bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrition Literacy is Associated with Income and Place of Residence but not with Diet behavior and Food Security in the Palestinian Society
Authors: Natour Nihal , AL-Tell Mariam , Ikhdour Osama
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Palestinian society is going through health transition associated with increase in chronic diseases due to poor dietary habits so adequate integration of nutrition information is important.Aims: The aim of this study is to find the association between nutrition literacy and diet behavior among a group of Palestinian participants.Methods: A sample of 101 Palestinian participants were recruited to participate in the study. Using an online survey which was distributed through educational and social internet platforms was used to collect data on sociodemographic variable. Newest Vital Sign quiz was used to collect information on nutrition literacy and Short Format of the Diet Health and Knowledge Survey (SFDHKS) was used to collect information on diet behavior and USDA food security questionnaire was used to collect data on food security. Data was analyzed by SPSS 21.Results: This study included 101 participants, mean age 22.7 y± 8.7 y, mainly females. 5.7% of the study participants were obese, 13.8% overweight and 10.3% were underweight. The prevalence of adequate nutrition literacy was 24%. There was minimal association between diet behavior and nutrition literacy, food security and BMI categories, but significant association with income and living in city relative to village (p< 0.05). Only 11 participants had some form of food insecurity.Conclusion: There is low prevalence of adequate nutrition literacy. Nutrition literacy depends on social and economic aspect but further research is need to understand relationship to diet behavior.
Training Needs of Practice Facilitators When Implementing An Opioid Improvement Initiative in Primary Care
Authors: Parchman Michael L. , Ike Brooke , Osterhage Katie , Johnson Ashley , Baldwin Laura-Mae
Published: August 2021

Background: Practice facilitation is a commonly employed strategy to implement evidence-based programs into primary care settings. Preparing facilitators for this role requires an understanding of their training needs and support. Here we report on the experiences of facilitators who participated in a training program to support efforts to improve opioid medication management in primary care.Methods: Trainees with prior QI experience were recruited for the six-month training program. Each trainee recruited a clinic for which they would serve as an external facilitator to implement the Six Building Blocks program. At the end of the six-months, we conducted two semi-structured interviews with each trainee. The interviews focused on facilitators and barriers that the trainees experienced during the training and support provided. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the transcribed interviews.Results: Three of the five trainees completed the program. In addition to the in-depth understanding of the Six BB program, trainees valued the opportunity to build peer relationships which provided a supportive peer support group. They valued the availability of more experienced facilitators who supported and mentored them. They also mentioned the importance of providing helpful tools and resources and the availability of a clinical expert. Barriers focused on factors internal to the trainees’ clinical setting, the trainees limited clinical knowledge about chronic pain, and difficulty maintaining momentum for change due to the flexible timeline of the program itself.Conclusions: In addition to training on the content of an evidence-based programs, facilitators valued work with supportive peers and the mentoring of more experienced facilitators. Primary care improvement initiatives employing practice facilitators should consider these training needs and the resources required for this supportive infrastructure.
Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Bystander-victim Relationship on the Willingness of Thai Healthcare Providers and Laypersons to Perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: a Cross-sectional Online Survey
Authors: Boonmak Suhattaya , Mitsungnern Thapanawong , Boonmak Pimmada , Boonmak Polpun
Published: August 2021

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a significant health problem in many Asian countries. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can reduce mortality from OHCA. The willingness of bystanders to initiate aid is also critical. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CPR eases to spread of COVID-19 with negatively affect the decision. The objectives were to study the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and bystander-victim relationship on the willingness of Thai healthcare providers (HCPs) and laypersons to perform CPR and associated factors.Methods: The cross-sectional online survey was conducted between August to November 2020 in a Thai population. A structured questionnaire was developed and given to volunteers as an online survey. We recorded participant characteristics and willingness to perform compression-only CPR (W-COC) and conventional CPR (W-CC) on family members, acquaintances, and strangers during the pandemic and in a non-pandemic situation and analyzed associated factors.Results: We included 419 laypersons and 716 HCPs. Lay-participants expressed less W-COC on acquaintances and strangers (risk ratio [RR] 0.74-0.85), but not on family members. By contrast, the HCPs were less W-COC across the board (RR 0.84-0.92). Both groups were less W-CC on all recipients (RR 0.43-0.54). There was no difference in participants’ W-COC and W-CC on family members and acquaintances, except that HCPs expressed greater W-CC on family members. Participants in all groups were less W-COC and W-CC on strangers. W-COC was correlated with CPR knowledge (Odds ratio [OR] 2.32), self-efficacy (OR 1.96), single marital status (OR 1.91), and being an HCP (OR 2.00). W-CC on family members was related to CPR knowledge (OR 2.16).Conclusion: Participants were less willing during the COVID-19 pandemic on all groups except family members of lay participants. The victim’s relationship to the participant was more important in conventional CPR than compression-only CPR, especially in HCPs. CPR knowledge, self-efficacy, single marital status, and being an HCP related to higher willingness.Trial registration: TCTR20210330003 (Thai Clinical Trials Registry)
Effect of Addition of Pomegranate Peel in the Ration with or Without Polyethylene Glycol on Productive Performance of Lactating Goats
Authors: Kholif Abd El-Kader Mahmoud , Aboulfotouh Gamal Eldeen , Hassan Ola Gamal Ahmed , El-Mola Abdelalim Mohamed Abd
Published: August 2021

