bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Static Characteristics and Leakage Rates of Smooth Annular Seals Based on a New Solution Method for Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Conditions
Authors: Zhong Chao , Zhai Lulu , Guo Jia , Cui Baoling , Chen Guoyou
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes a new solution method for the leakage and static characteristics of smooth annular seal under a homogeneous gas-liquid two-phase flow based on a bulk-flow model. In this solution method, the Rayleigh–Plesset equation is introduced into the governing equations to describe the behavior of bubbles considering mixture compressibility. Detailed comparisons between Childs’ experimental leakage rates and predicted ones based on the proposed method are conducted, and the predicted results show good agreement with the experimental results, with a maximum error of 11.2%. Moreover, static characteristics of the seal, including leakage rates, gas volume fraction (GVF) distribution, pressure distribution, mixture density, and viscosity within the seals, are investigated based on the present method. The results show that as the inlet gas volume fraction increases from 0% to 10%, the local gas volume fraction of each axial position will increase, however, the seal leakage, mixture density, and mixture viscosity will decrease. Bubble radius has little effect on the leakage rates and the static characteristics of the seals. Additionally, comparisons between the characteristics of the model seals with different clearances show that the leakages of the seals with bigger clearance behave more sensitively to the inlet GVF changes.
The Known Unknowns of the Immune Response to Coccidioides
Authors: Ward Rebecca A. , Thompson George R. , Villani Alexandra-Chloé , Li Bo , Mansour Michael K. , Wuethrich Marcel , Tam Jenny M. , Klein Bruce S. , Vyas Jatin M.
Published: May 2021

Coccidioidomycosis, otherwise known as Valley Fever, is caused by the dimorphic fungi Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. While most clinical cases present with self-limiting pulmonary infection, dissemination of Coccidioides spp. results in prolonged treatment and portends higher mortality rates. While the structure, genome, and niches for Coccidioides have provided some insight into the pathogenesis of disease, the underlying immunological mechanisms of clearance or inability to contain the infection in the lung are poorly understood. This review focuses on the known innate and adaptive immune responses to Coccidioides and highlights three important areas of uncertainty and potential approaches to address them. Closing these gaps in knowledge may enable new preventative and therapeutic strategies to be pursued.
Probiotic Properties and Potentiality of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains for the Biological Control of Chalkbrood Disease
Authors: Iorizzo Massimo , Testa Bruno , Ganassi Sonia , Lombardi Silvia Jane , Ianiro Mario , Letizia Francesco , Succi Mariantonietta , Tremonte Patrizio , Vergalito Franca , Cozzolino Autilia , Sorrentino Elena , Petrarca Sonia , De Cristofaro Antonio , Coppola Raffaele
Published: May 2021

Ascosphaera apis is an entomopathogenic fungus that affects honeybees. In stressful conditions, this fungus (due not only to its presence, but also to the combination of other biotic and abiotic stressors) can cause chalkbrood disease. In recent years, there has been increasing attention paid towards the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the honeybees’ diets to improve their health, productivity and ability to resist infections by pathogenic microorganisms. The screening of 22 strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, isolated from the gastrointestinal tracts of honeybees and beebread, led to the selection of five strains possessing high antagonistic activity against A. apis. This study focused on the antifungal activity of these five strains against A. apis DSM 3116 and DSM 3117 using different matrices: cell lysate, broth culture, cell-free supernatant and cell pellet. In addition, some functional properties and the antioxidant activity of the five L. plantarum strains were evaluated. All five strains exhibited high antagonistic activity against A. apis, good surface cellular properties (extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production and biofilm formation) and antioxidant activity. Although preliminary, these results are encouraging, and in future investigations, the effectiveness of these bacteria as probiotics in honeybee nutrition will be tested in vivo in the context of an eco-friendly strategy for the biological control of chalkbrood disease.
Current Status and Prospects of Immunotherapy for Gynecologic Melanoma
Authors: Anko Mayuka , Kobayashi Yusuke , Banno Kouji , Aoki Daisuke
Published: May 2021

