bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of lipid based Multiple Micronutrients Supplement on the birth outcome of underweight pre-eclamptic women: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sher Nabila Muhammad , Nazli Rubina , Zafar Hafsa , Fatima Sadia
Published: November 2021

Background and Objective: Maternal under nutrition and low birth weight babies are among the common tragedies of developing countries like Pakistan. Preeclampsia and its significant association with fetal growth restriction due to spiral arteries remodeling and trophoblastic invasion decreases nutritional supply to growing fetus added by maternal under nutrition. This study was designed to see the effects of lipid based nutritional supplements for pregnant and lactating women LNS-PLW on maternal and fetal outcome of pre-eclampsia.

Methods: Sixty underweight pre-eclamptic women were randomly assigned into two study Groups from April 2018 to December 2019 at the antenatal units of the tertiary Health care facilities of Lady Reading Hospital, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar and Civil Hospital Matta Swat, KPK Pakistan in a randomized clinical trial. Participants were on routine drugs for pre-eclampsia and Iron and Folic Acid (60mg, 400 μg) daily, while participant of Group-2 (n=30) received one sachet of Lipid based nutritional supplement for pregnant and lactating women LNS-PLW in addition daily till delivery. The birth weight, gestational age, head-circumference, and birth length of babies were measured.

Results: The significant improvement found in the birth weight (p-value 0.003), gestational age (p-value 0.006), head circumference (P-value of 0.0006) and birth length (P-value of 0.0017) of babies of Group-2 women. We observed that addition of Lipid based nutritional supplement for pregnant and lactating women LNS-LPW improved the birth outcome in underweight women of pre-eclampsia.

Conclusion: The Prenatal supplementation of Lipid based nutritional supplement for pregnant and lactating women LNS-PLW can improve birth weight, gestational age, length and head circumference of babies of underweight preeclamptic women.

Trial Registration: ISRCTN15485068, April 2018:https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15485068.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4396

How to cite this:Mohammad NS, Nazli R, Zafar H, Fatima S. Effects of lipid based Multiple Micronutrients Supplement on the birth outcome of underweight pre-eclamptic women: A randomized clinical trial. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(1):219-226.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4396

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Microwave ablation of breast pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Cai Zhenyu , Ning Ran , Dong Wenwu , Zhang Yiqing
Published: November 2021

Breast pseudoaneurysm is a very rare complication. In this study, we report a patient with huge breast pseudoaneurysm after ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (UGVAB) of breast nodules. In treatment, we used microwave ablation to treat the pseudoaneurysm, and then used UGVAB again to eliminate the complicated hematoma. The patients obtained good therapeutic effect. From this case, we experience that, before the interventional operations for breast nodules, the systematic ultrasound examination should be performed. In the needle entering channel, the obvious blood vessels should be avoided to reduce the unnecessary vascular injury. When the pseudoaneurysm occurs, the patient’s condition, pseudoaneurysm situation and hematoma size should be comprehensively considered, combined with the multidisciplinary consultation, for selecting the best treatment strategy.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4930

How to cite this:Cai Z, Ning R, Dong W, Zhang Y. Microwave ablation of breast pseudoaneurysm. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(1):323-325.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4930

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Επίπεδο διεθνοποίησης εταιρειών και χρηματοοικονομική θέση
Authors: Παπάζογλου Νικόλαος
Published: November 2021

Τα τελευταία τριάντα χρόνια κυρίως, η βιβλιογραφία στη διοίκηση διεθνών επιχειρήσεων αυξάνεται με ραγδαίους ρυθμούς. Αυτό συμβαίνει γιατί οι διεθνείς επιχειρήσεις στη σύγχρονη μορφή τους έχουν δημιουργηθεί μονάχα τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες και το επίπεδο πολυπλοκότητας των διεθνών στρατηγικών είναι σαφώς μεγαλύτερο από το αντίστοιχο των εγχώριων. Ένα από τα βασικά θέματα του κλάδου είναι η σχέση της διεθνοποίησης των εταιριών με τη χρηματοοικονομική τους επίδοση. Η διατριβή μελετάει εκφάνσεις της επιρροής του επιπέδου διεθνοποίησης των πεντακοσίων μεγαλύτερων εταιριών ως προς τις πωλήσεις τους, στη χρηματοοικονομική τους θέση. Για τη μελέτη του επιπέδου διεθνοποίησης δημιουργείται μια νέα μεταβλητή η οποία προέρχεται από τα ίδια τα δεδομένα μέσω της ανάλυσης κατά συστάδες. Στη συνέχεια ερευνάται η επίδραση του κλάδου οικονομικής δραστηριότητας που ανήκει η κάθε εταιρία και της χώρας προέλευσής της, στη χρηματοοικονομική της θέση. Οι χώρες προέλευσης διαχωρίζονται σε αναπτυγμένες και αναπτυσσόμενες χώρες. Παράλληλα, η εξέταση της επιρροής του επιπέδου διεθνοποίησης και του κλάδου υλοποιείται για κάθε κατηγορία χώρας ξεχωριστά. Τα ευρήματα εν γένει δείχνουν να υπάρχουν ενδείξεις πως όντως οι τρεις άνωθεν παράγοντες επηρεάζουν σημαντικά τη χρηματοοικονομική θέση των εταιριών, καθώς παρατηρούνται διαφορές μεταξύ των κατηγοριών της κάθε μεταβλητής. Η έρευνα έρχεται να επιβεβαιώσει και να επεκτείνει την ήδη υπάρχουσα γνώση στα ανωτέρω θέματα καθώς και να θέσει μια συγκριτική αξιολόγηση ανά κατηγορία και κλάδο που αυτές ανήκουν.
Σύμπλοκες ενώσεις του ουρανυλίου και του κοβαλτίου με μη-στεροειδή αντιφλεγμονώδη φάρμακα
Authors: Περόντσης Σπυρίδων
Published: November 2021

Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή περιγράφεται η σύνθεση, ο δομικός χαρακτηρισμός και η μελέτη της βιολογικής δραστικότητας τριανταπέντε συμπλόκων ενώσεων του ουρανυλίου(II) και του κοβαλτίου με ligand μια σειρά από μη-στεροειδή αντιφλεγμονώδη φάρμακα παρουσία ή απουσία co-ligand ως δότες ατόμων Ν. Ο χαρακτηρισμός των συμπλόκων έγινε µε μετρήσεις µοριακής αγωγιµότητας, μαγνητικές μετρήσεις σε θερμοκρασία περιβάλλοντος, µε φασµατοσκοπία ΙR, UV-vis και (για τα σύμπλοκα του ουρανυλίου(II)) 1Η NMR και µε κρυσταλλογραφία ακτίνων–Χ.Η μελέτη της βιολογικής δράσης των συμπλόκων περιελάμβανε την αλληλεπίδρασή τους με το CT DNA, με το pBR322 πλασμιδιακό DNA, με τις αλβουμίνες του ορού BSA και HSA και τη διερεύνηση της αντιοξειδωτικής τους δράσης. Η μελέτη της αλληλεπίδρασης με το CT DNA πραγματοποιήθηκε με φασματοσκοπία UV-vis, ιξωδομετρία, ανταγωνιστική δράση με το ΕΒ και κυκλική βολταμμετρία για τα σύμπλοκα του κοβαλτίου. Η ικανότητα διάσπασης του pBR322 DNA εξετάστηκε με ηλεκτροφόρηση σε πηκτή αγαρόζης. Η αλληλεπίδραση με τις αλβουμίνες του ορού έλαβε χώρα με φασματοσκοπία φθορισμού όπου εξετάστηκε η ισχύς σύνδεσης των ενώσεων, και προσδιορίστηκε η πιθανή θέση σύνδεσης στα μόρια των αλβουμινών. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ισχυρή σύνδεση των ενώσεων στο CT DNA και στις αλβουμίνες ενώ μεταξύ των συμπλόκων της παρούσας διατριβής υπολογίστηκε και η υψηλότερη σταθερά σύνδεσης στο DNA από όλα τα σύμπλοκα Co-ΜΣΑΦ της βιβλιογραφίας. Η ικανότητα διάσπασης του υπερελικωμένου pBR322 DNA ήταν χαμηλή έως μέτρια ενώ τα σύμπλοκα της εργασίας έδειξαν εκλεκτικότητα ως προς την δέσμευση της ρίζας ABTS και αναγωγής του Η2Ο2 έναντι της ρίζας DPPH. Οι in silico μοριακές μελέτες πρόσδεσης έδειξαν εσωτερική συναρμογή των συμπλόκων στην διπλή έλικα του CT DNA και σύνδεση τους σε μια θέση στο μόριο των αλβουμινών, η οποία βρίσκεται κοντά στη θέση δέσμευσης του ibuprofen χωρίς όμως να ταυτίζονται οι θεωρητικά υπολογισμένες ενέργειες δέσμευσης με τις σταθερές σύνδεσης που υπολογίστηκαν από τα in vitro πειράματα.
Enterprise resource planning implementation within science and technology park (STP) organisations: an avenue for future research. A systematic review.
Authors: Harun Sharbani , Dorasamy Magiswary , Bin Ahmad Abdul Aziz , Yap Ching Seng , Harguem Saida
Published: November 2021

Background:Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is critical to enhancing the ability to control commercial activities and results in a competitive advantage when combined with an organisation's existing competitive advantages. However, our practise review reveals that end users resist ERP implementation because the resulting changes will alter the current status quo. The implementation of an ERP system in an organisation is complex as it affects multiple areas of the business. Resistance to change is cited as a factor of ERP failure.

Methods:In this study, we conducted a systematic literature review using Transfield’s five stages and established a conceptual framework for ERP system implementation in science and technology parks (STPs). Articles collected from Emerald, Science Direct, ProQuest and Scopus databases between 1stJune 2021 and 15thJune 2021. Two authors were assigned to check the suitability of the articles in order to avoid risk of bias. Articles were analysed based on components of a research paper and the data was tabulated using MS Excel.

Results:Only eight papers (0.011% of all the papers) appeared when we searched for papers related to ERP with a focus on post ERP Implementation, end-user behaviours, organisational performance, and the accelerated SAP (system application and product) methodology. We found that there are hardly any articles on ERP post implementations in STP context particularly based on the evaluation part of accelerated SAP.  

Conclusions:Results indicate the lack of studies in this field, particularly those addressing issues related to STP. This study attempted to broaden the understanding of the ERP's effectiveness, particularly in terms of an organisation's operational performance.
Selection and Adaptation of the Methodology for Managing Innovative Programs in IT-Dependent Companies
Authors: Chernyh Lada
Published: November 2021

The article is devoted to the study of methodologies for managing innovative programs in IT-dependent companies and the development of recommendations for their adaptation in the company. Concepts, standards and best practices in the field of innovation management, principles and methods of forming innovative development programs in IT-dependent companies have been analyzed.

The factors that are critical for ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of innovation programs for managers of the companies under consideration have been identified.

