bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric study of glycerol and contaminants removal from biodiesel through solvent-aided crystallization
Authors: Ahmad Mohd. Afnan , Letchumanan Arun , Samsuri Shafirah , Mazli Wan Nur Athirah , Md Saad Juniza
Published: June 2021

At present, biodiesel is known as an alternative fuel globally. It is also known that the purification of biodiesel before consumption is mandatory to comply with international standards. Commonly, purification using water washing generates a massive amount of wastewater with a high content of organic compounds that can harm the environment. Therefore, this study applied and tested a waterless method, i.e., the solvent-aided crystallization (SAC), to remove glycerol and other traces of impurities in the crude biodiesel. The parameters of coolant temperature, crystallization time, and stirring rate on the SAC system were investigated. It was discovered that with 14 °C coolant temperature, 300 RPM and higher cooling time result in the highest percentage of FAME up to 99.54%, which indicates that contaminants' presence is limited in the purified biodiesel. The use of 1-butanol as the solvent for crystallization process remarkably enhanced the separation and improved the higher biodiesel quality.
Prediction of buckling force in hourglass-shaped specimens
Authors: Gjengedal Ragnar , Fyllingen Ørjan , Heinik Vojtech
Published: June 2021

It is important to avoid buckling during low-cycle fatigue testing. The buckling load is dependent on the specimen shape, material properties, and the testing machine. In the present investigation of hourglass-shaped specimens the importance of the diameter to radius of curvature is examined. Diameters of 5 and 7 mm are examined with a ratio of radius of curvature to diameter of 4, 6, and 8. The machine used is an Instron 8800 with elongated rods for a climate chamber. This leads to a reduced stiffness of the machine during compression testing. A finite element model (in Abaqus) is developed to identify the critical buckling force. For hourglass-shaped specimens, buckling means onset of sideways movement, without a drop in the applied load which is typical for conventional Euler buckling. The onset of sideways movement is identified experimentally by analysis of the data from extensometer and the load cell. This model is verified by experiments and fits within 0.6 to − 11% depending on the specimen diameter and diameter to radius of curvature ratio. The smallest deviations are obtained for the 7-mm-diameter specimen with deviation varying from 0.6 to − 3.3% between the model and the experiments. The current investigation is done with a commercially available hot rolled structural steel bar of Ø16 mm.
Cap polyposis treated with laparoscopic-assisted total proctocolectomy and ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis: a case report
Authors: Minagawa Tomohiro , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Kusunoki Kurando , Kuwahara Ryuichi , Horio Yuki , Kihara Takako , Hirota Seiichi , Uchino Motoi
Published: June 2021

Background

Cap polyposis (CP) is extremely rare in Japan, and there is no established cure. We report a case in which CP was improved by surgical treatment.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old man was investigated at a local hospital because of diarrhea and bloody stools in 2018. The patient was treated with metronidazole for suspected amoebic dysentery, but his symptoms did not improve. Subsequent close examination revealed possible CP, but treatment with 5-aminosalicylic acid and a steroid enema had no effect. The patient was then referred to our hospital. The bloody stools, diarrhea, and abdominal pain worsened despite medical treatment, so laparoscopic-assisted total proctocolectomy and ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis with ileostomy were performed. CP has no known cause or established treatment, but Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection has been reported in many CP cases in Japan, and HP eradication is often successful. This patient was HP-negative and did not improve with antimicrobial treatment, but the symptoms improved after surgery.

Conclusions

Even after surgery, CP recurrence reportedly occurs within a short period in many cases. However, our patient has had no signs of CP recurrence during 1 year of follow-up.
Metastatic breast tumors from extramammary malignancies: a case series
Authors: Semba Ryoko , Horimoto Yoshiya , Arakawa Atsushi , Saito Mitsue
Published: June 2021

Background

Metastatic breast tumors from extramammary malignancies are quite rare. Characteristics of such tumors are unclear due to small number of reported cases. During 2012–2019, approximately 3,500 malignant breast tumors were diagnosed with needle biopsy at our hospital and we experienced three cases (0.09%) of metastatic extramammary malignancies. We herein report these cases focused on imaging and pathological findings.

Case presentation

The first case was a 59-year-old woman who underwent curative surgery for thyroid cancer. After developing lung and ovarian metastases, she visited our department with a mass in her right breast. Ultrasound revealed a 7 mm-sized oval mass. With high depth–width ratio and abundant blood flow, primary breast cancer was suspected. Core needle biopsy revealed atypical cells with nuclear grooves proliferating in papillary formation. With immunohistochemical examination, her final diagnosis was metastatic thyroid cancer. The second case was a 74-year-old woman with metastatic spinal tumors and referred to our department for searching primary tumor. She was diagnosed with gastric cancer at the age of 41. Ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic area including cysts and the internal echo level was uneven. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed a non-mass lesion with heterogeneous internal enhancement pattern, suggesting ductal carcinoma in situ. Core needle biopsy showed alveolar lesion with predominant signet cell-like morphology. We histologically diagnosed her disease as metastatic gastric cancer. The last case was 33-year woman with Stage IV clear cell sarcoma of the left foot. She came to our department after she felt a lump on her right breast. Ultrasound revealed a 45 mm-sized mass. Her disease was confirmed as metastatic clear cell sarcoma by needle biopsy.

