bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Familial Case Report of Genetic Syndrome Mimicking Congenital TORCH infections; Pseudo-TORCH Syndrome 2
Authors: Sehrish Iram , Sunitha Tella , Srilekha Avvari , Gupta Aayushi , Nallari Pratibha , Venkateshwari Ananthapur
Published: March 2022

Background: Pseudo-TORCH syndrome (PTS) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders that clinically and radiologically mimic TORCH congenital infections. The prevalence of pseudo-TORCH syndrome 2 is 1 in 1,000,000 cases worldwide. This novel disorder is extremely rare, and is generally detected by prenatal diagnosis through next generation sequencing (NGS) during pregnancy. In this study, a familial case of pseudo-TORCH syndrome 2 with novel non-sense mutation in the ubiquitin-specific peptidase 18 (USP 18) gene in the parents was reported, who are heterozygous asymptomatic carriers; however, all children have inherited a homozygous pathogenic form of USP18, which is an important negative regulator of type I interferon (IFN) signal transduction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a novel mutation of USP18 seen in a family with pseudo-TORCH syndrome 2 (PTS 2) from India.
Case Presentation: A 23-year-old pregnant woman with bad obstetric history, including intrauterine and neonatal mortality was referred to the Institute of Genetics in the year 2021 for clinical and genetic evaluation. Advanced clinical exome sequencing of the parents and the fetus revealed heterozygous carrier status in parents and homozygous mutation in USP 18 gene in the progeny leading to pseudo-TORCH-2 syndrome.
Conclusion: The present case highlights the significance of carrier screening, prenatal diagnosis, and genetic counseling in couples with bad obstetric history for the detection of rare genetic disorders with poor prognosis.
Calculation of Direct Medical Costs and Indirect Costs in Patients with Covid-19 Hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit in Golestan Province
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Javad , Heidari Alireza , Moeini Sajad , Khatirnamani Zahra , Kavian Telouri Fatemeh , Eimery Mousa
Published: March 2022

Background: Healthcare policymakers and planners use the economic burden of the disease to determine the total cost of an outcome, illness, or accident imposed on the country. The aim of this study was to calculate the direct and indirect medical costs in Covid-19 patients with critical conditions hospitalized in the intensive care unit in Golestan province.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was a partial economic evaluation performed cross-sectionally, and included all hospitalized patients with critical conditions in the first 6 months of 2020 in a public hospital in the Covid-19 center (158 patients).The required data were collected from patients' records by the hospital information system. Data analysis and calculation of direct medical and indirect costs of the disease in this research study was carried out based on the incidence approach and bottom-up method from the perspective of the society.
Results: The average direct medical cost per hospitalized patient in a critical condition was 214, 926, 500 rials. Hospitalization and pharmaceutical services accounted for the largest share of the costs. The average indirect cost for each patient in a critical condition was estimated at 959,577,714 rials.
Conclusion: The results of the study showed a huge economic burden of Covid-19 on society and the health system. The high prevalence of this disease has imposed huge economic damages on society and the country's health system.
The Process Pattern of Value Co-creation in Healthcare Service Ecosystem
Authors: Radpour Mohsen , HatamiNasab Seyed Hasan , Nayebzadeh Shahnaz
Published: March 2022

Background: Having an inclusive approach and explaining involvement practices and the roles played by the actors in healthcare ecosystems is a critical factor in healthcare industry. The aim of this study was to design the process pattern of value co-creation in the healthcare ecosystem.
Methods: This study was practical in terms of the goal, and descriptive-survey with a two-staged qualitative method in terms of data collection. At first, 23 articles and scientific reports regarding theoretical foundations of value co-creation in healthcare were reviewed using the systematic review, and the basic pattern was designed. Then, in order to confirm and complete the identified factors in the first stage, 10 academic and professional experts familiar with value co-creation and health care ecosystem in the country were interviewed ,selected by combining targeted judgmental and chain sampling. The data gathered from these interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Result: In this study, 3 categories and 54 subcategories concerning health ecosystem were extracted. According to the results, the final pattern was designed in 3 stages of process readiness, value network and process achievements in 3 micro, meso and macro levels. Accordingly, the roles and tasks of the actors in the health service ecosystem were explained.
Conclusion: Clarity of the role of the actors and making necessary preparations to implement them, paves the way for structural innovations of value co-creation process. In addition, establishing technical and legislative grounds to facilitate participation, leads to more participation. The suggested pattern can be used as a guide for value co-creation in the health service ecosystem.
Cultura prosocial en Segovia y Remedios: un estudio de atributos en contextos mineros
Authors: Eslava Gómez Adolfo , Silva Jaramillo Santiago , Valencia Vélez Sergio Andrés , García-Luna Estefanía , Peralta Vélez Ana María , Echavarría Areiza Andrea , Londoño Quiceno Yeison Darío
Published: March 2022

