bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress Markers for Mental States and Biotypes of Depression and Anxiety: A Scoping Review and Preliminary Illustrative Analysis
Authors: Chesnut Megan , Harati Sahar , Paredes Pablo , Khan Yasser , Foudeh Amir , Kim Jayoung , Bao Zhenan , Williams Leanne M.
Published: April 2021

Depression and anxiety disrupt daily function and their effects can be long-lasting and devastating, yet there are no established physiological indicators that can be used to predict onset, diagnose, or target treatments. In this review, we conceptualize depression and anxiety as maladaptive responses to repetitive stress. We provide an overview of the role of chronic stress in depression and anxiety and a review of current knowledge on objective stress indicators of depression and anxiety. We focused on cortisol, heart rate variability and skin conductance that have been well studied in depression and anxiety and implicated in clinical emotional states. A targeted PubMed search was undertaken prioritizing meta-analyses that have linked depression and anxiety to cortisol, heart rate variability and skin conductance. Consistent findings include reduced heart rate variability across depression and anxiety, reduced tonic and phasic skin conductance in depression, and elevated cortisol at different times of day and across the day in depression. We then provide a brief overview of neural circuit disruptions that characterize particular types of depression and anxiety. We also include an illustrative analysis using predictive models to determine how stress markers contribute to specific subgroups of symptoms and how neural circuits add meaningfully to this prediction. For this, we implemented a tree-based multi-class classification model with physiological markers of heart rate variability as predictors and four symptom subtypes, including normative mood, as target variables. We achieved 40% accuracy on the validation set. We then added the neural circuit measures into our predictor set to identify the combination of neural circuit dysfunctions and physiological markers that accurately predict each symptom subtype. Achieving 54% accuracy suggested a strong relationship between those neural-physiological predictors and the mental states that characterize each subtype. Further work to elucidate the complex relationships between physiological markers, neural circuit dysfunction and resulting symptoms would advance our understanding of the pathophysiological pathways underlying depression and anxiety.
Swiss guidelines for the prehospital phase in suspected acute stroke
Authors: Kägi Georg , Schurter David , Niederhäuser Julien , De Marchis Gian Marco , Engelter Stefan , Arni Patrick , Nyenhuis Olivier , Imboden Paul , Bonvin Christophe , Luft Andreas , Renaud Susanne , Nedeltchev Krassen , Carrera Emmanuel , Cereda Carlo , Fischer Urs , Arnold Marcel , Michel Patrik
Published: April 2021

Acute stroke treatment has advanced substantially over the last years. Important milestones constitute intravenous thrombolysis, endovascular therapy (EVT), and treatment of stroke patients in dedicated units (stroke units). At present in Switzerland there are 13 certified stroke units and 10 certified EVT-capable stroke centers. Emerging challenges for the prehospital pathways are that (i) acute stroke treatment remains very time sensitive, (ii) the time window for acute stroke treatment has opened up to 24 h in selected cases, and (iii) EVT is only available in stroke centers. The goal of the current guideline is to standardize the prehospital phase of patients with acute stroke for them to receive the optimal treatment without unnecessary delays. Different prehospital models exist. For patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO), the Drip and Ship model is the most commonly used in Switzerland. This model is challenged by the Mothership model where stroke patients with suspected LVO are directly transferred to the stroke center. This latter model is only effective if there is an accurate triage by paramedics, hence the patient may benefit from the right treatment in the right place, without loss of time. Although the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale is a well-established scale to detect acute stroke in the prehospital setting, it neglects nonmotor symptoms like visual impairment or severe vertigo. Therefore we suggest “acute occurrence of a focal neurological deficit” as the trigger to enter the acute stroke pathway. For the triage whether a patient has a LVO (yes/no), there are a number of scores published. Accuracy of these scores is borderline. Nevertheless, applying the Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation score or a comparable score to recognize patients with LVO may help to speed up and triage prehospital pathways. Ultimately, the decision of which model to use in which stroke network will depend on local (e.g. geographical) characteristics.
Growth genes are implicated in the evolutionary divergence of sympatric piscivorous and insectivorous rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Grummer Jared A. , Whitlock Michael C. , Schulte Patricia M. , Taylor Eric B.
Published: April 2021

Background

Identifying ecologically significant phenotypic traits and the genomic mechanisms that underly them are crucial steps in understanding traits associated with population divergence. We used genome-wide data to identify genomic regions associated with key traits that distinguish two ecomorphs of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)—insectivores and piscivores—that coexist for the non-breeding portion of the year in Kootenay Lake, southeastern British Columbia. “Gerrards” are large-bodied, rapidly growing piscivores with high metabolic rates that spawn north of Kootenay Lake in the Lardeau River, in contrast to the insectivorous populations that are on average smaller in body size, with lower growth and metabolic rates, mainly forage on aquatic insects, and spawn in tributaries immediately surrounding Kootenay Lake. We used pool-seq data representing ~ 60% of the genome and 80 fish per population to assess the level of genomic divergence between ecomorphs and to identify and interrogate loci that may play functional or selective roles in their divergence.

