bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Healing Hearts at Home© Mobile Application Usability and Influence on Parental Perceived Stress
Authors: Miller Vanessa Ayer , Newcombe Jennifer , Radovich Patricia , Johnston Flint , Medina Jr. Ernesto , Nelson Anna
Published: January 2021

In this study, the Healing Hearts and Home© (HHH©) application was piloted to determine the usability and usefulness of the mobile application and whether the application had an effect on caregivers' coping and stress. A posttest consisting of the Systems Usability Scale (SUS), the Coping Health Inventory for Parents (CHIP), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to collect information on the application usability, coping patterns, and perceived stress. Key informants provided more insight into usefulness. The SUS rating was 86.94 (SD = 6.34). The excellent usability score did not translate into uptake, though interest remained. The PSS scores for the control group 17.11 (SD = 1.69) and the intervention group were 19.11 (SD = 6.51) were not statistically different. None of the CHIP subscales predicted the PSS score. The HHH© application shows potential to reduce stress and improve coping in caregivers in the absence of available in-person intervention.
Happiness Index and Gadget Radiation Analysis on Yajna and Mantra Chanting Therapy in South Asian Continent
Authors: Rastogi Rohit , Saxena Mamta , Gupta Mayank , Rastogi Akshit Rajan , Kumar Pradeep , Jain Mohit , Rastogi Mukund , Gupta Chirag , Tyagi Akshit , Srivatava Prajwal
Published: January 2021

From ancient times, humans are striving for being healthy and to live with mental peace with family and society. In the previous centuries also, some manmade and mostly natural disasters have disturbed the pace of human life. There have been times when the whole human race has been in terror, danger, and utmost worry. The electrical gadgets also have made the human life comfortable, but also machines have dominated its consciousness. The stress, aggression, depression, and many more issues are also showing presence in all our lives. The chapter is a trial to establish the effect of yagna and mantra science over human calmness and its effect on human health irrespective to gender and age. The article also elaborates the effect of Sanskrit sound and mantra chanting on emission of radiations from electronic gadgets. It also presents the effect of spiritual practices on the human body and soul after the terror, stress, grief created due to COVID-19.
Adaptive Spider Bird Swarm Algorithm-Based Deep Recurrent Neural Network for Malicious JavaScript Detection Using Box-Cox Transformation
Authors: Alex Scaria , Rajkumar T. Dhiliphan
Published: January 2021

JavaScript is a scripting language that is commonly used in the web pages for providing dynamic functionality in order to enhance user experience. Malicious JavaScript in webpages on internet is an important security issue due to their potentially and universality severe impact. Finding the malicious JavaScript is usually more difficult and time-consuming task in the research community. Hence, an adaptive spider bird swarm algorithm-based deep recurrent neural network (adaptive SBSA-based deep RNN) is proposed for detecting the malicious JavaScript codes in web applications. However, the proposed adaptive SBSA is designed by integrating the adaptive concept with the bird swarm algorithm (BSA) and spider monkey optimization (SMO). With the deep RNN classifier, the complexity issues exists in detecting the malicious codes is effectively resolved through the process of hierarchical computation. Due to the efficiency of the proposed approach, it can evaluate under large real-life datasets.
A Critical Literature Analysis of the Relationships of Marketing and Strategic Planning Under Project Environments
Authors: Galli Brian J. , Bongo Miriam F. , Yamagishi Kafferine D. , Ocampo Lanndon A.
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates marketing and strategic planning issues, its relationship to project management, and the factors affecting these relationships. The authors perform an unstructured and structured literature review, which identified 83 articles that explore the critical variables in this paper. Factors are often seen as operational factors that are directed towards personnel tasked with daily operations. Notably, project management, when tasked with marketing and strategic planning, is challenged to cope with evolving situational alterations that require a different set of skills. Particularly, they contribute to several bodies of knowledge, including project management, decision-making, strategic planning, marketing, and leadership. The study builds on these bodies of knowledge and also addresses gaps identified in these research fields. They contribute to research on factors through various avenues for future research.
Explicating Open Innovation Using Service-Dominant Logic
Authors: Windasari Nila Armelia , Lin Fu-ren
Published: January 2021

This article conceptualizes open innovation using service system view and service-dominant logic (S-DL) to specify the generic characteristics of open innovation of service, which eliminates the discrepancy of open innovation between product and service. The main objective is to explicate the tripartite framework proposed by Lusch and Nambisan into six generic characteristics to serve as vocabulary in formulating open innovation of service strategies. The business cases are categorized by 2x2 grid according to the institutionalization of actors into the service ecosystems. There are six essential characteristics of open innovation of service grounded in S-D logic: (1) interaction within and among service systems, (2) integration of operand and operant resources, (3) open platform, (4) exchange mechanism, (5) value proposition, and (6) network of actors. To summarize, the strategies are formulated using the six characteristics for each category of business in three layers, micro, meso, macro, to sustain the practice of open innovation in various industries.
A Combination of Dracaena fragrans and Trichoderma fungus in Removing Heavy Metals Contamination from Agricultural Soils
Authors: Le Huu Quang , Tran Dung Duc , Chen Yi Ching , Nguyen Au Hai , Nguyen Lan Huong
Published: January 2021

