bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenging the highstand-dormant paradigm for land-detached submarine canyons
Authors: Heijnen Maarten , Mienis Furu , Gates Andrew , Bett Brian , Hall Robert , Hunt James , Kane Ian , Pebody Corinne , Huvenne Veerle , Soutter Euan , Clare Michael
Published: March 2022

Sediment, nutrients, organic carbon and pollutants are funnelled down submarine canyons from continental shelves by sediment-laden flows called turbidity currents, which dominate particulate transfer to the deep sea. Post-glacial sea-level rise disconnected more than three quarters of the > 9000 submarine canyons worldwide from their former river or long-shore drift sediment inputs. Existing models therefore assume that land-detached submarine canyons are dormant in the present-day; however, monitoring has focused on land-attached canyons and this paradigm remains untested. Here we present the most detailed field measurements yet of turbidity currents within a land-detached submarine canyon, documenting a remarkably similar frequency (6 yr− 1) and speed (up to 5–8 ms− 1) to those in large land-attached submarine canyons. Major triggers such as storms or earthquakes are not required; instead, seasonal variations in cross-shelf sediment transport explain temporal-clustering of flows, and why the storm season is surprisingly absent of turbidity currents. As > 1000 other canyons have a similar configuration, we propose that contemporary deep-sea particulate transport via such land detached canyons may have been dramatically under-estimated.
Respiratory and cardiac motion correction in PET using elastic motion approach for simultaneous abdomen and thorax PET/MRI.
Authors: Farag Adam , Schaefferkoetter Joshua , Kohan Andres , Hong Inki , Jones Judson , Stanescu Teodor , Hannemann Kate , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Young Ivan , Metser Ur , Haibach Patrick Veit
Published: March 2022

Background: Cardiac and respiratory motions in clinical positron emission tomography (PET) is a major contributor to inaccurate PET quantification and lesion characterisation. In this study, an elastic motion-correction (eMOCO) technique based on mass preservation optical flow is adapted and investigated for PET/MR applications. Methods: The eMOCO technique was investigated in a motion management QA phantom and in twenty-four patients who underwent PET/MR for dedicated liver imaging and nine patients for cardiac PET/MR evaluation. Data were acquired and then reconstructed with different gating modes and motion correction techniques and compared to static images. Standardized uptake value (SUV), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of lesions activities from each gating mode and correction technique were measured and there means/standard deviation (STD) were compared using 2-ways ANOVA analysis and post-hocTukey’s test.Results: Lesions’ s SNR are highly recovered from phantom and patient studies. The STD of the SUV resulted from the eMOCO technique was statistically significantly less (p<0.01) than the STD resulted from conventional gated and static SUVs at the liver, lung and heart.Conclusions: The eMOCO technique was successfully implemented in PET/MR imaging in a clinical setting and produced the lowest STD compared to gated and static images, and hence provided the least noisy PET images. Therefore, the eMOCO technique can potentially be used on PET/MRI for improved respiratory and cardiac motion correction.
Fluorescein pen: a novel tool with good ease of use for corneal fluorescein staining
Authors: Jiang Yuting , Wang Jingru , Zhang Ling , Huang Mingye , Gao Yingying
Published: March 2022

Background
The purpose of this study was to validate a fluorescein pen for use in corneal staining and to compare this novel technique with two conventional tools.
Methods
An insulin pen was converted into a fluorescein pen for use in corneal staining. The fluorescein pen was provided to 15 ophthalmologists for evaluating the ease of use as compared with two other tools (standard fluorescein strips and the 1 mL syringe method). Each fluorescein pen was used multiple times and underwent microbiological cultivation weekly. If the microbial culture was negative, the pen was used until the fluorescein in the cartridge was used up. Cornea fluorescein staining with three tools was conducted on 16 patients. Images were taken under slit lamp cobalt blue light to assess image quality and consistency.
Results
The average application span for the fluorescein pen was 87.7 ± 17.0 days (n = 15). No microbial growth was detected in any sample during the application period. Ophthalmologists’ assessments for ease of use via evaluation scores on a five-point Likert scale were 4.933 ± 0.26, 2.6 ± 0.83, and 2.2 ± 0.68 for the pen, strips, and syringe method, respectively. The fluorescein pen demonstrated greater ease of use than the other two tools (p < 0.0001). Image quality and consistency using the fluorescein pen were improved as compared with the other two tools.
Conclusions
We conclude that the fluorescein pen has several advantages over traditional staining methods, including greater ease of use, safety for multiple uses, and better yield in terms of improved corneal staining images.
Management, Prospects and Challenges of Akagera Wetland Management in the north-western Tanzania
Authors: Mkonda Msafiri Yusuph
Published: March 2022

