bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole‐genome analyses disentangle reticulate evolution of primroses in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Stubbs Rebecca L. , Theodoridis Spyros , Mora‐Carrera Emiliano , Keller Barbara , Yousefi Narjes , Potente Giacomo , Léveillé‐Bourret Étienne , Celep Ferhat , Kochjarová Judita , Tedoradze Giorgi , Eaton Deren A. R. , Conti Elena
Published: October 2022

Biodiversity hotspots, such as the Caucasus mountains, provide unprecedented opportunities for understanding the evolutionary processes that shape species diversity and richness. Therefore, we investigated the evolution of Primula sect. Primula, a clade with a high degree of endemism in the Caucasus.

We performed phylogenetic and network analyses of whole‐genome resequencing data from the entire nuclear genome, the entire chloroplast genome, and the entire heterostyly supergene. The different characteristics of the genomic partitions and the resulting phylogenetic incongruences enabled us to disentangle evolutionary histories resulting from tokogenetic vs cladogenetic processes. We provide the first phylogeny inferred from the heterostyly supergene that includes all species of Primula sect. Primula.

Our results identified recurrent admixture at deep nodes between lineages in the Caucasus as the cause of non‐monophyly in Primula. Biogeographic analyses support the ‘out‐of‐the‐Caucasus’ hypothesis, emphasizing the importance of this hotspot as a cradle for biodiversity.

Our findings provide novel insights into causal processes of phylogenetic discordance, demonstrating that genome‐wide analyses from partitions with contrasting genetic characteristics and broad geographic sampling are crucial for disentangling the diversification of species‐rich clades in biodiversity hotspots.
Canopy openness modifies tree seedling distributions along a tropical forest elevation gradient
Authors: Muñoz Mazón Miguel , Klanderud Kari , Sheil Douglas
Published: October 2022

In theory, canopy openings can influence tree species establishment and resulting distributions over environmental gradients, but evidence concerning the magnitude and direction of such effects remain scarce. In this study we examine how canopy openings influence seedling persistence and growth and resulting elevation range limits. We transplanted 1360 seedlings of eight woody species (trees Trichilia habanensis, Persea caerulea, Cedrela tonduzii, Cornus disciflora, Quercus salicifolia, Q. bumelioides, Q. costaricensis and the shrub Hypericum irazuense) under the forest canopy and in open areas with understorey vegetation removed in a replicated design along a 2900 m elevation gradient in Costa Rica. We recorded survival, stem diameter and height over 18 months. We used hierarchical generalized additive models to examine relationships of seedling survival and growth with elevation and treatment (inside forest versus open area). We found a clear effect of open versus forest conditions on survival across the elevation gradient for six species. Species planted into open areas with full light exposure survived 100–1000 m below (~ 0.5–5°C warmer), and in one case 300 m above (~ 1.8°C colder) their observed ranges. Above 2900 m, survival of all species was markedly greater under the forest canopy versus open sites, suggesting facilitation from the forest, as frost occurred in open areas above this elevation. The resulting upper range increased between 200 and 1160 m (~ 1–6°C colder) compared to their observed range. At lower elevations, severe insect herbivory occurred on some species likely influencing lower range limits. Open areas influenced how seedling survival and growth varied with elevation for all the studied species. All species survived and grew outside the elevation ranges where they are typically observed. We suggest that the influence of forest gaps and clearings over extended gradients offers novel insights into tree range dynamics, limits and conservation.
Development and validation of a prediction model for preoperative anxiety in children aged 2–12 years old
Authors: Cheng Zhangqin , Wang Liuyi , Li Lifang , Sun Bin , Zhang Yuhan , Su Yang , Wang Liwei
Published: October 2022

Background

Children with preoperative anxiety are at risk of perioperative adverse events, such as reflux aspiration, prolonged induction time, wake agitation, and delirium. Identifying children at high risk of severe preoperative anxiety may help anesthesiologists intervene and manage them in advance.

Aim

The authors hypothesized that the risk of developing serious preoperative anxiety in children is predictable by variables related to basic information about the parent and child. We developed a clinical prediction model to identify patients vulnerable to severe preoperative anxiety among children aged 2–12 years.

Methods

We enrolled patients aged 2–12 years who underwent elective surgery under general anesthesia and divided them into derivation (n = 340, 70.8%) and validation (n = 140, 29.2%) groups. Preoperative anxiety was assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale, and a high level of preoperative anxiety was defined as a score of >30. The following predictors were collected preoperatively: gender, age, weight, children's education level, only child, history of surgery, waiting time in the anesthesia waiting area, parental education level, parental anxiety, whether venous access had been established in the ward, and whether they had received anti‐anxiety interventions. A prediction model was built using binary logistic regression analysis; bootstrap was applied for internal validation, and external validation was performed using the validation datasets.

Results

The prediction model had good discrimination, with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.961 (95% CI = 0.943–0.979) and 0.896 (95% CI = 0.842–0.950) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. The predictive variables included in the final clinical model were pharmacological intervention (OR = 0.008, 95% CI = 0.002–0.025), nonpharmacological intervention (OR = 0.342, 95% CI = 0.104–1.127), parental education level (OR = 0.211, 95% CI = 0.108–0.411), parental anxiety (OR = 6.15, 95% CI = 2.396–15.786), only child (OR = 2.417, 95% CI = 1.065–5.488), history of surgery (OR = 3.513, 95% CI = 1.137–10.860), and age (OR = 0.692, 95% CI = 0.500–0.957).

