bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophils promote T-cell activation through the regulated release of CD44-bound Galectin-9 from the cell surface during HIV infection
Authors: Dunsmore Garett , Rosero Eliana Perez , Shahbaz Shima , Santer Deanna M. , Jovel Juan , Lacy Paige , Houston Stan , Elahi Shokrollah
Published: August 2021

The interaction of neutrophils with T cells has been the subject of debate and controversies. Previous studies have suggested that neutrophils may suppress or activate T cells. Despite these studies, the interaction between neutrophils and T cells has remained a largely unexplored field. Here, based on our RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, we found that neutrophils have differential transcriptional and functional profiling depending on the CD4 T-cell count of the HIV-infected individual. In particular, we identified that neutrophils in healthy individuals express surface Galectin-9 (Gal-9), which is down-regulated upon activation, and is consistently down-regulated in HIV-infected individuals. However, down-regulation of Gal-9 was associated with CD4 T-cell count of patients. Unstimulated neutrophils express high levels of surface Gal-9 that is bound to CD44, and, upon stimulation, neutrophils depalmitoylate CD44 and induce its movement out of the lipid raft. This process causes the release of Gal-9 from the surface of neutrophils. In addition, we found that neutrophil-derived exogenous Gal-9 binds to cell surface CD44 on T cells, which promotes LCK activation and subsequently enhances T-cell activation. Furthermore, this process was regulated by glycolysis and can be inhibited by interleukin (IL)-10. Together, our data reveal a novel mechanism of Gal-9 shedding from the surface of neutrophils. This could explain elevated plasma Gal-9 levels in HIV-infected individuals as an underlying mechanism of the well-characterized chronic immune activation in HIV infection. This study provides a novel role for the Gal-9 shedding from neutrophils. We anticipate that our results will spark renewed investigation into the role of neutrophils in T-cell activation in other acute and chronic conditions, as well as improved strategies for modulating Gal-9 shedding.
Enhancing oscillations in intracranial electrophysiological recordings with data-driven spatial filters
Authors: Schaworonkow Natalie , Voytek Bradley
Published: August 2021

In invasive electrophysiological recordings, a variety of neural oscillations can be detected across the cortex, with overlap in space and time. This overlap complicates measurement of neural oscillations using standard referencing schemes, like common average or bipolar referencing. Here, we illustrate the effects of spatial mixing on measuring neural oscillations in invasive electrophysiological recordings and demonstrate the benefits of using data-driven referencing schemes in order to improve measurement of neural oscillations. We discuss referencing as the application of a spatial filter. Spatio-spectral decomposition is used to estimate data-driven spatial filters, a computationally fast method which specifically enhances signal-to-noise ratio for oscillations in a frequency band of interest. We show that application of these data-driven spatial filters has benefits for data exploration, investigation of temporal dynamics and assessment of peak frequencies of neural oscillations. We demonstrate multiple use cases, exploring between-participant variability in presence of oscillations, spatial spread and waveform shape of different rhythms as well as narrowband noise removal with the aid of spatial filters. We find high between-participant variability in the presence of neural oscillations, a large variation in spatial spread of individual rhythms and many non-sinusoidal rhythms across the cortex. Improved measurement of cortical rhythms will yield better conditions for establishing links between cortical activity and behavior, as well as bridging scales between the invasive intracranial measurements and noninvasive macroscale scalp measurements.
Could the new coronavirus have infected humans prior November 2019?
Authors: Tichopád Aleš , Pecen Ladislav , Sedlák Vratislav
Published: August 2021

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is believed to originate in China from where it spread to other parts of the world. The first cluster of diseased individuals was reported in China as early as in December 2019. It has also been well established that the virus stroke Italy later in January or in February 2020, hence distinctly after the outbreak in China. The work by Apolone et al. published in the Italian Medical Journal in November 2020 and retracted upon expression of concern on 22 March 2021, however propose that the virus could have stroke people already in September 2019, possibly following even earlier outbreak in China. By fitting an early part of the epidemic curve with the exponential and extrapolating it backwards, we could estimate the day-zero of the epidemic and calculated its confidence intervals in Italy and China. We also calculated how probable it is that Italy encountered the virus prior 1 January 2020. We determined an early portion of the epidemic curve representing unhindered exponential growth which fit the exponential model with high determination >0.97 in both countries. We conservatively suggest that the day-zero in China and Italy was 8 December 2019 (95% CI: 3 Dec., 20 Dec.) and 22 January 2020 (95% CI: 16 Jan., 29 Jan.), respectively. Given the uncertainty of the very early data in China and adjusting hence our model to fit the exponentially behaved data only, we can even admit that the pandemic originated through November 2019 (95% CI: 31 Oct., 22 Dec.). With high confidence (p <0.01) China encountered the virus prior Italy. We generally view any pre-pandemic presence of the virus in humans before November 2019 as very unlikely. The later established dynamics of the epidemics data suggests that the country of the origin was China.
Spatio-temporal changes of AOD in Xinjiang of China from 2000 to 2019: Which factor is more influential, natural factor or human factor?
Authors: Li Jinglong , He Qing , Ge Xiangyu , Abbas Alim , Jin Lili
Published: August 2021

