bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A framework for spatial regionalization composed of novel clustering‐based algorithms under spatial contiguity constraints
Authors: Miranda Leandro , Viterbo José , Bernardini Flávia
Published: February 2022

Traditionally, the geospatial regionalization task consists of aggregating into regions, geographically connected areas that share similar characteristics. Although various spatial optimization approaches have been proposed for finding exact regionalization solutions, these approaches are not practical when applied to a large number of areas or problems for online aggregation, due to the long execution times using hardware with low resources. In this article, we present a framework for executing spatial regionalization tasks. The pre‐condition for using our framework is the definition of a map describing the neighborhood relations—as spatial contiguity constraints—among the areas (or objects) to be regionalized. In our framework we implemented three clustering algorithms with spatial contiguity constraints: RegK‐Means and Agglomerative Hierarchical Regionalization (AHR), our adaptation of k‐means partition‐based clustering and hierarchical‐based clustering algorithms, respectively; and the Automatic Zoning Procedure (AZP), a traditional algorithm for regionalization that also has the premise of simplifying the neighborhood relation representation. We conducted an exploratory analysis composed of two different experiments. Our results showed that our framework leads to a faster way of executing regionalization tasks in the experimental analysis, allowing us to observe a significant gain of AHR and RegK‐Means over AZP in execution time, while showing better or similar results in other metrics, such as figure of merit.
Diagnostic accuracy of cytology for the detection of bacterial infection in fluid samples from veterinary patients
Authors: Allen Brittany A. , Evans Samantha J. M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Bacterial sepsis is a relatively common, life‐threatening condition with a high case fatality rate. The current primary diagnostic tools for detecting bacterial infection in fluids are bacterial culture and fluid cytology. While culture is the gold standard, it can take up to several days for results to be made available to clinicians, which can delay recognition of bacterial sepsis and negatively impact patient outcomes.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cytology for detecting bacterial infection in body fluids.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 10 years of medical records at the Ohio State University's Veterinary Medical Center for mammalian patients with both cytology and bacterial culture of fluid samples, including body cavity fluids (abdominal and thoracic effusion), blood, joint fluid, and CSF. The overall sensitivity and specificity of cytology relative to the reference method of bacterial culture was recorded, as well as among the subcategories of fluid type.

Results

The overall sensitivity and specificity of cytology for the diagnosis of sepsis were 42.6% and 93.0%, respectively. Individual sensitivities and specificities were also calculated for each fluid type. Thoracic fluid cytology had relatively high sensitivity and low specificity, in contrast to the other fluid types analyzed.

Conclusions

Overall, cytology is poorly sensitive but highly specific for the detection of bacterial infection in fluid samples. The results from this study will allow a better comparison between the diagnostic accuracy of cytology and emerging diagnostic tests for the detection of bacterial sepsis in mammalian patients.
SCIENCE AND SPECIFICITY: INTERDISCIPLINARY TEACHING BETWEEN THEOLOGY, RELIGION, AND THE NATURAL SCIENCES
Authors: Davison Andrew
Published: February 2022

Consideration of the work of natural scientists by theologians extends the innate interdisciplinarity of theological study. Here, I focus on interdisciplinarity as it bears upon undergraduate and postgraduate education and supervision. Much research in theology and science today asks how some more specific area of science bears upon some specific aspect of theology, in contrast to earlier attention to methodology, and how theology‐as‐such might relate to science‐as‐such. This paradigm, described as “Science‐Engaged Theology,” is showing itself in teaching, with both benefits (capturing the imagination of students) and challenges (the work of learning about the details of scientific research). Criticisms raised about Science‐Engaged Theology in research also suggest goals for education. These include encouraging students to ask whether science does bear upon their theological topic, after all, and the suggestion that a move beyond methodology should not leave the theologian uncritical of the theological freight associated with the assumptions and paradigms that shape natural science, either explicitly or implicitly.
Enseñanza universitaria: formación, evaluación y reflexión didáctica
Authors: Campos Arenas Alba Myriam , Sánchez Carlos Alberto , Bucheli E. Claudia Liliana , Zambrano Sarmiento Claudia Socorro , Quintar Estela , Cabra Torres Fabiola , Mendivelso Hernando , Fonseca Guzmán Janneth Sofía , Vargas Rojas Jhon Alexander , Bautista Plazas Leila , Arias Portillo Martha Cecilia , Moreno Fonseca Miguel Ángel , Cuesta Moreno Óscar Julián , Ligarretto Feo Rennier Estefan , Ortiz Sandra
Published: February 2022

Saber y saber enseñar no son siempre cualidades concomitantes. Por eso los atributos para ser profesor se perfeccionan en la relación con el saber, la experiencia de enseñar y la reflexión sobre su propia práctica. No obstante, muchas veces los eslóganes y consignas de las pedagogías de moda pasan por alto los elementos constitutivos de la enseñanza, puesto que se centran en aprendizajes que deben estar al gusto y acomodo del estudiante. Es decir, invisibilizan el hecho de que la formación del sujeto implica a menudo incomodidad y esfuerzo: alcanzar el conocimiento es trastocar esquemas que hacen ver la realidad como consabida. Ser profesor es mucho más que ser un facilitador o un acompañante. Más allá del uso de una tecnología o de una actividad lúdica, las condiciones para que el otro se forme deben pasar por una interpelación que lo disponga a convertirse en estudiante: saber que no sabe y querer saber. Justamente, Enseñanza universitaria. Formación, evaluación y reflexión didáctica brinda claves para entender que la enseñanza universitaria no es una mera práctica centrada en el aprendizaje, sino que es una práctica de formación.
Entanglement harvesting with a twist
Authors: Henderson Laura J. , Ding Su Yu , Mann Robert B.
Published: February 2022

