bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Content Development and Adaptive Competence of Teachers Following a Specialized Content Knowledge Workshop
Authors: Kim Insook , Ward Phillip
Published: December 2020

Purpose: This study examined the effects of a specialized content knowledge workshop on developing teachers’ content development and adaptive competence in teaching badminton. Method: A quasi-experimental design was employed with three middle school physical education teachers who taught five or six badminton lessons before and after the content knowledge workshop (n = 66). Descriptive statistics and univariate analysis of variance were conducted to analyze the data of content development index scores and intratask adaptations. Frequency data across lessons by teachers and treatment conditions were employed for content development patterns. Results: There were statistically significant effects of the workshop in developing the teachers’ use of content development (p = .049) and adaptations (p = .000), but their effects varied by teacher. While the most used content development pattern by the teachers in comparison classes was an informing applying pattern, the teachers used a variety of content development patterns that included more task progressions in the experimental classes. Conclusion: It can be concluded that teachers’ instructional tasks and task adaptations could be improved through a well-designed professional development program. The findings can guide the direction of teacher education and professional development in ways to enhance teachers’ content development and adaptations.
At the Crossroads of Bioenergetics and Antibiotic Discovery
Authors: Lewis K.
Published: December 2020

Dr. Vladimir Skulachev was my mentor, and his pioneering work in the field of bioenergetics inspired the discoveries described in this review, written in the form of a personal account of events. Examining basic mechanisms of chemiosmotic coupling unexpectedly led us to transenvelope multidrug resistance pumps (MDR pumps) that severely limit development of novel antibiotics. One of the major advances of Skulachev and his group was the discovery of the mitochondrial membrane potential with the use of permeant cations such as TPP+, which served as electric probes. We describe our finding of their natural counterparts in plants, where they act as antimicrobials. The most challenging problems in antimicrobial drug discovery are antibiotic tolerance of chronic infections caused by dormant persister cells; antibiotic resistance, responsible for the current antimicrobial resistance crisis (AMR); and finding novel compounds acting against Gram-negative bacteria, protected by their powerful multidrug resistance pumps. Our study of persisters shows that these are rare cells formed by stochastic fluctuation in expression of Krebs cycle enzymes, leading to a drop in ATP, target shutdown, and antibiotic tolerance. Searching for compounds that can corrupt targets in the absence of ATP, we identified acyldepsipeptide (ADEP) that activates the ClpP protease, forcing cells to self-digest. Growing previously uncultured bacteria led us to teixobactin, a novel cell wall acting antibiotic. Teixobactin avoids efflux by targeting lipid II and lipid III, precursors of peptidoglycan and wall teichoic acid, located on the surface. The targets are immutable, and teixobactin is the first antibiotic with no detectable resistance. Our search for compounds acting against Gram-negative bacteria led to the discovery of darobactins, which also hit a surface target, the essential chaperone BamA.
Neurological manifestation in severe hypothyroidism in pregnancy
Authors: Sharma Aparna , Noor Nilofar , Dadhwal Vatsla
Published: December 2020

Neurological manifestations of hypothyroidism include peripheral neuropathy and pituitary hyperplasia. However, these associations are rarely encountered during pregnancy. We report a case of a known hypothyroid with very high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) values (512 μIU/mL) in the second trimester. At 24 weeks she developed facial palsy and pituitary hyperplasia which responded to a combination of steroids and thyroxine. She had caesarean delivery at 35 weeks and 3 days gestation in view of pre-eclampsia with severe features and was discharged on oral antihypertensives and thyroxine. On follow-up at 5 months, TSH normalised and pituitary hyperplasia showed a greater than 50% reduction in size. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of facial palsy and pituitary hyperplasia associated with hypothyroidism during pregnancy.
Closed loop obstruction and adhesive intestinal obstruction in perineal hernia
Authors: Rajebhosale Ramprasad , Miah Mohammad , Currie Fraser , Thomas Pradeep
Published: December 2020

Perineal hernia with bowel gangrene is uncommon but known complication of laparoscopic extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE). We present a rare case of closed loop small bowel obstruction with bowel gangrene secondary to an incarcerated perineal hernia that developed 7 years after an ELAPE. Intraoperatively, we found a definitive transition point due to adhesions in pelvis and a closed loop obstruction of the distal small bowel at different site with gangrenous intestine. She was managed successfully surgically with adhesiolysis and fixation of defect with biological mesh. Prevalence of perineal hernias will rise in future because of the increasing cases of ELAPE, in which no repair of pelvic floor is performed. The need of follow-up of these operations and more reporting of such cases are important in increasing awareness of these complications. Patients should be made aware of such complications and should seek urgent medical care.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated portal vein thrombosis in a healthy, immunocompetent man
Authors: Burkey Caroline , Teng Catherine , Hussein Khalil Ian , Sabetta James
Published: December 2020

