bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of serum L-carnitine level in children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Morgane Dalia S. , Abougabal Khadiga M. , AbdelAziz Manar M. , El-Gayed Ahmed S. , Othman Aliaa O.A. 
Published: July 2021

Background
Carnitine is essential for lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and proper glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), with a potential impact on long-term complications.

Aim
The study aims to evaluate serum levels of free L- carnitine (LC) in children with T1DM compared with healthy age- and sex-matched children.

Patients and methods
This case-controlled study was conducted on 40 children, including 20 children with T1DM (group A) and 20 healthy age- and sex-matched children (group B). Serum samples were used to assay the biochemical parameters: fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in blood by high-performance liquid chromatography, serum triglycerides and cholesterol determined by commercial kits, and serum LC level was assessed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
The mean FBG, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were significantly higher in children with long-standing T1DM than in the newly diagnosed patients and healthy controls. Mean serum LC was significantly lower in T1DM children than in healthy controls (P<0.01). LC had a significant negative correlation with serum cholesterol and triglycerides and a positive correlation with FBG and HbA1c in T1DM children.

Conclusion
Children with T1DM showed a deficiency of serum-free LC. This deficiency is time related and patients with long-standing T1DM are prone to carnitine alterations affecting glycemic and lipid profiles. Larger studies are required for conclusions on the precise mechanism of carnitine deficiency and the possible benefit of carnitine supplementation in diabetic patients.
Prevalence and classification of childhood epilepsy in Alexandria
Authors: Elsakka Elham E. , Fahmy Shaimaa M. , Anwar Shimaa A. 
Published: July 2021

Background
Approximately 75% of epilepsy begins during childhood.

Aim
The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of epilepsy and its types and classifications among children with neurological disorders attending the Outpatient Neurology Clinic, Alexandria University Children’s Hospital.

Patients and methods
This is a retrospective study. All children with a diagnosis of epilepsy attending the clinic between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 were included. Patients’ data were collected from records.

Results
The prevalence of epilepsy among neurological disorders was 16.4% (88 cases from a total of 537 cases with neurological disorders). The age of the patients ranged between 1 and 14 years; 52.3% were females. 77.3% had genetic epilepsy, 15.9% had structural epilepsy, 3.4% had infectious epilepsy, 2.3% had metabolic epilepsy and 1.1% had mixed epilepsy. 52% had generalized tonic–clonic seizures, 29.5% had focal seizures, 9.1% had focal to bilateral seizures, 4.5% had absence seizures, 3.4% had atonic seizures and 1.1% had myoclonic seizures. 60.2% underwent interictal electroencephalography (EEG); 75.5% of them had abnormal EEG findings. 87.5% of the patients were on antiepileptic drugs: 60.2% of them were on monotherapy and 27.2% were on polytherapy. 52.8% of patients on monotherapy were treated by Na Valproate, 53% by Carbamazpine, and 11.3% by Levetiracetam. Seizure control was achieved in 28.4% of treated patients. Correlations between the etiology of epilepsy and computed tomography, MRI, and EEG findings were statistically significant.

Conclusion
The prevalence of epilepsy among patients with neurological disorders is considered to be mild to moderate. Generalized tonic–clonic seizures, genetic etiology, and monotherapy control of the attacks are considered the most prevalent characteristics of the disease.
Is there a role for upper gastrointestinal contrast study to predict the outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy? Lessons learnt from a prospective study
Authors: Misra Shivanshu , Balasubramanian Shankar , Srikanth B. , Kumar Saravana , Christinajoice S. , Nandhini Deepa , Raj P. Praveen 
Published: July 2021

Context:
The importance of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast study following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is equivocal. It can, however, yield anatomical and functional details, the significance of which mostly remains unknown.

Settings and Design:
This prospective, single-center study included SG patients between January 2018 and January 2019.

Materials and Methods:
UGI contrast study was done on post-operative day 1. The findings of the study namely gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) holdup time, presence of fundus, gastroduodenal emptying (GDE) time, and sleeve shape were compared with weight loss, improvement of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up.

