bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the Gut Microbiome in HIV-Exposed Uninfected and Unexposed Infants during the First Year of Life
Authors: Jackson Conner L. , Frank Daniel N. , Robertson Charles E. , Ir Diana , Kofonow Jennifer M. , Montlha Mahlodi P. , Mutsaerts Eleonora A. M. L. , Nunes Marta C. , Madhi Shabir A. , Ghosh Debashis , Weinberg Adriana
Published: September 2022

HIV-exposed uninfected infants (HEU) are highly vulnerable to infections in the first 6 months of life, and this vulnerability decreases to the age of 24 months. Because the microbiome plays a critical role in the education of the infant immune system, which protects them against infections, we characterized the gut microbiomes of HEU and HIV-unexposed infants (HUU) in the first year of life.
The Combined Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and Tryptophan Treatment Modulates Immune and Metabolome Responses to Human Rotavirus Infection in a Human Infant Fecal Microbiota-Transplanted Malnourished Gnotobiotic Pig Model
Authors: Michael Husheem , Srivastava Vishal , Deblais Loic , Amimo Joshua O. , Chepngeno Juliet , Saif Linda J. , Rajashekara Gireesh , Vlasova Anastasia N.
Published: September 2022

Human rotavirus (HRV) is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children, especially in developing countries, where the efficacy of oral HRV vaccines is reduced.
Escherichia coli
Nissle 1917 (EcN) is used to treat enteric infections and ulcerative colitis while tryptophan (TRP) is a biomarker of malnutrition, and its supplementation can alleviate intestinal inflammation and normalize intestinal microbiota in malnourished hosts. Supplementation of EcN + TRP to malnourished humanized gnotobiotic piglets enhanced immune responses and resulted in greater protection against HRV infection and diarrhea.
Performance Evaluation and Validation of Air Samplers To Detect Aerosolized Coxiella burnetii
Authors: Abeykoon A. M. Hasanthi , Poon Megan , Firestone Simon M. , Stevenson Mark A. , Wiethoelter Anke K. , Vincent Gemma A.
Published: September 2022

Coxiella burnetii
causes Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. It is important to know if
C. burnetii
is present in the air around putative sources as it is transmitted via inhalation.
Soil Fungal Community Structure and Function Shift during a Disease-Driven Forest Succession
Authors: Qu Zhao-lei , Braima Ahmed , Liu Bing , Ma Yang , Sun Hui
Published: September 2022

The studies on soil fungal communities in disease-driven forest succession are rare. This study showed that during the disease-driven forest succession, the soil enzyme activity, soil fungal diversity, and biomass increased along succession.
Supplemental Material: The grainsize of volcanic fall deposits: Spatial trends and physical controls
Authors: Eychenne Julia , Engwell Samantha L.
Published: September 2022

Containing one pdf file with Supplemental Information (Fig. S1–S4 and list of references from Table 1) and 3 Excel spreadsheets (Table S1–S3).
Supplemental Material: Tracing decarbonated eclogite in the mantle sources of Tarim continental flood basalts using Zn isotopes
Authors: Wang Zhenchao , Zhang Zhaochong , al. et
Published: September 2022

Supplemental file 1: Calculation details of nonmodal batch melting modeling of peridotite with different proportions of garnet in Figure 6B. Supplemental file 2: Calculation details of mixing model of melt derived from garnet peridotite and decarbonated eclogite in Figure 11.
Erratum to: Influence of Afferentation from the Contralateral Hand during Imitation of Cello Bowing in Musically Untrained Individuals
Authors: Kazennikov O. V. , Talis V. L.
Published: September 2022

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0362119722440037
Artificial sweeteners and risk of cardiovascular diseases: results from the prospective NutriNet-Santé cohort
Authors: Debras Charlotte , Chazelas Eloi , Sellem Laury , Porcher Raphaël , Druesne-Pecollo Nathalie , Esseddik Younes , de Edelenyi Fabien Szabo , Agaësse Cédric , De Sa Alexandre , Lutchia Rebecca , Fezeu Léopold K , Julia Chantal , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Allès Benjamin , Galan Pilar , Hercberg Serge , Deschasaux-Tanguy Mélanie , Huybrechts Inge , Srour Bernard , Touvier Mathilde
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To study the associations between artificial sweeteners from all dietary sources (beverages, but also table top sweeteners, dairy products, etc), overall and by molecule (aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose), and risk of cardiovascular diseases (overall, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease).

Design

Population based prospective cohort study (2009-21).

Setting

France, primary prevention research.

Participants

103 388 participants of the web based NutriNet-Santé cohort (mean age 42.2±14.4, 79.8% female, 904 206 person years). Dietary intakes and consumption of artificial sweeteners were assessed by repeated 24 h dietary records, including brand names of industrial products.

Main outcomes measures

Associations between sweeteners (coded as a continuous variable, log10 transformed) and cardiovascular disease risk, assessed by multivariable adjusted Cox hazard models.