We present a previously healthy man in his 30s who presented with typical viral prodrome symptoms and worsening abdominal pain. He was found to have portal vein thrombosis, with extensive hypercoagulability workup performed. It was determined that the aetiology of thrombus was secondary to acute cytomegalovirus infection. The patient was started on anticoagulation therapy, with later clot resolution demonstrated on abdominal Doppler ultrasound and abdominal CT scan. Given the atypical presentation of this common virus, we performed a literature review of cytomegalovirus-associated portal vein thrombosis in healthy individuals; we found that most patients present with non-specific symptoms of fever and abdominal pain in the setting of a viral prodrome. This case and literature review suggest physicians must consider cytomegalovirus-associated portal vein thrombosis as a potential diagnosis when patients present with abdominal pain and viral symptoms. The literature highlights the need for a consensus on anticoagulation and antiviral therapy.
Radiation-induced dystrophic calcification and severe valvular stenosis: the central role of multimodality 3D cardiac imaging in disease assessment and planning of combined transcatheter aortic and mitral valve replacement
Authors: Ali Kashan , Lee Douglas James , Adamson Dawn L , Khan Jamal Nasir
Published: December 2020

Cardiac disease after mediastinal radiotherapy can result in progressive valvular thickening and dystrophic calcification with ensuing leaflet restriction and dysfunction. This can ultimately manifest as valvular stenosis and/or regurgitation. We report a case of a 61-year-old woman with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and severe mitral stenosis due to severe dystrophic calcification postmediastinal radiotherapy for lymphoma. She was deemed surgically inoperable due to dense, continuous calcification throughout the leaflets and annuli of both valves, aortomitral continuity, proximal coronary arteries and proximal porcelain aorta. She underwent simultaneous transcatheter aortic valve replacement and transcatheter mitral valve replacement with an excellent technical and clinical result at 7-month follow-up. We also describe the central role of multimodality three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography and multidetector cardiac CT imaging in assessing the severity of valve disease, characterising the nature of cardiac calcification and guiding decisions on surgical operability and transcatheter intervention.
Clinically latent and autopsy-verified inflammatory disorders and malignant tumours in transplant patients
Authors: Mund Elias , Salem Johannes , Kreipe Hans H , Hussein Kais
Published: December 2020

Aims

The number of clinical autopsies decreases while the rate of missed relevant diagnoses is known to be 2%–20%. In this study, we focused on postmortem examinations of patients after transplantation of solid organs.

Methods

A total of 122 cases were assessed for this study. Transplant organs included liver (LiTx; n=42/122, 34%), heart (n=8/122, 7%), lungs (n=32/122, 26%), kidney (KTx; n=38/122, 31%) and KTx+LiTx (n=2/122, 2%).

Results

The most frequent autopsy-verified causes of death were cardiac or respiratory failure (together n=85/122, 70%). The frequency of malignant tumours that were identified at autopsy was 5% (n=6/122). In 3% (n=4/122) of cases, Goldman class I discrepancies between clinical diagnosis and autopsy findings were identified.

Conclusions

The rate of missed relevant diagnoses might be relatively low, but these cases nevertheless refute the contention that modern diagnostic techniques negate the need for autopsies in patients who died after transplantation.
Single-Cell Transcriptomics Analysis Showing Functional Heterogeneity in Decidual Stromal Cells during Labor
Authors: Huang Jingrui , Xie Yingming , Peng Qiaozhen , Wang Weinan , Pei Chenlin , Zhao Yanhua , Liu Rong , Huang Lihui , Li Tieping , Nie Jia , Liu Lijuan , Zhang Xiaowen , Luo Xianggui , Luo Jiefeng , Zhang Weishe
Published: December 2020

To investigate the heterogeneity of decidual stromal cells (DSCs) and their functional alterations during delivery, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to characterize the transcriptomic profiles of DSCs before and after labor onset. According to their transcriptomic profiles, DSCs (6382 cells) were clustered into five subgroups with different functions. Similar to stromal cells, cells in cluster 1 were involved in cell substrate adhesion. On the other hand, cells in clusters 2 and 3 were enriched in signal transduction-related genes. Labor onset led to significant alterations in many pathways, including the activator protein 1 pathway (all clusters), as well as in the response to lipopolysaccharide (clusters 1-3). The downregulated genes were involved in coagulation, ATP synthesis, and oxygen homeostasis, possibly reflecting the oxygen and energy balance during delivery. Our findings highlight that peripartum DSCs are heterogeneous and play multiple roles in labor.
Clinical governance programme in patients with acute coronary syndrome: design and methodology of a quality improvement initiative
Authors: Leonardi Sergio , Montalto Claudio , Casella Gianni , Grosseto Daniele , Repetto Alessandra , Portolan Monica , Fortuni Federico , Ottani Filippo , Galvani Marcello , Cardelli Laura Sofia , De Servi Stefano , Rubboli Andrea , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Oltrona Visconti Luigi , Campo Gianluca
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Despite the availability of diverse evidence-based diagnostic and treatment options, many patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) still fail to receive effective, safe and timely diagnoses and therapies. The Association of Acute CardioVascular Care of the European Society of Cardiology has proposed and retrospectively validated a set of ACS-specific quality indicators. Combining these indicators with the principles of clinical governance—a holistic, patient-centred approach intended to promote continuous quality improvement—we designed the clinical governance programme in patients with ACS.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre quality improvement initiative exploring multiple dimensions of care, including diagnosis, therapy, patient satisfaction, centre organisation and efficiency in all comers patients with ACS.

