bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of genetic parameters of growth traits for direct and maternal effects in Murrah buffalo
Authors: JOSHI POOJA , Gowane G.R. , Alex Rani , Gupta I.D. , Worku Destaw , George Linda , Ranjan Ashish , Verma Archana
Published: February 2022

An understanding of genetic principles and environment factors affecting the growth traits is needed to implement optimal breeding and selection programs. In this study, total of 18,989 records of body weight were used to estimate genetic parameters of body weight at birth (BW), 3-month (3BW), 6-month (6BW), 9-month (9BW),12-month (12BW), 18-month (18BW), 24-month (24 BW), 30-month (3BW) and 36-month (36BW) of Murrah buffalo at ICAR-NDRI Karnal, Haryana, for the period 1974–2019. The genetic parameters were estimated using average information restricted maximum likelihood (AIREML) procedure by excluding or including maternal effects. Six analytical models were fitted in order to optimize the model for each trait. Most appropriate univariate model was selected based on Log likelihood ratio test (LRT). Influencing factors like calf sex, period of birth, season of birth and dam’s parity were investigated. The results showed that the maternal genetic effects, in addition to direct additive effect are also important determinants of the genetic parameter estimates for growth traits in Murrah buffaloes. Total heritability estimates h2T1 for BW, 3BW, 6BW, 9BW, 12BW, 18BW, 24BW, 30BW and 36BW were 0.25, 0.04, 0.14, 0.16, 0.10, 0.15, 0.21, 0.24, and 0.23 respectively. Maternal effect was important for birth weight and accounted for 13% variation through maternal genetic and 5% variability through maternal permanent environmental effect. Maternal genetic effect was also important and interfered with the estimates of variance ratios in live weight traits owing to large and negative covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects. Direct genetic correlation between body weight traits were positive and high ranging from 0.10 to 0.94. Results revealed that the Murrah herd has a sizable genetic variability for growth traits and hence there is sufficient scope for selection for achieving better growth rate if selection in this direction is applied. Owing to higher positive genetic correlation of 6BW with later ages, the scope of indirect selection for optimum growth in later ages can be aimed at by selecting animals for their higher 6-month live weight.
Nurses’ Perspectives on the Role of Relatives in Emergency Situations in Nursing Homes: a Qualitative Study From Germany
Authors: Schwabe Sven , Bleidorn Jutta , Günther Andreas , Primc Nadia , Rubeis Giovanni , Schneider Nils , Poeck Juliane
Published: February 2022

Background: In nursing homes, emergencies often result in unnecessary hospital transfers, which may negatively affect residents’ health. Emergency management in nursing homes is complicated by structural conditions, uncertainties and difficulties communicating with the treating healthcare professionals. The present study investigated the role played by relatives in this emergency management, as perceived by nursing staff.Methods: Within the context of a larger multi-method, interdisciplinary research project, we conducted six focus group discussions and 33 semi-structured interviews with nurses at nursing homes in northern Germany between September 2020 and April 2021. Discussions and interviews focused on emergency management in nursing homes, and were recorded, transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis, according to Mayring.Results: Nurses reported that relatives were actively involved in emergency management in the nursing homes. Relatives were informed when there was an emergency situation, and they participated in decision making around the resident’s care. Nurses sometimes perceived the involvement of relatives as challenging, due to a lack of time or staff, the opposing views of relatives and/or uncertain communication structures; however, they were willing to involve relatives according to the relatives’ preferences. The role played by relatives was seen to range from that of an active supporter to that of a troublemaker. On the one hand, relatives were reported to support nurses in emergency management (i.e. by identifying residents’ preferences and advocating for residents’ interests). On the other hand, relatives were often perceived by the nurses as overstrained and unprepared in emergency situations, leading them to override residents’ wishes, question the emergency plan and put pressure on the nurses’ decision making.Conclusions: Nurses perceive the roles played by relatives in emergency situations in nursing homes as relatively supportive or, alternatively, demanding and troublesome. The timely involvement of relatives in emergency planning, the establishment of clear agreements with general practitioners and the development of trusting relationships between nursing staff and relatives may improve emergency management for nurses.
Establishment of a 5-fluorouracil-resistant human gastric cancer cell line and exploration of its biological characteristics
Authors: Chang Hye Jung , Cho Min-hee , Choi Moon Young , Lee Kyoung Eun
Published: February 2022

Background: Chemoresistance is a major problem in gastric cancer (GC) management with an unknown underlying mechanism. In this study, we aimed to establish a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant GC cell line and explore the biological characteristics related to its chemoresistance.Materials and Results: The chemotherapeutic agent-resistant GC cell line (AGS-R) was established by continuous exposure of AGS cells to 5-FU. These cells showed morphologic changes and increased level of thymidylate synthase (TS) mRNA compared with the parental cells. AGS-R also showed down-regulation of β-catenin activity with decreased migration and invasion. The expression of CD44 was increased in AGS-R cells and this was reversed with the inhibition of Notch1.Conclusions: 5-FU resistant gastric cancer cell line was well established and these cells showed increased stemness which was reversed with Notch1 inhibition.
Validation And Psychometric Properties of The Trognon & Richard ADHD Questionnaire 10-Items For Adults In A French Sample
Authors: Trognon Arthur , Richard Manon
Published: February 2022