Results

Total artificial sweetener intake was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (1502 events, hazard ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.18, P=0.03); absolute incidence rate in higher consumers (above the sex specific median) and non-consumers was 346 and 314 per 100 000 person years, respectively. Artificial sweeteners were more particularly associated with cerebrovascular disease risk (777 events, 1.18, 1.06 to 1.31, P=0.002; incidence rates 195 and 150 per 100 000 person years in higher and non-consumers, respectively). Aspartame intake was associated with increased risk of cerebrovascular events (1.17, 1.03 to 1.33, P=0.02; incidence rates 186 and 151 per 100 000 person years in higher and non-consumers, respectively), and acesulfame potassium and sucralose were associated with increased coronary heart disease risk (730 events; acesulfame potassium: 1.40, 1.06 to 1.84, P=0.02; incidence rates 167 and 164; sucralose: 1.31, 1.00 to 1.71, P=0.05; incidence rates 271 and 161).

Conclusions

The findings from this large scale prospective cohort study suggest a potential direct association between higher artificial sweetener consumption (especially aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose) and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Artificial sweeteners are present in thousands of food and beverage brands worldwide, however they remain a controversial topic and are currently being re-evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority, the World Health Organization, and other health agencies.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03335644
Development and training of a machine learning algorithm to identify patients at risk for recurrence following an arthroscopic Bankart repair (CLEARER): protocol for a retrospective, multicentre, cohort study
Authors: van Spanning Sanne H , Verweij Lukas P E , Allaart Laurens J H , Hendrickx Laurent A M , Doornberg Job N , Athwal George S , Lafosse Thibault , Lafosse Laurent , van den Bekerom Michel P J , Buijze Geert Alexander
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Shoulder instability is a common injury, with a reported incidence of 23.9 per 100 000 person-years. There is still an ongoing debate on the most effective treatment strategy. Non-operative treatment has recurrence rates of up to 60%, whereas operative treatments such as the Bankart repair and bone block procedures show lower recurrence rates (16% and 2%, respectively) but higher complication rates (<2% and up to 30%, respectively). Methods to determine risk of recurrence have been developed; however, patient-specific decision-making tools are still lacking. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms use self-learning complex models that can be used to make patient-specific decision-making tools. The aim of the current study is to develop and train a machine learning algorithm to create a prediction model to be used in clinical practice—as an online prediction tool—to estimate recurrence rates following a Bankart repair.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre retrospective cohort study. Patients with traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations that were treated with an arthroscopic Bankart repair without remplissage will be included. This study includes two parts. Part 1, collecting all potential factors influencing the recurrence rate following an arthroscopic Bankart repair in patients using multicentre data, aiming to include data from >1000 patients worldwide. Part 2, the multicentre data will be re-evaluated (and where applicable complemented) using machine learning algorithms to predict outcomes. Recurrence will be the primary outcome measure.

Ethics and dissemination

For safe multicentre data exchange and analysis, our Machine Learning Consortium adhered to the WHO regulation ‘Policy on Use and Sharing of Data Collected by WHO in Member States Outside the Context of Public Health Emergencies’. The study results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal. No Institutional Review Board is required for this study.
LiverMultiScan as an alternative to liver biopsy to monitor autoimmune hepatitis in the National Health Service in England: an economic evaluation
Authors: Bajre Mamta , Moawad Mina , Shumbayawonda Elizabeth , Carolan Jane Elizabeth , Hart Julie , Culver Emma , Heneghan Michael
Published: September 2022

Background

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare chronic progressive liver disease, managed with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants and monitored using a combination of liver biochemistry and histology. Liver biopsy (gold standard) is invasive, costly and has risk of complications. Non-invasive imaging using multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMR) can detect the presence and extent of hepatic fibroinflammation in a risk-free manner.

Objective

To conduct early economic modelling to assess the affordability of using mpMR as an alternative to liver biopsy.

Methods

Medical test costs associated with following 100 patients over a 5-year time horizon were assessed from a National Health Service payor perspective using tariff costs and average biopsy-related adverse events costs. Sensitivity analyses modelling the cost consequences of increasing the frequency of mpMR monitoring within the fixed cost of liver biopsy were performed.

Results

Per 100 moderate/severe AIH patients receiving an annual mpMR scan (in place of biopsy), early economic modelling showed minimum cost savings of £232 333. Per 100 mild/moderate AIH patients receiving three mpMR scans over 5 years estimated minimum cost savings were £139 400. One-way sensitivity analyses showed increasing the frequency of mpMR scans from 5 to 10 over 5 years in moderate/severe AIH patients results in a cost saving of £121 926.20. In patients with mild/moderate AIH, an increase from 3 to 6 mpMR scans over 5 years could save £73 155.72. In a minimalistic approach, the use of 5 mpMR scans was still cost saving (£5770.48) if they were to replace two biopsies over the 5-year period for all patients with moderate/severe or mild/moderate AIH.

Conclusions

Integration of mpMR scans in AIH patient pathways leads to significant cost savings when liver biopsy frequency is either reduced or eliminated, in addition to improved patient experience and clinician acceptability as well as providing detailed phenotyping to improve patient outcomes.