Aerosol optical depth (AOD), which represents the optical attenuation, poses a major threat to the production activity, air quality, human health and regional sustainable development of arid and semi-arid areas. To some degree, AOD shows areal air pollution level and possesses obvious spatio-temporal characteristics. However, long-time sequences and detailed AOD information can not be provided due to currently limited monitoring technology. In this paper, a daily AOD product, MODIS-based Multi-angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC), is deployed to analyze the spatio-temporal characteristics in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2000 to 2019. In addition, the importance of influencing factors for AOD is calculated through Random Forest (RF) Model and the propagation trajectories of pollutants are simulated through Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) Model. Spatio distribution of AOD presents a tendency that AOD value in northern Xinjiang is low while the value in southern Xinjiang is high. Regions with high AOD values are mainly concentrated in Tarim Basin. AOD in southern Xinjiang is the highest, followed by that in eastern Xinjiang and AOD value in northern Xinjiang is the lowest. Seasonal variation of AOD is significant: Spring (0.309) > summer (0.200) > autumn (0.161) > winter (0.158). Average AOD value in Xinjiang is 0.196. AOD appears wavy from 2000 to 2014 with its low inflection point (0.157) appearing in 2005, and then increases, reaching its peak in 2014 (0.223). The obvious downward tendency after 2014 shows that the use of coal to natural gas (NG) conversion project improves the conditions of local environment. According to RF Model, NG contributes most to AOD. HYSPLIT Model reveals that aerosol in southern Xinjiang is related to the short-distant carriage of dust aerosol from the Taklimakan Desert. Aerosol there can affect Inner Mongolia through long-distant transport. Blocked by the Tianshan Mountains, fine dust particles can not cross the Tianshan Mountains to become a factor contributing to AOD in northern Xinjiang.
Citizen science reveals unexpected solute patterns in semiarid river networks
Authors: Jones Erin Fleming , Frei Rebecca J. , Lee Raymond M. , Maxwell Jordan D. , Shoemaker Rhetta , Follett Andrew P. , Lawson Gabriella M. , Malmfeldt Madeleine , Watts Rachel , Aanderud Zachary T. , Allred Carter , Asay Allison Tuttle , Buhman Madeline , Burbidge Hunter , Call Amber , Crandall Trevor , Errigo Isabella , Griffin Natasha A. , Hansen Neil C. , Howe Jansen C. , Meadows Emily L. , Kujanpaa Elizabeth , Lange Leslie , Nelson Monterey L. , Norris Adam J. , Ostlund Elysse , Suiter Nicholas J. , Tanner Kaylee , Tolworthy Joseph , Vargas Maria Camila , Abbott Benjamin W.
Published: August 2021

Human modification of water and nutrient flows has resulted in widespread degradation of aquatic ecosystems. The resulting global water crisis causes millions of deaths and trillions of USD in economic damages annually. Semiarid regions have been disproportionately affected because of high relative water demand and pollution. Many proven water management strategies are not fully implemented, partially because of a lack of public engagement with freshwater ecosystems. In this context, we organized a large citizen science initiative to quantify nutrient status and cultivate connection in the semiarid watershed of Utah Lake (USA). Working with community members, we collected samples from ~200 locations throughout the 7,640 km2watershed on a single day in the spring, summer, and fall of 2018. We calculated ecohydrological metrics for nutrients, major ions, and carbon. For most solutes, concentration and leverage (influence on flux) were highest in lowland reaches draining directly to the lake, coincident with urban and agricultural sources. Solute sources were relatively persistent through time for most parameters despite substantial hydrological variation. Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus species showed critical source area behavior, with 10–17% of the sites accounting for most of the flux. Unlike temperate watersheds, where spatial variability often decreases with watershed size, longitudinal variability showed an hourglass shape: high variability among headwaters, low variability in mid-order reaches, and high variability in tailwaters. This unexpected pattern was attributable to the distribution of human activity and hydrological complexity associated with return flows, losing river reaches, and diversions in the tailwaters. We conclude that participatory science has great potential to reveal ecohydrological patterns and rehabilitate individual and community relationships with local ecosystems. In this way, such projects represent an opportunity to both understand and improve water quality in diverse socioecological contexts.
A cross sectional survey of knowledge, attitude and practices related to the use of insecticides among farmers in industrial triangle of Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Bakhtawer  , Afsheen Sumera
Published: August 2021

