bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory effect of calcium hydroxide combined with Nigella sativa against Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Zakaria Myrna Nurlatifah , Putri Yusfien Shabrina , Rahaju Asih , Fatmawati Sri , Cahyanto Arief
Published: November 2021

Background: Calcium hydroxide is the gold standard medicament for root canal treatment. Enterococcus faecalis, the primary cause of intraradicular persistent endodontic infection, is often identified even after endodontic treatment. Thymoquinone, an active ingredient of Nigella sativa, has an antimicrobial effect on both gram-negative and positive bacteria, including E. faecalis. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of calcium hydroxide combined with Nigella sativa extract and determine the best ratio for the combined material. Methods: This is an experimental study comprised of six groups (n = 4 per group) based on the material and its ratio, namely; (1) calcium hydroxide; (2) Nigella sativa extract; and groups of the combination of calcium hydroxide and Nigella sativa extract with a ratio (3) 70:30, (4) 50:50, (5) 30:70, (6) 10:90. The inhibitory effect against E. faecalis was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method in Muller–Hinton agar. Observation of the inhibitory zone was performed on the first, third, and seventh days. The collected data were analysed by a one-way ANOVA and LSD post hoc test. Results: Calcium hydroxide has the highest inhibitory effect, and the combination of Nigella sativa extract with calcium hydroxide ratio 50:50 was second. The inhibitory zone of these two groups was significantly higher than in any other group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Nigella sativa extract combine with calcium hydroxide did not enhance calcium hydroxide’s antimicrobial property against E. faecalis. An equal amount of Nigella sativa and calcium hydroxide is the best combination ratio, with a stable effect for up to seven days.
ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING POVERTY IN THE PROVINCE OF THE BANGKA BELITUNG ISLANDS
Authors: Aprillia Anggi , Wardhani Rulyanti Susi , Akbar Muhammad Faisal
Published: November 2021

Poverty is a condition of the inability of individuals or community groups to meet basic needs such as housing, clothing and food to ensure a certain standard of living. If a country is able to reduce the level of poverty, then the welfare of the community can be realized through the implementation of quality development. This study aims to analyze and determine the effect of economic growth, income inequality, government spending and the open unemployment rate on poverty. This research used quantitative research. The analytical tool used in this study is multiple linear regression with panel data. The results showed that partially the economic growth had a negative and significant effect on poverty, government spending had a negative and insignificant effect on poverty and income inequality and open unemployment had a positive and significant effect on poverty in the Province of the Bangka Belitung Islands. Meanwhile, the results of the simultaneous test show that overall the variables of economic growth, income inequality, government spending and the open unemployment rate have a positive and significant effect on poverty in the Province of the Bangka Belitung Islands.Keywords: Economic Growth, Income Inequality, Government Expenditure, Unemployment Rate, PovertyJEL: O40, 015, H53, I30
ANALYSIS THE IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT PROLIFERANTION ON EDUCATIONAL AND ECONOMIC
Authors: Rumayya Rumayya , Husna Dalila
Published: November 2021

The government proliferantion in Indonesia become a consequence of the existence of a policy of fiscal desentalisasi. The existence of the government proliferantion is expected to shorten the span of control so that the goal of improving the well-being of society and the public service can be achieved. This study goals to analyze the impact of the government proliferantion on the regional educational and economic outcomes against on 491 Kabupaten/Kota in Indonesia. This research uses the Difference in Difference as a tool of analysis. Data obtained from the Indodapoer-World Bank year 2001 until 2014. The impact of the presence of the government proliferantion against outcomes education is lowering the level of literacy through a decrease in the number of buildings on the SD output though it is insignificant and its impact on economic outcomes effect increasing income per capita community that in proxy through household spending per capita and GDP per capita, increasing the number of workers, and lower levels of poverty through increased output in the electricity, road access to the village dirt road, and the village gravel road. The impact in General of the expansion area is a local Government has succeeded in transferring funds to the poor but not with a business climate that is shown by the results of the constant price GDP as a whole which indicates significant results negative. Keywords: Government Proliferantion, Difference in Difference, Educational, Economic.JEL : R1, H00, I21, I25
The effect of measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic on air pollution: A East Mediterranean example from Turkey
Authors: METE Burak , ACAR Onur , KANAT Ceren , DOĞAN Esra
Published: November 2021

Objective: Air pollution is both an environmental and a social problem, as it leads to a multitude of adverse effects on human health, ecosystems, the built environment and the climate. Air pollutants are emitted from anthropogenic and natural sources. This study aimed to examine the effects of the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic on air pollution in the province of Adana in Turkey. Methods: The data related to the measurements of air pollution parameters were obtained from the Mediterranean Station of the National Air Quality Monitoring Network provided by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. The parameters were recorded on a daily basis between March 1st and May 1st in 2019 and 2020. The effects of measures that limited human movements like curfews, travel bans, etc. due to the COVID-19 pandemic on air pollution parameters were examined. Results: A significant decrease was found in the parameters of SO2, CO, NOx, NO, NO2 and O3, except PM10, in 2020 when compared to 2019. The measures taken due to the COVID-19 pandemic were observed to result in a decrease of 0.35% in PM10, 23.6% in SO2, 84% in CO, 46.5% in NOx, 34.5% in NO, 63.1% in NO2 and 68.4% in O3 concentrations. It was found that a significant part of the emissions that caused air pollution had originated from human activities. Conclusion: It was observed that the measures that reduced human movements had a significant effect on air pollution.
Notes on the Lie Symmetry Exact Explicit Solutions for Nonlinear Burgers' Equation
Authors: Sun Bohua
Published: November 2021

