bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation of fiber Bragg grating hoop strain sensor–based method for sudden leakage monitoring of gas pipeline
Authors: Jiang Tao , Ren Liang , Wang Jia-jian , Jia Zi-guang , Li Dong-sheng , Li Hong-nan
Published: January 2021

Pipeline, serving as one of the most important gas transportation methods, can cause serious consequences in the event of leakage, so leakage monitoring is particularly important. In our previous study, a fiber Bragg grating hoop strain sensor was developed to detect pipeline leakage by measuring circumferential strain, and this sensor was utilized in a liquid pipeline leakage test to verify its performance. In this article, we established a full-scale gas pipeline model and investigated the performance of this fiber Bragg grating hoop strain sensor in leakage monitoring. On the basis of circumferential strain variation characteristic before and after negative pressure wave arrival at a fiber Bragg grating hoop strain sensor, a linear fitting algorithm combined with threshold detection was proposed to capture the knee point of circumferential strain. Test results illustrated that the proposed approach has good performance in knee point detection, and fiber Bragg grating hoop strain sensor is suitable for gas pipeline leakage monitoring.
Crack damage detection of structures using spectral transfer matrix
Authors: Nandakumar P. , Shankar K.
Published: January 2021

A novel spectral transfer matrix for a cracked beam element is developed in this article and the same is used to identify the crack parameters on the beam structures. Spectral transfer matrix is developed from trigonometric functions based on the theory of fracture mechanics. This matrix determines the natural frequencies of a structure with crack with better accuracy than any other transfer matrices in the literature. The state vector at a node on the structure is formed which includes the displacement, rotation, internal and external forces, and moments at that node. When the state vector is multiplied with the transfer matrix, the state vector at the adjacent node is obtained. Each element is assumed to have a single open breathing crack with unknown depth and location. Initially, the developed spectral transfer matrix is used to determine the natural frequencies of a known cantilever, and after successful validation, the same is used for crack damage detection. By an inverse approach, crack parameters in each element are identified. The state vector at one node on the structure is obtained by measurement of input and out responses which is known as the initial state vector. Acceleration responses at selected nodes on the structure are measured and the state vectors at those nodes are predicted using spectral transfer matrices. The mean square error between measured and simulated responses is minimized using a heuristic optimization algorithm, with crack depth and location in each element as the optimization variables. Spectral transfer matrix method is applied to two numerical problems with single crack in each element; later, this method is successfully validated experimentally with structures having different boundary conditions. The accuracy in identified crack parameters and the applicability to sub-structures of a large structure are the important aspects of this method.
Research on early weak structural damage detection of aeroengine intershaft bearing based on acoustic emission technology
Authors: Liang Zheming , Wang Anna , Yu Yang , Yang Ping
Published: January 2021

Until now, there is no effective method to detect the early weak structural damage of the aero engine intershaft bearing. In this article, an online method based on acoustic emission technology is used to detect the early weak structural damage of aeroengine intershaft bearing. The combination of maximum correlated kurtosis deconvolution and bandpass filter is proposed to enhance and denoise fault characteristic signals of the aero engine intershaft bearing. The Hilbert envelope demodulation is used to extracting the bear fault characteristic frequency. Under aeroengine working conditions, the experiment of an intershaft bearing with outer ring fault is carried out. The result shows that bearing outer ring fault characteristic frequency and bearing vibration frequencies clearly appear in the envelope spectrum of the acoustic emission signal. Therefore, online detection of early weak structure damage of aeroengine intershaft bearing is realized by acoustic emission technology under the background of strong noise.
Using a single sensor for bridge condition monitoring via moving embedded principal component analysis
Authors: Nie Zhenhua , Shen Zhaofeng , Li Jun , Hao Hong , Lin Yizhou , Ma Hongwei , Jiang Hui
Published: January 2021

This article presents a novel data-driven structural damage detection method named moving embedded principal component analysis to monitor the bridge condition and detect the damage occurrence using only one sensor. A fixed moving window is used to cut out the time series of the recorded data for the analysis. The data set inside the window is embedded to be a multidimensional state space using time delay method. The matrix of the state space is analyzed using the standard principal component analysis method, and a novel damage index Rj defined with the eigenvalue is proposed to identify structural damage occurrence. The window length is determined by a new approach through examining the convergent spectrum of the contribution ratio of the first principal component of the embedded state space. The time delay is determined by the autocorrelation function of the response, and the embedding dimension is obtained by the cumulative contribution ratio of the state space. The windowed damage index can be calculated continuously by moving the window along the recorded vibration data. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed method, responses of a beam bridge model subjected to stochastic loads obtained with numerical simulations and experimental tests are analyzed to monitor the structural conditions. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately identify the occurrence of damage and the abnormal behavior of the structure. The recorded data on a large suspension bridge are also analyzed. The analysis successfully identified an incident on this bridge when it was slightly scraped by the mast of a sand ship. This further verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Change detection using the generalized likelihood ratio method to improve the sensitivity of guided wave structural health monitoring systems
Authors: Mariani Stefano , Cawley Peter
Published: January 2021

