bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective evaluation of CT-head scans for the association between posterior atlanto-occipital membrane ossification with cervicogenic headache and migraine
Authors: Sudip Kumar , Patil Utkarsh Chandrakant , Wasadikar Anajli Pravinkumar
Published: October 2022

Purpose- The objective of the study was to find the prevalence of arcuate foramen and its association with cervicogenic headache and migraine. To study various demographic parameters associated with the anomaly and to correlate the extent of ossification of posterior atlanto-occipital membrane with the severity of symptoms. Methods- A cross sectional study was done to analyze CT-head scans of patients with cervicogenic headache and migraine for the presence of arcuate foramen. Demographic parameters of the patients were collected from the detailed case report from achieves. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS, a p-value of <0.05 were considered significant. Results- Arcuate foramen was prevalent in 41.8% of symptomatic patients. No significant association between the incidence of arcuate foramen and age group was found. Incidence is increased incidence among the male patients (61%). Patients who are labourer by occupation showed increased incidence (34.78%). A positive correlation (0.755) was found between the extent of ossification and the severity of clinical symptoms. The foramen was more commonly found on the left side and majority of patients presented with unilateral anomaly (27.27%). Conclusion- Arcuate foramen is fairly prevalent among the symptomatic patients and is often neglected as an etiologic agent and leads delay in diagnosis and management. It can lead to injury to vertebral artery during screw placement if misidentified as broad posterior arch. Therefore, it must be screened in symptomatic patients and those patients undergoing lateral neck surgery using lateral cephalogram, if detected must be documented on health records of the patient.
Demonstration of 100 Gbps Coherent Free-Space Optical Communications at LEO Tracking Rates
Authors: Walsh Shane , Karpathakis Skevos , McCann Ayden , Dix-Matthews Benjamin , Frost Alex , Gozzard David , Gravestock Charles , Schediwy Sascha
Published: October 2022

Free-space optical communications are poised to alleviate the data-flow bottleneck experienced by spacecraft as traditional radio frequencies reach their practical limit. While enabling orders-of-magnitude gains in data rates, optical signals impose much stricter pointing requirements and are strongly affected by atmospheric turbulence. Coherent detection methods, which capitalize fully on the available degrees of freedom to maximize data capacity, have the added complication of needing to couple the received signal into single-mode fiber. In this paper we present results from a coherent 1550 nm link across turbulent atmosphere between a deployable optical terminal and a drone-mounted retroreflector. Through 10 Hz machine vision optical tracking with nested 200 Hz tip/tilt adaptive optics stabilisation, we corrected for pointing errors and atmospheric turbulence to maintain robust single mode fiber coupling, resulting in an uninterrupted 100 Gbps optical data link while tracking at angular rates of up to 1.5 deg/s, equivalent to that of spacecraft in low earth orbit. With the greater data capacity of coherent communications and compatibility with extant fiber-based technologies being demonstrated across static links, ground-to-low earth orbit links of Terabits per second can ultimately be achieved with capable ground stations.
Kinetics of protein extraction from excess sludge by thermal alkaline treatment
Authors: Hui Wenlong , Zhou Jiti , Jin Ruofei
Published: October 2022

Protein can be extracted effectively from excess sludge by thermal alkaline process. During the extraction process, insoluble protein in sludge was turned into soluble protein, and part of the soluble protein was hydrolyzed into peptide. Then part of the soluble protein and peptide were degraded into amino acids, generating by-products: water, carbon dioxide and ammonium. Therefore, to obtain the maximum concentration of soluble protein, it is necessary to establish a kinetic model describing the process of sludge protein extraction. The report indicated that the extraction mechanism of sludge protein was according to first-order continuous reaction kinetic. A kinetic model of the reaction was established to explain the relationship between the rate constant, temperature and hydrolysis time of the first-order reaction. The optimum conditions were as follows: 0.1 M NaOH, reaction temperature 70°C, hydrolysis time 4 h. Protein separated and obtained from sludge hydrolysate by centrifugation and filtration, which could be used as a feed additive or foaming agent.
Generation of Soil Maps Permeability, Case Study in Two Cantons of Loja Province, Ecuador
Authors: Marín Jorge Andrés Espinosa , Rivera Diego
Published: October 2022

The generation of permeability maps is based on the analysis and interpretation of geology, environmental morphology, land use, and slope, which enables the selection of sampling areas with similar characteristics. The method represents the integration of the physical characteristics of the study area and then determines the infiltration capacity differences in the most representative geopedologic units.

In determining the basic data, minidisc infiltrometers were used to perform seventy-two infiltration tests in different types of soils with varying organic matter content, texture, soil structure, and vegetation cover, which showed the spatial variability that exists in two cantons of Loja province, Ecuador. In addition, it was observed that the infiltration rate depended mainly on the content of the organic matter in the soil and is consistent with information collected on permeability worldwide.