The study will enrol ≈ 5000 patients prospectively (ie, at the time of the first objective qualifying ACS criterion) with a 1-year follow-up. Consecutive inclusion will be promoted by a simplified informed consent process and quantified by the concordance with corresponding hospital administrative records using diagnosis-related group codes of ACS.

Coprimary outcome measures are (1) timely reperfusion in patients with ST-elevation ACS and (2) optimal medical therapy at discharge in patients with confirmed acute myocardial infarction. Secondary outcomes broadly include multiple indicators of the process of care. Clinical endpoints (ie, death, myocardial infarction, stroke and bleeding) will be adjudicated by a clinical event committee according to predefined criteria.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by local ethics committee of all study sites. As a quality improvement initiative and to promote consecutive inclusion of the population of interest, a written informed consent will be requested only to patients who are discharged alive. Dissemination will be actively promoted by (1) the registration site (ClinicalTrials.Gov IDNCT04255537), (2) collaborations with investigators through open data access and sharing.
Schwarzschild-like solutions in Finsler–Randers gravity
Authors: Triantafyllopoulos A. , Basilakos S. , Kapsabelis E. , Stavrinos P. C.
Published: December 2020

In this work, we extend for the first time the spherically symmetric Schwarzschild and Schwarzschild–De Sitter solutions with a Finsler–Randers-type perturbation which is generated by a covector $$A_\gamma $$

A
γ

. This gives a locally anisotropic character to the metric and induces a deviation from the Riemannian models of gravity. A natural framework for this study is the Lorentz tangent bundle of a spacetime manifold. We apply the generalized field equations to the perturbed metric and derive the dynamics for the covector $$A_\gamma $$

A
γ

. Finally, we find the timelike, spacelike and null paths on the Schwarzschild–Randers spacetime, we solve the timelike ones numerically and we compare them with the classic geodesics of general relativity. The obtained solutions are new and they enrich the corresponding literature.
Interacting ghost dark energy in complex quintessence theory
Authors: Liu Yang
Published: December 2020

We employ a ghost model of interacting dark energy to obtain the equation of state $$\omega $$
ω
for ghost energy density in an FRW universe in complex quintessence theory. We reconstruct the potential and study the dynamics of the scalar field that describes complex quintessence cosmology. We perform $$\omega -\omega '$$

ω
-

ω
′

analysis and stability analysis for both non-interacting and interacting cases and find that the same basic conclusion as for the real model, where $$\omega ' = d\omega / d ln a$$

ω
′

=
d
ω
/
d
l
n
a

. Taking account of the effect of the complex part and assuming the real part of the quintessence field to be a slow-rolling field, we conclude that the non-interacting model cannot describe the real universe since this will lead to fractional energy density $$\Omega _D > 1$$

Ω
D

>
1

, where $$\Omega _D$$

Ω
D

can be defined as the ratio of $$\rho _D$$

ρ
D

to $$\rho _{cr}$$

ρ

cr

. However, for the interacting case, if we take present $$\Omega _D =0.73$$

Ω
D

=
0.73

, then we can determine that $$b^2 = 0.0849$$

b
2

=
0.0849

, where $$b^2$$

b
2

is the interaction coupling parameter between matter and dark energy. In the real quintessence model, $$\Omega _D$$

Ω
D

and $$b^2$$

b
2

are independent parameters, whereas in the complex quintessence model, we conclude that there is a relationship between these two parameters.
Modeling the Physical Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles with Selective Hydrogen Using DFT
Authors: Al-Rawi Bilal K. , Aljanabi Safaa M. H.
Published: December 2020

The impact of hydrogen on the conductivity and vibration for zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles had implicated for nanoscale optoelectronic units. Infrared reflectance spectra for ZnO hydrogen-annealed nanoparticles were calculated at incidence. The theory of density functional theory is applied to the reflectance model and absorption spectra. There is an agreement between both the model suggesting that the nanoparticles have inhomogeneous carriers’ concentrations and the experimental results. A significant decrease in carrier concentration resulted from exposure to oxygen for several hours, according to the adsorption on the nanoparticle surface of negative oxygen molecules. Also, the density of states in deferent wurtzoid’s size has been studied. The experimental energy gap values of bulk ZnO, HOMO and LUMO levels as a function of the total Zn and O atoms number in ZnOH diamondoids were determined, as well as the bond length in deferent wurtzoid’s size where the experimental ZnO bond length at 1.9767 Å has been calculated. The tetrahedral angles in deferent wurtzoid’s size were studied, deferent wurtzoid’s size Reduced mass as a vibration frequency function and force constant as a function of vibrational frequency in deferent wurtzoid’s size were determined. A good result for infrared as a vibration frequency function in deferent wurtzoid’s size has been found, as well as Raman as a vibration frequency function in deferent wurtzoid’s size.
Were springline carbonates in the Kurkur–Dungul area (southern Egypt) deposited during glacial periods?
Authors: Kele Sándor , Sallam Emad S. , Capezzuoli Enrico , Rogerson Mike , Wanas Hamdalla , Shen Chuan-Chou , Lone Mahjoor Ahmad , Yu Tsai-Luen , Schauer Andrew , Huntington Katharine W.
Published: December 2020