Pesticides in Pakistan are abundantly utilized for pest control in agriculture sector. The over and unsafe use of insecticides plus poor handling leads to the development of resistance, outbreak of secondary pests and hazardous impact on environment. The present study was aimed to access the current knowledge, attitude and common practices of farmers about the use of insecticides against pest in industrial triangle of Province Punjab, Pakistan. This study was conducted during October 2019 to February 2020. In this study farmers (n = 300) took part from three localities of Province Punjab (Gujrat, Gujranwala and Sialkot). Farmers were interviewed using a questionnaire to collect data about the knowledge of pest control by use of chemical method, biological method and combination of both to eradicate the pests. The result shows almost all (93%) farmers were male and they did not know about the insecticides mode of action and its chemical composition. They do not have any knowledge about the biological control of pests and did not get any assistance or help from Agriculture Extension Officer. They even did not properly dispose off the empty containers of insecticides. Statistical analysis reveals that lack of education and awareness about biological control of pest depicts development of resistance and outbreak of secondary pest including health hazards and environmental pollution. Poor understanding about pests, abundant use of insecticides, incorrect perception about application of insecticides and negligence regarding biological control shows that there is need to initiate public awareness programs to ensure the application of integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable agriculture.
COVID-19 sentiment analysis via deep learning during the rise of novel cases
Authors: Chandra Rohitash , Krishna Aswin
Published: August 2021

Social scientists and psychologists take interest in understanding how people express emotions and sentiments when dealing with catastrophic events such as natural disasters, political unrest, and terrorism. The COVID-19 pandemic is a catastrophic event that has raised a number of psychological issues such as depression given abrupt social changes and lack of employment. Advancements of deep learning-based language models have been promising for sentiment analysis with data from social networks such as Twitter. Given the situation with COVID-19 pandemic, different countries had different peaks where rise and fall of new cases affected lock-downs which directly affected the economy and employment. During the rise of COVID-19 cases with stricter lock-downs, people have been expressing their sentiments in social media. This can provide a deep understanding of human psychology during catastrophic events. In this paper, we present a framework that employs deep learning-based language models via long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural networks for sentiment analysis during the rise of novel COVID-19 cases in India. The framework features LSTM language model with a global vector embedding and state-of-art BERT language model. We review the sentiments expressed for selective months in 2020 which covers the major peak of novel cases in India. Our framework utilises multi-label sentiment classification where more than one sentiment can be expressed at once. Our results indicate that the majority of the tweets have been positive with high levels of optimism during the rise of the novel COVID-19 cases and the number of tweets significantly lowered towards the peak. We find that the optimistic, annoyed and joking tweets mostly dominate the monthly tweets with much lower portion of negative sentiments. The predictions generally indicate that although the majority have been optimistic, a significant group of population has been annoyed towards the way the pandemic was handled by the authorities.
Application of PCR-HRM method for microsatellite polymorphism genotyping in the LDHA gene of pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Jedrzejczak-Silicka Magdalena , Lepczynski Adam , Gołębiowski Filip , Dolata Daniel , Dybus Andrzej
Published: August 2021

High-resolution melting (HRM) is a post-PCR method that allows to discriminate genotypes based on fluorescence changes during the melting phase. HRM is used to detect mutations or polymorphisms (e.g. microsatellites, SNPs, indels). Here, the (TTTAT)3-5 microsatellite polymorphism within intron 6 of the LDHA gene in pigeons was analysed using the HRM method. Individuals (123 homing pigeons) were genotyped using conventional PCR. Birds were classified into groups based on genotype type and the results were tested by qPCR-HRM and verified using sequencing. Based on the evaluated protocol, five genotypes were identified that vary in the number of TTTAT repeat units (3/3, 4/4, 3/4, 4/5, and 5/5). Sequencing have confirmed the results obtained with qPCR-HRM and verified that HRM is a suitable method for identification of three-allele microsatellite polymorphisms. It can be concluded that the high-resolution melting (HRM) method can be effectively used for rapid (one-step) discrimination of the (TTTAT)3-5 microsatellite polymorphism in the pigeon’s LDHA gene.
Use of latent class analysis as a method of assessing the physical activity level, sedentary behavior and nutritional habit in the adolescents’ lifestyle: A scoping review
Authors: Miranda Valter Paulo Neves , Coimbra Danilo Reis , Bastos Ronaldo Rocha , Miranda Júnior Márcio Vidigal , Amorim Paulo Roberto dos Santos
Published: August 2021

Background

Currently, adolescents’ lifestyle is commonly characterized by physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and inappropriate eating habits in general. A person-oriented approach as Latent Class Analysis (LCA) can offer more insight than a variable-centered approach when investigating lifestyle practices, habits, and behaviors of adolescent population.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to assess which variables are mostly used to represent the physical activity level, sedentary behavior SB) and nutritional habit in the adolescents’ lifestyle in studies that used the LCA.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

The study was a performed in accordance with the proposed criteria for systematic reviews and meta-analyses—Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018108444). The original articles were searched in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SPORTdiscus. The Quality Assessment Tool analyzed the risk of bias of the included studies.

Results

30 original articles were selected. The physical activity level (28 studies), SB and nutritional habits (18 studies) were the most common variable used to evaluate the adolescent’s lifestyle by LCA model. Specifically, physical inactivity and high SB were the manifest variables with higher frequency in the negative latent classes (LCs) in adolescent girls. On the other hand, physical exercises and sports were activities more commonly labeled as positive LCs.

