bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR), and Eosinophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (ELR) as Biomarkers in Patients with Acute Exacerbation Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Authors: Liao Qian-Qian , Mo Yan-Ju , Zhu Ke-Wei , Gao Feng , Huang Bin , Chen Peng , Jing Feng-Tian , Jiang Xuan , Xu Hong-Zhen , Tang Yan-Feng , Chu Li-Wei , Huang Hai-Ling , Wang Wen-Li , Wei Fang-Ning , Huang Dan-Dan , Zhao Bin-Jing , Chen Jia , Zhang Hao
Published: November 2022

The study comprehensively evaluated the prognostic roles of PLR, NLR, MLR, BLR, and ELR in patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). 619 patients with AECOPD and 300 healthy volunteers were retrospectively included into the study. The clinical characteristics containing laboratory findings of the AECOPD patients and the blood cell counts (CBCs) of the healthy volunteers were collected. Compared with the healthy volunteers, PLR, NLR, and MLR were elevated in COPD patients in stable condition, and were further ele-vated during exacerbation. ELR showed the opposite trend. PLR, NLR, and MLR were all posi-tively correlated with hospital LOS as well as CRP. In contrast, ELR was negatively correlated with hospital LOS as well as CRP. Elevated PLR, NLR, and MLR were all associated with more serious airflow limitation in AECOPD. Elevated PLR, NLR, and MLR were all associated with increased in-hospital mortality while Elevated ELR was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality in AECOPD. A nomogram was construct to predict in-hospital mortality in AECOPD. The nomo-gram had a C-index of 0.850 (95% CI: 0.799 – 0.901) with good predictive value and clinical ap-plicability. In summary, PLR, NLR, MLR, and ELR served as predictors for clinical outcomes in patients with AECOPD.
The Impact of Patent Applications on Technological Innovation in European Countries
Authors: LEOGRANDE ANGELO , Costantiello Alberto , Laureti Lucio
Published: November 2022

We investigate the innovational determinants of “Patent Applications” in Europe. We use data from the European Innovation Scoreboard-EIS of the European Commission for 36 countries in the period 2010-2019. We use Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Panel Data with Random Effects, Pooled OLS, WLS and Dynamic Panel. We found that the variables that have a deeper positive association with “Patent Applications” are “Human Resources” and “Intellectual Assets”, while the variables that show a more intense negative relation with Patent Applications are “Employment Share in Manufacturing” and “Total Entrepreneurial Activity”. A cluster analysis with the k-Means algorithm optimized with the Silhouette Coefficient has been realized. The results show the presence of two clusters. A network analysis with the distance of Manhattan has been performed and we find three different complex network structures. Finally, a comparison is made among eight machine learning algorithms for the prediction of the future value of the “Patent Applications”. We found that PNN-Probabilistic Neural Network is the best performing algorithm. Using PNN the results show that the mean future value of “Patent Applications” in the estimated countries is expected to decrease of -0.1%.
Deep Learning-Based Screening of Urothelial Carcinoma in Whole Slide Images of Liquid-Based Cytology Urine Specimens
Authors: Tsuneki Masayuki , Abe Makoto , Kanavati Fahdi
Published: November 2022

Urinary cytology is a useful, essential diagnostic method in routine urological clinical practice. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) for urothelial carcinoma screening is commonly used in the routine clinical cytodiagnosis because of its high cell collection rate. Since conventional screening processes by cytoscreeners and cytopathologists using microscopes is limited in terms of human resources, it is important to integrate new deep learning methods that can automatically and rapidly diagnose a large amount of specimens without delay. The goal of this study was to investigate the use of deep learning models for the classification of urine LBC whole-slide images (WSIs) into neoplastic and non-neoplastic (negative). We trained deep learning models using 786 WSIs by transfer learning, fully supervised, and weakly supervised learning approaches. We evaluated the trained models on two test sets (equal and clinical balance) with a combined total of 750 WSIs, achieving ROC-AUCs for WSI diagnosis in the range of 0.984-0.990 by the best model, demonstrating the promising potential use of our model for aiding urine cytodiagnostic processes.
An Improved Retrieval of Snow and Ice Properties Using Spaceborne OLCI/S-3 Spectral Reflectance Measurements: Updated Atmospheric Correction and Snow Impurity Load Estimation
Authors: Kokhanovsky Alexander , Vandecrux Baptiste , Wehrlé Adrien , Danne Olaf , Brockmann Carsten , Box Jason
Published: November 2022

We present the update of the Snow and Ice (SICE) property retrieval algorithm proposed initially by Kokhanovsky et al. (2019). The algorithm is based on the spectral measurements of Ocean and Land Color Instrument (OLCI) onboard Sentinel-3 satellites combined with the asymptotic radiative transfer theory valid for weakly absorbing turbid media. The main improvements include the introduction of a new atmospheric correction, retrieval of snow impurity load and properties, retrievals for partially snow-covered ground and also accounting for various thresholds to be used to assess the retrieval quality. The algorithm is available as python and Fortran packages at https://github.com/GEUS-SICE/pySICE. The technique can be applied to various optical sensors (satellite and ground-based) operated in the visible and near infrared regions of electromagnetic spectra.
MAJOR TRENDS AND RISKS OF DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS, EXEMPLIFIED BY NOVOKUZNETSK
Authors:   Novokuznetsk State Institute of Advanced Medical Training – Branch of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Novokuznetsk, Russia, Zhilina N.M. , Chechenin G.I. ,   Novokuznetsk State Institute of Advanced Medical Training – Branch of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Novokuznetsk, Russia, Kheraskov V.Yu. ,   Territorial Department of the Ministry of Health of Kuzbass, Novokuznetsk, Russia
Published: November 2022

