bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Modelling for Self-c=Consumption of Roof-Top Photovoltaic Systems in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez Álvaro , Rodríguez-Monroy Carlos
Published: September 2021

This article has been developed to assess the economic feasibility of a roof-top photovoltaic installation of industrial self-consumption. Numerical models that enable an interested person to obtain the main expected parameters will be generated. To do this, a calculation methodology will be generated through which the reader, knowing the location of the facility and dimensions of the roof, will be able to calculate the maximum installable power, the main parameters related to production, the cost of the installation, and the LCOE of the plant. The use of actual costs will be facilitated in case they are known, but it will remain possible to apply the costs of the major equipment (modules, inverter, and structure) considered throughout the article. This developed calculation methodology will also allow a quick comparison of the forecasts of production, CAPEX, and LCOE of plants designed with different inclinations and different types of modules. Consequently, it will be especially useful for decision-making before developing the plant's basic engineering. Moreover, the calculations used for modeling the LCOE will be analyzed in depth. This analysis will allow evaluating how the different technical variables affect the profitability of a photovoltaic installation, such as the selected tilt, the location, the module's technology, or the available area.
Short-term Epileptiform Activity Potentiates Excitatory Synapses but does not Affect Intrinsic Membrane Properties of Pyramidal Neurons in the Rat Hippocampus in Vitro
Authors: Ergina Julia L. , Amakhin Dmitry V. , Postnikova Tatyana Y. , Soboleva Elena B. , Zaitsev Aleksey V.
Published: September 2021

Even brief epileptic seizures can lead to activity-dependent structural remodeling of neural circuitry. Animal models show that the functional plasticity of synapses and changes in the intrinsic excitability of neurons can be crucial for epileptogenesis. However, the exact mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis remain unclear. We induced epileptiform activity in rat hippocampal slices for 15 min using a 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) in vitro model and observed hippocampal hyperexcitability for at least 1 hour. We tested several possible mechanisms of this hyperexcitability, including changes in intrinsic membrane properties of neurons, presynaptic and postsynaptic alterations. Neither input resistance nor other essential biophysical properties of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons were affected by epileptiform activity. The glutamate release probability also remained unchanged, as the frequency of miniature EPSCs and the paired amplitude ratio of evoked responses did not change after epileptiform activity. However, we found an increase in the AMPA/NMDA ratio, suggesting alterations in the properties of postsynaptic glutamatergic receptors. Thus, the increase in excitability of hippocampal neural networks is realized through postsynaptic mechanisms. In contrast, the intrinsic membrane properties of neurons and the probability of glutamate release from presynaptic terminals are not affected in a 4-AP model.
Fishing under climate change: Dynamics of composition and structure of catches in the Russian Black Sea in the XXI century
Authors: Balykin P. A. , Kutsyn D. N. , Startsev A. V.
Published: September 2021

Currently, the Black Sea ecosystem is undergoing significant changes, and that affects the dynamics of the species composition of catches. The main reasons for the change in the Black Sea ichthyofauna are considered to be: fishing, anthropogenic water pollution, invasion of new species, and the effect of large-scale climatic and related oceanological and hydrological processes on the productivity characteristics of commercial Black Sea fish. With no understanding the patterns of the effect of these factors on ichthyofauna, it is impossible to rationally use bioresources and protect nature. The aim of the work was to study the effect of climate warming on the species composition and structure of catches in the Russian Black Sea in the XXI century. The authors had used: the results of own ichthyological observations; data published on the composition of the Black Sea catches; and the information available on the official websites of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, the Federal Agency for Fishery, and its Sea of Azov – Black Sea Territorial Administration. The analysis of the possible effect of global warming on the results of fishing in the Russian Black Sea was carried out. It is shown that in the XXI century, the ratio of thermophilic fish, which spawn in the summer, increased; those species are European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758), red mullet Mullus barbatus Linnaeus, 1758, and horse mackerel Trachurus mediterraneus (Steindachner, 1868). As established, the dynamics of the ichthyofauna in the area is determined by at least four processes related to water warming: improvement of reproduction conditions and increased survival of eggs and juveniles of thermophilic species; change in the intraspecific structure; invasion and naturalization of Mediterranean species with the subsequent change in the food relationships within the ecosystem; and concentration of psychrophilic species at greater depths. The need for a thorough study of this issue is concluded, aimed at long-term forecasting of the raw material base state of the fishing industry in the Russian Black Sea.
A multi-biome study of tree cover detection using the Forest Cover Index
Authors: Becker Sarah , Maloney Megan , Griffin Andrew
Published: September 2021

