bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution of Eco-Friendly Coffee Shops in Malang City
Authors: Nurani Idea Wening , Wibowo Sandy Budi , Anggraeni Rosalia Desti
Published: February 2022

Along with the increasing population and lifestyle of people drinking coffee, coffee shops increased significantly. This not only impacts socially and economically but also impacts the environment. Sustainability demands coffee shops to manage environmental problems that arise from business activities. This article aims to examine the environmental aspects (energy, water, waste) and spatial aspects of coffee shops in Malang city. The methodology of this research was focused on data acquisition related to tabular and geospatial information provided online through social media, news websites, and online food order applications. Descriptive quantitative and spatial approaches were made in this research. The results showed that most coffee shops in Malang city-operated daily for 7-12 hours, provided food and beverages, and used a combination of glass/porcelain and disposable materials as the packaging. These could trigger problems related to high energy and water consumption and waste generalization. Meanwhile, several coffee shops began to initiate the green action by using steel straw, reusing cups, and reducing plastic. As located mainly in the city center and densely populated area, the local government should pay more attention to this area regarding environmental management and urban planning. Hopefully, the emergence of coffee shops can contribute positively socially and economically without exacerbating the urban environmental problems.
Development of Geographic Booklets Learning Media Based on Environmental Care on Natural Resources Materials in Senior High School
Authors: Yurdayanti Yurdayanti , Nurjanah Nurjanah
Published: February 2022

The character of caring for the environment is essential for students to be wise in protecting natural resources in Indonesia. The planting of environmental care character values can be inserted into the media used in the learning process. This study aims to develop a geography booklet based on environmental concerns related to students’ daily experiences. The development model in this study uses the Borg & Gall stage, which consists of ten development steps. This research was conducted in three senior high schools in Pangkalpinang, Indonesia. There were (100) respondents, all of whom came from eleventh-grade students. The results of the feasibility test of geographic booklet media products based on environmental care characters obtained an average of 93.33% at the validation stage by a team of experts with very valid criteria. The feasibility of small-scale trials is 83.30%, and large-scale trials are 85.07%. It is known that the results of the analysis of environmental care attitudes obtained before using the product are 63.4%, and after use of 83.8%. It can be indicated that the geography booklet learning media based on environmental care is very feasible to be applied in the classroom and used as a learning resource.
Radial Forearm Vascularized Osteomuscular Flap for Proximal Ulnar Deficiency After Revision Total Elbow Arthroplasty
Authors: Hill J. Ryan , Boyer Martin I. , Chamberlain Aaron M.
Published: February 2022

Case:

A 61-year-old woman presented with a failed proximal ulna allograft-prosthetic composite after revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). The ulnar deficiency was addressed using an osteomuscular flap from the distal radius pedicled on the radial artery. At final follow-up, she had minimal pain and a flexion-extension arc of 0° to 130°. Radiographs demonstrated graft incorporation and a stable TEA construct.

Conclusion:

This demonstrates utilization of a vascularized osteomuscular flap from the radius for treatment of proximal ulnar deficiency in the setting of revision TEA. This technique offers an alternative option for the challenge of a failed TEA with ulnar bone loss.
Spondylolysis of the Thoracic Spine with Instability
Authors: Ramachandran Karthik , Viswanathan Vibhu Krishnan , Kavishwar Rohit Akshay , Shetty Ajoy Prasad , Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran
Published: February 2022

Case:

A 51-year-old lady with multiple comorbidities presented with T11 spondylolysis in association with thoracic stenosis and myelopathy. Our patient underwent T11-T12 laminectomy, T10-L1 posterior instrumented stabilization, and T11-T12 transforaminal interbody fusion. She had a good neurological recovery, and the radiographs at 1-year follow-up showed good fusion and implant position.

Conclusion:

Spondylolysis is an anatomical defect or stress fracture of the pars interarticularis and usually reported in the lumbar region. This case of T11 spondylolysis in association with thoracic stenosis, spinal instability, and myelopathy is highlighted for its rarity and to reiterate the need for high index of suspicion among surgeons for the timely diagnosis.
Kripto Paraların Hukuki Statüleri ve Sözleşmeler İçerisindeki Yerleri
Authors: ÜZÜMCÜ Rabia , YILDIRIM Yasin
Published: February 2022