The industries of Pomegranate juice processing generate enormous waste in peel’s form which are suggested and evaluated as a supplement in animal feed but pomegranate peel have high percent of tannins, So the aim of this paper is to assess the impact of mixing pomegranate peel (PP), detanninated pomegranate peel (DPP) and pomegranate peel with polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the digestibility of nutrients, the yield of goats milk and its composition, feed conversion and some parameters of blood. Moreover, simple economic assessment of the examined rations are considered. Sixteen lactating Zaraibi goats of about 3-4 years old (in their 2nd to 4th of lactation seasons with an average body weight of about 25 + 0.5 kg are used in the present study. After 14 days of parturition was randomly assigned into four groups, four animals per each tested ration (R) for 90days, R1: Control : 50% CFM + 25% Egyptian clover and 25% wheat straw, R2: Control ration+1% PP, R3: Control ration+1% PP + 20 g (PEG) and R4:Control ration+1% DPP. The results revealed that the PP contained 90.85% DM, 4.84% CP, 15.53% CF, 87.21%OM, 4.69% EE, 62.15% NFE and 15.28% tannins. No significant differences were found between the tested rations regarding nutrients digestibility except EE digestibility. Nutritive values of R2 and R3 were slightly higher than R4 and R1, respectively. Ration three (R3) was the best ration for daily milk yield and total milk yield, where R4 showed the worst one. Also, there are no significant differences for dry matter, SV and TDN intake. While, values of DCP intake were higher significantly (P<0.05), for R3 and R2 followed by R4 then R1. Regarding feed conversion, R4 was superior to other tested rations followed by R1 then R3 followed by R2. All blood serum parameters were in the normal rang which support that the healthy effect of tested additives in goats rations. It seems that R2 and R3 could be used successfully for lactating goats, but R3 is very expensive from economical point of view, where R3 was negatively economical effect, and not recommended.
WITHDRAWN: Trajectory tracking of a mobile robot using adaptive sliding mode control
Authors: Rostami Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini , Jahangiri Fatemeh
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this paper is to design a control system for a mobile four-wheeled robot, whose task is to achieve stability and proper operation in the execution of commands. As a result of the nonlinear dynamics, structural and parametric uncertainty of this robot, various control approaches are used in order to achieve stability, proper performance, minimize modeling errors and uncertainties, etc. By adjusting linear and angular velocities in the presence of external disturbances and parametric uncertainty, this algorithm is able to follow a predetermined trajectory based on the information contained in the signals received by the sensor from the trajectory.. In previous articles, the upper bound of uncertainty was assumed to be known. This paper makes the assumption that the upper band of uncertainty and disturbances in robotic systems is unknown, since, in many cases, we cannot know the extent of these uncertainties in practice. In our recent paper, we generalized the sliding mode control law and proved its effectiveness, so that by including an adaptive part to the control law, we transformed it into a robust-adaptive sliding mode control, and we could estimate the upper band uncertainties online based on these adaptive laws. This typology can be expressed as a distinct theorem with stable results. Simulations with MATLAB software demonstrate that the controller ensures optimal performance under external disturbances and parametric uncertainty with less fluctuations.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Severe Ventricular Arrhythmia and Icd Therapy
Authors: SİPAL Abdulcebbar , AKTAS Mujdat , AKBULUT Tayyar , SAYLIK Faysal
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The regular clinical follow-up of the patient with the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) device was seriously affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Due to the high risk of contamination, patients didn’t admit to the clinics for the ICD device control. It has been observed that arrhythmic events increased during the COVID-19 outbreak. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of severe ventricular arrhythmias and ICD device therapy in COVID-19 patients with ICD.METHODS: In this single center-observational study, we assessed severe ventricular arrhytmias and ICD therapies by analyzing recorded data of 33 patients (24 males, 72.7%) 3 months before and after getting COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Van, Turkey, between 15 August 2020 and 15 January 2021. RESULTS: Before the diagnosis of COVID-19, 6 ventricular tachycardias and 1 ventricular fibrillation were observed. When we analyzed the records after the diagnosis COVID-19, 17 ventricular tachycardia and 3 ventricular fibrillation episodes were observed. Considering the the ICD device therapies, 5 of these severe tachyarrhythmias were terminated by antitachycardia pacing (ATP) and 2 with shock therapy before the diagnosis of COVID-19. After the COVID-19, 14 of them were terminated by ATP and 6 of them ere terminated by shock therapy.CONCLUSION: The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially on ventricular arrhythmia, have not been reported sufficiently. In our study, it was observed that life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and the ICD therapies were increased in patients with COVID-19, especially in the first month after the diagnosis COVID-19.
Somatic Embryogenesis; A Highly Promising Technique for Conservation of Tecomella Undulata – A Multi-Purpose Tree on the Verge of Extinction
Authors: Rastgoo Sasan
Published: August 2021