In light of Liu \emph{at el.}'s original works, this paper revisits the solution of Burgers's nonlinear equation $u_t=a(u_x)^2+bu_{xx} $. The study found two exact and explicit solutions for groups $G_4$ and $G_6$, as well as a general solution. A numerical simulation is carried out. In the appendix a Maple code is provided
Taming Hyperchaos with ESDDFD Discretization of a Conformable Fractional Derivative Financial System with Market Confidence and Ethics Risk
Authors: Gibson Gregory , Clemence-Mkhope Dominic
Published: November 2021

Four discrete models using the exact spectral derivative discretization finite difference (ESDDFD) method are proposed for a chaotic five-dimensional, conformable fractional derivative financial system incorporating ethics and market confidence. Since the system considered was recently studied using the conformable Euler finite difference (CEFD) method and found to be hyperchaotic, and the CEFD method was recently shown to be valid only at fractional index , the source of the hyperchaos is in question. Through numerical experiments, illustration is presented that the hyperchaos previously detected is in part an artifact of the CEFD method as it is absent from the ESDDFD models.
TNFR2 Antagonist and Agonist: A Potential Therapeutics in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Quazi Sameer
Published: November 2021

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 or TNFR2 is considered as an appealing target protein due its limited frequency to Tregs which are highly immunosuppressive and its presence on human malignancies. Numerous studies have revealed that TNFR2 is primarily found on MDSCs (myeloid derived suppressor cells) and CD+Foxp3+ regulatory T cell (Tregs). It has a great importance in the proliferation and functional activity of Tregs and MDSCs. To treat malignancies and diseases like autoimmune disorder, the suppressor activity of TNFR2 must be eliminated by downregulation or upregulation. Therefore, at the molecular level, advances in comprehension of TNFR2's complex structure and its binding to TNF have opened the door to structure-guided drug development. Two key obstacles of cancer treatment are the dearth of Treg-specific inhibitors and the lack of widely applicable ways to directly target tumors via frequently expressed surface oncogenes. Many researchers have discovered potential antagonist and agonist of TNFR2 which were successful in the inhibition of Tregs proliferation, reduction of soluble TNFR2 secretion from normal cells and in the expansion of T effector cells. The representation of the data in the following review article elucidates the clinically administrated TNFR2 antagonist and agonist in the treatment of cancers.
Research on Regional Differences and Influencing Factors of Chinese Industrial Green Technology Innovation Efficiency Based on Dagum Gini Coefficient Decomposition
Authors: Zhang Liyuan , Liu Pengzhen , Tarbert Heather , Bu Qingyu
Published: November 2021

Industrial green technology innovation has become an important content in achieving high-quality economic growth and comprehensively practicing the new development concept in the new era. This paper measures the efficiency of industrial green technology innovation and regional differences based on Chinese provincial panel data from 2005 to 2018, using a combination of the super-efficient SBM model for considering undesirable outputs and the Dagum Gini coefficient method, and discusses and analyses the factors influencing of the industrial green technology innovation efficiency by constructing a spatial econometric model. The results show that: firstly, the industrial green technology innovation efficiency in China shows a relatively stable development trend, going through three stages: " stationary period", " recession period " and "growth period ". However, the efficiency gap between different regions is obvious, specifically in the eastern > central > western regions of China, and the industrial green technology efficiency innovation in the central and western regions is lower than the national average. Secondly, regional differences in the efficiency of industrial green technology innovation in China are evident but tend to narrow overall, with the main reason for the overall difference being regional differences. In terms of intra-regional variation, variation within the eastern region is relatively stable, variation within the central region is relatively low and shows an inverted 'U' shaped trend, and variation within the western region is high and shows a fluctuating downward trend. Thirdly, the firm size, government support, openness to the outside world, environmental regulations and education levels contribute to the efficiency of industrial green technology innovation. In addition, the industrial structure hinders the efficiency of industrial green technology innovation, and each influencing factor has different degrees of spatial spillover effects.
On the ROC Area of Ensemble Forecasts for Rare Events
Authors: Ben Bouallegue Zied , Richardson David S.
Published: November 2021

