The duration ranged from 7 days to 70 years, mainly occurred in 2 years( 53.30% ). The head, face and neck region were the most frequent location (452, 59.87% ), followed by extremity (107, 14.17% ) and trunk (87, 11.52% ). The accordance rates of clinical-pathological diagnosis in common skin cancers was about 43.14% , while that of rare skin cancers such as skin appendages was only 27.59% .Conclusions: Overall, head, face and neck region was the most common site for sun-related skin cancers in Hainan, China. BCC was the most common skin cancer followed by SCC and Bowen's disease. Moreover, skin cancers has a low coincidence rate of clinical-pathological diagnosis. Consequently, any suspicious lesion, for which the clinical diagnosis is uncertain, should be biopsied for histopathological examination to rule out malignancy.
Penicillinase Plasmid Australia type in Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Isolated in Poland
Authors: de Walthoffen Szymon Jerzy Walter
Published: June 2021

Purpose. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an etiological agent of gonorrhea, which continues to be one of the most important public health problems. Currently, the most important problem in treatment is the mechanisms that determine resistance to drugs of the beta-lactam class, which are recommended for the treatment of gonorrhea. Chromosomal mutations are responsible for resistance to ceftriaxone and cefepime. The possibility of mutations in the gene encoding beta-lactamase (blaTEM) in the penicillinase plasmid may also turn out to be a serious threat. Methods. The occurrence of resistance encoded on penicillinase plasmid has been investigated. For this purpose, the susceptibility of bacteria was determined and the gene for resistance to beta-lactams as well as the plasmids themselves was typed. Results. Of the 333 strains tested, 21 (6.3%) had the beta-lactamase gene and produced penicillinase.The results allow to conclude that among the tested strains of N. gonorrhoeae occurred two of the beta-lactamase: TEM-1 and TEM-135. Most of the known penicillinase plasmid types of N. gonorrhoeae were demonstrated: Asian, African, Toronto/Rio plasmids and Australian variant.Conclusions.In the first three years, TEM-1 beta-lactamases dominated in N. gonorrhoeae, which were replaced by TEM-135 in the following years of the study. Not all molecular methods are capable of varying the types of penicillinase plasmids. A particularly noteworthy observation is the fact that the Australia-type of penicillinase plasmid (3270 bp) was identified for the first time in Europe, and the second time in the world.
Auditory-Cognitive Training For Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients: A Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Lawrence Blake J , Eikelboom Robert H , Jayakody Dona M.P.
Published: June 2021

Background: There is an urgent need to develop new therapies to improve cognitive function in adults following cochlear implant surgery. This study aims to determine if completing at-home computer-based brain training activities improve memory and thinking skills in adults following their first cochlear implant. Methods: This study will be conducted as a single-blind, head-to-head, randomised controlled trial (RCT). It will determine whether auditory training combined with adaptive computerised cognitive training will elicit greater improvement in cognition, sound and speech perception, mood, and quality of life outcomes in adult cochlear implant recipients, when compared to auditory training combined with non-adaptive (i.e., placebo) computerised cognitive training. Participants 18 years or older who meet the clinical criteria for a cochlear implant will be recruited into the study. Results: The results of this trial will clarify whether the auditory training combined with cognitive training will improve cognition, sound and speech perception, mood, and quality of life outcomes in adult cochlear implant recipients. Discussion: We anticipate that our findings will have implications for clinical practice in the treatment of adult cochlear implant recipients.Trial registration: ANZ clinical trial registration: ACTRN12619000609156
Significance of Preoperative Pancreatic MRI Findings in Predicting Factors for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula after Distal Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Fukada Masahiro , Murase Katsutoshi , Higashi Toshiya , Yokoi Ryoma , Tanaka Hideharu , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Okumura Naoki , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Takahashi Takao , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: June 2021

Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most serious complication of distal pancreatectomy (DP). For patients with pancreatic cancer (PC), POPF can have a negative effect on both short- and long-term prognoses. This study aimed to identify clinical outcomes of POPF after DP for PC and predictive factors for POPF.Methods: This retrospective, single-institution study comprised 48 patients with PC who underwent open DP (excluding simultaneous resection of other organs and other pancreatic diseases) between January 2010 and December 2020 at the Gifu University Hospital. We statistically analyzed patient-, pancreas-, cancer-, and surgery-related factors for predicting outcomes and risk factors for POPF. Results: According to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) definition and grading, 11 (22.9%) of 48 patients had POPF grades B and C. Among 22 related factors, POPF was significantly associated with pancreatic width (p = 0.04) and the pancreas-to-muscle signal intensity ratio (SIR) on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, p = 0.02) in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, both pancreatic width (≥23 mm, odds ratio [OR] 9.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–202.40; p = 0.03) and SIR on T1-weighted MRI (≥1.37, OR 17.10; 95% CI 2.38–359.04; p = 0.003) were identified as independent predictive factors for POPF. Conclusion: Pancreatic width and pancreas-to-muscle SIR on T1-weighted MRI significantly correlated with POPF after DP for PC. These parameters may be potential imaging biomarkers for predicting POPF in pancreatic surgery.
Descending Thoracic Aorta–abdominal Aortic Bypass and Bilateral Renal Arterial Blood Circulation Reconstruction Are Effective in Atypical Coarctation of the Aorta With Heart Failure: a Case Report
Authors: Mikami Takuma , Kamada Takeshi , Yano Toshiyuki , Nakajima Tomohiro , Yasuda Naomi , Shibata Tsuyoshi , Nakanishi Keitaro , Harada Ryo , Naraoka Syuichi , Toda Kojiro , Nagano Nobutaka , Muranaka Atsuko , Kawaharada Nobuyoshi
Published: June 2021

Background: There are many reports on renal failure and heart failure due to coarctation of the aorta. However, there are no case reports in which revascularization dramatically improved left ventricular function in patients with progressive decline in left ventricular function. Herein, we present a rare case in which the left ventricular function dramatically improved after surgical treatment in a patient with progressive left ventricular dysfunction due to atypical coarctation of the aorta.Case presentation: A 58-year-old man underwent axilobifemoral bypass at another hospital for atypical coarctation of the aorta due to Takayasu’s arteritis. Approximately 10 years later, he was re-hospitalized for heart failure, and his left ventricular ejection fraction gradually decreased to 28%. Computed tomography showed severe calcification and stenosis at the same site from the peripheral thoracic descending aorta to the lower abdominal aorta up to the renal arteries, and aortography showed delayed bilateral renal artery blood flow. An increase in plasma renin activity was also observed. Despite the administration of multiple antihypertensive drugs, blood pressure control was insufficient. We decided to perform surgical treatment to improve progressive cardiac dysfunction due to increased afterload and activated plasma renin activity. Descending thoracic aorta–abdominal aorta bypass and revascularization of both renal arteries via a great saphenous vein grafts were performed. Postoperative blood pressure control improved, and the dose of antihypertensive drugs could be reduced. Plasma renin activity decreased, and transthoracic echocardiography performed 1.5 years later showed improvement in contractility with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 58%. Conclusion: In patients with atypical coarctation of the aorta and decreased bilateral renal blood flow, heart failure due to renal hypertension, and progressive decrease in left ventricular contractility, descending thoracic aorta–abdominal aortic bypass and bilateral renal artery recirculation can be extremely effective.
Multivariate Selection Index of Acerola Genotypes for Fresh Consumption Based on Fruit Physicochemical Attributes
Authors: Ferreira Maria A.R. , Vilvert João Claudio , Silva Bárbara O.S. , Ferreira Ianca Carneiro , Souza Flávio França , De Freitas Sergio Tonetto
Published: June 2021