One consequence of the cosmic censorship conjecture is that any topological structure will ultimately collapse to within the horizons of a set of black holes, and as a result, an external classical observer will be unable to probe it. However, a single two-level quantum system [Unruh–DeWitt (UDW) detector] that remains outside of the horizon has been shown to distinguish between a black hole and its associated geon counterpart via its different response rates. Here, we extend this investigation of the quantum vacuum outside of an ℝP2 geon by considering the entanglement structure of the vacuum state of a quantum scalar field in this spacetime, and how this differs from its Banados–Teitelboim–Zanelli (BTZ) black hole counterpart. Employing the entanglement harvesting protocol, where field entanglement is swapped to a pair of UDW detectors, we find that the classically hidden topology of the geon can have an appreciable difference in the amount of entanglement harvested in the two spacetimes for sufficiently small mass. In this regime, we find that detectors with a small energy gap harvest more entanglement in the BTZ spacetime; however, as the energy gap increases, the detectors harvest more entanglement in a geon spacetime. The energy gap at the crossover is dependent on the black hole mass, occurring at lower values for lower masses. This also impacts the size of the entanglement shadow, the region near the horizon where the detectors cannot harvest entanglement. Small gap detectors experience a larger entanglement shadow in a geon spacetime, whereas for large gap detectors, the shadow is larger in a BTZ spacetime.
Demonstrating Mechanical Beats on Phosphorescent Foil in Real Time
Authors: Lazos Panagiotis , Nezis Anastasios , Kyriazopoulos Nikolaos
Published: February 2022

The interference pattern between two harmonic oscillations with slightly different frequencies are called beats. The beats, as a combined motion, have two different periods, one approximately equal to the period of the original oscillations, and another that is significantly longer and is related to the variable amplitude of the motion. The main objective of this presented work is to engage students’ attention and demonstrate in a simple way the concept of mechanical beats as a resultant motion of combined oscillations, but also to experience it through a visual projection. The proposed experimental setup is constructed in a way that satisfies both objectives and it consists of two parts that allow us to demonstrate in real time the combination of two harmonic motions. In the first part, the resultant motion is generated by the oscillations of two parallel rulers equipped with mirrors, and in the second part the visual demonstration of the beat occurs on a phosphorescent rotating foil by using a blue violet laser beam.
We Can Dance If We Want To (with Safety Measures)
Authors: Carson Susan
Published: February 2022

This work considers the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during a multiday intensive dance camp occurring from 26 December 2021 to 1 January 2022 in Asheville, North Carolina. Approximately 370 dancers and performers were in attendance, and the data presented are the result of an anonymous survey distributed 10 days following the event.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Hafnia alvei Bacteriophage
Authors: Bullen Alexander , Grahe Alex , Kassolis Penka , Singleton David R.
Published: February 2022

A bacteriophage that is able to infect
Hafnia alvei
and can also infect two other hosts,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
Salmonella enterica
, was isolated from wastewater. The complete genome sequence was determined by long-read PacBio sequencing. Based on sequence similarity, the bacteriophage is assigned to the viral genus
Kolesnikvirus
within the family
Myoviridae
.
Complete Genome of Sinorhizobium meliloti AK76, a Symbiont of Wild Diploid Medicago lupulina from the Mugodgary Mountain Region
Authors: Vladimirova Maria E. , Muntyan Victoria S. , Afonin Alexey M. , Muntyan Alexey N. , Baturina Olga A. , Dzuybenko Elena A. , Saksaganskaya Alla S. , Simarov Boris V. , Roumiantseva Marina L. , Kabilov Marsel R.
Published: February 2022

Sinorhizobium meliloti
is a symbiotic bacterial species forming nitrogen-fixing nodules on roots of annual and perennial
Medicago
spp. We report the full genome sequence of
S. meliloti
strain AK76, an effective symbiont of the wild diploid plant
Medicago lupulina
grown in the Mugodgary Mountain region, Kazakhstan.
Complete Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Myophage Marzo
Authors: Patel Janki , Godoy Brenda , Clark James , Burrowes Ben , Young Ry , Liu Mei
Published: February 2022

Stenotrophomonas maltophiliais a Gram-negative opportunistic bacterium that is increasingly being associated with infections. Here, we report the complete genome of theS. maltophiliamyophage Marzo, with a 159,384-bp genome encoding 268 proteins, 23 tRNAs, and 1 transfer-messenger RNA. Marzo is closely related toS. maltophiliaphages IME-SM1 and Mendera.
Complete Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Siphophage Silvanus
Authors: Wang Nancy , Garcia James , Clark Jay , Le Tram , Burrowes Ben , Young Ry , Liu Mei
Published: February 2022