Conclusions

Imaging suggested malignancies, but it was difficult to distinguish them from primary breast cancer. Our cases indicate that metastatic tumors to the breast might have imaging patterns specific to primary organs, although more cases should be accumulated to establish such patterns on imaging. The first two cases shared some similar pathological findings with breast cancer, but also had some histological characteristics of the primary tumors. Hence, it was possible to diagnose these cases as metastatic tumors with careful observation.
Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plant species used by communities around Mabira and Mpanga Central Forest Reserves, Uganda
Authors: Asiimwe Savina , Namukobe Jane , Byamukama Robert , Imalingat Betty
Published: June 2021

Background

Medicinal plants form an integral part of many health care systems in Uganda. This study aimed at documenting the therapeutic importance of plant species used in primary health care among communities living adjacent to Mabira and Mpanga forest reserves in Central Uganda.

Methods

An ethnobotanical study was conducted between April and June 2018 in 7 villages adjacent to Mpanga and 6 villages adjacent to Mabira central forest reserves. Information was obtained from 28 respondents identified using snowball and purposive sampling techniques and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. The quantitative analysis of data was done using fidelity level, informant consensus factor, and percent respondent knowledge indices.

Results

A total of 136 medicinal plants were recorded. The plant species classified into 55 families were grouped under 14 medical categories with the highest number of plant species being used for digestive disorders (44%), followed by respiratory (38%) and dermatological disorders (36%). Hoslundia opposita Vahl was mentioned by 71% of the respondents for treating 22 disease conditions. Plant Family Fabaceae was the most represented with 16 species. Informant consensus agreement was high (0.7) for respiratory disorders. The fidelity level was 100% for Bidens pilosa L. and Callistemon citrinus Skeels for treating wounds and cough, respectively. Plant remedies were mainly prepared by decoction (31%) and administered orally (36%). A large number of plants (61%) were harvested from wild habitats. Herbs (50%) and leaves (50%) contributed the highest percentage of plant biological forms and parts used in remedy preparation.

Conclusion

This study recorded plant species with the potential to treat a wide range of illnesses. This is reflected in the high diversity of the recorded species used for medicinal purposes. Pharmacological studies on the plants with high percentage use values and fidelity levels are needed to validate their uses in the management of the said therapeutic applications. Further research on the isolation and characterization of the plant active compounds could lead to the discovery of new potential drugs.
Serum BDNF and suicidal ideation in drug-naïve and drug-treated MDD patients: a case–control study
Authors: Yousef Amira Mohamed , El-Deen Ghada Mohamed Salah , Ibrahim Abdallah Saad , Mohamed Amany Elshabrawy
Published: June 2021

Background

Disturbances in structural and synaptic plasticity have been linked to depression and suicidal ideation. One of the major neurotrophic factors, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), is involved in the maintenance and survival of neurons and synaptic plasticity. This case–control study assesses the serum BDNF and suicidal ideation among drug-naïve and drug-treated MDD patients attending university hospitals and comparing them to healthy control. A simple random sample of 57 MDD patients and 57 age- and sex-comparable controls were enrolled. The researchers conducted a semi-structured interview to collect the demographic characteristics and disease history. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSS) were applied to the participants. Blood samples were collected to measure plasma BDNF level.

Results

The MDD group had lower BDNF than the control group. Within the MDD group, drug-naïve patients had significantly lower BDNF than drug-treated patients. Female patients had lower BDNF than male patients. Positive family history of MDD was associated with low BDNF. Severe and moderate cases had lower BDNF than mild cases. High BSS (≥24) was associated with low BDNF. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between BDNF and age, disease duration, duration of the current episode, and the number of previous episodes.

On the other hand, a statistically significant negative correlation was found between BDNF and age of MDD onset, HDRS, and BSS. A regression model was highly statistically significant in the prediction of HDRS. BDNF and disease duration were negatively correlated with HDRS. On the other hand, depression treatment status was not significantly associated with the HDRS prediction model.