Significance. Results of the analysis of the causes of death by region help to specify focus of the necessary measures, in particular, social programs. In Russia, since 2017, the second stage of depopulation has begun, associated with a reduction in fertility. Due to the "Russian Cross" of the 1990s, there was a sharp decrease in the number of women of active reproductive age, especially 25-29 years. A significant natural decline of the population, in particular, in Novokuznetsk, is of great concern, including due to the increase in mortality in recent years and the outflow of population. Purpose. To conduct a comparative and dynamic analysis of the Novokuznetsk demographic indicators with the general situation in Russia to identify risk areas and take effective measures to improve the situation. Material and methods. The analysis uses WHO data, collections of Rosstat and the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, data from the Kemerovo State Statistics Office, the Novokuznetsk Administration and the Territorial Department of the Ministry of Health of Kuzbass, Novokuznetsk. A database has been developed in the licensed statistical package IBM SPSS Statistics-19. A comparative analysis of independent groups of indicators was performed using the Mann-Whitney criterion (U); the trend in indicators was determined by the method of correlation analysis of tau Kendall (τ), graphical analysis was carried out in the MS Excel-2013 program. Results. Until 2015, trends in fertility and mortality in the Russian Federation were positive. Since 2017, the birth rate has decreased, since 2019 – mortality has increased. Mortality is higher than fertility. Statistically significant growth trends were revealed in the dynamics in indicators of the Russian population younger than working age and indicators of the Russian population older than working age. The risks of demographic indicators in Novokuznetsk have been identified. The number of the working age population in Novokuznetsk and the number of the employed are decreasing, which can be explained by the unfavorable trend related to outflow of young people leaving in search of work in more promising cities. Conclusion. It is necessary to undertake effective social measures to increase birth rates in the groups of young women, increase the total fertility rate, as well as develop promising industrial production and incentive social measures to prevent the outflow of young population.
MAJOR APPROACHES TO THE DIAGNOSIS OF OCCUPATIONAL ALLERGIC DISEASES IN MODERN
Authors:   Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Health and Human Ecology, Ufa, Russia, Masyagutova L.M. ,   Bashkirian State Medical University of the Russian Health Ministry, Ufa, Russia, Abdrakhmanova E.R. ,   Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Health and Human Ecology, Ufa, Russia,   Bashkirian State Medical University of the Russian Health Ministry, Ufa, Russia, Bakirov A.B. ,   Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Health and Human Ecology, Ufa, Russia,   Bashkirian State Medical University of the Russian Health Ministry, Ufa, Russia, Gabdulvaleeva E.F. ,   Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Health and Human Ecology, Ufa, Russia
Published: November 2022

Significance. The issues of allergization of the population in modern conditions are becoming increasingly widespread, while significantly reducing both general and professional working capacity. Particularly problematic are issues related to assessment of occupational allergic diseases, which includes actual diagnosis of allergic pathology, as well as examination of the causal relationship between the disease and working conditions of the patient. Purpose. To develop and substantiate an algorithm for carrying out diagnostic activities based on the analysis of occupational allergic morbidity in the region with a well-developed petrochemical industry. Material and methods. The analysis used statistical reporting data of the Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Medicine and Human Ecology for the period from 2000 to 2021. The list of allergic occupational diseases includes: L20-L30 - dermatitis, eczema; L50-L54 - urticaria, erythema; J30 - allergic rhinitis; J45 - bronchial asthma; J67 - exogenous allergic alveolitis; T78.3 - Quincke's edema. Results. The paper presents data on the structure and annual dynamics in the share of allergic diseases in the structure of crude occupational incidence; and outlines a general algorithm and stages of diagnostic activities. Research methods and their informativity have been characterized. Conclusion. A unified methodological approach to conducting a complete and qualitative examination of the relationship between occupational allergic diseases and occupation has been proposed.
IMPROVING TRAINING OF MEDICAL SPECIALISTS IN THE STAVROPOL TERRITORY DURING THE PANDEMIC OF THE NEW CORONAVIRUS INFECTION COVID-19
Authors:   Stavropol State Medical University, Stavropol, Russia, Muravyeva A.A.
Published: November 2022