Tree cover maps derived from satellite and aerial imagery directly support civil and military operations. However, distinguishing tree cover from other vegetative land covers is an analytical challenge. While the commonly used Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) can identify vegetative cover, it does not consistently distinguish between tree and low-stature vegetation. The Forest Cover Index (FCI) algorithm was developed to take the multiplicative product of the red and near infrared bands and apply a threshold to separate tree cover from non-tree cover in multispectral imagery (MSI). Previous testing focused on one study site using 2-m resolution commercial MSI from WorldView-2 and 30-m resolution imagery from Landsat-7. New testing in this work used 3-m imagery from PlanetScope and 10-m imagery from Sentinel-2 in imagery in sites across 12 biomes in South and Central America and North Korea. Overall accuracy ranged between 23% and 97% for Sentinel-2 imagery and between 51% and 98% for PlanetScope imagery. Future research will focus on automating the identification of the threshold that separates tree from other land covers, exploring use of the output for machine learning applications, and incorporating ancillary data such as digital surface models and existing tree cover maps.
Study the Efficiency of Two Concentrations from Algae Cladophora glomerata Extract on the Giardia lamblia parasite
Authors: Fayyad Raghad J. , Lefta Siham N. , Mohammed Dina Yousif , Maliki Sara A.J.
Published: September 2021

Giardia lamblia parasite was isolated from the diarrhea samples of patients with Giardiasis dysentery and was developed in HSP media, four mice groups have been used to find in vivo efficacy of two concentrations (128,256) mg/ml of chlorophorm extracts from Cladophora glomerata algae against Giardia lamblia parasite  as compared with (Flagyl) by measuring several biochemical markers as ( GPT and GOT) enzymes ,sodium ,potassium and iron concentration as well as counting the number of parasitic cysts in each mice groups. The results demonstrate that levels of GPTA GOT enzymes have been decreased in mice treated with algal extract. As for the concentration of the Sodium, Potassium and Iron increased in mice treated with algal extract. The number of the Giardia cyst is also reduced in orally inoculated mice with both concentrations of algal extract as compared with positive control and the Flagyl treated group. In terms of bioactive compounds, GC-Mass results indicate the presence of many phytochemicals with different biologically active properties This study represents the first attempt to use Cladophora glomerata derived from phytochemicals to treat giardiasis in vivo.
Determining the Mobility of some Essential Elements in Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) by the Neutron Activation Analysis
Authors: Tousi Ehsan Taghizadeh
Published: September 2021

The main purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the concentrations of six essential metals (Na+, Mg2+, K+, Ca2+, Fe2+ and Zn2+) in saffron and a farm soil using the neutron activation analysis (NAA) as a nuclear spectrometry method. The stratified random sampling method was used here. The NAA results showed the well uptake of Mg2+, K+, Ca2+, Fe2+, and Zn2+ in saffron, which is lower than the toxicity range. Based on the contamination factor and geoaccumulation index, soil contamination levels were determined uncontaminated by Zn, moderately contaminated by Na+ and Fe2+, and strongly contaminated by Ca2+, K+, and Mg2+. Results of the contamination degree and pollution load index indicated moderately/strongly soil contamination and a moderate geometric mean of the contamination index. The Na+ enrichment factor (EF) showed a minimal man-made impact on sodium enrichment. Saffron cultivation has likely caused more accumulations of Mg2+, K+, Ca2+, and Fe2+, as well as a considerable deficiency of Zn2+ in the soil, based on EFs. The biological concentration factor showed a significant zinc accumulation by the corm of saffron. There was well translocation from corm to all the aerial tissues for K+. Also, sodium adsorption ratio, exchangeable sodium percentage, pH, and electrical conductivity evaluated the non-salinity level of soil in all saffron farms.
Numerical Solutions of Two-Dimensional Vorticity Transport Equation Using Crank-Nicolson Method
Authors: Rasheed Maan A. , Kadhim Suad Naji
Published: September 2021

This paper is concerned with the numerical solutions of the vorticity transport equation (VTE) in two-dimensional space with homogenous Dirichlet boundary conditions. Namely, for this problem, the Crank-Nicolson finite difference equation is derived.  In addition, the consistency and stability of the Crank-Nicolson method are studied. Moreover, a numerical experiment is considered to study the convergence of the Crank-Nicolson scheme and to visualize the discrete graphs for the vorticity and stream functions. The analytical result shows that the proposed scheme is consistent, whereas the numerical results show that the solutions are stable with small space-steps and at any time levels.
On Cohomology Groups of Four-Dimensional Nilpotent Associative Algebras
Authors: Mohammed N. F. , Gasim S. G. , Mohammed A. S.
Published: September 2021

The study of cohomology groups is one of the most intensive and exciting researches that arises from algebraic topology. Particularly, the dimension of cohomology groups is a highly useful invariant which plays a rigorous role in the geometric classification of associative algebras. This work focuses on the applications of low dimensional cohomology groups. In this regards, the cohomology groups of degree zero and degree one of nilpotent associative algebras in dimension four are described in matrix form.
Data Mining Techniques for Iraqi Biochemical Dataset Analysis
Authors: Sameer Sarah , Behadili Suhad Faisal
Published: September 2021

