bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of different plant extracts and nanoparticles on Thrips tabaci (Lind.) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) under field conditions and their allelopathic potential on the onion, Allium cepa L. using bioassays and RAPD analysis
Authors: Qari Sameer H. , Khalil Abdelhalem H. , Abdelfattah Nilly A. H. , Shehawy Ayman A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe present study was conducted to investigate the toxicity of Aerosil 200® (fumed silica nanoparticles) and leaf extracts of four plants, Cinnamomum camphora, Matricaria chamomilla, Mentha arvensis, and Trigonella foenum-graecum against Thrips tabaci (Lind.) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in onion fields, as well their allelopathic effects on onions; moreover, the chlorophyll, phenol, and protein contents were determined in onions. This study was performed in completely randomized plots. After a growth period of 1 month, bioassay investigations and molecular polymorphism in T. tabaci by RAPD-PCR were performed, and total chlorophyll, phenol, and protein concentrations were investigated in onion plants posttreatment as well. The initial reduction% of the T. tabaci population in onion fields after application of a high concentration of nanoparticles (Aerosil 200® (4 ml/l)) and 8000 ppm concentrations of the four plant extracts were 83.66, 81.08, 86.92, 74.49, and 91.38%, respectively, whereas their persistence effects were 73.18, 67.78, 71.46, 66.94, and 78.29%, respectively. Furthermore, the total chlorophyll contents in onions treated with the nanoparticles and four plant extracts were 1.35, 1.17, 1.09, 1.07, and 1.18 mg/g, respectively; additionally, the concentrations of phenols were 4.65, 3.15, 3.15, 2.85, and 3.70 mg/g in onions treated with C. camphora, M. chamomilla, M. arvensis, T. foenum-graecum, and Aerosil 200®, respectively. The C. camphora extract was the most potent, as it increased the protein content in the onion plants, while the Aerosil 200® decreased the protein content in onions. In addition, DNA-RAPD showed that the polymorphism percentages were 73, 71, and 67% when treated with high concentrations of C. camphora and M. arvensis extracts and Aerosol 200®, respectively. T. foenum-graecum and M. chamomilla extracts induced the least polymorphism (17 and 16%, respectively). Overall, this study indicated that these plant extracts as well as the nanoparticles in Aerosil 200® could be used to reduce onion infestations of T. tabaci in the field environment.
Challenges of implementation of hospital accreditation in Iran: an exploratory factor analysis
Authors: Tashayoei Narges , Raeissi Pouran , Nasiripour Amir Ashkan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Today, accreditation is considered as the most commonly used health assessment approach. Considering the importance and application of the process of this approach in the hospital, this study aimed to investigate the challenges of implementation of hospital accreditation in Iran using exploratory factor analysis.

Methods
A cross-sectional study design was carried out from July to December 2017, consisting of 200 managers in the seven hospitals accredited by the MOH in Tehran, Iran. Samples were selected through the purposive sampling method, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire in which validity and reliability were confirmed. Likert’s five-choice range was used for the rating of items. Exploratory factor analysis was used to categorize the identified challenges and extract the mathematical model on them.

Results
Exploratory factor analysis identified six dimensions (implementation, evaluation, content, structural, psychological, and managerial) with 40 items using a 5-point Likert scale. Each dimension accounted for greater than 63.20% of the total variance. The scale had strong content validity (indices = 0.84). Each dimension of Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.74 to 0.94. Implementation, evaluation, content, structural, psychological, and managerial components also formed the final identified areas.