Recommendations have been developed for adapting the P2M standard for IT-dependent companies, taking into account the factors that contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of innovative programs.
Report of erucism caused by Automeris egeus Cramer (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) and a brief update on caterpillar envenomation in Brazil
Authors: Citeli Nathalie Kaladinsky , Queiroz Pedro Paulo de , De-Carvalho Mariana , Lepesqueur Cintia , Corrêa Bruno Alessandro Augusto Peña , Meneses Afonso Santiago Oliveira
Published: November 2021

We report a case of erucism provoked by the Automeris egeus Cramer caterpillar and update the distribution of caterpillar poisoning in Brazil, showing the regions with the highest incidence rates. We also correlated the incidence rate with anthropic impact rates in all Brazilian municipalities, taking as a reference the Human Footprint Index. The victim presented erucism, burning pain, itching, and local hyperthermia. The highest incidence rates were in southern Brazil. We suggest including A. egeus in the Brazilian list of animals with medical importance, and that Brazilian Ministry of Health indicates the genus of the animals involved in envenomation events on its platform.
National guidelines for physical activity in early childhood in American countries: a scoping review
Authors: Guerra Paulo Henrique , Souza Filho Anastácio Neco , Hardman Carla Menêses , Martins Clarice Lucena , Queiroz Daniel da Rocha , Silva Larissa Rosa , Sandreschi Paula Fabricio , Wanderley Junior Rildo de Souza , Umpierre Daniel , Barros Mauro Virgilio Gomes
Published: November 2021

Objetivou-se identificar e analisar guias nacionais com recomendações de atividade física para a primeira infância nos países do continente americano. Foi realizada uma revisão de escopo nos sítios eletrônicos das agências nacionais de educação, esporte e/ou saúde dos 36 países americanos, no sítio eletrônico Google e por meio de contatos com profissionais. A síntese foi elaborada a partir da exploração do material, visando abordagens e recomendações nos domínios “benefícios”, “dose”, “tipos e exemplos”, “orientações para a prática” e “comportamento sedentário”. De 21 documentos avaliados, quatro foram encaminhados para a síntese (Canadá, Chile, Estados Unidos e Uruguai). Todos os guias incluídos convergiram quanto às recomendações sobre a importância da atividade física para controle do peso e para o crescimento e desenvolvimento saudáveis (e.g., domínio benefícios); sobre a importância das crianças serem fisicamente ativas em vários momentos do dia, destacando a oferta de “atividades físicas alegres, seguras, supervisionadas e adequadas à idade” e a “participação em jogos, brincadeiras e atividades estruturadas” (e.g., domínio tipos e exemplos); e sobre o apoio dos pais e responsáveis ou dos cuidadores ao estímulo de atividades que incentivem a responsabilidade e a autonomia (e.g., domínio orientação para a prática). Por fim, considerando que estratégias de promoção de atividade física envolvem a abordagem de fatores individuais e contextuais, é importante que futuros guias nacionais de atividade física envolvam recomendações em domínios que são determinantes da atividade física nesta faixa etária, como o suporte dos cuidadores primários e o ambiente construído, em seu acesso e possibilidades.
Kounis Syndrome: Dexketoprofen-Associated ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Aksakal Aytekin , Simşek Zeki , Köprülü Diyar , Arslan Uğur
Published: November 2021

Allergic angina and allergic myocardial infarction are common diseases associated with acute coronary syndromes and encompass a wide spectrum of mast cell activation disorders termed "Kounis Syndrome". We present here a patient with Kounis syndrome presenting with sudden cardiac arrest after intravenous infusion of dexketoprofen in the emergency room.
Control of bovine tuberculosis and Johne's disease in cattle
Authors: Cutler Keith , Cavill Rebecca , Griffin Brendan , Orpin Peter , Tomlinson Sarah
Published: November 2021

If the diagnosis of mycobacterial disease in cattle is challenging, the diagnosis of infection is even more so. This is because of the biology of the organisms involved, the pathogenesis of the diseases characterised by uncertain, frequently prolonged and non-linear progression and intermittent shedding of the infectious organism, and limitations, particularly with respect to sensitivity, of the commonly used testing technologies and strategies. Infected animals, however, need to be identified and managed if disease is to be controlled and perhaps even ultimately eradicated. Possible strategies to facilitate this are discussed.
Ectoparasites in sheep
Authors: Busin Valentina
Published: November 2021

Ectoparasites in sheep have significant effects on both welfare and production and their importance varies in relation to the geographical location and the system of production. This article focuses on the main ectoparasites and their related diseases within the UK, covering clinical signs, diagnostic methods and the treatment and control measures available. To conclude, future development in the areas of vaccine, biotechnologies and genetic selection are addressed to improve the control and reduce the negative effects of ectoparasites.
Some skin conditions in pigs: types, control and prevention
Authors: Carr John , Howells Mark , Hersey William
Published: November 2021

Skin conditions in pigs are common problems presented to the veterinary surgeon. A careful clinical examination, especially considering the age of the pig and the distribution of the lesions, all aids making an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Pain management is essential in clinical management.