This research aims to analyze and simulate biochemical real test data for uncovering the relationships among the tests, and how each of them impacts others. The data were acquired from Iraqi private biochemical laboratory. However, these data have many dimensions with a high rate of null values, and big patient numbers. Then, several experiments have been applied on these data beginning with unsupervised techniques such as hierarchical clustering, and k-means, but the results were not clear. Then the preprocessing step performed, to make the dataset analyzable by supervised techniques such as Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Logistic Regression (LR), K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN), Naïve Bays (NB), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) techniques. CART gives clear results with high accuracy between the six supervised algorithms. It is worth noting that the preprocessing steps take remarkable efforts to handle this type of data, since its pure data set has so many null values of a ratio 94.8%, then it becomes 0% after achieving the preprocessing steps. Then, in order to apply CART algorithm, several determined tests were assumed as classes. The decision to select the tests which had been assumed as classes were depending on their acquired accuracy. Consequently, enabling the physicians to trace and connect the tests result with each other, which extends its impact on patients’ health.
Transmission Dynamics and Control of Two Epidemic Waves of SARS-CoV-2 in South Korea
Authors: Ryu Sukhyun , Ali Sheikh Taslim , Noh Eunbi , Kim Dasom , Lau Eric H.Y. , Cowling Benjamin J.
Published: September 2021

Background: After relaxing social distancing measures, South Korea experienced a resurgent second epidemic wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we aimed to identify the transmission dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and assess the impact of COVID-19 case finding and contact tracing in each epidemic wave.Methods: We collected data on COVID-19 cases published by local public health authorities in South Korea and divided the study into two epidemic periods (19 January–19 April 2020 for the first epidemic wave and 20 April–11 August 2020 for the second epidemic wave). To identify changes in the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2, the daily effective reproductive number (Rt) was estimated using the illness onset of the cases. Furthermore, to identify the characteristics of each epidemic wave, frequencies of cluster types were measured, and age-specific transmission probability matrices and serial intervals were estimated. The proportion of asymptomatic cases and cases with unknown sources of infection were also estimated to assess the changes of infections identified as cases in each wave.Results: In early May 2020, within 2-weeks of a relaxation in strict social distancing measures, Rt increased rapidly from 0.2 to 1.8 within a week and was around 1 until early July 2020. In both epidemic waves, the most frequent cluster types were religious-related activities and transmissions among the same age were more common. Furthermore, children were rarely infectors or infectees, and the mean serial intervals were similar (~3 days) in both waves. The proportion of asymptomatic cases at presentation increased from 22% (in the first wave) to 27% (in the second wave), while the cases with unknown sources of infection were similar in both waves (22% and 24%, respectively).Conclusions: Our study shows that relaxing social distancing measures was associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 transmission despite rigorous case findings in South Korea. Along with social distancing measures, the enhanced contact tracing including asymptomatic cases could be an efficient approach to control further epidemic waves.
Induction and Submerged Cultivation of Valeriana Jatamansi Adventitious Root Cultures for Production of Valerenic Acid and its Derivatives
Authors: Gehlot Ashok , Chaudhary Neha , Devi Jyoti , Joshi Robin , Kumar Dinesh , Bhushan Shashi
Published: September 2021

In vitro adventitious roots were induced from Valeriana jatamansi to assess their quality as an alternative ingredient for extraction of secondary metabolites to meet the demand of phytopharmaceutical industries. A significantly (p ≤ 0.05) high root induction (90 %) was achieved on Schenk and Hildebrandt medium fortified with 9.84 µM indole-3-butyric acid. A maximum root biomass (144.09 ± 11.36 g/L) with high relative growth rate (2.01 ± 0.04) and growth index (13.41) was achieved in submerged cultivation. The total valerenic acid derivatives (1525.14 µg/g DW) and acetoxy valerenic acid (534.91µg/g DW) were significantly high in induced adventitious roots, with notable quantity of hydroxyl valerenic acid (919.57 µg/g DW) that otherwise not quantifiable in parent plant parts. In addition, 0.059% essential oil yield consisting of 24.00% patchouli alcohol was also obtained from induced adventitious roots. The phenolic acid derivatives were also significantly higher in adventitious roots (451.58 µg/g DW) as compared to rhizome (187.79 µg/g DW) and leaves (263.68 µg/g DW) of the parent plant. Notably, a substantial increase in phytochemicals was evident at subsequent culture stages with significantly reduced in vitro cultivation cycle (2 months) as compared to field grown plants (24 months). Conclusively, a comparable metabolic profile of in vitro induced V. jatamansi adventitious roots and considerably shorter growth cycle clearly determines its potential as a feasible source of phytoconstituents.
Rehabilitation For Life: The Effect On Physical Function of Rehabilitation And Care In Older Adults After Hip Fracture: Study Protocol For a Cluster-Randomised Stepped-Wedge Trial
Authors: Ipsen Jonas Ammundsen , Pedersen Lars T. , Viberg Bjarke , Nørgaard Birgitte , Suetta Charlotte , Bruun Inge Hansen
Published: September 2021

