bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of washing parameters on the quantity of dye discharge from clothes
Authors: Zhao Xu , Xiong Ming , Jiang Li , Yang Qingbo , Zhou Cunling , Liu Jianli
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the effect of washing parameters on the quantity of dye discharge from fabric dyed in highly saturated color (FSC) was discussed. Firstly, the FSC was prepared with reactive red 195 to represent the dark clothes. Secondly, the effect of the washing parameters, including washing time, washing temperature, washing water volume, the weight of FSC, and the dosage of detergent, on dye discharge was analyzed through the single factor test. Thirdly, the mathematical relationship between the quantity of dye discharge (DDQ) and the four washing parameters was discussed through the center combination experiment and response surface method. And a quadratic model was built to predict the quantity of dye discharge when the FSC were washed with different washing parameters. The experimental results indicated that the quantity of dye discharge was affected by the four selected washing parameters and the optimal washing parameters to reduce the quantity of dye discharge can be deduced from the quadratic model. The optimized parameters effectively reduced 0.99 mg dye discharge per liter, and the DDQ reduction rate was up to 53.5%.
A methylprednisolone-loaded and core-shell nanofiber-covered stent-graft to prevent inflammation and reduce degradation in aortic dissection
Authors: Liu Junjun , Zhu Hongqiao , Pei Yifei , Zhang Heng , Zhou Jian , Jing Zaiping
Published: April 2022

Background

Stent-graft-induced inflammation is an independent risk factor for adverse aortic remodeling in aortic dissection. In this context, we asked that whether a methylprednisolone-loaded stent-graft could reduce inflammation and degradation.

Methods

First, a coaxial electrospinning technique was used to create a core-shell film with methylprednisolone encapsulated in the inner of poly (L-lactide-co-caprolactone) nanofibers for controllable drug release. Second, an in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the biocompatibility of the nanofiber meshes. Third, the porcine aortic dissection model was developed to investigate the therapeutic effects of the methylprednisolone-loaded stent-graft.

Results

The results demonstrated that the nanofiber-coated film with a methylprednisolone-poly-caprolactone core layer and a poly (L-lactide-co-caprolactone) shell layer could effectively sustain drug release in vitro. In vivo study showed that the methylprednisolone-loaded stent-graft could reduce degradtion of aortic dissection by regulating inflammation.

Conclusions

Overall, the controllable drug release by coaxial nanofiber is a promising approach to alleviate aortic inflammation and promote aortic remodeling after stent-graft implantation.
Creating concept maps with augmented reality: a case of eclipse of the lunar and solar topic
Authors: Çakıroğlu Ünal , Atabaş Samet , Aydın Merve , Özyılmaz Ilknur
Published: April 2022

Concept maps are the tools used to facilitate meaningful conceptual learning. In this study, an augmented reality (AR)-based concept map (AR-ConMAP) application was developed to facilitate the concept map creation process to overcome the challenges that students face when creating concept maps. The study was carried out as a case study. Observations via using video records and worksheets were used to examine the effect of this application on students’ concept map creation skills and their evaluations about their experiences. The results suggested that using AR for creating concept maps provided more accurate results in associating the concept map components and supported students for meaningful conceptual learning. Students evaluated their experiences in using AR also as increasing their sense of enjoyment and curiosity which positively contributed to their motivation to create concept maps. Recommendations for future research and practices were also included.
Committee report: Questionnaire survey on the treatment of COVID-19 in patients receiving dialysis therapy
Authors: Yoshifuji Ayumi , Ryuzaki Munekazu , Uehara Yuki , Ohmagari Norio , Kawai Toru , Kanno Yoshihiko , Kikuchi Kan , Kon Hiroshi , Sakai Ken , Shinoda Toshio , Takano Yaoko , Tanaka Junko , Hora Kazuhiko , Nakazawa Yasushi , Hasegawa Naoki , Hanafusa Norio , Hinoshita Fumihiko , Morikane Keita , Wakino Shu , Nakamoto Hidetomo , Takemoto Yoshiaki
Published: April 2022

Background

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who receive dialysis therapy develop more severe disease and have a poorer prognosis than patients who do not. Although various data on the treatment of patients not receiving dialysis therapy have been reported, clinical practice for patients on dialysis is challenging as data is limited. The Infection Control Committee of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy decided to clarify the status of treatment in COVID-19 patients on dialysis.

Methods

A questionnaire survey of 105 centers that had treated at least five COVID-19 patients on dialysis was conducted in August 2021.