Environmental pollution due to heavy metals is a matter of great concern to many scientists and managers worldwide. The threats to human health from heavy metals are primarily associated with the exposure in agriculture production activities. However, a considerable number of technological methods have been used to remove the heavy metals from polluted soils. One of the simplest measures to effectively remove heavy metal contamination is to use both plants and microorganisms, which have been considered "natural materials" or "Bio-Materials" to treat pollutants. This study was conducted on assessing the ability of Trichoderma to absorb heavy metals into the plant. Phytoremediation experiments with Trichoderma were used to remove heavy metals in the soil. Our findings showed that Dracaena Fragrans plants are capable of absorbing heavy metals Cu, Pb, and Zn in soil contaminated with experimental heavy metals.
Influence of the P-Delta Effect on the Design of Steel Moment Resisting Frame in Seismic Areas
Authors: Tartaglia Roberto , Campiche Alessia , de Martino Attilio
Published: January 2021

Steel moment resisting frames (MRFs) compliant with EN1998-1 are generally overdesigned in order to satisfy the requirements for lateral deformability and P-Delta effects. On the contrary, the North American codes (e.g. ASCE7) give different rules for P-Delta effects. The current draft version of the amended EN1998-1-1 introduces a different methodology to account for the structural lateral displacements. In this paper static non-linear analyses were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the new EC8 provisions with respect to the former version of EC8 and the current ASCE7. The results show that the structures designed according to the latest draft version of the EN1998-1-1 and those compliant with the North American code exhibit similar behavior.
The Swelling and Transition Behavior of Thermo-Responsive Poly(2-(2-Methoxyethoxy) Ethoxyethyl Methacrylate-co-Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Methyl Ether Methacrylate) Thin Films
Authors: Chen Yang Yi , Wen Wen Jing , Su Zhi Qin , Huan Qi , Zhang Chu Yang
Published: January 2021

Thermo-responsive random copolymer poly (2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethoxyethyl methacrylate-co-poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate), abbreviated as P(MEO2MA-co-OEGMA300) was synthesized by 2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethoxyethyl methacrylate (MEO2MA) and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA300) with a molar ratio of 1:1 via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The structure of P(MEO2MA-co-OEGMA300) was confirmed by 1H NMR and GPC. The transition behaviors of P(MEO2MA-co-OEGMA300) in aqueous solution were investigated by UV-Vis and DLS. While the transition behaviors of P(MEO2MA-co-OEGMA300) thin films were probed by white light interferometry. Compared to the P(MEO2MA-co-OEGMA300) in solution, it shows a much broader transition region, which is a promising candidate for the slow release of drug in the field of medicine.
Preparation Adlay and Black Sesame Seeds Extracts Using Osmotic Dehydration and Increasing the Stability of Extracts Using Encapsulation
Authors: Don-In Julinta , Saejung Tipparat , Chimsook Thitiphan
Published: January 2021

Osmotic dehydration is an effective pretreatment method for preservation of herb, fruits and vegetables. This method can be conducted at low temperature so it can maintain the nutritional composition and food quality. In the present study, the effect of osmotic dehydration in 50, 60 and 70o Brix sugar solution at 40oC syrup temperature and drying air temperature (50, 60, 70 oC) on drying behavior of sample (adlay and black sesame seeds) were investigated before drying the sample and determined the percentage yield and total phenolic contents. All results from osmotic dehydration were compared with the soxhlet and maceration extraction methods. Among the three concentration of osmotic agents and drying temperature, percentage yield and total phenolic contents were higher at 70% concentration of osmotic agents and 60 oC air temperature which exhibited the total phenolic contents at 11.29±1.13 mg GAE/g extract and percentage yield of 4.36±0.34, respectively. From this osmotic dehydration, the surface morphologies of prepared bead containing sample had higher degree of surface smoothness and more spherical shape than non-sample bead and exhibited the encapsulation efficiency of micro-bead sample at 80.52 ± 0.36%.
Study on Plan Magnetic Abrasive Finishing - Discussion on Processing Methods for Improving Flatness
Authors: Zhang Yu Long , Zou Yan Hua , Xie Hui Jun
Published: January 2021

Magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) is a precision surface polishing method. At present, most studies on planar MAF are focused on improving the surface roughness accuracy and the uniformity of roughness. In practical applications, the initial surface of the work piece is not only a rough surface, but also a flat surface without a uniform height. While the traditional processing method improves the surface roughness accuracy, the original surface is basically unchanged. In this paper, a processing method is studied. According to the uneven distribution of magnetic brushes, the reasonable distribution of processing speed and processing time can finally achieve the purpose of improving the surface flatness. At the same time, this paper analyzes the non-uniform characteristics of the magnetic pole and the magnetic brush itself, and verifies the effectiveness of the processing method through experiments.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Surface Roughness and Electrode Wear in EDM Cylindrical Shaped Parts
Authors: Ky Le Hong , Danh Bui Thanh , Cuong Nguyen Van , Linh Nguyen Hong , Hong Tran Thi , Giang Tran Ngoc , Tam Do Thi , Pi Vu Ngoc
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this work is to find an optimal combination of the input parameters when electrical discharge machining (EDM) cylindrical shaped parts so that both the surface roughness and the electrode wear are minimum. In this study, four input parameters including the pulse on time, the pulse off time, the current, and the serve voltage were taken into account. Experimental plan was designed based on L9 orthogonal array. Also, Taguchi method and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) were joined for solving the multiobjective optimization problem and to find optimum input parameters. Experiments with optimal input parameters were performed for proving the predicted model. The experimental results of the surface roughness and the electrode wear matched with the calculated model. This indicates the proposed models can be used for practice.
A Study on Influence of Input Parameters on Surface Roughness in PMEDM Cylindrical Shaped Parts
Authors: Hong Tran Thi , Danh Bui Thanh , Cuong Nguyen Van , Ky Le Hong , Linh Nguyen Hong , Nga Nguyen Thi Thanh , Giang Tran Ngoc , Cuong Nguyen Manh
Published: January 2021

