bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods to assess binocular rivalry with periodic stimuli
Authors: Darki Farzaneh , Rankin James
Published: June 2020

Binocular rivalry occurs when the two eyes are presented with incompatible stimuli and perception alternates between these two stimuli. This phenomenon has been investigated in two types of experiments: (1) Traditional experiments where the stimulus is fixed, (2) eye-swap experiments in which the stimulus periodically swaps between eyes many times per second (Logothetis et al. in Nature 380(6575):621–624, 1996). In spite of the rapid swapping between eyes, perception can be stable for many seconds with specific stimulus parameter configurations. Wilson introduced a two-stage, hierarchical model to explain both types of experiments (Wilson in Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 100(24):14499–14503, 2003). Wilson’s model and other rivalry models have been only studied with bifurcation analysis for fixed inputs and different types of dynamical behavior that can occur with periodically forcing inputs have not been investigated. Here we report (1) a more complete description of the complex dynamics in the unforced Wilson model, (2) a bifurcation analysis with periodic forcing. Previously, bifurcation analysis of the Wilson model with fixed inputs has revealed three main types of dynamical behaviors: Winner-takes-all (WTA), Rivalry oscillations (RIV), Simultaneous activity (SIM). Our results have revealed richer dynamics including mixed-mode oscillations (MMOs) and a period-doubling cascade, which corresponds to low-amplitude WTA (LAWTA) oscillations. On the other hand, studying rivalry models with numerical continuation shows that periodic forcing with high frequency (e.g. 18 Hz, known as flicker) modulates the three main types of behaviors that occur with fixed inputs with forcing frequency (WTA-Mod, RIV-Mod, SIM-Mod). However, dynamical behavior will be different with low frequency periodic forcing (around 1.5 Hz, so-called swap). In addition to WTA-Mod and SIM-Mod, cycle skipping, multi-cycle skipping and chaotic dynamics are found. This research provides a framework for either assessing binocular rivalry models to check consistency with empirical results, or for better understanding neural dynamics and mechanisms necessary to implement a minimal binocular rivalry model.
Comparison of regional flortaucipir PET with quantitative tau immunohistochemistry in three subjects with Alzheimer’s disease pathology: a clinicopathological study
Authors: Pontecorvo Michael J. , Keene C. Dirk , Beach Thomas G. , Montine Thomas J. , Arora Anupa K. , Devous Michael D. , Navitsky Michael , Kennedy Ian , Joshi Abhinay D. , Lu Ming , Serrano Geidy E. , Sue Lucia I. , Intorcia Anthony J. , Rose Shannon E. , Wilson Angela , Hellstern Leanne , Coleman Natalie , Flitter Matthew , Aldea Patricia , Fleisher Adam S. , Mintun Mark A. , Siderowf Andrew
Published: June 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to make a quantitative comparison of flortaucipir PET retention with pathological tau and β-amyloid across a range of brain regions at autopsy.

Methods

Patients with dementia (two with clinical diagnosis of AD, one undetermined), nearing the end of life, underwent 20-min PET, beginning 80 min after an injection of ~370 mBq flortaucipir [18F]. Neocortical, basal ganglia, and limbic tissue samples were obtained bilaterally from 19 regions at autopsy and subject-specific PET regions of interest corresponding to the 19 sampled target tissue regions in each hemisphere were hand drawn on the PET images. SUVr values were calculated for each region using a cerebellar reference region. Abnormally phosphorylated tau (Ptau) and amyloid-β (Aβ) tissue concentrations were measured for each tissue region with an antibody capture assay (Histelide) using AT8 and H31L21 antibodies respectively.

Results

The imaging-to-autopsy interval ranged from 4–29 days. All three subjects had intermediate to high levels of AD neuropathologic change at autopsy. Mean cortical SUVr averaged across all three subjects correlated significantly with the Ptau immunoassay (Pearson r = 0.81; p < 0.0001). When Ptau and Aβ1-42 were both included in the model, the Ptau correlation with flortaucipir SUVr was preserved but there was no correlation of Aβ1-42 with flortaucipir. There was also a modest correlation between limbic (hippocampal/entorhinal and amygdala) flortaucipir SUVr and Ptau (Pearson r = 0.52; p < 0.080). There was no significant correlation between SUVr and Ptau in basal ganglia.

Conclusions

The results of this pilot study support a quantitative relationship between cortical flortaucipir SUVr values and quantitative measures of Ptau at autopsy. Additional research including more cases is needed to confirm the generalizability of these results.

Trial registration, NIH Clinicaltrials.gov NCT # 02516046. Registered August 27, 2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02516046?term=02516046&draw=2&rank=1
Cerenkov luminescence imaging is an effective preclinical tool for assessing colorectal cancer PD-L1 levels in vivo
Authors: Zhao Sheng , Pan Wenbin , Jiang Huijie , Zhang Rongjun , Jiang Hao , Liang Zonghui , Hu Hongbo
Published: June 2020

Background

Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that immunotherapy has effectively delayed tumor progression, and the clinical outcomes of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy were related to PD-L1 expression level in the tumors. A 131I-labeled anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody tracer, 131I-PD-L1-Mab, was developed to study the target ability of noninvasive Cerenkov luminescence imaging in colorectal cancer xenograft mice.