The tufa deposits in the Kurkur–Dungul area, southern Egypt, date from marine isotope stage (MIS) 11 to MIS 1. Springs across the region were active during glacial periods (with sea-level below –50 m), reflecting changed atmospheric circulation over the Indian Ocean, as well as peak interglacial periods. During times of low sea-level, reduced Indonesian throughflow promoted formation of an Indian Ocean Warm Pool, and anomalous rainfall on its western margin. We suggest that Egypt lies at the intersection of westerly (‘maghrebian’) and easterly (‘mashriqian’) rainfall provinces, which show different timing with relation to orbital forcing and different source water regions. Tufa-growth periods are therefore not mechanistically linked to ‘humid periods’ or ‘sapropel events’ identified elsewhere. Stable isotope and
T
(Δ
47
) data are also inconsistent with these spring systems being part of a larger system spanning northern Africa, and lack a clear interaction between northern hemisphere heating and mid-latitude rainfall. We also follow previous researchers in concluding that formation of springline deposit formation was probably delayed compared with rainfall, owing to aquifer flow distances. This delay is unlikely to be sufficient to explain why rainfall is out of phase with movements of the monsoon belts, but may complicate interpretation of these records.

Supplementary material:
A lithofacies description and supplementary figures and tables are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5246661
Separating insulin-mediated and non-insulin-mediated glucose uptake during and after aerobic exercise in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Nguyen Thanh-Tin P. , Jacobs Peter G. , Castle Jessica R. , Wilson Leah M. , Kuehl Kerry , Branigan Deborah , Gabo Virginia , Guillot Florian , Riddell Michael C. , Haidar Ahmad , El Youssef Joseph
Published: December 2020

Separating insulin and non-insulin glucose uptake dynamically during exercise in type 1 diabetes has not been done before. We use a multistep process, including a previously described linear regression method, over three insulin infusion sessions, to perform this separation and can graph these components before, during, and after exercise for the first time.
Role of soluble guanylyl cyclase in renal afferent and efferent arterioles
Authors: Wennysia I. C. , Zhao L. , Schomber T. , Braun D. , Golz S. , Summer H. , Benardeau A. , Lai E. Y. , Lichtenberger F.-B. , Schubert R. , Persson P. B. , Xu M. Z. , Patzak A.
Published: December 2020

Renal arteriolar tone depends considerably on the dilatory action of nitric oxide (NO) via activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and cGMP action. NO deficiency and hypoxia/reoxygenation are important pathophysiological factors in the development of acute kidney injury. It was hypothesized that the NO-sGC-cGMP system functions differently in renal afferent arterioles (AA) compared with efferent arterioles (EA) and that the sGC activator cinaciguat differentially dilates these arterioles. Experiments were performed in isolated, perfused mouse glomerular arterioles. Hypoxia (0.1% oxygen) was achieved by using a hypoxia chamber. Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) and sGC subunits were considerably expressed on the mRNA level in AA. PDE5 inhibition with sildenafil, which blocks cGMP degradation, diminished the responses to ANG II bolus application in AA, but not significantly in EA. Vasodilation induced by sildenafil in ANG II-preconstricted vessels was stronger in EA than AA. Cinaciguat, an NO- and heme-independent sGC activator, dilated EA more strongly than AA after NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; NO synthase inhibitor) treatment and preconstriction with ANG II. Cinaciguat-induced dilatation of l-NAME-pretreated and ANG II-preconstricted arterioles was similar to controls without l-NAME treatment. Cinaciguat also induced dilatation in iodinated contrast medium treated AA. Furthermore, it dilated EA, but not AA, after hypoxia/reoxygenation. The results reveal an important role of the NO-sGC-cGMP system for renal dilatation and that EA have a more potent sGC activated dilatory system. Furthermore, AA seem to be more sensitive to hypoxia/reoxygenation than EA under these experimental conditions.
Effect of forkhead box O1 in renal tubular epithelial cells on endotoxin-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Zhang Mengxi , Dong Wei , Li Zhilian , Xiao Zhenmeng , Xie Zhiyong , Ye Zhiming , Liu Shuangxin , Li Ruizhao , Chen Yuanhan , Zhang Li , Wang Mengjie , Liang Huaban , Baihetiyaer Reshalaitigu , Apaer Rizvangul , Dong Zheng , Liang Xinling
Published: December 2020