Background : ADHD is classically seen as a disease of children, although it persists in one out of two cases in adults. The diagnosis is based on a long and multidisciplinary process, involving different health professionals, leading to an under-diagnosis of adult ADHD individuals. We therefore present a psychometric screening scale for the identification of adult ADHD, in order to serve as an aid in the decision whether or not to engage in a diagnostic process.Method : We designed the scale from the DSM-5 and administered it to n=110 control individuals and n=110 ADHD individuals. The number of items was reduced using regression techniques. We then performed factor analyses and a machine-learning assessment of the predictive power of the scale.Results : Internal consistency coefficients were calculated satisfactorily for TRAQ10, with Cronbach's alpha measured at .9. The 3-factor model tested was confirmed, with standardized factor loadings greater than .53 for all items. Finally, analysis by machine learning showed that a GNB-type classification algorithm could identify the subject's group appartenance with an high average precision of .88 based only on the participant’s responses on the scale.Conclusions : The scale showed sufficient performance for its use in clinical routine. It could thus help to reduce the time required to diagnose ADHD in adults. Similarly, it could be used in research for screening purposes.
Characterization and kinetic study of Ibuprofen Biodegradation by native bacterial Citrobacter strains PPYI-2 and YPI-2
Authors: Kumar Dharmender , Chopra Sunil
Published: February 2022

Ibuprofen (IBU) is the third most used drug in the world.This enters our water system due to human excretion discharge. Thus, it attracts the attention of environmentalists for their environmental fate and degradation behavior. In the present study, the two IBU degrading Citrobacter freundii strain PYI-2 (MT039504) and Citrobacter portucalensis strain YPI-2 (MN744335) was isolated using enrichment culture technique, identified, and characterized from industrial wastewater samples. Their physiological and batch culture degradation studies have indicated that these strains involved in IBU degradation and their intermediates produced during were analyzed. These strains degrade IBU in the batch culture. The Design Expert® software suggested the optimum pH conditions for the growth of PYI2 and YPI2 were 6.9 and 5.8 and the optimum temperatures were, 42°C and 32°C, respectively. This was also seen during experimental study. After degradation, the GC-MS analysis of the chromatogram peaks indicated that hydroxyibuprofen, 2- (4-hydroxyphenyl-) propionic acid, 1,4-hydroquinone, and 2-hydroxy-1,4-quinol intermediate compounds were identified, with the retention time of 14.987, 15.654, 11.765, and 10.827, respectively. Finally, on the basis of analysis of GC-MS data, the metabolic pathway for degradation was predicted by Pathpred (online tool), and other research data available for the degradation of IBU. Therefore, these strains have shown the potential for the degradation of IBU and they can be deployed for further use in the bioremediation program.
A Novel Installation Parameter Optimization Design Method of Forming Tool for Screw Rotor
Authors: Liu Zongmin , Wang Jirui , Tang Qian , Liu Ning , Xing Bin
Published: February 2022

Characterized by a complex contour profile involving arc, cycloid and involute, etc., the screw rotor is usually manufactured by a forming tool. The finished surface quality and efficiency of the screw rotor are determined by the cutting performance of the forming tool. However, the machining performance of the forming tool is closely related to the structure shape of cutting edge, which is then determined by the installation parameters of the forming tool. Therefore, to make the cutting performance of forming tool controllable, it is essential investigate the relationship between the cutting performance of the forming tool and its installation parameters at the design stage. In this paper, a novel installation parameter optimization design method of forming tool for screw rotor is presented. A parametric optimization program is designed to finalize the range of installation parameters satisfying the spatial meshing relation and machining equipment parameters. The profile characteristics of forming tool under different center distances and mounting angles have been investigated. For validation, several screw rotors were ground in experiments and the resulted profile errors were analyzed. The results show that the cost of precision grinding of screw rotor can be significantly reduced, without compromise of machining quality. As such, the proposed design method could serve as a promising platform to faciliate screw rotor manufacture.
Generic model for biological regulation
Authors: Vihinen Mauno
Published: February 2022

Substantial portion of molecules in an organism is involved in regulation of a wide spectrum of biological processes. Several models have been presented for various forms of biological regulation, including gene expression regulation and physiological regulation; however, a generic model is missing. Recently a new unifying theory in biology, poikilosis, was presented. Poikilosis indicates that all systems display intrinsic heterogeneity, which is a normal state. Here, the concept of poikilosis allowed development of a model for biological regulation applicable to all types of regulated systems. The perturbation-lagom-TATAR countermeasures-regulator (PLTR) model combines the effects of perturbation and lagom (allowed and sufficient extent of heterogeneity) in a system with tolerance, avoidance, repair, attenuation and resistance (TARAR) countermeasures, and possible regulators. There are three modes of regulation, two of which are lagom-related. In the first scenario, lagom is maintained, both intrinsic (passive) and active TARAR countermeasures can be involved. In the second mode, there is a shift from one lagom to another. In the third mode, reguland regulation, the regulated entity is the target of a regulatory shift, which is often irreversible or requires action of another regulator to return to original state. After the shift, the system enters to lagom maintenance mode, but at new lagom extent. The model is described and elaborated with examples and applications, including medicine and systems biology. Consequences of non-lagom extent of heterogeneity are introduced, along with a novel idea for therapy by reconstituting biological processes to lagom extent, even when the primary effect cannot be treated.
High incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles inside tetraaza macrocyclic Schiff base cavity : Spectroscopic characterization and modeling by DFT calculation
Authors: BAOUAB Mohamed Hassen V , Fra Sarah Ben Haj , Chaabene Marwa , Agren Soumaya , haskouri Jamal , Lahcini Mohammed , Chaâbane Rafik Ben
Published: February 2022