Conclusion
The present study showed that there were major challenges in the path to successful deployment of Iranian hospital accreditation, requiring serious action by managers and policymakers in this field.
Demographic transition in Sultanate of Oman: emerging demographic dividend and challenges
Authors: Islam M. Mazharul 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe sharp fall in fertility and mortality in Oman in recent time is quite stunning and more than expected, which is largely remained unexplored. This paper examined the characteristics of demographic changes and the emerging windows of opportunities and challenges for Oman. It also discussed the policy options. Data come from the national level surveys and censuses as well as the World Population Prospects 2019 Revision of the United Nations.ResultsThe population of Oman grew from less than half a million in 1950 to more than four million in 2015, and expected to reach to seven million by 2055. After 1970, the annual growth rate of population accelerated due to increased immigration of working age population which has increased from less than 1% in 1970 to 44% in 2015. The fertility rate has declined from 8.6 births per woman in 1988 to 3.3 births per woman in 2008, a decline of 5.3 births per woman or 62% decline within a short period of 20 years. Under-five mortality also declined from 359 deaths per 1000 live births in 1950 to nine deaths per 1000 live births in 2015. Demographic transitions leads to many changes in the size and age structure of the population in Oman that open up the opportunities of accruing demographic dividend for economic development of the country. The dependency ratio has decreased from 98% in 1970 to 32% in 2015. Two opening of demographic dividend period has been observed—first from 1958 to 2000 and the second one has opened in 2010 which will reach its peak during the 2020s and will remain open until 2040.ConclusionOman has been experiencing a period of youth bulge over the years and it is expected to continue for at least next 20 years. To reap the benefits of the emerged demographic dividend, necessary steps need to be taken in a timely manner to develop human resources. Understanding the demographic challenges must be a priority for the government of Oman, and formulate policies to harvest the benefits of the demographic windows.
Laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: initial Egyptian experience at the National Cancer Institute
Authors: Abdelhamed Mohamed Aly , Abdellatif Ahmed , Touny Ahmed , Mahmoud Ahmed Mostafa , Ahmed Ihab Saad , Maamoun Sherif , Shalaby Mohamed 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Laparoscopic gastrectomy has been used as a superior alternative to open gastrectomy for the treatment of early gastric cancer. However, the application of laparoscopic D2 lymphadenectomy remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer.

Results
Between May 2016 and May 2018, twenty-five consecutive patients with gastric cancer underwent laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy: eighteen patients (72%) underwent distal gastrectomy, four patients (16%) underwent total gastrectomy, and three patients (12%) underwent proximal gastrectomy. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved was 18 (5–35). A positive proximal margin was detected in 2 patients (8%). The median operative time and amount of blood loss were 240 min (200–330) and 250 ml (200–450), respectively. Conversion to an open procedure was performed in seven patients (28%). The median hospital stay period was 8 days (6–30), and the median time to start oral fluids was 4 days (3–30). Postoperative complications were detected in 4 patients (16%). There were two cases of mortality (8%) in the postoperative period, and two patients required reoperation (8%).

Conclusions
Laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy can be carried out safely and in accordance with oncologic principles.
Transpleural versus extrapleural approach in treatment of esophageal atresia
Authors: Batikhe Mohamed 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Surgery is the only curative treatment of patients with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. A lot of surgeons recommend transpleural repair while others prefer extrapleural approach for repair. This study will evaluate the differences, advantages, outcome, and the disadvantages of the two techniques.

Results
Duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the group operated by transpleural approach. The incidence of pneumothorax was higher in patients operated by transpleural approach.

Conclusion
Operating esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula by transpleural approach has significantly shorter time of surgery, but there is no difference between the two groups as regards incidence of leakage or mortality.
Plasma Glycated CD59 Predicts Early Gestational Diabetes and Large for Gestational Age Newborns
Authors: Ma DongDong , Luque-Fernandez Miguel Angel , Bogdanet Delia , Desoye Gernot , Dunne Fidelma , Halperin Jose A 
Published: February 2020

AbstractContextGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed in early pregnancy is a health care challenge because it increases the risk of adverse outcomes. Plasma-glycated CD59 (pGCD59) is an emerging biomarker for diabetes and GDM. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of pGCD59 as a biomarker of early GDM and its association with delivering a large for gestational age (LGA) infant.ObjectivesTo assess the performance of pGCD59 to identify women with GDM in early pregnancy (GDM &lt; 20) and assess the association of pGCD59 with LGA and potentially others adverse neonatal outcomes linked to GDM.MethodsBlood levels of pGCD59 were measured in samples from 693 obese women (body mass index &gt; 29) undergoing a 75-g, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at &lt;20 weeks’ gestation in the Vitamin D and Lifestyle Intervention study: the main analyses included 486 subjects who had normal glucose tolerance throughout the pregnancy, 207 who met criteria for GDM at &lt;20 weeks, and 77 diagnosed with GDM at pregnancy weeks 24 through 28. Reference tests were 75-g, 2-hour OGTT adjudicated based on International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group criteria. The index test was a pGCD59 ELISA.ResultsMean pGCD59 levels were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.001) in women with GDM &lt; 20 (3.9 ± 1.1 standard peptide units [SPU]) than in those without (2.7 ± 0.7 SPU). pGCD59 accurately identified GDM in early pregnancy with an area under the curve receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-0.90). One-unit increase in maternal pGCD59 level was associated with 36% increased odds of delivering an LGA infant (odds ratio for LGA vs non-LGA infant: 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8; P = 0.016).ConclusionOur results indicate that pGCD59 is a simple and accurate biomarker for detection of GDM in early pregnancy and risk assessment of LGA.
IDH1 Expression via the R132H Mutation–Specific Antibody in Adrenocortical Neoplasias—Prognostic Impact in Carcinomas
Authors: Pennanen Mirkka , Tynninen Olli , Kytölä Soili , Ellonen Pekka , Mustonen Harri , Heiskanen Ilkka , Haglund Caj , Arola Johanna 
Published: February 2020

AbstractContextMutations to isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) appear to play a prognostic or predictive role in several neoplasias. Immunohistochemical staining designed to detect a specific R132H mutation to IDH1 showed expression in the normal adrenal cortex, raising interest to study the potential role of IDH1 in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical tumors.ObjectiveThe objective of this work is to study the role of IDH1 and its mutations in adrenocortical tumors.Design and patientsIDH1 R132H immunohistological staining was performed on a cohort of 197 adrenocortical tumors. The exon of the IDH1 gene was sequenced in 16 tumors.ResultsPositive IDH1 R132H immunohistochemical staining correlated with a better prognosis among patients with a malignant adrenocortical tumor. However, IDH1 R132H immunohistochemistry did not distinguish between local and metastasized tumors. We were unable to identify IDH1 mutations among our adrenocortical tumors using a targeted next-generation sequencing panel or via exon sequencing.ConclusionsAmong adrenocortical carcinomas, IDH1 R132H immunopositivity correlated with a better prognosis. Thus, IDH1 R132H immunohistochemical staining could serve as a prognostic or as a potential predictive marker in adrenocortical carcinomas. Further research is needed to identify the possible alterations in IDH1 that could explain our findings, because we identified no known mutations to the IDH1 gene.
Association of systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index score with clinical and laboratory parameters in pediatric onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Shamim Roshila , Farman Sumaira , Batool Shabnam , Anwer Khan Saira Elaine , Raja Muhammad Kamil Hussain 
Published: February 2020