Over-exploitation of trees by increasing human population has put an enormous pressure especially on those species having slow growth and low reproduction rate. Desert teak (Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem) a multipurpose agroforestry tree of arid zone has fallen on the verge of extinction in Iran due to lack of efficient seed reproduction. Inherent low adventitious rooting has caused vegetative mass macro- and micropropagation (organogenesis pathway) of this tree to be unsuccessful. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) pathway by production of bipolar embryo capable of development into a complete plantlet can solve the problem. Hence, a research was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of in vitro regeneration of the tree by SE. Ovary extracted from un-pollinated flower was cultured in the media supplemented with different auxins and cytokinins (CKs). The results showed α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) was superior in induction of embryogenic callus (EC). NAA ranging 5.4–21.5 µM could induce the highest ECs which exhibited developing pro-embryogenic masses (PEMs) and globular somatic embryos. Both CKs, thidiazuron (TDZ) and N6-benzyladenine (BA), though induced good callogenesis at low concentrations but the formed calli were non-embryogenic. Proliferation of NAA–induced ECs revealed that hormone-free medium is the best choice. However, the media containing 40.5 and 54 µM NAA alone could also induce somatic embryos along with callus proliferation. Effort for maturation of the obtained globular, hear-shaped and torpedo embryos did not yield satisfactory results. Low BA-contained medium led to secondary SE. More research is expected to be undertaken to optimize SE in desert teak.
Surgical Outcomes in Children Under 10 Years Old in The Treatment of Congenital Scoliosis Due To Single Nonincarcerated Thoracolumbar Hemivertebra: According To The Age At Surgery
Authors: Li Haixia , Chen Zhiming , Gao Bo , Wang Jiaxu , Shao Shuilin , Wu Jigong
Published: August 2021

Purpose
Hemivertebra is one of the common pathogenesis of congenital scoliosis. The timing of operation is undefined. Our study compared the surgical outcomes in children under age 10 years with scoliosis due to single nonincarcerated thoracolumbar hemivertebra according to the age at surgery.
Methods
From January 2009 to August 2017, we retrospectively investigated 34 consecutive cases of congenital scoliosis treated by posterior hemivertebra resection and fusion with pedicle screw fixation. All cases were devided into two groups according to the age at surgery and followed-up for at least 2 years. Group 1 (≤ 5 years old), and group 2 (5 to 10 years old).
Results
The mean Cobb angle of the main curve was improved from 48.58° to 15.53° (68.05%) in group 1, and from 43.73° to 11.33°(75.43%) in group 2. The segmental curve was improved from 44.16° to 11.53°(74.64 %) in group 1, and the segmental curve was consistent with the main curve in group 2. The mean segmental kyphosis was improved from 27.50° to 8.42°(67.40%) in group 1, and from 29.00° to 5.00° (84.73%) in group 2. 5 patients developed distal adding-on and 4 patients were found proximal junctional kyphosis during the follow up.
Conclusions
Not all the deformities caused by single nonincarcerated thoracolumbar hemivertebra would progress greatly with the spinal growth. A limited delayed surgery after 5 years but before 10 years of age with close follow-up can achieve good results, the occurrence of distal adding-on might be reduced, although it may need more than two segments fusion.
Cardiac Tomography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance to Predict the Absence of Intracardiac Thrombus in Anticoagulated Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.
Authors: Zaraket Fatima , Deva Bas , Jimenez Jesus , Casteigt Benjamin , Benito Begoña , Martí-Almor Julio , Conejos Javi , Mojón Diana , Tizón-Marcos Helena , Vallès Ermengol
Published: August 2021

Background: Pulmonary veins isolation (PVI) is a standard treatment for recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). Uninterrupted anticoagulation for minimum 3 weeks before the ablation and exclusion of left atrial (LA) thrombus with transesophageal echography (TEE) immediately before or during the procedure minimize peri-procedural risk. We aimed to demonstrate the utility of cardiac tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to rule out LA thrombus prior to PVI. Methods: Patients undergoing PVI for recurrent AF were retrospectively evaluated. Only patients that started anticoagulation at least 3 weeks prior to the CT/CMR and subsequently uninterrupted until the ablation procedure were selected. An intracardiac echo (ICE) catheter was used in all patients to evaluate LA thrombus. The results of CT/CMR were compared to ICE imaging. Results: We included 272 consecutive patients averaging 54.5 years (71% male; 30% persistent AF). Average CHA2DS2VASC Score was 0.9 and mean LA diameter was 43 mm, 111 patients on Acenocumarol and 161 on direct oral anticoagulants. Anticoagulation was started 227±392 days before the CT/CMR, and 291±416 days before the ablation procedure. CT/CMR diagnosed intracardiac thrombus in 2 cases, both in the LA appendage. A new CT/CMR revealed resolution of thrombus after 6 additional months of uninterrupted anticoagulation. No macroscopic thrombus was observed in any patients with ICE (negative predictive value of 100%; p<0.01).Conclusions: CT and MRI are excellent surrogates to TEE and ICE to rule out intracardiac thrombus in patients adequately anticoagulated prior AF ablation. This is true even for delayed procedures as long as anticoagulation is uninterrupted.
Achieving The 1.5 °C Goal with Equitable Mitigation in the Latin American Countries
Authors: Ramírez Cindy , Turon Albert , Retamal Cristián , Alcaraz Olga , Sureda Bàrbara
Published: August 2021