Akagera is among the trans-boundary wetland ecosystems found in east Africa. Since the ecosystem serves the livelihoods of majority communities, it needs sustainable management to ensure its continued life support. This qualitative study serves to inform policy makers, socio-economic practitioners, development partners, and the communities at large on the prospects and challenges related to management of Akagera wetland. This establishment is particularly important in advancing on the existing body of knowledge. To execute such objective, the study identified some important resources found in the area, their socio-economic potentials, and challenges related to their management. Key informant interview and theme content analysis were the major methods for data collection and analysis, respectively. Here, the study exhibits that River Kagera, wildlife in national parks, wetlands, fertile soils and forests are among the most important resources found in the landscape. These resources serve as sources of water for domestic and agricultural production, energy, tourism, and meat, just to mention a few. Currently, the Tanzania National Parks which is a government institution manages the national parks and associated environmental resources in the landscape. Other resources such as water are managed by the respective sectoral ministries or in integration. However, some of the salient challenges associated with the management of Akagera wetland ecosystem include; financial constraint, poaching, forest deforestation, impacts of climate change, encroachment to wetland and national parks, cultural barriers, political instability, and unharmonized wildlife polices among the east African countries. Therefore, it is important to impose harmonized policies related to the management of this wetland ecosystem among the benefiting countries, strengthen joint patrols, and raise awareness among the people on the management of all trans-boundary resources in east African region. This study proposes further researches in the landscape especially on the political and social cultural barriers related to the management.
Drought Variation Characteristics and Effects on Vegetation Productivity in Gansu, Northwest China
Authors: Cheng Junqi , Yin Shuyan
Published: March 2022

Changes in vegetation productivity (GPP) have an important impact on the global carbon cycle. Gansu is located in the arid and semi-arid region in northwest China, and its ecological environment is fragile. The study of the impact of drought on GPP is of great significance to the global ecosystem carbon cycle. Based on the SPEI index in Gansu from 2000 to 2020, this paper analyzed the changing characteristics of drought and its impact on GPP. The results revealed that: (1) In the past 21 years, the annual SPEI-12 has been increasing at a rate of 0.3/10a, and it was divided into two distinct dry and wet stages. Before 2018, it was mainly dry, after 2018, it was mainly humid. SPEI-3 decreased at a rate of 0.1/10a in spring, fluctuated significantly in summer, and increased in autumn and winter.(2) The annual SPEI-12 of most meteorological stations was less than 0, the SPEI value increased from northwest to southeast. Except for summer, the SPEI-3 value varied greatly in other seasons, increasing from west to east in spring, decreasing from south to north in autumn, and decreasing from west to east in winter.(3) GPP displayed a significant increasing trend (R2 = 0.57, p < 0.01) in Gansu from 2000 to 2020 .The spatial variation increased from northwest to southeast.(4) Annual SPEI-12 was positively correlated with GPP, SPEI-3 was negatively correlated with GPP in spring and autumn, and positively correlated in summer and winter. The correlation between SPEI-3 and GPP in summer passed the significance test.
Site Effects Assessment and Soil-Structure Resonance in The Old Center of Algiers
Authors: PONODOLIS Emma , Souici Rania
Published: March 2022

During earthquakes affecting urban areas, we often deplore damages to buildings. The pattern of these damages depends on the characteristics of the event, the site response, and the vulnerability of exposed structures. The old urban center of Algiers is a densely populated district. Preserving human lives is therefore of primary importance. Soil-structure interaction is an important factor in site-wide risk assessment. When the ground and supported buildings have similar frequencies, this interaction induces a phenomenon called resonance.
In this study, the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and the Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) of microtremors techniques were applied in order to evaluate the fundamental frequencies of the ground; as well as the fundamental, longitudinal, and transverse frequencies of each selected building. This investigation aimed to detect the existence of the resonance phenomenon. If we assume that the sample of buildings tested is representative of the urban district of the area studied, we can conclude that buildings in the old center of Algiers, are not exposed to a resonance phenomenon. The same conclusion was observed from the analysis of the results of the post-seismic investigations obtained from two major past earthquakes, El Asnam on 10/10/1980 and Boumerdes on 21/05/2003. The first one is considered as a distant event from Algiers, while the second one is at a nearby location.
Neutralization-activity of Sera/IgG Obtained from Fully BNT162b2- Vaccinated Individuals Against 10 Clinical SARS-CoV-2 isolates Including Various VOCs (Alpha/Beta/Gamma/Delta) and VUM (Kappa)
Authors: Amano Masayuki , Otsu Sachiko , Maeda Kenji , Uemura Yukari , Shimizu Yosuke , Matsuoka Masao , Shimada Shinya , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: March 2022

In the present prospective study, 225 individuals in Kumamoto General Hospital, Japan, who received two-doses of BNT162b2 vaccine were enrolled/followed up over 150 days. Neutralizing activity (NT50) of sera on day-60 post-1st -dose against wild-type (SARS-CoV-2Wuhan)(n = 211) and 9 variants (VOCs; Alpha/Beta/Gamma/Delta, and VUM; Kappa)(n = 45) were examined. Also, antiviral activity (EC50) of IgG obtained from day-60 sera against SARS-CoV-2Wuhan and 9 variants were evaluated (n = 45). Finally, time-dependent alterations of IgG-activity (n = 25) against SARS-CoV-2Wuhan/variants were examined. Day-60 sera showed reduced NT50 by more than 50% against all variants, and greatest reduction was seen with Beta. IgG of high-responders (IgGhighs) and moderate-responders (IgGmoderates) showed similar fold-changes in EC50 against each variant compared to SARS-CoV-2Wuhan. However, absolute EC50 of IgGhighs were 2 ~ 3-folds greater than those of IgGmoderates against all SARS-CoV-2s. Evaluation of EC50 of IgG obtained at different time-points (day-28 to -150) revealed time-dependent reduction of IgG-activity against various VOCs/VUM. However, against Delta, relatively long-lasting favorable EC50 (at least 150 days) of both IgG were observed. Our data strongly suggest that rapid expansion of vaccine administration in Japan was remarkably effective to repress SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with the spread of Delta, and give insights in better understanding of the antiviral-efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and vaccine-elicited immune-response.
Genetic variation of HSD17B13 is associated with an increased risk of lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Fan Hong , Zhang Xin , Zhang Pengyan , Liu Zhenqiu , Han Xinyu , Shi Tingting , Wu Sheng , Xu Yiyun , Zhao Xiaolan , Chen Xingdong , Zhang Tiejun
Published: March 2022

