bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolving outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ling Ryan Ruiyang , Ramanathan Kollengode , Sim Jackie Jia Lin , Wong Suei Nee , Chen Ying , Amin Faizan , Fernando Shannon M. , Rochwerg Bram , Fan Eddy , Barbaro Ryan P. , MacLaren Graeme , Shekar Kiran , Brodie Daniel
Published: May 2022

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used extensively for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Reports early in the pandemic suggested that mortality in patients with COVID-19 receiving ECMO was comparable to non-COVID-19-related ARDS. However, subsequent reports suggested that mortality appeared to be increasing over time. Therefore, we conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis, to characterise changes in mortality over time and elucidate risk factors for poor outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis (CRD42021271202), searching MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases, from 1 December 2019 to 26 January 2022, for studies reporting on mortality among adults with COVID-19 receiving ECMO. We also captured hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and ECMO, as well as complications of ECMO. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses, assessed risk of bias of included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and evaluated certainty of pooled estimates using GRADE methodology.

Results

Of 4522 citations, we included 52 studies comprising 18,211 patients in the meta-analysis. The pooled mortality rate among patients with COVID-19 requiring ECMO was 48.8% (95% confidence interval 44.8–52.9%, high certainty). Mortality was higher among studies which enrolled patients later in the pandemic as opposed to earlier (1st half 2020: 41.2%, 2nd half 2020: 46.4%, 1st half 2021: 62.0%, 2nd half 2021: 46.5%, interactionpvalue = 0.0014). Predictors of increased mortality included age, the time of final patient enrolment from 1 January 2020, and the proportion of patients receiving corticosteroids, and reduced duration of ECMO run.

Conclusions

The mortality rate for patients receiving ECMO for COVID-19-related ARDS has increased as the pandemic has progressed. The reasons for this are likely multifactorial; however, as outcomes for these patients evolve, the decision to initiate ECMO should include the best contextual estimate of mortality at the time of ECMO initiation.
Characterization of PSOP26 as an ookinete surface antigen with improved transmission-blocking activity when fused with PSOP25
Authors: Wang Peng-peng , Jiang Xuefeng , Bai Jie , Yang Fan , Yu Xinxin , Wu Yudi , Zheng Wenqi , Zhang Yongzhe , Cui Liwang , Liu Fei , Zhu Xiaotong , Cao Yaming
Published: May 2022

Background

The Plasmodium zygote-to-ookinete developmental transition is an essential step for establishing an infection in the mosquito vector, and antigens expressed during this stage are potential targets for transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs). The secreted ookinete protein 26 (PSOP26) is a newly identified ookinete surface protein. The anti-PSOP26 serum has moderate transmission-blocking activity, indicating the benefit of further investigating this protein as a target for TBVs.

Methods

The function of psop26 was analyzed by targeted gene disruption. A chimeric PSOP25-PSOP26 protein was expressed in the Escherichia coli system. The PSOP25-PSOP26 fusion protein, along with mixed (PSOP25 + PSOP26) or single proteins (PSOP26 or PSOP25), were used for the immunization of mice. The antibody titers and immunogenicity of individual sera were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and Western blot. The transmission-blocking activity of sera from different immunization schemes was assessed using in vitro and in vivo assays.

Results

PSOP26 is a surface protein expressed in Plasmodium gametes and ookinetes. The protein is dispensable for asexual blood-stage development, gametogenesis, and zygote formation, but is essential for the zygote-to-ookinete developmental transition. Specifically, both the prevalence of infections and oocyst densities were decreased in mosquitoes fed on psop26-null mutants. Mixtures of individual PSOP25 and PSOP26 fragments (PSOP25 + PSOP26), as well as chimeras (PSOP25-PSOP26), elicited high antibody levels in mice, with no immunological interference. Antisera against the mixed and fusion proteins elicited higher transmission-reducing activity (TRA) than antisera against the single PSOP26 antigen, but comparable to antisera against PSOP25 antigen alone.

Conclusions

PSOP26 plays a critical role in the zygote-to-ookinete developmental transition. PSOP25 is a promising TBV candidate that could be used alone to target the ookinete stage.
Fine-mapping studies distinguish genetic risks for childhood- and adult-onset asthma in the HLA region
Authors: Clay Selene M. , Schoettler Nathan , Goldstein Andrew M. , Carbonetto Peter , Dapas Matthew , Altman Matthew C. , Rosasco Mario G. , Gern James E. , Jackson Daniel J. , Im Hae Kyung , Stephens Matthew , Nicolae Dan L. , Ober Carole
Published: May 2022

Background

Genome-wide association studies of asthma have revealed robust associations with variation across the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex with independent associations in the HLA class I and class II regions for both childhood-onset asthma (COA) and adult-onset asthma (AOA). However, the specific variants and genes contributing to risk are unknown.

Methods

We used Bayesian approaches to perform genetic fine-mapping for COA and AOA (n=9432 and 21,556, respectively;n=318,167 shared controls) in White British individuals from the UK Biobank and to perform expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) fine-mapping in immune (lymphoblastoid cell lines,n=398; peripheral blood mononuclear cells,n=132) and airway (nasal epithelial cells,n=188) cells from ethnically diverse individuals. We also examined putatively causal protein coding variation from protein crystal structures and conducted replication studies in independent multi-ethnic cohorts from the UK Biobank (COAn=1686; AOAn=3666; controlsn=56,063).