Sarcoptic mange is a condition that can be eliminated from pigs and should be considered a welfare problem. Ear necrosis and trauma injuries can be particularly problematic and must be treated aggressively. African swine fever (ASF) presents with a range of clinical signs including skin lesions, and all veterinary surgeons must be able to put ASF as a differential where appropriate.
The life history, distribution and morphological updates of horned poppy feeder Acentrus histrio (Schoenherr, 1837) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Curculioninae)
Authors: GÜLTEKİN LEVENT , GÜÇLÜ MELEK , GÜLTEKİN NESLİHAN , KOROTYAEV BORIS
Published: November 2021

The augmented morphological description of the weevil species Acentrus histrio (Schoenherr, 1837) is provided and supplied with photographs of the terminalia and genitalia of both sexes. Female genitalia are described for the first time. Glaucium grandiflorum Boiss. & A. Huett and Glaucium corniculatum (L.) Rudolph (Papaveraceae) are reported as the host plants in Turkey. The adults emerge from the soil in very early spring, locate the host plant, feed on young leaves and buds, mate on the host plant, and females deposit eggs inside the seed capsules. The larvae feed with seeds, mature larvae leave capsules entering soil to pupate, and adults of the new generation hibernate in the soil at the root base of the host plant. This species is univoltine and produced one generation annually in eastern Turkey. Acentrus histrio is newly recorded for Azerbaijan, and A. boroveci Košťál, 2014, for Tajikistan.
Docking Phenomenon and Subsequent Acetabular Development after Gradual Reduction using Overhead Traction for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip over Six Months of Age
Authors: Kaneko Hiroshi , Kitoh Hiroshi , Kitamura Akiko , Sawamura Kenta , Hattori Tadashi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the docking of the femoral head into the acetabulum after gradual reduction (GR) using traction for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and the impact on subsequent acetabular development.

Methods

A total of 40 patients with DDH (42 hips) undergoing GR using overhead traction and spica casting were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of inverted labrum and the coronal and axial femoral-acetabular distances (FADs) were compared between MRI immediately and five weeks after spica casting. The change in the acetabular index on anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were compared between hips with inverted labrum (residual group) and with normally-shaped labrum (normalized group) on follow-up MRI.

Results

The mean age at reduction was 13.1 months (7 to 33) and the mean follow-up duration was 7.7 years (4 to 11). The rate of inverted labrum and the FADs significantly decreased between the MRI scans (all p-values < 0.001), and previous Pavlik harness failure had no negative effect on these decreases. The acetabular indices at the ages of three and five years in the residual group were significantly larger than those in the normalized group (both p-values < 0.001). Residual acetabular dysplasia was seen in 84.2% of the residual group compared with 34.8% of the normalized group (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The docking phenomenon can occur during spica casting following GR using traction in children with DDH between the ages of six months and three years. The remaining inverted labrum at the cast removal may negatively affect subsequent acetabular development.

Level of evidence

III - retrospective comparative study
Self-calibration of cameras using affine correspondences and known relative rotation angle
Authors: Yu Yingjian , Guan Banglei , Sun Xiangyi , Li Zhang
Published: November 2021

This paper proposes a flexible method for camera self-calibration using affine correspondences and known relative rotation angle, which applies to the case that camera and inertial measurement unit (IMU) are tightly fixed. An affine correspondence provides two more constraints for the self-calibration problem than a traditional point correspondence, and the relative rotation angle can be derived from the IMU. Therefore, calibrating intrinsic camera parameters needs fewer correspondences, which can reduce the iterations and improve the algorithm’s robustness in the random sample consensus framework. The proposed method does not require rotational alignment between the camera and the IMU. This advantage makes our method more convenient and flexible. The experimental results of both synthetic data and publicly available real datasets demonstrate that our method is effective and accurate for camera self-calibration.
Performance assessment of MRI guided continuous wave near-infrared spectral tomography for breast imaging
Authors: Feng Jinchao , Jiang Shudong , Pogue Brian W. , Paulsen Keith D.
Published: November 2021

Integration of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and near-infrared spectral tomography (NIRST) has yielded promising diagnostic performance for breast imaging in the past. This study focused on whether MRI-guided NIRST can quantify hemoglobin concentration using only continuous wave (CW) measurements. Patients were classified into four breast density groups based on their MRIs. Optical scattering properties were assigned based on average values obtained from these density groups, and MRI-guided NIRST images were reconstructed from calibrated CW data. Total hemoglobin (HbT) contrast between suspected lesions and surrounding normal tissue was used as an indicator of the malignancy. Results obtained from simulations and twenty-four patient cases indicate that the diagnostic power when using only CW data to differentiate malignant from benign abnormalities is similar to that obtained from combined frequency domain (FD) and CW data. These findings suggest that eliminating FD detection to reduce the cost and complexity of MRI-guided NIRST is possible.
Spatio-temporal propagation dynamics of Airy plasmon pulses
Authors: Singh Amit V. , Pertsch Thomas
Published: November 2021

We investigate numerically the evolution of a particular type of non-diffracting pulsed plasmonic beam called Airy plasmon pulses. A suitable diffraction grating is obtained by optimizing a grating (e.g., [Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 116802 (2011)10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.116802]) for maximum generation bandwidth and efficiency to excite ultrashort Airy plasmon pulses. The optimization process is based on Airy and non-Airy plasmons contributions from the diffraction grating. The time-averaged Airy plasmon pulse generated from the grating shows a bent trajectory and quasi non-diffracting properties similar to CW excited Airy plasmons. A design-parameter-dependent geometrical model is developed to explain the spatio-temporal dynamics of the Airy plasmon pulses, which predicts the pulse broadening in Airy plasmon pulses due to non-Airy plasmons emerging from the grating. This model provides a parametric design control for the potential engineering of temporally focused 2D non-diffracting pulsed plasmonic beams.
Ideal type-II Weyl points in twisted one-dimensional dielectric photonic crystals
Authors: Chen Ying , Wang Hai-Xiao , Bao Qiaoliang , Jiang Jian-Hua , Chen Huanyang
Published: November 2021