In this study, generated pedotransfer functon(FTP) coefficient of determination R2 0.78, the determination of the coefficient indicates a satisfactory estimate of the permeability with the variables that were analyzed; in addition, the methodology for assessing the permeability was suitable for the conditions of this investigation. For this reason, the method described here should be tested in other areas of the country with a greater number of field trials and in as with more variable contents of organic matter and soil textural classes.
Identification of fruit fly (Tephritidae) pupae parasitized by Hymenoptera parasitoids
Authors: de Almeida Tiago Tognolli , Roel Antonia Railda , de Oliveira Carina Elisei , Rocha Bruno Fines , Dias Angélica Maria Penteado Martins
Published: October 2022

One of the major problems in orchards is the presence of Tephritidae fly maggots, especially in Mirtaceae species. Various biological control tools include the use of Hymenoptera parasitoids, which naturally control fly populations. However, identification of the host species of parasitoids is challenging, because only the puparium remains after the parasitoid hatches. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the host species of Hymenoptera parasitoids, through the puparium. Host species were identified by amplification and sequencing of cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) of mitochondrial DNA. The results of the present study show that COI DNA sequencing was able to reliably identify host pupae to the genus level, allowing the identification of the Anastrepha genus in this study. This suggests that this method can be used to identify agriculturally relevant host pupae, since this genus has already been described as a parasite of Campomanesia adamantium. Knowledge of the species that cause damage to crop, and their parasitoids is extremely important to study the biological and ecological aspects of these pests and their control. In this way, our results can contribute to the development of alternatives to the use of insecticides, reducing the use of chemical agents in crop production and minimizing the harmful effects on other insect species.
Anti-Hyperuricemia Mechanism of Anserine Based on the Gut-Kidney Axis: Integrated Analyses of Metagenomic and Metabolomic
Authors: Halimulati Mairepaiti , Wang Ruoyu , Aihemaitijiang Sumiya , Huang Xiaojie , Ye Chen , Zhang Zongfeng , He Lixia , Zhu Wenli , Zhang Zhaofeng
Published: October 2022

Background
Due to the increasing prevalence of hyperuricemia and the lack of effective prevention and treatment methods, the development of safe and effective intervention substances has become a public health issue. Herein, the therapeutic ability of anserine, a bioactive peptide, was validated through a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of a rat model of hyperuricemia.
Methods
A total of 60 male Sprague–Dawley rats (180–220 g) were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10): normal control group (NC group), hyperuricemia group (HUA group), allopurinol group (Allo group, 10 mg/kg·bw allopurinol), three anserine groups (Ans1, Ans10 and Ans100 groups were treated with 1 mg/kg·bw, 10 mg/kg·bw and 100 mg/kg·bw anserine, respectively). Uric acid, liver and kidney function-related indexes and renal histology were detected. Five kidneys, intestinal feces and urine samples were selected from each group and the differences of uric-acid-related transporters, gut microbes and urine metabolites were detected and analyzed by western blot, metagenomic and UPLC-MS methods, respectively. Non-omics data was calculated using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) by SPSS 25.0 software. The omics data were analyzed using R software (version 4.1.1). The correlation between gut microbiota and metabolites was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient method, with a significance threshold of P < 0.05.
Results
Anserine was observed to improve liver and kidney function and modulate urate-related transporter expressions in the kidneys. Urine metabolomics showed that 15 and 9 metabolites were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in hyperuricemia rats after the anserine intervention. Key metabolites such as fructose, xylose, methionine, erythronic acid, glucaric acid, pipecolic acid and trans-ferulic acid were associated with ameliorating kidney injury. Additionally, anserine regularly changed the gut microbiota, thereby ameliorating purine metabolism abnormalities and alleviating inflammatory responses. The integrated multi-omics analysis indicated that Saccharomyces, Parasutterella excrementihominis and Emergencia timonensis were strongly associated with key differential metabolites.
Conclusions
We proposed that anserine improved hyperuricemia via the gut–kidney axis, highlighting its potential in preventing and treating hyperuricemia.
Encircling scleral buckling for the treatment of retinal detachment: Development in indication and outcome within the last decade
Authors: Iby Johannes , Hollaus Marlene , Eibenberger Katharina , abela-formanek claudette , Reiter Gregor , Pollreisz Andreas , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Georgopoulos Michael , Sacu Stefan
Published: October 2022

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the use of encircling scleral buckling for treating retinal detachment (RD) and its complications as well as success rate within the last decade.
Subjects/Methods: This retrospective observational study included 163 eyes receiving encircling scleral buckling (ESB) or ESB combined with vitrectomy (SBV) between 2009 and 2018. Main outcome measures include usage rate of ESB and SBV, indications and mean age. Furthermore, intra-/postoperative complications, intraocular tamponades as well as influences on functional outcome (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were evaluated. For statistical analysis, patients were divided into five groups of two years each.
Results: ESB and SBV surgeries decreased from initially 32% of all RD-operations between 2009-2010 to 9.2% between 2017-2018 (p<0.001, ANOVA). Mean age at surgery differed significantly over the years from 56.9±17.1 between 2009-2010 to 37.6±28.3 between 2017-2018 (p<0.001, ANOVA). Functional outcome after a mean follow-up time of 43.1±39.5 months increased from 1.34±0.88 logMAR at baseline (BSL) to 0.99±0.87 logMAR at the last follow-up visit. Significant influencing factors on BCVA were BCVA at BSL (p<0.001), duration of RD (p=0.01) and lens status (pseudophakic > phakic > aphakic, p<0.001). Significant impacts on CRT were surgical technique (SBV > ESB, p=0.017) and macula on/off (off > on, p=0.036).
Conclusion: After an initial decrease, a rebound in ESB and SBV surgeries was noticed, with a significant reduction in mean age. Indications for surgery shifted over our observational period. No significant differences in functional outcome as well as intra- and postoperative complications were observed.
Subgroups of mild cognitive impairment based on cognitive function among Chinese older adults: a latent classes analysis
Authors: Zhou Yi , Lin Rong , Yan Yuanjiao , Luo Yuting , Cai Zhenzhen , Zhu Kaiyan , Huang Chenshan , Wang Yunxian , Xu Yifei , Chao Yueqi , Zhang Chufan , Li Hong
Published: October 2022