Results

Sixty-six centers (62.9%) responded to the questionnaire. Antivirals were administered in 27.7% of facilities treating mild disease (most patients received favipiravir) and 66.7% of facilities treating moderate disease (most patients with moderate or more severe conditions received remdesivir). Whether and how remdesivir is administered varies between centers. Steroids were initiated most frequently in moderate II disease (50.8%), while 43.1% of the facilities initiated steroids in mild or moderate I disease. The type of steroid, dose, and the duration of administration were generally consistent, with most facilities administering dexamethasone 6 mg orally or 6.6 mg intravenously for 10 days. Steroid pulse therapy was administered in 48.5% of the facilities, and tocilizumab was administered in 25.8% of the facilities, mainly to patients on ventilators or equivalent medications, or to the cases of exacerbations. Furthermore, some facilities used a polymethylmethacrylate membrane during dialysis, nafamostat as an anticoagulant, and continuous hemodiafiltration in severe cases. There was limited experience of polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column-direct hemoperfusion and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The discharge criteria for patients receiving dialysis therapy were longer than those set by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in 22.7% of the facilities.

Conclusions

Our survey revealed a variety of treatment practices in each facility. Further evidence and innovations are required to improve the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 receiving dialysis therapy.
Effects of captions, transcripts and reminders on learning and perceptions of lecture capture
Authors: Dommett Eleanor J. , Dinu Larisa M. , Van Tilburg Wijnand , Keightley Samuel , Gardner Benjamin
Published: April 2022

Lecture capture is popular within Higher Education, but previous research suggests that students do not always optimally select content to review, nor do they make the most of specific functions. In the current study conducted in the 2019/20 academic year, we used a repeated-measures crossover design to establish the effects of transcripts with closed captioning, and email reminders, on use (self-reported and system analytics), perceptions of lecture capture and student performance, as measured by multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests designed to assess the module learning outcomes. System analytics (N = 129) and survey data (N = 42) were collected from students alongside qualitative data from semi-structured interviews (N = 8). We found that students value lecture capture highly, but do not access it extensively during the teaching period. The availability of transcripts and closed captions did not impact the amount of capture use or performance on MCQ tests, but did result in more positive perceptions of capture, including increased likelihood of recommending it to others. The use of email reminders referring students to specific segments of capture and reminding them of the functionality had no impact on any measure, although qualitative data suggested that the content of reminders may be used in revision rather than during the teaching period, which fell outside the period we investigated. Collectively, these data suggest that the use of captions and transcripts may be beneficial to students by allowing dual processing of visual and audio content, and a searchable resource to help consolidate their learning but there is little evidence to support reminders.
Examining the effect of evaluation sample size on the sensitivity and specificity of COVID-19 diagnostic tests in practice: a simulation study
Authors: Sammut-Powell Camilla , Reynard Charles , Allen Joy , McDermott John , Braybrook Julian , Parisi Rosa , Lasserson Daniel , Body Richard ,   on behalf of the CONDOR steering committee, Body Richard , Hayward Gail , Allen Joy , Braybrook Julian , Buckle Peter , Dark Paul , Davis Kerrie , Cook Eloise , Gordon Adam , Halstead Anna , Lasserson Dan , Lewington Andrew , Nicholson Brian , Perera-Salazar Rafael , Simpson John , Turner Philip , Prestwich Graham , Reynard Charles , Riley Beverley , Tate Valerie , Wilcox Mark
Published: April 2022

Background

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, many in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests for SARS-CoV-2 have been developed. Given the urgent clinical demand, researchers must balance the desire for precise estimates of sensitivity and specificity against the need for rapid implementation. To complement estimates of precision used for sample size calculations, we aimed to estimate the probability that an IVD will fail to perform to expected standards after implementation, following clinical studies with varying sample sizes.

Methods

We assumed that clinical validation study estimates met the ‘desirable’ performance (sensitivity 97%, specificity 99%) in the target product profile (TPP) published by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). To estimate the real-world impact of imprecision imposed by sample size we used Bayesian posterior calculations along with Monte Carlo simulations with 10,000 independent iterations of 5,000 participants. We varied the prevalence between 1 and 15% and the sample size between 30 and 2,000. For each sample size, we estimated the probability that diagnostic accuracy would fail to meet the TPP criteria after implementation.

Results

For a validation study that demonstrates ‘desirable’ sensitivity within a sample of 30 participants who test positive for COVID-19 using the reference standard, the probability that real-world performance will fail to meet the ‘desirable’ criteria is 10.7–13.5%, depending on prevalence. Theoretically, demonstrating the 'desirable' performance in 90 positive participants would reduce that probability to below 5%. A marked reduction in the probability of failure to hit ‘desirable’ specificity occurred between samples of 100 (19.1–21.5%) and 160 (4.3–4.8%) negative participants. There was little further improvement above sample sizes of 160 negative participants.