Results

Genetic fine-mapping revealed both shared and distinct causal variation between COA and AOA in the class I region but only distinct causal variation in the class II region. Both gene expression levels and amino acid variation contributed to risk. Our results from eQTL fine-mapping and amino acid visualization suggested that theHLA-DQA1*03:01 allele and variation associated with expression of the nonclassicalHLA-DQA2andHLA-DQB2genes accounted entirely for the most significant association with AOA in GWAS. Our studies also suggested a potentially prominent role for HLA-C protein coding variation in the class I region in COA. We replicated putatively causal variant associations in a multi-ethnic cohort.

Conclusions

We highlight roles for both gene expression and protein coding variation in asthma risk and identified putatively causal variation and genes in the HLA region. A convergence of genomic, transcriptional, and protein coding evidence implicates theHLA-DQA2andHLA-DQB2genes andHLA-DQA1*03:01 allele in AOA.
Excessive mechanical stress-induced intervertebral disc degeneration is related to Piezo1 overexpression triggering the imbalance of autophagy/apoptosis in human nucleus pulpous
Authors: Shi Sheng , Kang Xing-Jian , Zhou Zhi , He Zhi-Min , Zheng Shuang , He Shi-Sheng
Published: May 2022

Background

Mechanical stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The mechanosensitive Piezo1 ion channel can sense the changes in mechanical stress and convert the mechanical signals into chemical signals. This study aims to investigate the effect of Piezo1 on the mechanical stress-induced IVDD and explore the possible mechanism.

Methods

The expression of Piezo1 and collagen II in immunohistochemical staining, cervical curvature, and the stiffness of nucleus pulpous (NP) were performed in normal and degenerated human intervertebral discs. In the experiment, high-intensity compression was applied to mimic the mechanical environment of IVDD. The cell viability, matrix macromolecules, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were examined to investigate the effect of Piezo1 on mechanical stress-treated NP cells. Additionally, autophagy condition of NP cells was detected within high-intensity compression and/or the inhibitor of Piezo1, GsMTx4.

Results

The up-expression of Piezo1, down-expression of Col II, elevated stiffness of NP, and poor kyphosis were observed in degenerated human intervertebral discs. High-intensity stress significantly decreased cell viability and the synthesis of extracellular matrix but increased the expression of senescence-associated proteins (p53 and p16) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) by mitochondrial dysfunction and suppression of autophagy. However, GsMTx4 can partly attenuate these effects.

Conclusion

Piezo1 upregulation under excessive mechanical stress promotes the apoptosis, senescence, and pro-inflammatory cytokines of NP and leads to the loss of extracellular matrix by mitochondrial dysfunction and the suppression of autophagy; on the other hand, the inhibition of Piezo1 can partly alleviate these effects.
Defibulation can recall the trauma of female genital mutilation/cutting: a case report
Authors: Taraschi Gianmarco , Manin Emily , Bianchi De Micheli Francesco , Abdulcadir Jasmine
Published: May 2022

Background

Women with female genital mutilation/cutting are known to have psychological sequelae from the cutting and other traumatic experiences. However, very few studies report immediate psychological sequelae of genital reconstructive surgery in this population. The present case is the first to our knowledge to report post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms immediately following defibulation, a procedure common in women with female genital mutilation/cutting type III.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 31-year-old Sudanese nulliparous woman in the second trimester of pregnancy with female genital mutilation/cutting type IIIa who was referred for antepartum defibulation to facilitate a vaginal birth. Immediately after an uncomplicated surgery under local anesthesia and just before the first micturition, she developed post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and suddenly recalled the traumatic experience of her first micturition after female genital mutilation/cutting when she was a child in Sudan. The woman was offered psychiatric follow-up with psychotherapy for 4 months and a short course of benzodiazepines. She had fully recovered by the time of delivery, 4 months after surgery.

Conclusions

We discuss the possibility of recall of a past traumatic experience of female genital mutilation/cutting during defibulation or other genital surgeries. We review the benefits and risks of defibulation, the impact of this procedure, and the setting and timing in which it is performed, focusing on women’s mental health and psychological support.
Migraine among students of a medical college in western China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Haodi , Pu Shengxiong , Lu Yang , Luo Wenxiu , Zhao Jiayu , Liu Enzhuo , Yang Jiaming , Luo Xinya , Tang Xinyi , Zeng Cheng , Chen Jie , Luo Jiaming
Published: May 2022

Objective

As one of the most common primary headaches in clinical practice, migraine affects the learning ability and life quality of college students worldwide, posing a heavy burden on individuals and society. This study aims to investigate the incidence of migraine among Chinese medical college students and to explore its characteristics and typical triggers.

Method

From July 2019 to July 2020, North Sichuan Medical College in Sichuan province, China preliminarily screened migraine cases using ID-Migraine through cluster sampling. College students with positive ID-Migraine results would be included in this study if they were further diagnosed with migraine by neurologists based on ICHD-3. After the ethical review, patients’ personal and headache information would be collected, and the frequency, severity, onset time, and related triggers of migraine would be measured.

Results

The preliminary screening covered 8783 college students. The overall prevalence rate of migraine is 6.57%, 5.90% in men and 6.77% in women. The prevalence rate of migraine is higher for students in the first and second grades (8.01%, 8.05%), and students with a family history of migraine are more likely to suffer from migraine (OR = 1.509, 95% CI 1.060–2.148, P = 0.022 < 0.005). Staying up late (n = 329, 57.01%), stress (n = 319, 55.29%), catch a cold (n = 313, 54.25%) and sleep disorders (n = 302, 52.34%) are the common triggers.