Method

Anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody labeled with 131I (131I-PD-L1-Mab), and in vitro binding assays were used to evaluate the affinity of 131I-PD-L1-Mab to PD-L1 and their binding level to different colorectal cancer cells, and compared with flow cytometry, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining. The clinical application value of 131I-PD-L1-Mab was evaluated through biodistribution and Cerenkov luminescence imaging, and different tumor-bearing models expressing PD-L1 were evaluated.

Results

131I-PD-L1-Mab showed high affinity to PD-L1, and the equilibrium dissociation constant was 1.069 × 10-9 M. The competitive inhibition assay further confirmed the specific binding ability of 131I-PD-L1-Mab. In four different tumor-bearing models with different PD-L1 expression, the biodistribution and Cerenkov luminescence imaging showed that the RKO tumors demonstrated the highest uptake of the tracer 131I-PD-L1-Mab, with a maximum uptake of 1.613 ± 0.738% IA/g at 48 h.

Conclusions

There is a great potential for 131I-PD-L1-Mab noninvasive Cerenkov luminescence imaging to assess the status of tumor PD-L1 expression and select patients for anti-PD-L1 targeted therapy.
Positive solutions for a system of Riemann–Liouville fractional boundary value problems with p-Laplacian operators
Authors: Tudorache Alexandru , Luca Rodica
Published: June 2020

We study the existence and nonexistence of positive solutions for a system of Riemann–Liouville fractional differential equations with p-Laplacian operators, nonnegative nonlinearities and positive parameters, subject to coupled nonlocal boundary conditions which contain Riemann–Stieltjes integrals and various fractional derivatives. We use the Guo–Krasnosel’skii fixed point theorem in the proof of the main existence results.
Local differential privacy for unbalanced multivariate nominal attributes
Authors: Feng Xuejie , Zhang Chiping
Published: June 2020

Data with unbalanced multivariate nominal attributes collected from a large number of users provide a wealth of knowledge for our society. However, it also poses an unprecedented privacy threat to participants. Local differential privacy, a variant of differential privacy, is proposed to eliminate the privacy concern by aggregating only randomized values from each user, with the provision of plausible deniability. However, traditional local differential privacy algorithms usually assign the same privacy budget to attributes with different dimensions, leading to large data utility loss and high communication costs. To obtain highly accurate results while satisfying local differential privacy, the aggregator needs a reasonable privacy budget allocation scheme. In this paper, the Lagrange multiplier (LM) algorithm was used to transform the privacy budget allocation problem into a problem of calculating the minimum value from unconditionally constrained convex functions. The solution to the nonlinear equation obtained by the Cardano formula (CF) and Newton-Raphson (NS) methods was used as the optimal privacy budget allocation scheme. Then, we improved two popular local differential privacy mechanisms by taking advantage of the proposed privacy budget allocation techniques. Extension simulations on two different data sets with multivariate nominal attributes demonstrated that the scheme proposed in this paper can significantly reduce the estimation error under the premise of satisfying local differential privacy.
The effect of physically or non-physically forced sexual assault on trajectories of sport participation from adolescence through young adulthood
Authors: Lee Chung Gun , Kwon Junhye , Sung Hojun , Oh Inae , Kim Ohsup , Kang Jeehyun , Park Ji-Won
Published: June 2020

Background

Sexual assault is one of potential factors that may greatly affect an individual’s sport participation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of experiencing physically or non-physically forced sexual activity on trajectories of sport participation from adolescence to young adulthood.

Methods

This study used the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) data. Group-based trajectory modeling was utilized to examine the effect of experiencing sexual assault on trajectories of sport participation from adolescence to young adulthood.

Results

A three-group trajectory model (high-stable group, high-decreasing group, and low-stable group) best fit sport participation among male participants and a two-group trajectory model (high-decreasing group and low-stable group) best fit sport participation among female participants. Both physically and non-physically forced sexual activity did not have significant effect on trajectories of sport participation among male participants. On the other hand, non-physically forced sexual assault significantly affected sport participation trajectory among female participants.

Conclusions

Special care is required in developing sport promotion program for women victims of non-physically forced sexual activity. The results of this study also suggest that group-based trajectory modeling is a useful technique to examine distinct trajectories of sport participation from adolescence through young adulthood.
Community-based social determinants of three measures of mortality in Rhode Island cities and towns
Authors: Cohen Steven A. , Broccoli Julia R. , Greaney Mary L.
Published: June 2020

Background

Efforts to understand and address the causes of place-based health disparities have focused primarily on understanding the social determinants of health on a large geographic level, such as the region, state, or county. However, there is a growing need to assess and understand how place-based characteristics at smaller geographic areas relate to of local place-based neighborhood characteristics on population health. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of the associations between social determinants of health and life expectancy (LE) and related measures on the community level.