Significance. Development of the new COVID-19 coronavirus infection in the Russian Federation urged adjustments to all branches of the health protection system, including organization of continuing medical education and training of medical specialists. The development of educational programs adapted to the conditions of the COVID-19 coronavirus infection is a relevant scientific and practical task. The purpose of the study was to develop continuing education programs for medical specialists to work in the conditions of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in the Stavropol Territory. Material and methods: The study was based on the analysis of regulatory legal acts of the Russian Federation, methodological clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, operational statistical data on COVID-19 in the Stavropol Territory, performance outcomes of the medical educational and scientific national organizations. The study uses the following methods: content analysis, analytical methods and methods of statistical analysis. Results. In the shortest possible time, the Stavropol State Medical University has developed five new training programs using distance learning technologies: distance lectures + full-time internship in a clinic using real medical equipment and simulators designed to train medical specialists in the conditions of the COVID-19 epidemic in the Stavropol Territory Negative dynamics in the spread of COVID-19, as well as transformation of the remote technology system made it possible to connect and provide actual practical and advisory assistance to all districts of the Stavropol Territory. Telemedicine consultations were conducted around the clock with due regard to urgency and priority, providing invaluable assistance to practical healthcare in the remote areas of the Stavropol Territory, significantly reducing workload of air medical service teams. Conclusion. Resource, organizational and educational measures taken in the Stavropol Territory have become basis for effective fight against the new COVID-19 coronavirus infection in the region. Scope of application. The study results can be used by heads of educational organizations of continuing medical education, heads of health management bodies, chief physicians of medical organizations, HR chiefs and digital technology specialists.
ASSESSMENT OF LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF EMPLOYEES OF A MEDICAL RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
Authors:   Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, Kemerovo, Russia, Popsuyko A.N. , Danilchenko Y.V. ,   Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, Kemerovo, Russia, Batsina E.A. ,   Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, Kemerovo, Russia, Trauter M.K. ,   Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, Kemerovo, Russia, Artamonova G.V. ,   Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, Kemerovo, Russia
Published: November 2022

Significance of the topic is substantiated by the necessity to find resources for the development of modern health organizations and medical science based on concentrating scientific, creative and project groups around proactive leaders able to unite stakeholders to achieve strategic goals and improve performance of the organization. In this respect availability of effective tools for assessing employee leadership qualities steps into the spotlight. The purpose of the study is to assess leadership qualities of employees of scientific and medical organizations on the basis of standard questionnaires on leadership qualities. Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases was the research base, research object– personnel, research subject– leadership qualities of employees. Material and methods. Theoretical analysis and sociological survey, based on the standard questionnaires by D. Welch, E. Zharikov and E. Krushelnikov. During data analysis standard methods of descriptive statistics were used with quantitative data representation as median (Me), 25 and 75 quartiles of values ([Q1-Q3]), and frequency of sign occurrence in % and absolute values (n) for qualitative variable expression. The distribution of quantitative data was analyzed using the Kholmogorov-Smirnov criterion. Quantitative variables in the two groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis criterion. Pearson's chi-square was used to compare qualitative variables. Results. The study showed that 57.5% of the total number of the respondents had leadership potential and / or distinctive leadership qualities, including: research workers – 21.0%, administrative and managerial staff – 18.4%, nursing staff – 28.9%, doctors – 28.9%, other staff – 2.8%. 67.4% out of the total number of the respondents expressed willingness to take part in activities on improving performance of the organization, in particular: research process (25.0%), personnel policy, including education (20.8%), performance of their division (18.7%), treatment and diagnostic process (16.6%), quality management system (10.4%) and financial and economic activity (8.5%). Conclusion. More than 50.0% of the employees have a leadership potential. Willingness to actively participate in activities aimed at the institution development was equality expressed by both scientific staff and medical personnel, which is especially valuable for the organization that specializes in both scientific research and high-tech care delivery.
DYNAMICS IN HEALTH STATUS OF URBAN POPULATION OF THE OLDER RETIREMENT AGE AND INCIDENCE RATE OF THEIR OUTPATIENT VISITS IN 2011-2020
Authors:   Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V. F. Voyno-Yasenetsky, Kapitonov V.F. , Subbotina N.L. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Hospital of War Veterans, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Published: November 2022

Increase in chronic pathology with age and polymorbidity that is characteristic of the elderly, increase the cost of diagnosis and treatment, both for the healthcare system and individual patients. Therefore, analysis of health status of population of the older retirement age and incidence rate of their outpatient visits is relevant and beyond any doubt. Purpose of the study: To analyze dynamics in health status of urban population of the older retirement age and incidence rate of their outpatient visits in 2011-2020 based on the data analysis on outpatient visits in 2011-2020. Material and methods. Materials of state statistics and summary form of the state statistical observation No. 12 for the city of Krasnoyarsk in 2011-2020 were used as sources of information. The analysis used absolute and relative values, ratio coefficients, dynamic series indicators and their growth rates (loss). Results. The analysis showed increased share of people of the older retirement age in the total adult population, resulting in their increased share in the structure of medical care seeking by adults. There is a decrease in the crude disease incidence by 21.1% and previously diagnosed diseases by 30.2% against the background of the decreased rate of disease chronicity from 4.4 to 2.6. The incidence rate of outpatient visits shows that the share of people of the older retirement age uptakes 1.5 times more outpatient services compared to people of working age. Conclusion: Increased incidence rate of outpatient visits by people of the older retirement age is accounted for by their increased share in the total structure of the adult population; decreased crud incidence among people of the older retirement age was due to a 30.2% decline in the rate of previously diagnosed diseases; growth rates of disease incidence among people of the older retirement age and working age population are similar, 19.2% and 19.9 %, respectively; there is a decrease in the coefficient of disease chronicity among people of the older retirement age from 4.4 in 2011 to 2.6 in 2020, while the coefficient of the degree of chronicity of patients has not changed; on average, the share of people of the older retirement age uptakes 1.5 times more outpatient services compared to the similar share of people of working age.
ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY AND ACCESS TO PALLIATIVE CARE BY POPULATION: A SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Authors:   Russian Research Institute of Health of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Buzin V.N. , Nevzorova D.V. ,   Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow
Published: November 2022