Conclusions

In this study, a clinical prediction model was developed and validated for the first time. The proposed clinical prediction model can help doctors identify children most likely to develop a high level of preoperative anxiety.

Clinical Trial Registration Identifier

ChiCTR2100054409 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).
Effects of electroconvulsive therapy on the use of anxiolytics and sleep medications: a propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Tsuboi Takashi , Takaesu Yoshikazu , Hasegawa Naomi , Ochi Shinichiro , Fukumoto Kentaro , Ohi Kazutaka , Muraoka Hiroyuki , Okada Tsuyoshi , Kodaka Funitoshi , Igarashi Shun , Iida Hitoshi , Kashiwagi Hiroko , Hori Hikaru , Ichihashi Kayo , Ogasawara Kazuyoshi , Hashimoto Naoki , Iga Jun‐ichi , Nakamura Toshinori , Usami Masahide , Nagasawa Tatsuya , Kido Mikio , Komatsu Hiroshi , Yamagata Hirotaka , Atake Kiyokazu , Furihata Ryuji , Kikuchi Saya , Horai Tadasu , Takeshima Masahiro , Hirano Yoji , Makinodan Manabu , Matsumoto Junya , Miura Kenichiro , Hishimoto Akitoyo , Numata Shusuke , Yamada Hisashi , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Inada Ken , Watanabe Koichiro , Hashimoto Ryota
Published: October 2022

Aim

We investigated the association of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with anxiolytic and sleep medication use in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SZ).

Methods

This nationwide observational study analyzed data from 3483 MDD inpatients and 6663 SZ inpatients. Patients with MDD and SZ were classified into those who underwent ECT during hospitalization and those who did not. A propensity score‐matching method was performed to adjust for preadmission characteristics and clinical information, which were expected bias between the two groups. Rates of anxiolytic and sleep medication use at discharge were compared in the matched sample.

Results

500 MDD patients were assigned to both groups. In the matched MDD sample, the rate of anxiolytic and sleep medication use at discharge was significantly lower in the ECT group than in the non‐ECT group (64.9% vs. 75.8%, P = 1.7 × 10−4). In the ECT group, the rate of anxiolytic and sleep medication use at discharge was significantly lower than that prior to admission (64.9% vs. 73.2%, P = 1.2 × 10−14). 390 SZ patients were allocated. In the matched SZ sample, the ECT group was not significantly different from the non‐ECT group in the rate of anxiolytics and sleep medications use at discharge (61.3% vs. 68.2%, P = 4.3 × 10−2). In the ECT group, the rate of anxiolytics and sleep medications use at discharge was significantly lower than that before admission (61.3% vs. 70.5%, P = 4.4 × 10−4), although this was not the primary outcome.

Conclusion

Reduction of anxiolytic and sleep medication use may be considered positively when ECT is indicated for treatment of MDD.
Did the Younger Dryas to Holocene climate transition favour high seismicity rates in the north‐western Alps?
Authors: Banjan Mathilde , Crouzet Christian , Sabatier Pierre , Jomard Hervé , Bajard Manon , Demory Francois , Develle Anne‐Lise , Jenny Jean‐Philippe , Fanget Bernard , Malet Emmanuel , Findling Nathaniel , Alain Philippe , Didier Julien , Bichet Vincent , Clapot Sylvain , Messager Erwan
Published: October 2022

In the French north‐western Alps, several lakes of glacial origin, such as Aiguebelette and La Thuile, present some mass‐transport deposits within their sedimentary sequences. These event layers can result from lake sediment destabilization eventually triggered by earthquakes. On Lake Aiguebelette, based on sedimentological, geochemical and magnetic analyses, and high‐resolution seismic and bathymetric surveys a ca 1 m thick event layer was identified in the deepest lake basin and a synchronous ca 2 cm thick deposit in the shallow basin. Age‐depth models based on radiocarbon ages reveal that both mass‐transport deposits in Lake Aiguebelette occurred around the Younger Dryas – Early Holocene climatic transition (i.e. 11 700 cal bp) time range. In Lake La Thuile, located 30 km away, unique mass‐transport deposits (translational slide type) were recorded at the same time range in sedimentary records. Additionally, high‐resolution seismic profiles previously acquired in Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget support the hypothesis of significant mass‐transport deposits occurring at the Younger Dryas – Early Holocene time range. These outcomes on four north‐western peri‐Alpine and Alpine lakes highlight the regional occurrence of mass‐transport deposits in the Younger Dryas – Early Holocene time range. Seismic and rockfall events are discussed as potential sources of these significant and similarly aged mass‐transport deposits. Based on this study and a literature review, the authors suggest that mechanisms induced by rapid climate change and glacial retreat, such as crustal rebound and erosional unloading, could favour the triggering of earthquakes and rockfall events. In the case of mass‐transport deposits archived in north‐western Alpine lakes during this time period, this study favours the hypothesis of increased seismicity as the primary source driving process involved.
From the need to the knowledge. Feeding emotions and thoughts: Assessing emotion regulation strategies in food tribes
Authors: Ando' Agata , Passariello Giulia , Zennaro Alessandro
Published: October 2022