Gynecologic melanomas are rare and have a poor prognosis. Although immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors) and targeted therapy has greatly improved the systemic treatment of cutaneous melanoma (CM) in recent years, its efficacy in gynecologic melanomas remains uncertain because of the rarity of this malignancy and its scarce literature. This review aimed to evaluate the literature of gynecologic melanomas treated with immunotherapy and targeted therapy through a PubMed search. We identified one study focusing on the overall survival of gynecologic melanomas separately and five case series and nine case reports concentrating on gynecologic melanomas treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor and/or targeted therapy. Furthermore, the KIT mutation has the highest rate among all mutations in mucosal melanoma types. The KIT inhibitors (Tyrosine kinase inhibitors: TKIs) imatinib and nilotinib could be the treatment options. Moreover, immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with KIT inhibitors may potentially treat cases of resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, because of the different conditions and a small number of cases, it is difficult to evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapy and targeted therapy for gynecologic melanoma rigorously at this time. Further prospective cohort or randomized trials of gynecologic melanoma alone are needed to assess the treatment with solid evidence.
Establishment of the Baseline for the IWRM in the Ecuadorian Andean Basins: Land Use Change, Water Recharge, Meteorological Forecast and Hydrological Modeling
Authors: Mera-Parra Christian , Oñate-Valdivieso Fernando , Massa-Sánchez Priscilla , Ochoa-Cueva Pablo
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted in the Zamora Huayco (ZH) river basin, located in the inter-Andean region of southern Ecuador. The objective was to describe, through land use/land cover change (LUCC), the natural physical processes under current conditions and to project them to 2029. Moreover, temperature and precipitation forecasts were estimated to detail possible effects of climate change. Using remote sensing techniques, satellite images were processed to prepare a projection to 2029. Water recharge was estimated considering the effects of slope, groundcover, and soil texture. Flash floods were estimated using lumped models, concatenating the information to HEC RAS. Water availability was estimated with a semi-distributed hydrological model (SWAT). Precipitation and temperature data were forecasted using autoregressive and exponential smoothing models. Under the forecast, forest and shrub covers show a growth of 6.6%, water recharge projects an increase of 7.16%. Flood flows suffer a reduction of up to 16.54%, and the flow regime with a 90% of probability of exceedance is 1.85% (7.72 l/s) higher for 2029 than for the 2019 scenario, so an improvement in flow regulation is evident. Forecasts show an increase in average temperature of 0.11 °C and 15.63% in extreme rainfall by 2029. Therefore, intervention strategies in Andean basins should be supported by prospective studies that use these key variables of the system for an integrated management of water resources.
Mediated Visibility and Public Environmental Litigation: The Interplay between Inside and Outside Court during Environmental Conflict in Australia
Authors: Nixon Cynthia , Konkes Claire , Lester Libby , Williams Kathleen
Published: May 2021

Conflicts over environmental sustainability are increasingly being fought in court, such as the use of Public Environmental Litigation (PEL) to challenge developments impacting the environment in Australia and elsewhere. News media coverage of PEL introduces legal actors to the dynamics of mediatized environmental conflict, which provides a platform for conflict actors to gain mediated visibility for their cause to influence public debate. When legal opportunities, such as PEL, are used as a campaign tactic, the dynamics of contest are exposed and, while courts have some power over legal actors, parties seek news media to favorably translate legal outcomes to the public. This article explores the nexus of PEL, news media, and communication strategies to find greater understanding of who gains from the mediated visibility that occurs when transnational environmental campaigns take their claims to court. Using content analysis and discourse analysis of news texts and semi-structured interviews relating to eight PEL cases instigated to stop the Adani Carmichael coal megamine in Australia, we seek better understanding of the mechanisms at play when PEL campaigns appear in news media, and find that the dominance of outside court sources in news coverage not only privilege the political aspects of PEL over the legal, but highlights how strategic litigation, such as PEL, can be used to influence public opinion and, therefore, a political response, regarding environmental conflict.
Probing Dense QCD Matter: Muon Measurements with the CBM Experiment at FAIR
Authors: Senger Anna , Senger Peter
Published: May 2021

The Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment at the future Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) in Darmstadt is designed to investigate the properties of high-density QCD matter with multi-differential measurements of hadrons and leptons, including rare probes such as multi-strange anti-hyperons and charmed particles. The research program covers the study of the high-density equation-of-state of nuclear matter and the exploration of the QCD phase diagram at large baryon chemical potentials, including the search for quark matter and the critical endpoint of a hypothetical 1st order phase transition. The CBM setup comprises detector systems for the identification of charged hadrons, electrons, and muons; for the determination of collision centrality and the orientation of the reaction plane; and a free-streaming data read-out and acquisition system, which allows online reconstruction and selection of events up to reaction rates of 10 MHz. In this article, emphasis is placed on the measurement of muon pairs in Au-Au collisions at FAIR beam energies, which are unique probes used to determine the temperature of the fireball, and hence to search for a caloric curve of QCD matter. Simultaneously, the subthreshold production of charmonium can be studied via its dimuon decay in order to shed light on the microscopic structure of QCD matter at high baryon densities. The CBM setup with focus on dimuon measurements and the results of the corresponding physics performance studies will be presented.
Implicit Interpretation of Indonesian Export Bans on LME Nickel Prices: Evidence from the Announcement Effect
Authors: Lim Byungkwon , Kim Hyeon Sook , Park Jaehwan
Published: May 2021

