bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of Video-Fundoscopy and Prospects of Portable Stereo-Photography of The Ocular Fundus in Neurological Patients
Authors: Khachatryan Tigran , Mozaffar Tahseen , Mnatsakanyan Lilit
Published: October 2021

Background Proper evaluation of ocular fundi is an integral part of neurological examination. Unfortunately, neurology residents are increasingly uncomfortable performing fundoscopy and interpreting findings because of diminishing skills and lack of experience. This became more prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic as fundoscopy requires proximity to the patient. With the recent dramatic improvement of smartphone cameras, fundus photography using PanOptic Ophthalmoscope (Welch Allyn, Skaneateles Falls, NY) with a smartphone adapter offered an alternative to direct fundoscopic examination. Having not found a good solution in the market, we created our own design of a universal smartphone adapter. Results Here we present our initial experience of fundus video/photography in patients, who presented with encephalopathy, headache, seizure, vision loss, and other ocular symptoms. Fundoscopic abnormalities were discovered in 11 out of 100 patients. Some were incidental findings and were unrelated to the presentation. In one case, fundoscopy played a critical role in establishing the correct diagnosis. Conclusions Our custom-designed smartphone adapter allowed obtaining high-quality video and photo recordings using PanOptic Ophthalmoscope. The acquisition of high-quality photos enables a high-yield diagnostic tool and allows revisiting the image in the patient’s chart. Improvement of smartphone cameras opens vast horizons for stereo-fundoscopy and 3D reconstruction of the ocular fundus without using sophisticated and costly equipment. Microscopic eye movements allow taking snapshots of two side-by-side photos for 3D reconstruction and stereoscopic image viewing, which is the next level of optic disc assessment.
Hydroxylamine Promoted Fe( III ) Reduction in H2O2/Soil Systems for Phenol Degradation
Authors: Zheng Yunsong , Xie Wenjing , Yuan Songhu
Published: October 2021

Production of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) upon the oxidation of solid Fe(II) by O2 or H2O2 in soils and sediments has been confirmed, which benefits in-situ remediation of contaminants. However, Fe(III) reduction by H2O2 is rate-limiting. Accelerating the Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle could improve the efficiency of remediation. This study intended to use hydroxylamine to promote Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle during 100 g/L soil oxidation by H2O2 for phenol degradation. The removal of phenol was 76% in 3 h during soil oxidation with 1 mM H2O2 in the presence of 1 mM hydroxylamine but was negligible in the absence of hydroxylamine. Fe(III) in the soil was reduced to 0.21 mM Fe(II) by 1 mM hydroxylamine in 30 min, which suggested that the effective enhancement of phenol degradation was attributed to cycle of Fe(III)/Fe(II) by hydroxylamine during soil oxidation. Under the conditions of 1 mM H2O2, 100 g/L soil, the pseudo-first-order kinetic constant of phenol degradation increased proportionally from 0.0453 to 0.0844 min− 1 with the increase of hydroxylamine concentrations from 0.5 to 1 mM. The kinetic constant also increased from 0.0041 to 0.0111 min− 1 with H2O2 concentration increased from 0.5 to 2 mM, while it decreased from 0.0100 to 0.0051 min− 1 with soil dosage increased from 20 to 200 g/L. In addition, column experiments showed that phenol (10 mg/L) degradation ratio kept at about 48.7% with feeding 2 mM hydroxylamine and 2 mM H2O2 at 0.025 PV/min. Column experiments suggested an optional application of hydroxylamine and H2O2 for in-situ remediation. Output of this study provides guidance and optional strategies to enhance contaminant degradation during soil oxidation.
Exploring The Feasibility of Neurofeedback for Trauma-Affected Refugees – A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hannemose Sigrid Zeuthen , Attardo Henriette Laugesen , Vindbjerg Erik , Carlsson Jessica
Published: October 2021

Background

The use of Neurofeedback (NF) to assist individuals in learning to regulate their brain wave activity have shown promising results in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD). However, few studies have focused on the patient experience with NF and even fewer take on the perspective of refugees. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an NF-based intervention for trauma-affected refugees focusing on aspects relevant for optimizing the NF experience and clinical practice.
Methods

This qualitative study was a part of an NF feasibility study carried out at CTP, offering 34 trauma-affected refugees 12 sessions of NF. In the qualitative part of the feasibility study, a subsample of eight participants was interviewed. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews, the participants’ thoughts and expectations prior to participating in NF treatment as well as their experiences with the treatment after a few training sessions were examined. The analysis was carried out in four steps, using a hermeneutic and phenomenological approach.
Results

The analysis resulted in three main themes: 1) Positivity despite unfulfilled expectations 2) Understanding of the NF treatment 3) Facilitating factors for feasible NF treatment.
Conclusion