We proposed an one-dimensional layer-stacked photonic crystal using anisotropic materials to realize ideal type-II Weyl points. The topological transition from Dirac to Weyl points can be clearly observed by tuning the twist angle between layers. Also, on the interface between the photonic type-II Weyl material and air, gapless surface states have been demonstrated in an incomplete bulk bandgap. By breaking parameter symmetry, these ideal type-II Weyl points would transform into the non-ideal ones, exhibiting topological surface states with single group velocity. Our work may provide a new idea for the realization of photonic semimetal phases by utilizing naturally anisotropic materials.
High accuracy indoor visible light positioning using a long short term memory-fully connected network based algorithm
Authors: Chen Hongyao , Han Wei , Wang Jianping , Lu Huimin , Chen Danyang , Jin Jianli , Feng Lifang
Published: November 2021

In this work, a novel positioning algorithm based on a long short term memory-fully connected network (LSTM-FCN) is proposed to improve the performance of an indoor visible light positioning (VLP) system. Using the proposed LSTM-FCN based positioning algorithm, the VLP system with a single light emitting diode (LED) and multiple photodetectors (PDs) was implemented. On this basis, the positioning performance of the established VLP system using proposed LSTM-FCN, traditional FCN and support vector regression (SVR) based algorithm is investigated and compared. It is demonstrated that the VLP system using the proposed LSTM-FCN based algorithm has better performance than that using other machine learning algorithms. As a result, an average positioning error of 0.92 cm and a maximum positioning error of less than 5 cm can be obtained for the established VLP system.
Eliminating the phase shifts arising from additional sidebands in an atom gravimeter with a phase-modulated Raman laser
Authors: Luo Qin , Zhou Hang , Chen Lele , Duan Xiaochun , Zhou Minkang , Hu Zhongkun
Published: November 2021

The additional sidebands (ASBs) in a Raman laser will have a significant effect on the performance of atom gravimeters (AGs) based on phase-modulated Raman lasers. We propose a method of modulating the sideband-to-carrier ratio in Raman lasers to determine the magic time intervals where the phase shift induced by the ASB effect is minimized, and this method is demonstrated by experiments. Among these magic time intervals, some noise-immunity points are predicted. Based on the prediction and the result of the ASB effect changing with the interval time T between adjacent Raman pulses, an optimal magic time interval is selected. Therefore, the uncertainty to the gravity measurement induced by the ASB effect when the AG works at the magic time interval is reduced to 0.5 μGal. Furthermore, the ASB effect and its zero-phase points in four-pulse atom interferometers are also discussed. This work provides a clear way to eliminate the phase shift induced by the ASB effect in high-precision AGs employing phase-modulated Raman lasers.
Evaluation of protein kinase D auto-phosphorylation as biomarker for NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Heiser Diane , Rubert Joëlle , Unterreiner Adeline , Maurer Claudine , Kamke Marion , Bodendorf Ursula , Farady Christopher J. , Roediger Ben , Bornancin Frédéric
Published: November 2021

Background

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a critical component of sterile inflammation, which is involved in many diseases. However, there is currently no known proximal biomarker for measuring NLRP3 activation in pathological conditions. Protein kinase D (PKD) has emerged as an important NLRP3 kinase that catalyzes the release of a phosphorylated NLRP3 species that is competent for inflammasome complex assembly.

Methods

To explore the potential for PKD activation to serve as a selective biomarker of the NLRP3 pathway, we tested various stimulatory conditions in THP-1 and U937 cell lines, probing the inflammasome space beyond NLRP3. We analyzed the correlation between PKD activation (monitored by its auto-phosphorylation) and functional inflammasome readouts.

Results

PKD activation/auto-phosphorylation always preceded cleavage of caspase-1 and gasdermin D, and treatment with the PKD inhibitor CRT0066101 could block NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and interleukin-1β production. Conversely, blocking NLRP3 either genetically or using the MCC950 inhibitor prevented PKD auto-phosphorylation, indicating a bidirectional functional crosstalk between NLRP3 and PKD. Further assessments of the pyrin and NLRC4 pathways, however, revealed that PKD auto-phosphorylation can be triggered by a broad range of stimuli unrelated to NLRP3 inflammasome assembly.

Conclusion

Although PKD and NLRP3 become functionally interconnected during NLRP3 activation, the promiscuous reactivity of PKD challenges its potential use for tracing the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
Farmers’ willingness to pay for digital and conventional credit: Insight from a discrete choice experiment in Madagascar
Authors: Sarfo Yaw , Musshoff Oliver , Weber Ron , Danne Michael
Published: November 2021

In recent decades, microfinance institutions with financial products designed for low income groups have been established all over the world. However, credit access for farmers in developing countries remains low. Digital financial services are rapidly expanding globally at the moment. They also bear great potential to address the credit needs of farmers in remote rural areas. Beyond mobile money services, digital credit is successively offered and also discussed in literature. Compared to conventional credit which is granted based on a thorough assessment of the loan applicant’s financial situation, digital credit is granted based on an automated analysis of the existing data of the loan applicant. Despite the potential of digital credit for serving the credit needs of rural farmers, empirical research on farmers’ willingness to pay for digital credit is non-existent. We employ a discrete choice experiment to compare farmers’ willingness to pay for digital and conventional credit. We apply loan attributes which reflect typical characteristics of both credit products. Our results indicate a higher willingness to pay for digital credit compared to conventional credit. Furthermore, we find that the proximity to withdraw borrowed money has a higher effect on farmers’ willingness to pay for digital credit compared to conventional credit. Furthermore, our results show that instalment repayment condition reduces farmers’ willingness to pay for digital credit whilst increasing their willingness to pay for conventional credit. Additionally, we find that longer loan duration has a higher effect on farmers’ willingness to pay for digital credit compared to conventional credit whereas higher additional credit cost has a lower effect on farmers’ willingness to pay for conventional credit compared to digital credit. Our results highlight the potential of digital credit for agricultural finance in rural areas of Madagascar if a certain level of innovation is applied in designing digital credit products.
SUR1-E1506K mutation impairs glucose tolerance and promotes vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque phenotype in hypercholesterolemic mice
Authors: Gurzeler Erika , Ruotsalainen Anna-Kaisa , Laine Anssi , Valkama Teemu , Kettunen Sanna , Laakso Markku , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo
Published: November 2021