Conclusion

Migraine is common among college students in North Sichuan Medical College. The incidence is higher among lower grade students, female students, and students with a family history of migraine. Improving sleep quality and reducing stress may be effective in relieving migraines.
Energy-Based Approach for Studying Fibre-Reinforced Concrete Subjected to Impact Loading
Authors: Konrád Petr , Sovják Radoslav
Published: May 2022

In general, concrete behaves differently when the load is applied at a different speed, i.e. concrete’s mechanical parameters are strain-rate sensitive. There is a need for an experimental method that should meet several criteria such as removal or accurate description of boundary conditions, simplicity, affordability and reproducibility of the experiments. The main goal of this study is the design, assembly and optimisation of the experimental apparatus and procedure to carry out the impact testing. Using this apparatus, an experimental study was conducted. The main aspect of this experimental method is the elimination of rigid supports, which could negatively affect the obtained results. Measured data are acquired using specifically designed measuring devices and analysed using a computer script. Four concrete mixtures were examined ranging from high-strength concrete to ultra high-performance concrete. Quasi-static experiments were also carried out for comparison. A clear difference in quasi-static and impact performance of the materials was observed. Different trends for different compositions of the tested concrete specimens were apparent. Higher fibre content specimens generally showed higher strain-rate sensitivity and the highest strain-rate sensitivity was observed in combination with the two strongest concrete matrices. This was most probably related to fibre anchoring, as complete fibre pullout before premature matrix failure was critical. The newly designed measuring apparatus greatly improves the speed and precision of conducting the impact experiments. It can be successfully used for a relatively quick and simple comparison of materials when designing concretes for withstanding elevated strain-rate loading.
Effects of 1-day e-learning education on perinatal psychological support skills among midwives and perinatal healthcare workers in Japan: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Shinohara Eriko , Ohashi Yukiko , Hada Ayako , Usui Yuriko
Published: May 2022

Background

Although midwives are expected to play a key role for psychological support throughout perinatal periods, their educational chances are limited. Versatile teaching strategies such as e-learning may be promising in expanding education. The objective of our study was to clarify the effects of an e-learning educational programme on midwives’ empathic communication skills.

Methods

From April 2019 to September 2019, a randomised controlled trial of a 1-day e-learning educational programme on perinatal psychological issues (both perinatal mental health assessment and empathic communication) was conducted to improve empathic communication skills of midwives and perinatal healthcare workers. Two types of measurements (paper-and-pencil multiple-choice test and video-viewing tests of simulated patient) were used to measure the competency of empathic communication skills.

Results

Participants (N = 115) were randomly allocated to two groups (Intervention: n = 58, Control: n = 57). The intervention group was at a significantly higher level for both post-tests of empathic communication skills compared with the control group. Both intervention and control groups showed improvements in acquiring knowledge about perinatal mental health assessments.

Conclusions

The results of our study show that a 1-day e-learning programme helped improve the midwives' empathic communications skills. Therefore, an effective 1-day e-learning educational programme of perinatal mental health will expand opportunity to learn about empathic communication skills for midwives and perinatal healthcare workers.

Trial registrations: UMIN000036052.
Intrapopulation differences in polar bear movement and step selection patterns
Authors: Wilson Ryan R. , Martin Michelle St. , Regehr Eric V. , Rode Karyn D.
Published: May 2022

Background

The spatial ecology of individuals often varies within a population or species. Identifying how individuals in different classes interact with their environment can lead to a better understanding of population responses to human activities and environmental change and improve population estimates. Most inferences about polar bear (Ursus maritimus) spatial ecology are based on data from adult females due to morphological constraints on applying satellite radio collars to other classes of bears. Recent studies, however, have provided limited movement data for adult males and sub-adults of both sexes using ear-mounted and glue-on tags. We evaluated class-specific movements and step selection patterns for polar bears in the Chukchi Sea subpopulation during spring.

Methods

We developed hierarchical Bayesian models to evaluate polar bear movement (i.e., step length and directional persistence) and step selection at the scale of 4-day step lengths. We assessed differences in movement and step selection parameters among the three classes of polar bears (i.e., adult males, sub-adults, and adult females without cubs-of-the-year).

Results

Adult males had larger step lengths and less directed movements than adult females. Sub-adult movement parameters did not differ from the other classes but point estimates were most similar to adult females. We did not detect differences among polar bear classes in step selection parameters and parameter estimates were consistent with previous studies.

Conclusions

Our findings support the use of estimated step selection patterns from adult females as a proxy for other classes of polar bears during spring. Conversely, movement analyses indicated that using data from adult females as a proxy for the movements of adult males is likely inappropriate. We recommend that researchers consider whether it is valid to extend inference derived from adult female movements to other classes, based on the questions being asked and the spatial and temporal scope of the data. Because our data were specific to spring, these findings highlight the need to evaluate differences in movement and step selection during other periods of the year, for which data from ear-mounted and glue-on tags are currently lacking.
Heritage hydrology: a conceptual framework for understanding water fluxes and storage in built and rock-hewn heritage
Authors: Sass Oliver , Viles Heather
Published: May 2022