During the past years, the impact of climate change in the Latin America region has become more evident, and is affecting its natural resources and delaying sustainable development. Achieving the 1.5°C long-term temperature goal of the Paris Agreement while ensuring the right to sustainable development, is of particular interest for regions such as Latin America which are highly vulnerable and have a low capacity of adaptation. This article seeks to analyse if the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted within the Paris Agreement framework by the Latin American countries align with achieving the 1.5°C goal. For this analysis, the cumulative emissions for the 2018–2100 period are distributed among the region and its countries using the climate justice criteria (equality and historical responsibility) outlined in the Model of Climate Justice (MCJ). The results of the MCJ compatible with the 1.5°C global temperature scenario are then compared with the cumulative emissions implied in the NDCs submitted by the Latin American countries. Two main conclusions are obtained from the NDC analysis. First, the Latin American region, in 2030, will consume 67.8% of the emissions budget allocated by the MCJ until the end of the century. Second, this percentage could be reduced if, firstly, the conditional commitments within the NDC that require foreign aid are achieved, and, secondly, those countries that will consume their entire emissions budget by 2030 submit reviewed NDCs that increase the ambition of their mitigation commitments.
Dark Triad, Impulsivity And Honesty-Humility And Intended Behavior In A Prisoner’s Dilemma Game: A Simulation Study
Authors: Lainidi Olga , Karakasidou Eirini , Montgomery Anthony
Published: August 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate if the Dark Triad personality traits, Impulsivity and Honesty-Humility can predict individuals’ intended behavior in one-shot Prisoner’s Dilemma Games (PDG). Method: A cross-sectional correlational design was followed, examining multiple linear regression models. A total sample of 197 Greek adults (64% women, M=35.13 years old) completed a one-shot simulated PDGs, the Dirty Dozen scale, the Barratt Impulsivity Scale and the Honesty-Humility subscale from the HEXACO NEO-PI. Results: Significant correlations between Dirty Dozen scores and Impulsivity, and Dirty Dozen scores and Honesty-Humility (p<.01) where identified. Honesty-Humility predicted Dark Triad scores (p<.01). Dark Triad scores predicted the classification of participants in groups, according to their decision in the first PDG simulation (p<.01), while Honesty/Humility and Impulsivity were not significant predictors.Conclusions: Simulated social situations can serve as situational judgment tests in an effort to develop new measures of personality and a better understanding in the underpinning mechanisms between personality traits and intended behavior in ethical dilemmas and moral judgment.
Factors shaping the abundance and diversity of archaea in the animal gut
Authors: Thomas Courtney , Quemener Elie Desmond-Le , Gribaldo Simonetta , Borrel Guillaume
Published: August 2021

Archaea are active members of the gut microbiome, but a thorough analysis of their diversity and abundance in a wide range of animals is lacking. Here, we examined both quantitatively and qualitatively the gut archaeome of 269 species from invertebrates to primates. Archaea are present across many animals and mostly represented by four genera and one family of methanogens, but also members of Thaumarchaeota. Five major events of adaptation to the gut in the Archaea were identified. Host phylogeny, diet, and intestinal tract physiology are key factors shaping the structure and abundance of the archaeome. The abundance of methanogens is positively correlated with diet fibre content in mammals and hydrogenotrophic methyl-reducing methanogenesis (the main methanogenesis pathway in many animals) is linked to diet and methyl compounds-producing bacteria. Our results provide unprecedented insights on the intestinal archaeome and pave the way for further studies on their role in this environment.
Regional trade agreement burdens global carbon emission mitigation
Authors: Tian Kailan , Zhang Yu , Li Yuze , Ming Xi , Jiang Shangrong , Duan Hongbo , Yang Cuihong , Wang Shouyang
Published: August 2021

Regional trade agreements (RTAs) have been widely adopted to facilitate international trade and cross-border investment and ultimately promote economic development. However, ex ante measurements of the environmental effects of RTAs to date have not been well conducted. Here, we estimate the CO2 emission burdens of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) after evaluating its economic effects. We find that trade among RCEP member countries will increase significantly and economic output will expand with the reduction of regional tariffs. However, the results show that complete tariff elimination among RCEP members would increase the yearly global CO2 emissions from fuel combustion by about 3.12%, which doubles the annual average growth rate of global CO2 emissions in the last decade. The emissions in some developing members will surge. We therefore stress the necessity of balancing carbon mitigation and the pursuit of economic profitability. The technological advancement of emission mitigation and more effective climate policies for international trade are urgently required to avoid undermining international efforts to reduce global emissions.
Clinical Trial Recruiters’ Experiences Working With Trial Eligibility Criteria: Results of an Exploratory, Cross-sectional, Online Survey
Authors: Cragg William , McMahon Kathryn , Oughton Jamie B , Sigsworth Rachel , Taylor Christopher , Napp Vicky
Published: August 2021