Significance. One of the least studied aspects of access to and quality of medical palliative care delivery to population is the assessment of subjective perception of satisfaction of palliative care recipients, their relatives and legal representatives with quality of palliative care provided, availability of medicines, including those containing narcotics and psychotropic substances, and medical products for home use. The purpose of the study: to assess subjective perception of satisfaction of palliative care recipients and identify factors affecting this perception. Material and methods. The study material was based on results of a sociological survey of the Russian population conducted by the method of personal interviews at the place of residence (apartment survey) and at the place of palliative care. The survey sample equaled to 600 respondents. The sampling error added up to 3.37% with statistical significance as p<0.1, which is sufficient for initial assessment of palliative care quality in the country. Results. The overall satisfaction with palliative care equaled to 88.7% for inpatient palliative care, and 92.1% for home-based palliative care. The most urgent problem for palliative care recipients remains receipt of prescription for narcotic drugs. The study has identified ongoing problems in this area of palliative care delivery to patients in need. The most favorable situation with accessibility of narcotic drugs is registered in pediatric recipients – none the respondents among legal representatives of the palliative care recipients noted any problems related to receiving narcotic drugs. The study has also identified a problem of insufficient awareness of availability of medical products to patients and their legal representatives, their rights and opportunities secured and provided by the state. Conclusion. In general, the results of the survey of palliative care recipients demonstrate a high level of satisfaction of the respondents with all parameters of palliative care delivery. Thus, the average assessment of satisfaction with quality of palliative care provided to patients both in hospital and at home equaled to 4.4. The study shows a need for further improvement of patient provision with narcotic drugs and improvement of the mechanism of informing palliative care recipients about their rights.
Komatiitic Subvolcanic Rocks in the Mount Khanlauta Massif, Serpentinite Belt (Kola Peninsula)
Authors: Barkov A.Yu. , Nikiforov A.A. , Barkova L.P. , Izokh A.E. , Korolyuk V.N.
Published: November 2022

—For the first time, exposures of ultramafic rocks of subvolcanic origin have been investigated at the foot of Mount Khanlauta (Kola Peninsula) located at a distance of ~2 km from the southwestern margin of the Pados-Tundra layered complex of dunite–harzburgite–orthopyroxenite composition, which hosts zones of chromitite and unconventional PGE mineralization. The ultramafic body is composed of micro- to fine-grained harzburgite and subordinate orthopyroxenite and has a cryptically zoned structure. The body is of E–W strike and has a small size with an apparent thickness of ~0.1 km; the exposed outcrops exhibit a blocky surface as a result of extensive cracking caused by degassing and rapid cooling of a parental komatiitic melt. Elements of columnar parting are recognized, which have a hexagonal shape in cross section and are consistent with the inferred subvolcanic origin. Two zones are identified. Zone I is formed by a more magnesian olivine with Mg# = 86.0–87.9 (0.15–0.21 wt.% MnO). In Zone II, olivine grains are notably less magnesian (Mg# = 81.8–84.1) and invariably have higher contents of manganese (0.19–0.30 wt.% MnO). The presence of this zoning is corroborated by the lateral distribution of accessory chromian spinel grains with maximum Mg# values (>20) in Zone I. The Khanlauta rocks also contain subordinate orthopyroxene (Mg# = 86.3–87.2), amphiboles of the tremolite–actinolite series, and anthophyllite of deuteric (autometasomatic) origin along with accessory minerals: ilmenite, hematite (~15 mol.% escolaite, Cr2O3, in solid solution), and mono- and diphase grains of sulfides in the form of intergrowths of Co-bearing pentlandite (Ni/Fe = 0.9–1.3; 1.00–16.74 wt.% Co; up to 1.7–6.8 wt.% Cu) and heazlewoodite (locally in intergrowth with hematite). The inferred front of crystallization moved in the western direction, causing the formation of Zone II from a more fractionated melt with a notably lower Mg# value. A sharp increase in oxygen fugacity locally caused the formation of anomalous parageneses of chromite and ilmenite, in which the observed Mg# values of ilmenite are considerably greater than those of the coexisting chromite. The geochemical whole-rock characteristics based on major, minor, and trace elements (including LILE, REE, and HFSE), as well as the compositions and trends of chromian spinels, are similar to those in differentiated (zoned) sills of the Chapesvara complex, which are closely associated with the Pados-Tundra layered complex. The obtained data indicate comagmatic relationships among the Khanlauta massif, zoned sills of the Chapesvara complex, and the Pados-Tundra layered complex. All of them crystallized from a primitive highly magnesian Fe- and Cr-enriched komatiitic magma (Al-undepleted). Thus, they belong to a single subvolcano–plutonic association being part of the Serpentinite belt–Tulppio belt (SB–TB) megastructure of presumably Paleoproterozoic age.
Optical Coherence Tomographic morphological changes over the course of Ranibizumab Treatment in Diabetic Macula Edema
Authors: Chen Nan-Ni , Lai Chien-Hsiung , Liao Yi-Lin , Chen Ching-Lung , Huang Jou-Chen , Chu Yen-Chang , Wu Pei-Lun , Chen Chau-Yin
Published: November 2022