En contextos mineros, como el de Segovia y Remedios, caracterizados por la alta migración de personas y la confluencia de múltiples actores y de diversos intereses, también existe una comunidad que hace frente a las consecuencias adversas de comportamientos afines a una cultura de la ilegalidad. En el estudio de ello, se encontró que la confianza influye en la acción colectiva y, esta última, constituye un insumo para considerar y conciliar problemas asociados a la cultura de la ilegalidad en contextos mineros. Lo anterior, se afirma, puede servir como insumo para la construcción de redes que propicien la acción colectiva, siendo esta protagonista de decisiones públicas y detonante de cambios sociales.
Micro y pequeñas empresas y las estrategias de responsabilidad social empresarial: una perspectiva desde el desarrollo sostenible
Authors: Rivadeneira Ramírez Karla , Echeverri Rubio Alejandro
Published: March 2022

Investigación enfocada en exponer el alcance de las estrategias de responsabilidad social empresarial (RSE) de las micro y pequeñas empresas del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, Ecuador, así como su posible aporte al desarrollo sostenible de la ciudad. Se consideran como unidad de análisis, varias pequeñas empresas del distrito, así como otras micro y pequeñas empresas que accedieron a formar parte de la investigación. A través de la información recabada por medio de una encuesta virtual compartida con los empresarios, se determinaron los lineamientos de conducta empresarial en temas básicos de responsabilidad social empresarial, así como en conceptos elementales de desarrollo sostenible. A partir de la información recopilada, se procuró establecer un diagnóstico situacional que expone en qué estado están las micro y pequeñas empresas del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito en términos de responsabilidad social empresarial considerando estrategias y prácticas aplicadas en sus actividades.
Polarimetric Quantum-Strong Correlations with Independent Photons on the Poincaré Sphere
Authors: Vatarescu Andre
Published: March 2022

Polarization-based photonic quantum correlations can be traced back to the overlap of the polarization Stokes vectors on the Poincaré sphere between two polarization filters. Quantum-strong correlations can be obtained with independent polarization states on the Poincaré sphere. The quantum Rayleigh scattering prevents a single photon from propagating in a straight line inside a dielectric medium. The concept of quantum nonlocality is rather questionable because the quantum Rayleigh scattering in a dielectric medium destroys entangled photons.
The Effect of the Type of Activator Anion on the Hydration of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Gołek Łukasz , Szudek Wojciech , Malik Michał
Published: March 2022

In the study, ground granulated blast furnace slag was activated with a wide variety of sodium salts to compare the effect of their pH and anion size on the hydration progress and compressive strength development of GGBFS pastes. Research was carried out on samples activated with twelve different sodium salts, cured for one year. Changes in their phase composition (XRD), loss on ignition at different temperatures, expansion and microstructure (SEM+EDS) were examined over the entire curing period. Studies have shown that the presence of sodium ions is more important than the pH of the system, as activation took place even in the case of compounds whose solutions are characterized by low pH, such as sodium tartrate or phosphate. The compressive strength of the pastes ranged from approximately 8 to 65 MPa after one year of curing.
European Flat Oyster (Ostrea edulis, L.) In the Eastern Baltic as Evidence of Long-Distance Trade in Medieval and Early Modern Times
Authors: Lõugas Lembi , Jürjo Inna , Russow Erki
Published: March 2022

Along most of the European littoral, oysters were appreciated as a wholesome and palatable food since the Stone Age, yet were transported much further from their natural habitats when long-distance trade in marine foodstuffs began in medieval times. The brackish waters of the Baltic Sea are not considered a suitable environment for this mussel, and therefore all archaeological oyster shell finds are the result of import to the eastern Baltic. In this study, over 1000 shells found in different medieval and early modern archaeological contexts in Estonia were analysed and the obtained data recorded in a data repository. Some conclusions are set out, based on shell size and shape, and breakage traces, but more detailed taphonomic studies are left for the future. The study identifies the earliest imports of oysters recorded by archaeological material and written sources. Both show records not much earlier than the 16th century AD. Although no information is preserved about the exact origin of oysters imported to Estonia, the oyster beds most probably exploited are those in the central eastern North Sea, i.e. the Wadden Sea.
Assessment of Factors Influencing Personal Exposure to Air Pollution on Main Roads in Bogota: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Malagon-Rojas Jeadran , Parra-Barrera Eliana L. , Toloza-Pérez Yesith G. , Soto Hanna , Lagos Luisa F. , Méndez Daniela , Rico Andrea , Almentero Julia E. , Quintana-Cortés Mónica A , Pinzón-Silva Diana C. , García Andrés , Benavídez-Piracón John , Zona-Rubio Diana C. , Portilla Claudia , Wilches-Mogollón Maria A. , Romero Sol A. , Hernandez Luis Jorge , Morales Ricardo , Sarmiento Olga L.
Published: March 2022

The Particulate Matter (PM), particles of variable but small diameter could penetrate the respiratory system via inhalation, causing respiratory and/or cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the association of environmental particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) with respiratory health and physical activity in users traveling by transportation modes over four roads in Bogotá. This was a mixed-method study, in 300 healthy participants, based on a convergent parallel design. Including a descriptive qualitative component focused on asserting the individual perception of air pollution by semi-structured interviews and a cross-sectional study measuring the individual exposure to PM2.5 and BC to evaluate the pulmonary function by spirometry. The analysis included concurrent triangulation and a Poisson regression. This study provides integration of air pollution exposure variables and respiratory health effects in different transport microenvironments. To our knowledge, this is the first mixed-methods study focused on PM2.5, BC, and respiratory health effects in a city above 2.000 meters above sea level.
Local Sociostructural Predictors of COVID-19 Incidence in Germany
Authors: Qamar Alisha I. , Gronwald Leonie , Timmesfeld Nina , Diebner Hans H.
Published: March 2022