BackgroundEligibility criteria are a fundamental element of clinical trial design, defining who can and who should not participate in a trial. Problems with the design or application of criteria are known to occur and pose risks to participants' safety and trial integrity, sometimes also negatively impacting on trial recruitment and generalisability. We conducted a short, exploratory survey to gather evidence on UK recruiters' experiences interpreting and applying eligibility criteria and their views on how criteria are communicated and developed.MethodsOur survey included topics informed by a wider programme of work at the Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Leeds, on assuring eligibility criteria quality. Respondents were asked to answer based on all their trial experience, not only on experiences with our trials. The survey was disseminated to recruiters collaborating on trials run at our trials unit, and via other mailing lists and social media. The quantitative responses were descriptively analysed, with inductive analysis of free-text responses to identify themes.ResultsA total of 823 eligible respondents participated. 79% of respondents reported finding problems with eligibility criteria in some trials, and 9% in most trials. The main themes in the types of problems experienced were criteria clarity (67% of comments), feasibility (34%) and suitability (14%). 27% of those reporting some level of problem said these problems had led to patients being incorrectly included in trials; 40% said they had led to incorrect exclusions. Most respondents (56%) reported accessing eligibility criteria mainly in the trial protocol. Most respondents (74%) supported the idea that they might review eligibility criteria earlier in the protocol development process.ConclusionsOur survey corroborates other evidence about the existence of suboptimal trial eligibility criteria. Problems with clarity were the most often reported, but the number of comments on feasibility and suitability suggest some recruiters feel eligibility criteria and associated assessments can hinder recruitment to trials. Our proposal for more recruiter involvement in protocol development has strong support and some potential benefits, but questions remain about how best to implement this. We invite other trialists to consider our other suggestions for how to assure quality in trial eligibility criteria.
“There Hasn't Been a Career Structure to Step Into”: A Qualitative Study on Perceptions of Allied Health Clinician Researcher Careers
Authors: Brandenburg Caitlin , Ward Elizabeth C
Published: August 2021

Background: There are many demonstrated benefits for health service organisations engaging in research. As a result, growing numbers of clinicians are being encouraged to pursue research as part of their clinical roles, including in Allied Health (AH). However, while the benefits of having clinician researchers embedded in AH services have been well-established, the career needs of those engaged in these dual roles is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine perspectives of the career pathway for Allied Health clinicians engaged in “clinician researcher” roles within Australian health services. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted, utilising semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was used to ensure selection of varied locations, professions and role types. Results were analysed using thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was established using regular peer debriefing during theme development, and respondent validation of final themes.Results: Fifty-seven AH clinician researchers, including those who did and did not have research as a formal component of their current role, participated in semi-structured interviews. Key themes were that: (1) Clinician researchers prefer roles which are embedded in health services; (2) Current opportunities for clinician researcher roles in health are insufficient; (3) There are deficiencies in the pathway for clinician researcher careers; (4) Clinician researchers are not always valued or incentivised by health services; (5) The current career challenges impair the viability of clinician researcher careers; and (6) The clinician researcher career path has been improving and there is hope it will continue to improve.Conclusion: This study outlines a number of weaknesses with the current career structure and opportunities for AH clinician researchers in Australian health services. In particular, while there are strong intrinsic drivers to pursue this dual career, extrinsic drivers are poorly developed, including a lack of job opportunities, an unstable career pathway and a lack of value or incentivization of this career choice. This often means that clinician researchers feel compelled to choose between a research or clinical career, leading to loss of this valuable combined skillset. The findings of this research may assist health services to develop and support improved clinician researcher career pathways.
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Headache Among Medical Students in Palestine : A cross Sectional Study
Authors: Anaya Firas M. , Alia Wala’a Abu , Hamoudeh Feda’a , Nazzal Zaher A. , Maraqa Beesan
Published: August 2021

Background Headache is one of the most disturbing complaints worldwide, negatively impacting social and regular life activities.In the background of stressful life in medical schools, adding to the stressful situation in Palestine, a developing country under occupation, this study investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of migraines and tension headaches among medical students from the Palestinian Universities in West Bank and GazaMethods:A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on all Palestinian Medical Students. Students were diagnosed based on ICHD-3 criteria. Demographic characteristics were compared by gender for each type of headache. Frequency, percentage, and mean ± SD. Pearson's chi-squared test, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used where needed. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant.Results:The study included 806 medical students; 476 (59.0%) of them were female. TTH and migraine's prevalence was 59.8% and 22%, respectively, with a higher prevalence among basic year students. The female to male ratio was 1:0.6 for both types of headaches. Sleep deprivation, physical activities, and altered sleep patterns were reported as the top triggering factors.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that the prevalence of both subtypes' primary headache is high among Palestinian medical students, with a higher prevalence among basic year students. The study also showed that these findings are higher than other studies among medical students in other countries.
Scalable Reaction Network Modeling with Automatic Validation of Consistency in Event-B
Authors: Sanwal Usman , Hoang Thai Son , Petre Luigia , Petre Ion
Published: August 2021