Some people choose to follow a certain dietary habit because they are guided by strong beliefs, but also to pursue a healthy lifestyle. Food tribes are defined as social groups sharing common values and beliefs that underlie food and lifestyle choices. The current study aimed to investigate potential differences in emotion regulation between specific food tribes, and when comparing food tribes to people who conversely do not follow a dietary habit. Specifically, we examined the presence of rumination, psychological inflexibility, and emotional contagion as components of emotion dysregulation. A Google form was developed to obtain all the information needed to respond to our research questions and goals, and investigate the following food groups: Veganism, Fruitarianism, Raw Food Diet, Paleodiet, Blood Type group, Breatharianism, Macrobiotic Diet, and Other. The final sample consisted of 378 healthy subjects (117 males, 258 females, 3 other) ranging in age from 18 to 70 years. The first part of Google form consisted of general questions about the participant's dietary habits while the second part included specific questionnaires assessing the psychological constructs we investigated. Vegan people were less conditioned by others in their food choices when compared to the other food tribes. The Paleodiet group associated its food choice with health reasons as well as the Blood Type group. Differences were found in the presence of cognitive inflexibility and rumination, reflective thinking, emotional dysregulation, emotional contagion and also in the representation of their real and ideal (food) communities. Clinical implications are discussed.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*08:79:02 allele by next generation sequencing
Authors: Shah Zuleikha , Weingard Patricia , Toddings Rebecca , Bray Robert
Published: October 2022

The HLA‐B*08:79:02 allele differs from the HLA‐B*08:01:01:01 by 4 nucleotides in Exon 3.
Child Sex Tourism: Ambiguous Spaces in Bali
Authors: Hulsbergen Fliertje , Nooteboom Gerben
Published: October 2022

The phenomenon of child sex tourism (CST) is intensified by the increased mobility of people worldwide. Current approaches to fight CST predominantly focus on enforcing legislation and disrupting the cycle of demand and supply, yet they have proven largely ineffective. This paper highlights the enabling properties of CST spaces in Bali and takes a new approach by focusing on the ambiguity of place, authority structures and actors. The analysis identifies four CST spaces – private homes, brothels, spa massage parlours and orphanages – which enable the persistence of CST. Understanding the ‘socio‐spatial properties’ of risk locations is key to disrupting and fighting CST more effectively.
Squeezed out by the market, seeking strength in the network: Makeshift temples and the spatio‐affective logics of survival in Singapore
Authors: Gao Quan , Woods Orlando , Kong Lily
Published: October 2022

This paper offers an understanding of the spatio‐affective workings of religious organisations – and the marketplaces they operate in and through – that go beyond capitalist logics. We do so by examining how makeshift temples representing various forms of ‘Chinese religion’ survive in Singapore. Capitalist logics fail to explain how such marginal and precarious religious organisations, which might be ‘squeezed out’ by the market, nonetheless manage to survive amid competition. Moreover, scarce attention has been paid to how religion as a social‐affective system might mediate the functioning of a religious market. This paper fills the lacuna by bringing an understanding of the affective resonances of Chinese religious practices into conversation with religious market theory. Rather than treating the market as a universal mechanism that moderates patterns of competition, growth, and decline, we focus instead on the spatio‐affective conditions through which a plurality of ‘actually existing’ religious marketplaces is made possible. We argue that makeshift temples in Singapore create an alternative order of the religious market that is organised by the affective economies and interpersonal relationships within which different ritual service providers compete, cohabit, and cooperate. These temples dismiss the spatio‐religious boundaries and regulation that define the neoliberal religious marketplace of Singapore by carving out sacred niches instead.
t-METASET: Task-Aware Acquisition of Metamaterial Datasets Through Diversity-Based Active Learning
Authors: Lee Doksoo , Chan Yu-Chin , Chen Wei (Wayne) , Wang Liwei , van Beek Anton , Chen Wei
Published: October 2022

Inspired by the recent achievements of machine learning in diverse domains, data-driven metamaterials design has emerged as a compelling paradigm that can unlock the potential of multiscale architectures. The model-centric research trend, however, lacks principled frameworks dedicated to data acquisition, whose quality propagates into the downstream tasks. Often built by naive space-filling design in shape descriptor space, metamaterial datasets suffer from property distributions that are either highly imbalanced or at odds with design tasks of interest. To this end, we present t-METASET: an active learning-based data acquisition framework aiming to guide both diverse and task-aware data generation. Distinctly, we seek a solution to a commonplace yet frequently overlooked scenario at early stages of data-driven design of metamaterials: when a massive (∼O(104)) shape-only library has been prepared with no properties evaluated. The key idea is to harness a data-driven shape descriptor learned from generative models, fit a sparse regressor as a start-up agent, and leverage metrics related to diversity to drive data acquisition to areas that help designers fulfill design goals. We validate the proposed framework in three deployment cases, which encompass general use, task-specific use, and tailorable use. Two large-scale mechanical metamaterial datasets are used to demonstrate the efficacy. Applicable to general image-based design representations, t-METASET could boost future advancements in data-driven design.
A Microencapsulated Phase-Change Material Suspension-Based Integrated Thermal Management System for Extended Range Electric Vehicle
Authors: Hu Sunan , Yao Mingyao , Zhu Bo , Zhang Nong , Yuan Ruoyang
Published: October 2022