Teknolojik gelişmelerin hız kazanması, etkili tanıtım ve reklam kampanyalarının yürütülmesi ve yüksek kar elde etme vaatlerinde bulunulması kripto paralara büyük bir popülarite kazandırmaktadır. Bu nedenle, her geçen gün gerek dünyada gerekse Türkiye’de daha fazla gerçek ve tüzel kişi kripto para edinmektedir. Fakat ulusal ve uluslararası ölçekte kripto paralar ile ilgili yeterli, somut ve net düzenlemelerin bulunmaması, ulusal regülatör kurumların ve kanun koyucuların bu konuda açık, ve yeknesak bir şekilde düzenleme yapma yoluna gidememeleri, bir takım hukuki ve finansal belirsizlik ve riskleri beraberinde getirmektedir. Bu durum Amerika Birleşik Devletleri gibi dünyanın en büyük ekonomilerinde dahi sorun teşkil etmekte, hatta dünya çapında ilgi çeken davalarda kripto paraların hukuki statüleri tartışılmaktadır. Türk mevzuatında da kripto paraların hukuki statülerinin tanımlanmamış olması ve akdedilen sözleşmeler nezdinde kripto paraların yerlerinin bilinmemesi kripto para kullanan Türk şirketlerinin ve vatandaşlarının bu tür riskler karşısında daha kırılgan olmalarına sebebiyet vermektedir. Şu ana dek Türk hukuk ve finans doktrininde ve yargı içtihatlarında kripto paraların sermaye piyasası aracı, eşya, finansal hizmet ürünü ya da yatırım aracı olduğu yönünde görüşler ortaya konulmuş, kararlar alınmıştır. Ancak bu tür tanım ve görüşler hukuki belirsizlikleri ortadan kaldıramamış olup en kısa sürede açık ve somut hukuki düzenlemelerin yapılması gereğini ortaya çıkarmıştır.
Ekonomik Özgürlüğün Doğrudan Yabancı Yatırımlar, Gayrı Safi Yurtiçi Hasıla ve Vergi Gelirleri Üzerindeki Etkisi: OECD Ülkelerinden Kanıtlar
Authors: KÖSTEKÇİ Ahmet
Published: February 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı, ekonomik özgürlüğün doğrudan yabancı yatırımlar, gayrı safi yurtiçi hasıla (GSYH) ve vergi gelirleri üzerindeki etkisini araştırmaktır. Değişkenler arasındaki ilişkinin test edilmesi için 1995-2019 dönemi temel alınarak 37 OECD ülkesinden oluşan bir veri seti kullanılmıştır. Seriler arasında eşbütünleşme ilişkisinin Banerjee ve Carrion-i-Silvestre (2017) panel eşbütünleşme testiyle incelendiği çalışmada, panelin genelinde tüm modellerde eşbütünleşme ilişkisinin olduğu belirlenmiştir. Eşbütünleşme katsayı tahmin sonuçlarına göre ekonomik özgürlük, doğrudan yabancı yatırımları negatif ve GSYH’yi pozitif yönde etkilemiştir. Ekonomik özgürlüğün vergi gelirleri üzerindeki etkisi pozitif ancak istatistiksel olarak anlamsız çıkmıştır. Konya (2006) ve Dumitrescu ve Hurlin (2012) panel nedensellik testlerine göre, OECD ülkelerinde ekonomik özgürlükten doğrudan yabancı yatırımlara, GSYH’ye ve vergi gelirlerine doğru nedensellik ilişkilerinin olduğu görülmüştür. Panelin geneli için ve bireysel olarak elde edilen bulgular, hipotezi kısmen desteklerken, bu sonuçların tüm OECD ülkeleri için genelleştirilmeyeceğini de ortaya koymuştur.
Shape-Dependent Multi-Weight Magnetic Artificial Synapses for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Leonard Thomas , Liu Sam , Alamdar Mahshid , Cui Can , Akinola Otitoaleke , Xue Lin , Xiao Tianyao , Friedman Joseph , Marinella Matthew , Bennett Christopher , Incorvia Jean Anne
Published: February 2022

In neuromorphic computing, artificial synapses provide a multi-weight conductance state that is set based on inputs from neurons, analogous to the brain. Additional properties of the synapse beyond multiple weights can be needed, and can depend on the application, requiring the need for generating different synapse behaviors from the same materials. Here, we measure artificial synapses based on magnetic materials that use a magnetic tunnel junction and a magnetic domain wall. By fabricating lithographic notches in a domain wall track underneath a single magnetic tunnel junction, we achieve 4-5 stable resistance states that can be repeatably controlled electrically using spin orbit torque. We analyze the effect of geometry on the synapse behavior, showing that a trapezoidal device has asymmetric weight updates with high controllability, while a straight device has higher stochasticity, but with stable resistance levels. The device data is input into neuromorphic computing simulators to show the usefulness of application-specific synaptic functions. Implementing an artificial neural network applied on streamed Fashion-MNIST data, we show that the trapezoidal magnetic synapse can be used as a metaplastic function for efficient online learning. Implementing a convolutional neural network for CIFAR-100 image recognition, we show that the straight magnetic synapse achieves near-ideal inference accuracy, due to the stability of its resistance levels. This work shows multi-weight magnetic synapses are a feasible technology for neuromorphic computing and provides design guidelines for emerging artificial synapse technologies.
Mendelian Randomization Analysis Identified Genes Pleiotropically Associated With Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Yang Zhikun , Zhang Zhewei , Yang Jingyun , Yu Weihong
Published: February 2022