Trial registration

NCT03979053.
Post-acute COVID and long-COVID among adults and older adults in the State of Paraná, Brazil: protocol for an ambispective cohort study
Authors: Salci Maria Aparecida , Carreira Ligia , Facchini Luiz Augusto , Oliveira Magda Lúcia Félix de , de Oliveira Rosana Rosseto , Ichisato Sueli Mitsumi Tsukuda , Covre Eduardo Rocha , Pesce Giovanna Brichi , Santos Jéssica Adrielle Teixeira , Derhun Flávia Maria , Hungaro Anai Adario , Moura Débora , Höring Carla Franciele , Santos Márcia Lorena Alves dos , Oliveira Natan Nascimento de , Paiano Marcelle , Góes Herbert Leopoldo de Freitas , Jaques André Estevam , Fernandes Carlos Alexandre Molena , Vissoci João Ricardo Nickenig
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Since 2020, the world has been going through a viral pandemic with a high morbidity and mortality rate along with the potential to evolve from an acute infection to post-acute and long-COVID, which is still in the process of elucidation. Diagnostic and prognostic research is essential to understand the complexity of factors and contexts involving the illness’s process. This protocol introduces a study strategy to analyse predictors, sequelae, and repercussions of COVID-19 in adults and older adults with different disease severities in the State of Paraná, Brazil.

Methods and analysis

A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. The quantitative data will be conducted by an ambispective cohort study, which will explore the manifestations of COVID-19 for 18 months, with nearly 3000 participants with confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19 (reverse transcription-PCR test) between March and December of 2020, retrieved from national disease reporting databases, over 18 years old, living in a Brazilian State (Paraná) and who survived the viral infection after being discharged from a health service. Data collection will be conducted through telephone interviews, at two different occasions: the first will be a recall 12 months after the acute phase as a retrospective follow-up, and the second will be another prospective interview, with data of the following 6 months. For the qualitative step, Grounded Theory will be used; participants will be selected from the cohort population. The first sample group will be composed of people who were discharged from the intensive care unit, and other sample groups will be composed according to theoretical saturation. The qualitative data will follow the temporal design and classification of the disease provided for in the cohort.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was granted by the State University of Maringá, under opinion number: 4 165 272 and CAAE: 34787020.0.0000.0104 on 21 July 2020, and Hospital do Trabalhador (Worker’s Hospital), which is accountable for the Health Department of the State of Paraná, under opinion number: 4 214 589 and CAAE: 34787020.0.3001.5225 on 15 August 2020. The participants will verbally consent to the research, their consent will be recorded, and the informed consent form will be sent by mail or email. Outcomes will be widely disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, media and reports to related authorities.
Effectiveness of public health interventions in reducing the prevalence ofOpisthorchis viverrini: a protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Sota Pornphutthachat , Alene Kefyalew Addis , Andityas Morsid , Tangkawattana Sirikachorn , Sripa Banchob , Clements Archie C A
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The carcinogenic liver flukeOpisthorchis viverriniis a major public health problem in the Mekong basin region. The liver flukes can induce cholangiocarcinoma, a bile duct cancer that causes a significant burden of mortality and economic loss. Various public health interventions have been conducted to reduce opisthorchiasis but the prevalence ofO. viverriniremains high in endemic regions. The aim is to quantify the effectiveness of public health interventions in reducing the prevalence ofO. viverriniinfection.

Methods and analysis

Seven databases (including PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Thai thesis database and TCI (Thai journals online)) will be searched from initiation through to 2022 to identify studies of interventions to reduce the prevalence ofO. viverriniinfection. The prevalence, incidence or number ofO. viverrini-infected people will be used as the source ofO. viverriniprevalence data. A conventional meta-analysis and a Bayesian network meta-analysis will be conducted to undertake direct and indirect comparisons of different interventions. Meta-regression will be used to determine the effect of each intervention. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Heterogeneity between studies will be determined by forest plots and I2and publication bias investigated with funnel plots and the Egger’s test.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval will not be required because this study will only use published data. The final report of this review will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and will also be presented at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022323066.
Intraoperative visualisation of pancreatic leakage (ViP): study protocol for an IDEAL Stage I Post Market Clinical Study
Authors: Pausch Thomas M , Holze Magdalena , Gesslein Bodil , Rossion Inga , von Eisenhart Rothe Franziska , Wagner Martin , Sander Anja , Tenckhoff Solveig , Bartel Marc , Larmann Jan , Probst Pascal , Pianka Frank , Hackert Thilo , Klotz Rosa
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Pancreatic resections are an important field of surgery worldwide to treat a variety of benign and malignant diseases. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a frequent and critical complication after partial pancreatectomy and affects up to 50% of patients. POPF increases mortality, prolongs the postoperative hospital stay and is associated with a significant economic burden. Despite various scientific approaches and clinical strategies, it has not yet been possible to develop an effective preventive tool. The SmartPAN indicator is the first surgery-ready medical device for direct visualisation of pancreatic leakage already during the operation. Applied to the surface of pancreatic tissue, it detects sites of biochemical leak via colour reaction, thereby guiding effective closure and potentially mitigating POPF development.