Conclusions

The LCA models of the most of selected studies showed that physical inactivity, high SB were the most common in the LCs with negative characteristics of the adolescents’ lifestyle. Better understanding the results of analyzes of clusters of multivariate behaviors such as the LCA can help to create more effective strategies that can make the lifestyle of adolescents healthier.
A virtual deliberative public engagement study on heritable genome editing among South Africans: Study protocol
Authors: Thaldar Donrich , Townsend Beverley , Botes Marietjie , Shozi Bonginkosi , Pillay Siddharthiya
Published: August 2021

This article outlines the protocol for a prospective study for virtual deliberative public engagement on heritable genome editing in humans. The study intends to create a platform for a diverse group of 25–30 South Africans to engage with a facilitator and each other on 15 policy questions regarding heritable genome editing, with a focus on: a) the prevention of heritable genetic conditions; b) editing for immunity; and c) editing for enhancement. The aim is to understand the views on these issues so as to inform further research and policy, and to analyse the process and effect of deliberation on opinion. Participants will be expected to study the provided resource materials and pass the entrance exam—aligning with the protocols of the Harvard Personal Genome Project. In this way, the commitment, openness and basic knowledge of the candidates will be tested to ascertain whether they are suitable participants for the deliberative engagement.
The interaction of healthcare service quality and community-based health insurance in Ethiopia
Authors: Tefera Bekele Belayihun , Kibret Mengistu Asnake , Molla Yordanos B. , Kassie Girma , Hailemichael Aynalem , Abate Tarekegn , Zelelew Hailu , Desta Binyam Fekadu , Futrell Elizabeth , Kebede Zewditu , Abelti Gebeyehu , Routh Subrata , Feyisetan Bamikale , Saad Abdulmumin
Published: August 2021

Community-based health insurance (CBHI) as a demand-side intervention is presumed to drive improvements in health services quality, and the quality of health services is an important supple-side factor in motivating CBHI enrollment and retention. There is, however, limited evidence on this interaction. This study examined the interaction between quality of health services and CBHI enrollment and renewal. A mixed-method comparative study was conducted in four agrarian regions of Ethiopia. The study followed the Donabedian model to compare quality of health services in health centers located in woredas/districts that implemented CBHI with those that did not. Data was collected through facility assessments, client-exit interviews, and key informant interviews. In addition to manual thematic analysis of qualitative data, quantitative descriptive and inferential analyses were done using SPSS vs 25. The process related (composite index including provider-client interpersonal communication) and outcome related (client satisfaction) measures of service quality in CBHI woreda/districts differed significantly from non-CBHI woredas/districts, but there were no significant differences in overall measures of structural quality between the two. The study found better diagnostic test capacity, availability of tracer drugs, provider interpersonal communication, and service quality standards in CBHI woredas. A higher proportion of clients at CBHI health centers gave high ratings of overall satisfaction with services. Individual and household factors including family size, age, household health care-related expenditures, and educational status, played a more significant role in CBHI enrollment and renewal decisions than health service quality. Key-informants reported in interviews that participation in the scheme increased accountability of health facilities in CBHI woredas/districts, because they promised to provide quality services using the CBHI premium collected at the beginning of the year from all enrolled households. This study indicates a need for follow-up research to understand the nuanced linkages between quality of care and CBHI enrollment.
Complexation of uranyl (UO2)2+ with bidentate ligands: XRD, spectroscopic, computational, and biological studies
Authors: Sharfalddin Abeer A. , Emwas Abdul-Hamid , Jaremko Mariusz , Hussien Mostafa A.
Published: August 2021

Three new uranyl complexes [(UO2)(OAc)2(CMZ)], [(UO2)(OAc)2(MP)] and [(UO2)(OAc)2(SCZ)] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, powder XRD analysis, and molar conductivity. The IR analysis confirmed binding to the metal ion by the sulfur and ethoxy oxygen atoms in the carbimazole (CMZ) ligand, while in the 6-mercaptopurine (MP) ligand, the sulfur and the N7 nitrogen atom of a purine coordinated binding to the metal ion. The third ligand showed a 1:1 molar ratio and bound via sulfonamide oxygen and the nitrogen of the pyrimidine ring. Analysis of the synthesized complexes also showed that acetate groups had monodentate binding to the (UO22+). Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP level showed similar structures to the experimental results. Theoretical quantum parameters predicted the reactivity of the complexes in the order, [(UO2)(OAc)2(SCZ)] > [(UO2)(OAc)2(MP)]> [(UO2)(OAc)2(CMZ)]. DNA binding studies revealed that [(UO2)(OAc)2(SCZ)] and [(UO2)(OAc)2(CMZ)] have the highest binding constant (Kb) among the uranyl complexes. Additionally, strong binding of the MP and CMZ metal complexes to human serum albumin (HSA) were observed by both absorbance and fluorescence approaches. The antibacterial activity of the complexes was also evaluated against four bacterial strains: two gram-negative; Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia, and two gram-positive; Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. [(UO2)(OAc)2(MP)] had the greatest antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, the gram-positive bacteria, with even higher activity than the standard antibiotic. In vitro cytotoxicity tests were also performed against three human cancer lines, and revealed the most cytotoxic complexes to be [(UO2)(OAc)2(SCZ)], which showed moderate activity against a colon cancer cell line. Thus, uranyl addition enhances the antibacterial and anticancer properties of the free ligands.
Performance of Trichogramma japonicum under field conditions as a function of the factitious host species used for mass rearing
Authors: G. Basana Gowda , Pandi G. Guru Pirasanna , Ullah Farman , Patil Naveenkumar B. , Sahu Madhusmita , Adak Totan , Pokhare Somnath , Yadav Manoj Kumar , Mahendiran Annamalai , Mittapelly Priyanka , Desneux Nicolas , Rath Prakash Chandra
Published: August 2021