Objective: To prioritize genes that were pleiotropically or potentially causally associated with intraocular pressure (IOP).Methods: We adopted the summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) method which estimated the pleiotropic effect of gene expression on IOP. SMR was based on summarized data of genome-wide association study (GWAS) on IOP and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data. We performed separate SMR analysis using GTEx and CAGE eQTL data. Results: We identified nine and six genes showing pleiotropic association with IOP in the SMR analysis using GTEx and CAGE eQTL data, respectively. RP11-259G18.3 (ENSG00000262539.1; PSMR = 2.66 × 10− 6), KANSL1-AS1(ENSG00000214401.4; PSMR = 2.78 × 10− 6), and RP11-259G18.2 (ENSG00000262500.1; PSMR = 2.91 × 10− 6) were the top three genes using the GTEx eQTL data. LRRC37A4 (ILMN_23936933; PSMR = 1.19 × 10− 5), MGC57346 (ILMN_1784428; PSMR =1.19 × 10− 5) and RNF167 (ILMN_1794726; PSMR = 1.53 × 10− 5) were the top three genes using the CAGE eQTL data. Except for ABO and SGTB, most of the identified genes showing significantly pleiotropic association with IOP were in or adjacent to 17q21.31.Conclusion: We identified several genes pleiotropically associated with IOP. Our results indicated that the 17q21.31 region might play a critical role in the regulation of IOP.
Photo-tailored heterocrystalline covalent organic framework membranes for organics separation
Authors: Yuan Jinqiu , You Xinda , Khan Niaz Ali , Li Runlai , Zhang Runnan , Shen Jianliang , Cao Li , Long Mengying , Liu Yanan , Xu Zijian , Wu Hong , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: February 2022

Organics separation for purifying and recycling environment-detrimental solvents is essential to sustainable chemical industries. Covalent organic framework (COF) membranes hold great promise in affording precise and fast organics separation. Nonetheless, how to well coordinate facile processing—high crystalline structure—high separation performance remains a critical issue and a grand challenging. Herein, we propose a concept of heterocrystalline membrane which comprises high-crystalline regions and low-crystalline regions. The heterocrystalline COF membranes are fabricated by a two-step procedure, i.e., dark reaction for the construction of high-crystalline regions followed by photo reaction for the construction of low-crystalline regions, thus linking the high-crystalline regions tightly and flexibly, blocking the defect in high-crystalline regions. Accordingly, the COF membrane exhibits sharp molecular sieving properties with unprecedented organic solvent permeance up to 44-times higher than the state-of-the-art membranes.
Fully integrated, all-stretchable epidermal electronics with digital electrochromic display for rapid electrochemical sensing
Authors: Yin Lu , Cao Mengzhu , Kim Kyeong Nam , Lin Muyang , Sempionatto Juliane , Yu Jialu , Moon Jong-Min , Trifonov Alexander , Zhang Fangyu , Hu Hongjie , Go Jaekung , Xu Sheng , Wang Joseph
Published: February 2022

The lack of compact integration, including fusing of skin-interfaced direct, rapid independent data visualization along with light, safe stretchable batteries, hinders progress towards the creation of fully autonomous comprehensive wearable monitoring platforms. Here we present a highly integrated epidermal sensing platform combining electrochemical sensors with stretchable battery and ultra-low power digital display that instantaneously visualizes the results via 10 individually addressable electrochromic pixels. The all-around stretchable patch can operate independently as a standalone device to directly display the concentration of various electrolytes or metabolites, freeing it from any wired or wireless connection to other equipment. Fabricated via high-throughput printing of customized elastomeric inks, the integrated system presents robust mechanical performance, enduring over 1500 stretching cycles without affecting its sensing and display capabilities. The fast-responding display exhibits stability over 10,000 ON/OFF cycles, and upon coupling with the high-performance stretchable battery, can serve 14,000 sensing sessions in a week-long usage. Merging ultra-low power consumption, independent operation, rapid data display and superior mechanical performance, this fully autonomous multifunctional self-sustainable wearable sensing platform is of high practicality and convenience for diverse practical applications in professional sports, personalized wellness management, and beyond.
Alleviation of phytotoxic effect of heavy metals on wheat by multiple heavy metal tolerant Pseudomonas aeruginosa HMT 7
Authors: Sen Monica , JOSHI HARSHADA
Published: February 2022

Heavy metal pollution in soils and water bodies is becoming a serious threat to environment and is a matter of wide concern. This study was carried out on soil bacterial strain isolated from heavy metal contaminated soil collected from Zawar, Udaipur (India) with the aim of exploring the impacts of land use on heavy metal contamination of soil and sediment. A total of 23 zinc tolerant isolates were recovered on nutrient agar supplemented with 1 mM concentration of zinc sulphate heptahydrate. Out of which isolate HMT 7 which showed highest MIC of 31 mg/ml was further characterized by morphological, cultural, biochemical and molecular characterization and was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa HMT 7. The isolate showed multiple heavy metal tolerance and grew in presence of zinc sulphate heptahydrate (30 mg/ml), cadmium chloride (100 µg/ml) and lead nitrate (100 µg/ml). The heavy metal accumulation by the isolate was also evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. A pot experiment under heavy metal stress conditions was performed using Triticum aestivum L. as a test crop. Heavy metal toxicity reduced various plant growth parameters; however, inoculation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa HMT 7 alleviated the heavy metal toxicity and enhanced the plant growth parameters.
Children’s Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy and Associated Factors: Multi-center Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gemechu Getahun B. , Habtamu J , Zarihun K
Published: February 2022