Conclusion

Our findings extend the neurotrophic concept of depression by identifying the decreased BDNF levels as a peripheral biomarker of MDD. Our assessment of depression and suicidal ideation (SI) and their relationship to decreased BDNF levels shed light on the etiopathology of MDD and its related suicidality. They should be more studied to understand better the mechanisms by which they develop. To further explore the effect of BDNF in suicide, larger study sizes and a range of psychiatric diagnoses associated with suicide attempts are required.
What is the diagnostic value of dual-energy computed tomography in patients with clinical diagnosis of gout?
Authors: Lee Jung Sun , Seo Wook Jang
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To investigate the frequency of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposits on dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in patients with clinical diagnosis of gout and the factors associated MSU crystal positivity.

Methods

This study was conducted in patients with clinical diagnosis of gout who underwent DECT. Clinical features were compared between patients with positive and those with negative DECT results. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with MSU crystal positivity on DECT.

Results

A total of 148 patients with clinical diagnosis of gout were included, and MSU crystal deposition on DECT was observed in 64 patients (43.3%). The patients with positive DECT results were more likely to have renal insufficiency, longer disease duration, and higher serum urate level than those with negative. In the multivariable analysis, first gout attack (odds ratio 0.462; 95% confidence interval 0.229–0.931, p = 0.031) was associated with a less likely MSU crystal deposit-positive DECT result. In the subgroup analysis of patients with first attack, serum urate level > 8 mg/dL was associated with DECT positivity.

Conclusion

Of the patients with clinical diagnosis of gout, those with renal insufficiency, longer disease duration, and high serum urate level were more likely to be positive of gout on DECT. First gout attack was associated with less likely to be positive for MSU crystal on DECT. Thus, performing DECT scan in the selected patients who had characteristics that highly probability of DECT positivity could increase positive predictive value.
Pragmatic approaches to analyzing qualitative data for implementation science: an introduction
Authors: Ramanadhan Shoba , Revette Anna C. , Lee Rebekka M. , Aveling Emma L.
Published: June 2021

Qualitative methods are critical for implementation science as they generate opportunities to examine complexity and include a diversity of perspectives. However, it can be a challenge to identify the approach that will provide the best fit for achieving a given set of practice-driven research needs. After all, implementation scientists must find a balance between speed and rigor, reliance on existing frameworks and new discoveries, and inclusion of insider and outsider perspectives. This paper offers guidance on taking a pragmatic approach to analysis, which entails strategically combining and borrowing from established qualitative approaches to meet a study’s needs, typically with guidance from an existing framework and with explicit research and practice change goals.

Section 1 offers a series of practical questions to guide the development of a pragmatic analytic approach. These include examining the balance of inductive and deductive procedures, the extent to which insider or outsider perspectives are privileged, study requirements related to data and products that support scientific advancement and practice change, and strategic resource allocation. This is followed by an introduction to three approaches commonly considered for implementation science projects: grounded theory, framework analysis, and interpretive phenomenological analysis, highlighting core analytic procedures that may be borrowed for a pragmatic approach. Section 2 addresses opportunities to ensure and communicate rigor of pragmatic analytic approaches. Section 3 provides an illustrative example from the team’s work, highlighting how a pragmatic analytic approach was designed and executed and the diversity of research and practice products generated.

As qualitative inquiry gains prominence in implementation science, it is critical to take advantage of qualitative methods’ diversity and flexibility. This paper furthers the conversation regarding how to strategically mix and match components of established qualitative approaches to meet the analytic needs of implementation science projects, thereby supporting high-impact research and improved opportunities to create practice change.
Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Electrocardiography for Early Diagnosis of Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis
Authors: Lin Chin , Lin Chin-Sheng , Lee Ding-Jie , Lee Chia-Cheng , Chen Sy-Jou , Tsai Shi-Hung , Kuo Feng-Chih , Chau Tom , Lin Shih-Hua
Published: June 2021

Context

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) characterized by acute weakness, hypokalemia, and hyperthyroidism is a medical emergency with a great challenge in early diagnosis since most TPP patients do not have overt symptoms.

Objective

This work aims to assess artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted electrocardiography (ECG) combined with routine laboratory data in the early diagnosis of TPP.

Methods

A deep learning model (DLM) based on ECG12Net, an 82-layer convolutional neural network, was constructed to detect hypokalemia and hyperthyroidism. The development cohort consisted of 39 ECGs from patients with TPP and 502 ECGs of hypokalemic controls; the validation cohort consisted of 11 ECGs of TPP patients and 36 ECGs of non-TPP individuals with weakness. The AI-ECG–based TPP diagnostic process was then consecutively evaluated in 22 male patients with TTP-like features.

Results

In the validation cohort, the DLM-based ECG system detected all cases of hypokalemia in TPP patients with a mean absolute error of 0.26 mEq/L and diagnosed TPP with an area under curve (AUC) of approximately 80%, surpassing the best standard ECG parameter (AUC = 0.7285 for the QR interval). Combining the AI predictions with the estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum chloride boosted the diagnostic accuracy of the algorithm to AUC 0.986. In the prospective study, the integrated AI and routine laboratory diagnostic system had a PPV of 100% and F-measure of 87.5%.