In order to improve the temperature maintenance capacity for the battery of the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) in a low-temperature environment, a microencapsulated phase-change material suspension (MPCMS)-based integrated thermal management system (ITMS) is proposed. The working modes of the proposed ITMS are divided based on series-parallel connections of the battery thermal management system (BTMS), motor thermal management system, motor thermal management system, and auxiliary power unit (APU) thermal management system; the structural parameters of the proposed ITMS are determined by robust design, and the system performance difference between the proposed ITMS and the traditional BTMS is verified through the comparative simulation in −20 °C environment. The results show that the proposed ITMS can significantly delay the decline of battery temperature in the charge-depleting (CD) stage and can reduce the time of the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater being on by 27.26%, and the total time being on by 54.82%. During the charge-sustaining (CS) stage, when the PTC heater is off, the average battery temperature will increase by 15.33 °C compared with the traditional BTMS. Based on the proposed ITMS, the temperature maintenance capability for the battery can be significantly improved, and the energy consumption of the PTC heater and vehicle can be reduced by 48.12–100% and 13.44–33.58%, respectively.
Outgassing properties of 304 stainless steel electropolished by wiping method
Authors: Fujino Tsuyoshi , Fukumuro Naoki , Chouhan Vijay , Ida Muneaki , Ida Yoshiaki , Yae Shinji
Published: October 2022

Surface and outgassing properties of 304 stainless steel samples were studied after electropolishing by a wiping method (WiEP) using felt that is attached to a cathode electrode and impregnated with an electrolyte. Surface morphology observed with an atomic force microscope suggests that WiEP yields a smoother surface with fewer pits compared with the conventional electropolishing method of immersing the samples in an electrolyte. The thickness of the oxide layer after either of the electropolishing processes was 3–4 nm as estimated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, no significant difference was found in the chemical state of the surface and oxide film in the two cases. Thermal desorption spectroscopy of the samples revealed that the amount of desorbed H2O and H2 was significantly low in the case of WiEP. The low outgassing was attributed to the formation of a smooth and dense oxide film on the sample surface after electropolishing by WiEP.
Leading at the Edge During COVID-19: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Pandemic Preparedness
Authors: Elmer Steven J. , Kamm Kelly B.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we describe how the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology at Michigan Technological University assembled a COVID-19 pandemic response team to help protect the health of the campus and rural community. Specifically, our team worked to (a) enhance public health messaging, (b) manage the university contact tracing program, (c) expand health science curricula, (d) promote and facilitate physical activity as a key mitigation strategy, and (e) provide professional development opportunities for students. We also consider strategies to prepare for subsequent COVID-19 surges and future health emergencies. Leveraging our broad-based training in health science and “leading at the edge” was a critical asset for the campus and community and may serve as a model for other kinesiology departments and rural colleges and universities.
Performance of the JF5-Based Galactomannoprotein EIA Compared to the Lateral Flow Device and the Galactomannan EIA in Serum and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
Authors: Aerts Robina , Mercier Toine , Houben Els , Schauwvlieghe Alexander , Lagrou Katrien , Maertens Johan
Published: October 2022

Early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis is an important factor to improve survival but remains challenging. The detection of
Aspergillus
antigens is included in the consensus case definitions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group as a criterion of “probable” invasive aspergillosis.
Metatranscriptomics Reveals the Diversity of the Tick Virome in Northwest China
Authors: Kong Yunyi , Zhang Gang , Jiang Lingling , Wang Pu , Zhang Sinong , Zheng Xiaomin , Li Yong
Published: October 2022

Ticks are widely distributed in pastoral areas in northwestern China and act as vectors that carry and transmit a variety of pathogens, especially viruses. Our study revealed the diversity of tick viruses in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia and uncovered the phylogenetic relationships of some RNA viruses, especially the important zoonotic tick-borne severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in Inner Mongolia.
A New HIV-1 K
28
E
32
-Reverse Transcriptase Variant Associated with the Rapid Expansion of CRF07_BC among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Han Jingwan , Zhou Yan-Heng , Ma Yingying , Zhu Guoxin , Zhang Dong , Zhu Bo , Cheng Tong , Wang Lanfeng , Wang Jian-Hua , Li Lin , Zhang Chiyu
Published: October 2022

HIV-1 has very high mutation rate that is correlated with the survival and adaption of the virus. The variants with higher transmissibility may be more selective advantage than the strains with higher virulence.
Management of chronic migraine
Authors: Hovaguimian Alexandra , Roth Julie
Published: October 2022