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) is one of the most important fruit produced in the São Francisco Valley, a Semi-arid region in the Northeast of Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical quality of thirty-five acerola genotypes produced during two growing seasons in a Semi-arid region and to identify the best ones with potential for fresh consumption based on a multivariate selection index. Fruit of each genotype were harvested during two growing seasons at the maturity stage red-ripe, characterized by full red skin color. After harvest, the fruit were evaluated for diameter, mass, flesh firmness, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, ascorbic acid content and skin color. A multivariate selection index (SI) was applied for scoring and ranking the genotypes for fresh consumption based on red-ripe fruit physicochemical quality. According to the results, all physicochemical attributes had high variability among genotypes. The SI was a powerful tool for identifying genotypes with high potential for fresh consumption, since it allowed selecting genotypes with multiple desirable traits. In the first and second growing seasons, the SI identified the genotypes PROG 052 (SI = 76.1 and 78.9), BRS Rubra (SI = 74.1 and 99.5), Cabocla (SI = 72.3 and 70.7), Costa Rica (SI = 61.2 and 73.8) and PROG 069 (SI = 68.1 and 72.4) as the most promising ones for fresh consumption due to the presence of multiple desirable traits such as high diameter, mass, flesh firmness, SS, and SS/AT ratio, as well as lower acidity.
Unearthing The Alleviatory Mechanisms of Hydrogen Sulfide in Aluminum Toxicity in Rice
Authors: Zhu Chun Quan , Hu Wen Jun , Wei QianQian , Zhang Hui , Cao Xiao Chuang , Zhu Lian Feng , Kong Ya Li , Xiang Xing Jia , Liu Jia , Jin Qian Yu , Zhang Junhua
Published: June 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) improves aluminum (Al) resistance in rice; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, treatment with 30-μM Al significantly inhibited rice root growth and increased the total Al content and apoplastic and cytoplasm Al concentration in the rice roots. However, pretreatment with NaHS (H2S donor) reversed these negative effects. Transcriptomics and physiological experiments confirmed that H2S increased the ATP, sucrose, glutathione, and ascorbic acid contents, which was accompanied by decreased O2·- and H2O2 contents, to alleviate Al toxicity. H2S significantly inhibited ethylene emissions in the rice and then inhibited pectin synthesis and increased the pectin methylation degree to reduce cell wall Al deposition. The phytohormones indole-3-acetic and brassinolide were also involved in the alleviation of Al toxicity by H2S. In addition, other pathways of material and energy metabolism, secondary metabolism, cell wall components, signal transduction, and transcriptional and translational pathways in the rice roots were also regulated by H2S under Al toxicity conditions. These findings improve our understanding of how H2S affects rice responses to Al toxicity, which will facilitate further studies on crop safety.
Towards the Direct Detection of Viral Materials at the Surface of Protective Face Masks via Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Schorer Vanessa , Haas Julian , Stach Robert , Kokoric Vjekoslav , Groß Rüdiger , Münch Jan , Hummel Tim , Sobek Harald , Mennig Jan , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: June 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic represents a considerable risk for the general public and especially for health care workers. To avoid an overloading of the health care system and to control transmission chains, the development of rapid and cost-effective techniques allowing for the reliable diagnosis of individuals with acute respiratory infections are crucial. Uniquely, the present study focuses on a direct face mask sampling approach, as worn (i.e., used) disposable face masks contain exogenous environmental constituents, as well as endogenously exhaled breath aerosols. Optical techniques – and specifically infrared (IR) molecular spectroscopic techniques - are promising tools for direct virus detection at the surface of such masks. In the present study, a rapid and non-destructive approach for monitoring exposure scenarios via medical face masks using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy is presented. Complementarily, IR external reflection spectroscopy was evaluated in comparison for rapid mask analysis. The utility of a face mask-based sampling approach was demonstrated by differentiating water, proteins, and virus-like particles sampled onto the mask. Data analysis using multivariate statistical algorithms enabled unambiguously classifying spectral signatures of individual components and biospecies. This approach readily extends towards the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 – as shown herein for the example of virus-like particles which are morphologically equivalent to authentic virus - without any additional sample preparation or elaborate testing equipment at laboratory facilities. Therefore, this strategy may be implemented as a routine large-scale monitoring routine, e.g., at health care institutions, nursing homes, etc. ensuring the health and safety of medical personnel.
Dental Health State Utility Values Associated with Compromised First Permanent Molar Teeth
Authors: Cant Aisling , Sanghvi Risha , Neves Aline de Almeida , Hosey Professor Marie Therese , Banerjee Professor Avijit , Warburton Fiona , Pennington Mark
Published: June 2021

Background The aim of this study was to generate utility data to support economic evaluation of interventions for compromised first permanent molars (cFPMs) and to assess the reliability of responses using alternative elicitation methods.MethodsFifty adult respondents attending a Paediatric Dentistry department with their child completed a questionnaire to elicit utility values for eight clinical treatment scenarios for a compromised first permanent molar tooth (cFPM). These scenarios included restorations, prosthetic replacements or presence of a gap (missing tooth). The question formats included a ranking, a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a time trade off (TTO) exercise.ResultsMean utility values for each health state were generated using the VAS and TTO data. A white filling generated the highest utility (0.786 [VAS], 0.763 [TTO]) and was ranked as the most favourable treatment option. An open gap generated the lowest utility (0.344 [VAS], 0.523 [TTO]). A closed gap (0.6392 [VAS]) was rated below various tooth restorations but above a traditional bridge (0.5944 [VAS]) or denture (0.4312 [VAS]), according to mean VAS scores. VAS responses showed better agreement (kappa=0.48) with the ranking exercise compared to TTO responses (kappa= -0.003).ConclusionsPlausible and broadly consistent values were generated with VAS and TTO, but TTO data seemed to be less reliable. These data allow comparison of treatment options involving extraction and gap closure or restoration of cFPMs using a single measure of patient preference.
The Protocol For The Prehabilitation For Thoracic Surgery Study: A Randomized Pragmatic Trial Comparing A Short Home-Based Multimodal Program To Aerobic Training In Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Lobectomy
Authors: Liu Yuchao , Liu Zijia , Zhang Yuelun , Cui Yushang , Pei Lijian , Huang Yuguang
Published: June 2021