Conclusion

Based on imprecision alone, small evaluation studies can lead to the acceptance of diagnostic tests which are likely to fail to meet performance targets when deployed. There is diminished return on uncertainty surrounding an accuracy estimate above a total sample size of 250 (90 positive and 160 negative).
Morphological and molecular identification of Trichoderma asperellum isolated from a dragon fruit farm in the southern Philippines and its pathogenicity against the larvae of the super worm, Zophobas morio (Fabricius, 1776) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Sebumpan Rea , Guiritan Kevin Rey , Suan Mayvel , Abapo Christine Jean , Bhat Aashaq Hussain , Machado Ricardo A. R. , Nimkingrat Prakaijan , Sumaya Nanette Hope
Published: April 2022

Background

Trichoderma asperellum (Ascomycota: Hypocreaceae) is a globally recognized soil fungus due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial and plant growth-promoting properties. To increase the availability of local strains, soil samples from a dragon fruit farm in Villanueva (Misamis Oriental, Philippines) were collected and baited using the insect-baiting technique.

Results

Using the baiting technique, T. asperellum strain, RMCK01, was isolated. The strain was characterized using morphological and molecular data and its biological control potential was tested using different conidial concentrations on the last larval instar of the super worm, Zophobas morio (Fabricius, 1776) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The ITS1 sequences of T. asperellum RMCK01 were 100% identical to the sequences of other T. asperellum isolates reported from Vietnam, India, Thailand, and China. In addition, T. asperellum RMCK01 was particularly efficient against Z. morio larvae. On day 21, 88.87%, 88.07%, and 86.73% of insects died when treated with a suspension containing 6 × 108, 3 × 109, and 2.68 × 107 conidia/ml, respectively.

Conclusion

The study highlights the potential of this fungal isolate as a biocontrol agent against insect pests.
Clinical performance of nano-hydroxyapatite-modified glass ionomer cements in class V cavities: split mouth, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zaki Zeinab M. , Nagi Shaymaa M. , Abdelnabi Ali E. , Hanna Adli A. , Elkassas Dina W. , Zaazou Mohamed H. , Niazy Maha A.
Published: April 2022

Background

To evaluate the effect of modifying conventional glass ionomer (CGIC) and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC) with nano-hydroxyapatite (Nano-HA) on their clinical performance as restorations for class V cavities.

Methods

The wet-chemical precipitation method was utilized to prepare the nano-hydroxyapatite particles. Nano-HA was then characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Elemental Dispersive X-ray and thermal gravimetric analysis. Five wt% of the nano-hydroxyapatite (Nano-HA) was then incorporated into the powder portion of the CGIC and RMGIC. Sixty Class V cavities were prepared in thirty patients with at least two cervical caries lesions. Prepared cavities were restored using the tested materials. Modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria were used to evaluate the restorations at base line, after three, six and nine months.

Results

Regarding the investigated modified USPHS criteria, the tested restorative materials showed no statistically significant difference throughout the study period. While color match, surface texture and marginal integrity criteria showed a statistically significant change in nano-HA-GIC. Surface texture and marginal integrity showed a significant change with CGIC. A significant change in surface texture was only found with nano-HA-RMGIC.

Conclusions

The investigated restorative materials showed an equivalent clinical performance at the nine months follow-up.
Microbial evaluation of heat cured silicone versus heat cured acrylic resin in maxillary obturator
Authors: Elkhashab Mohamed Amr , Mostafa Marwa Hassan , AlSourori Ali Abdulghani
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The aim of this trial was to compare the microbial colonization of heat-cured silicone and heat-cured acrylic resin in obturators restoring acquired maxillary defects.

Material and methods

The experiment was carried out on six partially edentulous patients having unilateral total maxillectomy defects approaching midline (class I Aramany classification) who are in need of definitive obturator. Selected patients received metal framework prosthesis with heat-cured acrylic resin bulb extending into the surgical site. At the time of delivery, a swab was obtained from the patients who represent the baseline for the group I. Patients were recalled after two and four weeks from wearing the obturator for microbiological evaluation and a swab was taken each time from the same place. In group II, the heat-cured acrylic resin was replaced with heat-cured silicone and a swab was obtained on the day of insertion as a baseline for group II. Patients were recalled after two and four weeks from the insertion of the relined obturator for microbiological evaluation and a swab was taken each time from the same place. Swabs were obtained from the nasal surface of the surgical defect and immediately cultivated into three different media Blood Agar, Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, and Macconkey media and incubated for microbiological evaluation. The identification and quantification of the isolated microorganisms were performed using the conventional microbiological cultivation method. Finally, the collected data were tabulated and statistically analyzed.

Results

Statistical analysis of the collected data showed, that the difference between the two groups was insignificant. However, patients were more satisfied with obturators lined with heat-cured silicone.

