bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing levonorgestrel intrauterine system versus hysteroscopic resection in patients with postmenstrual spotting related to a niche in the caesarean scar (MIHYS NICHE trial): protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: He Chuqing , He Xiaoqing , Liang Yan , Sun Taotao , Yan Li , Zhu Chenfeng , Zhao Xiaoya , Xie Li , Mol Ben W , Zhang Jian , Huirne J.A.F
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Recently, the rate of caesarean sections (CS) worldwide has risen and CS-associated complications such as niche have increased substantially. Until now, evidence-based clinical guidelines for the treatment of niche-related symptoms remain absent. In patients with postmenstrual spotting, it has not been studied if the effect of levonorgestrel 52 mg intrauterine system (LNG-IUS 52 mg) is superior to that of hysteroscopy. This study will answer the question of whether LNG-IUS 52 mg is more effective in improving postmenstrual spotting than hysteroscopic niche resection in women with niche-related spotting at 6 months after randomisation.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised controlled trial. A total of 208 women with postmenstrual spotting related to niche in the caesarean uterine scar of at least 2 mm and residual myometrium of at least 2.2 mm evaluated by MRI will be included. Women desiring to conceive within 1 year, with contraindications for LNG-IUS 52 mg or hysteroscopic surgery will be excluded. After informed consent is obtained, eligible women will be randomly allocated to LNG-IUS 52 mg or hysteroscopic niche resection at 1:1. The primary outcome is the efficacy in reducing postmenstrual spotting at 6 months after randomisation. The secondary outcomes include menstrual pattern, total days of blood loss per month, rate of amenorrhoea, side effects and complications.We will use a Visual Analogue Scale for chronic pelvic pain, urological symptoms and women’s satisfaction (five-point Likert scale).

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the local medical ethics committee and by the Institutional Review Board of the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai, China (No. GKLW 2019-08). Participants will sign a written informed consent before participation. The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1900025677.
Expanding the phenotype of SPARC-related osteogenesis imperfecta: clinical findings in two patients with pathogenic variants in SPARC and literature review
Authors: Durkin Anna , DeVile Catherine , Arundel Paul , Bull Mary , Walsh Jennifer , Bishop Nicholas J , Hupin Emilie , Parekh Susan , Nadarajah Ramesh , Offiah Amaka C , Calder Alistair , Brock Joanna , Baker Duncan , Balasubramanian Meena
Published: August 2021

Background

Secreted protein, acidic, cysteine rich (SPARC)-related osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also referred to as OI type XVII, was first described in 2015, since then there has been only one further report of this form of OI. SPARC is located on chromosome 5 between bands q31 and q33. The encoded protein is necessary for calcification of the collagen in bone, synthesis of extracellular matrix and the promotion of changes to cell shape.

Methods

We describe a further two patients with previously unreported homozygous SPARC variants with OI: one splice site; one nonsense pathogenic variant. We present detailed information on the clinical and radiological phenotype and correlate this with their genotype. There are only two previous reports by Mendozo-Londono et al and Hayat et al with clinical descriptions of patients with SPARC variants.

Results

From the data we have obtained, common clinical features in individuals with OI type XVII caused by SPARC variants include scoliosis (5/5), vertebral compression fractures (5/5), multiple long bone fractures (5/5) and delayed motor development (3/3). Interestingly, 2/4 patients also had abnormal brain MRI, including high subcortical white matter changes, abnormal fluid-attenuated inversion in the para-atrial white matter and a large spinal canal from T10 to L1. Of significance, both patients reported here presented with significant neuromuscular weakness prompting early workup.

Conclusion

Common phenotypic expressions include delayed motor development with neuromuscular weakness, scoliosis and multiple fractures. The data presented here broaden the phenotypic spectrum establishing similar patterns of neuromuscular presentation with a presumed diagnosis of ‘myopathy’.
Survival after inpatient or outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease: a multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Guler Sabina Anna , Hur Seo Am , Stickland Michael K , Brun Patrick , Bovet Luc , Holland Anne E , Bondarenko Janet , Hambly Nathan , Wald Joshua , Makhdami Nima , Kreuter Michael , Gloeckl Rainer , Jarosch Inga , Tan Benjamin , Johannson Kerri A , McBride S Ainslie , De Boer Kaissa , Sandoz Jacqueline S , Sun Kelly , Assayag Deborah , Bhatt Surya P , Morisset Julie , Ferraro Vincent , Garvey Chris , Camp Pat G , Ryerson Christopher J
Published: August 2021

Background

The impact of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on survival in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) is unknown. Given the challenges conducting a large randomised controlled trial, we aimed to determine whether improvement in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) was associated with better survival.

Methods

This retrospective, international cohort study included patients with fibrotic ILD participating in either inpatient or outpatient PR at 12 sites in 5 countries. Multivariable models were used to estimate the association between change in 6MWD and time to death or lung transplantation accounting for clustering by centre and other confounders.