The relative operating characteristic (ROC) curve is a popular diagnostic tool in forecast verification, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) used as a verification metric measuring the discrimination ability of a forecast. Along with calibration, discrimination is deemed as a fundamental probabilistic forecast attribute. In particular, in ensemble forecast verification, AUC provides a basis for the comparison of potential predictive skill of competing forecasts. While this approach is straightforward when dealing with forecasts of common events (e.g. probability of precipitation), the AUC interpretation can turn out to be oversimplistic or misleading when focusing on rare events (e.g. precipitation exceeding some warning criterion). How should we interpret AUC of ensemble forecasts when focusing on rare events? How can changes in the way probability forecasts are derived from the ensemble forecast affect AUC results? How can we detect a genuine improvement in terms of predictive skill? Based on verification experiments, a critical eye is cast on the AUC interpretation to answer these questions. As well as the traditional trapezoidal approximation and the well-known bi-normal fitting model, we discuss a new approach which embraces the concept of imprecise probabilities and relies on the subdivision of the lowest ensemble probability category.
Experimental Comparison of PID Based RPM Control for Long Horizontal vs. Vertical Drillstring
Authors: Sharma Aditya , Srivastava Saket , Teodoriu Catalin , Stan Marius
Published: November 2021

Drilling vibrations has been identified as a key performance limiter that prevents successful energy transfer from the surface to the bit. The resultant irregular bit rotation speed causes drilling challenges like poor hole quality and reduction in rate of penetration to name a few. Amongst other vibration suppression techniques, active control of vibrations is widely used and recommended. Active control system utilizes a closed loop feedback control to continuously adapt to downhole vibrations detected at the surface. The system requires regular tuning and upgrades which is done experimentally before field deployment. The paper presents a PID based experimental tuning of horizontal and vertical strings for irregular RPM. In doing so, the paper highlights the need of having horizontal experimental setups for state-of-the-art PID tuning for downhole RPM. The settling time of irregular RPM for horizontal setup is found to be lower than the vertical configuration due to multiple contact points and increased friction coefficient.
Rural Housing Reconstruction and Sustainable Development Post Wenchuan Earthquake: A Land Unification Perspective Using Dujiangyan City as an Example
Authors: Kabilijiang Wumair , Lan Zhen , Koide Osamu , Geng Yuyu , Kato Takaaki ,   Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction (IDMR), Sichuan University-The Hong Kong Polytechnic University No.122 Huanghe Middle Road Section 1, Shuangliu District, Chengdu 610065, China,   Chengdu Fire and Rescue Division of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China,   Institute of Industrial Science (IIS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Published: November 2021

This study is a retrospective evaluation of the long-term benefits of rural housing reconstruction in Dujiangyan city (DJY) after the Wenchuan earthquake from a land unification perspective based on statistical data, field investigation, literature review, and a case study. Research shows after the Wenchuan earthquake, during rural housing reconstruction, DJY optimized land development strategies through planning guidance, promoted marketized transfers of land resources, clarified the attribution of land rights through policy support to protect the interests of disaster victims, established equilibrium in the interests of the government, market, and masses, and coordinated the functions of life, production, and ecology through categorized reconstruction. Practice proves that implementation of post-earthquake housing reconstruction, guided by land unification and land-use transformation, reshapes rural form and the rural-urban relationship, thereby facilitating rural revitalization and integrated rural-urban development.
Assessment of contamination of the estuarine area of the Northern Dvina River by calculating background concentrations (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni)
Authors: Neverova N. V. , Chupakov A. V.
Published: November 2021

This publication is a continuation of research on the quantitation of the heavy metal contamination level (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni) in the ecosystem components of the estuarine area of the Northern Dvina River. To assess the contamination level with these metals in the ecosystem of the Northern Dvina estuarine area in the spot of the highest anthropogenic load (the area of Novodvinsk – Arkhangelsk – Severodvinsk urban agglomeration), we use the method of comparative analysis of the study object with the background plot – the river section above urban development. Using spatial mapping of the enrichment factor values for the aquatic ecosystem components, areas with abnormal excess of metal content in mollusc tissues, bottom sediments, and bottom water layer were determined. As established, the area adjacent to the city center and to an industrial zone on the left bank is subject to the highest anthropogenic load in the water area of the river delta top. The most likely sources of contamination with the considered heavy metals are the inflow of surface wastewater (meltwater and rain storm runoff), untreated municipal wastewater, and direct short-range atmospheric transport. The analysis of mollusc tissues proved to be a more informative and indicative approach to the assessment of the heavy metal contamination in water areas with complex hydrological and hydrochemical environmental gradients than the analysis of bottom water layer and bottom sediments.
Design and Implementation of a Coalbed Methane Extraction Device Using Microwave Radiation
Authors: Jebelli Ali , Mahabadi Arezoo , Ahmad Rafiq
Published: November 2021