Water plays a vital role in the deterioration and conservation of built and rock-hewn heritage and it is generally agreed that climate change is significantly changing the environmental controls on stone decay. We here introduce the framework of heritage hydrology as a holistic way of conceptualising the flows and stores, processes and impacts of water interacting with building materials. We distinguish the basic types of stone-built buildings, ruins and free-standing walls, and rock-hewn sites. Analogous to catchment hydrology, heritage hydrology can be subdivided into water fluxes and water reservoirs, further subdivided into inputs (e.g. wind-driven rain, capillary rise), throughputs (e.g. runoff down façade), storages (moisture content) and outputs (evaporation and runoff). Spatial patterns of moisture are different between buildings and rock-hewn sites, both presenting hydrological complexities. The interaction between mean and short-term precipitation, wind, radiation and resulting evaporation may lead to very different impacts at different heritage sites. We here differentiate between the detail scale, the façade scale and the building or site scale. Patterns at different sites can be very variable on different scales due to the multitude of influencing parameters and it is not clear which scale of moisture variations is actually relevant for decay processes. Temporal patterns are equally scale-dependent and include short-term fluctuations in temperature and rainfall, high-magnitude episodic events such as floods and storms, and longer-term changes as a result of seasonality, interannual variability and secular trends or climate change. Based on the outlined framework we advocate a research agenda for heritage hydrology in the future. This should focus on (1) finding the best combinations of methods to measure and model spatio-temporal patterns in moisture; (2) researching the major factors controlling spatio-temporal patterns in moisture; (3) figuring out which spatio-temporal patterns are most important for driving deterioration and how their respective scales interact.
Effect of nitrogen fertilizer on the resistance of rice near-isogenic lines with BPH resistance genes
Authors: Lin Shau-Ching , Li Yi , Hu Fang-Yu , Wang Chih-Lu , Kuang Yun-Hung , Sung Chang-Lin , Tsai Shin-Fu , Yang Zhi-Wei , Li Charng-Pei , Huang Shou-Horng , Liao Chung-Ta , Hechanova Sherry Lou , Jena Kshirod K. , Chuang Wen-Po
Published: May 2022

Background

Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development. Crops with a high nitrogen input usually have high yields. However, outbreaks of brown planthoppers (Nilaparvata lugens; BPH) frequently occur on rice farms with excessive nitrogen inputs. Rice plants carrying BPH resistance genes are used for integrated pest management. Thus, the impact of nitrogen on the resistance of rice near-isogenic lines (NILs) with BPH resistance genes was investigated.

Results

We tested these NILs using a standard seedbox screening test and a modified bulk seedling test under different nitrogen treatments. The amount of nitrogen applied had an impact on the resistance of some lines with BPH resistance genes. In addition, three NILs (NIL-BPH9, NIL-BPH17, and NIL-BPH32) were further examined for antibiosis and antixenosis under varying nitrogen regimes. The N. lugens nymph population growth rate, honeydew excretion, female fecundity, and nymph survival rate on the three NILs were not affected by different nitrogen treatments except the nymph survival rate on NIL-BPH9 and the nymph population growth rate on NIL-BPH17. Furthermore, in the settlement preference test, the preference of N. lugens nymphs for IR24 over NIL-BPH9 or NIL-BPH17 increased under the high-nitrogen regime, whereas the preference of N. lugens nymphs for IR24 over NIL-BPH32 was not affected by the nitrogen treatments.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that the resistance of three tested NILs did not respond to different nitrogen regimes and that NIL-BPH17 exerted the most substantial inhibitory effect on N. lugens growth and development.
Ultrasensitive and real-time optical detection of cellular oxidative stress using graphene-covered tunable plasmonic interfaces
Authors: Kim Hakchun , An Hyun Ji , Park Junhee , Lee Yohan , Kim Min Seob , Lee Seungki , Kim Nam Dong , Song Jihwan , Choi Inhee
Published: May 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate various physiological and pathological conditions in cells by interacting with signaling molecules and inducing oxidative stress. Therefore, sensitive monitoring of ROS levels in living cells is important to track cellular state and study the complex role of ROS in the development of various pathologies. Herein, we present an optically tunable plasmonic interface covered with graphene to monitor cellular ROS levels with superior sensitivity and cellular comfortability. As a sensing principle, we employed plasmon resonance energy transfer (PRET)-based spectral quenching dips modulated by redox-active cytochrome c for real-time monitoring. By transferring graphene layers to plasmonic nanoparticles immobilized on a glass substrate, the scattering profiles of the nanoprobes were adjusted in terms of the position, width, and intensity of the peaks to determine the optimal conditions for measuring the PRET signal. Using the optimized graphene-covered plasmonic nanoprobe, we obtained calibration curves over a wide concentration range from femtomoles to millimoles for hydrogen peroxide based on the change in the PRET signal. Before monitoring cellular ROS, we confirmed that a high density of cells adhered well to the graphene-covered plasmonic interface by observing immunofluorescence images of the cytoskeleton of the immobilized cells. Finally, we monitored the real-time ROS generated by the cells under oxidative stress conditions by directly measuring the spectral changes of the probes around the cells. We believe that the proposed graphene-covered tunable plasmonic interface has versatile applicability for investigating cellular stress and disease progression by monitoring ROS levels under various cellular conditions.
Comparison of corneal tomography using a novel swept-source optical coherence tomographer and rotating Scheimpflug system in normal and keratoconus eyes: repeatability and agreement analysis
Authors: Herber Robert , Lenk Janine , Pillunat Lutz E. , Raiskup Frederik
Published: May 2022

Background

To determine the repeatability and agreement using corneal tomography of a swept-source optical coherence tomographer (SS-OCT) compared to a rotating Scheimpflug camera (RSC) in normal eyes and keratoconus (KC) eyes.

Methods

This prospective repeatability analysis was performed at the Department of Ophthalmology of University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany. Forty-three normal and 57 KC eyes were enrolled in the study. Three consecutive measurements were performed by the same operator on each device. Corneal parameters of anterior and posterior corneal surface, such as simulated keratometry (SimK), as well as central and thinnest corneal thickness were evaluated. Repeatability and agreement were assessed by using the coefficient of repeatability and Bland-Altman analysis.

Results

The repeatability of anterior corneal parameters was comparable between RSC and SS-OCT in normal eyes (repeatability < 0.5 D). Repeatability was increased in mild and moderate KC for all parameters using both devices. In moderate KC, repeatability of Kmax was 1.33 D and 0.78 D for RSC and SS-OCT, respectively. Repeatability of posterior corneal parameters was consistently better for SS-OCT. Significant offsets and wide ranges of limits of agreement were found between the devices for SimK and corneal thickness values.