The transition from one-off ultrasound–based non-destructive testing systems to permanently installed monitoring techniques has the potential to significantly improve the defect detection sensitivity, since frequent measurements can be obtained and tracked with time. However, the measurements must be compensated for changing environmental and operational conditions, such as temperature, and careful analysis of measurements by highly skilled operators quickly becomes unfeasible as a large number of sensors acquiring signals frequently is installed on a plant. Recently, the authors have developed a location-specific temperature compensation method that uses a set of baseline measurements to remove temperature effects from the signals, thus producing “residual” signals on an unchanged structure that are essentially normally distributed with zero-mean and with standard deviation related to instrumentation noise. This enables the application of change detection techniques such as the generalized likelihood ratio method that can process sequences of residual signals searching for changes caused by damage. The defect detection performance offered by the generalized likelihood ratio when applied to guided wave signals adjusted either via the newly developed location-specific temperature compensation method or the widely used optimal baseline selection technique is investigated on a set of simulated measurements based on a set of experimental signals acquired by a permanently installed pipe monitoring system designed to monitor tens of meters of pipe from one location using the torsional, T(0,1), guided wave mode. The results presented here indicate that damage on the order of 0.1% cross section loss can reliably be detected with virtually zero false calls if the assumptions of the study are met, notably the absence of sensor drift with time. This represents a factor of 20–50 improvement over that typically achieved in one-off inspection and makes such monitoring systems very attractive. The method will also be applicable to bulk wave ultrasound signals.
Parameter identification of crack-like notches in aluminum plates based on strain gauge data
Authors: Boukellif Ramdane , Ricoeur Andreas , Oxe Matthias
Published: January 2021

The identification of crack parameters and stress intensity factors in aluminum plates under tensile loading is in the focus of the presented research. In this regard, data of strain gauges, distributed along the edges of the samples, are interpreted. In the experiments, slit-shaped notches take the role of cracks located in the interior of the specimens. Their positions, inclinations and lengths as well as the magnitudes of external loadings are identified solving the inverse problems of cracked plates and associated strain fields. Exploiting the powerful approach of distributed dislocations, based on Green’s functions provided by the framework of linear elasticity, in conjunction with a genetic algorithm, allows for a very efficient identification of the sought parameters, thus being suitable for in situ monitoring of engineering structures. Tested samples exhibit one or two straight crack-like notches as well as a kinked one.
Forced convective heat transfer and thermal efficiency assessment in square channel equipped with 10° wavy thin rib
Authors: Boonloi Amnart , Jedsadaratanachai Withada
Published: January 2021

Forced convective heat transfer and thermo-hydraulic efficiency in the heat exchanger square channel (HESC) inserted with 10° wavy thin rib (WTR) are reported numerically. The effects of rib height, pitch distance and flow velocity on flow and heat transfer profiles are considered. The rib height to the channel height; e/H or HR, is varied in the range 0.05–0.30, while the rib pitch to the channel height; P/H or PR, is varied in the range 0.50–1.25. The air velocity in the HESC inserted with the WTR is considered in terms of Reynolds number. The Reynolds numbers (Re = 100–2000) for the present investigation is analyzed at the inlet condition. The finite volume method (commercial code) with SIMPLE algorithm is picked to solve the present problem. The numerical model of the HESC inserted with the WTR is validated for both grid independence and verification of the smooth HESC. The numerical results of the HESC inserted with the WTR are printed in terms of flow and heat transfer profiles. The values of Nusselt number, friction factor and thermal efficiency factor in the HESC inserted with the WTR are also plotted. As the numerical result, it is found that the WTR in the HESC can produce the vortex flow that the reason for the enhancements of heat transfer and efficiency. The increment of the heat transfer ability in the HESC is detected when increasing rib height and Reynolds number. In addition, the greatest thermal efficiency factor in the HESC inserted with the WTR is around 3.43 at HR = 0.20, PR = 1, and Re = 2000.
Association of Exposure to Cattle with Self-Reported History of TB Among Dairy Workers
Authors: Rodriguez Anabel , Douphrate David I. , Hagevoort Robert , Cienega Leeroy , Gimeno Ruiz de Porras David , Perez Adriana , Nonnenmann Matthew
Published: January 2021

Background:

Mycobacterium bovis (bTB) is a potential health hazard to dairy workers. This study uses the One Health wholistic framework for examining bovine tuberculosis (TB) and its relationship to human health. This approach can help bridge surveillance data gaps and contribute to disease control and prevention programs for dairy farm workers, cattle, and the environment. The primary objective of this study was to compare the self-reported history of TB among dairy workers in Bailey County, Texas, with occupational categories of risk and exposure to TB.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among dairy workers. Job positions were used as a proxy for exposure to cattle—high and medium/low. We employed bivariate analyses to examine differences between groups using both the chi-square test and the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results:

Of the 293 dairy workers invited, 77.0% ( n = 225) participated. No statistically significant associations were found between job categories and reported history of TB exposure. Workers in the high group were younger, Guatemalan males with lower levels of formal education, more likely to be single with no children, and cohabitating with coworkers compared with the medium/low group.