Objective: To determine the association of systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score in pediatric onset SLE (p-SLE) with clinical and laboratory parameters.
Methods: This cross sectional observational study was conducted at Division of Rheumatology, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore from November 2018 to January 2019. Total 23 patients diagnosed with p-SLE having onset of symptoms at ≤ 18 years of age, irrespective of their current age at presentation, of either gender, fulfilling criteria of 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria were enrolled. Patients’ clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters were reviewed, SLEDAI scores were calculated. Collected Data were entered in proforma and analyzed on SPSS version 23.
Results: There were 91.3% females. Mean age at diagnosis was 11years ± 4years. At presentation patients had hematological involvement 69.6% followed by mucocutaneous symptoms 65.2% and renal involvement 21.6%. ANA by IFA was positive in all, while anti-ds-DNA was positive in 78.3% patients. SLEDAI score was ≥6 in 87% patients, average SLEDAI score was higher in patients with renal involvement (p=0.06). Elevated ESR (r=0.48, p=0.02), Anti-dsDNA (r=0.44, p=0.05) and low complement levels (p=0.03) were significantly positively correlated, while hemoglobin (r= -0.43, p=0.04) was negatively correlated with the SLEDAI score.
Conclusion: In this study, patients with Lupus Nephritis had high SLEDAI scores. Elevated Anti-dsDNA titer, ESR, low complement levels and hemoglobin were significantly associated with high SLEDAI scores. We recommend that SLEDAI score should be calculated in p-SLE patients for stringent disease monitoring and treatment.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1480
How to cite this:Shamim R, Farman S, Batool S, Khan SEA, Raja MKH. Association of systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index score with clinical and laboratory parameters in pediatric onset systemic lupus erythematosus. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(3):467-472. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1480
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Blended Learning: The impact of blackboard formative assessment on the final marks and students’ perception of its effectiveness
Authors: Baig Mukhtiar , Gazzaz Zohair Jamil , Farooq Mohamed 
Published: February 2020

Objective: To explore the impact of Blackboard (Bb) formative assessment on the final score in the endocrine module and determine the medical students’ perception of the impact and effectiveness of Bb.
Methods: This exploratory case study was carried out at the King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA). Blackboard was used in the course management and formative assessment of third-year medical students and three years of data was collected (2016, 2017, 2019). In the last week of the module before the final exam, a formative assessment test that comprised of 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) was posted on Bb each year. All the students filled a questionnaire regarding their perception about the impact and effectiveness of Bb.
Results: Overall, summative exam scores were significantly higher than the scores in formative assessment (p <0.001). A substantial positive correlation was observed between students’ marks in the online (Bb) MCQ exam and their final exam marks (p <0.001). Regarding the features of Bb, most often used by the students’ were course resources uploaded on the Bb, assignments, online quizzes, and others. Majority of the students were satisfied with the use of Bb in this module.
Conclusions: The majority of the students liked this blended learning (BL) method and conceded the impact and effectiveness of Bb. The formative online assessment on Bb improved the students’ performance in the final exam and a positive correlation was noted between students’ marks in online (Bb) exams with their final exam marks.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1925
How to cite this:Baig M, Gazzaz ZJ, Farouq M. Blended Learning: The impact of blackboard formative assessment on the final marks and students’ perception of its effectiveness. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(3):327-332. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1925
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Tellurium as the saturable absorber for the passively Q-switched laser at 1.34 µm
Authors: Yang Qi , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yang Zixin , Ren Xianghe , Nie Hunkun , Yan Bingzheng , Yang Kejian , Zhang Baitao , He Jingliang , Wang Jun 
Published: February 2020

The novel two-dimensional (2D) elementary tellurium is currently of great interest in optoelectronic and photonic applications. In this contribution, 2D tellurium nanosheets were successfully created by using the liquid-phase exfoliation method. With the as-prepared tellurium nanosheets as the saturable absorber (SA), we realized a passively

Q

-switched

N
d

:

Y
V
O

4

laser operating at 1342 nm with a pulse width of 947 ns and single pulse energy of 2.25 µJ. Our work indicated the tellurium SA could be an efficient

Q

-switcher for a near-infrared solid-state laser.
Color quality evaluation of Chinese bronzeware in typical museum lighting
Authors: Huang Zheng , Liu Qiang , Pointer Michael R. , Chen Wei , Liu Ying , Wang Yu 
Published: February 2020

A series of psychophysical experiments have been conducted to investigate the effect of light sources on the color appearance of Chinese bronzeware. Three groups of 30 observers were asked to evaluate a set of Chinese bronzeware under different light sources in three paired-comparison experiments—one group of observers for each experiment. The visual attributes of color preference, color comfort, color discrimination, and antiquity were scaled. A panel of seven light sources of 3000 K, with Duv values ranging from

−

0

.