Background: A hip fracture is a serious event for older adults, given that approximately 50% do not regain their habitual level of physical function, and the mortality rate is high, as is the number of readmissions. The gap in healthcare delivery, as separated into two financial and self-governing sectors, might be a contributing cause of inferior rehabilitation and care for these patients. Therefore, we aim to assess the effect of continuous and progressive rehabilitation and care across sectors for older adults after hip fracture.Methods/design: The project is designed as a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial. The study population of patients are older adults 65 years of age and above discharged after a hip fracture and healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care (municipalities and hospitals). In addition, health care professionals from different sectors (hospital and municipalities) will be engaged in the empowerment-orientated praxis, through a workshop for health care professionals with knowledge sharing to the older adults using a digital health application (app). The rehabilitation intervention consists of 12 weeks progressive resistance exercises initiated 1-2 days after discharge. To improve communication across sectors, a videoconference involving the patient and physiotherapists from both sectors, will be conducted.At Day 3 after discharge, an outreach nurse performs a thorough assessment including measurement of vital signs. A hotline to the hospital for medical advice is a part of the intervention. The intervention is delivered as an add-on to the usual rehabilitation and care, and it involves one regional hospital and the municipalities within the catchment area of the hospital.The primary outcome is a Timed Up and Go test eight weeks post-surgeryDiscussion: Using a stepped-wedge design, the intervention will be assessed as well as implemented in hospital and municipalities, hopefully for the benefit of older adults after hip fracture. Furthermore, the collaboration between the sectors is expected to improve.The study is approved by the Regional Scientific Ethics Committees of Southern Denmark (S-20200070) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (20-21854). Clinical Trial Identifier (NCT04424186) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04424186.
A Dynamic Directed Transfer Function For Brain Functional Network Based Feature Extraction
Authors: Li Mingai , Zhang Na
Published: September 2021

Directed transfer function (DTF) is good at characterizing the pairwise interactions from the whole brain network and has been applied for discriminating different motor imagery (MI) tasks. Considering the fact that MI electroencephalogram signals are more non-stationary in frequency domain than in time domain, and the activated intensities of α band (8-13Hz) and β band (13-30Hz, with \({\beta }_{1}\)(13-21Hz) and \({\beta }_{2}\)(21-30Hz) included) have considerable differences for different subjects, a dynamic DTF (DDTF) with variable model order and frequency band is proposed to construct the brain functional networks (BFNs), whose information flows and outflows are further calculated as network features and evaluated by support vector machine. Extensive experiments are conducted based on a public BCI competition dataset and a real-world dataset, the highest recognition rate achieve 100% and 86%, respectively. The experimental results suggest that DDTF can reflect the dynamic evolution of BFN, the best subject-based DDTF appears in one of four frequency subbands (α, β, \({\beta }_{1}\),\({\beta }_{2}\)) for discrimination of MI tasks and is much more related to the current and previous states. Besides, DDTF is superior compared to granger causality-based and traditional feature extraction methods, the t-test and Kappa values show its statistical significance and high consistency as well.
SARS-CoV-2 infections among neonates born to women with SARS-CoV-2 infection: maternal, pregnancy and birth characteristics
Authors: Olsen Emily O’Malley , Roth Nicole M. , Aveni Kathryn , Santos Pauline , Sizemore Lindsey , Halai Umme-Aiman , Nestoridi Eirini , Sowunmi Similoluwa , Barton Jerusha Elana , Mobley Evan , Siebman Samantha , Fussman Chris , Mbotha Deborah , Dzimira Paula , Silcox Kristin M. , Khuwaja Salma , Roscom Danacamile , Lush Mamie , Chicchelly Sarah , Delgado-López Camille , Schlosser Levi , Read Jennifer S. , Ellington Sascha R. , Hall Aron J. , Gilboa Suzanne M. , Tong Van T. , Woodworth Kate R.
Published: September 2021

Background: Multiple reports have described neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection, including likely in utero transmission and early postnatal infection. Most neonatal infections reported to date have been asymptomatic or mild disease; however, severe cases, including respiratory failure requiring intensive care unit admission, have been described.Objectives: To describe maternal, pregnancy and infant characteristics among neonates born to women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy by neonatal SARS-CoV-2 testing results.Methods: Using aggregated data from the Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies Network (SET-NET) from March 29, 2020–August 6, 2021, we identified neonates who were: 1) born to women who were SARS-CoV-2 positive by RT-PCR at any time during their pregnancy, and 2) tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR during the birth hospitalization. Results: Among 25,896 neonates of mothers with SARS-CoV-2-infection, 3,381 (13%) underwent PCR testing. One hundred thirty-six neonates (4%) were PCR-positive. Neonates testing positive were born to both symptomatic and asymptomatic women, and 95% were born to women with infection identified ≤ with 14 days of delivery.Conclusions: While perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was uncommon among neonates born to women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, nearly all cases of neonatal infection occurred in pregnant women infected around the time of delivery. These findings underline the need for infection prevention and control measures in delivery and outpatient pediatric settings, as well as counselling for persons who acquire COVID-19 during pregnancy about potential risk to their neonates. Moreover, pregnant people and those wanting to become pregnant should be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to protect themselves and their infants.
Mining Pareto-Optimal Counterfactual Antecedents With A Branch-And-Bound Model-Agnostic Algorithm
Authors: Raimundo Marcos M. , Nonato Luis Gustavo , Poco Jorge
Published: September 2021