The continuous growth of the population and the global economy increases the need for sustainable energy. To this end, the recovery factor of hydrocarbon resources in the world should be maximized. One of the main sources of natural gas is coalbed methane, a gas accumulated in pores inside coal. On the other hand, methane gas explosion is a potential hazard in coal mines, which causes many casualties every year in coal mines worldwide. Mine ventilation alone cannot create a safe environment for coal mining due to the high volume of gas released in some coal seams. Therefore, Methane gas extraction can turn one of the major hazards in coal mining into a clean energy source and have dual benefits. Unfortunately, the permeability of most coal seams is very low, and this low permeability limits the development and production of commercial coalbed methane. Therefore, coalbed methane reservoir stimulation is an attractive option because the relative permeability of natural fractures in the coal seam and the surrounding rock greatly affects the amount of extractable gas. Microwave radiation is one of the new methods to increase the permeability of coal. In this research, we design, simulate and implement a small, lightweight, portable microwave gun that uses a conical horn with an aperture of 28 cm with a working frequency of 2.45 GHz to evaporate the moisture in the circle with a diameter of 40 cm from a coal wall and increases the permeability of the wall due to microwave radiation. Because in previous studies, the tests were performed only on large and small capacity devices without any control over the amount of microwave radiation and by replacing the gas inside the chamber with argon or nitrogen gases, which does not represent the real conditions in the mines. Therefore, by building a small device, we have overcome the limit of coal size and amount. By considering the coal ignition temperature, we have provided the challenges related to removing oxygen from the air and the possibility of working in real conditions in mines with larger volumes of coal, which is very similar to the mining environment. Also, the proposed small and portable device in this paper allows us to use it in different environments.
Application of Ultrasound-guided Intercostal Nerve Block in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
Authors: Zheng Lamei , Wei Chuang , Lv Rong , Wang Tongxuan
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Surgical stimulation causes many pathophysiological changes which are not conducive to the recovery of patients, this trail aims to investigate whether intercostal nerve block can reduce the perioperative stress response and postoperative pain in patients undergoing elective retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy.Patients and methods:40 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to Test groupand Blank group.Results: Our study found that the catecholamine and cortisol levels in two groups were higher than the baseline value after pneumoperitoneum, (P＜0.05), while the catecholamine level was lower in Test groupthan in Blank group (P＜0.05), and there is no differences of cortisol levels was observed in two groups. The catecholamines and cortisol levels of two groups were basically restored to the preoperative level after 24 hours surgery, The concentration of IL-6 and IL-10 in two groups increased at 24 hours after surgery, but there was no differences was observed between the two groups at the same point. And the usage of analgesic during operation was less in the Test group than Blank group (P＜0.05).Conclusion : Intercostal nerve block can reduce the stress response of patients undergoing retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy and reduce the usage of perioperative analgesics.Tial registration statement : This trial has been applied by the ethics Association of Chongqing cancer hospital.
Experimental Research on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Characteristics of Silty Clay Subgrade Filler With Red Pisha Sandstone and Carbide Slag in Seasonal Frozen Regions
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Li Dongqing , Ming Feng
Published: November 2021

As the foundation structure of highway engineering, the quality of the subgrade determines the service life of highway engineering. Under this condition, the filling soils are frequently improved for raising the stability of the subgrade. Proper utilization of lower-cost waste materials will reduce demand for natural materials and the cost of construction. In this study, the red Pisha sandstone (RPS) and carbide slag (CS) as green and sustainable materials to reinforce the silty clay. The improvement effect was evaluated through freeze-thaw cycles test, triaxial compression strength test, particle-size distribution test, X-ray diffraction test, and scanning electron microscopy test. The results indicated that the addition of 15wt.% RPS and 15wt.% CS increased about 136% of the triaxial compressive strength of silty clay. With the increase of freeze-thaw cycles, the strength loss ratio and the deformation change slightly. It also has the excellent function of freezing and thawing resistance and shear strength. The key factors for the superior mechanical performance of RPS-CS stabilized silty clay are that more sand-size particles are beneficial to the hydration reactions of RPS and CS during the entire curing time, adequate flocculation and agglomeration of soil particles occurred. Many small-sized rounded and plate-like CSH gels filled most of the soils pores and isolated pores fractures became fewer in the samples, which produced a denser and less permeable material. The outcomes of this research will contribute to the utilization of red Pisha sandstone and carbide slag as a sustainable stabilizer in highway subgrade applications in seasonal frozen regions.
Atypical and Non-spontaneous Attentional Control in “just Look” Tasks for Face Recognition in ASD Children Revealed by Gaze Tracking Pupillometry
Authors: Murofushi Yuka , Kubota Masaya , Akira Ishiguro , Hayakawa Itaru , Ozawa Hiroshi , Abe Yuichi
Published: November 2021

We hypothesized that abnormalities in social interaction and executive function may be related to fluctuations in pupil diameter, which reflect norepinephrine activity in terms of attentional function. We adopted “just look” tasks to examine spontaneous changes in attention. Twenty children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 39 typically developing (TD) controls participated. Intragroup comparisons of differences in pupil diameter changes during a shift from a scrambled image to the original image (task 1-a), fixation on faces, letters, and geometric patterns (task 1-b), and pupil diameter changes during a shift from a nonsense image to a face-like image (task 2) were performed. In task 1-a, ASD children had prolonged pupil dilation after the shift in images, whereas the pupil contracted in TD children, indicating deficits in attentional disengagement in ASD children. In task 1-b, ASD children preferred geometric patterns over faces. In task 2, the rate of pupillary dilatation during the shift in images was lower in ASD children than in TD children. Therefore, ASD children appear to have abnormalities in spontaneous attention to faces, which function automatically in TD children. In conclusion, atypical attentional function may contribute to the manifestation of abnormalities in social interaction and executive control in ASD.
Modeling Constructed Wetlands for Hot and Arid Regions: Model Development
Authors: Zahakos Harry , Saeed Suhur , Kolluru Venkat S. , Prakash Shwet , Varghese Linso , Prigent Stephane
Published: November 2021

