bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central Asia Subtropical Westerly Jet Influences Interannual Variability of Northwest Indian Summer Monsoon rainfall
Authors: Sadaf Nabeela , Lin Yanluan , Dong Wenhao
Published: January 2022

In addition to various factors over the tropics, the interannual variability of northwest Indian summer monsoon (NWISM) rainfall is also regulated by extratropical signals. We defined a subtropical westerly jet index (SWJI) based on the meridional position and intensity of 200-hPa zonal wind within [25-55°N, 40-90°E]. It is found that SWJI exhibits a significant positive correlation with summer rainfall over the NWISM region during 1951-2015. During positive (negative) SWJI years, an upper-level anticyclonic (cyclonic) anomaly over Central Asia along with positive (negative) rainfall anomaly and low-level easterly (westerly) anomalies were observed over the NWISM region. The upper-level anticyclonic (cyclonic) anomaly was accompanied by the descending (ascending) motion and warm (cold) tropospheric temperature anomalies. The anticyclonic (cyclonic) anomaly increased (decreased) the land-ocean thermal contrast by warm (cold) air advection and modified the local meridional circulation. Interannual variability of rainfall over the NWISM region is associated with the meridional position and intensity of the jet that manifest in both upper- and low-level circulation anomalies. Further analysis showed that the interannual variability of SWJI is correlated with Arctic Oscillation (AO). During the positive phase of AO, an upper-level anticyclonic anomaly appeared over Central Asia and favored convection over the NWISM region.
Real-world Effectiveness of Casirivimab Plus Indevimab in a Dedicated Ambulatory Unit Created for Patients With Early COVID During a Massive Delta Variant Wave
Authors: Markowicz Samuel , Trioux Theo , Rulquin Clemence , Guillou Chloé Le , Ouissa Rachida , Loraux Cécile , Saliège Marion , Roger Pierre-Marie
Published: January 2022

Only few data are available on real-life effectiveness of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to avoid hospitalization in high-risk patients with early COVID-19 not requiring supplemental oxygen. Our study analyzed the efficacy of casirivimab plus indevimab to prevent unfavorable outcomes in these patients. A dedicated Hospital Day Unit was created to treat during our 4th COVID wave 217 patients infected by the Delta variant. Mean age was 64 years, 94% had at least one comorbidity, and mean duration of symptoms was 2.9 days. Oxygen request, hospitalization, and mortality rates were respectively of 10, 6, and 2.8%. These results suggest efficacy of neutralizing antibodies infused in a dedicated ambulatory unit created for high-risk patients infected with a Delta variant at an early stage.
Magnesium Fertilizer Application and Soil Warming Improves Magnesium Absorption and Yield of Tomatoes in Greenhouse
Authors: Li Junliang , Jin Shengai , Zhou Weiwei , Meng Lifen , Song Xiangyun , Chen Qing , Shi Honglei , Wang Yuxia
Published: January 2022

Background: Magnesium (Mg) is an essential macronutrient that plays an important role in numerous physiological and biochemical processes in plants. However, Mg deficiency is common worldwide, especially in greenhouse vegetable systems, due to the overuse or misuse of fertilizers. This study aimed to investigate different Mg application strategies for alleviating Mg deficiency in tomatoes grown in a greenhouse vegetable system. Methods: Six field treatments were used: the farmer conventional fertilization practice (CK), CK + soil application of Mg fertilizer (MgS), CK + foliar spray of Mg fertilizer (MgF), CK + the combination of soil and foliar spray of Mg fertilizer (MgSF), CK + soil warming (T), and MgSF + soil warming (MgSFT). Results: The results showed that the foliar spray of Mg fertilizer treatments (MgF, MgSF, and MgSFT) increased the total Mg uptake and Mg content of functional leaves in both winter-spring and autumn-winter seasons. Soil warming treatments (T and MgSFT) were also beneficial for Mg uptake and chlorophyll biosynthesis compared with no-warming treatments (CK and MgSF), especially in the autumn-winter season. Additionally, Mg fertilizer application and soil warming increased tomato yields; the MgSFT treatment had the highest increase in yields compared with the CK treatment.Conclusion: Therefore, foliar Mg fertilizer application combined with soil warming, while considering seasonal variation, is feasible for reducing Mg deficiency in tomatoes under greenhouse vegetable systems.
“SDM:HOSP” – A Generic Model for Hospital-Based Implementation of Shared Decision Making
Authors: Steffensen Karina Dahl , Hansen Dorte Gilsa , Espersen Kurt , Lauth Susanne , Fosgrau Peter , Pedersen Anders Meinert , Groen Peter Sigerseth , Sauvr Christian , Olling Karina
Published: January 2022