Mining counterfactual antecedents became a valuable tool to discover knowledge and explain machine learning models. It consists of generating synthetic samples from an original sample to achieve the desired outcome in a machine learning model thus helping to understand the prediction. An insightful methodology would explore a broader set of counterfactual antecedents to reveal multiple possibilities while operating on any classifier. Thus, we create a tree-based search that requires monotonicity from the objective functions (a.k.a. cost functions); it allows pruning branches that will not improve the objective functions. Since monotonicity is only required for the objective function, this method can be used for any family of classifiers (e.g., linear models, neural networks, decision trees). However, additional classifier properties speed up the tree-search when it foresees branches that will not result in feasible actions. Moreover, the proposed optimization generates a diverse set of Pareto-optimal counterfactual antecedents by relying on multi-objective concepts. The results show an algorithm with working guarantees that enumerates a wide range of counterfactual antecedents. It helps the decision-maker understand the machine learning decision and finds alternatives to achieve the desired outcome. The user can inspect these multiple counterfactual antecedents to find the most suitable one and have a broader understanding of the prediction.
A Quantitative Accuracy Assessment of The Use of A Rigid Robotic Arm In Navigated Placement of 726 Pedicle Screws
Authors: Benech Carlo Alberto , Perez Rosa , Benech Franco , Shirk Torrey , Bucklen Brandon
Published: September 2021

Background: Traditional minimally invasive fluoroscopy-based techniques for pedicle screw placement utilize guidance, which may require fluoroscopic shots. Computerized tomography (CT) navigation results in more accurate screw placement. Robotic surgery seeks to establish access and trajectory with greater accuracy. Objective: This study evaluated the screw placement accuracy of a robotic platform.Methods: Demographic data, preoperative/postoperative CT scans, and complication rates of 127 patients who underwent lumbosacral pedicle screw placement with minimally invasive navigated robotic guidance using preoperative CT were analyzed. Results: On the GRS scale, 97.9% (711/726) of screws were graded A or B, 1.7% (12/726) of screws graded C, 0.4% (3/726) of screws graded D, and 0% graded E. Average offset from preoperative plan to final screw placement was 1.9 ± 1.5 mm from tip, 2.2 ± 1.4 mm from tail and 2.9 ± 2.3° of angulation.Conclusions: Robotic-assisted surgery utilizing preoperative CT workflow with intraoperative fluoroscopy-based registration improves pedicle screw placement accuracy within a patient’s pedicles.
Impact on routine psychiatric diagnostic practice from implementing the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview: A pragmatic RCT in Sweden
Authors: Wallin Malin Idar , Galanti Maria Rosaria , Nevonen Lauri , Lewis-Fernández Roberto , Bäärnhielm Sofie
Published: September 2021

BackgroundCulture and social context affect the expression and interpretation of symptoms of distress, raising challenges for transcultural psychiatric diagnostics. This increases the risk that mental disorders among migrants and ethnic minorities are undetected, diagnosed late or misdiagnosed. We investigated whether adding a culturally sensitive tool, the DSM-5 core Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI), to routine diagnostic procedures impacts the psychiatric diagnostic process. MethodWe compared the outcome of a diagnostic procedure that included the CFI with routine diagnostic procedures used at Swedish psychiatric clinics. New patients (n=256) admitted to a psychiatric outpatient clinic were randomized to a control (n=122) or CFI-enhanced diagnostic procedure (n=134) group. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted and the prevalence ratio and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated across arms for depressive and anxiety disorder diagnoses, multiple diagnoses, and delayed diagnosis. ResultsThe prevalence ratio (PR) of a depressive disorder diagnosis across arms was 1.21 (95% CI=0.83-1.75), 33.6% of intervention-arm participants vs. 27.9% of controls. The prevalence ratio was higher among patients whose native language was not Swedish (PR =1.61, 95% CI=0.91-2.86). The prevalence ratio of receiving multiple diagnoses was higher for the CFI group among non-native speaking patients, and lower to a statistically significant degree among native Swedish speakers (PR=.39, 95% CI=0.18-0.82). ConclusionsThe results suggest that the implementation of the DSM-5 CFI in routine psychiatric diagnostic practice may facilitate identification of symptoms of certain psychiatric disorders among non-native speaking patients in a migration context. Trial registrationISRCTN36661, 29/07/2019. The trial was retrospectively registered.
Efficacy and safety of Tibetan medicine Qingpeng ointment for acute gouty arthritis: protocol for a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Shang Ya-xi , Dong Xia , Xie Zhi-min , Li Xiao-peng , Wang Xin-chang , Huang Ji-yong , Wei Shu-feng , Liu Yuan , Liu Jian-ping
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAcute gouty arthritis (AGA) is an inflammatory arthritis clinically characterized by severe pain, swelling, and restricted movement of joints, which may cause physical disability and decrease quality of life. The use of recommended first-line treatment agents for AGA may be limited by adverse events. There has been a traditional use of alternative therapies for AGA. Tibetan medicine Qingpeng ointment is one of the on-market herbal products used for symptom relief of AGA. Previous clinical studies indicated that Qingpeng ointment can relieve pain, swelling, redness and dysfunction of joints in patients with AGA. However, there is no rigorous randomized trial to demonstrate its benefit for AGA. In order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Qingpeng ointment for AGA, we designed a randomized controlled trial. MethodsThis study is designed as a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Two hundred and six adults with acute flare of gout, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of joint pain ≥ 3 points will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to herbal treatment or placebo group at a ratio of 1:1. Qingpeng ointment, or equal placebo ointment will be applied topically at involved joints twice a day for consecutive seven days. Patients in both groups would be allowed giving diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets as rescue therapy when VAS score of joint pain ≥ 7 points during the treatment. The primary outcomes will be joint pain measured by VAS score, and joint swelling measured using width and thickness of affected joints and VAS score. Other outcome measures will be joint mobility, joint redness, C-reactive protein, serum uric acid, and the use of rescue medicine as well as adverse effect. DiscussionTo the best of our knowledge, this study is the first multi-center, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy of Tibetan medicine Qingpeng ointment for AGA. The findings of this study would provide evidence for its use to relieve symptoms of AGA. Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN34355813. Registered 25 January 2021, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN34355813
Urban-rural and Gender Differential in Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in India
Authors: Kumar Shubham , Chauhan Shekhar , Patel Ratna , Kumar Manish
Published: September 2021

