bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principal ocular glands in the desert rodent Gerbillus tarabuli: morpho-functional adaptive analysis
Authors: Saadi-Brenkia Ouanassa , Haniche Nadia , Lounis Saida
Published: June 2020

Background

Desert rodent, Gerbillus tarabuli, is a seed-eating animal and do not require drinking water. It depends upon metabolic water. Understanding the functional characteristics of ocular glands which produce a watery lacrimal fluid is of interest. In the present study, we described the macroscopic anatomy and microscopic structure of the paraorbital glands in tarabul’s gerbil.

Results

There are up to four distinct orbital glands: lacrimal (LG), Harderian (HG), Meibomian (MG), and conjunctival mucous glands. Each eye has three eyelids, the main upper and lower lids and a third lid hidden between them in the inner corner of the eye. The LG is bipartite, situated on the dorsolateral aspect of the eyeball. The HG is large and localized deep in the orbit. The MG is found in the dense connective tissue plate. Upon light microscopic examination, the LG is an acinar gland; its secretory cells have mucous and serous granular cytoplasm. The endpieces of HG consist of tubuloalveoli, with two cellular types: prismatic vacuolated cells and pyramidal basophilic cells. The MG acini are closely arranged one after another. Each acinus contains a basal layer of myoepithelial cells and a mass of rounded, vacuolated cells. The nictitating membrane is formed by a semilunar fold of conjunctiva, supported by a hyaline cartilage. Numerous goblet cell clusters are detected in the covering conjunctiva particularly in the bulbar conjunctiva. Mucin glycoproteins appear to be abundant in the precorneal tear film, probably acting against desiccation stress.

Conclusions

Based on the data from this study, it could be concluded that the orbital glands of gerbil are well-developed, similar to other mammals.
Production and characterization of xylanase from pomegranate peel by Chaetomium globosum and its application on bean under greenhouse condition
Authors: Atalla Sherien M. M. , El Gamal Nadia G.
Published: June 2020

Background and objective

The main objective of the present study was production of xylanase from different agricultural wastes using Chaetomium globosum on pomegranate waste, isolation of fungi associated with some legumes seeds, and studied the effect of safe product which obtained from xylanse under laboratory and greenhouse conditions on bean seeds.

Results and discussion

Different agricultural wastes were tested for xylanase production by Ch. globosum; from them, pomegranate peel was most effective at concentration 40 g/l using 2 disks 6 mm in diameter after 7-day incubation period produces 1398.34 U/ml. Addition of calcium chloride increases xylanase activity to 1469.40 U/ml. The crude xylanase activity was active after 20 min of starting of reaction at 6.6 pH, and 40 °C of the reaction mixture produces 1587.27 U/ml. Xylanse is still active at 40 °C for 30 min. Seeds of some legumes were examined for seed borne mycoflora by the agar plate method. The most common fungi were Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia solani, and Macrophomina phaseolina.

Testing of crude xylanase as biocide was more effective in reduction of linear growth of some pathogenic fungi also applied the biocide as seed treatment of bean. Seed coating with biocide gave significant protection to emerge bean seeds against invasion of pathogenic fungi at the pre-emergence stage. Seed coating recorded more than 50% protection compared with the untreated control.

Conclusion

Production of xylanase from pomegranate peel wastes using Chaetomium globosum under optimum conditions. Testing crude xylanase after optimization as an effective biocide.
Total knee arthroplasty with the least-constrained implant possible for type II valgus knee > 20°: a 3–14 years’ follow-up
Authors: Ren Jiangdong , Zhang Xiaogang , Wulamu Wuhuzi , Yushan Nuerailijiang , Aaimaiti Abudousaimi , Cao Li
Published: June 2020

Objective

To estimate the midterm outcome of primary total knee arthroplasty for severe valgus deformity using selective release of tight lateral structures and the least-constrained implant.

Methods

We performed total knee arthroplasty on 65 consecutive type II knees with valgus deformity> 20°. Surgery was done via a medial parapatellar approach. Conventional bone cutting was done with selective lateral soft tissue release, and the least-constrained total knee prosthesis possible was used. Posterior stabilized implants were employed in most knees, except for three knees that required the implantation of constrained condylar knee prostheses. The average duration of follow-up lasted for 10.5 years.

Results

Preoperatively, average valgus was 30.6°, and average range of motion was 43.7° (range, 0–80°). Postoperatively, average valgus was 7.3° and average range of motion was 110.6° (range, 80–130°). The lateral collateral ligament and iliotibial band were released in all knees, and release of the popliteus tendon was required in two knees. Stable flexion and extension gaps were achieved in most cases, except for two that had medial side instability. Follow-up showed that stability was maintained.

Conclusions

This surgical technique combined selective lateral soft tissue release with use of the least-constrained implant possible and was effective for severe valgus deformities of the knee, with good clinical results.
3D digital breast tomosynthesis versus US in evaluating breast asymmetries
Authors: Mokhtar Omnia , Abd elsalam Sahar , Gamal Gehan , Naguib Eman , Gomaa Manal
Published: June 2020

Background

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) now become one of the available diagnostic imaging modalities of the breast, and the present study was done to evaluate its diagnostic value versus that of breast ultrasound (US) in the evaluation of breast asymmetries. This study included 51 patients with 57 mammography identified breast asymmetries; their ages were ranged from 26 to 72 years (mean age 50.05 ± 8.1 SD). For all patients, both digital breast tomosynthesis and ultrasound were done, and their results were compared.