Background: Due to the heterogeneity of MCI, the key points of non-drug therapies cannot be determined. Exploring the characteristics among different MCI subgroups would therefore be beneficial in guiding the development of non-drug therapies. In the present study, weexplored subgrouping of older Chinese adults with MCI based on cognitive function and analyzed the characteristics of the resulting subgroups.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2018 and January 2022. The study enrolled a total of 1017 participants with MCI in Fujian, East China. Participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological test assessing memory, language, attention, and executive function and completed a questionnaire examining socioeconomic and clinical variables.Neuropsychological test scores were transformed to z-scores, which were then examined using latent class analysis. Correlations of socioeconomic and clinical variables with MCI subgroups were assessed using multinomial logistic regression analysis.
Results: Three MCI subgroups were identified: (1) false-positive MCI (56.64%); (2) early MCI (36.28%); and (3) late MCI (7.08%). Age, data sources, marriage status, living status, and participation in intellectual activities differed significantly across the three MCI subgroups (P<0.05). Compared with the false-positive MCI group, participants with late MCI were less likely to participate in intellectual activity and more likely to live in a nursing home.
Conclusions: Older Chinese adults with MCI can be classified into subgroups based on cognitive function. A large proportion of participants were classified in the false-positive MCI group, suggesting that conventional diagnostic criteria are susceptible to false-positive errors, resulting in patients being misdiagnosed as MCI in China. And further research to define the characteristics of different MCI subgroups could facilitate the development of non-drug therapies for MCI.
ZMYND8 as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in Glioma
Authors: Xiao Huanqin , Xie Shoucheng , Zheng Shaoqiu , Lu Shanming , Liu Qinghua , Liu Kun , Zhong Ying , Luo Haiyan , Luo Wenjuan , Zhu Wenbiao
Published: October 2022

Background: Glioma is the most common and lethal tumor and its classification depends mainly on molecular parameters such as IDH, ATRX. However, the further classification of glioma is still uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the status of ZMYND8 expression and its diagnosis and prognostic value in adult patients of glioma.
Methods: We detected IDH1-R132H, ATRX and ZMYND8 expression by using immunohistochemistry in 104 glioma patients and retrospectively evaluated the data to find out the relationship between ZMYND8 and other clinical features in this study.
Results: Our results showed high expression of ZMYND8 is strongly associated with high-grade glioma (P<0.001) and worse overall survival (P<0.05). ATRX loss is closely correlated with ZMYND8 (P<0.05). These patients were divided into three groups and the distribution of patients’ age was significantly different. Patients combined IDH1-132H mutation with ATRX loss had a longer overall survival. Multivariate cox regression analysis demonstrated that IDH1-132H was an independent indicator of OS and PFS in glioma, and ATRX was an independent indicator of OS, ZMYND8 was an independent indicator of PFS.
Conclusion: The new model might help to predict the outcome of patients with glioma.
Dynamics of Flow Redistribution and Vascular Remodeling in Response to Selected Vessel Ablation
Authors: Gruionu Gabriel , Baish James , McMahon Sean , Blauvelt David , Gruionu Lucian G. , Lenco Mara Onita , Vakoc Benjamin J. , Padera Timothy P. , Munn Lance L.
Published: October 2022

Overly dense microvascular networks are treated by selective reduction of vascular elements. Inappropriate manipulation of microvessels could result in loss of host tissue function or a worsening of the clinical problem. Here, an experimental and computational model were developed to predict skin microvascular network remodeling in response to selective vessel interruption via multi-photon laser ablation without damage of the host tissue. The microvasculature was imaged non-invasively by bright-field and multi-photon laser microscopy, and Optical Coherence Tomography pre-ablation and up to 30 days post-ablation. A theoretical model of network remodeling was developed to compute intravascular pressure and identify vessels most sensitive to changes in flow direction. Immediately post-ablation, the average artery and vein diameters increased by 14% and 23%, respectively. The maximum arterial remodeling was 2.5x vs. 3.3x for a vein at day 20 post-ablation. By day 30, the average artery diameter remained 11% increased whereas the vein diameter returned to near preablation value. Venous blood flow was restored in the same location while arterial blood was redistributed through remodeling of collateral circulation with minimum angiogenesis. The theoretical model predicts that the vessels most likely to act as collaterals after flow disruption are those most sensitive to distant changes in pressure.
Experimental research on gas‒liquid dispersion in a stirred tank by a novel long‒short blades agitator
Authors: Wu Yongjun , Luo Peicheng , Chen Shifu
Published: October 2022