This work presents a simple synthesis of tetraaza macrocyclic Schiff base ligand (C40H28N4), its complex [(C40H28N4)@Fe(II)], and a novel complex of magnetite Fe3O4NPs incorporated inside tetraaza macrocyclic cavity [(C40H28N4)@Fe3O4NPs] in order to obtain well-dispersed nanoparticles. The characterization and structural identification were carried out by 1H NMR, 13C and DEPT 135 NMR spectroscopy as well by X-ray spectroscopy, FT-IR, and finally by ATG using both experimental and theoretical methods. XRD measurements indicate that the presence of Schiff's bases does not modify the crystal structure of the nanoparticles (approximately 11 nm). FT-IR was used to illuminate the presence of Fe3O4NPs in tetrahedral and octahedral sites as well as their coordination with imine (C=N) of tetraaza macrocyclic. The UV–Vis spectra and frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) of the title compounds were calculated at TD-DFT/CAM-B3LYP-D3/6-311 G (d, p) level of theory. The corresponding calculated results yield shows a good agreement with the experimental data. The morphological characterization of the nanoparticles was carried out by SEM which revealed that the shape of the NPs was generally spherical. The SEM images also show that the nanoparticles prepared by in-situ with co-precipitation method were able to form stable complexes. Thermal characterization by ATG shows that there is 64% of the magnetite nanoparticles formed in-situ which corresponds to a grafting density of 25 mmol.g−1.
Serum Oncomarkers In Patients With MPO-ANCA-Positive AAV: Diagnostic And Prognostic Predictive Values For Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Yang Shuqiao , Zhan Xi , Wang Jing , Fan Yali , Ma Ruimin , Ye Qiao
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To explore in myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (MPO-AAV) the value of circulating oncomarkers in identifying interstitial lung disease (ILD) and predicting prognosis. Methods: Newly diagnosed MPO-AAV patients were recruited retrospectively at a single center. The serum levels of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9, CA125, cytokeratin fraction 21-1 (CYFRA21-1), carcinoembryonic antigen, squamous cell carcinoma antigen and neuron-specific enolase were compared between patients with and without ILD. The strength of the oncomarkers in identifying ILD was assessed through logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Correlation analysis was applied to detect the associations between oncomarkers and ILD severity. The significance of serum oncomarkers as prognosis predictors for MPO-AAV associated ILD was evaluated by survival analysis. Results: 169 MPO-AAV patients were included and ILD was found in 101 patients. Serum CA125, CA19-9 and CYFRA21-1 were significantly higher in patients with ILD than those without ILD. The area under the ROC curve of CA19-9, CA125, and CYFRA21-1 for identifying ILD was 0.701, 0.660, and 0.711, respectively. A specificity of 98.5% for diagnosing ILD was found for CA19-9 at the recommended normal level. CA19-9 was positively correlated with HRCT fibrosis score (r = 0.498, p < 0.001) and CYFRA21-1 was correlated with ground-glass score (r = 0.316, p = 0.002). Both CA19-9 and CYFRA21-1 were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality in patients with ILD. Conclusion: Serum CA19-9 and CYFRA21-1 maybe useful markers in the diagnosis, disease severity evaluation and prognosis prediction of MPO-AAV associated ILD.
Soil microbial communities and nitrogen associated with cheatgrass invasion in a sagebrush shrubland
Authors: Reitstetter Raven , Yang Ben , Tews Aaron D. , Barberan Albert
Published: February 2022

Cheatgrass invasion of Intermountain sagebrush steppe in the Western US poses increasing challenges to the function and survival of this native ecosystem. The invasive success and persistence of cheatgrass has been attributed to its physiology, phenology, and recently to increases in soil nitrogen levels. We investigated whether cheatgrass invasion of sagebrush/native bunchgrass communities elevated soil ammonium and nitrate levels, and resulted in soil microbial community diversity and composition changes. Our results did not reveal an increase in nitrogen ions, but showed a shift in soil microbial communities towards bacterial functional groups that can promote nitrogen accumulation in cheatgrass invaded communities.
Antimicrobial resistance and rational use of medicine: knowledge, perceptions, and training of clinical health professions students in Uganda
Authors: Kanyike Andrew Marvin , Olum Ronald , Kajjimu Jonathan , Owembabazi Shebah , Ojilong Daniel , Nassozi Dianah Rhoda , Amongin Joan Fidelia , Atulinda Linda , Agaba Kenneth , Agira Drake , Wamala Nicholas Kisaakye , Buule Richard , Nabukeera Germinah , Kyomuhendo Robert , Luwano Rehema , Owobusingye Whitney , Matovu Dissan , Musoke Philip , Bongomin Felix , Kiyimba Kenedy
Published: February 2022