Methods

LE at birth (LE0), remaining LE at age 65 (LE65), and age-specific mortality rates (ASMR) were calculated from mortality data (2009–2011) collected by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDoH) using abridged life table methods for each RI city/town. The city/town-specific LE and ASMR were linked to data collected by the US Census, RIDoH, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other databases that include information about multiple social, environmental, and demographic determinants of health. Bivariate correlations between city/town-level LE0, LE65, and ASMR and social determinants: demographics, household composition, income and poverty, education, environment, food insecurity, crime, transportation, and rural-urban status were examined.

Results

LE0 (range: 75.9–83.3 years) was strongly associated with the percent of the population with a graduate/professional degree (r = 0.687, p <  0.001), violent crime rate (r = − 0.598, p <  0.001), and per capita income (r = 0.553, p <  0.001). Similar results were observed for ASMR: ASMR was associated with the percent of the population with a graduate/professional degree (r = − 0.596, p <  0.001), violent crime rate (r = 0.450, p = 0.005), and per capita income (r = − 0.533, p < 0.001). The associations between LE65 and social determinants were more attenuated. Of note, none of the measures (LE0, LE65, or ASMR) were associated with any of the race/ethnicity variables.

Conclusions

There are several important place-based characteristics associated with mortality (LE and ASMR) among RI cities/towns. Additionally, some communities had unexpectedly high LE and low ASMR, despite poor social indicators.
Multi-scale drivers of soil resistance predict vulnerability of seasonally wet meadows to trampling by pack stock animals in the Sierra Nevada, USA
Authors: Baccei Joy S. , McClaran Mitchel P. , Kuhn Tim J. , Hart Stephen C.
Published: June 2020

Background

Meadow ecosystems have important ecological functions and support socioeconomic services, yet are subject to multiple stressors that can lead to rapid degradation. In the Sierra Nevada of the western USA, recreational pack stock (horses and mules) use in seasonally wet mountain meadows may lead to soil trampling and meadow degradation, especially when soil water content is high and vegetation is developing.

Methods

In order to improve the ability to predict meadow vulnerability to soil disturbance from pack stock use, we measured soil resistance (SR), which is an index of vulnerability to trampling disturbance, at two spatial scales using a stratified-random sampling design. We then compared SR to several soil and vegetation explanatory variables that were also measured at the two spatial scales: plant community type (local scale) and topographic gradient class (meadow scale).

Results

We found that local-scale differences in drivers of SR were contingent on the meadow scale, which is important because multiple spatial scale evaluation of ecological metrics provides a broader understanding of the potential controls on ecological processes than assessments conducted at a single spatial scale. We also found two contrasting explanatory models for drivers of SR at the local scale: (1) soil gravimetric water content effects on soil disaggregation and (2) soil bulk density and root mass influence on soil cohesion. Soil resistance was insufficient to sustain pack stock use without incurring soil deformation in wet plant communities, even when plant cover was maximal during a major drought.

Conclusions

Our study provides new information on seasonally wet meadow vulnerability to trampling by pack stock animals using multi-scale drivers of SR, including the contrasting roles of soil disaggregation, friction, and cohesion. Our work aims to inform meadow management efforts in the Sierra Nevada and herbaceous ecosystems in similar regions that are subject to seasonal soil saturation and livestock use.
Hand hygiene in surgery in Benin: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Yehouenou Carine Laurence , Dohou Angèle Modupe , Fiogbe Ariane Dessièdé , Esse Marius , Degbey Cyriaque , Simon Anne , Dalleur Olivia
Published: June 2020

Background

Hand Hygiene (HH) has been described as the cornerstone and starting point in all infection control. Compliance to HH is a fundamental quality indicator. The aim of this study was to investigate the HH compliance among Health-care Workers (HCWs) in Benin surgical care units.

Methods

A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted for two months. The World Health Organization (WHO) Hand Hygiene Observation Tool was used in obstetric and gastrointestinal surgery through six public hospitals in Benin. HH compliance was calculated by dividing the number of times HH was performed by the total number of opportunities. HH technique and duration were also observed.

Results

A total of 1315 HH opportunities were identified during observation period. Overall, the compliance rate was 33.3% (438/1315), without significant difference between professional categories (nurses =34.2%; auxiliaries =32.7%; and physicians =32.4%; p = 0.705). However, compliance rates differed (p < 0.001) between obstetric (49.4%) and gastrointestinal surgery (24.3%). Generally, HCWs were more compliant after body fluid exposure (54.5%) and after touching patient (37.5%), but less before patient contact (25.9%) and after touching patient surroundings (29.1%).

HCWs were more likely to use soap and water (72.1%) compared to the alcohol based hand rub solution (27.9%). For all of the WHO five moments, hand washing was the most preferred action. For instance, hand rub only was observed 3.9% after body fluid exposure and 16.3% before aseptic action compared to hand washing at 50.6 and 16.7% respectively. Duration of HH performance was not correctly adhered to 94% of alcohol hand rub cases (mean duration 9 ± 6 s instead of 20 to 30 s) and 99.5% of hand washing cases (10 ± 7 s instead of the recommended 40 to 60 s). Of the 432 HCWs observed, 77.3% followed HH prerequisites (i.e. no artificial fingernails, no jewellery). We also noted a lack of permanent hand hygiene infrastructures such as sink, soap, towels and clean water.