Constructing a large biological model is a difficult, error-prone process. Small errors in writing a part of the model cascade to the system level and their sources are difficult to trace back. In this paper we extend a recent approach based on Event-B, a state-based formal method with refinement as its central ingredient, allowing us to validate for model consistency step-by-step in an automated way. We demonstrate this approach on a model of the heat shock response and its scalability on a model of the ErbB signaling pathway, a key evolutionary pathway with a significant role in development and in many types of cancer. All consistency properties of the model were proved automatically with computer support.
De Novo Nonsense Variant in ASXL3 in a Chinese Girl Causing Bainbridge–Ropers Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Wang Qin , Zhang Jianming , Jiang Nan , Xie Jiansheng , Yang Jingxin , Zhao Xiaoshan
Published: August 2021

Background: Bainbridge-Ropers syndrome (BRPS, OMIM #615485) was first identified in 2013 by Bainbridge et al. and is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by failure to thrive, facial dysmorphism, and severe developmental delay. BRPS is caused by heterozygous loss-of function (LOF) variants in the additional sex combs-like 3 (ASXL3) gene which are mostly located in two mutational cluster regions (MCR). Due to the limited specific recognizable features and overlapping symptoms with Bohring–Opitz syndrome, clinical diagnosis of BRPS is challenging. Case presentation: In this study, a 2-year-8-month-old Chinese girl was referred for genetic evaluation of severe developmental delay. Reduced fetal movement was found during antenatal period and bilateral varus deformity of feet was observed at birth. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to detect and confirm the variant. A novel nonsense variant c.1063G>T (p.E355X) in the ASXL3 gene (NM_030632.3) was identified in the proband and the clinical symptoms were compatible with BRPS. The parents were physical and genetic normal and prenatal diagnosis was requested for her pregnant mother with a negative Sanger sequencing result. Conclusion: The study revealed a de novo LOF variant in the ASXL3 gene and expanded the mutation spectrum for this clinical condition. By performing a literature review, we analyzed the clinical phenotype with limited fetal features and summarized genetic results of all BPRSs reported so far. More cases study may help to elucidate the function of ASXL3 gene that may be critical to understand the genetic etiology of this syndrome and assist in accurate genetic counselling, informed decision making and prenatal diagnosis.
Breakdown of semiclassical description of thermoelectricity in near-magic angle twisted bilayer graphene
Authors: Ghawri Bhaskar , Mahapatra Phanibhusan , Garg Manjari , Mandal Shinjan , Bhowmik Saisab , Jayraman Aditya , Soni Radhika , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Krishnamurthy Hulikal , Jain Manish , Banerjee Sumilan , Chandni U. , Ghosh Arindam
Published: August 2021

The planar assembly of twisted bilayer graphene (tBLG) hosts a multitude of interaction-driven phases when the relative rotation is close to the magic angle (θ = 1.1°). This includes correlation-induced ground states that reveal spontaneous symmetry breaking at low temperature, as well as
the possibility of non-Fermi liquid (NFL) excitations. However, experimentally, the manifestation of NFL
effects in transport properties of twisted bilayer graphene remains ambiguous. Here we report simultaneous measurements of electrical resistivity (ρ) and thermoelectric power (S) in tBLG for several twist angles between θ ≈ 1.0°-1.7°. We observe an emergent violation of the semiclassical Mott relation in the form of excess S close to half-filling for θ≈1.6° that vanishes for ≥ 2°. The excess S (≈2 μV/K at low temperatures T ≈10 K at θ≈1.6°) persists up to ≈ 40 K
and is accompanied by metallic T-linear ρ with transport scattering rate (1/τ) of near-Planckian magnitude 1/τ ≈ k_BT/h_bar. Closer to θ_m, the excess S was also observed for fractional band-filling (ν≈ 0.5). The combination of non-trivial electrical transport and violation of Mott relation provides compelling evidence of NFL physics intrinsic to tBLG.
Access to Monomeric Hydridoplumbate(II) Anions with Remarkable Thermostability
Authors: Wang Shuo , Li Han-Jung , Lee Wan-Ching , Huang Shuo-Ling , Wu Wen-Chun , Shi Fong-Ku , Kuo Ting-Shen , Lu I-Chung , Liu Hsueh-Ju
Published: August 2021

We report on the remarkable stability of synthesized monomeric hydridoplumbates M+[LPb(II)H]− (M[1-H]) where L = 2,6-bis(3,5-diphenylpyrrolyl)pyridine and M = (18-crown-6)potassium or ([2.2.2]-cryptand)potassium. The half-life of [K18c6][1-H] is approximately 2 days in tetrahydrofuran at ambient temperature. The presence of a Pb–H bond in the hydridoplumbates was unambiguously identified by performing 1H, 2H (with a lead(II) deuteride analogue), 207Pb{1H}, proton-coupled 207Pb, and 1H-207Pb 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The experimental observations and theoretical calculations indicated the presence of dihydrogen bonding as a secondary coordination sphere interaction between the protons of the ligand backbone and the hydride ligand that helps stabilize Pb–H bonding. The Pb–H bond readily adds to the C = O bond of benzaldehyde to form a benzyloxy compound. The regeneration of Pb(II)–H moieties was observed by treating pinacolborane with lead(II) benzyloxy compounds, which indicated that lead(II) hydrides can be used as catalysts for hydroelementation reactions involving unsaturated molecules.
How Harvest More Ambient Energy from Environmental Vibration with a Multiple-Frequency Excitation
Authors: Song Jiawen , Sun Guihong , Zeng Xin , Li Xiangwen , Bai Quan , Zheng Xuejun
Published: August 2021