Background: To date, evidence remained inconclusive explaining rural-urban and male-female differential in depression. Unlike other previous research on the association of several risk factors with depressive symptoms among the elderly, this study focussed on the socio-economic status-related inequality in the prevalence of depression among the elderly along with focussing urban-rural and male-female gradients of depression among the elderly.Methods: This study used data from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave-I, 2017-18, survey. The outcome variable for this study was self-reported depression. Bivariate analysis was used to understand the prevalence by sociodemographic clusters. Fairlie decomposition analysis has been done to measures rural-urban inequalities for depression among older men and women.Results: Results found that around 22 percent of urban elderly and 17 percent of rural elderly reported depression. A higher proportion of female elderly (22.6% vs. 18.4%) reported depression than male elderly. Almost one in every five elderly (20.6%) reported depression in India. The results found that a higher percentage of women in rural and urban areas reported depression than their male counterparts. While examining SES-related inequality in the prevalence of depression, education was a significant factor explaining the SES-related inequality in the prevalence of depression among female elderly and not in male elderly.Conclusion: Given the large proportion of elderly reporting depression, this study highlights the need for improving health care services among the elderly. The increasing burden of depression in specific sub-populations also highlights the importance of understanding the broader consequences of depression among rural and female elderly.
Synthesis of Magnetic Nanocomposite Fe3O4@ZIF-8@ZIF-67 and Removal of Tetracycline in Water
Authors: Song Xu , Mo Jingqian , Fang Yuting , Luo Shumin , Xu Jingjing , Wang Xu
Published: September 2021

We prepared a double-layer magnetic nanocomposite Fe3O4@ZIF-8@ZIF-67 by layer-by-layer self-assembly. Fe3O4@ZIF-8@ZIF-67 was used to remove tetracycline from aqueous solution via a combination of adsorption and Fenton-like oxidation. Depending on the outstanding porous structure of the Fe3O4@ZIF-8@ZIF-67, a high adsorption capacity for tetracycline was 356.25 mg g− 1, with > 95.47% removal efficiency within 100 min based on Fenton-like oxidation. To better understand the mechanisms involved in integrated adsorption and Fenton-like oxidation, various advanced characterization techniques were used to monitor the changes in morphology and composition of Fe3O4@ZIF-8@ZIF-67 before and after removal of tetracycline. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) all supported adsorption and Fenton oxidation of tetracycline. This study extends the application of Fe3O4@ZIF-8@ZIF-67 for environmental remediation.
Metabolic Syndrome in Childhood Cancer Survivors: Does Delta BMI Predict Risk in Lower-middle-income Countries?
Authors: Agarwal Arushi , Kapoor Gauri , Jain Sandeep , Malhotra Payal , Sharma Anurag
Published: September 2021