A mechanistic model was developed to assist with design of constructed wetlands intended to treat industrial wastewater in the Arabian Gulf region. The model is deterministic in nature and thus allows explicit evaluation of the fate and transport of wastewater constituents throughout constructed wetlands to assess their efficacy in treatment. Although the model was developed for the purpose of evaluating treatment wetlands in the hot and arid climate of the Middle East, the model is generalized in order to allow users to simulate a wide range of climates, any type of wetland, with any configuration, and any selection of material and plants. The model simulates the majority of physical, chemical, and biological processes that could occur in wetlands that are responsible for the removal of constituents. The model is designed to be flexible enough to allow the simulation of any number pre-selected constituents or other constituents of the user’s choice made based on the quality of influent. The model relies on a large body of existing literature to formulate each process. The model development discussed in this report and the resulting model, CWM, is considered “in progress”. During the present stage, the model framework and algorithms have been developed and made functional. Subsequently, model formulations will need to be validated, model limitations analyzed and addressed, and model refinements made, before and during use in full-scale operations and design. As such, it is recognized that the present stage of model development is “experimental”, and future refinements of the model are anticipated. Model results at this time consist of evaluation of key model features and how they perform in Middle Eastern climates.
A Cross-Sectional Survey; Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Self-Medication in Medical and Pharmacy Students
Authors: Alduraibi Razan , Altowayan Waleed
Published: November 2021

Background: Self-Medication is common practice worldwide in both developed and developing countries. Self-Medication is referred as self consumption of medication without consulting a physician for either diagnosis or treatment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices toward self-medication among medical and pharmacy students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical and pharmacy students in Qassim university, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, during the period 2020-2021.Multistage random sampling technique was used to recruit students. The data were collected through questionnaire.Results: Three hundred and sixteen of 316 students were recruited. This study showed that the majority (94.6%) of students had good knowledge of self-medication. Additionally, the following characteristics were significantly associated with good knowledge: being female, and Pharmacy students. Overall mean score for the attitudes towards self-medication shows that 58.4% of the total sample had high agreements towards the questions of the attitudes toward self-medication. More than half (63.9%) of the students reported that they practice self- medication in the last 6 months. Pain killers was the most common medication used for self- medication by the majority of the students (88.29%). Conclusions: In conclusion, students' knowledge of self-medication appears to be good and significantly high among pharmacy students in comparison to medical students. As well self-medication was highly practiced among the students. Therefor, medical and pharmacy students should be viewed as important contributors to the public health care system, and future health professionals should be properly educated on good pharmacy practice and responsible self-medication.Trial registrationNot applicable
Analysis of 29 Targeted Genes for Non-obstructive Azoospermia: the Relationship Between Genetic Testing and Testicular Histology
Authors: Cannarella Rossella , Bertelli Matteo , Condorelli Rosita A. , Vilaj Marija , Vignera Sandro La , Jezek Davor , Calogero Aldo E.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND. Few studies have evaluated the relationship between testicular histology and pathogenic variations of genes regulating spermatogenesis.AIM. To analyze the presence of potentially pathogenic variants of 29 candidate genes known to cause spermatogenic failure (SPGF) in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) who underwent testicular histology.PATIENTS AND METHODS. Sixty patients with NOA referred to the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia, for testicular biopsy were consecutively assessed for eligibility. Twelve patients were excluded from the study because they had Klinefelter syndrome (n=1), Yq microdeletions (n=6), testicular trauma (n=2), or in-situ germ cell neoplasia (n=3). Therefore, 48 patients were considered eligible and included in this study. They were divided into three groups: those who had cryptorchidism (n=9), those with varicocele (n=14), and those with idiopathic NOA (n=25). All included patients underwent blood withdrawal for next-generation sequencing analysis and gene sequencing.RESULTS. We found a possible genetic cause in 4 patients with idiopathic NOA (16%) and in 2 with cryptorchidism (22%). No pathogenic or possibly pathogenic mutations were identified in patients with varicocele. Variants of undetermined significance (VUS) were found in 11 patients with idiopathic NOA (44%), 3 with cryptorchidism (33%), and 8 patients with varicocele (57%). VUSs of the USP9Y gene were the most frequently as they were found in 14 out of 48 patients (29%). In particular, the VUS USP9Y c.7434+14del was found in 11 patients. They showed varied histological pictures, including Sertoli cell-only syndrome, mixed atrophy, and hypospermatogenesis, regardless of cryptorchidism or varicocele. No direct correlation was found between the gene mutation/variant and the testicular histological picture. CONCLUSION. Different mutations of the same gene cause various testicular histological pictures. These results suggest that it is not the gene itself but the type of mutation/variation that determines the testicular histology picture. Based on the data presented above, it remains challenging to design a genetic panel with prognostic value for the outcome of testicular sperm extraction in patients with NOA.
Ultrasound-triggered on Demand Lidocaine Release Relieves Postoperative Pain
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Zhang Jianfeng , Yu Yan , Wang Haoran , Ma Genshan , Wang Di , Xia Donglin , Cao Hanzhong , Yang Jianping
Published: November 2021