Conclusion

Compliance in surgery was found to be low in Benin hospitals. They missed two opportunities out of three to apply HH and when HH was applied, technique and duration were not appropriate. HH practices should be a priority to improve patient safety in Benin.
The protective roles of tea tree oil extracts in bovine mammary epithelial cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes
Authors: Zhan Kang , Yang Tianyu , Feng Baobao , Zhu Xinyu , Chen Yinyin , Huo Yongjiu , Zhao Guoqi
Published: June 2020

Background

Tea tree oil (TTO) plays an important role in antibacterial activity and alleviating the inflammatory responses. Bovine mammary epithelium and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) can actively respond to bovine mastitis infection. However, regulatory effects of TTO extracts on the innate immune response of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) and PMNL remain not reported. Therefore, aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of TTO extracts on the mRNA levels of the genes involved in the innate immune response of BMECs and PMNL.

Results

Our results demonstrated that addition of 0.025% and 0.05% TTO increased the proliferation of BMECs, and significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) the viability of BMECs exposed to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). An inhibitory effect was observed against the growth of S. aureus by TTO incubation. The 0.05% TTO reduced S. aureus biofilm formation, association and invasion of S. aureus to BMECs, and changed the morphological and structural features of S. aureus. The proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were decreased (P < 0.001) by the incubation of TTO. Interestingly, the expression of IL-8 known for PMNL chemotactic function was elevated (P < 0.05) by 0.05% TTO treatment. Consistently, 0.05% TTO increased the migration of PMNL in S. aureus-exposed BMECs when compared with S. aureus treatment alone (P < 0.05). In addition, PMNL incubated with 0.05% TTO decreased the levels of NFKB inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA) and TNF-α.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that use of TTO can relieve the BMECs pro-inflammatory response caused by S. aureus and promote the migration of PMNL to mount the innate immune responses, and it may be novel strategy for the treatment of bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus.
What are you sexting? Parental practices, sexting attitudes and behaviors among Italian adolescents
Authors: Confalonieri E. , Cuccì G. , Olivari M. G. , Parise M. , Borroni E. , Villani D.
Published: June 2020

Background

Sexting has recently emerged as a public health and social issue. The present study had two aims: a) to preliminarily test adolescent gender differences on parental practices regarding adolescent online life, parental monitoring, adolescent attitude towards sexting and sexting behaviors; b) to separately test for male and female adolescents a conceptual model in which sexting behaviors are explained by the parental practices and monitoring, with the mediation of adolescent negative attitude towards sexting.

Methods

Direct and indirect links between the variables in the model were investigated. The study was carried out with 541 participants. Participants were Italian adolescents (60% males; 40% females) aged 14 to 19 years (Mage = 16,19 years, SDage = 1,31).

Results

Results suggested that females sent more multimedia sexts, had a higher perception of risk associated with sexting and reported higher scores for both parental practices regarding adolescent online life and parental monitoring. Rules on Contents, Parental Knowledge, Adolescent Disclosure, and Parental Control resulted to be linked to both sexting attitudes and behaviors for male and female adolescents.

Conclusions

Findings emphasize the important role that parents play in shaping attitudes and behaviors of both daughters and sons during adolescence.
The effect of exenatide on fasting bile acids in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, a pilot study
Authors: Li Boyu , Hu Yanjin , Wang Guang , Liu Lihong
Published: June 2020

Background

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) demonstrated good glycemic efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) recent years, whereas studies on GLP-1 RAs’ biliary effects were limited. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of exenatide on bile acids (BAs) and investigate the role of BAs in the glycemic control effect of exenatide.

Methods

Thirty-eight newly diagnosed T2DM participants without glucose-lowering drugs intake were recruited. Plasma total bile acids in fasting state (FTBAs) and other parameters were tested at baseline. Then exenatide were applied to the T2DM participants for 12 weeks. FTBAs and glycemic parameters were measured again after exenatide treatment, and correlation analysis between changes of FTBAs and glycemic parameters were conducted to investigate the role of BAs in the glycemic control effect of exenatide.

Results

The baseline FTBAs level of T2DM patients had no significance (3.84 ± 2.06 vs. 3.87 ± 2.89, P = 0.954) compared with healthy subjects. After 12-week exenatide treatment for the T2DM patients, FTBAs were decreased from 3.84 ± 2.06 μmol/L to 3.06 ± 1.27 μmol/L (P < 0.01). The correlation analysis showed that changes of FTBAs was positively correlated with changes of FPG (r = 0.355, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated a decreased FTBAs level after exenatide treatment for 12 weeks, without the interference of metformin and other glucose-lowering drugs. The reduction of FTBAs might not exert a positive role in the glycemic control effect of exenatide.