Forecasting of LME (London Metal Exchange) nickel prices remains an interesting topic but lacks consensus. This study aims to fill knowledge gaps by demonstrating the announcement effect of export bans by the Indonesian government. This article focuses on Indonesia because Indonesia produces more than 60% of global nickel ore. We identified the sequence of two episodes in which Indonesian export bans of nickel ore appeared to increase LME nickel prices. The impact of the Indonesian export ban in 2014 is somewhat larger than that of 2019. The shock on the LME nickel market in 2014 was sustained for a while after the ban was implemented. We believe that this is the first export ban that has had unexpected effects within the market.
Fabrication, Characterization and Performance of Low Power Gas Sensors Based on (GaxIn1-x)2O3 Nanowires
Authors: López-Aymerich Elena , Domènech-Gil Guillem , Moreno Mauricio , Pellegrino Paolo , Romano-Rodriguez Albert
Published: May 2021

Active research in nanostructured materials aims to explore new paths for improving electronic device characteristics. In the field of gas sensors, those based on metal oxide single nanowires exhibit excellent sensitivity and can operate at extremely low power consumption, making them a highly promising candidate for a novel generation of portable devices. The mix of two different metal oxides on the same nanowire can further broaden the response of this kind of gas sensor, thus widening the range of detectable gases, without compromising the properties related to the active region miniaturization. In this paper, a first study on the synthesis, characterization and gas sensing performance of (GaxIn1-x)2O3 nanowires (NWs) is reported. Carbothermal metal-assisted chemical vapor deposition was carried out with different mixtures of Ga2O3, In2O3 and graphite powders. Structural characterization of the NWs revealed that they have a crystalline structure close to that of In2O3 nanowires, with a small amount of Ga incorporation, which highly depends on the mass ratio between the two precursors. Dedicated gas nanosensors based on single NWs were fabricated and tested for both ethanol and nitrogen dioxide, demonstrating an improved performance compared to similar devices based on pure In2O3 or Ga2O3 NWs.
Digital Twin for Automatic Transportation in Industry 4.0
Authors: Martínez-Gutiérrez Alberto , Díez-González Javier , Ferrero-Guillén Rubén , Verde Paula , Álvarez Rubén , Perez Hilde
Published: May 2021

Industry 4.0 is the fourth industrial revolution consisting of the digitalization of processes facilitating an incremental value chain. Smart Manufacturing (SM) is one of the branches of the Industry 4.0 regarding logistics, visual inspection of pieces, optimal organization of processes, machine sensorization, real-time data adquisition and treatment and virtualization of industrial activities. Among these tecniques, Digital Twin (DT) is attracting the research interest of the scientific community in the last few years due to the cost reduction through the simulation of the dynamic behaviour of the industrial plant predicting potential problems in the SM paradigm. In this paper, we propose a new DT design concept based on external service for the transportation of the Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) which are being recently introduced for the Material Requirement Planning satisfaction in the collaborative industrial plant. We have performed real experimentation in two different scenarios through the definition of an Industrial Ethernet platform for the real validation of the DT results obtained. Results show the correlation between the virtual and real experiments carried out in the two scenarios defined in this paper with an accuracy of 97.95% and 98.82% in the total time of the missions analysed in the DT. Therefore, these results validate the model created for the AGV navigation, thus fulfilling the objectives of this paper.
Do Athletes Have More of a Cognitive Profile with ADHD Criteria than Non-Athletes?
Authors: Ekman Elizabeth , Hiltunen Arto , Gustafsson Henrik
Published: May 2021

The current study investigates the possibility that athletes have more parallel ADHD symptoms than non-athletes. High-level youth sport athletes were compared with non-athletes in leisure time (i.e., sport) and in the school in ADHD symptoms. Athletes and students were evaluated by a trained psychotherapist using Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) on activities at school and during activities in leisure/sports time. They also filled in the Autism Spectrum Questionnaire (AQ) as a self-report assessment. Results showed significant differences in ASRS-scores for athletes in school and in their sport, with high scores in school and low scores in sport. No differences were found in AQ between the groups. The findings indicate that many athletes might display a cognitive profile of parallel of ADHD criteria. Future research needs to further investigate potential benefits of the cognitive profile in athletes and how they handle different contexts including sport and school settings.
Gamma Rays as Probes of Cosmic-Ray Propagation and Interactions in Galaxies
Authors: Tibaldo Luigi , Gaggero Daniele , Martin Pierrick
Published: May 2021

Continuum gamma-ray emission produced by interactions of cosmic rays with interstellar matter and radiation fields is a probe of non-thermal particle populations in galaxies. After decades of continuous improvements in experimental techniques and an ever-increasing sky and energy coverage, gamma-ray observations reveal in unprecedented detail the properties of galactic cosmic rays. A variety of scales and environments are now accessible to us, from the local interstellar medium near the Sun and the vicinity of cosmic-ray accelerators, out to the Milky Way at large and beyond, with a growing number of gamma-ray emitting star-forming galaxies. Gamma-ray observations have been pushing forward our understanding of the life cycle of cosmic rays in galaxies and, combined with advances in related domains, they have been challenging standard assumptions in the field and have spurred new developments in modelling approaches and data analysis methods. We provide a review of the status of the subject and discuss perspectives on future progress.
Virtual Reality Visual Training in an Adult Patient with Anisometropic Amblyopia: Visual and Functional Magnetic Resonance Outcomes
Authors: Halicka Juraj , Bittsansky Michal , Sivak Stefan , Piñero David P. , Ziak Peter
Published: May 2021

