bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interoceptive Sensibility in Professional Dancers Living With or Without Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Delafin Maïté , Ford Michael , Draper-Rodi Jerry
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of literature investigating the use of manual therapy to modulate pain through interoceptive pathways, but studies amongst the dancer population are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To investigate self-reported measures of interoceptive sensibility (IAs) in professional
dancers living with or without pain, and to explore associations between IAs and confounding variables (e.g., psychopathologies). METHODS: 128 UK-based adult professional dancers, from any dance style, living with or without pain, completed a cross-sectional online survey. Pain status was
self-reported and participants were assigned in three study groups for analyses (pain-free n=26, acute n=30, and chronic pain n=72). The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, ver. 2 (MAIA-2) was used to measure IAs. An additional questionnaire was used to collect demographic
and putative confounding data (i.e., age, sex, BMI, dance style, employment status, level of experience, mindfulness experience, pain history and management such as manual therapy use, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety). RESULTS: No overall significant difference was found in IAs between
groups (pain-free-control, acute, and chronic pain). A one-way ANOVA showed significantly lower scores for the MAIA-2 Non-Distracting subscale in dancers living with pain (acute or chronic) compared to the pain-free-control group. Moreover, association between manual therapy use and some subscales
of the MAIA-2 was found in the population. CONCLUSIONS: Results should be interpreted with caution, as major confounding variables (i.e., psychopathologies) could not be excluded from the analysis due to their high prevalence in the sample. Positive associations between adaptive subscales
of the MAIA-2 and the use of manual therapy support a need for further research investigating potential clinical applications using interoceptive pathways in the specialised management of pain in dancers.
La reterritorialización de las ciudades intermedias. Propuesta metodológica para delimitar áreas urbanas: el caso de las capitales de provincia de Castilla-La Mancha
Authors: Sánchez Ondoño Irene , Cebrián Abellán Francisco
Published: March 2022

Desde comienzos del siglo XXI se han acentuado los procesos de transformación de las ciudades, con considerables efectos en sus áreas próximas. La atención se ha dirigido tradicionalmente hacia las grandes ciudades, aunque el fenómeno se ha reproducido con especial intensidad en otros escalones de la jerarquía urbana. En este caso se ha analizado lo sucedido en las capitales provinciales de Castilla-La Mancha. Se ha optado por una combinación metodológica, basada en el método AHP, el análisis clúster y valoraciones de los investigadores, empleando variables de distinta naturaleza (relacionadas con la población, el suelo urbano y la vivienda). El objeto del trabajo es establecer una propuesta de área urbana, así como una clasificación de los municipios en función de las dinámicas que han experimentado a lo largo de la serie temporal seleccionada (2000-2016). Las principales conclusiones dejan como balance intensidades y alcances diferentes de los procesos de dispersión urbana en las ciudades intermedias de Castilla-La Mancha.
Simulating the Efficiency of Electromagnetic Pigging in Pipelines and Production Tubing Aided by Nanopaint
Authors: Wang Ningyu , Daigle Hugh , Prodanovic Maša
Published: March 2022

Wax and hydrates deposition is a major concern for hydrocarbon transport in pipelines, production tubing, and other pipes in cold environments. Traditionally, chemical, mechanical, and thermal methods are used to mitigate the deposition at the expense of production interruption, complex maintenance, costs, and environmental hazards, and many of these methods are not feasible in deep water environments.

This paper studies the potential of nanopaint-aided electromagnetic pigging. This process has potentially low production impact, simple maintenance, low energy cost, and no chemical expense or hazards. The electromagnetic pig contains an induction coil that emits an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field induces heat in the nanopaint coating (i.e., coating with embedded paramagnetic nanoparticles) on the pipeline’s inner wall and in the pipeline wall itself. The heat then melts and peels off the wax and hydrates adhering to the pipeline, allowing the hydrocarbon to carry them away. Without loss of generality, we focus on wax remediation in this paper.

We analyze the heating effectiveness and efficiency of electromagnetic pigging. The heating effectiveness is measured by the maximum pigging speed that allows deposit removal. The heating efficiency is measured by the ratio of the heat received by the wax over the total emitted electromagnetic energy, which we define as the pig induction factor (PIF).

An axisymmetric transient model is built to study the heat transfer without considering phase change. Based on our numerical model, we compare the PIF for different coil designs, different hydrocarbon flow rates, and different pig traveling speeds. We reevaluate the maximum pig speed defined by the static pig model from our previous work and found the electromagnetic pigging system is much more effective than previously estimated, while we confirm that a solenoid with larger radius allows higher pig speed. We find that faster pig speed generally improves the efficiency but decreases effectiveness and that shorter solenoids with larger radius have higher efficiency. The hydrocarbon flow rate does not impact the heating process if the wax is thicker than the threshold wax thickness. Based on the simulation results, the field application is discussed.
Impact of Glycemic Control on the Progression of Aortic Stenosis: a Common Data Model Cohort Study
Authors: Hwang In-Chang , Kim Seok , Boo Dachung , Park Changhyun , Yoo Sooyoung , Yoon Yeonyee E , Cho Goo-Yeong
Published: March 2022

