bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional measurement method based on reusing equally spaced binary stripes
Authors: Yan Fei , Wu Peiyue , Sun Cheng , Liu Yinping , Liu Jia
Published: April 2024

To eliminate the effect of nonlinear errors on measurement results, this paper presents
a new method, to our knowledge, to overcome the nonlinear response of
commercial projectors and cameras by using binary stripes for coding.
The method shifts the generated equally spaced binary stripes by a
fixed number of pixel points to obtain different stripe maps, followed
by sequential projection of these binary stripes with a digital
projector. The acquired binary stripes are reused in the 3D
reconstruction combined with the phase-shift method and can be reduced
to sinusoidal stripes with different phase shifts by a specific
superposition method. In this paper, this method is combined with the
traditional four-step phase-shift method for experiments. The results
show that the accuracy of the wrapped phase obtained by the method
proposed in this paper is 13.88% higher than that obtained by the
traditional 16-step phase-shift method. Similarly, the accuracy of the
standard ball measurement is increased by 21.05%. Additionally, the
point cloud on the surface of the complex object obtained by the
proposed method is smoother and more delicate than that obtained by
the traditional 16-step phase-shift method.
Step-adaptive accelerated demodulation algorithm for LFM-pulse-based distributed acoustic sensing
Authors: Chen Zhongquan , Jiang Junfeng , Liu Kun , Zhang Mingjiang , Wang Shuang , Ding Zhengyang , Liu Tiegen
Published: April 2024

We propose a novel, to our knowledge, step-adaptive cross-correlation algorithm tailored for distributed acoustic sensing systems based on linear frequency modulation pulses, aiming for rapid demodulation. This algorithm adjusts its step length through an adaptive “successive refinement” search strategy, which greatly improves computational efficiency by reducing the number of cross-correlation computations. Experimental results have shown that the demodulation time can be reduced by approximately 15 times compared to the conventional method, while maintaining the same demodulation result.
Picosecond laser-driven coded-source radiography with high resolution and contrast
Authors: Li Mengting , Zhang Tiankui , Wang Shaoyi , Yu Minghai , Tan Fang , Yan Yonghong , Yang Yue , Wen Jiaxing , Wu Yuchi , Su Jingqin , Zhou Weimin , Gu Yuqiu
Published: April 2024

The X-ray sources for Compton radiography of ICF experiments are generated by using intense picosecond lasers to irradiate wire targets. The wire diameter must be designed thin enough, for example ∼ 10 µm in many published works, to comply a high spatial resolution. This results in a low laser-target interception, which limits the photon yield. We investigated a technique of coded-source radiography based on laser-driven annular sources via Monte Carlo and PIC simulations. The annular X-ray source is formed by laser irradiating tube target in which the effect of electron recirculation plays an important role. We proved that this technique has an increased spatial resolution and contrast than that using the Gaussian source produced by wire targets. Therefore, the diameter of the backlighter target can be significantly increased to uplift laser-target interception without compromising on spatial resolution. This contributes towards a reconciliation between the spatial resolution and photon yield for Compton radiography. The results predict the possibility of improving source photon yield by several times in future experiments.
Highly integrated automatic injection terahertz microfluidic biosensor based on metasurface and LT-GaAs photoconductive antenna
Authors: Meng Qinghao , Zhao Yuhan , Wang Xueyan , Su Bo , Zhang Shengbo , Cui Hailin , Zhang Cunlin
Published: April 2024

In this paper, a highly integrated terahertz (THz) biosensor is proposed and implemented, which pioneered the preparation of low-temperature gallium arsenide (LT-GaAs) thin film photoconductive antenna (PCA) on the sensor for direct generation and detection of THz waves, simplifying complex terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) systems. A latch type metasurface is deposited in the detection region to produce a resonance absorption peak at 0.6 THz that is independent of polarisation. Microfluidics is utilised and automatic injection is incorporated to mitigate the experimental effects of hydrogen bond absorption of THz waves in aqueous-based environment. Additionally, cell damage is minimised by regulating the cell flow rate. The biosensor was utilised to detect the concentration of three distinct sizes of bacteria with successful results. The assay was executed as a proof of concept to detect two distinct types of breast cancer cells. Based on the experimental findings, it has been observed that the amplitude and blueshift of the resonance absorption peaks have the ability to identify and differentiate various cancer cell types. The findings of this study introduce a novel approach for developing microfluidic THz metasurface biosensors that possess exceptional levels of integration, sensitivity, and rapid label-free detection capabilities.
Integer-locking condition for stable dual-comb interferometry in situations with fluctuating frequency-comb repetition rates
Authors: Shibata Riku , Fujii Shun , Watanabe Shinichi
Published: April 2024