Results

Tomosynthesis in this study showed better diagnostic performance compared to mammography; the sensitivity of tomosynthesis was 83.33%, the specificity was 89.74%, the positive predictive value was 78.95%, the negative predictive value was 92.11%, and the accuracy was 87.71% while the sensitivity of mammography was 72.22%, the specificity was 71.79%, the positive predictive value was 54.17%, the negative predictive value was 84.85 %, and the accuracy was 71.92 %.

Breast ultrasound showed the highest sensitivity in this study with the sensitivity of ultrasound being 100.00 %, the specificity being 92.31%, the positive predictive value being 85.71%, the negative predictive value being 100.00%, and the accuracy being 94.73%.

Conclusion

Tomosynthesis enables better depiction of asymmetries. It can be useful in the screening setting where better lesion detection and accurate description of lesions is desired. Therefore, it can detect more cancers and can reduce the number of biopsies.

Breast ultrasound should be coupled with breast mammography and 3D tomosynthesis in the evaluation of the breast asymmetries as it reduces false-negative results, detects solid and cystic lesions, and assesses solid lesion nature.
The effect of semi-quantitative T1-perfusion parameters for the differentiation between pediatric medulloblastoma and ependymoma
Authors: Duc Nguyen Minh
Published: June 2020

Background

The differentiation between medulloblastomas and ependymomas plays an important role in treatment planning and prognosis for children. This study aims to investigate the role of T1-perfusion parameters during the differentiation between medulloblastomas and ependymomas in children. The institutional review board approved this prospective study. The brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol, including axial T1-perfusion, was assessed in 26 patients, divided into a medulloblastoma group (group 1, n = 22) and an ependymoma group (group 2, n = 4). The quantified region of interest (ROI) values for tumors and the tumor to parenchyma ratios were collected and compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Youden index were utilized to identify the best cut-off, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) values for the independent T1-perfusion parameters.

Results

The relative enhancement, maximum enhancement, maximum relative enhancement, time to peak, and AUC values for medulloblastomas were significantly higher than those for ependymomas (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the maximum enhancement and maximum relative enhancement for medulloblastoma to parenchyma ratios were also significantly higher than those for ependymomas. A cut-off maximum enhancement value of 100.25 was identified as sufficient to discriminate between medulloblastoma and ependymoma and resulted in a sensitivity of 90.9%, a specificity of 100%, and an AUC of 94.3%.

Conclusion

A cut-off maximum enhancement value of 100.25 derived from T1-perfusion was able to discriminate between medulloblastoma and ependymoma, with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values.
Design, optimization, and evaluation of hydrogel of primaquine loaded nanoemulsion for malaria therapy
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Tailang Mukul
Published: June 2020

Background

The present study aimed to design, optimize, and evaluate primaquine loaded nanoemulgel for malaria treatment. Nanoemulgel was prepared with the help of different components such as castor oil, Tween 80:Transcutol P (Smix ratio), and polymers. Pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed to optimize Smix ratio. Response surface methodology was used for the optimization of nanoemulsion preparation based on characterization parameters such as droplet size (nm), zeta potential (mv), polydispersity index (PDI), viscosity (mPa·S), conductivity (mS/cm), and percent drug release. Based on these parameter results, F5 formulation was selected as an optimized formulation. F5 formulation was loaded in hydrogel preparation which was developed by using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K15M) 1-2% concentrations. The prepared nanoemulgel was evaluated with the following parameters: percent drug content, in vitro drug release, ex vivo skin permeation, pH determination, spreadability determination, and viscosity measurement.

Results

The droplets of primaquine loaded nanoemulsion were nanosized (10–200 nm) in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. Zeta potential for all formulations (F1-F9) was observed as − 0.7 ± 0.02 to 2.12 ± 0.04 mv. Response surface curves were plotted for optimization of perfect nanoemulsion preparation. Nanoemulgels (F5, F5a, F5b, and F5c) were evaluated for their different parameters such as pH (F5, 5.2 ± 0.2; F5a, 5.3 ± 0.1; F5b, 5.3 ± 0.1; and F5c, 5.4 ± 0.1), viscosity (mPa·S) (F5, 9876 ± 0.61; F5a, 14,564.6 ± 0.42; F5b, 14,841.9 ± 0.82; and F5c, 16,872.1 ± 0.921), spreadability (g.cm/s) (F5, 7.89 ± 0.10; F5a, 5.09 ± 0.03; F5b, 4.30 ± 0.02; and F5c, 3.13 ± 0.01), and percent drug content (F5, 100 ± 0.46; F5a, 98.10 ± 0.38; F5b, 99.70 ± 0.41; and F5c, 97.34 ± 0.51), and ex vivo skin flux of F5b was evaluated for 24 h. Ex vivo skin permeability was found ~ 70% within 12 h and ~ 86% within 24 h.