Mitochondrial damage in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) is a hallmark of endotoxin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) is responsible for regulating mitochondrial function and is involved in several kidney diseases. Here, we investigated the effect of FOXO1 on endotoxin-induced AKI and the related mechanism. In vivo, FOXO1 downregulation in mouse RTECs and mitochondrial damage were found in endotoxin-induced AKI. Overexpression of FOXO1 by kidney focal adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery improved renal function and reduced mitochondrial damage. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α (PGC1-α), a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and function, was reduced in endotoxin-induced AKI, but the reduction was reversed by FOXO1 overexpression. In vitro, exposure to LPS led to a decline in HK-2 cell viability, mitochondrial fragmentation, and mitochondrial superoxide accumulation, as well as downregulation of FOXO1, PGC1-α, and mitochondrial complex I/V. Moreover, overexpression of FOXO1 in HK-2 cells increased HK-2 cell viability and PGC1-α expression, and it alleviated the mitochondrial injury and superoxide accumulation induced by LPS. Meanwhile, inhibition of FOXO1 in HK-2 cells by siRNA treatment decreased PGC1-α expression and HK-2 cell viability. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and PCR analysis confirmed that FOXO1 bound to the PGC1-α promoter in HK-2 cells. In conclusion, downregulation of FOXO1 in RTECs mediated endotoxin-induced AKI and mitochondrial damage. Overexpression of FOXO1 could improve renal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction, and this effect occurred at least in part as a result of PGC1-α signaling. FOXO1 might be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of endotoxin-induced AKI.
Environmental circadian disruption suppresses rhythms in kidney function and accelerates excretion of renal injury markers in urine of male hypertensive rats
Authors: Hill Atlantis M. , Crislip G. Ryan , Stowie Adam , Ellis Ivory , Ramsey Anne , Castanon-Cervantes Oscar , Gumz Michelle L. , Davidson Alec J.
Published: December 2020

Nontraditional work schedules, such as shift work, have been associated with numerous health issues, including cardiovascular and metabolic disease. These work schedules can chronically misalign environmental timing cues with internal circadian clock systems in the brain and in peripheral organs, leading to dysfunction of those systems and their associated biological processes. Environmental circadian disruption in the kidney may be an important factor in the increased incidence of hypertension and adverse health outcomes in human shift workers. The relationship between renal rhythmicity and injury resilience is not well understood, especially in the context of environmental, rather than genetic, manipulations of the circadian system. We conducted a longitudinal study to determine whether chronic shifting of the light cycle that mimics shift work schedules would disrupt output rhythms of the kidney and accelerate kidney injury in salt-loaded male spontaneously hypertensive, stroke-prone rats. We observed that chronic shifting of the light-dark (LD) cycle misaligned and decreased the amplitude of urinary volume rhythms as the kidney phase-shifted to match each new lighting cycle. This schedule also accelerated glomerular and tubular injury marker excretion, as quantified by nephrin and KIM-1 compared with rats kept in a static LD cycle. These data suggest that disrupted rhythms in the kidney may decrease resilience and contribute to disease development in systems dependent on renal and cardiovascular functions.
FE Modeling for Bolted Wood Connection Using a Porous Constitutive Model
Authors: Zhou Huazhang , Zhou Xiaoqiang
Published: December 2020

According to the facts of localized crushing failure of bolt groove in wood connection with enough end distance and the three‐phase composites of wood with solid (wood substance), water, and gas, a confined compression test for the wood cylinder was conducted for achieving constitutive relation under the complex stress state in wood groove. A porous constitutive model was developed according to the confined compression experiments. Then, the constitutive model was implemented in a finite element modeling of mental dowel‐type fasters in wood‐to‐wood connections to analyse the load‐carrying capacity parallel to the grain. Through changing the thicknesses of centre members and side members of wood connections made of a similar wood species, Pinus Sylvestris var. Mongolica, the effects of thickness combinations of centre members and side members on the failure modes and load‐carrying capacity of bolted wood connection including numerical simulations and experiments were compared. The failure modes, including the yielding of centre member, the yielding of side member, and the yielding of the bolt, as well as the rigid rotation of the bolt, all reappeared by the finite element modeling with the porous constitutive model. The predicted deformation shapes and load‐displacement relations of bolted wood connections were compared with experimental ones, and good correlations were observed. This paper presents a new approach to simulate the local embedment crushing of bolt groove in wood connections.
Factors Associated with HIV Status Disclosure to Orphans and Vulnerable Children Living with HIV: Results from a Longitudinal Study in Tanzania
Authors: Bajaria Shraddha , Exavery Amon , Toroka Noreen , Barankena Asheri , Charles John , Kikoyo Levina
Published: December 2020

Background. The Tanzanian national guideline for pediatric HIV disclosure recommends beginning disclosure as early as age 4–6 years; full disclosure is recommended at the age of 8–10 years. Despite clear procedures, the disclosure rate in Tanzania remains relatively low. This study assessed the factors associated with HIV status disclosure to orphans and vulnerable children living with HIV (OVCLHIV). Methods. Data for this analysis come from the USAID-funded Kizazi Kipya program in Tanzania that provides health and social services to OVC and caregivers of HIV-affected households. Data were collected between January 2018 and March 2019. Disclosure status was self-reported by caregivers of children aged 8 years or above. Beneficiary characteristics were included as independent variables. Generalized estimating equations took into account the clustering effect of the study design. Results. Of the 10673 OVCLHIV, most were females (52.43%), and 80.67% were enrolled in school. More than half (54.89%) were from households in rural areas. Caregivers were mostly females (70.66%), three quarters were between 31 and 60 years old and had a complete primary education (67.15%), and 57.75% were HIV-infected. Most of the OVCLHIV (87.31%) had a disclosed HIV status. Greater OVCLHIV age

p
<
0.001

, school enrollment (OR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.06, 1.41), urban location of household (OR = 1.64; 95% CI 1.44, 1.86), caregivers’ higher education level

