bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of risk factors for early progression of prostate cancer after initial endocrine therapy
Authors: Hu Bowen , Shu Feng , Liu Yan , Zhu Jiaying , Wang Haojie , Xie Nengqing , Liu Xiaoling , Jiang Guanmin , Yan Minbo , Dai Yingbo
Published: November 2022

Prolonged androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with prostate cancer can eventually lead to the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Once CRPC occurs, the patient's prognosis will be extremely poor. This study explored the time to progression and the predictability of risk factors for CRPC progression based on clinical information and laboratory indicators. Among 159 prostate cancer patients initially treated with ADT, 90 patients were screened for inclusion. Patients progressed to CRPC after endocrine therapy enrolled in Group B, and others enrolled in Group A. Within Group B, they were divided into B1 and B2 Group Based on progression to CRPC within 18 months or not. Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that the time to PSA nadir (TTN) (P = 0.031) and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P = 0.013) were significantly different between Group A and B. TTN (P < 0.001), LDH (P = 0.001) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (P = 0.005) were significantly different between Group B1 and B2. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank tests showed that TTN, LDH and PLR were statistically significantly different in CRPC progression-free survival. The ROC curve showed that the predictive value of TTN (AUC 0.852) (95% CI 0.768–0.942, p < 0.001) was much higher than that of PLR (AUC 0.631) or LDH (0.647) and that the AUC value of TTN combined with PLR and LDH increased to 0.958 (95% CI 0.911–0.997, p < 0.001). In addition, TTN correlated with tumour M-stage and haemoglobin (Hb). In conclusion, we derived independent and combined predictors of early progression to CRPC in prostate cancer patients.
Climate resilience of European wine regions
Authors: Tscholl Simon , Candiago Sebastian , Marsoner Thomas , Fraga Helder , Giupponi Carlo , Vigl Lukas Egarter
Published: November 2022

Over centuries, European vintners have developed profound knowledge about grapes, environment, and techniques that yields the most distinguishable wines. In many regions, this knowledge is reflected in the system of wine geographical indications (GI), but climate change is challenging this historical union. Here, we present the first climate change vulnerability assessment of 1174 wine GIs across Europe and propose climate-resilient development pathways using an ensemble of biophysical and socioeconomic indicators. Results indicate that wine regions in Southern Europe are among the most vulnerable, with high levels also found in Eastern Europe. Vulnerability is driven by the rigidity of the GI system, which restricts the exploitation of suitable bioclimatic conditions and existing grape cultivar diversity, as well as contextual deficiencies, such as limited socioeconomic resources. Building a climate-resilient wine sector will require rethinking the GI system by allowing innovation to compensate for the negative effects of climate change.
One-Pot Facile Green Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Stem Extract of Amaranthus Campestris and Comparison of its Characteristics with Chemically Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Hazel D , Gobi N
Published: November 2022

Nanomaterial is defined as a material with the size range of 1 nm to 100 nm. Nanomaterials have landed in many sectors due to its enormous characteristics features. Nanoparticles are synthesized by chemical, physical and biological method in general. The chemical synthesis process comprises limitations like high production cost, usage of toxic chemicals, toxic by-product emission etc., Green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticle (IONPs) are preferred due to higher biocompatibility, non toxicity, cost effective, high yield, less energy consumption, environment friendly by products, less usage of chemicals and eco friendly nature. Green synthesis uses plant extracts (roots, leaves, stem, flowers and fruits) and microorganism (bacteria, fungus and algae) for the iron oxide nanoparticle (IONPs) development. Synthesis of plant mediated nanoparticles has obtained more notice in recent times. In this research, synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles with desired properties has done by green synthesis method using Amaranthus Campestris plant stem extract and chemical method. This article summarizes the synthesis process and characterizations of obtained iron oxide nanoparticle (IONPs) through chemical and biological route. The comparisons between chemically and green synthesized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle have done using various characterization methods such as FTIR, FE-SEM, XRD,VSM, UV visible Spectroscopy and antimicrobial activity.
U-shaped association between the triglyceride-glucose index and atrial fibrillation incidence in general people without known cardiovascular disease
Authors: Liu Xiao , Abudukeremu Ayiguli , Jiang Yuan , Cao Zhengyu , Wu Maoxiong , Ma Jianyong , Sun Runlu , He Wanbing , Chen Zhiteng , Chen Yangxin , Zhang Yuling , Wang Jingfeng
Published: November 2022