A case of an adult with anisometropic amblyopia who underwent a successful vision therapy program playing videogames in a virtual reality environment is described, reporting changes in conventional visual clinical data, as well as in brain activity. The patient was a 22 year old man on baseline examination that never previously wore correction for his anisometropia. After prescribing contact lens correction for the anisometropia and after 44 h of virtual reality-based vision therapy over a period of 1.5 years, the best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) in the amblyopic eye improved from 0.05 to 0.5 (Sloan chart). One year after finishing the visual training, the BCDVA experienced a slight decrease to 0.4 (Sloan chart). Through the visual training, the patient gradually developed stereopsis. Likewise, changes were also detected after visual therapy on functional magnetic resonance imaging while the patient was viewing 2D and 3D stimuli. The preliminary results of this case show the potential of using virtual reality-based visual training as a treatment for adult amblyopia.
Classification of seed members of five riboswitch families as short sequences based on the features extracted by Block Location-Based Feature Extraction (BLBFE) method
Authors: Golabi Faegheh , Mehdizadeh Aghdam Elnaz , Shamsi Mousa , Sedaaghi Mohammad Hossein , Barzegar Abolfazl , Hejazi Mohammad Saeid
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Riboswitches are short regulatory elements generally found in the untranslated regions of prokaryotes’ mRNAs and classified into several families. Due to the binding possibility between riboswitches and antibiotics, their usage as engineered regulatory elements and also their evolutionary contribution, the need for bioinformatics tools of riboswitch detection is increasing. We have previously introduced an alignment independent algorithm for the identification of frequent sequential blocks in the families of riboswitches. Herein, we report the application of block location-based feature extraction strategy (BLBFE), which uses the locations of detected blocks on riboswitch sequences as features for classification of seed sequences. Besides, mono- and dinucleotide frequencies, k-mer, DAC, DCC, DACC, PC-PseDNC-General and SC-PseDNC-General methods as some feature extraction strategies were investigated. Methods: The classifiers of the Decision tree, KNN, LDA, and Naïve Bayes, as well as k-fold cross-validation, were employed for all methods of feature extraction to compare their performances based on the criteria of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and f-score performance measures. Results: The outcome of the study showed that the BLBFE strategy classified the riboswitches indicating 87.65% average correct classification rate (CCR). Moreover, the performance of the proposed feature extraction method was confirmed with average values of 94.31%, 85.01%, 95.45% and 85.38% for accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and f-score, respectively. Conclusion: Our result approved the performance of the BLBFE strategy in the classification and discrimination of the riboswitch groups showing remarkable higher values of CCR, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and f-score relative to previously studied feature extraction methods.
Red cell alloantibodies in beta-thalassaemia major patients’ blood referring to the regional blood transfusion center of Tehran, Iran
Authors: Ebrahimisadr Parisa , Bakhshandeh Zahra , Majidiani Hamidreza
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Thalassemia is associated with a genetic decline in the rate of synthesis of one or more types of natural hemoglobin polypeptide chains. One of the major complications in thalassemia patients is alloimmunization, which is antibody production by the patient against transfused red blood cells (RBCs). These RBCs are unknown by the recipient and the formed antibodies against them are called alloantibodies. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of alloantibodies against RBCs in beta-thalassemia patients referred to Tehran Regional Blood Transfusion Center. Methods: In this study, antibody screening tests (Dia-cell I, II, and III) were performed on 184 thalassemia patients. An identification test by the Dia panel consisting of 11 different O RBCs groups to examine sera with Dia cells (I, II, or III) was performed. Results: In our study, males and females patients comprised 66 (35.87%) and 118 (64.13%), respectively, of whom 116 (63%) had alloimmunization. In addition, 68 thalassemia subjects (37%) lacked alloantibodies. Among 184 patients with beta-thalassemia major, anti-K (Kell system), anti-D, and anti-E (Rhesus system) had the most abundant alloantibody variants with an incidence of 24 (13%), 11 (5.98%), and 10 (5.4%), respectively. Conclusion: Before RBC transfusion, regular RBC antigen phenotypes, as well as problem-solving of alloantibody production by receiving compatible blood for Kell and RH subgroups, are suggested for all cases of transfusion-derived thalassemia.
Metabolomic characterization of colorectal cancer cell lines highlighting stage-specific alterations during cancer progression
Authors: Yusof Hazwani Mohd , Ab-Rahim Sharaniza , Wan Ngah Wan Zurinah , Nathan Sheila , A Jamal A Rahman , Mazlan Musalmah
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Metabolomic studies on various colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines have improved our understanding of the biochemical events underlying the disease. However, the metabolic profile dynamics associated with different stages of CRC progression is still lacking. Such information can provide further insights into the pathophysiology and progression of the disease that will prove useful in identifying specific targets for drug designing and therapeutics. Thus, our study aims to characterize the metabolite profiles in the established cell lines corresponding to different stages of CRC. Methods: Metabolite profiling of normal colon cell lines (CCD 841 CoN) and CRC cell lines corresponding to different stages, i.e., SW 1116 (stage A), HT 29 and SW 480 (stage B), HCT 15 and DLD-1 (stage C), and HCT 116 (stage D), was carried out using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Mass Profiler Professional and Metaboanalyst 4.0 software were used for statistical and pathway analysis. METLIN database was used for the identification of metabolites. Results: We identified 72 differential metabolites compared between CRC cell lines of all the stages and normal colon cells. Principle component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis score plot were used to segregate normal and CRC cells, as well as CRC cells in different stages of the disease. Variable importance in projection score identified unique differential metabolites in CRC cells of the different stages. We identified 7 differential metabolites unique to stage A, 3 in stage B, 5 in stage C, and 5 in stage D. Conclusion: This study highlights the differential metabolite profiling in CRC cell lines corresponding to different stages. The identification of the differential metabolites in CRC cells at individual stages will lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of CRC development and progression and, hence, its application in treatment strategies.
Identifying Effective Strategies for More Delegation of Authority to Managers: A Case Study