In electrical discharge machining (EDM) powder material can be mixed into the dielectric fluid to improve quality of machining surface of components. Therefore, finding suitable input parameters of this process becomes an important task. This paper presents a methodology to find the optimum input factors of the EDM process when adding nanosilicon carbide powder into the dielectric fluid for processing cylindrical shaped parts. In this research, the Taguchi method was used for experiment design in order to investigate the effect of the input parameters on the surface roughness. Also, optimum input factors for minimum surface roughness (RS) was proposed. The result from the deviation of SRbetween the analysis and the experiment demonstrates that the optimum input parameters are helpful to predict the value of surface roughness. Therefore, this can increase the economic and technical effectiveness in EDM process.
Effects of Input Parameters on Electrode Wear Rate when EDM Cylindrical Shaped Parts
Authors: Hong Tran Thi , Cuong Nguyen Van , Danh Bui Thanh , Linh Nguyen Hong , Ky Le Hong , Nga Nguyen Thi Thanh , Tam Do Thi , Pi Vu Ngoc
Published: January 2021

In electrical discharge machining (EDM) process, the selection of suitable EDM factors plays an important role since this can achieve the growing need for quality, minimizing manufacturing cost and time, and reducing electrode wear rate. This paper presents the effect of input factors on electrode wear rate (EWR) when machining cylindrical shaped parts made from 90CrSi steel and an optimization of these parameters. The input EDM parameters include the pulse on time, the pulse off time, the current, and the spark gap voltage. The Taguchi method with L27 was used for designing the experiment to gather data. Based on statistical analysis of experiment data, the impact of the input factors on the EWR was investigated. Moreover, the optimal input parameters were found by evaluating the S/N ratio in order to minimizing the EWR. This brings the significance in minimum surface roughness and high accuracy of machining elements.
Multi-locus sequence typing and virulence profile in Bacillus cereus sensu lato strains isolated from dairy products
Authors: Bianco Angelica , Capozzi Loredana , Miccolupo Angela , Iannetti Simona , Danzetta Maria Luisa , Del Sambro Laura , Caruso Marta , Santagada Gianfranco , Parisi Antonio
Published: January 2021

Members of Bacillus cereus group are important food contaminants and they are of relevant interest in food safety and public heath due to their ability to cause two distinct forms of food poisoning, emetic and diarrhoeal syndrome. In the present study, 90 strains of B. cereus isolated from dairy products, have been typed using Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) analysis and investigated for the occurrence of 10 enterotoxigenic genes (hblA, hblC, hblD, nheA, nheB, nheC, cytK, entFM, entS and bceT) and one emetogenic gene (ces), to determine their genetic diversity. A total of 58 sequence types were identified and among these 17 were signalled as new profiles. Among the virulence genes, the majority of our strains carried the entS (92%), entFM (86%), nhe (82%) and cytK (72%) genes. All remaining genes were identified in at least one strain with different prevalence, stressing the genetic diversity, how even the different grade of pathogenicity of B. cereus isolated from dairy products.
Absence of anisakis nematodes in smoked farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) products on sale in European countries
Authors: Pardo González Miguel Ángel , Cavazza Giulia , Gustinelli Andrea , Caffara Monica , Fioravanti Marialetizia
Published: January 2021

The increase of global demand of aquaculture products as compensation for the lowering of fishery sustainability, has shown a parallel awareness by the consumers on the importance of the safety and quality of fish products. Among these, salmon industry has reached a leading position demonstrating the negligible risk of presence of zoonotic helminths such as anisakid nematodes in farmed salmon. Despite the massive production of data in literature on parasitological surveys carried out on fresh salmon, no data are published on processed farmed salmon such as smoked products. In 2016, 270 fillets of smoked farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and 13 smoked fillets from wild sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) have been analyzed by visual inspection and UV-press method searching for the presence of anisakid nematodes. No parasites were detected in fillets from farmed Atlantic salmon, while 10 out of 13 fillets from wild salmon were positive for Anisakis simplex s.s. larvae. This first survey on the possible presence of anisakid nematodes in processed smoked salmon confirms that this risk in farmed Atlantic salmon products has to be considered negligible.
Management of giant cell arteritis among general practitioners from Genoa, Italy: a web-based survey
Authors: Clini P. , Stimamiglio A. , Camellino D. , Hysa E. , Cutolo M. , Cimmino M.A.
Published: January 2021