Methods and analysis

The ViP trial is a prospective single-arm, single-centre first in human study to collect data on usability and confirm safety of SmartPAN. A total of 35 patients with planned partial pancreatectomy will be included in the trial with a follow-up of 30 days after the index surgery. Usability endpoints such as adherence to protocol and evaluation by the operating surgeon as well as safety parameters including major intraoperative and postoperative complications, especially POPF development, will be analysed.

Ethics and dissemination

Following the IDEAL-D (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, and Long term study of Device development and surgical innovation) framework of medical device development preclinical in vitro, porcine in vivo, and human ex vivo studies have proven feasibility, efficacy and safety of SmartPAN. After market approval, the ViP trial is the IDEAL Stage I trial to investigate SmartPAN in a clinical setting. The study has been approved by the local ethics committee as the device is used exclusively within its intended purpose. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The study will provide a basis for a future randomised controlled interventional trial to confirm clinical efficacy of SmartPAN.

Trial registration number

German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00027559, registered on 4 March 2022.
Application of the 2021 EAN/PNS criteria for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A , Afzal Saadia , Loo Lay Khoon , Goedee HS
Published: September 2022

Background

The diagnostic value of new criteria of the European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society (EAN/PNS) for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is unknown.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of fulfilment of EAN/PNS 2021 criteria on 120 consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of ‘suspected CIDP’ and objective treatment response, attending University Hospitals Birmingham, UK. Specificity was evaluated versus 100 consecutive controls.

Results

The sensitivity of EAN/PNS criteria for ‘CIDP’ was 83.3%. The sensitivity for ‘CIDP’ or ‘possible CIDP’ was 93.3%. Specificity was of 94% for ‘CIDP’ and 79% for ‘CIDP’ or ‘possible CIDP’. No sensitivity/specificity differences were ascertained with previous versions (‘CIDP’: sensitivity: 83.3% vs 81.3%, p=0.74, specificity: 94% vs 96.1%, p=0.38, respectively; ‘CIDP’ or ‘possible CIDP’: sensitivity: 93.3% vs 96.7%, p=0.25 and specificity: 79% vs 69.2 %, p=0.09, respectively). F-wave prolongation, proximal and distal temporal dispersion were the most likely parameters to contribute to false positives, whereas distal motor latency was the least likely. No impact of sensory electrophysiology could be ascertained. ‘Typical CIDP’ represented 79% of the CIDP cohort. The largest component of the ‘variant CIDP’ group was represented by focal/multifocal forms (14%). With new criteria, 6.7% of the cohort did not meet requirements, among whom the majority (75%) had paranodopathy or chronic immune sensory polyradiculopathy (CISP).

Discussion

The sensitivity and specificity of new EAN/PNS criteria for CIDP is equivalent to that of previous versions. The exclusion of paranodopathies and CISP from the CIDP spectrum impacts on management of a non-negligible proportion of treatment-responsive patients.
Symptom management in people dying with COVID-19: multinational observational study
Authors: Oluyase Adejoke Obirenjeyi , Bajwah Sabrina , Sleeman Katherine E , Walshe Catherine , Preston Nancy , Hocaoglu Mevhibe , Bradshaw Andy , Chambers Rachel L , Murtagh Fliss E M , Dunleavy Lesley , Maddocks Matthew , Fraser Lorna K , Higginson Irene J
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To describe multinational prescribing practices by palliative care services for symptom management in patients dying with COVID-19 and the perceived effectiveness of medicines.

Methods

We surveyed specialist palliative care services, contacted via relevant organisations between April and July 2020. Descriptive statistics for categorical variables were expressed as counts and percentages. Content analysis explored free text responses about symptom management in COVID-19. Medicines were classified using British National Formulary categories. Perceptions on effectiveness of medicines were grouped into five categories; effective, some, limited or unclear effectiveness, no effect.

Results

458 services responded; 277 UK, 85 rest of Europe, 95 rest of the world, 1 missing country. 358 services had managed patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. 289 services had protocols for symptom management in COVID-19. Services tended to prescribe medicines for symptom control comparable to medicines used in people without COVID-19; mainly opioids and benzodiazepines for breathlessness, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics for agitation, opioids and cough linctus for cough, paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for fever, and opioids and paracetamol for pain. Medicines were considered to be mostly effective but varied by patient’s condition, route of administration and dose.

Conclusions

Services were largely consistent in prescribing for symptom management in people dying with COVID-19. Medicines used prior to COVID-19 were mostly considered effective in controlling common symptoms.
Duloxetine for prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chow Ronald , Novosel Madison , So Olivia W , Bellampalli Shreya , Xiang Jenny , Boldt Gabriel , Winquist Eric , Lock Michael , Lustberg Maryam , Prsic Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Duloxetine has previously been reported to be promising in the setting of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, on the use of duloxetine in prevention and treatment of CIPN.