Conclusion/Application to Practice:

Self-reported TB history among dairy workers is an imprecise measure of being previously diagnosed with TB. Dairy workers at risk for occupationally acquired TB could be tested for TB before employment and tested periodically thereafter, and more expeditiously treated if a positive test is obtained. Future studies should focus on the feasibility of offering on-farm health services, such as TB screening.
Prevalence and associated factors of vision loss in the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1)
Authors: Addo Emmanuel Kofi , Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu , Sewpaul Ronel , Dukhi Natisha , Agyei-Manu Eldad , Asare Akosua Kesewah , Kumah David Ben , Awuni Moses , Reddy Priscilla
Published: January 2021

Background

Vision loss is a major public health concern that significantly affects developing countries, including South Africa. Although existing literature have reported on the prevalence, causes, and impact of vision loss on the quality of life of affected individuals (children and adults) in parts of South Africa, there is no evidence of the prevalence and associated factors of vision loss in the general population. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of vision loss and its associated factors in South Africa using a population-based survey.

Methods

Secondary analyses were conducted using data from the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1), a population-based national health survey conducted from 2011 to 2012. Vision loss was defined as presenting visual acuity (PVA) worse than Snellen 6/12 in the better eye. Visual acuity was assessed by clinicians and participants’ subjective response to vision-related questions. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association of the independent variables with vision loss.

Results

The analytic sample comprised 4346 individuals with a mean age of 39.1 years. Female sex accounted for 55.6% of the participants. The prevalence of vision loss among participants was 9.2% (95% CI: 7.7–10.9). Older age (45–54 years, OR = 2.99, p < 0.001; 55–64 years, OR = 5.78, p < 0.001 and ≥ 65 years, OR = 5.12, p < 0.001), female sex (OR = 1.50, p = 0.016), and previous diabetes diagnosis (OR = 2.28, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with increased odds of vision loss. Further, secondary school education (OR = 0.71, p = 0.031), white ethnicity (OR = 0.11, p = 0.007), residing in Mpumalanga province (OR = 0.12, p < 0.001) and having never had an eye examination (OR = 0.56, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with reduced odds of vision loss.

Conclusion

Almost one in ten participants had vision loss. Adopting strategies targeted at reducing barriers to the utilization of eye care services will promote early detection and management of blinding conditions, and thereby, decrease the burden of vision loss in South Africa.
Potential natural inhibitors of xanthine oxidase and HMG-CoA reductase in cholesterol regulation: in silico analysis
Authors: Marahatha Rishab , Basnet Saroj , Bhattarai Bibek Raj , Budhathoki Prakriti , Aryal Babita , Adhikari Bikash , Lamichhane Ganesh , Poudel Darbin Kumar , Parajuli Niranjan
Published: January 2021

Background

Hypercholesterolemia has posed a serious threat of heart diseases and stroke worldwide. Xanthine oxidase (XO), the rate-limiting enzyme in uric acid biosynthesis, is regarded as the root of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that generate atherosclerosis and cholesterol crystals. β-Hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) is a rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Although some commercially available enzyme inhibiting drugs have effectively reduced cholesterol levels, most of them have failed to meet potential drug candidates’ requirements. Here, we have carried out an in-silico analysis of secondary metabolites that have already shown good inhibitory activity against XO and HMGR in a wet lab setup.

Methods

Out of 118 secondary metabolites reviewed, sixteen molecules inhibiting XO and HMGR were selected based on the IC50 values reported in in vitro assays. Further, receptor-based virtual screening was carried out against secondary metabolites using GOLD Protein-Ligand Docking Software, combined with subsequent post-docking, to study the binding affinities of ligands to the enzymes. In-silico ADMET analysis was carried out to explore their pharmacokinetic properties, followed by toxicity prediction through ProTox-II.

Results

The molecular docking of amentoflavone (GOLD score 70.54, ∆G calc. = − 10.4 Kcal/mol) and ganomycin I (GOLD score 59.61, ∆G calc. = − 6.8 Kcal/mol) displayed that the drug has effectively bound at the competitive site of XO and HMGR, respectively. Besides, 6-paradol and selgin could be potential drug candidates inhibiting XO. Likewise, n-octadecanyl-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl (6′ → 1″)-O-α-D-glucopyranoside could be potential drug candidates to maintain serum cholesterol. In-silico ADMET analysis has shown that these sixteen metabolites were optimal within the categorical range compared to commercially available XO and HMGR inhibitors, respectively. Toxicity analysis through ProTox-II revealed that 6-gingerol, ganoleucoin K, and ganoleucoin Z are toxic for human use.

