bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive study on haematological and platelet related changes following septoplasty
Authors: Senniappan Shivakumar , Giritharan Naveen 
Published: October 2020

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Septoplasty is an elective surgical procedure indicated for the improvement of anatomic nasal airway obstruction. Platelets have an important role in endothelium damage repair and regulating hemostasis. Platelets produce pro-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines during vascular inflammation. Aim of the study was to determine various types of changes that occur in Haematology and Platelet profile in patients after they undergo Septoplasty.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The study was conducted between January 2019 to June 2020 on 50 patients attending ENT OPD in Vinayaka Mission’s KirupanandhaVariyar Medical College and Hospital, Salem. 50 patients fulfilling inclusion/ exclusion criteria who give informed consent were included in the study. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The parameters with no significant differences were found in red blood cells, white blood cells, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, haemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Htc), mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet distribution width values. mean platelet volume (MPV) value was decreased, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values were increased.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In our study, MPV value was decreased, PLR and NLR values were increased significantly after septoplasty. Also, the decrease in nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) score after surgery is the confirmatory parameter proving that septoplasty not only improves the quality of life but also significantly corrects the altered blood and platelet related parameters in nasal septal deviation patients.</p>
Clinical study to compare the effect of intratympanic injection of lidocaine and dexamethasone in tinnitus of cochlear origin
Authors: . Surabhiraj , Megalamani Somanath B. , Gadag Raveendra P. 
Published: October 2020

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Due to various aetiologies and the less known mechanism involved in tinnitus no treatment modality gives consistent results. Here, we are comparing the efficacy of intratympanic injections of lidocaine and dexamethasone. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Out of 100 selected patients, consecutive patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria are randomly allocated into one of the 2 study groups (50 members each). Intratympanic injection of lidocaine and dexamethasone are given to respective group weekly for 3 consecutive weeks and response is assessed at 1 month and 2nd month of injection. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> In our study, maximum patients were in the age group of 56-65 yrs. When the effect of lidocaine and dexamethasone on tinnitus (based on THI-tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire) is compared, dexamethasone is found to be more efficacious than lidocaine with a p value&lt;0.005. Out of total, 96% of dexamethasone group and 68% of lignocaine group have got improved THI score during second follow up. While assessing the effect of lidocaine and dexamethasone on pure tone audiogram (PTA) it is found that, dexamethasone is showing more improvement when compared to lignocaine (p value&lt;0.05). Regarding the adverse effects of injection, side effect is more with lidocaine (50%) than that of dexamethasone (36%), most common adverse effect which we came across was burning type of pain, followed by giddiness which last only for few seconds. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Dexamethasone is effective in reducing the overall THI score hence reduces handicap when compared with that of lidocaine with added advantage on hearing.</p>
A study to compare the outcomes of laser myringotomy and conventional incision myringotomy
Authors: Pudukulangara Shruthi , Megalamani Somanath B. , Gadag Ravindra P. 
Published: October 2020

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The objective of the study was to compare the outcomes of laser myringotomy and incision myringotomy in terms of operating time, patency of opening, hearing improvement, and disease recurrence.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study is a prospective study done among 35 children and 68 ears. All cases which were diagnosed to have otitis media with effusion were randomly assigned into two groups: group 1 was treated with diode laser myringotomy and group 2 was treated with conventional incision myringotomy without grommet insertion. These patients were followed up at regular intervals and compared in terms of operating time, patency of opening, recurrence of disease and hearing improvement. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Diode laser myringotomy took an average operating time of 6.38 minutes and the patency of opening was maintained for an average of 13.59 days, compared to the average operating time for incision myringotomy of 9 minutes, and the patency of opening being 12.35 days. These differences were statistically significant (p&lt;0.0001 for operating time and p=0.041 for patency of opening). Hearing improvement was also found to be better in laser myringotomy group (p=0.021). </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Diode laser myringotomy is an effective, easy and less time-consuming modality than incision myringotomy for the treatment of otitis media with effusion. </p>