Purpose Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is an important late effect of childhood cancer. The combination of rising obesity and high prevalence of under-nutrition at diagnosis, make this a unique population to study in LMIC (lower middle-income countries). Methods Children <18 years of age at cancer diagnosis, in a single-centre in a LMIC, who were disease free and had completed treatment at least 2 years prior to study were included. MetSyn was defined using International Federation for Diabetes criteria for Asian Indians. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to evaluate the influence of various risk factors, including delta BMI (increase in body mass index from diagnosis to evaluation), on MetSyn.Results A high prevalence of MetSyn (12.2%), central obesity (33%), and dyslipidemia (61.8%) was found in a cohort of 500 Asian Indian childhood cancer survivors (CCS) at a median follow-up age of 17 years. Multivariable analysis revealed older age at diagnosis >10 years, OR 2.9(1.6-5), longer survival duration >10 years, OR 2.2(1.3-3.8), high BMI at diagnosis OR 3.2(1.5-6.9) and large delta BMI >50, OR 3.15(1.7-5.9) to be independent predictors of MetSyn. Patients who were under-weight or normal at diagnosis with large Delta BMI > 50 had very high odds (OR, 12.5,1.7-92) of developing MetSyn compared to those with lower Delta BMI. Conclusions and implications for cancer survivors: A high prevalence of MetSyn was observed in CCS with early age at onset. Timely screening and early intervention are proven to be beneficial and delta BMI could be a useful screening tool for LMIC.
Three Dimensional Measuring Points Locating Algorithm Based Texture-Patched Matrix Completion Algorithm for Indoor 3D REM Design
Authors: MAITI PRADIPTA , Mitra Debjani
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a novel texture-patch transformed (TPT) three dimensional (3D) matrix completion (MC) method has been proposed with the support of novel 3D measuring points (MPs) locating algorithm to generate practical received signal strength (RSS) database assisted indoor 3D radio environment map (REM) of ultra-high frequency (UHF) television (TV)-band. The exploration of TV-band results in TV white and grey space (TV-WS and TV-GS), which are competent resolution to recoup excess data traffic through cognitive radio networks (CRNs) by dynamic spectrum access (DSA) by secondary user (SU). Maximum wireless data traffic generates in indoor and altitude considered exploration of REM achieves high data rate, so selecting interpolation algorithm is important for getting accurate and timely generated REM. Many MC algorithm shows better results than standard interpolation methods. Instead of using layer-by-layer MC algorithm, TPT-MC algorithm could be used through 3D↔2D conversion. Patch size has been considered through symmetric dataset profile. MC criteria based analysis shows TPT-MC algorithm takes lesser no. of MPs than layer-by-layer MC algorithm. Singular value thresholding (SVT) algorithm is used MC algorithm. TPT-SVT shows advantage over layer-by-layer SVT algorithm on RMSE, correlation, best-fit-line and simulation time on same no. of dataset. The result analysis shows that TPT-SVT algorithm is better in RMSE, closest best-fit-line and correlation coefficient than 2D IDW2, 2D K-NN, 2D kriging, TPT-IDW2, TPT-K-NN, TPT-kriging, 3D IDW2 and layer-by-layer SVT algorithm. Computation time of TPT-SVT is better than 3D IDW2 and SVT. TPT-SVT algorithm takes lesser no. of dataset than SVT algorithm for faithful MC.
Combined Effects of the Pesticide Spinetoram and the Cyanobacterium Microcystis on the Water Flea Daphnia Pulex
Authors: Shen Qiutong , Zhan Yihe , Jia Xuanhe , Li Bangping , Zhu Xuexia , Gao Tianheng
Published: September 2021

Spinetoram is one of the most worldwidely used pesticides for its high insecticidal efficacy and low human toxicity Following the large usage of spinetoram, the ecotoxicity and environmental risks to aquatic ecosystems have call for urgent study In the present study, we investigated the combined effects of spinetoram and the harmful alga Microcystis aeruginosa in freshwater, on survival and reproduction of Daphnia pulex Acute toxicity test of spinetoram resulted in negative effects on survival, with a 48h-LC50 value of 3771 µg L–1 Under the long-time exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations (018 and 035 µg L–1) of spinetoram and a low composition of Microcystis (30%) in the diet, D pulex showed both shorter longevity and lower fecundity, the time to first brood was also increased At population level, carrying capacity was highly decreased by spinetoram and Microcystis, whereas a significant decrease of intrinsic growth rate was observed at 035 µg L–1 spinetoram with 30% Microcystis as food The present study highlighted that pesticide spinetoram had highly toxic effects on D pulex and could reduce the tolerance of D pulex to M aeruginosa, causing great effects on D pulex population in natural waterbodies
The Polygenic Risk Score Knowledge Base: A Centralized Online Repository for Calculating and Contextualizing Polygenic Risk Scores
Authors: Page Madeline , Vance Elizabeth , Cloward Matthew , Ringger Ed , Dayton Louisa , Initiative ADNI Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging , Miller Justin , Kauwe John
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Genome-wide association (GWA) studies identify correlation between genetic variants and phenotypes. GWA findings can be used to calculate polygenic risk scores, which represent the aggregate genetic risk across all associated loci. Methods: We developed a centralized polygenic risk score calculator containing over 2,300 GWA studies from the NHGRI-EBI GWAS Catalog. Polygenic risk scores are calculated from user-uploaded data using various user-defined parameters across any disease(s) or studies. Results: The Polygenic Risk Score Knowledge Base (https://prs.byu.edu) and command-line interface facilitate user-specific polygenic risk score calculations. We report study-specific polygenic risk scores across the U.K. Biobank, 1000 Genomes, and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and identify potentially confounding genetic risk factors in ADNI.Discussion: We introduce the first streamlined analysis tool and web interface to calculate and contextualize polygenic risk scores across various studies. We anticipate that the PRSKB will facilitate a wider adaptation and innovative use of polygenic risk scores in disease research. Data Availability: This project is documented online at https://polyriskscore.readthedocs.io/en/latest/, and all programs are publicly available at https://github.com/kauwelab/PolyRiskScore. A web interface is also available at https://prs.byu.edu/.
Investigation on Potential Correlation Between the RNA-Binding Protein of Evolutionarily Conserved MEX3 Family and Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhang Hualiang , Cao Linfeng , Hou Gouxin , Lu Chao , Fang Zhixian , Lv Xiaodong , Deng Jingjing
Published: September 2021