Background: The presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established risk factor for the progression of degenerative aortic stenosis (AS). However, no study has investigated the impact of glycemic control on the rate of AS progression. We aimed to assess the association between the degree of glycemic control and the AS progression, using an electronic health record-based common data model (CDM).Methods: We identified 1420 patients with mild to moderate AS (defined as an aortic valve [AV] maximal velocity [Vpeak] of 2.0–4.0 m/sec) at baseline, and follow-up echocardiography performed at an interval of ≥6 months. Patients were divided into 3 groups: no DM (n=1037), well-controlled DM (mean glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] <7.0% during the study period; n=186), and poorly controlled DM (mean HbA1c ≥7.0% during the study period; n=143). The primary outcome was the AS progression rate, calculated as the annualized change in the Vpeak (△Vpeak/year).Results: During follow-up (median 18.4 months), the total study population showed a gradual progression in AS severity. The mean HbA1c level during follow-up was proportionally associated with a higher AS progression rate (β=0.024; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.006–0.043; p=0.011); a 1% increase in HbA1c was associated with a 27% higher risk of accelerated AS progression, and HbA1c ≥7.0% was significantly associated with an accelerated AS progression (adjusted odds ratio=1.524; 95% CI 1.010–2.285; p=0.043). This association between the degree of glycemic control and AS progression rate was observed regardless of the baseline AS severity.Conclusion: In patients with mild to moderate AS, the degree of glycemic control was significantly associated with AS progression. More intensive glycemic control might be beneficial for the prevention of AS progression in patients with DM and mild to moderate AS.
Association Between APOL1 Risk Testing in Primary Care Settings and Patient Engagement Among Black Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Lee Courtney , Horowitz Carol R.
Published: March 2022

Background: Developing strategies to activate and engage Black patients with hypertension in the self-management behaviors is key to maintaining hypertensive control. The purpose of this study was to determine whether APOL1 genetic testing results and knowledge of risk status were associated with changes in short- or long-term levels of engagement amongst Black patients.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Genetic testing to Understand and Address Renal Disease Disparities (GUARDD), a randomized control trial comprised of Black patients with hypertension. The study enrolled 2,050 Black patients with hypertension from fifteen academic, community, and safety-net primary care practices in New York City. Eligible patients were between 18-70 years old, possessed a diagnosis of hypertension or were prescribed anti-hypertensive medications. Patients with diagnoses of diabetes or chronic kidney disease were excluded. The exposure was receiving APOL1 genetic testing results after completing baseline follow-up. The primary and secondary outcomes were patient engagement at 3 and 12 months, respectively; both measured using the Patient Activation Measure (PAM), a 13-item questionnaire.Results: 1795 patients were randomized to the exposure and 255 were randomized to the control. The mean age was 52.9 years (SD 9.9), 1360 (66.3%) identified as female, and the mean baseline PAM score was 60.8 (SD 12.3). Patients in each group had similar sociodemographic characteristics. At 3- and 12-month follow-up, there were statistically non-significant increases in average PAM score among the exposure group (adjusted 3-month difference 2.56, 95% CI [-1.18, 6.29], p=0.16; adjusted 12-month difference 0.91, 95% CI [-4.85, 6.66], p=0.74). In subgroup analyses, there were also no significant differences at 3- and 12-month follow-up between APOL1 low-risk and APOL1 high-risk and the control.Conclusions: Providing genetic information may be helpful but alone insufficient to change short- and long-term engagement in Black patients. Future work is needed to determine whether combining genetic testing with other approaches can yield durable changes to patient engagement.
Cross-sectional studies of effects of Covid-19 containment measures on children’s mental health through a gender lens
Authors: Exenberger Silvia , Wenter Anna , Taferner Christina , Haid-Stecher Nina , Schickl Maximilian , Juen Barbara , Sevecke Kathrin , Siller Heidi
Published: March 2022

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the daily life of girls and boys worldwide. Methods: This online study explored the effects of Covid-19 containment measures on Austrian and Italian children’s mental health (threat experience, anxiety, trauma symptoms). Data was collected at three measurement time points (June 2020, December 2020, June 2021) from 558 children (50,2 % girls), and 1.133 adults, who have children aged 7-13. Children and parents reported about the children’s mental health. Results: The findings revealed an inconsistent picture of gender differences and similarities: girls and boys reported a similar amount of threat experience, anxiety and trauma symptoms. Parents also estimated girls’ and boys’ mental health similarly. Gender differences became apparent when the parents’ estimations of girls’ and boys’ trauma symptoms were compared to children’s self-reports. Parents underestimated children’s trauma symptoms at all measurement time points. Conclusions: The results are discussed against the background of socio-constructionist and socio-developmental gender theories. Future research should explore the socialisation of girls and boys during a pandemic.
Scale-up of the DMPA-SC in Nigeria: Why policy matters
Authors: Akinyemi Oluwaseun Oladapo , Danfakha Nicole , Adefalu Adewole , Easley Ebony , Afolabi Kayode , Latunji Olajimi
Published: March 2022