Objective: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been shown to bea new alternative measure for insulin resistance. However, no study has attempted to investigate the association of the TyG index with incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population without known cardiovascular diseases.
Methods:Individuals without known cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, coronary heart disease, or stroke) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort were recruited. The baseline TyG index was calculated as the Ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. The association between the baseline TyG index and incident AF was examined using Cox regression.
Results: Of 11,851 participants, the mean age was 54.0 years; 6586 (55.6%) were female. During a median follow-up of 24.26 years, 1925 incidents of AF cases (0.78/per 100 person-years) occurred. An increased AF incidence with a graded TyG index was found by Kaplan‒Meier curves (P<0.001). In multivariable-adjusted analysis, both low (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02, 1.29) and high levels (aHR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03, 1.37) of the TyG index were associated with anincreased risk of AF compared with the middle TyG index category (8.80-9.20). The exposure-effect analysis confirmed the U-shaped association between the TyG index and AF incidence (P=0.041). Further sex-specific analysis showedthat aU-shaped association between the TyG index and incident AF still existed in females but not in males.
Conclusion: A U-shaped association between the TyG index and AF incidence was observed in Americans without known cardiovascular diseases. Sex may be a modifier in the association between the TyG index and AF incidence.
SCARS Study: Surgical Confidence when operating Among Residents in Surgery – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Awlia Alaa M. , Alotaibi Shomokh F. , Hawsa Asya A. , Sultan Abdullah O. , Trabulsi Nora H. , Akeel Nouf Y. , Malibary Nadim H. , Saleem Abdulaziz M. , Samkari Ali A. , Alburakan Ahmed A. , Kadi Mai S. , Alkhatieb Maram T. , Shabkah Alaa A. , Farsi Ali H.
Published: November 2022

Background
Self-confidence, one of the critical variables influencing surgical resident’s abilities, and lack of confidence maybe a reason for not entering medical practice immediately. Measuring the level of confidence of senior surgical residents (SSRs) is a crucial step in assessing preparedness to practice. In this study, we aim to measure their confidence level and the factors that might contribute to it.
Methods
Cross-sectional survey conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital on SSRs in Saudi Arabia (SA).
Results
Response rate was 89.4%. Among surveyed residents, 66% had completed < 750 cases as a primary surgeon. More than 90% of SSRs were confident in performing appendectomy, open inguinal hernia repair, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and trauma laparotomy, while 88% were confident in being on-call in level-I trauma center. No difference was noted in confidence level in relation to the number of performed cases. Residents from the Ministry of Health accounted for 56.3% of the study population and showed a higher confidence level compared to others. 94% of SSRs plan to pursue fellowship training program.
Conclusion
The study showed that the confidence of SSRs in performing common general surgery procedures was as expected. However, it’s important to recognize that confidence doesn’t necessarily reflect competence. Considering the majority of SSRs planned to pursue fellowship training programs, it may be time to consider changing the structure of surgical training in SA to a modular format to allow earlier and more intensive exposure.
Contraception use among individuals with substance use disorder increases 10-fold with patient-centered, mobile services: a quasi- experimental study
Authors: Hurley Emily A. , Goggin Kathy , Piña-Brugman Kimberly , Noel-MacDonnell Janelle R. , Allen Andrea , Finocchario-Kessler Sarah , Miller Melissa K.
Published: November 2022

Background

Individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) have disproportionately high rates of unintended pregnancy. Reducing harm associated with this risk and its biopsychosocial consequences requires evidence-based, non-coercive interventions that ensure access to contraception for individuals who choose to prevent pregnancy. We aimed to examine feasibility and impact of SexHealth Mobile, a mobile unit-based intervention aiming to increase access to patient-centered contraceptive care for individuals in SUD recovery programs.

Methods

We conducted a quasi-experimental study (enhanced usual care [EUC] followed by intervention) at three recovery centers with participants (n = 98) at risk for unintended pregnancy. EUC participants were offered printed information on community locations where they could access contraception care. SexHealth Mobile participants were offered same-day, onsite clinical consultation on a medical mobile unit and contraception if desired. The primary outcome was use of hormonal contraception/IUD at one-month post-enrollment. Secondary outcomes were use at two-weeks and three-months. Confidence in preventing unintended pregnancy, reasons for non-use of contraception at follow-up, and intervention feasibility were also assessed.

Results

Participants (median age = 31, range 19–40) enrolled in the intervention were almost 10 times more likely to be using contraception at one-month (51.5%) versus the those enrolled in the EUC period (5.4%) (unadjusted relative risk [URR] = 9.3 [95%CI: 2.3–37.1]; adjusted relative risk [ARR] = 9.8 [95%CI: 2.4–39.2]). Intervention participants were also more likely to be using contraception at 2-weeks (38.7% vs. 2.6%; URR = 14.3 [95%CI: 2.0-104.1]) and three-months (40.9% vs. 13.9%; URR = 2.9 [95% CI: 1.1–7.4]). EUC participants reported more barriers (cost, time) and less confidence in preventing unintended pregnancies. Mixed-methods feasibility data indicated high acceptability and feasible integration into recovery settings.

