bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative anaemia and red blood cell transfusion in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid and intracerebral haemorrhage – A multicentre subanalysis of the German PBM Network Registry
Authors: Schmitt Elke , Meybohm Patrick , Neef Vanessa , Baumgarten Peter , Bayer Alexandra , Choorapoikayil Suma , Friederich Patrick , Friedrich Jens , Geisen Christof , Güresir Erdem , Grünewald Matthias , Gutjahr Martin , Helmer Philipp , Herrmann Eva , Müller Markus , Narita Diana , Raadts Ansgar , Schwendner Klaus , Seifried Erhard , Stark Patrick , Steinbicker Andrea U. , Thoma Josef , Velten Markus , Weigt Henry , Wiesenack Christoph , Wittmann Maria , Zacharowski Kai , Piekarski Florian
Published: January 2022

Purpose
Anaemia is common in patients presenting with aneurysmal subarachnoid (aSAH) and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). In surgical patients, anaemia was identified as an idenpendent risk factor for postoperative mortality, prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS) and increased risk of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. This multicentre cohort observation study describes the incidence and effects of preoperative anaemia in this critical patient collective for a 10-year period.
Methods
This multicentre observational study included adult in-hospital surgical patients diagnosed with aSAH or ICH of 21 German hospitals (discharged from 1 January 2010 until 30 September 2020). Descriptive, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the incidence and association of preoperative anaemia with RBC transfusion, in-hospital mortality and postoperative complications in patients with aSAH and ICH.
Results
A total of n = 9,081 patients were analysed (aSAH n = 5,008; ICH n = 4,073). Preoperative anaemia was present at 28.3% in aSAH and 40.9% in ICH. RBC transfusion rates were 29.9% in aSAH and 29.3% in ICH. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative anaemia is associated with a higher risk for RBC transfusion (OR= 3.25 in aSAH, OR = 4.16 in ICH, p < 0.001), for in-hospital mortality (OR= 1.48 in aSAH, OR= 1.53 in ICH, p < 0.001) and for several postoperative complications.
Conclusions
Preoperative anaemia is associated with increased RBC transfusion rates, in-hospital mortality and postoperative complications in patients with aSAH and ICH.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02147795, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02147795
Based on Serum Raman and Fluorescence Spectra to Diagnose Liver Cancer
Authors: Ou Quanhong , Yang Xien , Yang Weiye , Jiang Liqin , Qian Kai , Shi Youming , Liu Gang
Published: January 2022

Background: Raman and fluorescence spectra techniques are potential tools for disease diagnosis. In recent years, the application of Raman and fluorescence spectra techniques in biological studies has increased a great deal, and clinical investigations relevant to cancer detection by spectroscopic means have attracted particularly attention from both clinical and non-clinical researchers. Methods: In this article, Raman and fluorescence spectra were employed for the detection of liver cancer and healthy individuals using their serum samples. These serum samples were compared with their spectral features acquired by Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy to initially establish spectral features that can be considered spectral markers of liver cancer diagnosis. Resuits: The intensity differences from characteristic peaks of carotene, protein and lipid associated Raman spectra were clearly observed in liver cancer patient serum samples versus normal human serum. The changes in the serum fluorescence profiles of liver cancer patients were also analyzed. To probe the capacity and contrast of Raman spectroscopy as an analytical implement for the early diagnosis of liver cancer, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the Raman spectra of controls , liver cancer patients and healthy individuals. Furthermore, the Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was performed to compare the diagnostic performance of Raman spectroscopy for the classification of disease samples and healthy samples.Conclusion: Compare with the existing diagnostic techniques, the Raman spectroscopy technique has an excellent advantage in extremely low sample requirements, ease of use and ideal screening procedures. Thus, Raman spectroscopy has great potential to be developed as a powerful tool for distinguishing between healthy and liver cancer serum samples.
Role of gut microbiota in post-operative atrial fibrillation: a randomized trial of berberine
Authors: Wang Huishan , Zhang Jian , wang yang , Jiang hui , Tao Dengshun , Zhao Keyan , Yin Zongtao , Han Jinsong , Ran Fang , Jin Yan
Published: January 2022

Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most common complications. However, the underlying factors governing POAF are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and POAF. Then, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in China to measure gut microbiota altering and impact on the incidence of POAF by oral berberine. Compared with no-POAF patients, gut microbiota composition was significantly altered, including Veillonella increasing. The POAF incidence was reduced from 35–20% under the treatment of berberine. Oral berberine significantly decreased Veillonella abundances, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin- 6 (IL-6) level. Elevated LPS after surgery is associated with POAF. Our results showed that POAF patients show significantly gut microbiota shift. Altering gut microbiota like oral berberine reduced the POAF.
DFT Based Modeling of Asymmetric Non-Fullerene Acceptors for High-Performance Organic Solar Cell
Authors: Kanwal Noureen , Hussain Riaz , Satar Abdul , Assiri Mohammed A. , Imran Muhammad , Hussain Ajaz , Yawer Mirza Arfan , Hussain Riaz , Mehboob Muhammad Yasir , Khalid Muhammad , Ayub Khurshid
Published: January 2022