Conclusion

An AI-ECG system reliably identifies hypokalemia in patients with paralysis, and integration with routine blood chemistries provides valuable decision support for the early diagnosis of TPP.
Exercise to Prevent Anthracycline-Based Cardiotoxicity (EXACT): A Feasibility Study
Authors: Heinze-Milne Stefan D. , Keats Melanie R. , Blanchard Chris , Giacomantonio Nicholas , MacDonald David , Rajda Miroslaw , Younis Tallal , Grandy Scott A.
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to determine the feasibility and potential efficacy of a 12-wk aerobic exercise intervention to mitigate cardiotoxicity in those with breast and hematological cancer receiving anthracycline (AC) treatment. Individuals with breast or hematological cancer that were within 8 wk of initiating AC treatment attended a 12-wk biweekly exercise program. Participants performed aerobic exercise (35%–85% heart rate reserve) on treadmills for 20–45 min per session under the supervision of research staff. Feasibility was evaluated through participant accrual and retention, program adherence, and safety. Aerobic fitness, physical activity, quality of life, and fatigue were assessed along with AC-related serum cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and VEGF) to explore intervention efficacy. Over 12 months, 169 participants (115 breast cancer, 54 hematological) were screened for eligibility. Forty-nine were eligible (28 breast and 21 hematological) and 15 consented (31% accrual). Ten participants completed the study and five withdrew (67% retention). Average exercise session adherence was 73% with no exercise-related adverse events. Cardiopulmonary fitness, physical activity levels, quality of life, fatigue, and serum cytokines did not change over the course of the intervention. Participant accrual and retention, program adherence, and safety statistics in this trial were within the range of similar exercise trials involving individuals with cancer. Study findings showed no postintervention change in measures of quality of life, aerobic fitness, and inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that exercise may mitigate detrimental changes in these parameters while on AC. Overall, the exercise program was feasible, and the results warrant further investigation using a randomized controlled trial approach to investigate whether aerobic exercise therapy can mitigate cardiotoxicity and improve related health and fitness outcomes for individuals receiving AC treatment.
Trade in Commodities and Business Cycle Volatility
Authors: Kohn David , Leibovici Fernando , Tretvoll Håkon
Published: June 2021

This paper studies the role of differences in the patterns of production and international trade on the business cycle volatility of emerging and developed economies. We study a multisector small open economy in which firms produce and trade commodities and manufactures. We estimate the model to match key cross-sectional and time-series differences across countries. Emerging economies run trade surpluses in commodities and trade deficits in manufactures, while sectoral trade flows are balanced in developed economies. We find that these differences amplify the response of emerging economies to commodity price fluctuations. We show evidence consistent with this mechanism using cross-country data. (JEL E23, E32, F14, F41, F44)
Impact evaluation of soft drink taxes as part of nutrition policies in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Megally Rania
Published: June 2021

Background: Prevalence of overweight and obesity is high in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and there are higher rates in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This had led GCC countries to impose policies that aim to decrease obesity, overweight, and diabetes rates. The objective of this research is to measure the impact of such implemented policy to reduce obesity, namely taxes applied to sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in GCC.

Methods: The impact of SSB taxes has been measured using a panel data set that covers sales volumes of soft drinks in GCC countries from 2010 to 2020.

Results: annual growth in soft drink sales volumes decreased; from 5.44% to 1.33% in Saudi Arabia, 7.37% to 5.93% in United Arab Emirates, and 5.25% to 5.09% in Bahrain from 2016 to 2017. In Qatar, a tax was implemented in 2019, and a reduction in sales volume growth was observed between 2019 and 2020 (3.78% to 2.45%), and in Oman a reduction was observed between 2018 and 2019 (3.60% to 2.99%). Kuwait was the last GCC country to implement taxes in 2020, and the growth in sales volumes decreased from 6.31% to 5.47% from 2019 to 2020.

Conclusions: The introduction of health-related taxes on soft drinks has been followed by a drop in the growth rates of sales in GCC countries. This, in turn, can be expected to contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, especially when combined with complementary public health policies and interventions. Hence, awareness campaigns should promote the reduction of the consumption sales of SSB and substitute with more consumption of fresh juices. These recommendations align with the recommended priority actions by the World Health Organization Strategy on nutrition for the Eastern Mediterranean Region 2020-2030 adopted by the countries of the Region in October 2019.
A pilot study of red complex and three genera subgingival microbiome in periodontitis subjects with and without diabetes, evaluated by MinION platform
Authors: Bachtiar Boy M. , Theodorea Citra F. , Tahapary Dicky L. , Astrella Cindy , - Natalina , Bachtiar Endang W.
Published: June 2021

Background: Subgingival niche is one biofilm habitat containing rich microbiota, which plays an active role in maintaining the health of periodontal tissue and determining host response. As such, a study of changing subgingival biofilms is important for understanding the effect of a systemic condition. In this study, we compared the occurrence of six bacteria cohabiting in the subgingival area of periodontitis subjects, with (DP, n = 8) and without (NDP, n = 4) diabetes.