Background/purpose: Carriage of HSD17B13 rs72613567:TA is associated with a reduced risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, whether this protective effect exists in lean NAFLD remains unknown. Therefore, we compared the association of HSD17B13 rs72613567 and NAFLD between lean and non-lean individuals.Methods: We tested the association of HSD17B13 rs72613567 with NAFLD, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 313,309 individuals from the UK Biobank, including 1464 patients with NAFLD, 1559 with cirrhosis, and 526 with HCC. We calculated the minor allele frequency (MAF) of HSD17B13 rs72613567 and analyzed this SNP using codominant, dominant, and recessive models. Furthermore, we calculated the population-attributable fraction (PAF) and the combined PAF for five SNPs (HSD17B13 rs72613567, TM6SF2 rs58542926, MBOAT7 rs641738, PNPLA3 rs738409, and GCKR rs1260326) and used multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) to analyze the interactions between HSD17B13 and the other four SNPs. Results: The MAF of HSD17B13 rs72613567 was considerably higher in lean NAFLD (32.57%) than in non-lean NAFLD (26.16%). Moreover, homozygosity of the TA allele showed a significant risk effect in the codominant (OR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.09–3.44) and recessive models (OR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.12–3.35). By contrast, in the case of cirrhosis, HCC, and non-lean NAFLD, both homozygosity and heterozygosity of the TA allele showed a protective effect. Finally, the MDR analysis did not detect any interaction between HSD17B13 and the other four SNPs. Conclusion: The polymorphism of HSD17B13 rs72613567 is different between lean and non-lean NAFLD, and the TA allele showed a risk effect for lean NAFLD.
Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessments of Mercury in the Soil of the Main Regions in a China’s Typical Agricultural County: Dehui
Authors: Zhou Xuhang , Zhang Gang
Published: March 2022

Dehui county is a typical agricultural area, with cultivated land accounting for more than 70% of the total land area. It has become a national agricultural demonstration area of "high yield, high quality and high efficiency". As a typical agricultural county in northeastern China and with the only title “China’s famous food city” in all the county-level cities, the environmental conditions of the soil in Dehui County with over 100 years city history face high ecological risks. In the present study, in order to more fully understand the characteristics of the soil mercury content and its related health risks in the main areas of Dehui County, the pollution degrees were evaluated using the data of land accumulation indexes (Igeo), potential ecological risk indexes (Er), and health risk assessment methods. The mercury content (TSM) levels in the soil, along with the atmospheric mercury content (TGM) levels, were analyzed. The results showed that the mean value of the mercury content in the soil in Dehui County was 0.0481 ± 0.0866 mg/kg, and the concentration range was between 0.0055 and 0.8155mg/kg. It was found that the mercury content levels in 34% of the soil samples exceeded the background value of soil (0.040 mg/kg). There was no significant correlation between atmospheric mercury concentration at 0 cm and soil mercury content. This may be due to the obvious migration of surface soil and fugitive dust due to the scouring of urban streets by runoff, which affects the distribution of mercury in surface soil. In addition, the low population density of small towns, the small number of large centralized coal-fired boilers, the low height of exhaust funnel and the absence of mercury removal measures for tail gas lead to the multi-source dry and wet deposition of atmospheric mercury on the surface. The mercury content levels in the soil were found to vary from different directions, with the mercury content found to be the highest in the central and eastern section of the county. However, there were no significant differences in mercury content of any direction. Igeo showed that 24.0% of the sample points were polluted. The insanitary areas were mainly concentrated in the central and western sections of the county. The mercury content levels in the soil of Dehui County ranged from pollution-free to mild pollution levels overall. The Er indicated that the potential ecological risk level was high in the central and eastern sections of Dehui County. However, the soil mercury levels in Dehui County presented a low level of ecological risk overall. The average values of the non-carcinogenic risks (HQ) and the total non-carcinogenic risk assessment indexes (HI) in all directions within Dehui County were determined to be far less than 1. Therefore, it was concluded that the soil mercury levels were not potentially harmful to human health.
Synthesis, Characterization, Conductivity and Gas Sensing Performance of Copolymer Nanocomposites Based on Copper Alumina and Poly(aniline-co-pyrrole)
Authors: Sankar S , Ramesan M.T.
Published: March 2022