The results show that facilitation of successful treatment was challenged by both the participants’ misaligned expectations of the treatment outcome as well as their comprehension of the NF equipment, which did not match the actual capabilities. This underlines the importance of clear communication, including the adjustment of participants’ expectations regarding what symptoms the NF treatment protocol is designed to treat. Furthermore, the importance of thorough, repetitive, and understandable information about the NF equipment’s capabilities was highlighted. Our results demonstrated how the participants found NF to be an acceptable and recommendable method of treatment even though they did not benefit from it. Finally, valuable knowledge regarding factors enhancing the feasibility was discovered, including prioritizing breathing exercises, a spacious NF treatment room and personalization of the NF treatment protocol.
Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05055037. Retrospectively registered on the 06/07-2021.
Towards Zero Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis of Pancreatic Stump Closure With Radiofrequency Vs Stapler
Authors: Périz Eva María Pueyo , Téllez-Marquès Clara , Radosevic Alexander , Morató Olga , Visa Laura , Ilzarbe Lucas , Berjano Enrique Berjano , Vicente Emilio , Poves Ignasi , Grande Luis , Burdío Fernando , Sánchez-Velázquez Patricia
Published: October 2021

Background: To demonstrate the efficacy of radiofrequency for pancreatic stump closure in reducing the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in distal pancreatectomy (DP) compared with mechanical transection methods. Despite all the different techniques of pancreatic stump closure proposed for DP, best practice for avoiding POPF remains an unresolved issue, with an incidence of up to 30% regardless of center volume or surgical expertise.Methods: DP was performed in a cohort of patients by applying radiofrequency to stump closure (RF Group) and compared with mechanical closure (Control Group). A propensity score (PS) matched cohort study was carried out to minimize bias from nonrandomized treatment assignment. Cohorts were matched by PS accounting for factors significantly associated with either undergoing RF transection or mechanical closure through logistic regression analysis. The primary end-point was the incidence of clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF).Results: Of 89 patients included in the whole cohort, 13 case patients from the RF- Group were 1:1 matched to 13 control patients. In both the first independent analysis of unmatched data and subsequent adjustment to the overall propensity score-matched cohort, a higher rate of CR-POPF in the Control Group compared with the RF-Group was detected (25.4% vs. 5.3%, p=0.049 and 53.8% vs. 0%; p = 0.016 respectively). The RF Group showed better outcomes in terms of readmission rate (46.2% vs 0%, p=0.031). No significant differences were observed in terms of mortality, major complications (30.8% vs 0%, p=0.063) or length of hospital stay (5.7 vs 5.2 days, p=0.89).Conclusion: Findings suggest that the RF-assisted technique is more efficacious in reducing CR-POPF than mechanical pancreatic stump closure.
Frontline Physician Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic: National Survey Findings
Authors: Melnikow Joy , Padovani Andrew , Miller Marykate
Published: October 2021

Background: Physician burnout and wellbeing are an ongoing concern. Limited research has reported on the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on burnout among U.S. physicians. Methods: We surveyed U.S. frontline physicians at two time points (wave one in May-June 2020 and wave two in Dec 2020-Jan 2021) using a validated burnout measure. The survey was emailed to a national stratified random sample of family physicians, internists, hospitalists, intensivists, emergency medicine physicians, and infectious disease physicians. Burnout was assessed with the Professional Fulfillment Index Burnout Composite scale (PFI-BC). Quantile regression was used to estimate the change in median PFI-BC scales, adjusting for physician, geographic, and pandemic covariates. Results: Overall, 38.1% of 286 respondents reported PFI-BC scores consistent with burnout in wave one, and 33.1% of 262 respondents in wave two. Burnout declined or was unchanged among all specialties surveyed apart from hospitalists. 34.2% of primary care physicians reported burnout in wave one and 29.7% in wave two. Burnout declined among critical care (53.5% to 43.1%) and emergency physicians (50.6% to 44.5%); but hospitalist burnout rates increased (27% to 44.2%). Conclusions: Rates of physician burnout during the first year of the pandemic appear to be comparable to pre-pandemic rates. We found no evidence of increasing burnout over a six month period, apart from hospitalist respondents. Impacts of the ongoing pandemic on physician burnout warrant continued research.
Pyrroline-5-Carboxylate Reductase-2 as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker of Colorectal Cancer: A Study Based on Bioinformatics Approaches
Authors: Xiang Haoyi , Wang Zian , Shen Xuning , Chen Engeng , Chen Wei , song zhangfa
Published: October 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with high mortality rates. Some studies have attempted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC, and few CRC biomarkers are now used in clinical practice. Methods: Herein our aim was to identify a new potential prognostic biomarker of CRC, while providing further theoretical basis for studying the pathogenesis of CRC. Results: PYCR2 expression was to be much higher in CRC tissues than in corresponding non-cancerous tissues, and the prognosis of patients with high PYCR2 expression was significantly poorer than that of those with low PYCR2 expression. Further, PYCR2 showed a high correlation with TRMT61B and CDC23 expression. We found that gene mutations had a significant influence on the prognosis of CRC. PYCR2 siRNA transfection decreased and inhibited the ability of migration and invasion in CRC cells. Conclusions: To summarize, our findings provide novel insights to facilitate better diagnosis as well as treatment of CRC.
Effects of Collagen Membrane on Bone Level and Periodontal Status of Adjacent Tooth After Third Molar Surgery: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Kilinc Adnan , Ataol Mert
Published: October 2021