Results

701 participants (445 men and 256 women) with fibrotic ILD were included. The mean±SD ages of the 196 inpatients and 505 outpatients were 70±11 and 69±12 years, respectively. Baseline/changes in 6MWD were 262±128/55±83 m for inpatients and 358±125/34±65 m for outpatients. Improvement in 6MWD during PR was associated with lower hazard rates for death or lung transplant on adjusted analysis for both inpatient (HR per 10 m 0.94, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.97, p<0.001) and outpatient PR (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.00, p=0.042). Participation in ≥80% of planned outpatient PR sessions was associated with a 33% lower risk of death (95% CI 0.49% to 0.92%).

Conclusions

Patients with fibrotic ILD who improved physical performance during PR had better survival compared with those who did not improve performance. Confirmation of these hypothesis-generating findings in a randomised controlled trial would be required to definitely change clinical practice, and would further support efforts to improve availability of PR for patients with fibrotic ILD.
High-energy resummation in $$\Lambda _c$$ baryon production
Authors: Celiberto Francesco G. , Fucilla Michael , Ivanov Dmitry Yu. , Papa Alessandro
Published: August 2021

We present a study on inclusive emissions of a double $$\Lambda _c$$

Λ
c

or of a $$\Lambda _c$$

Λ
c

plus a light-flavored jet system as probe channels in the semi-hard regime of QCD. Our formalism relies on the so-called hybrid high-energy/collinear factorization, where the standard collinear description is supplemented by the t-channel resummation à la BFKL of energy logarithms up to the next-to-leading accuracy. We make use of the modular interface, suited to the analysis of different semi-hard reactions, employing the novel parameterization for the description of parton fragmentation into $$\Lambda _c$$

Λ
c

baryons. We provide predictions for rapidity distributions and azimuthal correlations, that can be studied at current and forthcoming LHC configurations, hunting for possible stabilizing effects of the high-energy series.
Accounting for exotic matter and the extreme radial tension in Morris–Thorne wormholes of embedding class one
Authors: Kuhfittig Peter K. F.
Published: August 2021

The embedding of a curved spacetime in a higher-dimensional flat spacetime has continued to be a topic of interest in the general theory of relativity, as exemplified by the induced-matter theory. This paper deals with spacetimes of embedding class one, i.e., spacetimes that can be embedded in a five-dimensional flat spacetime. Einstein’s theory allows the fifth dimension to be either spacelike or timelike. By assuming the latter, this paper addresses two fundamental issues concerning Morris–Thorne wormholes, the origin of exotic matter and the frequently inexplicable enormous radial tension at the throat.
Experimentally validated modeling of the optical energy deposition in highly ionized ambient air by strong femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Kaleris Konstantinos , Tazes Ioannis , Orphanos Yannis , Petrakis Stelios , Bakarezos Makis , Mourjopoulos John , Dimitriou Vasilis , Tatarakis Michael , Papadogiannis Nektarios A.
Published: August 2021

The deposition of femtosecond laser optical energy in gases leads to the emission of secondary electromagnetic and acoustic radiation. These optoacoustic components have a complex nonlinear dependency on the laser beam characteristics, such as the pulse energy, duration, wavelength and the focusing conditions, as well as on the optical and elastic characteristics of the gaseous medium. The initial interaction times are governed by the high electronic excitation and ionization. These phenomena result in a self-modulation of the laser pulse, significantly affecting the optical energy deposition on the medium. Such complex nonlinear phenomena are very difficult to be studied via analytical equations. To address this, a multiphysics Particle-In-Cell model is applied for the evaluation of the optical energy deposition and plasma generation from tightly focused femtosecond pulses in ambient air. The computational domain of the model is built to describe optical energy deposition in its full spatiotemporal scale. The model is validated by experimental results of the absorbed energy. The agreement between the computational and experimental results provides the basis for the future development of an advanced microstructural Finite Element Method model, which, combined with the Particle-In-Cell model, will have the ability of delivering detailed insights for all the sub-domains and timescales varying from nano- to femto-seconds of the laser-induced breakdown phenomenon.

Graphic Abstract
A note on Kawaguchi–Silverman conjecture
Authors: Li Sichen , Matsuzawa Yohsuke
Published: August 2021

We collect some results on endomorphisms on projective varieties related to the Kawaguchi–Silverman conjecture. We discuss certain conditions on automorphism groups of projective varieties and positivity conditions on leading real eigendivisors of self-morphisms. We prove Kawaguchi–Silverman conjecture for endomorphisms on projective bundles on a smooth Fano variety of Picard number one. In the last section, we discuss endomorphisms and augmented base loci of their eigendivisors.
A virtual force method to rectify the equation of state of the lattice Boltzmann models
Authors: Zadehgol Abed
Published: August 2021