Conclusion

It was concluded that within the limitations of this study, both acrylic resin and resilient lining materials could be used as a material for obturator construction in maxillofacial cases. However, longer follow-up period might show different results.
Unguided temporary pacing via jugular/subclavian vein in an emergency department of a high-volume tertiary care hospital of India: its safety, efficacy, and practicability
Authors: Sofi Najeeb Ullah , Sinha Santosh Kumar , Ali Araf , Samrat Siddharth , Razi Mahmodullah M. , Sharma Awadhesh Kumar , Sachan Mohit , Pandey Umeshwar , Thakur Ramesh
Published: April 2022

Background

Temporary pacing is usually performed by cardiologists under fluoroscopic, echocardiographic, or ECG guidance. However, in the developing world, there are inadequate number of cardiologists, and C-arm, catheterization laboratories, or echocardiography are not available at primary or secondary healthcare facilities. In addition, in emergencies option of fluoroscopy and echocardiography is limited. So these patients are transferred to a facility where cardiologists and these facilities are available. Crucial time is lost in transit, which leads to increased mortality. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and practicability of unguided temporary pacemaker insertion.

Results

A total of 1093 patients were enrolled in this study. After cannulating the internal jugular vein or subclavian vein, the pacing lead attached to the pulse generator was advanced blindly till ventricular pacing was achieved. Procedural success was taken as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included the number of attempts taken for successful central venous puncture and procedural time. Complications and mortality were assessed for safety outcomes. Finally, the position of the pacing lead was assessed after the procedure on X-ray or fluoroscopy. The procedure was successful in all but one patient in whom a femoral vein approach was required because of brachiocephalic vein obstruction. Right internal jugular access was achieved in 981 (89.75%) patients. The mean number of attempts taken for achieving successful venous accesses was 1.54 ± 0.85; however, in 726 (66.42%) patients it was achieved in the first attempt. The mean procedural time was 11.5 ± 2.1 min. Overall, 117 (10.70%) patients developed complications; however, most of them were minor. Pneumothorax developed in 12 (1.1%) patients, of whom 2 needed an intercostal tube. Pericardial effusion was seen in 21 (1.92%) patients. Pacing lead tip was located in the right ventricular cavity abutting interventricular septum or free wall in 843 (77.20%) patients. No mortality attributable to procedure occurred.

Conclusions

Unguided temporary pacing via jugular or subclavian venous approach in an emergency setting is possible with high success and a low complication rate. Thus, it is a safe and effective procedure, and clinicians working at primary and secondary healthcare levels should be encouraged to perform this procedure.

Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000046771. Registered 28 January 2022—Retrospectively registered, https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000053348
Development of a Machine Learning Model Using Limited Features to Predict 6-Month Mortality at Treatment Decision Points for Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Chalkidis George , McPherson Jordan , Beck Anna , Newman Michael , Yui Shuntaro , Staes Catherine
Published: April 2022

PURPOSE

Patients with advanced solid tumors may receive intensive treatments near the end of life. This study aimed to create a machine learning (ML) model using limited features to predict 6-month mortality at treatment decision points (TDPs).

METHODS

We identified a cohort of adults with advanced solid tumors receiving care at a major cancer center from 2014 to 2020. We identified TDPs for new lines of therapy (LoTs) and confirmed mortality at 6 months after a TDP. Using extreme gradient boosting, ML models were developed, which used or derived features from a limited set of electronic health record data considering the literature, clinical relevance, variability, availability, and predictive importance using Shapley additive explanations scores. We predicted and observed 6-month mortality after a TDP and assessed a risk stratification strategy with different risk thresholds to support communication of chance of survival.

RESULTS

Four thousand one hundred ninety-two patients were included. Patients had 7,056 TDPs, for which the 6-month mortality increased from 17.9% to 46.7% after starting first to sixth LoT, respectively. On the basis of internal validation, models using both 111 (Full) or 45 (Limited-45) features accurately predicted 6-month mortality (area under the curve ≥ 0.80). Using a 0.3 risk threshold in the Limited-45 model, the observed 6-month survival was 34% (95% CI, 28 to 40) versus 81% (95% CI, 81 to 82) among those classified with low or higher chance of survival, respectively. The positive predictive value of the Limited-45 model was 0.66 (95% CI, 0.60 to 0.72).

CONCLUSION

We developed and validated a ML model using a limited set of 45 features readily derived from electronic health record data to predict 6-month prognosis in patients with advanced solid tumors. The model output may support shared decision making as patients consider the next LoT.
Integration of Infant Metabolite, Genetic, and Islet Autoimmunity Signatures to Predict Type 1 Diabetes by Age 6 Years
Authors: Webb-Robertson Bobbie-Jo M , Nakayasu Ernesto S , Frohnert Brigitte I , Bramer Lisa M , Akers Sarah M , Norris Jill M , Vehik Kendra , Ziegler Anette-G , Metz Thomas O , Rich Stephen S , Rewers Marian J
Published: April 2022

Context

Biomarkers that can accurately predict risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in genetically predisposed children can facilitate interventions to delay or prevent the disease.

Objective

This work aimed to determine if a combination of genetic, immunologic, and metabolic features, measured at infancy, can be used to predict the likelihood that a child will develop T1D by age 6 years.