Results

Genomic divergence was high between sympatric insectivores and piscivores ($$F_{\text{ST}}$$

F
ST

= 0.188), and in fact higher than between insectivorous populations from Kootenay Lake and the Blackwater River ($$F_{\text{ST}}$$

F
ST

= 0.159) that are > 500 km apart. A window-based $$F_{\text{ST}}$$

F
ST

analysis did not reveal “islands” of genomic differentiation; however, the window with highest $$F_{\text{ST}}$$

F
ST

estimate did include a gene associated with insulin secretion. Although we explored the use of the “Local score” approach to identify genomic outlier regions, this method was ultimately not used because simulations revealed a high false discovery rate (~ 20%). Gene ontology (GO) analysis identified several growth processes as enriched in genes occurring in the ~ 200 most divergent genomic windows, indicating many loci of small effect involved in growth and growth-related metabolic processes are associated with the divergence of these ecomorphs.

Conclusion

Our results reveal a high degree of genomic differentiation between piscivorous and insectivorous populations and indicate that the large body piscivorous phenotype is likely not due to one or a few loci of large effect. Rather, the piscivore phenotype may be controlled by several loci of small effect, thus highlighting the power of whole-genome resequencing in identifying genomic regions underlying population-level phenotypic divergences.
Effectiveness of medication in cluster headache
Authors: Drescher Johannes , Khouri Andreas , Amann Tina Katharina , Gaul Charly , Kropp Peter , Siebenhaar Yannic , Scheidt Jörg
Published: April 2021

Background

The aim of this work is to analyze the reports on cluster headache attacks collected online in the citizen science project CLUE with respect to the effectiveness of drugs taken during the attacks. The collection of data within the framework of citizen science projects opens up the possibility of investigating the effectiveness of acute medication on the basis of a large number of individual attacks instead of a simple survey of patients.

Methods

Data from 8369 cluster headache attacks, containing information about acute medication taken and the assessment of its effect, were collected from 133 participants using an online platform and a smartphone app. Chi-square tests were used to investigate whether the effect of the three recommended acute drugs differs when distinguishing between participants with chronic or episodic cluster headache. Furthermore, it was investigated whether there are differences between smokers and non-smokers in the assessment of the effect of the acute medication.

Results

Our participants rated the effectiveness of sumatriptan 6 mg s.c. as significantly better than oxygen and zolmitriptan nasal spray. Oxygen is considered to be significantly better in episodic versus chronic cluster headache, and sumatriptan is considered to be significantly better in chronic versus episodic cluster headache. Smokers rate the effect of oxygen as significantly better than non-smokers.

Conclusions

Despite some methodological limitations, web-based data collection is able to support findings from clinical trials in a real world setting about effectiveness of acute cluster headache treatment in several situations.
Integrative overview of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and their possible applications in COVID-19 prophylaxis and treatment
Authors: Valdez-Cruz Norma A. , García-Hernández Enrique , Espitia Clara , Cobos-Marín Laura , Altamirano Claudia , Bando-Campos Carlos G. , Cofas-Vargas Luis F. , Coronado-Aceves Enrique W. , González-Hernández Ricardo A. , Hernández-Peralta Pablo , Juárez-López Daniel , Ortega-Portilla Paola A. , Restrepo-Pineda Sara , Zelada-Cordero Patricio , Trujillo-Roldán Mauricio A.
Published: April 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel β-coronavirus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic disease, which spread rapidly, infecting more than 134 million people, and killing almost 2.9 million thus far. Based on the urgent need for therapeutic and prophylactic strategies, the identification and characterization of antibodies has been accelerated, since they have been fundamental in treating other viral diseases. Here, we summarized in an integrative manner the present understanding of the immune response and physiopathology caused by SARS-CoV-2, including the activation of the humoral immune response in SARS-CoV-2 infection and therefore, the synthesis of antibodies. Furthermore, we also discussed about the antibodies that can be generated in COVID-19 convalescent sera and their associated clinical studies, including a detailed characterization of a variety of human antibodies and identification of antibodies from other sources, which have powerful neutralizing capacities. Accordingly, the development of effective treatments to mitigate COVID-19 is expected. Finally, we reviewed the challenges faced in producing potential therapeutic antibodies and nanobodies by cell factories at an industrial level while ensuring their quality, efficacy, and safety.
Left ventricular free wall rupture as a result of delayed presentation of an inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction due to fear of COVID-19: case report
Authors: Nasr George H. , Glovaci Diana , Mikhail Andrew , Sinfield Steven , Chen Kevin , Patel Hardikkumar , Johl Michael , Chakravarthy Bharath , Singh Siddharth , Sagebin Fabio , El-Farra Ailin Barseghian
Published: April 2021

Background

Left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFWR) is a rare complication after myocardial infarction and usually occurs 1 to 4 days after the infarct. Over the past decade, the overall incidence of LVFWR has decreased given the advancements in reperfusion therapies. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant delay in hospital presentation of patients suffering myocardial infarctions, leading to a higher incidence of mechanical complications from myocardial infarctions such as LVFWR.