In this work, to rectify the equation of state (EOS) of a recently introduced constant speed entropic kinetic model (CSKM), a virtual force method is proposed. The CSKM, as shown in Zadehgol and Ashrafizaadeh [J. Comp. Phys. 274, 803 (2014)] and Zadehgol [Phys. Rev. E 91, 063311 (2015)], is an entropic kinetic model with unconventional entropies of Burg and Tsallis. The dependence of the pressure on the velocity, in the CSKM, was addressed and it was shown that it can be rectified by inserting rest particles into the model. This work shows that this dependence can also be removed by treating the pressure gradient as a pseudo force term, expanding the source term using the Fourier series, and applying the modified method of Khazaeli et al. [Phys. Rev. E 98, 053303 (2018)]. The proposed method can potentially be used to remove other pseudo-force error terms of the CSKM, e.g. the residual error terms which become significant at high Mach numbers, ensuring thermodynamic consistency of the entropic model, at the compressible flow regimes. The accuracy of the method is verified by simulating benchmark flows.
Prediction of the effective elastic moduli of porous bone scaffolds: Analytical and computational studies
Authors: Imani S. Misagh , Goudarzi A. M. , Rabiee Sayed Mahmood , Dardel Morteza
Published: August 2021

Bone scaffolds are porous structures that are used to repair, regenerate and restore the functions of damaged bone tissue. Scaffolds should have sufficient mechanical strength since they are subjected to different mechanical loadings as implanted in the defect site. Recently, there has been growing interest in the application of micromechanical approaches to estimate the effective mechanical properties of these structures. However, most of the micromechanical methods are originally proposed for dilute concentration condition in which all of the pores are isolated and they are not suitable for the structures like scaffolds with an interconnected network of pores. This paper presents the modified version of the Mori–Tanaka approach which is able to consider the interconnectivity between the pores and is completely appropriate for investigation of the mechanical behavior of the scaffolds. The validity of the developed relations is investigated via statistical finite element analysis. The effective moduli of the numerous scaffolds available in the literature are also computed using the suggested modifications. Comparison between the findings of this paper and published empirical studies shows that for the scaffolds with interconnected pore networks, using these modifications significantly improves the results in comparison with the case of using the classical Mori–Tanaka scheme.
Reflected stochastic partial differential equations with jumps
Authors: Qian Hongchao , Peng Jun
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we establish the existence and uniqueness of solutions of reflected stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) driven both by Brownian motion and by Poisson random measure in a convex domain. Penalization method plays a crucial role.
An Ensemble Random Forest Model to Predict Bead Geometry in GMAW Process
Authors: Babaiyan Vahide , Mollayi Nader , Taheri Morteza , Azargoman Majid
Published: August 2021

A prevalent method for rapid prototyping of metallic parts is gas metal arc welding (GMAW). As the input parameters impose a highly nonlinear impact on the weld bead geometry, precise estimation of the geometry is a complex problem. Therefore, in this study, a novel combination of the most powerful machine learning algorithms is selected to overcome the complexity of the problem and also reach an acceptable degree of precision. To this end, the hybrid combination of the support vector machine (SVM) and relevance vector machine (RVM) is developed based on the random forest (RF) ensemble learning approach. The models are established based on a global database of welding geometry, and the corresponding process parameters obtained are based on a set of experiments. Performance evaluation between RVM, SVM, and the proposed model was performed based on the coefficient of determination ([Formula: see text]) and the ratio of root means square error (RMSE) to the maximum measured outputs ([Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]). The RF-based RVM-SVM model obtained 0.9725 and 0.8850 for [Formula: see text] and 0.0257 and 0.0447 for [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] in predicting the height and width of the bead, respectively. The result clearly showed the effectiveness of the proposed model in predicting the GMAW trend.
Gaussian Quantum Markov Semigroups on a One-Mode Fock Space: Irreducibility and Normal Invariant States
Authors: Agredo J. , Fagnola F. , Poletti D.
Published: August 2021

We consider the most general Gaussian quantum Markov semigroup on a one-mode Fock space, discuss its construction from the generalized GKSL representation of the generator. We prove the known explicit formula on Weyl operators, characterize irreducibility and its equivalence to a Hörmander type condition on commutators and establish necessary and sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness of normal invariant states. We illustrate these results by applications to the open quantum oscillator and the quantum Fokker-Planck model.
Challenges and Opportunities for eLearning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The year in review
Authors: Conceicao Simone C.
Published: August 2021

In 2020-2021, elearning became essential at all levels of education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This editorial provides a year in review for eLearn Magazine. A common theme was the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in online education and opportunities for overcoming these challenges.
A Functional Dissection of the mRNA and Locally Synthesized Protein Population in Neuronal Dendrites and Axons
Authors: Perez Julio D. , Fusco Claudia M. , Schuman Erin M.
Published: August 2021