p
<
0.001

, and caregiver HIV-positive status (OR = 1.25; 95% CI 1.09, 1.43) were positively associated with disclosure status. OVCLHIV of female caregivers were 27% less likely to have been disclosed than those of male caregivers. Conclusion. The disclosure rate among OVCLHIV in this study was high. Disclosure of HIV status is crucial and beneficial for OVCLHIV continuum of care. Caregivers should be supported for the disclosure process through community-based programs and involvement of health volunteers. Policymakers should take into consideration the characteristics of children, their caregivers, and location of households in making disclosure guidelines as adaptable as possible.
Antifungal Activity of Gelatin-Tapioca Starch Film and Coating Containing Copper Nanoparticles against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Causing Anthracnose
Authors: Nguyen Vinh Tien , Dang-Thi My-Sam , Trinh Khanh Son
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to fabricate a nontoxic coating containing copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) to protect fruits from pathogenic Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing anthracnose on several tropical fruits. We used a green approach, in which CuNPs were synthesized by reducing CuSO4 with ascorbic acid in the presence of gelatin and glycerol as the capping agents. The formation of CuNPs was confirmed by UV-vis absorption spectra of the reaction mixture, which showed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 578–594 nm. The x-ray diffraction spectrum of the CuNPs indicated the presence of mostly metallic copper with some minor impurities of Cu2O, CuO, and Cu(OH)2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and dynamic light scattering studies showed that the sizes of 90% of CuNPs were in 100–300 nm range. A 30–50 nm capping layer of gelatin surrounding CuNPs can be observed in the TEM images. Comparing FTIR spectra of the used reagents and CuNPs confirmed the depletion of ascorbic acid, as well as the gelatin layer protecting CuNPs. The synthesized CuNPs showed dose-dependent antifungal activity against C. gloeosporioides with 100% growth inhibition at 200 ppm copper. Gelatinized tapioca starch was then added to the CuNPs solution to obtain a film-forming mixture to produce stand-alone composite films on Petri dishes and coatings on mangoes. C. gloeosporioides could not grow on the surface of nutrient agar in contact with the films containing 245 ppm CuNPs, while they grew normally on control films without CuNPs. For the in vivo antifungal tests on mangoes, both the control and the CuNPs-containing coatings equally inhibit fungal growth, possibly due to the low oxygen permeability of the protein and starch components in the films. This study thus demonstrated the potential applications of composite coatings using biodegradable polymers that contain CuNPs in postharvest protecting fruits from phytopathogenic fungi.
Axial Compression Behaviors of the Steel Tube Confined Reinforced Concrete Columns with Binding Bars
Authors: Hu Hao , Li Zhengliang , Tu Xi , Tang Junfeng
Published: December 2020

An experimental study on the steel tube confined reinforced concrete (STCRC) column with binding bars under axial compression is conducted. The bearing capacity and failure modes are obtained. It can be known that the axial deformation of concrete occurred under compression. The core concrete is wrapped and constrained by the steel tube wall, and the steel tube wall is constrained by binding bars locally, so the local buckling shape of the wall between the binding bars is like wave shape. The 3D finite element model is also developed to analyze the behavior of this type of column under axial compression. Good agreement is shown between the test and predicted results in terms of the load‐deformation curves and ultimate strength. The parametric studies indicate that the spacing of binding bars, diameter of longitudinal bars, concrete strength, thickness of the steel tube wall, and section dimension of the column generate different influence on the mechanical properties and bearing capacity. The diameter of longitudinal bars, concrete strength, and section dimension of the column have a great effect on the ultimate bearing capacity. The numerical results also show that the spacing of binding bars has little effect on the ultimate bearing capacity. The larger thickness of the steel tube wall leads to adverse effect on the specimen performance. Finally, the theoretical calculation is carried out, and the result is good.
Attitude Tracking of Rigid Spacecraft with Actuator Saturation and Fault Based on a Compound Control
Authors: Cheng Chunhua , Yang Hang , Wang Qian , Li Lin , Han Qiang , Ouyang Huan , Ma Haiyang , Lv Xinyi
Published: December 2020

A compound control based on active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) scheme and slide mode control (SMC) is proposed to investigate the attitude tracking problem for a spacecraft with modeling uncertainties, external disturbances, actuator failures, and actuator saturations simultaneously. A positive term including control input is separated from the system, and then, the active disturbance rejection concept and the extended state observer (ESO) are applied to deal with the general uncertain item caused by uncertainties, external disturbances, actuator failures, and actuator saturations. The sliding mode surface is designed to transform the attitude tracking problem into attitude stabilization problem. In order to deal with the actuator saturations, a saturation degree coefficient and its corresponding adaptive law are introduced. Compared to other existing references, the proposed scheme does not need to know the structure or upper bound information of the inertial matrix uncertainties and external disturbances. Finally, the stability of the closed-loop system is analyzed by using input to state stability theory. Simulation results are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. More importantly, the proposed technique can also be applied to the attitude stabilization of other aircraft, such as the attitude of unmanned aerial vehicle and helicopter in maritime rescue.
ROS Plays a Role in the Neonatal Rat Intestinal Barrier Damages Induced by Hyperoxia
Authors: Liu D. Y. , Lou W. J. , Zhang D. Y. , Sun S. Y.
Published: December 2020

