bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncology Health Care Providers’ Perceptions of the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Oncology Patients
Authors: Chavez Melody Nichole , Marshall Victoria K. , Tyson Dinorah Martinez , Mason Tina M. , Rechenberg Kaitlyn
Published: April 2021

Purpose. The COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation measures have had a profound impact on the psychological and mental well-being of people living with cancer. The aim of this study was to explore oncology health care professionals’ (OHCP) perceptions of psychological effects of COVID-19 among people in active cancer treatment. Methods. An exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of OHCP, who were actively participating and providing care to patients with cancer and undergoing treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using Atlas.ti v8. Inductive applied thematic analysis techniques were employed to identify emergent themes.Results. A total of 30 OHCP participated in the study with the majority being registered nurses (70%), worked in the outpatient oncology clinic (56.7%) and worked in current position 1- 5 years (53.3%). The overarching themes included: (1) cancer care treatment disrupted due to patients fear of exposure to COVID-19; (2) social distancing restrictions had a negative impact on social support and supportive services exacerbating psychological and physical well-being among oncology patients; (3) pandemic-related stressors lead to overwhelmed coping skills among oncology patients; and (4) OHCP play vital roles in providing emotional support to comfort, reassure and connect oncology patients with their family/friends through technology.Conclusion. Our findings highlight increased psychological distress during the pandemic. Behavioral health interventions for oncology patients should focus within the scope of the “new world of Covid-19” of reduced face to face support and increased online support.
Incubation Period of COVID-19 From 11545 Patients in Observation Study
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Zhang Dongdong , Dang Dejian , Geng Juan , Zhu Peiyu , Yuan Mingzhu , Liang Ruonan , Yang Haiyan , Jin Yuefei , Xie Jing , Chen Shuaiyin , Duan Guangcai
Published: April 2021

Background

The incubation period is a key index of epidemiology in understanding of the spread of infectious diseases and the decision-making of the disease control. However, the incubation period of the emerging COVID-19 is still unclear.
Methods

Between January 19, 2020 and September 21, 2020, we collected information on 11545 patients in Mainland China outside Hubei. The 218 patients with precise data was validation population. The incubation period was fitted with lognormal model by the coarseDataTools package in R.
Results

In 11545 patients, the mean incubation period of COVID-19 was 7.1 days (95% Confidence interval [CI], 7.0–7.2). About 5.4% of patients had precise incubation period less than 3 days, 10.2% longer than 14 days, and 2.1% longer than 21 days. There was no statistically significant difference in incubation period between male and female (P = 0.603). It was similar in the 218 patients. The mean accurate incubation period was 6.8 days (6.2–7.4). Of which, 14.7% (32/218) of patients had incubation period less than 3 days, 12.4% (27/218) longer than 14 days, and 0.9% (2/218) longer than 21 days.
Conclusions

For COVID-19, the mean incubation period is 7.1 days and 10.2% of patients developed disease 14 days after infection, which challenges the current 14-day quarantine strategy.
Spatial and temporal variation of dissolved heavy metals in the Lijiang River China: Implication of rainstorm on drinking water quality
Authors: Deng Liming , Shahab Asfandyar , Xiao He , Li Jieyue , Rad Saeed , Jiang Jinping , Yu Guo , Jiang Pingping , Huang Hongwei , Li Xiangkui , Ahmad Bilal , Siddique Jamil
Published: April 2021

Lijiang River is an essential drinking water source and natural scenery in the Guilin City. For the first time, implications of rainstorm were taken into consideration by investigating spatial and temporal variation of dissolved heavy metals (HMs) in the Lijiang River water. A total of 68 water samples were collected during low flow (normal) season and high flow (rainstorm) season from 34 sampling sites. Dissolved HMs including Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, and Pb were found to meet the respective drinking water standards, while higher concentration was observed after the rainstorm season, except for Cr. Multivariate statistical analysis showed Co, Cu, Cr, Zn, Sb, and Pb in normal season are mainly controlled by anthropogenic sources. Furthermore, higher concentration of Mn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Co and Zn during the high flow season is attributed to rainstorm. The water quality index (WQI) showed good grades, and comparatively lower in rainstorm season. The results of health risk assessment revealed that HMs in Lijiang River pose limited health risk, however, As poses potential health risk during rainstorm season. It is suggested to adopt preventive measures in mining activities and industrial waste-water discharge at the river’s upstream and downstream.
Elastic Wave Propagation in Nonlinear Two-dimensional Acoustic Metamaterials
Authors: Zhao Cheng , Zhang Kai , Zhao Pengcheng , Deng Zichen
Published: April 2021