Neurons are characterized by a complex morphology that enables the generation of subcellular compartments with unique biochemical and biophysical properties, such as dendrites, axons, and synapses. To sustain these different compartments and carry a wide array of elaborate operations, neurons express a diverse repertoire of gene products. Extensive regulation at both the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels allows for the differentiation of subcellular compartments as well as numerous forms of plasticity in response to variable stimuli. Among the multiple mechanisms that control cellular functions, mRNA translation is manipulated by neurons to regulate where and when a protein emerges. Interestingly, transcriptomic and translatomic profiles of both dendrites and axons have revealed that the mRNA population only partially predicts the local protein population and that this relation significantly varies between different gene groups. Here, we describe the space that local translation occupies within the large molecular and regulatory complexity of neurons, in contrast to other modes of regulation. We then discuss the specialized organization of mRNAs within different neuronal compartments, as revealed by profiles of the local transcriptome. Finally, we discuss the features and functional implications of both locally correlated—and anticorrelated—mRNA-protein relations both under baseline conditions and during synaptic plasticity.
The Synergistic Effect of Three Essential Oils against Bacteria Responsible for the Development of Lithiasis Infection: An Optimization by the Mixture Design
Authors: Kachkoul Rabie , Benjelloun Touimi Ghita , Bennani Bahia , El Habbani Radouane , El Mouhri Ghita , Mohim Mohamed , Sqalli Houssaini Tarik , Chebaibi Mohamed , Koulou Amine , Lahrichi Anissa
Published: August 2021

The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition and the synergistic effect of three plants’ essential oils (EOs), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (ECEO), Mentha pulegium (MPEO), and Rosmarinus officinalis (ROEO), against three bacterial strains, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, in order to increase the antimicrobial effectiveness by the use of a low dose of essential oils, consequently decreasing the toxicity and negative impact. For this reason, an augmented simplex-centroid mixture design was used to build polynomial models in order to highlight the synergy between the essential oils against bacterial strains. Antimicrobial effect screening was performed by the disc diffusion method and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were also studied. The gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results show the richness of these essential oils by terpenic compounds, especially 1,8-Cineole and P-Cymene for ECEO, Pulegone for MPEO, and

α

-Pinene and Camphene for ROEO. Moreover, a significant antibacterial effect has been demonstrated and the best values were revealed by MPEO and ECEO against P. mirabilis and K. pneumoniae, with inhibition zones (IZ) of 25 and 20 mm, respectively, and an MIC of 0.0391% (v:v) against K. pneumoniae. The optimal mixtures showed a synergistic effect of essential oils, and the lowest minimal inhibitory concentrations of the mixtures (MICm) were in the order of 29.38% of MPEO, 45.37% of ECEO, and 25.25% of ROEO against P. mirabilis and in the order of 60.61% of MPEO and 39.39% of ROEO against K. pneumoniae. These results indicate the antibacterial efficacy of the three essential oils combined and suggest their importance in the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by resistant bacterial strains.
Studying Disturbance Wave Velocity and Wall Shear Stress of Vertical Upward Annular Flow in Narrow Rectangular Channel
Authors: Liu Antai , Yan Changqi , Zhu Fuqiang , Gu Haifeng , Gong Suijun
Published: August 2021

As two important parameters, the velocity of disturbance wave and the wall shear stress in annular flow are very important to solve the closed equations of the mechanical model for annular flow. In this study, the disturbance wave velocity and wall shear stress of annular flow in a vertical narrow rectangular channel with a cross section of 70 mm × 2 mm were studied. According to the experimental results, it is found that the wave velocity and wall shear stress of disturbance wave increase with increasing gas phase velocity and liquid phase velocity. Also, existing correlations for predicting the velocity of disturbance wave were summarized and evaluated using the current experimental data. A new correlation for wall shear stress based on the disturbance wave velocity has been proposed. Compared with the existing correlation for predicting wall shear stress, this new correlation can well predict the current experimental data and MAPE is only 7.32%.
Antimildew Treatment and Control Effect of Citral on Bamboo
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Du Chungui , Peng Rui , Hu Ailian , Li Qi , Liu Chunlin , Shan Yingying , Chen Shiqin , Yin Wenxiu
Published: August 2021

Presently, chemical agents remain the main antimildew agents for bamboo, which has a certain negative impact on the environment and human health. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new environment-friendly antimildew agents for bamboo. Here, citral, an environment-friendly natural antibacterial agent, was used as an antimildew agent for bamboo. The orthogonal test was used to explore the effects of citral concentration, impregnation pressure, and pressurization time on the drug loading capacity of treated bamboo strips. The effect of antimildew-treated bamboo strips on bamboo mold was also discussed. Furthermore, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet spectrophotometer were used to investigate the distribution of citral in bamboo strips. Results showed that the optimum technological parameters of citral mildew-proof treatment of bamboo were as follows: citral concentration: 0.795 mg/ml, impregnation pressure: 0.3 MPa, and pressurization time: 90 min. Also, citral was easy to volatilize, which decreased the citral content of bamboo strips after vacuum drying and showed the trend of a lower surface layer and a higher inner layer. The concentration of citral therefore had a significant effect on the drug loading of the antimildew-treated bamboo strips. Thus, it was difficult to achieve effective prevention and control of bamboo mold when bamboo strips were impregnated with a lower concentration of citral solution. When the concentration of citral reached 200 mg/ml, the prevention and antimold efficiency of antimildew bamboo strips reached over 100%. This study will provide references for the development and application of environment-friendly natural antibacterial agents in the field of bamboo mildew prevention.
Investigation of Dried Blood Spot Cards for Fatty Acid Analysis Using Porcine Blood
Authors: Wood Jordan , Minter Larry J. , Stoskopf Michael K. , Bibus Doug , Ange Dempsy , Tollefson Troy N. , Fellner Vivek , Ange-van Heugten Kimberly
Published: August 2021