Case presentation

We present a case in which a patient suffered a LVFWR as a mechanical complication from myocardial infarction due to delay in seeking care over fear of contracting COVID-19 from the medical setting. The patient had been having chest pain for a few days but refused to seek medical care due to fear of contracting COVID-19 from within the medical setting. He eventually suffered a cardiac arrest at home from a massive inferior myocardial infarction and found to be in cardiac tamponade from a left ventricular perforation. He was emergently taken to the operating room to attempt to repair the rupture but he ultimately expired on the operating table.

Conclusions

The occurrence of LVFWR has been on a more significant rise over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic as patients delay seeking care over fear of contracting COVID-19 from within the medical setting. Clinicians should consider mechanical complications of MI when patients present as an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as delay in seeking care is often the exacerbating factor.
A poor prognostic metastatic nongestational choriocarcinoma of the ovary: a case report and the literature review
Authors: Nishino Kimihiro , Yamamoto Eiko , Ikeda Yoshiki , Niimi Kaoru , Yamamoto Toshimichi , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: April 2021

Background

Pure ovarian choriocarcinoma can be gestational or nongestational in origin. Nongestational pure ovarian choriocarcinoma is extremely rare and the prognosis is thought to be worse than that of the gestational type in patients with metastatic disease. We present a case of metastatic pure ovarian choriocarcinoma with poor prognosis in which the origin was identified as nongestational by DNA short tandem repeat (STR) analysis.

Case presentation

A nulliparous woman in her thirties with metastatic choriocarcinoma was referred to our hospital after initial treatment proved unsuccessful. Two months earlier, she had undergone brain tumor resection and histological examination confirmed choriocarcinoma. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentration at initial diagnosis was 5030 IU/L. Two cycles of a combination chemotherapy regimen of methotrexate, etoposide, and actinomycin-D (MEA therapy), which is commonly used for gestational choriocarcinoma, was administered. However, the disease could not be controlled. Imaging modalities at presentation revealed tumor present in the left ovary and left lung, but not in the uterus, which led us think that the choriocarcinoma was nongestational. Bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP therapy) which is commonly used for nongestational choriocarcinoma (malignant germ cell tumor) and surgical resection of the uterus, bilateral ovaries, and an affected part of the left lung led to the nadir level of hCG, but the tumor relapsed and levels of hCG again increased. To investigate the origin of choriocarcinoma, we performed DNA STR analysis of tumor cells and oral mucosal cells. Analysis revealed the origin of the choriocarcinoma as nongestational, as the genotype of tumor cells entirely corresponded with that of oral mucosal cells. BEP therapy and chemotherapy regimens administered for nongestational choriocarcinoma and gestational choriocarcinoma proved ineffective, and the patient died 21 months after diagnosis of metastatic choriocarcinoma.

Conclusion

Metastaic nongestational pure choriocarcinoma of ovary is an extremely rare and an aggressive disease, frequently resulting in poor outcome.
Optimization of SPME–GC–MS and characterization of floral scents from Aquilegia japonica and A. amurensis flowers
Authors: Wang Hua-Ying , Zhang Wei , Dong Jian-Hua , Wu Hao , Wang Yuan-Hong , Xiao Hong-Xing
Published: April 2021

Background

The floral scents of plants play a key role in plant reproduction through the communication between plants and pollinators. Aquilegia as a model species for studying evolution, however, there have been few studies on the floral scents and relationships between floral scents and pollination for Aquilegia taxa.

Methods

In this study, three types of solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) fiber coatings (DVB/PDMS, CAR/PDMS, DVB/CAR/PDMS) were evaluated for their performance in extracting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from flowers of Aquilegia amurensis, which can contribute to the future studies of elucidating the role of floral scents in the pollination process.

Results

In total, 55 VOCs were identified, and among them, 50, 47 and 45 VOCs were extracted by the DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber, CAR/PDMS fiber and DVB/PDMS fibers, respectively. Only 30 VOCs were detected in A. japonica taxa. Furthermore, the relative contents of 8 VOCs were significant different (VIP > 1 and p < 0.05) between the A. amurensis and A. japonica.

Conclusions

The results can be applied in new studies of the relationships between the chemical composition of floral scents and the processes of attraction of pollinator. It may provide new ideas for rapid evolution and frequent interspecific hybridization of Aquilegia.
Introduction to the article by Harold Biswell: Prescribed Burning in Georgia and California Compared
Authors: Stephens Scott L. , van Wagtendonk Jan W. , Agee James K. , Wakimoto Ronald H.
Published: April 2021

Harold Biswell first learned about the benefits of prescribed fire in forest management when he was a Forest Service researcher in Georgia, USA. After he accepted a professorship in the School of Forestry at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, he was surprised to find out that prescribed fire was not an accepted practice in California. He set out to conduct a series of studies to explore the effects of prescribed fire in forests of California and compare those effects to those he observed in Georgia.
Interpret with Caution: COPUS Instructional Styles May Not Differ in Terms of Practices That Support Student Learning
Authors: McConnell Melody , Boyer Jeffrey , Montplaisir Lisa M. , Arneson Jessie B. , Harding Rachel L.S. , Farlow Brian , Offerdahl Erika G.
Published: April 2021

The Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (COPUS) instructional styles reliably distinguish between frequency patterns of classroom behaviors, but do not readily discern differences in formative assessment and feedback. Given the positive relationship between formative assessment and student learning, this study highlights the limitations of the COPUS in documenting the results of STEM reform.
Pilot Study of Dacomitinib for Patients With Metastatic EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancers With Disease Progression After Initial Treatment With Osimertinib
Authors: Choudhury Noura J. , Makhnin Alex , Tobi Yosef Y. , Daly Robert M. , Preeshagul Isabel R. , Iqbal Afsheen N. , Ahn Linda S. , Hayes Sara A. , Heller Glenn , Kris Mark G. , Riely Gregory J. , Yu Helena A.
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE

Patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancer have no approved targeted therapies after disease progression on first-line osimertinib, a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Preclinical studies suggest that tumors with both EGFR-sensitizing alteration and acquired second-site EGFR resistance alterations after treatment with osimertinib retain sensitivity to second-generation EGFR TKIs. We hypothesized that dacomitinib, a pan-human epidermal growth factor receptor TKI, may be effective in this setting.

METHODS

In this phase II study, patients who had progressed on first-line osimertinib were treated with dacomitinib 45 mg orally daily until disease progression or intolerability. The primary end point was objective response rate.

RESULTS

We enrolled 12 patients. Two partial responses were documented (17% objective response rate; 95% CI, 5 to 45). The median progression-free survival was 1.8 months (95% CI, 1.6 to not reached). One patient with an original sensitizing EGFR G719A mutation and one patient without molecular testing available had partial responses, whereas 0 of the 3 patients with second-site acquired EGFR resistance mutations (two C797S and one G724S) met the response criteria. The patient with EGFR G719A has an ongoing response at 17 months, which exceeds prior time on osimertinib (11 months).

CONCLUSION

In the first trial evaluating a second-generation EGFR TKI after first-line third-generation osimertinib, we found that dacomitinib after disease progression on osimertinib has limited benefit.
(De)Facing Time
Authors: Normandin Shawn
Published: April 2021

The title of John Ashbery’s 1965 poem “Clepsydra” alludes to Charles Baudelaire’s “L’Horloge,” from Les Fleurs du mal, and reading Ashbery’s poem as a response to “L’Horloge” helps refine our understanding of his place in literary history, a process this essay pursues by considering “Clepsydra” in relation to influential readings of poetry offered by some of Ashbery’s major contemporaries (Marjorie Perloff, Paul de Man, and Harold Bloom). Exemplifying the allegorical mode of modernism that the young Ashbery resists, Baudelaire’s poem manifests the triumph of linear time; “Clepsydra” imagines time as circular flow, averting allegorical time chiefly by means of prosopopoeia and metalepsis. The most old-fashioned of allegorical devices, prosopopoeia abounds in “Clepsydra,” but Ashbery repeatedly endeavors to counteract it, and metalepsis by its nature resists linearity. Despite the poem’s astonishing inventiveness, however, in the poem the resilience of allegory and of linear time is ultimately reaffirmed.
The Biological Basis of Sexual Behaviour in Amphibia. IV
Authors: Shapiro H. A.
Published: April 2021

The absence of the nares in either the male or the female South African clawed toad, or simultaneously in both partners of injected pairs of animals does not interfere in any way with the correct orientation of the male in the adoption of the normal lumbar embrace during coupling. The mating reflex occurred spontaneously in Rana temporaria at the time of the breeding season under captive conditions in 70 per cent, of the animals observed. This reflex was completely inhibited in pairs of animals which had the anterior lobes of their pituitaries removed before the breeding season in both the males and the females (23 pairs); in the males only (10 pairs); or in the females only (10 pairs). Oviposition did not occur regularly in the control animals which mated in the laboratory. The eggs laid were not always fertilized. Fertilized eggs were not viable for more than 2 or 3 days. Removal of the gonads in both the males and the females (28 pairs of Rana) before the breeding season completely inhibited the mating reflex in these animals during the breeding season. Injection of active anterior pituitary extracts into South African clawed toads previously hypophysectomized (anterior lobe alone or both lobes) elicited the normal mating reflex after the normal post-injection interval. Injection of these extracts into gonadectomized clawed toads, or toads with gonadal hypofunction, failed to elicit the mating reflex. Evidence is considered in support of the hypothesis that the pituitary-gonadal relation involved in the act of mating is a hormonal one.
Electrical Transients in the Cell-Volume Response to Cyclic Amp of the Tsetse Fly Malpighian Tubule
Authors: Isaacson Leon C. , Nicolson Susan W.
Published: April 2021