Background: Shared decision making (SDM) is a core element in the meeting between patient and healthcare professionals, but has proved difficult to implement and sustain in routine clinical practice. One of the five Danish regions responsible for public health care set out to succeed and to develop a model that can ensure lasting SDM based on learnings from large-scale real-world implementation initiatives that go beyond the 'barriers' and 'facilitators' research approach. This paper aims to describe this process and the development of a generic model, SDM:HOSP for systematic implementation of SDM at somatic and mental health care hospitals.Methods: This project was carried out in the Region of Southern Denmark with five major hospital units, including mental health care service. Based on existing theory of SDM, SDM implementation, implementation science including the System of Profound Knowledge and The South Danish Improvement Model, a process of four phases were described; development of conceptual elements, field-testing, evaluation, and development of the final implementation model. The conceptual elements developed aimed to train leaders, teach clinicians to become SDM teachers, clinicians to perform SDM, support development of patient decision aids (PtDAs), and support systematic planning, execution and follow-up of the implementation. Field testing was done including continuous participant evaluations. After one year of implementation, an overall evaluation was done. Results: Data from field testing and learnings from the implementation process, illustrated the need for a dynamic and easy adjustable model. The final SDM:HOSP model included four themes; i)Training of Leaders, ii) Training of Teachers and Clinicians, iii) Decision Helper, and iv) ‘Process’, each with details in three levels, 1) shared elements, 2) recommendations, and 3) local adaption. Conclusions: A feasible and acceptable generic model for implementation of SDM across hospitals and departments that accounts for different organizations and cultures was developed. The overall design can easily be adapted to other organizations and can be adjusted to fit the specific organization and culture. The results from the ongoing and overall evaluation suggest promising avenues for future work in further testing and research of the usability of the model.
An Immune Gene Signature for Prediction of Overall Survival and Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Therapy in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Hongquan , Lin Renxi , Lin Weibin , Chen Qing , Ye Dongjie , Li Jing , Feng Jinan , Cheng Wenxiu , Zhang Mingfang , Qi Yuanlin
Published: January 2022

Lung adenocarcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. The purpose of this study was to construct a stable immune gene signature for prediction of prognosis (IGSPP) and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy in LUAD patients. Five genes were screened by weighted gene coexpression network analysis, Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses and were used to construct the IGSPP. The survival rate of the IGSPP low-risk group was higher than that of the IGSPP high-risk group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that IGSPP could be used as an independent prognostic factor for the overall survival of LUAD patients. IGSPP genes were enriched in cell cycle pathways. IGSPP gene mutation rates were higher in the high-risk group. CD4 memory-activated T cells, M0 and M1 macrophages had higher infiltration abundance in the high-risk group, which was associated with poor overall survival. In contrast, the abundance of resting CD4 memory T cells, monocytes, resting dendritic cells and resting mast cells associated with a better prognosis was higher in the low-risk group. TIDE scores and the expressions of different immune checkpoints showed that patients in the high-risk IGSPP group benefited more from ICIs treatment. In short, an IGSPP of LUAD was constructed and characterized. It could be used to predict the prognosis and benefits of ICIs treatment in LUAD patients.
Solving Fokker-Planck equations using deep KD-tree with a small amount of data
Authors: Xu Yong , Zhang Hao , Liu Qi , Wang Xiaolong , Li Yongge
Published: January 2022

The Fokker-Planck (FP) equation can deterministically describe the evolution of the probability density function, which plays an extremely significant role in the fields of stochastic dynamics. Unfortunately, the limited samples that arise from the consideration of engineering practice are inevitable, which restricts the solving of the FP equation. Accordingly, in the present study, a super-DL-FP framework is established to solve the steady-state FP equation with a small amount of data, through combining the deep KD-tree and the DLFP approach proposed in [Chaos 30, 013133 (2020)]. It should be emphasized that the normalization condition is of great importance and have to be considered in solving the steady-state FP equation. An appropriate integral estimation for the normalization condition under non-uniform meshing can effectively improve the precision of the solution, but it is still a challenging problem, especially for the case of small data. Thus, the so-called deep KD-tree method is innovatively proposed to estimate the normalized integral with a small random dataset. The main target is to obtain the appropriate discrete integral points and corresponding integral volumes by executing multiple KD-tree segmentation based on random data on the integral region. Several numerical experiments and comparisons are implemented to illustrate the superior performance of the super-DL-FP method. The obtained results indicate that the proposed algorithm can accomplish higher accuracy in the sense of lower cost than the well-known algorithms like center difference scheme, Chebyshev spectrum algorithm, and normalized flow approach.
Clinical Significance of Geriatric Conditions In Acute Hospitalization
Authors: Umegaki Hiroyuki , Nagoe Masaaki , Komiya Hitoshi , Watanabe Kazuhisa , Yamada Yosuke , Sakai Tomomichi , Tajima Tomihiko
Published: January 2022

Background: Geriatric conditions (GCs) are common in the elderly population, but their clinical significance in acute care is not well understood. In this study, we first investigated the cross-sectional associations of GCs with frailty and polypharmacy at the time of admission to an acute care geriatric ward. Then, to clarify the clinical significance of GCs in acute care, we prospectively examined the association of GCs with the incidence of hospital-acquired complications and consequences after discharge.Methods: Participants were 184 patients (40.2% male: mean age, 85.0 ± 6.0 years) hospitalized in an acute care geriatric ward at a university hospital. We examined the cross-sectional associations of GCs with frailty and polypharmacy by multiple regression analysis, and then the associations of GCs with the incidence of hospital-acquired complications, falls, and death within 3 months of discharge by multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: GCs were associated with frailty and use of polypharmacy, independent of multiple morbidity. GCs were also associated with re-admission within 3 months of discharge; however, there was no significant association with the incidence of hospital-acquired complications, falls, or mortality after discharge.Conclusions: These findings suggest that GCs are clinically significant in the hospitalized elderly and further research on GCs is warranted.
Buspirone effectiveness in treating SSRI related Bruxism, a comprehensive systematic review
Authors: Zarzar Luluwa , Khalifa Samar
Published: January 2022