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of vasculitis of the adult. General practitioners (GPs) are usually the first physicians who take care of GCA patients. In this study, the awareness of GPs from Genoa, Italy, regarding GCA was investigated by a web-based survey. A web-based questionnaire was sent by mail to 775 Italian GPs. It included 12 multiple choice questions regarding practice seniority, practice population size, number of GCA patients followed, and GPs’ diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Of the 775 GPs involved, 76 (9.8%) answered. Thirty-three/75 (44%) declared that they did not see patients with GCA and the remaining 42 (56%) that they diagnose between one and two patients per year. New headache onset was the presenting feature of GCA for the majority of GPs (78.3%). GCA was diagnosed on the basis of clinical presentation alone by 35.2% of them, of temporal artery biopsy by 49.3%, and by imaging, including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, by 15.5%. The referral pattern was mainly toward rheumatologists (68.5%). Only 27.8% GPs declared they start treatment at the first clinical suspicion, with the others waiting for laboratory and imaging examinations or specialist consultation. The doses of glucocorticoids used were in keeping with current guidelines. The management of GCA by GPs from Genoa is in general correct, with the exceptions of excessive confidence in headaches for diagnosis and of the timing of GC initiation. These points suggest that a program of information and education for GPs is warranted.
Vitamin D and disease severity in coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)
Authors: Adami G. , Giollo A. , Fassio A. , Benini C. , Bertoldo E. , Bertoldo F. , Orsolini G. , Idolazzi L. , Viapiana O. , Giannini S. , Passeri G. , Tacconelli E. , Micheletto C. , Gatti D. , Rossini M.
Published: January 2021

The role of 25-OH-vitamin D in the assessment of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has not been investigated. We sought to investigate the prevalence of 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency among COVID-19 patients, and to determine the associations between 25-OH-vitamin D status and the severity of the disease. We have conducted a retrospective observational study of COVID-19 patients admitted to the University of Verona Hospital Trust. Demographic, clinical and biochemical parameters were collected at hospital admission, and serum 25-OH-vitamin D levels were measured. The following outcomes were assessed: arterial partial oxygen pressure (PaO2); C-reactive protein (CRP); length of hospitalization; requirement of oxygen therapy; non-invasive ventilation (NIV); mechanical ventilation; and death. Among 61 patients enrolled, 72.1% was 25-OH-vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/mL) and 57.4% had 25-OHvitamin D <15 ng/mL. Patients with arterial PaO2 <60 mmHg had significantly lower mean 25-OH-vitamin D levels compared to patients with PaO2 ≥60 mmHg (13.3 ng/mL vs 20.4 ng/mL respectively, p=0.03). Vitamin D deficiency was associated with 3-fold higher risk of having arterial pO2 <60 mmHg. 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased CRP and dyspnea. 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency was associated with more severe systemic inflammatory response and respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients.
The place of 18F FDG PET/CT in the management of patients with eosinophilic fasciitis: a case report
Authors: Belfeki N. , Louarn N. , Chouchane I. , Abbadi A. , Diamantis S.
Published: January 2021

Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare connective tissue disease with a clinical presentation of scleroderma-like disease. We report a case of a 36-year-old female patient with a 6-month history of progressive stiffness involving her forearms and legs with joint pain. Laboratory examinations showed hypereosinophilia and elevated C-reactive protein. 18F FDG PET/CT showed diffuse and symmetrical increased uptake in the fasciae of the upper and lower limbs, sparing both muscles and fat tissues. Guided biopsy and histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of eosinophilic fasciitis. 18F FDG PET/CT is of great help in the diagnosis of eosinophilic fasciitis, as it can guide the biopsy where FDG uptake is strongest and also help rule out possible associated neoplasms.
Clinical profiles and risk factors for early and medium-term mortality following heart transplantation in a pediatric population
Authors: Balakrishnan Komarakshi R. , Rao Kemundel Genny Suresh , Subramaniam Ganapathy Krishnan , Tanguturu Murali Krishna , Arvind Ajay , Ramanan Veena , Dhushyanthan Jagdish , Ramasubramanian K. , Kumaran K. Suresh , Sellamuthu Gunalan , Rajam Mohan , Mettur Senthil , Gnansekharan Pradeep , Ratnagiri Ravikumar
Published: January 2021

Aims and Objectives:

There is a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of Heart transplantation in children from the Indian subcontinent. The data of patients under the age of 18 undergoing an isolated heart transplantation was analyzed for patient clinical profiles and risk factors for early and medium-term mortality. Hospital mortality was defined as death within 90 days of transplantation and medium-term survival as follow up of up to 6 years.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 97 patients operated between March 2014 and October 2019 were included in this study. Data was collected about their INTERMACS status, pulmonary vascular resistance, donor heart ischemic times, donor age, donor to recipient weight ratio and creatinine levels.