BackgroundInjectable contraceptives have made a substantial contribution to the overall rise in the usage of modern family planning methods in Nigeria. They are one of the most commonly used and preferred means of contraception among women in the country. Enabling policies, on the other hand, are required to assure contraceptive access, security, and use. The purpose of this study was to investigate the policy environment and how it affects the introduction and scale-up of subcutaneous Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) in Nigeria.MethodsThe design of this mixed-methods study was cross-sectional. Desk reviews of policy papers, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were used to obtain information from respondents about the introduction of DMPA-SC in Nigeria and how existing policies influenced its scale-up. Data on DMPA-SC and other injectables use were gathered from Nigeria's National Electronic Logistic Management Information System (eLMIS).ResultsThe findings suggest that policies such as task-shifting and task-sharing, cost-free policies, reproductive health policies, and others created an enabling environment for the scale-up of DMPA-SC adoption in Nigeria. The inclusion of DMPA-SC on the Essential Medicines List and the Approved Patent Medicines List facilitated the scale-up process by ensuring private sector participation, removing economic barriers to access, fostering greater collaboration among health worker cadres, improving intersectoral partnerships, and improving logistics and client access. Despite significant anomalies in some implementing policies, injectable contraceptive consumption data demonstrate a progressive increase in DMPA-SC use during the study period. The results also indicate that policy initiatives have a favorable impact on the use of DMPA-SC throughout the country.ConclusionThe existence of policies, active participation of stakeholders, and the political will of the Nigerian health system's leadership have all aided in the scaling-up of the DMPA-SC. Understanding how to build an enabling policy climate is critical for providing women with family planning options. These lessons from Nigeria emphasize the importance of these levers, which should be considered by teams intending to introduce innovative health products, particularly in developing countries.
A Meticulous Review of Diverse Etiologies and Pathophysiology of Anemia in Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Azadeh Nazanin , Azadeh Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Background
Anemia in chronic liver diseases is a common condition with a wide variety of etiologic factors, some of which are life-threatening and need immediate evaluation and intervention. Furthermore, the severity of anemia has been associated with a poor disease prognosis and quality of life of patients. Herein, we have investigated the current literature regarding the spectrum of anemia in advanced liver diseases.
Results
Anemia of chronic disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia and hypersplenism are the common etiologies of anemia accompanied by liver diseases. Medication side effects, viral-induced aplastic anemia and alcohol related hematologic abnormalities constitute the other parts of spectrum of anemia in liver diseases.
Conclusion
Among the various mechanisms of anemia in liver diseases, some are life-threatening and some can be controlled. Investigation of etiology of anemias in chronic liver diseases is recommended, as disease-specific treatments will ameliorate the anemia and enhance patients’ quality of life.
Reversible Streptamer Technology Facilitates the Selection of T Regulatory Cells From Cryopreserved Cord Blood
Authors: Duggleby Richard , Shah Divya K. , Strange Kathryn E. , Tsang Hoi Pat , Stemberger Christian , Germeroth Lothar , Mielke Stephan , Bonig Halvard , Einsele Hermann , Roberts David , Querol Sergio , Madrigal Alejandro , Saudemont Aurore , Hernandez Diana , Danby Robert
Published: March 2022

Background: Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative option for haematopoietic diseases. However, a major limitation to the success of HCT is graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). The use of T regulatory cells (Tregs) as prophylaxis or treatment for GvHD has now emerged with a number of active clinical trials. Whilst many studies use Tregs from the original HCT donor, the future of this cell therapy could be third-party Tregs. Cord Blood (CB), with its established banks, represents a potential source of third-party cells. However, isolating a high purity Treg cells from cryopreserved CB is difficult without employing flow sorting. Here we investigated the feasibility of using reversible streptamer technology-based selections to obtain clinical grade Tregs from cryopreserved CB units.Results: A streptamer-based Treg selection was developed with both single-step, CD25 only positive cell selection and two-step, CD4 then CD25 positive selection from cryopreserved CB units, to yield a method that can be readily adapted to full good manufacturing practice (GMP). The best purity was achieved with a two-step streptamer isolation method, giving median purities of 89% Tregs of total cells. This method took advantage of the reversible nature of the streptamer technology allowing for successive positive selections for CD4+ and then CD25+ cells from cryopreserved CB units in an enclosed bag system. Isolated Tregs subsequently demonstrated 300-fold culture expansion using anti-CD3/28 beads. The expanded cells contained high proportions of cells with a Treg phenotype (both by flow cytometry and epigenetics) and demonstrated suppressive function.Conclusions: Using streptamer selection, highly enriched Tregs could be isolated from cryopreserved CB. The method could be performed in an enclosed bag system utilizing readily available clinical processing materials. Moreover, Tregs selected in this manner could be expanded in culture to make a clinically relevant dose from a cryopreserved CB unit. Thus, streptamers represent a viable alternative to column based magnetic bead or fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS)-based methods for selection of clinical grade Tregs from banked CB units.
IPACK (Infiltration Between The Popliteal Artery And The Capsule Of The Knee) And Adductor Canal Block (ACB) Versus Periarticular Injection (PAI) Enhances Postoperative Pain Control In Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: AlJa'bari Aboud , Khoury Fouad Issa El
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Motor-sparing peripheral nerve blocks, such as the infiltration between the popliteal artery and capsule of the knee (IPACK) and the adductor canal block (ACB), are promising analgesic pathways but supporting literature remains rare. Periarticular injections (PAIs) are becoming an essential multimodal joint analgesia. We hypothesized that ACB and IPACK would lower pain on ambulation on postoperative day (POD) 1 compared to PAI alone.METHODS: This double-blinded randomized controlled trial included 50 patients undergoing ACL repair. Patients either received (1) a PAI (control group, n = 26) or (2) an iPACK with an ACB (intervention group, n = 24). The primary outcome was pain on ambulation on POD 1. Secondary outcomes included numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores, patient satisfaction, and opioid consumption.RESULTS: The intervention group reported significantly lower pain scores on ambulation than the control group on POD 1 (difference in means [95% confidence interval]; P < .001). In addition, pain scores on ambulation on POD 2 for group B (3.5 [-4.3 to -2.7]) and POD 2 for group A (1.0 [1.9 to 0.1]; with P = .033) were significantly lower. Patients in the intervention group were more satisfied, had less intravenous opioid consumption (post anesthesia care unit, P = .028), and reduced need for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia for the first 24 hours (P = .037).CONCLUSIONS: The addition of iPACK and ACB significantly improves analgesia and reduces opioid consumption after ACL repair compared to PAI alone. This study strongly supports iPACK and ACB use within a multimodal analgesic pathway.
Spectral Characteristic Of The Waters With Different Sizes Of Particles: Impact Of Hydrochemical Property And Land Use Type
Authors: Lv Zelan , Wang Peng , Yan Caixia , Nie Minghua , Xiong Xiaoying , Ding Mingjun
Published: March 2022