The aim of this paper is to do a systematic review using the PRISMA flow system investigating Buspirone’s role in the treatment of bruxism induced by the psychoactive family of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs. We did a comparison between patients with bruxism who received intervention by Buspirone and the controls of Buspirone intervention in a review. We included research articles, case reports and full text articles. We also excluded systematic and literature reviews for the purpose of having specific data about the topic. The databases were Pubmed and Google scholar.
How Can Environmental Impacts of Water Demand Management Policies on a Wastewater System be Assessed?
Authors: Safarpour Haniye , Tabesh Massoud , Shahangian Seyyed Ahmadreza
Published: January 2022

As applying water demand management policies (WDMPs) can affect urban water infrastructures like wastewater systems from various aspects, this study proposes a novel approach to address the environmental impacts of applying WDMPs for the first time. Baharestan city, in Iran’s Isfahan province, is considered as a case study where various WDMPs, such as public awareness campaigns and water pressure management, are applied to confront water scarcity and to reduce water demand. To this end, the life cycle assessment (LCA) method is used to assess the environmental burdens of utilizing WDMPs in the operation stage of a real wastewater collection network (WWCN) and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) under different WDMPs. A detailed inventory is considered, including detailed repairing of sewer pipelines and their maintenance, replacement of manhole covers, civil works, road rehabilitation, energy consumption, chemical usage, transportation, and air emissions of both the WWCN and WWTP, in various phases. The environmental assessment is conducted in SimaPro software using the ReCipe method. Based on results, a significant part of the environmental impacts accounts for energy consumption which has strong effects on most midpoint categories and has a great change in different scenarios. Besides, the results demonstrate that the environmental effects driven by the WWTP are eightfold the corresponding WWCN’s impacts. Overall, the outcomes from the present study revealed that implementing WDMPs can lead to diminishing environmental impacts. For instance, reducing wastewater production up to 68% can decrease 18% of the WDMPs’ environmental impacts of the wastewater system in the operation stage.
Simultaneous Production and Sustainable Eutectic Mixture Based Purification of Narringinase With Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens by Valorization of Tofu Wastewater
Authors: Balaraman Harishbabu , C Purushotaman , K Chandramouliswaran , Rathnasamy Senthil Kumar
Published: January 2022

Sustainable one-pot production and purification of naringinase using natural deep eutectic solvent based extractive fermentation is being executed in the current investigation. Tofu wastewater was used as alternative low-cost media for sustainable production of naringinase. Five natural deep eutectic solvents were prepared and their physicochemical properties were determined as a function of temperature. Optimization of essential variables in extractive fermentation for determining effective concentration of NADES at (74.5% w/w), Na2SO4 (15% w/v) and tofu wastewater (1.5% w/w) to achieve optimal naringinase yield of (249.6 U/ml). Scale up of naringinase production with a 3 L custom made desktop bioreactor was accomplished and effective regeneration of NADES was established. Quantification of the resulting active enzyme was done by size exclusion chromatography (736.85 U/mg). Ultrapure enzyme fraction was obtained with anion exchange chromatography yielding maximum purity of (63.2) and specific enzyme activity of (3516 U/mg). The in-vitro debittering activity of resulting ultrapure naringinase was determined with grape juice.
Nitrogen But Not Phosphorus Addition Affects Symbiotic N2 Fixation in Grasslands Located on Four Continents
Authors: Vázquez Eduardo , Schleuss Per-Marten , Borer Elizabeth T. , Bugalho Miguel N. , Caldeira Maria C. , Eisenhauer Nico , Eskelinen Anu , Fay Philip A. , Haider Sylvia , Jentsch Anke , Kirkman Kevin P. , McCulley Rebecca L. , Peri Pablo L. , Price Jodi , Richards Anna E. , Risch Anita C. , Roscher Christiane , Schütz Martin , Seabloom Eric W. , Standish Rachel J. , Stevens Carly J. , Tedder Michelle J. , Virtanen Risto , Spohn Marie
Published: January 2022

Background and aims:The amount of nitrogen (N) derived from symbiotic N2 fixation by legumes in grasslands might be affected by anthropogenic N and phosphorus (P) inputs, but the underlying mechanisms are not known. Methods:We evaluated symbiotic N2 fixation in 17 grasslands on four continents that are subjected to the same full-factorial N and P addition experiment, using the 15N natural abundance method.Results:N as well as combined N and P (NP) addition reduced legume biomass by 65% and 45%, respectively, compared to the control, whereas P addition had no significant impact. Element addition had no significant effect on the symbiotic N2 fixation per unit legume biomass. In consequence, the amount of N fixed annually per grassland area was less than half in the N addition treatments compared to control and P addition, irrespective of whether the dominant legumes were annuals or perennials. Conclusion:Our results reveal that N addition mainly impacts symbiotic N2 fixation via reduced biomass of legumes rather than changes in N2 fixation per unit legume biomass. The results show that soil N enrichment by anthropogenic activities significantly reduces N2 fixation in the world’s grasslands, and these effects cannot be reversed by additional P amendment.
Effects of transcriptional factor BXIN_0799 on transcription of genes related to invasion and asexual development of Babesia sp. Xinjiang
Authors: Wang Jinming , Chai Yijun , Li Youquan , Luo Jianxun , Yin Hong , Guan Guiquan
Published: January 2022