Using cyclic AMP to stimulate perfused tsetse fly Malpighian tubules bathed in SO42− Ringer frequently causes an immediate but transient peak in transtubular potential (Vt), before stabilisation of Vt at an increased value. These transients were investigated by monitoring the associated changes in cable properties and current–voltage (I/V) relationships. Tubules were perfused and bathed in either Cl− Ringer or SO42− Ringer (containing 8 mmol l−1 Cl−). Tubules bathed in Cl− Ringer showed a transient swelling of the cells on exposure to cyclic AMP. Cable analysis confirmed the visually observed narrowing of the tubular lumen and revealed transient increases in core resistance (Rc) and transtubular resistance (Rt). As the cells returned to their initial volume, the lumen became distended, and Rc and Rt fell below their initial levels. These changes were accompanied by an increase, and a subsequent decrease, in the slope of the I/V plot. None of the above changes was apparent in SO42− Ringer, other than a fall in Rt and in the slope of the I/V plot. The results suggest that, in Cl− Ringer, cyclic AMP induces swelling of the tubular cells by promoting increased basolateral solute (and water) entry and that the subsequent rapid return to normal cell volume, with a concomitant progressive increase in the rate of tubular secretion, reflects the operation of a specific cell-volume regulatory mechanism of transepithelial transport. The cyclic-AMP-induced peak that occurs in Vt in SO42− Ringer appears to be primarily due to a transient overshoot in the fall in series resistance (i.e. an increase in basolateral Na+ conductance), accompanied by a proportionately lesser increase in shunt resistance.
Faecal Firing in a Skipper Caterpillar is Pressure-Driven
Authors: Caveney Stanley , McLean Heather , Surry David
Published: April 2021

Many leaf-rolling caterpillars have a rigid anal comb attached to the lower surface of the anal plate (or shield) situated above the anus. This comb is widely assumed to be a lever used to ‘flick’ away frass pellets. An alternative mechanism to explain pellet discharge is proposed on the basis of observations on the caterpillar of the skipper Calpodes ethlius. The model proposes that the underside of the anal plate serves as a blood-pressure-driven surface for the ejection of faecal pellets. Rather than acting as a lever, the anal comb serves as a latch to prevent the premature distortion of the lower wall of the anal plate until the anal haemocoel compartment is fully pressurized. The anal comb is swung into position during pellet extrusion by retractor muscles attached at its base and held in place by a catch formed by a blood-swollen torus of everted rectal wall. As the caterpillar raises the blood pressure in its anal compartment by contracting its anal prolegs, the comb eventually slips over the toral catch. This causes the underside of the anal plate to move rapidly backwards as the blood pressure is released, projecting the pellet resting against it through the air. Simulation suggests that a local blood pressure of at least 10 kPa (75 mmHg) would be required to accelerate the lower surface of the anal plate outwards at a rate fast enough to discharge a 10 mg pellet at an observed mean velocity of 1.3 m s−1.
Performance of Pak Universities in Global Science
Authors: Meo Sultan Ayoub , Jawaid Shaukat Ali
Published: April 2021

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.4603

How to cite this:Meo SA, Jawaid SA. Performance of Pak Universities in Global Science. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(4):927-930. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.4603

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Σενέκας, Οιδίπους
Authors: Ζαρωτιάδης Νικόλαος
Published: April 2021

Ο Σενέκας με επιδέξιο και πρωτότυπο τρόπο μεταφέρει τον γνωστό μύθο του Οιδίποδα επί ρωμαϊκής σκηνής. Χτυπημένος από την καταστροφική μανία του fatum, ο βασιλιάς της Θήβας αναζητεί την αληθινή του ταυτότητα. Μέσα από διακειμενικές προσεγγίσεις και μεταδραματικές αναφορές αποκαλύπτεται η τραγική μοίρα του Οιδίποδα, ο οποίος στο τέλος του δράματος εξαίρεται μέσα από το τραγικό πάθος και μεταμορφώνεται σε Στωικό ήρωα που υπομένει καρτερικά τα δεινά του, προκειμένου να σώσει τους συμπολίτες του.
A protocol to assess the risk of dementia among patients with coronary artery diseases using CAIDE score
Authors: Omi Fardina Rahman , Barua Lingkan , Banik Palash Chandra , Faruque Mithila
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on the later development of dementia is not well studied globally. Therefore, this study aims to determine the long-term risk of dementia using a mobile application-based tool in addition to elucidating the contributing factors among CAD patients. 

Protocol: This cross-sectional study collected data from 285 stable CAD patients admitted to the “Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute” for coronary revascularization from August 2019 to July 2020. The patients were recruited using a convenient sampling technique due to economic and logistical issues. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Physical parameters (blood pressure and anthropometry) were measured while maintaining the adequate privacy of the patients. The biochemical parameters analyzed by the hospital lab were also collected. The next phase of this study involves the use of a mobile application that uses the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) dementia risk score, to determine the risk factors associated with dementia. In addition, a descriptive statistical and inferential analysis will also be performed to determine the key contributing risk factors linked to the development of dementia.

Ethics and dissemination: The study has been reviewed and approved by the Ethical Review Committee of Bangladesh University of Health Sciences. The results will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, social media, online news portal, the internet, and various community/stakeholder engagement activities.