Trial registration

Trial registration number: NCT04303819. Registered in March 11, 2020 - Retrospectively registered.
An efficient hybrid model for thermal analysis of deep borehole heat exchangers
Authors: Zhao Yazhou , Pang Zhonghe , Huang Yonghui , Ma Zhibo
Published: June 2020

The deep borehole heat exchanger (DBHE) shows great potential in seasonal thermal energy storage and its high performance efficiency with smaller land occupancy attracts increasing attention as a promising geothermal energy exploitation technique. With respect to a vertical BHE with extremely long length pipes buried underground, thermal analysis of the unsteady heat transfer process of the system is quite complicated. Due to the high temperature underground, the deeper part of BHE can extract more heat from the rock, which leads to a higher heat extraction rate. The heterogeneous distribution of heat flux density and geothermal gradient cannot be described properly by the existing analytical models. Although a full 3D numerical solution can reflect these features, it always requires high computational resources and presents numerical instabilities. In this paper, we propose a hybrid modeling method with high efficiency to simulate the temperature evolution inside the DBHE, and the heat propagation front in the surrounding rock mass. The temperature evolution inside the DBHE is solved by finite difference schemes, while the heat propagation in the surrounding rock is determined by an analytical formulation of thermal impacted radius. The coupling is achieved via source/sink term by incorporating the heat flux between the DBHE and the surrounding rock. Furthermore, an innovative analytical formulation describing the heat flux density is also presented, which accounts for the key parameters affecting the thermal performance of the DBHE system. Our proposed model is further verified against results with full 3D numerical solution under the same configurations. It is demonstrated that the proposed model can capture the key physical process of the heat transfer problem, while maintaining the calculation accuracy required by the engineering application. Regarding the calculation speed, the model results are around 30 times faster when compared to the full 3D numerical solution.
Predictors of prolonged length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality among adult patients admitted at the surgical ward of Jimma University medical center, Ethiopia: prospective observational study
Authors: Tefera Gosaye Mekonen , Feyisa Beshadu Bedada , Umeta Gurmu Tesfaye , Kebede Tsegaye Melaku
Published: June 2020

Background

Data regarding prolonged length of hospital stay (PLOS) and in-hospital mortality are paramount to evaluate efficiency and quality of surgical care as well as for rational resource utilization, allocation, and administration. Thus, PLOS and in-hospital mortality have been used as a surrogate indicator of satisfactory treatment outcome and efficient utilization of resources for a given health institution. However, there was a scarcity of data regarding these issues in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess treatment outcome, length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, and their determinants.

Methods

Health facility-based prospective observational study was used for three consecutive months among adult patients hospitalized for the surgical case. Socio-demographic, clinical history, medication history, in-hospital complications, and overall treatment outcomes were collected from the medical charts’ of the patients, using a checklist from the day of admission to discharge. PLOS is defined as hospital stay > 75th percentile (≥33 days for the current study). To identify predictor variables for both PLOS and in-hospital mortality, multivariate logistic regression was performed atp-value < 0.05 using SPSS version 20. Written informed consent was sought and secured.

Results

Of 269 study participants, 91.8% were improved and discharged. PLOS was recorded in 25.3%; at least 33 days of hospital stay. Overall in-hospital mortality was 4.8%; which is equal to an incidence rate of 0.00193 per person-days, 5.2% in-hospital sepsis, and 2.6% of Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), during their hospital stay. After adjusting for other factors; female gender (p = 0.003), emergency admission (p = 0.015), presence of Poly-pharmacy (p = 0.017), and presence of sepsis (p = 0.006) were found to be independent predictors for in-hospital mortality. On top of this, female gender (p = 0.026), patients who was paid by government (p = 0.007), burn-related surgery (p = 0.049), presence of cancer (p = 0.027), > 2 antibiotic exposure (p < 0.0001), and waiting for surgery for > 7 days (p < 0.0001) were independent predictors for PLOS.

Conclusion

In-hospital mortality rate was almost comparable to reports from developing countries, though it was higher than the developed countries. However, the length of hospital stay was extremely higher than that of reports from other parts of the world. Besides, different socio-demographic, health facility’s and patients’ clinical conditions (baseline and in-hospital complications) were identified as independent predictors for both in-hospital mortality and PLOS. Therefore, the clinician and stakeholders have to emphasize to avoid the modifiable factors to reduce in-hospital mortality and PLOS in the study area; to improve the quality of surgical care.
COVID-19 and community pharmacy services in Pakistan: challenges, barriers and solution for progress
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Malik Iram
Published: June 2020

In the wake of atrocious rise in COVID-19 cases, developed countries are leveraging a range of community pharmacy services with the goal of improving access to essential medication and healthcare services. While in the developing nations, including Pakistan, pharmacists are unable to perform COVID-19 containment roles in community, since presence of pharmacists at community pharmacy settings and delivery of pharmacy services have historically been plagued by shortcomings at various levels. In this document, we identified these shortcomings which need to be resolved on many fronts. Broadly, a number of intertwined government related, public related, academic curricula and pharmacist related, and drug retailers’ related factors refrain community pharmacists from performing and facilitating Pakistan’s fragile public and healthcare system in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. Government led multifaceted approaches are urgently needed to strengthen this unrecognized domain and thereby effectively combat COVID-19 by utilizing community pharmacy services, as evidenced in the developed world. [Note: Part of this article is published in Pakistan Observer Newspaper; dated 17 May 2020).
A polymeric composite protective layer for stable Li metal anodes
Authors: Guo Suogang , Wang Li , Jin Yuhong , Piao Nan , Chen Zonghai , Tian Guangyu , Li Jiangang , Zhao Chenchen , He Xiangming
Published: June 2020