A study of clinical and dermoscopic features in alopecia areata at a tertiary referral center
Authors: N. Nikhil , P. Mamatha , K. Hanumanthayya 
Published: October 2020

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Alopecia areata (AA) is a common chronic inflammatory disease causing unpredictable non scarring form of hair loss. Dermoscopy is a clear cut as well as valuable method done in a noninvasive manner to study the signs of alopecia areata. Aim was to elucidate the various clinical characteristics and dermoscopic findings of alopecia areata.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 150 patients were examined using a dermlite dermoscope at dermatovenereology OPD of Vydehi Hospital. Detailed history, clinical features, associated changes, severity and dermoscopic findings were noted.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>In our study males (54.7%) were more than females (45.35%) with the ratio of 1.2:1. Mean age of the patients was 25 years. Mean duration of the disease was around 6 months. The most common type noted in our study was patchy alopecia (76%) and most common affected site was scalp (frontal and parietal region) (49.35%). 28% of the people have itching, otherwise it is mostly asymptomatic. Stress was a triggering factor in 24.70% patients. Nail changes in the form of pitting seen in 20.7% patients. The various dermoscopic findings observed in our study are yellow dots (80%), short vellus hair (74.7%), exclamation hair (34%), black dots (28%), broken hair (25.3%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Short vellus hair and yellow dots are seen in most cases of our study. They vary according to the activity of the disease and treatment. Yellow dots, black dots and tapering hair indicate active disease, while short vellus hairs indicate remission.</p><p> </p>
Phenotypic and genetic spectrum of isolated macrodactyly: somatic mosaicism of PIK3CA and AKT1 oncogenic variants
Authors: Tian Wen , Huang Yingzhao , Sun Liying , Guo Yang , Zhao Sen , Lin Mao , Dong Xiying , Zhong Wenyao , Yin Yuehan , Chen Zefu , Zhang Nan , Zhang Yuanqiang , Wang Lianlei , Lin Jiachen , Yan Zihui , Yang Xinzhuang , Zhao Junhui , Qiu Guixing , Zhang Jianguo , Wu Zhihong , Wu Nan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Isolated macrodactyly is a severe congenital hand anomaly with functional and physiological impact. Known causative genes include PIK3CA, AKT1 and PTEN. The aim of this study is to gain insights into the genetics basis of isolated macrodactyly. Results: We enrolled 24 patients with isolated macrodactyly. Four of them were diagnosed with Proteus syndrome based on skin presentations characteristic to this disease. Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed using patients’ blood and affected tissues. Overall, 20 patients carry mosaic PIK3CA pathogenic variants, i.e. p.His1047Arg (N=7), p.Glu542Lys (N=6), p.Glu545Lys (N=2), p.His1047Leu (N=2), p.Glu453Lys (N=1), p.Gln546Lys (N=1) and p.His1047Tyr (N=1). Four patients who met the diagnostic criteria of Proteus syndrome carry mosaic AKT1 p.Glu17Lys variant. Variant allele frequencies of these mosaic variants obtained through next-generation sequencing range from 10% to 33%. In genotype-phenotype correlation analysis of patients with PIK3CA variant, we found that patients with the macrodactyly of the upper and lower limbs tend to carry PIK3CA variants located in the kinase and helical domain (P=0.011). Conclusions: Mosaic PIK3CA and AKT1 variants can be found in all of our samples with isolated macrodactyly. Insights into phenotypic and genetic spectrum of isolated macrodactyly may be helpful in perusing a more precise and effective management of isolated macrodactyly.
Total versus conventional laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in children with choledochal cysts: a case-control study
Authors: LIU FEI , Xu Xiaogang , Lan Menglong , Tao Boyuan , Li Le , Wu Qiang , Chai Chengwei , Zeng Jixiao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background : To compare the efficacy of total and conventional laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy (TLH and CLH) in children with choledochal cysts (CDCs).
Methods: Data from patients undergoing TLH and CLH between August 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative blood loss, time for jejunum-cojejunum anastomosis, time to oral intake, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization expenses, and postoperative complications were compared.
Results: All 55 patients (TLH=30, CLH=25) were successfully treated without conversion to open surgery. In the TLH and CLH groups, the time to oral intake was 3.57±0.19 d and 4.56±0.27 d, respectively (t=3.07, P<0.01), the postoperative hospital stay was 5.50±0.28 d and 7.00±0.74 d (t=2.03, P<0.05), and the hospitalization expenses were CNY 40085±2447 and CNY 26084±2776 (t=3.79, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss (9.57±3.28 ml vs 8.2±1.13 ml, t=0.37, P=0.72) or time for jejunum-cojejunum anastomosis (80.5±2.46 min vs 75.00±2.04 min, t=1.68, P=0.10). The median follow-up periods of the TLH and CLH groups were 17 and 16 months, respectively. Overall complication rates were comparable between the two groups (10% vs 8%, c²=0.07, P=0.79).
Conclusions: TLH in children with CDCs has the advantages of rapid gastrointestinal functional recovery and a short hospitalization. However, hospitalization is relatively expensive.