Stenotrophomonas maltophiliais an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium capable of causing respiratory infections.S. maltophiliasiphophage Silvanus was isolated, and its 45,678-bp genome is not closely related to known phages based on whole-genome comparative genomics analysis. It is predicted to usecos-type packaging due to the similarity of its large terminase subunit to that of phage HK97.
Candida auris Bloodstream Infection Induces Upregulation of the PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Pathway in an Immunocompetent Mouse Model
Authors: Wurster Sebastian , Albert Nathaniel D. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: February 2022

Health authorities consider
Candida auris
to be one of the most serious emerging nosocomial pathogens due to its transmissibility, resistance to disinfection procedures, and frequent antifungal drug resistance. The frequency of multidrug-resistant
C. auris
isolates necessitates the development of novel therapeutic platforms, including immunotherapy.
Nigericin and Geldanamycin Are Phytotoxic Specialized Metabolites Produced by the Plant Pathogen
Streptomyces
sp. 11-1-2
Authors: Díaz-Cruz Gustavo A. , Liu Jingyu , Tahlan Kapil , Bignell Dawn R. D.
Published: February 2022

Plant pathogens use a variety of mechanisms, including the production of phytotoxic specialized metabolites, to establish an infection of host tissue. Although thaxtomin A is considered the key phytotoxin involved in the development of potato scab disease, there is increasing evidence that other phytotoxins can play a role in disease development in some instances.
Classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma masquerading as Riedel’s thyroiditis
Authors: Young Kenneth Stuart , Cunniffe Harriet A , Ali Zahabia , Nassif Ramez
Published: February 2022

We present the case of a 38-year-old woman with a progressively tender swelling of the thyroid gland, who was treated as Riedel’s thyroiditis based on two fine needle aspirations and a core biopsy. She was later found, on partial thyroidectomy, to have nodular sclerosis classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Unusual case of spinal subdural empyema with ventriculitis managed conservatively with lumbar drain
Authors: Wassef Catherine , Johnson Angelique , Stone Jonathan
Published: February 2022

It has long been believed that spinal subdural empyemas (SDEs) with neurological symptoms result in death if operative intervention is not performed. We present a case of addressing an extensive spinal SDE with a minimally invasive procedure: a bedside lumbar drain. Our patient is a 67-year-old man with medical history significant for type I diabetes who presented 2 weeks after a right shoulder steroid injection with septic arthritis. An MRI was obtained for back pain which revealed spinal SDE from the cervical to lumbosacral spine. Given patient’s acute sepsis, haemodynamic instability, and extent of empyema, we placed a lumbar drain for decompression. The patient had a prolonged complicated hospital course. Imaging 2 months later revealed interval decrease in the spinal SDE. Although this severe septic event left the patient with significant deficits, he was able to return to ambulation without surgical intervention.
Benzocaine-induced methaemoglobinaemia in an adolescent with sepsis
Authors: Jayapal Aishwarrya , Rosario David Charles , Sanchez Javier , Ambati Shashikanth
Published: February 2022

Methaemoglobinaemia is a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by hypoxaemia, cyanosis, pallor, fatigue, metabolic acidosis, headache and in severe cases, coma or death. Topical anaesthetics have been reported to cause methaemoglobinaemia. Topical benzocaine was specifically implicated in roughly 66% of anesthetic-induced methaemoglobinaemia cases in a large systematic review in adults. This complication has occurred often in adult patients with pre-existing comorbidities resulting in diminished use in children overall with only few paediatric cases reported worldwide. Additionally, there is growing evidence of a link between sepsis and methaemoglobinaemia due to increased circulating nitrous oxide from infectious pathogen metabolism. In this report, we discuss a case of a 16-year-old young boy, being evaluated for suspected endocarditis, presenting with acute methaemoglobinaemia after use of topical benzocaine spray for transesophageal echocardiogram. This case exemplifies the importance of blood gas with co-oximetry testing in all cases of refractory hypoxemia who have had procedures requiring topical anaesthetics.
Real-time continuous measurement of lactate through a minimally invasive microneedle patch: a phase I clinical study
Authors: Ming Damien K , Jangam Saylee , Gowers Sally A N , Wilson Richard , Freeman David M E , Boutelle Martyn G , Cass Anthony E G , O’Hare Danny , Holmes Alison H
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Determination of blood lactate levels supports decision-making in a range of medical conditions. Invasive blood-sampling and laboratory access are often required, and measurements provide a static profile at each instance. We conducted a phase I clinical study validating performance of a microneedle patch for minimally invasive, continuous lactate measurement in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Five healthy adult participants wore a solid microneedle biosensor patch on their forearms and undertook aerobic exercise for 30 min. The microneedle biosensor quantifies lactate concentrations in interstitial fluid within the dermis continuously and in real-time. Outputs were captured as sensor current and compared with lactate concentrations from venous blood and microdialysis.

Results

The biosensor was well-tolerated. Participants generated a median peak venous lactate of 9.25 mmol/L (IQR 6.73–10.71). Microdialysate concentrations of lactate closely correlated with blood. Microneedle biosensor current followed venous lactate concentrations and dynamics, with good agreement seen in all participants. There was an estimated lag-time of 5 min (IQR −4 to 11 min) between microneedle and blood lactate measurements.