AbstractFive new asymmetric NFA-based polymer solar cells i.e., N1-N5 are designed by doing modification in terminal groups of the acceptor part of experimentally synthesized reference molecule with (4,4,9,9-tetramethyl-4,9 dihydroselenopheno [2’,3’:5,6]-s-indaceno [1,2-b] thiophene) core. Frontier molecular orbital analysis is used to study their photovoltaic and optoelectronic properties. It confirmed the electrons' transportation from the donor to the acceptor part. It stated that all molecules have a lower bandgap than R and N2 has the lowest bandgap of 2.01 eV. The molecular orbital potential analysis confirmed the electron-withdrawing properties of the terminal groups. Optical properties studies evaluated maximum absorption with transition energies. All newly designed molecules N1-N5 show higher λmax values than R i.e., in the range of 680-740 nm with N2 having the highest λmax of 735 nm and lowest transition energy of 1.69 eV. Dipole moment studies showed that N3 has a maximum dipole moment of 7-40 D with all others having comparable values. TDM plots confirmed the electron shifting from donor to acceptor region. Reorganization energy analysis showed that N1 and N3 have the lowest reorganization energy values thus giving the highest electron mobilities. Voc calculated results of all molecules N1-N5 have lower values than R when coupled with PTB7-Th donor polymer. Charge transport analysis of N2 and PTB7-Th coupled molecule confirmed the acceptor type nature of our designed molecules.
Continuous Rotation of Three Large Biomass Crops With High Bioconcentration Factor of Cadmium Can Effectively Repair Contaminated Farmlands
Authors: Chen Linhan , Yang Wenjun , Yang Yang , Tu Pengfei , Hu Shengnan , Zeng Qingru
Published: January 2022

Traditional phytoremediation is one means for remediation of heavy metal pollution. For developing countries, the key factor in promoting the practical application of phytoremediation in polluted soils is selecting suitable plants tolerant to heavy metals and using these to produce products with economic value. A chicory-tobacco-peanut, three-season, rotation field experiment was carried on the utilization and remediation of cadmium (Cd) in contaminated farmlands. The results showed that all three crops had a strong capacity to accumulate Cd, with bioconcentration factors of chicory, tobacco, and peanut 6.61 to 11.97, 3.85 to 21.61, and 1.36 to 7, respectively. The yield of total dry biomass and phytoextraction efficiency for Cd reached 32.4 t ha-1 and 10.3% per year, respectively. The aboveground tissues of the three crops accounted for 83.9–91.2% of the total biomass in this rotation experiment. The content of peanut grain and oil met the National Food Safety Standard of China (0.5 mg kg-1, GB 2762-2017) and the Food Contaminant Limit of the European Union (0.1 mg kg-1, 18812006). Therefore, in addition to being used for phytoremediation in contaminated soils, this crop rotation system can also lead to economic benefits for local farmers.
Economic Analysis of Smallholder Dairy Cattle Enterprises In Senegal
Authors: Malenje Evaristo Mukunda , Missohou Ayao , Tebug Stanly Fon , König Emelie Zonabend , Jung’a Joseph Owino , Bett Rawlynce Cheruiyot , Marshall Karen
Published: January 2022

Smallholder dairy production in Senegal is important to both livelihoods and food and nutrition security. Here we examine the economic performance of smallholder dairy cattle enterprises in Senegal, using data from longitudinal monitoring of 113 households. The mean (and standard deviation) of the net returns (NR) per cow per annum (pcpa) was 21.7 (202.9) USD, whilst the NR per household herd per annum (phpa) was 106.1 (1740.3) USD. Only about half (52.2 %) of the dairy cattle enterprise had a positive NR. The most significant income components were milk sale followed by animal sale, whilst the most significant cost components were animal feed followed by animal purchase. When households were grouped by ranking on NRpcpa an interesting trend was observed: whilst the mean NRpcpa showed a fairly linear increase from the lowest to highest NR groups, income and cost did not. Income and costs were both higher for the lowest and highest NR groups, in comparison to the intermediate NR groups. The mean NRs of households grouped by the main breed-type they kept were not significantly different from each other, due to large variances within the breed groups. However, the mean total income and costs were significantly higher for households mainly keeping improved dairy breeds (Bos taurus or Zebu x Bos taurus crosses) in comparison to those keeping indigenous Zebu or Zebu by Guzerat crosses. This study highlights the highly variable (and often low) profitability of smallholder dairy cattle enterprise in Senegal. Further actions to address this are strongly recommended.
Analysis of Adoption and Intensity Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation Practices: The Case of Goromti Watershed West Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Gessese Hawi Hailu , Dassa Aman Rikitu
Published: January 2022