Conclusion

This computational analysis supports earlier experimental evidence towards the inhibition of XO and HMGR by natural products. Further study is necessary to explore the clinical efficacy of these secondary molecules, which might be alternatives for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
Evidence that seasonal malaria chemoprevention with SPAQ influences blood and pre-erythrocytic stage antibody responses of Plasmodium falciparum infections in Niger
Authors: Mahaman Moustapha Lamine , Adamou Rafiou , Ibrahim Maman Laminou , Abdoulaye Louis Padounou Mariama , Diallo Abdoulaye , Courtin David , Testa Jean , Ndiaye Jean Louis Abdourahim
Published: January 2021

Background

In endemic areas, children develop slowly and naturally anti-Plasmodium antibodies and become semi-immune. Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine + amodiaquine (SPAQ) is a new strategy to reduce malaria morbidity in West African young children. However, SMC may impact on the natural acquisition of anti-Plasmodium immunity. This paper evaluates the effect of SMC with SPAQ on antibody concentration in young children from Niger.

Methods

This research was conducted in areas benefitting from SMC since 2014 (Zinder district), without SMC (Dosso district), and with 1 year of SMC since 2016 (Gaya district). To assess the relationship between SMC and Plasmodium falciparum IgG antibody responses, the total antibody concentrations against two P. falciparum asexual stage vaccine candidate antigens, circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and glutamate-rich protein R2 (GLURP-R2), in children aged 3 to 59 months across the three areas were compared. Antibody concentrations are quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on the elution extracted from positive and negative malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test cassettes.

Results

The analysis concerns two hundred and twenty-nine children aged from 3 to 59 months: 71 in Zinder, 77 in Dosso, and 81 in Gaya. In Zinder (CSP = 17.5 µg/ml and GLURP-R2 = 14.3 µg/ml) median antibody concentration observed are higher than in Gaya (CSP = 7.7 µg/ml and GLURP-R2 = 6.5 µg/ml) and Dosso (CSP = 4.5 µg/ml and GLURP-R2 = 3.6 µg/ml) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The research reveals some evidences which show that seasonal malaria chemoprevention with SPAQ has an effect on blood stage antibody responses and pre-erythrocytic stage of P. falciparum infections in Niger. Increased antibody titres with increased SMC/SPAQ implementation. This contradicts hypothesis that SMC/SPAQ could reduce immunity to erythrocyte and liver-stage antigens. Further studies are necessary to provide better understanding of the SMC effect on malaria immunity.
Assessing burden, risk factors, and perceived impact of uterine fibroids on women’s lives in rural Haiti: implications for advancing a health equity agenda, a mixed methods study
Authors: Millien Christophe , Manzi Anatole , Katz Arlene M. , Gilbert Hannah , Smith Fawzi Mary C. , Farmer Paul E. , Mukherjee Joia
Published: January 2021

Background

Uterine fibroids, the most common cause of gynecologic surgery, have a reported cumulative incidence of 59% among Black women in the U.S. Uterine fibroids negatively impact the quality of women’s lives. No study has been found in the literature about fibroids in Haiti. We conducted a mixed methods study to assess the burden and risk factors of uterine fibroids, as well as their effects on women’s quality of life.

Methods

A convergent mixed methods study was conducted between October 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020 at MUH’s (Mirebalais University Hospital) OB-GYN outpatient department. Quantitatively, in a cross-sectional study 211 women completed consecutively a structured questionnaire. In-depth interviews with 17 women with fibroids and 7 family members were implemented for the qualitative component. Descriptive statistics were calculated for clinical and social demographic variables. Logistic regression was performed to examine associations between fibroids and related risk factors. An inductive thematic process was used to analyze the qualitative data. A joint display technique was used to integrate the results.

Results

Of 193 women analyzed 116 had fibroids (60.1%). The mean age was 41.3. Anemia was the most frequent complication— 61 (52.6%). Compared to women without uterine fibroids, factors associated with uterine fibroids included income decline (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.1–10.9, p = < 0.001), excessive expenses for transport (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.6–12.4,p = 0.005), and family history with uterine fibroids (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6–13.6, p = 0.005). In contrast, higher level of education and micro polycystic ovarian syndrome were associated with lower prevalence (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9,p = 0.021) and (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.97,p = 0.044), respectively. The qualitative findings delineate how contextual factors such as health system failures, long wait times, gender inequality and poverty negatively affect the quality of women’s lives. The poverty cycle of uterine fibroids emerged.