Methods

Newborns with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing were enrolled in the prospective birth cohort of The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY). TEDDY ascertained children in Finland, Germany, Sweden, and the United States. TEDDY children were either from the general population or from families with T1D with an HLA genotype associated with T1D specific to TEDDY eligibility criteria. From the TEDDY cohort there were 702 children will all data sources measured at ages 3, 6, and 9 months, 11.4% of whom progressed to T1D by age 6 years. The main outcome measure was a diagnosis of T1D as diagnosed by American Diabetes Association criteria.

Results

Machine learning–based feature selection yielded classifiers based on disparate demographic, immunologic, genetic, and metabolite features. The accuracy of the model using all available data evaluated by the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve is 0.84. Reducing to only 3- and 9-month measurements did not reduce the area under the curve significantly. Metabolomics had the largest value when evaluating the accuracy at a low false-positive rate.

Conclusion

The metabolite features identified as important for progression to T1D by age 6 years point to altered sugar metabolism in infancy. Integrating this information with classic risk factors improves prediction of the progression to T1D in early childhood.
Monitoring of inflammation using novel biosensor mouse model reveals tissue- and sex-specific responses to Western diet
Authors: Talley Sarah , Bonomo Raiza , Gavini Chaitanya , Hatahet Jomana , Gornick Emily , Cook Tyler , Chun Byeong Jae , Kekenes-Huskey Pete , Aubert Gregory , Campbell Edward , Mansuy-Aubert Virginie
Published: April 2022

Obesity is an epidemic, and it is characterized by a state of low-grade systemic inflammation. A key component of inflammation is the activation of inflammasomes, multiprotein complexes that form in response to danger signals and that lead to activation of caspase-1. Previous studies have found that a Westernized diet induces activation of inflammasomes and production of inflammatory cytokines. Gut microbiota metabolites, including the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, have received increased attention as underlying some obesogenic features, but the mechanisms of action by which butyrate influences inflammation in obesity remain unclear. We engineered a caspase-1 reporter mouse model to measure spatiotemporal dynamics of inflammation in obese mice. Concurrent with increased capsase-1 activation in vivo, we detected stronger biosensor signal in white adipose and heart tissues of obese mice ex vivo and observed that a short-term butyrate treatment affected some, but not all, of the inflammatory responses induced by Western diet. Through characterization of inflammatory responses and computational analyses, we identified tissue- and sex-specific caspase-1 activation patterns and inflammatory phenotypes in obese mice, offering new mechanistic insights underlying the dynamics of inflammation.
Predicting selection–response gradients of heat tolerance in a widespread reef-building coral
Authors: Weeriyanun Ponchanok , Collins Rachael B. , Macadam Alex , Kiff Hugo , Randle Janna L. , Quigley Kate M.
Published: April 2022

Ocean temperatures continue to rise owing to climate change, but it is unclear whether heat tolerance of marine organisms will keep pace with warming. Understanding how tolerance scales from individuals to species and quantifying adaptive potentials is essential to forecasting responses to warming. We reproductively crossed corals from a globally distributed species (Acropora tenuis) on the Great Barrier Reef (Australia) from three thermally distinct reefs to create 85 offspring lineages. Individuals were experimentally exposed to temperatures (27.5, 31 and 35.5°C) in adult and two critical early life stages (larval and settlement) to assess acquired heat tolerance via outcrossing of offspring phenotypes by comparing five physiological responses (photosynthetic yields, bleaching, necrosis, settlement and survival). Adaptive potentials and physiological reaction norms were calculated across three stages to integrate heat tolerance at different biological scales. Selective breeding improved larval survival to heat by 1.5–2.5× but did not result in substantial enhancement of settlement, although population crosses were significantly different. Under heat stress, adults were less variable compared with larval responses in warmer reefs than in the cooler reef. Adults and offspring also differed in their mean population responses, likely underpinned by heat stress imposing strong divergent selection on adults. These results have implications for downstream selection during reproduction, evidenced by variability in a conserved heat tolerance response across offspring lineages. These results inform our ability to forecast the impacts of climate change on wild populations of corals and will aid in developing novel conservation tools such as the assisted evolution of at-risk species.
Observation on the clinical efficacy of external ventricular drain combined with intraventricular urokinase injection and intravenous piracetam in the treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage
Authors: Cui Jing , Ma Xin-lei , Tong Jian-zhou , Shu Min
Published: April 2022

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of external ventricular drain combined with intraventricular urokinase injection and intravenous piracetam in the treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was used in this study conducted at Baoding First Central Hospital, China from January 2017 to December 2019. Sixty patients with intraventricular hemorrhage were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the control group were treated with external ventricular drain, while patients in the experimental group were given intraventricular urokinase injection and intravenous piracetam on the basis of the control group. The incidence of adverse drug reactions, hospitalization time, hematoma elimination time, and drainage tube removal time in two groups were compared and analyzed including the cerebrospinal fluid protein content, changes in GCS score, neurological function recovery (ADL score), and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) of the two groups after treatment.