Conclusion

This study provides first-in-human data on use of a minimally invasive microneedle patch for continuous lactate measurement, providing dynamic monitoring. This low-cost platform offers distinct advantages to frequent blood sampling in a wide range of clinical settings, especially where access to laboratory services is limited or blood sampling is infeasible. Implementation of this technology in healthcare settings could support personalised decision-making in a variety of hospital and community settings.

Trial registration number

NCT04238611.
First use of Simulation in Therapeutic Patient Education (S-TPE) in adults with diabetes: a pilot study
Authors: Pennecot Christelle , Luu Maxime , Marchand Claire , Gagnayre Rémi , Dechannes Nathalie , Rudoni Sabine , Hilaire Anne-Marie , Demongeot Aurore , Capelle Delphine , Bardou Marc
Published: February 2022

Objective

To pilot test the feasibility and acceptability of Simulation in Therapeutic Patient Education (S-TPE), in both adult patients with diabetes and educators.

Conception

Adult patients with insulin-dependent diabetes and who participated in a full TPE programme for the implementation of a FreeStyle were included in this monocentric pilot study. S-TPE intervention was based on a consensus conference determining the conditions and objectives of S-TPE. Main outcomes were the patients’ and educators’ perception of the usefulness of S-TPE and the patient’s satisfaction level at the conclusion of the simulation sequence, measured on validated scales. Secondary outcomes were organisational, human, material and temporal, facilitating and limiting factors for patients and educators, patient self-efficacy and anxiety scores.

Interventions

The final session of TPE used the simulation. For each group, one patient volunteered to be the simulated patient. Intervention was divided into three steps: (1) a pre-briefing, (2) a simulation of hypoglycaemia and (3) a debriefing with the group of patients and educators. The whole intervention lasted about 2 hours.

Results

We included 23 patients (mean age ±SD 63±15 years, 14 men) and 3 educators. After S-TPE intervention, patients’ and educators’ perceived usefulness score were 20.6/25 and 37.5/40, respectively. Patient’s satisfaction score was 51.9/60. Qualitative analysis revealed no limiting factors to implementing S-TPE. Self-efficacy was stable. Decrease in anxiety score after S-TPE reached statistical significance in women (from 35.1±4.5 to 32.7±5.5, p=0.04) but not in men.

Conclusion

No limiting factors that could prevent the conduct of clinical trials to assess S-TPE efficacy in patients with diabetes were identified. S-TPE appears as a promising technique to improve diabetes management.

Trial registration number

Registration N°: 2019-A00773-54 and NTC: 03956927.
Protocol for a three-phase prospective study to develop educational resource of antimicrobial resistance and stewardship for medical programme
Authors: Dhaliwal Jagjit Singh , Mohamad Yusra Muhammad Adi Marhain , Muharram Siti Hanna , Akkawi Muhammad Eid , Hussain Zahid , Rahman Hanif , Kok Yuh Yen , Dhaliwal Sachinjeet Kaur Sodhi , Ming Long Chiau
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the critical medical issues of the 21st century. Medical professionals are the primary prescribers of antimicrobials; their undergraduate education of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is considered one of the fundamental approaches in combating the issue of AMR. This education level provides a platform to bridge any gaps in their knowledge and competency in AMS. This study aims to develop an educational resource on microbes, hygiene and prudent antimicrobial use for the undergraduate medical programme. The guideline produced will then be assimilated into the existing curriculum which will help to improve the quality of education which in turn will improve rationale as the use of antimicrobials in the future.

Methods and analysis

A three-step approach consensus approach will be adopted for this study for the development of a validated medical curriculum guideline on AMR. A preliminary curriculum for the programme will be drafted from reviews of published literature including syllabi as well as national and international guidelines. A total of 26 potential sources were found to be relevant, and selected for this study. Subsequently, the drafted curriculum will be subjected for validation via online surveys by various infectious disease experts. Finally, a Delphi technique will be employed to obtain consensus on heterogeneous findings to the revised curriculum. The quantitative and qualitative responses will be analysed and discussed among the panel of researchers.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol has been approved by the Institute of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (Reference: UBD/PAPRSBIHSREC/2020/124). Informed consent declaration will be collected prior to data collections as indication of agreement of participation in the study. Results will be made available to medical educators and also researchers on AMR and stewardship. The results also will be disseminated at feedback sessions to officers at Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam.
Parents’ vaccination information seeking, satisfaction with and trust in medical providers in Switzerland: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Ebi Selina Jana , Deml Michael J , Jafflin Kristen , Buhl Andrea , Engel Rebecca , Picker Julia , Häusler Julia , Wingeier Bernhard , Krüerke Daniel , Huber Benedikt M , Merten Sonja , Tarr Philip E
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to better understand parental trust in and satisfaction with information sources and medical providers regarding decision making about childhood vaccines.

Setting

The study was part of a Swiss national research programme investigating vaccine hesitancy and underimmunisation.