In Ethiopia, soil erosion is a severe problem and a major cause of the decline of agricultural productivity. Interventions were taken by introducing SWC practices. However, the adoption rates of these practices remain below the expected levels in Ethiopia and particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aims to identify factors affecting adoption and intensity adoption of physical SWC practices in the study areas. A three-stage sampling technique was employed to select 150 sample HHs. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Descriptive statistics and a Double hurdle model were used to analyze data. The first stage of the Double hurdle model results showed that sex of HHs, education level, frequency of extension contact, perception on soil erosion problems, family size, and training affect the probability of adoption of physical SWC practices positively and significantly while age affects it negatively and significantly. Age, plot size, steep slope, training, and frequency of extension contact affect the intensity adoption of physical SWC practices positively and significantly. The finding depicts that the identified demographic, physical, socio-economic, and institutional factors influence the adoption and intensity adoption of physical SWC practices so, the Agricultural and Natural resource Office and other concerned bodies should consider these influential factors to enhance HHs’ adoption of introduced physical SWC practices and to promote agricultural productivity and environmental quality.
The first deep-learning search for radio technosignatures from 820 nearby stars
Authors: Ma Peter , Ng Cherry , Rizk Leandro , Croft Steve , Siemion Andrew , Brzycki Bryan , Czech Daniel , Drew Jamie , Gajjar Vishal , Hoang John , Isaacson Howard , Lebofsky Matt , MacMahon David , Price Danny , Sheikh Sofia , Worden S.
Published: January 2022

The goal of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is to quantify the prevalence of technological life beyond Earth via their “technosignatures". One theorized technosignature are narrowband Doppler drifting radio signals. The principal challenge in conducting SETI in the radio domain is developing a generalized technique to reject human radio frequency interference (RFI) that dominate the features across the band in searches for technosignatures. Here, we present the first comprehensive deep-learning based technosignature search to date, returning 8 promising ETI signals-of-interest for re-observation as part of the Breakthrough Listen initiative. The search comprises 820 unique targets observed with the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, totaling over 480 hr of on-sky data. We implement a novel β−Convolutional Variational Autoencoder with an embedded discriminator combined with Random Forest Decision Trees to classify technosignature candidates in a semiunsupervised manner. We compare our results with prior classical techniques on the same dataset and conclude that our algorithm returns more convincing and novel signals-of-interest with a manageable false positive rate. This new approach presents itself as a leading solution in accelerating SETI and other transient research into the age of data-driven astronomy.
Comparative Transcriptome and WGCNA RevealKey Genes Involved in Lignocellulose Degradation in Sarcomyxa Edulis
Authors: Duan Chao , Tian Feng-Hua , Yao Lan , Lv Jian-Hua , Jia Chuan-Wen , Li Chang-Tian
Published: January 2022

In order to explore the molecular mechanism of Sarcomyxa edulis response to lignocelluloses degradation, the developmental transcriptomes was analyzed for six stages covering the whole developmental process, including mycelium growing to half bag (B1), mycelium in cold stimulation after full bag (B2), mycelium in primordia appearing (B3), primordia (B4), mycelium at the harvest stage (B5) and mature fruiting body (B6). A total of 6 samples were used for transcriptome sequencing, with three biological replicates. Based on the above transcriptome data, we constructed a co-expression network of weighted genes associated with extracellular enzyme physiological traits by WGCNA, and obtained 19 gene co-expression modules closely related to lignocelluloses degradation. In addition, a number of key genes involved in lignocelluloses degradation pathways were discovered from the four modules with the highest correlation with target traits. These results provide clues for further study on the molecular genetic mechanisms of Sarcomyxa edulis lignocelluloses degradation.
Quality Improvement in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: a Mixed-methods Implementation Pilot of the CAPTURE-JIA Dataset
Authors: Mcerlane Flora , Anderson Chris , Lawson-Tovey Saskia , Lee Barbara , Lee Chris , Lunt Laura , McDonagh Janet E , Smith Andrew D , Smith Nicola , Cleary Gavin
Published: January 2022

BackgroundA significant proportion of children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) do not achieve inactive disease during the first two years following diagnosis. Refinements to clinical care pathways have the potential to improve clinical outcomes but a lack of consistent and contemporaneous clinical data presently precludes standard setting and implementation of meaningful quality improvement programmes. This study was the first to pilot clinical data collection and analysis using the CAPTURE-JIA dataset, and to explore patient and clinician-reported feasibility and acceptability data.MethodsA multiphase mixed-methods approach enabled prospective collection of quantitative data to examine the feasibility and efficacy of dataset collection and of qualitative data informing the context and processes of implementation. An initial paper pilot informed the design of a bespoke electronic data collection system (the Agileware system), with a subsequent electronic pilot informing the final CAPTURE-JIA data collection tool. ResultsPaper collection of patient data was feasible but time-consuming in the clinical setting. Phase 1 paper pilot data (121 patients) identified three themes: problematic data items (14/62 data items received >40% missing data), formatting of data collection forms and a clinician-highlighted need for digital data collection, informing Phase 2 electronic data collection tool development. Patients and families were universally supportive of the collection and analysis of anonymised patient data to inform clinical care. No apparent preference for paper / electronic data collection was reported by families. Phase 3 electronic pilot data (38 patients) appeared complete and the system reported to be easy to use. Analysis of the study dataset and a dummy longitudinal dataset confirmed that all eleven JIA national audit questions can be answered using the electronic system. ConclusionsMulticentre CAPTURE-JIA data collection is feasible and acceptable, with a bespoke data collection system highlighted as the most satisfactory solution. The study is informing ongoing work towards a streamlined and flexible national paediatric data collection system to drive quality improvement in clinical care.
JAC1 Targets YY1-Mediated JWA/p38 MAPK Signaling to Inhibit Proliferation and Induce Apoptosis in TNBC
Authors: Zhai Zurong , Ren Yanlin , Shu Chuanjun , Chen Dongyin , Liu Xia , Liang Yan , Li Aiping , Zhou Jianwei
Published: January 2022