Results: The hematoma elimination time, drainage tube removal time and hospitalization time of the experimental group were shorter than those of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the protein content of cerebrospinal fluid in the experimental group decreased more significantly (P=0.00), the GCS score was higher (P=0.00), the overall good rate of neurological function was higher (P=0.04), while the rate of good prognosis was higher (P=0.03). Within one month of treatment, the incidence of surgical complications in experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group (P=0.04).

Conclusions: External ventricular drain combined with intraventricular urokinase injection and intravenous piracetam is an effective method for the treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.4820

How to cite this:Cui J, Ma X, Tong J, Shu M. Observation on the clinical efficacy of external ventricular drain combined with intraventricular urokinase injection and intravenous piracetam in the treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.4820

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Seasonal variation and severity of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in patients at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Babar Bakht , Aamir Azizul Hasan
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To asses the seasonal variability in the hospital admissions of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) patients.

Methods: This two year retrospective analysis was carried out from first November 2018 to 31st OCTOBER 2020, which involved medical chart reviewing of all those patients admitted to the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic diseases, Hayatabad Medical complex, Peshawar, Pakistan with confirmed DKA. Data related to patient demography, past history, biochemical profile and treatment was collected and analysed using SPSS version 25.

Results: During the above mentioned 24 months, 104 diabetic patients with confirmed DKA were admitted. Fifty-nine (57%) patients were male. Most of the patients had moderate DKA that is 42(40%). Seasonality was observed with majority of the patient admitted in winter season overall 62(60%). In both the years encounter with DKA patient peaked in January. DKA was found to be more severe in female and in age group 10-15 years. DKA severity was found to be significantly associated with age, gender, previous episodes of DKA, length of hospital stay and non compliance plus infection (p<0.05).

Conclusion: We found seasonal variation and peaked cases of DKA in the winter season presenting at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Noncompliance was found to be major contributory factor.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5227

How to cite this:Babar B, Aamir AH. Seasonal variation and severity of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in patients at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5227

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Measuring the impact of publicly funded open innovation programmes: the case of Data Market Services Accelerator
Authors: Priestley Maria , Simperl Elena , Juc Cristina , Anguiano María
Published: April 2022

One of the current goals of the European Commission is to stimulate the development and uptake of data and AI technologies in the economy. Substantial funding is being invested in open innovation programmes that help startups and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) to assimilate the latest technical and regulatory trends, and to share their innovations with other organisations. In order to assess the efficacy and impact of such initiatives, their specific social and economic objectives must be taken into consideration. As an example of how this can be done in practice, our paper presents the motivating objectives and methodological approaches that were used to assess the impact of the Data Market Services Accelerator (DMS), an EU-funded initiative for data-centric companies. We evaluated the performance of the programme in terms of its effect on the market, fundraising capabilities of companies, innovation, and socio-economic aspects. In addition to assessing how DMS was able to meet its intended objectives, our examination also underscored current challenges related to specific outcomes that are meaningful to the European Commission, including data standardisation and long-term legal strategy. We conclude the paper with a series of recommendations to support the impact assessment efforts of other similar innovation programmes.
Development of Emotional Intelligence As a Way to Improve Academic Performance in Learning a Foreign Language
Authors: Abdollahi Musa
Published: April 2022

The article describes the results of a study on the development of emotional intelligence of students studying a foreign language at the Allameh Tabatabai University in Iran. During the study, a quasi-experimental method was used in the form of preliminary and subsequent testing of the control and experimental groups of students. The obtained results are analyzed, which allow to substantiate the expediency of raising the level of emotional intelligence of students for more successful improvement of their speaking, listening, writing and reading skills in a foreign language.
Variable-Rate Fertigation Control for Hydroponics Using an On-The-Go Transpiration Monitoring System
Authors: Cho Woo-Jae , Kim Hak-Jin , Jung Dae Hyun , Kim Dong-Wook , Yi Yoon-Hong , Jang Gyu-jin
Published: April 2022

Highlights

An on-the-go monitoring system was developed for assessing spatial and temporal variations in crop growth.

The system was used to realize real-time transpiration estimation for lettuce growth.

A variable-rate fertigation system was developed based on on-the-go transpiration monitoring.

The variable-rate fertigation system was validated in controlled-environment cultivation of hydroponic lettuce.