Conclusions

Mobile contraceptive care based on principles of reproductive justice and harm reduction reduces access barriers, is feasible to implement in SUD recovery settings, and increases contraception use. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, expanding interventions like SexHealth Mobile may help reduce harm from unintended pregnancies among individuals in SUD recovery.
Trial Registration: NCT04227145
Mesorectal reconstruction with pedicled greater omental transplantation to relieve low anterior resection syndrome following total intersphincteric resection in patients with ultra-low rectal cancer
Authors: Liao Jiankun , Qin Haiquan , Wang Zheng , Meng Linghou , Wang Wentao , Liu Jungang , Mo Xianwei
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Total intersphincteric resection (ISR) is the ultimate anus-preserving surgery for patients with ultra-low rectal cancer (ULRC), which can result in various degrees of anorectal dysfunction. Known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), it seriously affects the postoperative quality of life of patients. The aim of this study was to discuss the value of mesorectal reconstruction with pedicled greater omental transplantation (PGOT) to relieve LARS following total ISR in patients with ULRC, hoping to provide new ideas and strategies for the prevention and improvement of LARS.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed hospitalization data and postoperative anorectal function of 26 ULRC patients, who were met inclusion and exclusion criteria in our center from January 2015 to February 2022. And combined with the results of anorectal manometry and rectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) defecography of some patients, we assessed comprehensively anorectal physiological and morphological changes of the patients after surgery, and their correlation with LARS.
RESULTS
In this study, 26 patients with ULRC were enrolled and divided into observation group (n = 15) and control group (n = 11) according to whether pedicled omental transplantation was performed. There were no significant differences in surgical results such as operative time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). Postoperative follow-up showed that patients in both groups showed severe LARS within 3 months after surgery, but from the 3rd month after surgery, LARS in both groups gradually began to decrease, especially in the observation group, which showed faster recovery and better recovery, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). Through anorectal manometry, the mean rectal resting pressure in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P = 0.010). In addition, the postoperative thickness of the posterior rectal mesenterium in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P = 0.001), and also higher than the preoperative level (P = 0.018). Moreover, rectal MRI defecography showed that the new rectum had good compliance under the matting of greater omentum, and its intestinal peristalsis was coordinated.
CONCLUSION
ULRC patients, with the help of greater omentum, coordinated their neo-rectum peristalsis after total ISR and recovery of LARS was faster and better. PGOT is expected to be an effective strategy for LARS prevention and treatment of ULRC patients after surgery and is worthy of clinical promotion.
Style Transfer Network For Complex Multi-stroke Text
Authors: Chen Fangmei , Wang Yuying , Xu Sheng , Wang Fasheng , Sun Fuming , Jia Xu
Published: November 2022

Neural style transfer has achieved success in many tasks. It is also introduced to text style transfer, which uses a style image to generate transferred images with textures and shapes consistent with the semantic content of the reference image. However, when the text structure is complex, existing methods will encounter problems such as stroke adhesion and unclear text edges. This will affffect the aesthetics of the generated image and bring a lot of extra workload to the designers. This paper proposes an improved text style transfer network for complex multistroke texts. We use Shape-matching Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) as the baseline network and perform the following modififications: (1) Morphological methods, erosion and dilation, are introduced
in image processing; (2) Residual modules and loss functions are added to the network; and (3) AdaBelief optimizer is adopted to constrain the transfer of text structure. Further, a new dataset of traditional Chinese characters is constructed to train the model. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art methods on both simple characters and complex multi-stroke characters. It is shown that our method increases the readability and aesthetics of the text.
Endowment of Excellent Water Redispersibility for Cellulose Nanocrystals Using the Strategy of Chemical Shielding and Dispersion with Debonding Agent
Authors: Peng Du , Xu Yongjian , Zhang Ruixia , Xu Qinghua , Gao Minlan
Published: November 2022

Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs), as an environmentally friendly, green and inexhaustible material, are widely used in transparent packaging, drug release, water purification etc. However, CNCs have an innate tendency to aggregate, and are difficult to be redispersed especially after drying. In this work, we propose a simple and easy-to-use route to render the CNCs with excellent redispersibility by adding a debonding agent (DA). The redispersed CNCs are named Re/mDA-CNCs. Here m represents the percentage amount of DA and Re is an abbreviation for redispersed. The results show that the Z-average size of Re/0.4DA-CNCs after redispersion is consistent with that of original CNCs, and the size distribution is uniform. The Zeta potential of Re/0.4DA-CNCs is lower than that of the original CNCs. The reason is that the electrostatic repulsion between the hydrophobic groups in DA and the -OH groups on the CNC surface leads to the neutralization of the cationic groups in DA with the -OH groups on the CNC surface, which reduces the amount of H-bonding formed through -OH groups in CNC intramolecular. Furthermore, the FT-IR and XRD results indicate that the successful introduction of DA to the CNC surface shield the formation of H-bonding by -OH groups in CNC intramolecular, leading to the decrease of CNC cornification without changing the basic chemical structure of the CNCs. The Re/0.4DA-CNCs demonstrate potential applications in the field of food packaging, biological medicine, etc.
Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic profiling reveals the key molecular signatures of brain endothelial reperfusion injury
Authors: Ji Yabin , Chen Yiman , Tan Xixi , Huang Xiaowen , Gao Qiang , Ma Yinzhong , Yu Min , Fang Cheng , Wang Yu , Shi Zhu , Chang Junlei
Published: November 2022