This study describes the wave propagation in a periodic lattice which is formed by a spring-mass two-dimensional structure with local Duffing nonlinear resonators. The wave propagation characteristics of the system is evaluated by using the perturbation method and Floquet-Bloch theorem to determine the dispersion relationships and wave propagation characteristics in the nonlinear two-dimensional acoustic metamaterials (2D AM). A quantitative study of wave amplitude is carried out to reveal the limits of the proposed method. In particular, the harmonic balance method is introduced to investigate the frequency response and effective mass of the nonlinear systems. We find that the dispersion relations, group velocity, negative effective mass of unit-cell are related to wave amplitude. Furthermore, the dual wave vector, bifurcation of periodic solutions and chaotic band are observed in the nonlinear systems. The results can be used to tune wave propagation in the nonlinear acoustic metamaterials and provide some ideas for the study of nonlinear metamaterials.
Chinese Residents' Cultural Value and Health： Lifestyle and General Trust As Mediators
Authors: Shangxin Chi , YANG YANG
Published: April 2021

BackgroundChina is currently in a period of transition, traditional Chinese culture and modern culture gives rise to different interpretations with regard to health. In order to analyze the relationship between cultural values and residents’ health, we examined the current situation of cultural values in China and identified the mediators of Chinese culture value and health.MethodsUsing Chinese data from the 2007 and 2012 World Values Surveys (WVS), we measured the self-rate healthy and culture value, analyzed the relationship between cultural values and health by binary logistic regression, and the regression coefficient is tested to determine whether there is a mediating effect of active lifestyle and general trust. To measure culture value, we use Schwartz's scale In addition, in order to facilitate the comparison of coefficients between Logit models, the "Y * normalization" method is adopted in this paper.ResultsIt was found that, first, the traditional components of Chinese residents’ cultural values remained more prominent than modern ones, although the transformational trend from traditional to modern was obvious. Second, different cultural values had different effects on residents’ health. Specifically, “openness to change” and “collectivism” positively contributed to health, “conservation” was harmful, and “individualism” had no statistically significant effect. To better understand the relationship between cultural values and residents’ health, the specific connotations of each value were examined. Further, the mechanism of cultural values’ effect on health was analyzed. “Lifestyle” was found to play a physiological role in influencing health while “general trust” played a psychological role. ConclusionThe present study identify lifestyle and general trust are the mediators of Chinese culture value and health. Finding indicate that modern culture and transitional culture both have positive influence to health. To improve Chinese residents’ health in the context of cultural transformation, healthier lifestyles should be promoted, greater openness to modern culture should be adopted, essential traditional culture should be maintained, and social trust should be promoted. Further study should consider the two-way causal relationship of cultural values and self-reported health and find more influence trace of the two mentioned former.
High-performance Removal of Anti-inflammatory Using Activated Carbon from Water Treatment Plant Sludge: Fixed-bed and Batch Studies
Authors: Filho Alaor Valério , Tholozan Luana Vaz , Arim Aline Lemos , Almeida André Ricardo Felkl de , ROSA GABRIELA SILVEIRA DA
Published: April 2021

Activated carbon from water treatment sludge (WASC) was employed as adsorbent material to remove the anti-inflammatory Nimesulide (NM) from aqueous solutions. NM adsorption was performed in batch and fixed-bed systems, evaluating pH, adsorbent dosage, adsorption kinetics, equilibrium isotherm, continuous adsorption, and simulated effluents. The kinetic data were best fitted to the Elovich model and Intraparticle diffusion reaching the equilibrium at 120 min. Langmuir model presented a better description of the equilibrium data with the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 274.99 mg g− 1 from NM adsorption by WASC. The adsorbent was tested in two simulated hospital effluents and proved to be an excellent adsorbent for removing NM from an aqueous solution with the presence of salts, sugars, and other inorganics. Finally, WASC was applied in fixed-bed NM adsorption obtaining the adsorption capacity of 217.28 mg g− 1.
Stories of Loss and Healing: Connecting Non-Economic Losses and Damages with Gendered Wellbeing Erosion in the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Ayeb-Karlsson Sonja , Chandra Alvin , McNamara Karen E.
Published: April 2021

It is well-known that the climatic impacts affect women and men differently. However, more empirical evidence illustrating how, where, when and who are needed to help address gendered vulnerability. Specifically, research investigating the connections between mental health, wellbeing, and climate change can foster responses to avert, minimise and address loss and damage impacts on vulnerable populations. Few studies explore climate-induced mental health impacts, although this is a crucial area for the conceptual framing of non-economic loss and damage. Declining mental health and wellbeing is at the core of non-economic losses taking place all over the world. The existing literature body recognises the disproportionate environmental impacts on women, this study explores non-economic loss related to mental health and wellbeing for women in the Global South. The article uses empirical storytelling and narratives gathered through field work conducted in Bangladesh, Fiji and Vanuatu. The research findings described how climate change risks and extreme weather events negatively impacts women’s mental health and wellbeing, while providing proactive recommendations to address the gendered mental health consequences of climate change.
Targeted Inhibition of FGF19/FGFR Cascade Improves Anti-Tumor Immunity and Response Rate in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tai David Wai Meng , Le Thi Bich Uyen , Prawira Aldo , Ho Rebecca Zhi Wen , Huynh Hung
Published: April 2021