015

to 0.015, was used in Experiment 1. A second panel of seven light sources of 4000 K, with a similar range of Duv values, was used in Experiment 2. For Experiment 3, six light sources were chosen from Exps. 1 and 2, plus four lights of 2700 K, 3300 K, 3700 K, and 4300 K, with Duv values of zero. These experimental lights produced a constant illuminance of approximately 200 lux in a pair of viewing booths, and their color rendering indices were between 88 and 95. The results showed that the subjective judgments for color preference and color comfort were highly correlated while the whiteness of the lighting strongly influenced the perception of color preference, comfort, and discrimination. A light source of 4000 K with a Duv value of zero exhibited the best color preference and color comfort performance, while observers were found to show the greatest capability for color discrimination under a light source of 4000 K with a Duv value of

−

0

.

015

. In addition, the bronzeware appeared to have greatest antiquity when illuminated by a 3000 K light source with a Duv value equal to 0.005. Based on the psychophysical data, the performance of typical color quality metrics were also tested in relation to the four scaled visual attributes.
Broadband directional rhombic nanoantenna for optical wireless communications systems
Authors: Elsaid Mohamed , Mahmoud Korany R. , Hameed Mohamed Farhat O. , Obayya S. S. A. , Hussein Mohamed 
Published: February 2020

In this paper, an optimized four-nanowire rhombic nanoantenna (RNA) is proposed and numerically analyzed in terms of directivity and efficiency. The suggested design achieves a directivity of 23.4 with 84.5% radiation efficiency at a wavelength of 1550 nm. Further, the suggested nanoantenna (NA) design offers a high gain of 18.5 with an enhancement of 172%, compared to the previously reported plasmonic horn NA. Additionally, the wireless transmission power of the nanolink based on the optimized rhombic design is analyzed. The numerical results reveal that the RNA enjoys a much lower loss by 32 dB and 12 dB, respectively, when compared to the dipole and plasmonic horn NAs. Moreover, the reported design has broadband operation features over the optical C-band range, making it a promising candidate for applications related to optical communications nanochips.
Highly efficient 3.7  kW peak-power single-frequency combined Er/Er-Yb fiber amplifier
Authors: Khudyakov M. M. , Lipatov D. S. , Gur’yanov A. N. , Bubnov M. M. , Likhachev M. E. 
Published: February 2020

In this Letter, we propose and realize a novel concept for a high-peak-power highly efficient fiber amplifier in the 1.55 µm spectral range. The amplifier is based on the simultaneous utilization of Er-doped, Yb-free, and Er-Yb codoped large-mode-area fibers spliced together. Using this approach, we demonstrate the amplification of single-frequency 160 ns pulses at 1554 nm to a peak power of 3.7 kW with a pump-to-signal conversion efficiency of 23.6% relative to the launched multimode pump power at 976 nm.
Broadband pumping enabled flat-amplitude multi-wavelength random Raman fiber laser
Authors: Ye Jun , Zhang Yang , Xu Jiangming , Song Jiaxin , Yao Tianfu , Xiao Hu , Leng Jinyong , Zhou Pu 
Published: February 2020

A flat-amplitude multi-wavelength random Raman fiber laser with broad spectral coverage and a high optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) is challenging and of great interest. In this Letter, we theoretically and experimentally proved that broadband pumping can help realize a broader, flat-amplitude multi-wavelength random Raman fiber laser. The influence of pump bandwidth, tunability of the spectral envelope, and channel spacing are investigated. As a result, with a 40 nm pump bandwidth, a spectral coverage of 1116–1125 nm with 19 laser lines and 31 dB OSNR is achieved, and the standard deviation in the peak intensities of the central nine lines is

∼

1

.

1

d
B
m

. This technique can also be applied to the multi-wavelength Raman (or random Raman) fiber lasers at other wavelengths and provide a reference for multi-wavelength applications in sensing, communication, and optical component testing.