Background; After the surgical extraction of an impacted lower third molar, periodontal status and distal bone level of the adjacent second molar could be affected negatively. Healing type has been effected periodontal status and distal bone level of the adjacent second molar after third molar surgery. Absorbable materials have some benefits including promoting wound healing through isolation, clot and wound stabilisation, and haemostasis; enhancing primary wound coverage. The aim of this study was to compare primary and secondary healing and collagen-membrane-based primary healing after surgical removal of partially erupted impacted third molars (3Ms), evaluating the distal alveolar bone level (ABL) and periodontal status of the adjacent second molars (2Ms). Methods; Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomised into three groups: secondary healing (n=28), primary healing (n=27) and membrane-based primary healing (n=29). Digital panoramic radiographs were obtained preoperatively (T1) and three months postoperatively (T2). The distances between the cemento-enamel junctions and the alveolar bone crests on the distal aspects of the adjacent 2Ms were measured using calibrated radiograph measurement software. The pocket depth and plaque index measurements were performed preoperatively and three months postoperatively. The periodontal plaque index (PPI) scores were registered on the distal aspects of the 2Ms, and the mean values were used. Results; Three of the applied healing types positively affected periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and periodontal index values (p<0.05). In terms of the ABL of the adjacent 2Ms, primary 3-4N/healing (p=0.001) and membrane-based primary healing (p=0.000) had superior results to secondary healing. Conclusion; Membrane usage is promising for the distal bone gain and periodontal status of the adjacent 2M. Trial registration: This clinical study was registered started at 17/09/2018 by Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry with the trial number of ACTRN12618001551280 .
Aqueous Extracts of Corni Fructus Protect C2C12 Myoblasts from DNA Damage and Apoptosis Caused by Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kim Sung Ok , Choi Yung Hyun , Lee Eunjoo H.
Published: October 2021

Background Although the various pharmacological effects of Corni Fructus are highly correlated with its antioxidant activity, the blocking effect against oxidative stress in muscle cells is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extracts of Corni Fructus (CFE) against oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in murine skeletal C2C12 myoblasts. Methods and results MTT assay for cell viability, DCF-DA staining for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, Comet assay for DNA damage, annexin V-FITC and PI double staining for apoptosis, JC-1 staining and caspase assay for monitor mitochondrial integrity, and western blotting for related protein levels were conducted in H2O2 oxidative stressed C2C12 cells. Our results showed that CFE pretreatment significantly ameliorated the loss of cell viability and inhibited apoptosis in H2O2-treated C2C12 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. DNA damage induced by H2O2 was also markedly attenuated in the presence of CFE, which was associated with suppression of ROS generation. In addition, H2O2 reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and caused downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax expression, although these were abrogated by CFE pretreatment. Moreover, CFE blocked H2O2-induced cytosolic release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and degradation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Conclusion Taken together, the present results demonstrate that CFE could protect C2C12 cells from H2O2-induced damage by eliminating ROS generation, thereby blocking mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway. These results indicate that CFE has therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-mediated myoblast injury.
Oocyte-derived Factor GDF9 Suppresses Expression of StAR and CYP17A1 in Human Theca Cells
Authors: Guo Xi , Zhong Yiping , Liu Yang , Wu Rihan , Huang Ling , Huang Chuan , Chen Minghui
Published: October 2021

Background: GDF9 expression is decreased in the oocytes of PCOS ovaries when compared with that of normal controls at all developmental stages. The role of this change in excessive production of androgen in PCOS ovaries is unknown because the direct effect of GDF9 on androgen production in human theca cells remain unclear due to limited resources of human theca cells. Methods: We established a new method to extract human theca cells from ovarian follicular fluid obtained during oocyte retrieval in IVF/ICSI. Primary cultured human theca cells were treated with GDF9, an ALK5 inhibitor, and SMAD4 agonist. Then expression of androgen synthesis-related gene StAR, CYP17A1, and LHCGR, levels of androstenedione and testosterone, phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and the interaction between bone morphogenetic protein receptor II (BMPRII) and ALK5were evaluated by RT-qPCR, western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and co-immunoprecipitation assays respectively. Results: We found that GDF9 decreased StAR, CYP17A1, and LHCGR expression levels in human theca cells, which was prevented by treatment with the ALK5 inhibitor. GDF9 increased SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, and the ALK5 inhibitor also suppressed this effect. BMPRII and ALK5 bound to each other following GDF9 stimulation. The SMAD4 agonist kartogenin also decreased mRNA levels of StAR and CYP17A1, and protein levels of StAR in human theca cells. GDF9 slightly decreased the protein levels of CYP17A1 and StAR in both normal and PCOS theca cells. Conclusions: GDF9 can activate the BMPRII-ALK5-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway and suppress StAR, CYP17A1, and LHCGR expression levels in human theca cells.
Study on the Effect of G/CNT on the Enhanced Capacitance of IrO2-ZnO-G(CNT)/Ti Electrodes
Authors: Ye Tianfeng , Wu Huixuan , Shao Yanqun , Ye Zhanghao , Li Guoyong , Wang Jinjin , Chen Kongfa
Published: October 2021