Conclusions

A vicious cycle of poverty negatively impacts access to care for uterine fibroids in Haiti. Health insurance, social support, and income generating activities may be keys to promote social justice through access to adequate care for women with uterine fibroids in Haiti.
Evaluation of small hydropower plant at Ribb irrigation dam in Amhara regional state, Ethiopia
Authors: Bezabih Addisu Worku
Published: January 2021

Background

Energy is the main requirement for economic growth in any country and supports the modern economy. The energy sector is considered a vital element in developing countries because it meets energy needs. This article addresses the production of electricity using small hydroelectric power plants for rural applications. The main objective of this study was to assess the potential of the Ribb dam for small hydroelectric plants. The flow is very important for the production of hydroelectricity as the height of a proposed site is constant and the available flow is very variable.

Result

The flow duration curve is constant and it will vary from 20 to 50% from the nominal flow. Further, it will decrease when the percentage of the nominal flow increases. The best size of a small hydroelectric plant producing a maximum of electricity in the context of future projected flows in the study region. Further, the Ribb dam concluded that the average flow of 14.6331 m3/s, the smooth head of 70.37 m, and the average nominal power of 5.53 MW.

Conclusion

Small hydro system (SHP) is a promising alternative for the production of cheap and renewable energy in rural or developing areas.
Focal mechanisms and the stress field in the aftershock area of the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake (MJMA = 6.7)
Authors:   The Group for the Aftershock Observations of the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake, Susukida Yuki , Katsumata Kei , Ichiyanagi Masayoshi , Ohzono Mako , Aoyama Hiroshi , Tanaka Ryo , Takada Masamitsu , Yamaguchi Teruhiro , Okada Kazumi , Takahashi Hiroaki , Sakai Shin’ichi , Matsumoto Satoshi , Okada Tomomi , Matsuzawa Toru , Miyamachi Hiroki , Hirano Shuichiro , Yamanaka Yoshiko , Horikawa Shinichiro , Kosuga Masahiro , Katao Hiroshi , Iio Yoshihisa , Nagaoka Airi , Tsumura Noriko , Ueno Tomotake
Published: January 2021

The tectonic stress field was investigated in and around the aftershock area of the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake (MJMA = 6.7) occurred on 6 September 2018. We deployed 26 temporary seismic stations in the aftershock area for approximately 2 months and located 1785 aftershocks precisely. Among these aftershocks, 894 focal mechanism solutions were determined using the first-motion polarity of P wave from the temporary observation and the permanent seismic networks of Hokkaido University, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), and High Sensitivity Seismograph Network Japan (Hi-net). We found that (1) the reverse faulting and the strike-slip faulting are dominant in the aftershock area, (2) the average trend of P- and T-axes is 78° ± 33° and 352° ± 51°, respectively, and (3) the average plunge of P- and T-axes is 25° ± 16° and 44° ± 20°, respectively: the P-axis is close to be horizontal and the T-axis is more vertical than the average of the P-axes. We applied a stress inversion method to the focal mechanism solutions to estimate a stress field in the aftershock area. As a result, we found that the reverse fault type stress field is dominant in the aftershock area. An axis of the maximum principal stress (σ1) has the trend of 72° ± 7° and the dipping eastward of 19° ± 4° and an axis of the intermediate principal stress (σ2) has the trend of 131° ± 73° and the dipping southward of 10° ± 9°, indicating that both of σ1- and σ2-axes are close to be horizontal. An axis of the minimum principal stress (σ3) has the dipping westward of 67° ± 6° that is close to be vertical. The results strongly suggest that the reverse-fault-type stress field is predominant as an average over the aftershock area which is in the western boundary of the Hidaka Collision Zone. The average of the stress ratio R = (σ1 − σ2)/(σ1 − σ3) is 0.61 ± 0.13 in the whole aftershock area. Although not statistically significant, we suggest that R decreases systematically as the depth is getting deep, which is modeled by a quadratic polynomial of depth.
Passive smoking exposure and the risk of hypertension among non-smoking adults: the 2015–2016 NHANES data
Authors: Akpa Onoja Matthew , Okekunle Akinkunmi Paul , Asowata Jeffery Osahon , Adedokun Babatunde
Published: January 2021

Background

Hypertension is a major public health problem and a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, whether passive smoking exposure (PSE) is associated with the risk of hypertension is scarcely understood. This study assessed the association between PSE and the risk of hypertension among adults (≥18 years) in the United States of America.

Methods

Three thousand and sixty-seven adults were identified from the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the association between PSE and hypertension (adjusting for relevant confounders) was examined using multivariable adjusted-logistic regression analysis atP < 0.05.