Natural colloids (NCs) are heterogeneous mixtures of particles in the aquatic environments that are strongly influenced by land use and hydrochemical properties between terrestrial and aquatic environments. However, the relevant study was paid little attention to the difference among the waters with different sizes of particles (e.g., suspended particulate matter-SPM, NCs, and the truly dissolved phase). In this study, the spectral properties of these different waters were investigated from different land-use types in the Yuan River basin, China. Results of the UV-visible absorption spectral showed that with the particle size increased, the aromaticity, chromophoric dissolved organic matter, and humification degree of organic matter increased, while the condensation degree decreased. Data analysis from the fluorescence indices indicated that the source and the autochthonous feature of the truly dissolved water differed from that of NCs and SPM. Whereas the protein-like component was mainly combined with the relatively larger size of particles (i.e., SPM and NCs), especially in the downstream. Redundancy analysis revealed that the spectral characteristics of the water samples were strongly influenced by the hydrochemical parameters (>45%) with comparison to land-use type (nearly 10%). Furthermore, the impact of land-use type on the spectral properties was differed between the large and small scale of the buffer strips and between the mainstream and the tributaries. And this effect was more significant on the fluorescence properties in the mainstream and the spectral properties for NCs than for SPM. The study helps to understand the biogeochemical effects of the waters with different particle sizes.
Comparison of the safety and efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion and uniportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion: a 1-year follow-up Comparison of the safety and efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion and uniportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion: a 1-year follow-up
Authors: Xie YZ , Shi Y , Zhou Q , Feng CQ , Zhou Y , Li T , Yu Y , Fan XH
Published: March 2022

Objectives: To compare the short-term outcomes of unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion(BLIF) and uniportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion(ULIF).Methods: Sixty patients diagnosed with L4/5 spinal stenosis who underwent BLIF and ULIF were included(30 in each group). Clinical evaluation was performed preoperatively and postoperatively in the 1st week, 1st month, and 1st year. Factors such as the visual analogue score(VAS), Oswestry disability index(ODI), operative time, surgical complications, and radiological outcomes (fusion rate, screw loosening, and cage subsidence) were compared between the two groups .Results: All patients showed improved mean VAS and ODI at all three postoperative follow-ups, and no statistically significant differences were detected between the BLIF and ULIF groups. The mean operative time in the BLIF group was shorter than that in the ULIF group. Nerve root injury occurred in two patients in the BLIF group, while leakage of cerebrospinal fluid occurred in one patient in the ULIF group. All adverse events were treated adequately prior to discharge. The fusion rates with definite and probable grades were significantly higher in the BLIF group than that in the ULIF group. One case of cage subsidence with no screw loosening occurred in each group.Conclusion: Both BLIF and ULIF are safe and effective surgical techniques. Compared with ULIF, BLIF has the advantages of shorter operative time and a higher fusion rate. Other merits of BLIF include a wider surgical field, greater maneuverability of instruments, visibility during cage implantation, and transverse orientation of the cage.
Helicobacter pylori Infection Mediates Transcriptional Alteration of Genes Involved in DNA Damage Response
Authors: Rajaei Amiratabak , Ghameshlou Armin , Shirkoohi Reza , Farahani Abbas Shakoori , Mirbagheri Seyedeh Zohre , Bakhtiari Ronak , Haeri Melikasadat , Rashidi-nezhad Ali , Alebouyeh Masoud
Published: March 2022