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important global health concern, projected to contribute to significant mortality, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, perceptions of clinical health professions students towards antimicrobial resistance and rational use of medicine and confidence level to prescribe antimicrobials. Methods: An online descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among clinical health professions students across 9 medical schools in Uganda. A semi-structured questionnaire using Kobo Toolbox form was shared among participants via WhatsApp Messenger (Meta, California, USA). Knowledge was categorized using modified Bloom’s cut-off. One-way ANOVA, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression were used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We surveyed 681 participants, most were pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree (n=433, 63.6%), with a mean age of 24 (standard deviation: 3.6) years. Most participants (n=596, 87.5%) had sufficient knowledge about antimicrobial resistance with a mean score of 85 ± 14.2%. There was a significant difference in mean knowledge scores of year 4 (86.6%) compared to year 3 (82.4%) (p=0.002) and year 5 (88.0%) compared to year 3 (82.4%) (p<0.001). Most participants (n=456, 66.9%), were confident on making an accurate diagnosis of infection, and choosing the correct antimicrobial agent to use (n=484, 71.1%). Conclusion: Health profession students exhibited good knowledge on antimicrobial resistance and high self-perceived confidence on antimicrobial prescriptions however they still agreed that a separated course unit on AMR is necessary.
A Boundary Lubrication Model And Experimental Study Considering ZDDP Tribofilms On Reciprocating Friction Pairs
Authors: Lyu Bugao , Zhang Limin , Meng Xianghui , Wang Chengen
Published: February 2022

Boundary lubrication state may dominate the friction pairs operating under severe conditions, yet its mechanism is not clearly understood and related numerical models are still lacking. A boundary lubrication model considering zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) tribofilms, which impact the friction and wear performances, is developed in this study. A series of reciprocating experiments are conducted to verify this model and also to investigate the effects of the tribofilm on friction and wear under various temperatures and loads. Moreover the experimental data are employed to modify the tribofilm remove model, which enables the present boundary lubrication model to be applied under a wide range of loads. The results show that the friction force and wear depth both decline with the increasing lubricant temperature due to a thicker tribofilm formed. As the load becomes heavier, the wear depth keeps increasing, while the tribofilm thickness first  increases then decreases.
Tolerability of Eribulin and Correlation Between Polymorphisms and Neuropathy in an Unselected Population of Female Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: Results of The Multicenter, Single Arm, Phase IV PAINTER Study
Authors: VERDE NICLA LA , DAMIA GIOVANNA , GARRONE ORNELLA , SANTINI DANIELE , FABI ALESSANDRA , CICCARESE MARIANGELA , GENERALI DANIELE GIULIO , NUNZI MARTINA , POLETTO ELENA , FERRARIS ELISA , CRETELLA ELISABETTA , SCANDURRA GIUSEPPA , MEATTINI ICRO , BERTOLINI ALESSANDRO STEFANO , CAVANNA LUIGI , COLLOVA' ELENA , ROMAGNOLI EMANUELA , RULLI ELIANA , LEGRAMANDI LORENZO , GUFFANTI FEDERICA , BRAMATI ANNALISA , MORETTI ANNA , CASSANO ALESSANDRA , VICI PATRIZIA , TORRI VALTER , FARINA GABRIELLA
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUNDMetastatic breast cancer (MBC) is an incurable disease and its treatment focuses on prolonging patients (pts) overall survival (OS) and improving their quality of life. eribulin is a microtubule inhibitor that increases OS in pre-treated MBC pts. Its common adverse events (AEs) are asthenia, neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy (PN).METHODSThe PAINTER is a single arm, phase IV study, aimed at surveying eribulin tolerability in MBC pts. Secondary objectives were to explore incidence and severity of PN, its association with genetic polymorphisms, and the description of treatment efficacy and safety. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples and 15 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by Taqman specific assays. The associations between PN and SNPs were evaluated by Fisher exact test.RESULTSFrom May 2014 to June 2018 180 pts were enrolled from 20 Italian centers; 170 were evaluable for efficacy and toxicity and 159 for polymorphisms analysis. Median age was 60 years, biological subtypes were luminal type (64.7%), Her2 positive (18.3%) and triple negative (17%). Pts were pretreated with a median of 5 lines for MBC. With a median follow up of 15.4 months, a median number of eribulin cycles of 4.5 (minimum-maximum 1-23), median overall survival was 12 months. 48.8% of pts experienced dose reduction, mainly for neutropenia (23.9%) and liver injury (12%). 65 pts (38.2%) reported at least one severe toxicity. Neutropenia and neurotoxicity were the most frequent severe AEs (15.3% and 14.7% respectively); other toxicities were osteo-muscular, abdominal or tumor site pain (19.4%), liver injury (6.6%), pulmonary toxicity (6.5%) and dermatological (3.6%), Among the 15 evaluated SNPs, an association with PN was found for rs2233335 and rs7214723. CONCLUSIONSEribulin is a well-tolerated treatment in MBC. Schedule and dosage modifications were common, but toxicity rarely led to treatment discontinuation. SNPs rs2233335 (G/T and T/T) in NDRG1 gene and rs7214723 (CC and CT) in CAMKK1 gene were associated with PN. These findings, if validated, could allow a tailored eribulin treatment in cancer patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02864030EudraCT: 2013-004600-19
Positive end-expiratory pressure selection by comprehensively considering clinical measurements and patient characteristics may improve ICU outcome in ARDS patients: an observational study
Authors: Ge Huiqing , Pan Qing , Zhou Yuhan , Qian Yilin , Zhang Zhongheng , Fang Luping , Ning Gangmin , Heunks Leo M.
Published: February 2022