Different factitious hosts were used to mass rear Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead in different parts of the globe because thorough details were lacking in both the laboratory and the field. The objective of this study was to compare, parasitoid, T. japonicum reared in different factitious hosts. Three commonly used factitious host eggs, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton), Ephestia kuehniella Zeller and Sitotroga cerealella Olivier were tested under laboratory conditions and then in the field over a yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulus (Walker) of rice. The highest parasitism by T. japonicum was observed on E. kuehniella eggs. The parasitoid’s highest emergence (88.99%) was observed on S. cerealella eggs at 24 h exposure, whereas at 48 h it was on E. kuehniella eggs (94.66%). Trichogramma japonicum females that emerged from E. kuehniella eggs were significantly long-lived. The days of oviposition by hosts and the host species were significant individually, but not their interaction. Higher proportions of flying T. japonicum were observed when reared on E. kuehniella and C. cephalonica eggs. Field results showed that T. japonicum mass-reared on E. kuehniella showed higher parasitism of its natural host, S. incertulus eggs. Hence, by considering these biological characteristics and field results, E. kuehniella could be leveraged for the mass rearing of quality parasitoids of T. japonicum in India, the Asian continent and beyond.
The relationship between smoking cigarettes and metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study with non-single residents of Seoul under 40 years old
Authors: Kim Sun Woo , Kim Ho Jun , Min Kyungha , Lee Hobeom , Lee Sung-Ha , Kim Sunyoung , Kim Jong Seung , Oh Bumjo
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Young adults receive health screenings at lower rates than other age groups, and it may be difficult to detect diseases in the early stages for this group. We examined differences in health status relative to smoking in a young age group using the results of health screenings conducted in engaged and newly married couples in a cross-sectional database.

Methods

The participants in this study were 808 young adults who visited a municipal hospital health screening center from July 2017 to March 2019. They completed a self-administered questionnaire, and physical measurements and a blood test were taken. They were classified into non-cigarette smokers, past cigarette smokers, and current cigarette smokers according to smoking behavior. In this study, we compared metabolic syndrome, the main components of which include obesity, high blood pressure, high blood triglycerides, low levels of HDL cholesterol and insulin resistance, with smoking behavior.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 30.9±3.3 years (males 32.0±3.2, females 29.8±3.1), and 13.9% were current cigarette smokers (males 22.8%, females 5.1%). The proportion of men in their 30s was 76.6% for male group and 50.0% for female group, indicating that the male group had a relatively higher proportion of older and current smokers. Significant differences were found in age, sex, blood pressure, metabolic abnormalities, and drinking status according to smoking status. Cigarette smokers had a 2.4-fold greater risk of metabolic syndrome (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43–3.96) than non-cigarette smokers; in particular, they had a 2.6-fold (95% CI, 1.44–4.55) greater risk of hypertriglyceridemia and a three-fold (95% CI, 1.45–6.35) greater risk of low HDL cholesterol.

Conclusions

In comparison with non-single, young and generally healthy city dwellers, the risk of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers, and in particular, it was confirmed that the risk of hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL cholesterolemia was higher. Smoking cessation is necessary, even for the young, because smoking may cause changes in blood lipids even if the smoking duration is short.
Sociodemographic, laboratory, image data and predictors of gravity risk in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Costa Víctor de Oliveira , Nicolini Eveline Montessi , da Costa Bruna Malaquias Arguelles , Ferreira Victor Hugo Perches , Tonisi Ana Julia Rodrigues , Machado Nathália Munck , Moura Marcos de Assis , Montessi Jorge , de Castro Ferreira Lincoln Eduardo Villela Vieira , Campos Rogério Leal , Costa Patricia Moreira , Campos Maria Antônia
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The effects, severity, and prognosis of COVID-19 infections do not follow a linear pattern in different locations, but change according to the epidemiological data and social issues in each region.

Aims

The purpose of the current study is to provide the clinical and epidemiological standard of the population affected by COVID-19 in the city of Juiz de Fora, MG to better understand the disease and its risk factors, in order to enable more appropriate conduct for patients.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was carried out from March to August of 2020, with 266 participants admitted to the emergency department of the Instituto de Clínicas e Cirurgia de Juiz de Fora—Hospital Monte Sinai. Data were tabulated, analyzed, and classified according to the outcome using an ordinal regression model.