Conclusions

SS-OCT showed highly repeatable measurements of anterior and posterior corneal parameters in normal and KC eyes. Compared to RSC, the SS-OCT had a better repeatability of anterior corneal parameters in mild and moderate KC as well as posterior corneal parameters in all groups. Both devices should not be used interchangeably in the diagnostic process of patients.

Trial registrationNCT04251143 at Clinicaltrials.gov, registered on 12 March 2018,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04251143?cond=Keratoconus&cntry=DE&city=Dresden&draw=2&rank=1
Press water from the mechanical drying of Douglas-fir wood chips has multiple beneficial effects on lignocellulolytic fungi
Authors: Reppke Manfred J. , Gerstner Rebecca , Windeisen-Holzhauser Elisabeth , Richter Klaus , Benz J. Philipp
Published: May 2022

Background

The mechanical drying of wood chips is an innovative method that improves the heating value of sawmill by-products in an energy-efficient continuous process. The liquid that comes out of the wood chips as press water (PW), however, contains a variety of undissolved as well as dissolved organic substances. The disposal of the PW as wastewater would generate additional costs due to its high organic load, offsetting the benefits in energy costs associated with the enhanced heating value of the wood chips. Our research explored if the organic load in PW could be utilized as a substrate by cellulolytic filamentous fungi. Hence, using the industrially relevant Ascomycete Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30 as well as several Basidiomycete wood-rotting fungi, we examined the potential of press water obtained from Douglas-fir wood chips to be used in the growth and enzyme production media.

Results

The addition of PW supernatant to liquid cultures of T. reesei RUT-C30 resulted in a significant enhancement of the endoglucanase and endoxylanase activities with a substantially shortened lag-phase. A partial replacement of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, as well as a complete replacement of Fe2+, Mn2+, Zn2+ by supplementing PW of the liquid media was achieved without negative effects on enzyme production. Concentrations of PW above 50% showed no adverse effects regarding the achievable endoglucanase activity but affected the endoxylanase activity to some extent. Exploring the enhancing potential of several individual PW components after chemical analysis revealed that the observed lag-phase reduction of T. reesei RUT-C30 was not caused by the dissolved sugars and ions, nor the wood particles in the PW sediment, suggesting that other, so far non-identified, compounds are responsible. However, also the growth rate of several basidiomycetes was significantly enhanced by the supplementation of raw PW to the agar medium. Moreover, their cultivation in liquid cultures reduced the turbidity of the PW substantially.

Conclusions

PW was identified as a suitable media supplement for lignocellulolytic fungi, including the cellulase and xylanase producer T. reesei RUT-C30 and several wood-degrading basidiomycetes. The possibility to replace several minerals, trace elements and an equal volume of fresh water in liquid media with PW and the ability of fungal mycelia to filter out the suspended solids is a promising way to combine biological wastewater treatment with value-adding biotechnological applications.
Gender, nutritional disparities, and child survival in Nepal
Authors: Fledderjohann Jasmine , Channon Melanie
Published: May 2022

Background

This paper examines seemingly contradictory evidence from extant research that son preference is high, but male disadvantage in mortality is increasing in Nepal. To do so, we documented the timing, geographic patterning, and extent of gendered patterns in mortality and feeding practices for children under-five.

Methods

We applied pooled multilevel regression models and survival analysis to five rounds of data from Nepal’s nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys (1996–2016). We controlled for potential sociodemographic confounders, including child, maternal, household, and regional correlates, and disaggregated findings by birth order and sibling gender.

Results

We found evidence of regional variation in mortality, with girls in wealthy urban areas faring the worst in terms of mortality rates. Girls’ comparative mortality advantage compared to boys in the neonatal period masks their mortality disadvantage in later periods. Mortality has fallen at a faster rate for boys than girls in most cases, leading to widening of gender inequalities. We also found evidence of female disadvantage in breastfeeding duration, which was linked to higher mortality risks, but no gender disparities in the consumption of other food items. Sibling gender and birth order also mattered for breastfeeding duration: Young girls with older sisters but with no brothers were most disadvantaged.

Conclusion

While we did not find evidence of postnatal discrimination in access to solid and semi-solid foods, girls in Nepal face a disadvantage in breastfeeding duration. Girls with older sisters but no older brothers facing the greatest disadvantage, with risks being particularly concentrated for girls aged 1–4 years. This disadvantage is linked to an increased risk of mortality. To address this, community-based health programs could be expanded to continue targeted healthcare for children beyond 12 months of age, with particular focus on nutrition monitoring and health service provision for girls.
Anti-reflux surgery in neonates and infants: analysis of indications, outcomes, and link to mortality among primary and secondary gastroesophageal reflux patients
Authors: Mostafa Ibrahim A. , Hader Hamad A. , Khan Safwan A. , Hilal Ahmed M. , Gathradi Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Ashraf H. M.
Published: May 2022

Background

The indications and benefits of anti-reflux surgery (ARS) in neonates and infants are uncertain. Prematurity, operation before 1 year of age, neurological impairment (NI), and chronic lung disease (CLD) are risk factors for surgical failure. We aim to document the indications, management, and outcomes of ARS in this age group and compare them among primary and secondary gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).