Lithium (Li) metal is a promising anode for high-performance secondary lithium batteries with high energy density due to its highest theoretical specific capacity and lowest electrochemical potential among anode materials. However, the dendritic growth and detrimental reactions with electrolyte during Li plating raise safety concerns and lead to premature failure. Herein, we report that a homogeneous nanocomposite protective layer, prepared by uniformly dispersing AlPO4 nanoparticles into the vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene matrix, can effectively prevent dendrite growth and lead to superior cycling performance due to synergistic influence of homogeneous Li plating and electronic insulation of polymeric layer. The results reveal that the protected Li anode is able to sustain repeated Li plating/stripping for > 750 cycles under a high current density of 3 mA cm−2 and a renders a practical specific capacity of 2 mAh cm−2. Moreover, full-cell Li-ion battery is constructed by using LiFePO4 and protected Li as a cathode and anode, respectively, rendering a stable capacity after 400 charge/discharge cycles. The current work presents a promising approach to stabilize Li metal anodes for next-generation Li secondary batteries.
Promoting a mixed-design model of scientific creativity through digital storytelling—the CCQ model for creativity
Authors: Smyrnaiou Zacharoula , Georgakopoulou Eleni , Sotiriou Sofoklis
Published: June 2020

Background

This study presents the development of three research tools of scientific creativity. Our aim is to evaluate the development of student creativity while students write digital stories. Three models are linked to create a new model, called Creative, Cognitive, Qualitative Model for Creativity (CCQ tool). Our research tool examines how creativity can be standardized, first by researchers’ views and then by teachers and students’ creative products. The first tool is based on two existing tools; the Scientific Creativity Structure Model (SCSM) and the TTCT Figural Subscales, and on new characteristics, the effective learning environments, as we have developed them in the CREATIONS Program. We have tried to expand this tool by combining its key elements to the theoretical framework of creativity, as we have approached it in the CREATIONS and the STORIES Programs. The second tool “Students’ Creativity Evaluation Model” is a new tool that derives from empirical data and Grounded Theory methods. It examines the expected, original, and innovative ways of students’ thinking. The third tool “Experts’ Creativity Evaluation Model” allows us to examine the role of experts thinking on writing a story. It aims at tracking experts’ model of thinking and is viewed in comparison to the students’ creative model of thinking. We create a qualitative tool as we believe that a qualitative method delves deeper into students’ internal mechanisms of creativity.

Results

Twelve students’ stories from classrooms of different countries which participate to STORIES Program are analyzed indicatively by two independent researchers. The results seem to indicate that digital storytelling increases scientific creativity among students.

Conclusions

The main difference between expert and students’ approaches is that experts’ stories follow an up to bottom approach, while it is the opposite for students’ creative process. It has to be mentioned that almost all of the stories combined science with creative thinking. Students transformed their personal values into stories; therefore, this creative procedure was influenced by social, cultural, and ethnographical characteristics. The contribution of our research is that it offers a research tool that not only measures creativity but also studies the cognitive mechanisms involved in creative thinking.
Evaluation of block-sequential regularized expectation maximization reconstruction of 68Ga-DOTATOC, 18F-fluoride, and 11C-acetate whole-body examinations acquired on a digital time-of-flight PET/CT scanner
Authors: Lindström Elin , Lindsjö Lars , Sundin Anders , Sörensen Jens , Lubberink Mark
Published: June 2020

Background

Block-sequential regularized expectation maximization (BSREM) is a fully convergent iterative image reconstruction algorithm. We hypothesize that tracers with different distribution patterns will result in different optimal settings for the BSREM algorithm. The aim of this study was to evaluate the image quality with variations in the applied β-value and acquisition time for three positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. NEMA image quality phantom measurements and clinical whole-body digital time-of-flight (TOF) PET/computed tomography (CT) examinations with 68Ga-DOTATOC (n = 13), 18F-fluoride (n = 10), and 11C-acetate (n = 13) were included. Each scan was reconstructed using BSREM with β-values of 133, 267, 400, and 533, and ordered subsets expectation maximization (OSEM; 3 iterations, 16 subsets, and 5-mm Gaussian post-processing filter). Both reconstruction methods included TOF and point spread function (PSF) recovery. Quantitative measures of noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and signal-to-background ratio (SBR) were analysed for various acquisition times per bed position (bp).

Results

The highest β-value resulted in the lowest level of noise, which in turn resulted in the highest SNR and lowest SBR. Noise levels equal to or lower than those of OSEM were found with β-values equal to or higher than 400, 533, and 267 for 68Ga-DOTATOC, 18F-fluoride, and 11C-acetate, respectively. The specified β-ranges resulted in increased SNR at a minimum of 25% (P < 0.0001) and SBR at a maximum of 23% (P < 0.0001) as compared to OSEM. At a reduced acquisition time by 25% for 68Ga-DOTATOC and 18F-fluoride, and 67% for 11C-acetate, BSREM with β-values equal to or higher than 533 resulted in noise equal to or lower than that of OSEM at full acquisition duration (2 min/bp for 68Ga-DOTATOC and 18F-fluoride, 3 min/bp for 11C-acetate). The reduced acquisition time with β 533 resulted in increased SNR (16–26%, P < 0.003) and SBR (6–18%, P < 0.0001 (P = 0.07 for 11C-acetate)) compared to the full acquisition OSEM.