Abstract. Variable-rate fertigation, as a key component of hydroponic cultivation, ensures the sustainable use of water. However, this fertigation method is challenging to implement because of the difficulty associated with assessing the water needs of plants, which vary with plant growth stage and environmental conditions. In this study, an on-the-go crop growth monitoring system was developed to measure the canopy cover of lettuce plants on a daily basis. The canopy cover during the vegetative growth period could be estimated with an accuracy of 98.5% ±1.7% compared to manual segmentation. A modified Penman-Monteith equation was used to predict the transpiration rate of the lettuce plants. In the first cultivation test, the transpiration rate model exhibited a highly linear relationship with a slope of 0.91, coefficient of determination of >0.9, and standard error of regression of <0.51, compared to the directly measured transpiration rates. In the second cultivation test, an automated system that could variably control the fertigation volume was incorporated with the on-the-go system for monitoring the lettuce transpiration in real time. The proposed system could realize on-the-go mapping of the spatial distribution of the canopy cover of the growing lettuce plants, and the variable fertigation responded to the daily water consumption of the plants with an error of only 7.3%. Moreover, the stable canopy cover growth indicated the higher efficiency of variable fertigation compared to timer-based fertigation systems. The proposed variable-rate fertigation system is a promising and practical approach to implement hydroponics with reduced water and energy consumption. Keywords: Canopy cover, Hydroponic, On-the-go monitoring, Transpiration, Variable fertigation.
Crop Improvement for Circular Bioeconomy Systems
Authors: Messina Carlos D. , van Eeuwijk Fred , Tang Tom , Truong Sandra K. , McCormick Ryan F. , Technow Frank , Powell Owen , Mayor Laura , Gutterson Neal , Jones James W. , Hammer Graeme L. , Cooper Mark
Published: April 2022

Highlights

We describe and demonstrate a multidimensional framework to integrate environmental and genomic predictors to enable crop improvement for a circular bioeconomy.

A model training procedure based on multiple phenotypes is shown to improve predictive skill.

The decision set comprised of model outputs can inform selection for both productivity and circularity metrics.