To make dual-comb interferometry usable in a wide range of applications, it is important to achieve reproducible measurement results even in non-ideal environments that affect the repetition-rate stability. Here, we consider dual-comb interferometry based on a pair of fully referenced optical frequency combs (OFCs) and investigate the impact of fluctuations in the OFC repetition frequencies on the peak position of the center burst in the interferogram. We identify a phase-locking scheme that minimizes the impact of these fluctuations through choosing a special combination of phase-locked frequencies, and the resulting type of operating condition is termed integer-locking condition. Under the integer-locking condition, the number of sampling points in each interferogram remains constant regardless of repetition-rate variations, and this enables more stable phase-resolved measurements in non-ideal environments. We demonstrate the application of this approach using absolute path-length measurements and discuss the accuracy limit imposed by the integer-locking condition. Our findings offer a strategy for robust dual-comb interferometry outside metrology laboratories.
3D drift correction for super-resolution imaging with a single laser light
Authors: Li Yunze , He Yingchuan , Fang Ke , Zhou Lulu , Wang Zhen , Shi Wei , Li Yiming
Published: April 2024

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) enables three-dimensional (3D) super-resolution imaging of nanoscale structures within biological samples. However, prolonged acquisition introduces a drift between the sample and the imaging system, resulting in artifacts in the reconstructed super-resolution image. Here, we present a novel, to our knowledge, 3D drift correction method that utilizes both the reflected and scattered light from the sample. Our method employs the reflected light of a near-infrared (NIR) laser for focus stabilization while synchronously capturing speckle images to estimate the lateral drift. This approach combines high-precision active compensation in the axial direction with lateral post-processing compensation, achieving the abilities of 3D drift correction with a single laser light. Compared to the popular localization events-based cross correlation method, our approach is much more robust, especially for datasets with sparse localization points.
Precise characterisation of AM-to-PM phenomena in fast Si photodiodes
Authors: Budzyn Grzegorz , Baranski Jedrzej
Published: April 2024

The influence of bias on the phase shift of optical signal conversion in a silicon p-i-n photodiode was precisely measured. We have found that the dependence is qualitatively quite similar to characteristics of electrons and holes velocity previously reported in the literature. The reported effect together with the influence of modulation depth on phase shift (AM-to-PM conversion) has a negative impact on optical signal reception at high frequency. We show that it is possible to find optimal bias voltage and light intensity to reduce electrical phase noise of the photodetector.
Changes in access to viral load testing, incidence rates of viral load suppression and rebound following the introduction of the ‘universal test and treat’ guidelines in Cameroon: A retrospective follow-up analysis
Authors: Bekolo C. E. , Ndeso S. A. , Moifo L. L. , Mangala N. , Ateudjieu J. , Kouanfack C. , Dzudie A. , Thienemann F. , Tendongfor N. , Nsagha D. S. , Choukem S. P.
Published: April 2024

Cameroon adopted and started implementing in 2016, the ‘universal test and treat’ (UTT) guidelines to fast-track progress towards the 95-95-95 ambitious targets to end the HIV epidemic. Achieving the third 95 (viral load suppression) is the most desirable target in HIV care. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this novel approach on access to viral load testing (VLT), viral suppression (VLS), and viral load rebound (VLR). A retrospective cohort study was conducted at The Nkongsamba Regional Hospital to compare VLT outcomes between the pre-UTT (2002 to 2015) and the post-UTT (2016 to 2020) periods. We used a data extraction form to collect routine data on adult patients living with HIV. We measured uptake levels of the first and serial VLT and compared the incidence rates of VLS (VL<1000 copies/ml) and viral load rebound (VLR) before and after introducing the UTT approach using Kaplan Meier plots and log-rank tests. Cox regression was used to screen for factors independently associated with VLS and VLR events between the guideline periods. Access to initial VLT increased significantly from 6.11% to 25.56% at 6 months and from 12.00% to 73.75% at 12 months before and after introducing the UTT guidelines respectively. After a total observation time at risk of 17001.63 person-months, the UTT group achieved an incidence rate of 90.36 VLS per 1000 person-months, four-fold higher than the 21.71 VLS per 1000 person-months observed in the pre-UTT group (p<0.0001). After adjusting for confounding, the VLS rate was about 6-fold higher in the UTT group than in the pre-UTT group (adjusted Hazard Rate (aHR) = 5.81 (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 4.43–7.60). The incidence of VLR increased from 12.60 (95%CI: 9.50–16.72) to 19.11 (95%CI: 14.22–25.67) per 1000 person-months before and after the introduction of UTT guidelines respectively. After adjusting, VLR was more than twice as high in the UTT group than in the pre-UTT group (aHR = 2.32, 95%CI: 1.30–4.13). Increased access to initial VLT and higher rates of VLS have been observed but there are concerns that the suppressed viral load may not be durable since the introduction of the UTT policy in this setting.
Exposure to low levels of heavy metals and chronic kidney disease in the US population: A cross sectional study
Authors: Akinleye Akintayo , Oremade Olayinka , Xu Xiaohui
Published: April 2024

Background

Exposure to heavy metals (cadmium, mercury, and lead) has been linked with adverse health outcomes, especially their nephrotoxic effects at high levels of exposure. We conducted a replication study to examine the association of low-level heavy metal exposure and chronic kidney disease (CKD) using a larger NHANES data set compared to previous studies.