Results:

The age range was from 1 to 18 with a mean of 10.6 ± 4.6 years. 67 % patients were in INTERMACS category 3 or less.12 children were on mechanical circulatory support at the time of transplant. The 90 day survival was 89 %. The risk factors for hospital mortality was lower INTERMACS category (odd’s ratio 0.2143, P = 0.026), elevated creatinine (odd’s ratio 5.42, P = 0.076) and elevated right atrial pressure (odd’s ratio 1.19, P = 0.015). Ischemic time, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and PVR index (PVRI) had no effect on 90 day survival. Kaplan Meier estimates for 5 year survival was 73 %. The medium term survival was affected by INTERMACS category (Hazard ratio 0.7, P = .078), donor age > 25 (Hazard ratio 1.6, P = 0.26) and raised serum creatinine values.(Hazard ratio 2.7, P = 0.012). All the survivors are in good functional class.

Conclusions:

Excellent outcomes are possible after heart transplantation in a pediatric population even in a resource constrained environment of a developing economy. More efforts are needed to promote pediatric organ donation and patients need to be referred in better INTERMACS category for optimal outcomes.
Use of strain, strain rate, tissue velocity imaging, and endothelial function for early detection of cardiovascular involvement in young diabetics
Authors: Kaushik Atul , Kapoor Aditya , Dabadghao Preeti , Khanna Roopali , Kumar Sudeep , Garg Naveen , Tewari Satyendra , Goel Pravin K , Sinha Archana
Published: January 2021

Background:

Subtle structural and functional changes may precede the onset of overt global left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Data pertaining to tissue velocity imaging (TVI)and strain imaging to assess regional myocardial function and flow mediated vasodilatation are limited in young patients with diabetes.

Materials:

Conventional echocardiography, TVI parameters along with strain (S), and strain rate (SR) were measured in 50 young diabetics (15.16 ± 2.95 years, mean HBA1c 8.15 ± 1.37 g %) and 25 controls (15.60 ± 2.51 years). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitrate--mediated dilatation (NMD), and carotid intima–media thickness were also assessed.

Results:

Conventional echocardiography parameters were similar in patients and controls; however, deceleration time of the mitral inflow velocity (early deceleration time) was significantly shorter in patients when compared with controls (149.06 ± 31.66 vs. 184.56 ± 19.27 ms, P =0.001). Patients had lower strain values at the basal lateral LV (21.39 ± 4.12 vs. 23.78 ± 2.02; P =0.001), mid-lateral LV (21.43 ± 4.27 vs. 23.17 ± 1.92 P =0.02), basal septum (20.59 ± 5.28 vs. 22.91 ± 2.00; P = 0.01), and midseptum (22.06 ± 4.75 vs. 24.10 ± 1.99; P = 0.01) as compared to controls. SR at the basal and midsegments of the lateral LV wall and at the basal septum was also significantly lower in diabetic patients. Diabetic children also had endothelial dysfunction with significantly lower FMD (8.36 ± 4.27 vs. 10.57 ± 4.12, P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

LV strain indices and flow--mediated dilatation are impaired in asymptomatic children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus despite absence of overt heart failure and normal ejection fraction. Early detection of subclinical regional myocardial dysfunction by deformation analysis including strain and strain rate may be useful in the asymptomatic diabetic population.
Tetralogy of Fallot with coronary crossing the right ventricular outflow tract
Authors: Talwar Sachin , Sengupta Sanjoy , Marathe Supreet , Vaideeswar Pradeep , Airan Balram , Choudhary Shiv Kumar
Published: January 2021

A coronary artery crossing the right ventricular outflow tract is a subset of a larger pathomorphological cohort known as an anomalous coronary artery (ACA) in the tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The best possible outcome in a patient with TOF and ACA is decided by judicious selection of optimum preoperative investigative information, the timing of surgery, astute assessment of preoperative surgical findings, and appropriate surgical technique from a wide array of choices. In most instances, the choice of surgical technique is determined by the size of the pulmonary annulus and the anatomical relation of ACA to the pulmonary annulus. In the present era, complete, accurate preoperative diagnosis and primary repair is a routine procedure with strategies to avoid a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit.
Melody valve to replace the mitral valve in small children
Authors: Dranseika Vilius , Pretre Rene , Kretschmar Oliver , Dave Hitendu
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Infants requiring mitral valve replacement have few viable options. Recently, stented bovine jugular vein graft (Melody) has been surgically implanted in such cases. Herein, we report our experience, elaborating on evolution of implantation technique, pitfalls, as well as long-term outcome (including late dilatability).

Methods:

Seven Melody valves were implanted (2013–2019). The median patient age and weight were 6.7 (1.8–30.5) months and 5.8 (4.6–9.5) kg, respectively. The indications for implantation were mitral stenosis and/or regurgitation postatrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) repair (5), congenital mitral valve dysplasia (1), and Shone's complex (1). Operative technique involved shortening the valve and creating a neo-sewing ring at 2/3 (atrial)–1/3 (ventricular) junction. Implantation was followed by intraoperative balloon dilatation.

Results:

Five out of seven patients survived the perioperative period (one death due to technical failure and the other due to acute respiratory distress syndrome postcardiopulmonary bypass). Two out of five medium-term survivors got transplanted (1) or died due to acute myeloid leukemia (1). No valves were replaced. The mean echo gradient at discharge was a median 4 (2–6) mmHg. None of the patients showed left ventricular outflow tract or pulmonary venous obstruction. Two Melody valves were dilated late (5 months and 3 years postoperatively), resulting in decreasing mean gradients from 6 to 1 and from 17 to 4 mmHg. At last follow-up, surviving Melody had a mean gradient of 4 (1–9) mmHg.

