bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptom burden in community-dwelling older people: temporal trends in the Helsinki Aging Study
Authors: Lehti T. E. , Öhman H. , Knuutila M. , Kautiainen H. , Karppinen H. , Tilvis R. , Strandberg T. , Pitkälä K. H.
Published: July 2021

Background

Changes in older people’s symptoms across recent decades have not been investigated.

Aims

We analyzed temporal trends in symptom burden by comparing data from independent, cross-sectional cohorts retrieved in 1989, 1999, 2009, and 2019. Furthermore, we compared the association between symptom burden and psychological wellbeing (PWB) in older men and women.

Methods

The Helsinki Aging Study recruited a random sample of people aged 75, 80, and 85 in 1989, and random samples aged 75, 80, 85, 90, and 95 in 1999, 2009, and 2019 (four study waves). Altogether, 6263 community-dwelling people answered the questions concerning symptoms in the questionnaire surveys. The symptoms inquired in all study waves were dizziness, back pain, joint pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite. Symptom burden was calculated according to the number of symptoms and their frequency (score range: 0–6). PWB and the Charlson comorbidity index were calculated.

Results

Symptom burden decreased in both men and women aged 75 and 80 from 1989 to 2019. Changes in cohorts aged 85 + were nonsignificant. There was a significant difference in symptom burden between men and women in all ages with men having fewer symptoms. PWB decreased with increasing symptom burden. Men had greater PWB than women up to severe levels of symptom burden.

Conclusions

Symptom burden decreased from 1989 to 2019 in cohorts aged 75–80, whereas changes remained nonsignificant in cohorts aged 85 +. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine temporal trends in symptom burden.
Students’ Understanding of the Economic Interpretation of the Derivative in the Context of Marginal Cost
Authors: Feudel Frank , Biehler Rolf
Published: July 2021

Many disciplines make use of mathematical concepts. However, there are often discrepancies between the way mathematical concepts are understood and taught in mathematics and the way they are used in other disciplines. The literature suggests that such discrepancies might make it hard for students in mathematics service courses to make a connection between the mathematical concepts taught and the way they are used in the students’ major disciplines. We investigated this hypothesis for one specific example in mathematics for economics students – the derivative and its interpretation commonly used in economics as the amount of change when increasing the production by one unit. We conducted an interview study investigating to what extent economics students can make a connection between the mathematical concept of the derivative and this common economic interpretation of the derivative. This study provides empirical evidence that it is actually difficult for economics students to make this connection, even though it was covered in their calculus course. In particular, the study reveals difficulties students have when trying to make this connection, which could be addressed in teaching.
Evaluating the impacts of major cyclonic catastrophes in coastal Bangladesh using geospatial techniques
Authors: Rahaman Mashoukur , Esraz-Ul-Zannat Md.
Published: July 2021