Compounding different materials to be the electrode is a good way in the field of supercapacitors. IrO2 was used as an active and conductor oxide, and ZnO was used as a semiconductor oxide. Carbon nanotube (CNT) and Graphene (G) were used to prepare the electrodes of IrO2-ZnO-carbon nanotube (CNT)/Ti and IrO2-ZnO-graphene oxide (G)/Ti by thermal decomposition method and their different effect on the properties was studied in detail. The surface of IrO2-ZnO-CNT/Ti had a "hill-bag" structure, and the IrO2-ZnO-G/Ti had a graphene sheet layered fold structure, their specific surface area and pore volume were significantly greater than that of an electrode without carbon material. The specific capacitances of IrO2-ZnO-G/Ti and IrO2-ZnO-CNT/Ti were 681 F g-1 and 501F g-1, respectively, which were higher than IrO2-ZnO/Ti (399 F g-1). The capacitance retention rate of the IrO2-ZnO-G/Ti electrode coating was 80.24% after 20,000 cyclic tests, which was worse than that of IrO2-ZnO/Ti (90.65%). The addition of carbon materials reduced the cycle stability, but the binding effect of graphene and the coating was better than that of carbon nanotubes. Graphene improved the overall performance better than that of carbon nanotubes. A binder-free asymmetric supercapacitor working in H2SO4 solution was assembled with RuO2-MoO3/Ti and IrO2-ZnO-G/Ti as cathodic and anodic electrode respectively. It exhibited the energy densities of 29.6 W h kg-1 and 25.3 W h kg-1 when the power density was 700 W kg-1 and 3505 W kg-1 respectively. The preliminary charge/discharge mechanism of the asymmetric supercapacitor in the H2SO4 solution was presented.
A Hybrid High Performance Intelligent Computing Approach of CACNN and RNN for Skin Cancer Image Grading
Authors: S Manimurugan
Published: October 2021

Skin cancer is characterized as the uncontrollable growth of skin cells caused by unrepairable DNA damage. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancers caused by melanocyte and early diagnosis supports therapists in curing it. Computational pathology offers a one-of-a-kind ability to spatially dissect certain interfaces on digitized histology images. A hybrid context-aware convolutional neural networks with recurrent neural network (CA-CNN-RNN) based on skin cancer histological images is proposed in this research. The proposed model encodes a histology image's local representation into higher-dimensional features first, then aggregated the feature by consider their spatial arrangement to enable the final predictions. In this research, H&E-stained sectioned images from the Cancer Genome Atlas are used as the dataset for assessment. From 58 images, 37 images were used for training and 21 images are used for testing. The process on histology images of melanoma skin cancer was analyzed and validated with various classifiers such as VGG-19, Inception, ResNet50, and DarkNet-53 using the hybrid CA-CNN-RNN model. The dataset is used to generate the results, which are then analyzed based on criteria such as accuracy, recall, precision, and F-score. The performance analysis shows that the proposed CA-CNN-RNN with different classifiers has performed better and among the classifiers the DarkNet-53 model has the better performance in all the parameters.
Type Synthesis of 5-DOF Redundantly Actuated Parallel Mechanisms for Super-Large Components
Authors: Jiang Bing-Shan , Fang Hai-Rong , Fang Yue-Fa , He Li-Tao
Published: October 2021

Super-large components with complicated surfaces are used for many applications, the processing method of super-large components with complicated surfaces is also problem to be solved. The 5-edgrees of freedom (DOF) redundantly actuated parallel mechanisms (RAPMs) can be used as a movable parallel module in a multi-axis machine center to process super-large components with complicated surfaces. This paper focuses on type synthesis of 5-DOF RAPMs redundantly actuated parallel mechanisms for Super-large components. First, two articulated moving platform and four kinds of limbs are designed based on configuration evolution and Li group theory. By means of the proposed articulated moving platforms and four kinds of limbs, a series of 3T2Rand 2T3R are synthesized. Then, kinematics of the proposed RAPM is analyzed. To ensure the proposed RAPM without impact, a new trajectory planning method combining quadratic function with cosine is proposed and applied to motion simulation. The results show the RAPM not only possesses large output rotational angles, but also verifies the efficiency of the trajectory planning method in motion simulation. The work lays the foundation for solving the processing method of super-large components with complicated surfaces.
Diagnosing Predated Tags in Telemetry Survival Studies of Migratory Fishes in River Systems
Authors: Buchanan Rebecca A , Whitlock Steven L.
Published: October 2021