Conclusion

The nanoemulsion loaded hydrogel of primaquine with optimum viscosity was prepared for transdermal application. Nanoemulgel was prepared by using HPMC K15M into nanoemulsion because HPMC K15M was responsible for significant viscosity. The permeation rate of nanoemulgel was greater than other drug solutions. The great permeation rate was achieved by the incorporation of Transcutol P (cosurfactant). The optimized formulation was justified by using statistics. Stability studies confirmed that nanoemulgel is a promising carrier for the delivery of primaquine.
Is cognitive dysfunction involved in difficult-to-treat depression? Characterizing resistance from a cognitive perspective
Authors: López-Solà Clara , Subirà Marta , Serra-Blasco Maria , Vicent-Gil Muriel , Navarra-Ventura Guillem , Aguilar Eva , Acebillo Siddarta , Palao Diego J. , Cardoner Narcís
Published: June 2020

Background.

This study aimed to identify clinical and cognitive factors associated with increased risk for difficult-to-treat depression (DTD) or treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Methods.

A total of 229 adult outpatients with major depression were recruited from the mental health unit at a public hospital. Participants were subdivided into resistant and nonresistant groups according to their Maudsley Staging Model score. Sociodemographic, clinical, and cognitive (objective and subjective measures) variables were compared between groups, and a logistic regression model was used to identify the factors most associated with TRD risk.

Results.

TRD group patients present higher verbal memory impairment than the nonresistant group irrespective of pharmacological treatment or depressive symptom severity. Logistic regression analysis showed that low verbal memory scores (odds ratio [OR]: 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38–2.95) together with high depressive symptom severity (OR: 1.29; CI95%: 1.01–1.65) were associated with TRD risk.

Conclusions.

Our findings align with neuroprogression models of depression, in which more severe patients, defined by greater verbal memory impairment and depressive symptoms, develop a more resistant profile as a result of increasingly detrimental neuronal changes. Moreover, our results support a more comprehensive approach in the evaluation and treatment of DTD in order to improve illness course. Longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm the predictive value of verbal memory and depression severity in the development of TRD.
E-cigarette use and onset of first cigarette smoking among adolescents: An empirical test of the ‘common liability’ theory
Authors: Cheng Hui G. , Largo Edward G. , Gogova Maria
Published: June 2020

Background: E-cigarettes have become the most commonly used tobacco products among youth in the United States (US) recently. It is not clear whether there is a causal relationship between e-cigarette use and the onset of cigarette smoking. The “common liability” theory postulates that the association between e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking can be attributed to a common risk construct of using tobacco products. This study aims to investigate the relationship between ever e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking onset in the US using a structural equation modeling approach guided by the “common liability” theory.

Methods: The study population is non-institutionalized civilian adolescents living in the US, sampled in the longitudinal Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study. Information about tobacco product use was obtained via confidential self-report. A structural equation modeling approach was used to estimate the relationship between e-cigarette use at wave 1 and the onset of cigarette smoking at wave 2 after controlling for a latent construct representing a “common liability to use tobacco products.”

Results:  After controlling for a latent construct representing a “common liability to use tobacco products”, ever e-cigarette use does not predict the onset of cigarette smoking (β=0.13, 95% CI= -0.07, 0.32, p=0.204). The latent “common liability to use tobacco products” is a robust predictor for the onset of cigarette smoking (β=0.38; 95% CI=0.07, 0.69; p=0.015).

Conclusions: Findings from this study provide supportive evidence for the ‘common liability’ underlying observed associations between e-cigarette use and smoking onset.
The COVID-19 pandemic: catching up with the cataclysm
Authors: Chakraborty Surajit , Basu Anirban
Published: June 2020

Infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which belongs to the Coronaviridae family and is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus originating from Wuhan, China, was declared a global public health emergency on 11 March 2020. SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans is characterized by symptoms such as fever and dyspnea accompanied by infrequent incidence of lymphopenia, gastrointestinal complications such as elevated hepatic aminotransferases, and diarrhea. Originating in bats, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been transmitted to humans likely via an intermediate host that is yet to be discovered. Owing to the absence of any vaccines or definite anti-viral drugs alongside the greater mobility of people across the globe, international and national efforts in containing and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection are experiencing severe difficulties. In this review, we have provided a picture of SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological characteristics, the clinical symptoms experienced by patients of varying age groups, the molecular virology of SARS-CoV-2, and the treatment regimens currently employed for fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as their outcomes.
Visualizing participant experiences in maternal and child nutrition studies using timeline mapping
Authors: Sankaran Deepa , Sharma Priyanshu , Lazarus Lisa , Swain Tapaswini , Pilli Bhanu , Kumar P. Manish , Namasivayam Vasanthakumar , Blanchard James , Moses Stephen
Published: June 2020

Iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation is one of the most cost-effective interventions to prevent and treat anemia during pregnancy. Despite having the highest global burden of anemia among pregnant women, rates of IFA uptake in pregnancy in India are still very low, particularly in the state of Uttar Pradesh. While there have been several studies that explored challenges around IFA consumption and adherence, there is a paucity of studies that have synthesized this information into a single visual tool that can help program implementers understand the challenges and identify potential areas of intervention.  Timeline maps were developed as a visual qualitative tool to explore the nuances of health behaviors among pregnant women with respect to antenatal care (ANC) services, including IFA consumption.  Timeline maps were used to visually document critical events pertaining to ANC services chronologically, including details on contact points with the health system and events specific to IFA distribution, consumption and counselling.  Six research assistants (RAs) were trained on how to use timeline maps and record participant narratives. The RAs later participated in a focus group discussion to gain insight about their experiences using the tool. RAs reported that the timeline maps were easy-to-use and facilitated in-depth conversations with participants. RAs shared that they were able to actively engage the participants in co-creating the maps. The visual nature of the tool prompted participants’ recall of key pregnancy events and reflexivity. Challenges reported with the tool/process included recollection of past events and potential misrepresentation of information. These highlight a need to restructure training processes. Our findings indicate that timeline maps have the potential to be used in a variety of other program contexts, and merit further exploration.
Facilitators and barriers to stakeholder engagement in advance care planning for older adults in community settings: a hybrid systematic review protocol
Authors: Pilch Monika , Lunt Victoria , May Peter , Mockler David , Thomas Stephen , Doyle Frank
Published: June 2020

Background:Poor stakeholder engagement in advance care planning (ACP) poses national and international challenges, preventing maximisation of its potential benefits. Conceptualisation of advance care planning as a health behaviour highlights the need to design innovative, evidence-based strategies that will facilitate meaningful end-of-life care decision-making.

Aim:To review systematically and synthesise quantitative and qualitative evidence on barriers and facilitators to stakeholders` engagement in ACP for older adults (≥ 50 years old) in a community setting.

Methods:A hybrid systematic review will be conducted, identifying studies for consideration in two phases. First, databases will be searched from inception to identify relevant prior systematic reviews, and assess all studies included in those reviews against eligibility criteria (Phase 1). Second, databases will be searched systematically for individual studies falling outside the timeframe of those reviews (Phase 2). A modified SPIDER framework informed eligibility criteria. A study will be considered if it (a) included relevant adult stakeholders; (b) explored engagement in ACP among older adults (≥50 years old); (c) employed any type of design; (d) identified enablers and/or barriers to events specified in the Organising Framework of ACP Outcomes; (e) used either quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods methodology; and (f) evaluated phenomena of interest in a community setting (e.g., primary care or community healthcare centres). Screening, selection, bias assessment, and data extraction will be completed independently by two reviewers. Integrated methodologies will be employed and quantitative and qualitative data will be combined into a single mixed method synthesis. The Behaviour Change Wheel will be used as an overarching analytical framework and to facilitate interpretation of findings. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewers` Manual and PRISMA-P guidelines have been used to inform this protocol development.

Registration:This protocol has been submitted for registration on PROSPERO and is awaiting review.
The use of melatonin in the treatment of jet lag – clinical review
Authors: Mazur Karol , Machaj Dominik , Mazur Dominika , Asztabska Aneta , Płaczek Alicja
Published: June 2020

Jet lag is a circadian rhythm disorder, that occurs as a result of air travel across multiple time zones. Jet lag symptoms include: anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, confusion, dehydration, headache, irritability, nausea, indigestion, difficulty concentrating, sweating, coordination problems, dizziness, daytime sleepiness, malaise, and memory loss.Melatonin, is a hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm by acting on MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors. It is produced by pinealocytes in the pineal gland and released directly into the blood. Main therapeutical application of this medication is re-entraining disturbed circadian rhythms.All the mentioned studies proved that melatonin is effective in the treatment of jet lag. None of the mentioned above trials didn’t report any serious side effects caused by this medication therefore occasional short-term use of melatonin seems to be safe. Most people should start treatment of jet lag with taking 2-3 mg melatonin, and if necessary increase the dose to 5 mg. Melatonin is the most effective in alleviating symptoms of jet lag when it is given at bedtime on the day of the flight and in the next few days after arrival. Further research is needed to find out the optimal dosage of melatonin fot treatment of jet lag, timing of its administration, time of initiation and duration of the treatment or possible side effects of this medication.
New insight of parenteral nutrition in children – short review
Authors: Sobolewska-Samorek Agnieszka , Zarzycka Danuta , Trojanowska Alina , Brodowicz-Król Magdalena , Dońka Katarzyna , Szewczyk Monika , Hordyjewska Anna , Warowna Marlena , Sikora Kamil , Łuczyk Robert Jan , Łuczyk Marta
Published: June 2020

Abstract Admission. Parenteral nutrition (parenteral) is the supply of all essential nutrients - proteins, carbohydrates, fats, electrolytes, vitamins, trace elements and water intravenously. Parenteral nutrition is a generally available method of nutritional treatment used when the supply of food through the gastrointestinal tract is impossible, insufficient or contraindicated. Complete parenteral nutrition should be replaced as soon as possible with feeding to the gastrointestinal tract. Chronic diseases in children are often complicated by serious nutritional deficiencies.
Management of large staghorn calculi – PCN Approach
Authors: Kempisty Jakub , Pabiś Szczepan , Ławiński Janusz
Published: June 2020