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from database inception up until April 2022. Articles were included in this review if they reported on duloxetine use in the setting of CIPN, in a multiarm comparative human trial. A random effects DerSimonian-Laird model was used to calculate summary risk ratios (RR) and corresponding 95% CIs, comparing duloxetine to placebo. This review was registered on.

Results

Seven randomised controlled trials that included 645 patients were identified. Five reported on duloxetine for treatment of CIPN, and two for prevention of CIPN. Two studies had some concern for bias. Duloxetine was statistically similar to placebo in its efficacy, both in the treatment (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.01) and prevention (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.19) of CIPN. Safety profile was similar, in the treatment (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.89) and prevention (RR 1.52, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.38) setting.

Conclusion

There is currently limited evidence supporting duloxetine’s use for CIPN. There is a need for more comprehensive and higher-quality trials assessing duloxetine in the setting of CIPN, before further clinical practice recommendations.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO (CRD42022327487).
Soil fungal communities vary more with soil characteristics than tree diversity at a local scale
Authors: Kutos Steve , Barnes Elle M. , Lewis J.D.
Published: September 2022

Soil fungal communities vary spatially due to factors including variations in plant diversity and soil characteristics; however, the relative influences of these factors on composition and therefore function remain unclear. Small-scale variation in fungal communities may drive local variation in nutrient cycling and decomposition and may respond more to local factors compared with large climatic variations. Clarifying the roles of these factors can improve our predictions of soil fungal community and biogeochemical cycling responses to anthropogenic changes. Therefore, we examined relationships among abiotic and biotic factors and soil fungal communities associated with sapling and mature trees in a mixed-hardwood woodland. We also compared community composition and fungal enzymatic activity. Fungal community composition was most associated with spatial heterogeneity of soil characteristics, while sapling and mature tree species identity were poor predictors of community composition. Further, most of the compositional variation was unexplained by measured variables, suggesting stochasticity and other environmental characteristics may drive spatial variation in these communities. Additionally, enzymatic activity did not clearly correlate with fungal community composition. Overall, soil fungal communities and enzymatic activity adjacent to trees in this woodland are most likely influenced by soil characteristics and not plant species identity.
The association of typical and atypical symptoms with in-hospital mortality in older adults with COVID-19: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Wong Eric Kai-Chung , Watt Jennifer , Zou Hanyan , Chandraraj Arthana , Wenyue Zhang Alissa , Brookes Jahnel , Verduyn Ashley , Berall Anna , Norman Richard , Piggott Katrina Lynn , Izukawa Terumi , Straus Sharon E. , Liu Barbara Arlena
Published: September 2022

Atypical disease presentations are common in older adults with COVID-19. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of atypical and typical symptoms in older adults with COVID-19 through progressive pandemic waves and the association of these symptoms with in-hospital mortality. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive adults aged over 65 years with confirmed COVID-19 infection who were admitted to seven hospitals in Toronto, Canada, from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2021. The median age for the 1786 patients was 78.0 years and 847 (47.5%) were female. Atypical symptoms (as defined by geriatric syndromes) occurred in 1187 patients (66.5%), but rarely occurred in the absence of other symptoms ( n = 106; 6.2%). The most common atypical symptoms were anorexia ( n = 598; 33.5%), weakness ( n = 519; 23.9%), and delirium ( n = 449; 25.1%). Dyspnea (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62–2.62), tachycardia (aOR 1.87; 95% CI 1.14–3.04), and delirium (aOR 1.52; 95% CI 1.18–1.96) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. In a cohort of older adults hospitalized with COVID-19 infection, atypical presentations frequently overlapped with typical symptoms. Further research should be directed at understanding the cause and clinical significance of atypical presentations in older adults.
Non-inertial effects on relativistic scalar massive charged bosons in a topologically nontrivial space-time and Aharonov–Bohm effect
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: September 2022

In this work, we study the relativistic quantum motions of spin-zero scalar massive charged bosons in a topologically nontrivial four-dimensional rotating space-time in the presence of a uniform magnetic field and quantum flux. Afterwards, a spin-zero relativistic quantum oscillator model is also studied and determines the bound-state eigenvalue solutions of the quantum system. We see that the energy eigenvalue and the wave function get modified by the nontrivial topology of the geometry, the rotating frame of reference, and the magnetic field. We also observed the gravitational analog of the Aharonov–Bohm (AB) effect due to the dependence of the energy eigenvalue on the geometric quantum phase.
Can Independents Save Democracy in an Era of Polarization?: Evidence from Korea
Authors: YOO SUNG-JIN
Published: September 2022