Acoustic telemetry is a powerful tool for studying fish behavior and survival that relies on the assumption that tag detection reflects the presence of live study subjects. This assumption is violated in cases where tag signals continue to be recorded after predators have consumed tagged study subjects. When such tag predation is possible, it becomes necessary for researchers to diagnose and remove these nonrepresentative detections. Past studies have employed a variety of data filtering techniques to address the issue, ranging from rule-based algorithms that rely on expert judgements of behavior and movement capabilities of study subjects and their predators to automated pattern-recognition techniques using multivariate analyses. We compare four approaches for flagging suspicious tracks or detection events: two rule-based expert-opinion approaches of differing complexity and two unsupervised pattern recognition approaches with and without data from deliberately tagged predators. We compare and illustrate trade-offs between alternative approaches by applying these filtering techniques to a case study on survival estimation of acoustic-tagged juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the San Joaquin River, California, United States. Filtering approaches differed in the number and composition of tags suspected of being consumed by predators; the largest differences occurred between the two broad categories, rule-based versus pattern recognition. Despite the appeal of the pattern recognition procedures’ automated nature, those approaches nevertheless required investigator judgement in interpreting results. All methods flagged a small subset (5%) of suspicious tags that had exceptionally long residence times and evidence of upstream transitions; 27% of tags showed evidence of predation based on at least one filter. The complex rule-based filter deemed the most tags suspicious (21%) and the simpler pattern recognition method the fewest (10%). Reach-specific survival estimates from the four filters were mostly within 2% of the unfiltered estimates but differences up to 11% were observed. Sensitivity of survival results to tag predation and predator filtering depends on the study setting, spatiotemporal scale of inference, and habitat use of predators. We recommend that survival studies include clear documentation of filtering methods and report on robustness of results to the filtering approach selected.
The Impact of Nutritional Status on Health-Related Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Visiedo Lucia , Rey Laura , Rivas Francisco , López Francisca , Tortajada Begoña , Giménez Rafael , Abilés Jimena
Published: October 2021

Background: Malnutrition is frequent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Nutritional deficiencies may negatively impact quality of life (QOL). A nutritional intervention program (NIP) to identify and intervene in patients with nutritional problems may positively influence QOL.Methods: This study examines the utility of the Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS) in detecting nutritional risk (NR) and assesses the correlation between nutritional status and QOL in dialysis patients upon starting a NIP. One hundred and twenty patients were included in this cross-sectional study. The MIS was used to detect NR and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-SF™) instrument version 1.2 was used to assess QOL.Results: 62% of patients were found to be at NR (MIS>5). Nutritional status was significantly correlated with all generic QOL sub-scales. On a multiple linear regression analysis, malnutrition showed the highest level of explanation in the Kidney Disease Summary Component which explained 28.9% of the variance; the Physical Component Summary which explained 33% of the variance; and the Mental Component Summary which explained 21.5% of the variance. Conclusion: Malnutrition was found to be the most significant predictor of impaired scores on the KDQOL-SF™. The use of MIS to identify patients at NR and a nutritional assessment to detect malnutrition in its early stages are important given the effects a NIP can have on improving QOL in HD patients.
Quality Enhancement In A mm-Wave Multi-hop, Multi-Tier Heterogeneous 5G Network Architecture
Authors: Ahmed Aftab , Zakarya Muhammad , Liu Xuan , Khan Rahim , Ali Ahmad , Khan Ayaz Ali
Published: October 2021

Millimetre-wave ultra-dense high capacity networks by providing an important component of future 5G cellular systems, by providing extremely high capacity to end users. Disparate types of users coexist in such scenarios, which can make the heterogeneous network unfair in terms of allocation of resources. A mechanism is required for effective spectrum sharing and to achieve overall system fairness. In this paper, an analytical model is suggested, which is based on a two-dimensional Markov state-transition diagram, to help set the parameter values to control the issuance of resources in coexistence layouts. A restriction approach is further implemented to gain a fair balance of the Grade-of-Service for both user groups using the User Admission Control mechanism. The developed mechanism restricts access to various channel resources for users with complete choice to give a greater probability of access to different users with limited resource options. Various levels of restriction are investigated in order to offer a balanced low-blocking probability performance to both user groups in order to improve the overall network fairness. Also, the proposed approach could provide a precise level of Grade-of-Service guarantee for both the user groups if sufficient flexibility is available within the whole network. Our simulation results show that approximately 30% to 45% enhancement, in terms of grade of service (GoS), could be achieved in high to medium loads by restricting some users' flexibility.
The use of Savary-Gilliard dilators in the treatment of an oesophageal stricture in a cat
Authors: Kaczmar Ewa , Makowska Krystyna , Rychlik Andrzej
Published: October 2021