Urolithiasis is common condition affecting more than 10 % of well-developed country’s population. Formation of the stones may have few different causes. Stones can be classified by size, location, etiology, composition, and risk of recurrence. Evaluation of the stones should consist of imaging : X-Ray, CT, USG. When dealing with staghorn calculi PCN approach should be method of choice. This procedure is relatively safe and effective. In this paper we would like to present a case report of large and very hard complete staghorn calculi which was managed by the PCNL
The Valuator’s Curse: Decision Analysis of Overvaluation and Disappointment in Acquisition
Authors: Yoo Onesun Steve , McCardle Kevin
Published: June 2020

Initial valuations of entrepreneurial ventures offering uncertain payoffs can often be overvalued by investors; namely, the expected payoff postacquisition is smaller than the expected payoff prior to acquisition when the investor harbors uncertainties about various components of the business. Common explanations involve irrationality such as psychological preference for potential over realized payoffs. We provide a different, rational explanation, which we term the valuator’s curse. It is similar in nature to the winner’s curse in auctions and the optimizer’s curse in decision analysis, but the source of the curse is neither from the competitive effects of an auction-type mechanism nor from the optimization effects in a choice among alternatives. Rather the effect is generated from the nonlinear evaluation of the payoffs, even though the inputs to the evaluation are unbiased. We formalize the valuator’s curse and discuss its implications to entrepreneur’s learning. The valuator’s curse proves a boon to the entrepreneur as it leads to larger capitalizations.
Pressures, pride and solace: CAMHS mental health nurses' experience of working with young people at risk of suicide in the community
Authors: Clee Charlotte Mary , Aranda Kay
Published: June 2020

Suicide is the second leading cause of death globally for young people. Community mental health nurses in child and adolescent mental health services are often at the frontline of care for those at risk of suicide, yet there exists a dearth of research exploring this area of care. This study aimed to explore community mental health nurses' lived experience of caring for young people who have attempted and/or are at risk of suicide. Six community mental health nurses managing this risk as part of their role were interviewed, and an interpretative phenomenological analysis highlighted the community mental health nurses' experience of pressure (of the workload), pride (in the nursing role) and solace (in teamwork and cohesion). Findings highlight the need for focus on the experience of ‘burnout’ among community mental health nurses, importance of teamwork when managing high risk in young people, and the negative impact of a perceived ‘blame culture’ within the workplace.
Classroom Based Assessment: Deciphering role of language in Oral Presentation Assessment
Authors: Ramanaidu Ramesh Rao , Kutty Shasitharan Raman
Published: June 2020

Self Directed learning, oral presentation and peer group assessment are some of the phrases gaining momentum in the domain of teaching and learning. The merits and challenges in using them had attracted the attention of many educational researches. This study hopes to contribute by investigating one element which plays an important role in oral presentation. Language plays an important role in conveying the message. The uniqueness of this study lies in the language used by the presented and the participants. The Sign Language was used, where the raters consist of two groups of people. Only one group knows the sign language. The participants of study are 36 pre-service teachers. A total of 20 pre-service teachers are undergoing training to become hearing impaired special education teachers. As such, sign language is included in the programme. The balance 16 pre-service teachers enrolled in TESL programme. The presenter, himself is a hearing impaired pre-service teacher. Therefore, he had to use the sign language during his oral presentation, know sign language. The pre-service teachers had assessed the presenter using three criteria. These are communication, content and delivery. The findings show that comprehension and interpreting the rubrics used during oral presentation is crucial. As such it is suggested that students are consulted when drawing the rubrics.
Production of ceramic tiles by combining Moroccan phosphate mine tailings with abundant local clays
Authors: Boutaleb Fatima Zahra , Boutaleb Nadia , Bahlaouan Bouchaib , Sanaa Deblij , El Antri Said
Published: June 2020

This study offers an easy, economical, and ecological solution to manufacture a ceramic faience product with excellent mechanical properties by combining Moroccan phosphate mine tailings and two abundant local clays. The use of these clays alone was inconceivable because they do not generate a material that meets the mechanical requirements.

A mixture design strategy conducted the optimization of the formulation. Therefore, ten tests were carried out. The ceramic tiles produced are characterized by their physical properties (water absorption, shrinkage), mechanical properties (flexural strength), and surface properties (observation by scanning electron microscopy).

The results show that phosphate mine tailings improve the mechanical properties of ceramic tiles. Industrial use at a rate of 33% in formulas based on abundant local clays could, therefore, be envisaged to design faience products, conforming to the mechanical and technical requirements. This mode of production contributes to saving non-renewable natural resources, preserving the environment, and aligns with the principle of sustainable development.

 

 
Proyecto “Humanizando los Cuidados Intensivos”, nuevo paradigma de orientación de los Cuidados Intensivos
Authors: Baeza Gómez Ignacio , Quispe Hoxsas Linda Cynthia
Published: June 2020