Participants

We conducted qualitative interviews with 37 providers and 30 parents, observed 34 vaccination consultations, and then conducted quantitative surveys with 130 providers (both complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) oriented and biomedically oriented) and 1390 parents.

Main outcome measures

Participants’ vaccination information sources used in their decision-making process, parents’ trust in and satisfaction with these sources and providers.

Results

Based on the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines scale, we considered 501 parents as vaccine-hesitant (VH) and 889 parents as non-VH. Whereas both groups mentioned providers as the most trusted source of information, VH-parents were less likely to mention paediatricians (N=358 (71%) vs N=755 (85%)) and public health authorities (N=101 (20%) vs N=333 (37%)) than non-VH-parents. VH-parents were more likely to have consulted another provider (N=196 (39%) vs N=173 (19%)) than non-VH-parents, to express less satisfaction with both their primary (N=342 (82%) vs N=586 (91%)) and other providers (N=82 (42%) vs N=142 (82%)) and less trust in their primary (N=368 (88%) vs N=632 (98%)) and other providers (N=108 (55%) vs N=146 (84%)). VH-parents were less likely to be satisfied with their biomedical primary provider than non-VH-parents (100 (69%) vs 467 (91%)). However, when the primary provider was CAM-oriented, there were similar levels of satisfaction among both groups (237 (89%) VH-parents vs 118 (89%) non-VH-parents). All differences were significant (p<0.05).

Conclusions

While the provider remains the main information source, VH parents turn to additional sources and providers, which is likely related to VH parents being rather dissatisfied with and distrusting in obtained information and their provider.

Ethics

The local ethics committee (Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz, EKNZ; project ID number 2017-00725) approved the study.
Prospective, population-based study of occupational movements and postures of the neck as risk factors for cervical disc herniation
Authors: Petersen Jonathan Aavang , Brauer Charlotte , Thygesen Lau Caspar , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , Lund Christina Bach , Thomsen Jane Frølund
Published: February 2022

Objective

We studied the associations between objectively measured occupational neck exposures in a job exposure matrix (JEM) and cervical disc herniation (CDH).

Design

A cohort study of Danish workers who ever held at least one of 29 jobs (eg, dentists, hairdressers, childcare, carpenters) from 1981 to 2016 was formed. Representative whole work-day inclinometric measurements from previous studies using triaxial accelerometers measuring neck angular velocity and posture of the neck were used as exposure in a JEM. Job titles were retrieved from the Danish Occupational Cohort with eXposure data database. The risk of CDH by quintiles of cumulated exposure was assessed by incidence rate ratios (IRR), adjusted for age, sex, calendar-year, previous lumbar disc herniation and educational level, using Poisson regression models.

Setting

Nationwide Danish registers.

Participants

852 625 Danish workers within 29 different job-titles.

Outcome measures

First diagnosis of CDH was retrieved from the Danish National Patient Register.

Results

We found 14 000 cases of CDH during 20.2 million person-years of follow-up. Increasing levels of neck angular velocity showed a decreasing risk with IRR 0.90 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.95) when the highest level of cumulative exposure (dynamic work) was compared with the lowest (static work). Similar results were found for extension and flexion of the neck, though not statistically significant for extension. Multiple sensitivity analyses did not change the results.

Conclusion

In this large register-based study based on a JEM, we found no evidence of an increased risk of CDH with increasing cumulated angular velocity, flexion or extension of the neck. Factors other than occupational dynamic neck movements and bent neck position seem to be important in the development of CDH.
Using cluster analysis to describe phenotypical heterogeneity in extremely preterm infants: a retrospective whole-population study
Authors: Dassios Theodore , Williams Emma E , Harris Christopher , Greenough Anne
Published: February 2022

Objective

To use cluster analysis to identify discrete phenotypic groups of extremely preterm infants.

Design

Secondary analysis of a retrospective whole population study.

Setting

All neonatal units in England between 2014 and 2019.

Participants

Infants live-born at less than 28 weeks of gestation and admitted to a neonatal unit.

Interventions

K-means cluster analysis was performed with the gestational age, Apgar score at 5 min and duration of mechanical ventilation as input variables.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, discharge on home oxygen, intraventricular haemorrhage, death before discharge from neonatal care.

Results

Ten thousand one hundred and ninety-seven infants (53% male) were classified into four clusters: Cluster 1 contained infants with intermediate gestation and duration of ventilation and had an intermediate mortality and incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Cluster 2 contained infants with the highest gestation, a shorter duration of ventilation and the lowest mortality. Cluster 3 contained infants with the lowest Apgar score and highest mortality and incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage. Cluster 4 contained infants with the lowest gestation, longest duration of ventilation and highest incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Conclusion