Background/Objectives
The purpose of this study was to present an association among different morphologic subtypes of diabetic macular edema (DME) and their response and changes in morphological features of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) over time after intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections.
Subjects/Methods
This retrospective study included 228 eyes of 150 subjects received IVR for DME and were observed for at least 2 years. Medical charts and SD-OCT image of consecutive patients were reviewed at designated time points after first IVR treatment.
Results
For a total of 228 eyes, 42 eyes (18.4%) were classified as group 1 (with OCT morphological changes) and 186 eyes (81.6%) classified as group 2 (without OCT morphological changes). The baseline best-corrected visual acuity and 2nd year central macula thickness were significantly different between two groups (p=0.035, p=0.001), with group 1 a poor BCVA (log MAR) 0.84±0.39 and greater CMT at 2nd year (354.21±89.02). Vitreomacular interface abnormalities (VIMA) was the most common type of change and developed in 14.9% of patients with DME who received intravitreal injection of ranibizumab treatment during a follow-up period of 24 months. Stroke was found as a risk factor for developing into another DME subtypes with odds ratio 6.381 (p= 0.038).
Conclusions
Macula edema disappeared rapidly after IVR treatment and might recur or even evolve to other subtypes over time, which may indicate a disease progression with poor outcome. VIMA was the most common type of change and presented in all eyes with DME irrespective of the type of macular edema as classified by SD-OCT.
Optimization of Laser Pulse for Double-cone Ignition via Machine Learning
Authors: Song Huanyu , Wu Fuyuan , Yang Xiaohu
Published: November 2022

Double-cone ignition (DCI) scheme is a promising fast-ignition approach for the realization of inertial fusion energy. The optimization of laser pulse plays a key role for the fuel compression required by the high gain fusion burning. In this paper, we employ the genetic algorithm in machine learning to optimize the laser pulse in couple with one-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations for the fuel compression. It is found that quantum degeneracy is beneficial for the achievement of high density compression. Analysis from the dataset indicates that the areal density is strongly proportional to the peak density and implosion velocity. Numerical results also suggest that a peak density of 1000 g/cm 3 and an areal density of 3 g/cm 2 could be achieved with a drive energy of 300 kJ in the configuration of double-cone ignition scheme.
Study of knowledge, attitude and anxiety in Kurdistan-region of Iraqi population during the monkeypox outbreak in 2022: An online cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Sirwan Khalid , Abdulqadirb Salar Omar , Omar Rukhsar Muhammad , Abdullah Ardalan Jabbar , Rahman Hawre Asaad , Hussein Safin Hassan , M-Amin Halkawt Ismail , Chandran Deepak , Sharma Anil K. , Dhama Kuldeep , Essa Rawand Abdulrahman , Abdulla Araz Qadir
Published: November 2022

Background
On July 23, the WHO declared the rapidly spreading monkeypox (MPX) epidemic as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This study attempted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and anxiety levels of the general population during the MPX outbreak.
Methods
An online cross-sectional survey was conducted during the period July 27 and July 30, 2022, using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire was adapted and developed after an in-depth review of the previous studies.
Results
A total of 510 respondents participated in this study. 277 (54.3%) were male, 233 (45.7%) were female. Participants had insufficient knowledge of MPX with a mean and SD deviation 2.096±1.359, 2.576±1.466, having a normal attitude toward MPX 4.031±1.645. Moreover, they had anxiety problems 32.382±10.094. There were significant differences in the mean rank scores of the knowledge of respondents about MPX according to their, religion, level of education, place of residence with p-values>0.001, 0.001, 0.001, respectively and 0.009 for marital status. Also, there were significant differences in the mean rank scores of attitudes of respondents toward MPX according to their gender, level of education, and age, with p-values 0.011, 0.020, 0,029, respectively, and p-value>0.001 for place of residence. Lastly, there were significant differences in the mean rank score of anxiety of respondents toward MPX according to their gender, level of education, religion, and place of residence, with p-values>0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001 respectively, and 0.009 for marital status.
Conclusion
There is an urgent need to raise public awareness and manage people's emotional wellbeing.
Home-Based Physical Activity Program with Health Coaching for participants with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Sweden, A Pilot Study
Authors: Benzo Maria V , Hagströmer Maria , Nygren-Bonnier Malin , Benzo Roberto , Papp Marian Elisabet
Published: November 2022