Background and aims

Diabetes is a major risk factor of atherosclerosis and its complications. The loss-of-function mutation E1506K in the sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1-E1506K) induces hyperinsulinemia in infancy, leading to impaired glucose tolerance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigate the effect of SUR1-E1506K mutation on atherogenesis in hypercholesterolemic LDLR-/- mice.

Methods

SUR1-E1506K mutated mice were cross-bred with LDLR-/- mice (SUR1Δ/LDLR-/-), 6 months old mice were fed a western-diet (WD) for 6 months to induce advanced atherosclerotic plaques. At the age of 12 months, atherosclerosis and plaque morphology were analyzed and mRNA gene expression were measured from aortic sections and macrophages. Glucose metabolism was characterized before and after WD. Results were compared to age-matched LDLR-/- mice.

Results

Advanced atherosclerotic plaques did not differ in size between the two strains. However, in SUR1Δ/LDLR-/- mice, plaque necrotic area was increased and smooth muscle cell number was reduced, resulting in higher plaque vulnerability index in SUR1Δ/LDLR-/- mice compared to LDLR-/- mice. SUR1Δ/LDLR-/- mice exhibited impaired glucose tolerance and elevated fasting glucose after WD. The positive staining area of IL-1β and NLRP3 inflammasome were increased in aortic sections in SUR1Δ/LDLR-/- mice compared to LDLR-/- mice, and IL-18 plasma level was elevated in SUR1Δ/LDLR-/- mice. Finally, the mRNA expression of IL-1β and IL-18 were increased in SUR1Δ/LDLR-/- bone marrow derived macrophages in comparison to LDLR-/- macrophages in response to LPS.

Conclusions

SUR1-E1506K mutation impairs glucose tolerance and increases arterial inflammation, which promotes a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque phenotype in LDLR-/- mice.
Comparison of deltoid ligament repair and non-repair in acute ankle fracture: A meta-analysis of comparative studies
Authors: Guo Wenxuan , Lin Wujie , Chen Wenhuan , Pan Yu , Zhuang Rujie
Published: November 2021

Background

Rupture of the deltoid ligament (DL) in acute ankle fracture is very common. However, there is still insufficient evidence on whether to repair the DL in acute ankle fracture. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies was performed to report the outcome of DL repair in acute ankle fracture.

Methods

The PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched from the inception dates to October 31, 2020, for comparative studies. The methodological quality was evaluated based on the risk-of-bias tool of the Cochrane Collaboration for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) or the Risk-of-Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS). The post-operative medial clear space (MCS), final MCS, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score and incidence of complications were analysed.

Results

A total of 8 comparative studies involving 388 participants who suffered Weber type B or C ankle fractures were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that the post-operative MCS, final MCS, AOFAS score and rate of complications were statistically superior in the DL repair group. For the VAS score, there was no significant difference between the DL repair group and the DL non-repair group.

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis of comparative studies, DL repair offered great advantages in terms of the post-operative MCS, final MCS, AOFAS score and rate of complications compared with non-repair. The repair of the DL in patients with acute ankle fractures might be beneficial to ankle joint stability and assist in improving the quality of ankle reduction. More high-quality and prospective studies with long follow-up durations are needed to further demonstrate the superiority of DL repair over non-repair.
Variation in tube voltage for pediatric neck 64VCT: Effect on radiation dose and image quality
Authors: Chen Li-Guo , Wu Ping-An , Tu Hsing-Yang , Sheu Ming-Huei , Huang Li-Chuan
Published: November 2021

Exposure to ionizing radiation can cause cancer, especially in children. In computed tomography (CT), a trade-off exists between the radiation dose and image quality. Few studies have investigated the effect of dose reduction on image quality in pediatric neck CT. We aimed to assess the effect of peak kilovoltage on the radiation dose and image quality in pediatric neck multidetector-row CT. Measurements were made using three phantoms representative of children aged 1, 5, and 10 years, with tube voltages of 80, 100, and 120 kilovoltage peak (kVp); tube current of 10, 40, 80, 120, 150, 200, and 250 mA; and exposure time = 0.5 s (pitch, 0.984:1). Radiation dose estimates were derived from the dose-length product with a 64-multidetector-row CT scanner. Images obtained from the control protocol (120 kVp) were compared with the 80- and 100-kVp protocols. The effective dose (ED) was determined for each protocol and compared with the 120-kVp protocol. Quantitative analysis entailed noise measurements by recording the standard deviation of attenuation for a circular 1-cm2 region of interest placed on homogeneous soft tissue structures in the phantom. The mean noise of the various kVp protocols was compared using the unpaired Student t-test. Reduction of ED was 37.58% and 68.58% for neck CT with 100 kVp and 80 kVp, respectively. The image noise level increased with the decrease in peak kilovoltage. Noise values were higher at 80 kVp at all neck levels, but did not increase at 100 kVp, compared to 120 kVp in the three phantoms. The measured noise difference was the greatest at 80 kVp (absolute increases<2.5 HU). The subjective image quality did not differ among the protocols. Thus, reducing voltage from 120 to 80 kVp for neck CT may achieve ED reduction of 68.58%, without compromising image quality.
The mechanical energetics of walking across the adult lifespan
Authors: Liew Bernard X. W. , Rugamer David , Duffy Kim , Taylor Matthew , Jackson Jo
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Understanding what constitutes normal walking mechanics across the adult lifespan is crucial to the identification and intervention of early decline in walking function. Existing research has assumed a simple linear alteration in peak joint powers between young and older adults. The aim of the present study was to quantify the potential (non)linear relationship between age and the joint power waveforms of the lower limb during walking.