Conclusions:

Mitral valve replacement with a Melody valve is feasible in infants, is reproducible, shows good immediate results, and offers the possibility of later dilatation. This technique offers a better solution compared to the existing alternatives for infants requiring a prosthetic mitral valve.
Holomorphic SCFTs with small index
Authors: Gaiotto Davide , Johnson-Freyd Theo
Published: January 2021

We observe that every self-dual ternary code determines a holomorphic
$\mathcal N=1$
superconformal field theory. This provides ternary constructions of some well-known holomorphic
$\mathcal N=1$
superconformal field theories (SCFTs), including Duncan’s “supermoonshine” model and the fermionic “beauty and the beast” model of Dixon, Ginsparg, and Harvey. Along the way, we clarify some issues related to orbifolds of fermionic holomorphic CFTs. We give a simple coding-theoretic description of the supersymmetric index and conjecture that for every self-dual ternary code this index is divisible by
$24$
; we are able to prove this conjecture except in the case when the code has length
$12$
mod
$24$
. Lastly, we discuss a conjecture of Stolz and Teichner relating
$\mathcal N=1$
SCFTs with Topological Modular Forms. This conjecture implies constraints on the supersymmetric indexes of arbitrary holomorphic SCFTs, and suggests (but does not require) that there should be, for each k, a holomorphic
$\mathcal N=1$
SCFT of central charge
$12k$
and index
$24/\gcd (k,24)$
. We give ternary code constructions of SCFTs realizing this suggestion for
$k\leq 5$
.
Variations of finger dermatoglyphics among the Esan ethnic group of Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Anyanwu Luke Chukwumah
Published: January 2021

Patterns in fingers, palms, and soles; a term refers to as ‘dermatoglyphics’, are now been studied for ethno-historic facts and ancestry tracing. However, there is paucity of information on Esan people dermatoglyphics. Hence, this study investigates the variations in finger dermatoglyphics among Esan speaking tribe of Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 500 indigenes were sampled from 3 randomly selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the ink method was used to collect finger-prints from both palms. The loop was the most predominant pattern (54.44%) while the whorl and arches represent 30.96% and 14.60% respectively. Overall, the loop fingerprint pattern was highest in all the LGAs. Esan West LGA presented highest in the arches fingerprints (56.44%) as compared to Esan North East LGA (24.38%) and Esan Central LGA (19.18%). The right hand was observed to present higher in the different primary fingerprints but the different was not significant. There was no significant different (p>0.05) in the distribution of the primary fingerprints pattern between the right and left hand in the different LGAs. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the distribution of the primary fingerprints between genders. Female represented higher in the arches pattern while male represented higher in the whorl pattern. The loop pattern was male dominant in Esan West and Esan Central LGAs but female dominated in Esan North East LGA. The findings demonstrated gender and LGAs variations of primary fingerprints among the Esan speaking tribe and may suggest different ancestry. This result could play important role for forensic anthropologist in the study area.

Keywords: Dermatoglyphics, Fingerprints, Esan, Edo State, Nigeria
Solid Waste Management and Transport Route Optimization Using Geographic Information System in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Afolabi Oluwaseyi Joseph
Published: January 2021

With an unprecedented population and rapid urbanization, the solid waste collection and transportation has become a major challenge in Lagos metropolis. The main objective of the study was to optimize routes for solid waste collection and disposal using Geographic Information System (GIS) in order to improve solid waste management system in Lagos metropolis. Data on the GIS Network Analyst was used to determine movements between the transfer loading stations and the landfills to determine the collection time, travel distances, optimized routes and alternative routes for solid waste disposal while maximising total solid waste collection and disposal for environmental sustainability. Based on the findings, the study therefore recommends possible interventions such as regular collection of solid waste, proper management of the transfer loading stations and landfills, and that the collection of solid waste should be given more attention because it is important in the development of cities.

Keywords: Solid wastes, Transportation, Route Optimization, GIS, Lagos metropolis
Florofangchinoline inhibits proliferation of osteosarcoma cells via targeting of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation and AMPK activation
Authors: Zhao Liyan , Liu Xiongtao , Zhu Weina , Yang Pei , Qin Jie , Gu Ru , Zhao Zhili
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of florofangchinoline on osteosarcoma cell growth in vitro, and the underlying mechanism of action.Methods: Changes in the viability of KHOS and Saos-2 cells were measured using water soluble tetrazolium salt (WST) assay, while apoptosis was determined using Annexin V/PI staining and flow cytometry. Increases in mtDNA, and expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM were assayed with immunoblot analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), respectively.Results: Microscopic examination of florofangchinoline-treated cells showed significant decrease in cell density, relative to control cells (p < 0.05). Treatment with 10 μM florofangchinoline increased apoptosis in KHOS and Saos-2 cells to 56.32 and 63.75 %, respectively (p < 0.05). Florofangchinoline treatment markedly enhanced cleavage of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9 and PARP. It elevated Bax level and reduced Bcl-2 in KHOS and Saos-2 cells. Moreover, florofangchinoline increased p21 and p-AMPKα levels, and mtDNA counts in KHOS and Saos-2 cells (p < 0.05). Moreover, in florofangchinoline-treated KHOS cells, the expressions of EED, EZH2 and SUZ12 were significantly suppressed (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Florofangchinoline inhibits osteosarcoma cell viability by activation of apoptosis. Moreover, it activates AMPK and down-regulates  histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation in osteosarcoma cells. Therefore, florofangchinoline has potentials for development as a therapeutic drug forosteosarcoma.