Background: It remains controversial as how to set positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. This study aims to provide suggestions to the clinicians in selecting PEEP for ARDS patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation based on artificial intelligence (AI).Methods: Invasively ventilated ARDS patients in MIMIC-IV and eICU databases were enrolled in the observational cohort study. An AI model trained by awarding survival for suggesting optimal PEEP was developed and tested on the MIMIC-IV database and externally validated on the eICU database. Three subgroups were defined in which the PEEP grades set by the AI model are lower, equal, and higher than that set by the clinicians (denoted as , , and , respectively). Intensive care unit (ICU) mortality and 28-day ventilation-free days are the primary and secondary outcomes.Results: 6839 (MIMIC-IV) and 2117 (eICU) ARDS admissions were included in the study. The ICU mortalities are 10.8% and 8.6% in the subgroup in the MIMIC-IV and eICU databases, respectively, and become higher in the and subgroups (MIMIC-IV: 25.6% and 23.7%, eICU: 26.9% and 27.6%). An explainable analysis reflects that the clinicians’ PEEP setting relates more to the oxygenation, respiratory mechanics, and ventilatory settings, while the RL model also pays attention to the more comprehensive parameters concerning patient characteristics such as Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and age.Conclusions: AI-based PEEP selection tends to consider clinical measurements and patient characteristics comprehensively, and is promising to improve the ICU outcomes for ARDS patients.
Influence of Skeletal Muscle Volume Loss During Lenvatinib Treatment on Prognosis in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multicenter Study in Tohoku, Japan
Authors: Fujita Masashi , Abe Kazumichi , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Oikawa Takayoshi , Ninomiya Masashi , Masamune Atsushi , Okumoto Kazuo , Katsumi Tomohiro , Sato Wataru , Ijima Katsunori , Endo Tetsu , Fukuda Shinsaku , Tanabe Nobukazu , Mumao Hiroshi , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: February 2022

Sarcopenia is associated with poor prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the association of skeletal muscle volume (SMV) and its change in HCC patients taking lenvatinib. In 132 HCC patients, psoas mass index (PMI) was calculated as the left-right sum of the vertical × horizontal diameter of psoas muscle at the third lumbar vertebra, divided by height squared. Patients were classified into two groups (low and normal PMI) based on indices of <6.0 cm2/m2 for man and <3.4 cm2/m2 for women. Change in PMI per month during the lenvatinib administration period (ΔPMI/m) was calculated; and patients were classified into two groups (severe and mild atrophy) based on the ΔPMI/m rate, as ≥1% or <1%, respectively. There was no significant difference in Overall survival (OS) between the low and normal PMI groups at the start of lenvatinib administration. OS was significantly lower in the severe atrophy group than in the mild atrophy group (median; 15.2 vs. 25.6 months, P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of severe atrophy with OS (hazard ratio 2.503, P = 0.007). Progressive loss of SMV is a strong predictor of poor prognosis in HCC patients taking lenvatinib.
Facile synthesis of ferrocene-based polyamides and their organic analogues terpolyamides: Influence of aliphatic and aromatic sequences on physico-chemical characteristics
Authors: Khan Tehmina , akhter zareen , Gul Asghari , Bhatti ARSHAD SALEEM , Rehman Adeela
Published: February 2022

Efforts have been devoted to synthesize and characterize processable polymers with desired properties. Herein, four different series of aromatic and aliphatic terpolyamides were prepared via solution phase polycondensation of 4,4’-oxydianiline and hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) with various diacids chlorides (isophthalyol dichloride, terepthalyol dichloride, 1, 1'- ferrocene dicarboxylic acid chloride and trans-azobenzene-4, 4'-dicarbonyl chloride). The structural, morphological and physico-chemical nature of as prepared polymers was explored by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis (TGA and DSC), and wide-angle x-ray diffraction (WAXRD). Moreover, an aliphatic diamine was incorporated in varying concentration as a flexible methylene spacer and the effect of its concentration on the properties of polyamides was also studied. Changes in various physico-chemical properties such as solubility, inherent viscosity, surface morphology and flame retarding behaviour were investigated. Marked difference in morphology and solubility was observed with the change in the ratio of segments in the chain. Inherent viscosities of polymers ranged from 1.8052-1.6274 dl/g indicating reasonably moderate molecular weights. Interestingly, ferrocene based aromatic polymers were more thermally stable (Tg 260 oC, Ti 310 oC, Th 525 oC, Tf 720 oC, for PF0 ), and also found to exhibit best flame retarding behavior (limiting oxygen index (LOI) value for PF0is LOI 33.15 %).
Host genomes for the unique SARS-CoV-2 variant leaked into Antarctic soil metagenomic sequencing data
Authors: Csabai Istvan , Solymosi Norbert
Published: February 2022