Poly (aniline-co-pyrrole) (PANI-co-PPy) with variable loadings of copper alumina (Cu-Al2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized by benign in-situ chemical oxidation polymerization. The structural, thermal transition and morphological interpretations were made with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). The electrical properties such as AC conductivity and dielectric measurements were performed at room temperature to verify their application in developing new electronic devices. The arrangement of nanoparticles in the copolymer and the synergistic interaction in the polymer matrix was deduced from FT-IR and XRD. HR-TEM indicates the nanosized uniform dispersion of filler in the copolymer. DSC revealed a reduction in the flexibility of polymer with an increase in glass transition temperature of copolymer composites. AC conductivity measurement manifested an increased hopping of charge carriers in nanocomposites when compared with pristine PANI-co-PPy. Dielectric properties were maximum for copolymer with 5wt.% Cu-Al2O3. The increase in dielectric properties of copolymer nanocomposites confirmed the efficient packing density of nanofiller within the polymer. Excellent gas sensing traits were observed for copolymer nanocomposites due to the electron transfers existing between PANI-co-PPy and ammonia gas. The magnificent material properties make (PANI-co-PPy)/Cu-Al2O3 nanocomposites, a promising contender for developing nano-electronic devices.
Climate actions could exacerbate carbon inequality
Authors: Ma Yubei , Hu Wuyang , Zhan Jintao
Published: March 2022

While a range of climate actions have made remarkable contributions to reducing carbon emissions, the past decades have experienced a sharp increase in carbon inequality, particularly in developed countries. Through the difference-in-differences method we find that the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has relatively smaller impact on individuals with higher income, in other words, those having higher carbon footprints. After the implementation of the EU ETS, the per capita carbon footprint of the top 1% and 10% income groups has only decreased by 28.5% and 29.5%, respectively, while the reduction for the middle 40% and the bottom 50% income groups is 30.4% and 32.3%, respectively. It seems that the EU ETS further exacerbates carbon inequality. Our study implies that while meeting the goals of carbon reduction, for environment justice and social fairness, climate actions should be aware of the possibility of induced carbon inequality.
Dyslipidemia and its associated factors among Helicobacter Pylori-infected Patients Attending at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, North- West Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Worede Abebaw , Nigatie Marye , Melak Tadele , Asmelash Daniel
Published: March 2022

Background: Dyslipidemia refers to a lipid profile disturbance due to decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. H. pylori infection can lead to some appetite-related disorders and significant changes in body weight. For this reason, H. pylori infection may cause deregulated absorption of nutrients in the digestive system, contributing to changes in serum lipids. The purpose of this study is to assess dyslipidemia and its associated factors among Helicobacter Pylori infected patients attending at University of Gondar Comprehensive specialized hospital.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 231 H. pylori positive and control groups which were included by the convenience sampling technique from March to May 2021 at University of Gondar specialized hospital. Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristic data were collected using a pretested semi structured questionnaire. About 5ml of venous blood were used to determine the lipid profiles using DxC 700 AU chemistry auto analyzer (Beckman Coulter, USA). The data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the median of the continuous variables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to determine the associated factors of dyslipidemia. P-value <0.05 is considered statistically significant.Results: The magnitude of dyslipidemia among Helicobacter pylori-infected patients was 71.8% (95% CI: 62.7-79.7). There was a statistically significant difference in lipid profiles between Helicobacter pylori-infected patients and control groups. The median (IQR) of lipid profiles in Helicobacter pylori-positive patients and control groups were for low-density lipoprotein: 108 (89.8, 145.5) vs 95 (79.45, 115.8, P<0.001), for triglycerides: 93 (65,117) vs 83 (58.5, 102, P=0.031), and cholesterol: 143 (119.5, 169,) vs 125 (110,143, P<0.001) mg/dl respectively. Helicobacter pylori infection (95%CI: 1.637-6.966), alcohol drinking (95%CI: 2.616-36.467), unable to read and write (95%CI: 1.384-14.077)), primary school (95%CI: 1.026-9.170), and secondary school (95%CI: 2.167-10.571) were a significant associated variables with dyslipidemia (P<0.05).Conclusion: There was a median lipid profile statistically significant difference between H. pylori positive and control groups. H. pylori infection, educational status, and alcohol drinking habit had statistically significant association of dyslipidemia.
Cost-effectiveness of Seven-days-per-week Rehabilitation Schedule for Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Morii Yasuhiro , Abiko Kagari , Osanai Toshiya , Takami Jiro , Tanikawa Takumi , Fujiwara Kensuke , Houkin Kiyohiro , Ogasawara Katsuhiko
Published: March 2022