Methods

The large cross-sectional study comprised 5,175 CKD cases out of 55677 participants aged 20–85 years from the 1999–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES]. Logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the associations between CKD and heavy metals [Cd, Pb, Hg] measured as categorical variables after adjusting with age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and blood cotinine level as smoking status.

Results

Compared to the lowest quartile of blood Cd, exposures to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartiles of blood Cd were statistically significantly associated with higher odds of CKD after adjustment for blood Pb and Hg, with OR = 1.79, [95% CI; 1.55–2.07, p<0.0001], OR = 2.17, [95% CI; 1.88–2.51, p<0.0001] and OR = 1.52, [95% CI; 1.30–1.76, p<0.0001] respectively. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartiles of blood Cd remained statistically significantly associated with higher odds of CKD after adjustment for blood cotinine level, with OR = 2.06, [95% CI; 1.80–2.36, p<0.0001], OR = 3.18, [95% CI; 2.79–3.63, p<0.0001] and OR = 5.54, [95% CI; 4.82–6.37, p<0.0001] respectively. Exposure to blood Pb was statistically significantly associated with higher odds of CKD in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartile groups, after adjustment for all co-variates (ag, gender, race, socio-economic status, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, blood cadmium, mercury, and cotinine levels) in all the four models. Blood Hg level was statistically significantly associated with lower odds of CKD in the 2nd quartile group in model 2, 3rd quartile group in model 1, 2 and 3, and the 4th quartile group in all the four models.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that low blood levels of Cd and Pb were associated with higher odds of CKD while low blood levels of Hg were associated with lower odds of CKD in the US adult population. However, temporal association cannot be determined as it is a cross sectional study.
Healthcare workers’ perspectives on the availability and use of mobile health technologies for disease diagnosis and treatment support in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
Authors: Osei Ernest , Apiribu Felix , Kissi Jonathan , Asante Lydia Sarpomaa , Ampon-Wireko Sabina , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani P.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Considering the usefulness of mobile health (mHealth) technologies in healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana; there is a need to explore healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the availability and use of mHealth for disease screening and treatment of patients’ conditions. The study’s main aim is to explore healthcare professionals’ perspectives regarding the availability and use of mHealth applications for disease screening and management at point-of-care in Ghana’s Ashanti Region.

Materials and methods

We conducted in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals who use mHealth applications daily between July and September 2020. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to select healthcare professionals who have been using mobile health application tools to support healthcare delivery. The researchers conducted 14 in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals on the availability and use of mHealth applications to support disease diagnosis and treatment of patients’ conditions. Data were transcribed, coded, arranged, and analyzed to determine categories and themes.

Results

The study results demonstrated that healthcare workers had positive perceptions towards mHealth applications. Healthcare professionals identified significant challenges concerning mHealth applications: the high cost of data; lack of education or limited awareness; poor mobile networks; unstable internet connectivity; erratic power supply; and unavailability of logistics. Healthcare professionals identified the following prerequisite strategies to strengthen the use and scale-up of mHealth applications: stable internet connectivity; creating awareness; supplying logistics; reducing the cost of data; and developing local mobile apps.

Conclusions

The study results revealed the availability of mHealth applications at the individual level for disease screening and treatment support of patients’ conditions. The study also showed several significant challenges facing mHealth applications which need to be addressed to guarantee the successful implementation and scaling-up of mHealth activities at all levels of healthcare delivery. Hence, future research should incorporate healthcare professionals’ perspectives to completely understand mHealth implementation and scaling-up challenges and measures to inform policy regulations.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic period on stock market return and volatility. Evidence from the Pakistan Stock Exchange
Authors: Wang Baixiang , Waris Muhammad , Adamiak Katarzyna , Adnan Mohammad , Hamad Hawkar Anwer , Bhatti Saad Mahmood
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a significant event of the current century, introducing substantial transformations in economic and social activities worldwide. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between daily COVID-19 cases and Pakistan stock market (PSX) return volatility. To assess the relationship between daily COVID-19 cases and the PSX return volatility, we collected secondary data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the PSX website, specifically focusing on the PSX 100 index, spanning from March 15, 2020, to March 31, 2021. We used the GARCH family models for measuring the volatility and the COVID-19 impact on the stock market performance. Our E-GARCH findings show that there is long-term persistence in the return volatility of the stock market of Pakistan in the period of the COVID-19 timeline because ARCH alpha (ω1) and GARCH beta (ω2) are significant. Moreover, is asymmetrical effect is found in the stock market of Pakistan during the COVID-19 period due to Gamma (ѱ) being significant for PSX. Our DCC-GARCH results show that the COVID-19 active cases have a long-term spillover impact on the Pakistan stock market. Therefore, the need of strong planning and alternative platform should be needed in the distress period to promote the stock market and investor should advised to make diversified international portfolio by investing in high and low volatility stock market to save their income. This study advocated the implications for investors to invest in low volatility stock especially during the period of pandemics to protect their return on investment. Moreover, policy makers and the regulators can make effective policies to maintain financial stability during pandemics that is very important for the country’s economic development.
Physical manifestations of stress in women. Correlations between temporomandibular and pelvic floor disorders
Authors: Mínguez-Esteban Isabel , De-la-Cueva-Reguera Mónica , Romero-Morales Carlos , Martínez-Pascual Beatriz , Navia Jose A. , Bravo-Aguilar María , Abuín-Porras Vanesa
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Stress is characterized as a challenging occurrence that triggers a physiological and/or behavioral allostatic response, alongside the demands typically encountered throughout the natural course of life. A sustained state of stress gives rise to secondary effects, including insomnia and neck pain. Also, the risk of musculoskeletal problems in the cervical and lumbar spine can be increased due to a sustained state of stress. The present study main objective is to study the association between orofacial and pelvic floor muscles in women in Spain.