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer globally, claiming nearly 1 million lives each year. Overexpression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFRs) signaling cascade has been shown to contribute to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis in HCC. Therefore, targeted inhibition of the FGF/FGFR cascade may represent a new treatment strategy for HCC patients.
Methods
HCC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were implanted into either severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) or CD34 + hu-NSG (humanized) mice and subsequently treated with vehicle, infigratinib (FGFR1-3 inhibitor), FGF401 (FGFR4 inhibitor), or the combination of infigratinib and FGF401. Tumor progressions, overall survival of mice, lung metastasis, and drug resistance were monitored, and samples collected at the end of the treatment cycle were subjected to Western blot analyses and immunohistochemistry.
Results
HCC PDX models expressing high levels of FGF19/FGFR4 or FGFR2/3 showed favorable initial treatment response to FGF401 and infigratinib, respectively. However, progressive disease due to acquired resistance was observed. Combination infigratinib/FGF401 augmented the antitumor activity, response rate, and overall survival of mice. This combination significantly increased the infiltration of B-cells, macrophages, CD8 + T-cells, and CD4 + T-cells associated with granzyme-B mediated apoptosis, delayed onset of resistance, and inhibited metastasis by potently inhibiting several critical signaling pathways involved in proliferation and metastasis.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that HCC patients with high FGFR2/3 or FGF19/FGFR4 expressing tumors might benefit from a combination infigratinib/FGF401, thus supporting its evaluation in clinical trials.
Genetic Variation and Association Mapping in the F2 Population of the Perilla Crop (Perilla Frutescens L.) using new Developed Perilla SSR Markers
Authors: Kim Ju Keon , Sa Kyu Jin , Ha Ye Ju , Lee Ju Kyong
Published: April 2021

The transcriptome sequencing approach RNA-seq represents a powerful tool for transcriptional analysis and development of SSR markers for nonmodel crop. In the Perilla crop, analysis of the distribution of different repeat motifs showed that dinucleotide repeats were the most abundant (62.0%) type, followed by trinucleotide repeats (35.3%), with the two together comprising 97.3% of the eSSR repeats. In this study, we developed 39 new SSR primer sets by the transcriptome sequencing approach RNA-sEq. A total of 130 alleles were detected segregating in nine Perilla accessions with an average of 3.3 alleles per locus, ranging from 125 to 360 bp. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to six. To detect SSR markers associated with morphological characteristics of Perilla crop, a total of 40 individuals from the F2 population of Perilla were selected for association analysis based on their leaf- and plant-related characteristics. In an association analysis of 37 SSR markers and 9 leaf- and plant-related traits in the 40 individuals of the F2 population, we identified 12 and 11 SSR markers associated with leaf-related traits and plant-related traits, respectively. Therefore, the new Perilla SSR primers described in this study could be helpful in identifying genetic diversity and genetic mapping, designating important genes/QTLs for Perilla crop breeding programs, and allowing Perilla breeders to improve leaf and plant quality through marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding programs.
Clinical Study To Evaluate The Outcome Of Primary AGV Implantation In Angle Recession Glaucoma Following Blunt Ocular Trauma In Indian Eyes
Authors: Kaushik Jaya , Parihar Jitendra Kumar Singh , Singh Ankita , Chaitanya VYK , Shetty Rakesh , Jain Vaibhav Kumar , Mathur Vijay , Singhal Aanchal
Published: April 2021

Purpose—To Highlight The Efficacy Of Primary AGV Implantation In Angle Recession Glaucoma Following Blunt Ocular Trauma In Indian Eyes.Design- A retrospective analytical studyMaterials & Methods— This study included 52 patients of angle recession glaucoma, who presented between Mar 2006 to Feb 2016, out of which 38 patients had undergone primary AGV implantation while the rest were managed with topical anti-glaucoma medications. Preoperative data included age, sex, type & mode of injury, duration of injury, assessment of BCVA and IOP. Extent of angle recession was observed by gonioscopy. The intraocular pressure, visual acuity and number of anti-glaucoma medications were measured postoperatively. The success of this technique was analyzed by using a Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival curve.Results—Following AGV implantation the mean IOP was significantly reduced to 8.7±2.2 at 1st day, 10.1±2.2 at 7th day, 14.2±3.4 at 3rd month, 15.6±3.7 at 1 year and 15.6±3.6 at 3rd year follow-up showing statistically significant values (p<0.001) at each visit. The IOP was successfully controlled at last follow up without topical treatment. Mean BCVA at 3 year post AGV was 0.41±1.5 (logMAR) which was statistically significant (p<0.001).The success rate by Kaplan- Meier survival curve analysis was 90% at the mean follow up duration of 29.47±3.39 months. Overall surgical complications were noted in the form of prolonged hypotony, hyphema in 7 patients (13.5%).Conclusions—In medically uncontrolled post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma Primary AGV Implantation is a safe and effective surgical procedure with lesser complication rates providing long term IOP control in younger population .
Growth and Body Composition in PKU Children—A 3 Year Prospective Study Comparing the Effects of L-Amino Acid to Glycomacropeptide Protein Substitutes
Authors: Daly Anne , Hogler Wolfgang , Crabtree Nicola , Shaw Nick , Evans Sharon , Pinto Alex , Jackson Richard , Strauss Boyd , Wilcox Gisela , Rocha Julio C , Ashmore Catherine , MacDonald Anita
Published: April 2021