Background: Rehabilitation is an essential medical service for patients who have suffered acute stroke. Although the effectiveness of seven-days-per-week rehabilitation schedule has been studied in comparison with five- or six-days-per-week rehabilitation schedule, its cost-effectiveness has not been analyzed. In this research, to help formulate more cost-effective medical treatments for acute stroke patients, we analyzed the cost-effectiveness of seven-days-per-week rehabilitation for acute stroke from public health payer’s perspective, and public healthcare and long-term care payerʼs perspective in Japan.Methods: Cost-effectiveness of seven-days-per-week rehabilitation for acute stroke patients was analyzed based on the result from a study using a Japanese database examining the efficacy of seven-days-per-week rehabilitation. Cost utility analysis was conducted by comparing seven-days-per-week rehabilitation with five- or six-days-per-week rehabilitation, with its main outcome incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) calculated by dividing estimated incremental medical and long-term care costs by incremental quality-adjusted life years. The incremental costs analyzed included medical costs and long-term care costs, estimated using the Japanese fee table and published sources. Analysis period was five years, and Markov modeling was used for the analysis. Results: The ICER was $10,901/ QALY from public health payer’s perspective, lower than 5,000,000 Yen/ QALY (approximately US$43,055), which was the threshold used for the cost-effectiveness evaluation in Japan. The 7-day-per-week rehabilitation was dominant from public healthcare and long-term care payerʼs perspective. The result of sensitivity analysis showed that even when the lowest efficacy of was assumed, the ICER was $39,065/QALY.Conclusion: The results indicated that seven-days-per-week rehabilitation for acute stroke rehabilitation was likely to be cost-effective, with a little uncertainty with uncertainty in patient outcome.
Evaluation of Antiplasmodial Activity in Silico and in Vitro of N-Acylhydrazone Derivatives
Authors: Oliveira Fernanda A. , Pinto Ana Claudia S. , Duarte Caique L. , Taranto Alex G. , Lorenzato Eder Júnior , Cordeiro Cleydson Finotti , Carvalho Diogo T. , Varotti Fernando P. , Fonseca Amanda L.
Published: March 2022

N-acylhydrazones are considered privileged structures in medicinal chemistry, being part of antimicrobial compounds (for example). In this study we show the activity of N-acylhydrazone compounds, namely AH1, AH2, AH4, AH5 in in vitro tests against the chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum (W2) and against WI26 VA-4 human cell lines. All compounds showed low cytotoxicity (LC50 > 100 µM). The 5 compound was the most active against Plasmodium falciparum, with an IC50 value of 0.07 µM. 4 and 5 were selected among the tested compounds for molecular docking calculations to elucidate possible targets involved in their mechanism of action and the SwissADME analysis to predict their pharmacokinetic profile. The 5 compound showed affinity for 12 targets with low selectivity, while the 4 compound had greater affinity for only one target (3PHC). These compounds met Lipinski's standards in the ADME in silico tests, indicating good bioavailability results. These results demonstrate that these N-acylhydrazone compounds are good candidates for future preclinical studies against malaria.
Comparison of the results of Ex-PRESS ® surgery for primary open- angle glaucoma between high and low preoperative intraocular pressure
Authors: Katayama Noriko , Tojo Naoki , Otsuka Mitsuya , Hayashi Atsushi
Published: March 2022

Purpose
To compare surgical outcomes of Ex-PRESS® (EXP) surgery for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) between low preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and high preoperative IOP.
Methods
This was a retrospective non-randomized study. Seventy-nine POAG patients who underwent EXP surgery and were followed for > 3 years were included. Patients with a preoperative IOP of ≦ 16 mmHg and > 16 mmHg with tolerant glaucoma medications were defined as the low IOP group and the high IOP group, respectively. We compared the surgical outcomes, postoperative IOP and number of glaucoma medications. Success was defined as a postoperative IOP of ≦ 15 mmHg and a reduction of > 20% from the preoperative IOP to the postoperative IOP.
Results
EXP surgeries significantly decreased IOPs from 13.2 ± 2.0 mmHg to 9.1 ± 2.9 mmHg in the low IOP group (p < 0.001), and from 22.5 ± 4.8 mmHg to 12.5 ± 4.0 mmHg in the high IOP group (p < 0.001). The mean postoperative IOP was significantly low in the low IOP group at 3 years (p = 0.0008). Success rates compared using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve were not significantly different (p = 0.449).
Conclusions
EXP surgery was useful for POAG patients with a low preoperative IOP.
Investigation on Prevalence of Canine Trypanosomiasis in the Conservation Areas of Bwindi- Mgahinga and Queen Elizabeth in Western Uganda
Authors: Ochieng James Robert , Bachs Marta Planellas , Nsubuga Anthony , Rwego Innocent B. , Kisakye John Joseph M. , Riba Laura Muro , Figueres Jesus Muro
Published: March 2022

Background Nowadays, despite the instauration of several control strategies, animal trypanosomiasis continues to be reported all over Uganda. Few canine African trypanosomiasis (CAT) studies have been carried out, yet dogs are known Trypanosoma reservoirs that share identical home ranges with livestock and serve as parasite link between livestock and humans. This study evaluates the prevalence of CAT in dogs using a molecular technique for the first time in the Bwindi-Mgahinga and Queen Elizabeth conservation areas. Moreover, this information will be useful to evaluate the possible role of dogs in transmission cycle of Trypanosoma species in livestock and wild animals.Materials and methodsGenElute Blood Genomic DNA kit was used to extract DNA from the blood samples collected from identified indigenous dogs (n = 66). This was followed by conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) designed with primers (ITS-CF and ITS-BR) targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region for efficient Trypanosoma species differentiation. Data were statistically analyzed to compare parasite species prevalence rates in relation to site and dog’s sex using IBM SPSS Statistics 23 package at a level of significance set at p = 0.05. Results Two (3.03%) out of 66 dogs were positive for CAT. One dog was positive with Trypanosoma congolense and the other T. vivax. There was no significant statistical difference in CAT prevalence rate in relation to dog’ sex (X2 = 0.379, df = 1, p = 0.54) and site (X2 = 1.031, df = 2, p = 0.60).ConclusionsThis study reports what we believe is the first-time detection of Trypanosoma congolense and T. vivax in the indigenous dogs found in the Bwindi-Mgahinga and Queen Elizabeth conservation areas in western Uganda. It also approves that cPCR is a potential diagnostic tool for CAT detection. The noticed T. congolense and T. vivax could be responsible for both canine and animal trypanosomiasis, and represents a serious threat to the livestock industry. Therefore, there is need for continuous trypanosomiasis surveillance and integrated management in contiguity to wildlife reserves.
Understanding Concerns and Health Needs of Transgender
Authors: Ahmad Mansoor
Published: March 2022