Background: Transcription factors (TF) of Apicomplexan bearing AP2 DNA-binding domains (ApiAP2s) are identified in Babesia sp. Xinjiang (Bxj) and found to perform regulatory functions in parasite development. However, the functions of specific TFs in Bxj remain unknown. Methods: Here, homologous recombination technology was employed to generate a mutant strain in which BXIN_0799 gene was disrupted. A plasmid was constructed: DNA fragments of ef1α-B 5' non-coding region (ef1α- NR) and rap3' terminal region (rap-TR) were amplified from Bxj genomic DNA, and the blasticidin-S deaminase (BSD) gene was amplified from plasmid pgfp-bsd-ef. 20 μg of circular plasmid was transfected into Bxj merozoites to disrupt BXIN_0799 gene.Results: Transcriptome analyses revealed that 282 genes were down regulated, and 95 of these were proteins of unknown function. These downregulated genes are involved in critical processes of asexual development of Bxj, including transcriptional regulation, humoral immune response (Variant erythrocyte surface antigen-1, VESA1), and host cell invasion (Rhoptry neck protein 2, Rhoptry-associated protein 1). We confirmed that BXIN_0799 performed non-essential functions in Bxj asexual development (red blood cell stage), as the mutant strain reflected a slightly reduced growth rate in vitro culture system. Compared to wild type (WT), the growth rate of mutant strain was decreased by approximately 15%. Conclusions: In this study, we illustrate the regulation function of BXIN_0799 in Bxj asexual development. A slight influence was observed in RBC stage development. 95 down-regulated genes code unknown functional proteins. Whether these products contribute to gametocytogenesis in the RBC stage, sexual development, and even blocking transmission is need to further study.
Biological Evaluation and Computational Studies of Methoxy-flavones from Newly Isolated Radioresistant Micromonospora Aurantiaca Strain TMC-15
Authors: Sajjad Wasim , Nadeem Mahnoor , Alam Tayyaba , Rehman Asim ur , Hasan Fariha , Khan Samiullah , Badshah Malik , Abbasi Sumra Wajid , Ahmad Sajjad , Din Ghufranud , Farman Muhammad , Shah Aamer Ali
Published: January 2022

This study aims to determine UV-B resistance and to investigate computational analysis and antioxidant potential of methoxy-flavones of Micromonospora aurantiaca TMC-15 isolated from Thal Desert, Pakistan. The cellular extract was purified through solid phase extraction and UV-Vis spectrum analysis indicated absorption peaks at λmax 250 nm, 343 nm, and 380 nm that revealed the presence of methoxy-flavones named eupatilin and 5-hydroxyauranetin. The flavones were evaluated for their antioxidant as well as protein and lipid peroxidation inhibition potential using di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) iminoazanium (DPPH), 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNPH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays, respectively. The methoxy-flavones were further studied for their docking affinity and interaction dynamics to determine their structural and energetic properties at atomic level. The antioxidant potential, protein and lipid oxidation inhibition and DNA damage preventive abilities were correlated as predicted by computational analysis. The eupatilin and 5-hydroxyauranetin binding potential to their targeted proteins 1N8Q and 1OG5 is -4.1 and -7.5 kcal/mol, respectively. Moreover, the eupatiline and 5-hydroxyauranetin complexes illustrate van der Waals contacts and strong hydrogen bonds to their respective enzymes target. Both in-vitro studies and computational analysis results revealed that methoxy-flavones of Micromonospora aurantiaca TMC-15 can be used against radiation mediated oxidative damages due to its kosmotrophic nature. The demonstration of good antioxidant activities not only protect DNA but also protein and lipid oxidation and therefore could be a good candidate in radio-protective drugs and as sunscreen due to its kosmotropic nature.
Pre-clinical 2D and 3D Toxicity Response to A Panel of Nanomaterials; Comparative Assessment of NBM-Induced Liver Toxicity
Authors: Tutty Melissa Anne , Prina-Mello Adriele , Vella Gabriele
Published: January 2022