Background: Gastritis is among the most common human diseases worldwide. Although the involvement of Helicobacter pylori infection as a class I human carcinogen for gastric cancer progression is accepted, it is not well known how gastritis progression to atrophy and stomach cancer occurs. In this case-control study, the potential link of H. pylori infection with alteration in the transcription of genes involved in DNA Damage Response pathways was investigated among the patients with gastritis. Methods: To measure the difference in relative mRNA expression level of ATM, CHEK2, TP53, DCLRE1C, POLM, XRCC4 genes between H. pylori infected and non-infected patients, gastric biopsies of 30 H. pylori infected patients with moderate chronic gastritis and 30 non-infected patients with mild chronic gastritis were analyzed. Result: Up-regulation of genes linked to non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway (DCLRE1C, POLM, and XRCC) was shown in 40% (8.44 fold ±13.91), 63.33% (15.72 fold ±33.08) and 50% (9.99 fold ±21.55), respectively, and also to DDR pathway (ATM, CHEK2 and TP53) in 33% (2.42 fold ±3.17), 40% (2.86 fold ±3.61) and 50% (5.00 fold ±6.52), respectively. No correlation was detected among alteration in the transcription level of the studied genes and age or gender.Conclusion: Our results provide new data that may support the potential involvement of H. pylori infection in the activation of genes involved in DNA damage response, mainly through non-homologous end joining DNA repair system that might be linked to mutagenesis in the pre-cancerous gastric tissue.
Good Utilization, Low Completion Rates of Early Infant HIV Diagnostic Services at a District Hospital in Rural South Western Uganda
Authors: Bazira Joel , Apio Kevin , Kyambadde Mark , Nakawungu Ruth , Nduhuura Davis , Ayebarirwe Memory , Orikiriza Patrick , Kumbakumba Elias
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) using DNA PCR has been utilized in the diagnosis of HIV worldwide. This study aimed to determine the utilization of EID using DNA PCR. Methods: A mixed methods study involving 164 caregivers and HCWs providing EID services. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS software. Qualitative data was analyzed using inductive thematic content analysis. Data was presented in verbatim form as quotes generated from recoded transcripts.Results: 81% (133/164) of the caretakers reported having utilized EID services. There was low level of awareness of the proper frequency and scheduling of tests in the EID program (11%) and poor completion rates with 46.3% of the respondents having completed all the 3 PCR Tests, 12.8 % having done 2 PCR tests and 23.7% had done 1 PCR test. Good knowledge and attitude of health care providers, availability of test kits and follow up of missed appointments were quoted as drivers for good utilization of EID services while long distance from the health facility, delay at the health facility and inconsistencies in turnaround time were reported as barriers to utilization of the service are. Conclusion: There was good utilization of the EID services and low completion rates.
Comparative Proteomics Reveals Different Protein Expression in Platelets in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Begli Nima Haji , Freund Cora , Weiss Karl-Heinz , Gotthardt Daniel , Wannhoff Andreas
Published: March 2022

Background
The role of platelets in disease progression as well as the function of platelets as part of the haemostatic and immunological system in patients with liver cirrhosis is only incompletely understood. This is partly due to difficulties in assessing platelet function. Proteome analyses of platelets have been used to further investigate the role of platelets in other diseases.
Aim
To assess possible changes in the platelet proteome during different stages of alcohol induced liver cirrhosis compared to healthy donors.
Patients and Methods
A 45 ml blood sample was drawn from 18 participants aged 18–80 years evenly divided into three groups of healthy donors, patients with less advanced alcohol induced liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh < 7) and patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh > 10). The blood was processed to isolate platelets and perform subsequent two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis using a SYPRO™ Ruby dye. After computational analysation significantly in- or decreased protein spots (defined as a two-fold abundance change between different study cohorts and ANOVA < 0.05) were identified via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS) and searching against human protein databases.
Results
The comparative analysis identified four platelet proteins with progressively decreased protein expression in patients with liver cirrhosis. More specifically Ras-related protein Rab-7a (Rab-7a), Ran-specific binding protein 1 (RANBP1), Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 1 (RhoGDI1), and 14-3-3 gamma.
Conclusion
There is significant change in protein expression in the platelet proteome throughout the disease progression of alcohol induced liver cirrhosis. The identified proteins are involved in haemostatic and possibly immunoregulatory function of platelets.
Omnitrophota encompasses diverse and hyperactive nanobacteria: Potential metabolisms and host-dependent lifestyles
Authors: Seymour Cale , Palmer Marike , Becraft Eric , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Friel Ariel , Schulz Frederik , Woyke Tanja , Eloe-Fadrosh Emiley , Lai Dengxun , Jiao Jian-Yu , Hua Zheng-Shuang , Liu Lan , Li Wen-Jun , Chuvochina Maria , Finley Brianna , Koch Benjamin , Schwartz Egbert , Dijkstra Paul , Moser Duane , Hungate Bruce , Hedlund Brian
Published: March 2022