En los últimos 50 años, la Medicina Intensiva ha alcanzado las más altas cifras de supervivencia gracias al trabajo de equipos multi disciplinares altamente cualificados y formados, del papel de una avanzada tecnología en el campo del tratamiento, la enfermedad como centro, el soporte vital y el diagnóstico clínico.Este reconocimiento no ha llegado sin costes, en el 2008, una conocida persona pública explicó su experiencia vivida como paciente en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), el cual describió la UCI como la sucursal del infierno. El esfuerzo en la atención del paciente critico implica el uso de la tecnología y todo el medio que rodea la UCI, centradas en tratar la enfermedad del paciente, pero había desplazado a las personas y a sus individualidades del centro de cuidado. Esto dio como consecuencia la despersonalización de todos los agentes implicados (pacientes, familias, cuidadores e incluso los profesionales). Las investigaciones han demostrado las graves lesiones físicas y psíquicas en nuestros supervivientes, con importantes consecuencias éticas.
Principles, fundamentals, and applications of programmable integrated photonics
Authors: Pérez Daniel , Gasulla Ivana , Das Mahapatra Prometheus , Capmany José
Published: June 2020

Programmable integrated photonics is an emerging new paradigm that aims at designing common integrated optical hardware resource configurations, capable of implementing an unconstrained variety of functionalities by suitable programming, following a parallel but not identical path to that of integrated electronics in the past two decades of the last century. Programmable integrated photonics is raising considerable interest, as it is driven by the surge of a considerable number of new applications in the fields of telecommunications, quantum information processing, sensing, and neurophotonics, calling for flexible, reconfigurable, low-cost, compact, and low-power-consuming devices that can cooperate with integrated electronic devices to overcome the limitation expected by the demise of Moore’s Law. Integrated photonic devices exploiting full programmability are expected to scale from application-specific photonic chips (featuring a relatively low number of functionalities) up to very complex application-agnostic complex subsystems much in the same way as field programmable gate arrays and microprocessors operate in electronics. Two main differences need to be considered. First, as opposed to integrated electronics, programmable integrated photonics will carry analog operations over the signals to be processed. Second, the scale of integration density will be several orders of magnitude smaller due to the physical limitations imposed by the wavelength ratio of electrons and light wave photons. The success of programmable integrated photonics will depend on leveraging the properties of integrated photonic devices and, in particular, on research into suitable interconnection hardware architectures that can offer a very high spatial regularity as well as the possibility of independently setting (with a very low power consumption) the interconnection state of each connecting element. Integrated multiport interferometers and waveguide meshes provide regular and periodic geometries, formed by replicating unit elements and cells, respectively. In the case of waveguide meshes, the cells can take the form of a square, hexagon, or triangle, among other configurations. Each side of the cell is formed by two integrated waveguides connected by means of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer or a tunable directional coupler that can be operated by means of an output control signal as a crossbar switch or as a variable coupler with independent power division ratio and phase shift. In this paper, we provide the basic foundations and principles behind the construction of these complex programmable circuits. We also review some practical aspects that limit the programming and scalability of programmable integrated photonics and provide an overview of some of the most salient applications demonstrated so far.
Blood cancer diagnosis using ensemble learning based on a random subspace method in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Chu YanWu , Chen Feng , Sheng Ziqian , Zhang Deng , Zhang Siyu , Wang Weiliang , Jin Honglin , Qi Jianwei , Guo LianBo
Published: June 2020

There are two main challenges in the diagnosis of blood cancer. The first is to diagnose cancer from healthy control, and the second is to identify the types of blood cancer. The chemometrics method combined with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) can be used for cancer detection. However, chemometrics methods were easily influenced by the spectral feature redundancy and noise, resulting in low accuracy rate because of their simple structure. We proposed an approach using LIBS combined with the ensemble learning based on the random subspace method (RSM). The serum samples were dripped onto a boric acid substrate for LIBS spectrum collection. The complete blood cancer sample set include leukemia [acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)], multiple myeloma (MM), and lymphoma. The results showed that the accuracy rates using k nearest neighbors (kNN) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) only were 88.14% and 94.45%, respectively, while using RSM with LDA (RSM-LDA), the average accuracy rate was improved from 94.45% to 98.34%. Furthermore, the variable importance of spectral lines (Na, K, Mg, Ca, H, O, N, C-N) were evaluated by the RSM-LDA model, which can improve the recognition ability of blood cancer types. Comparing the RSM-LDA model and only with LDA, the results showed that the average accuracy rate for cancer type identification was improved from 80.4% to 91.0%. These results demonstrate that LIBS combined with the RSM-LDA model can discriminate the blood cancer from the health control, as well as the recognition the types for blood cancers.
Confocal chromatic sensor with an actively tilted lens for 3D measurement
Authors: Fuerst Martin E. , Csencsics Ernst , Haider Christian , Schitter Georg
Published: June 2020

Confocal chromatic displacement sensors are versatile and precise sensors for measuring the distance to a single point. In order to obtain a 3D measurement device, this paper presents an integrated scanning sensor design that employs a tilting lens mechanism for manipulating the light path of the sensor. The optical implications of the design are analytically modeled and simulated. An experimental setup is constructed to evaluate the system design and to test its performance on a variety of samples. Results show good agreement with the simulations and modeling; with maximal tip/tilt angles of

±

2.5
∘

, the setup is capable of measuring a volume of

1.7
×
1.7
×
1

m
m

3

with a lateral resolution of 24.8 µm and an axial resolution of 3 µm.
Short spatial resolution retrieval from a long pulse Brillouin optical time-domain analysis trace
Authors: Wang Sheng , Yang Zhisheng , Zaslawski Simon , Thévenaz Luc
Published: June 2020