It is evident from the literature that political polarization has played a role in facilitating voter participation. While high participation in a representative democracy is beneficial, it becomes dangerous when this results from intense polarization. This is because polarization has a greater potential to undermine the principles of democratic pluralism. With data from the 21st Korean general assembly, I find that independent voters consider political issues to be important cues for participation even under extreme polarization. Short-term issues such as the government response to COVID-19 that have largely been the concern of independent voters, have had a significant effect on voter participation, and the evaluation of party nominations has also had an impact on turnout among independents. These findings show that Korean democracy has not been completely buried under the influence of polarization and that the political process of representative democracy in Korea is still operating normally thanks to the existence of independent voters.
Inverse-Square Orbits Revisited
Authors: Rizcallah Joseph A. , Shaar Yahya N.
Published: September 2022

Kepler’s laws are an essential part of any mechanics course at the introductory level. They are commonly used to illustrate the power of Newton’s laws at explaining and predicting the motion of planets and comets around the sun. While the derivation of the second and third laws are outlined in every standard textbook, that of the first law (and the shape of orbits in general) is invariably omitted, due mainly to the insufficient proficiency of the targeted students in differential equations. The paper offers a workaround this difficulty. Assuming familiarity with the basic properties of conics and employing Newton’s law of universal gravitation, we manage to obtain, with very little calculus, the classic result: orbits are conic sections whose nature is determined by the body’s total energy.
Unveiling the Physics of Partial Differential Equations with Heuristics
Authors: Faraoni Valerio
Published: September 2022

Heuristic arguments and order of magnitude estimates for partial differential equations highlight essential features of the physics they describe. We present order of magnitude estimates, and their limitations, for the three classic second order PDEs of mathematical physics (wave, heat, and Laplace equations), for first order transport equations, and for two nonlinear wave equations. It is beneficial to expose the beginning student to these considerations before jumping into more rigorous mathematics. Yet these simple arguments are missing from physics textbooks.
Experience Matters: Longitudinal Changes in Sensitivity to Rotational Gains in Virtual Reality
Authors: Robb Andrew , Kohm Kristopher , Porter John
Published: September 2022

Redirected walking techniques use rotational gains to guide users away from physical obstacles as they walk in a virtual world, effectively creating the illusion of a larger virtual space than is physically present. Designers often want to keep users unaware of this manipulation, which is made possible by limitations in human perception that render rotational gains imperceptible below a certain threshold. Many aspects of these thresholds have been studied; however, no research has yet considered whether these thresholds may change over time as users gain more experience with them. To study this, we recruited 20 novice VR users (no more than 1 hour of prior experience with an HMD) and provided them with an Oculus Quest to use for 4 weeks on their own time. They were tasked to complete an activity assessing their sensitivity to rotational gain once each week, in addition to whatever other activities they wanted to perform. No feedback was provided to participants about their performance during each activity, minimizing the possibility of learning effects accounting for any observed changes over time. We observed that participants became significantly more sensitive to rotation gains over time, underscoring the importance of considering prior user experience in applications involving rotational gain, as well as how prior user experience may affect other, broader applications of VR.
Malassezia: A Commensal, Pathogen, and Mutualist of Human and Animal Skin
Authors: Ianiri Giuseppe , LeibundGut-Landmann Salomé , Dawson Thomas L.
Published: September 2022

Identified in the late nineteenth century as a single species residing on human skin, Malassezia is now recognized as a diverse genus comprising 18 species inhabiting not only skin but human gut, hospital environments, and even deep-sea sponges. All cultivated Malassezia species are lipid dependent, having lost genes for lipid synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. The surging interest in Malassezia results from development of tools to improve sampling, culture, identification, and genetic engineering, which has led to findings implicating it in numerous skin diseases, Crohn disease, and pancreatic cancer. However, it has become clear that Malassezia plays a multifaceted role in human health, with mutualistic activity in atopic dermatitis and a preventive effect against other skin infections due to its potential to compete with skin pathogens such as Candida auris. Improved understanding of complex microbe-microbe and host-microbe interactions will be required to define Malassezia’s role in human and animal health and disease so as to design targeted interventions.
Colossal Permittivity Characteristics and Origin of (Sr, Sb) Co-Doped TiO2 Ceramics
Authors: Wang Zhentao , Zhang Liang , Liu Juan , Jiang Zhi , Zhang Lei , Jiu Yongtao , Bin Tang  , Xu Dong
Published: September 2022

With the continuous development of electronic technology, the application of dielectric materials is also becoming more and more abstractive. It is also a great challenge to find a new type of colossal permittivity material with high dielectric permittivity, lower dielectric loss and excellent temperature and frequency stability. In this work, the (Sr1/3Sb2/3)
x
Ti1−x
O2 (SSTO) colossal permittivity ceramics for x = 0, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 4.0% were prepared by conventional solid state reaction method. The crystal structure, microstructure, dielectric properties, varistor properties were analyzed, and the formation mechanism of colossal dielectric was revealed. When the doping amount is 2%, SSTO has the optimal dielectric performance with dielectric constant of approximately 2.2 × 104, dielectric loss of about 0.03 at 1 kHz. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Impedance spectra (IS) results showed that defect clusters and interface polarization are the main reasons for the improvement of dielectric properties of (Sr, Sb) co-doped TiO2 ceramics. Therefore, this work is of great significance for the development and application of TiO2-based new colossal dielectric materials.
The Effect of PD-1 Inhibitor Combined with Chemotherapy on the Level of Peripheral Blood T Lymphocytes among Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Its Relationship with Prognosis
Authors: Zhao Yun , He Jianbo , Zhou Shaozhang , Ning Ruiling , Zhao Wenhua , Wang Huilin , Su Cuiyun , Jiang Wei , Zhong Xiaoning , Yu Qitao
Published: September 2022