Socioeconomic conditions and social attitudes are known to represent epidemiological determinants. Credible knowledge on socioeconomic driving factors of the COVID-19 epidemic is still incomplete. Based on a linear random effects regression, a predictive model is derived to estimate COVID-19 incidence in German rural districts from local socioeconomic factors and popularity of political parties in terms of their share of vote. Thereby, time series provided by Germany’s public health institute (Robert Koch Institute) of weekly notified 7-day incidences per 100,000 inhabitants per district from the outset of the epidemic in 2020 up to December 1, 2021, have been used to construct the dependent variable. Local socioeconomic conditions including share of votes, retrieved from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, have been used as potential risk factors. Popularity of the right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) bears a considerable risk of increasing COVID-19 incidence both in terms of predicting the maximum incidences during three epidemic periods and in a time-continuous sense. Thus, districts with high AfD popularity rank on top in the time-average regarding COVID-19 incidence. The impact of the popularity of the Free Democrats (FDP) is markedly intermittent in the course of time showing two pronounced peaks in incidence but also occasional drops. Socioeconomic parameters like per capita income, proportions of protection seekers and social benefit claimants, and educational level have negligible impact. A moderate risk emanates from popularities of the Green Party (GRÜNE) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) compared to the other parties with lowest risk level. In order to effectively combat the COVID-19 epidemic, public health policymakers are well advised to account for social attitudes and behavioural patterns reflected in local popularities of political parties, which are conceived as proper surrogates for these attitudes.
Strategic Investment in Open Hardware for National Security
Authors: Pearce Joshua M.
Published: March 2022

Free and open source hardware (FOSH) development has been shown to increase innovation and reduce economic costs. This article reviews the opportunity to use FOSH like a sanction to undercut imports and exports from a target criminal country. A formal methodology is presented for selecting strategic national investments in FOSH development to improve both national security and global safety. In this methodology, first the target country that is threatening national security or safety is identified. Next, the top imports from the target country as well as potentially other importing countries (allies) are quantified. Hardware is identified that could undercut imports/exports from the target country. Finally, methods to support the FOSH development are enumerated to support production in a commons-based peer production strategy. To demonstrate how this theoretical method works in practice it is applied as a case study to the current criminal military aggressor nation, who is also a fossil fuel exporter. The results show there are numerous existing FOSH and opportunities to develop new FOSH for energy conservation and renewable energy to reduce fossil fuel energy demand. Widespread deployment would reduce the concomitant pollution, human health impacts, and environmental desecration as well as cut financing of military operations.
[18F]FDG PET/CT in Short-Term Complications of COVID-19: Metabolic Markers of Persistent Inflammation and Impaired Respiratory Function
Authors: Triviño-Ibáñez Eva María , Jiménez-Rodríguez Beatriz María , Rudolphi-Solero Teodoro , García-Rivero Encarnación Yolanda , Rodríguez-Fernández Antonio , Llamas-Elvira Jose Manuel , Gómez-Río Manuel , Morales-García Concepción
Published: March 2022

Evaluation of the usefulness of [18F]FDG-PET/CT in the short-term follow-up of patients admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia and to explore the association of findings with clinical prognostic markers. Prospective study included 20 patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 pneumonia between November 2020 and March 2021. Clinical and laboratory test findings were gathered at admission, 48-72h post-admission, and 2-3 months post-discharge. [18F]FDG-PET/CT and respiratory function tests were performed at 2-3 months post-discharge. Lung volumes (TLC), spirometry (FVC, FEV1), lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and respiratory muscle strength were measured. PET/CT images were qualitatively and semi-quantitatively interpreted. Volumetric [18F]FDG-PET/CT results were correlated with laboratory test and respiratory parameters. Eleven [18F]FDG-PET/CT (55%) were positive. The main finding was hypermetabolic lymphade-nopathy in the mediastinum (90.9%). SUVpeak of the target mediastinum lesion was correlated with neutrophil and lymphocyte counts. Eleven (55%) patients had impaired respiratory function, most frequently a reduced DLCO (35%). SUVpeak was positively correlated with %predict-ed-DLCO values. Pulmonary TLG was negatively correlated with %predicted-DLCO and TLC values. In the short-term follow-up of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia, [18F]FDG-PET/CT findings revealed significant detectable inflammation in lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes that correlated with pulmonary function impairment in more than half of the patients.
3D Printing and Assembling of Frame Modules Using Printable Strain-Hardening Cement-Based Composites (SHCC)
Authors: Ivaniuk Egor , Eichenauer Martin Friedrich , Zlata Tošić , Müller Steffen , Lordick Daniel , Mechtcherine Viktor
Published: March 2022