Background: Prehabilitation has been shown to have a positive effect on the postoperative recovery of functional capacity in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy. The optimal way to implement prehabilitation programs, such as the optimal forms of prehabilitation, duration, intensity, and methods to improve compliance, remained to be studied. This Prehabilitation for Thoracic Surgery Study will compare the effectiveness of multimodal and aerobic training-only programs in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.Methods: This randomized pragmatic trial will be conducted in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) and include 100 patients who are eligible to undergo VATS lobectomy. Patients will be randomized to a multimodal or aerobic training group. Prehabilitation training guidance will be provided by a multidisciplinary care team. The patients in the multimodal group will perform aerobic exercises, resistance exercises, breathing exercises, psychological improvement strategies, and nutritional supplementation. Meanwhile, the patients in the aerobic group will conduct only aerobic exercises. The interventions will be home-based and supervised by medical providers. The patients will be followed up until 30 days after surgery to investigate whether the multimodal prehabilitation program differs from the aerobic training program in terms of the magnitude of improvement in functional capability pre- to postoperatively. The primary outcome will be the perioperative 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). The secondary outcomes will include the postoperative pulmonary functional recovery status, health-related quality of life score, incidence of postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes.Discussion: Prehabilitation remains a relatively new approach that is not widely performed by thoracic surgery patients. The existing studies mainly focus on unimodal interventions. While multimodal prehabilitation strategies have been shown to be preferable to unimodal strategies in a few studies, the evidence remains scarce for thoracic surgery patients. The results of this study will contribute to the understanding of methods for thoracoscopic lobectomy patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04049942, registered on August 8, 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04049942
Functionalization of Screw Implants with Superelastic Structured Nitinol Anchoring Elements
Authors: Hamann Isabell , Schleifenbaum Stefan , Rotsch Christian , Drossel Welf-Guntram , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Leimert Mario
Published: June 2021

Demographic change is leading to a increase in the number of osteoporotic patients, so that a rethink is required in implantology in order to be able to guarantee adequate anchoring stability in the bone. The functional modification of conventional standard screw implants by the use of superelastic, structured Ti6Al4V anchoring elements promises great potential for increasing anchoring stability. For this purpose, conventional screw implants were mechanically machined and extended so that structured-superelastic-positionable-Ti6Al4V anchoring elements could be used. The set-up of the anchoring elements was investigated in CT studies in an artificial bone. In a subsequent handling test, the handling of the function samples was evaluated under surgical conditions. The anchorage stability to standard screw implants was investigated in a final pull-out test according to "ASTM F543".The functionalization of conventional screw implants with structured superelastic Ti6Al4V anchoring elements is technically realizable. It has been demonstrated that the anchoring elements can be set up in the artificial bone without any problems. The anchorage mechanism is easy to handle under operating conditions and the anchoring elements have no negative impact on the surgical procedure. It was shown that, compared to conventional standard screws, more mechanical work is required to remove the functional patterns completely from the bone.In summary, it was shown that conventional standard screw implants can be functionalized with Ti6Al4V structured NiTi anchoring elements and are suitable for orthopedic and neurosurgical use. A first biomechanical test showed that the anchoring stability can be increased by the anchoring elements.
The Modified NUTRIC score (mNUTRIC) is Associated with Increased 28-day Mortality in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: Internal Validation of a Prediction Model.
Authors: Leoni Matteo Luigi Giuseppe , Moschini Elisa , Beretta Maurizio , Zanello Marco , Nolli Massimo
Published: June 2021