Reperfusion after ischemic stroke often causes brain microvascular injury and blood-brain barrier disruption; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we performed transcriptomic and proteomic analyses on human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells following oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) or OGD plus recovery (OGD/R), to identify molecules and signaling pathways dysregulated by reperfusion. Transcriptomic analysis identified 390 differentially expressed genes (301 upregulated and 89 downregulated) between the OGD/R and OGD groups. Pathway analysis indicated that the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway was the most significantly enriched. Furthermore, these genes were mostly associated with inflammation, including the TNF signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway. On the other hand, 201 differentially expressed proteins (96 upregulated and 105 downregulated) were identified by proteomics between the OGD/R and OGD groups and were primarily associated with extracellular matrix destruction and remodeling, impairment of endothelial transport function, and inflammatory responses. Six genes (DUSP1, JUNB, NFKBIA, NR4A1, SERPINE1, and THBS1) were upregulated by OGD/R at both the mRNA and protein levels. The expression of genes related to inflammatory responses and extracellular matrix were further measured in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in vivo. Overall, our study provides a comprehensive molecular atlas of brain endothelial reperfusion injury and may facilitate the understanding and treatment of reperfusion injury after ischemic stroke.
Attitudes and experiences towards partnership and intimacy of the partners of BRCA women carriers: A focused group study after prophylactic surgery
Authors: Pavlišta David , Slabá Katarina , Šašková Petra , Novotný Jan
Published: November 2022

Currently, prophylactic surgery has been presented as the most efficacious method in reduction of breast and ovarian cancer risk in BRCA-positive women. Nevertheless, it is a life-changing surgery and can have an adverse impact on women at psychological, psychosexual, and emotional levels. The aim of our study was to determine experiences and opinions of partners of women who have undergone risk-reducing surgery for BRCA mutations and their recommendations for men who find themselves in a similar position. Focus group methodology was used. A small questionnaire was prepared. We approached 86 men whose BRCA positive female partners had undergone risk reducing surgery (mastectomy with reconstruction, PBSO) with a period of more than 12 months after the surgery. Questionnaires were prepared with six basic questions. The mean age was 43.3 years, all men had at least one child together with the woman with the gene mutation carrier. Out of 86 men, 19 men responded and only 11 participated. The results of this study show that the male partners are also affected by the prophylactic surgery in BRCA carriers. Their answers disclosed several undiscussed concerns. We may conclude that the partner of a patient with BRCA1/2 mutation is often a hidden or overt patient. We suggest that the partners may need and benefit from psycho-social support.
Asymptotic Spreading of a Cholera Epidemic Model in a Periodic Environment
Authors: Lin Guo , Pan Shuxia , Wang Xueying
Published: November 2022

This paper is devoted to the spreading property of a cholera epidemic model, which is built upon a time-periodic reaction-diffusion system that is not necessarily monotonic. When the initial distribution of infected hosts and bacteria appears on a compact domain, we derive a rough expansion speed of the infection over space. In the case where the model parameters are constants, we obtain some analytic properties for the speed, which allows us to understand the factors that affect the spatial spreading ability of cholera. In particular, the spreading speed of cholera is the minimal wave speed of traveling wave solutions in earlier works by taking constant parameters and special incidence functions.
AMS Subject Classification (2010): 35K57; 92D30
Postoperative intermittent pneumatic compression for preventing venous thromboembolism in Chinese lung cancer patients: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Li Jingyao , Huang Aihong , Han Zhaojie , Zhou Yi , Tang Meng , Wu Wei , Zhang Shixin , Liao Kelong , Xie Yihui , Chen Qiao , Zou Xinliang , Liu Shuai , Gao Shuaixiang , Ren Junlong , Xu Qingyuan , Liu Xi , Liao Yi , Jing Tao , Tan WenFeng , Qiu Yang , Wang Haidong
Published: November 2022

Background
Postoperative lung cancer patients belong to the high-risk group for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The standardized preventive measures for perioperative VTE in lung cancer are not perfect, especially for the prevention and treatment of catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) caused by carried central venous catheters (CVCs) in lung cancer surgery.
Patients and Methods:
This study included 460 patients undergoing lung cancer surgery in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University from July 2020 to June 2021. Patients were randomized into two groups, and intraoperatively-placed CVCs would be carried to discharge. During hospitalization, the control group was treated with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and the experimental group with LMWH + IPC. Vascular ultrasound was performed at three time points which included before surgery, before discharge, and one month after discharge. The incidence of VTE between two groups were studied by Log-binomial regression model.
Results
CRT occurred in 71.7% of the experimental group and 79.7% of the control group. The multivariate regression showed that the risk of developing CRT in the experimental group was lower than in the control group (Adjusted RR = 0.889 [95%CI 0.799–0.989], p = 0.031), with no heterogeneity in subgroups (P for Interaction > 0.05). Moreover, the fibrinogen of patients in the experimental group was lower than control group at follow-up (P = 0.019).
Conclusion
IPC reduced the incidence of CRT during hospitalization in lung cancer patients after surgery.
Clinical Trial Registration:
No. ChiCTR2000034511
Options for dynamic similarity of interacting fluids, elastic solids and rigid bodies undergoing large motions
Authors: Liu Huan , Jaykar Kalpesh , Singh Vinitendra , Kumar Ankit , Sheehan Kevin , Yip Peter , Buskohl Philip , James Richard D.
Published: November 2022