Results

Between January 2008 and December 2019, 24 males and 22 females had ARS; 13 (28.3%) for primary while 33 (71.7%) for secondary GERD. The mean gestational age was 34.6 weeks (range 24–41) and mean birth weight was 2000 gm (range 600–3300). The weight at time of referral ranged from 1.4 kg to 4 kg (mean 2.2 kg). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the previous data. The group of primary GERD presented mainly with recurrent aspiration (n = 8), recurrent apnea (n = 5), and recurrent desaturations with or shortly after feeds (n = 4). The group of secondary GERD were referred for poor sucking with failure to thrive (FTT) (n = 25), recurrent aspiration (n = 20), and gastrostomy request (n = 14). The risk factors for secondary GERD were neurologically impaired (n = 22), post-esophageal atresia (EA) repair (n = 9), hiatus hernia (n = 4), thoracic stomach (n = 2), N-type tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF, n = 4), and congenital esophageal stenosis (CES, n = 4). The operations included open Nissen’s fundoplication (ONF) (n = 4) and modified open Thal’s fundoplication (MOTF) (n = 42). There were 8 mortalities in the secondary group, unrelated to surgery. Morbidities after Nissen’s fundoplication included wrap migration, gas bloat, and reoperation in one, laparotomy for intestinal obstruction (IO) in one. Following MOTF, there were two cases of transient recurrent GERD which improved with time and laparotomy in one for IO.

Conclusions

Diagnostic tests remain a challenge. Isolated TEF and CES may require fundoplication for staged management. Cases of the primary group did better with MTFO. Prematurity, CLD and age < 2 months were not significant risk factors for fundoplication failure or mortality. Neurological impairment was a risk factor for mortality.
Maintaining One-Lung Ventilation With an Endobronchial Blocker Through a Damaged Left-Sided Double-Lumen Tube: A Case Report
Authors: Singley Patrick M. , Peterson Thomas J. , Rallya William E. , Iaconetti Dominick J. , Khandhar Sandeep J. , Hodgson John A.
Published: May 2022

One-lung ventilation (OLV) can be accomplished utilizing a double-lumen tube (DLT) and an endobronchial blocker (EBB) or intentionally placing a standard endotracheal tube (ETT) into a mainstem bronchus. However, secondary options must be available should the primary method fail. We present a case where an EBB and a fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) were successfully passed through a left-sided DLT to reestablish right-lung isolation after the DLT bronchial cuff was surgically damaged. We advocate competency in placing both DLTs and EBBs, as well as having EBBs readily accessible as a secondary isolation method during OLV.
Data-driven pedestrian simulation
Authors: Κουσκουλής Γεώργιος
Published: May 2022

Σκοπό της παρούσας έρευνας αποτελεί η διερεύνηση της καταλληλότητας υιοθέτησης μοντέλων που βασίζονται σε μεθόδους ανάλυσης δεδομένων για την προσομοίωση της πεζής κίνησης. Για το σκοπό αυτό, σχεδιάζονται κατάλληλα μοντέλα και εξετάζεται αν δύναται να παράσχουν ένα αξιόπιστο μεθοδολογικό πλαίσιο στην προσομοίωση της πεζής κίνησης. Επιπλέον, αξιολογείται η απόδοσή τους σε σχέση με τα αντίστοιχα θεωρητικά μοντέλα προσομοίωσης της πεζής κίνησης. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό πραγματοποιείται μια συγκριτική ανάλυση ενός αρκετά γνωστού και ευρέως εφαρμοσμένου θεωρητικού μοντέλου προσομοίωσης της πεζής κίνησης (το μοντέλο social force) και τεσσάρων μεθόδων ανάλυσης δεδομένων: των Τεχνητών Νευρωνικών Δικτύων, των Μηχανών Διανυσμάτων Υποστήριξης, των Gaussian Processes και της Τοπικά Σταθμισμένης μη Παραμετρικής Παλινδρόμησης. Προγενέστερα αυτού μια εκτενής βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση ανέδειξε τα υφιστάμενα θεωρητικά μοντέλα προσομοίωσης τηςπεζής κίνησης και τις παραμέτρους τους. Ακολούθως σχεδιάστηκε ένα κατάλληλο μεθοδολογικό πλαίσιο για τη συγκριτική ανάλυση. Αρχικά συλλέχθηκαν τα δεδομένα (οι τροχιές των πεζών) από δυο διαφορετικούς τύπους περιοχών, την πλατφόρμα ενός σταθμού του μετρό κατά τις ώρες αιχμής και ενός εμπορικού κέντρου κατά τις απογευματινές ώρες, όλα μέσω βιντεοσκόπησης. Ακολούθως με τη βοήθεια ενός κατάλληλου λογισμικού εξήχθησαν οι τροχιές των πεζών. Καθώς τα συλλεχθέντα δεδομένα περιέχουν θόρυβο αναπτύχθηκε κατάλληλος αλγόριθμος για ελαχιστοποίηση του θορύβου των δεδομένων, υιοθετώντας έναν συνδυασμό υφιστάμενων φίλτρων ομαλοποίησης. Στη συνέχεια αναπτύχθηκε ένα κατάλληλο μοντέλο προσομοίωσης της πεζής κίνησης το οποίο ενσωματώθηκε στις μεθόδους ανάλυσης δεδομένων καθώς αυτές δεν διαθέτουν κάποιο πλαίσιο προσομοίωσης της πεζής κίνησης. Για την πραγματοποίηση μιας δίκαιης σύγκρισης χρησιμοποιήθηκαν στα μοντέλα ανάλυσης δεδομένων οι παράμετροιτου θεωρητικού μοντέλου προσομοίωσης της πεζής κίνησης. Η μέθοδος της διασταυρωμένης επικύρωσης (cross-validation) υιοθετήθηκε ως η καταλληλότερη μέθοδος για την εξέταση της απόδοσης των μοντέλων και για τον περιορισμό του προβλήματος της υπερμοντελοποίησης (overfitting). Επιπλέον χρησιμοποιήθηκε ένας συνδυασμός δεικτών απόδοσης για να ποσοτικοποιηθεί η καλή προσαρμογή και η ακρίβεια των μοντέλων. Τα αποτελέσματα υποδεικνύουν πως οι μέθοδοι ανάλυσης δεδομένων παρουσιάζουν μεγαλύτερη δυνατότητα προσομοίωσης της πεζής κίνησης καθώς αποδίδουν καλύτερα με βάση όλους τους προαναφερθέντες δείκτες. Μετά το πρώτο επίπεδο της συγκριτικής αξιολόγησης (όπου συγκρίνονται μοντέλα με τις ίδιες παραμέτρους), επιπλέον παράμετροι (τα χαρακτηριστικά των πεζών και η παράμετρος του χρόνου) ενσωματώθηκαν στα μοντέλα ανάλυσης δεδομένων για εξεταστεί περαιτέρω βελτίωση της απόδοσής τους. Τα αποτελέσματα αυτής της ανάλυσης υποδεικνύουν πως η υιοθέτηση των συγκεκριμένων μεταβλητών μπορεί να βελτιώσει την απόδοση των μοντέλων ανάλυσης δεδομένων που αφορούν στην προσομοίωση της πεζής κίνησης.
Συγκριτική μελέτη επιφανειομέτρησης κορμού σε σκολιωτικούς ασθενείς με σκολιόμετρο (Bunnell) και με το Formetrics 4D σύστημα (Diers Medical Systems)
Authors: Μαραγκουδάκης Εμμανουήλ
Published: May 2022