Methodology

An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective analytical study was designed and carried out in the laboratories of the European University of Madrid. Sixty-five participants were recruited with a mean age of 29.9 ± 7.69. Measurements were taken by myotonometry on natural oscillation frequency (Hz), dynamic stiffness (N/m), elasticity (N/m2), mechanical stress relaxation time (ms) and creep, for the following muscles: right and left masseter, right and left temporalis and central fibrous nucleus of the perineum (CFPF). On the other hand, the subjects completed the following questionnaires: perceived stress scale (PSS-14), anxiety scale (STAI), self-reported bruxism questionnaire (CBA), Fonseca Anamnestic Index and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale (PSQI).

Results

Significant correlations were found in several parameters between the right temporalis and CFPF (p<0.05). Highlighting the correlation between TMDs and lubrication r = -0.254 (p = 0.041) and bruxism with pain in sexual intercourse r = 0.261 (p = 0.036).

Conclusion

The results support the proposed hypothesis. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study which relates both locations, and it is suggested to continue with the research and expand the knowledge of it.
Improving mental arithmetic ability of primary school students with schema teaching method: An experimental study
Authors: Liu Dawei , Tan Xin , Yan Huifen , Li Wei
Published: April 2024

Skillful utilization of mental arithmetic can significantly improve students’ mathematical computation ability. However, it was observed that primary school students often resort to reiterating the process of written arithmetic in their minds during mental arithmetic, which is not conducive to their numerical ability improvement. This paper devises a set of graphic teaching aids for primary school students’ mental arithmetic improvement based on mental arithmetic strategies, schema theory, and working memory. To validate the effectiveness of schema teaching in enhancing mental arithmetic ability among primary school students, a controlled experiment was conducted with two groups of third-grade students randomly selected from a primary school in Jingshan City. The results, obtained through descriptive statistical analysis and the multitrait—multimethod approach (MTMM), indicated that the experimental group (n = 52) demonstrated significant improvements in speed, accuracy, and stability in mental addition and subtraction after a 14-day instruction period in schema teaching. This study offers a potent mental arithmetic teaching strategy for elementary mathematics education, which can lead to a comprehensive enhancement of students’ mental calculation abilities. It also holds promise for inspiring innovative teaching methodologies in primary and secondary mathematics education in the future.
A method for nonlinear electric-thermal coupling calculations of bushings based on unbiased gradient-free smooth domains
Authors: Feng Yuhui , Yang Zhongqing , Gao Chao , Gao Erya , Meng Ruixiao
Published: April 2024

High-voltage dry-type bushings, serving as the crucial junctions in DC power transmission, represent equipment with the highest failure rate on the DC primary side, underscoring the critical importance of monitoring their condition. Presently, numerical simulation methods are commonly employed to assess the internal state of bushings. However, due to limitations in the efficiency of multi-physics field computations, the guidance provided by numerical simulation results in the field of power equipment condition assessment is relatively weak. This paper focuses on solving the electrical-thermal coupling in high-voltage dry-type bushings. Addressing the most widely used tetrahedral mesh in numerical computations, we propose an efficient solution method based on the concept of "smooth domains." This method involves partitioning the volume centroids of the elements into multiple smooth domains within the computational domain. Electric and thermal conduction matrix calculations occur within these smooth domains, rather than within the grid or element interiors. This approach eliminates the need for traditional element mapping and complex volume integration. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this method, we use high-voltage dry-type bushings as a case study, comparing the performance of our approach with traditional finite element algorithms. We verify the algorithm’s computational efficiency and apply it to the analysis of typical temperature anomalies in bushings, further illustrating its suitability for electrical equipment condition assessment.
Has-miR-199a-3p/RELA/SCD inhibits immune checkpoints in AMD and promotes macrophage-mediated inflammation and pathological angiogenesis through lipid metabolism pathway: A computational analysis
Authors: Jiang Jiang , Wang Shu , Li Yun , Wang Yi , Liao Rongfeng
Published: April 2024