Fatty acids, especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are important for reproductive and cardiovascular health in animals. While monitoring fatty acids is traditionally conducted using frozen blood fractions such as serum and plasma, advancements in analytical technology have developed a method of collecting microsamples of dried whole blood on Ahlstrom 226 grade filter paper that can provide information on long-term fatty acid status of animals. Blood samples were collected from five male pigs in both the traditional frozen method and on dried blood spot cards (DBS). The DBS samples were collected with untreated syringes and tubes, and approximately 320 μL of blood was placed on each card with approximately 80 μL per spot (4 spots). Statistical analysis was performed to compare the two sample groups to each other using the Mann–Whitney U-test and determine if DBS samples were similar to traditional whole blood samples. Of the 30 fatty acids and fatty acid groups with measurable concentrations, only four individual fatty acids, behenic acid, omega-3 docosapentaenoic acid, nervonic acid, and adrenic acid, had statistical differences. Most of these differences were minor and could be due to analytical errors or contamination. Comparisons between sample types found similar concentrations of key omega fatty acids and PUFAs and support the use of DBS collection as a less invasive method of blood collection and fatty acid analysis.
On Generalized Strongly Convex Functions and Unified Integral Operators
Authors: Yu Timing , Farid Ghulam , Mahreen Kahkashan , Jung Chahn Yong , Shim Soo Hak
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we define a strongly exponentially

α
,
h
−
m

-convex function that generates several kinds of strongly convex and convex functions. The left and right unified integral operators of these functions satisfy some integral inequalities which are directly related to many unified and fractional integral inequalities. From the results of this paper, one can obtain various fractional integral operator inequalities that already exist in the literature.
Multistage Optimization Using a Modified Gaussian Mixture Model in Sperm Motility Tracking
Authors: Alameri Mohammed , Hasikin Khairunnisa , Kadri Nahrizul Adib , Nasir Nashrul Fazli Mohd , Mohandas Prabu , Anni Jerline Sheeba , Azizan Muhammad Mokhzaini
Published: August 2021

Infertility is a condition whereby pregnancy does not occur despite having unprotected sexual intercourse for at least one year. The main reason could originate from either the male or the female, and sometimes, both contribute to the fertility disorder. For the male, sperm disorder was found to be the most common reason for infertility. In this paper, we proposed male infertility analysis based on automated sperm motility tracking. The proposed method worked in multistages, where the first stage focused on the sperm detection process using an improved Gaussian Mixture Model. A new optimization protocol was proposed to accurately detect the motile sperms prior to the sperm tracking process. Since the optimization protocol was imposed in the proposed system, the sperm tracking and velocity estimation processes are improved. The proposed method attained the highest average accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 92.3%, 96.3%, and 72.4%, respectively, when tested on 10 different samples. Our proposed method depicted better sperm detection quality when qualitatively observed as compared to other state-of-the-art techniques.
Federated Learning: A Distributed Shared Machine Learning Method
Authors: Hu Kai , Li Yaogen , Xia Min , Wu Jiasheng , Lu Meixia , Zhang Shuai , Weng Liguo
Published: August 2021

Federated learning (FL) is a distributed machine learning (ML) framework. In FL, multiple clients collaborate to solve traditional distributed ML problems under the coordination of the central server without sharing their local private data with others. This paper mainly sorts out FLs based on machine learning and deep learning. First of all, this paper introduces the development process, definition, architecture, and classification of FL and explains the concept of FL by comparing it with traditional distributed learning. Then, it describes typical problems of FL that need to be solved. On the basis of classical FL algorithms, several federated machine learning algorithms are briefly introduced, with emphasis on deep learning and classification and comparisons of those algorithms are carried out. Finally, this paper discusses possible future developments of FL based on deep learning.
Factitiously Elevated Total Triiodothyronine in a Euthyroid Patient with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Mandal Kaushik , Ashorobi Damilola , Lee Alice , Liao Huijuan , Kumar Salini C. , Rosenthal David S.
Published: August 2021