Background:Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)is a type of breast cancer with poor prognosis, and still has no adequate therapeutic target and ideal medicine.The public database and the relative studies have shown that low expression of JWA is closely related to the poor overall survival in many cancers including breast cancer. However, the precise biological functions and behind mechanisms of JWA in TNBC are still unclear.Methods:Both TCGA and GEO databases were used to confirm the relationship between expression levels of JWA and overall survival inTNBC cases.JAC1, an agonisticsmall compound of JWA gene, was used in TNBC modelsin vitro and in vivo. The routine cellular and molecular assays include CCK-8, colony formation, EdUincorporation, the flow cytometry, Western blot, immunohistochemistry,immune-fluorescence microscopy and reporter gene assays were conducted in this study.Results:Low expression of JWA was associated with poor prognosis in TNBC patients. JAC1 treatment inhibited TNBCcells proliferation and promoted apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. JAC1 specifically combined and targeted YY1toeliminate its transcriptional inhibition on JWA gene.At the same time, JAC1promoted ubiquitination and degradation of YY1. The rescued JWA induced G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in TNBC cellsthrough the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, JAC1 disrupted the interaction between YY1 and HSF1, and suppressed the oncogenic role of HSF1 in TNBC throughp-Aktsignaling pathway.Conclusions:We discovered for the first time that JAC1 is a YY1 targeting compoundand maybe a potential therapeutic agent for TNBC.
SARS-CoV-2 specific B cell memory drives improved class switching and tissue homing responses to single dose Ad26.COV2.S vaccination in previously infected recipients
Authors: Krause Rob , Moyo-Gwete Thandeka , Richardson Simone , Makhado Zanele , Manamela Nelia , Hermanus Tandile , Mkhize Nono , Keeton Roanne , Benede Ntombi , Mennen Mathilda , Skelem Sango , Riou Catherine , Ntusi Ntobeko , Goga Ameena , Gray Glenda , Garrett Nigel , Bekker Linda-Gail , Groll Andreas , Moore Penny , Burgers Wendy , Leslie Alasdair
Published: January 2022

Neutralizing antibodies strongly correlate with protection for COVID-19 vaccines, but the corresponding memory B cells that form to protect against future infection are relatively understudied. Here we examine the effect of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection on the magnitude and phenotype of the B cell response to single dose Johnson and Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S) vaccination in South African health care workers. SARS-CoV-2 specific memory responses expand in response to Ad26.COV2.S and are maintained for the study duration (84 days) in all individuals. However, prior infection is associated with a greater frequency of these cells, a more prominent germinal center (GC) response, and increased class switched memory (CSM). These B cell features correlated with both neutralization and antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, and with the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 specific circulating T follicular helper cells (cTfh). In addition, the SARS-CoV-2 specific CD8+ T cell response correlated with increased memory B cell lung-homing, which was sustained in the infected group. Finally, although vaccination achieved equivalent B cell activation regardless of infection history, it was negatively impacted by age. These data show that phenotyping the B cell response to vaccination can provide mechanistic insight into the impact of prior infection on GC homing, CSM, cTfh, and neutralization activity. These data can provide early signals and mechanistic understanding to inform studies of vaccine boosting, durability, and co-morbidities.
Parameter Adaptive Sliding Mode Trajectory Tracking Strategy with Initial Value Identification for the Swing in a Hydraulic Construction Robot
Authors: hou Jingwei , Zhao Dingxuan , Zhang Zhuxin
Published: January 2022

A novel trajectory tracking strategy is developed for a double actuated swing in a hydraulic construction robot. Specifically, a nonlinear hydraulic dynamics model of a double actuated swing is established, and a robust adaptive control strategy is designed to enhance the trajectory tracking performance. When an object is grabbed and unloaded, the inertia of a swing considerably changes, and the performance of the estimation algorithm is generally inadequate. Thus, it is necessary to establish an algorithm to identify the initial value of the moment of inertia of the object. To this end, this paper proposes a novel initial value identification algorithm based on a two-DOF robot gravity force identification method combined with computer vision information. The performance of the identification algorithm is enhanced. Simulations and experiments are performed to verify the effect of the novel control scheme.
Relationship Between Clustered Ring Nonmass Enhancement of Breast MRI and Prognostic Molecular Biomarkers in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Mei-Lin , Chang Yu-Pin , Chen Chuan-Han , Liu Ming-Cheng , Wu Chen-Hao , Gueng Mein-Kai , Wu Yi-Ying , Chai Jyh-Wen
Published: January 2022