BackgroundSafe and noninvasive on-demand relief is a crucial and effective treatment for postoperative pain because it considers variable timing and intensity of anesthetics. Ultrasound modulation is a promising technique for this treatment because it allows convenient timed and noninvasive controlled drug release.MethodsWe created an ultrasound-triggered lidocaine (Lido) release platform using an amino acid hydrogel functioning as three dimensional (3D) scaffold material (Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel). Optimal preparation conditions and ultrasound-triggered parameters were evaluated. In the postoperative pain SD rat model, the Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel or free lidocaine was administered by subcutaneous injection immediately after making the paw incision. Mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed using calibrated von Frey filaments after an individualized (highly variable) ultrasound-triggered process. The safety of the treatment was also evaluated.ResultsThe Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel allows control of the timing, intensity and duration of lidocaine (Lido) to relieve postoperative pain. The hydrogel releases Lido due to the elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels generated by PPIX under ultrasound triggering. The optimal ultrasound parameter (0.3 W/cm2, 30 s) was chosen for in vitro and in vivo studies. The Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel (with lidocaine, 5.6 mg/mL) under individualized ultrasound triggering (every 2 h in the first 12 h, every 4 h for the next 36 h, and then every 6 h until 72 h postsurgery) released lidocaine and provided effective analgesia for more than 72 h. Additionally, the withdrawal threshold was higher than that in the control group at all time points measured. The hydrogel showed repeatable and adjustable ultrasound-triggered nerve blocks in vivo, the duration of which depended on the extent and intensity of insonation. On histopathology, no systemic effect or tissue reaction was observed in the ultrasound-triggered Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel-treated group.ConclusionsThe Lido-PPIX@ER hydrogel with individualized (highly variable) ultrasound triggering is a convenient and effective method that offers timed and spatiotemporally controlled Lido release to manage postoperative pain.
Family Presence During Invasive Procedures. A Pilot Study To Test a Tool
Authors: de Mingo-Fernandez Eva , Belzunegui-Eraso Ángel , Medina-Martín Guillermina , Cuesta-Martínez Roser , Jiménez-Herrera María
Published: November 2021

Background: Family presence during invasive procedures (FPDI) generates controversy in healthcare professionals.Objective: Evaluate the FPRB-FPSC tool for invasive procedures and find out the opinions of the medical and nursing staff on FPDI.Method: Descriptive quantitative. Online and paper questionnaire modified from a previous cross-cultural translation. A factor analysis was performed for the validity of the indices and a bivariate analysis for all the variables. Ethical approvals and research permissions were obtained according to national standards.Results: 120 healthcare professionals (22.18%) answered the survey. Cronbach’s α in Family Presence Risk-Benefit scale was 0.877. Cronbach’s α in Family Presence Self-Confidence scale was 0.937. The correlation between the Risk Benefit and Self-confidence variables is significant and with a moderate intensity of the relationship A lower predisposition to Family Presence during Invasive Procedures is observed. Doctors are more reluctant than nurses.Conclusions:The FPDI generates controversy since it alters the routines of health professionals when they decide whether to allow it or not. There is a tendency for younger professionals to support FPDI. In general, health professionals, mainly nurses, are not in favour of FPDI. Health workers who perceive fewer risks and more benefits in FPDI and have greater self-confidence are more in favour of FPDI. The psychometric properties and internal consistency of the questionnaire indicate validity and reliability of this tool.
Improving GSMaP V06 Precipitation Products Over the Upper Tocantins River Basin in the Brazilian Cerrado, Based on Local Rain-Gauge Network
Authors: Pereira Rodrigo , Bufon Vinícius Bof , Maia Felipe Cardoso de Oliveira
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of GSMaP (Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation) in estimating rainfall in central Brazil, using the Upper Tocantins River sub-basin as a specific area of ​​analysis. GSMaP data were compared with data from a rain gauge network between 2000 and 2019. Evaluations were made at daily and monthly temporal scales. In general, GSMaP products show an overestimate bias for drizzle (0.1~1 mm day−1) and underestimate for rainfalls above 10 mm day−1. The use of monthly scale data significantly reduces the bias observed in the daily scale, but with an underestimation trend of -28.3% and -39.7% for the dry and rainy periods, respectively. Categorical indices showed that the GSMaP system had better hit rates for rain detection in the rainy season (October-April) than in the dry season (May-September). For the studied region, the use of GSMaP data on daily and monthly scales should be preceded by a bias analysis as a function of rain gauge network data. The use of bias coefficient corrected observed rainfall data underestimation on daily and monthly scales, improved correlation between GSMaP and observed rainfall data and reduced errors associated with rainfall network data within the basin influence area.
Design of Low-Power SPIHT Decoder Based ECG Compression and Reconstruction System
Authors: Arunachalam Vinod , Natarajan Kumareshan
Published: November 2021