Objective. To explore the effect of combined treatment of PD-1 inhibitor and chemotherapy on the level of peripheral blood T lymphocytes in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and its relationship with prognosis. Methods. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 150 NSCLC patients treated in Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital from June 2018 to September 2020, including 77 patients treated with PD-1 inhibitor combined with chemotherapy as the observation group (OG) and 73 patients with chemotherapy alone as the control group (CG). Therapeutic efficacy, immune function indexes, serum tumor markers, incidence of adverse reactions during hospitalization, 1-year survival rate, and life quality after 6 months of treatment were observed and compared between two groups. Results. Compared to the CG, the therapeutic effect of OG was evidently better. Six months after treatment, levels of CD4+/CD8+, NK cells, and CD4 + in two groups were elevated markedly, and indexes of OG were notably and comparatively higher than those in the other group. After treatment, OG was observed with a marked decline regarding levels of CYFRA21-1, CEA, and CA125 compared to those in the CG; and there was no notable difference in terms of adverse reaction occurrence between two groups, but the 1-year survival rate and 6-month life quality in OG over ranked those in CG. Conclusion. For NSCLC patients, the PD-1 inhibitor given on the basis of chemotherapy can further improve the clinical efficacy and improve immune function and long-term survival rate of patients on the premise of ensuring the safety of treatment, which is worth promoting in clinical practice.
Authenticity Assessment of (E)-Cinnamic Acid, Vanillin, and Benzoic Acid from Sumatra Benzoin Balsam by Gas Chromatography Combustion/Pyrolysis Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mao Deshou , Hong Liu , Fu Lei , Li Zhiyu , Chen Jianhua , Zhang Chengming , Wu Yiqin , Xiong Wen , Wang Jin
Published: September 2022

Authenticity assessment of (E)-cinnamic acid, vanillin, and benzoic acid from various origins (n = 26) was performed using gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry coupled with combustion and pyrolysis mode (GC-C/P-IRMS). For that reason, the above three compounds (1–3) from synthetic, natural, and Sumatra benzoin balsam (laboratory prepared, adulterated, and commercial) were investigated. The δ13CV-PDB and δ2HV-SMOW values for compounds 1–3 from synthetic samples (S1–S5) ranging from −26.9 to −31.1‰ and 42 to 83‰, respectively, were clearly different from those of authentic samples (N1–N4, L1–L9) varying from −29.8 to −41.6‰ and −19 to −156‰. In adulteration verification testing, for compounds 1 and 3, both δ13CV-PDB and δ2HV-SMOW data of A1 (5.0% added) and A2 (2.5% added) except A3 (0.5% added) fell into the synthetic region, whereas for compound 2, the δ2HV-SMOW data of adulterated samples (A1–A3) fell into the synthetic region, and even the lowest adulterated sample A3 is no exception. With this conclusion, some commercial Sumatra benzoin balsam samples were identified to be adulterated with synthetic 1 (C1, C3, and C5) and synthetic 2 (C3, C4, and C5) but not with synthetic 3. GC-C/P-IRMS allowed clear-cut differentiation of the synthetic and natural origin of 1, 2, and 3 and definite identification of whether a Sumatra benzoin balsam was adulterated or not.
Design and Fabrication of Flexible Nanoantenna-Based Sensor Using Graphene-Coated Carbon Cloth
Authors: Kandasamy Senthil Kumar , Maheswaran S. , Karuppusamy S. Anbu , Indra J. , Anand R. , Rega P. , Kavitha A. , Immanuvel Arokia James K. , Nehru Kasthuri , Kathiresan K.
Published: September 2022

Carbon nanomaterials have attracted significant consideration and concern due to the unique chemical and physical properties. Recently, nanodiamonds, graphene, and carbon nanotubes are served as electrodes, hydrogen storage elements, and composite materials. In this work, a 5 GHz graphene nanoantenna that falls inside the very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) C-band range has been fabricated. A graphene substrate with a thickness of h = 0.5 cm is formed which is then used for fabricating a graphene nanoantenna working at 5 GHz. To design and simulate the antenna, Analysis System (ANSYS) electromagnetic desktop software was used. Using the designed graphene antenna, the parameters such as voltage standing wave ratio, three-dimensional radiation pattern, and directivity were obtained. After designing of the antenna using ANSYS software, it was physically fabricated. The graphene was used as a dielectric, copper sheet acted as a patch over as well as ground. Finally, the design was testedusing Vector Network Analyzer (Model: N9925A) and the transmission range was found as 5 GHz.
Effect of Noni on Memory Impairment Induced by Hydrocortisone in Mice
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu Jinlian , Di Songrui , Yu Shuhui , Hou Xinjuan , Zhao Fan , Wang Chandi , Zhu Yingli , Tang Ruying , Deng Shixin , Wang Chun , Zhang Jianjun
Published: September 2022