Background: Protein quality and quantity are important factors in determining lean body (muscle) mass (LBM). In phenylketonuria (PKU), protein substitutes provide most of the nitrogen either as amino acids (AA) or glycomacropeptide (CGMP-AA). Body composition and growth are important indicators of long-term health. In a 3-year prospective study comparing the impact of AA and CGMP AA on body composition and growth in PKU, 48 children were recruited. N=19, (median age 11.1y, range 5-15y) took AA only, n=16 (median age 7.3y, range 5-15y) took a combination of CGMP-AA and AA (CGMP50), and 13 children (median age 9.2y, range 5-16y) took CGMP-AA only (CGMP100). A dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan at enrolment and 36 months measured LBM, % body fat (%BF) and fat mass (FM). Height was measured at enrolment, 12, 24 and 36 months. Results: No correlation or statistically significant differences were found between the three groups for LBM, FM and height compared with age, gender, puberty or phenylalanine blood concentrations. The change in height z scores: AA 0, CGMP50 +0.4 and CGMP100 +0.7 showed a trend that children in the CGMP100 group were taller, had improved LBM with decreased FM and % BF but this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: There appeared to be no advantage of AA compared to CGMP-AA protein substitutes on body composition after 3 years follow up of usage. Although statistical differences were not reached, a trend towards improved body composition was observed with CGMP when it provided the entire protein substitute requirement.Trial registry: IRAS 129497 (13/WM/10435) registered 10th November 2013 (hppt// www.hra.nhs)
Inequalities in the reproductive health knowledge and practices of unmarried adolescent boys and girls in Eastern India: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Sharma Shantanu , Maheshwari Sonali , Kuwatada Jitesh , Shekhar Chandra , Mehra Sunil
Published: April 2021

Background: Adolescents lack adequate knowledge, self-efficacy, and access to sexual and reproductive health services; thereby, predisposing them to sexual violence, sexually transmitted infections, early marriage, and high fertility rates. Socio-economic inequalities fuel such problems, but we have limited evidence from some of the least developed states of Eastern India. Therefore, we aimed to assess the inequalities in the reproductive health knowledge and practices of unmarried adolescents (10-19 years) from marginalized populations in one district each from the state of Bihar and Assam in India.Methods: It was a community-based cross-sectional study with a quantitative research methodology. In our study, we captured data on five domains related to reproductive health, including knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and contraceptives, awareness and perceptions related to right age at marriage, general self-efficacy, menstrual hygiene practices among girls, and access to health services for reproductive health problems; besides socio-demographic details. We performed a 2-step cluster analysis to gain insights into the patterns of reproductive health knowledge and self-efficacy among unmarried adolescent boys and girls, separately. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the predictors associated with the cluster membership determined through cluster analysis.Results: A total of 811 boys and 826 girls participated in the study. Three-clusters were identified for boys and girls in the analysis, varying from high to low knowledge and self-efficacy for boys, and high to low knowledge with constant low self-efficacy in all the three clusters for girls. Higher educational status and increasing age were positively associated with the high knowledge clusters among boys and girls. Additionally, marginalized social class and working status were associated with higher knowledge cluster in girls.Conclusions: We emphasize on the need of comprehensive (covering a broad range of reproductive health issues, such as child marriage, contraceptives, HIV/AIDS, menstrual hygiene, etc.), contextualized (relevant for adolescents in the least developed states like Bihar), and customized (tailored for different cultures and religions through appropriate means) sexual and reproductive health education for adolescents.
Factors influencing Research Engagement among Medical students in the United Kingdom (REMED-UK): protocol for a prospective, observational, national, multi-centre questionnaire - study
Authors: Osunronbi Temidayo , Adeboye William , Faluyi David , George Jasmine , Sofela Agbolahan
Published: April 2021

Introduction: There has been a decline in the number of academic clinicians in the UK. Also, there are gender and ethnic inequalities in research opportunities amongst UK clinicians. The decision to get involved in research as a clinician is usually made as a medical student. Hence, this study aims to investigate the factors affecting UK medical students’ involvement in research, and to understand their perceptions of research, motivation for and the barriers to their engagement in research. Methods: This study is a prospective, observational, national, multi-centre study that will utilise an online questionnaire using the QualtricsTM survey tool. Medical students that are at least 18 years old and enrolled in a UK medical school in the 2020/21 academic year are eligible to partake in this study. The following data will be collected: demographic, research experience, research perception, research self-efficacy, motivation, and barriers to engaging in research. The outcome measures are: number of research projects, publications, presentations, and successful grant applications.Conclusion: This study will produce evidence-based reports that will guide UK medical schools and relevant organisations in developing resources and programmes that will increase the number of future academic clinicians and resolve inequalities in research opportunities and engagement amongst future clinicians.
SINE jumping contributes to large-scale polymorphisms in the pig genomes
Authors: Chen Cai , D'Alessandro Enrico , Murani Eduard , Zheng Yao , Giosa Domenico , Yang Naisu , Wang Xiaoyan , Gao Bo , Li Kui , Wimmers Klaus , Song Chengyi
Published: April 2021