Conclusions

Within tracer-specific ranges of β-values, BSREM reconstruction resulted in increased SNR and SBR with respect to conventional OSEM reconstruction. Similar SNR, SBR, and noise levels could be attained with BSREM at relatively shorter acquisition times or, alternatively, lower administered dosages, compared to those attained with OSEM.
GIS-based landslide susceptibility mapping and assessment using bivariate statistical methods in Simada area, northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Mersha Tilahun , Meten Matebie
Published: June 2020

Simada area is found in the South Gondar Zone of Amhara National Regional State and it is 780Km far from Addis Ababa. Physiographically, it is part of the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. This area is part of the Guna Mountain which is characterized by weathered volcanic rocks, rugged morphology with deeply incised gorges, heavy rainfall and active surface processes. Many landslides have occurred on August 2018 after a period of heavy rainfall and they caused many damages to the local people. In this study, Frequency Ratio (FR) and Weights of Evidence (WoE) models were applied to evaluate the landslide causative factors and generate landslide susceptibility maps (LSMs). The landslide inventory map that consists of 576 active and passive landslide scarps was prepared from intensive fieldwork and Google Earth image interpretation. These landslide locations were randomly divided into 80% training and 20% validation datasets. Seven landslide causal factors including aspect, slope, curvature, lithology, land use, rainfall and distance to stream were combined with a training dataset using GIS tools to generate the LSMs of the study area. Then the area was divided into five landslide susceptibility zones of very low, low, moderate, high and very high. Later, the resulting maps have been validated by using area under the curve and landslide density index methods. The result showed that the predictive rate of FR and WoE models were 88.2% and 84.8%, respectively. This indicated that the LSM produced by FR model showed a better performance than that of WoE model. Finally, the LSMs produced by FR and WoE models can be used by decision-makers for land use planning and landslide mitigation purpose.
The IBER study: study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial of Imagery Based Emotion Regulation for the treatment of anxiety in bipolar disorder
Authors: Steel Craig , Wright Kim , Goodwin Guy , Simon Judit , Morant Nicola , Taylor Rod , Brown Michael , Jennings Susie , Hales Susie , Holmes Emily
Published: June 2020

Background

Anxiety is highly prevalent in people diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD), and can persist between acute episodes of mania and depression. Recent studies indicate that people with BD are prone to experiencing frequent, intrusive and emotional mental images which further fuel their levels of anxiety and mood instability. These intrusive emotional mental images represent a specific target for treatment for this disorder with the potential to reduce anxiety and improve mood stability. A new brief structured psychological intervention for BD called Imagery Based Emotion Regulation (IBER) has been developed, which translates experimental work in the area of imagery and emotion into a skills training programme to improve the regulation of intrusive and distressing emotional mental images in BD. A feasibility trial is required in order to assess whether a full randomised controlled trial is indicated in order to evaluate this approach.

Methods

The design is a two-arm feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT), with 1:1 randomisation stratified by trial site and minimised on medication status and anxiety severity. Participants are 60 individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder and experiencing at least a mild level of anxiety. Sites are defined by the geographical boundaries of two National Health Service (NHS) Trusts, with recruitment from NHS teams, GP surgeries and self-referral. The intervention is up to 12 sessions of Imagery Based Emotion Regulation within 16 weeks. The comparator is NHS standard care. The primary aim is to assess the feasibility of conducting a powered multi-site RCT to evaluate effectiveness. Measures of anxiety, depression, mania, mood stability and health care use will be conducted at baseline, end of treatment and at 16-week follow-up.

Discussion

This is the first feasibility trial of an imagery-based intervention for the treatment of anxiety in bipolar disorder. If the trial proves feasible, a large multi-site trial will be required.

Trial registration

ISRCTN16321795. Registered on October 16, 2018. 10.1186/ISRCTN16321795
Treatment of anterior open bite by posterior maxillary segmental osteotomy and miniplates: a case report
Authors: Choi Sung-Kwon , Kwon Kyung-Hwan
Published: June 2020

Background

Anterior open bite is a challenging malocclusion to correct orthodontic treatment. Anterior open bite associated with over-erupted posterior teeth and long lower facial height should be treated by reduction of posterior dimension for esthetic results. Although the possibility of orthodontic treatment of an anterior open bite has increased with the introduction of skeletal anchorage, there are still cases requiring surgery for various reasons.

Case presentation

This case report covers an anterior open bite of a 25-year-old man successfully treated with the posterior maxillary segmental osteotomy (PMSO) and miniplates. After the pre-surgical orthodontic treatment, the PMSO between canines and first premolars was performed under local anesthesia and miniplates were placed on the zygomatic buttress. As a result of 28 months of treatment, an impaction amount of 3.5 mm was obtained in the maxillary posterior teeth, and the facial esthetics improved at rest and smile.