Chronic migraine is a neurologic disorder associated with considerable disability, lost productivity, and a profound economic burden worldwide. The past five years have seen a dramatic expansion in new treatments for this often challenging condition, among them calcitonin gene related peptide antagonists and neuromodulatory devices. This review outlines the epidemiology of and diagnostic criteria and risk factors for chronic migraine. It discusses evidence based drug and non-drug treatments, their advantages and disadvantages, and the principles of patient centered care for adults with chronic migraine, with attention to differential diagnosis and comorbidities, clinical reasoning, initiation and monitoring, cost, and availability. It discusses the international guidelines on drug treatment for chronic migraine and evaluates non-drug treatments including behavioral and complementary therapies and lifestyle modifications. Finally, it discusses the management of chronic migraine in special populations, including pediatrics, pregnancy, and older people, and considers future questions and emerging research in the field.
Multicentre narrative research on major depression to integrate the experiences of patients, their caregivers and healthcare providers in Italy
Authors: Chesi Paola , Mencacci Claudio , Balestrieri Matteo , Pompili Maurizio , Varia Salvatore , Sagripanti Ubaldo , Reale Luigi , Marini Maria Giulia
Published: October 2022

Objective

This research aimed to investigate the experience of major depression by integrating the perspectives of patients, caregivers and healthcare providers through narrative-based medicine (NBM) to provide new insights to improve care relationships.

Design and setting

The research was conducted in 2019 and involved five Italian psychiatric centres and targeted adult patients, their caregivers and healthcare providers to address data source triangulation. A sociodemographic survey and a narrative plot, based on Natural Semantic Metalanguage were collected. Narratives were analysed through NBM classifications, NVivo software and interpretative coding.

Participants

Thirty-six patients with a diagnosis of major depression, 27 caregivers and 33 healthcare providers participated in the research.

Results

Among the 96 collected narratives, ‘lonely’ was the word patients used most frequently, while ‘sad’ and ‘lifeless’ were used most respectively by caregivers and healthcare providers. A positive care relationship was crucial for 84% of patients in relation to their care pathway, and nature (36%) and the arts (28%) were the most frequent resources. Caregivers expressed feelings of powerlessness and inadequacy, and 21% of them reported a declining social life while providing care to a loved one with depression. Thirty-one percent of mental health professionals experienced difficulties in their first encounter with patients; however, their emotions progressively moved towards trust and satisfaction. Furthermore, 89% of patients and healthcare providers and 58% of caregivers evaluated writing the narrative to be a positive experience.

Conclusion

Findings suggested the possible role for language in understanding major depression, thereby improving care relationships between patients and physicians. Care pathways might also be more attentive to caregivers, to reduce their risk of burnout. Finally, narrative medicine could be integrated with the care pathway as an additional space of expression, dialogue, reflection and development of empathy.
Food insecurity and level of depression among patients with chronic diseases, and associated factors during the COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study in rural Rwanda
Authors: Umutoniwase Sabine , Nshimyiryo Alphonse , Barnhart Dale A , Dusabeyezu Symaque , Mpanumusingo Egide , Nahimana Evrard , Mubiligi Joel M. , Cubaka Vincent K
Published: October 2022

Objectives

We aimed to describe access to food and symptoms of depression among patients with chronic diseases or their caregivers, and assess associated factors during the COVID-19 lockdown in rural Rwanda.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting and participants

A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit 220 patients enrolled in the HIV, non-communicable diseases, mental health, paediatric development clinic and oncology programmes in three rural districts of Rwanda.

Outcome measures

Telephone-based interviews were conducted to collect data on the number of daily meals before and during the COVID-19, and depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. We used logistic regression analysis to investigate factors associated with households reporting a reduction in daily meals and with the survey respondent reporting symptoms of depression.

Results

Of the participants, 19.1% reported a reduction in daily number of meals for either adults or children in their households during lockdown and 24.6% had depression. Reporting a reduction in daily meals was associated with the district of residence and estimated household’s monthly income. Self-reported depression was significantly associated with negative experiences during lockdown, including reporting feeling depressed or fear (AOR 4.82; 95% CI 2.08 to 11.21), loneliness (AOR 4.33; 95% CI 1.32 to 14.13), reduction in daily meals (AOR 4.15; 95% CI 1.56 to 11.00) and lack of access to healthcare (OR 3.29; 95% CI 1.32 to 8.23).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that significant reduction in access to food affected rural Rwandans with chronic diseases during COVID-19 lockdown, and the lockdown effect varied by household’s pre-pandemic level of vulnerability to food insecurity. Reduction in household meals, as well as other self-reported effects of the lockdown, were associated with worse psychological status of survey respondents. Economic and food support should be considered by governments and non-governmental organisations to protect those most vulnerable including patients with chronic diseases against the effects of pandemics and their associated containment measures.
Positioning whole exome sequencing in the diagnostic pathway for rare disease to optimise utility: a protocol for an observational cohort study and an economic evaluation
Authors: Hayeems Robin Z , Bernier Francois , Boycott Kym M , Hartley Taila , Michaels-Igbokwe Christine , Marshall Deborah A
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Despite the superior diagnostic performance of exome and genome sequencing compared with conventional genetic tests, evidence gaps related to clinical utility and cost effectiveness have limited their availability in routine clinical practice in many jurisdictions. To inform adoption and reimbursement policy, this protocol provides a chain of evidence approach to determining the diagnostic utility, clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of whole exome sequencing (WES) from seven medical genetic centres in two Canadian provinces.