Background- Sub- optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy will lead drug resistance, treatment failure, clinical deterioration, death and failure to thrive in children. Studies conducted among children below 15 years old were limited in Ethiopia in general and in study area in particular. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess status of children’s adherence to ART and associated factors in study area.Methods- We conduct a facility-based cross-sectional study by including total of 282 children <15 years, who received Anti retro viral therapy for at least one month. All children/caregivers who were attending ART clinic during data collection period were consecutively recruited to the study. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed.Result- Out of 282 caregivers included with their children, 226(80.2%) were females (mean age= 38.6 and SD = 12.35) and out of the total children, half (50%) were female and 246(87.2%) were between the ages 5–14 years (mean age= 8.5 and SD = 2.64). Two hundred forty six (87.2%) children had adherence status of ≥95% in the month prior to interview. Children whose caregivers were residing in urban were 3.3 (95% CI: 1.17, 9.63) times more adherent to ART than those whose caregivers were residing in rural. Children whose caregivers were biological parent were 2.37(95% CI: 1.59, 3.3) times more adherent than those whose caregivers were non biological parent. Also children of caregivers who were knowledgeable about ART treatment, were 4.5(95% CI: 1.79, 9.8) times more adherent to ART than their counter partsConclusion and recommendation- Adherence status of children in our study area was comparable. Being biological caregivers, residing in urban and knowledgeable about ART treatment were facilitate adherence to ART. Ongoing education about treatment and further study with multiple adherence assessment method were recommended.
Comparison of Anterior or Posterior Approach in Surgical Treatment of Thoracic and Lumbar Tuberculosis: a Retrospective Case-control Study
Authors: Qiu Jincheng , Liang Anjing , Qiu Xianjian , Gao Wenjie , Liang Tongzhou , Zhu Yuanxin , Chen Taiqiu , Hu Wenjun , Gao Bo , Deng Zhihuai , Peng Yan , Huang Dongsheng
Published: February 2022

Background: With the widespread use of the posterior surgery, more and more surgeons chose posterior surgery to treat thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis. But others still believed that the anterior surgery is more conducive to eradicating the lesions, and easier to place larger bone pieces for bone graft fusion. We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of anterior and posterior surgical approaches and presented our views.Methods: This study included 52 thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis patients at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from January 2010 to June 2018. All cases underwent radical debridement, nerve decompression, intervertebral bone graft fusion and internal fixation. Cases were divided into anterior group (24 cases) and posterior group (28 cases). Statistical analysis was used to compare the clinical effectiveness, radiological outcomes, complications and other related information.Results: Patients in the anterior group and the posterior group were followed up for an average of 27.4 and 22.3 months, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in the preoperative, postoperative and last follow-up VAS score, ASIA grade and Cobb angle of local kyphosis. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in the improvement of neurological function, loss of kyphotic correction, total incidence of complications, operative time, intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). But there was greater correction of kyphosis, earlier bone fusion, lower incidence of poor wound healing, less interference with the normal spine and less internal fixation consumables and medical cost in the anterior group (P<0.05).Conclusions: Both anterior and posterior approaches are feasible for thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis. However, the anterior approach has greater advantages in kyphotic correction, bone fusion, wound healing, protection of the normal spine, and medical consumables and cost.
Evaluating research co-production: Protocol for the Research Quality Plus for Co-Production (RQ+ 4 Co-Pro) Framework
Authors: McLean Robert K.D. , Carden Fred , Graham Ian D. , Aiken Alice B. , Armstrong Rebecca , Bray Judy , Cassidy Christine E. , Daub Olivia , Ruggiero Erica Di , Fierro Leslie A. , Gagnon Michelle , Hutchinson Alison M. , Kislov Roman , Kothari Anita , Kreindler Sara , McCutcheon Chris , Reszel Jessica , Scarrow Gayle
Published: February 2022

BackgroundResearch co-production is an umbrella term used to describe research users and researchers working together to generate knowledge. Research co-production is used to create knowledge that is relevant to current challenges and to increase uptake of that knowledge into practice, programs, products, and/or policy. Yet, rigorous theories and methods to assess the quality of co-production are limited. Here we describe a framework for assessing the quality of research co-production – Research Quality Plus for Co-Production (RQ+ 4 Co-Pro) – and outline our field test of this approach.MethodsUsing a co-production approach, we aim to field test the relevance and utility of the RQ+ 4 Co-Pro framework. To do so we will recruit participants who have led research co-production projects from the international Integrated Knowledge Translation Research Network. We aim to sample 16 to 20 co-production project leads, assign these participants to dyadic groups (8 to 10 dyads), train each participant in the RQ+ 4 Co-Pro framework using deliberative workshops and oversee a simulation assessment exercise using RQ+ 4 Co-Pro within dyadic groups. To study this experience, we use a qualitative design to collect participant demographic information and project demographic information, and will use in-depth semi-structured interviews to collect data related to the experience each participant has using the RQ+ 4 Co-Pro framework.DiscussionThis study will yield knowledge about a new way to assess research co-production. Specifically, it will address the relevance and utility of using RQ+ 4 Co-Pro, a framework that includes context as an inseparable component of research, identifies dimensions of quality matched to the aims of co-production, and applies a systematic and transferable evaluative method for reaching conclusions. This is a needed area of innovation for research co-production to reach its full potential. The findings may benefit co-producers interested in understanding the quality of their work, but also other stewards of research co-production. Accordingly, we undertake this study as a co-production team representing multiple perspectives from across the research enterprise, such as: funders, journal editors, university administrators, and government and health organization leaders.
Machine Learning based Recommender Systems for Crop Selection: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: OMMANE Younes , RHANBOURI Mohamed Amine , CHOUIKH Hicham , JBENE Mourad , CHAIRI Ikram
Published: February 2022