Background. Hyperoxia treats a subset of critical neonatal illnesses but induces intestinal damage in neonatal pups. In this process, the intestinal flora and mucosal epithelium might be altered by hyperoxia. So the changes of the intestinal flora and mucosal epithelium were studied. Methods. Neonatal rats were randomized into the model group that was exposed to hyperoxia and the control group that was maintained under normoxic conditions; then, intestinal lavage fluid and intestinal tissues were harvested. ELISA was used to detect D‐lactic acid (D‐LA), endotoxin (ET), diamine oxidase (DAO), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (i‐FABP), liver‐type fatty acid binding protein (L‐FABP) and cytokines in the intestinal lavage of neonatal rats during hyperoxia. The intestinal zonula occluden‐1 (ZO‐1), occlusion protein (Occludin), and closure protein‐4 (Claudin‐4) of neonatal pups were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real‐time Polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) during hyperoxia. NCM460 cell survival rates were assayed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) during hyperoxia and administration of N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC). The expression levels of ZO‐1, Occludin, and Claudin‐4 in NCM460 cells were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and RT‐PCR during hyperoxia and NAC. Results. D‐LA, ET, L‐FABP, i‐FABP, DAO, TNF‐α, IL‐10, and IFN‐γ were significantly increased by hyperoxia, while ZO‐1, Occludin, and Claudin‐4 were clearly decreased in the hyperoxia group compared with the control group. NAC promoted cell survival, which was inhibited by hyperoxia. The cellular expression levels of ZO‐1, Occludin, and Claudin‐4, which were lowered by hyperoxia, were increased by NAC. Conclusion. Hyperoxia causes injury of the intestinal mucosa, and ROS plays a role in this intestinal damage during hyperoxia.
Numerical Test Study of the Microscale Failure Modes and Fractal Analysis of Lower Cambrian Shale Based on Digital Images
Authors: Cui Hengtao , Wu Zhonghu , Li Liping , Wang Jing , Song Shuguang , Sun Shangqu , Zuo Yujun , Liu Hao , Lou Yili
Published: December 2020

To reveal the effect of confining pressure on the mechanical properties and rupture modes of quartz‐bearing shale, the shale core of the no. 3 block of Fenggang, Guizhou Province, China, was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance, polarized light microscope thin section observation and identification, and core X‐ray whole‐rock minerals diffraction analysis to determine the distribution of shale minerals in the Niutitang Formation. On the microscale, based on digital image processing technology, this paper characterizes the nonuniformity of minerals in shale, a numerical model that can reflect the true microstructure of shale. Then, the failure process of shale under different confining pressures was simulated. The results show that when the shale is loaded with vertical displacement under different confining pressures, the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the sample change significantly. The failure mode can be roughly divided into three types: the inverted V‐shaped (0 MPa, 2 MPa, and 4 MPa), V‐shaped (6 MPa and 8 MPa), and inverted Z‐shaped (10 MPa). Since the development of fractal theory provides a new space for studying the damage and fracture of rocks, the damage evolution and failure process of shale can also be regarded as the fractal process of cracks, in which the fractal dimension is the core parameter. The calculation is different under different stress levels. The fractal dimension under the condition of confining pressure shows that the value of the fractal dimension is greatly affected by the effect of confining pressure. When the fractal dimension is higher, the fracture mode is more complicated, and the internal damage degree is more serious. The research results provide important theoretical guidance for shale gas fracturing production.
The Glucose-Lowering Effects of Coconut Oil: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Malaeb Samar , Spoke Christopher
Published: December 2020

Background. Coconut oil, a saturated fat comprised mostly of the medium-chain fatty acid, lauric acid, has become increasingly popular over the past few decades due to its touted anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and lipid-lowering properties. There have been many studies with mixed results evaluating the effects of coconut oil consumption on lipid metabolism and cardiometabolic risk. However, the effects on glucose metabolism are less clear. There are few trials on the effects of coconut oil on glucose homeostasis but no case reports prior to the current one. Case. We present a case of a 66-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes managed with insulin who developed recurrent hypoglycemia and required reduction in insulin therapy quickly after consuming coconut oil supplementation. Conclusion. This is the first known case report of coconut oil supplementation in a diabetic patient on insulin resulting in hypoglycemia. Review of the literature shows that coconut oil supplementation can have a favorable effect on glycemic control, possibly through phenolic compounds mediating anti-inflammatory effects. This effect is inconsistent throughout the studies reviewed, likely due to variations in types of coconut oil supplementation and scarcity of trials. Further research is required both in animal models and in humans before coconut oil intake is widely advised and popularized. This is especially true in patients with diabetes, who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and in whom reduction in saturated fat intake is advised.
Severe Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema Secondary to Massive Verapamil Overdose and Treatment with Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Ho An , Go Abigail , Barrios Christopher , Scalzo Anthony
Published: December 2020