Background: Molecular markers based on retrotransposon insertion polymorphisms (RIPs) have been developed and are widely used in plants and animals. Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) exert wide impacts on gene activity and even on phenotypes. However, SINE RIP profiles in livestock remain largely unknown, and not be revealed in pigs. Results: Our data revealed that SINEA1 displayed the most polymorphic insertions (22.5% intragenic and 26.5% intergenic), followed by SINEA2 (10.5% intragenic and 9% intergenic) and SINEA3 (12.5% intragenic and 5.0% intergenic). We developed a genome-wide SINE RIP mining protocol and obtained a large number of SINE RIPs (36,284), with over 80% accuracy and an even distribution in chromosomes (14.5/Mb), and 74.34% of SINE RIPs generated by SINEA1 element. Over 65% of pig SINE RIPs overlap with genes, with significant enrichment in the first and second introns of protein-coding and long non-coding RNA genes. Nearly half of the RIPs are common in these pig breeds. Sixteen SINE RIPs were applied for population genetic analysis in 23 pig breeds, the phylogeny tree and cluster analysis were generally consistent with the geographical distributions of native pig breeds in China. Conclusions: Our analysis revealed that SINEA1–3 elements, particularly SINEA1, are high polymorphic across different pig breeds, and generate large-scale structural variations in the pig genomes. And over 35, 000 SINE RIP markers were obtained. These data indicate that young SINE elements play important roles in creating new genetic variations and shaping the evolution of pig genome, and also provide strong evidences to support the great potential of SINE RIPs as genetic markers, which can be used for population genetic analysis and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in pig.
Comparing the Experiences of Parturient Women With Remifentanil Analgesia and Elective Cesarean Section and Providing Improver Strategies: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed Method Study
Authors: dousti rana , Hakimi Sevil , Pourfathi Hojjat , Nourizadeh Roghayeh , jahdi Niloufar sattarzadeh
Published: April 2021

Background Identifying methods that can effectively and safely improve the childbirth experience and are tailored to mothers' needs are of crucial importance. The current study aimed to compare experiences of parturient women with remifentanil analgesia and elective cesarean section and providing improver strategies for women living in the city of Tabriz, Iran.MethodsThis is a mixed-method study with an explanatory sequential approach. The first stage is quantitative and longitudinal. The study population is all parturient women who will give birth by elective C-section or vaginal painless delivery using remifentanil in private hospitals of the city of Tabriz in 2020-2021. All mothers are free to choose either method. Participants will be selected from all private hospitals using the convenience sampling technique proportioned to the number of eligible women in each hospital. Participants will be followed up to 30 days after delivery to complete the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression questionnaire. The second stage is a qualitative study aimed at exploring the perceptions of parturient women who had either elective C-section or painless delivery (using remifentanil), including factors related to labor experiences. Data will be collected by semi structured interviews with new mothers and important others (if needed).In the third stage, a mixed study will be performed to provide strategies for improving labor experiences. we will use an explanatory Sequential approach in order to increase the accuracy and quality of data and to use the findings to evaluate different methods of delivery.DiscussionBy comparing the experience of parturient women receiving Remifentanil analgesia and elective C-section, evidence-based improving strategies using a culturally sensitive approach can be provided. Presentation of the results obtained from this study using the mixed method may help in better understanding the issue. Also, the obtained results can be used to enhance the quality of midwifery care to be examined by health policymakers and planners.Trial registrationThis study is approved by the ethics committee of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (code: IR.TBZMED.REC.1399. 521). Besides, it's evaluated by relevant refers.
Analysis of Multimodal Imaging Characteristics of Transient Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
Authors: An Weiting , Zhao Qi , Han Jindong
Published: April 2021