We propose piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) with double-cantilever-beam (DCB) undergoing coupled bending-torsion vibrations by combining width-splitting method and asymmetric mass, in order that more ambient energy could be harvested from environmental vibration with multiple-frequency excitation. The geometrical dimensions are optimized for PEHDCB, when the maximum of output peak voltages Up−max and resonance frequency difference (Δf0) between the first and second modes are chosen as optimization objectives based on orthogonal test method. The energy harvesting efficiency is evaluated by the proportion of half-power bandwidth and quality factor, and the experimental and simulation results are compared to verify reliability. The Up−max1 and Pp−max1 are increased 25.2% and 57.3% for PEHDCB under the multi-frequency excitation, when the split-width method is applied into PEH with single-cantilever-beam (SCB) undergoing coupled bending-torsion vibrations. The deviations of Up−max1 and f0 are at the ranges of 4.9–14.2% and 2.2–2.5% for PEHDCB under the different mass ratios, and the measurement reliability is acceptable considering incomplete clamping, damping and inevitable assembly effects. The energy harvesting efficiency of PEHDCB presented is much higher than that of the conventional PEHSCB from environmental vibration with multiple-frequency excitation.
ChIP-Hub: an Integrative Platform for Exploring Plant Regulome
Authors: Fu Liang-Yu , Zhou Xinkai , Yu Ranran , Wu Zhigui , Zhang Peijing , Chen Ming , Kaufmann Kerstin , Chen Dijun
Published: August 2021

Plant genomes encode a complex and evolutionary diverse regulatory grammar that forms the basis for most life on earth. A wealth of regulome and epigenome data have been generated in various plant species, but no common, standardized resource is available so far for biologists. Here we present ChIP-Hub, an integrative web-based platform in the ENCODE standards that bundles > 10000 publicly available datasets reanalyzed from > 40 plant species, allowing visualization and meta-analysis. We manually curate the datasets through assessing ~ 540 original publications and comprehensively evaluate their data quality. As a proof of concept, we extensively survey the co-association of different regulators and construct a hierarchical regulatory network under a broad developmental context. Furthermore, we show how our annotation allows to investigate the dynamic activity of tissue-specific regulatory elements (promoters and enhancers) and their underlying sequence grammar. Finally, we analyze the function and conservation of tissue-specific chromatin states based on comparative genomics. Taken together, the ChIP-Hub platform and the analysis results provide rich resources for deep exploration of plant ENCODE.
The Natural History of Patients with Prostate Specific Antigen Elevation Receiving Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Hahn-Ey , Yoon Hyun Sik , Kim ByungWon , Suh Jungyo , Oh Seung-June
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To understand the natural history of patients with prostate specific antigen (PSA) elevation receiving Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and to understand clinical factors correlated with PSA elevation.
Subjects and Methods:

Patients in the prospective database registry from our institution who underwent HoLEP between January 2010 and May 2020 were analyzed. The patients were classified into low (< 3.0ng/mL) and high ( > = 3.0ng/mL) PSA groups at baseline. Intraoperative and early postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Postoperative evaluation was performed, with PSA being evaluated at the postoperative sixth month. Factors showing correlation with PSA elevation were analyzed.
Results

A total of 1297 patients with a mean age of 69.7 (± 6.8 SD) years were analyzed. The baseline PSA was 4.0 (± 4.2) ng/mL, with 713 (55.0%) patients in the low PSA group (1.6 (± 0.8) ng/mL), and 584 (45.0%) patients in the high PSA group (6.9 (± 4.7) ng/mL). The PSA level decreased postoperatively by 66.6 (± 23.6)% in all patients, and 54.3 (± 23.9)% in the low PSA group, and 79.6 (± 14.7)% in the high PSA group.
Conclusions

In patients with LUTS and elevated PSA, significant PSA reduction and symptom improvement was observed after HoLEP.
Single HER2-Positive Tumor Cells are Detected in Initially HER2-Negative Breast Carcinomas using the DEPArray™–HER2-FISH Workflow
Authors: Grüntkemeier Lisa , Khurana Aditi , Bischoff Farideh Zamaniyan , Hoffmann Oliver , Kimmig Rainer , Moore Mathew , Cotter Philip , Kasimir-Bauer Sabine
Published: August 2021

