bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Former Inpatient Psychiatric Patients' Past Experiences With Traditional Frontline Staff and Their Thoughts on the Benefits of Peers as Part of Frontline Staff
Authors: Shields Morgan C. , Trinh Nhi-Ha T. , Borba Christina P. C. , Chen Ruijia , Reddy Abhinav K. , Singer Sara J.
Published: September 2021

Little is known about how integrating peers into frontline staff might improve the quality of inpatient psychiatric care. In the current study, we interviewed 18 former adult patients of inpatient psychiatric facilities using semi-structured interviews. We first asked about positive and negative past experiences with traditional staff. We then asked participants to share their opinions on the potential benefits of peers as part of frontline staff. We identified themes through a joint inductive and deductive approach. Participants reported past positive experiences with traditional staff as being (a) personable and caring, (b) validating feelings and experiences, (c) de-escalating, and (d) providing agency. Past negative experiences included (a) not sharing information, (b) being inattentive, (c) not providing agency, (d) being dehumanizing/disrespectful, (e) incompetency, (f) escalating situations, and (g) being apathetic. Participants believed that peers as part of frontline staff could champion emotional needs in humanizing and nonjudgmental ways, help navigate the system, and disrupt power imbalances between staff and patients. Further research is needed to understand financial, organizational, and cultural barriers to integrating peers into frontline staff. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60
(3), 15–22.]
Weighted area constraints-based breast lesion segmentation in ultrasound image analysis
Authors: Ma Qianting , Zeng Tieyong , Kong Dexing , Zhang Jianwei
Published: September 2021

Breast ultrasound segmentation is a challenging task in practice due to speckle noise, low contrast and blurry boundaries. Although numerous methods have been developed to solve this problem, most of them can not produce a satisfying result due to uncertainty of the segmented region without specialized domain knowledge. In this paper, we propose a novel breast ultrasound image segmentation method that incorporates weighted area constraints using level set representations. Specifically, we first use speckle reducing anisotropic diffusion filter to suppress speckle noise, and apply the Grabcut on them to provide an initial segmentation result. In order to refine the resulting image mask, we propose a weighted area constraints-based level set formulation (WACLSF) to extract a more accurate tumor boundary. The major contribution of this paper is the introduction of a simple nonlinear constraint for the regularization of probability scores from a classifier, which can speed up the motion of zero level set to move to a desired boundary. Comparisons with other state-of-the-art methods, such as FCN-AlexNet and U-Net, show the advantages of our proposed WACLSF-based strategy in terms of visual view and accuracy.
Biochemistry tuned by nanopillars
Authors: Begum Sumaiya F. ,   Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA, Ji Hai-Feng
Published: September 2021

Surface engineering using nanopillars has been used for the fabrication of antimicrobial surfaces, cell culture environments that mimic the extracellular environment, and biosensors for the characterization of biomolecules. In this mini review, we summarize the roles of surface topography on various biochemical processes played by tunable nanopillars.
Sliding mode observer based control for T-S fuzzy descriptor systems
Authors: Wang Dongyun
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the problem of sliding mode observer (SMO) based sliding mode control (SMC) for nonlinear descriptor delay systems is studied. First, based on the T-S fuzzy dynamic modeling technique, the nonlinear descriptor system is transformed into a combination of local linear models. Then, a integral-type sliding surface (ITSS) based SMO is constructed for the error system. In the sequel, sufficient linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions are established to ensure the admissibility of the sliding motions and obtain the observer gain matrix. Furthermore, two novel SMC laws are developed to ensure the reachability conditions and stabilize the descriptor systems. Finally, simulations are provided to show the effectiveness of the method.
Stein’s method for the law of large numbers under sublinear expectations
Authors: Song Yongsheng
Published: September 2021

Peng, S. [6] proved the law of large numbers under a sublinear expectation. In this paper, we give its error estimates by Stein’s method.
Re-reading Whitehead Through the Pre‑reflective Experience of Atmospheric Processes
Authors: Foerster Desiree
Published: September 2021