Results:
There were 138 patients with 100% follow-up. Radiological sleeve patterns observed were: tubular (62.3%), superior (16.0%), and inferior (21.7%) pouches. GEJ holdup time had no effect on percentage total weight loss (%TWL) (P = 0.09) or HbA1c improvement (P = 0.077). The absence of fundus led to greater %TWL at 6 months (P = 0.048). GDE time <15 s led to higher %TWL (P = 0.028) and lower HbA1c (P = 0.010) at 12 months. Antrum size <2 cm was associated with higher %TWL (P = 0.022) and lower HbA1c level (P = 0.047) at 12 months. Vomiting and regurgitation were common with tubular sleeves.

Conclusion:
UGI contrast study can predict weight loss, HbA1c improvement, and GERD symptoms. The absence of fundus, small antrum, and rapid GDE are associated with better weight loss. HbA1c improvement is better with small antrum and rapid GDE. Tubular sleeve predisposes to vomiting and regurgitation.
Laparoscopic giant hiatal hernia repair with absorbable mesh
Authors: Ardu Massimiliano , Bisogni Damiano , Bruscino Alessandro , Tucci Rosaria , Falchini Massimo , Valeri Andrea , Prosperi Paolo 
Published: July 2021

Background:
The best operative approach to large hiatal hernias still remains controversial between suture cruroplasty and prosthetic hiatal herniorrhaphy. This study aims at analysing results from a single institution in Italy in terms of subjective and objective outcomes.

Methods:
Retrospectively collected data of all patients that underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair since 2011 were considered. Sixty-five patients were included overall; 17 of them fit the criteria of large hiatal hernia. Follow-up (FU) was assessed by visit, questionnaires and X-ray imaging.

Results:
No major complications occurred in the post-operative course. No patient was lost during the FU period. Out of all the patients included, 13 agreed to have an X-ray with water-soluble contrast. The questionnaires showed a 76.5% rate of satisfaction (13 patients), and the recurrence rate demonstrated by radiology was 29.4% (five patients). There were no major mesh-related complications.

Conclusion:
The best operative approach for large hiatal hernias remains far from standardised: There is a lack of evidence on the use of a mesh for this kind of surgery as well as substantial controversy over the definition of what a giant hiatal hernia is. Nevertheless, the results from this study and the main studies in the literature seem to be encouraging in improving giant hiatal hernia repair outcomes.
Prevention of vertebral fractures in primary osteoporosis with once-weekly teriparatide
Authors: Pal Rimesh , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Dhiman Vandana 
Published: July 2021

Aims:
The present meta-analysis was undertaken to summarize the data from hitherto available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the prevention of incident fractures in patients with primary osteoporosis following the use of once-weekly teriparatide.

Methods:
PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched till May 21, 2021, to identify RCTs with duration ≥72 weeks, evaluating the efficacy of once-weekly teriparatide (at a dose of 56.5 μg/week or 28.2 μg/week) in the prevention of incident fractures as compared to placebo or active comparator.

Results:
We identified 3 eligible RCTs, pooling data retrieved from 1643 participants with primary osteoporosis. Pooled data showed that the risk of incident morphometric vertebral fractures was significantly lower with once-weekly teriparatide compared to placebo/active comparator (RR 0.33, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.12,0.90,P= 0.03; I
2
=86%). Sensitivity analysis after exclusion of the study where an active comparator had been used instead of placebo also showed a similar result (RR 0.20, 95% CI: 0.11,0.37,P< 0.00001; I
2
=0%). Data on clinical vertebral fractures or nonvertebral fractures were inadequately reported across the RCTs and hence could not be pooled together. Nevertheless, all the RCTs did not find any significant difference in the risk of incident nonvertebral fractures.

Conclusions:
The present systematic review and meta-analysis show that once-weekly teriparatide leads to a 67% reduction in the risk of incident morphometric vertebral fractures. Considering the reasonable efficacy, once-weekly dose, and reduced cost, the formulation can be an important antiosteoporotic drug, especially in resource-constraint settings, like India.
Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma of the Orbit
Authors: Musa ZY , Askira BH , Zarami AB , Pindiga UH 
Published: July 2021

Background:
Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) of the orbit is a very rare neoplasm with an uncertain histogenesis. The tumor has an indolent clinical course that requires close and long-term follow-up due to late recurrence and metastasis. Surgery is the primary treatment option with adjunct radiotherapy.