Crop selection (CS) is one of the most critical elements that affects the final yield directly. As a result, selecting an appropriate crop is always a critical decision that a farmer must make, considering environmental factors. Choosing an appropriate crop for a given farm is a difficult decision including a plethora of variables that influence the final yield. Experts are frequently consulted to assist farmers with CS; but, as this alternative is time consuming and expensive, it is not available to many farms. The use of recommender systems (RSs) in agricultural management has recently brought some captivating and promising results. We propose a systematic literature review (SLR) in this article to find and provide the most relevant and high-quality publications ad- dressing the crop recommendation (CR) question. The core concept of this SLR is inspired from the guidelines of PRISMA 2020.The different CR approaches are discussed, as well as all the most important input features for recommendation, which are determined and classified. We also identified some of the biggest hurdles to using CR in agriculture. Besides, we made an inventory of the most used techniques for CR. Further, we made an inventory of evaluation criteria and evaluation approaches.
Silicon-based plasmonic photodetector in the near-infrared region with a Schottky barrier properly controlled by nanoalloys
Authors: Okamoto Shinya , Kusada Kohei , Nomura Yuki , Takeda Eiji , Inada Yasuhisa , Hisada Kazuya , Anada Satoshi , Yamamoto Kazuo , Hirasawa Taku , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: February 2022

Plasmonic Schottky devices have attracted considerable attention for use in practical applications based on photoelectric conversion because they enable to harvest light below the bandgap of semiconductors. In particular, silicon (Si)-based plasmonic Schottky devices have great potential for useful photodetection in the near-infrared region. However, the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) values of previously reported devices have been low because the Schottky barrier is excessively high. Here, we are the first to develop AuAg nanoalloy–n-type Si plasmonic Schottky devices by cathodic arc plasma deposition. These plasmonic nanostructures can be fabricated in only ~1 min. The fabricated AuAg nanoparticles-film structure enables proper control of the Schottky barrier height and increases the area of the Schottky interface for electron transfer. As a result, the considerably enhanced IQE of our device at 1310 nm (1550 nm) is 4.6 (6.5) times higher than those in previous reports, and these responsivities are a record high.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Psychological Distress Among Patients on Anticoagulation With Warfarin at the Uganda Heart Institute, Mulago Hospital
Authors: Naisanga Molly , Sekaggya-Wiltshire Christine , Muhwezi Wilson Winstons , Akena Dickens
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Cardio vascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and are significantly associated with multiple cormobid disorders including mental disorders. At increased risk of psychological distress (PD) is the sub-category of patients that not only require chronic therapy but the need for follow up with continuous blood tests and dose adjustments (like the patients on warfarin). A number of factors have been shown to be associated with PD including factors which are a direct result of the underlying CVD, those resulting from issues pertaining to therapy and also other wider determinants of PD. However, not much has been done to ascertain the burden of PD among patients on warfarin in Uganda.Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with PD among patients on anticoagulation with warfarin at the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI).Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 197 participants were sampled from adults on warfarin attending the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) out patient clinic.The Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used to assess the patients for PD, and a socio-demographic questionnaire to document the socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects. Additional questions including the underlying CVD diagnosis, medications used (besides warfarin) and presence of chronic illnesess were also assessed. Frequencies and proportions were used to describe the sample characteristics. Bi-variable and multi-variabe analysis techniques were used to examine the associations between the dependent and independent variables.Results: The prevalence of PD was 32%. The unemployed participants were 4.5 times more likely to have PD (aOR 4.56 [1.12-18.62]p=0.04). Participants who had experienced social stressors were more likely to have PD (aOR11.38 [3.60-36.04]p<0.01). A shorter length of time on warfarin was associated with PD (aOR 0.03 [0.07-0.74]p=0.04). Presence of other chronic comorbidities was associated with PD (aOR 3.69 [1.24-11.02]p=0.02) as well as concomitant use of loop diuretics (aOR 4.13 [1.67-10.19]p<0.01). Conclusion: The prevalence of PD was high among patients on warfarin in this low income setting and there is a need to characterize the specific psychiatric disorders in patients with CVD. Interventions that address the high burden of PD are urgently needed in this setting.
Relationship Between Serial Lactate Testing and Clinical Outcome of Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis
Authors: Zhang Bing , Li Gongke , Wang Yurong , Li Yong
Published: February 2022