Transgender people are a diverse population of individuals who cross or transcend culturally defined categories of gender. Transgender is often used as an umbrella term to signify individuals who defy rigid, binary gender constructions and who express or present a breaking and blurring of culturally prevalent stereotypically gender roles. Since time immemorial people belonging to transgender category face a wide variety of discriminatory barriers in enjoying full equality throughout the World. Their social exclusion from the mainstream society is being documented in the modern epoch, especially spotlighting social barriers and disabilities in attaining opportunities for a socially productive life. They experience stigmatization, discrimination, sexual abuse, lack of civil rights and harassment accessing health services due to their transgender identity. According to WHO, transgender have lower access to health and HIV services due to a range of issues including legal barriers and stigma and discrimination. WHO works with international and country partners to address the varied health needs of transgender, including HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment and also to address structural barriers which impact service access by transgender (WHO, 2019). Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the health needs of transgenders and the barriers and issues faced by transgenders while accessing health services, considering the social aspects of transgender. This study employed quantitative methods, which involved 120 in-depth interviews and focus group discussions conducted in various parts of Kashmir. The thematic analysis of data revealed that transgenders had to face severe social and cultural, mental, physical and financial problems in relation to the health care needs.
Elevated Histamine Etiology Model for Most Major Vaccine Associated Adverse Events including SARS-CoV-2 Spike Vaccines
Authors: Ricke Darrell O.
Published: March 2022

Vaccinees experience no adverse events, mild adverse events, multiple adverse events, or serious adverse events post vaccination. Many of these vaccine adverse events occur with different vaccines with different occurrence frequencies. Many of these adverse events are generally considered as associated with immune responses to the active vaccine components (antigens) and/or to possibly one or more of the vaccine excipients. Most of these vaccine adverse events are self-limiting and resolve within days. Many of these adverse events symptoms overlap symptoms associated with elevated histamine levels. Based on these observations, the hypothesis that the majority of vaccine associated reactogenicity adverse events are caused by temporal histamine intolerance in vaccinees is proposed. This hypothesis is based on a model of innate immune responses releasing a surge of inflammatory molecules including histamine; this surge is hypothesized to exceed the normal histamine tolerance level for vaccinees with reactogenicity adverse events. Further, these symptoms resolve as histamine levels fall below the vaccinee’s tolerance threshold. This model can be evaluated by the detection of elevated histamine levels in vaccinees corresponding to timing of symptoms onset. If confirmed, a direct consequence of this model predicts that some antihistamine treatments, mast cell stabilizers, and possibly diamine oxidase enzyme may reduce the incidence or severity of adverse events experienced by vaccinees post vaccinations for most or all high reactogenicity vaccines including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Spike vaccines.
Strong Correlations in a Biological System as a Cause of Sustained Epidemic Waves: Implications for Understanding the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dimaschko Juri , Shlyakhover Vladimir , Iabluchanskyi Mykola
Published: March 2022

We consider an epidemic in a strongly correlated biological system, where the influence of the environment on the individual state and immune response of the infected is decisive. This leads to the 3D Lotka-Volterra system and explains the existence of sustained epidemic waves that are absent in the conventional SIRS model. Taking the biological correlations into account turns the population into a single organism, as a result of which the course of the epidemic reproduces all phases of an individual's infection. We argue that strong correlation effects are critical in shaping the COVID-19 epidemic, which is adequately described by the 3D Lotka-Volterra equations.
Finding Correlation in Clinical and Pathological Diagnosis in Reemerging Context of Leprosy in India: A Tertiary Care Center Experience
Authors: Prajapati Ajeet Kumar , Afrose Ruquiya , Maurya Geeta , Khan Nazoora , Alam Kiran
Published: March 2022

Background:

Leprosy was supposed to be eliminated by WHO from the world by the end of the year 2000. However, it still affects the major population in India. It is well realized that even after elimination target has been achieved, new leprosy cases will keep coming for at least some years due to continuation of some level of disease transmission or manifestation of disease by subclinical cases. Hence there is the need to review this disease with proper understanding.

Objective:

To determine the current leprosy profile and its relation between clinical and pathological diagnosis, at our centre catering the population of Western Uttar Pradesh.

Methods and Material:   

 It’s a retrospective study and was carried out on skin biopsy samples sent for histopathological diagnosis in clinical suspicion of leprosy at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Aligarh, from June 2015 to November 2017. Tissue Sections were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin stain for morphological studies, and modified fite stain to identify acid fast bacilli.