Despite all their advantages, load-bearing concrete shell structures with double curvatures are not frequently in use. The main reason is the complexity of their construction. In such a context, this article starts with a brief, critical review of existing technologies while their pros and cons are highlighted. Against that background the authors then propose a new approach for the highly automated fabrication of gridshell structures from variable modules. To demonstrate the feasibility of such a new technology, a demonstrator called ConDIT 1.0, a sphere-like shell structure composed of several frames was designed and built. The frame modules were fabricated automatically using extrusion-based 3D printing and a printable, strain-hardening cement-based composite (SHCC). This article presents the design of ConDIT 1.0, the mechanical material characterization of printed SHCC, the technology of module production, the results of geometry verification for print modules using 3D scanning, and the procedure for the demonstrator’s assembly.
Formation of multicultural competence of preschool children
Authors: Rudnytska-Yuriichuk Iryna , Kurhannikova Olha , Demchenko Olena , Tolchieva Hanna , Holiuk Oksana
Published: March 2022

The peculiarities of the development of the modern globalized world indicate the need to address the field of culture as an important principle of raising children from preschool age. The purpose of the article is to analyze the formation of the foundations of multicultural competence of preschool children in Ukraine. The objectives of the study are: to investigate the features of the theoretical perception of multiculturalism in the modern Ukrainian pedagogical system, to interpret empirical material on the attitude to multiculturalism among the surveyed parents and preschool children. The research is based on the use of theoretical research methods, including analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction, concretization, comparison, abstraction. Also, the study was formed as a result of using a statistical method, which consisted of qualitative analysis of experimental data. The results show that the multicultural development environment is an integrated category, which includes various areas of activity of the preschooler, so it is important to provide special conditions, a stable psychological atmosphere. The work on the basis of empirical material summarizes the favorable attitude of preschool children to foreigners and the desire of parents to deepen this program. According to our author's definition, multicultural education should be understood as the process of assimilation by preschoolers of values and experiences of other ethnic groups in the region where they live, with special emphasis on the study of their cultural achievements and national characteristics.
Characteristic of morphological changes of the spine in selected mammal species
Authors:   Department of Animal Genetics and Conservation, Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland, Jundziłł-Bogusiewicz Paulina , Gruszczyńska Joanna ,   Department of Animal Genetics and Conservation, Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland, Shuvar Ivan ,   Lviv National Agrarian University, Volodymyra Velykoho 1, Dubliany, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine, Papis Krzysztof ,   Center of Translational Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
Published: March 2022

Morphological changes of the vertebrae, whether congenital or acquired, are more and more frequent causes of movement difficulties of both humans and other species of mammals. The most frequently diagnosed pathologies of the spine include: degenerative changes, congenital defects, inflammatory diseases, and proliferative changes. This article presents the characteristics of selected morphological changes in the spine, the reasons for their occurrence, and the diagnosis. Some of abnormalities have a genetic basis, sometimes already known, such as in the case of vertebral deformity syndrome in domestic cattle, which is caused by a mutation in the SLC35A3 gene. At other times, the genetic factor is only speculated as in the case of human scoliosis - some studies indicate its autosomal dominant nature of inheritance.
Boletín de Noticias "Entre Patologos" de Alconpat Internacional (V4N1, 2022)
Authors:   Alconpat Internacional, Pérez Mesa Lourdes Bernarda , Zozaya Ortíz Alexia Xiomara ,   Alconpat Internacional, Castro Borges Pedro ,   Alconpat Internacional
Published: March 2022

El primer boletín del año con una programación intensa, llena de mucho entusiasmo y plena de actividades para compartir conocimiento y reforzar a la institución. Reconocimientos, cursos, talleres, Webinars, congresos, en fin para escoger y estrechar lazos. Tenemos el calendario del 2022 para que puedan agendar sus actividades, está el premio a la excelencia de construcción en concreto del ACI. Se inicia en marzo el 3er curso de Rehabilitación de Estructuras de concreto armado perteneciente a las actividades de Educación continua y certificación profesional. Reconocimientos a profesionales de ALCONPAT CUBA. Invitando a la lectura de la revista ALCONPAT V12-N1. Una información sobre la organización de los talleres mensuales de Recomendaciones Técnicas, iniciativa de la junta directiva de ALCONPAT Internacional. Invitación a la VI Convención Internacional de la Ingeniería en Cuba, para octubre. También invitación al 5to Congreso Brasileño de Patologías en las Construcciones, para el mes de agosto. Y Webinars auspiciados por los mantenedores y colaboradores, Para el mes de abril se ha planificado una conferencia con el Dr. Vasco Peixoto de Freita, Profesor Catedrático del Departamento de Ingeniería Civil FEUP Portugal. Penetron con el Seminario Internacional de Jóvenes en Julio. Y RILEM como siempre con su Convención de primavera del 2022 en marzo. Y para ahora en marzo las inscripciones abiertas para el Seminario ACI 318-19, Requisitos del Reglamento para Concreto Estructural, Cambios del reglamento.
RESPON MORFOFISIOLOGI PADI VARIETAS SULUTAN DAN RINDANG 1 PADA FASE VEGETATIF DI BAWAH NAUNGAN POHON KELAPA
Authors: Tumoka Karina P. , Matana Yulianus R. , Pelealu Johanis J. , Ai Nio Song
Published: March 2022