This article explores new perspectives on Alfred N. Whitehead’s process philosophy through a micro-phenomenological investigation of the experience of atmospheres. Whitehead’s philosophy and micro-phenomenology are both interested in something before it becomes a perceivable quality, yet from a different angle. Atmospheres, always at the brink of our awareness, are taken as a field of possible experiences that opens up when the perception of objects is replaced by processes. An exploration of sensual experience and meaning-making enabled by atmospheric media through process philosophy and micro-phenomenology helps situate new conceptual attempts at the relationship between humans and their environments. I will pay special attention to those parts of experience that impact assumptions about the relationship between humans and their environments and will suggest that atmospheric awareness offers opportunities for critical reflection and acceptance of difference. I propose that a new perspective on Whitehead’s philosophy through micro-phenomenology provides fruitful connections to contemporary research on experience and meaning-making. In explicating my subjective experience with atmospheric processes, I make a first step towards tracing the processes of experience as described by Whitehead in my own experience and thereby offer a way to acknowledge subjective experience that might inspire a wider range of scholarship.
Impact of COVID-19 on Food Consumption and Marketing
Authors: Nair Suja Ravindran
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 has greatly disrupted lives and affected buying behavior of individuals. Countries were forced to impose lockdowns, alongside the practices of wearing masks, social distancing and hygiene have become the ‘new normal'. This situation forced consumers to re-work shopping habits, modify food patterns, develop healthy eating and online shopping behavior. With multiple waves of COVID-19 engulfing countries, pandemic effects are here to stay, suggesting food marketers explore the continuity of healthy food consumption with futuristic behavioral intention. For this purpose, this study uses a behavioral model perspective built upon the theory of planned behavior. A general review of the literature on food choice behavior is used. The literature review shows an integrated framework indicating linkages between the antecedents, consumers' behaviors, and behavior intentions/consequences from a sustainable behavioral model perspective.
Decision-Making Styles of the Next Generation of Chinese Business Leaders
Authors: Marjerison Rob Kim , Pan Jing
Published: September 2021

This study seeks to explore the relationships between decision-making styles, academic performance, and gender of educated Chinese millennials. As the millennial generation of college graduates in China comes of age, they will move into leadership roles in public and commercial organizations. They will have influence over considerable financial assets as well as economic and public policy which translates into global impact. There is a gap in the existing literature on the topic. This study utilized online self-report questionnaires to gather data, and the general decision-making style test to assess respondents' decision-making models culminating in correlation analysis and t-test. Based on the findings of related research, the authors hypothesized that there would be a difference in the decision-making styles based on gender and that there would be a significant difference in academic performance based on the decision-making styles. The findings may be of interest to a variety of those interested in decision-making styles, Chinese millennials, and future leaders of China.
Mothers’ experience of caring for home-quarantined children after close contact with COVID-19 in Korea: an exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Lee Hyeyeon , Kim Mihui , Kim Ocksim , Kim Sue , Choi Seongmi
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The world saw a shift into a new society consequent to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which made home quarantine mandatory for a person in close contact with those who tested positive. For children, however, home quarantine was not limited only to themselves but the involvement of parents, even mothers were required to quarantine. This qualitative study aims to explore and understand mothers’ experience and their related psychosocial issues while caring for their school-aged children who had to home quarantine after coming in close contact with COVID-19 positive individuals in Korea. Methods: Data were collected from October 2020 to January 2021 via in-depth, semi-structured interviews with nine mothers of children who had to home quarantine. Interviews were conducted face-to-face in an independent space near the participant’s home or workplace (n=5) or via online platforms or telephone (n=4). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis through several iterative team meetings.Results: Thematic analysis revealed the following four themes: “Unable to be relieved due to uncertain situations surrounding me,” “Blame and hurt toward me, others, and one another,” “Pulling myself together for my children in my broken daily life,” and “Changes in the meaning of life amid COVID-19.”Conclusion: The narratives show that mothers experienced psychosocial difficulties while caring for their children during home quarantine. It is necessary to reduce the social stigma toward individuals in home quarantine and establish policies to ensure the mothers’ work and family’s compatibility.
How systems biology of cancer signaling pathways can inform optimized combination chemotherapy design
Authors: Tuszynski Jack A. , Rietman Edward A.
Published: September 2021

This talk presents an overview of the systems biology of cancer applied to specific protein-protein interaction signaling pathways. We argue that network analysis augmented with thermodynamics measures such as Gibbs free energy can lead to optimized design of drug combinations for cancer chemotherapy.
Norecopa: A database of global 3R resources for better Science
Authors: Smith Adrian J.
Published: September 2021

Norecopa is Norway's National Consensus Platform for the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal experiments). Founded in 2007, it has a comprehensive website of global 3R resources: https://norecopa.no
Recellularization of decellularized porcine caval veins
Authors: Massaro Maria Stefania , Pálek Richard , Rosendorf Jáchym , Malečková Anna , Červenková Lenka , Singh Roshan K. , Polák Robert , Liška Václav , Moulisová Vladimíra
Published: September 2021

Decellularized material has been reported to be more suitable for cells to grow when compared to synthetic materials because repopulating cells are provided with the structural environment of native tissue. The aim of this study is to prepare and to test porcine caval veins through their decellularization followed by repopulation with human endothelial cells.
Design of a contamination-free microfluidic device for Electrolyte-Gated Organic Field-Effect Transistor (EGOFET) biosensors
Authors: Segantini Matteo , Parmeggiani Matteo , Ballesio Alberto , Frascella Francesca , Palmara Gianluca , Cocuzza Matteo , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Marasso Simone Luigi
Published: September 2021