Nanobiomaterials, or NBMs, have been used in medicine and bioimaging for decades, with wide-reaching applications ranging from their uses as carriers of genes and drugs, to acting as sensors and probes. When developing nanomedicine products, it is vitally important to evaluate their safety, ensuring that both biocompatibility and efficacy are achieved so their applications in these areas can be safe and effective. When discussing the safety of nanomedicine in general terms, it is foolish to make generalized statements due to the vast array of different manufactured nanomaterials, formulated from a multitude of different materials, in many shapes and sizes, therefore NBM preclinical screening can be a significant challenge. Outside of their distribution in the various tissues, organs and cells in the body, a key area of interest is the impact of NBMs on the liver. A considerable issue for researchers today is accurately predicting human-specific liver toxicity prior to clinical trials, with hepatotoxicity not only the most cited reasons for withdrawal of approved drugs, but also a primary cause of attrition in pre-launch drug candidates. To date, no simple solution to adequately predict these adverse effects exist prior to entering human experimentation. The limitations of the current preclinical toolkit are believed to be one of the main reasons for this, with questions being raised on the relevance of animal models in pre-clinical assessment, and over the ability of conventional, simplified in vitro cell based assays to adequately assess new drug candidates or NBMs. Common 2D cell cultures are unable to adequately represent the functions of 3D tissues and their complex cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, as well as differences found in diffusion and transport conditions. Therefore, testing NBM toxicity in conventional 2D models may not be an accurate reflection of the actual toxicity these materials impart on the body. One such method of overcoming these issues is the use of 3D cultures, such as cell spheroids, to more accurate assess NBM-tissue interaction. In this study, we introduce a 3D liver model cultured from HepG2 cells to assess both the cytotoxicity and viability observed following treatment with a variety of NBMs, namely a liposome (in the specific technical name = LipImage), a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) and a panel of polymeric (in the specific technical name = PACA) NBMs. This model is also in compliance with the 3Rs policy of reduction, refinement and replacement in animal experimentation [1], and meets the critical need for more advanced in vitro models for pre-clinical nanotoxicity assessment.
Temperature and pressure effect on the HMX/Graphene mixture system thermal decomposition via ReaxFF molecular dynamic simulation
Authors: zhang Li
Published: January 2022

Study the detail mechanisms of energetic materials thermal decomposition process at high temperature, is helpful to understand the detail reaction information and mechanism, which are foundation for understanding reactivity of energetic materials, design of mixed explosives and safety. In this work, new model and method effect of temperature and pressure for graphene (Gr) based HMX crystal were determined by ReaxFF molecular dynamic simulation. The thermal decomposition process, HMX molecules absorption on Gr surface of perfect HMX crystal, different direction crystal planes and HMX/Gr mixed models were studied at high temperature and pressure. The different configurations of HMX molecules adsorbed on graphene surface in the mixed system were confirmed by theoretical calculation method. We observed 3, 5 and 3 HMX configurations absorption on the graphene in the (001)/Gr, (010)/Gr and (100)/Gr range from normal pressure to 31 GPa, respectively. The time-dependent curves of fragments evolution, intermediates and pyrolysis products were analyzed. The results show that the rate constants of HMX molecules during thermal decomposition process can be significantly affect by adding graphene with HMX crystal. Gr is the most obvious inhibition effect on the thermal decomposition reaction of (010) surface of HMX/Gr, which indicates that graphene has a coupling between the temperature and thermal anisotropy effect, because of the NO2 functional groups steric hindrance and the interaction between graphene and HMX molecules. Gr also affects the initial reaction pathways of homolytic cleavage of N-NO2 bond forming nitro radical and HONO through the C=O, C-OH and C-OC bonds formation on graphene surface.
Multi-level Crowding: Evidence from Global and Local Misreports
Authors: Jimenez Mikel , Kimchi Ruth , Yashar Amit
Published: January 2022

Crowding refers to the inability to recognize objects in clutter, setting a fundamental limit on object recognition. Here, we investigated the processing level at which crowding occurs by exploring the type of crowding errors (global, local, or both). Twenty-seven observers estimated the orientation of a target when presented alone or surrounded by flankers (local shapes). Flankers were aligned to create an illusory rectangle (enhanced global configuration) or misaligned (reduced global configuration). We analyzed the error distributions by fitting probabilistic mixture models. Results showed that often participants misreported the orientation of a flanker instead of that of the target. Interestingly, in some trials the orientation of the global configuration was misreported. These results suggest that crowding occurs simultaneously across multiple levels of visual processing and crucially depends on the spatial configuration of the stimulus. Thus, crowding might be characterized as a bottleneck of visual object identification at different levels of representation.
Pre-discharge factors associated with unplanned readmission of patients with home mechanical ventilation: a retrospective study
Authors: Lin Shwu-Jen , Kuo Yao-Wen , Wu Huey-Dong , Yang Shih Hsing
Published: January 2022

Background: Higher prevalence rate of patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation, among them have ventilated at home. However, unplanned hospital readmission of home ventilated patients remains a critical issue. Therefore, to explore the characteristics and prognosis of unplanned readmissions of patients using a home ventilator and to analyze relevant pre-discharge factors that affect such unplanned readmissions.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to collect medical record data for 2013–2017 on the readmission of home-ventilated patients in a medical center in northern Taiwan. In all, 127 cases were considered. Unplanned readmissions were divided by time intervals (≤ 30 days, 31–180 days, 181–365 days, ≥ 366 days) into an early readmission group (≤ 30 days) and a late readmission group (≥ 31 days). Statistical analysis, a chi-square test, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis model were used to verify the factors influencing the readmission of home-ventilated patients.Results: Patients’ populations according to the intervals of unplanned readmission (≤ 30 days, 31–180 days, 181–365 days, ≥ 366 days) were 42 (33.1%), 60 (47.2%), 17 (13.4%), and 8 (6.3%), respectively. The average intervals of home care for the early readmission group (≤ 30 days) and the late readmission group (≥ 31 days) were 15.1 ± 9.2 and 164.8 ± 143.2 days, respectively. Regarding risk factors of early and late unplanned hospital readmission, the odds ratio (OR) for patients with chronic cardiovascular disease compared with those without this disease was 4.535 (95% CI 1.253 -16.413). For maximum inspiratory pressure ≦ −30 cmH2O compared with > −30 cmH2O, the OR for early readmission was 0.207 (95% CI 0.056 - 0.767). For hemoglobin ≥ 10.1 g/dL compared with < 10.1 g/dL, the OR of early readmission was 0.280 (95% CI 0.082 - 0.958).Conclusion: Pre-discharge problems, including chronic cardiovascular disease, maximum inspiratory pressure, and reduced hemoglobin, are risk factors for unplanned early hospitalization readmission of patients using a ventilator at home. Therefore, attention should be paid to these risk factors during discharge planning.
Nicotinamide Reverses Deficits in Puberty-born Neurons and Cognitive Function after Maternal Separation
Authors: Wang Gaohua , Hao Keke , Wang Huiling , Zhang Yuejin , Xie Xinhui , Huang Huan , Chen Cheng , Xu Shilin , Xu Rui , Shu Chang , Liu Zhongchun , Zhou Yuan , Reynolds Gavin P Reynolds
Published: January 2022