Background

As mRNA binding proteins, MEX3 (muscle excess 3) family highlights its unique characteristics and plays an emerging role in post-transcriptionally regulating programmed of biological processes, including tumor cell death and immunological relevance. These have been shown to be involved in various diseases, however, the role of MEX3 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been fully elucidated.
Results

In this study, we found that the sequence or copy number of MEX3 gene did not change significantly, which can explain the stability of malignant tumor development through the COSMIC database. Further, gene expression in NSCLC was examined using the Oncomine™ database, and the prognostic value of each gene was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The results showed that overexpressed of MEX3A, MEX3B, MEX3C and MEX3D were associated with significantly lower OS in patients with NSCLC and LUAD, while overexpressed of MEX3D was associated with significantly poorer OS in patients with LUSC. We also applied the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) tool to assess the correlations between distinct MEX3 and the infiltrating immune cell landscape.
Conclusion

On this subject, we have learned about the complexity and heterogeneity of NSCLC through MEX3. We found that most of MEX3 is highly expressed in NSCLC. High expression indicates a poor prognosis and has a certain immune correlation. Therefore, these conclusions can lay a framework for the prognosis of NSCLC patients and the development of treatment strategies in the future.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound or Uterine Artery Embolization Combined With Ultrasound-Guided Dilatation and Curettage in Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gan Yanqiong , Zhou Yuqin , Wang Yanlin , Jing Qiao , Zhang Feng , Shi QI
Published: September 2021

BackgroundCesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare and new form of ectopic pregnancy. With increasing rate of cesarean delivery worldwide during the decades, the incidence of CSP increases as well. It may cause massive hemorrhage, uterine rupture, placenta percreta, hysterectomy or even maternal death. This study is to compare the efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and uterine artery embolization (UAE) associated with ultrasound-guided dilatation and curettage (UGDC) in three types of CSP. Methods403 CSP patients were treated with UGDC after pretreatment. Among them, 288 patients chose HIFU before UGDC, while the others (n=115) chose UAE. The body mass index (BMI), gravidity, parity, the number of cesarean delivery, the interval of previous cesarean delivery (PCD), the length, thickness and width of uterus and gestational sac, fetal cardiac activity, the types of CSP, the baseline of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG), the value of β-HCG before and 24 hours after pretreatment, hospital expenditure, the value of hemoglobin before and 24 hours after dilatation and curettage (D&C) and severe complications were collected and compared between the two groups. ResultsAll patients were successfully treated without severe complications. There was no significant difference in maternal age, BMI, gravidity, parity, the number of cesarean delivery, the interval of PCD, the volume of uterus and gestational sac, fetal heart activity, types of CSP and baseline serum β-HCG level between the two groups. The median hospital expenditure and blood loss were less in HIFU group and the median decline rate of β-HCG was higher in HIFU group (p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.006, respectively). 39 (13.54%) patients in HIFU group, while 21 (18.26%) cases in UAE group used Foley balloon to control the vaginal bleeding.ConclusionBoth HIFU and UAE combined with UGDC have high successful rate in the treatment of CSP. While, HIFU followed by UGDC might be better for less hospital expenditure, blood loss and higher decline rate of β-HCG.
Pre-Clerkship EPA Assessments: A Thematic Analysis of Rater Cognition
Authors: Meyer Eric G. , Harvey Emily , Durning Steven J. , Uijtdehaage Sebastian
Published: September 2021

Background. Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) assessments measure learners’ competence with an entrustment or supervisory scale. Designed for workplace-based assessment EPA assessments have also been proposed for undergraduate medical education (UME), where assessments frequently occur outside the workplace and may be less intuitive, raising validity concerns. This study explored how assessors make entrustment determinations in UME, to include the impact of longitudinal student-assessor relationships.Methods. A qualitative approach using think-alouds was employed. Assessors assessed two students (familiar and unfamiliar) completing a history and physical exam using a supervisory scale and then thought-aloud after each assessment. We conducted a thematic analysis of assessors’ response processes and compared them based on their familiarity with a student.Results. Four themes and fifteen subthemes were identified. The most prevalent theme related to “student performance.” The other three themes included “frame of reference,” “assessor uncertainty,” and “the patient.” “Previous student performance” and “affective reactions” were subthemes more likely to inform scoring when faculty were familiar with a student, while unfamiliar faculty were more likely to reference “self” and “lack confidence in their ability to assess.”Conclusions. Student performance appears to be assessors’ main consideration for all students, providing some validity evidence for the response process in EPA assessments. Several problematic themes could be addressed with faculty development while others appear to be inherent to entrustment and may be more challenging to mitigate. Differences based on assessor familiarity with student merits further research on how trust develops over time.