Methods

This was a pooled secondary analysis of the authors’ (MT, KD, JJ) and three publicly available datasets, resulting in a dataset of 278 adults between the ages of 19 to 86 years old. Three-dimensional motion capture with synchronised force plate assessment was performed during self-paced walking. Inverse dynamics were used to quantity joint power of the ankle, knee, and hip, which were time-normalized to 100 stride cycle points. Generalized Additive Models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) was used to model the effect of cycle points, age, walking speed, stride length, height, and their interaction on the outcome of each joint’s power.

Results

At both 1m/s and 1.5 m/s, A2 peaked at the age of 60 years old with a value of 3.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.95 to 3.23) W/kg and 3.05 (95%CI 2.94 to 3.16), respectively. For H1, joint power peaked with a value of 0.40 (95%CI 0.31 to 0.49) W/kg at 1m/s, and with a value of 0.78 (95%CI 0.72 to 0.84) W/kg at 1.5m/s, at the age of 20 years old. For H3, joint power peaked with a value of 0.69 (95%CI 0.62 to 0.76) W/kg at 1m/s, and with a value of 1.38 (95%CI 1.32 to 1.44) W/kg at 1.5m/s, at the age of 70 years old.

Conclusions

Findings from this study do not support a simple linear relationship between joint power and ageing. A more in-depth understanding of walking mechanics across the lifespan may provide more opportunities to develop early clinical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for impaired walking function. We anticipate that the present methodology of pooling data across multiple studies, is a novel and useful research method to understand motor development across the lifespan.
Different virulence levels of Enterococcus cecorum strains in experimentally infected meat-type chickens
Authors: Schreier Jana , Rautenschlein Silke , Jung Arne
Published: November 2021

In recent years, pathogenic strains ofEnterococcus cecorum(EC) have emerged as a causing agent of septicemia and skeletal infection in broiler chickens with a high economic impact worldwide. Although research has been conducted, many aspects of the pathogenesis of the EC-associated disease are still unknown. In the present study, an experimental infection model was established in broiler chickens. Two different EC strains (EC14 and EC15) were compared in two different concentrations of each strain (2 × 106and 2 × 108colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL)) after oral infection of one-day-old chicks. Clinical signs and gross lesions of the EC-associated disease were monitored in the following seven weeks. Although both EC strains were originally isolated from clinical disease outbreaks and had a high embryonic lethality, only EC14 successfully induced the typical course of the EC-associated disease with characteristic clinical signs and gross lesions. In total, 23% of the birds in the two EC14-groups were EC-positive in extraintestinal organs on culture, and no differences were found between the two infectious doses. EC14 was frequently detected via real-time PCR in the free thoracic vertebra (FTV) and femoral heads without any detectable gross lesions. The number of EC positive spleens from infected broilers was comparable using bacterial isolation and a specific real-time PCR. Interestingly, EC15 was not detected in extraintestinal organs, although birds in the EC15 groups were colonized by EC in the ceca after experimental infection. The present study represents first proof that virulence differs among EC strains in experimentally infected chickens, and emphasizes the need to further characterize virulence factors and pathogenic mechanisms of EC. The strain EC14 at a dose of 106CFU is suitable for reproduction of the EC-associated disease. The experimental infection model reported here provides the basis for further research on the EC pathogenesis and possible prevention and intervention strategies.
A longitudinal analysis of the role of potentially morally injurious events on COVID-19-related psychosocial functioning among healthcare providers
Authors: Borges Lauren M. , Holliday Ryan , Barnes Sean M. , Bahraini Nazanin H. , Kinney Adam , Forster Jeri E. , Brenner Lisa A.
Published: November 2021

Medical leaders have warned of the potential public health burden of a “parallel pandemic” faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals may have experienced scenarios in which their moral code was violated resulting in potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs). In the present study, hierarchical linear modeling was utilized to examine the role of PMIEs on COVID-19 pandemic-related difficulties in psychosocial functioning among 211 healthcare providers (83% female, 89% White, and an average of 11.30 years in their healthcare profession [9.31]) over a 10-month span (May 2020 –March 2021). Reported exposure to PMIEs was associated with statistically significant poorer self-reported psychosocial functioning at baseline and over the course of 10-months of data collection. Within exploratory examinations of PMIE type, perceptions of transgressions by self or others (e.g., “I acted in ways that violated my own moral code or values”), but not perceived betrayal (e.g., “I feel betrayed by leaders who I once trusted”), was associated with poorer COVID-19 related psychosocial functioning (e.g., feeling connected to others, relationship with spouse or partner). Findings from this study speak to the importance of investing in intervention and prevention efforts to mitigate the consequences of exposure to PMIEs among healthcare providers. Interventions for healthcare providers targeting psychosocial functioning in the context of moral injury is an important area for future research.
Unibertsitateen ingurumen-inpaktuaren analisia NESTen bidez eta haren eginkizuna GIHekin bat datorren hiri-plangintza jasangarri bati begira
Authors: León Iñigo , Oregi Xabat , Marieta Cristina , Arias Alba , Mabe Lara
Published: November 2021