Padi merupakan makanan pokok sebagian besar penduduk di Indonesia. Lahan perkebunan kelapa dapat dievaluasi sebagai lahan alternatif selain beberapa lahan yang umum dimanfaatkan untuk penanaman padi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji respon morfologi dan fisiologi padi Sulutan dan Rindang 1 terhadap naungan pohon kelapa dengan pola tanam segitiga dan jarak tanam 9 m x 9 m berdasarkan tinggi tanaman, luas daun, biomassa tanaman dan kandungan klorofil. Desain penelitian faktorial ini adalah Rancangan Acak Lengkap dengan dua perlakuan yaitu kontrol (tanpa naungan) dan naungan di bawah pohon kelapa dengan jarak tanam 9 m x 9 m dan pola tanam segitiga dan menggunakan dua varietas padi yakni Sulutan dan Rindang 1 dengan lima ulangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tinggi tanaman padi Rindang 1 lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan Sulutan pada hari ke-2 sampai 14 dan tinggi tanaman padi pada perlakuan naungan lebih besar daripada tanpa naungan pada hari ke-8 sampai 14. Luas daun, berat basah dan berat kering akar serta volume akar tanaman yang diberi perlakuan naungan lebih tinggi (p < 0,05) daripada tanaman tanpa naungan pada hari ke-14. Berat basah daun Rindang 1 lebih besar daripada Sulutan pada hari ke-7. Volume akar tertinggi pada padi Sulutan dengan naungan tetapi tidak berbeda nyata dengan Rindang tanpa naungan pada hari ke-7. Di antara karakter morfologi dan fisiologi yang diamati, tinggi tanaman, luas daun, berat basah dan berat kering akar serta volume akar potensial sebagai indikator adanya cekaman naungan pada padi
Effect of hepatitis B surface antigen on the risk of synchronous liver metastasis in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Tingya , Patel Nishant , Huang Bin , Zhang Haijun
Published: March 2022

Background. The specific organ microenvironment can promote the colonization of tumor cells. However, lack of research shed light on the liver microenvironment in synchronous liver metastasis in patients with gastric cancer (synGCLM). With the epidemic of HBV infection in China, we aim to explore the influence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) on the risk of synGCLM.Methods. It was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 858 cases of newly diagnosed GC. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) Newly diagnosis GC by pathological reports of gastroscopic biopsy or surgical specimen; 2) No surgery, chemotherapy or other treatments were given in other hospitals before admission; 3) SynGCLM confirmed by biopsy or imaging evaluation reported by two senior radiologists, and complete imaging examination to detect other distant organ metastases; 4) Complete medical records including demographic information, tumor characteristics, HBV serologic assay and other clinical factors. HBsAg-positive was defined as the detection of serum HBsAg more than 10 IU/mL. The prevalence of synGCLM was compared between patients with HBsAg (HBsAg+) and those without HBsAg (HBsAg-). The risk factors for synGCLM were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Especially in the HBsAg+ GC patients, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), liver fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) levels and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status were further analyzed.Results. The prevalence of synGCLM of the HBsAg+ group was 16.7%, higher compared to 7.0% of the HBsAg- group, which was of statistical significance (p = 0.014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that HBsAg (OR = 3.359, p = 0.008), the elevated level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (OR = 3.775, p < 0.001), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (OR = 6.204, p < 0.001), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) (OR = 5.081, p < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (OR = 3.968, p = 0.002) and age (OR = 1.028, p = 0.033) were risk factors for synGCLM. Among the HBsAg+ patients, both ARPI and FIB-4 were statistically higher in the patients with synGCLM (synGCLM+) compared to those without synGCLM (synGCLM-) (ARPI: p = 0.045; FIB-4: p = 0.047); HBeAg positivity was detected in 20.0% of synGCLM+ patients compared to 6.0% of synGCLM- patients, but the difference was of no significance (p = 0.190).Conclusions. HBV infection is a risk factor for synGCLM whereas elevated ARPI and FIB-4 may be pro-metastatic especially among the HBsAg+ GC patients. Age, preoperative CEA, AFP, GGT and ALP levels are associated with increased risk of synGCLM.
Bright short-wavelength infrared organic light-emitting devices
Authors: Xie Yuan , Liu Wansheng , Deng Wanyuan , Wu Haimei , Wang Weiping , Si Yichuan , Zhan Xiaowei , Gao Chao , Chen Xian-Kai , Wu Hongbin , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong
Published: March 2022

Organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) emissive in short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) region are attractive for ground-breaking applications in biosensors, biomedical imaging and next-generation optoelectronic devices. However, fabrication of such devices with high radiance has not yet been achieved, owing to an intrinsic limitation imposed by the energy-gap law, which leads to extremely low emission efficiency. Here we report that acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) type molecules with high co-planarity, rigidity of π-conjugated backbones, extremely small reorganization energy and electron-phonon coupling factor are capable of simultaneously providing strongly suppressed non-radiative recombination rate, and high operation stability at high current density. We achieve electrically driven SWIR with irradiance of 3.9 mW cm^-2 (corresponding to 7% of direct sunlight infrared irradiance), which is the brightest emission to date and surpasses that of any previously reported SWIR OLEDs sixty-fold. These findings should open a wide avenue to a new class of organic SWIR light sources for broad applications.
Hands and feet radiologic involvements in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Badiee Fatemeh , Fatemi Alireza , Zahedpasha Reza , Gharib Hadi , Jokar Mohammadhassan , Livani Somayeh , Aghaie Mehrdad , Abdolahi Nafiseh
Published: March 2022