Background: Home-based interventions are at the center stage of current healthcare demands. There is a clear need to translate pulmonary rehabilitation to a home-based setting. This 8-week pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of a Home-based Physical Activity (HPA) program for 12 participants with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Sweden.
Methods: Patients with COPD, age 40 years or older, and clinically stable in the last 3 months were recruited. The program included the use of a fitness tracker to monitor step count, weekly health coaching calls using motivational interviewing, and video-guided mindful movements (tai chi and yoga exercises).
The outcome measures were adherence to the eight-week program video-guided exercises (number of times videos were watched), adherence to health coaching calls (minimum 8), monthly and daily step count, and quality of life (QoL) using the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire, (CRQ).
Results: Thirteen participants were enrolled, and one participant dropped out. Twelve participants adhered to 8-weeks of health coaching calls and step monitoring. We had a total of 643 video-exercise views, the compliance exceeded the minimum standard (576 views).
The mean difference comparing total monthly steps from baseline and the eight-week time point was 47 039 steps (CI – 113625-1623.5, p=0.06). The minimal clinical improvement of 500 daily steps was found for 8 of the patients. No significant improvement was found in the QoL measures and mental health.
Conclusions: We found the HPA program to be a feasible intervention. Patients showed high adherence to tracking step counts, health coaching calls, and video-guided exercise. No improvements in QoL or monthly step count emerged, however, we found high compliance and a positive trend in the number of monthly step counts, and improvements of at least 500 daily step counts improved in most patients with this small sample size.
Development and nation-wide validation of kidney graft injury markers using urinary exosomes and microvesicles (complete English translation of the Japanese version)
Authors: Harada Hiroshi , Fukuzawa Nobuyuki , Abe Toyofumi , Imamura Ryoichi , Masaki Noriyuki , Fujiyama Nobuhiro , Sato Shigeru , Hatakeyama Shingo , Nishimura Kenji , Kishikawa Hidefumi , Iwami Daiki , Hotta Kiyohiko , Miura Masayoshi , Ide Kentaro , Nakamura Michio , Kosoku Akihiro , Uchida Junji , Murakami Taku , Tsuji Takahiro
Published: November 2022

Background
Non-invasive, prompt and proper detection tools for kidney graft injuries (KGIs) are awaited to ensure the graft longevity. We screened diagnostic biomarkers for KGIs following kidney transplantation using extracellular vesicles (EVs; exosomes and microvesicles) from patients’ urine samples.
Methods
One hundred and twenty-seven kidney recipients at 11 Japanese institutes were enrolled in this study; urine samples were obtained prior to protocol/episode biopsies. EVs were isolated from urine samples, and EV RNA markers were assayed using quantitative RT-PCR. Diagnostic performance of EV RNA markers and diagnostic formulas comprising those were evaluated by comparison with the corresponding pathological diagnoses.
Results
EV CXCL9, CXCL10, and UMOD were elevated in T-cell-mediated rejection samples compared with other KGI samples, while SPNS2 was elevated in chronic antibody-mediated rejection (cABMR) samples. A diagnostic formula developed through Sparse Logistic Regression analysis using EV RNA markers allowed us to accurately (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) 0.875) distinguish cABMR from other KGI samples. EV B4GALT1 and SPNS2 were also elevated in cABMR, and a diagnostic formula using these markers was able to distinguish between cABMR and chronic calcineurin toxicity accurately (AUC 0.886). In interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) urine samples and those with high Banff chronicity score sums (BChS), POTEM levels may reflect disease severity, and diagnostic formulas using POTEM detected IFTA (AUC 0.830) and high BChS (AUC 0.850).
Conclusions
KGIs could be diagnosed with urinary EV mRNA analysis with relatively high accuracy.
Potassium-doped g-C3N4 enables efficient visible-light-driven dye degradation
Authors: Yuan Lianxin , Liu Weixuan , Zhang Wanting
Published: November 2022

Elements doping is recognized as an efficient method to boost the photocatalytic performance of photocatalysts. Here, a new potassium ion-doped precursor, potassium sorbate, was employed in melamine configuration during calcination process to prepare the potassium doped g-C3N4 (KCN). By various characterization techniques and electrochemical measurements, the doping of K in g-C3N4 can efficiently modify the band structure to enhance the light absorption, greatly increase the conductivity to accelerate charge transfer and photo-generated carriers separation, ultimately achieving an excellent photodegradation of the organic pollutant (methylene blue, MB). These results have demonstrated that the approach of potassium incorporation in g-C3N4 has potential in fabricating high-performance photocatalysts for organic pollutants removal.
Rapid evolution of A(H5N1) influenza viruses after intercontinental spread to North America
Authors: Kandeil Ahmed , Patton Christopher , Jones Jeremy , Jeevan Trushar , Harrington Walter , Trifkovic Sanja , Seiler Jon , Fabrizio Thomas , Woodard Karlie , Turner Jasmine , Crumpton Jeri-Carol , Miller Lance , Rubrum Adam , DeBeauchamp Jennifer , Russell Charles , Govorkova Elena , Vogel Peter , Torchetti Mia , Berhane Yohannes , Stallknecht David , Poulson Rebecca , Kercher Lisa , Webby Richard
Published: November 2022