Conclusion

The impaction of the posterior dentoalveolar segment using the PMSO can be a good treatment option in patients with anterior open bite showing long lower facial height.
Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) and Agrotis ipsilon (H.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Sobhy Hassan M. , Abdel-Bary Nagwa A. , Harras Farid A. , Faragalla Farha H. , Husseinen Hussein I.
Published: June 2020

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the EPNs against the larvae of Egyptian cotton leaf worm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) and the black cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in vitro before in vivo study. The susceptibility of both larval species to the entomopathogenic nematode species, Steinernema monticolum and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The concentration of 400 IJs/dish for S. monticolum achieved up to 97.77 and 95.55% mortality rates of the 5 larval instars from 2nd to 6th instars of S. littoralis and A. ipsilon, respectively after 72 h. The concentration of 800 IJs/dish recorded larval mortality rates of 41.86 to 100% against 2nd to 6th instars of A. ipsilon larvae, after 72 h. At the lowest concentration (50 IJs/dish), the larvae of S. littoralis were more susceptible to H. bacteriophora than the larvae of A. ipsilon. The data indicated that 200 IJs/dish was the most effective concentration for all larval stages of both insect pests because the mortality percentage was 100%.
Effects of Navier slip on a steady flow of an incompressible viscous fluid confined within spirally enhanced channel
Authors: Gbadeyan J. A. , Abubakar J. U. , Oyekunle T. L.
Published: June 2020

Investigation of the effect of slip on natural convective flow and heat transfer of a viscous incompressible fluid confined within a channel made up of a long vertical wavy wall and a parallel flat wall is carried out in this article. It is assumed that at the flat wall, there exists the slip condition. The coupled non-linear differential equations governing the fluid flow subjected to the relevant boundary conditions were perturbed and the resulting zero- and first-order set of equations were solved, using Adomian decomposition technique with the MAPLE 18 software. A comparison between the present study and an earlier one not involving a slip parameter and for which a different solution technique was used is carried out and the results are found consistent. The effects of various parameters involved in the problem viz Grashof number, slip parameter, heat source parameter, and wavelength parameter on the zero- and first-order temperature profile, velocity profile, skin friction, and Nusselt number at the walls are presented graphically and discussed quantitatively.
Intraoperative femoral condyle fracture in primary total knee arthroplasty - a case-control study in Asian population
Authors: Mak Yik-Fung , Lee Qunn-Jid , Chang Wai-Yee Esther , Wong Yiu-Chung
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Intraoperative femoral condyle fracture is a significant but rarely reported complication during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This is the first study to identify the incidence, risk factors, location and outcome of these fractures in an Asian population with modern posterior-stabilized (PS) TKA.

Materials and methods

We reviewed 2682 consecutive primary TKAs performed between 2011 and 2017 in a single centre; 23 femoral condyle fractures were identified and analysed.

Results

Fractures were managed conservatively with screw fixation or revision arthroplasty. Mean follow up was 3.0 years (range 3 months to 5.9 years). All patients achieved bone union and good functional outcome. The mean Knee Society Knee score was 89.4 (range 71–100) and the function score was 80.2 (range 60–95) at a mean of 3.0 years post-operation. Bilateral surgery was found to be a significant risk factor for femoral condyle fracture, while there was a higher trend of fracture in female patients and Stryker articular surface mounted (ASM) navigation.

Conclusions

Intraoperative fracture is not uncommon with modern PS TKA. Postulated risk factors for fracture were discussed. Early identification of risk factors and a rigorous surgical technique may reduce risk of fracture. A good functional result was expected after proper treatment.
Amelioration of lipophilic compounds in regards to bioavailability as self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS)
Authors: Baghel Pragya , Roy Amit , Verma Shekhar , Satapathy Trilochan , Bahadur Sanjib
Published: June 2020

Background

High lipophilicity and poor aqueous solubility are the endemic problems of new drug molecules. Sixty to seventy percent of these drugs are unable to solubilize completely in aqueous media, or have very low permeability. This hampers their oral absorption and further leads to their poor bioavailability. Various researches are in progress to overcome these limitations. Novel technologies like nano-carrier systems have become popular for improving the solubility of drugs.

Main body

Lipid-based formulations, among nano systems, are taking pace for the enhancement of solubility, oral absorption, and hence the bioavailability of drugs. Among the lipid formulations, self-emulsification systems are gaining popularity by offering various advantages to delivery systems. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) are isotropic blends of oil and surfactant/co-surfactants. These ingredients upon gentle agitation in aqueous media results in the formation of o/w emulsion. In spite of many works published in SEDDS, the major concerns of this article are to discuss the various approaches to formulate a good lipid-based carrier system for poorly aqueous soluble drugs, role of various polymers, and their categories used in the formulation along-with the modern technologies used for enhancing the stability of liquid SEDDS. This review majorly focuses upon the problems related to the poor aqueous solubility of the newer lipid molecules and the solutions to overcome their solubility and in addition bioavailability.

Conclusion

As per the researches done in formulation and optimization of SEDDS for the enhancement of bioavailability of lipophilic molecules, it can be stated that the aqueous solubility as well as bioavailability can be increased by many folds compared to their marketed or other oral formulations.