Cyclonic catastrophes frequently devastate coastal regions of Bangladesh that host around 35 million people which represents two-thirds of the total population. They have caused many problems like agricultural crop loss, forest degradation, damage to built-up areas, river and shoreline changes that are linked to people’s livelihood and ecological biodiversity. There is an absence of a comprehensive assessment of the major cyclonic disasters of Bangladesh that integrates geospatial technologies in a single study. This study aims to integrate geospatial technologies with major disasters and compares them, which has not been tried before. This paper tried to identify impacts that occurred in the coastal region by major catastrophic events at a vast level using different geospatial technologies. It focuses to identify the impacts of major catastrophic events on livelihood and food production as well as compare the impacts and intensity of different disasters. Furthermore, it compared the losses among several districts and for that previous and post-satellite images of disasters that occurred in 1988, 1991, 2007, 2009, 2019 were used. Classification technique like machine learning algorithm was done in pre- to post-disaster images. For quantifying change in the indication of different factors, indices including NDVI, NDWI, NDBI were developed. “Change vector analysis” equation was performed in bands of the images of pre- and post-disaster to identify the magnitude of change. Also, crop production variance was analyzed to detect impacts on crop production. Furthermore, the changes in shallow to deep water were analyzed. There is a notable change in shallow to deep water bodies after each disaster in Satkhira and Bhola district but subtle changes in Khulna and Bagerhat districts. Change vector analysis revealed greater intensity in Bhola in 1988 and Satkhira in 1991. Furthermore, over the years 2007 and 2009 it showed medium and deep intense areas all over the region. A sharp decrease in Aus rice production is witnessed in Barishal in 2007 when cyclone “Sidr” was stricken. The declination of potato production is seen in Khulna district after the 1988 cyclone. A huge change in the land-use classes from classified images like water body, Pasture land in 1988 and water body, forest in 1991 is marked out. Besides, a clear variation in the settlement was observed from the classified images. This study explores the necessity of using more geospatial technologies in disastrous impacts assessment around the world in the context of Bangladesh and, also, emphasizes taking effective, proper and sustainable disaster management and mitigation measures to counter future disastrous impacts.
Rainfall on the Greenland Ice Sheet: Present‐Day Climatology From a High‐Resolution Non‐Hydrostatic Polar Regional Climate Model
Authors: Niwano M. , Box J. E. , Wehrlé A. , Vandecrux B. , Colgan W. T. , Cappelen J.
Published: July 2021

Greenland ice sheet rainfall is expected to increase under a warming climate. Yet, there have been no active long‐term in‐situ rainfall records on the ice sheet due to observational difficulties. Here, we utilize the state‐of‐the‐art 5 km polar non‐hydrostatic regional climate model NHM‐SMAP to evaluate the ice sheet’s rainfall over 40 years (1980–2019). The largest trends include a fourfold increase in annual rainfall for the northwestern ice sheet; 3.1 Gt year−1 or 12 mm m−2 year−1. September ice‐sheet‐wide rainfall amount and intensity increase by 7.5 Gt month−1 and 20.8 mm h−1 year−1. In the last two decades, the increasing September maximum hourly rainfall rate exceeded 50 mm h−1 six times. The increased surface water delivery has numerous implications, including for snow metamorphism and ice flow dynamics.
Dynamical Coupling Between the Low‐Latitude Lower Thermosphere and Ionosphere via the Nonmigrating Diurnal Tide as Revealed by Concurrent Satellite Observations and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Gasperini Federico , Azeem Irfan , Crowley Geoff , Perdue Michael , Depew Matthew , Immel Thomas , Stromberg Erik , Fish Chad , Frazier Crystal , Reynolds Adam , Swenson Anthony , Tash Ted , Gleason Russell , Blay Ryan , Maxwell Jordan , Underwood Keith , Frazier Christian , Jensen Scott
Published: July 2021

The diurnal eastward‐propagating tide with zonal wavenumber 3 (DE3) is an important tidal component due to its ability to effectively couple the ionosphere‐thermosphere with the tropical troposphere. In this work, we present the first results of a prominent zonal wavenumber‐4 (WN4) structure in the low‐latitude ionosphere observed by the Scintillation Observations and Response of The Ionosphere to Electrodynamics (SORTIE) CubeSat mission during May 27–June 5, 2020. Least squares analyses of concurrent in situ ion number density measurements from the SORTIE and the Ionospheric Connection Explorer satellites near 420 and 590 km show this pronounced WN4 to be driven by DE3. Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics Dynamics Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broad band Emission Radiometry temperatures and Specified‐Dynamics Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere and ionosphere eXtension output demonstrate that the ionospheric WN4 structure is driven by DE3 propagating from the lower thermosphere.
Projections of Global Delta Land Loss From Sea‐Level Rise in the 21st Century
Authors: Nienhuis Jaap H. , van de Wal Roderik S. W.
Published: July 2021