Recently Csabai et al.1 have found a most likely contaminated metagenomic sample set from Antarctica that contained traces of unique SARS-CoV-2 variants. This is a short followup of that report where we attempt to find genetic footprint of the hosts. With reasonable confidence we could identify genetic material from mitochondria of Homo sapiens, green monkey and Chinese hamster. The latter two most probably originated from cell lines Vero E6 (or COS-7) and CHO respectively, which are frequent laboratory culture media for studying viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and its closest relatives.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE ANTI-TRUST LAWS IN U.S, U.K AND INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFRENCE TO HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL ANTI-COMPETITIVE AGREEMENTS
Authors: Singh Ruchi
Published: February 2022

This article focuses upon the conceptualization of the term competition and how competition in the present era has been a potent tool for encouraging economic development and socio-economic welfare rather than curbing monopolies only. The article shall be contextualised highlighting the facts related to the enactment of the Competition Laws in India, U.S and U.K and its actual implementation with special reference to horizontal and vertical anti-competitive agreements. The aim of the article is to do a comparative analysis between the provisions dealing with anti-competitive agreements in U.S.A and U.K and section 3 of the Indian Competition Act in order todiscusses the need of competition in global economic market, and why at all this concept of competition is of utmost importance to us.The analysis done in the article strictly restricts to the interpretation given to anti-competitive agreements under section 3 of Competition Act in India and its comparison thereof with Antitrust Laws in U.K and U.S. The paper aims to highlight the scope and interpretation of anti-competitive agreements as it is among the most sanitizing issues recently in global market.
Analisis Pengelolaan Dana Desa Pranten Kecamatan Gubug Kabupaten Grobogan
Authors:   Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, Jln. Prof. Dr. Hamka Kampus III UIN Walisongo Semarang, Indonesia, Khusnul Mubarok Ferry , Liana Annisak Farikhatul ,   Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, Jln. Prof. Dr. Hamka Kampus III UIN Walisongo Semarang, Indonesia
Published: February 2022

Pengelolaan dana desa masih menemui berbagai kendala, Studi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengelolaan Dana Desa, pada Desa Pranten Kecamatan Gubug Kabupaten Grobogan. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif eksploratif, dengan sumber data primer dengan teknik indept interview. Teknik analisis data menggunakan pendekatan descriptive analysis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengelolaan dan pemanfaatan Anggaran Dana Desa dimulai dari proses perencanaan, pengorganisasia, pelaksanaan, pengawasan, dan pelaporan pertanggungjawaban. Pemanfaatan dana desa dialokasikan pada bidang penyelenggaran pemerintah, pelaksaan pembangunan, pembinaan masyarakat, pemberdayaan masyarakat, dan penanggulangan bencana. Kendala yang muncul antara lain rendahnya kualitas sumber daya manusia, minimnya sistem, masalah kepemimpinan, kurangnya sosialisasi dan komunikasi, serta peran masyarakat yang rendah. Implikasinya, kedepan pemerintah desa setempat perlu meningkatkan kualitas pengelolaan anggaran dan membangun sinergi dengan berbagai pihak terkait terutama dengan warga masyarakat.
Analysis of the influence of the water balance process on the change of landscape patterns in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Liu Yuting , Xu Jijun , Yuan Zhe , Sha Zhigui
Published: February 2022

Based on hydrometeorological data and land-use data (from 1980 to 2015), the effects of water balance on landscape patterns in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River were studied using water balance analysis, the landscape index method, and other methods. Eight appropriate landscape indices (NP, COHESION, LPI, AI, SHDI, CONTAG, SPLIT, and LS) were selected to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics of landscape patterns. From 1980 to 2015, the precipitation in the study area decreased by 6.97%, and the annual precipitation of farmland was maintained at about 1,050 mm. The evapotranspiration (ET) had little change in general, but it varies greatly under different land-use types. Soil water storage variables showed a downward trend, and soil water storage variables of various land-use types changed dramatically during the study period. The total number of patches increased and the patch shape became more complex. At the level of landscape structure, SHDI and SPLIT increased, while CONTAG and COHESION decreased, and the degree of patch fragmentation and landscape heterogeneity improved. Correlation analysis showed that from a time perspective, LSI, SPLIT, and SHDI were significantly negatively correlated with ET, and CONTAG was significantly positively correlated with ET. There was a significant negative correlation between SPLIT and soil water (SW), and a significant positive correlation between COHESION and SW. These results indicated that with the decrease of ET and soil water storage variables, patches became more dispersed and landscape patterns became more fragmented. From the perspective of spatial distribution, the increase of SW increased landscape diversity and decreased landscape connectivity and contagion. The correlation coefficients between SW and the three groups of landscape pattern indexes (SHDI, CONTAG, and COHESION) were higher than those between ET and the three groups of landscape pattern indexes, which meant that soil water is more correlated with landscape pattern characteristics, and the effect of soil water change on landscape heterogeneity is more obvious. The study of the relationship between hydrological processes and landscape pattern characteristics in this paper enriches and expands the theoretical method system of ecological hydrology and ecological environmental protection in arid/semi-arid regions in our country.
The Questions on the Metaphysics attributed to Johannes Rucherat de Wesalia (A Textual Analysis)
Authors: Liscia Daniel A. Di
Published: February 2022