Conclusion: As a baseline study of the country, this study will fill a key knowledge gap in the pathway to the development of better interventions for dementia in Bangladesh. Outcomes from this study will also help with raising awareness on the association of mental health-related issues with cardiovascular diseases so that an improved cardiac rehabilitation program can be implemented in Bangladesh.
Teaching and learning how to make informed health choices: Protocol for a context analysis in Spanish primary schools
Authors: Martínez García Laura , Samsó Jofra Laura , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Ansuategi Eukane , Asso Mistral Laia , Ballesteros Monica , Canelo-Aybar Carlos , Casino Gonzalo , Gallego Iborra Ana , Niño de Guzmán Quispe Ena Pery , Requeijo Carolina , Roqué i Figuls Marta , Salas Karla , Ubeda Mar , Urreta Iratxe , Rosenbaum Sarah
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The Informed Health Choices (IHC) project developed learning resources to teach primary school children (10 to 12-year-olds) to assess treatment claims and make informed health choices. The aim of our study is to explore the educational context for teaching and learning critical thinking about health in Spanish primary schools.

Methods

During the 2020-2021 school year, we will conduct 1) a systematic assessment of educational documents and resources, and 2) semi-structured interviews with key education and health stakeholders. In the systematic assessment of educational documents and resources, we will include state and autonomous communities’ curriculums, school educational projects, and commonly used textbooks and other health teaching materials. In the semi-structured interviews, we will involve education and health policy makers, developers of learning resources, developers of health promotion and educational interventions, head teachers, teachers, families, and paediatric primary care providers. We will design and pilot a data extraction form and a semi-structured interview guide to collect the data. We will perform a quantitative and a qualitative analysis of the data to explore how critical thinking about health is being taught and learned in Spanish primary schools.

Conclusion

We will identify opportunities for and barriers to teaching and learning critical thinking about health in Spanish primary schools. We will formulate recommendations—for both practice and research purposes—on how to use, adapt (if needed), and implement the IHC resources in this context.
Optical coherence tomography’s current clinical medical and dental applications: a review
Authors: Ali Saqib , Gilani Saqlain Bin Syed , Shabbir Juzer , Almulhim Khalid S. , Bugshan Amr , Farooq Imran
Published: April 2021

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive investigative technique that is used to obtain high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) images of biological structures. This method is useful in diagnosing diseases of specific organs like the eye, where a direct biopsy cannot be conducted. Since its inception, significant advancements have been made in its technology. Apart from its initial application in ophthalmology for retinal imaging, substantial technological innovations in OCT brought by the research community have enabled its utilization beyond its original scope and allowed its application in many new clinical areas. This review presents a summary of the clinical applications of OCT in the field of medicine (ophthalmology, cardiology, otology, and dermatology) and dentistry (tissue imaging, detection of caries, analysis of dental polymer composite restorations, imaging of root canals, and diagnosis of oral cancer). In addition, potential advantages and disadvantages of OCT are also discussed.
Technical Note—Two-Stage Sample Robust Optimization
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Shtern Shimrit , Sturt Bradley
Published: April 2021

In “Two-Stage Sample Robust Optimization,” Bertsimas, Shtern, and Sturt investigate a simple approximation scheme, based on overlapping linear decision rules, for solving data-driven two-stage distributionally robust optimization problems with the type-infinity Wasserstein ambiguity set. Their main result establishes that this approximation scheme is asymptotically optimal for two-stage stochastic linear optimization problems; that is, under mild assumptions, the optimal cost and optimal first-stage decisions obtained by approximating the robust optimization problem converge to those of the underlying stochastic problem as the number of data points grows to infinity. These guarantees notably apply to two-stage stochastic problems that do not have relatively complete recourse, which arise frequently in applications. In this context, the authors show through numerical experiments that the approximation scheme is practically tractable and produces decisions that significantly outperform those obtained from state-of-the-art data-driven alternatives.
Impact of Different Dietary Patterns and Micronutrients on the Immune System and COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Aljadani Haya
Published: April 2021

Globally, the pandemic of coronavirus disease -2019 (Covid-19) has increased people's focus on the importance of consuming a healthy diet to promote their immune defenses. It has been established that many factors influence the immune system, including genetics, hormonal, and nutrition status. This study reviews the effect of the different dietary patterns and some selected micronutrients that most populations suffer from its deficiency, such as vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and iron, on the immune system. The aim was to focus on the impact of different diets and many nutrients on immunity which may protect or ameliorate COVID-19 patients. Mediterranean diet (MidDiet) is characterized by excellent vegetables, fruits, seeds, seafood, and moderate meat. This dietary pattern is linked to a well-functioning immune system. MedDiet contains many antioxidants as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and polyphenols that exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. MedDiet may be considered an effective and reasonably simple way to attenuate the intensity of COVID-19 infection. The vegetarian diet (VegDiet), the plant-based diet, is also linked to healthy immune responses. It plays a criteria role in activating and strengthen both innate and adaptive immunity. It increases gut mucosa health and reduces autoimmunity related disorders. Contrariwise, the western diet (WestDiet) is a popular pattern intake rich in carbohydrates, salt, saturated and trans lipid, while lacking in complex carbohydrates and fibers. This dietary pattern leads indirectly to increase inflammatory markers, obesity, and many diseases. Available evidence indicates that several micronutrients, including vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and iron, play an immune-supporting role, modulate the immune activity, and lower the possibility of infection. Optimizing vitamin D and zinc status definitely has advantages in COVID-19 patients. Evidence showed that various diet and different micronutrients play a role in the immune system and COVID-19 patients.
Calcium Enriched Nutrimix Flour Supplement for Lactating Mothers: Optimized by Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Gupta Chhavi , Khedkar Renu , Negi Kiran , Singh Karuna
Published: April 2021