River deltas will likely experience significant land loss because of relative sea‐level rise (RSLR), but predictions have not been tested against observations. Here, we use global data of RSLR and river sediment supply to build a model of delta response to RSLR for 6,402 deltas, representing 86% of global delta land. We validate this model against delta land area change observations from 1985–2015, and project future land area change for IPCC RSLR scenarios. For 2100, we find widely ranging delta scenarios, from +94 ± 125 (2 s.d.) km2 yr−1 for representative concentration pathway (RCP) 2.6 to −1,026 ± 281 km2 yr−1 for RCP8.5. River dams, subsidence, and sea‐level rise have had a comparable influence on reduced delta growth over the past decades, but if we follow RCP8.5 to 2100, more than 85% of delta land loss will be caused by climate‐change driven sea‐level rise, resulting in a loss of ∼5% of global delta land.
Observational Evidence of Lightning‐Generated Ultrafine Aerosols
Authors: Wang Honglei , Pei Yuxuan , Yin Yan , Shen Lijuan , Chen Kui , Shi Zheng , Chen Jinghua
Published: July 2021

High temperature and pressure during lightning can quickly trigger multiple chemical reactions in the air, resulting in considerable impacts on aerosols, atmospheric chemistry, and air quality. Here, new particle formation (NPF) events motivated by lightning flashes were captured during an observation at Mt. Tai in summer 2017 for the first time. Numerous ultrafine particles were formed during the lightning events, leading to increases in nucleation and Aitken mode aerosols by 18.9 and 5.6 times, respectively. The formation rate (FR) and growth rate (GR) during lightning‐generated NPF were 67.1 cm−3·s−1 and 20.1 nm·h−1, which were 61 and 1.7 times higher than the averaged daytime NPF. Moreover, chemical composition of aerosols was strongly influenced by lightning NOx. Nitrate aerosol (NO2− and NO3−) signals intensified significantly (by 11.9% and 12.4%, respectively) during the lightning‐generated NPF, which contrasted with the sulfate aerosols measured in previous studies (non‐lightning NPF). Meanwhile, lightning contributed noticeably to surface NO2 concentrations. Accompanying the uplifting airflows before rainfall, surface air pollutants (SO2, NH3, and NOx, etc.) can be transported above the top of the planet boundary layer, which plays an important role in NPF. The NPF in the hot lightning channels resulted from pollution NOx and lightning NOx, with the latter dominating. Finally, lightning‐generated pollutants, including NOx and aerosols, were delivered down to the surface with descending airflows.
Oscillations and Stability of the Jupiter Polar Cyclones
Authors: Mura A. , Adriani A. , Bracco A. , Moriconi M. L. , Grassi D. , Plainaki C. , Ingersoll A. , Bolton S. , Sordini R. , Altieri F. , Ciarravano A. , Cicchetti A. , Dinelli B. M. , Filacchione G. , Migliorini A. , Noschese R. , Piccioni G. , Scarica P. , Sindoni G. , Stefani S. , Tosi F. , Turrini D.
Published: July 2021

Juno discovered the circumpolar cyclones polygons on Jupiter in 2017. Fundamental questions regarding Jovian cyclogenesis concern the formation mechanism and whether these cyclones are deep or shallow. Recent data by Juno/JIRAM infrared camera show that any change is an extremely unlikely event on an annual scale. Only once, in 2019, a sixth cyclone joined the pentagonal structure in the South, but it disappeared after 2 months without merging with the pre‐existing cyclones; disappearance or creation of stable cyclones has never been observed. Additionally, the rotation speeds of the north and south polygons as a whole are not compatible with the shallow hypothesis; both structures drift at a much smaller rate than the typical scale velocities on Jupiter surface, and differ at the two poles. Cyclones oscillate around what may seem like equilibrium positions, and these oscillations tend to propagate from one cyclone to another. These oscillations have almost equal timescales, and here we investigate the possible implications of such similarity.
Estimating Ice Discharge at Greenland's Three Largest Outlet Glaciers Using Local Bedrock Uplift
Authors: Hansen Karina , Truffer Martin , Aschwanden Andy , Mankoff Kenneth , Bevis Michael , Humbert Angelika , van den Broeke Michiel R. , Noël Brice , Bjørk Anders , Colgan William , Kjær Kurt H. , Adhikari Surendra , Barletta Valentina , Khan Shfaqat A.
Published: July 2021