Calcium channel blocker (CCB) poisoning frequently presents with cardiovascular complications such as cardiogenic shock and arrhythmia. We present a case of massive verapamil overdose causing refractory noncardiogenic pulmonary edema successfully treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. To our knowledge, this is the first case with these features reported in literature. A 27-year-old female patient presented with an overdose of 18,000 mg of verapamil. Her clinical condition deteriorated to severe hypoxic respiratory failure despite being treated with calcium, high-dose insulin, and full invasive ventilation support. She eventually required venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) for three days with full recovery. Large ingestion of verapamil could lead to noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. VV-ECMO might play an important role to support the treatment in severe cases with refractory hypoxia.
Fifteen-Year Follow-Up of a Patient with Acinar Cystic Transformation of the Pancreas and Literature Review
Authors: Wen Xiaoyun , Bandovic Jela
Published: December 2020

Acinar cystic transformation (ACT), also known as “acinar cell cystadenoma,” is a rare and newly recognized benign pancreatic cystic neoplasm. However, its true malignant potential remains unknown. Here, we report a case of ACT with 15-year follow-up. A 10-year-old female initially presented with abdominal pain and was found to have a cystic lesion in the region of pancreatic head on computed tomography scan. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy, and the intraoperative biopsy of the cyst wall showed a true pancreatic cyst without malignancy. Her symptoms subsequently resolved, and she was placed under close ultrasound surveillance. For the next fifteen years, the patient was asymptomatic without any complications and had a successful pregnancy. Surveillance showed the tumor grew in size from 4.2 cm to 6.2 cm in diameter. In the latest five months, she noted occasional abdominal pain. A pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. The resected cystic lesion was multilocular and lined by a single layer of bland epithelium ranging from nondescript flat/cuboidal epithelium to apparent acinar cells which were strongly positive for trypsin, so the final diagnosis was confirmed to be ACT. The prior biopsy was retrospectively reviewed to reveal similar epithelial lining. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest period of follow-up for ACT to date. Our findings suggest that ACT is a slow-growing neoplasm without malignant transformation after fifteen years. Therefore, we recommend biopsy for histologic diagnosis followed by close ultrasound surveillance without surgical intervention in asymptomatic or young ACT patients.
Association of Side-Branch Treatment and Patient Factors in Left Anterior Descending Artery True Bifurcation Lesions: Analysis from the GRAND-DES Pooled Registry
Authors: Oh Gyu Chul , Park Kyung Woo , Kang Jeehoon , Han Jung-Kyu , Yang Han-Mo , Kang Hyun-Jae , Koo Bon Kwon , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives. In most bifurcation lesions, keeping the procedure simple by not treating the side-branch (SB) lesion when possible is considered the best method. However, because of improvements with 2nd generation drug-eluting stents (DESs), it remains unknown whether treatment of the SB may improve outcomes in certain subgroups, especially when exclusively using 2nd generation DESs. We report the outcome of SB treatment in a group of patients exclusively receiving newer generation DES for bifurcation PCI. Methods. Patients undergoing PCI to left anterior descending (LAD) bifurcation lesions with contemporary DES were analyzed from a nationwide registry. Baseline risk was assessed using the Age, Creatinine, and Ejection Fraction (ACEF) score. Target lesion failure (TLF), a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization, was assessed at 3 years. Results. Among 1,089 patients with LAD bifurcation lesions, 548 (50.3%) patients underwent SB treatment. The SB treatment group showed a nonsignificant, but numerically lower rate of 3-year TLF (6.6% vs. 9.2%, HR 0.75, 95%CI 0.44–1.28,

p

 = 0.29). In patients with low pretreatment risk (ACEF<1.22), SB treatment was associated with a lower rate of 3-year TLF (HR 0.43, 95%CI 0.19–0.96,

p

 = 0.04), while no significant difference was observed in patients with high risk (ACEF≥1.22). The difference in the low risk group was mostly driven by target lesion revascularization (HR 0.24, 95%CI 0.08–0.75,

p

 = 0.01). Conclusions. SB treatment for LAD bifurcation lesions showed favorable long-term outcomes compared with main-branch-only intervention, especially in patients with low pretreatment risk.
Experimental and Numerical Simulation Studies of RC Beams under the Actions of Equal Energy Impact Loads
Authors: Zhou Xiwu , Wang Xiangyu , Zhang Runcheng , Zhang Wen
Published: December 2020

In this study, two groups of RC beams were subjected to low‐speed drop weight impact test by using the domestic advanced ultrahigh heavy‐duty drop weight impact testing machine system. The main aspects studied are the influence of the combination of different impact velocity and mass on the dynamic response and local and global damage change of RC beam under the same impact energy. Next, the numerical model considering material strain rate is established using ABAQUS finite element software to verify and expand the experimental results. The results show the following: (1) under the condition of equal energy, the peak value of impact force measured in this experiment increases with the increase of impact velocity, yet the mid span displacement and rebar strain first increase and then decrease. In addition, when the impact velocity is 2.25 m/s and the impact mass is 400 kg, the beam has the most serious damage; (2) compared with the mass, the impact velocity has more obvious effects on the peak value of cumulative impact force, mid span displacement, and rebar strain; (3) with the decrease of the impact velocity (the increase of the mass), the local damage of the beam is gradually weakened and the overall damage is gradually exacerbated. The failure mode of the beam is transformed from local punching shear failure to overall static failure type.