Candidate bacterial phylum Omnitrophota has never been grown in axenic culture and is poorly understood. Here, we combined analysis of 421 Omnitrophota genomes representing six classes and 276 species and show that they are prevalent in water, sediments, and soils globally. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting and differential size filtration showed ultra-small (~0.2 μm) cells to be common across the phylum. Reduced genomes in all six classes maintained major biosynthetic and energy conservation pathways, particularly the acetogenic Wood-Ljungdahl pathway or diverse aerobic and anaerobic respirations. However, most genomes also encoded multiple systems typical of bacterial predators and intracellular parasites, suggesting possible predatory or parasitic lifestyles. In support of this, quantitative stable-isotope probing revealed three families with high isotope uptake rates comparable to obligate bacterial predators in diverse soils. Based on their ubiquity, small cell size, high metabolic activity, and genomic repertoire, many Omnitrophota are likely to be ecologically important in a wide range of ecosystems, possibly as predators or parasites.
Analysis of the Stress between Implant Prostheses with Different Moduli and Surrounding Bones
Authors: Zhu Ye , Shao Yixin , Guan Tianmin , Lin Bing , Guo Chongyang , Pan Ting
Published: March 2022

Stress shielding effect is the main factor affecting the effect of implant prosthesis repairing, and its main reason is that the elastic modulus of implanted prosthesis is greater than that of the surrounding bone tissues. In order to solve this problem, the influence of elastic modulus difference on the stress shielding was analyzed. A bone tissue model of the research object was obtained by CT scanning and optimized, then the gradient assignment was carried out to establish a more reliable bone mechanics model, and the model was combined with the implanted prosthesis for finite element simulation. Firstly, the finite element simulation of Beagle dog bone models, human bone model and the corresponding implant prostheses was carried out to simulate the stress and displacement distribution of prostheses with different elastic moduli after the implant prosthesis repairing. Secondly, the reasons for the stress shielding phenomenon caused by small elastic modulus differences were analyzed, the bone model and implant prosthesis model were constructed, and the method for the assignment of material properties was established. Finally, the feasibility of the model and the method for the assignment of material properties were verified, and the effects of the relationship between the elastic modulus of implant prostheses and that of bones on the formation of stress shielding were analyzed quantitatively in a way of randomly selecting stress points.
Effective Lifetime of Non-Equilibrium Carriers in Semiconductors from Non-Adiabatic Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Huang Menglin , Wu Yu-Ning , Chu Weibin , Zhao Jin , Walsh Aron , Gong Xin-Gao , Wei Su-Huai , Chen Shiyou
Published: March 2022

The lifetime of non-equilibrium electrons and holes in semiconductors is crucial for solar cell and optoelectronic applications. Non-adiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) simulations based on time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) are widely used to study excited-state carrier dynamics. However, the calculated carrier lifetimes are often different from experimental results by orders of magnitude. In this work, by revisiting the definition of carrier lifetime and considering different recombination mechanisms, we report a systematic procedure for calculating the effective carrier lifetime in realistic semiconductor crystals that can be compared directly to experimental measurements. The procedure shows that considering all recombination mechanisms and using reasonable densities of carriers and defects are crucial in calculating the effective lifetime. When NAMD simulations consider only Shockey-Read-Hall (SRH) defect-assisted and band-to-band non-radiative recombination while neglect band-to-band radiative recombination, and the densities of non-equilibrium carriers and defects in supercell simulations are much higher than those in realistic semiconductors under solar illumination, the calculated lifetimes are ineffective and thus differ from experiments. Using our procedure, the calculated effective lifetime of the halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 agrees with experiments. It is mainly determined by band-to-band radiative and defect-assisted non-radiative recombination, while band-to-band non-radiative recombination is negligible. These results indicate that it is possible to calculate carrier lifetimes accurately based on NAMD simulations, but the directly calculated values should be converted to effective lifetimes for comparison to experiments. The revised procedure can be widely applied in future carrier lifetime simulations.
Correlation between OCT-angiography and photopic negative response in patients with primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Tabl Ahmad , Tabl Marwa Abdelshafy
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the association between OCT-angiography (OCTA) and photopic negative response (PhNR) in open angle glaucoma (OAG) patients and assess the diagnostic accuracy of these parameters in early detection of glaucoma.Methods: A total of 152 eyes were enrolled in this study. 28 eyes with mild POAG (group I), 44 eyes with moderate-severe POAG (group 2) & 80 eyes of healthy subjects (control group). Full ophthalmological examination, OCTA and PhNR measurements were underwent for all participants. RNFL, GCC thicknesses, PhNR (implicit time and amplitude) were recorded. The superficial and deep capillary plexus vessel density (SCP-VD%, DCP-VD %) were measured by using 6×6mm macula OCTA scans. The peripapillary vessel density (RPC-VD %) were measured by using 4.5×4.5mm optic disc head OCTA scans.Results: There were reduction of the median Interquartile range (IQR) thickness of the GCC and RNFL in OAG eyes versus normal (P<0.001). RPC-VD%, SCP-VD % and DCP-VD% were significantly reduced in OAG eyes versus normal (P<0.001). Increased OAG severity was associated with more reduction of PhNR amplitude and increased implicit time. Reduced PhNR amplitude and prolonged latency were significantly correlated with reduced vascular parameters. The RCP-VD and PhNR amplitude demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy (98.7) with the largest AUC and higher sensitivity and speciﬁcity (100% & 98.7%, respectively), followed by the PhNR implicit time with (AUC=0.995) with a diagnostic accuracy 98.7. The SCP-VD, RNFL and GCC thickness had a diagnostic accuracy of (75.0, 81.6 & 84.2) respectively (P<0.001).Conclusions: OCTA vascular parameters displayed significant positive correlation with PhNR amplitude and significant negative correlation with PhNR implicit time. OCTA and PhNR parameters showed a high diagnostic accuracy for detection of glaucoma, and both may provide promising insight in early detection of glaucoma.This study was retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier, NCT05104294).
IOL Power Calculation and Cataract Surgery in Eyes with previous Small Incision Lenticule Extraction
Authors: Luft Nikolaus , Lischke Roman , Sekundo Walter , Wiltfang Rainer , Bechmann Martin , Kreutzer Thomas C. , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Dirisamer Martin
Published: March 2022