Results

Among the 266 admitted patients, the most common findings were ground-glass opacifications on chest CT (78.8%), cough (75.6%), fever (58.4%), and rhinorrhea (34.5%). There were greater severity and greater need for hospitalization and admission to the ICU in patients who were male, tachypneic at the time of admission, with older age, and with underlying diseases.

Conclusion

Collected data allowed for a better understanding of the disease, its severity criteria, and its pattern of affection in Juiz de Fora, MG. More studies based on the analysis of the behavior of COVID-19 in different regions must be carried out, to improve treatment and support to local populations.
Personalizing the decision of dabigatran versus warfarin in atrial fibrillation: A secondary analysis of the Randomized Evaluation of Long-term anticoagulation therapY (RE-LY) trial
Authors: Reinhardt Samuel W. , Desai Nihar R. , Tang Yuanyuan , Jones Philip G. , Ader Jeremy , Spertus John A.
Published: August 2021

Background

The RE-LY (Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy) trial demonstrated that higher-risk patients with atrial fibrillation had lower rates of stroke or systemic embolism and a similar rate of major bleeding, on average, when treated with dabigatran 150mg compared to warfarin. Since population-level averages may not apply to individual patients, estimating the heterogeneity of treatment effect can improve application of RE-LY in clinical practice.

Methods and results

For 18040 patients randomized in RE-LY, we used patient-level data to develop multivariable models to predict the risk for stroke or systemic embolism and for major bleeding including all three treatment groups (dabigatran 110mg, dabigatran 150mg, and warfarin) over a median follow up of 2.0 years. The mean predicted absolute risk reduction (ARR) for stroke/systemic embolism with dabigatran 150mg compared to warfarin was 1.32% (range 11.6% lower to 3.30% higher risk). The mean predicted ARR for bleeding was 0.41% (range 8.93% lower to 63.4% higher risk). Patients with increased stroke/systemic embolism risk included those with prior stroke/TIA (OR 2.01), diabetics on warfarin (OR 2.00), and older patients on dabigatran 150mg (OR 1.68 for every 10-year increase). Major bleeding risk was higher in patients on aspirin (OR 1.25), with a history of diabetes (OR 1.34) or prior stroke/TIA (OR 1.22), those with heart failure on dabigatran 110mg (OR 1.52), older patients on either dabigatran 110mg or 150mg (OR 1.57 and 1.93, respectively, for each 10-year increase), and heavier patients on dabigatran 110mg or 150mg; patients in a region outside the United States and Canada and with better renal function had lower bleeding risk.

Conclusions

There is substantial heterogeneity in the benefits and risks of dabigatran relative to warfarin among patients with atrial fibrillation. Using individualized estimates may enable shared decision making and facilitate more appropriate use of dabigatran; as such, it should be prospectively tested.

Clinical trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov number, NCT00262600.
A simulation based large bus side slip and rollover threshold study in slope-curve section under adverse weathers
Authors: Tian Lin , Li Yanfei , Li Jueshuai , Lv Wenzhen
Published: August 2021

To study the side slip and rollover threshold of large bus in slope–curve section under adverse weather, factors that affect the safety of large buses that run in slope–curve section, such as rain, snow, cross-wind environmental factors, and road geometry, were analyzed to obtain the friction coefficient of the road surface under different rainfall and snowfall intensities through field measurements and to determine the six-component force coefficient of wind that acts on large buses through wind tunnel tests. The force analysis of large bus in slope-curve section was carried out, and the mechanical equations of large bus under the limit conditions of sideslip and rollover in slope-curve section were established. TruckSim simulation test platform was used to establish a three-dimensional road model and large bus mechanical model at a design speed of 100 km/h. Input parameters, such as cross-wind speed and road friction coefficient, simulate the impact of wind-rain/snow coupling. Under the combined action of wind-rain/snow, the operation test of large bus in slope-curve section was carried out, and the key parameters and indicators of the sideslip and rollover of large bus in slope-curve section were outputted and analyzed. The sudden change point of lateral acceleration is the judging condition for sideslip of large bus in slope-curve section under different road friction coefficient (0.2–0.7), changing from 0.15m/s2 and stabilizing to 0.52 m/s2, and a 0N vertical reaction force of the inner tire is the critical judging condition for rollover under road friction coefficient0.8, and the operating speed thresholds were proposed under different road friction coefficient. This study is expected to provide theoretical support for the speed limit of large bus in slope-curve section under adverse weather.
Chemical characteristics of groundwater and source identification in a coastal city
Authors: Miao Qun , Li Xuefei , Xu Youqin , Liu Chao , Xie Ruikang , Lv Zhihan
Published: August 2021