In this work a new microfluidic platform is designed and validated to remove analyte contamination problem in EGOFETs biosensors.
PDMS Substrates with tunable stiffness for cardiac mechanobiology investigation: A nanoindentation study
Authors: Serino Gianpaolo , Lugas Andrea T. , Bernava Giacomo , Ragazzini Sara , Gabetti Stefano , Terzini Mara , Morbiducci Umberto , Audenino Alberto , Pesce Maurizio , Massai Diana
Published: September 2021

Micromechanical characterization by nanoindentation of PDMS substrates for cardiac mechanobiology studies.
In silico investigation of molecular interactions of Volatile Anesthetics: Effects on phospholipid membranes and subcellular targets
Authors: Zizzi Eric A. , Cavaglià Marco , Deriu Marco A. , Tuszynski Jack A.
Published: September 2021

The ability of anesthetics to reversibly suppress consciousness must reside in the effects exerted onto specific molecular targets. Interactions between Volatile Anesthetics and the phospholipid membrane as well as intracellular tubulin, were investigated using Computational Molecular Modelling, which showed rapid ligand partitioning inside the membrane and significant effects on the mechanical characteristics thereof, while transient binding locations have been found on the tubulin dimer.
Trauma-informed career counselling to address work traumas resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Linnekaste Jennifer J.
Published: September 2021

Background: Sudden work traumas as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have left thousands displaced from their current jobs and occupations. Traditional career counselling approaches that overlook the role of emotion are not adequate to address the numerous emotional difficulties that arise after a sudden unexpected job loss.Objectives: The objective of this research is to examine to what extent career counselling theories and interventions incorporate a trauma-informed career counselling approach and are prepared to address the emotional, psychological, and career counselling concerns that arise from work traumas as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A qualitative systematic literature review of all career-related journals that have trauma-informed career counselling in the title or body of the manuscript was conducted. Additionally, career related articles, books, and book chapters specifically mentioning work traumas and interventions to address these issues were also examined.Results: Only one article on trauma-informed career counselling was found given the parameters of the literature review. Currently, no articles outline how to integrate career counselling and emotion-focused therapy for trauma in order to address work traumas related to COVID-19.Conclusion: A trauma-informed career counselling approach that integrates career construction counselling and emotion-focused trauma therapy is needed to address the emotional, psychological, and career counselling concerns that arise from a work trauma as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. An integrated approach to provide trauma-informed career counselling has been provided.
A reflective process led by a family physician to develop a renal-protection surveillance tool for HIV patients newly started on dolutegravir
Authors: Omar Junaid , Loftus Izak , Vallie Nabeelah , Whitmore Richard B. , Solomon Gaironesa , Powell Michelle , Mniki Samela , Namane Mosedi
Published: September 2021

A group of Vanguard Community Health Centre doctors embarked on a Health System’s Improvement (HSI) project with the aim of reducing harm to renal function in patients who were either commenced on or switched to a dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen since 2019, when the usual monitoring and evaluation of ART-regimen switches were disrupted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This intended harm-reduction exercise, involving a reflective process that was facilitated by the family physician, led to the development of a Vanguard Renal Protection Surveillance tool, which is now used at Vanguard to detect and prevent renal decline.
Epidemiological Evidence in the Effects of Ambient Particulate Matter Components on Cardiovascular Biomarkers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Qiu-Tong , Li Tian-Tian
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background and Objectives:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are associated with a heavy health burden globally. Although there are several studies and reviews with a focus on the effects of ambient particulate matter on CVDs, presently, review of the association between particulate matter components and cardiovascular biomarkers has not been reported. Therefore, in this study, we reviewed the effects of particulate matter exposure on the levels of cardiovascular biomarkers.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for related studies published between January 1, 2010, and May 30, 2021, using keywords, including particle, particulate, constituent, component, composition, cardiovascular biomarker, inflammation, oxidative stress, coagulation vasoactivity, and lipid metabolism.

Results:

Ten studies, which met the inclusion criteria, highlighted the existence of significant associations between particulate matter components and the levels of cardiovascular biomarkers, including lipid, inflammation and coagulation biomarkers, etc. However, multicenter studies evidence regarding the effects of long-term exposure to particulate matter components on cardiovascular biomarkers is still lacking. Further, studies with a focus on proteomics, and metabolomics of cardiovascular biomarkers owing to particulate matter exposure are also scarce.

Conclusions:

Exposure to particulate matter components was found to be significantly associated with cardiovascular biomarkers. However, in future, it would be necessary to conduct multicenter studies on the effects of long-term exposure to particulate components on the levels of cardiovascular biomarkers.
Evaluation of root canal anatomy of maxillary premolars in a North Indian subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Malik Sushila Kumari , Singla Rakesh , Gill Gurdeep Singh , Jain Namita , Kumar Tarun , Arora Suraj
Published: September 2021

Aim:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the root canal anatomy of maxillary premolars in a North Indian subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods:

CBCT images of 101 extracted maxillary first and second premolars were analyzed, and data were recorded to determine length of the tooth, number of roots, bifurcation level in double rooted teeth, number of apical foramina, and anatomy of the root canal system.