Results:

Out of 325 clinically suspected leprosy cases, we diagnosed leprosy in 282 cases with 86.7% parity. Most commonly affected age group was between 16 -30 years (110 cases). Tuberculoid leprosy was the most common histological subtype (69/282, 24.4%) followed by lepromatous leprosy (58/282, 20.56%), borderline tuberculoid (53/282, 18.7%), borderline lepromatous (42/282, 14.8%), indeterminate leprosy (34/282, 12%) and mid borderline leprosy (22/282, 7.8%). Additionally, histioid type of leprosy was diagnosed histologically in 1.4% (4/282) of the cases.

Conclusions:

Identification of suspicious skin patch as leprosy with prompt histological diagnosis especially in population of below 30 years is required for timely intervention and eradication. Both clinician and pathologist should have a focused approach especially in diagnosing indeterminate leprosy.
University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) In-house Covid-19 Testing Program
Authors: Rudewick Roy , Gunby Taylor , Smith Anajane G. , Guo Zibiao , Middleton Angela J. , Cox Necole , Haseltine Florence P.
Published: March 2022

The pandemic caused by the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2 threatened to severely disrupt the activities of student-athletes. In order to provide a safe environment for athletic competition, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) mandated testing of student-athletes. The
goal was to rapidly identify student-athletes and the athletic staff member who either tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 or were in contact with individuals who tested positive. Rapid identification of infected individuals and their contacts allowed the University to implement quarantine standards
and quarantine facilities quickly as needed. The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) developed an in-house testing program and was quickly able to meet the NCAA requirements, allowing UTA to continue its athletic participation with minimal forfeiture of scheduled games. The purpose of this
paper is to report the implementation UTA's COVID prevention program for the university's athletic program. This program may provide valuable information to other universities' planning for the management of COVID prevention in their athletic programs. Challenges and solutions are identified.
Telerehabilitation Innovation in Response to Covid-19
Authors: Marino Joshua D. , Poropatich Ronald K. , Straatmann Jospeh A. , Scott Steven G. , Young Patricia , Nordstrom Michelle , Liu Betty , Luken Michelle , McLean Tameika , Cooper Rosemarie , Yuan Xiaoning , Pasquina Paul F. , Cooper Rory A.
Published: March 2022

The State of the Science Symposium is held multiple times per year to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals working in the fields such as rehabilitation medicine, engineering, and public health. The Symposium has continually focused on the health and well-being of active-duty
military members, reserve/guard components, veterans, and their families. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing protocols adopted to combat viral spread, the State of the Science Symposium was moved to an online platform to minimize risk. In December 2020, the symposium
invited professionals to discuss necessary changes in their fields of practice in light of the pandemic protocols, and how telehealth has expanded to encompass multiple disciplines. It is concluded that the adoption of telemedicine as a standard of care wherever appropriate will benefit all
parties involved, even after restrictions on gatherings and interpersonal contact are eased.
The Impact of the First Decade of the National Academy of Inventors
Authors: Duncan Robert V.
Published: March 2022

Arthur Molella, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), authored an excellent historical review of the formation and the early impact of the NAI (1). Now, as we complete the first decade of the NAI, I will emphasize the importance of the
intellectual revolution that the NAI has achieved for the betterment of academia and for our society as a whole. The NAI is much more than just a professional society since it spans all professions. Like the other national academies, the NAI's impact extends well beyond academia, expanding
knowledge, capabilities, and employment in the private and government sectors as well. The NAI has brought the process of new knowledge discovery, which is primarily conducted in our major research universities, back into the broader service of our knowledge-based economy, returning to the
vision and mission of higher education as embodied in our land-grant universities and expanded through the Smith-Lever Act of 1914. To understand the past benefit and future promise of the NAI, it must be viewed primarily as the transformative process that it is—one that works for the
betterment of human-kind.
A SAGA STAR WARS E A POLÍTICA: DISCUSSÕES E POSSIBILIDADES DE CONCEITOS-IMAGENS DA SAGA PARA O ENSINO DE FILOSOFIA
Authors: Araújo da Silva Maria Lionilde , Pontes Ribeiro Josina Maria , Pereira Ricardo dos Santos
Published: March 2022

Star Wars é uma franquia de ficção científica, criada por George Lucas e categorizada como ópera espacial, que se mantem com uma legião de fãs por gerações. O artigo objetiva evidenciar conceitos de filosofia e ciência política que podem ser trabalhados a partir dos episódios da Saga Star Wars, considerando a organização dos filmes a partir de conceito-imagens. Como procedimento metodológico selecionamos a totalidade dos episódios fílmicos da saga. Para tanto, foi necessário compreender a saga Star Wars enquanto textos-fílmicos, sendo a análise textual fílmica ancorada em Vanoye e Goliot-Lété. Como resultado apresentamos conteúdos/temas filosóficos que podem ser trabalhados, a partir da saga, considerando os documentos norteadores da educação básica de nível médio. “Que a força esteja com você”!
La inclusión del uso de itinerarios de aprendizaje en Educación Superior
Authors: Villatoro Moral Sofia , De-Benito Crosetti Bárbara
Published: March 2022

La formación tiene el objetivo de adaptarse al alumnado y a los constantes cambios que están ocurriendo en la sociedad sin dejar de lado la inclusión y la adquisición de competencias en Educación Superior. Este trabajo presenta los datos obtenidos sobre un estudio de caso desarrollado mediante entrevistas a un grupo de alumnos del Grado de Educación Primaria que han desarrollado una asignatura mediante itinerarios de aprendizaje.