Clinical parameters can classify extremely preterm infants into discrete phenotypic groups with differing subsequent neonatal outcomes.
Prognostic stratification of older patients with multivessel coronary artery disease treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty based on clinical and biochemical measures: protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Carmona-Segovia Ada del Mar , Doncel-Abad María Victoria , Becerra-Muñoz Víctor M , Rodríguez-Capitán Jorge , Sabatel-Pérez Fernando , Flores-López María , Sánchez-Quintero María José , Medina-Vera Dina , Molina-Ramos Ana Isabel , El Bekay Rajaa , Morales-Asencio José Miguel , Angullo-Gómez María , García-Rodríguez Luis , Palma-Martí Lucía , Pavón-Morón Francisco Javier , Jiménez-Navarro Manuel F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The incidence of acute coronary syndrome is rising in step with the growth of life expectancy. An increase in the age of patients with coronary artery disease has been related to in-hospital mortality, which has seen an upsurge over a short period of time. However, there is no consensus about the percutaneous coronary angioplasty strategy to follow for older patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD). Complete revascularisation (CR) or incomplete revascularisation (ICR) strategy depends on prognosis but this has not yet been accurately described because of geriatric conditions and comorbidities. The aim of this study is to evaluate changes of clinical and biochemical parameters in older patients with MVCAD undergoing revascularisation and to establish a prognostic stratification model for CR and ICR.

Methods and analysis

This observational, longitudinal, prospective study will include 150 patients with MVCAD and subsequent revascularisation who attend the Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria (Málaga, Spain). Because of the dropout rates, 180 patients will be recruited at the beginning. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and angiographic parameters, and biochemical variables, such as cardiovascular, metabolic, inflammatory, stress oxidative biomarkers, will be collected in the admission for coronary revascularisation and three follow-ups at 6, 12 and 18 months. Statistical analyses will be conducted with these data using CR and ICR as the primary exposure variable. Relevant explanatory variables will be selected from a predictive model for their inclusion in a prognostic stratification model. The primary outcome measures will be major adverse cardiovascular events.

Ethics and dissemination

Protocols and patient information have been approved by the regional research ethics committee (CEIm Provincial de Málaga-PEIBA (PI0131/2020). The results will be disseminated in international peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences in Cardiology and Gerontology, and sent to participants, medical and health service managers, clinicians and other researchers.
Immune checkpoint silencing using RNAi-incorporated nanoparticles enhances antitumor immunity and therapeutic efficacy compared with antibody-based approaches
Authors: Won Ji Eun , Byeon Youngseon , Wi Tae In , Lee Chan Mi , Lee Ju Hyeong , Kang Tae Heung , Lee Jeong-Won , Lee YoungJoo , Park Yeong-Min , Han Hee Dong
Published: February 2022

Background

Cytotoxic CD8+T cell-based cancer immunotherapy has been extensively studied and applied, however, tumor cells are known to evade immune responses through the expression of immune checkpoints, such as programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). To overcome these issues, antibody-based immune checkpoint blockades (eg, antiprogrammed cell death 1 (anti-PD-1) and anti-PD-L1) have been revolutionized to improve immune responses. However, their therapeutic efficacy is limited to 15%–20% of the overall objective response rate. Moreover, PD-L1 is secreted from tumor cells, which can interrupt antibody-mediated immune reactions in the tumor microenvironment.

Methods

We developed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) encapsulating PD-L1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and PD-1 siRNA, as a delivery platform to silence immune checkpoints. This study used the TC-1 and EG7 tumor models to determine the potential therapeutic efficacy of the PLGA (PD-L1 siRNA+PD-1 siRNA)-NPs, on administration twice per week for 4 weeks. Moreover, we observed combination effect of PLGA (PD-L1 siRNA+PD-1 siRNA)-NPs and PLGA (antigen+adjuvant)-NPs using TC-1 and EG7 tumor-bearing mouse models.

Results

PLGA (PD-L1 siRNA+PD-1 siRNA)-NPs boosted the host immune reaction by restoring CD8+T cell function and promoting cytotoxic CD8+T cell responses. We demonstrated that the combination of NP-based therapeutic vaccine and PLGA (siRNA)-NPs resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth compared with the control and antibody-based treatments (p<0.001). The proposed system significantly inhibited tumor growth compared with the antibody-based approaches.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a potential combination approach for cancer immunotherapy using PLGA (PD-L1 siRNA+PD-1 siRNA)-NPs and PLGA (antigen+adjuvant)-NPs as novel immune checkpoint silencing agents.
The scale effect in extreme snow avalanche runout distance
Authors: McClung D.M.
Published: February 2022

The scale effect in avalanche runout distance refers to the question of whether paths with larger scale such as total vertical drop may have longer runout distance than shorter paths. Here the effect is analyzed using 475 values of extreme runout distance measured from five mountain ranges. The results show that within each range there is such a scale effect. However, the statistical significance of the scale effect reduces sharply as the median scale parameter, such as total vertical drop, increases. Results from maximum speed data of avalanches also show that maximum speed increases with path scale. The reduction of significance of the scale effect with the path scale combined with the speed data analysis suggests that the terrain just upslope of the runout zone may be crucial in determining the runout distance. The overall results should be of interest to those attempting to model avalanche runout using either empirical statistical methods or avalanche dynamics.
Facile synthesis of MgCo2O4 nanosheets and its catalysis effect on the decomposition of ammonium perchlorate
Authors: Gao Xia , Deng Peng , Han Kehua , Cao Yu
Published: February 2022