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, postprocessing technique is proposed to extract with a flexible and variable spatial resolution the information from Brillouin optical time-domain analyzers, obtained using a pulse longer than the acoustic settling time. The negative impact of the acoustic transient effect is suppressed, enabling a Brillouin response proportional to the spatial resolution and a Brillouin gain spectrum keeping its natural linewidth. This leads to a better overall sensing performance, in particular for submetric spatial resolutions, with no compromises on sensing range and measurement time.
Terahertz phase retrieval imaging in reflection
Authors: Petrov Nikolay V. , Perraud Jean-Baptiste , Chopard Adrien , Guillet Jean-Paul , Smolyanskaya Olga A. , Mounaix Patrick
Published: June 2020

Terahertz phase retrieval is a promising technique able to assess the complex diffracted wave properties through an iterative processing algorithm. In this Letter, we demonstrate the implementation of this technique in reflection geometry with a continuous wave acquisition system working at 0.287 THz. To ensure a high signal-to-noise ratio in the measured dataset, we proposed a double parallel recording scheme with one detector and two lock-in amplifiers operating with the complimentary sensitivity setting. This provided a higher numerical aperture than conventional raster-scanning focal plane imaging. A specialized digital interferometric postprocessing procedure was applied to obtain a surface height map from the reconstructed phase distribution in the object’s irradiated area.
Baseline 1300 nm dilute nitride VCSELs
Authors: Gębski M. , Dontsova D. , Haghighi N. , Nunna K. , Yanka R. , Johnson A. , Pelzel R. , Lott J. A.
Published: June 2020

Dilute nitride (DN) vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) emitting near 1300 nm exhibit state-of-the-art performance including bandwidths of 10 GHz and a record high error-free data transmission of 12 Gbps. Renewed interest in DN VCSELs stems from emerging applications in kilometer-reach digital communication across optical fiber and across free space via eye safe beams, time-of-flight and structured light sensing, and photonic-electronic integrated circuit optical interconnects. We produce VCSEL wafers in a production molecular beam epitaxy system on 3- and 4-inch diameter GaAs wafers. We report record dynamic performance for our test VCSELs with oxide aperture diameters ranging from 2 to 12 µm.
Deep learning based reconstruction of directional coupler geometry from electromagnetic near-field distribution
Authors: Coen Tom , Greener Hadar , Mrejen Michael , Wolf Lior , Suchowski Haim
Published: June 2020

We demonstrate a method to retrieve the geometry of physically inaccessible coupled waveguide systems based solely on the measured distribution of the optical intensity. Inspired by recent advancements in computer vision, and by leveraging the image-to-image translation capabilities of conditional generative adversarial neural networks (cGANs), our method successfully predicts the arbitrary geometry of waveguide systems with segments of varying widths. As a benchmark, we show that our neural network outperforms nearest neighbor regression from both a runtime and accuracy point of view.
High-responsivity, self-driven photodetectors based on monolayer WS2/GaAs heterojunction
Authors: Li Kuilong , Wang Wenjia , Li Jianfei , Jiang Wenxin , Feng Min , He Yang
Published: June 2020

Constructing two-dimensional (2D) layered materials with traditional three-dimensional (3D) semiconductors into complex heterostructures has opened a new platform for the development of optoelectronic devices. Herein, large-area high performance self-driven photodetectors based on monolayer

WS
2

/
GaAs

heterostructures were successfully fabricated with a wide response spectrum band ranging from the ultraviolet to near-infrared region. The detector exhibits an overall high performance, including high photoresponsivity of 65.58 A/W at 365 nm and 28.50 A/W at 880 nm, low noise equivalent power of

1.97
×

10

−
15

  
W
/

Hz

1
/
2

, high detectivity of

4.47
×

10
12

  
Jones

, and fast response speed of 30/10 ms. This work suggests that the

WS
2

/
GaAs

heterostructure is promising in future novel optoelectronic device applications, and also provides a low-cost, easy-to-process method for the preparation of 2D/3D heterojunction-based devices.
Apetamin Hepatotoxicity: Potential Consequences of Purchasing a Body Enhancement Drug Off the Internet
Authors: Garland Victoria , Kumar Anita , Theisen Brian , Borum Marie L.
Published: June 2020

We report Apetamin (cyproheptadine lysine and vitamin syrup), a non-US Food and Drug Administration-approved weight gain supplement, causing drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis. A 40-year-old previously healthy woman presented with fatigue, right-sided abdominal discomfort, and jaundice 6 weeks after starting Apetamin, which she learned from social media for figure augmentation. Labs were significant for elevated transaminases, positive smooth muscle antibody, and increased immunoglobulins. Biopsy indicated drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis. Symptoms improved with prednisone, azathioprine, and stopping Apetamin which contains cyproheptadine, a known hepatotoxin. The case reveals the influence of social media and its impact on health and the importance of a complete drug history.
Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding From a Jejunal Dieulafoy's Lesion
Authors: Jaiswal Palashkumar , Joseph-Talreja Mairin , Teotico John Anthony , Grossman Evan
Published: June 2020