Authors: Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Nazari Maryam , Mounesan Leila , Rajabi Fatemeh , Ghadirian Laleh
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives: It is difficult to run current organizations without delegating some of the authority to management levels. Despite the importance of delegating authority to managers, this seems to have been neglected in organizations. The aim of this study was to identify effective strategies for delegation of authority in Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted in 2019 in two stages. In the first stage, existing strategies to increase the willingness of managers to delegate authority were extracted through a review study. In the second stage, by conducting 18 semi-structured face-to-face interviews and holding a focused group meeting, effective and appropriate solutions were identified to increase the desire of managers to delegate authority at the university from the perspective of stakeholders. At this stage, data were analyzed by thematic analysis method by 2 people. Results: The review of studies showed two groups of strategies at the organizational and individual levels to increase the willingness of managers to delegate authority. The effect of implementing the solutions has not been fully investigated in previous studies. In the analysis of qualitative findings, three themes (including the importance of delegation at the university management levels, barriers to delegation at university and effective strategies for delegation to administrators at the university) and four sub-themes (including clarification of the delegation process, teaching how to delegate, establishing methods Correct monitoring and evaluation and the use of motivational methods appropriate to the performance of managers) were identified. Conclusion: with regard to the most important barrier to delegation at the managerial level is process-related, it is suggested that the training method and process of performance appraisal and organizational reward be reviewed to increase skills and motivate further delegation. So that, measure the effectiveness and implementation considerations, it is recommended to conduct further studies on the effective implementation of strategies and to monitor and evaluate the effects of the implementation of strategies.
Challenges and Obstacles to Clinical Guidelines from the Perspectives of Urology Residents: A Qualitative Study
Authors: jannati ali , hajebrahimi sakineh , azizzadeh mina
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives: Clinicians rely on clinical guidelines for decision making. Carefully formulated clinical guidelines are the result of a combination of relevant researches that links evidence to clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine the barriers to the use of clinical guidelines from viewpoints of residents. Material and Methods: This study is a qualitative phenomenological study that examines the experiences of the residents of Urology Department of Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz City of Iran. The sampling method was purposive. Qualitative content analysis used to analyze this study. To validate the results, the interviews were repeatedly read and the opinions of colleagues were regularly used. External monitoring was used to increase its reliability. Results: 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with the urology residents of Imam Reza Hospital. The results showed that the challenges and barriers to the implementation of clinical guidelines were classified into three main themes: 1. Structural challenges: doctors' distrust of clinical guidelines, Illegitimacy and lack of local clinical guidelines. 2. Executive challenges: routine processes, Lack of agreeable atmosphere, resistance to change among physicians and high number of patients and lack of facilities. 3. Educational challenges: lack of residency time and lack of practical educational structure for students. Conclusion: Given the importance of proper implementation of clinical guidelines as a link to up-to-date knowledge and practice and given the existing structural, executive and educational problems, obstacles and challenges, it is hoped that researchers, managers, policymakers and Patients should take steps to remove barriers to the proper implementation of clinical guidelines and provide high quality services to patients.
Drug Distribution System in Iran: A Multi Method Study of Defects and Solutions
Authors: Sepahi Tahereh , Shahbazi Meisam , Shafiei Roudposhti Maysam
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives: The drug distribution network is one of the most important pillars of the Iranian pharmaceutical system which plays a vital role in rapid and easy access to drugs. The purpose of this article is to evaluate drug distribution system in Iran and also to provide the suggestions for improvement. Material and Methods: In terms of purpose, the present study is among the applied researches and in terms of data collection method, it is a multi-method study that has used a quantitative and qualitative approach. Data collection tools were structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews and also data evaluation was performed by thematic analysis. The study population includes pharmaceutical industry activists. To select the sample among industry players, snowball sampling method was used. Initially, existing drug distribution system was documented, current potentialities and flows in the network were identified and they were drawn by Bizagi Modeler. Then, distribution network evaluation indicators were extracted from relevant literature. Also, status of these indicators was evaluated by using a questionnaire. By using factor relationship technique (FARE), the priorities of these indicators were determined. Finally, existing bottlenecks were diagnosed by thematic analysis. Ultimately, guidelines to tackle such bottlenecks were provided. Results: In this study, 11 complications were identified for the drug distribution network. Drug unavailability or shortage, supply of near-expiration drugs, supply of counterfeit drugs, improper sale of over-the-counter drugs, black market activity and drug trafficking, sharp price fluctuations, insufficient interaction with consumption pharmacist, high distribution costs, low distribution network performance in emergency deliveries, long time to search and find drugs (in case of certain drugs) and low quality of response and consumer complaints seem to be some of the complications identified in this study. Conclusion: Investments on measuring patients' needs correctly, supporting drug retailing competitive brands development, improving drug distribution system information comprehensive system throughout the country within needs measurement loops, network inventory, production and importation, improving the utilization of modern tools and technologies such as internet–based sales, seller-free shops, establishing electronic files for patients and similar ones, utilizing direct sale methods and fostering the roles of potentialities such as insurance in planning, decision making and monitoring drug distribution system countrywide are some of the solutions obtained from this research that are used to improve the drug distribution system in the country.
While flattening the curve and raising the line, Africa should not forget street vending practices
Authors: Ogunkola Isaac Olushola , Imo Uchenna Frank , Obia Hope Jonah , Okolie Elvis Anyaehiechukwu , Lucero-Prisno III Don Eliseo
Published: May 2021