Εισαγωγή: Ο σκοπός αυτής της μελέτης είναι να αξιολογήσει τις επιδράσεις της δοκιμασίαςεπίκυψης έναντι της όρθιας όρθιας θέσης στην ασυμμετρία του κορμού. Αξιολογήθηκαν οι μετρήσεις του σκολιόμετρου σε θέση επίκυψης και του 4DFormetric (4DF, Diers International, Schlangenbad, Germany) στην όρθια θέση.ΜέθοδοιΗ γωνία κλίσης του κορμού μετρήθηκε στα επίπεδα της μέσης θωρακικής, τηςθωρακοοσφυϊκής και της οσφυϊκής μοίρας της σπονδυλικής στήλης χρησιμοποιώνταςτο σκολιόμετρο στη θέση επίκυψης και το 4DF στην όρθια θέση. Συνολικά αξιολογήθηκαν 134 άτομα (86 κορίτσια και 48 αγόρια), ηλικίας από 7 έως 18 ετών. Τα παιδιά και οι έφηβοι χωρίστηκαν σε τρεις ομάδες ανάλογα με τη σοβαρότητα τηςασυμμετρία του κορμού: ομάδα 1 (0ο - 2ο), ομάδα 2 (2ο - 6ο) και ομάδα 3 μεασυμμετρία ≥ 7ο . Τα παιδιά με ανισοσκελία εξαιρέθηκαν από τη μελέτη. Το στατιστικό πακέτο IBM SPSS v.20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, ΝΥ) χρησιμοποιήθηκε για ανάλυση. Αποτελέσματα: Στο μεσοθωρακικό επίπεδο που συνέκρινε το σκολιόμετρο με τις μετρήσεις 4DF σεάνδρες στην ομάδα 1, η δοκιμασία Wilcoxon έδειξε p = 0,451 ενώ ο Spearman Rhoήταν -0,138. στην ομάδα 2, p = 0,184 και Rho = 0,204. και στην ομάδα 3, p = 0.109και Rho = 0.500. Για τα κορίτσια στην ομάδα 1, p = 0,000 ενώ Rho = 0,003; στηνομάδα 2, p = 0.008 και Rho = 0.000, και στην ομάδα 3, p = 0.003 ενώ Rho = 0.642. Στο επίπεδο του θωρακοοσφυϊκής συμβολής σε άνδρες για την ομάδα 1, p = 0,004 και Rho = -0,517. στην ομάδα 2, p = 0,006 και Rho = 0,000. και στην ομάδα 3, p =0,043 ενώ Rho = 0,053. Για τις γυναίκες της ομάδας 1, p = 0,000 και Rho = -0,095.στην ομάδα 2, p = 0.000 και Rho = -0.171. στην ομάδα 3, p = 0,001 ενώ Rho = -0,081. Στο οσφυϊκό επίπεδο για τους άνδρες στην ομάδα 1 p = 0,000 ενώ Rho =0,149. στην ομάδα 2, p = 0.003 και Rho = 0.373. ενώ στην ομάδα 3, p = 0,109 καιRho = (-). Για τα κορίτσια στην ομάδα 1, p = 0,000 ενώ Rho = -0,072. στην ομάδα 2,p = 0,001 και Rho = 0,168. και στην ομάδα 3, p = 0,068 ενώ Rho = 0,500. Οι παραπάνω τιμές δείχνουν ότι δεν παρατηρήθηκαν συσχετίσεις μεταξύ της γωνίαςκλίσης όπως μετράται με το σκολιόμετρο σε όρθια πρόσθια κάμψη του κορμού καιτης γωνίας κλίσης που μετράται με το Formetrics σε όρθια θέση, με τις εξής δυοεξαιρέσεις: Τα αγόρια με κορμική ασυμμετρία 0º - 2º, στο θωρακοοσφυϊκό επίπεδοτης σπονδυλικής στήλης και τα τα κορίτσια με κορμική ασυμμετρία > 7º, στημεσότητα της θωρακικής μοίρας της σπονδυλικής στήλης. Συμπεράσματα: Τα αποτελέσματα αυτής της μελέτης δείχνουν ότι η ασυμμετρία της ράχης στα παιδιά και τους εφήβους δεν είναι παρόμοιες στην όρθια θέση και σε θέση επίκυψης. Αυτό το φαινόμενο οφείλεται κατά πάσα πιθανότητα στην περίπλοκη ανατομία του κορμού (σπονδυλική, θωρακική και πυελική) και τα αποτελέσματα αυτής της μελέτης μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν ως χρήσιμο θεμέλιο για την περαιτέρω κατανόηση της δυναμικής του κορμού.
Μελέτη, ανάλυση και μοντελοποίηση των παραμέτρων που περιγράφουν την θερμοκρασιακή συμπεριφορά των μονωτήρων σε διάφορες συνθήκες λειτουργίας
Authors: Λεραντζής Παρασκευάς
Published: May 2022