Los resultados muestran el grado de satisfacción con la metodología, destacando la flexibilidad en la libre elección de secuencias que componen su itinerario, la importancia del seguimiento docente durante todo el proceso y la planificación como eje principal para finalizarlo. Entre los aspectos positivos señalados por el grupo de estudiantes destacan la evaluación continua, la libre elección de secuencias, el aprendizaje transferible a otros contextos, las tutorías y el seguimiento docente. Por otra parte, los aspectos negativos aparecen con menor frecuencia, pero destacan la carga de trabajo o la preferencia por una evaluación no continuada en algunos casos. Las conclusiones sirven como punto de partida para la creación de un modelo de implementación de itinerarios de aprendizaje y para la realización de mejoras en próximas implementaciones.
La docencia en pandemia, estrategias y adaptaciones en la educación superior: Una aproximación a las pedagogías flexibles
Authors: Valdivia-Vizarreta Paloma , Noguera` Ingrid
Published: March 2022

Esta investigación busca compartir la metodología de análisis desarrollada para identificar las lecciones aprendidas durante el período de confinamiento y recomendaciones para reflexionar sobre las adaptaciones pedagógicas y digitales para una educación más flexible. Participaron profesores y estudiantes de grado y máster de la Facultad de Educación. Los resultados revelan que el inicio del confinamiento solo permitió transferir el contenido digitalmente y ofreció poco tiempo para repensar la enseñanza y el aprendizaje. Sin embargo, demuestran que sí hay flexibilidad para elegir metodologías, según las necesidades y circunstancias del alumnado. Los participantes están predispuestos a seguir aprendiendo sobre el uso de las tecnologías digitales y métodos de enseñanza innovadores, también existe la necesidad de incorporar dichas competencias en los programas educativos de los futuros educadores. Se evidencia que la flexibilidad será clave para la calidad educativa, por ello el compromiso actual del profesorado inicia con revisar sus adaptaciones pedagógicas y tecnológicas.
Incorporación de las TIC en la formación inicial del profesorado mediante Flipped Classroom para potenciar la educación inclusiva
Authors: Blasco-Serrano Ana Cristina , Bitrián González Irene , Coma-Roselló Teresa
Published: March 2022

La aplicación pedagógica de la Tecnología de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) es un importante desafío al que se enfrenta la educación en la actualidad. En este artículo, las TIC se integran en los cursos de educación superior utilizando la estrategia Flipped Classroom (FC). Los estudiantes aprenden la teoría en casa a través de tutoriales en línea antes del trabajo práctico en clase basado en la teoría. También pueden evaluar su propio desempeño utilizando el Sistema de Respuesta de la Audiencia (ARS). El objetivo es profundizar en la inclusión de la tecnología en la formación docente a partir de los modelos TPCK, utilizando FC y ARS. Con un enfoque mixto (cualitativo y cuantitativo), 134 estudiantes de la carrera de Magisterio de Primaria y Diplomatura Profesional participaron en una encuesta ad hoc. Los resultados muestran la importancia del aprendizaje activo, el valor de las tutorías previas a la clase y la calidad de su diseño. Otra ventaja fue que los estudiantes podían recibir retroalimentación durante el proceso de aprendizaje. Los datos indican que esta metodología potencia la atención a la diversidad, mejorando la comprensión y permitiendo que los alumnos aprendan a su propio ritmo.

Los resultados destacan la necesidad de que los docentes reciban formación pedagógica, tecnológica y de contenidos para mejorar sus competencias digitales durante la educación superior inicial.
EpAA: Entorno para el Aprendizaje de Algoritmos. Una experiencia educativa desde la perspectiva del aprendizaje flexible.
Authors: Arellano Pimentel J. Jesús , Canedo Ibarra Sabrina Patricia
Published: March 2022

El aprendizaje flexible requiere de herramientas tecnológicas apropiadas que le permitan al estudiante aprender cuándo y dónde lo desee, con materiales didácticos acordes a su perfil. El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar el grado de aceptación, motivación e impacto académico de un entrono para el aprendizaje de algoritmos denominado EpAA, el cual está constituido principalmente por una aplicación Web y diversos materiales didácticos, disponibles a través de un sistema de gestión del aprendizaje, orientados a favorecer una experiencia de aprendizaje flexible. Para el grado de aceptación se aplicó el Modelo de Aceptación Tecnológica (TAM), en lo que respecta a la motivación se utilizó la versión reducida del Cuestionario de Materiales Instruccionales para la Motivación (RIMS), y el impacto académico de la experiencia educativa se analiza a través de pruebas t-student con calificaciones de ciclos escolares previos. Los resultados mostraron un grado alto de aceptación tecnológica y motivación en el uso de los materiales didácticos, así como un impacto académico positivo en un contexto de aprendizaje flexible.