Methods: The six genus and species of targeted bacteria were confirmed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing on MinION nanopore platform. Descriptive statistic was used to describe the obtained data.

Results: We found that the six genus and species of targeted bacteria were detected but in different quantities in either group's periodontal pocket. Our data showed that Tannerella forsythia was the most abundant species in subgingival biofilms of the DP group of the red complex bacteria. In contrast, Aggregatibacter sp., which belongs to the phylum of proteobacteria, was present at a relatively lower level. In contrast, Fusobacterium sp., which belongs to orange complex bacteria, showed relative similarities in subgingival biofilms of both groups tested, while Veillonella sp., were abundant in the DP groups. 

Conclusions: Our data show that the diversity of classic periodontopathogens increased in the subgingival niche of periodontitis subjects with diabetes. It is the first study in Indonesia to apply MinION-based, full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing in periodontitis patients with and without diabetes.
Use of remdesivir in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection among Sudanese patients: a case series
Authors: Yousif Maysoun , Abd El-Raheem Ghada , Mohamed Doaa
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting populations worldwide. Remdesivir is an anti-retroviral agent, with a broad spectrum of usage. Remdesivir usage against COVID-19 had been studied both in vitro and in vivo but is still considered a new treatment for COVID-19 and is not available in all countries. The aim of our study was to report several cases of the use of remdesivir in Sudanese patients and report the adverse events related to the course of treatment.

Methods: A case series study was conducted in Imperial Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan reporting two cases who received remdesivir for treating COVID-19 besides other treatments such as steroids and supportive therapy in December 2020. Cases were males aged over 65 years.

Cases presentation: Both patients were severe cases of COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), who received remdesivir for treating COVID-19 infection. Several side effects were reported: the first case had increased liver enzymes and then unexpectedly died from severe resistant hypotension; and hypoalbuminemia was noticed in the second case.

Conclusions: Remdesivir use among patients in Sudan must be studied extensively in order to determine the unexpected fatal event and assess the association of this event to remdesivir use, as well as to report the frequency of the side effects.
Organization of Educational Interactions Based on Dialogue in a Digital Environment
Authors: Popey-ool Saida , Shishov Sergey
Published: June 2021

The authors of the article investigate the problem of the increasingly complex structure of knowledge and the education system, in which teachers have to present a large amount of knowledge in a short period of time, while most teachers understand that it is necessary to pay special attention to educational communications and interactions. This is especially true for dialogue when organizing training sessions in a digital environment. The dialogue, full of educational questions, organizes "heuristic" training of students on the individual logic of cognition. Consequently, teachers receive additional functional and emotional load of speech interaction. The results of the study showed that regardless of the style of communication (authoritarian or democratic), the teacher has to devote 4/5 or 2/3 of the academic time to speech communication, of which the lecture will take 1/3 or ¼ of the class time. Consequently, half of the lesson or a little less is spent on communication or other educational activities, corrected by the teacher. It is concluded that educational interaction is influenced by general institutional relations (usually historical and traditional for an educational institution), the level of language proficiency( vocabulary), the theoretical content of the subject or topic of the lesson, divided into microtexts; many teachers consider multi-semiotic resources as undesirable if they are not embedded in the structure of the topic of the lesson, since not all teachers have the latest scientific knowledge, which becomes a lot (this is more true for social and humanitarian knowledge in higher education); learning interactions (having an intersubjective orientation) have a dynamic character, in which students perceive the sequence of learning actions as a learning tool. Research reveals the multifaceted nature of learning interactions, in which there are not only logical, but also emotional judgments. Therefore, the teacher's correction should have intersubjective properties, since the educational dialogue is the creative discourse of students.
Efficiency of the Experimental Method of Positioning a Teacher in the Modern Communication Space
Authors: Andryukova D. , Bakanev O.
Published: June 2021

The results of the study allow us to identify the need and usefulness of the lecture material developed by us on the discipline "Image-science in the practical activity of a teacher" for students in the following areas of training: "Psychological and pedagogical education "and" Personnel Management". Also, to compare the existing and received level of knowledge on the discipline "Image-science in pedagogical activity" among students in the areas of training: "Psychological and pedagogical education" and to identify the need for the introduction of this discipline in the curriculum.
The Manifestation of Aggressiveness in Students of Technical University
Authors: Nikandrova Natal'ya , Veselkova Elena
Published: June 2021

This article examines the current student problem of our time – ways to implement intrapersonal conflict in aggressive forms of behavior, mechanisms of manifestation, gender characteristics of aggressiveness in the student environment. The theoretical part of the research defines the main concepts and modern concepts that the authors adhere to. Practical research is based on the identification and study of groups in the University student environment that are most prone to aggression; on the selection in groups of students who are prone to various types of aggression in the form of deviant behavior.