Methods and analysis

Using a multicentre observational cohort design, we will extract data specific to the pre-WES diagnostic pathway and 1-year post-WES medical management from electronic medical records for 650 patients with rare disease of suspected genetic aetiology who receive WES. The date from the clinical record will be linked to provincial administrative health database to capture healthcare resource use and estimate costs. Our analysis will: (1) define and describe diagnostic testing pathways that occur prior to WES among patients with rare disease, (2) determine the diagnostic utility of WES, characterised as the proportion of patients for whom causative DNA variants are identified, (3) determine the clinical utility of WES, characterised as a change in medical management triggered by WES results, (4) determine the pattern and cost of health service utilisation prior and 1 year following WES among patients who receive a diagnosis, do not receive a diagnosis, or receive an uncertain diagnosis and (5) estimate the cost-effectiveness of WES compared with conventional diagnostic testing pathways, measured by the incremental cost per additional patient diagnosed by WES using simulation modelling.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO-1577) and research ethics boards at the University of Calgary (REB18-0744 and REB20-1449) and University of Alberta (Pro0009156). Findings will be disseminated through academic publications and policy reports.
Development, implementation and evaluation of high-quality virtual preoperative anaesthetic assessment during COVID-19 and beyond: a quality improvement report
Authors: Popivanov Petar , Bampoe Sohail , Tan Terry , Rafferty Paul
Published: October 2022

Background

Preoperative risk factor identification and optimisation are widely accepted as the gold standard of care for elective surgery and are essential for reducing morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 public health restrictions required a careful balance between ensuring best medical practices and maintaining safety by minimising patient face-to-face attendance in the hospital. Based on the successful implementation of telemedicine (TM) in other medical specialties and its feasibility in the preoperative context, this study aimed to develop, implement and evaluate a high-quality virtual preoperative anaesthetic assessment process.

Methods

The three-step model for improvement was used. The specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, time aim (step 1) and measures for improvement (step 2) were defined at the onset of the project. The plan–do–study–act tool was used for the structured implementation of improvement interventions (step 3) in three phases. Data relating to virtual and in-person referrals, assessments, did-not-attend (DNA) rate, consultation time, day of surgery delays and cancellations, and service-user and provider experience surveys were recorded prospectively.

Results

A total of 2805 patients were assessed in the preoperative anaesthetic assessment clinic between July 2020 and March 2021. The mean rate of virtual preoperative assessments was 50% (SD ±10) (1390/2805). 0.1% (30/2805) were inappropriately referred on the alternative pathway. The DNA rate was 0.4% (8/1398) and 3% (43/1458) for virtual and in-person pathways, respectively. The mean consultation times for virtual and in-person attendance were 19 (SD ±7) and 31 (SD ±13) min, respectively. There were five same-day surgery cancellations and one delay due to medical reasons. When asked about their experience with the virtual assessment, both service users and providers reported high satisfaction, minimal technical difficulties and shared concerns about limited opportunities for physical examination.

Conclusion

This is one of the first implementational studies to comprehensively outline the feasibility of TM in preoperative anaesthetic assessment during COVID-19.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the polyamine oxidase gene family in soybean
Authors: Yu Kuanwei , Na Chen , Zhao Xunchao , Zhao Kezhen , Zhan Yuhang , Xia Ning , Zhao Xue , Han Yingpeng
Published: October 2022

Polyamine oxidases (PAOs) are flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent enzymes that are involved in polyamine catabolism and play an essential role in growth and developmental processes as well as the response to abiotic stresses. Although the PAO gene families have been intensively studied in many plants, the soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merr.) PAO gene family has not been systematically identified. Here, we identified six PAO genes in the soybean genome and named them GmPAO1– GmPAO6. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that plant PAO proteins are divided into four classes. GmPAO1 and GmPAO4 belong to class I; GmPAO2, GmPAO5, and GmPAO6 belong to class IV. Similar to most dicotyledonous plants, soybeans do not contain class II. Interestingly, we identified an additional SWIRM-domain PAO gene GmPAO3, which exists between classes III and IV . GmPAO3 had a different gene structure and expression. To determine the individual roles of GmPAOs, we analyzed their expression levels in various tissues and under abiotic stress. Each GmPAO gene can respond in a specific tissue under specific abiotic stress. The data can help to clarify the role of GmPAOs in abiotic stress responses in soybean and provide a breeding basis for enhancing soybean tolerance to abiotic stresses.
Revisiting the quasinormal modes of the Schwarzschild black hole: Numerical analysis
Authors: Mamani Luis A. H. , Masa Angel D. D. , Sanches Lucas Timotheo , Zanchin Vilson T.
Published: October 2022