Background: Neuronal loss is one of the important pathological features of schizophrenia. Early life stress (ELS) is associated with the development of schizophrenia. The hippocampus undergoes significant development during childhood and is extremely reactive to stress. In rodent models, ELS can induce neuroinflammation and hippocampal neuronal loss, and a schizophrenia-like behavioral phenotype. Nicotinamide (NAM) administration is found to inhibit microglial inflammation. Whether treatment with NAM during adolescence can reduce hippocampal neuronal loss and abnormal behaviors induced by ELS is unknown. Methods: The present study used 24h maternal separation (MS) as ELS to Wistar rat pups on postnatal day (PND) 9. On PND 35 animals were given a single intraperitoneal injection of BrdU to label dividing neurons, and gaved with NAM from PND35 to PND65. Schizophrenia-like behavior tests were performed. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining detected the NAD+/Sirt3/SOD2 pathway-related proteins.Results: Compared with the control group, only at the adult stage (PND56-65) but not the adolescent stage (PND31-40), animals of the MS group exhibited pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) deficits and cognitive impairment that mimic symptoms of schizophrenia. The survival and activity of puberty-born neurons, the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and Sirtuin3 (Sirt3) in the hippocampus were decreased in the MS group rats at adulthood stage, followed by acetylated superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) increase, and microglial activation, and a significant increase of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 expression. All the effects of MS at PND9 could be reversed by NAM administration at the adolescent stage (PND 35-65). Conclusions: The results demonstrated that MS may lead to schizophrenia-like phenotypes and lasting effects on the hippocampus, and highlight the utility of NAM during adolescence for restoring normal hippocampal function, ameliorating schizophrenia-like behavior.
Asymmetric Damage Mechanism of Floor Roadway based on Stope Floor Zonal Damage Characteristics: A Case Study
Authors: Zhao Hongbao , Liu Yihong , Liu Shaoqiang , Sun Wenhao
Published: January 2022

By means of field observation, theoretical analysis, numerical simulation etc., the zonal failure characteristics of stope floor and the asymmetric failure mechanism of floor roadway were studied. The study results showed that the floor roadway rib near the residual coal pillar has lower ultrasonic wave velocity than the other rib, with more developed fissures. The deflection is larger in the middle of the roadway roof and the tensile failure is the dominant one, and as a result, the ultrasonic wave velocity in the middle of the roadway roof is lower than that on both sides; under the advance abutment pressure, there was no large-scale failure in stope floor, while in the compaction stability stage, a large range of compressive shear failure was found in the residual pillar floor. The mining-induced unloading causes a large tensile stress at the internal defects of the floor rock in the goaf, which leads to the goaf floor dominated by tensile failure; the numerical simulation results revealed that there is a spherical stress concentrated shell and spherical stress relief body in the goaf floor. The shape and range of tensile plastic zone of the goaf floor correspond to the spherical stress relief body, and the shape and range of shear failure zone of the floor correspond to the spherical stress concentrated shell; One side of the floor roadway is close to the rock mass with compressive shear damage and the other side close to the rock mass with unloading-induced tensile damage, which is the main reason for the asymmetric failure of the roadway. According to the asymmetric failure mechanism of the floor roadway, asymmetric support measures are proposed for the roof and floor respectively.
Comparative Analysis of Deep Learning Based Afaan Oromo Hate Speech Detection
Authors: Ganfure Gaddisa Olani
Published: January 2022

The network and openness of online media stages permit individuals to communicate their thoughts and offer encounters without any problem. Nonetheless, the Internet, as a typical stage for correspondence, has been weaponized to spread a blend of misrepresentations, misuse, and inclinations with far-running outcomes. Prominently, disdain discourse influences society in numerous angles, for example, influencing the emotional well-being of designated crowds, influencing social association , and prompting viciousness and interruption of properties. Whenever left unchecked, disdain discourse can possibly sabotage confidence in electing processes and undermine popularity-based foundations. Web-based media goliaths, for example, Facebook have been scrutinized for permitting its foundation to be utilized as a vehicle for disdain discourse , with least thought given to non-English pages, which has led to intermittent issues in strongly enraptured nations like Ethiopia and other emerging nations.Subsequently, there is a need to construct a hate speech detection model for Ethiopian languages like Afaan Oromo. Aiming to calm the effect of hate speech this paper examines the viability of deep learning models for Afaan Oromo hate speech recognition. Toward this, we collect and annotate the first and largest Afaan Oromo social media datasets. Variations of profound deep learning models such CNN, LSTMs, BiLSTMs, LSTM, GRU, and CNN-LSTM are examined to evaluate their viability in identifying Afaan Oromo Hate speeches. The examination result uncovers that the model dependent on CNN and Bi-LSTM somewhat outperforms every one of the models on the test dataset with an average F1-score of 87%. Overall, considering the Article Title nature of the Afaan Oromo language and the prevalence of hate speech, we believe that the finding of this study is promising for future works.
Control of Awn Length in Rice Breeding Programs in Hokkaido
Authors: Fujino Kenji , Yamanouchi Utako , Kawahara Yoshihiro , Shirasawa Kenta
Published: January 2022