It can hardly be questioned that the history of Western philosophy is to a good extent also a history of texts. For medieval philosophy it is likewise valid, from the thirteenth century onward, that these texts are mostly connected to university teaching and, at the same time, for good or not, to the aristotelian philosophy. This fact is easily verifiable for the major commentaries on the Aristoteles latinus and for almost each european university as well. The present contribution deals with a part of the later commentary tradition on the Metaphysics at the late medieval German universities. It focusses on a text – a quaestiones commentary on the Metaphysics – the transmission of which is extraordinarily complex. It examines two late medieval authors: John of Wesel (Johannes Rucherat de Wesalia), less known for his aristotelian commentaries than for his confrontation with the Roman church, and nicholas of amsterdam, whose work has received considerable attention in recent scholarship. Both philosophers were active at several German universities during the first half of the fifteenth century and commented on many aristotelian texts, including the Metaphysics. This paper emerged from an analysis of a manuscript (Basel, Universitätsbibliothek, F VIII 7) conveying a quaestiones commentary attributed to John of Wesel. after some basic information, a more detailed comparison shows, however, that this text runs essentially identical with one of nicholas’ versions of his own commentary. Finally, a proposal of interpreting this fact considering the university standards of the time is included.
Shakespeare e a estética alemã
Authors: Bento Sílvia
Published: February 2022

The study of German aesthetics as Philosophie der Kunst – specifically the romantic and idealistic aesthetics – requires a thorough analysis of the reception of Shakespeare developed by authors such as lessing, Herder, Goethe, a. W. Schlegel, F. Schlegel and Hegel. Our paper is an attempt to set out the aesthetic relevance of the exalting and passionate German reception of Shakespeare and its implications within the process of defining aesthetics as Philosophie der Kunst. The elucidation of the German perspective on Shakespeare as a pre-eminent aesthetic object – a pre-eminent philosophical object – is the chief purpose of our essay.
Solicitações no português brasileiro e no japonês breve estudo comparativo
Authors: Neves José Luiz Ottoni
Published: February 2022

Neste trabalho, analisa-se um ato de fala específico –a solicitação –em um contexto comparativo entre o português brasileiro e o japonês. Os dados analisados correspondem às respostas de brasileiros e japoneses a um questionário, elaborado nos dois idiomas, contemplando quatro situações, nas quais duas variáveis se combinam: relação de poder entre os interlocutores (igual status e solicitado dominante) e o nível de imposição da solicitação (alto e baixo). São comparadas as respostas recebidas em ambas as línguas, de modo a verificar as diferenças culturais, recursos modifica-dores,percepção de frequência, além da incidência dos três tipos de estratégias: direta, indireta convencional e indireta não convencional. Tanto as variações e características culturais descritas, como os dados coletados, organizados em quadros esquemáticos nos quais se relacionam as expressões utilizadas pelos respondentes com as estratégias de solici-tação e seus recursos modificadores, poderão ser úteis no contexto de ensino de Português como Língua Estrangeira.
La estrategia de la ONU y la Unión Europea contra las redes transatlánticas del narcotráfico
Authors: Nuñez de Prado-Clavell Sara , Rodríguez-Abengózar Javier
Published: February 2022

Con una larga historia, el problema del narcotráfico ha ido incrementándose en las últimas décadas hasta alcanzar dimensiones globales. Este artículo estudia la evolución y el estado actual de la estrategia normativa de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas y la Unión Europea contra este problema, que actualmente se encuentra inserto en las redes del crimen organizado transnacional, en especial las redes transatlánticas. Se concluye que, a pesar de todo el ingente esfuerzo en esta lucha, lejos de combatirlo eficazmente, los resultados son muy pobres, tanto en los contextos nacionales más afectados como a nivel global.
Ode to the City – An Ethnographic Drama
Authors: Blackledge Adrian , Creese Angela
Published: February 2022

This ethnographic drama script is adapted from observations conducted in a large city centre library in the UK. It is a creative curation of field notes, transcripts, audio recordings, video recordings, conversations, and observations. The ethnographic drama tells a story of political tension in everyday life at a time of austerity.
Development of the Socioeconomic Screening, Active Engagement, Follow-up, Education, Discharge Readiness, and Consistency (SAFEDC) Model for Improving Transitions of Care: Participatory Design
Authors: Shin Ji Youn , Okammor Nkiru , Hendee Karly , Pawlikowski Amber , Jenq Grace , Bozaan David
Published: February 2022

Background

Transition to home after hospitalization involves the potential risk of adverse patient events, such as knowledge deficits related to self-care, medication errors, and readmissions. Despite broad organizational efforts to provide better care transitions for patients, there are challenges in implementing interventions that effectively improve care transition outcomes, as evidenced by readmission rates. Collaborative efforts that require health care professionals, patients, and caregivers to work together are necessary to identify gaps associated with transitions of care and generate effective transitional care interventions.