Motivated by a design of a vertical axis wind turbine, we present a theory of dynamical similarity for mechanical systems consisting of interacting elastic solids, rigid bodies and incompress-ible fluids. Throughout, we focus on the geometrically nonlinear case. We approach the analysis by analyzing the equations of motion: we ask that a change of variables take these equations and mutual boundary conditions to themselves, while allowing a rescaling of space and time. While the disparity between the Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions might seem to limit the possibilities, we find numerous cases that apparently have not been identified, especially for stiff nonlinear elastic materials (defined below). The results appear to be particularly adapted to structures made with origami design methods, where the tiles are allowed to deform isometrically. We collect the results in tables and discuss some particular numerical examples.
A palaeoecological study investigating the impacts of multiple tephra depositions on a lacustrine ecosystem in Northeast China, using diatoms as environmental indicators
Authors: Deng Yuqiao Natalie , Rioual Patrick , Jones Vivienne J. , Sun Chunqing , Mingram Jens
Published: November 2022

Tephra layers are common in lake sediments and although they have often been used as chronological controls, few studies have investigated the impacts of past tephra depositions on lake ecosystems (Tephropalaeoecology). For the first time we systematically assess how different types of tephra layers vary in their ecological impact on the same lacustrine system. We use a diatom-based tephropalaeoecological approach to infer the impacts of five tephra deposits on Lake Sihailongwan, a well-studied volcanic lake in Northeast China, over the past 30,000 years. The five tephra layers (including two micro-tephras) have varying thicknesses and were deposited in time periods with different climatic conditions. Changes in diatom communities and chrysophyte cyst concentrations between pre- and post-tephra samples were used to infer changes in lake conditions and highlight the importance of lake background conditions in mediating the impact of tephra. While the two micro-tephra layers did not cause observable changes, the three thicker tephras induced pronounced changes in lake conditions and thus diatom communities. The two thick tephras deposited in more eutrophic and warmer lake conditions caused larger responses from diatoms. We argue that water column phosphorous decreased due to reduced sediment-water phosphorous loading as thick tephra layers formed an impermeable layer at the lake bottom. This is supported by a decrease in total diatom concentration and a decline in high phosphorous-requiring taxa such as Discostella stelligeroides and Stephanodiscus minutulus as well as modern limnological observations which showed that groundwater influxes from the lake bottom are the main source of nutrients to the lake. By contrast, the thick tephra deposited in more oligotrophic and colder lake conditions caused less conspicuous changes. When the lake was already low in phosphorous, diatoms did not respond to a further decline in phosphorous but rather responded to the minor increase in silica from the dissolution of tephra particles in the water column. This was inferred from the slight increases in overall diatom concentration and opportunistic taxa such as Cyclotella comensis fo. minima. Diatom analysis of the post-tephra sediments above the three thick tephras showed that the aquatic ecosystem did not completely recover, indicating the long-lasting effects of these thick tephras and shifts to new lake ecosystem equilibria.
Implementation of a telephone triage system for management of acute nasal fracture in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Devakumar Haran , Tailor Bhavesh , Low Dana , Moin Sarah , Ioannidis Dimitrios
Published: November 2022

Background
Acute nasal fracture is a common referral to ENT outpatient clinic. During the Covid-19 pandemic, NHS outpatient services were increasingly stretched and placed patients and staff at risk of Coronavirus. Virtual clinic appointments provided an effective method for reducing Covid-19 risk and improving the efficiency of outpatient services. We sought to implement a telephone triage system for the assessment of nasal fractures.
Method
A telephone triage pathway for nasal fracture was implemented in October 2021. Data on nasal fracture appointments and outcomes were retrospectively collected for 2 months prior to, and after, the introduction of the telephone triage pathway. All patients with suspected nasal fracture referred to ENT by the Emergency Department at Colchester Hospital were included.
Results
At baseline, 32 patients were referred for face-to-face (F2F) clinic, 20 (62%) attended and 12 (38%) did-not-attend (DNA). Of those who attended, 17 (85%) were managed conservatively and 3 (15%) had manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA). 24 patients were included in the telephone triage pathway, 13 (54%) attended and 11 (46%) DNA. Of those who attended, 11 (84%) were discharged and 2 (16%) were brought in for F2F assessment. One was managed conservatively and the other had a MUA (8%). The increase in DNA rate from the F2F pathway to the telephone triage pathway was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
Our data suggests that the telephone triage system for nasal fracture management results in fewer F2F appointments. This reduces COVID-19 transmission to the public and hospital staff but also improves utilisation of outpatient capacity.
The Philosophy of Happiness: A Comparative Study between Western and Islamic Thought
Authors:   Department of English Language and Literature, International Islamic University Malaysia, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Shahidullah Sharif Mohammad , Manaf Nor Faridah Abdul ,   Department of English Language and Literature, International Islamic University Malaysia, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: November 2022