We used vertical short blades (SBs) and two pitched SBs with the inclined angles of the SBs from 60° to 45°, and compared the gas holdup, bubble size and interfacial area measured by the electrical conductivity probe technique when the agitator was operated in the down‒pumping and up‒pumping modes. Results show that higher gas holdup with large bubble size in the upper part and lower gas holdup but with small bubble size in the lower part of the tank. The effective fluid exchange between the radial flow generated by the long blades (LBs) and the strong axial flow generated by the SBs redistribute the bubbles effectively in the whole stirred tank. The gas phase is more evenly distributed in the whole tank with higher local gas holdup when the rotating speed is high enough. In the case of up‒pumping mode, the 45U impeller can further improve the gas‒liquid interface area. The correlation of power input and rotating speed on gas holdup is fitted.
Indirect evaluation of the swelling-shrinkage potential of Bentonite soil through analysis of the stress-strain behavior of its stabilized sample with cement and epoxy resin in the durability process
Authors: Soltaninejad Sanaz , Marandi Seyed Morteza
Published: October 2022

Bentonite soil containing predominantly Montmorillonite minerals has the highest tendency to absorb water and swell. No study has been done yet to stabilize Bentonite soil to last against successive wetting and drying cycles. In this research, Bentonite soil with approximately 45 wt% Montmorillonite mineral of the total amount was stabilized with cement and epoxy resin additives by gradually increasing the ratio of epoxy resin to water to withstand six successive W/D cycles. The uniaxial tests were performed on the stabilized samples after curing and 24 h of soaking in the third and sixth cycles. The swelling-shrinkage potential of Bentonite soil was evaluated by analyzing their stress-strain behavior, and it was predicted indirectly by determining the strength parameters. The results showed that for different amounts of cement, the minimum ratio of epoxy resin to water added to Bentonite soil to last up to six cycles was equal to 1. Also, by stabilizing the Bentonite soil so that the total weight of the optimum moisture content was replaced with epoxy resin, the strength and rigidity attained the level of normal concrete, with the difference that the ductility was much more significant. The failure strain value increased by 32 times, and the plastic region of the stress-strain curve expanded over the wide strain interval with a length of about 5%. In order to overcome the swelling-shrinkage potential of Bentonite soil at the level on which no cracks developed during W/D cycles, the strength and ductility properties got to at least the mentioned level of stabilization.
Blends of cactus cladode powder with corn starch, milk proteins and gelatin: Rheological evaluation and application to a soup model
Authors: Chaloulos Panagiotis , Vasilopoulos Nikolaos , Mandala Ioanna
Published: October 2022

Cactus Cladodes (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a valuable source of dietary fibers. In this study, peeled cladode powder was produced by air drying at 40 oC and was characterized for its color, dietary fiber content and rheological behavior. Cladode powder aqueous suspensions of 3% w/w were prepared and the effect of protein (gelatin, sodium caseinate and whey protein) or salts (NaCl/ CaCl2) on the blend’s viscosity was investigated. Additionally, cladode powder was incorporated in a soup model, aiming at substituting corn starch. Our powder had an appealing green color, but its deterioration was fast when it was exposed to light. A shear-thinning behavior was observed in all cladode-protein mixtures, but viscosity values depended considerably on the protein type and the pH values. Notably, gelatin addition led to higher apparent viscosity of cladode powder at pH 6, suggesting interactions with cladode mucilage, but this effect was reversed at pH 4, below gelatin isoelectric point. The Ostwald-de Waele model successfully correlated viscosity-shear rates data, whereas Casson model presented a good fit mainly in starch containing systems. Corn starch substitution by cladode powder, in the soup model, led to lower consistency coefficient values. In soups the logarithmic mixing law was applied at different corn starch: cladode powder ratios to highlight their possible interactions. The values obtained diverged slightly downwards from the logarithmic mixing law.When purified mucilage was added -instead of cladode powder- the samples diverged slightly upwards from the logarithmic mixing law.
Chidamide as monotherapy and in combination with traditional chemotherapy in peripheral T-cell lymphoma：a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: yang yujing , yao guoli
Published: October 2022

Background:Traditional chemotherapy regimens are not ideal for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma(PTCL). Recent clinical data have shown Chidamide,a type of histone deacetylase inhibitors, as a new type of anti-tumor drug, have achieved remarkable results in the treatment of PTCL.Therefore, we performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to objectively assess the efficacy and safety for peripheral T-cell lymphoma treated with Chidamide alone or Chidamide combination with chemotherapy.
Methods:We searched systematically for studies from the databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library published were searched without language restriction from inception until June 2022.using the following combination of free-text terms linked by Boolean operators: “peripheral T-cell lymphoma”OR“PTCL”OR“angioimmunoblastic lymphoma”OR“anaplastic large cell lymphoma”OR“NK/T-cell lymphoma”AND“Chidamide”. The primary end points were complete remission and overall response rates, adverse events were the secondary end points.
Results: A total of 7 clinical trials including newly-diagnosed and relapsed or refractory PTCL patients were analyzed.The overall CR rate was 35.2%(95% CI, 24.2-48%, Figure 2). And the ORR was 65.8%(95% CI, 54.4-75.6%). Thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia were the most common grade 3 and 4 AEs.
Conclusion: Chidamide is effective for PTCL, and its efficacy can be increased with the combination traditional chemotherapy.
Hydroxychloroquine modifies angiogenesis factors in primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yong Heather Y.F. , Tottenham Isabelle , Silva Claudia , Koch Marcus , Camara-Lemarroy Carlos
Published: October 2022