The main tools of the research were methods and techniques: the Express survey developed by the authors; the A. bass-A. darky aggression questionnaire (BD); methods for diagnosing the tendency to deviate behavior (SOP); observation; Spearman's rank correlation coefficient method.

In the course of the study, the following reliable conclusions were obtained. The girls were found to have weak volitional control of the emotional sphere in the manifestation of verbal, physical, indirect aggression, as well as irritability and suspicion. In young men, weakness of volitional control is correlated with irritability, indirect aggression, negativism, and resentment. Delinquent behavior is typical only for young men. Propensity to aggression and violence in the female sample of the risk group is associated with verbal, physical and indirect aggression as a way of detente. Female aggressiveness can manifest itself in a willingness to display negative reactions and an oppositional manner in behavior. In the male sample of the "risk" group, the propensity to aggression and violence have less pronounced correlations with negativism, and the most specific way to solve the situation is physical aggression.

The authors suggest ways to conduct psychological and pedagogical work in higher education with students who have various forms of aggression.
Investigation of the Relationship Between Professional Deformation, Self-Attitude and Personality Reflexivity Among Employees of Organizations
Authors: Shcherbakova O. , Sklyadneva V. , Gudkova E.
Published: June 2021

The article examines the research in theory and practice on the problem of professional burnout, which can contribute to the professional deformation of the personality, which leads to a distortion of the personal qualities of a specialist, if one does not take into account the peculiarities of a person's self-attitude, in particular in professional activity. These indicators will indicate the degree of development of personal reflexivity, which allows a person not only to analyze experienced events, but to form a further effective model of behavior. The authors present the results of an empirical study on the study of the relationship between professional deformation and self-attitude and personality reflexivity among employees of the National Media Group, in addition, differences in the average indicators of the degree of professional deformation, in the context of professional burnout, and elements of personality self-attitude among employees of NMH are proved. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed in the first group (HR department) the presence of an inverse relationship between the scale of “depersonalization” and the scale of autosympathy, as well as between “emotional exhaustion” and the scale of “self-confidence”. The respondents of the second group (development department) are characterized by the presence of a direct correlation between the scale of "reduction of professionalism" and "autosympathy".
Early discharge after temporary epicardial pacing wire removal: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jacob Liril , Bruno Vito Domenico , Cross Debbie
Published: June 2021

Background/Aims

Insertion of temporary epicardial pacing wires is a common procedure following cardiac surgery. Complications related to their removal, though rare, can be fatal. There are no nationally recognised guidelines on the removal of pacing wires or safe discharge thereafter. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of discharging stable cardiac surgery patients, who meet all other discharge criteria, within 4–24 hours of epicardial pacing wire removal.

Methods

A single-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted with all consecutive cardiac surgery patients who underwent temporary pacing wire insertion at a tertiary centre for cardiac surgery (n=250). Patient records were retrospectively reviewed to extract and collate variables related to the procedure, as well as acute and long-term adverse outcomes. Data were analysed using a variety of statistical tests, with P<0.005 being taken to indicate significance.

Results

No significant difference was observed in the incidence of acute (P=0.646) or long-term complications (P=0.118) between patients discharged before 24 hours after wire removal and those discharged later. Patients with moderate or severe resistance to removal were significantly more likely to experience acute complications (P<0.001). Patients with an international normalised ratio of >2 at removal showed significantly more long-term complications (40.9% vs 16.2%, P=0.02).

Conclusions

The practice of discharging patients within 24 hours after pacing wire removal, if all other discharge criteria are met, is safe. High resistance and an elevated international normalised ratio (>2) at the time of removal are independent predictors of acute and long-term complications. Such patients should be closely monitored after removal and might benefit from delayed discharge. Further research should be conducted to make this study's results more generalisable and to formulate guidelines to standardise practice.
Suspected scaphoid injuries managed by MRI direct from the emergency department
Authors: Dean Benjamin J. F. , Little Christopher , Riley Nicholas D. , Sellon Edward , Sheehan Warren , Burford Jenna , Hormbrey Phil , Costa Matthew L.
Published: June 2021

Aims

To determine the role of early MRI in the management of suspected scaphoid fractures.

Methods

A total of 337 consecutive patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) following wrist trauma over a 12-month period were prospectively included in this service evaluation project. MRI was not required in 62 patients with clear diagnoses, and 17 patients were not managed as per pathway, leaving a total of 258 patients with normal scaphoid series radiographs who were then referred directly from ED for an acute wrist MRI scan. Patient demographics, clinical details, outcomes, and complications were recorded at a minimum of a year following injury.