The concept of happiness is an equally important topic of discussion in both Islamic and Western philosophy. This article presents a comparative analysis of happiness concepts from Islamic as well as Western points of view. The article aims at discovering the influence of al-Ghazali (a medieval Muslim scholar of Sufi persuasion) upon Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas, a present-day Malaysian Muslim philosopher, concerning the philosophy of happiness. It also focuses on the Aristotelian philosophy of happiness, underscoring the discussion from his seminal book The Nichomachean Ethics, and includes an in-depth study of happiness as discussed by modern Western philosophers like Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill and Immanuel Kant. The study follows a qualitative, non-empirical, textual and contextual analytical approach, which comprises several texts and journal archives composed by the aforementioned scholars and philosophers from the ancient medieval period to the present. The analysis reveals that Islamic philosophy always underscores happiness in this present life and the eternal life after death, while Aristotelian pagan philosophy stresses happiness only in this sublunary life. The study also argues that virtue is a predominant aspect necessary to attain happiness in the worldly life and in the afterlife.
The Identity Dilemma of Arab Descendants in Indonesia
Authors:   Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel, Surabaya, East Java, 60237, Indonesia, Al Amin Ainur Rofiq , Mahzumi Fikri ,   Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel, Surabaya, East Java, 60237, Indonesia
Published: November 2022

This study discusses the identity dilemma and internal dynamics experienced by the Arab ethnic group in Indonesia. As part of the migrant community, they were often faced with identity duality, as the inheritors of Arab genes and cultures and as multicultural Indonesian citizens. Applying qualitative methods and historical approaches, the current study analyses academic sources paying attention to the turmoil of identity that caused identity dilemmas and internal dynamics. The results show that Arab descendants in Indonesia experienced identity dilemmas from the pre-independence era until the post- reform era. This dilemma impacted internal dynamics among them, which include nationalism, socio-culture and religion. The identity dilemma of Arab descendants in Indonesia will probably continue, and this calls for the right formula to balance the Arab identity and the Indonesian identity. Integration and assimilation are key for Arab descendants in Indonesia to overcome the identity dilemma and gain important positions in the socio-religious order of Indonesia.
Perkembangan Industri Minyak dan Gas Sabah (1881–1980): Penelitian Terhadap Eksplorasi di Laut China Selatan
Authors:   Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Abdullah Amy Azuan , Lai Yew Meng ,   Pusat Penataran Ilmu dan Bahasa, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Published: November 2022

Kajian ini memfokuskan tentang eksplorasi minyak dan gas di Laut China Selatan (LCS) dari tahun 1881 ketika British North Borneo Company (BNBC) mentadbir Borneo Utara dan terbatas sehingga pengenalan Dasar Kabotaj Negara (Malaysia) pada 1 Januari 1980. Rentetan sejarah yang menarik berkenaan eksplorasi minyak dan gas Sabah perlu diamati semula khususnya setelah Petroliam Nasional Berhad atau Petronas ditubuhkan pada tahun 1974 yang membolehkan Sabah dibekalkan dengan sumber minyak dan gas yang dihasilkan dari telaga luar pantai Sabah pada tahun 1980. Kajian ini banyak bergantung kepada sumber primer dalam bentuk dokumen rasmi, laporan dan akhbar yang diperolehi dari Arkib Negeri Sabah (ANS), Malaysia. Kajian mendapati bahawa walaupun percubaan eksplorasi minyak Borneo Utara atau Sabah kemudiannya telah dilaksanakan oleh BNBC semenjak tahun 1881, kegiatan tersebut hanya diperkukuh selepas tamat tempoh pendudukan Jepun. Perkembangan ini semakin ketara apabila berlaku perubahan dalam sistem antarabangsa yang bersifat rule-based yakni pengenalan undang-undang kelautan bermula dari tahun 1950-an yang telah memberi peluang kepada British dan kerajaan Sabah, melalui pelbagai syarikat yang dilantik, untuk menjalankan eksplorasi minyak ke kawasan luar pantai di LCS. Kegiatan cari gali minyak sehingga ke kawasan LCS terbukti membuahkan hasil khususnya dalam memakmurkan ekonomi Malaysia.
Impact of intermittent supply on water meter accuracy
Authors: Ferrante Marco , Rogers Dewi , Mugabi Josses , Casinini Francesco
Published: November 2022