Keywords: Total laparoscopic; Choledochal cyst; Children; Congenital
People and water: understanding integrated systems needs integrated approaches
Authors: Carr Gemma , Barendrecht Marlies H. , Debevec Liza , Kuil Linda , Blöschl Günter 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
As we rapidly modify the environment around us, researchers have a critical role to play in raising our understanding of the interactions between people and the world in which they live. Knowledge and understanding of these interactions are essential for evidence based decision-making on resource use and risk management. In this paper, we explore three research case studies that illustrate co-evolution between people and water systems. In each case study, we highlight how different knowledge and understanding, stemming from different disciplines, can be integrated by complementing narratives with a quantitative modelling approach. We identify several important research practices that must be taken into account when modelling people-water systems: transparency, grounding the model in sound theory, supporting it with the most robust data possible, communicating uncertainty, recognising that there is no ‘one true model’ and diversity in the modelling team. To support interdisciplinary research endeavours, we propose a three-point plan: (1) demonstrating and emphasising that interdisciplinary collaboration can both address existing research questions and identify new, previously unknown questions at the interface between the disciplines; (2) supporting individual interdisciplinary learning at all career stages and (3) developing group practices and a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Molecular detection of beta-lactamase blaCTX-M group 1 in Escherichia coli isolated from drinking water in Khartoum State
Authors: Altayb Hisham N. , Salih Eman Khalid , Moglad Ehssan H. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to detect the blaCTX-M group 1 in Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from drinking water in Khartoum State. Two hundred and eighty water samples were collected randomly from different areas, places, and sources from the state and examined for the presence of E. coli as a fecal contamination indicator. Isolation and identification of E. coli were performed using culture characteristics on different culture media and biochemical reactions. An antimicrobial sensitivity test was performed for all isolated E. coli using agar disk diffusion method. DNA was extracted by boiling method, and bacterial genomic DNA used as a template to detect blaCTX-M group 1 by PCR. Results showed 86 (30.7%) E. coli were isolated out of 280 water samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed the highest resistant percentage was 59% for tetracycline, followed by 35% for gentamycin, while for chloramphenicol and cefotaxime was 22 and 20%, respectively. blaCTX-M group 1 was detected in about 40% of all isolates. This study concludes that drinking water in Khartoum State may be contaminated with feces and might be a possible source for transferring resistant bacteria. Thus, it may be one of the critical causes of increasing reports of antimicrobial resistance in Khartoum State.
Effects of chemical activating agents on physical properties of activated carbons – a commentary
Authors: Amran Fadina , Zaini Muhammad Abbas Ahmad 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Well-developed surface areas and porous structures that render high adsorption capacity are necessary for pollutant removal from wastewater by activated carbons. Activated carbons from natural resources, and agricultural and industrial waste materials are produced using chemical agents, including KOH, H3PO4, K2CO3, ZnCl2 and NaOH. This study is intended to highlight the effects of those agents on the physical properties of the activated carbons. The operating conditions, i.e., temperature, time and ratio, show an interplay towards the physical properties at varying degree. The yield, pore size, mesoporosity and surface area of activated carbons derived using different chemical agents correlate well with the impregnation ratio. Generally, the pore size, mesoporosity and surface area increase, while the yield decreases with increasing ratio (over a given range). Higher ratio and temperature are recommended for KOH, K2CO3 and NaOH activation, to endow activated carbons with greater surface area.
Application of machine learning algorithms in MBR simulation under big data platform
Authors: Li Weiwei , Li Chunqing , Wang Tao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are a sewage treatment process that combines membrane separation with bioreactor technology. It has great advantages in sewage treatment. Membrane fouling hinders MBR process development, however. Studies have shown that the degree of membrane fouling can be judged using the membrane flux rate. In this study, principal component analysis was used to extract the main factors affecting membrane fouling, then the random forest algorithm on the Hadoop big data platform was used to establish an MBR membrane flux prediction model, which was tested. In order to verify the model's effectiveness, BP neural network and SVM support vector machine models were established using the same experimental data. The experimental results from the different models were compared, and the results showed that the random forest algorithm gave the best MBR membrane flux predictions.
Construction and application research of ecological evaluation platform based on Cesium
Authors: Fu Yao , Luan Guize , Cai Jingzhi , Li Yuchen , Zhao Fei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In this study, Sentinel 2A and Landsat series remote sensing images were used to determine the weights of vegetation coverage, humidity, dryness and heat by using the principal component analysis method. The remote sensing ecological index evaluation model was used to evaluate the ecology of the Fuxian Lake area from 2013 to 2018. Environmental quality in the study area is monitored and analyzed. By developing a unified organization and management module of spatio-temporal data in the collaborative production of multi-source heterogeneous data, the mapping relationship between data and parameters is established. The 3D-web data integration decision platform is constructed. Based on the Cesium engine real-time rendering and interactive visualization network 3D platform, real-time calculation and visualization of the ecological evaluation of the Fuxian Lake area between 2013 and 2018 is realized. The ecological environment of the study area continued to deteriorate from 2013 to 2015, improved slightly in 2016, and improved significantly in 2017–2018. The platform has the functions of searching, selecting the base map, measuring on the map, and positioning the coordinates, which can achieve the real-time ecological analysis function and show the change process of the ecological environment and natural resources.