More and more evidence shows that abnormal lipid metabolism leads to immune system dysfunction in AMD and promotes the occurrence of AMD by changing the homeostasis of ocular inflammation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of lipid metabolism on the phenotype and function of macrophages is still unclear, and the mechanism of association between AMD and cancer and COVID-19 has not been reported. The purpose of this study is to explore the interaction between lipid metabolism related genes, ferroptosis related genes and immunity in AMD, find out the key genes that affect the ferroptosis of AMD through lipid metabolism pathway and the molecular mechanism that mediates the action of macrophages, and find out the possible mechanism of lipid metabolism and potential co-therapeutic targets between AMD and cancer and COVID-19, so as to improve treatment decision-making and clinical results. For the first time, we have comprehensively analyzed the fatty acid molecule related genes, ferroptosis related genes and immune microenvironment of AMD patients, and determined that mast cells and M1 macrophages are the main causes of AMD inflammation, and found that SCD is the core gene in AMD that inhibits ferroptosis through lipid metabolism pathway, and verified the difference in the expression of SCD in AMD in a separate external data set. Based on the analysis of the mechanism of action of the SCD gene, we found for the first time that Has-miR-199a-3p/RELA/SCD is the core axis of action of lipid metabolism pathway to inhibit the ferroptosis of AMD. By inhibiting the immune checkpoint, we can enhance the immune cell activity of AMD and lead to the transformation of macrophages from M2 to M1, thereby promoting the inflammation and pathological angiogenesis of AMD. At the same time, we found that ACOX2 and PECR, as genes for fatty acid metabolism, may regulate the expression of SCD during the occurrence and development of COVID-19, thus affecting the occurrence and development of AMD. We found that FASD1 may be a key gene for the joint action of AMD and COVID-19, and SCD regulates the immune infiltration of macrophages in glioma and germ line tumors. In conclusion, our results can provide theoretical basis for the pathogenesis of AMD, help guide the treatment of AMD patients and their potentially related diseases and help to design effective drug targets.
Male perspectives on intimate partner violence: A qualitative analysis from South Africa
Authors: Pelowich Krysta A. , Akibu Tosin , Pellowski Jennifer , Hatcher Abigail , Rebombo Dumisani , Christofides Nicola , Hampanda Karen
Published: April 2024

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects one in four women globally and is more commonly enacted by men than women. Rates of IPV in South Africa exceed the global average. Exploring the background and context regarding why men use violence can help future efforts to prevent IPV.

Methods

We explored adult men’s perspectives of IPV, livelihoods, alcohol use, gender beliefs, and childhood exposure to abuse through a secondary analysis of qualitative interviews that were conducted in South Africa. The setting was a peri-urban township characterized by high unemployment, immigration from rural areas, and low service provision. We utilized thematic qualitative analysis that was guided by the social ecological framework.

Results

Of 30 participants, 20 were residents in the neighborhood, 7 were trained community members, and 3 were program staff. Men reported consumption of alcohol and lack of employment as being triggers for IPV and community violence in general. Multiple participants recounted childhood exposure to abuse. These themes, in addition to culturally prescribed gender norms and constructs of manhood, seemed to influence the use of violence.

Conclusion

Interventions aimed at reducing IPV should consider the cultural and social impact on men’s use of IPV in low-resource, high-IPV prevalence settings, such as peri-urban South Africa. This work highlights the persistent need for the implementation of effective primary prevention strategies that address contextual and economic factors in an effort to reduce IPV that is primarily utilized by men directed at women.
In silico study of alkaloids with quercetin nucleus for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 protease and receptor cell protease
Authors: Mohebbi Ali , Eskandarzadeh Marzieh , Zangi Hanieh , Fatehi Marzie
Published: April 2024