Calcium deficiency in lactating mothers has been a widespread concern and a serious threat to the health of infants and mothers, therefore the present study has been designed to develop, Calcium-rich Nutrimix flour for lactating mothers; optimized by the response surface methodology (RSM) to supplement one-third calcium needs of lactating mother as per RDA. A Randomized Box-Behnken experimental design has been conducted to determine the optimum formulation of Nutrimix Flour. Forty-six sets of experiments were conducted to arrive at the optimized values of flour. The mixing ratio is formulated from a variety of ingredients as Finger Millet (37.5 g), Semolina (11.25 g), Green Gram (27.5 g), Amaranth Seeds (8.75 g), and Gingley Seeds (15 g) respectively. The nutrient content of the optimized flour was calcium (398.2±0.89 mg), Iron (4.8±0.14 mg), Moisture (7.7±0.2%), Protein (16.4±0.99%), Carbohydrates (65.6±0.22 g), Energy Value (389.29±1.24 Kcal), and Crude fat (2.04±0.30%). The functional properties of the optimized flour were swelling capacity 16.2±0.21%, Water absorption capacity (40.4±0.44%), Oil absorption capacity (36±0.9%), Emulsion Activity (42.7±0.3%), Emulsion stability (47.6±0.4%), and Bulk density (762±1.5 Kg/m³). The formulated Nutrimix flour is rich in calcium, protein contents and it was used to prepare various ready-to-cook food recipes for lactating mothers.
Instant Drink Powder Development from Lotus Root with Probiotic Supplement using Foam Mat Drying Method
Authors: Tanganurat Palida , Lichanporn Intira , Nunthachai Nanchanok
Published: April 2021

In this study, we developed instant drink powder of lotus root water using steviol glycoside as a non-nutritive sweetener at different concentrations (0.01, 0.03 and 0.05% w/v) and flavor (Chrysanthemum, Pandan leaves and Roselle) addition on color, pH, %TA, TSS and organoleptic quality properties. The additional of steviol glycoside did not show any effects on physicochemical properties. Results show that 0.03% steviol glycoside and Pandan leaves addition exhibited the highest score of sensorial features significantly. Moreover, this formula was made as foam-mat dried to obtain lotus root supplemented with probiotics powders. The effects of composition ratio of methylcellulose: egg albumin (1:1, 1:2, 1.5:1 and 1.5:2) on the lotus root foam properties were investigated. It was observed that increase in the concentration of methylcellulose decreased foam stability and foam density. Foams were prepared from Lactobacillus plantarum M29 and Peddiococcus pentosaceus MG12 with lotus root water by adding the different concentrations of foaming agents at a whipping time of 15 min. The composition ratio of methylcellulose: egg albumin (1.5:1) provided preferable foam characteristics. The greatest resulting foams were dried at 60 °C for 3 h. The lotus root with probiotics instant drink was able to possess the antioxidant activity and viable probiotics count (more than 7 log CFU/g) during storage at both refrigeration and room temperature for a month.
Stannous Oxide Thick Film Nanosensors Design by Screen Printing Technology: Structural, Electrical Parameters and H2s Gas Detection Study
Authors: Tupe Umesh Jagannath , Patil Arun Vitthal , Zambare Madhukar Sarvottam , Koli Prashant Bhimrao
Published: April 2021

The present research deals with the fabrication of stannous oxide nanoparticles by conventional and cost effective co precipitation method. The thick film sensors of SnO2 nanoparticles were prepared by standard screen-printing technique by photolithography. The prepared SnO2 material was characterized by several techniques to confirm the structural properties. Initially, the prepared nanoparticles of SnO2 were investigated by x-ray diffraction technique to confirm the synthesis of prepared material within nanoscale. From XRD data the average particle size of prepared thick films was found to be 21.87 nm calculated using Debye-Scherer formula. The material was further characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the structural and surface characteristic of SnO2. SEM data clearly indicates the heterogeneous surface, and some voids present over the surface of SnO2 nanoparticles. The Fourier transfer infra red technique was employed to investigate the metal oxygen frequency of SnO2 material. The prepared sensor was exclusively utilized to sense the hydrogen sulfide gas vapors at various concentrations. The prepared sensor was found to be highly sensitive to H2S vapors nearly 63.8% sensitivity was recorded. The response and recovery study shows the response time of 9 seconds and recovery time of 19 seconds for hydrogen sulfide gas vapors. The SnO2 sensor was further utilized for recycling performance to get the firm results of sensitivity in four turns with period of 15 days.
Hydraulic Conductivity Measurement for Three Frozen and Unfrozen Soils in the Red River of the North Basin
Authors: Roy Debjit , Jia Xinhua , Chu Xuefeng , Jacobs Jennifer M.
Published: April 2021

Highlights

Hydraulic conductivity was measured in frozen and unfrozen soil conditions by a minidisk infiltrometer.