Formation of iodinated products in Fe (II)/peroxydisulfate (PDS) system
Authors: Dong Zijun , Li Mu , Chen Meifen , Gu Yurong , Jiang Chengchun , Sun Feiyun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The transformation of iodide (I−) and hypoiodous acid (IO−) by Fe (II)-activated peroxydisulfate (PDS) in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM) was investigated. In the water of a reservoir in Shenzhen, four kinds of organic matter were detected: iodoform &gt; diiodo-bromomethane &gt; dibromo-iodomethane &gt; dichloromethane. As pH increased from 3 to 10, I− conversion rate decreased from 31.0% to 11.0%. There is basically no iodic acid () generated under alkaline conditions, probably due to these organic matters. When PDS concentration is low, PDS can oxidize part of I− to IO−, and the oxidation of I− into reaction and continued oxidation reaction exist at the same time, so some is generated in the system. As the proportion of Fe (II) increases, the generation rate of gradually increases. When Fe2+/PDS is 1:5, 2:5, and 3:5, the conversion rates of are 4.7%, 6.5%, and 8.4%, respectively. There are two main reasons for this: (i) the reaction of IO− produced in the system with humic acid (HA) inhibits the further conversion of IO− to ; (ii) both HA and I- in the system can react with PDS, resulting in a reduction in the oxidation rate of I−.
Planning for urban water supply–demand portfolio using a hybrid robust stochastic optimization approach
Authors: Shabani Maryam , Gharneh Naser Shams , Niaki Seyed Taghi Akhavan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Water management and preventing water shortage require accurate planning with attention to the importance of urban water. The problems ahead include the increase in demand and reduction in water supply resources due to factors that cause uncertainties and the high cost of water supply infrastructures. Most studies in urban water management consider only a single criterion. However, in this research, two objective functions, namely cost minimization and per capita water consumption maximization, were used simultaneously. A portfolio approach based on the balance of water supply and demand was developed taking uncertainty into account. Then, the problem was solved using a hybrid robust–stochastic optimization approach. The results showed the selected supply augmentation and demand management options in each stage under dry, normal, and wet year scenarios.
Electrochemical conversion pathways and existing morphology of arsenic(III) in anode-cathode separated electrolytic cells
Authors: Qin Yanyan , Cui Yanping , Zhou Zhengwei , Gao Ya , Lei Lidan , Shi Xiaoyan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
To explore the electrochemical conversion of arsenic at different voltages and pH, an open separated electrolytic cell with a platinum anode and a graphite cathode was selected for this paper. The form and concentration of arsenic in the anodic cell and cathodic cell were detected. Experimental results proved that at 40.0 V, As(III) in an acid electrolyte in the cathodic cell was firstly mainly reduced to AsH3 with trace As(0) as intermediate. As the electrolysis time arrived at 27 min, pH in the cathodic cell jumped suddenly from acidity to alkalinity, accompanied by the majority of the remaining As(III) converting to As(V) for an instant. As time went on, As(III) and As(V) remained almost unchanged at the ratio of 1:3, and the reduction of As(III) became extremely weak in the alkaline environment. When pH in the cathodic tank was adjusted to keep it acid, As(III) was eventually converted to AsH3. Compared with high voltage, at a low voltage of 1.0 V the cathode failed to achieve the potential of As(III) reduction and As(III) was eventually oxidized to As(V) in the acid catholyte. Electrochemical oxidation of As(III) in the open cathodic cell was likely caused by in-situ generation of peroxide from electrochemical reduction of O2. Theoretical support for electrochemical oxidation of As(III) on a carbon cathode in neutral and weak alkaline media is provided in this study.
HYDRUS-2D simulations of nitrate nitrogen and potassium transport characteristics under fertilizer solution infiltration of furrow irrigation
Authors: Nie Wei-Bo , Nie Kun-Kun , Li Yi-Bo , Ma Xiao-Yi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Understanding the characteristics of soil solute transport is fundamental to the design and management of furrow irrigation systems. This study determined the soil hydraulic and solute transport parameters by inverse solution with HYDRUS-2D and then verified them. The experimental data were obtained from the infiltration of clay loam and sandy loam of different potassium nitrate (KNO3) concentrations under furrow irrigation. Then, the initial soil water content (θ0), KNO3 concentration, and water depth (h0) affecting the transport characteristics of nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) and potassium (K+) were analyzed. The results indicated that the soil hydraulic and solute transport parameters determined from the inversion solution with HYDRUS-2D were reliable. The soil saturated water content, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and empirical parameter n in the van Genuchten–Mualem model increase with the increase of KNO3 concentrations, whereas the empirical parameter a shows a decreasing tendency. The distribution range of NO3−-N increased with the increases of θ0 and the KNO3 concentration, which had barely any effect on the range of K+ distribution. The horizontal distribution range of NO3−-N and K+ increased with the increase of h0, but it had no obvious influence on the vertical range.