We revisit the problem of calculating the quasinormal modes of spin 0, 1/2, 1, 3/2, 2, and spin 5/2 fields in the asymptotically flat Schwarzschild black hole spacetime. Our aim is to investigate the problem from the numerical point of view, by comparing some numerical methods available in the literature and still not applied for solving the eigenvalue problems arising from the perturbation equations in the Schwarzschild black hole spacetime. We focus on the pseudo-spectral and the asymptotic iteration methods. These numerical methods are tested against the available results in the literature, and confronting the precision between each other. Besides testing the different numerical methods, we calculate higher overtones quasinormal frequencies for all the investigated perturbation fields in comparison with the known results. Additionally, we obtain purely imaginary frequencies for spin 1/2 and 3/2 fields that are in agreement with analytic results reported previously in the literature. The purely imaginary frequencies for the spin 1/2 perturbation field are exactly the same as the frequencies obtained for the spin 3/2 perturbation field. In turn, the quasinormal frequencies for the spin 5/2 perturbation field are calculated for the very first time, and purely imaginary frequencies are found also in this case. We conclude that both methods provide accurate results and they complement each other.
Galaxy distributions as fractal systems
Authors: Teles Sharon , Lopes Amanda R. , Ribeiro Marcelo B.
Published: October 2022

This paper discusses if large scale galaxy distribution samples containing almost one million objects can be characterized as fractal systems. The analysis performed by Teles et al. (Phys Lett B 813:136034, 2021) on the UltraVISTA DR1 survey is extended here to the SPLASH and COSMOS2015 catalogs, hence adding 750k new galaxies with measured redshifts to the studied samples. The standard $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM cosmology having $$H_0=(70\pm 5)$$

H
0

=

(
70
±
5
)

km/s/Mpc and number density tools required for describing these galaxy distributions as single fractal systems with dimension D are adopted. We use the luminosity distance $$d_{\scriptscriptstyle L}$$

d

L

, redshift distance $$d_z$$

d
z

and galaxy area distance (transverse comoving distance) $$d_{\scriptscriptstyle G}$$

d

G

as relativistic distance definitions to derive galaxy number densities in the redshift interval $$0.1\le z\le 4$$

0.1
≤
z
≤
4

at volume limited subsamples defined by absolute magnitudes in the K-band. Similar to the findings of Teles et al. (2021), the results show two consecutive redshift scales where galaxy distribution data behave as single fractal structures. For $$z<1$$

z
<
1

we found $$D=1.00\pm 0.12$$

D
=
1.00
±
0.12

for the SPLASH galaxies, and $$D=1,39\pm 0.19$$

D
=
1
,
39
±
0.19

for the COSMOS2015. For $$1\le z\le 4$$

1
≤
z
≤
4

we respectively found $$D=0.83^{+0.36}_{-0.37}$$

D
=
0
.

83

-
0.37

+
0.36

and $$D=0.54^{+0.27}_{-0.26}$$

D
=
0
.

54

-
0.26

+
0.27

. These results were verified to be robust under the assumed Hubble constant uncertainty. Calculations considering blue and red galaxies subsamples in both surveys showed that the fractal dimensions of blue galaxies as basically unchanged, but the ones for the red galaxies changed mostly to smaller values, meaning that D may be seen as a more intrinsic property of the distribution of objects in the Universe, therefore allowing for the fractal dimension to be used as a tool to study different populations of galaxies. All results confirm the decades old theoretical prediction of a decrease in the fractal dimension for $$z>1$$

z
>
1

.
QED effects at grazing incidence on solid-state targets
Authors: Filipovic Marko , Pukhov Alexander
Published: October 2022

New laser facilities will reach intensities of $$10^{23} \text {W cm}^{-2}$$

10
23

W

cm

-
2

. This advance enables novel experimental setups in the study of laser–plasma interaction. In these setups with extreme fields, quantum electrodynamic (QED) effects such as photon emission via nonlinear Compton scattering and Breit–Wheeler pair production become important. We study high-intensity lasers grazing the surface of a solid-state target by two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations with QED effects included. The two laser beams collide at the target surface at a grazing angle. Due to the fields near the target surface, electrons are extracted and accelerated. Finally, the extracted electrons collide with the counter-propagating laser, which triggers many QED effects and leads to a QED cascade under a sufficient laser intensity. Here, the processes are studied for various laser intensities and angle of incidence and finally compared with a seeded vacuum cascade. Our results show that the proposed target can yield many orders of magnitude more secondary particles and develop a QED cascade at lower laser intensities than the seeded vacuum alone.
Tackling the Accuracy-Interpretability Trade-off: Interpretable Deep Learning Models for Satellite Image-based Real Estate Appraisal
Authors: Kucklick Jan-Peter , Müller Oliver
Published: October 2022