Supply interruptions are a common occurrence in water systems and are particularly prevalent in developing countries. During the system filling, the air that entered into the pipes when the supply was closed is expelled through any fissures including service pipes. When a meter is installed, the airflow can cause inaccuracies, over-reading, and reliability issues. This paper investigates experimentally the impact of the airflow on water meter performance during filling by means of a laboratory set-up, using pipes with diameters comparable to those of a real water system. The impact of the airflow on the accuracy and reliability of the water meters is discussed and the potential for over-reading is estimated.
Towards improving the hydrologic design of permeable pavements
Authors: Abdalla Elhadi Mohsen Hassan , Muthanna Tone Merete , Alfredsen Knut , Sivertsen Edvard
Published: November 2022

The common approach to the hydrologic design of permeable pavements (PPs) uses synthetic rainfall events. This study assessed the validity of the design approach using synthetic rainfall events for undrained PP. Synthetic rainfall events (25-year return period) were used to design undrained pavements for five Norwegian cities. The effectiveness of these pavements was tested using long-term simulation (12–30 years) with high temporal resolution (1 min). The Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was used to generate time series of surface runoff for PPs and flow duration curves were applied to analyse the hydrological performances. Designing PP using synthetic rainfall events was found to underestimate the storage layer depth of the permeable pavements leading to the frequent occurrence of surface runoff, which is considered a failure of the hydrologic design of undrained pavements. Long-term simulation of surface runoff was found to provide valuable information for the hydrologic design of PP and can be used as a basis for the PP hydrologic design. In the future, it is recommended to use long-term precipitation data generated from climate change models to incorporate the effect of climate change in the design of PP.
Interactive hydrological modelling and simulation on client-side web systems: an educational case study
Authors: Ewing Gregory , Mantilla Ricardo , Krajewski Witold , Demir Ibrahim
Published: November 2022

Computational hydrological models and simulations are fundamental pieces of the workflow of contemporary hydroscience research, education, and professional engineering activities. In support of hydrological modelling efforts, web-enabled tools for data processing, storage, computation, and visualization have proliferated. Most of these efforts rely on server resources for computation and data tasks and client-side resources for visualization. However, continued advancements of in-browser, client-side compute performance present an opportunity to further leverage client-side resources. Towards this end, we present an operational rainfall-runoff model and simulation engine running entirely on the client side using the JavaScript programming language. To demonstrate potential uses, we also present an easy-to-use in-browser interface designed for hydroscience education. Although the use case presented here is self-contained, the core technologies can extend to leverage multi-core processing on single machines and parallelization capabilities of multiple clients or JavaScript-enabled servers. These possibilities suggest that client-side hydrological simulation can play a central role in a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem of web-ready hydrological tools.
D-dimer as a Potential Biomarker of Severity in Children Confirmed with COVID-19
Authors: Ferdian Hanum , Siregar Rustam , Moelyo Annang Giri
Published: November 2022

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children spreads easily and has a relatively high incidence. Severe complications in children confirmed with COVID-19 are thought to be related to the multisystem inflammatory syndrome, which is associated with coagulation disorders. D-dimer is a fibrin degradation end product which is easy to examine, affordable, fast and reliable. This study investigated the potency of D-dimer levels as a biomarker and assessed optimal cut-off value of D-dimer on severity of COVID-19 in children. Materials and methods: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted in children aged 1-18 years confirmed to have mild, moderate or severe COVID-19 who were treated in the isolation room of Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia from September 2021 to February 2022. Statistical analysis was conducted using Mann- Whitney test and p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The cut-off value of D-dimer was determined with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: There were 39 children with COVID-19. They were in mild (n=14; 35.9%), moderate (n=19; 48.7%) and severe (n= 6; 15.4%) stages. There were significant differences in D-dimer levels between mild and moderate stages (p=0.001), and mild and severe stages (p=0.001). No significant difference in D-dimer levels between moderate and severe stages (p=0.162). The cut-off value of D-dimer was 485 μg/mL with 92% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity. Conclusion: D-dimer can be used as a potential biomarker of severity in children with COVID-19.Keywords: D-dimer, COVID-19, severity, children
The Sphingolipids Metabolism Mechanism and Associated Molecular Biomarker Investigation in Keloid
Authors: Zang Chengyu , Liu Yanxin , Chen Huaxia
Published: November 2022

Background:

Sphingolipid metabolism plays important roles in maintaining cell growth and signal transduction. However, this pathway has not been investigated in keloid, a disease characterized by the excessive proliferation of fibroblasts.

Methods:

Based on the expression profiles of three datasets, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were explored between keloid fibroblasts and normal fibroblasts. Metabolism-related genes were obtained from a previous study. Then, enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed for genes. Differences in metabolism-related pathways between keloid fibroblasts and normal fibroblasts were analyzed by the gene set variation analysis (GSVA). Quantitative PCR was used to confirm the expression of key genes in keloid fibroblast.