Oesophageal strictures in cats and dogs are relatively rare and the cause of this disorder can be multifactorial. However, the most common cause in cats is an inflammatory process. Conservative treatment strategies for this disorder includes image-guided interventions. Endoscopic methods are a form of a minimally invasive surgical treatment of the oesophageal strictures. Several endoscopic methods for the therapy of this condition are known, one of them is Savary-Gilliard dilators technique. In the present study of a case of oesophageal stricture in a cat, caused probably by doxycycline treatment without water administration, the authors used the Savary-Gilliard dilators as a therapy for its condition. The animal underwent 3 endoscopy procedures, where in the third one no abnormality in the oesophagus was observed. Moreover, the cat was asymptomatic 6 months after the last oesophagoscopy. In the authors opinion, based on the present case, some experience of the authors and previously described studies, the Savary-Gilliard dilators seems to be a safe, effective, relatively cheap and minimally invasive method of the oesophageal stricture therapy in the cat.
Ni-B/TiB2 Elektrodepolanmış Kompozit Kaplamaların Korozyon Dayanımlarının Belirlenmesi
Authors: ÜNAL Ersin , YAŞAR Abdulkadir , KARAHAN İsmail Hakkı
Published: October 2021

Bu çalışmada, St37 çelik altlık üzerine elektrokimyasal olarak depolanan nikel-bor (Ni-B) alaşım ana yapılı ve titanyum diborür (TiB2) takviye parçacık destekli kompozit kaplamaların korozyon davranışları saf nikel ve Ni-B alaşım kaplamalar ile mukayese edilerek incelenmiştir. Üretilen kaplamalar Watts tipi geleneksel nikel banyosunda depolanmıştır. Kaplamaların korozyon dayanımlarının belirlenmesinde açık devre potansiyeli (OCP) grafikleri, Tafel ekstrapolasyon ve elektro empedans spektroskopisi (EIS) yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen OCP grafiklerinde kompozit kaplamanın saf nikel ve Ni-B alaşıma göre korozyon potansiyeli açısından daha pozitif tarafta olduğu görülmektedir. Tafel sonuçlarında ise kompozit kaplamanın korozyon dirençlerinde saf nikele göre %84, Ni-B alaşımına göre ise %87 civarlarında bir iyileşme olduğu belirlenmiştir. EIS sonuçlarında da Tafel sonuçlarında olduğu gibi korozyon dayanımında ciddi bir gelişme olduğu görülmüştür. Elde edilen verilere göre, kompozit kaplamanın korozyon direnç değerlerinin saf nikel ve Ni-B alaşımına kıyasla yaklaşık 4 kat daha iyi olduğu belirlenmiştir.
Strategies and Effects of LEDS (Low Emission Development Strategy) in Fortaleza, Brazil
Authors: Cunha Franciele , Barreto Neres Camila , Franco Carvalho Matheus
Published: October 2021

When it comes to climate change, the built environment, together with transport, and waste and water management play a significant role as Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emitting sectors, reflecting the strong need to address such issues by local governments. A notable action that has been taken in this regard is the Urban Low Emission Development Strategies (Urban LEDS), which consists of a project implemented by the UN-Habitat and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) that selected eight model cities and twenty-one satellite cities around the world and aims to support integrated and ambitious climate action, encouraging low-carbon efforts in emerging economies through the collaboration among them. In addition, eight European cities also participated in the project in its first phase, contributing with their expertise and experience with climate change mitigation. Since 2012, the city of Fortaleza in Brazil is a model city of the Urban LEDS project and it has sustainably integrated and developed many projects, making it a more resilient city, stimulating its economic growth and improving its quality of life. This paper aims to present the milestones that Fortaleza has already met within Urban LEDS and its main priorities in the next years, identifying best practices in three European cities (Copenhagen, Zagreb and Hannover) that could also be implemented in its geographical, social and cultural context, as well as indicate lessons that other cities can learn from Fortaleza.
Evaluating the Efficiency of Polyhedral Mesh Elements in Solving the Problem of the Flow around Ship’s Rudder
Authors: Ibraheem Amjd
Published: October 2021

Meshing is one of the crucial key features to the success of CFD based simulations, this study is evaluating the efficiency of polyhedral elements in solving the problem of the flow around ship rudder, using a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes turbulence model (SST k-ω), and compares it to a tetrahedral based mesh, considering that polyhedral elements were neglected in the past due to difficulties in implementing them, this was solved by introducing a tool by ANSYS that converges tetrahedral elements to polyhedral element, and integrating it into FLUENT software, the model was validated by comparing it with previously validated model which used the full version of ANSYS, this study was concluded using the academic version, but still it was able to produce satisfying results in predicting the lift and the drag coefficient, the pressure around the rudder surface, the velocity and the turbulent kinetic energy, finally the mesh quality was evaluated using the orthogonal quality criteria, the results showed the supremacy of the polyhedral elements in saving time and computational resources and improving mesh quality, and keeping high level of accuracy in predicting the results.
Utilization of 3D Printing in Replacement of Basic Plastic Workpieces
Authors: Ficzere Péter , Álmos Kristály
Published: October 2021

In the experiment, a 3D printed cogwheel is made using the FDM technology to replace a broken part in a sewing machine. The aim of the project is to examine if a 3D model can be created and manufactured using only entry-level technical knowledge and tools. By the end of the article, it will be apparent that creating functioning plastic parts with a hobby 3D printer and basic CAD experience is very much possible.
Cultural diversity, Intercultural Competence, Tolerance and the Economy: a Review
Authors: Alhendi Osama
Published: October 2021