BackgroundClustered ring enhancement (CRE) of breast MRI is a lexicon of nonmass enhancement (NME) representing tendency of breast cancer and molecular biomarkers are predictors of response to therapy. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively determine the relationship between CRE NME and prognostic molecular biomarkers in breast cancer.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 58 breast lesions in 56 female patients between July 2013 and December 2018 was performed in our institution. Cases with MRI reporting NME in the text were collected via searching the report database. The patterns of enhancement including CRE on breast MRI were reviewed by a radiologist blinded to pathology report. The pathological results and expression of molecular biomarkers were collected. Univariate analysis was applied to evaluate the association between MRI NME imaging features, pathological and IHC stain findings.Results58 Breast lesions were pathologically proven breast carcinoma, and 31 lesions with CRE and 27 lesions without CRE on breast MRI. The expression of estrogen receptor (ER) (P=0.017) and progesterone receptor (PR) (P=0.017) was significantly lower in lesions with CRE compared with those without CRE. The expression of Ki-67 (≥ 25%) was significantly higher in lesions with CRE(P=0.046). The lesions with CRE have a lower expression ratio of ER (50.71 ± 45.39% vs. 74.26 ± 33.59%, p= 0.028).ConclusionOur results indicated that lesions with CRE may possess different features from those without CRE in molecular expression. They tend to bear a more aggressive biological behavior.
Effect of Milking Environment Enrichment Through Music on Production Performance and Behaviour in Cattle
Authors: KOCHEWAD SANJIVKUMAR ANGADRAO , Gaur G.K , Maurya V.P. , Bharti P.K. , Sahoo N.R. , Pandey H.O. , Singh Mukesh , Verma M.R.
Published: January 2022

Enrichment of milking environment through music has been proposed to help animals to cope with divergent stressors. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of Indian instrumental music-based environmental enrichment on milk production performance and behaviour in cattle. A total of 21 lactating dairy cattle (Vrindavani crossbred cows) having similar parity and stage of lactation were selected in three groups – T1, T2, and T3 each consisting of seven animals. The T1 and T2 groups were exposed to instrumental flute and sitar respectively 10 minutes prior to the start of milking and continued till completion of milking; while the T3 group served as control. Musical enrichment of the environment was done using recorded-tape of flute and / sitar was played in yamen raga at 40-60 decibels intensity. The results revealed a non-significant difference in milk yield, rectal temperature, respiration rate, T3 and T4 hormones. However, there exhibited a significant (p<0.05) difference in milking time, milking speed, cortisol hormones and behavioural parameters such as milk let down in the animals exposed to music compared to the control group. Thus, the results have significant implications relating to the behavioural fitness and welfare of dairy animals and reducing residual milk.
Combining Rapid Antigen Testing and Syndromic Surveillance Improves Community-Based COVID-19 Detection in Low-to-Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Chadwick Fergus , Clark Jessica , Chowdhury Shayan , Chowdhury Tasnuva , Pascall David , Haddou Yacob , Andrecka Joanna , Kundegorski Mikolaj , Wilkie Craig , Brum Eric , Shirin Tahmina , Alamgir A S M , Rahman Mahbubur , Alam Ahmed , Khan Farzana , Swallow Ben , Mair Frances , Illian Janine , Hill Davina , Husmeier Dirk , Matthiopoulos Jason , Hampson Katie , Sania Ayesha
Published: January 2022

Diagnostics for COVID-19 detection are limited in many settings. Syndromic surveillance is often the only means to identify cases, but lacks specificity. Rapid antigen testing is inexpensive and easy-to-deploy but concerns remain about sensitivity. We examine how combining these approaches can improve surveillance for guiding interventions in low-income communities in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Rapid-antigen-tests and PCR validation was performed on 1172 symptomatically-identified individuals at home. Statistical models were fit to predict PCR status using rapid-antigen-test results, syndromic data, and their combination. Model predictive and classification performance was examined under contrasting epidemiological scenarios to evaluate their potential for improving diagnoses. Models combining rapid-antigen-test and syndromic data yielded equal-to-better performance to rapid-antigen-test-only models across all scenarios. These results show that drawing on complementary strengths across two rapid diagnostics, improves COVID-19 detection, and reduces false-positive and -negative diagnoses to match local requirements; improvements achievable without additional expense, or changes for patients or practitioners.
Risk Factors For Recurrence of Peptic Ulcer Disease: A Retrospective Study In Tertiary Care Referral Center
Authors: Alsinnari Yaser , Alqarni Mohammed S. , Attar Meshari , Bukhari Ziad M. , Baabbad Faisal , Almutairi Mohammed , Hasosah Mohammed
Published: January 2022