Objective

This study aims to understand the usefulness of participatory design approaches in identifying the design implications of transition of care interventions in health care settings. Through a series of participatory design workshops, we have brought stakeholders of the health care system together. With a shared understanding of care transition and patient experience, we have provided participants with opportunities to generate possible design implications for care transitions.

Methods

We selected field observations in clinical settings and participatory design workshops to develop transitional care interventions that serve each hospital’s unique situation and context. Patient journey maps were created and functioned as tools for creating a shared understanding of the discharge process across different stakeholders in the health care environment. The intervention sustainability was also assessed. By applying thematic analysis methods, we analyzed the problem statements and proposed interventions collected from participatory design workshops. The findings showed patterns of major discussion during the workshop.

Results

On the basis of the workshop results, we formalized the transition of care model—the socioeconomic, active engagement, follow-up, education, discharge readiness tool, and consistency (Integrated Michigan Patient-centered Alliance in Care Transitions transition of care model)—which other organizations can apply to improve patient experiences in care transition. This model highlights the most significant themes that should necessarily be considered to improve the transition of care.

Conclusions

Our study presents the benefits of the participatory design approach in defining the challenges associated with transitions of care related to patient discharge and generating sustainable interventions to improve care transitions.
Predicting Falls in Long-term Care Facilities: Machine Learning Study
Authors: Thapa Rahul , Garikipati Anurag , Shokouhi Sepideh , Hurtado Myrna , Barnes Gina , Hoffman Jana , Calvert Jacob , Katzmann Lynne , Mao Qingqing , Das Ritankar
Published: February 2022

Background

Short-term fall prediction models that use electronic health records (EHRs) may enable the implementation of dynamic care practices that specifically address changes in individualized fall risk within senior care facilities.

Objective

The aim of this study is to implement machine learning (ML) algorithms that use EHR data to predict a 3-month fall risk in residents from a variety of senior care facilities providing different levels of care.

Methods

This retrospective study obtained EHR data (2007-2021) from Juniper Communities’ proprietary database of 2785 individuals primarily residing in skilled nursing facilities, independent living facilities, and assisted living facilities across the United States. We assessed the performance of 3 ML-based fall prediction models and the Juniper Communities’ fall risk assessment. Additional analyses were conducted to examine how changes in the input features, training data sets, and prediction windows affected the performance of these models.

Results

The Extreme Gradient Boosting model exhibited the highest performance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.846 (95% CI 0.794-0.894), specificity of 0.848, diagnostic odds ratio of 13.40, and sensitivity of 0.706, while achieving the best trade-off in balancing true positive and negative rates. The number of active medications was the most significant feature associated with fall risk, followed by a resident’s number of active diseases and several variables associated with vital signs, including diastolic blood pressure and changes in weight and respiratory rates. The combination of vital signs with traditional risk factors as input features achieved higher prediction accuracy than using either group of features alone.

Conclusions

This study shows that the Extreme Gradient Boosting technique can use a large number of features from EHR data to make short-term fall predictions with a better performance than that of conventional fall risk assessments and other ML models. The integration of routinely collected EHR data, particularly vital signs, into fall prediction models may generate more accurate fall risk surveillance than models without vital signs. Our data support the use of ML models for dynamic, cost-effective, and automated fall predictions in different types of senior care facilities.
Preliminary Exploration of Main Elements for Systematic Classification Development: Case Study of Patient Safety Incidents
Authors: Vuokko Riikka , Vakkuri Anne , Palojoki Sari
Published: February 2022

Background

Currently, there is no holistic theoretical approach available for guiding classification development. On the basis of our recent classification development research in the area of patient safety in health information technology, this focus area would benefit from a more systematic approach. Although some valuable theoretical and methodological approaches have been presented, classification development literature typically is limited to methodological development in a specific domain or is practically oriented.

Objective

The main purposes of this study are to fill the methodological gap in classification development research by exploring possible elements of systematic development based on previous literature and to promote sustainable and well-grounded classification outcomes by identifying a set of recommended elements. Specifically, the aim is to answer the following question: what are the main elements for systematic classification development based on research evidence and our use case?

Methods

This study applied a qualitative research approach. On the basis of previous literature, preliminary elements for classification development were specified, as follows: defining a concept model, documenting the development process, incorporating multidisciplinary expertise, validating results, and maintaining the classification. The elements were compiled as guiding principles for the research process and tested in the case of patient safety incidents (n=501).

Results

The results illustrate classification development based on the chosen elements, with 4 examples of technology-induced errors. Examples from the use case regard usability, system downtime, clinical workflow, and medication section problems. The study results confirm and thus suggest that a more comprehensive and theory-based systematic approach promotes well-grounded classification work by enhancing transparency and possibilities for assessing the development process.

Conclusions

We recommend further testing the preliminary main elements presented in this study. The research presented herein could serve as a basis for future work. Our recently developed classification and the use case presented here serve as examples. Data retrieved from, for example, other type of electronic health records and use contexts could refine and validate the suggested methodological approach.