Results

Mean age of respondents was 46.5 ± 17.9 years. Overall, 23.7% of respondents reported PSE and 32.6% were hypertensives (of which only 14.3% were aware of their hypertensive state) Also, adjusted odds of hypertension for participants with PSE was 1.038 (1.037, 1.040),P < 0.0001, in the overall population. Also, PSE aggravated odds of hypertension among young adults – < 60 years (aOR: 1.095, 95CI%: 1.094 to 1.097),P < 0.0001, and old adults – ≥60 years (aOR: 1.110, 95% CI: 1.108 to 1.113),P < 0.0001. Similarly, PSE was associated with increased odds of hypertension among women (aOR: 1.240, 95% CI: 1.238 to 1.242),P < 0.0001 but not among men (aOR: 0.755, 95% CI: 0.754 to 0.757),P < 0.0001.

Conclusions

PSE was independently associated with the risk of hypertension particularly among women, young and old adults. A multi-ethnic longitudinal cohort may help ascertain causality and provide more evidence for appropriate interventions.
Ingestion of bacteria expressing dsRNA to maggots produces severe mortality and deformities in fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Mohanpuria Prashant , Govindaswamy Mohan , Sidhu Gurupkar Singh , Singh Sandeep , Kaur Simranpreet , Chhuneja Parveen
Published: January 2021

Background

The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), is the world’s most damaging (30–100%) pest infesting important fruits and vegetables. Its control is highly challenging due to its polyphagous, multivoltine nature, and unexposed developmental stages. No known fruit fly-resistant guava germplasm is reported so far worldwide. RNAi approach in guava against fruit fly can provide an attractive alternative to overcome this problem.

Main body

Escherichia coli-based dsRNA expression strategy was used to investigate its potential in control of B. dorsalis via targeting its two vital genes, ecr (ecdysone receptor) and rpl19 (a ribosomal protein L19). Effects of feeding E. coli, HT115 (DE3) expressing dsRNA of Bdecr and Bdrpl19 with artificial diet to maggots of B. dorsalis resulted in severe mortality and deformities in treated maggots, emerged pupae, and adults. Total mortality (including deformity) of maggots, pupae, and adult fruit flies was 86.3% and 87.9% and was highest in 700 μl (× 200 of 3.5 × 108 cells) dsRNAs of Bdecr and Bdrpl19 bacterial treatment respectively, compared to 350 and 200 μl bacterial treatments. Severe defects in terms of developmental changes like melanisation and deformities of maggots and pupae, absence of wings, underdeveloped abdomen/absence of complete abdomen, absence of legs, severely curled wings, malformed legs, and incomplete eclosion, and suppression of these target genes expression were observed in emerged adults.

Short conclusion

The study provides a proof of concept of feasibility to silence two potential genes by feeding bacteria expressing dsRNA in all developmental stages of B. dorsalis to step further to perform RNAi-based pest control.
Caudal epidural steroid injection ultrasound-guided versus fluoroscopy-guided in treatment of refractory lumbar disc prolapse with radiculopathy
Authors: Elashmawy Mohamed Ahmed , Shaat Reham M. , Abdelkhalek A. M. , El Boghdady Ebrahim
Published: January 2021

Background

Lumbar disc prolapse is a localized herniation of disc beyond intervertebral disc space and is the most common cause of sciatica; the aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided caudal epidural steroid injection (CESI) compared with fluoroscopy (FL)-guided CESI in treatment of patients with refractory lumbar disc prolapse (LDP) with radiculopathy.

Results

At the beginning of the study, there was no significant difference between both groups in all parameters. (a) Group 1 had significantly improved the straight leg raising and modified Schober tests, VAS, and ODI at 1-month and 3-month post-injection evaluation in comparison to baseline recordings (p< 0.001); (b) Group 2 had significantly improved the straight leg raising and modified Schober tests, VAS, and ODI at 1-month and 3-month post-injection evaluation in comparison to baseline recordings (p< 0.001); and (c) US-guided CESI was not statistically different from the FL-guided CESI in the improvement of the straight leg raising (p= 0.87, 0.82) and modified Schober tests (p= 0.87, 0.82) as well as VAS (p= 0.40, 0.43) and ODI (p= 0.7, 0.2) at 1-month and 3-month post-injection evaluation. In a multivariate analysis using CI = 95%, the significant predictors for a successful outcome were duration<6 months (p= 0.03, OR = 2.25), target level not L2-3/L3-4 (p< 0.001, OR = 4.13), and LDP other than foraminal type (p= 0.002, OR = 3.78). However, age < 40 years was found to be non-significant in predicting a successful outcome (p= 0.38, OR = 0.98).

Conclusion

US is excellent in guiding CESI with similar treatment outcomes as compared with FL-guided CESI.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT03933150.
Effect of Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride on perioperative inflammation and postoperative lung infection in patients with spinal tuberculosis
Authors: Liu Yong-hui , Zhao Ye , Wang Xiang-yang , Cui Hong-xun
Published: January 2021

Objective: To explore the effect of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride on perioperative inflammation and postoperative lung infection in patients with spinal tuberculosis.