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), with over 5 million procedures globally performed, will challenge ophthalmologists in the foreseeable future with accurate intraocular lens power calculation in an ageing population. After more than one decade since the introduction of SMILE, only one case report of cataract surgery with IOL implantation after SMILE is present in the peer-reviewed literature. Hence, the scope of the present multicenter study was to compare the IOL power calculation accuracy in post-SMILE eyes between ray tracing and a range of empirically optimized formulae available in the ASCRS post-keratorefractive surgery IOL power online calculator. In our study of 11 post-SMILE eyes undergoing cataract surgery, ray tracing showed the smallest mean absolute error (0.40D) and yielded the largest percentage of eyes within ± 0.50/±1.00D (82/91%). The next best conventional formula was the Potvin-Hill formula with a mean absolute error of 0.66D and an ± 0.50/±1.00D accuracy of 45% and 73%, respectively. Analyzing this first cohort of post-SMILE eyes undergoing cataract surgery and IOL implantation, ray tracing showed superior predictability in IOL power calculation over empirically optimized IOL power calculation formulae that were originally intended for use after Excimer-based keratorefractive procedures.
Classroom Interaction Analysis in Ethiopian EFL Speaking Class: Feedback, Interactional Strategies, and Interaction-Oriented Speaking Inputs Through Descriptive Qualitative Design
Authors: Tsegaw Sisay Ayalew
Published: March 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Percentage change patterns in cloud fraction effectively constrain global cloud feedback
Authors: Ma Jian , Feng Jing , Kang In-Sik , Collins Matthew , Watanabe Masahiro , Li Jianping , Zhang Yinding
Published: March 2022

The radiative effect of cloud changes brings the greatest uncertainty into the projected magnitude of future global warming1-6. Key drivers of uncertainty are the pattern effect7 of sea surface temperature (SST) change and the beta feedback8 that modulates the effect of low-level cloud change. Neither have sufficed to provide a tight constraint on the cloud radiative feedback9-14. Using satellite measurements and output from climate models, we identify the percentage change in cloud fraction as key to the SST pattern control over all types of the tropical clouds15-18. This highlights a clear warmer-get-higher paradigm upon complex cloud fraction change, and inspires a process-oriented emergent constraint on the global cloud feedback. The initial stage of the constraint involves substituting the simulations with the observations via the scaling of the percentage cloud response in addition to correcting model biases in the present-day cloud cover. The eventual stage constrains the SST pattern effect explaining 83% of the remaining intermodel spread in an uncertainty attribution framework. Overall, our two-stage constraint effectively reduces the uncertainty by more than half an order of magnitude, leading to 0.45±0.15, 0.37±0.11, 0.14±0.05, and -0.06±0.04 W m-2 K-1 (90% confidence interval) in total, low, middle, and high cloud feedback, respectively.
Acute Kidney Injury In Turkey: Epidemiological Characteristics, Etiology, Clinical Course And Prognosis
Authors: Gursu Meltem , Yegenaga Itir , Tuglular Serhan , Dursun Belda , Bek Sibel Gokcay , Bardak Simge , Onan Engin , Demir Serap , Derici Ulver , Dogukan Ayhan , Sevinc Mustafa , Kocyigit Ismail , Altun Eda , Haras Ali Burak , Altiparmak Mehmet Riza , Tombul Zeki
Published: March 2022

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the etiology, comorbidities and outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI) in our country, and if there is, to demonstrate any potential differences in different geographical parts of the country. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried on by Acute Kidney Injury Working Group of Turkish Society of Nephrology. Demographical and clinical data of AKI patients at the time of diagnosis, at the 1st week and 1st, 3rd and 6th months were evaluated to determine patient and renal survival, and factors associated with prognosis. Results: 776 patients were included (54.7% male, median age: 67 years). Prerenal causes were more frequent, namely dehydration, heart failure and sepsis. 58.9% of patients had at least one renal etiology, most frequently nephrotoxic agent exposure. Etiologic factors were mostly similar through the country. 33.6% of patients needed renal replacement therapy. At the 6th month of diagnosis, 29.5% of patients had complete, 34.1% had partial recovery, end stage kidney disease ensued in 9.5% and 24.1% died. Death rate was higher in patients from Eastern Anatolian region, those in intensive care unit, patients with prerenal, renal and postrenal etiologies together, stage-3 AKI, sepsis, cirrhosis, heart failure, malignancy, need for renal replacement therapy and those without chronic kidney disease. Conclusion: Physicians dealing with AKI should be alert against dehydration, heart failure and sepsis, nephrotoxic agent exposure while taking care of these patients. Being aware of the characteristics of AKI patients and outcomes in their country would help to prevent AKI and treating better.
Evaluating Exercise Limitation, Gas Exchange Inefficiency and Recurrence Risk in PE Patients by Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Authors: Zhu Hanqing , Zhu Wei , Sun Xingxing , Cao Yuan , Xu Jianhua , Pudasaini Bigyan , Yang Wenlan , Guo Jian
Published: March 2022