This article proposes a 1D biomedical signal encoding scheme to allow embedding of metadata and to protect privacy. The compression of ECG signal and its reconstruction is implemented. The design concentrates on an overview of the criteria for safe and effective m-health storage, transmission, and access to medical tests. However, existing architectures for encoding SPIHT are designed to process images/videos. Significant memory and complex sorting algorithms are required for both architectures, and they all require time-consuming tasks that do not apply to mobile ECG applications. On the basis of our previously updated SPIHT coding research, we used flags and bit controls to reduce memory needs and code complexity through a combination of three search processes in one phase. The goal of real-time architecture for mobile ECG applications is therefore to be accomplished. In order first, to solve the disadvantages of the low-encryption speed of coded and complex hardware architectures that characterize previous SPIHT algorithms, we propose a SPIHT coding algorithm that uses several types of state registry files because of its need for dynastic c to attain real-time and performance design objectives. Secondly, a highly piped and efficient VLSI architecture is used to implement a high-efficiency and low-power SPIHT design based on the proposed algorithm.
Evaluation of Calf Circumference, Mid-upper-arm Circumference and Ishii Test for the Assessment of Sarcopenia with Schizophrenia in a Mental Health Center
Authors: Chen Ming , Lei Xiuping , Zhu Tian , Li Qiuxia , Chen Xiaoyan
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveOur objective was to understand the prevalence of sarcopenia in schizophrenic patients and to evaluate if calf circumference (CC), mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) and Ishii tests can be used to accurately screen for sarcopenia in schizophrenic patients.MethodWe enrolled schizophrenic patients aged 50 or older, who were regularly taking antipsychotic medications, at two mental health centres. Bioimpedance-based muscle-mass was analysed with an InBody 770 instrument, while muscle strength was measured with a digital grip-strength dynamometer. The physical performance of the patients was gauged from their gait speed over 6 m. Standard AWGS2019 diagnostic criteria were used, and the accuracies of the three screening methods were indicated by the sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic curve, positive predictive values and negative predictive values.ResultsA total of 339 stable schizophrenic patients were enrolled. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 53.1%, and the prevalence was, respectively, 55.6% and 47.66% for males and females. The prevalence of sarcopenia obesity in the total population was 16.22%, and that of males and females was 18.97% and 10.28%, respectively.The CC, MUAC and Ishii test sensitivity/specificity in screening for sarcopenia were 78.3%/67%, 76.74%/68.93%, 89.92%/67%, respectively, in males and 92.16 %/69.64%, 74.51%/78.57%, 96.08%/55.36%, respectively, in females. In males, the AUCs of the CC, MUAC and Ishii test were 0.8 (95%CI, 0.744-0.856), 0.78 (95%CI, 0.721-0.84) and 0.88 (95%CI, 0.837-0.922), respectively, and in females, they were 0.893 (95%CI, 0.833-0.953), 0.843 (95%CI, 0.772-0.915) and 0.855 (95%CI, 0.784-0.926), respectively.ConclusionThe incidence of sarcopenia in schizophrenia patients is high. Clinical doctors should screen for sarcopenia in patients with schizophrenia and provide timely interventions to reduce the occurrence of adverse events. The CC, MUAC and Ishii tests are simple and easy-to-use screening tools for sarcopenia in both males and females with schizophrenia.
Mutational Spectrum of Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes among Women in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Felix Gabriela ES , Guindalini Rodrigo Santa Cruz , Zheng Yonglan , Walsh Tom , Sveen Elisabeth , Lopes Taisa Manuela Machado , Côrtes Juliana , Zhang Jing , Carôzo Polyanna , Santos Irlânia , Bonfim Thaís Ferreira , Garicochea Bernardo , Toralles Betânia Pereira , Meyer Roberto , Netto Eduardo Martins , Abe-Sandes Kiyoko , King Mary-Claire , Nascimento Ivana Lucia de Oliveira , Olopade Olufunmilayo I.
Published: November 2021