Street vending practices are common in Africa and cater to a large portion of the continent’s population. Since the identification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Africa, various governments have implemented measures to control the spread of infection. These measures may have an adverse effect on street vending practices. This paper demonstrates the extent to which COVID-19 measures of control and prevention affects street vending practices in Africa and how it can be remedied. There has been reduced economic growth and increased hunger among individuals involved in street vending practices due to the prohibitions put in place by governments. Measures directed at curbing the spread of the virus inadvertently affect street vending practices and vendors. Current and future pandemic response plans should reflect the integration of measures directed at reducing potential hardship and a further economic set back for individuals involved in street vending practices.
Examining associations between smartphone use, smartphone addiction, and mental health outcomes: A cross-sectional study of college students
Authors: Kil Namyun , Kim Junhyoung , McDaniel Justin T. , Kim Jun , Kensinger Kari
Published: May 2021

Background: Prior studies have indicated the complex relationships of smartphone use and smartphone addiction with mental health and life satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the structural relationships among smartphone use, smartphone addiction, mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress [DAS] and satisfaction with life [SWL]). Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected by convenience sampling via an online survey of undergraduate students at a Midwestern university in the United States. The sample size of601 collected from undergraduate students that owned a smartphone and completed responses to the variables was utilized in this study. We assessed the hypothesized variables, including smartphone use, smartphone addiction, and mental health outcomes variables on a Likert-type scale. Structural analysis was used to examine the relationships. Results: Results suggested that smartphone use had a significant negative association with DAS symptoms (β = -.31, t = -3.81, P < .001) and was positively associated with SWL (β =.25, t = 3.41, P < .001). However, smartphone use had a significant positive relationship with smartphone addiction (β = .48, t = 5.51, P < .001). Smartphone addiction was positively related to DAS (β = .44, t = 6.33, P < .001), but it was not related to SWL (β = -.08, t = -1.26, P > .05). Conclusion: This study enhances our understanding of the associations between smartphone use and the health and well-being of undergraduate students. Implications for supporting their psychological health are discussed.
Assessing the adherence to treatment among patients with cardiovascular diseases in Kermanshah, Iran
Authors: Janjani Parisa , Majzoobi Mohammad Reza , Sanjabi Amir , Movahed Mojtaba , Rai Alireza , Momeni Khodamorad , Heidari Moghadam Reza , Rouzbahani Mohammed , Saidi Mhammadreza , Salehi Nahid
Published: May 2021

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the psychological determinants of adherence to treatment among patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) referring to Imam Ali Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 227 patients (mean age=58.10, SD = 13.44) with CVDs, randomly selected amongst those admitted to Imam Ali cardiovascular center of Kermanshah in 2018. Data were collected through Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), the Jefferson Scale of Patient’s Perceptions of Physician Empathy (JSPPPE), the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ), and Adherence to Treatment Questionnaire. The relationships between the criterion and predictor variables were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression (stepwise method) in IBM SPSS Statistics-23. Results: The adherence to treatment was associated with meaning in life (r=0.367), patients’ perceptions of physician empathy (r=0.218), and illness perception (r=-0.238), at the 0.01 level. Meaning in life, patient’s perceptions of physician empathy, and illness perception explained 18.6% of the variance in adherence to treatment. Meaning in life (beta=0.367 and P≤0.001) was the most influential predictor of adherence to treatment. Additionally, there was a significant difference in the score of adherence to treatment by gender (23.46±4.42 for female vs. 24.77±3.53 for male, P = 0.030). Conclusion: The patients’ perceptions of physician empathy, meaning in life, and illness perception were important factors to predict adherence to treatment in patients with CVDs. Gender was a significant predictor of the adherence to treatment.
Health Literacy in Multiple Sclerosis patients: A Concept Analysis Using the Evolutionary Method
Authors: Dehghani Ali
Published: May 2021