Aim
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by vascular and fibrosing involvement of the skin and internal organs. In this study we determined the prevalence and characteristics of radiological hands and feet involvements in Iranian SSc patients identified disease–phenotype associations.
Methods
43 SSc patients (41 women and 2 men), with a median age of 44.79 years (ranges 26 to 70 years) and a mean disease duration of 11.78 years (ranges 2 to 28 years) were studied in this cross-sectional study.
Results
42 patients had radiological changes both in hands and feet. Only one patient had changes just in hand. The most frequent changes that we found in hand was Juxta-articular Osteoporosis (93%), Acro-osteolysis (58.2%), Joint Space Narrowing (55.8%). The prevalence of joint space narrowing or acro-osteolysis were higher in subjects with active skin involvement (modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) > 14) (16/21 v 4/16 for patients with inactive skin involvement (mRSS < 14); p = 0.002). The most frequent changes that we found in foot were Juxta-articular Osteoporosis (93%), Acro-osteolysis (46.5%), Joint Space Narrowing (58.1%), subluxation (44.2%). The presence of anti-ccp antibody was detected in 4 (9.3%), while positive rheumatoid factor was found in 13 (30.2%) of SSc patients.
Conclusion
This study corroborates that an arthropathy is common in SSc patients. The introduction of the specific radiological involvements of SSc needs to be confirmed by further studies. in order to define the appropriate prognosis and treatment of patients.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging versus Computed Tomography to Guide Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Study Protocol for a Randomized Trial (TAVR-CMR)
Authors: Klug Gert , Reinstadler Sebastian , Troger Felix , Holzknecht Magdalena , Reindl Martin , Tiller Christina , Lechner Ivan , Fink Priscilla , Pamminger Mathias , Kremser Christian , Ulmer Hanno , Bauer Axel , Metzler Bernhard , Mayr Agnes
Published: March 2022

Background
The standard procedure for the planning of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the combination of echocardiography, coronary angiography and cardiovascular computed tomography (TAVR-CT) for the exact determination of the aortic valve dimensions, valve size and implantation route. However, up to 80% of the patients undergoing TAVR suffer from chronic renal insufficiency. Alternatives to reduce the need for iodinated contrast agents are desirable. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging recently has emerged as such an alternative. Therefore, we aim to investigate, for the first time, the non-inferiority of TAVR-CMR to TAVR-CT regarding efficacy and safety end-points
Methods
This is a prospective, randomized, open-label trial. It is planned to include 250 patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis scheduled for TAVR based on a local heart-team decision. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive a predefined TAVR-CMR protocol or to receive a standard TAVR-CT protocol within two weeks after inclusion. Follow-up will be performed at hospital discharge after TAVR and after one and two years. The primary efficacy outcome is device implantation success at discharge. The secondary endpoints are a combined safety endpoint and a combined clinical efficacy endpoint at baseline and at one and two years, as well as a comparison of imaging procedure related variables. Endpoint definitions are based on the updated 2012 VARC-2 consensus document.
Discussion
TAVR-CMR might be an alternative to TAVR-CT for planning a TAVR procedure. If proven to be effective and safe, a broader application of TAVR-CMR might reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury after TAVR and thus improve outcomes.
Trial registration:
The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03831087). The results will be disseminated at scientific meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Agenda setting, Development and Implementation of Pay for Performance Policy in Iran: Analysis of Policy-making Using the Refined Multiple Streams Framework
Authors: Gray Serajaddin , Olyaeemanesh Alireza , Harirchi Iraj
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Linking payments to results is introduced as a mechanism for increasing accountability. To this end, a policy, called IR-PfP, was implemented in Iran in 2014 as one of the components of the country's Health Transformation Plan. Thus, the present study aimed to report on the steps of agenda setting, development and implementation of this policy.Methodology: The present qualitative study was conducted in 2018 through document analysis and interviews. As for data analysis, the content analysis method with a theory-based approach and MAXQDA10 software were applied.Findings: The results indicated that the Refined Multiple Streams Framework well described the implementation of the policy. The three streams of law enforcement (Politics), shortcomings of the ongoing program (NPS) (Problem) and Pay for Performance mechanism (Policy) were merged with the opening of the first opportunity window, and the second opportunity window led to the incorporation of the next five streams. Therefore, the policy stream was redefined, and the politics and problem streams were respectively strengthened by some events, which were the dominant streams. The program and process streams became very weak due to executive and time limitations.Conclusion: The policy stream followed the politics and problem streams. The multiplicity of opportunity windows was verified, and creation of an institution and two policy groups were the main factors in agenda setting. The combination of all these results, stress the importance of dynamic studying of Iran's health policies.
Participatory surveillance for COVID-19 trends detection in Brazil
Authors: Wittwer Salome , Neto Onicio Batista Leal , Paolotti Daniela , Lichand Guilherme
Published: March 2022