Results:

Most maxillary first premolars were double rooted (57.7%), while maxillary second premolars were predominantly single rooted (83.6%). The average length of the maxillary first premolar was 21.6 mm and second premolar was 21.3 mm. All double-rooted maxillary premolars had two canals. Single canal (at apex) was more prevalent in single-rooted maxillary premolars (86% in first premolar and 73% in second premolar). In double-rooted maxillary first premolar, the most prevalent canal type was Type IV (34.6%), followed by Type I (23.1%) and Type V (17.3%), and in maxillary second premolars, the dominant canal morphology was Type II (32.6%), followed by Type IV (22.4%) and Type I (20.4%).

Conclusion:

In North Indian subpopulation, most maxillary first premolars have double roots with two root canals, while second premolars are predominantly single rooted with single canals. Maxillary premolars can show all types of Vertucci's root canal anatomy with most prevalent being Type IV in double-rooted maxillary first premolars, Type I in single rooted maxillary first premolars, and Type II in maxillary second premolars.
Peripheral Lymphocyte Subsets in Acute Cellular Rejection in Living Donor Liver-Transplant Recipients
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Pamecha Viniyendra , Rastogi Archana , Khanna Rajeev , Trehanpati Nirupma
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

The aim of the study was to assess the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets as immune markers for acute cellular rejection (ACR) in the living donor liver-transplant (LDLT) recipients using high-dimensional flow cytometry.

Materials and Methods:

This is a prospective observational study in which 19 LDLT recipients undergoing liver biopsy for suspected rejection were enrolled after informed and written consent. They were divided into two groups as rejection group (11/19) and no rejection group (6/19). In addition to this, nine healthy subjects were also enrolled as controls. Biochemical and immune parameters were analyzed among these groups.

Results:

It was observed that hematocrit, total protein, and serum albumin levels were significantly higher in rejection group as compared to no rejection group (P = 0.021, 0.006, and 0.044, respectively), whereas aspartate transaminase was significantly lower in rejection group compared to no rejection group (P = 0.027). It was seen that central memory (CM) helper T (TH) cells and CM cytotoxic T (TC) cells were significantly lower in no rejection group when compared to healthy controls (P = 0.02 and 0.009, respectively). The effector TH cells and TH1 cells were significantly higher in the rejection group when compared to healthy controls (P = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). However, the effector CD8+ T cell and memory B cell subsets were significantly higher in rejection and no rejection group compared with healthy controls (P = 0.03, 0.01 and P = 0.02, 0.009 respectively). The activated regulatory T cells (TREG) and plasmablasts were significantly higher in no rejection group when compared with healthy control (P = 0.038 and 0.016, respectively). The naïve B cells were significantly lower in rejection and no rejection group compared to healthy controls (P = 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). However, when immune profile was compared among the rejection and no rejection group, we could not arrive at statistically significant results owing to the small sample size.

Conclusion:

The data in this study show that there is difference in immune profile of lymphocyte subsets among rejection and no rejection groups compared to healthy controls and hence can be used to characterize these patients. The promising immune subsets that can serve as biomarkers for ACR post-LDLT are TH1 cells, CM TH cells, effector TH cells, CM TC cells, effector TC cells, activated TREG cells, naïve B cells, memory B cells, and plasmablasts.
Changes in Bone Mineral Density in Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Ramakrishna Manjunath P. , Arun Chankramath S. , Sreedharan Sandeep , Pavithran Praveen V. , Bhavani Nisha , Bhaskaran Renjitha , Kumar Harish
Published: September 2021

Background and Aims:

Bone health in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its changes after kidney transplantation has been a subject of considerable interest. Kidney transplantation could potentially impact this process positively by reversing hyperparathyroidism, but immunosuppression including steroids could be deleterious to bone health. We studied the baseline and posttransplant bone mineral density (BMD) and factors affecting the changes in BMD after transplantation.

Methods:

Patients who were included in the study underwent biochemical tests and dual-energy absorptiometry for BMD. These tests were performed at baseline and 8 months after transplantation.

Results:

The mean BMD in lumbar spine was 1.09 ± 0.15 g/cm2 at baseline and 1.06 ± 0.15 g/cm2 posttransplantation (P = 0.002). The mean BMD at left forearm was 0.88 ± 0.10 g/cm2 at baseline and 0.89 ± 0.10 g/cm2 after transplantation (P = 0.013). The mean BMD at femur was 0.91 ± 0.16 g/cm2 and 0.89 ± 0.10 g/cm2 (P = 0.77) after transplantation. At baseline, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) had a significant negative correlation with femoral BMD (r = 0.44, P = 0.02) and 25-hydroxy Vitamin D (25(OH) Vit-D) had a positive correlation with forearm BMD (r = 0.50, P = 0.004). Eight months after transplantation, 25(OH) Vit-D levels showed a positive correlation with lumbar spine BMD (r = 0.36, P = 0.04). Cumulative steroid dose negatively correlated with spine BMD (r = −0.43, P = 0.01) posttransplantation.