Background To observe and analyze the multimodal imaging characteristics of transient central retinal artery occlusion (T-CRAO). Methods Retrospective observational study. Eight patients (8 eyes) diagnosed as T-CRAO in Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital were included in this study. There were 6 males (6 eyes) and 2 females (2 eyes) with an average age of 63.8 years (38-78years). The clinical manifestation was acute vision loss. All patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit lamp microscope, color fundus photography (CFP), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). The clinical data and multimodal imaging characteristics of patients were analyzed. Results There were 4 eyes with BCVA from 0.05 to 0.1 and 4 eyes from 0.1 to 0.3. CFP demonstrated multiple patchy “cotton-wool spot”-like lesions in posterior pole, without typical cherry-red spot. FFA manifested as sluggish filling of arteries, filling front, and delayed filling of vein. The filling was completed within 5 to 10 seconds. The “cotton-wool spot”-like lesions showed low fluorescence in early stage. Some lesions filled gradually; others still showed low fluorescence in late stage. OCT showed inner layer and local nerve fiber layer of retina was thickened. The reflexes of lesions were enhanced intermittently, especially the “hump-like” change of inner nuclear layer (INL). OCTA revealed the vascular density (VD) of superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) of retina was decreased, the shape of the arcade was damaged, and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area was enlarged. En-face image showed isolated patchy hyperreflective lesions at SCP and fused patchy hyperreflective lesions at DCP.Conclusions CFP demonstrated multiple patchy “cotton-wool spot”-like lesions in posterior pole; OCTA revealed decreased VD of SCP and DCP. After treatment, the “cotton-wool spot”-like lesions gradually vanished, and the VD partially recovered.
Suitability of Pedigree Method for Improving Seed Cotton Yield and Fiber Quality Traits
Authors: Younas Abia , Illahi Farrukh , Sarwar Ghulam , Sharif Iram , Chohan Shahid Munir
Published: April 2021

Background: Cotton is grown around the globe for its fiber, which consists of unicellular seed trichome. Converging decent fiber quality and good fiber yield in cotton varieties is crucial for textile industry of any country. Pedigree method is mostly used for developing cotton varieties in Pakistan. Suitability of pedigree method for developing cotton variety is accessed in an experiment. Genotypic variance, phenotypic variance, heritability, co-heritability, genetic advance, mean comparison and correlation analysis was carried out of nine breeding lines of in fifth filial generation. Gene action was thus determined to target the traits for further yield and quality improvement of cotton fiber. Results: Substantial genetic variability existed in F5 lines. Genotypic and phenotypic variances had less differences and phenotypic variances were higher than genotypic variance indicating influence of environment on the final expression of the traits. All traits had medium to high heritability. Seed cotton yield per plant came up with high genetic advance and high heritability indicating additive gene action and can be improved by selection. Mean comparison indicated more variation for GOT% compared to other traits. Correlation analysis indicated selecting more sympodial branches for improving seed cotton yield per plant and selecting more monopodial branches for improving fiber fineness and fiber length. However, co-heritability had high value indicating that all the traits are in balance for improvement. Conclusion: Pedigree method is suitable for improving seed cotton yields and fiber quality. However, statistical check points are recommended with each proceeding generation to apply suitable selection pressure and monitor the gene action for each trait in each generation.
Efficacy of Physical Therapy Interventions on Quality of Life and Upper Quadrant Pain Severity in Women With Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kannan Priya , Ying Lam Hiu , Kiu Ma Tsz , Ngai Lo Chiu , Yan Mui Ting , Yan Tang Wing
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of physical therapy interventions on quality of life (QoL) and pain severity in women with post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS).Methods: Multiple databases were searched from database inception-October 2020. Randomized controlled trials comparing physical therapy interventions to control were included. Results: Eighteen trials were included in the review. The pooled analysis of the four exercise trials revealed a statistically significant effect of the intervention on general (p=0.001), physical (p=0.044) and mental health components (p=0.027) of QoL, when compared to the control condition. Pooled analysis of data from six exercise trials revealed a significant effect of exercise interventions compared to control on pain severity (p<0.001). Meta-analysis of data from two myofascial release trials showed a significantly greater reduction in pain severity in the intervention group compared to the control group (p=0.04). The pooled analysis of data from two acupuncture trials revealed a significant reduction in pain severity in the intervention group compared to the control group (p=0.003). Pooled analysis of data from two trials revealed a non-significant effect of compression therapy compared to control on pain severity (p>0.05) Conclusion: This review found that exercise is beneficial for improving QoL and alleviating upper quadrant pain severity in women with PMPS. Myofascial release and acupuncture were more effective than the control condition in reducing the pain severity in PMPS. The effect of compression therapy, complex decongestive therapy and neuromuscular taping on PMPS remains inconclusive, and future research is required to validate the effect of these interventions on PMPS.
Perspectives and ethical considerations for return of genetics and genomics research results: a qualitative study of genomics researchers in Uganda
Authors: Ochieng Joseph , Kwagala Betty , Barugahare John , Mwaka Erisa , Ekusai-Sebatta Deborah , Ali Joseph , Sewankambo Nelson K
Published: April 2021