In this study we investigated serum angiogenic markers of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-treated patients with primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) from a phase II clinical trial. PPMS patients had higher levels of endothelin-1 (ETN-1), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), heparin binding epidermal-growth factor, and interleukin-8 compared to healthy controls. At 6 months, the angiogenic markers ETN-1, FGF-2, G-CSF, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A were significantly reduced; conversely, angiopoietin-2, endoglin, and leptin were increased. Angiogenic changes did not correlate with disability worsening, however changes were more profound in stable patients suggesting a possible treatment effect with HCQ.
Incidence, Management and Predictors of Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia among Adult Solid Cancer Patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital: A Retrospective Follow-up Study
Authors: Wondm Samuel , Tadesse Sumeya , Abebaw Dessie , Dagnew Samuel , Dagnew Ephrem , Belachew Eyayaw , Kebede Bekalu
Published: October 2022

Background
chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is the most well-known oncologic emergencies and the most common hematologic toxicity of chemotherapy. A few studies have been carried out to assess the incidence and management practice of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in Ethiopia.
Objective
the study was conducted to assess incidence, management, and predictors of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia among adult solid cancer patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital (UOGCSH)
Methods
A hospital-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among adult solid cancer patients attending between January 1, 2017, to February 30, 2021, at the oncology ward of UOGCSH. A structured data abstraction format was used to collect data from patients' medical charts. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14.2. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and P-value, < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Analysis of variance was used to compare the difference in recovery time of neutropenia between different treatment regimens
Results
A total of 416 patients were included in the study with a mean age of the patient 50.56 ± 14.4 years. The cumulative incidence of neutropenia was 62.3% (95% CI 57.9–67.1) and 13% of them developed infections. Advanced stage of cancer, poor performance status, patients taking triple treatment modality, lower baseline white blood cell count, elevated lactated dehydrogenase, cisplatin-paclitaxel, doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide followed by four cycles of paclitaxel and patients with two or more comorbidities were found to be predictors for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (P < 0.05). The use of filgrastim has significantly reduced the duration of neutropenia recovery time by 33.28 days (P = 0.0001) as compared to chemotherapy delay.
Conclusion
The incidence of neutropenia was common in solid cancer and it is multifactorial. Health care professionals should be aware of these risk factors and greater effort is needed to reduce the risk of neutropenia. Filgrastim was the main management for chemotherapy-induced of neutropenia and it was significantly reduced the duration of neutrophil recovery time.
HIV Rapid Test Performance among Health Facilities enrolled in HIV Rapid Test Quality Improvement Initiative (RTQII) in Ethiopia
Authors: Yenealem Dereje , Kedir Shemsu , MekonnenWubie Asmare , Melese Daniel , Molalign Tamirat , Yemanebirhan Nebiyou , Mohammed Awad , Nurahmed Negash , Liknaw Wondimeneh , Lakew Abrham Kerealeme , Asrat Habtamu , Hailu Getnet , Kebede Addisu , Sisay Abay , Desta Kassu , Tsegaye Aster
Published: October 2022

Background: As the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) rapid testing services expanded to reach the global target that 95% of people living with the virus will know their status by 2030, ensuring the quality of those services becomes critical. This study was conducted to assess the performance of HIV Rapid testing at sites in health facilities that were enrolled in the Rapid Test Quality Improvement Initiative (RTQII) in Ethiopia.
Methods: Characterized HIV proficiency testing (PT) panels of Dried Tube Specimen (DTS) were prepared, verified, and distributed to testing sites from August to December 2019. In addition on-site evaluation of HIV testing sites (HTSs) was conducted using a checklist to assess testing conditions. For proficiency testing, the study included 159 HIV testing sites (HTSs) in 41 Health facilities (HFs) in five administrative regions and two city administrations. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS version 20 and chi-square test was applied to identify the association between acceptable performance and contributing factors. Testing sites with 100% PT score as well as conducting the test with adherence to the National HIV Testing Algorithm were considered acceptable.
Results: The overall acceptable performance (100% PT score with the correct algorithm followed) was found to be 62% while 12% scored 80% and 11% scored between 20 to 60%. The rest 15 % were not considered as acceptable due to failure to adhere to the National HIV Testing Algorithm. Testing sites that participated in External Quality Assessment/Proficiency Testing schemes have shown better performance than those that did not participate with 70% and 56% performance respectively (p=0.057).
Learning from intersectoral initiatives to respond to the needs of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status in the context of COVID-19 in Quebec and Ontario: A qualitative multiple case study protocol
Authors: Gautier Lara , Ruggiero Erica Di , Jackson Carly , Bentayeb Naïma , Béssiranthy Armel Ouffouet , Blain Marie-Jeanne , Chowdhury Fariha , Gueye Serigne Touba Mbacké , Haydary Muzhgan , Mahmoudi Laila , Maillet Lara , Mondal Shinjini , Pluye Pierre , Ziam Saliha , Touati Nassera
Published: October 2022