Objective Our study was to investigate the relationship between serial lactate testing (SLT) and the clinical outcome of critically ill patients with sepsis. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. We extracted the clinical data of patients with sepsis from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care version III, 1.4 database. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariate logistic regression models were used to predict the relationship between clinical indicators and 28-day mortality. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were used to analyze the impact of the maximum, minimum, and initial values of lactate on 28-day mortality; calculate the Youden index to take the best cutoff value; and then perform a subgroup analysis. Results In total, 2367 patients with sepsis were enrolled, including 1961 in the SLT group and 406 in the non-SLT group. Clinical indicators seemed to be more serious in the SLT group than in the non-SLT group. ROC analysis results showed that the initial value, maximum value and minimum value of blood lactate had a significant impact on the 28-day mortality of patients, P<0.001; multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that SLT had a negative impact on 28-day mortality [OR=2.03, 95% CI (1.67, 3.60)], p<0.05.Conclusion We found that SLT was correlated with sepsis severity but might not improve the clinical outcome of critically ill patients with sepsis. Clinicians should pay attention to differential diagnosis of the source of lactate elevation; our study results need randomized controlled trials for further verification.
Quality of Sea-ice Habitat Traversed by Antarctic Krill Larvae Influences Recruitment Success
Authors: Veytia Devi , Bestley Sophie , Meiners Klaus , Kawaguchi So , Murphy Eugene , Kusahara Kazuya , Corney Stuart
Published: February 2022

Antarctic krill are a key Southern Ocean species whose success is attributed to their adaption to the extreme polar seasonality. Overwinter sea-ice presence and characteristics exert a strong control on larval survival and subsequent recruitment. Our understanding of the mechanisms through which sea ice influences survival are mainly underpinned by small-scale observations, whereas planktonic larvae may be advected over large scales. Using a state-of-the-art sea-ice model we computed Lagrangian back-trajectories to simulate larval krill advection into three distinct recruitment regions and examined modelled sea-ice habitat characteristics along trajectories. From these results we identify potential overwintering habitats and present a conceptual model for explaining regional variability in sea-ice habitat drivers of recruitment. Crucially, many of these sea-ice habitats are currently under-sampled. This work can inform future sampling efforts that will improve our understanding of climate change impacts, and potential interactions with the krill fishery.
Principles of SecA-driven cotranslational translocation
Authors: Zhu Zikun , Wang Shuai , Shan Shu-ou
Published: February 2022

SecA, an ATPase known to posttranslationally translocate secretory proteins across the bacterial plasma membrane, also binds ribosomes, but the role of SecA’s ribosome interaction has been unclear. Here, we used a combination of ribosome profiling methods to investigate the cotranslational actions of SecA. Our data reveal the widespread accumulation of large periplasmic loops of inner membrane proteins in the cytoplasm during their cotranslational translocation, which are specifically recognized and resolved by SecA in coordination with the proton motive force (PMF). Furthermore, SecA associates with 25% of secretory proteins with highly hydrophobic signal sequences at an early stage of translation and mediates their cotranslational transport. In contrast, the chaperone trigger factor (TF) delays SecA engagement on secretory proteins with weakly hydrophobic signal sequences, thus enforcing a posttranslational mode of their translocation. Our results elucidate the principles of SecA-driven cotranslational protein translocation and reveal a hierarchical network of protein export pathways in bacteria.
Correlation analysis of circulating myeloma cells with tumor load, angiogenesis and disease progression of multiple myeloma and clinical significance
Authors: Tan Ran , Liu Yuke , Pu Qiyao , Li Jiwei , Cao Xueyan , Yue Baohong
Published: February 2022

Objective to investigate the correlation between the phenotype and number of circulating myeloma cells (CMCs) and the load of marrow myeloma cells (MMCs) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and the relationship between CMCs and MM prognostic indicators, and to evaluate the feasibility of CMCs reflecting the load of myeloma cells, angiogenesis and disease progression. 109 confirmed MM patients were selected and divided into newly diagnosed and relapse (ND/RA) group (n=53), partial remission (PR) group (n=30) and complete remission (CR) group (n= 23) according to diagnosis and efficacy criteria. Thirty anemia patients with non-plasma cell related diseases in our hospital were selected as control group. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion and phenotype of CMCs and MMCs in each group. The prognostic indicators of MM patients were analyzed, including hemoglobin (Hb), plasma albumin (Alb), beta2-microglobulin (β2-MG), serum creatinine (sCrea), serum calcium (Ca), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bone destruction, renal impairment, Durie-Salmon stage and International Staging System stage. There was a positive correlation between CMCs and MMCs in ND/RA and PR groups (P<0.05); The proportions of MMCs and CMCs in ND/RA group were significantly higher than those in PR, CR and control groups (P < 0.05). The expression rate of cytoplasmic vascular endothelial growth factor(cyVEGF) in CMCs was significantly higher than that in circulating plasma cells. Therefore, we concluded that CMCs can reflect tumor load, angiogenesis and disease progression in MM patients. Detection of CMCs improves patient compliance compared to MMCs.
Recent advances of metal nanowire based transparent conductive electrodes for flexible chromatic devices
Authors: Huang Shengyun , Liu Yannan , Yang Fan , Wang Yong , Yu Ting , Ma Dongling
Published: February 2022

Transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) that can maintain structure integrity and remain highly electrically conductive under large mechanical deformations are strongly desired and urgently needed in flexible optoelectronics. Nevertheless, the TCE technology in flexible electronics remains at a standstill, in which brittle indium tin oxide (ITO) is main material being used. Metal nanowires (NWs) networks with high optoelectronic performance as next-generation TCEs have widespread applications in flexible electronics, such as smart windows, touch panels, solar cells and flat displays. Here we review the latest advances that have been made for metal NWs TCEs, including the strategies for the synthesis of metal NWs, metal NWs films assembly via different solution-based processes and their practical applications as electrodes in various flexible chromic devices, as well as discuss their challenges and perspectives for the future practice.
A Population-based Prospective Study on Obesity-related Non-communicable Diseases in Northern Iran
Authors: Motamed Nima , Zamani Farhad , Maadi Mansooreh , Ajdarkosh Hossein , Roozafzai Farzin , Keyvani Hossein , Poustchi Hossein , Shakeri Ramin , Ashrafi G. Hossein , Perumal Dhayaneethie , Rabiee Behnam , Moradi-Lakeh Maziar , Khoonsari Mahmoodreza , Ameli Mitra , Nikkhah Mehdi , Faraji Amir Hossein , Kheyri Zahedin , Sohrabi Masoud Reza , Amirkalali Bahare , Tameshkel Fahimeh Safarnezhad , Gholizadeh Esmaeel , Hosseini Seyed Hamzeh , Niya Mohammad Hadi Karbalaie
Published: February 2022

We conducted a population-based prospective study to assess prevalence and incidence rates of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and obesity-related metabolic disorders, and to evaluate predictive ability of various CVD risk assessment tools, in a population not represented in existing CVD cohorts. We enrolled 5,799 participants in Amol, a city in northern Iran, in 2009–2010, and carried out first repeated measurement (RM) after seven years (2016–2017). For all participants, demographic, anthropometric, laboratory, hepatobiliary imaging, and electrocardiography data have been collected in the enrollment and the first RM. At least two more RM phases, with 7-year intervals, are considered for a comprehensive evaluation of participants (commencing in 2023 and 2030). After enrollment, all participants have been and will be followed up annually for 20 years, both actively and passively. We adopted a multidisciplinary approach to overcome barriers to participation, and achieved a 7-year follow-up success rate of 93.0% with active follow-up of 5,394 participants aged 18–90 years. Of 160 deceased participants, 69 cases (43.1%) died due to CVDs during seven years. The study outcomes offer an evidence base for future researches, and inform policies regarding non-communicable diseases in Iran.
Effects of letrozole co-treatment on outcomes of gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist cycles in POSEIDON group 3 and 4 expected poor responders
Authors: Kahraman Alper , Tulek Firat
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of adjuvant letrozole administration on outcomes of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist cycles with intracytoplasmic sperm injection in POSEIDON group 3 and 4 expected poor responder women. Methods: This study was conducted by retrospective analysis of patients with expected poor ovarian response (POSEIDON group 3 and 4) that underwent GnRH antagonist cycles with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection between 2010 and 2020. A total of 488 patients with letrozole co-administration and 2564 patients without any adjuvant treatment that underwent GnRH antagonist cycles within the selected period of time were included in the study. Results: Implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates and live birth delivery rates were significantly higher in letrozole administered patients in comparison to controls among POSEIDON group 3 women (0.39±0.46 vs 0.27±0.40, p=0.01; 46.1% vs 33%, p=0.014; 42.7% vs 31.5%, p=0.034, respectively). Mean total doses of gonadotropins required per cycle were significantly lower in letrozole administered patients among both POSEIDON group 3 and 4 women (2864.65±878.47 IU vs 3757.27±1088.89 IU, p<0.001; 3286.06±770.16 IU vs 3666.48±959.66 IU, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Adjuvant letrozole co-administration in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles following GnRH antagonist protocol appears to improve implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth delivery rates in women with POSEIDON group 3 expected poor ovarian response.
Mutated Processes Predict Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy Benefit in Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Patterson Andrew , Auslander Noam
Published: February 2022

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionized treatment for advanced melanoma; however, only a subset of patients benefit from this treatment. Despite considerable efforts, the Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB) is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved biomarker for ICI treatment in melanoma. However, the mechanisms underlying TMB association with prolonged ICI survival are not entirely understood and may depend on numerous confounding factors. To identify more interpretable ICI response biomarkers based on tumor mutations, we trained classifiers using mutations within distinct biological processes. We evaluated a variety of feature selection and classification methods, and identified key mutated biological processes that provide improved predictive capability compared to the TMB. The top mutated processes identified are leukocyte and T-cell proliferation regulation; importantly, these processes demonstrate stable predictive performance across different data cohorts of melanoma patients treated with ICI. This study provides new methodology to construct biologically interpretable genomic predictors for ICI response with substantially improved predictive performance over the TMB.
Gravitational Perturbations Correlated With The Asteroid Kinetic Impact Deflection Technique
Authors: Chagas B.S , Prado A. F. B. A. , Winter O. C.
Published: February 2022