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the necessity of a well-functioning surveillance system to detect and mitigate disease outbreaks. Traditional surveillance (TS) usually relies on healthcare providers and generally suffers from reporting lags that prevent immediate response plans. Participatory surveillance (PS), an innovative digital approach whereby individuals voluntarily monitor and report on their own health status via Web-based surveys, has emerged in the past decade to complement traditional data collections approaches. This study compares novel PS data on COVID-19 infection rates across nine Brazilian cities with official TS data to examine the opportunities and challenges of using the former, and the potential advantages of combining the two approaches. We find that high participation rates are key for PS data to adequately mirror TS infection rates. Where participation was high, we document a significant trend correlation between lagged PS data and TS infection rates, suggesting that the former could be used for early detection. In our data, forecasting models integrating both approaches increased accuracy up to 3% relative to a 14-day forecast horizon model based exclusively on TS data. Furthermore, we show that the PS data captures a population that significantly differs from the traditional observation. These results corroborate previous studies when it comes to the benefits of an integrated and comprehensive surveillance system, but also shed lights on its limitations, and on the need for additional research to improve future implementations of PS platforms.
Prevalence Survey of Hemostasis Hysterectomy in the Management of Immediate Postpartum Hemorrhage in Maternity Units of Côte d'Ivoire.
Authors: AKA Edele Kacou , KOFFI Abdoul , ZOUA Kakou , ABLE Ambroisine , HORO Apollinaire
Published: March 2022

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal mortality (MM) worldwide and particularly in Côte d'Ivoire. The treatment of last resort remains hemostasis hysterectomy. The objective of this study was to document hemostasis hysterectomies in PPH in Côte d'Ivoire.Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in 51 health districts from 2013-2017 on parturients for whom a hemostasis hysterectomy had been performed.Results: the frequency of PPH was 4 per 100 deliveries, the delivery hemorrhage was the most frequent cause (65.39%). We recorded in 51 health districts that had complete emergency obstetric care (EmONC) 1796 cases of hemostasis hysterectomy out of 540,508 deliveries performed, i.e. 1 (one) hemostasis hysterectomy for 307 deliveries. The case fatality rate for PPH was 5.53%.Conclusion: The reduction of hemostasis hysterectomies requires the reduction of partum hemorrhage through the improvement of the implementation of EmONC and the use of new hemostasis techniques such as uterine balloon tamponade.
Omnidirectional printing of elastic conductors for 3D-structured stretchable electronics
Authors: Lee Byeongmoon , Cho Hyunjoo , Ko Youngpyo , Kim Heesuk , Jeong Jaewook , Chung Seungjun
Published: March 2022

Printing solid-state elastic conductors into self-supporting three-dimensional (3D) geometries promises the design diversity of soft electronics, enabling complex, multifunctional, and tailored human–machine interfaces. However, the difficulties in manipulating their rheological characteristics have only allowed for layerwise deposition. Here, we report omnidirectional printing of elastic conductors enabled by emulsifying elastomer composites with immiscible, nonvolatile solvents. The strategy simultaneously achieves superior viscoelastic properties that provide the structural integrity of printed features, and pseudoplastic and lubrication behaviours that allow great printing stability. Freestanding, filamentary, and out-of-plane 3D geometries of intrinsically stretchable conductors are directly written, achieving a minimum feature size <100 μm and excellent stretchability >150%. Particularly, the evaporation of the continuous phase in the emulsion results in microstructured, surface-localized conductive networks, significantly improving their electrical conductivity. To illustrate the feasibility of our approach, we demonstrate skin-mountable electronics that visualize temperature on a matrix-type stretchable display based on omnidirectionally printed elastic interconnects.
5G-Enabled Automated Truck Platoons in Urban Areas
Authors: Hadjidimitriou Natalia Selini , Willenbrock Ralf
Published: March 2022

Transport and logistic sector is expected to obtain large benefits thanks to the implementation of 5G. This work proposes a framework based on 5G technology for Automated Truck Platoons (ATP) in urban areas to reduce energy consumption and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. More specifically, 5G features such as low latency communication (uRLLC), massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) are deployed with the Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA) to achieve the optimal speed of Automated Truck Platoons. The results of a preliminary test implemented in the Port of Hamburg show that 5G GLOSA ATP is promising in terms of energy consumption and GHG emissions reduction and increased truck platoon stability.
Visual Outcomes After Bilateral Implantation of AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ Extended Vision Intraocular Lens
Authors: Katsimpris Andreas , Chronopoulou Konstantina , Maggio Alessandro Di , Alexaki Maria , Kymionis George
Published: March 2022