A coastal city is studied in this paper. Based on 42 groundwater sampling points, a Piper diagram, the Shukarev classification, the Pearson correlation analysis, Gibbs plots and the ion proportional coefficient method are used to analyze the chemical characteristics and material source. The results show that the groundwater quality in the study area varies greatly from north to south. In the northern inland area (AREA I), the main anions and cations are H C O 3 - and Ca2+, and the hydrochemical characteristics are mainly HCO3 − Ca, HCO3 ⋅ SO4 − Ca and HCO3 − Mg. The ion concentration distribution is uniform, and the groundwater quality is good. By using Gibbs plots and the ion proportional coefficient method, the main source of ions is the dissolution of potassium feldspar, albite and carbonate rock. In contrast, in the southern coastal area (AREA II), the main anions and cations are Cl− and Na+, and the hydrochemical characteristics are mainly Cl − Na. The ion concentration distribution presents a strong spatial difference. The closer the groundwater sampling point is to seawater, the worse the overall groundwater quality. Evaporite dissolution, seawater intrusion, cation exchange effects and human activities are the main factors affecting the groundwater quality in this area. In conclusion, the groundwater quality in northern inland area (AREA I) is better, mainly controlled by the dissolution of rocks. The groundwater quality in southern coastal area (AREA II) changes greatly, mainly controlled by seawater.
24-month outcomes of XEN45 gel implant versus trabeculectomy in primary glaucoma
Authors: Wanichwecharungruang Boonsong , Ratprasatporn Nitee
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To compare the efficacy and safety profiles of XEN implant versus trabeculectomy as a surgical intervention for primary glaucoma

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of mild to moderate stage glaucoma patients, who had undergone either XEN implantation or trabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C, was performed in a tertiary eye center

Results

Fifty-seven eyes for XEN implant and 57 eyes for trabeculectomy with medically uncontrolled glaucoma were included. Preoperative IOP was 16–33 mmHg. Visual field mean deviation was -9.11±6.93 dB in XEN group, and -9.67±5.06 dB in trabeculectomy group (p = 0.195). At the 24-month timepoint, mean IOP was reduced from 21.6±4.0 to 14.6±3.5 mmHg (32.4% reduction) in the XEN group (p<0.001), and from 22.5±5.8 to 12.5±4.1 mmHg (44.4% reduction) in the trabeculectomy group (p<0.001). Final IOP in XEN was significantly higher than trabeculectomy (p = 0.008) with lesser mean IOP percentage reduction at month 24 (p = 0.045). Mean number of medications was reduced from 2.2±1.4 to 0.5±0.7 in XEN group (p<0.001), and from 2.4±0.7 to 0.8±1.3 in trabeculectomy group (p<0.001). Final number of medications was not different between the groups (p = 0.225). Surgical success was comparable between XEN and trabeculectomy group. Overall success was 71.4% vs. 73.3% (p = 0.850), and complete success was 62.9% vs. 62.2% (p = 0.954), respectively. XEN had lower rate of numerical hypotony than trabeculectomy. No serious complication occurred in either procedure group.

Conclusion

At 24 months, XEN showed a rate of success comparable to that of trabeculectomy. Although XEN had a higher final IOP than trabeculectomy, XEN achieved 32% IOP reduction, and achieved final IOP in mid-teen level. No serious complication occurred in either group. XEN can be applied for treatment of mild to moderate stages of glaucoma in Southeast Asian patients.
Exploration of conflict resolution benefits among Nigerian construction professionals
Authors:   SARChI in Construction Management & Leadership in the Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa., Adeyemi Benjamen Sunkanmi , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis ,   SARChI in Construction Management & Leadership in the Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Published: August 2021

Conflict resolution in the construction industry is the informal or formal procedure that two or more construction professionals use to find a peaceful solution to their misunderstanding. The resolution of conflict can be beneficial to construction professionals, if it is resolved or managed appropriately. Therefore, this study aimed to examine various benefits of conflict resolution among construction professionals in Nigeria. On the research methodology used in this research, a quantitative research method was used. A total number of 150 questionnaires were sent out and 135 were received back from the construction professionals in Nigeria. The construction professionals are quantity surveyors, architects, builders, construction managers, civil engineers, and project managers. The research data that was collected underwent cleaning and screening before the commencement of the analysis. Also, the data collected pertaining to this study was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21). This research made use of descriptive and exploratory factor analysis. The study found that conflict resolution could assist in the generation of new insights and perception. This was ranked the highest followed by other benefits of conflict resolution like: reduction in tension, helps professionals to accomplish their ambitions, improves workplace conflicts, and reduces task ambiguity of professionals for construction professionals to enjoy the benefits of conflict resolution they must resolve conflicts among themselves as early as possible.
Strategic sourcing: An empirical study among Indian construction retailers
Authors:   Department of Management Studies, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, India, Cherian Tisha Meriam , Munuswamy Shanmugam ,   Department of Management Studies, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, India, Jasim K. Mohamed ,   Department of Management Studies, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, India
Published: August 2021