Αντικείμενο της Διατριβής είναι η μελέτη της συμπεριφοράς των πορσελάνινων μονωτήρων των γραμμών μεταφοράς. Συγκεκριμένα, επιλέχθηκαν μονωτήρες που χρησιμοποιούνται στο ελληνικό δίκτυο μεταφοράς ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας για γραμμές Υψηλής και Υπερυψηλής Τάσεως και πραγματοποιήθηκαν πειράματα για τη μέτρηση των θερμοκρασιακών μεταβολών τους.Τα αντίστοιχα πειραματικά αποτελέσματα, αξιοποιήθηκαν για την ανάπτυξη υπολογιστικών μεθοδολογιών και την επικύρωση των αποτελεσμάτων των μεθοδολογιών αυτών. Αρχικά, οι μετρήσεις για διαφορετικές τιμές της έντασης του ρεύματος στους αγωγούς που συνδέονται με τους μονωτήρες χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για την ανάπτυξη μεθόδου υπολογισμού των θερμοκρασιακών μεταβολών με χρήση της μεθόδου των πεπερασμένων στοιχείων (FEM).Επίσης, εφαρμόστηκαν τεχνικές ανέπαφων μετρήσεων (υπέρυθρη ακτινοβολία) με χρήση θερμικής κάμερας για την εκτίμηση και πρόβλεψη των τιμών της παραμέτρου της εκπεμπτικότητας της θερμοκάμερας. Οι θερμοκρασιακές μεταβολές των μονωτήρων υπό πραγματικές συνθήκες περιβάλλοντος μετρήθηκαν για διαφορετικά σημεία παρατήρησης από τη θερμική κάμερα και τα αποτελέσματα χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για την ανάπτυξη μεθόδου υπολογισμού των παραμέτρων (εκπεμπτικότητα) της θερμικής κάμερας που επηρεάζονται. Επιπλέον, ελέγχθηκε η αξιοπιστία διάφορων μαθηματικών μοντέλων πρόβλεψης της τιμής της παραμέτρου της εκπεμπτικότητας και με τη χρήση της μεθόδου των ελαχίστων τετραγώνων τρίτου βαθμού που αναπτύχθηκε βελτιστοποιήθηκε η μοντελοποίηση της σε σχέση με τις αντίστοιχες πειραματικές τιμές. Τέλος, αναπτύχθηκε λογισμικό υπολογισμού των τιμών της μοντελοποίησης για την παραπάνω παράμετρο με χρήση κατάλληλης υπολογιστικής πλατφόρμας με στόχο να ελαχιστοποιηθεί η υποκειμενικότητα στην επιλογή του καταλληλότερου μονωτή.
Άνθρωποι, χώρος, καλλιέργειες
Authors: Βίδρας Γεώργιος
Published: May 2022

Η παρούσα διατριβή μελετά την αγροτική οικονομία της υπαίθρου του νησιού της Κρήτης κατά το δεύτερο μισό του 17ου αιώνα, στη διάρκεια της πολεμικής αναμέτρησης μεταξύ Βενετών και Οθωμανών για την επικράτηση στην Κρήτη, γνωστή στη βιβλιογραφία ως Κρητικός Πόλεμος (1645-1699), και κατά τις πρώτες δεκαετίες μετά την επιβολή της πλήρους κυριαρχίας των Οθωμανών.
Clinical profile and outcome of acute kidney injury in a tertiary care center of eastern Nepal
Authors: Singh Dipendra , Thapaliya Bishal , Bhatta Gaurab , Yadav Dipak Kumar , Shrestha Shailendra , Singh Jitendra , Shah Sandesh
Published: May 2022

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a global problem and it is encountered both in community and in-hospital patients. AKI has caused very significant damage to the health sector with high morbidity and mortality rates as well as a financial burden to the family. AKI contributes to a 3% incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Sepsis and hypovolemia-associated ischemia is the most common cause of AKI.  AKI has various risk factors, modes of presentation and outcomes. Also, the prevalence varies across the different populations. There is a paucity of data about the clinical profile of AKI in the eastern part of Nepal. This study aims to assess the age, comorbid conditions, the severity of AKI, mode of treatment, and outcome of patients with AKI admitted to the Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional analytical study conducted at a Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal from July 2018 to June 2019 AD.

Results

In this study, 192 patients diagnosed with AKI were included. Male patients accounted for 52.7%. The mean age was 48.6±18.73 years. Most of the patients (74.5%) were below <60 years of age.  The average duration of hospital stay was 8 days. The common cause of AKI was sepsis in 71.9%. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was seen in 52.6% of patients. Most of the patients (41%) were at stage III AKI at the time of admission. Hemodialysis was done in 14.6% and 85.4% were managed conservatively. Average sessions of hemodialysis were 3.61. Complete recovery was seen in 69.8% of the patients.

Conclusions

We observed that early diagnosis, avoidance of nephrotoxic agents, and early, aggressive, and appropriate interventions result in improved patient outcomes. However late presentations of AKI have a higher hospital mortality rate.