The catalysis effects of MgCo2O4 nanosheets on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) were investigated. The MgCo2O4 nanosheets were synthesized with a facile free-template hydrothermal method. The chemical structure and micromorphology of MgCo2O4 nanosheets were characterized. Moreover, the catalysis thermal decomposition properties of AP using composite metal oxides MgCo2O4 nanosheets with different amounts (1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%) as catalysts were investigated. The results showed that the reducing decomposition temperature of AP was 155.9 °C from 431 °C to 275.1 °C with 5 wt% MgCo2O4 added. The heat release of AP was increased by 907 J/g at least. In addition, the catalysis thermal decomposition mechanism of AP with the existence of MgCo2O4 nanosheets was explained. With the increasing temperature, the accumulated electrons (e–) and holes (h+) excited were activated at the surface of MgCo2O4 nanosheets, which accelerated H transfer from H atom of NH4+ to O atom of ClO4– and boosted AP decomposition.
Introgression of pre-harvest sprouting resistance from hexaploid wheat into high yielding durum wheat germplasm
Authors: Gerard Guillermo , Hucl Pierre , Pozniak Curtis , Briggs Connie
Published: February 2022

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a critical factor affecting wheat producing regions characterized by rainfall and high humidity combined with cool temperatures at harvest. This phenomenon is particularly important in durum wheat (Triticum durum L.), which is generally susceptible to PHS, in contrast to common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) which expresses better resistance. The transfer of PHS from hexaploid common wheat into tetraploid durum wheat germplasm is one option for genetic improvement, because the two species share two related sub-genomes. In the present study, through interspecific hybridization and modified backcross approaches, we developed experimental durum lines that showed greater PHS resistance than the recurrent durum wheat parent, with some expressing better PHS performance than the resistant common wheat donor. The introgression of PHS resistance did not negatively impact additional traits in the durum background and several backcross derived experimental lines expressed superior grain yield related and quality traits when compared with the recurrent parent. These lines represent a promising genetic resource for the development of new sprouting resistant durum wheat cultivars. Our results demonstrate that PHS resistance can be transferred from common wheat to improve PHS of durum wheat germplasm.
A New Multi-Resolution Approach to EEG Brain Modeling Using Local-Global Graphs and Stochastic Petri-Nets
Authors: Bourbakis Nikolaos G. , Michalopoulos Kostas , Antonakakis Marios , Zervakis Michail
Published: February 2022

Recent modeling of brain activities encompasses the fusion of different modalities. However, fusing brain modalities requires not only the efficient and compatible representation of the signals but also the benefits associated with it. For instance, the combination of the functional characteristics of EEGs with the structural features of functional magnetic resonance imaging contributes to a better interpretation localization of brain activities. In this paper, we consider the EEG signals as parallel 2D string images from which we extract their visual abstract representations of EEG features. This representation can benefit not only the EEG modeling of the signals but also a future fusion with another modality, like fMRI. In particular, the new methodology, called Bar-LG, provides a reduced discretization of the EEG signals into selected minima/maxima in order to be used in a form of tokens for EEG brain activities of interest. A formal context-free language is used to express and represent the extracted tokens for the selected active brain regions. Then, a Generalized Stochastic Petri-Nets (GSPN) model is used for expressing the functional associations and interactions of these EEG signals as 2D image regions. An illustrative EEG example of epileptic seizure is presented to show the Bar-LG methodology’s abstract capabilities.
Ultimate periodicity problem for linear numeration systems
Authors: Charlier É. , Massuir A. , Rigo M. , Rowland E.
Published: February 2022

We address the following decision problem. Given a numeration system U and a U-recognizable set [Formula: see text], i.e. the set of its greedy U-representations is recognized by a finite automaton, decide whether or not X is ultimately periodic. We prove that this problem is decidable for a large class of numeration systems built on linear recurrence sequences. Based on arithmetical considerations about the recurrence equation and on p-adic methods, the DFA given as input provides a bound on the admissible periods to test.
MAXIMUM MATCHINGS IN A PSEUDOFRACTAL SCALE-FREE WEB
Authors: WANG XIAOJIE , SLAMU WUSHOUR , YU KAI , ZHU YIXIN
Published: February 2022

The maximum matching problem is of great interest in many areas, for example, statistical physics and theoretical computer science. However, precise determining of maximum matchings in general graphs is a challenge and calculationally intractable. In this paper, we study analytically maximum matching problem in the pseudofractal scale-free web. We derive exact expressions for size and number of maximum matchings of the network based on self-similar structure and iterative construction of network, and obtain asymptotic incremental constant for the number of maximum matchings. The obtained results are helpful to understand the structural characteristics of scale-free networks with pseudofractality.
AN IMPROVEMENT OF THE POWER-MEAN INTEGRAL INEQUALITY IN THE FRAME OF FRACTAL SPACE AND CERTAIN RELATED MIDPOINT-TYPE INTEGRAL INEQUALITIES
Authors: YU SHUHONG , MOHAMMED PSHTIWAN OTHMAN , XU LEI , DU TINGSONG
Published: February 2022