Backgrounds: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a common gastrointestinal tract disease characterized by mucosal damage secondary to pepsin and gastric acid secretion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the five-year recurrence rate for treated patients with PUD and risk factors contributing to PUD relapses.Methods: From 2016 through 2021, all patients with endoscopy-proved PUD were identified by reviewing medical records (Best-Care system). Possible risk factors including smoking, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, alcohol, caffeine, and steroid were analyzed by univariate analysis. Treatment outcomes, 5-year recurrence rate, and mortality rate were assessed.Results: Among 223 patients, there were 187 (83.8%), who diagnosed endoscopy-proved PUD and 36 (16.2%), who diagnosed clinical PUD. Among them, 126 (56.5%) patients were males and the mean age was 62±2 years. The five years recurrence rate of PUD was 30.9%. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the duodenal ulcer (33.3%) and the gastric ulcer (28.8%). By univariate analysis, the use of steroid and NSAID and H. pylori infection were potential risk factors for PUD (P < 0.005). The common complication of PUD was gastrointestinal bleeding (34.1%). Patients who had a complicated PUD were associated with a higher rate of recurrence (45.9%) compared to the uncomplicated PUD (19.2%) (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that the five years recurrence rate of PUD was 30.9%. The use of steroid and NSAID and H. pylori infection were risk factors for recurrence of PUD. PUD places a significant burden on health care systems. Therefore, a multicenter prospective study is needed for effective management to prevent recurrence and complications of PUD.
Magnetization of carbonaceous asteroids by nebular fields and the origin of CM chondrites
Authors: Courville Samuel , O'Rourke Joseph , Castillo-Rogez Julie , Fu Roger , Oran Rona , Weiss Benjamin , Elkins-Tanton Linda
Published: January 2022

The solar nebula carried a strong magnetic field that had a stable intensity and direction for periods of a thousand years or more1. The solar nebular field may have produced post-accretional magnetization in at least two groups of meteorites, CM and CV chondrites [1–3], which originated from planetesimals that may have underwent aqueous alteration before gas in the solar nebula dissipated [1,3]. Magnetic minerals produced during aqueous alteration, such as magnetite and pyrrhotite [4], could acquire a chemical remanent magnetization from that nebular field [3]. However, many questions about the size, composition, formation time, and, ultimately, identity of the parent bodies that produced magnetized CM and CV chondrites await answers—including whether a parent body might exhibit a detectable magnetic field today. Here, we use thermal evolution models to show that planetesimals that formed between a few Myr after CAIs and ~1 Myr before the nebular gas dissipated could acquire from the nebular field, and retain until today, a chemical remanent magnetization throughout nearly their entire volume. Hence, in-situ magnetometer measurements of C-type asteroids could help link magnetized asteroids to magnetized meteorites. Specifically, a future mission could search for a magnetic field as part of testing the hypothesis that 2 Pallas is the parent body of the CM chondrites [5]. Overall, large carbonaceous asteroids might record ancient magnetic fields in magnetic remanence that produces strong modern magnetic fields, even without a metallic core that once hosted a dynamo.
Trait differences between and within ranges of an invasive legume species
Authors: Hoffbeck Carmen , terHorst Casey P
Published: January 2022

Novel ecological interactions can drive natural selection in non-native species and trait evolution may increase the likelihood of invasion. We can gain insight into the potential role of evolution in invasion success by comparing traits of successful individuals in the invasive range with the traits of individuals from the native range in order to determine which traits are most likely to allow species to overcome barriers to invasion. Here we used Medicago polymorpha , a non-native legume species from the Mediterranean that has invaded six continents around the world, to quantify differences in life history traits among genotypes collected from the native and invasive range and grown in a common greenhouse environment. We found significant differences in fruit and seed production and biomass allocation between invasive and native range genotypes. Invasive genotypes had greater fecundity, but invested more energy into belowground growth relative to native genotypes. Beyond the variation between ranges, we found additional variation among genotypes within each range in flowering phenology, total biomass, biomass allocation, and fecundity. We found non-linear relationships between some traits and fitness that were much stronger for plants from the invasive range. These trait differences between ranges suggest that stabilizing selection on biomass, resource allocation, and flowering phenology imposed during or after introduction of this species may increase invasion success.
A database of calculated solution parameters for the recently released AlphaFold predicted protein structures
Authors: Brookes Emre , Rocco Mattia
Published: January 2022

Recent spectacular advances by AI programs in 3D structure predictions from protein sequences have revolutionized the field in terms of accuracy and speed. The resulting "folding frenzy" has already produced predicted protein structure databases for the entire human and other organisms' proteomes. However, rapidly ascertaining a predicted structure's reliability based on measured properties in solution should be considered. Shape-sensitive hydrodynamic parameters such as the diffusion and sedimentation coefficients (D0t(20,w),s0(20,w)) and the intrinsic viscosity ([η]) can provide a rapid assessment of the overall structure likeliness, and SAXS would yield the structure-related pair-wise distance distribution function p(r) vs. r. Using the extensively validated UltraScan SOlution MOdeler (US-SOMO) suite we have calculated from the AlphaFold structures the corresponding D0t(20,w), s0(20,w), [η], p(r) vs. r, and other parameters. Circular dichroism spectra were also computed. The resulting US-SOMO-AF database should aid in rapidly evaluating the consistency in solution of AlphaFold predicted protein structures.
Nonlinear co-generation of graphene plasmons for optoelectronic logic gates
Authors: Li Yiwei , An Ning , Lv Zheyi , Wang Yucheng , Chang Bing , Tan Teng , Guo Xuhan , Xu Xizhen , He Jun , Xia Handing , Wu Zhaohui , Su Yikai , Liu Yuan , Rao Yun-Jiang , Soavi Giancarlo , YAO BAICHENG
Published: January 2022