We will present the use of the kinetic impact technique as a way to deflect asteroids that may present some risk of collision with Earth at any given time. Within the work to be developed here, we intend to evaluate in more detail the possibility to deflect the orbit of the asteroid 101955 Bennu, applying variations in its velocity (∆v) at different positions within its orbital period and measuring close encounters with planet Earth. We will see that, in a relatively long period of time, the asteroid has several close encounters with the planet, thus suffering a natural gravitational perturbation. With the application of the impulses, the relative distances change, causing variations in the energy of the asteroid and a large variation in the relative distance between the asteroid and Earth over a long period after the impulse. We present results in relation to the intensity of the applied impulse, which is important due to the size of the impactor to be considered and, for that, we mapped the positions of the impulses along a period of the orbit of the asteroid (M.I.O.A.). We finish by explaining what happens to the orbit of the asteroid during the periods of gravitational perturbation, since it undergoes to several “Swing Bys’ that intensify the variations of the relative distances between the bodies after the impulses.
Workstation Ergonomic Risk Factors and its associations with Common Musculoskeletal Complaints among Academic Staff of a Ghanaian Higher Institution: A survey
Authors: Bello Ajediran , Ahike Elaine , Ndaa Peter , Iyor Fidelis
Published: February 2022

Background: Despite the exposure of academic staff to the ergonomic risk factors associated with workstation seat, the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) is under-reported in higher institutions of learning in Ghana. We therefore evaluated the workstation seat in relation to the academics’ body dimensions and the associations of the outcome with MSCs. Materials and Methods: Participants in this cross-sectional study were academic staff of a foremost health training institution in Ghana. They were enrolled into the study using convenience sampling method. We evaluated the body-chair dimension of the participants individually at each workstation using non-elastic 3-meter long tape measure. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and ergonomics assessment checklist were used to determine the prevalence and ergonomic risk factors of MSC. Data analysis involved mean, frequency and standard deviation. We analyzed the association between body-chair dimensions and self-reported MSCs with Chi square test, at P < 0.05 level of significance. Results: Eighty-two (82) academic staff comprising 54, (65.9%) males and (28, 34.1) females participated fully in the study, of which 69 (84.2%) were Senior Lecturers. Thirty-four (41.5%) of the lecturers had worked between 5 and 10 years. The period and point prevalence of MSCs were 64.6% and 59.6% respectively. The body-chair mismatch and workstation ergonomic risk factors were significant associated with (P <0.001) MSCs.Conclusion: Our findings indicate moderate prevalence of MSCs among the participants with low back pain being the most reported complaint, which seemed to have a link with body-chair dimension mismatch. These findings are implicated for procurement policy, regarding workstation seat in higher institutions.
Do Not Resuscitate Orders and Outcomes for Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hao Qiang , Segel Joel E. , Gusani Niraj J. , Hollenbeak Christopher S.
Published: February 2022

Background: The impact of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order on patients with pancreatic cancer remains uncertain. In this study, we evaluated whether DNR status was associated with in-hospital mortality and costs for the inpatient stay among patients hospitalized with pancreatic cancer.Methods: Data were from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), and included 40,246 pancreatic cancer admissions between 2011 and 2016. Mortality was modeled using a logistic regression model; costs for the inpatient stay were modeled using a multivariable generalized linear regression model.Results: The sample included 6,041 (15%) patients with a documented DNR. After controlling for covariates, patients with a DNR order had approximately 6 times greater odds of mortality compared to patients without a DNR order (OR 5.90, p<0.0001). Compared to patients without a DNR order who survived during the hospital stay, patients with a DNR order who died during the hospital stay had significantly lower costs (-US$983; p=0.0270), and patients without a DNR order who died during the hospital stay had significantly higher costs (US$5,638; p<0.0001). Patients with a DNR order who survived had costs that were not significantly different from patients without a DNR order who survived.Conclusions: The presence of a DNR order among patients with pancreatic cancer was significantly associated with higher mortality risk, as well as lower costs for the patients who died during the hospital stay. However, DNR status was not significantly associated with costs for patients with pancreatic cancer who were discharged alive.
Factors Associated With Non-Participation In Cervical Cancer Screening In Yaoundé: A Mixed Quantitative And Qualitative Study
Authors: Ngassam Anny , Kemfang Jean Dupont , Wafeu Sadeu Guy , Meka Esther Ngo Um , Tsuala Jovany Fouogue , Kasia Jean Marie
Published: February 2022

Background: The weak participation of women to cervical cancer screening is a major obstacle to the fight against that disease. This work had as objective to determine associated factors to the lack of cervical cancer screening in women in Cameroon, a middle-income country of Central Africa.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytic study both quantitative and qualitative on 1000 sexually active women aged 25 years old and above coming to the gynecology department of the Centre hospitalier de recherche et d’application en chirurgie endoscopique et reproduction humaine from March to December 2017. Results: The mean age of the studied women was 37.1 ±10.1 years old, among them 733 (73.3%) had never been screened. Associated factors to the absence of previous screening were : age lower than 35 years old (OR=5.0 ; 95% CI : 3.6 – 6.9), Islam (OR=3.3 ; 95% CI :1.6 – 6.7), unemployment (OR=2 ; 95% CI : 1.5-2.7) and bachelorhood (OR=1.5 ; 95% CI: 1.1 – 2.1). The main evoked barriers to screening were: fear of cancer, inadequate sensitization, the lack of screening prescription by the medical staff and ignorance about the usefulness of screening. Conclusion: It is important to diversify the means of communication on cervical cancer while focusing specifically on groups associated with the greatest lack of screening participation. Increased screening prescriptions by healthcare workers could also increase screening participation of women.