Deep learning models fuel many modern decision support systems, because they typically provide high predictive performance. Among other domains, deep learning is used in real-estate appraisal, where it allows extending the analysis from hard facts only (e.g., size, age) to also consider more implicit information about the location or appearance of houses in the form of image data. However, one downside of deep learning models is their intransparent mechanic of decision making, which leads to a trade-off between accuracy and interpretability. This limits their applicability for tasks where a justification of the decision is necessary. Therefore, in this article, we first combine different perspectives on interpretability into a multi-dimensional framework for a socio-technical perspective on explainable artificial intelligence. Second, we measure the performance gains of using multi-view deep learning, which leverages additional image data (satellite images) for real estate appraisal. Third, we propose and test a novel post hoc explainability method called Grad-Ram. This modified version of Grad-Cam mitigates the intransparency of convolutional neural networks for predicting continuous outcome variables. With this, we try to reduce the accuracy-interpretability trade-off of multi-view deep learning models. Our proposed network architecture outperforms traditional hedonic regression models by 34% in terms of MAE. Furthermore, we find that the used satellite images are the second most important predictor after square feet in our model and that the network learns interpretable patterns about the neighborhood structure and density.
Unveiling the Sodium/Potassium Storage Mechanisms of Nanoporous Indium-Bismuth Anode Using Operando X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Guo Zhiyuan , Qin Jingyu , Yu Bin , Ma Wensheng , Yang Wanfeng , Cheng Guanhua , Gao Hui , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: October 2022

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium ion batteries (PIBs) are promising post-lithium candidates for grid-scale energy storage, and understanding of the Na/K chemistry is crucial for the development of advanced electrode materials. Herein, a nanoporous indium-bismuth (np-InBi) alloy was fabricated by chemical dealloying of a ternary Mg-In-Bi precursor, and shows a three-dimensional ligament-channel structure. As the anode for SIBs and PIBs, the np-InBi alloy exhibits decent initial discharge capacity. More importantly, the Na/K storage mechanisms of the np-InBi electrode were investigated using operando X-ray diffraction (XRD). The operando XRD results demonstrate that the (de)sodiated mechanism of the np-InBi electrode in SIBs involves (de)alloying processes between InBi + Bi to Na3Bi + Na15In27 via the intermediate products of NaBi + Na15In27 + In. Simultaneously, the (de)potassiated mechanism of the np-InBi electrode in PIBs yields the reversible processes of InBi + Bi ↔ KBi2 + Bi3In5 ↔ K3Bi + K8In11.
Long-term epigenetic and metabolomic changes in the mouse ventricular myocardium after exertional heat stroke
Authors: Murray Kevin O. , Brant Jason O. , Kladde Michael P. , Clanton Thomas L.
Published: October 2022

Evidence from human epidemiological studies suggests that exertional heat stroke (EHS) results in an elevated risk of long-term cardiovascular and systemic disease. Previous results using a preclinical mouse model of EHS demonstrated severe metabolic imbalances in ventricular myocardium developing at 9–14 days of recovery. Whether this resolves over time is unknown. We hypothesized that the long-term effects of EHS on the heart reflect retained maladaptive epigenetic responses. In this study, we evaluated genome-wide DNA methylation, RNA-Seq, and metabolomic profiles of the left ventricular myocardium in female C57BL/6 mice, 30 days after EHS (exercise in 37.5°C; n = 7–8), compared with exercise controls. EHS mice ran to loss of consciousness, reaching core temperatures of 42.4 ± 0.2°C. All mice recovered quickly. After 30 days, the left ventricles were rapidly frozen for DNA methyl sequencing, RNA-Seq, and untargeted metabolomics. Ventricular DNA from EHS mice revealed >13,000 differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) and >900 differentially methylated regions (DMRs; ≥5 DMCs with ≤300 bp between each CpG). Pathway analysis using DMRs revealed alterations in genes regulating basic cell functions, DNA binding, transcription, and metabolism. Metabolomics and mRNA expression revealed modest changes that are consistent with a return to homeostasis. Methylation status did not predict RNA expression or metabolic state at 30 days. We conclude that EHS induces a sustained DNA methylation memory lasting over 30 days of recovery, but ventricular gene expression and metabolism return to a relative homeostasis at rest. Such long-lasting alterations to the DNA methylation landscape could alter responsiveness to environmental or clinical challenges later in life.
Optimal Allocation of Enterprise Resources Based on the Intelligent Algorithm from the Perspective of Multidimensional Dynamic Innovation
Authors: Song Wei , Lin Zi
Published: October 2022

Faced with the upsurge of digital technology, many small and medium-sized startups are aware of the opportunities and challenges it brings and are actively responding to digital transformation. Digital transformation is a type of strategic change with certain risks. On the one hand, this requires business leaders to have a sense of change, and on the other hand, it also requires certain resources to be invested. As a result, in the real world, not all small and medium-sized entrepreneurial firms have the ability or inclination to implement digital transformation. SMEs’ digital transformation has become a key factor in promoting the national economy’s transition from new and old kinetic energy and providing new prospects for development of small and medium firms. As a starting point, this study devises an index system for assessing the digital maturity of small and medium-sized businesses. Based on the AHP method in the multicriteria framework, a hierarchical structure is established for each index, a three-layer basic framework is established, and the weight of the evaluation index is calculated. Second, this work establishes a BP network model for digital transformation maturity assessment of startups based on AHP and establishes a three-layer BP network structure. This work aims to optimize BP network using the improved ISFLA algorithm. It improves the adaptive step size update formula in the SFLA algorithm by using the mutation operator and improves the evolution method of the worst individual of the frog to the simultaneous evolution of multiple poor individuals. The constructed ISFLA-BP algorithm is then used to evaluate the digital transformation maturity of small and medium-sized startups. Finally, systematic and comprehensive experiments are carried out to verify superiority as well as feasibility of the method.