Surface plasmons in graphene provide a compelling strategy for advanced photonic technologies thanks to their tight confinement, fast response and tunability. Recent advances in the field of all-optical generation of graphene’s plasmons in planar waveguides offer a promising method for high-speed signal processing in nanoscale integrated optoelectronic devices. Here, we use two counter propagating frequency combs with temporally synchronized pulses to demonstrate deterministic all-optical generation and electrical control of multiple plasmon polaritons, excited via difference frequency generation (DFG). Electrical tuning of a hybrid graphene-fiber device offers a precise control over the DFG phase-matching, leading to tunable responses of the graphene’s plasmons at different frequencies and provides a powerful tool for high-speed logic operations. Our results offer new insights for plasmonics on hybrid photonic devices based on layered materials and pave the way to high-speed integrated optoelectronic computing circuits.
Potential of indigenous strains of entomopathogenic nematodes under laboratory and Protected environment conditions for the control of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) of North-Western Himalayas
Authors: Kasi Indra Kumar , Singh Mohinder , Waiba Kanchhi Maya , Sharma P L
Published: January 2022

Background

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are a type of biological control agent that has been extensively studied. Under field and laboratory settings, the efficiency of two EPNs species, Heterorhabditis indica and Steinernema feltiae, isolated locally from soils of Rajghar, Himachal Pradesh, India, against an important invasive pest, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), was assessed.
Results

Steinernema feltiae (isolate- HR-1) and Heterorhabditis indica (isolate- HA-2) species dose (10, 20, 40, 80, 160 IJs/cm2) are used in the lab bioassay. The third instar (percentage) ranges from 24.15 to 90.00 percent. HR1 and HA2 isolates demonstrated significant larvicidal activity with LC50, LC75, and LC90 of all instars and pupa show high mortality from 31.53 to 90.00 percent and 72-hours exposure duration. The strain slows larval development in 48 to 72 hours of exposure period, with LC50 values ranging from 05.42 to 19.29, LC75 values ranging from 20.29 to 83.12, and LC90 values ranging from 26.03 to 78.89. Greenhouse test seam isolates are foliar sprayed three times at a 14-day interval, with total findings revealing a 7.36 ore count range before spraying. The total treatment outcomes range from 1.64 to 1.74 for isolate HA-2, and 1.88 and 2.03 for HR-1. 4.15 percent was recorded in the control plot.
Conclusion

Invasive species pose a significant threat, as evidenced by this research. Traditional EPNs (S. feltiae HR-1, H. indica HA-2) have been used as an active biocontrol agent in laboratory and greenhouse settings, as well as the pathogen that infects T. absoluta.
Identification of Reproductive Health Monitoring Indicators in Iran
Authors: Mohamadi Efat , Taheri Mahshid , Yazdanpanah Mahdieh , Barakati Sayyed Hamed , Salehi Foroozan , Akbari Nahid , Khosravi Ardeshir , Eini-Zinab Hassan , Ghafoori Faezeh , kashefi Farzaneh , Rahimi Azamdokht , Mostafavi Hakimeh , Olyaeemanesh Alireza , Takian Amirhossein
Published: January 2022

Introduction As a result of recent demographic changes, Iran has revised its reproductive health programs. To respond to the essential need for monitoring the new programs and policies, this study aimed to identify tailored, appropriate, and measurable RH indicators in the Iranian context, using available evidence and international indicators.Method This is an applied mixed-methods research, which was conducted in four phases: Identification of goals of RH policies and programs, scoping review of the RH indicators in the literature, developing and ranking the identified indicators, and finalization of indicators. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the textual data of the documents and policies. We analyzed the studies in the scoping review by narrative synthesis. The final indicators were selected through the consensus of experts, with a cut-off point of 75%. Result We identified 689 indicators through document analysis and scoping review. After three round of screening, a total of 37 RH indicators were finalized. The first five indicators with the highest score were: total fertility rate, population under 15 years, total population, population aged 65 years and older, and age-specific fertility rate.Conclusion: The nature and number of indicators for monitoring and evaluation of reproductive health programs might vary at different organizational levels; hence the need to develop specific indicators for each level is pivotal. In addition, the need for collection, processing and dissemination of reliable data for evaluation of these programs is essential.
Mental workLoad Accumulation Effect of Mobile Phone Distraction in L2 Autopilot Mode
Authors: Zhao Hongfei , Ma Jinfei , Zhang Yijing , Chang Ruosong
Published: January 2022