Background: In breast cancer (BC), overexpression of HER2 on the primary tumor (PT) is determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to stratify samples as negative, equivocal and positive to identify patients (pts) for anti-HER2 therapy. CAP/ASCO guidelines recommend FISH for analyzing HER2/neu ( ERBB2 ) gene amplification and for resolving equivocal HER2 IHC results. However, pre-analytical and analytical aspects are often confounded by sample related limitations and tumor heterogeneity and HER2 expression may differ between the PT and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), the precursors of metastasis. We used a validation cohort of BC pts to establish a new DEPArray™-PT-HER2-FISH workflow for further application in a development cohort, characterized as PT-HER2-negative but CTC-HER2/ neu -positive, to identify pts with PT-HER2 amplified cells not detected by routine pathology. Methods: 50 µm FFPE tumor curls from the validation cohort (n=49) and the development cohort (n=25) underwent cutting, deparaffinization and antigen retrieval followed by dissociation into a single cell suspension. After staining for cytokeratin, vimentin, DAPI and separation via DEPArray™, single cells were processed for HER2-FISH analysis to assess the number of chromosome 17 and HER2 loci signals for comparison, either with available IHC or conventional tissue section FISH. CTC-HER2/ neu status was determined using the AdnaTest BreastCancer (QIAGEN, Hilden, Germany). Results: Applying CAP/ASCO guidelines for HER2 evaluation of single PT cells, the comparison of routine pathology and DEPArray™-HER2-FISH analysis resulted in a concordance rate of 81.6% (40/49 pts) in the validation cohort and 84% (21/25 pts) in the development cohort, respectively. In the latter one, 4/25 pts had single HER2-positive tumor cells with 2/25 BC pts proven to be HER2-positive, despite being HER2-negative in routine pathology. The two other pts showed an equivocal HER2 status in the DEPArray™-HER2-FISH workflow but a negative result in routine pathology. Pts with discordant HER2 results had already died, the others are still alive. Conclusions: The DEPArray™ system allows pure tumor cell recovery for subsequent HER2/neu FISH analysis and is highly concordant with conventional pathology. For PT-HER2-negative pts, harboring HER2/ neu- positive CTCs, this approach might allow caregivers to more effectively offer anti-HER2 treatment.
Investigative Study On The AC And DC Breakdown Voltage of Nanofluid From Jatropha –Neem Oils Mixture For Use In Oil-Filled Power Equipment.
Authors: Tambuwal Faruk Riskuwa , Oparanti Samson Okikiola , Abdulkadir Ibrahim , Sadiq Umar , Abdelmalik A. A.
Published: August 2021

This paper investigated the feasibility of developing alternative insulating nanofluid from a mixture of Jatropha and Neem oils into which compositions of 0.2wt% to 1.0wt% of titanium oxide nanoparticles were dispersed. FTIR, SEM-EDX and XRD analysis of Titanium oxide nanoparticles were carried out. The DC and AC breakdown voltages were measured and analysed using Weibull statistical tool. In the Weibull statistical analysis, it was observed that the characteristic breakdown field strength of PJO is higher relative to PNO and has slight differences compared to the PJNO sample. With the dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles, the characteristic breakdown strength improved as compared with the base oil. Furthermore, the developed Jatropha-Neem mixture nanofluid recorded characteristic breakdown field strength that is much higher compared to that of the mineral oil sample. The JNNF sample possessed the highest characteristic breakdown strength among prepared nanofluids which indicates that the characteristic breakdown strength of the oil samples has been improved considerably with the dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles. The results have shown the viability of Jatropha-Neem nanofluid as insulating oil for use in oil-filled power equipment.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation of The Spanish MINICHAL Instrument Into English For Use In The United Kingdom
Authors: Jordan Andrew , Anning Christine , Wilkes Lindsay , Ball Claire , Pamphilon Nicola , Clark Christopher E , Bellenger Nicholas G , Shore Angela C , Sharp Andrew SP , Valderas Jose M
Published: August 2021

Background: Hypertension is a highly prevalent condition, with optimal treatment to BP targets conferring significant gains in terms of cardiovascular outcomes. Understanding why some patients do not achieve BP targets would be enhanced through greater understanding of their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the only English language disease-specific instruments for measurement of HRQoL in hypertension have not been validated in accordance with accepted standards. It is proposed that the Spanish MINICHAL instrument for the assessment of HRQoL in hypertension could be translated, adapted and validated for use in the United Kingdom. The aim of the study was therefore to complete this process, using a cohort of patients enrolled in an 18-week programme for the treatment of grade II-III hypertension. Methods: The MINICHAL authors were contacted and the original instrument obtained. This was then translated into English by two independent English-speakers, with these versions then reconciled, before back-translation and subsequent production of a 2nd reconciled version. Thereafter, a final version was produced after cognitive debriefing, for administration and psychometric analysis in the target population. Results: The final version of the instrument was administered to 30 individuals with grade II/III hypertension before and after 18 weeks’ intensive treatment. Psychometric analysis demonstrated a floor effect, though no ceiling effect. Internal consistency for both state of mind (StM) and somatic manifestations (SM) dimensions of the instrument were acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.81 and 0.75), as was test-retest reliability (ICC=0.717 and 0.961) and construct validity, which was measured through co-administration with the EQ5d5L and Bulpitt-Fletcher instruments. No significant associations were found between scores and patient characteristics known to affect HRQoL. The EQ5D5L instrument found an improvement in HRQoL following treatment, with the StM and SM dimensions of the English language MINICHAL trending to support this (d=0.32 and 0.02 respectively). Conclusions: The present study details the successful English translation and validation of the MINICHAL instrument for use in individuals with hypertension. The data reported also supports an improvement in HRQoL with rapid treatment of grade II/III hypertension, a strategy which has been recommended by contemporaneous European guidelines. Trial registration: ISRCTN registry number: 57475376 (assigned 25/06/2015).