Understanding genetic diversity is a primary goal of the molecular evolution of the genes. Awn length is a well-documented phenotype among domestication traits in rice, from long to short awn. In addition, awnlessness is favor for current rice farmers. Here, we identified the genetic basis of awn length during rice breeding programs in Hokkaido. We found variation of awn length ranging from 0.0 to 37.6 mm. Varieties with a short-awn or awnlessness have been selected under rice breeding programs. Genetic analysis on awn length identified that RAE1 and RAE2 on chromosomes 4 and 8, respectively, accounted for awning. These genes were well known to be significant during Asian rice domestication. Sequence variations of the genes would clarify the molecular evolution of the genes on awn length. Firstly, the loss-of-function allele in RAE1, rae1, was selected for short awn length. Then, alleles on RAE2, RAE2-H01 to RAE2-H04, were targeted for the selection of short-awn or awnlessness. The selections on awnlessness phenotype could diversify these alleles on the genes, RAE1 and RAE2, exhibiting the variation of awn length.
Development, promotion, and application of online OvAge calculator based on the WeChat applet: Clinical prediction model research
Authors: Ren Qingling , Xu Wenwen , Wang Hui , Han LinTing , Zhao XueLi , Chen PanPan , Zhao Haiyang , Jin Jing , Zhu Zheng , Shao Fang
Published: January 2022

Background:Currently, there are many clinical markers and models for evaluating ovarian reserve. However, none of them is ideal, especially the ovarian reserve assessment model applied to Chinese women, which needs further research. It is well known that the number of clinical samples is the main factor limiting the specificity and sensitivity of markers and models. At the same time, the traditional method of recruiting subjects requires a lot of time and has a high cost.Purpose: In this study, to explore the possibility of subjects self-reporting through WeChat applets and to provide more data for further optimization of the OvAge model, we developed an ovarian age prediction model for Chinese women.Methods: This study developed an online Ovarian Age（OvAge） calculator based on the WeChat applet and applied a generalized linear model to optimize the ovarian age prediction model that meets the physiological characteristics of Chinese women.Results: Compared with traditional recruitment methods, the online OvAge calculator can collect a large number of subjects in a very short time, which is efficient and convenient. In addition, the optimized formula, OvAge=exp(3.5254-0.001*PRL-0.0231*AMH), is currently a suitable model for ovarian age assessment of healthy Chinese women. We applied the final equation to the healthy population, decreased ovarian reserve (DOR), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) population datasets. The results show that there is no significant difference between ovarian age and chronological age in healthy people, and the prediction accuracy is high.Conclusion: The OvAge calculator based on the WeChat applet is a new type of online self-report system that can collect a large number of subjects in a short time and can continuously optimize the model and update the applet version. This model is economical and efficient, and it is worthy of [1]promotion. The optimized OvAge model also provides a reference value for the clinical evaluation of ovarian reserve.
Hepatitis C Virus Prediction Based on Machine Learning Framework: a Real-world Case Study in Egypt
Authors: Mamdouh Haba , Shams Mahmoud Yasin , El-Hafeez Tarek Abd
Published: January 2022

Prediction and classification of the diseases are essential in medical science, as it attempts to immune the spread of the disease and discover the infected regions from the early stages. Machine Learning (ML) approaches are commonly used for predicting and classifying the diseases that precisely utilized as an efficient tool for the doctors and specialists. To forecast Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) among Egyptian healthcare workers (HCWs), a prediction system based on machine learning methodologies is developed. We used data from the National Liver Institute (NLI), which was formed at Menoufiya University (Menoufiya, Egypt). The dataset includes 859 patients with 12 distinct characteristics. To test the proposed framework's robustness and dependability, we ran two scenarios, one without feature selection and the other with feature selection based on Sequential Forward Selection (SFS). In addition, a feature subset evaluation based on SFS-generated features is carried out. Induction algorithms and classifiers used for model evaluation include Nave Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF), K Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Logistic Regression (LR). Then, the effect of parameter tuning on learning techniques is measured. The experimental results indicated that the proposed framework achieved higher accuracies after SFS selection than without feature selection. Moreover, the RF classifier achieved 94.06% accuracy with minimum learning elapsed time 0.54 sec. Finally, after adjusting the hyperparameter values of the RF classifier, the classification accuracy is improved to 94.88% using only four features.
Transcriptomic Profiling of Trypanosoma Congolense Mouthpart Parasites from Naturally Infected Flies
Authors: Pereira Sara Silva , Mathenge Kawira , Masiga Daniel , Jackson Andrew
Published: January 2022