Purpose: There is a paucity of data on the spectrum and prevalence of pathogenic variants among women of African ancestry in the Northeast region of Brazil. Methods: We performed BROCA panel sequencing to identify inherited loss-of-function variants in breast cancer susceptibility genes among 292 Brazilian women referred to a single institution cancer risk assessment program. Results: The study included a convenient cohort of 173 women with invasive breast cancer and 119 women who were cancer-free at the time of ascertainment. The majority of the women self-reported as African-descended (67% for cases and 90.8% for controls). Thirty-seven pathogenic variants were found in 36 (20.8%) patients. While the spectrum of pathogenic variants was heterogeneous, the majority (70.3%) of the pathogenic variants were detected in high-risk genes BRCA1 , BRCA2 , PALB2 , and TP53 . Pathogenic variants were also found in the ATM , BARD1 , BRIP1 , FAM175A , FANCM , NBN , and SLX4 genes in 6.4% of the affected women. Four recurrent pathogenic variants were detected in 11 patients of African ancestry. Only one unaffected woman had a pathogenic variant in the RAD51C gene. Conclusion: The high prevalence and heterogenous spectrum of pathogenic variants identified among self-reported African descendants in Northeast Brazil is consistent with studies in other African populations with a high burden of aggressive young onset breast cancer. It underscores the need to integrate comprehensive cancer risk assessment and genomic testing in the management of newly diagnosed Black women with breast cancer across the African Diaspora, enabling improved cancer control in admixed underserved and understudied populations.
Hybridization of Green Energy Sources for the Electrification of Remote Villages: A Case Study at Adem Tuleman of Ethiopia
Authors: Aga Wondwosen S , Legese Ayele N. , Tolche Abebe D , Roba Negesh T
Published: November 2021

Background: Energy deeply influences the life of rural communities. The industrialized countries depend primarily on modern energy while the developing countries like Ethiopia heavily rely on traditional biomass. Thus, in Ethiopia, the energy sector faces dual challenges: one limited access to modern energy and the second is heavy reliance on traditional biomass energy sources to meet growing energy demand. The modern energy of the country is predominantly from hydropower which accounts for 90% and fuelwood accounts for more than 80% of households' energy supply today, this leads to deforestation and severe land degradation in the country.Objective: This study aim at providing the way to diversify energy sources through integrated hybrid energy sources (wind, solar and diesel generator) to obtain a sustainable autonomous power supply system for remote site. Method: Standalone hybrid system configuration was design by using HOMER software and finds an optimal combination of clean energy as well as comparing it with other energy sources for Adem Tuleman one of the remote sites in Ethiopia. HOMER is optimization tool to determine the possible optimal architecture and control strategy of the system. Results: The study found that the village had a 204.04 kWh/day average energy demand with a 31 kW/day peak load, a 4.5 kWh/day deferrable load, and 0.9kWh/day peak deferrable load. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed system was a feasible solution to electrify Adem Tuleman. A financial analysis indicated that the project would have an initial capital cost of $24,817.00, an operating and maintenance cost of $12,862.00, and a total net present value of $189,233.00.The minimum cost of energy obtained was $0.195/kWh.Conclusion: The simulation result indicates that the proposed standalone hybrid system would be a climate smart and feasible solution for electrify remote village. Moreover, hybrid energy systems allow the effective way of utilizing available renewable energy in the village and providing clean energy which can alleviate energy poverty in many remote sites of Ethiopia.
Monitoring Energy Balance Through Clinical and Serum Biomarkers in Patients with Hmatologic Malignancies during Chemotherapy
Authors: LEE CHANG WON , KIM INHO , KOH YOUNGIL , SHIN DONGYEOP , HONG JUNSHIK , KIM DONG-HOON , PARK MI-RAE , HONG SUN-MOK , LEE YEJI , Seo Kwan Sik
Published: November 2021

Background: Many cancer patients experience energy imbalance due to the tumor or chemotherapy-related side effects. Chemotherapy could make significant metabolic changes leading to energy imbalance. However, the variations in energy input, metabolic rate, and physical activity are not known in detail. This study aimed to identify changes in energy balance components and serum biomarkers during chemotherapy of patients with hematologic cancer. Methods: This prospective study included 40 patients with hematologic malignancies hospitalized for chemotherapy. Energy balance components, physical function, and serum biomarkers, such as albumin, total protein, CXCL13, GDF15 and leptin, were measured weekly after chemotherapy for 3 weeks. Results: Significant body weight loss, representing negative energy balance, occurred at 2 and 3 weeks after chemotherapy. A statistically reduced oral intake was observed at week three. However, total energy intake did not show any statistical change during the study period due to parental support. Resting energy expenditure statistically decreased according to the Harris-Benedict (HB) equation, but not for the Penn State University (PSU) equation. Physical activity measured by daily steps showed no statistical difference. However, physical function according to the DEMMI score indicated a significant decrease at 3 weeks. Over half of the patients (65.0 %, n = 26) were found to have at least one of energy balance problem according to subgroup classification.Our serum biomarker analysis demonstrated significant differences in serum albumin, total protein, CXCL13, and GDF15 levels, with the exception of leptin. All three subgroups exhibited statistically significant decreases in albumin and total protein. However, only CXCL13 levels in the weight loss group and GDF level in the anorexia and impaired physical function groups were found to be significantly altered by subgroup analysis.Conclusions: The results indicated that 65 % of hematologic cancer patients suffered from energy imbalances during chemotherapy associated with weight loss and anorexia. Significant changes in albumin, total protein, CXCL13, and GDF15 were found. Additionally, subgroup analysis suggested that CXCL13 and GDF15 were associated with weight loss and appetite loss, respectively. Monitoring the energy balance of clinical and serum biomarkers together can help identify the need for nutritional intervention in patients undergoing chemotherapy.