The Indian retail industry is an emerging sector particularly in the construction segment. Retailers play a major role in sourcing of construction materials. This paper aims to identify the factors responsible for strategic sourcing and to find the influence between them for effective business transactions among construction material retailers in India. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire and an adequate sample of 330 responses were obtained from the targeted respondents using convenient sampling method. Following statistical tests for validity and reliability, Structural Equation Model was used to analyse the data. Based on previous studies, five variables were identified: unstructured buying, retailer evaluation, retailer disengagement, retailer relationship management and strategic sourcing and 21 key items were considered for the survey. With the factors, a conceptual model was formulated, and hypotheses were framed and tested. Among the five hypotheses, four hypotheses were supported in the study. All variables except unstructured buying have a strong positive influence on strategic sourcing. The study's implications include creating a long-term relationship with retailers and enhancing strategic sourcing practices in the Indian construction sector. This study serves as a literature resource in strategic sourcing and adds value to construction supply chains.
Morphological study of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. fruit and seed in different growth stages
Authors: Modak Keya , Chowdhury Monoranjan
Published: August 2021

Qualitative and quantitative morphological characterization in different growth stages of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. fruits and seeds were investigated. Capsules are compressed, two celled, green, cordate to round or elliptical with one flattened seed in each half. Both LM and SEM study were conducted to gather micromorphological features of matured epicarp and seed testa. Non-glandular, uniseriate, slender trichome and anomocytic stomata were found on epicarp, whereas same was absent on seeds. Some crystalline substance was noticed on both epicarp cells and seed testa. The fruiting stages were divided into 0 to V stages starting from first day of fruit appearing and total required days needed for maturity. Remarkable differences such as fruit and seed size, weight and colour were varied in each stage. Significance of surface micromorphology of matured epicarp and seed testa of N. arbor-tristis is also discussed here. Single-factor ANOVA analysis and Regression were performed to test the significance level of the studied parameters and their relationship.
Estimation of total groundwater reserves and delineation of weathered/fault zones for aquifer potential: A case study from the Federal District of Brazil
Authors: Hussain Yawar , Borges Welitom , Uagoda Rogerio , Moura Cristiane , Maciel Susanne , Hamza Omar , Havenith Hans-Balder
Published: August 2021

In the Federal District of Brazil, groundwater extraction is challenged by fractured aquifers with difficulty in identification of hydraulic traps and significant uncertainty in the estimation of recharge potential. This study aims to optimize the demarcation of new locations of tubular wells by the aid of geophysical investigation. In the first stage of this study, the total exploitable amount of groundwater were calculated from the information of the physical environment and the existing wells. Second, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method was carried out on the selected sites – based on their surficial characteristics. The possible hydraulic traps (where groundwater might exist) were identified from the inversion of the resistivity measured by the dipole–dipole array and from the delineation of the resultant conducting zones (including the weathered rocks and fractures). Using this approach, we predicted the position and number of tubular wells required and ranked them according to their potential productivity. The study provides a promising framework for investigating groundwater in fractured aquifers.
Crops planting structure and karst rocky desertification analysis by Sentinel-1 data
Authors: Wang Lingyu , Chen Quan , Zhou Zhongfa , Zhao Xin , Luo Jiancheng , Wu Tianjun , Sun Yingwei , Liu Wei , Zhang Shu , Zhang Wenhui
Published: August 2021

Accurate crop planting structure (CPS) information and its relationship with the surrounding special environment can provide strong support for the adjustment of agricultural structure in areas with limited cultivated land resources, and it will help regional food security, social economy, and ecological balance adjustment. However, due to the perennial cloudy, rainy, and scattered arable land in Karst mountainous areas, the monitoring of planting structure by traditional remote sensing methods is greatly limited. In this regard, we focus on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) remote sensing, which can penetrate clouds and rain, without light constraints to image. In this article, based on parcel-based temporal sequence SAR, the CPS in South China karst area was extracted by deep learning technology, and the spatial coupling relationship between CPS and karst rocky desertification (KRD) was analyzed. The results showed that: (a) The overall accuracy of CPS classification was 75.98%, which proved that the geo-parcel-based time series SAR has a good effect for the CPS mapping in the karst mountainous areas; (b) Through the analysis of the spatial relationship between the planting structure and KRD, we found that the lower KRD level caused the simpler CPS and the higher KRD grade caused more complex CPS and more richer landscape types. The spatial variation trend of CPS landscape indicates the process of water shortage and the deepening of KRD in farmland; (c) The landscape has higher connectivity (Contagion Index, CI 0.52–1.73) in lower KRD level and lower connectivity (CI 0.83–2.05) in higher KRD level, which shows that the degree of fragmentation and connection of CPS landscape is positively proportional to the degree of KRD. In this study, the planting structure extraction of crops under complex imaging environment was realized by using the farmland geo-parcels-based time series Sentinel-1 data, and the relationship between planting structure and KRD was analyzed. This study provides a new idea and method for the extraction of agricultural planting structure in the cloudy and rainy karst mountainous areas of Southwest China. The results of this study have certain guiding significance for the adjustment of regional agricultural planting structure and the balance of regional development.