Results

The median time from injury to ED presentation was one day and the median number of positive clinical signs was two out of three (snuffbox tenderness, tubercle tenderness, pain on telescoping). Of 258 patients referred for acute MRI, 208 scans were performed as 50 patients either did not tolerate (five patients) or did not attend their scan (45 patients). MRI scans demonstrated scaphoid fracture (13%), fracture of another bone (22%), scaphoid contusion (6%), other contusion/ligamentous injury (20%), or solely degenerative pathology (10%). Only 29% of scans showed no abnormality. Almost 50% of those undergoing MRI (100 patients) were discharged by ED with advice, with only one re-presentation. Of the 27 undisplaced occult scaphoid fractures, despite prompt cast immobilization, two experienced delayed union which was successfully treated with surgery.

Conclusion

The use of MRI direct from ED enables prompt diagnosis and the early discharge of a large proportion of patients with normal radiographs following wrist trauma. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(6):447–453.
Mid-infrared ridge waveguides fabricated in CaF2 crystal by the technique of O5+ ion irradiation
Authors: Zhang Xinbin , Cheng Yazhou , Zhang Yongcheng
Published: June 2021

The fabrication of ridge waveguides in calcium fluoride (

C
a
F

2

) crystal working at the mid-infrared wavelength was studied. First, the planar waveguide was fabricated by using

O

5
+

ion irradiation, and then the ridge waveguide structure was manufactured by precise diamond blade dicing. The propagation loss was measured by end-face coupling arrangement, and then annealing treatment was implemented to optimize the waveguide performance, and the propagation loss was finally reduced to 0.5 dB/cm. We measured the Raman spectra of the waveguide and substrate to observe the damage to the material lattice caused by

O

5
+

ion irradiation technology.
Low-power swept-source Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Atabaki Amir H. , Herrington William F. , Burgner Christopher , Jayaraman Vijaysekhar , Ram Rajeev J.
Published: June 2021

‘Molecular fingerprinting’ with Raman spectroscopy can address important problems–from ensuring our food safety, detecting dangerous substances, to supporting disease diagnosis and management. However, the broad adoption of Raman spectroscopy demands low-cost, portable instruments that are sensitive and use lasers that are safe for human eye and skin. This is currently not possible with existing Raman spectroscopy approaches. Portability has been achieved with dispersive Raman spectrometers, however, fundamental entropic limits to light collection both limits sensitivity and demands high-power lasers and cooled expensive detectors. Here, we demonstrate a swept-source Raman spectrometer that improves light collection efficiency by up to 1000× compared to portable dispersive spectrometers. We demonstrate high detection sensitivity with only 1.5 mW average excitation power and an uncooled amplified silicon photodiode. The low optical power requirement allowed us to utilize miniature chip-scale MEMS-tunable lasers with close to eye-safe optical powers for excitation. We characterize the dynamic range and spectral characteristics of this Raman spectrometer in detail, and use it for fingerprinting of different molecular species consumed everyday including analgesic tablets, nutrients in vegetables, and contaminated alcohol. By moving the complexity of Raman spectroscopy from bulky spectrometers to chip-scale light sources, and by replacing expensive cooled detectors with low-cost uncooled alternatives, this swept-source Raman spectroscopy technique could make molecular fingerprinting more accessible.
Mode-evolution-based TE mode magneto-optical isolator using asymmetric adiabatic tapered waveguides
Authors: Liu Shuyuan , Shoji Yuya , Mizumoto Tetsuya
Published: June 2021

As an indispensable component in the photonic integrated circuits, the design and fabrication of optical isolators, particularly in the transverse electric (TE) polarized mode, is a long-standing challenge. Herein, we present a TE mode magneto-optical isolator using adiabatic tapered waveguides to realize conversions between designated modes. The isolator exhibits an ultranarrow structure of 1.27 μm × 1498 μm. We demonstrate that the device functions under a TE mode input with a maximum isolation ratio of 15 dB and an insertion loss of 5 dB at a wavelength of 1537.3 nm.
Post-fabrication resonance trimming of Si3N4 photonic circuits via localized thermal annealing of a sputter-deposited SiO2 cladding
Authors: Xie Yanran , Frankis Henry C. , Bradley Jonathan D. B. , Knights Andrew P.
Published: June 2021