Conclusions:

In this study, the baseline BMD was well preserved. Higher iPTH was associated with lower femoral BMD. Low 25(OH) Vit-D was associated with reduced forearm BMD. There was worsening of spinal BMD and improvement in forearm BMD 8 months after transplantation. No significant change in femoral BMD was noted. Cumulative steroid dose had a significant negative impact on BMD at spine. There were no fractures noted during the study, but two patients had avascular necrosis of the femur.
Seizure and Hemichorea Post Renal Transplantation
Authors: Jose Appu , Usulumarty Deepa , Billa Viswanath , Singh Kuldeep
Published: September 2021

Kidney transplantation is the preferred renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage kidney disease. However, these patients are vulnerable to multiple complications arising out of immunosuppression, comorbidities, and opportunistic infections. We report a case of hemichorea in a transplant recipient. This patient had concurrent polycythemia, new-onset diabetes after transplantation, and was on calcineurin-based immunosuppression. The magnetic resonance imaging ascribed her hemichorea to Non ketotic hyperglycemia (NKH) which recovered completely with prompt treatment of the hyperglycemia.
Detection of SARS-CoV2 virus using the real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in semen and seminal plasma from men with active COVID-19 infection – A pilot study
Authors: Gupta Pankush , Choudhary Aashish , Gopal Giridara , Kumar Rajeev , Kumar Arbind , Tiwari Pawan , Malhotra Neena
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in various body fluids. Its presence in semen has been tested with contradictory results. This study aimed to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus using the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) in semen and seminal plasma from men with active COVID-19 infection.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study at a COVID facility, men aged 20–45 years with active COVID-19 infection provided semen samples within 7 days of symptom onset or 5 days of nasopharyngeal rRT-PCR test positivity in asymptomatic men. Testing of SARS-CoV-2 was performed using rRT-PCR and semen analysis was done for sperm counts and motility as per the WHO (2010) standards.

Results:

A total of 37 men with a mean age of 32.2 ± 5.6 years were tested. SARS CoV-2 virus could not be isolated in any of the samples. Further, microscopic analysis done on 17 samples showed normal semen parameters during the active phase of disease.

Conclusion:

Men with mild COVID-19 disease or asymptomatic individuals do not shed virus in their semen, ruling out sexual contact as a mode of transmission in this subset of population.
Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy Leading to a Delayed Hepatic Failure Necessitating Liver Transplantation
Authors: Yang Patriot , Sikachi Rutuja R. , Gerasimov Madina , Aronsohn Judith , Palleschi Gregory
Published: September 2021

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a potentially fatal metabolic disorder in pregnant patients that requires urgent delivery and aggressive medical and aesthetic management of maternal complications associated with acute liver failure. A 41-year-old female (79 kg) G1P0 at 31 weeks gestation presented with nausea, vomiting, pruritus, and jaundice. A diagnosis of severe liver dysfunction secondary to AFLP was made. We proceeded with urgent delivery under general anaesthesia. The patient had an uncomplicated caesarean section and gave birth to female infant with Apgar scores of 7 and 8. The patient remained stable for the following 2 weeks, however, given the lack of further recovery of hepatic function, a transjugular liver biopsy was performed, revealing persistent AFLP. She received N-acetylcysteine infusion and 4 cycles of plasma exchange with no improvement. Over the next few days her mental status worsened and her liver functions further deteriorated. She was listed for a deceased liver donor transplant and underwent successful orthotopic liver transplantation. She was discharged on post-operative day (POD) 14 of liver transplant.
Sickle Cell Disease in Pregnancy and Anaesthetic Implications
Authors: Singh Yudhyavir , Chabra Alka , Venkateswaran Vineeta , Trikha Anjan
Published: September 2021

Sickle cell disorder (SCD) is a genetic disorder of haemoglobin with a wide spectrum of severity and manifestations. It is a significant global public health problem and is mainly widespread among many tribal populations. Sickle cell disease (SCD) in pregnancy poses a unique challenge due to the physiological changes in pregnancy, the multitude of various organs involved, and its complications. The databases of PubMed, MedLine ResearchGate, EMbase, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched for literature about SCDs published up to 2021. Search terms and phrases used were 'sickle cell disease', 'sickle cell disease and pregnancy', 'anaesthesia and analgesia in sickle cell disease' and 'transfusion in sickle cell disease'. Original articles, guidelines, review articles, case reports, letters to editor and abstracts were reviewed with particular focus on pathophysiology and anaesthetic implications of sickle cell anaemia with pregnancy. While ample literature is available on SCDs, there is a paucity of literature on SCDs with pregnancy. In this review, we have attempted to present the relevant literature in a comprehensible manner.
Pregnancy in Thalassemia, Anesthetic Implication and Perioperative Management- A Narrative Review
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Sharma Karuna , Venkateswaran Vineeta , Trikha Anjan
Published: September 2021