Animal African Trypanosomiasis, or nagana, is veterinary disease caused by African trypanosomes transmitted by tsetse flies. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Trypanosoma congolense is the major cause of nagana in livestock, resulting in high animal morbidity and mortality and extensive production losses. In the tsetse fly, parasites colonise the midgut and eventually reach the mouthparts, from where they can be transmitted as the fly feeds on vertebrate hosts such as cattle. Despite the extreme importance of mouthpart form parasites for disease transmission, very few global expression profile studies have been done in these parasite forms. Here, we collected tsetse flies from the Shimba Hills National Reserve, a wildlife area in southeast Kenya, diagnosed T. congolense infections, sequenced the transcriptomes of the T. congolense parasites colonising the mouthparts of the flies, and compared their expression profiles with those of parasites collected from experimental fly infections. We found little correlation between mouthpart parasites from natural and experimental fly infections. Furthermore, we performed differential gene expression analysis between mouthpart and bloodstream form parasites and identified several surface-expressed genes and 152 novel hypothetical proteins differentially expressed in mouthpart parasites. Finally, we profiled variant antigen expression and discovered a VSG gene constitutively expressed in metacyclic and bloodstream form parasites, that may be subject to novel developmental regulation. Our study is the first to provide trypanosome transcriptomes of parasites from naturally infected tsetse flies and highlights the need to confirm findings from experimental models of infection in epidemiologically-relevant settings.
Dithiolethiones Protect Against Iron Overload-Induced Cytotoxicity and Serve as Ferroptosis Inhibitors in U-87 MG Cells
Authors: Kulkarni Neha , Gadde Rajitha , Betharia Swati
Published: January 2022

Iron overload-induced oxidative stress is known to trigger various cell death pathways such as apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and a novel iron-dependent, non-apoptotic form of cell death known as ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is driven by excessive lipid peroxidation coupled with reduced cellular antioxidant capacity and is implicated in iron overload-related neurodegenerative disorders. Dithiolethiones have emerged as promising compounds owing to their lipophilicity and cytoprotective potential against a wide range of toxicants. The two dithiolethiones 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T) and 5-amino-3-thioxo-3H-(1,2) dithiole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (ACDT) have previously been reported to display neuroprotection by a Nrf2-mediated upregulation of the endogenous antioxidant machinery. Here, we test them against ferric ammonium citrate (FAC)-induced toxicity in U-87 MG astrocytoma cells. Exposure to 15 mM FAC for 24 hours resulted in 53% cell death. A 24-hour pretreatment with 50 µM D3T and ACDT reversed this cytotoxicity with D3T being more efficacious compared to the standard antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Both dithiolethiones exhibited antioxidant effects by counteracting FAC-induced ROS and lipid peroxidation, reducing the need for GSH induction, and upregulating ferritin expression. Ferrostatin-1 (10 µM), a ferroptosis-specific inhibitor, inhibited FAC-induced ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and cell death, indicating for the first time that FAC induces ferroptosis in U-87 MG cells. A 24 hour pretreatment with dithiolethiones reversed erastin-induced ferroptosis by upregulating the xCT transporter and intracellular GSH levels thereby alleviating lipid peroxidation. RSL3-induced ferroptotic cell death and lipid peroxidation were also counteracted by pretreatment with D3T and ACDT. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that dithiolethiones are promising therapeutic compounds for the treatment of iron overload disorders involving ferroptotic cell death.
Cutaneous Reaction With Ifosfamide Plus Mesna. A Desensitization Challenge: A Case Report
Authors: Delgado-Prada Ana , Cuartero Julián Borrás , Miñano Roxana Farzanegan , Gorriz Maria Cruz Torres , Germán-Sánchez Adrián , Aznar Raquel Cervera , Raducan Isabela , Carrascosa Jose Vicente Castelló , Sanchez-Hernandez Alfredo , Miranda Ernesto Enrique
Published: January 2022

BackgroundIfosfamide is an antineoplastic agent with alkylating activity usually administered in combination with mesna. The latter is a thiol agent with uroprotective activity that prevents side effects such as haemorrhagic cystitis or nephrotoxicity which allows the administration of higher doses of ifosfamide without unwanted secondary effects. This combined treatment can be used for a wide range of tumours such as testicular, lung, lymphoma, and in advanced solid, soft-tissue sarcomas and gynaecological tumours. Ifosfamide-mesna is administered as a continuous infusion rather than in a bolus to avoid central nervous system toxicity.Case presentation A 47-year-old man with the diagnosis of stage IV renal sarcoma who received treatment with ifosfamide-mesna every 3 weeks in a consecutive 4-day infusion protocol. However, during the second chemotherapy cycle he presented urticarial lesions. In the absence of scientific evidence for risk of immediate reactions with this association, and given the lack of described experiences of allergic reactions with this chemotherapy combination, the aggressiveness of the tumour process, and the absence of validated skin tests, we proposed the completion of a 12-step desensitisation protocol.Conclusion The 12-step desensitisation protocol was well tolerated. Therefore, it is an appropriate and safe option in the case of suspected allergy to ifosfamide plus mesna. Keywords Ifosfamide plus mesna, desensitization, chemotherapy