BackgroundHigh prevalence of malnutrition was found in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically ill (mNUTRIC) score is frequently used for nutritional risk assessment in intensive care unit (ICU) COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of mNUTRIC score to predict 28-day mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU. Methods A cohort of consecutive COVID-19 critically ill patients admitted to ICU was retrospectively evaluated and the nutritional risk was assessed with the use of mNUTRIC score. A multivariable Cox regression model to predict 28-day mortality was therefore developed including the mNUTRIC as a covariate. Internal validation was performed using the bootstrap resampling technique to reduce possible bias in the estimated risks. The performance of the prediction model was assessed via calibration and discrimination. ResultsA total of 98 critically ill COVID-19 patients with a median age of 66 years (56-73 IQR), 81 (82.7%) males were included in this study. A high nutritional risk (mNUTRIC ≥5 points) was observed in 41.8% of our critically ill COVID-19 patients while a low nutritional risk (mNUTRIC <5 points) was observed in 58.2%. Forty-five patients (45.9%) died within 28 days after ICU admission. In multivariable model after internal validation, mNUTRIC ≥5 (optimism adjusted HR 2.38, 95% CI 1.08-5.25, p=0.02) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein values (CRP) (optimism adjusted HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.07, p=0.005) were independent predictors of 28-day mortality. ConclusionsA high prevalence of malnutrition as revealed by mNUTRIC was found in our critically ill COVID-19 patients once admitted in ICU. After adjustment for covariables, mNUTRIC ≥5 and CRP levels were independently associated with 28-day mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The final model revealed good discrimination and calibration. Nutritional risk assessment is essential for the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients as well as for outcome prediction.
Adaptive hypermedia system in times of COVID-19: Application in Management Accounting course 1 at the University of Havana.
Authors: López Carlos Javier Mas , Vidal Inés María González , Balmaseda Gissell Labrada
Published: June 2021

New trends in higher education, accentuated by the global COVID19 pandemic, visualize the need for more flexible virtual courses. The Faculty of Accounting and Finance of the University of Havana, analyzes new technological configurations that facilitate the personalization of the educational process. In this context, this work aims to design an adaptive hypermedia system prototype applied to the Management Accounting 1 course at the University of Havana to guarantee the delivery, distribution, and variety of learning content to students in a personalized way. An empirical research supported by an experimental method is presented, with a sample of 94 students, a Control Group made up of 41 students and an Experimental Group made up of 53 students; Descriptive statistics and the Pareto principle support the results. It is concluded that, 1. The personalization of the educational process through the application of adaptive techniques leads to academic success at an individual and group level, in this sense, the Experimental group only needed a final exam session compared to the three calls of the group of control; 2. Need to continue investigating new adaptation criteria, in this sense, the mean scores obtained by the Experimental group did not have a significant increase in relation to that of the Control group. This work also contributes to visualizing educational equity referring to the capacity of the educational system to offer special supports that guarantee that educational objectives are achieved in a broader dimension; innovation is related to technologies and new strategies to optimize online educational processes.
Prenatal Prediction of Neonatal Respiratory Morbidity: A Radiomics Method Based on Imbalanced Few-Shot Fetal Lung Ultrasound Images
Authors: Jiao Jing , Du Yanran , Li Xiaokang , Guo Yi , Ren Yunyun , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: June 2021