Azken urteotan, hirigileek eta arkitektoek irtenbideak bilatu behar izan dituzte hiri-proiektuen errendimendua hobetzeko, ingurumenaren gaineko eraginari, bizi-kalitateari eta arazo sozioekonomikoei dagokienez, bai Europako araudiek ezarritako helburuak lortzeko, bai Nazio Batuek ezarritako Garapen Iraunkorrerako Helburuak (GIH) lortzeko. Eraikinaren eskalako ingurumen- eta energia-inpaktuak anplifikatu egiten dira hiri mailan, eta ikusi da unibertsitate-campusak, beren tamaina, populazioa eta jarduera direla eta, «hiri txikitzat» har daitezkeela, ingurumenean duten eragina nabarmena dela. Azken urteotan, tresna berriak garatu dira ingurumen-inpaktu hori barruti mailan ebaluatzeko, bizi-zikloaren analisi baten bidez. Haien artean, NEST nabarmendu behar da, oinarrizko agertokia eta hobekuntza-hipotesiak aztertzeko tresna arin eta azkarra. Ingurumen-adierazleak eta adierazle sozioekonomikoak ebaluatzen ditu, eta bizi-zikloaren analisirako tresna gisa balio du auzo-eskalan eraikitako inguruneetan. Argitalpen honen egileek NEST erabili izan dute hainbat ikerketa-proiektutan, eta oinarrizko agertokiak aztertu eta zenbait kasuistikatan hobekuntzak ebaluatu dituzte. Artikulu honetan, egindako ikerketen bilakaeraren laburpen bat aurkeztu, eta azterketa-kasu bakoitza eta ondorio orokorrak azaltzen dira. Duela gutxi hasi den ikerketa-proiektu bat ere aurkezten da, baso-biomasa energia-iturri berriztagarri gisa ezartzea helburu duena askotariko izaera, gobernantza, eskualde eta herrialdetako unibertsitate-campusetan. Unibertsitateen eta hirien arteko kooperazioak, sinergiak eta lankidetza-ekintzak ezartzeko, gizartearentzat funtsezkoak diren GIHen hobekuntzan aurrera egitea ahalbidetuko du.
2030 Agendako helburuetatik lurra-ura hartzera
Authors: Zabaleta Ane , Izagirre Eñaut , Meaurio Maite , Valiente Maria , Uriarte Jesus Angel , Antiguedad Iñaki
Published: November 2021

Garapen Iraunkorrerako 2030 Agendaren hiru dimentsioei (ekonomikoa, soziala eta ingurumenarena) lurraldearena gehitu behar zaie, ekintza-planak gauzatzeko ezinbesteko ingurune fisikoa baita. Hortik dator hidrologiatik ari garen ikertzaileok iraunkortasunari egin diezaiokegun ekarpena: ura eta lurra uztartuta lurralde dinamikoak erresiliente egiteko bidean ezagutza sortzea, erabakietan eragiteko. Iraunkortasuna zutabe hartuta, uraren kudeaketan ohikoa den ibai-ikuspegia aldatu eta arro-ikuspegia ezarri beharra dugu, eta ibai-arroa (ura + lurraldea) lurralde-antolamenduaren oinarrizko unitate biofisiko bihurtu. Hala, klima-aldaketaren aurrean ezartzen diren arintze- eta egokitze-politiken bateragune bihurtzen da ibai-arroa, bi estrategia horien arteko sinergiak eta helburu-gatazkak identifikatzea errazten duen heinean. Izan ere, klima-aldaketarekin lotutako mundu mailako arintze-politiken oinarriak karbonoa bahitzea eta horri lotuta lurraldea basotzea dira neurri handi batean, basotzeak klima-aldaketara egokitzeko ekar ditzakeen albo-kalteak kontuan izan gabe. Lurraldearen funtzio hidrologikoek eragina dute uraren kantitatean, kalitatean, kokapenean eta denboran, zeren eta ura metatzen, mugitzen etaeraldatzen baitute. Beraz, lurraldeak uraren erregulatzaile gisa duen funtzioa onartuz gero, baliabide hidrologikoen kudeaketa ulertzeko modua aldatuko litzateke, baita egokitzera bidean lurraldearen kudeaketan zerbitzu hidrologikoak barneratzea erraztuko ere. Horretarako, beharrezkoa da tokiko eskalari lotutako ezagutzen eta helburuen arteko gatazkak eta sinergiak zein diren jakitea. Alde horretatik, bizi dugun ziurgabetasun-aroan, auzi horiek argitzera bideratu behar genituzke ikerketa-bide nagusiak, haiek egoki kudeatzeko eta ezagutzak informatutako erabakiak hartzeko, ohiko inertziak gaindituta, kudeaketa-paradigma aldatuta. Hortaz, lurralde-dinamikak birbideratzeko borondate soziopolitikoa behar da, eta naturak lekuan-lekuan eskaintzen dituen zerbitzu ekosistemikoen mugetara egokituriko garapen-eredu bat barneratu, lurra eta ura lurraldearen ardatzean jarrita, munduko edozein herrialdetan.