Abstract Introduction:Health literacy is one of the effective factors in health promotion of chronic patients. However, little attention has been paid to it; no exact and clear definition of health literacy has ever been accessible in chronic diseases. This study was conducted with aim of defining and clarifying attributes, antecedents, and consequences of health literacy in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: Rodgers’ evolutionary method of concept analysis was used to clarify the concept of health literacy in MS patients. A literature review was conducted with key terms "multiple sclerosis", "health literacy", "information literacy", "functional health", "health education", "health promotion" and "health behavior". Eight hundred and sixty papers for the period 1980– 2019 were found and finally 23 articles and texts were selected for the analysis. Data analysis was carried out using a thematic analysis. Results: Health literacy in MS patients is a multidimensional concept with forth attributes: health information evaluation, understand disease and its related issues, reading skills and capacity to use knowledge. Ability to read and comprehend, interacting with health personnel, and interacting with peers as an antecedents and improved self-care, health promotion, medication adherence, and decreased use of health care services to be the consequences of these attributes were found. Conclusion: The findings can add knowledge about the concept of health literacy in MS patients. Also, health care professionals can use a deeper understanding of the concept of health literacy in providing care plan for MS patients.
Prevalence and predictors of slow coronary flow phenomenon in Kermanshah province
Authors: Rouzbahani Mohammad , Farajolahi Saeid , Montazeri Nafiseh , Janjani Parisa , Salehi Nahid , Rai Alireza , Heidari Moghadam Reza , Naderipour Arsalan , Kanjorpor Asal , Javadirad Etrat , Azimivghar Javad
Published: May 2021

Introduction: This study was conducted to investigate prevalence and predictors of slow coronary flow phenomenon (SCF) phenomenon. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at Imam Ali Cardiovascular Hospital affiliated with the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah province, Iran. From March 2017 to March 2019, all the patients who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled in this study. Data were obtained using a checklist developed based on the study’s aims. Independent samples t tests and chi- square test (or Fisher exact test) were used to assess the differences between subgroups. Multiple logistic regression model was applied to evaluate independent predictors of SCF phenomenon. Results: In this study, 172 (1.43%) patients with SCF phenomenon were identified. Patients with SCF were more likely to be obese (27.58±3.28 vs. 24.12±3.26, P<0.001), hyperlipidemic (44.2 vs. 31.7, P<0.001), hypertensive (53.5 vs. 39.1, P<0.001), and smoker (37.2 vs. 27.2, P=0.006). Mean ejection fraction (EF) (51.91±6.33 vs. 55.15±9.64, P<0.001) was significantly lower in the patients with SCF compared to the healthy controls with normal epicardial coronary arteries. Mean level of serum triglycerides (162.26±45.94 vs. 145.29±35.62, P<0.001) was significantly higher in the patients with SCF. Left anterior descending artery was the most common involved coronary artery (n = 159, 92.4%), followed by left circumflex artery (n = 50, 29.1%) and right coronary artery (n = 47, 27.4%). Body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.04-2.15, P<0.001) and hypertension (OR 1.59, CI 1.30-5.67, P=0.003) were independent predictors of SCF phenomenon. Conclusion: The prevalence of SCF in our study was not different from the most other previous reports. BMI and hypertension independently predicted the presence of SCF phenomenon.
Hereditary thrombophilia and thrombosis of tunneled hemodialysis catheters: A single center study
Authors: Kakaei Farzad , Mirabolfathi Saba , Yavari Negin , Ardalan Mohammad Reza , Mozafar Mehrdad , Zarrintan Sina
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Vascular access thrombosis increases the risk of mortality and morbidity in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis (HD). This study aimed to evaluate hereditary thrombophilia factors in HD patients and its association with tunneled cuffed catheters’ thrombosis. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 consecutive patients with ESRD on HD with tunneled cuffed catheters were selected. Inherited thrombophilia factors (Anti-thrombin III, Protein C, Protein S, and Factor V Leiden) were measured and the patients were followed for 3 months to evaluate the incidence of catheter-related thrombosis. The association between these factors and catheter thrombosis was assessed. Results: The mean age of patients was 60.30 ± 8.69 years. Forty-seven patients (78.30%) were female and thirteen patients (21.70%) were male. The most common cause of ESRD was diabetes mellitus (41.67%). The most catheter site was the right internal jugular vein (55%). There were 22 (36.67%) and 8 (13.33%) cases of thrombosis and mortality, respectively. The association between hereditary thrombophilia factors and catheter thrombosis was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: In this small group of our patients, the frequency of hereditary thrombophilia was not significantly different between those with and without thrombosis of tunneled HD catheter.
Is there any association between contrast-induced nephropathy and serum uric acid levels?
Authors: Mirbolouk Fardin , Arami Samira , Gholipour Mahboobe , Khalili Yasaman , Modallalkar Seyedeh Shiva , Naghshbandi Mona
Published: May 2021