Background: Return of genetics and genomics research results has been a subject of ongoing global debate on what constitutes socially acceptable and ethical approaches for sharing individual and aggregate genomic results with participants. Such feedback to research participants is an ethical requirement to update participants on results related to the study particularly those that are deemed significant. Although there is limited literature, debate continues in the African setting on what constitutes appropriate practice regarding return of results for genetics and genomics research.The study explored the perspectives and ethical considerations of genomics researchers for return of genetics and genomics research results in a Ugandan setting.Methods: This was a qualitative study of researchers in Uganda using semi-structured interview schedules for In-depth interviews. The researchers were purposively selected based on their active involvement in conducting genetics and genomics research in the country. A total of 30 researchers participated in the study and were interviewed on their perspectives and ethical considerations for the return of genetics and genomics research results. Data were analysed through content analysis along the main themes of the study. Content analysis was conducted using a comprehensive thematic matrix, to identify common patterns arising from the narratives. QSR International NVivo software was used to support data analysis. Findings: Return of genetics and genomics research results was generally acceptable to genomics researchers and some researchers had either returned individual or aggregate results. The main reasons for sharing results included actionability, benefits and the clinical utility of the results to the participants. Ethical considerations for appropriate return of results included a need for effective community engagement, genetic counselling prior to disclosure of the results, adequate informed consent and proper assessment of the implications of, or consequences of returning of results. However, the approaches to return of results is not standardised due to lack of ethics and regulatory guidelines to govern the practice in the country.Conclusion: Return of genetics and genomics research results to participants is generally acceptable to genomics researchers and several researchers have returned either individual or aggregate results. Ethical considerations for return of genetics and genomics research results are numerous though their application is not regulated due to lack of appropriate local ethical guidelines.
Walnut Meal Extracts Rich in Polyphenols Mitigate Insulin Resistance and Modulate the Gut Microbiota of High Fat Diet-fed Rats
Authors: He Xingping , Chen Dan , Yang Dingfa , Zhang Xi , Ma Yage , Yang Jingjuan , Chen Chaoyin , Zhao Shenglan
Published: April 2021

Background: This paper aims to investigate the metabolic impact of walnut meal extracts rich in polyphenols (WMP) on high fat diet (HFD)-fed rats and to determine whether the lipid-lowering effects are related to modulations of the gut microbiota. SD rats were fed a standard chow diet or an HFD for 18 weeks. After 6 weeks, the HFD rats were supplemented with 750mg WMP/kg body weight and the vehicle for 12 weeks. The structure of gut microbiota was assessed by analyzing 16S rDNA sequences.Results: WMP suppressed the weight gain and visceral obesity. WMP treatment also improved lipid profiles and increased antioxidative activities. WMP fully reversed hepatic steatosis with upregulation of adipocytokines involved in lipid catabolism (e.g. adiponectin, PPAR-γ, visfatin, CEBPα), and increased the activity of lipoprotein lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase, in which were associated with glucose tolerance improved and insulin resistance mitigated. As revealed by 16S rDNA sequencing, WMP restored the diversity of intestinal flora reduced by HFD, dramatically reduced the abundance of Fusobacterium varium and Enterobacteriaceae, reversed and sharply raised the abundance of Lachnospiraceae UCG005 and Akkermansia decreased by HFD.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that WMP suppressed the weight gain and adiposity in HFD-fed rats, and fully reversed HFD diet-induced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis while dramatically reduced the abundance of Fusobacteriaceae and Enterobacteriaceae, underscoring the gut-liver axis as a primary target of walnut polyphenols.
Energy Mix, Financial Development and Carbon Emissions in China: A Directed Technical Change Perspective
Authors: yao shujie , Zhang Shuai
Published: April 2021

Based on a two-sector (clean energy and dirty energy) model of directed technical change, we examine the relationship between carbon emissions, clean energy consumption and financial development in China using the ARDL method. Clean energy consumption reduces carbon emissions effectively but the effect of financial development is opposite, suggesting that financial development increases carbon emissions, contradicting the findings of many existing studies. Then, we decompose financial sector development on carbon emissions into two different effects: the substitution and income effects. The substitution effect reflects more dirty energy consumption as a result of directed technical change promoted by financial development, leading to more carbon emissions. In contrast, the income effect results in a decline of carbon emissions because financial development enables firms to use more clean energy. The empirical results indicate that the net effect of financial development has caused more carbon emissions. The policy implication is also discussed.JEL: Q01, Q42, Q56
A Qualitative Study of Physicians’ Perceptions and Preferences for Implementing Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Clinical Practice Guidelines Informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)
Authors: Abboud Juliana , Rahman Abir Abdel , Shaikh Niaz , Dempster Martin , Adair Pauline
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThis study used the Theoretical Domains Framework to explore the beliefs and perceptions of physicians to influence the uptake of Venous Thromboembolism prevention guidelines.Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a stratified purposive sample of internal medicine physicians in an acute hospital. The interview topic guide was developed using the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify the factors perceived to influence practice. Two researchers coded the interview transcripts using thematic content analysis. Emerging relevant themes were mapped to TDF domains.Results A total of sixteen medical physicians were interviewed over a six-month period. Nine theoretical domains derived from thirty-three belief statements were identified as relevant to the target behaviour; knowledge (education about the importance of VTE guidelines); beliefs about capabilities (with practice VTE tool easier to implement); beliefs about consequences ( positive consequences in reducing the development of VTE, length of stay, financial burden and support physician decision) and (negative consequence risk of bleeding); reinforcement (recognition and continuous reminders); goals (patient safety goal); environmental context and resources (workload and availability of medications were barriers, VTE coordinator and electronic medical record were enablers); social influences (senior physicians and patient/family influence the VTE practice); behavioural regulation (monitoring and mandatory hospital policy); and nature of the behaviour.Conclusions Using the Theoretical Domains Framework, factors thought to influence the implementation of VTE clinical practice guidelines in the internal medicine department were identified. These factors present theoretically based targets for future interventions.
Detection of Choroidalneovascularization (Cnv) in Retina Oct Images Using Vgg16 and Densenet Cnn
Authors: M.S Abirami , B Vennila , K Suganthi , Kawatra Sarthak , Vaishnava Anuja
Published: April 2021