We report a resonance trimming technique, applicable to waveguides employing an SiO2 cladding. The SiO2 is deposited by a room temperature sputtering process. Resonance shifts of micro-ring resonators of 4.4 nm were achieved with furnace annealing, whereas a resonance shift of 1.4 nm was achieved using integrated micro-heaters. For our device layout, with 30 μm ring separation, the thermal cross-talk is negligible, and isolated trimming of each micro-ring is achieved. Three, single-channel ring filters on the same substrate were aligned to the same wavelength within a 20 pm precision. The stability of trimmed micro-rings was assessed following extended storage in atmospheric ambient. For a ring shifted by 4.4 nm using furnace annealing, relaxation of 540 pm is observed, while for a ring shifted by 1.4 nm using integrated heaters, the relaxation is 270 pm.
Detection of SARs-CoV-2 in wastewater using the existing environmental surveillance network: A potential supplementary system for monitoring COVID-19 transmission
Authors: Sharif Salmaan , Ikram Aamer , Khurshid Adnan , Salman Muhammad , Mehmood Nayab , Arshad Yasir , Ahmed Jamal , Safdar Rana Muhammad , Rehman Lubna , Mujtaba Ghulam , Hussain Jaffar , Ali Johar , Angez Mehar , Alam Muhammad Masroor , Akthar Ribqa , Wasif Malik Muhammad , Iqbal Baig Mirza Zeeshan , Suleman Rana Muhammad , Usman Muhammad , Qaisar Ali Muhammad , Ahad Abdul , Badar Nazish , Umair Massab , Tamim Sana , Ashraf Asiya , Tahir Faheem , Ali Nida
Published: June 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is caused by SARs-CoV-2. The virus is transmitted from person to person through droplet infections i.e. when infected person is in close contact with another person. In January 2020, first report of detection of SARS-CoV-2 in faeces, has made it clear that human wastewater might contain this virus. This may illustrate the probability of environmentally facilitated transmission, mainly the sewage, however, environmental conditions that could facilitate faecal oral transmission is not yet clear. We used existing Pakistan polio environment surveillance network to investigate presence of SARs-CoV-2 using three commercially available kits and E-Gene detection published assay for surety and confirmatory of positivity. A Two-phase separation method is used for sample clarification and concentration. An additional high-speed centrifugation (14000Xg for 30 min) step was introduced, prior RNA extraction, to increase viral RNA yield resulting a decrease in Cq value. A total of 78 wastewater samples collected from 38 districts across Pakistan, 74 wastewater samples from existing polio environment surveillance sites, 3 from drains of COVID-19 infected areas and 1 from COVID 19 quarantine center drainage, were tested for presence of SARs-CoV-2. 21 wastewater samples (27%) from 13 districts turned to be positive on RT-qPCR. SARs-COV-2 RNA positive samples from areas with COVID 19 patients and quarantine center strengthen the findings and use of wastewater surveillance in future. Furthermore, sequence data of partial ORF 1a generated from COVID 19 patient quarantine center drainage sample also reinforce our findings that SARs-CoV-2 can be detected in wastewater. This study finding indicates that SARs-CoV-2 detection through wastewater surveillance has an epidemiologic potential that can be used as supplementary system to monitor viral tracking and circulation in cities with lower COVID-19 testing capacity or heavily populated areas where door-to-door tracing may not be possible. However, attention is needed on virus concentration and detection assay to increase the sensitivity. Development of highly sensitive assay will be an indicator for virus monitoring and to provide early warning signs.
Semaphorin 3E deficiency dysregulates dendritic cell functions: In vitro and in vivo evidence
Authors: Movassagh Hesam , Shan Lianyu , Koussih Latifa , Alamri Abdulaziz , Ariaee Nazila , Kung Sam K. P. , Gounni Abdelilah S.
Published: June 2021

Regulation of dendritic cell functions is a complex process in which several mediators play diverse roles as a network in a context-dependent manner. The precise mechanisms underlying dendritic cell functions have remained to be addressed. Semaphorins play crucial roles in regulation of various cell functions. We previously revealed that Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E) contributes to regulation of allergen-induced airway pathology partly mediated by controlling recruitment of conventional dendritic cell subsets in vivo, though the underlying mechanism remained elusive. In this study, we investigate the potential regulatory role of Sema3E in dendritic cells. We demonstrated that bone marrow-derived dendritic cells differentiated from Sema3e-/- progenitors have an enhanced migration capacity both at the baseline and in response to CCL21. The enhanced migration ability of Sema3E dendritic cells was associated with an overexpression of the chemokine receptor (CCR7), elevated Rac1 GTPase activity and F-actin polymerization. Using a mouse model of allergic airway sensitization, we observed that genetic deletion of Sema3E leads to a time dependent upregulation of CCR7 on CD11b+ conventional dendritic cells in the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes. Furthermore, aeroallergen sensitization of Sema3e-/- mice lead to an enhanced expression of PD-L2 and IRF-4 as well as enhanced allergen uptake in pulmonary CD11b+ DC, compared to wild type littermates. Collectively, these data suggest that Sema3E implicates in regulation of dendritic cell functions which could be considered a basis for novel immunotherapeutic strategies for the diseases associated with defective dendritic cells in the future.