Introduction: During the recent years, several studies have investigated that hyperuricemia is associated with greater incidence of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN). Most of them are in acute conditions like primary percutaneous coronary interventions. This study aimed to assess the relationship between high serum uric acid and incidence of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing elective angiography and angioplasty. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 211 patients who were admitted to hospital for elective coronary angiography or angioplasty. The researchers measured serum creatinine and uric acid on admission and repeated creatinine measurement in 48 hours and seven days after the procedure. According to serum uric acid, the patients were divided into two groups; group 1 with normal uric acid and group 2 with hyperuricemia which was defined as uric acid more than 6 mg/dL in women and 7 mg/dL in men. CIN is defined as an increased creatinine level of more than 0.5 mg/dL or 25% from the baseline in 48 hours after the intervention. Results: In total, 211 patients with mean age of 60.58 years were enrolled in the study. Of these, 87 (41.2%) patients were in the high uric acid group and 124 (58.8%) were in the normal uric acid group. CIN was occurred in 16 patients (7.5%). Seven out of 16 (8.04%) were in the high uric acid and nine (7.2%) were in the normal uric acid group. There were no significant differences between the two groups (P =0.831). Conclusion: The frequency of CIN development was not different in the patients with hyperuricemia.
Dental hypersensitivity in individuals with cleft lip and palate: Origin and therapies
Authors: Siqueira Viviane Da Silva , Castillo Aury Elianny Sanchez , Mateo-Castillo Jose Francisco , Pinto Lidiane De Castro , Garib Daniela , Pinheiro Cláudia Ramos
Published: May 2021

Background. Dental hypersensitivity is due to the exposure of the dentin layer after wear of enamel or cementum, exposing the dentinal tubules and the nerve endings of odontoblasts within these tubules. The present study aimed to assess the factors related to dental hypersensitivity in individuals with cleft lip and palate and the most common therapy received. Methods. The medical records of 536 patients with cleft lip and/or palate (281 males, 255 females) with a mean age of 18 were analyzed in a single center. The inclusion criterion was patients reporting dental hypersensitivity from May 2015 to October 2019. The origin of dental hypersensitivity was evaluated considering orthodontic movement, periodontal diseases, and reversible and irreversible pulpitis. The therapy indicated by the dental professionals for dental hypersensitivity were recorded. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results. Of 61 teeth with dental hypersensitivity, 10 were attributed to orthodontic movement, 21 to periodontal problems, 27 to reversible pulpitis, and three to irreversible pulpitis. The most used therapies were the application of fluoride varnish and prophylaxis, dentifrice indication for dental sensitivity, free gingival grafts, pulpectomy, desensitizing agent application, conservative endodontic treatment (direct pulp protection), and restoration of non-carious cervical lesions. Conclusion. Reversible pulpitis was the most prevalent etiologic factor of dental hypersensitivity in individuals with cleft lip and palate. Dentifrices for dental sensitivity and fluoride varnish application were frequently recommended.
Comparison of Brucellacapture and Coombs wright and Wright in the diagnosis of Brucellosis
Authors: Haghdoost Mehdi , Ansari Lily , Owaysee Osquee Hamid
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Rapid and accurate diagnosis of the disease can have many effects on the healing and recovery of patients, so we decided to investigate the accuracy of Brucella capture diagnosis with Coombs-Wright in patients with brucellosis. Materials and Methods: The present study was descriptive and on patients who were referred to clinics with symptoms of brucellosis. Blood samples were taken from all patients. Patient information including age, sex, response to Coombs, Coombs Wright, and Brucella capture tests, as well as patient response to treatment, were entered into a pre-prepared checklist. After obtaining laboratory tests for serological tests, patients were finally included in all patient information, including demographic information, laboratory tests, and analyzed by SPSS v16. Results: This study was performed on 91 patients with brucellosis with a mean age of 34.6 years and 75.8% male. In this study, 84.6% of patients showed a positive Coombs test and 26.4% of patients showed a titer of 1.80. 85.7% of the patients showed positive Coombs Wright test and 29.7% of the patients had a titer of 160.1. In the study of Brucella capture tests in patients, 98.9% of patients showed a positive test, of which 34.1% had a titer of 1.60% of the test. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the Brucella capture test is a powerful test for the diagnosis of brucellosis, and in the same condition, patients are more likely to be diagnosed with two Wright and Coombs-Wright tests.