Results:

A total of 42 up-regulated co-DEGs and 77 down-regulated co-DEGs were revealed based on three datasets, and were involved in extracellular matrix structural constituent, collagencontaining extracellular matrix and sphingolipid metabolism pathway. A total of 15 metabolism- DEGs were screened, including serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit (SPTLC) 3, UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) and sphingomyelin synthase 2 (SGMS2). All these three genes were enriched in the sphingolipid pathway. GSVA showed that the biosynthesis of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in keloid fibroblasts was lower than that in normal fibroblasts. Quantitative PCR suggested SPTLC3, UGCG and SGMS2 were regulated in keloid fibroblasts.

Conclusion:

Sphingolipids metabolism pathway might take part in the disease progression of keloid by regulating keloid fibroblasts. SPTLC3, UGCG and SGMS2 might be key targets to investigate the underlying mechanism.
The Antimicrobial Effect Against Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria of the
SK4 Peptide: A Novel Hybrid Peptide of Cecropin-A and BMAP-27
Authors: Masadeh Majed M. , Laila Salam Abu , Haddad Razan , Alzoubi Karem , Alhaijaa Ahmad Abu , Alrabadi Nasr
Published: November 2022

Background:

Antibiotic-resistant is considered one of the critical health challenges in the
management of infectious diseases. Resistant bacterial strains to different antibacterial agents have
been spread worldwide. Anti-microbial peptides (AMPs), also called host defense peptides, have a
broad spectrum of activity and targeting even to multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, therefore, they
have been extensively studied and developed as novel therapeutic antibacterial agents.

Objectives:

The study aims to design a novel SK4 hybrid peptide with improved characteristics compared
with the BMAP-27 and Cecropin-A natural parents’ peptides.

Methods:

The bioinformatic analysis of the SK4 peptide compared with the parents BMAP-27 and
Cecropin-A peptides was conducted and fully characterized using specialized software. The antimicrobial
and antibiofilm activity of SK4 was tested, followed by a synergistic study with five conventional
antibiotics (Levofloxacin, Rifampicin, Chloramphenicol, Doxycycline, and Ampicillin). Finally,
the cytotoxicity against horse erythrocytes and mammalian cells was assessed.

Results:

The SK4 peptide demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both grampositive
and gram-negative bacteria. The peptide also did not show any hemolytic activity even when
used at concentrations ten folds higher than its MICs value. The SK4 peptide also showed a synergistic
mode of action when combined with antibiotics, which resulted in a significant decrease in MIC
values for both the peptide and the antibiotics.

Conclusions:

The SK4 peptide showed better activity, selectivity, and safety profile than the parent
peptides, making it a novel potential treatment for MDR bacterial infections.
Pyrazole as an Anti-Microbial Scaffold: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kaur Parminder , Arora Vimal
Published: November 2022

Pathogenic microorganisms cause serious and lethal infectious diseases. Numerous antimicrobial agents have been developed during the last few decades to treat these infectious diseases, but these are still expanding worldwide. Moreover, microorganisms are developing resistance against commercially available medicines. So, antimicrobial resistance is expanding as the most serious health threat particularly in developing countries, due to the easier availability of anti-microbial drugs. Therefore, the scarcity of effective antibiotics suggests the pressing demand for new anti-microbial agents. Modern drug discovery regarded heterocyclic compounds as its core due to their striking structural characteristics. Pyrazole is considered as a significant heterocyclic nucleus in modern drug development. This review brings a considerable summary regarding derivatives of pyrazole developed over the last decade for their anti-microbial action, along with docking studies carrying an expectation that it will be beneficial for medicinal chemists working in anti-microbial drug development.
The Effect of Haptonomy Intervention on Fear of Childbirth and Maternal- Fetal Attachment Among Primigravid Women
Authors: Dorosti Elham , Nourizadeh Roghaiyeh , Mehrabi Esmat , Herizchi Sepideh
Published: November 2022

Background:

Fear of childbirth (FOC) is considered as one of the factors influencing the increase of elective cesarean section. The appropriate solution to reduce the FOC has not yet been identified.

Objective:

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of haptonomy intervention on FOC and maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) among primigravid women‎.

Methods:

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 68 primigravid women with a gestational age of 24-28 weeks who referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran with a FOC score above 65. Participants were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group (n=34) received haptonomy in 5 sessions, once a week for 45-60 minutes, and control group received an information pamphlet about pain management options in labor and fetal development during pregnancy. The data were collected using Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire-version A, Cranley’s MFA Scale, and Revised Pregnancy Related Anxiety Questionnaire, before the intervention and at gestational age of 35-37 weeks. The data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-test, and ANCOVA.

Findings:

After intervention and controlling the effect of baseline score, the mean score of FOC in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group [Adjusted mean difference (AMD): -23.67, 95% CI: - 28.12 to -19.23, P =0.001]. Further, the mean score of MFA indicated a significant difference between the two groups [AMD: 10.12, 95% CI: 6.44 to 13.8, p <0.001].

Conclusion:

The results of the present study revealed the effectiveness of the haptonomy intervention in reducing FOC and increasing MFA. Therefore, the use of haptonomy intervention is recommended among mothers with high and severe FOC and low MFA.