Background
Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status experience precarious living and working conditions which disproportionately expose them to COVID-19. In the two most populous Canadian provinces (Quebec and Ontario), to reduce the vulnerability factors experienced by the most marginalized migrants, the public and community sectors engage in joint coordination efforts called intersectoral collaboration. This collaboration ensures holistic care provisioning, inclusive of psychosocial support, assistance to address food security, as well as educational and employment assistance. This research project explores how community and public sectors collaborated on intersectoral initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic to support refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status in cities of Montreal, Sherbrooke, and Toronto, and generates lessons for a sustainable response to the heterogeneous needs of these migrants.
Methods
This theory-informed participatory research is co-created with socio-culturally diverse research partners (refugees, asylum seekers and migrants without status, employees of community organizations, and employees of public organizations). We will utilize Mirzoev and Kane’s framework on health systems’ responsiveness to guide the 4-phases of a qualitative multiple case study (a case being an intersectoral initiative). These phases will include, 1) building an inventory of intersectoral initiatives developed during the pandemic, 2) organizing a deliberative workshop with representatives of the study population, community and public sectors respondents to select and validate the intersectoral initiatives, 3) interviews (n = 80) with community and public sector frontline workers and managers, municipal/regional/provincial policymakers and employees of philanthropic foundations 4) focus groups (n = 80) with refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings will be used to develop discussion forums to spur cross-learning among service providers.
Discussion
This research will highlight the experiences of community and public organizations in their ability to offer responsive services for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status in the context of a pandemic. We will draw lessons learnt from the promising practices developed in the context of COVID-19, to improve services beyond times of crisis. Lastly, we will reflect upon our participatory approach – particularly in relation to the engagement of refugees and asylum seekers in the governance of our research.
Clinical Implications of Aberrant PD-1 Expression for Acute Leukemia Prognosis
Authors: Ruan Yanjie , Wang Jiyu , Zhang Qiuye , Wang Huiping , Li Cong , Xu Xuanxuan , Zhai Zhimin
Published: October 2022

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are the most common types of leukemia in adults with an overall poor prognosis. PD-1 alone or combined with other immune checkpoint blockade is a promising research direction for the treatment of acute leukemia (AL) patients. However, clinical Implications of aberrant PD-1 expression in peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes of AML and ALL patients in assessing the prognosis of diseases, remains inconclusive.
Methods: In the present study, we used flow cytometry to evaluate PD-1 expression on the surface of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral circulation of AML and ALL patients and its clinical significance. A total of 53 AML patients, 44 ALL patients and 28 healthy controls were enrolled in this study and peripheral blood specimens were detected by flow cytometry.
Results: Our results indicated that percentages of CD4+PD1+ and CD8+PD1+ T lymphocytes in newly diagnosed and non-remission groups were significantly higher than healthy control both in AML and ALL patients. The high level of CD4+PD1+ and CD8+PD1+ T lymphocyteswere respectively poor prognostic indicators of AML patients and ALL patients but had no significant correlation with most common clinical risks.
Conclusions: Our findings show that aberrant PD-1 expression correlates with the prognosis of AL patient and may thus serve as poor prognostic indicators. Immunotherapy using PD-1 inhibitors may be a promising strategy for AML and ALL patients with peripheral circulating CD4+PD1+ and CD8+PD1+ T lymphocytes positively expressed, respectively.
Noninvasive Neuromonitoring with Rheoencephalography: A Case Report
Authors: Cannizzaro Louis A. , Iwuchukwu Ifeanyi , Rahaman Victoria , Hirzallah Mohammad , Bodo Michael
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation (AR) can be monitored using invasive modalities, such as intracranial pressure (ICP) and arterial blood pressure (ABP) to calculate the CBF AR index (PRx). Monitoring PRx can reduce the extent of secondary brain damage in patients. Rheoencephalography (REG) is an FDA-approved non-invasive method to measure CBF. REGx, a CBF AR index, is calculated from REG and arm bioimpedance pulse waves. Our goal was to test REG for neuromonitoring.
Methods
28 measurement sessions were performed on 13 neurocritical care patients. REG/arm bioimpedance waveforms were recorded on a laptop using a bioimpedance amplifier and custom-built software. The same program was used for offline data processing.
Results
Case #1: The patient’s mean REGx increased from − 0.08 on the first day to 0.44 on the second day, indicating worsening intracranial compliance (ICC) (P < 0.0001, CI 0.46–0.58). Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 5 on both days. Case #2: REGx decreased from 0.32 on the first recording to 0.07 on the last (P = 0.0003, CI-0.38 to -0.12). GCS was 7 and 14, respectively. Case #3: Within a 36-minute recording, REGx decreased from 0.56 to -0.37 (P < 0.0001, 95%, CI: -1.10 to -0.76). Central venous pressure changed from 14 to 9 mmHg. REG pulse wave morphology changed from poor ICC to good ICC morphology.
Conclusion
Bioimpedance recording made it possible to quantify the active/passive status of CBF AR, indicate the worsening of ICC, and present it in real-time. REGx can be a suitable, non-invasive alternative to PRx for use in head-injured patients.
The Management of Children Aged 0-5 Years with Suspected Foreign Body Aspiration: A Prospective Study
Authors: Güler Ahmet Gökhan , Karakaya Ali Erdal , Kaya Mustafa Sabih , Öksüz Gözen , Bozan Ayşe Azak , Ural Dilan Altıntaş
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION
A simple algorithm for bronchoscopy was prepared in very young children
METHODS
The patients aged 0-5 years who were applied with bronchoscopy because of suspected foreign body aspiration (FBA) analyzed.
RESULTS
Evaluations were made of 89 patients, as 55 (61.7%) in the FBA (+) group and 34 (38.3%) in the FBA (-) group. FBA was determined most in the 1-2 years age group (28 patients, 50.9%, p=0.04) due to organic hard foodstuffs (94.5%, p<0.001). The parameters found to be significant were witnessing the event (OR:12.133, 95% CI: 3.147-46.774, p<0.001) and not obtaining unilateral respiratory sounds (OR:7.556, 95% CI: 2.681-21.292, p<0.001). The most significant diagnostic finding was the determination of unilateral hyperventilation on x-ray (OR:16.730, 95% CI: 4.541-61.632, p<0.001). The operating time and length of stay in hospital was significantly shorter in the FBA (-) patients (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
The presence of a witness, not obtaining unilateral respiratory sounds, and unilateral hyperventilation seen on x-ray are indications for bronchoscopy. In FBA (-) patients applied with bronchoscopy, the complication rate associated with the procedure is low, and the operating time and length of stay in hospital are short.
A research on age estimation methods of monumental Eastern Plane (Platanus orientalis) trees
Authors: Batur Mustafa
Published: October 2022