BackgroundTo assess the visual and refractive outcomes of the non-diffractive extended depth of focus (EDOF) AcrySof ® IQ Vivity™ (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX, USA) intraocular lens (IOL) after bilateral implantation in patients undergoing phacoemulsification surgery. MethodsIn this prospective non-comparative study, 20 patients willing to undergo bilateral implantation of AcrySof ® IQ Vivity™ IOL were recruited at a single center (Eye Day Clinic, Athens, Greece). Pre- and post-operative clinical assessment of the patients included slit lamp examination, assessment of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at 6 m, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at 6 m, uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) at 66 cm, uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 33 cm and optical biometry. Moreover, the presence of visual disturbances and the contrast sensitivity (CS) thresholds of all patients were assessed.ResultsThe mean ± standard deviation (SD) of monocular UDVA, UIVA and UNVA were 0.05 ± 0.08, 0.07 ± 0.09 and 0.23 ± 0.09 LogMAR, respectively. More specifically, 97.5%, 70% and 15% of eyes achieved UDVA, UIVA and UNVA of 20/25 or higher, while 6 patients in total reported mild glare, blurred vision, fluctuation in vision and/or depth perception difficulty. The mean ± SD of LogCS threshold was 1.68 ± 0.26.ConclusionsBilateral implantation of AcrySof ® IQ Vivity™ IOL could be a solution to patients seeking independence from optical aids. Further comparative studies are warranted to confirm our results.
Interrelationship Between Trade and Environment: A Bibliometric Analysis of Published Articles from the Last Two Decade
Authors: Padhan Lakshmana , Bhat Savita
Published: March 2022

Extant literature indicates that the concepts of international trade and environment are intertwined. As the one aspect, the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH) talks about the effect of trade liberalization on environmental regulation and other aspects, pollution haven effect (PHE) talks about the influence of environmental regulation to trade competitiveness. There is a plethora of theoretical and empirical research studies that explore the relationship between the two concepts. However, to date, no systematic attempts have been made to analyze these publications to understand the current research trends in the trade-environment intersection. Hence, the present study is an attempt to contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between trade and the environment through a bibliometric analysis of 1390 research articles collected from the Scopus database from 2000 to 2021. By using performance analysis, conceptual structure analysis, intellectual structure analysis, and bibliographic coupling analysis, the study aims to analyze the current research front and research trends in the trade-environment intersection. The study uses Bibliometrix and VOSViewer software to identify the leading countries, journals, authors, universities, and articles in this domain of research. Further, the science mapping analysis is employed to discover the trending topics in the trade-environment intersection research domain. The results of the study will be useful for researchers to get insights into the research development trends and research themes in the field of trade and environment.
Prevalence And Distribution Of Acute Gastrointestinal Illness In The Community Of China: A Population-Based Face-To-Face Survey, 2014-2015
Authors: Liu Jikai , Luo Baozhang , Zhou Yijing , Ma Xiaochen , Liang Junhua , Sang Xianglai , Lv Le , Chen Wen , Fu Pengyu , Liu Hong , Zhen Shiqi , Wang Chao , Wu Yangbo , Huang Qiong , Liang Xiaocheng , Bai Guangda , Lan Zhen , Zhang Shufang , Li Ning , Wu Yongning , Pires Sara M. , Guo Yunchang
Published: March 2022

Background: The true incidence of acute gastrointestinal illness in China is underrecognized by surveillance systems. The aims of this study were to estimate the incidence and prevalence of self-reported AGI in the community of China, and to investigate sociodemographic and epidemiological determinants of AGI.Methods: We conducted a 12-months cross-sectional population-based survey in eight provinces of China during 2014-2015. The survey determined the prevalence and incidence of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) in the total permanent resident population in China according to the census of the population in 2010. The random multilevel population sample was stratified by geographic, population, and socioeconomic status. We used a recommended case definition of AGI, with diarrhea（three loose or watery stools）and/or any vomiting in a four-week recall. A face-to-face survey was conducted by selecting the member in the household with the most recent birthday. Results: Among 56,704 sampled individuals, 948 (1,134 person-time) fulfilled the case definition; 98.5% reported diarrhea. This corresponds to 2.3% (95% CI:1.9%-2.8%) of an overall standardized four-week prevalence and 0.3 (95% CI: 0.23-0.34) episodes per person-year of annual adjusted incidence rate. There was no significant difference between males and females. The incidence rates were higher mong urban residents, and in the spring and summer. In the whole study period, 50% of the cases sought medical care, of which 3.9% were hospitalized and 14.3% provided a biological sample for laboratory identification of the causative agent. Children aged 0–4 and young adults aged 15–24, people living in rural areas and people who traveled frequently had higher prevalence of AGI. Conclusion: Results showed that AGI represents a substantial burden in China, and will contribute to the estimation of the global burden of AGI. Complemented with data on the etiologies of AGI, these estimates will form the basis to estimate the burden of foodborne diseases in China.
A cone-like flower from the Lower Cretaceous of China
Authors: Wang Xin , Diez José , Pole Mike , García-Ávila Manuel
Published: March 2022

Angiosperms are by far the most important plant group for human beings, and numerous fossils of early angiosperms have been documented worldwide 1-14. However, the origin of angiosperms remains a focus of debate 15-19, partially due to lack of anatomically preserved fossils of related plant reproductive organs. Here we report a fossil female flower, Xilinia shengliensis gen. et sp. nov, that demonstrates angio-ovuly — the feature characteristic of angiosperms as well as cone-like morphology that is unusual in angiosperms. Its chimeric character assemblage makes Xilinia unique and informative for flower origin and evolution.