Keywords: Osteosarcoma, Histone H3, Florofangchinoline, Apoptosis, Chemotherapeutic
Elucidation of the mechanism of action of the anticholecystitis effect of the Tibetan medicine “Dida” using network pharmacology
Authors: Liu Chuan , Fan Fang-Fang , Li Xuan-Hao , Wang Wen-Xiang , Tu Ya , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To study the mechanism involved in the anti-cholecystitis effect the Tibetan medicine “Dida”, using network pharmacology-integrated molecular docking simulationsMethods: In this investigation, the bioactive compounds of Dida were collected, network pharmacology methods to predict their targets, and networks were constructed through GO and KEGG pathway analyses. The potential binding between the bioactive compounds and the targets were demonstrated using molecular docking simulations.Results: A total of 12 bioactive compounds and 50 key targets of Dida were identified. Two networks, namely, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of cholecystitis targets, and compound–target– pathway network, were established. Network analysis showed that 10 targets (GAPDH, AKT1, CASP3, EGFR, TNF, MAPK3, MAPK1, HSP90AA1, STAT3, and BCL2L1) may be the therapeutic targets of Dida in cholecystitis. Analysis of the KEGG pathway indicated that the anti-cholecystitis effect of Dida may its regulation of a few crucial pathways, such as apoptosis, as well as toll-like  receptor, T cell receptor, NOD-like receptor, and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation revealed that CASP3, CAPDH, HSP90AA1, MAPK3, MAPK1, and STAT3 had well-characterized interactions with the corresponding compounds.Conclusion: The mechanism underlying the anti-cholecystitis effect of Dida has been successfully predicted and verified using a combination of network pharmacology and molecular docking simulation. This provides a firm basis for the experimental verification of the use of Dida in the treatment of cholecystitis, and enhances its rational application in clinical practice.

Keywords: Tibetan medicine, Dida, Cholecystitis, Mechanism, Network pharmacology, Molecular docking simulation
Novel cholinesterase inhibitory effect of α-spinasterol isolated from the leaves of Acacia auriculiformis A. CUNN Ex. Benth (Fabaceae)
Authors: Lawal Bilqis A. , Udobre Aniefiok , Elufioye Taiwo O. , Ahmadu Augustine A. , Olanipekun Bolatito
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the in vitro anticholinesterase, α-glucosidase and antioxidant activities of α-spinasterol isolated from Acacia auriculiformis leaves.Methods: The powdered leaves of Acacia auriculiformis were extracted with 70 % ethanol and the dried hydroalcoholic extract was suspended in water and partitioned with ethyl acetate and n-butanol to give their soluble fractions. The in vitro inhibitory activities of α-spinasterol were determined against cholinesterase and, α-glucosidase enzymes, and free radical scavenging potentials using (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydarzyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis (3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) antioxidantassays.Results: The compound, α-spinasterol, exhibited moderate anticholinesterase activity (IC50 value of 44.19±2.59 μg/mL which was significantly  different at (p < 0.05) when compared to the standard galanthamine (IC50 value of 1.73 ± 1.10 μg/mL). It also displayed a good α-glucosidase  inhibitory activity with IC``` value of 8.65 ± 1.71μg/mL which was not significantly different when compared to the standard, acarbose with IC50 value of 2.79±0.81 μg/mL. This compound, however, exhibited weak free radical scavenging activities at 26.93 ± 0.00 and 35.16 ±.0.26 % inhibition of DPPH+ and ABTS+ radicals as compared to ascorbic acid and Trolox (73.88 ± 0.04 and 99.82 ± 0.00%) respectively.Conclusion: The results show that α-spinasterol isolated from Acacia auriculiformis exerts potent inhibitory effect against cholinesterase enzyme which might serve as a lead in the search for drugs against Alzheimer disease and diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: Acacia auriculiformis, α-Spinasterol, Galanthamine, Acarbose, Trolox, Ascorbic acid
Effect of intrapleural injection of erythromycin on congenital refractory chylothorax in the newborn
Authors: Shi Yun , Zhang Ying
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect of intrapleural injection of erythromycin on congenital refractory chylothorax in the newborn, in order to provide a more efficient approach for its treatment.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with 13 cases of congenital chylothorax in newborns that received conventional treatment and intrapleural injection of erythromycin.Results: A total of 10 out of 13 child patients (76.9 %) received active treatment. Furthermore, the patients who received the intrapleural injection of erythromycin were administered the injection a total of 1 - 3 times (1.5 ± 0.6) on the average with the dose ranging from 80 – 210 mg (mean, 126.5 ± 32.7 mg). Thereafter, they received continuous drainage for 7 – 12 days (mean time, 10.2 d). Drainage volume ranged from 50 - 150ml (mean, 84.3 ± 35.2 mL). Patients that did not receive the erythromycin treatment received continuous drainage for 5 – 13 d (mean, 8.6 day), with the drainage volume ranging from 67 - 132 mL (mean, 92.3 ± 25.6 mL).Conclusion: Therefore, intrapleural injection of erythromycin has a certain therapeutic effect on congenital refractory chylothorax in the newborn.