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b underwent an explosive geographic expansion in 2021, with the viruses being detected in wild birds and domestic poultry across Asia, Europe, and Africa. In 2022, viruses of this clade were detected in North America, signifying further intercontinental spread. Here, we show that the western movement of clade 2.3.4.4b was quickly followed by reassortment with local circulating viruses, resulting in the acquisition of novel polymerase gene cassettes. These reassortant A(H5N1) viruses are genotypically and phenotypically diverse, with many causing severe disease with dramatic neurologic involvement, in mammals. The proclivity of the current A(H5N1) 2.3.4.4b virus lineage to reassort and target the central nervous system warrants concerted planning to combat the spread and evolution of the virus within the continent and to mitigate the impact of a potential influenza pandemic that could originate from similar A(H5N1) reassortants.
The Role of Urogenital Infections in Spontaneous Preterm Birth
Authors: Mikhalev Sergey A , Radzinsky Victor E , Orazov Mekan R , Sorokina Anastasia V , Vandysheva Rositsa A , Midiber Konstantin Yu. , Sinelnikov Mikhail Y , Mikhaleva Liudmila M
Published: November 2022

Spontaneous preterm birth (PB) results from labor that occurs at 22 to 36 weeks and 6 days (154- 259 days) of gestation. The frequency of PB is 5-18% of all births.
Objective: our study aims to determine the role of urogenital infections in spontaneous PB occurrence.
Methods: 102 pregnant women aged 22-45 years participated in the study, 90 of which developed premature birth (22-36.6 weeks gestation, spontaneous pregnancy group) and 12 with normal birth (at 38-41 week-gestation). The patients were evaluated regarding their anamnesis (gynecological diseases, history of previous pregnancies, age and gestation), presence of urogenital infections (via expanded polymerase-chain reaction testing – PCR), inflammatory changes in the uteroplacental complex (histological evaluation), and compared results between the two groups.
Results: conditionally pathogenic flora was detected in the uterus of every second patient with spontaneous PB, uterine body dysbiosis was seen three times more often, bacterial vaginosis was seen 11 times more often in PB group than the control group. Utero-placental complex inflammatory changes were detected in 36-50% of patients with spontaneous PB and were accompanied by chronic placental insufficiency, confirmed both pathomorphologically and via protein metabolism assessment.
Conclusions: our results support the assumption that urogenital infections play a role in the development of spontaneous PB.
Future risk of decadal megadrought events over eastern China based on IPO-constrained precipitation
Authors: Ning Liang , Qin Yanmin , Li Longhui , Liu Jian , Yan Mi , Liu zhengyu , Lv Guonian , Yuan Linwang , Chen Kefan , Sun Weiyi , Wen Qin , Xue Jiao , Wang Liulin , Li Chuxin
Published: November 2022

A reliable projection of future risk of decadal megadrought event is crucial for adaption and mitigation over eastern China to future climate changes. However, large uncertainties are induced by emission scenarios, model structures, and internal variability in current model simulation. Using a 50-member ensemble of simulations from the Community Earth System Model Version 2 Large Ensemble (CESM2-LE), it is found that, under the same emission scenario, internal variability contributes a large part to the total uncertainties of decadal precipitation variability over eastern China, and the interdecadal Pacific oscillation (IPO), could contribute about 30% to internal uncertainty during future period (2021–2080). Then, an emergent constraint based on IPO is applied to the model simulated precipitation. Finally, constrained precipitation changes show that northern China will have a high megadrought risk in the 2050s to 2060s, and Yangtze River Valley will have a high megadrought risk in the 2030s to 2040s. These will have great benefit to specific strategies of social infrastructure in the future.
Drought Characteristics and its Multifaceted Implications in the Karnali River Basin of Nepal
Authors: Dahal Piyush , Shakya Aashna , Panthi Jeeban , Kirat Nammy Hang , Gajurel Susmina , Pokhrel Yadu , Pradhananga Dhiraj , Pokharel Binod , Pradhanang Soni M , Shrestha Madan Lall , Chaudhari Suyog
Published: November 2022

Karnali River Basin (KRB) located in western Nepal has been experiencing increasing temperature and decreasing precipitation trends in recent decades, making the basin highly susceptible to droughts. Adaptation to future droughts requires insight into the characteristics of past droughts and their impacts on different sectors. This study assesses the characteristics of drought occurrence and its implications on hydrology, agriculture, and vegetation in the KRB. The standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was used to characterize drought occurrence, severity, and frequency based on the data from 26 meteorological stations measured between 1981 and 2021. Results indicated that consecutive and worsening drought conditions were prevalent since 2000, with the more frequent and prolonged concurrence of severe and extreme droughts. SPI values for 1985, 1992, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2016, and 2018 indicate a prolonged dry period and widespread drought across the basin. The considerable implication of drought on water resources, agriculture, and vegetation were observed during the drought years. Reductions in both surface water and groundwater were observed in drought years. Results show a marked reduction in groundwater storage, with a rate of 12.1 mm/year from 2002 to 2016, with a notable reduction in recharge in the monsoon season of the drought years. Loss of cereal crop production and vegetation deficits were found as a result of drought. High correlations were observed between SPI value and agriculture yield during crop growing seasons. The findings of this study could provide a basis to formulate region-specific drought management plans for water-energy-food security.
Rapid increase in the risk of heat-related mortality
Authors: Lüthi Samuel , Fairless Christopher , Fischer Erich , Scovronick Noah , Armstrong Ben , Coelho Micheline , Guo Yue Leon , Guo Yuming , Honda Yasushi , Huber Veronika , Kyselý Jan , Lavigne Eric , Roye Dominic , Ryti Niilo , Silva Susana Pereira da , Urban Aleš , Gasparrini Antonio , Bresch David , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana
Published: November 2022