We present a novel method to estimate dynamic ice loss of Greenland's three largest outlet glaciers: Jakobshavn Isbræ, Kangerlussuaq Glacier, and Helheim Glacier. We use Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations attached to bedrock to measure elastic displacements of the solid Earth caused by dynamic thinning near the glacier terminus. When we compare our results with discharge, we find a time lag between glacier speedup/slowdown and onset of dynamic thinning/thickening. Our results show that dynamic thinning/thickening on Jakobshavn Isbræ occurs 0.87 ± 0.07 years before speedup/slowdown. This implies that using GNSS time series we are able to predict speedup/slowdown of Jakobshavn Isbræ by up to 10.4 months. For Kangerlussuaq Glacier the lag between thinning/thickening and speedup/slowdown is 0.37 ± 0.17 years (4.4 months). Our methodology and results could be important for studies that attempt to model and understand mechanisms controlling short‐term dynamic fluctuations of outlet glaciers in Greenland.
Characterization of High‐m ULF Wave Signatures in GPS TEC Data
Authors: Zhai Changzhi , Shi Xueling , Wang Wenbin , Hartinger Michael D. , Yao Yibin , Peng Wenjie , Lin Dong , Ruohoniemi J. Michael , Baker Joseph B. H.
Published: July 2021

GPS total electron content (TEC) measurements were used to investigate high‐m ultralow frequency (ULF) waves during the recovery phase of a geomagnetic storm. ULF wave signals in TEC data show high coherence and significant common power in the wavelet coherence and cross wavelet transform analyses with magnetic field radial component data from GOES‐15. They did not cause significant ionospheric scintillation or ground magnetic signatures due to ionospheric screening effects. An automatic identification procedure is developed to identify ULF wave signature in TEC data from 10 GPS receivers on January 25, 2016. The waves were mainly distributed on the dayside and post dusk sector from ∼64° to ∼71° magnetic latitude. This is the first time that the large‐scale 2D spatial structure and temporal evolution of high‐m ULF waves are revealed, which demonstrates TEC measurements as an effective high‐m ULF wave remote sensing tool.
Stronger Intraseasonal Variability Observed Below the Seasonal Thermocline in the Kuroshio East of Taiwan During 2014 and 2015
Authors: Wang Qingye , Yuan Xin , Hu Dunxin , Sasaki Hideharu
Published: July 2021

Intraseasonal variability in the Kuroshio east of Taiwan was studied using moored observations at 23°N, 122°E from November 17, 2014 to September 5, 2015, high‐resolution ocean model data, and altimetry data. It is found for the first time that the observed meridional velocity has a peak signal at 50–60 days with a significant maximum variation at 200–600 m depth. Model outputs show that the 50–60‐day variability at the mooring station is related to meandering of the Kuroshio at 23°N. Both surface eddies, which can extend downward to ∼1,000 m depth, and coastal cold water upwelling associated with cyclonic eddies from deep layers can greatly change the isopycnal slope below ∼200 m depth at 23°N, 122°E, and their joint effect results in the maximum variation at 200–600 m depth. Ocean eddies southeast of Taiwan propagate northward along the current axis of the Kuroshio and have a large impact on intraseasonal variability. Case analysis indicates that the formation of ocean eddies or upwelling near the coast may be related to the Lüdao and Lanyu islands southeast of Taiwan or Kuroshio transport along the southern tip of Taiwan. In addition, the evolution of subsurface meridional velocity from mooring observations is inconsistent with that of the surface but is closely related to the evolution of local temperature below the seasonal thermocline. The maximum intraseasonal variability below the seasonal thermocline highlights the complex dynamics in the Kuroshio east of Taiwan.
Regolith Properties in the Chang'E‐5 Landing Region of the Moon: Results From Multi‐Source Remote Sensing Observations
Authors: Jia Bojun , Fa Wenzhe , Xie Minggang , Tai Yushan , Liu Xiaofeng
Published: July 2021