The subject of this study is the investigation of age estimation methods in monumental old plane trees. Some trees are very old and have extraordinarily large diameters. These trees are preserved as monumental trees due to their unusual characteristics. Since they are mostly located in rural areas, they contribute to the development of the rural environment in terms of tourism. The ages of these trees are important for determining their monumental value. It is difficult to determine their age using standard methods. Also, some trees may require estimation of age without injury. These predictions methods can have big errors. In this study, an original approach has been used to reduce age prediction errors. The study presents some sample models so that different models can be developed in different regions. Some regression models are used to improve the age estimation in this study. A total of 54-sample trees were used for age estimation. Of this total, 44 sample trees were used for model development and 10 sample trees were used for suitability testing. The models were ranked according to the success criteria. The regression models showed that for plane trees, the best model based on diameter is M10 (Radj: 0.71, score: 94). The best model based on diameter and annual ring variables was found as M22 (Radj: 0.70, score: 157). It was determined that, the M22 regression model can be used in age estimation with 14.79% average absolute error.
Automatic Assessment of Knee Osteoarthritis Severity in Portable Devices based on Deep Learning
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Ji Quanbo , Ni Ming , Xin Peng , Wu Bo , Hu Hanwen , Zheng Qingyuan , Wang Yiming , Cheng Long , Zhang Guoqiang , Wang Yan
Published: October 2022

Background

For knee osteoarthritis, the commonly used radiology severity criteria Kellgren-Lawrence lead to variability among surgeons. And most existing diagnosis models require pre-processed radiographs and specific equipment.

Methods

All enrolled patients diagnosed as KOA who met the criteria were obtained from **** hospital. This study included 2579 images shot from posterior-anterior X-rays of 2378 patients. We used the RefineDet to train and validate this deep learning-based diagnostic model. After developing it, 823 images of 697 patients were enrolled as test set. The whole test set were assessed by up to 5 surgeons and this diagnostic model respectively. To evaluate the model’s performance. we compared the results of model with the KOA severity diagnoses of surgeons based on K-L scales.

Results

Compared to diagnoses of surgeons, the model achieved an overall accuracy of 0.977. Its sensitivity(recall) for K-L 0 to 4 was 1.0, 0.972, 0.979, 0.983 and 0.989 respectively; for these diagnoses, the specificity of this model was 0.992, 0.997, 0.994, 0.991 and 0.995. The precision and F1-score were 0.5 and 0.667 for K-L 0, 0.914 and 0.930 for K-L 1, 0.978 and 0.971 for K-L 2, 0.981 and 0.974 for K-L 3, 0.988 and 0.985 for K-L 4. And all K-L scales perform AUC > 0.90.The quadratic weighted Kappa coefficient between the diagnostic model and surgeons was 0.815(P＜0.01, 95%CI 0.727–0.903). The performance of the model is comparable to clinical diagnosis of KOA. This model improved the effciency and avoid the cumbersome image-preprocessing.