Cultural diversity is generally a controversial topic in the literature. Whereas some studies proved that it has economic benefits, others denied that. However, it is possible to avoid the costs related to that through enhancing each of intercultural competence, on the level of firms, and social tolerance, on the level of economies. To investigate that, the study used literature review analysis. Based on the literature, cultural diversity plays important role in enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship which are necessary for economic development. However, it may result in different challenges such as a lack of trust and conflict. Therefore, it could be feasible to manage and benefit from cultural diversity in the companies through cross-cultural training as well as cultural diversity management. On the other hand, economies can avoid cultural diversity's costs by adopting the policies and institutions which are necessary for enhancing the level of social tolerance among people.
Manifestations of professional maladaptation and emotional burnout syndrome among internship doctors
Authors:   Department of Social Sciences, National Defense University of Ukraine named after Ivan Chernyakhovsky, Kyiv, Ukraine, et al. Khmiliar
Published: October 2021

The relevance of this work is in the fact that when identifying professional maladaptation and the systemic nature of the “emotional burnout” syndrome manifestations, actions must be developed for their prevention. Otherwise, there will be manifestations of young doctors' professional deformation, depersonalization phenomena, and a deterioration in the quality of life. All this can lead to the risk of outflow of young personnel from the profession. The reform of the medical personnel training system in Ukraine is underway: the time of internship training in a clinic is increasing, and the time for department training is decreasing. The first encounter of the internship doctor with practical activities leads to a number of stresses for them. Signs of professional maladaptation appear. This leads to the emergence of the “burnout” syndrome. All these factors may result in the outflow of young personnel from the profession. A study of the first-year interns' group (n=181) was conducted. A significant degree of emotional burnout symptoms development and a significant level of professional maladaptation manifestations were revealed. It is proposed to integrate mandatory courses for professional development of the personality with the formation of competencies for adaptation, prevention of emotional burnout, self-regulation of psycho-emotional states into the system of an internship doctors training.
Narrative Review of Surgery for Myasthenia Gravis
Authors:   Division of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. 75 Francis St. Boston, MA 02115, USA, Dezube Aaron R. , Deeb Ashley L. ,   Division of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. 75 Francis St. Boston, MA 02115, USA, Jaklitsch Michael T. ,   Division of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. 75 Francis St. Boston, MA 02115, USA
Published: October 2021

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by antibody mediated blockade of neuromuscular transmission. Up until the last decade, evidence suggesting benefit of thymectomy for myasthenia gravis has been based on non-randomized control studies. Our paper serves as an expert narrative review of new literature pertaining to surgical management of myasthenia gravis based on review of articles from PubMed and Cochrane database from date of inception through June 14, 2021. We used the MeSH search terms: “myasthenia gravis”; “thymectomy”; “thymoma”; and “surgery” to identify any new relevant articles for inclusion in our review. The results of these studies are summarized below. We reviewed multiple articles including two randomized control trials. As a result of these studies over the past decade, the American Academy of Neurology’s most recent practice advisory, published online March 25, 2020, gives a level ‘B’ recommendation for thymectomy for MG in patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive generalized MG age 18-65 years old. They additionally noted the need for further discussion surrounding the benefits and risks of surgery and whether minimally invasive approaches to thymectomy would provide the same benefits as the traditional transsternal approach. Evidence recommending thymectomy during pregnancy remains limited due to lack of available data. Emerging evidence suggests that performance of video-assisted or robotic-assisted thymectomy is feasible, but further study is needed due to a lack of randomized control trials.
The Relationship Between Paternal Preconception Obesity and Health Behaviors and Childhood Obesity: Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Laforest Marie-Eve , Ward Stephanie , Landry Liette-Andrée , Mobetty Fabrice
Published: October 2021

Background

Childhood obesity is a global public health concern and is a priority for researchers and policy makers. To overcome the epidemic of obesity, influencing factors throughout the life span need to be addressed, including those in the preconception period. A better understanding of the association between paternal preconception factors and childhood obesity is important for public health interventions.

Objective

This systematic review will examine the relationship between paternal preconception obesity and health behaviors and their offspring’s overweight or obesity.

Methods

Peer-reviewed quantitative studies and grey literature that report associations between paternal preconception obesity and health behaviors—such as smoking, exercise, and eating habits—and childhood overweight and obesity will be identified through a computerized literature search in 7 databases. The quality of each study will be assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Characteristics of the included studies will be reported, and relevant findings from each paternal preconception exposure will be narratively synthesized. This review will follow the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines.

Results

This systematic review is anticipated to begin in December 2021 and be completed by the end of August 2022.