Background. Oxidative stress and memory impairment have been implicated as common functional brain diseases. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is highly induced in oxidative stress, indicating that Nrf2 is an emerging target of memory therapy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of noni on brain memory impairment induced by hydrocortisone and its protective mechanism in mice. Methods. Male Kunming mice (n = 8/group) were given hydrocortisone by gastric gavage for 14 consecutive days to establish the memory impairment model, except for those in the control group. On the same day, the corresponding drugs were given by gastric gavage. The changes in ethology were examined. The brains were extracted and subjected to western blot analysis and biochemical analyses to assess the activities of antioxidative stress. Results. The middle- and high-dose noni groups exhibited ameliorated ethology, and the high-dose noni group exhibited increased cerebral protein expression of Nrf2, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), and haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) compared to the model group. The arrangement of CA3 vertebral cells in the hippocampus of mice was slightly compact, and hyperchromasia and pyknosis were alleviated. Furthermore, biochemical analyses showed that the activities of enzymes related to oxidative stress in the high-dose noni group were increased. Conclusions. Noni might be a powerful antioxidant that can protect nerve cells and may possess potential benefits for the treatment of memory impairment.
Epidemiological Trends of Human Monkeypox Cases in Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern Regions in Europe: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Meo Sultan Ayoub , Alsomali Abdulaziz Hassan , Almushawah Abdullah Abdulrahman , Meo Anusha Sultan
Published: September 2022

Background. The growing amount of monkeypox cases in non-endemic regions raises concerns in societies as a potential pandemic. This study highlights the prevalence and epidemiological trends of a human monkeypox outbreak in various regions in Europe. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The data about the monkeypox outbreak in European countries were recorded by the World Health Organization (WHO), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports. The period prevalence-based data were recorded from Jan 1, 2022, to July 7, 2022, and analyzed, and epidemiological trends were established in different European regions and countries. Results. In Europe, the human monkeypox rapidly spread in all the four subregions and involved 30 European countries, infecting 6077 people. The rising number of monkeypox cases is identified in Western Europe, 2599 (42.76%); Southern Europe, 1932 (31.79%); Northern Europe, 1487 (24.46%); and Eastern Europe, 59 (0.97%). In Western Europe, significant cases are found in Germany (1304), France (604), the Netherlands (352), Belgium (168), and Switzerland (131). In Northern Europe, it is found in the United Kingdom (1351), Ireland (44), Sweden (28), and Denmark (26); in Southern Europe, it is found in Spain (1256), Portugal (415), and Italy (233). However, a smaller number of cases are found in Eastern European states, Hungary (22), Poland (13), and Romania (12). The results further revealed that the number of monkeypox cases per million people in Northern Europe was 14.40%; Southern Europe, 13.49%; Western Europe, 13.26%; and Eastern Europe, 0.70%. The highest monkeypox cases per million population are found in Portugal, 40.70; Gibraltar, 29.68; Spain, 26.86; the United Kingdom, 19.90; Malta, 18.12; the Netherlands, 20.54; Germany, 15.56; Switzerland, 15.14; Belgium, 14.50; France, 9.27; and Ireland, 8.90. Conclusions. In a short period, the monkeypox cases swiftly spread in 30 non-endemic European countries and involved all four European regions. The healthcare authorities must take timely decisions to control the outbreak of human monkeypox disease, as the world cannot afford the global burden of human monkeypox outbreak as another potential pandemic.
Experimental Investigation on Microhydration and Micromechanical Properties of Cement-Sandy Soil Mixtures Reinforced with Cotton/linen-blended Fiber
Authors: Ouyang Wei , Wang Nianjin , Yang Min , Yu Zeming , Zhang Furong , Meng Lingfeng , Yang Yahan , Lv Xiangfeng
Published: September 2022

The micro-hydration degree plays a significant role in the strength of cement-sandy soil mixtures. The present study used cement-fiber-sandy soil mixtures in which the fiber was sourced from waste cotton/linen-blended fabric to investigate the impacts of different levels of fiber content on the hydration mechanisms and micromechanical performance. Experiments using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) were carried out to determine how the component content of the different constituents changed with the fiber content (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) during the microhydration of the mixtures. A comparative analysis of the strength characteristic curves and the tensile strength variations for different groups of reinforced cement-sandy soil mixtures were conducted by performing triaxial shear tests. The results show that the peak unconfined compressive strength of the mixtures gradually increases with the quartz content of the matrix. The compressive strength of the matrix reaches a peak of 1.5938 MPa, an increase of 24.17%, when the cement and fiber contents were 3% and 1.5% (weight), respectively, with a fiber length of 9 mm. This paper has reference values for the green reinforcement of cement-sandy soil mixtures in the development of underground space.