Advancement in the treatment of thalassemia has increased the life span of female patients, with the result that they are reaching the reproductive age group and expecting childbirth. Anesthesia is challenging in such patients due to ineffective erythropoiesis and multiple system involvement as a result of iron overload and chelation therapy. Careful management of the preconception phase, various conception strategies, and multidisciplinary management of pregnancy and childbirth can lead to a healthy and successful outcome of pregnancy. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestation of alpha and beta-thalassemia in pregnancy and its successful management. All available literature related to thalassemia was searched in major databases like PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Original articles, review articles, book chapters, guidelines, case reports, and correspondence were reviewed for pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and anesthetic management of thalassemia during pregnancy with keywords like thalassemia, Cooley's anemia, thalassemia and pregnancy, anesthetic management of thalassemia, labor analgesia in thalassemia, and transfusion in thalassemia.
Caesarean Section in a Case of Acute Coronary Syndrome - A Case Report
Authors: Mehta Neha , Shah Kalpesh , Bhatt Yogen
Published: September 2021

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during pregnancy is a rare event and can be a significant contributor to maternal and foetal mortality. We present here one such case of a 40-year-old primigravida posted for elective caesarean section at 36 weeks of pregnancy with a history of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and left ventricular failure which was treated conservatively.
Association of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Subfractions with Insulin Resistance in Nigerians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Onwukwe Chikezie Hart , Chikezie Nkiru Ifeoma , Okorie Kalu , Nwani Paul Osemeke , Ohwovoriole Augustine Efedaye
Published: September 2021

Background:

There are conflicting reports on the relationship of each of the two subfractions of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) with insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Information on the relationship between HDL-C subfractions and insulin resistance in Nigerian patients with T2DM is not available in the literature.

Aim:

The aim of this article is to determine the association between subfractions of HDL-C and insulin resistance in Nigerian patients with T2DM.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with T2DM who were being managed by the Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism unit of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, South-East Nigeria were recruited for this study, whereas individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were recruited from Nnewi town. The study was carried out within a 5-month period. History was taken and physical examination was done on study participants. Fasting venous samples were collected for plasma glucose, plasma total HDL-C, plasma HDL-C phenotypes, serum C-peptide, serum creatinine, and serum alanine transferase estimation. Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA2-IRC-peptide) score was determined using plasma glucose and serum C-peptide concentrations. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical software.

Results:

A total of 616 participants consisting of 400 participants with T2DM and 216 participants with NGT were recruited for the study. Difference in age, sex, and blood pressure was not statistically significant between participants with T2DM and those with NGT. There were statistically significant differences in body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, C-peptide, HOMA-IR, total HDL-C, and HDL-C subfractions between subjects with T2DM and those with NGT. There was a significant negative correlation between HOMA-IR score and each of HDL2-C (r
s= −0.513, P < 0.01), HDL3-C (r
s= −0.471, P < 0.01), and HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio (r
s= −0.416, P < 0.01) in subjects with T2DM. Total HDL-C (odds ratio (OR)=3, P = 0.02), HDL2-C (OR=3.87, P = 0.01), and HDL3-C (OR=2.54, P = 0.02) were significant predictors of insulin resistance in individuals with T2DM after univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

Conclusion:

This study showed a negative correlation between insulin resistance and each of the HDL-C subfractions in Nigerian patients with T2DM with HDL2-C having the strongest correlation with HOMA-IR score.
Frequency of Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Naz Masood Shabeen , Saeed Saira , Lakho Nusrat , Masood Yasir , Rehman Mahnoor , Memon Saleh
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) with chronic diseases such as diabetes has received little attention globally. The aim of this study is to assess the frequency of sexual dysfunction (SD) in women with diabetes; an aspect of female health that has not been explored in our population.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional observational study using non-probability convenient purposive sampling technique was carried out at three health facilities of Karachi, for a duration of 1 year. One hundred women with diabetes who consented to participate in the study were included. Pregnant, divorced, widowed, and unmarried females were excluded. Modified female sexual function index (FSFI) was used to gather information.

Results:

Out of 100 women, 88 women with diabetes completed the interviewer-based modified FSFI survey questionnaire. Among 88 women, 38 (43.2%) reported to have SD, whereas 50 (56.8%) were found to have no significant sexual issues. Partner's age and occupation were significantly associated with FSD. All parameters of modified FSFI, i.e., sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and dyspareunia, were significantly associated (P < 0.001) with diabetes.