Case Report:
We present the case of a 25-year-old male who presented with a 5-year history of progressive left eye swelling and loss of vision. He underwent left eye exenteration and histology diagnosed ASPS of the orbit.

Conclusion:
Orbital ASPS is an uncommon soft tissue tumor. Its prognosis is determined by patient’s age, tumor size, and presence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Close and long-term monitoring of the patient is required as recurrence is known to occur up to 10 years after treatment.
Asymptotic first boundary value problem for elliptic operators
Authors: Falcó Javier , Gauthier Paul M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn 1955, Lehto showed that, for every measurable function
$\psi $
on the unit circle
$\mathbb T,$
there is a function f holomorphic in the unit disc, having
$\psi $
as radial limit a.e. on
$\mathbb T.$
We consider an analogous problem for solutions f of homogenous elliptic equations
$Pf=0$
and, in particular, for holomorphic functions on Riemann surfaces and harmonic functions on Riemannian manifolds.
Post-Discharge Symptoms among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Nigeria: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Ogoina Dimie , James Hendris Izibewule , Ogoinja Stanley Zikeyi 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT.
There is a paucity of studies on post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) among hospitalized COVID-19 survivors from Nigeria. We describe the frequency, types, and duration of post-discharge symptoms suggestive of PCS among previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients in a treatment center in Nigeria. We conducted a retrospective review of admission and post-discharge follow-up medical records of COVID-19 survivors admitted between April and December 2020. A standardized checklist was used to document post-discharge symptoms. PCS was defined as persisting or new post-discharge symptoms lasting at least 3 weeks after initial COVID-19 symptoms. The relationship between study variables and development of PCS was ascertained by univariate analysis. Thirty of 51 previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients (median age, 46 years; male, 66.7%) were studied. Seventeen (56.7%) of the 30 patients developed features suggestive of PCS. Approximately three post-discharge symptoms were reported per patient over a follow-up period of ranging from 3 weeks to 9 months after initial COVID-19 symptoms. Cough, fatigue, and dyspnea were the most common post-discharge symptoms reported. A few patients had symptoms suggestive of thrombosis and COVID-19 reinfection. Among all study variables, baseline COVID-19 severity was the only significant variable associated with the development of PCS. PCS is common in our setting and is characterized by multisystemic signs and symptoms that require vigilance by clinicians for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Long-term multicenter prospective studies are needed to characterize fully the burden of PCS among COVID-19 survivors in Nigeria.
Incremental conductance MPPT in grid connected PV system
Authors: Mishra Praveen Kumar , Tiwari Prabhakar 
Published: July 2021

PV (photovoltaic) system input is irradiation and ambient temperature. The solar radiation is varying in nature so efficiency is low of PV system. The various maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are used to enhance effectiveness of solar PV system. The incremental conductance(IC) algorithm is one of the MPPT algorithms which is extensively employed because, at steady state it has high tracking correctness and high productivity at quickly varying atmospheric circumstances. In this proposed system a combination of IC algorithm and integral regulator (IR) is used to obtain MPPT in PV system. This combination gives high accuracy, stable operation in PV module entire region and it also eliminate oscillations near about the peak power operating point. A 100kw PV system is design in MATLAB software 2016a version. This PV system consist proposed IC-IR algorithm to obtain maximal power operating point.
Market power analysis of the Indian power market
Authors: Raj Aniket , Gupta Utkarsh , Tiwari Prabhakar , Singh Asheesh K. 
Published: July 2021