Dieulafoy's lesion is a histologically normal arteriole that has failed to progressively narrow as it navigates through the submucosa. It is a rare cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding, occurring most often in the stomach, with only 1% of lesions occurring in the jejunum. We present the case of a 21-year-old man who presented with massive hematochezia ultimately attributed to a distal jejunal Dieulafoy's lesion, identified via an intraoperative surgically assisted deep enteroscopy. This case is unique not only regarding the unusual location of the lesion but also regarding the multidisciplinary approach necessitated for the management of this catastrophic hemorrhage that avoided surgical resection.
Distribución anatómica de Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto (Acari: Ixodidae) sobre caninos domésticos
Authors: ORCELLET Viviana , NAVA Santiago
Published: June 2020

En este trabajo se realizó el estudio de la distribución anatómica de los diferentes estadios de Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto sobre sus hospedadores principales, los caninos. El mismo se basó en muestreos mensuales durante tres años en la ciudad de Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina. Para determinar la distribución de los diferentes estadios parasitarios se dividió el cuerpo en regiones y se colectaron todos los especímenes en cada una de ellas.  Las larvas tuvieron como preferencia las zonas de cabeza seguido de los espacios interdigitales, orejas y abdomen; las ninfas tuvieron preferencia por las orejas y abdomen, y otras zonas de preferencia fueron cabeza y espacios interdigitales; los adultos (machos y hembras) prefirieron localizarse en las orejas, cuello y lomo.
Development of Islamic Cultural History Learning Materials in Indonesia’s 2013 Curriculum
Authors: Rofik
Published: June 2020

Curriculum development from Competency-Based Curriculum (KBK 2004) to Education Unit Level Curriculum (KTSP 2006) and Curriculum 2013 occurred in a relatively short period. In short, the timespan of this kind of development then gives rise to various responses from Education practitioners. This study aims to explain how teachers can take steps to develop the materials of the Islamic Cultural History subject in the Islamic Senior High School’s 2013 Curriculum. This type of study is a literature study. The development of learning materials starts with making a mapping or mutual relationship between one Basic Competency with other Basic competencies. The results of the mapping have implications for the emergence of the formulation of the Main Materials. The next step is to develop indicators of Competency Achievement based on Knowledge Basic Competencies and Skills. Based on Competency Achievement Indicators, they are formulated into learning materials, which are the scope of the primary materials. Thus, there will be harmony between learning materials with competence. Further, this harmony leads to the formulation of attitudes or values achieved after learning the Learning materials. The results of this study will facilitate teachers in the preparation of the Syllabus to the Learning Implementation Plan (RPP).
Evaluasi Pemanfaatan Gas TPA Menjadi Listrik, Studi Kasus TPA Jatibarang Kota Semarang
Authors: Nurhadi Nurhadi , Windarta Jaka , Ginting Denis , Sinuraya Enda Wista , Pasaribu Gregorius Mariyanto
Published: June 2020

Sampah merupakan material sisa yang tidak diinginkan setelah berakhirnya suatu proses. Pengelolaan sampah telah menjadi masalah penting di kota-kota Indonesia karena pencemarannya terhadap lingkungan. Akumulasi sampah menghasilkan gas TPA yang berbahaya bagi iklim tetapi berpotensi sebagai energi terbarukan. Pemanfaatan gas TPA sebagai energi alternatif dapat menggantikan energi fosil konvensional dan mengurangi emisi gas rumah kaca (GRK) yang terkait dengan produksi energi dari energi fosil. Kota Semarang dengan jumlah penduduk 1,8 juta, menghasilkan sekitar 1.270 ton sampah per hari, di mana sekitar 70% sampah diangkut dan dibuang ke TPA Jatibarang. Produksi gas TPA diperkirakan mencapai 600 m3 / jam yang dapat dikonversi menjadi 1,3 MW. Studi ini mengevaluasi konversi gas TPA menjadi listrik melalui pembakaran di TPA Jatibarang di Kota Semarang. Fasilitas konversi gas TPA menjadi listrik telah beroperasi sejak akhir 2019.
Advanced glycation end product levels were correlated with inflammation and carotid atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Li Jie , Shangguan Haiyan , Chen Xiaoqian , Ye Xiao , Zhong Bin , Chen Pen , Wang Yamei , Xin Bin , Bi Yan , Zhu Dalong
Published: June 2020

Diabetes mellitus with atherosclerosis (AS) adds to the social burden. This study aimed to investigate whether advanced glycation end product (AGE) levels were correlated with inflammation and carotid AS (CAS) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. A total of 50 elderly T2DM patients and 50 age-matched senior healthy subjects were recruited in this study. T2DM patients were classified into two groups based on the intima–media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery from color Doppler ultrasonography. Patients with IMT > 1 mm were classified into the T2DM + CAS group (n = 28), and patients with IMT < 1 mm were assigned as the T2DM + non-atherosclerosis (NAS) group (n = 22). The plasma levels of AGEs, receptor for AGE (RAGE), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) of all subjects were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The T-lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by a flow detector. T2DM + CAS patients showed significantly higher concentrations of AGEs, RAGE, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the peripheral blood. The highest levels of CD4+ T cells were observed in the T2DM + CAS group. The AGE level was positively correlated with the concentrations of RAGE, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and CD4+. In summary, the results showed that the levels of AGEs may be correlated with the inflammatory status in T2DM patients with CAS.