First, we construct a reformative version of the power-mean integral inequality in the sense of fractal space. Second, we define what we named as the generalized [Formula: see text]-convex mappings, and investigate some related properties. Moreover, in accordance with the derived midpoint-type integral identities on fractal space, we establish certain improvements of the midpoint-type integral inequalities for mappings whose first-order derivatives in absolute value belong to the generalized [Formula: see text]-convex mappings. As applications in association with local fractional calculus, we acquire three inequalities considering [Formula: see text]-type arithmetic mean and [Formula: see text]-logarithmic mean, numerical integration, as well as probability density mappings, respectively.
CUT-OFF DISTRIBUTIONS AND PROBABILISTIC INTERPRETATIONS OF THE GENERAL FRACTIONAL DERIVATIVES WITH MEMORY EFFECT
Authors: ZHAO DAZHI , YU YAN , PU LIANG
Published: February 2022

The physical/probabilistic meanings of fractional derivatives or integrals are very basic and important problems in fractional calculus. In this paper, we investigate the probabilistic interpretations of the general fractional derivatives with memory effect and their connections with cut-off distributions. Some examples like the cut-off Rayleigh distribution and the Atangana–Gómez fractional derivative are especially discussed. This paper shows that the kernels of the general fractional derivatives with memory effect may be not the same as the density functions of the physical processes described. For example, the kernel of Atangana–Gómez fractional derivative is a Gaussian function but its corresponding probabilistic distribution is a cut-off Rayleigh distribution.
MODELING AND APPLICATIONS OF FRACTIONAL-ORDER MUTUAL INDUCTANCE BASED ON ATANGANA–BALEANU AND CAPUTO–FABRIZIO FRACTIONAL DERIVATIVES
Authors: LIAO XIAOZHONG , LIN DA , YU DONGHUI , RAN MANJIE , DONG LEI
Published: February 2022

Many electrical systems can be characterized more authentically by fractional-order dynamic systems. The Atangana–Baleanu and the Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivatives have solved the singularity problem in Caputo derivative. This work uses Atangana–Baleanu and Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivatives to model the fractional-order mutual inductance in the frequency domain. To use the fractional mutual inductance in circuit design, the T-model equivalent circuits are presented with different fractional derivatives. The fractional impedance matching networks based on proposed fractional mutual coupling circuits are simulated as an application. The impedance characteristics of networks with different fractional orders are analyzed. The results indicate that the proposed fractional mutual coupling circuits based on Atangana–Baleanu and Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivatives can be applied to the complex electrical systems to increase the design degree of freedom, which provides more choices for describing the nonlinear characteristics of the system.
Hysteretic Behavior and Multi-Wave Buckling of Assembled Buckling-Restrained Braces Wrapped with Fiber Clothes
Authors: He Jinzhou , Jia Mingming , Gao Shan , Li Wufeng , Lu Dagang , Fu Feng
Published: February 2022

To rapidly repair the damaged buckling-restrained brace serving as energy absorption member during earthquake, the assembled method of wrapping the component with FRP cloth is proposed. In this research, a series of cyclic tests on six assembled buckling-restrained brace (ABRB) wrapped with three kinds of FRPs (carbon fiber, glass fiber and basalt fiber) were performed. The tested results show that all the specimens show excellent hysteretic performance and similar damage mode, namely core unit fracture, whilst short specimens show better ductility, but worse energy dissipation ability than the long specimen. A parametric analysis is performed based on a finite element model validated against the test result. The effects of the gap and friction force between core unit and infilled concrete and the thickness of FRP cloth are analyzed. The modes of multi-wave buckling of core units are exhibited, and the influence of multi-wave buckling on component performance is evaluated. Based on the test and simulation analysis, CFRP is suggested to be used in the wrapped buckling-restrained brace.
Betti numbers of monomial ideals in four variables
Authors: Alesandroni Guillermo
Published: February 2022

We express the multigraded Betti numbers of monomial ideals in four variables in terms of the multigraded Betti numbers of 66 squarefree monomial ideals, also in four variables. We use this class of 66 ideals to prove that monomial resolutions in four variables are independent of the base field. In addition, we give a formula for the Betti numbers of an arbitrary monomial ideal in four variables.
A note on the number of centralizers in finite AC-groups
Authors: Pezzott Julio C. M. , Nakaoka Irene N.
Published: February 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite AC-group such that [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is odd. We prove that if [Formula: see text] has [Formula: see text] centralizers of elements, then [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is an even integer, the set of the sizes of the conjugacy classes of [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a Frobenius group whose Frobenius kernel is an elementary abelian [Formula: see text]-group of order [Formula: see text] and the Frobenius complement is a group of order [Formula: see text].
Quantum algorithm for the Navier–Stokes equations by using the streamfunction-vorticity formulation and the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Ljubomir Budinski
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a new algorithm for solving the Navier–Stokes equations (NSE) on a quantum device is presented. For the fluid flow equations, the stream function-vorticity formulation is adopted, while the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is utilized for solving the corresponding system of equations numerically for one time step. Following the nature of the lattice Boltzmann method, the proposed quantum algorithm consists of five major sections: initialization, collision, propagation, boundary condition implementation and calculation of macroscopic quantities. The collision and boundary condition step is quantumly implemented by applying the standard-form encoding approach, while the quantum walk procedure is applied for the propagation step. The algorithm is implemented by using IBM’s quantum computing software development framework Qiskit, while for the verification purposes, two-dimensional (2D) cavity flow is simulated and compared with classical code.