Sporadic reports of factitious elevations of thyroid hormones related to laboratory interference from autoantibodies and multiple myeloma paraproteins have appeared in the literature. Such clinically confusing laboratory results can lead to erroneous diagnoses and inappropriate treatments. We report an additional case of a patient with multiple myeloma and an IgG paraproteinemia who had such a spurious elevation of total T3 complicating her levothyroxine management of hypothyroidism. In addition, we alert clinicians that differences in performance characteristics between various manufacturers’ test platforms may also cause spurious reports.
Characterization of Sweet Almond Oil Content of Four European Cultivars (Ferragnes, Ferraduel, Fournat, and Marcona) Recently Introduced in Morocco
Authors: Melhaoui Reda , Kodad Souhayla , Houmy Nadia , Belhaj Kamal , Mansouri Farid , Abid Malika , Addi Mohamed , Mihamou Aatika , Sindic Marianne , Serghini-Caid Hana , Elamrani Ahmed
Published: August 2021

This study concerns the characterization of oil content and quality indices for almond cultivars (Marcona (Mr), Fournat (Fn), Ferragnes (Fg), and Ferraduel (Fd)) recently introduced into marginal agricultural areas in eastern Morocco. These verities are known for their rusticity and late flowering stage. The analyzed almond oils showed low acidity and peroxide values ranging, respectively, from 0.32 to 0.36% and 1.88 to 3.18 meq O2/kg. Fatty acid (FA) profile revealed a predominance of the unsaturated FA represented essentially by the oleic (56.64–64.03%) and linoleic FA (24.57–29.80%). Triacylglycerol (TAG) analysis allowed the determination of eleven species with a remarkable dominance of trioleylglycerol (OOO: 30%) and dioleyllinoleoylglcerol (OOL: 27.25%). Regarding the minor compounds, the results showed that the total phenol content ranges between 85.33 and 141.66 mg/kg. Concerning the tocopherol content, the studied oils showed richness in these secondary metabolites (408.99–491.77 mg/kg) with a dominance of α-tocopherol. In comparison to their homologues in the Mediterranean area, the evaluated almond oils demonstrated a slight superiority in terms of quality, in particular, to those produced in Spain.
A Critical Analysis of Finite-Element Modeling Procedures for Radial Bearing Stiffness Estimation
Authors: Gabrielli Alberto , Battarra Mattia , Mucchi Emiliano
Published: August 2021

Different strategies are commonly employed by researchers in order to decrease the computational effort associated with the finite-element analysis of rolling-element bearings. The purpose of this work is to review and analyze the procedures and hypotheses that may be exploited to evaluate the nonlinear radial stiffness of these components. Techniques are utilized to develop a meshing procedure aimed at balancing the computational effort and the accuracy of the results, to define a robust approach to the problem. The geometry is reduced by taking advantage of the available symmetry planes, by removing unloaded rollers, and by substituting the shaft with an equivalent sinusoidal load. In addition, the element dimensions are adapted to the applied load depending on the size of the contact area as computed by means of the Hertz theory. The proposed methodology may be applied to all bearing types provided that symmetry conditions and contact area dimensions are properly assessed. The estimated stiffness is compared against analytical formulae retrieved from the literature. Influence of different element types, roller position, cage, and clearance on accuracy and computational time is discussed.
Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm-Based Ultrasound Image Features in the Analysis of the Influence of Different Anesthesia Methods on Lung Air Volume in Orthopedic Surgery Patients
Authors: Li Yufang , Bai Manyun , Wang Xin , Wu Di , Zhao Qian
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to provide a quantitative evaluation of the lung gas content in orthopedic surgery patients under different anesthesia using ultrasound images based on the artificial bee colony algorithm. The ultrasound image features based on an artificial bee colony algorithm were applied to analyze segmentation images to investigate the influence of different anesthesia methods on the lung air content of patients undergoing orthopedic surgery and the clinical features of such patients. They were also adopted for the anesthesia in orthopedic surgery to assist clinicians in the diagnosis of diseases. 160 orthopedic surgery patients who were hospitalized were treated with different anesthesia methods. The first group (traditional general anesthesia group) received general anesthesia and traditional ultrasound; the second group (ABC general anesthesia group) was used for ultrasound image analysis based on the artificial bee colony algorithm; the third group (traditional sclerosis group) was anesthetized with combined sclerosis block; ultrasound images of patients from the fourth group (ABC sclerosis group) were analyzed based on the artificial bee colony algorithm. Analysis was conducted at three time points. The LUS score of the traditional sclerosis group and ABC sclerosis group was hugely higher than the score of the traditional general anesthesia group and ABC general anesthesia group at T2 time, with statistical significance (

P
<
0.005

). At time point T3, the score of the traditional sclerosis group rose greatly compared with the general anesthesia group, and that of the ABC group was generally higher than that of the traditional ultrasound group (

P
<
0.005

). When the threshold value was 4, the fitness value of ABC algorithm was 2680.4461, and the fitness value of the control group was 1736.815. The difference between the two groups was 943.6311 (

P
<
0.05

). The operation time of ABC algorithm was 1.83, while that of the control group was 1.05, and the difference between the two groups was 0.78 (