In December 2020, China's Chang'E‐5 (CE‐5) spacecraft successfully collected 1.731 kg samples from Oceanus Procellarum on the Moon's nearside, becoming the first lunar sample return mission since Luna 24 in 1976. These samples, collected from one of the youngest mare basalt units within the Procellarum KREEP Terrain, are critical to deciphering several fundamental questions of the Moon. In order to provide geologic context for interpreting the returned samples, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of regolith properties in the landing region using optical, topographic, multispectral, thermal, and radar observations. The CE‐5 landing site is within a flat, young mare basalt unit with intermediate titanium. A ballistic sedimentation model suggests that ∼98% of the surface regolith are local materials. The dielectric permittivity of the regolith is estimated to be 2.96 + i0.03 based on its composition and porosity. Morphologies of small fresh craters identified in high‐resolution optical images show that regolith thickness varies from ∼1.5 to ∼8 m with a median value of ∼5 m, implying a large mean regolith growth rate over the landing region. A comparison between radar image and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Diviner surface rock abundance (RA) map indicates that subsurface rocks play a significant role in producing the observed radar backscatter. Further analysis of the radar echo suggests that subsurface RA is ∼0.47%–0.88% if the effective size is 3 cm, which can explain the shallow sampling depth of the CE‐5 drilling device. All these results provide valuable information for understanding the geological context and properties of the returned regolith samples.
A MOF-derived carbon host associated with Fe and Co single atoms for Li–Se batteries
Authors: Cao Yuqing , Lei Feifei , Li Yunliang , Qiu Shilun , Wang Yan , Zhang Wei , Zhang Zongtao
Published: July 2021

Lithium–selenium (Li–Se) batteries are considered a promising energy storage material due to their high electronic conductivity and volume capacity.
Engineering topography: effects on nerve cell behaviors and applications in peripheral nerve repair
Authors: Ma Ying , Gao Huichang , Wang Hao , Cao Xiaodong
Published: July 2021

This review focuses on the application of topography in the field of peripheral nerve repair. The integration of topological structure and peripheral nerve conduits has an important role in promoting the recovery of peripheral nerve function.
Fabricating a wettable microwells array onto a nitrogen plasma-treated ITO substrate: high-throughput fluorimetric platform for selective sensing of ammonia in blood using polymer-stabilized NH2-MIL-125
Authors: Li Pan , Zhang Lixiang , Zhang Sheng , Xu Chenchen , Li Yinuo , Qu Juan , Li Shuai , Mao Guojiang , Wang Hua
Published: July 2021

Fluorescent NH2-MIL-125 encapsulated in a polymer was coated into wettable microwells array for the sensing of NH3, and demonstrated a target enrichment capability and enhanced responses.
Surface passivation by congeneric quantum dots for high-performance and stable CsPbBr3-based photodetectors
Authors: Yan Shikai , Tang Sheng , Luo Manman , Xue Lu , Liu Shilin , Elemike Elias Emeka , Bae Byung Seong , Akram Javed , Chen Jing , Zhao Zhiwei , Zhu Zhuoya , Zhang Xiaobing , Lei Wei , Li Qing
Published: July 2021

A facile and effective surface passivation strategy via congeneric quantum dots is demonstrated to produce CsPbBr3 films with improved morphology and reduced defects, enhancing the performance and stability of CsPbBr3-based photodetectors.
Language Profiles and Their Relation to Cognitive and Motor Skills at 30 Months of Age: An Online Investigation of Low-Risk Preterm and Full-Term Children
Authors: Sansavini Alessandra , Zuccarini Mariagrazia , Gibertoni Dino , Bello Arianna , Caselli Maria Cristina , Corvaglia Luigi , Guarini Annalisa
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Wide interindividual variability characterizes language development in the general and at-risk populations of up to 3 years of age. We adopted a complex approach that considers multiple aspects of lexical and grammatical skills to identify language profiles in low-risk preterm and full-term children. We also investigated biological and environmental predictors and relations between language profiles and cognitive and motor skills.