Emerging electricity reforms in the power market aims at removing the monopolistic oligopoly power market and promoting competition in the market by providing opportunities to more producers. This paper seeks to investigate various existing structures of the Power Market. Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) and Power Exchange India Limited (PXIL) facilitates transparent trading of electricity, a larger market spectrum and allows the participation of other players in the market. Market power is an indicator of an non-competitive market, that is increase in the market power will result in the degradation of competition. This research will help modify the current parameters (HHI Index and Concentration ratio) which are used for measuring the market power of the power markets. As there is always deviation in unconstrained cleared volume and actual cleared or scheduled volume, deviation arises due to the volume of electricity that could not be cleared because of congestion in the power exchange. The researchers have also examined the Indian Power market and analyzed different developed power markets of the world like the US Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection (PJM) and the Nordpool.
Physicochemical characterization of biochars from Eucalyptus maiden Entandrophragma cylindricum (Liboyo), Milicia excelsa (Muvula.) and Ocotea michelsonie (licheche) used in Goma city, DR Congo for water treatment potentials
Authors: Muhiwa Amboko Benjamin , Fonteh Mathias Fru , Njoyim Estella Buleng Tamungang , Gapgue François N. 
Published: July 2021

In recent years, research on biochar as an eco-friendly material and cost-effective means for water treatment, soil amendment and carbon sequestration has gained more attention due to the availability of feedstock, the simplicity of the preparation methods, and their enhanced physico-chemical properties. Given that pyrolysis temperature and resident time amongst other factors have significant effect on biochar’s pollutant removal efficacy, this study focused on the evaluation of some properties of biochars produced by pyrolysis (500 - 600 °C) from Entandrophragma cylindricum (ECB), Eucalyptus maiden (EMB), Milicia excelsa (MEB) and Ocotea michelsonie (OMB) sawdusts for their water treatment potentials by using standardized methods. Biomass generated from wood mill in the city of Goma (DR Congo) is valorised for the first time as potential water purifier. The highest yield was obtained from OMB (36.6%) which was found to be significantly greater that those of ECB and EMB (p<0.05). All the biochars had neutral to weakly alkaline pH (7.10-7.90), very high porosity (92-94%, with EMB having the highest value) and ash content between 9.40 and 18.40%, with the highest value attributed to OMB). Most physical and chemical characteristics of biochars varied significantly due to different wood species. Potential toxic elements were far belowenvironmental threshold values and exchangeable cations were equally detected in the biochars. The obtained biochars are therefore seen as good media for water treatment.
Influence of Ammonium Sulphate from anaerobic pasteurization digester latrines (APDLs) effluent on soil pH
Authors: Musabwa Edith , Dukuziyaturemye Pierre , Nkurunziza Jean Baptiste , Simiyu Gelas Muse , Kiptoo Kipkorir 
Published: July 2021

Improper disposal of human waste is one of the most serious health problems in developing countries due to pollution of the environment. The use of chemical fertilizers for agriculture increase the plant growth to meet the food security of the world, but also causes environmental problems including lowering of soil pH. On the other hand, anaerobic pasteurization digester systems enable the recovery of nutrients from human faces and urine for the benefit of agriculture, thus helping to preserve soil fertility. Therefore, the present work aims to assess the potential of using ammonium sulphate processed from anaerobic pasteurization digesters latrines (APDLS) effluent to stabilize soil pH. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with four treatments replicated four times. The treatments were Ammonium sulphate, Compost manure, Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and control. The results showed that soil pH increased significantly (p<0.05) from 4.7 -4.9 before planting to 5.6 - 5.7 after planting. The organic and inorganic fertilizers as well as the interaction between the fertilizer and time did not have significant effect on soil pH (p > 0.05). The Ammonium sulphate recovered from APDLs final effluent could act as effective as a chemical fertilizer without significant reduction in the yield.
Divisorial contractions to codimension three orbits
Authors: Boissière Samuel , Floris Enrica 
Published: July 2021

Let $G$ be a connected algebraic group. We study $G$-equivariant extremal contractions whose centre is a codimension three $G$-simply connected orbit. In the spirit of an important result by Kawakita in 2001, we prove that those contractions are weighted blow-ups.Comment: 22 pages, 2 figures
"Formação profissional para a prevenção da infecção comunitária na estratégia de saúde da família"
Authors: Bezerra Guilherme Holanda , Moura Nelita D'Iolanda Costa , D'Assunção Nathália Cunha Lima , De Moraes Maria Dara Lopes , Sousa Pedro Gabriel Almeida Silva , De Lima Beatriz Feitosa Leite , Neto Argemiro Mendes Feitosa , Moura Maria Eliete Batista 
Published: July 2021