Covid-19 disease caused by the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus is a serious and threatening global health issue declared by the WHO as an epidemic. Researchers are studying the design and discovery of drugs to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to its high mortality rate. The main Covid-19 virus protease (Mpro) and human transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) are attractive targets for the study of antiviral drugs against SARS-2 coronavirus. Increasing consumption of herbal medicines in the community and a serious approach to these drugs have increased the demand for effective herbal substances. Alkaloids are one of the most important active ingredients in medicinal plants that have wide applications in the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, seven alkaloid ligands with Quercetin nucleus for the inhibition of Mpro and TMPRSS2 were studied using computational drug design including molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation (MD). Auto Dock software was used to evaluate molecular binding energy. Three ligands with the most negative docking score were selected to be entered into the MD simulation procedure. To evaluate the protein conformational changes induced by tested ligands and calculate the binding energy between the ligands and target proteins, GROMACS software based on AMBER03 force field was used. The MD results showed that Phyllospadine and Dracocephin-A form stable complexes with Mpro and TMPRSS2. Prolinalin-A indicated an acceptable inhibitory effect on Mpro, whereas it resulted in some structural instability of TMPRSS2. The total binding energies between three ligands, Prolinalin-A, Phyllospadine and Dracocephin-A and two proteins MPro and TMRPSS2 are (-111.235 ± 15.877, - 75.422 ± 11.140), (-107.033 ± 9.072, -84.939 ± 10.155) and (-102.941 ± 9.477, - 92.451 ± 10.539), respectively. Since the binding energies are at a minimum, this indicates confirmation of the proper binding of the ligands to the proteins. Regardless of some Prolinalin-A-induced TMPRSS2 conformational changes, it may properly bind to TMPRSS2 binding site due to its acceptable binding energy. Therefore, these three ligands can be promising candidates for the development of drugs to treat infections caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Association between the shock index on admission and in-hospital mortality in the cardiac intensive care unit
Authors: Padkins Mitchell , Kashani Kianoush , Tabi Meir , Gajic Ognjen , Jentzer Jacob C.
Published: April 2024

Background

An elevated shock index (SI) predicts worse outcomes in multiple clinical arenas. We aimed to determine whether the SI can aid in mortality risk stratification in unselected cardiac intensive care unit patients.

Methods

We included admissions to the Mayo Clinic from 2007 to 2015 and stratified them based on admission SI. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and predictors of in-hospital mortality were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

We included 9,939 unique cardiac intensive care unit patients with available data for SI. Patients were grouped by SI as follows: < 0.6, 3,973 (40%); 0.6–0.99, 4,810 (48%); and ≥ 1.0, 1,156 (12%). After multivariable adjustment, both heart rate (adjusted OR 1.06 per 10 beats per minute higher; CI 1.02–1.10; p-value 0.005) and systolic blood pressure (adjusted OR 0.94 per 10 mmHg higher; CI 0.90–0.97; p-value < 0.001) remained associated with higher in-hospital mortality. As SI increased there was an incremental increase in in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR 1.07 per 0.1 beats per minute/mmHg higher, CI 1.04–1.10, p-Value < 0.001). A higher SI was associated with increased mortality across all examined admission diagnoses.

Conclusion

The SI is a simple and universally available bedside marker that can be used at the time of admission to predict in-hospital mortality in cardiac intensive care unit patients.
Insecticidal activity of Ageratina adenophora (Asteraceae) extract against Limax maximus (Mollusca, Limacidae) at different developmental stages and its chemical constituent analysis
Authors: Li Haojun , Zhao Runa , Pan Yingna , Tian Hui , Chen Wenlong
Published: April 2024

Limax maximus, or great gray slug, is a common agriculture pest. The pest infests crops during their growth phase, creating holes in vegetable leaves, particularly in seedlings and tender leaves. A study was conducted to assess the insecticidal activity of Ageratina adenophora extract against these slugs. Factors such as fecundity, growth, hatching rate, offspring survival rate, protective enzyme activity, and detoxifying enzyme activity were examined in slugs exposed to the extract’s sublethal concentration (LC50) for two different durations (24 and 48 h). The phytochemical variability of the extracts was also studied. The LC50 value of the A. adenophora extract against L. maximus was 35.9 mg/mL. This extract significantly reduced the hatching rate of eggs and the survival rate of offspring hatched from exposed eggs compared with the control. The lowest rates were observed in those exposed for 48 h. The survival, growth, protective enzyme, and detoxification activity of newly hatched and 40-day-old slugs decreased. The A. adenophora extract contained tannins, flavonoids, and saponins, possibly contributing to their biological effects. These results suggest that the extract could be used as an alternative treatment for slug extermination, effectively controlling this species.
Detection of multidrug-resistant organisms of concern including Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Burkholderia cepacia at a referral hospital in Kenya
Authors: Kimani Racheal , Wakaba Patrick , Kamita Moses , Mbogo David , Mutai Winnie , Ayodo Charchil , Suliman Essuman , Kanoi Bernard N. , Gitaka Jesse
Published: April 2024