Method

We enrolled 200 thirty-month-old Italian-speaking children—consisting of 100 low-risk preterm and 100 comparable full-term children. Parents filled out the Italian version of the MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventories Infant and Toddler Short Forms (word comprehension, word production, and incomplete and complete sentence production), Parent Report of Children's Abilities–Revised (cognitive score), and Early Motor Questionnaire (fine motor, gross motor, perception–action, and total motor scores) questionnaires.

Results

A latent profile analysis identified four profiles:poor(21%), with lowest receptive and expressive vocabulary and absent or limited word combination and phonological accuracy;weak(22.5%), with average receptive but limited expressive vocabulary, incomplete sentences, and absent or limited phonological accuracy;average(25%), with average receptive and expressive vocabulary, use of incomplete and complete sentences, and partial phonological accuracy; andadvanced(31.5%), with highest expressive vocabulary, complete sentence production, and phonological accuracy. Lower cognitive and motor scores characterized thepoorprofile, and lower cognitive and perception–action scores characterized theweakprofile. Having a nonworking mother and a father with lower education increased the probability of a child's assignment to thepoorprofile, whereas being small for gestational age at birth increased it for theweakprofile.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a need for a person-centered and cross-domain approach to identifying children with language weaknesses and implementing timely interventions. An online procedure for data collection and data-driven analyses based on multiple lexical and grammatical skills appear to be promising methodological innovations.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14818179
5G based Blockchain network for authentic and ethical keyword search engine
Authors: M Poongodi , Malviya Mohit , Hamdi Mounir , V Vijayakumar , Mohammed Mazin Abed , Rauf Hafiz Tayyab , Al‐Dhlan Kawther A.
Published: July 2021

The evolution of 4G telecommunication propagated various resource‐crunched clients to experience rate‐effective resources at ease. However, it extends its underlying centralised architecture, which arouses various challenges correlated with network data availability, network information protection, and operational infrastructure charges. With the recent revolution of telecommunication, 5G networks promised to provide credible schemes like the high quality of service, ultra‐low latency, and much security over the pre‐existing architecture. However, the deployment of end‐to‐end 5G network cutting‐edge systems in the present heterogeneous world limits its core idea of extensive data privacy, native interoperability, risk‐free interference, and radio spectrum sharing. Perhaps, to achieve its true capability, improved versions of blockchain technology could be aligned to strengthen various real‐time complex applications at a flourishing rate. One of the multiplexed real‐time enterprise applications is a keyword search engine where the integrity of user data files and keyword searches are bound to come under cyber hackers. On the one hand, it was found that when a 5G‐based blockchain emulated network gets deployed with intact encryption techniques, the entire system facilitates to give reliable, efficient, and risk‐free keyword search over variegated 5G network data and its complex computational calculations. Consequently, the use of blockchain‐based decentralised cloud orchestration scheme at various levels enabled the architecture to remain incorruptible and protects all the confidential files and keywords in a fully controlled file access environment. The results of the simulation kernel shows that proposed architecture which, when combined with blockchain‐based decentralised cloud orchestration network system, justify all the essential characteristics and effectuates the optimal use of 5G network sharing by each network entity.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae Bacteria Causing Infection in Trauma Patients: A 5-Year Experience from a Tertiary Trauma Center
Authors: Katoch Omika , Khurana Surbhi , Mathur Purva , Malhotra Rajesh
Published: July 2021

Introduction Multiple drug resistance emergences among bacteria at an alarming rate worldwide are posing a serious threat to the treatment benefits that have been achieved with antibiotics. This crisis is due to the inappropriate and overuse of existing antibiotics. We evaluated the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Enterobacteriaceae pathogens isolated from intensive care units (ICUs), wards, and outpatient department (OPD) patients.