Method: A double-blind control observation was conducted in spinal tuberculosis patients with the use of general anesthesia during the operation. A total of 171 spinal tuberculosis patients who received endotracheal intubation for general anesthesia in Henan University of Chinese Medicine from January 2017 to April 2019 were included. The concentration changes in serum TNF-α and IL-6 were recorded at one hour, six hour and one day after the operation. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications of patients were also evaluated.

Results: The results showed that in the experimental group compared with the control group, serum TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations one hour, six hour and one day after the operation were significantly lower (P<0.05). The rate of postoperative pulmonary complications was lower in the experimental group than that in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride has obvious anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications after surgery.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.2383

How to cite this:Liu YH, Zhao Y, Wang XY, Cui HX. Effect of Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride on perioperative inflammation and postoperative lung infection in patients with spinal tuberculosis. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):520-524.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.2383

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
An observation of the clinical efficacy of combining Riluzole with mannitol and hyperbaric oxygen in treating acute spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Huan-xia , Cui Jing , Fan Jing-shi , Tong Jian-zhou
Published: January 2021

Objective: To examine the clinical efficacy of combining Riluzole with mannitol and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating thoracolumbar vertebral fracture-induced acute spinal cord injury (ASCI).

Methods: From June 2015 to May 2018, 80 patients with thoracolumbar fractures and ASCI who were treated at Baoding First Central Hospital were selected. All patients underwent posterior laminectomy and screw fixation, and they were randomly divided into two groups using a random number table method. The control group received conventional postoperative treatment, while the experimental group was treated with riluzole combined with mannitol and hyperbaric oxygen on the basis of conventional treatment. The recovery of nerve function which included motor function and sensory function, and the changes of serum IL-6, CRP, BDNF, BFGF and other factors before treatment and four weeks after treatment of the two groups of patients were observed and evaluated.

Results: After treatment, the motor function scores and sensory function scores of the two groups of patients were improved compared with those before treatment (p<0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group improved significantly, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The levels of IL-6, BDNF and NFGF in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusions: For patients with thoracolumbar fractures and ASCI undergoing laminar decompression and fixation, the comprehensive treatment plan of riluzole combined with mannitol and hyperbaric oxygen has certain advantages. Compared with the conventional therapy, it may significantly improve the movement and sensory functions of patients, relieve the inflammatory response of spinal cord, and promote recovery from the injury.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3418

How to cite this:Li H, Cui J, Fan J, Tong J. An observation of the clinical efficacy of combining Riluzole with mannitol and hyperbaric oxygen in treating acute spinal cord injury. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):320-324. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3418

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Amid COVID-19 pandemic, are non-COVID patients left in the lurch?
Authors: Alam Laima , Kazmi Syed Kumail Hasan , Alam Mafaza , Faraid Varqa
Published: January 2021

Objectives: 1) To explore the possible impact of the pandemic on the health seeking behavior of the patients, 2) To explore the relation of socio-demographics on the utility of health-care facilities.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling all patients ≥15 years of age presenting to the Out-Patient-Department of three main public-hospitals after obtaining ethical committee approval. A questionnaire with validated Urdu translation was filled by each participant that included socio-demographic data, pre-Covid and Covid-19 era health seeking behaviors and the impact of the pandemic on the utilization of healthcare facilities. Data was analyzed using SPSS V.19.

Results: A total of 393 patients were enrolled with a male preponderance (72%) and a median age range of 31-45 years. Fifty-eight percent of the study population was unemployed and 47.3% were seeking follow up care. The frequency of ER and multiple (>4 times) OPD visits were significantly decreased in the Covid-19 times whereas, the laboratory and radiology services were largely unaffected. A significant number of patients were not satisfied with the current healthcare facilities that was seen irrespective of the socio-demographic status. Emergency Room and radiology services were largely unaffected whereas, elective procedures and laboratory facilities were reported to be severely affected or delayed in relation to socio-demographic variables.

Conclusions: Healthcare inequalities have widened and depression has shown a sharp rise during this pandemic. The over-burdened healthcare facilities at the verge of collapse may miss out on the chronic non-Covid patients which would ultimately lead to increased morbidity and mortality.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3536

How to cite this:Alam L, Kazmi SKH, Alam M, Faraid V. Amid COVID-19 pandemic, are non-COVID patients left in the lurch? Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):576-581. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3536

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Analysis of Cesarean Sections using Robson’s Ten Group Classification System
Authors: Parveen Rashida , Khakwani Mehnaz , Naz Anum , Bhatti Rabia
Published: January 2021

Objective: To analyze trends of CSs and evaluating them according to Robson’s Ten Groups Classification System (TGCS) at a leading government tertiary care hospital of South Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nishtar Medical University Hospital, Multan Pakistan, from October 2019 to March 2020.The study population included a total of 167 women who underwent CS in the hospital during the specified study period. For each case, we collected data regarding maternal characteristics and pregnancy-related information. The dependent variable was Robson classification group.