Conclusions

This systematic review will contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between preconception paternal exposures and their offspring’s overweight or obesity. Findings will help support health professionals working with prospective parents to educate fathers on the benefits of improving their weight and health behaviors during the preconception period.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/31254
Oral lesions in young adults infected with COVID-19 and impact of smoking. A multi-country study (Preprint)
Authors: Sabbagh Heba , El Tantawi Maha , AlKhateeb Nada , Quritum Maryam , Abourdan Joud , Qureshi Nafeesa , Qureshi Shabnum , Hamoud Ahmed H N , Mahmoud Nada , Oden Ruba , Al-Khanati Nuraldeen Maher , Jaber Rawiah , Balkhoyor Abdulrahman , Shabi Mohammed , Folayan Morenike , Gomaa Noha , Alnahdi Raqiya , Mahmoud Nawal , El Wazziki Hanane , Alnaas Manal , Samodien Bahia , Mahmoud Rawa , Abu Assab Nour , Saad Sherin , Alhachim Sondos , Alshaikh Ali , Abdelaziz Wafaa
Published: October 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Objectives: To assess the reported presence of oral lesions in COVID-19-infected young adults and the difference between smokers and non-smokers in this association.
Methods: This cross-sectional multi-country study recruited 18-to-23 year-old adults using an electronic validated questionnaire assessing COVID-19-infection, smoking and the presence of oral lesions/conditions (dry mouth, change in taste, and others). Multi-level logistic regression assessed the association between oral lesions and COVID-19 infection, and how smoking modified the associations between COVID-19 and oral lesions/conditions.
Results: Data was available from 5342 respondents from 43 countries. Of these, 8.1% reported COVID-19-infection, 42.7% had oral lesions and 12.3% were smokers. A significantly greater percentage of COVID-19-infected participants reported dry mouth and change in taste than non-infected persons. Smokers had significantly higher odds of stained teeth with COVID-19 infection than non-smokers (AOR: 1.24 and 1.00; p=0.02). The association between COVID-19-infection and dry mouth was stronger among smokers than non-smokers (AOR=1.26 and 1.03, p=0.09) while the association with change in taste was stronger among non-smokers (AOR=1.22 and 1.13, p= 0.86).
Conclusion: Dry mouth and changed taste were associated with COVID-19-infection and may be used to screen for COVID-19 in low COVID-19-testing environments. Smoking may modify the association between some oral lesions and COVID-19-infection.
Parental Education and Functional Connectivity between Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc) and Frontoparietal Network (FPN)
Authors: Darvishi Mona , Saqib Mohammed , Assari Shervin
Published: October 2021

Introduction: While previous studies have indicated an association between socioeconomic status (SES) and children’s neuroimaging measures, weaker SES effects are shown for Black than White families. This is, in part, due to processes such as stratification, racism, marginalization, and othering of Black people in the US, which act as barriers to translating SES resources into health outcomes. Purpose: This study had two aims: First, to test the association between parental education and the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) with the frontoparietal network (FPN) in children; and second, to investigate racial heterogeneity in this association. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. We analyzed the resting-state functional connectivity data of 7959 US pre-adolescents who were between 9 and 10 years old. The main outcome was the NAcc resting-state functional connectivity with FPN. Parental education was considered as an independent variable. Family structure, sex and age were the study covariates. Finally, race was regarded as the moderator. We used mixed-effects regression for data analysis with and without interaction terms between parental education and race. Results: Parental education was associated with higher NAcc resting-state functional connectivity with FPN. Race showed a statistically significant interaction with parental education, suggesting that the effects of parental education on NAcc rsFC with FPN was significantly weaker for Black pre-adolescents compared to White pre-adolescents. Conclusions: In line with Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs), the association between parental education and pre-adolescents’ NAcc rsFC with FPN is weaker in Black pre-adolescents compared to their White counterparts. This finding is of interest because FPN’s rsFC with NAcc may have a role in cognitive flexibility and reward processing. The weaker links between SES indicators and children’s neuroimaging findings for Black than for White families may reflect the racialization of Blacks in the US. Social stratification, racism, and discrimination may minimize the returns of SES in Black communities.
The diagnostic algorithm in pre-invasive cervical lesions
Authors: Loghin Mihai-George , Balalau Oana , Bacalbasa Nicolae , Vasilache Adriana , Olaru Octavian , Vasilache Andrei , Stanescu Anca
Published: October 2021

The screening for pre-invasive cervical lesions has significantly decreased the incidence of cervical neoplasm. It is recommended to be performed starting with the age of 21 with a frequency of 3-5 years and it consists of pap smear testing and HPV genotyping, and, if required, it can be continued with colposcopy or biopsy followed by pathological assessment. The importance of the early diagnosis of pre-invasive cervical lesions has led to several studies on this topic. The paper analyzed the modern literature published on the PubMed and Scopus databases. Reference studies have found that most intraepithelial lesions are caused by the presence of HPV. Other commonly associated factors are immunosuppression, multiparity and other viral infections. HPV infection can be prevented by vaccination. It is recommended for people between 11 and 26 years old and also over 27 years old if they associate risk factors. A meta-analysis performed on patients diagnosed with CIN2 revealed a lower recurrence rate in vaccinated women than in unvaccinated women. Other studies have shown the transient nature of HPV infection and spontaneous regression of pre-invasive lesions. The early diagnosis of pre-invasive lesions is necessary for the initiation of therapeutic and follow-up behavior as soon as possible, with the aim of reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. This is possible and easy to access through national health programs.