Regular monitoring of bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics in clinical settings is key for ascertaining the current trends as well as re-establish empirical therapy. This study aimed to determine bacterial contaminants and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from medical equipment, inanimate surfaces and clinical samples obtained from Thika Level V Hospital (TLVH), Thika, in Central Kenya. Three hundred and five samples were collected between the period of March 2021 to November 2021 and comprised urine, pus swabs, catheter swabs, stool, and environmental samples. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility were performed using VITEK 2 and disc diffusion respectively. We observed that Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (28 /160, 17.5%) were the most commonly isolated species from clinical samples followed by E. coli (22 /160 13.8%) and S. aureus (22/160, 13.8%). The bed rails were the mostly contaminated surface with S. aureus accounting for 14.2% (6/42). Among the clinical samples, pus swabs yielded the highest number of pathogens was pus (92/160). Trauma patients had the highest proportion of isolates (67/160, 41.8%). High level of antimicrobial resistance to key antimicrobials, particularly among Enterobacterales was observed. Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) phenotype was noted in 65.9% (29/44) of enteric isolates. While further ESBL genetic confirmatory studies are needed, this study highlights the urgent need for actions that mitigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Exploring spatio-temporal impact of COVID-19 on citywide taxi demand: A case study of New York City
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Sui Xueliang , Zhang Shen
Published: April 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought dramatic changes in our daily life, especially in human mobility since 2020. As the major component of the integrated transport system in most cities, taxi trips represent a large portion of residents’ urban mobility. Thus, quantifying the impacts of COVID-19 on city-wide taxi demand can help to better understand the reshaped travel patterns, optimize public-transport operational strategies, and gather emergency experience under the pressure of this pandemic. To achieve the objectives, the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model is used to analyze the impact mechanism of COVID-19 on taxi demand in this study. City-wide taxi trip data from August 1st, 2020 to July 31st, 2021 in New York City was collected as model’s dependent variables, and COVID-19 case rate, population density, road density, station density, points of interest (POI) were selected as the independent variables. By comparing GTWR model with traditional ordinary least square (OLS) model, temporally weighted regression model (TWR) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) model, a significantly better goodness of fit on spatial-temporal taxi data was observed for GTWR. Furthermore, temporal analysis, spatial analysis and the epidemic marginal effect were developed on the GTWR model results. The conclusions of this research are shown as follows: (1) The virus and health care become the major restraining and stimulative factors of taxi demand in post epidemic era. (2) The restraining level of COVID-19 on taxi demand is higher in cold weather. (3) The restraining level of COVID-19 on taxi demand is severely influenced by the curfew policy. (4) Although this virus decreases taxi demand in most of time and places, it can still increase taxi demand in some specific time and places. (5) Along with COVID-19, sports facilities and tourism become obstacles on increasing taxi demand in most of places and time in post epidemic era. The findings can provide useful insights for policymakers and stakeholders to improve the taxi operational efficiency during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Positive psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in anxiety patients – A study protocol for a randomized control trial in an online group setting
Authors: Engelhardt Catiana L. , Meier Marina , Keller Sabrina , Laireiter Anton-Rupert
Published: April 2024

Background

Anxiety disorders are common and debilitating which is why treatment is so important. According to the guidelines, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has the highest level of effectiveness among psychotherapeutic treatments and is the recommended procedure. However, not everyone responds well or at all to CBT which makes a wider range of therapy options valuable. Positive Psychotherapy (PPT) comes to mind as an alternative with its strength-based approach focusing on enhancing well-being and life satisfaction. Additionally, it has not yet been extensively studied how the processes that occur during treatment sessions and between treatment sessions effect treatment outcome. Thus, to lessen the lack of evidence regarding the efficacy of PPT as an anxiety treatment the planned study examines and compares the effectiveness of CBT and PPT as well as the effect of intrasession and intersession processes of the two therapy approaches.

Method

The study is in the planning stage and consists of an efficacy and a process study. The efficacy study is a randomized controlled comparative study of patients with anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder and/or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia) with two active treatment conditions (PPT and CBT) and a control group (CG; positive psychotherapy with minimal therapeutic supervision) in an online group setting. There are three measurement time points: before treatment begins (T0), at the end of the ten-week treatment (T1), and a follow-up after three months (T2). The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of PPT and CBT in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and to compare the efficacy of online-based PPT with minimal therapeutic supervision and online-based PPT with intensive therapeutic supervision in the treatment of anxiety disorders. The process study will be used to evaluate both the intrasession processes and the intersession processes of the therapy in the two intervention groups. In addition, the process variables that predict the success of the therapy and the extent to which PPT and CBT differ in the therapy processes will be tested. The study is registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (№ DRKS00027521).

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled comparative study to examine the effectiveness of CBT and PPT for anxiety disorders in an online group setting.
Assessing the impact of Australia’s mass vaccination campaigns over the Delta and Omicron outbreaks
Authors: Lin Lixin , Demirhan Haydar , P. Johnstone-Robertson Simon , Lal Rajiv , M. Trauer James , Stone Lewi
Published: April 2024

Background

The Australian Government implemented a national vaccination campaign against COVID-19 beginning February 22, 2021. The roll-out was criticised for being delayed relative to many high-income countries, but high levels of vaccination coverage were belatedly achieved. The large-scale Omicron outbreak in January 2022 resulted in a massive number of cases and deaths, although mortality would have been far higher if not for vigorous efforts to rapidly vaccinate the entire population. The impact of the vaccination coverage was assessed over this extended period.

Methods

We considered NSW, as the Australian jurisdiction with the highest quality data for our purposes and which still reflected the national experience. Weekly death rates were derived among individuals aged 50+ with respect to vaccine status between August 8, 2021 and July 9, 2022. We evaluated deaths averted by the vaccination campaign by modelling alternative counterfactual scenarios based on a simple data-driven modelling methodology presented by Jia et al. (2023).