Background: To develop a non-invasive method for the prenatal prediction of neonatal respiratory morbidity (NRM) by a novel radiomics method based on imbalanced few-shot fetal lung ultrasound images.Methods: A total of 210 fetal lung ultrasound images were enrolled in this study, including 159 normal newborns and 51 NRM newborns. Fetal lungs were delineated as the region of interest (ROI), where radiomics features were designed and extracted. Integrating radiomics features selected and two clinical features, including gestational age (GA) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the prediction model was developed and evaluated. The modelling methods used were data augmentation, cost-sensitive learning, and ensemble learning. Furthermore, two methods, which embed data balancing into ensemble learning, were employed to address the problems of imbalance and few-shot simultaneously.Results: Our model achieved sensitivity values of 0.82, specificity values of 0.84, accuracy values of 0.84 and area under the curve values of 0.87 in the test set. The radiomics features extracted from the ROIs at different locations within the lung region achieved similar classification performance outcomes.Conclusion: The feature set we designed can efficiently and robustly describe fetal lungs for NRM prediction. RUSBoost shows excellent performance compared to state-of-the-art classifiers on the imbalanced few-shot dataset. The diagnostic efficacy of the model we developed is similar to that of several previous reports of amniocentesis and can serve as a non-invasive, precise evaluation tool for NRM prediction.
Transition From Face-to-Face to Online Instruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploration of Iranian EFL University Lecturers’ Attitudes
Authors: Azizpour Shiva
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is a huge challenge that has influenced university lecturers and students globally and led to a rapid transition from face-to-face to online instruction. The current qualitative study explored the Iranian EFL university lecturers’ attitudes toward online instruction during the COVID-19 outbreak. Based on a researcher-developed protocol, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 university lecturers from Karaj and Science and Research Branches of Islamic Azad University, in Karaj and Tehran, Iran, whose teaching experiences ranged from 7 to 27 years, with the purpose of identifying their attitudes, experiences, and challenges regarding online instruction during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The interviews drew upon emergent methodology to categorize the interviewees’ value-laden comments into four major attitudinal themes, namely, change in pedagogy, supporting students, ethics in online instruction, and the future of online instruction. The findings revealed that Iranian EFL university lecturers require professional training on the latest technology updates for online instruction and should make their online classes interactive to help their students stay focused on the course and minimize the sense of isolation. Besides, the adequacy of technological infrastructure and free internet access could facilitate online instruction during the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, universities and educational organizations are expected to promote the infrastructure and provide a variety of internet access alternatives. Moreover, after this global pandemic, when normal classes resume, university lecturers and students should be encouraged to continue using online tools to develop teaching and learning.
Self-medication with antibiotics and knowledge about antibiotic resistance among nursing practitioners at a tertiary hospital in Northern Ghana: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Issaka Ismael Niadawe
Published: June 2021

Background

Antimicrobial resistance attributed to self-medication with antibiotics is a growing global health concern. Even among health-aware subgroups including medical and nursing practitioners, the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics remains high. In Ghana, the extent of self-medication with antibiotics among health professionals is not yet fully known. This study draws from a primary cross-sectional study within a tertiary medical facility in Ghana to provide a first estimate of the proportion of nurses who had self-medicated with antibiotics within the last 12 months or longer at the time of the study. The primary study investigated associations between self-medication with antibiotics and socio-demographics, knowledge levels, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity regarding antibiotic resistance- related conditions.
Methods

Cross-sectional survey design supported by a pre-tested, standardized, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data among 170 nurses. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse variable distributions. Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariable analysis. A level of p < .05 was considered significant. IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used for data analysis.
Results

77.1% of study participants recalled having practised self-medication with antibiotics within the last 12 months and longer. 72.9% of respondents obtained antibiotics from the medical store or pharmacy. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, years of work ≤ 5 years (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.061–0.708), knowledge of antibiotic resistance (OR = 0.178, 95% CI: 0.060–0.528), and high perceived personal severity of a disease related to antibiotic resistance (OR = 0.128, 95% CI: 0.046–0.357) were found significantly associated with the practice of self-medication with antibiotics.
Conclusion

To curb inappropriate use of antibiotics that increases the risk of antibiotic resistance, there is the need to promote education among nurses and stronger enforcement of laws which forbid sales without prescription.
Evaluation of Chemical Control Methods of Fountain Grass
Authors: Thomas Joseph , Taylor Matthew
Published: June 2021

Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) is a common ornamental grass because of its glossy foliage and showy inflorescence. However, there have been reports of populations growing outside of cultivation and demonstrating invasive tendencies. There is limited research of the chemical control of fountain grass in natural areas. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of glyphosate, sethoxydim, and fluazifop on fountain grass. Treatments consisted of 2250 and 4500 g⋅ha–1 glyphosate, 262.5 and 525 g⋅ha–1 sethoxydim, and 200 and 400 g⋅ha–1 fluazifop; a nontreated control group was also included. The percent herbicide injury was determined visually 1, 3, 4, 6, and 10 weeks after treatment (WAT). Both rates of glyphosate resulted in 100% of the foliage injured by 3 WAT. The application of flauzifop and sethoxydim led to intermediate results ranging from 15% to 23% injury by 6 WAT, with no significant difference between active ingredients or rates. Nontreated control plants exhibited little to no injury throughout the study. Flauzifop, sethoxydim, and glyphosate all caused visible injury to fountain grass. For complete, fast-acting control, glyphosate is recommended. Herbicide control coupled with restorative plantings of native plants can help reduce invasive plant pressure and improve biodiversity of natural areas.