Keywords: Erythromycin intrapleural injection, Congenital refractory chylothorax, Newborn
Development of memantine as a drug for Alzheimer’s disease: A review of preclinical and clinical studies
Authors: Althobaiti Yusuf S.
Published: January 2021

Excitotoxicity contributes to neuronal cell death due to overstimulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors by glutamate, which plays a significant role in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Studies have been conducted to identify a well-tolerated and selective NMDA receptor blocker in an effort to alleviate neurodegeneration. Memantine has been found to induce a distinct low-affinity NMDA receptor blockade in both preclinical and clinical studies Therefore, FDA approved this drug as a well-tolerated noncompetitive NMDA receptor blocker for treating moderate to severe cases of AD. Further, memantine showed neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies by selectively blocking excessive NMDA receptor activation. Altogether, this novel drug is well-tolerated and effective for treating moderate to severe AD in various clinical studies. This paper is a review of preclinical and clinical studies on the drug development process of memantine.

Keywords: Memantine, Excitotoxicity, N-methyl-D-aspartate, Glutamate, Alzheimer’s disease, neurodegeneration
LncRNA MALAT1: A potential therapeutic target in DSSinduced ulcerative colitis progression in vitro
Authors: Zhang Baoqin , Li Tiantian , Wang Chao , Han Jing , Wang Baiqing , Sun Guangbin
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Ulcerative colitis is a severe disease affecting human health worldwide. Studies have shown that lncRNA MALAT1 has a significant correlation with breast, pancreatic, colon and liver cancers, but its effects on colitis is yet to be discovered. In this study, the potential role of lncRNA MALAT1 and the underlying molecular mechanism in DSS-induced colitis were investigated in vitro.Methods: Colorectal mucosal cell line FHC was induced with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) to form an in vitro colitis model. Transfection procedure was employed to up- or down-regulate the expressions of lncRNA MALAT1 or miR-30c-5p in FHC cells. Cell viabilities were detected by CCK-8 assay. RT-qPCR was applied for evaluating gene expressions in normal FHC and DSS-induced FHC cell lines, while protein expression levels of target genes were examined by Western blot analysis. Starbase was used to predict the molecular interaction between MALAT1 and miR-30c-5p, while luciferase reporter assay was utilized to verify the binding sites between the two genes.Results: Expression of MALAT1 in the DSS-induced FHC cells was high with low cell viabilities, compared to the normal FHC cells. In the DSS-induced colitis-like FHC cells, overexpression of MALAT1 inhibited cell viabilities, while its downregulation promoted it. MiR-30c-5p directly targets MALAT1 and inhibited its expression in DSS-treated FHC cells. Upregulation of miR-30c-5p increased cell viabilities. Bcl-xL expression was inhibited by the up-regulation of MALAT1, while that of Bax was enhanced and the mimics of miR-30c-5p reversed these observations, suggesting that the enhancement of apoptosis promoted by oe-MALAT1 could be inhibited by miR-30c-5p. The interaction between MALAT1 and miR-30c-5p regulated NF-κB/TGF-β/Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway.Conclusion: Overexpression of MALAT1 led to inhibition of cell viability, while apoptosis and inflammation were promoted by targeting miR-30c-5p via NF-κB/TGF-β/Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway. These findings suggest MALAT1 as a therapeutic target for treating colitis.

Keywords: Colitis, MALAT1, miR-30c-5p, NF-κB/TGF-β/Wnt-β-catenin
Investigation of the antidepressant effects of Shu-Gan-Jie- Yu granule and its mechanism of action
Authors: Gao Li-shu , Wu Min , Gao Yue , Xu En-ping , Xie Jian
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To study the antidepressant effects of Shu-Gan-Jie-Yu granule (SJG) and its possible mechanisms in mice.Methods: The anti-depressive effects of SJG were evaluated by three techniques, viz, forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and open field test (OFT). The levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (NE), DA, and 5-HT in the brains of depressive mice were determined using commercially available kits. In addition, the effects of SJG on the BDNF expression in the mice brain were determined by western blot.Results: Administration of SJG significantly reduced the duration time of immobility in the experiments of FST and TST. In addition, relative to the control mice, SJG (800 mg/kg) administration significantly affected the mobility performance (p < 0.05) of mice. The levels of the three  neurotransmitters (DA, NE and 5-HT) and BDNF in the brains of depressive mice were increased by treatment with SJG at the doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg (p < 0.05). The results suggested that SJG exerted a significant antidepressant effect, which could be attributed to increases in the levels of neurotransmitters, and the up-regulation of BDNF expression.Conclusion: The results suggested that SJG exerted a significant antidepressant effect, most probably via regulation of related neurotransmitters (including DA, NE, and 5-HT) and BDNF in the brain.

Keywords: Shu-Gan-Jie-Yu granule, Antidepressant, dopamine, norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, brain-derived neurotrophic factor