As self-driving vehicles become more common, there is a need for precise measurement and definition of when and in what ways a driver can use a mobile phone in autonomous driving mode, for how long it can be used, the complexity of the call content, and the accumulated psychological load. This study uses a 2 (driving mode) * 2 (call content complexity) * 6 (driving phase) three-factor mixed experimental design to investigate the effect of these factors on the driver's psychological load by measuring the driver's performance on peripheral visual detection tasks, pupil diameter, and EEG components in various brain regions in the alpha band. The results showed that drivers' mental load levels converge between manual and automatic driving modes as the duration of driving increases, regardless of the level of complexity of the mobile phone conversation. This suggests that mobile phone conversations can also disrupt the driver's cognitive resource balance in automatic driving mode, as it increases mental load while also impairing the normal functioning of brain functions such as cognitive control, problem solving, and judgment, thereby compromising driving safety.
The Potentially Protective Effects of Anti-Lipid, Hypoglycemic, and Anti-Hypertensive Agents for Perioperative Mortality in Geriatric Group
Authors: Tsai Feng-Fang , Lin Jou-Wei , Chang Sheng-Nan , Chu Chun-Lin , Lai Ling-Ping , Hwang Juey-Jen , Yeh Huei-Ming
Published: January 2022

Background
Great efforts were made to collect information and identify risk factors in predicting post-anesthetic mortality. In this study, we use national health insurance data base, including medications, underlying comorbidities and surgical factors to assess the relationship between these factors and mortality after surgery.
Methods
This is a retrospective, population based study. The study population who underwent general anesthesia (GA) were retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2013. We classified the study patients into 4 major comparison groups by surgical procedures, including major organ transplantation (heart, liver, lung, kidney, or pancreas), CV surgery, major neurosurgery, and others according to the diagnostic codes of the international classification of diseases, ninth revision, clinical modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. We proposed a logistic regression model with valuable variables which can significantly predicts the post-anesthesia mortality. We also designed different models for 4 subgroups according the results.
Results
A total of 833,685 subjects were included in this study, and the most common comorbidity was hypertension. Age was an important determinant associated with post-operation mortality among different surgical types. Perioperative prescription could reduce risks of operation. The prediction model based on the preliminary training group also performed well in the validation group (AUROC=0.8753 for in-hospital mortality; AUROC= 0.8767 for 30-days mortality). A reliable predicting model can help anesthesiologists to decide the anesthesia method or monitors, as well as helping physicians to take care of their patients after operation.
Conclusions
While GA is commonly used for the majority of the patients undergoing operations, the prediction model that we proposed from this nationwide study could identify the predictors for post-operation mortality. The potentially protective effects of anti-lipid, hypoglycemic, and anti-hypertensive agents were encouraging in geriatric preoperative group. It is expected that applying this prediction model and prescription into clinical practice could improve surgical risk stratification and further improve patient outcomes.
Trial registration
The protocol of this study was approved by the National Taiwan University Hospital Research Ethics Committee (Trial Registration 201411078RINC). Informed consent was waived by the National Taiwan University Hospital Research Ethics Committee due to the retrospective and anonymous nature of the claims data.
Bacterial Sensitivity To Chlorhexidine and Povidone-Iodine Antiseptics Over Time: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human-Derived Data
Authors: Aftab Raiyyan , Dodhia Vikash H , Jeanes Christopher , Wade Ryckie G
Published: January 2022

Background
Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common complication of surgery, increasing healthcare costs and hospital stay. Chlorhexidine (CHX) and povidone-iodine (PVI) are used for skin antisepsis, minimising SSIs. There is increasing concern of developing resistance to topical biocides, though clinical implications remain unclear.
Outcomes:
Determining whether the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) for topical preparations of CHX or PVI have changed over time, in microbes relevant to SSI.
Methods
We included studies reporting the mean bactericidal concentration (MBC) of laboratory and clinical isolates of common microbes to CHX and PVI. Excluding non-human samples and studies using antimicrobial solvents or mixtures with other active substances. MBC was pooled in random effects meta-analyses. Change in MBC over time was explored using meta-regression.
Results
79 studies were including, analysing 6218 microbes over 45 years. Most used CHX (93%), with insufficient data for meta-analysis of PVI. There was no change in MBC of CHX to Staphylococci (β 0.12 [-1.13, 1.37]; I2 99%) or Streptococci (β 0.13 [-0.35, 0.62]; I2 97%).
Conclusions
There is no evidence of reduced susceptibility of common SSI-causing microbes to CHX over time. Providing reassurance that the worldwide guidance that CHX should remain the first-choice agent for surgical skin antisepsis.
Electronic, Magnetic and Optical Properties of Transition Metal Doped Nd2O3: A DFT Insight
Authors: Banerjee Priyanka , Mukhopadhyay Kausik
Published: January 2022

The structural, electronic, magnetic and optical properties of transition metal doped rare earth neodymium sesquioxide (Nd2XO3, where X = Co, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn) was investigated here by first-principles simulations considering the density functional theory (DFT) framework. Comparing with the energy band structures, density of states and the overall charge density distribution, we find that the transition metal doping improves the application of the Nd2O3 (NDO) in many technological aspects. Spin-polarized calculations are quite satisfactorily described, and from this theoretical interpretation using DFT we fruitfully explain the mechanism behind the magnetic behavior of all doped samples. Electronic and optical properties of doped NDO samples are well tuned by transition metal atoms. Finally, we have seen that the values of total magnetization of transition metal substituted NDO samples are substantially enhanced compared to that of pure NDO.