Conclusion:

Women with diabetes are at increased risk of SD and often do not volunteer information about their sexual issues. The most common cause of SD was dyspareunia, followed by lubrication, orgasm, lack of sexual arousal, and sexual desire. The healthcare providers should be aware to initiate and facilitate the discussion and need to develop their own comfort to talk about sexual issues.
Left-sided Massive Hydrothorax in a DKD Patient on CAPD Using Icodextrin
Authors: Kumaresan Maithrayie , Babu Sandra , Matthew Milly , Nagarajan Palaniappan , Abraham Georgi
Published: September 2021

We report a case of a 51-year-old male patient with end-stage kidney disease secondary to diabetic kidney disease who presented with an atypical left-sided pleural effusion within 2 weeks of commencement on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (PD) using icodextrin dialysis solution. PD was withheld for the time being and the patient was switched to temporary hemodialysis and started on high-dose diuretics which led to the resolution of his symptoms. Here we discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, and management options for treating hydrothorax in the PD population.
Diabetes and Its Complications; Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) and Their Determinants in Pakistani People with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Waris Nazish , Butt Anum , Askari Saima , Fawwad Asher , Basit Abdul
Published: September 2021

Objective:

To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding diabetes and its associated complications in people with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective observational study was conducted at the Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE), Baqai Medical University (BMU), Karachi, Pakistan. The duration of the study was from January 2019 to June 2019. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of BIDE. People with type 2 diabetes aged older than 25 years, with more than two years’ duration of diabetes were included. A self-structured questionnaire was designed to assess KAP.

Results:

The mean age of the study participants was 53.14±11.62 years, and the mean duration of diabetes was 10.76±7.65 years. Knowledge and attitude showed higher mean percentage scores of 85.5% and 88.6% as compared with a practice score of 40.7%, which revealed good knowledge and attitude of the participants and poor practice. Education showed a significant association with knowledge and attitude, triglyceride level toward knowledge, LDL-C level toward practice, and HDL-C level toward knowledge and practice.

Conclusion:

A good knowledge and attitude score of the participants toward diabetes but a poor practice score was found. Individualized programs as well as group education programs still needed to be planned to enable better prevention and management techniques in diabetes. Behavioral therapy and counseling should be considered as a priority in subjects with low practice.
An Exploratory Study in Gambling Recovery Communities: A Comparison Between ‘‘Pure’’ and Substance-Abusing Gamblers
Authors: Quaglieri Alessandro , Mari Emanuela , Cordellieri Pierluigi , Paoli Elena , Dimarco Francesca , Postiglione Mario , Nicolasi Giampaolo , Fontanella Tania , Guidoni Umberto , Vedovi Sandro , Giannini Anna Maria
Published: September 2021

Most of the available literature has shown that gambling disorder (GD) is often associated with several psychiatric conditions. Comorbidities with mood disorders, impulsiveness, personality traits, and impairments in cognitive function have also been frequently investigated. However, it is currently uncommon to study this disorder in individuals without comorbid substance abuse; therefore, the primary aim of our study was to compare the psychological profile of individuals with GD with and without substance use disorder. A total of 60 participants (100% male), including 20 individuals with GD, 20 substance-dependent gamblers (SDGs), and 20 healthy controls (HCs), were assessed with several clinical measures to investigate impulsivity, hostility, mood, and personality traits, as well as with cognitive tasks (i.e., decision-making tasks). Our results showed differences in both experimental groups compared with the HC group in mood disorders, impulsivity, and hostility traits. The ‘‘pure’’ GD group differed from the SDG group only in characteristics related to mood disorders (e.g., State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y2, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and assault dimension), whereas greater impairment in decision making processes related to risky choices was shown in the SDG group. This study suggests the importance of studying pure GD to clarify the underlying mechanisms without the neurotoxic effects of the substances. This could provide an important contribution to the treatment and understanding of this complex disorder.
An Exploratory Study of the Relationship Between Financial Well-Being and Changes in Reported Gambling Behaviour During the COVID-19 Shutdown in Australia
Authors: Swanton Thomas B , Burgess Martin T , Blaszczynski Alex , Gainsbury Sally M
Published: September 2021

A change in someone’s financial situation, such as a windfall gain or increased financial stress, can affect the way that they gamble. The aim of this paper was to explore the relationship between financial well-being and changes in gambling behaviour during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) shutdown. Australian past-year gamblers (N = 764; 85% male) completed an online cross-sectional survey in May 2020. Participants retrospectively reported monthly gambling participation before and after the COVID-19 shutdown, as well as their financial well-being, experience of COVID-related financial hardship, problem gambling severity, and psychological distress. Financial well-being showed strong negative associations with problem gambling and psychological distress. Neither financial well-being nor the interaction between financial well-being and problem gambling severity showed consistent evidence for predicting changes in gambling participation during the shutdown in this sample. This study provides preliminary evidence that self-reported financial well-being has a strong negative association with gambling problems but is not related to gambling participation. Future studies should link objective measures of financial well-being from bank transaction data with survey measures of problem gambling severity and experience of gambling-related harm.
MIMO Detectors: A Comprehensive Performance Analysis
Authors: Obi E. , Sadiq B.O. , Zakariyya O.S . , Theresa A.
Published: September 2021