In the RRB, frozen sandy loam and silty clay soils had the highest and lowest hydraulic conductivity, respectively.

Three simple equations were developed for the three soils to predict frozen soil hydraulic conductivity.

Freeze-thaw cycles reduced soil hydraulic conductivity.

Abstract. Hydraulic conductivity (k) is a key parameter in describing water movement through a soil profile. In the Red River of the North basin (RRB), the hydraulic properties of frozen soils vary with temperature, water content, and other factors. In this study, a minidisk infiltrometer was used to measure the k values of three soils from the RRB: Colvin silty clay loam, Fargo silty clay, and Hecla sandy loam. The k values were measured for frozen and unfrozen soils with five different initial soil water contents: oven dry, permanent wilting point, field capacity, midway between permanent wilting point and field capacity, and saturation. The results showed that the mean k value of a frozen soil increased with an increase in initial soil water contents. Hecla soil had the highest k values and Fargo soil had the lowest k values for frozen soils. Three equations were fitted with the measured k values of Colvin silty clay loam, Fargo silty clay, and Hecla sandy loam soils. The k values were also estimated using the Motovilov model. When evaluating model performance, the fitted regression models agreed more closely with the measured k values (index of agreement, d, values of 0.96, 0.94, and 0.94 for Colvin, Fargo, and Hecla soils, respectively) than Motovilov models. Based on overall considerations of statistical measures, the fitted regression models predicted the k values better than Motovilov models for all three frozen soils. It was also found that the k values decreased with an increase in the number of the freeze and thaw cycles that changed the soil properties. Keywords: Frozen soil, Hydraulic conductivity, Mini disk infiltrometer, Red River Valley.
Disrupted signal variability of spontaneous neural activity in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Hu Zhenyan , Liu Lu , Wang Mengjing , Jia Gaoding , Li Haimei , Si Feifei , Dong Min , Qian Qiujin , Niu HaiJing
Published: April 2021

Brain signal variability (BSV) has shown to be powerful in characterizing human brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders. Multiscale entropy (MSE) is a novel method for quantifying the variability of brain signal, and helps elucidate complex dynamic pathological mechanisms in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here, multiple-channel resting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) imaging data were acquired from 42 children with ADHD and 41 healthy controls (HCs) and then BSV was calculated for each participant based on the MSE analysis. Compared with HCs, ADHD group exhibited reduced BSV in both high-order and primary brain functional networks, e.g., the default mode, frontoparietal, attention and visual networks. Intriguingly, the BSV aberrations negatively correlated with ADHD symptoms in the frontoparietal network and negatively correlated with reaction time variability in the frontoparietal, default mode, somatomotor and attention networks. This study demonstrates a wide alternation in the moment-to-moment variability of spontaneous brain signal in children with ADHD, and highlights the potential for using MSE metric as a disease biomarker.
Prototype of a compact rubidium-based optical frequency reference for operation on nanosatellites
Authors: Strangfeld Aaron , Kanthak Simon , Schiemangk Max , Wiegand Benjamin , Wicht Andreas , Ling Alexander , Krutzik Markus
Published: April 2021

Space-borne optical frequency references based on spectroscopy of atomic vapors may serve as an integral part of compact optical atomic clocks, which can advance global navigation systems or can be utilized for earth observation missions as part of laser systems for cold atom gradiometers. Nanosatellites offer low launch costs, multiple deployment opportunities, and short payload development cycles, enabling rapid maturation of optical frequency references and underlying key technologies in space. Toward an in-orbit demonstration on such a platform, we have developed a CubeSat-compatible prototype of an optical frequency reference based on the D2 transition in rubidium. A frequency instability of

1.7
×

10

−
12

at 1 s averaging time is achieved. The optical module occupies a volume of

35

c
m

3

, weighs 73 g, and consumes 780 mW of power.
A mouse model of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome has impaired fear memory, which is rescued by lithium treatment
Authors: Pak Thomas K. , Carter Calvin S. , Zhang Qihong , Huang Sunny C. , Searby Charles , Hsu Ying , Taugher Rebecca J. , Vogel Tim , Cychosz Christopher C. , Genova Rachel , Moreira Nina N. , Stevens Hanna , Wemmie John A. , Pieper Andrew A. , Wang Kai , Sheffield Val C.
Published: April 2021

Primary cilia are microtubule-based organelles present on most cells that regulate many physiological processes, ranging from maintaining energy homeostasis to renal function. However, the role of these structures in the regulation of behavior remains unknown. To study the role of cilia in behavior, we employ mouse models of the human ciliopathy, Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS). Here, we demonstrate that BBS mice have significant impairments in context fear conditioning, a form of associative learning. Moreover, we show that postnatal deletion of BBS gene function, as well as congenital deletion, specifically in the forebrain, impairs context fear conditioning. Analyses indicated that these behavioral impairments are not the result of impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation. However, our results indicate that these behavioral impairments are the result of impaired hippocampal neurogenesis. Two-week treatment with lithium chloride partially restores the proliferation of hippocampal neurons which leads to a rescue of context fear conditioning. Overall, our results identify a novel role of cilia genes in hippocampal neurogenesis and long-term context fear conditioning.