Heat-related mortality has been identified as one of the key climate extremes posing a risk to human health. Current research focuses largely on how heat mortality increases with mean global temperature rise, but it is unclear how much climate change will increase the frequency and severity of extreme summer seasons with high impact on human health. In this probabilistic analysis, we combined empirical heat-mortality relationships for 748 locations from 47 countries with climate model large ensemble data to identify probable past and future highly impactful summer seasons. Across most locations, heat mortality counts of a 1-in-100 year season in the climate of 2000 would be expected once every ten to twenty years in the climate of 2020. These return periods are projected to further shorten under warming levels of 1.5°C and 2°C, where heat-mortality extremes of the past climate will eventually become commonplace if no adaptation occurs. Our findings highlight the urgent need for strong mitigation and adaptation to reduce impacts on human lives.
3D Printed Boron Nitride Polyurethane Composites Electroosmotic Pump
Authors: Wu Liang , Khakbaz Hadis , Beirne Stephen , Wallace Gordon , Innis Peter
Published: November 2022

A melt extrusion-based 3D printing technique has been employed to fabricate a microcapillary electroosmotic pump (EOP) structure from a medical grade polyurethane (PU) elastomer in combination with a thermally conductive boron nitride (BN) nanopowder as a heat dissipating component at loadings of 0, 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20% w/w. Using a negative space 3D printing technique, a longitudinal body-centre cubic (BCC) log-pile like filament arrangement was used to fabricate functional capillary structures. These 3D printed capillaries were shown to function as simple electroosmotic pumps achieving flow rates of 1.2 µl/min at applied electric fields up to 750 V/cm. A limitation of the EOP design is the internal production of heat at higher operational voltages due to Joule heating effects which results in a non-linear flow behaviour. BN loadings up to 20% w/w were shown to reduce the operational temperature of the PU EOP by 20°C.
Tolerance of Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne. to glyphosate
Authors: de Faria Giselle Santos , Carlos Leandro , Jakelaitis Adriano , Filho Sebastião C. Vasconcelos , de Freitas Samylla Tassia Ferreira , Lourenço Lucas Loram , Costa Andreia Mendes , Silva Igor Olacir Fernandes
Published: November 2022

The objective of this work was to evaluate the glyphosate herbicide effect on Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne seedlings. A randomized block design with 5 replicates was used with an experimental unit composed of one H. stigonocarpa plant in 5L pots. The treatments were: 0 (control); 9.6; 240; 480; 960 g a. ha− 1 of glyphosate. Evaluations were performed 24 hours and 60 days after application. Gas exchange, respiration, photosynthesis, visual, anatomical and histochemical evaluations were carried out with leaves from the middle third being collected, and the growth in relation to the two dates was measured and recorded. The growth analysis showed that the seedlings showed an increase in stem diameter, a decrease in leaf number and an increase in height. There were increases in photosynthetic, electron transport and transpiratory rates, and in the effective yield of photosystem II one day after the glyphosate application. The plants then showed a reduction in transpiratory rate and a reduction in Fv/Fm at 60 days after application. With these studies we can conclude that the Hymenaea stigonocarpa species is able to survive after contact with the glyphosate herbicide, with no visual and/or anatomical damage, along with positive increases in growth and physiological characteristics.
Development of SNP marker panels for genotyping by target sequencing (GBTS) and its application in soybean
Authors: Yang Qing , Zhang Jianan , Shi Xiaolei , Chen Lei , Qin Jun , Zhang Mengchen , Yang Chunyan , Song Qijian , Yan Long
Published: November 2022

A high-throughput genotyping platform with customized flexibility, high genotyping accuracy and low cost is critical for marker-assisted selection and genetic mapping in soybean. Three assay panels were selected from the SoySNP50K, 40K, 20K and 10K, containing 41541, 20748 and 9670 SNP markers, respectively, for genotyping-by-target sequencing (GBTS). Fifteen representative accessions were used to assess the accuracy and consistency of the SNP alleles determined by the SNP panels and sequencing platform. SNP alleles were 99.87% identical between technical replications and 98.86% identical between the 40K SNP GBTS panel and 10× resequencing analysis. The GBTS method was also accurate because the genotypic dataset of the 15 representative accessions correctly revealed the pedigree of the accessions and the biparental progeny datasets correctly constructed the linkage maps of the SNPs. The 10K panel was also used to genotype two parent-derived populations and analyze QTLs controlling 100-seed weight, resulting in the identification of the stable associated genetic locus Locus_OSW_06 on chromosome 06. The markers flanking the QTL explained 7.05% and 9.83% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Compared with GBS and DNA chips, 40K, 20K and 10K costs were reduced by 5.38% and 139.78%, 27.27% and 189.61%, and 55.56% and 253.97%, respectively. Low-cost genotyping panels could facilitate soybean germplasm assessment, genetic linkage map construction, QTL identification, and soybean genomic selection.