P
<
0.05

). In conclusion, the feature analysis of ultrasonic images based on the artificial bee colony algorithm could effectively improve the accuracy of ultrasonic images and the accuracy of focus recognition. It can promote medical efficiency and accurately identify the lung air content of patients in future clinical case measurement and auxiliary treatment of fracture, which has great application potential in improving surgical anesthesia effect.
A Correlation-Based Feature Selection Algorithm for Operating Data of Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: He Yuxuan , Yu Hongxing , Yu Ren , Song Jian , Lian Haibo , He Jiangyang , Yuan Jiangtao
Published: August 2021

Nuclear power plant operating data are characterized by a large variety, strong coupling, and low data value density. When using machine learning techniques for fault diagnosis and other related research, feature selection enables dimensionality reduction while maintaining the physical meaning of the original features, thus improving the computational efficiency and generalization ability of the learning model. In this paper, a correlation-based feature selection algorithm is developed to implement feature selection of nuclear power plant operating data. The proposed algorithm is verified by experiments and compared with traditional correlation-based feature selection algorithms. The experiments and comparison results show that the proposed algorithm is effective in realizing the dimensionality reduction of nuclear power plant operating data.
Weight Stigma and Disease and Disability Concepts of Obesity: A Survey of the German Population
Authors: Hilbert Anja , Zenger Markus , Luck-Sikorski Claudia , Brähler Elmar
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Recent years have witnessed a medicalization of obesity, promoting a classification as a disease or disability in order to reduce or protect against weight stigma and discrimination. This study sought to investigate the public understanding of the disability and disease concepts in obesity, their acceptance, and association with weight stigma. Methods: In a representative German population sample (n = 2,524), public views of obesity as a disease or disability were assessed via a self-report questionnaire. For the assessment of weight stigma, the Weight Control/Blame subscale from the Antifat Attitudes Test was used. Results: A significantly greater acceptance of the disease than the disability concept was found (37.1 vs. 15.4%). Both disease and disability were mainly viewed as physical conditions, although one-third also viewed obesity as a mental disease. While agreement with the disease concept – especially of physical and genetic disease – significantly predicted lower weight stigma; agreement with the disability concept – especially of mental or intellectual disability – predicted higher weight stigma. Conclusions: These results suggest a careful use of the disease and disability terms and precise definitions. The disability concept in particular carries notions that are publicly devalued.
Direct Blood Pressure-Independent Anti-Fibrotic Effects by the Selective Nonsteroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Finerenone in Progressive Models of Kidney Fibrosis
Authors: Droebner Karoline , Pavkovic Mira , Grundmann Manuel , Hartmann Elke , Goea Laura , Nordlohne Johannes , Klar Jürgen , Eitner Frank , Kolkhof Peter
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist finerenone and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have demonstrated clinical benefits in chronic kidney disease patients with type 2 diabetes. Precise molecular mechanisms responsible for these benefits are incompletely understood. Here, we investigated potential direct anti-fibrotic effects and mechanisms of nonsteroidal MR antagonism by finerenone or SGLT2 inhibition by empagliflozin in 2 relevant mouse kidney fibrosis models: unilateral ureter obstruction and sub-chronic ischemia reperfusion injury. Methods: Kidney fibrosis was induced in mice via unilateral ureteral obstruction or ischemia. In a series of experiments, mice were treated orally with the MR antagonist finerenone (3 or 10 mg/kg), the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin (10 or 30 mg/kg), or in a direct comparison of both drugs. Interstitial myofibroblast accumulation was quantified via alpha-smooth muscle actin and interstitial collagen deposition via Sirius Red/Fast Green staining in both models. Secondary analyses included the assessment of inflammatory cells, kidney mRNA expression of fibrotic markers as well as functional parameters (serum creatinine and albuminuria) in the ischemic model. Blood pressure was measured via telemetry in healthy conscious compound-treated animals. Results: Finerenone dose-dependently decreased pathological myofibroblast accumulation and collagen deposition with no effects on systemic blood pressure and inflammatory markers in the tested dose range. Reduced kidney fibrosis was paralleled by reduced kidney plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and naked cuticle 2 (NKD2) expression in finerenone-treated mice. In contrast, treatment with empagliflozin strongly increased urinary glucose excretion in both models and reduced ischemia-induced albuminuria but had no effects on kidney myofibroblasts or collagen deposition. Discussion/Conclusion: Finerenone has direct anti-fibrotic properties resulting in reduced myofibroblast and collagen deposition accompanied by a reduction in renal PAI-1 and NKD2 expression in mouse models of progressive kidney fibrosis at blood pressure-independent dosages.
Viação Nordeste: o que será de nós?
Authors: Brito Maria Isabel de Medeiros , Silveira Marcelo Castello da , Araújo Maria Valéria Pereira de , Santana Ana Beatriz Cabral de
Published: August 2021