Abstract. Contemporary agricultural systems are poised to transition from linear to circular, adopting concepts of recycling, repurposing, and regeneration. This transition will require changing crop improvement objectives to consider the entire system, and thus provide solutions to improve complex systems for higher productivity, resource use efficiency, and environmental quality. The methods and approaches that underpinned the doubling of yields during the last century may no longer be fully adequate to target crop improvement for circular agricultural systems. Here we propose a multidimensional framework for prediction with outcomes useful to assess both crop performance traits and environmental sustainability of the designed agricultural systems. The study focuses on maize harvestable grain yield and total carbon production, water use, and use efficiency for yield and carbon. The framework builds on the crop growth model whole genome prediction system, which is enabled by advanced phenomics and the integration of symbolic and sub-symbolic artificial intelligence. We demonstrate the approach and prediction accuracy advantages over a standard statistical genomic prediction approach used to breed maize hybrids for yield, flowering time, and kernel set using a dataset comprised of 7004 hybrids, 103 breeding populations, and 62 environments resulting from six years of experimentation in maize drought breeding in the U.S. We propose this framework to motivate a dialogue for how to enable circularity in agriculture through prediction-based systems design. Keywords: Circular bioeconomy, Circular economy, Crop improvement, Crop models, Drought, Gene editing, Genomic prediction, Maize, Plant breeding.
Diversity of potassium solving microbes on andisol soil affected by the eruption of Mount Sinabung, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: SEMBIRING MARIANI , SABRINA T.
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Sembiring M, Sabrina T. 2022. Diversity of potassium solving microbes on andisol soil affected by the eruption of Mount Sinabung, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1759-1764. Potassium (K) is one of the macronutrients needed by plants for seeds' growth, development, and quality. Andisols covered by volcanic ash from Mount Sinabung contain potassium ranging from 0.39-0.58 me/100g. The use of microbes is one of the alternatives methods to increase the availability of potassium in the soil that can be absorbed by plants. This study aimed to find environment-specific superior potassium-solvent microbes. Soil sampling was carried out in Kutarayat Village, Nama Teran Sub-district, Karo District, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The method used is random composite sampling by taking samples from 4 different locations. Sampling points were taken on Andisol soil that had been processed, covered with thin, medium, and thick ash. Sampling was carried out at a depth of 0-20 cm from the ground surface around the rhizosphere area. Isolation of bacteria and fungi was carried out by using multilevel dilutions. The microbes obtained after using the pour plate method were identified at molecular level by using PCR. Microbial potential test was carried out by using andisol soil which was incubated for 30 days. Parameters observed were soil pH, exchangeable potassium, soil organic carbon, and microbial population. 7 bacterial isolates and 3 potassium solubilizing fungi were isolated and identified during the present study. All bacterial and fungal isolates obtained were able to increase the availability of potassium soil exchange. The research results show that Talaromyces pinophilus can increase potassium soil exchange up to 102.94%.
Constructing and expressing acyl-homoserine lactone lactonase (aiiA) gene for enhancing Solanum tuberosum resistance against soft rot disease
Authors: SURYANTI ERMA , RUSMANA IMAN , WAHYUDI ARIS TRI , AKHDIYA ALINA , SUKMADJAJA DEDEN
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Suryanti E, Rusamana I, Wahyudi AT, Akhdiya A, Sukamdjaja D. 2022. Constructing and expressing acyl-homoserine lactone lactonase (aiiA) gene for enhancing Solanum tuberosum resistance against soft rot disease. Biodiversitas 23: 1780-1787. Expression of the genes associated with pectinase production in soft rot disease of Dickeya spp. are regulated by quorum sensing mechanism using acyl homoserine lactone(AHL). Degradation of AHL using AHL lactonase can be developed to reduce pectinase production in Dickeyaspp.The aiiA gene encodes AHL lactonase from Bacillus spp. This study aims to construct binary vector of inserted aiiA gene (pCAB10) from Bacillus cereus B10 and express the aiiA gene in potato Medians cultivar genome. The aiiAgene was cloned into binary vector and transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens LB4404. The Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation was conducted with co-cultivation technique.The transgenic plant was confirmed through PCR andselected through kanamycin and soft rot disease resistance to Dickeya dadantii A3. The result showed that aiiA gene was successfully integrated top CAB10 and introduced to A. tumefaciens LB4404. The percentage of pCAB10 transformation was 57.6%, while there generation efficiency was 11.9% with 50 mg/L acetosyringone addition. Four transgenic potato Medians cultivar exhibited significantly higher resistance against soft rot disease than non-transgenic plants. Mahl1 clone had the highest resistance to D. dadantii with soft rot disease incidence as 7.1% and percentage of soft rot disease suppression as 92.85%.
DNA barcoding of freshwater fish in Siberut Island, Mentawai Archipelago, Indonesia
Authors: Roesma Dewi , TJONG DJONG HON , Janra Muhammad , Aidil Dyta
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Roesma DI, Tjong DH, Janra MN, Aidil DR. 2022. DNA barcoding of freshwater fish in Siberut Island, Mentawai Archipelago, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1795-1806. Information regarding molecular data of freshwater fish in Siberut Island, Mentawai Archipelago, Indonesia, is not available. This study was conducted to provide DNA barcodes of freshwater fish in Siberut island. The cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene was chosen to make DNA barcodes because it has been used as a tool capable of identifying organisms up to the species level. Specimens were collected directly captured in the three rivers from Siberut Island. A total of 40 individuals were selected from 200 individuals that have been identified morphologically and strengthened by the results of the molecular marker (DNA barcodes) consisting of 13 species, namely Gobiopterus cf. brachypterus (BOLD: ADF5945), Eleotris fusca (BOLD: AAF0108), Butis cf. butis (BOLD: AAL8960), Stiphodon semoni (BOLD: ACQ3312), Giuris margaritacea (BOLD: ACP9929), Anabas testudineus (BOLD: AAO2846), Rasbora jacobsoni, Rasbora vulcanus, Barbodes banksi, Redigobius cf. bikolanus, Periophthalmus argentilineatus, Hypseleotris cf. compressa, and Oryzias cf. javanicus (in a queue in the BOLD system). The average Kimura two-Parameter model (K2P) genetic distances within species, genera, families, and orders were 0.16%, 11.4%, 23.2%, and 26.0%, respectively. The interspecific K2P distance was higher than the intraspecific distance. The present study supports that COI Barcodes effectively identify fish up to the species level. Future research is needed, especially to species that may have potential as new species. In contrast, DNA barcodes as genetic information will contribute as the basic data to future studies in the monitoring, conservation, and management of freshwater fish in Siberut Island, Mentawai Islands. Therefore, the creation of DNA barcodes is immediately carried out.
Impact of soil fertilization on arthropod abundance and diversity on soybean agroecosystem
Authors: Hasibuan Rosma , Cindowarni Olivia , Lumbanraja Jamalam , Lumbanraja Favorisen Rosyking
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Hasibuan R, Cindowarni O, Lumbanraja J, Lumbanraja FR. 2022. Impact of soil fertilization on arthropod abundance and diversity on soybean agroecosystem. Biodiversitas 23: 1828-1835. Arthropods are biotic components that play an important role in the ecosystem. The field experiment consisting five fertilizer treatments: 100% NPK, 100% organic fertilizer, 100% NPK and 50% organic fertilizer, 50% NPK and 100% organic fertilizer, and no fertilizer was conducted to study the arthropod abundance and diversity in soybean agroecosystem. Pitfall traps were set up for collecting soil arthropods, while data for foliar arthropods were obtained by visual observation. During the study, the soybean agroecosystem was inhabited by 2756 arthropods that belong to 64 families. The results of arthropod community composition indicated that soil and foliar arthropods were most dominated by Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Predators were the most abundant in pitfall traps and herbivores with a visual inspection. Additionally, predators had the highest number of families. Soil fertilizer treatments had a significant impact on the abundance of foliar arthropods and soil arthropods. The highest numbers of foliar arthropods were found in soybean plants treated by inorganic fertilizer (NPK) either alone or in combination. However, soil arthropods were most abundant in soybean treated by organic fertilizer. The application of organic fertilizers to the soybean agroecosystem was able to increase the diversity of ground-dwelling arthropods and foliage-inhabiting arthropods across sampling periods.