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems are increasingly becoming popular due to their ability to multiply data rates without any expansion in the bandwidth. This is critical in this era of high-data rate applications but limited bandwidth. MIMO detectors play an important role in ensuring effective communication in such systems and as such the performance of the following are compared in this paper with respect to symbol error rate (SER) versus signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): maximum likelihood (ML), zero forcing (ZF), minimum mean square error (MMSE) and vertical Bell laboratories layered space time (VBLAST). Results showed that the ML has the best performance as it has the least Symbol Error Rate (SER) for all values of Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) as it was 91.9% better than MMSE, 99.6% better than VBLAST and 99.8% better than ZF at 20db for a 2x2 antenna configuration., it can also be deduced that the performance increased with increase in number of antenna for all detectors except the V-BLAST detector.
Effects of different steeping methods on the microbial quality of ‘ogi’ produced from Sorghum bicolor (Linn)
Authors: Okunade Abiola Stephen , Adebolu Tinuola Tokunbo , Bayode Michael Tosin
Published: September 2021

In this study, the effects of different steeping methods on the microbial quality of ‘ogi’ produced from Sorghum bicolor (Linn.) grains were carried out. The sorghum grains were divided into four parts; the first part (Sample A) was steeped with cold water at 30+ 2oC for 72 h and washed with water before milling, the second part (Sample B) was steeped with cold water at 30+2oC for 72 h but was not washed before milling, the third part (Sample C) was steeped with hot water at 30+2oC for 24 h and washed before milling, while the fourth part (Sample D) was steeped with hot water at 30+2oC for 24 h and was not washed before milling. The processed raw ‘ogi’ samples were subjected to standard microbiological techniques to enumerate the microorganisms present. The highest bacterial count of 3.5 x 103cfu/ml was observed in sample B, the highest fungal count of 2.5 x 104 sfu/ml was observed in sample B, while sample C yields the lowest bacterial count of 8.0 x 102 cfu/ml and fungal count of 4.0 x102 sfu/ml. Good hygienic conditions during the processing of the ‘ogi’ must also be employed to reduce the chances of microbial contamination.
Aquilombamento virtual midiático:
Authors: Furtado Veloso Maria do Socorro , Oliveira de Andrade Alice
Published: September 2021

Propõe-se uma perspectiva metodológica, com base nas raízes históricas de resistência dos quilombos, para análise das mídias negras brasileiras e de suas práticas sociais: o aquilombamento virtual midiático. Trata-se de uma ferramenta que busca intensificar reflexões sobre questões étnico-raciais, na mesma medida em que atua no reforço da identidade negra e de sua agência na sociedade. Essas mídias negras fortalecem a luta antirracista, tendo a comunicação em rede como ferramenta para enfrentar opressões. Partimos do conceito de bios virtual (SODRÉ, 2002), dos quilombos enquanto instituições revolucionárias (B. NASCIMENTO, 1978) e da matriz cognitiva quilombista, centrada na união dos povos negros como organização política-social, e que atualmente ocupa o espaço das redes digitais (A. NASCIMENTO, 2019). Metodologicamente, desenvolvemos pesquisa bibliográfica interdisciplinar, tendo como referência as reflexões de Abdias Nascimento (2019), Djamila Ribeiro (2017, 2018, 2019), Achille Mbembe (2014), Sueli Carneiro (2005), Muniz Sodré (2002), Kabengele Munanga (1996) e Beatriz Nascimento (1978).
Clustering with Scikit-Learn in Python
Authors: Jurczyk Thomas
Published: September 2021

This tutorial demonstrates how to apply clustering algorithms with Python to a dataset with two concrete use cases. The first example uses clustering to identify meaningful groups of Greco-Roman authors based on their publications and their reception. The second use case applies clustering algorithms to textual data in order to discover thematic groups. After finishing this tutorial, you will be able to use clustering in Python with Scikit-learn applied to your own data, adding an invaluable method to your toolbox for exploratory data analysis.
PUBLIC MANAGEMENT OF INNOVATIONS IN THE SOCIO-HUMANITARIAN SPHERE: CHALLENGES AND WAYS TO OVERCOME
Authors:   Interregional Academy of Personnel Management, Moisiiakha Andrii
Published: September 2021

EU integration and globalization trends require new mechanisms and methods of regulating economic processes to transform Ukraine into an economically developed powerful state. Innovation is an integral part of any production cycle, but to achieve better results, innovation processes and relationships in the creation and implementation of innovative technologies in the national economy require active participation and great attention from the state. The main emphasis of such attention should be focused on organizational, legal and institutional support of innovation, which requires solving a vast number of problems of intensive development. The end of the twentieth century was a period of spreading ideas about the need to change the paradigm of public administration. Scientists began to realize the need to move to a new model of public administration based on strengthening the social nature of government. The change in approach implies an essential change in the state's role: from the producer of public goods to the regulator of market processes. During the implementation of this model, the most crucial effect is possible if the principles of openness, innovation, decentralization, and a combination of market and state regulation, individual freedom and new forms of individual and collective responsibility.