Findings

Unvaccinated individuals had a 7.7-fold greater mortality rate than those who were fully vaccinated among people aged 50+, which rose to 11.2-fold in those who had received a booster dose. If NSW had fully vaccinated its ~2.9 million 50+ residents earlier (by July 28, 2021), only 440 of the total 3,495 observed 50+ deaths would have been averted. Up to July 9, 2022, the booster campaign prevented 1,860 deaths. In the absence of a vaccination campaign, ~21,250 COVID-19 50+ deaths (conservative estimate) could have been expected in NSW i.e., some 6 times the actual total. We also find the methodology of Jia et al. (2023) can sometimes significantly underestimate that actual number.

Interpretation

The Australian vaccination campaign was successful in reducing mortality over 2022, relative to alternative hypothetical vaccination scenarios. The success was attributable to the Australian public’s high levels of engagement with vaccination in the face of new SARS-COV-2 variants, and because high levels of vaccination coverage (full and booster) were achieved in the period shortly before the major Omicron outbreak of 2022.
Genetic diversity, disease resistance, and environmental adaptation of Arachis duranensis L.: New insights from landscape genomics
Authors: Massa Alicia N. , Sobolev Victor S. , Faustinelli Paola C. , Tallury Shyamalrau P. , Stalker H. Thomas , Lamb Marshall C. , Arias Renee S.
Published: April 2024

The genetic diversity that exists in natural populations of Arachis duranensis, the wild diploid donor of the A subgenome of cultivated tetraploid peanut, has the potential to improve crop adaptability, resilience to major pests and diseases, and drought tolerance. Despite its potential value for peanut improvement, limited research has been focused on the association between allelic variation, environmental factors, and response to early (ELS) and late leaf spot (LLS) diseases. The present study implemented a landscape genomics approach to gain a better understanding of the genetic variability of A. duranensis represented in the ex-situ peanut germplasm collection maintained at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which spans the entire geographic range of the species in its center of origin in South America. A set of 2810 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers allowed a high-resolution genome-wide characterization of natural populations. The analysis of population structure showed a complex pattern of genetic diversity with five putative groups. The incorporation of bioclimatic variables for genotype-environment associations, using the latent factor mixed model (LFMM2) method, provided insights into the genomic signatures of environmental adaptation, and led to the identification of SNP loci whose allele frequencies were correlated with elevation, temperature, and precipitation-related variables (q < 0.05). The LFMM2 analysis for ELS and LLS detected candidate SNPs and genomic regions on chromosomes A02, A03, A04, A06, and A08. These findings highlight the importance of the application of landscape genomics in ex situ collections of peanut and other crop wild relatives to effectively identify favorable alleles and germplasm for incorporation into breeding programs. We report new sources of A. duranensis germplasm harboring adaptive allelic variation, which have the potential to be utilized in introgression breeding for a single or multiple environmental factors, as well as for resistance to leaf spot diseases.
Assessing geographical variation in ovulatory cycle knowledge among women of reproductive age in Sierra Leone: Analysis of the 2019 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Woytowich Daniel , Gbagbo Fred Yao , Amoah Padmore Adusei
Published: April 2024

Background

Sierra Leone has poor indicators of reproductive health and a high prevalence of unintended pregnancies. To date, no study has explored determinants of ovulatory cycle knowledge in Sierra Leone. We investigated geographic region to determine where the needs for improved ovulatory cycle knowledge are greatest in Sierra Leone.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of women of reproductive age (n = 15,574) based on the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey. Geographic region and sociodemographic covariates were included in a multivariate logistic regression model predicting the odds that participants possessed accurate knowledge of when in the ovulatory cycle pregnancy initiation is most likely.

Results

In Sierra Leone, 39.8% (CI = 37.4–40.9) of 15-49-year-old women had accurate knowledge of the ovulatory cycle. Women in the Northern and Southern regions possessed the highest prevalence of correct knowledge (46.7%, CI = 43.1–50.3 and 45.1%, CI = 41.9–48.2, respectively). Women from the Northwestern (AOR = 0.29, CI = 0.22–0.38), Eastern (AOR = 0.55, CI = 0.41–0.72), and Western regions (AOR = 0.63, CI = 0.50–0.80) had significantly lower odds of accurate ovulatory cycle knowledge compared to others. Women aged 15–19, those with a primary school education, and participants with a parity of none all had the lowest odds of correct ovulatory cycle knowledge as well.

Conclusion

Less than four in ten women in Sierra Leone had accurate knowledge of when in the ovulatory cycle pregnancy is most likely to occur. This suggests that family planning outreach programs should include education on the ovulatory cycle and the importance of understanding the implications of its timing. This can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies throughout Sierra Leone, and can have an especially positive impact in the Northwestern, Eastern, and Western regions, where ovulatory cycle knowledge was significantly lower.