Results: Overall, mean age was 26.53+5.1 years. Majority of the women, 116 (69.5%) belonged to urban areas of residence, 74 (44.3%) gestational aged between 37-42 years while 108 (64.7%) had history of cesarean section. Most of the patients, 85 (50.9%) turned out to be from TGCS Group-10. Group-5 and Group-1 were the 2nd and 3rd most common group, accounted for 24 (14.4%) and 19 (11.4%) cases respectively. Previous cesarean section (20.4%) and fetal distress (19.8%) were found to be most common indications leading to cesarean section.

Conclusion: As per Robson’s Ten-Group Classification, Group-10 and Group-5 were found to be the most contributing among deliveries done. Previous cesarean section and fetal distress were the most common indications of cesarean section.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3823

How to cite this:Parveen R, Khakwani M, Naz A, Bhatti R. Analysis of Cesarean Sections using Robson’s Ten Group Classification System. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):567-571. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3823

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Study and Application of Various Activated Carbons and Ash used in Water Purification Techniques: A Review
Authors: Telgote Ajinkya Ravindra , Patil Satish Sudhakarao
Published: January 2021

Water pollution is increasing due to the different factors such as population growth, large-scale urbanization, deforestation, and unethical activities in the river or other sources of water. Various experts have been working in the field of the preparation ofactivated carbon from renewable energy including cost-effective technologies and products in an eco-friendly manner for various applications. This review article discusses methodologies utilized by various experts for the preparation of activated carbon for the abatement of water pollution. Biomasssuch ascoconut shell, Moringaoleifera seed, Peanut shell, Pomegranate peel, Rice husk, Lemon shell, Banana peel, and Orange Peel are found extremely helpful in the field of treatment of the contaminated water. The reviewed literature showed that the Biomass can be isolatespollutants from contaminated water through physical, mechanical, and biological techniques and removes various physicochemical pollutants such as pH, color, DO, turbidity, conductivity, turbidity, chloride, fluoride, TSS, TDS, BOD, COD, nitrate, phosphate, and heavy metal, etc. from contaminated water.
A Review of Water Quality Improvement with the Help of Aquatic Macrophytes
Authors: Patel Harvi Arvindbhai , Sahoo Susmita
Published: January 2021

Metallic elements in the water have been rapidly increased due to the high population growth, urbanization, and industrialization. Metals which have high density and high atomic weight are non-degradable, they persist in various environs, have the potentiality to enter the food chain or food web. Due to their toxic nature, heavy metallic contamination has become the most hazardous pollutant in the growing world. Therefore, reduce or remove water contamination is the predominant importance. Utilization of plants to refine water quality is a green technology, which is an effective method, environment-friendly and consumes fewer energy inputs, and also carried out less amount of cost. In this review article, we enlighten the potential of various aquatic macrophytes to reduce or remove the heavy metal contaminants from the aquatic eco-system.
Study on Seasonal Variations and Spatial Distribution of Major Ions with Focus on Paper Industry Effluents - A Case study of Sirpur Paper Mills (SPM) Telangana
Authors: Agre Harish Kumar
Published: January 2021

The present paper examines the seasonal variations in groundwater quality (Pre-monsoon & Post- Monsoon) with an emphasis on paper industry effluents from the Sirpur-Kaghaznagar area. Spatial distribution of samples from 24 sites collected during pre and post-monsoon using surfer software gives an insight of important parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, BOD, COD, DO, Ca+, Mg2+, Na+, F, Cl-, NO3,- SO42- and TH to be significantly elevated beyond the acceptable and permissible levels prescribed by BIS limits. Also, the Physico-chemical analysis of paper mill effluent collected from 12 different sites revealed that parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, BOD, COD, Alkalinity, SO42-, Cu, and Fe were beyond the BIS permissible limits for effluent discharge and designated a profound negative impact on groundwater quality and lead us to conclude that the overall quality is deteriorated due to the influx of paper industry effluents.
Recovery Efficiency of an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Experiment from Saline Aquifer under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Kaushal Abhishek Anand , Krishan Gopal , Pandey Govind
Published: January 2021

Present work was carried out in an experimental model developed at the institute, sand was used as prototype artificial aquifer and was saturated with highly saline water having Electrical Conductivity (EC) equal to 8500 µS/cm. Fresh water with average EC = 467.50 µS/cm and temperature = 25oC was injected in the known amount in the saline water and this water was extracted at a fixed time interval of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4, 8 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 hours in a cumulative time of 735.30 hours with average recovery efficiency of 63%. Recovered water has salinity equal to or less than 1000 µS/cm. Although, this experiment was carried out at a small scale but this can be tried at a bigger scale for skillfully managing the surface or reclaimed water in problematic areas where demand exceeds the supply.