In this study, we intend to diagnose Choroidal Neovascularization in retinal Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images using Deep Learning Architectures. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images can be used to differentiate between a healthy eye and an eye with CNV disease. DenseNet and Vgg16 Architectures of Deep Learning were used in the study and the hyper parameters of both of the architectures were changed to diagnose the disease properly. After the detection of the disease, the diseased OCT images are segmented from the background for the Region of Interest detection using Python OpenCV library that is used for the processing of images. The results of implementation of the Architectures showed that Vgg16 showed better results in detecting the images rather than Dense Net Architecture with an accuracy percentage of 97.53% approximately a percent greater than Dense Net.
WITHDRAWN: Synthesis of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Controlled Co-Delivery of Drugs
Authors: K PRIYADHARSINI , M ANBUCHEZHIYAN , K SANGEETHA , N SENGUTTUVAN , SRIBA RAJENDRAN
Published: April 2021

Herein, a biocompatible and nontoxicity novel type of hydrophobic and hydrophilic co-delivery systems based on co-polymer chitosan-graft-PMMA (ch-g-PMMA) modified Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) for cancer therapy was prepared. The pores of MSNPs were loaded with curcumin (CUR) and doxorubicin (DOX) with co-polymer ch-g-PMMA were gated the pores of MSNPs to prevent the release of drugs. These synthesized ch-g-PMMA/MSNPs dual drug-loaded are effectively allowed for co-delivery of drug combinations with improved efficacy. The dual drug loaded MSNPS were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The TEM and XRD results proved the successful loading of drugs into the pores of hexagonal structure MSNPs with size ~180nm, CUR and DOX were released from the MSNPs only in acid –triggered manner. The cytotoxicity studied were carried out for ch-g-PMMA/MSNPs dual drug-loaded against adenocarcinoma gastric cell line (AGS) shows that MSNPs was highly biocompatible and well suitable for drug carrier.
Optimisation of Cutting Fluid Concentration and Operating Parameters based on RSM for Turning Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: Gariani Salah , Elsayed Mahmoud , Shyha Islam
Published: April 2021

The paper details experimental and optimisation results for the effect of cutting fluid concentration and operating parameters on the average surface roughness (Ra) and tool flank wear (VB) when flooded turning of Ti-6Al-4V using water-miscible vegetable oil-based cutting fluid. Cutting fluid concentration, cutting speed, feed rate and cutting tool were the control variables. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to develop an experimental design and optimise Ra and VB using linear models. The study revealed that cutting fluid concentration has a little influence on Ra and VB performance while Ra was strongly affected by feed rate and cutting tool type. The developed empirical model also suggested that the best parameters setting to minimise Ra and VB are 5%, 58 m/min, 0.1 mm/rev for cutting fluid concentration, cutting speed and feed rate, respectively, using H13A tool. At this setting, the predicted surface roughness and tool wear were 0.48 and 30 µm, respectively. In the same vein, tool life and micro-hardness tests were performed at the suggested optimum cutting condition with different cutting speeds. A notable decrease in tool life (82.3%) was obtained when a higher cutting speed was used.
Effects of control measures and their importance on COVID-19 transmission dynamics
Authors: Supatgiat Chonawee
Published: April 2021

For more than a year, governments around the world have attempted to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Control measures such as social distancing, face mask wearing, business/school closure, city or transportation lockdown, ban of mass gathering, population education and engagement, contact tracing, and improved mass testing protocols are being used to contain the pandemic. Currently, there are no studies to date that rank the importance of these measures so that the governments may allocate and target their resources towards the most effective control measures. In this paper, we propose a Discrete Time Markov Chain model that captures the above control measures and ranks them. We also show that the importance of the measures change overtime and depends on the stage of the transmission dynamics, as well as the environment. For example, contract tracing is known to be a powerful measure to effectively control the pandemic, however its influence is dynamic in nature. Our results show that contact tracing is indeed helpful during the early stage of the pandemic, but becomes less important after a vaccination program takes effect. If implemented, our novel and unique model may assist many countries in their crucial pandemic control decisions.