Background
Pulmonary embolism (PE) which is a form of venous thromboembolism (VTE) can induce acute symptoms and post-PE syndrome. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can evaluate exercise responses of multiple systems, including respiratory, cardiovascular, hematopoietic and skeletal muscle systems.
Methods
We retrospectively collected 103 subjects’ data of demographics, hematologics, CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA), pulmonary function test (PFT) and CPET at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from March 2015 to October 2021. The 103 subjects were composed of 10 healthy people as control, 25 patients who had been diagnosed with PE and 68 patients who were diagnosed with PE. The CPET performance differences of the three groups of subjects and subgroups of PE patients divided according to CTPA were analyzed. Spearman correlation test was performed to analyze the correlation between CPET and Blood test parameters of the enrolled subjects. Univariate logistic regression analysis, multivariable cox regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier cumulative survival analysis was used to find CPET parameters for predicting the risk of PE recurrence.
Results
The exercise tolerance (load @ peak), metabolic capacity (VO2 @ AT, VO2 @ Peak), ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 @ AT, VE/VCO2 @ Peak, OUEP, LOWEST VE/VCO2), gas exchange (PETCO2 @ AT, PETCO2 @ Peak, PETO2 @ AT), and cardiovascular response (VO2/HR) of healthy people, Post-PE and PE subjects were different. The ventilatory efficiency (VE/VO2, VE/VCO2, LOWEST VE/VCO2, OUPE, VE/VCO2 slope), gas exchange (PETO2, PETCO2) of PE subgroups divided according to CTPA were also different. VO2 @ AT (% pred) can be used to predict the risk of PE recurrence.
Conclusion
CPET is an effective and responsible method for the assessment of pulmonary embolism.
Characteristics of Homebirth in Hungary: a Comparative Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wami Girma Alemu , Prémusz Viktória , Csákány György M. , Kálmán Kovács , Vértes Viola , Tamás Péter
Published: March 2022

Background
Births can take place either at home or in healthcare institutions in Hungary. Until 2012, home birth was neither legal nor illegal. But as of today, home birth is legal and regulated by law in Hungary, however, it has not yet been broadly accepted since only criminal cases were reported in the media before 2012. Our study aimed at exploring both real maternal and foeto-neonatal characteristics associated with Hungarian home births compared with institutional births.
Methods
A total of 2,997 cases were considered in support of our comparative retrospective cohort study. Data regarding home birth cases (n = 1792 for years 2012–2020) was sourced from Hungarian Tauffer databases (2012–2020) and compared with its matched institutional birth data (n = 1205 for the year 2020) obtained from a university linked obstetrical department. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted.
Results
In the examined period, there was a significant, continual incremental rise in the number of home births from 0.04 (2012) to 0.48% (2020) in Hungary, which represent a cc of 0.22% per year (95% CI, 0.02–0.25). The maternal age was 33.16 ± 4.71 and 29.69 ± 5.44 years for home births and institutionalized births, respectively (p < .001). Mothers choosing homebirth were multiparous and the majority have experienced spontaneous mode of childbirth compared with mothers who gave birth at a health care institution (p < .001). Some pathology (secondary uterine inertia, prolonged second stage labour and primary post-partum haemorrhage) were prevalent among homebirth cases (p < .05); and associated with a cc. 12% rate of transfer to a health care institution. But, the overall intervention rate was lower among homebirth (0.11% vs 42.57%) compared to institutional birth cases (p < .001). A slightly better Apgar score among institutionalized newborns correlated with a relatively high rate (20%) in Caesarean deliveries (p < .05).
Conclusions
The finding of our study demonstrates an increasing number of home births in Hungary. Strict criteria and requirements for midwives of homebirth provide an acceptable alternative in support of home childbirth for relatively healthy, low-risk mothers, even if it is not entirely free of charge.
Thawing permafrost poses environmental threat to thousands of sites with legacy industrial contamination.
Authors: Langer Moritz , von Deimling Thomas Schneider , Westermann Sebastian , Rolph Rebecca , Rutte Ralph , Rachold Volker , Schultz Michael , Grosse Guido
Published: March 2022

Permafrost thaw is expected to become widespread in this century, threatening Arctic ecosystems, communities, and infrastructure. To date, industrial contaminants that have accumulated in Arctic permafrost regions have largely been neglected in climate impact analyses. Using publicly available data, we estimate that more than 10,000 contaminated sites originate from industrial activities in Arctic permafrost regions. We find a wide range of toxic substances, most of which are associated with industrial activities in mineral exploration and extraction, processing, and energy. By 2050 to 2100, climate change will significantly increase the risk of pollution and mobilization of toxic substances by exposing 500 to 1,500 additional known industrial sites and 1,000 to 3,500 estimated contaminated sites to permafrost degradation. Our analysis points to the severe environmental hazard posed by the legacy of past and ongoing industrial activities in the Arctic, which will be exacerbated by permafrost thaw.