O caso para ensino sobre a Viação Nordeste, aborda a situação real de uma empresa familiar cinquentenária no segmento de transportes de passageiros, fundada em 1965, na cidade de Natal-RN. O dilema deste caso para ensino se dá em torno de uma empresa familiar que tem problemas de conflitos de gerações, sucessão da gestão e de problemas na tomada de decisões de investimentos e custos em médio e longo prazo, ocasionados pela falta de alinhamento estratégico entre seus gestores, e dos problemas envolvendo a gestão familiar da empresa. O estudo servirá para apoiar as pequenas e médias empresas na valorização da profissionalização e na compreensão da necessidade do planejamento da sucessão, especialmente em empresas familiares. Além dessa contribuição, o estudo propiciará, também, uma discussão sobre a importância de as empresas familiares possuírem uma definição clara de política financeira, de curto e médio prazo, para nortear o planejamento empresarial nas ações e decisões de financiamento e investimento, com a utilização de dados e registros contábeis, garantindo a redução dos conflitos internos e a sobrevivência e sustentabilidade do negócio. O caso para ensino foi construído a partir da coleta de dados primários e secundários, recomenda-se a sua aplicação em cursos de graduação em Administração, Economia e Contabilidade, nas disciplinas de Finanças Empresariais e Gestão de Empresas Familiares.
Gebruik Van Euphorbia Tirucalli Als Rubberleverancier En Energiegewas
Authors: Van Damme Patrick
Published: August 2021

The Possibilities to use Euphorbia Tirucalli as an Energy and Rubber Crop

Euphorbia Tirucalli has been used as a source for natural rubber at different times in history, especially in southern Africa. The latex resin content is too high to guarantee a good quality product and economic production has never taken off as some had hoped. The fact that the plant is very well adapted to arid and semi arid conditions and can be grown on marginal waste lands makes it a potential energy crop which can be turned into biogas without too much investment in costly technology. The first results obtained in the laboratory and infield conditions (Senegal) are very promising. The latex contains a number of interesting triterpenes which have a very high energy content and could be used in fuel production. Most of these applications have been tested or used in Africa and can offer long-term solutions for old problems, particularly in the case of renewable energy through biomass fermentation.
Bibliographies Africanistes Courantes : Une Comparaison
Authors: d’Hertefelt Marcel
Published: August 2021

Current African Bibliographies: A Comparison

Five internationally used current bibliographies are here compared with respect to their coverage of the periodical literature, the degree of their overlapping, and three basic aspects of their layout (list of analyzed periodicals, arrangement of references, index construction). As regards coverage, the most striking conclusion is the low to minimal rate of overlapping, so that it would be rather risky for the student to rely on one bibliography only, even the most extensive. Coverage, of course, is not the sole factor in assessing the value of a bibliography. The five bibliographies differ widely in their organisation and are by far not equally easy to use.
Investigating health factors as predictor of early drop-out of first year accounting students at the University of the Free State, South Africa
Authors: Beyers Christa , Joubert Hanli
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The future of the South African workforce looks bleak given the challenges posed, not only by health factors, including HIV and AIDS, but also the success and throughput rate of first year university students.

Methodology: The research in this study was conducted in 2013 using a post-positivist approach and applying an interpretive stance using a mixed method approach, which included a quantitative non-experimental predictive multivariate design as well as focus group interviews to triangulate the findings.

Results: We present findings that psychosocial background factors, physical health and emotional health influence success and non-completion rates among first year students at the University of the Free State, South Africa.

Conclusion: We argue that early identification of poor psychosocial background, including health factors, can assist in empowering youths helping them to make healthy decisions and deal with stressful situations in a way that will not compromise their academic success.
Assessing the responsibilities of the United Kingdom and Mauritius towards the Chagossians under international law
Authors: Raumnauth Darsheenee , Mahadew Roopanand
Published: August 2021

This article reviews the obligations under international law of the United Kingdom and Mauritius towards the Chagossians. With the detachment of Chagos from Mauritius as an essential condition for the independence of Mauritius from the British colonial master, the Chagossians have, over the past four decades, endured enormous human rights violations . This article assesses the responsibility of the two states vis-à-vis the Chagossians. A comprehensive factual account is first presented to clarify understanding of the history of Chagos. The legal framework is then analysed to assess the responsibility of each state, before a number of recommendations are made.
Introduction of HPV vaccination in Kenya
Authors: Vermandere Heleen
Published: August 2021

Introduction: HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Measured HPV vaccine acceptability is often high but does it also lead to high uptake?

Methodology: A cohort was set up assessing HPV vaccine acceptability and other health behaviour constructs before, and vaccine uptake after an HPV vaccination programme in Eldoret, Kenya. Focus groups shed light on the motivation for vaccine uptake or refusal.

Results: Acceptability was high but was no strong predictor of uptake, and neither were the constructs of the Health Belief Model. Lack of information and fear of side effects were major barriers. Feeling uncomfortable to discuss cervical cancer hampered open communication.

Discussion: Distrust towards new vaccines and the health system blocked translation from willingness- to-vaccinate to actual uptake, as did organizational factors such as poor promotion.

Conclusion: Future research should include broader concepts such as vaccine hesitancy and factors beyond personal control in order to predict vaccine uptake.