A Estratégia de Saúde da Família mantem-se próxima à comunidade, valorizado seus contextos socioculturais e econômicos e, assim, agir através da prevenção, promoção e vigilância em saúde. Nesse viés, sendo as doenças infecciosas comunitárias uma relevante problemática para a saúde pública que dispõe-se, como principal ferramenta de combate, a prevenção da contaminação, o profissional da saúde, como cuidador e educador, tem um papel essencial nesse caráter preventivo do sistema. Desse modo, é fundamental a análise da formação desses profissionais, sejam eles médicos, enfermeiros ou odontólogos. Por meio do estudo descritivo de um questionário aplicado para estudantes de um centro universitário privado, caracterizou-se a avaliação, de acordo com os mesmos, do ensino sobre o controle de infecções comunitárias na ESF e também o conhecimento sobre formas de infecção e prevenção da infecção comunitária. Observou-se que, mesmo o assunto sendo abordado em algumas disciplinas, faz-se necessário maior aprofundamento, principalmente visando o preenchimento da lacuna entre teórico e prático na clínica.
Beyond one size fits all: Predicting Binge and Social Drinking Behavior
Authors: Bhochhibhoya Amir , Branscum Paul 
Published: July 2021

Abstract: The “one-size-fits-all” approach to design interventions to reduce drinking behaviors appears to be problematic since there are significant differences in motives and attitudes for binge drinkers compared to social drinkers. The purpose of the study was to identify psychosocial determinants of drinking behaviors among drinkers based on the Reasoned Action Approach. Attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control predicted 44.5% variance for behavioral intentions ‘to stop binge drinking’ for binge drinkers, and 46.5% variance for behavioral intentions ‘to continue not to binge drink’ for social drinkers. This study highlighted the need for tailoring interventions based on drinking status
Effects of clear-fell harvesting on soil CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes in an upland Sitka spruce stand in England
Authors: Yamulki Sirwan , Forster Jack , Xenakis Georgios , Ash Adam , Brunt Jacqui , Perks Mike , Morison James I. L. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract. The effect of clear-fell harvesting on soil greenhouse gas
(GHG) fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous
oxide (N2O) was assessed in a Sitka spruce forest growing on a peaty
gley organo-mineral soil in northern England. Fluxes from the soil and
litter layer were measured monthly by the closed chamber method and gas
chromatography over 4 years in two mature stands, with one area harvested
after the first year. Concurrent measurements of soil temperature and
moisture helped to elucidate reasons for the changes in fluxes. In the 3 years after felling, there was a significant increase in the soil
temperature, particularly between June and November (3 to 5 ∘C higher),
and in soil moisture, which was 62 % higher in the felled area, and these
had pronounced effects on the GHG balance in addition to the removal of the
trees and their carbon input to the soil. Annual soil CO2 effluxes
reduced to almost a third in the first year after felling (a drop from 24.0
to 8.9 t CO2 ha−1 yr−1) and half in the second and third year
(mean 11.8 t CO2 ha−1 yr−1) compared to before felling, while
those from the unfelled area were little changed. Annual effluxes of
N2O more than doubled in the first two years (from 1.0 to 2.3 and 2.5 t CO2e ha−1 yr−1, respectively), although by the third year
they were only 20 % higher (1.2 t CO2e ha−1 yr−1). CH4
fluxes changed from a small net uptake of −0.03 t CO2e ha−1 yr−1 before felling to a small efflux increasing over the 3 years to
0.34 t CO2e ha−1 yr−1, presumably because of the wetter soil
after felling. Soil CO2 effluxes dominated the annual net GHG emission when the three
gases were compared using their global warming potential (GWP), but N2O
contributed up to 20 % of this. This study showed fluxes of CO2,
CH4, and N2O responded differently to clear-felling due to the
significant changes in soil biotic and abiotic factors and showed large
variations between years. This demonstrates the need for multi-year
measurements of all GHGs to enable a robust estimate of the effect of the
clear-fell phase on the GHG balance of managed forests. This is one of very
few multi-year monitoring studies to assess the effect of clear-fell
harvesting on soil GHG fluxes.