Conclusion

The deep learning-based diagnostic model can be used to assess the severity of knee osteoarthritis in portable devices according to Kellgren-Lawrence scales. On the premise of improving the diagnostic efficiency, The results are high-reliability and reproducibility.
The Potentials of Balinese Diasporas as Tourism Promoters
in Belgium and the Netherlands
Authors: Sutarya I Gede
Published: October 2022

The Balinese diasporas exist across the globe with a unique identity and connections with their homelands, as well as displaying the glittering Bali cultural landmark. Therefore, this study aims to examine the potential and practices of the Balinese diasporas as tourism promoters in different countries. The data were obtained through a qualitative approach, literature review, observation, and in-depth interviews. A qualitative-descriptive analysis was used, with the diasporas and tourism promotional mix theory as the theoretical method. The diaspora’s theory establishes identity and expresses a relationship between foreigners and their country of residence. The theory of "Tourism Promotional Mix" stated that cultural advancement is effective with the adoption of accessible media. The results showed that the Balinese diasporas establish identity and relationships through various religious celebrations associated with their homelands. This establishes cultural practices in the community where the diasporas live and acting as tourism promoter agents. The Balinese cultural practice is further promoted through various social media, such as Facebook and the recreational activities at the Pairi Daize Park, Belgium.
Triggering type 1 diabetes post-covid: molecular mimicry?
Authors: Andrade Luís Jesuino de Oliveira , Bittencourt Alcina Maria Vinhaes , de Oliveira Luís Matos , de Oliveira Luisa Correia Matos , de Oliveira Gabriela Correia Matos
Published: October 2022

Objective
To evaluate the possible similarity between the AA sequences of human insulin and human glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD65) with the SARS-CoV-2/COVID proteins to explain the possible trigger of DM1.
Methods
AA sequences of human insulin, GAD65 and SARS-CoV-2 were obtained from the Protein Data Bank archive information database (RCSB PDB). NetMHCpan v4.1 was used for epitope prediction. Sequences were compared using BLAST for epitope comparison and Pairwise Structure Alignment to assess protein similarity. The AA sequences of human insulin (4F0N) and GAD65 (2OKK) were compared with the sequences of the following SARS-CoV-2 proteins: SARS-Cov2 S protein at open state (7DDN), SARS-Cov2 S protein at close state (7DDD), SARS CoV-2 Spike protein (6ZB5), Crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein N-terminal RNA binding domain (6M3M), Crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein C-terminal RNA binding domain (7DE1), Crystal structure of NSP1 from SARS-CoV-2 (7K3N), and SARS-CoV-2 S trimer (7DK3)).
Results
The percent similarity between epitopes ranged from 45 to 60% (P 0.048) between both human insulin and SARS-CoV2 and for GAD 65 and SARS-CoV2, while the AA similarity of the evaluated samples ranged from 5.00–45.45% between human insulin and SARS-CoV2 and from 10.45–22.22% between GAD65 and SARS-CoV2.
Conclusion
Immunoinformatics data suggest a potential pathogenic link between SARS-CoV-2/COVID and DM1. Thus, by molecular mimicry, we found that sequence similarity between epitopes and AA sequence between SARS-CoV-2 / COVID and human insulin and GAD65 could lead to the production of an immune cross-response to self-antigens, with self-tolerance breakdown, which could thus trigger DM1.
The Social Cost of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Krichene Hazem , Vogt Thomas , Piontek Franziska , Geiger Tobias , Otto Christian
Published: October 2022

The intensification of extreme weather events under global warming [1] requires the development of tailored evidence-based adaptation and mitigation strategies [2] to reduce the loss and damage caused by these events\cite [3]. Recently, first empirical evidence emerged that extreme weather events can have adverse impacts on economic development for more than a decade [4-7]. The neglect of these long-term effects in state-of-the-art integrated assessment exercises weighing the costs of climate change impacts against the costs of adaptation and mitigation measures may result in a critical lack of ambition in climate action [8]. We here estimate total and country-specific climate change-induced discounted annual damage (DAD) from tropical cyclones (TCs) for a large set of 41 TC-prone countries under different climate and socioeconomic futures. Accounting for the persisting impacts of TCs on the economy, these estimates reveal future adaptation needs of the countries. We then derive temperature-dependent TC damage function for a large set of 41 TC-affected countries that account for persistent growth effects. These functions allow us, for the first time, to quantify the country-level social cost of carbon (SCC) induced by TCs as a key metric to inform mitigation decisions. We find that for a middle-of-the-road scenario regarding greenhouse gas emissions, population development and economic growth, the additional average per-capita DAD corresponds to about one day of annual income lost for the average household in strongly affected high-income countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, the United States but also in TC-prone developing countries as for instance the Philippines or Vietnam. Further, accounting for TC impacts significantly increases the SCC of strongly affected major greenhouse gas emitters such as Japan (+39.8%), China (+8.1%), or the US (+6.3%) as well as globally by +2.1% (+5.4% in TC-affected countries). Our results underline the importance - and pave the way - to adequately account for the impacts of extreme weather events in integrated assessment of remaining climate damages along mitigation and adaptation pathways.