Objectives The aim of the study is to determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern in bacteria of Enterobacteriaceae family.

Material and Methods This is a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care level-1 trauma center in the capital city of India. We collected all the retrospective data of 5 years from the laboratory information system software of the microbiology laboratory. The retrospective data included patients’ details, samples detail, organism’s identification, and their antimicrobial susceptibility testing, done by Vitek2 compact system and disk diffusion test according to each year’s Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. This study included the interpretation of zone diameters and minimum inhibitory concentrations of all isolates according to CLSI guidelines, 2018.

Results Among all the Enterobacteriaceae, Klebsiella spp. was the most commonly isolated pathogen, followed by Escherichia coli and Enterobacter spp. in ICUs and wards, while in OPD patients E. coli was the most commonly isolated pathogen, followed by Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp. Enterobacteriaceae isolates remained resistant to all classes of cephalosporins in all settings. In addition, β lactam and β-lactamase inhibitor remained less effective. Carbapenems showed less resistance than quinolones and aminoglycosides. Among the different antimicrobial agents, tigecycline proved most effective in all settings; however, it showed more resistance than other studies.

Conclusion Tigecycline proved effective among different multidrug resistance bacteria. Multidrug resistance in bacteria leads to prolonged hospital stays as well as makes the treatment less cost effective. Proper and judicious use of antimicrobials is the need of the hour.
Occupational Sharp Injury and Splash Exposure among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Mathew Roshan , Mohindra Ritin , Sahu Ankit , Bhat Rachana , Ramaswami Akshaya , Aggarwal Praveen
Published: July 2021

Background Occupational hazards like sharp injury and splash exposure (SISE) are frequently encountered in health-care settings. The adoption of standard precautions by healthcare workers (HCWs) has led to significant reduction in the incidence of such injuries, still SISE continues to pose a serious threat to certain groups of HCWs.

Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study which examined the available records of all patients from January 2015 to August 2019 who self-reported to our emergency department with history of sharp injury and/or splash exposure. Details of the patients, mechanism of injury, the circumstances leading to the injury, status of the source (hepatitis B surface antigen, human immunodeficiency virus, and hepatitis C virus antibody status), and the postexposure prophylaxis given were recorded and analyzed. Data were represented in frequency and percentages.

Results During the defined period, a total of 834 HCWs reported with SISE, out of which 44.6% were doctors. Majority of the patients have SISE while performing medical procedures on patients (49.5%), while 19.2% were exposed during segregation of waste. The frequency of needle stick injury during cannulation, sampling, and recapping of needle were higher in emergency department than in wards. More than 80% of HCWs received hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin postexposure.

Conclusion There is need for periodical briefings on practices of sharp handling as well as re-emphasizing the use of personal protective equipment while performing procedures.
The Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Gram-Positive Pathogens: Three-Year Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mumbai, India
Authors: Shah Sweta , Rampal Ritika , Thakkar Pooja , Poojary Sushima , Ladi Shweta
Published: July 2021

Introduction The growing resistance pattern of the gram-positive pathogens along with a steady increase in minimum inhibitory concentration of the currently available antibiotics have led to an increase in morbidity and mortality rates in India. This study aims to access the shifting antibiotic susceptibility paradigm of the gram-positive pathogens in various infections at a tertiary care center.

Methods This is a 3-year retrospective observational study which was performed from January 2016 to December 2018 at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai. All clinically significant gram-positive cocci isolated from a variety of clinical specimens were studied for their prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Results Out of 4,428 gram-positive isolates, Staphylococcus aureus (35.3%) was the commonly encountered pathogen, followed by Enterococcus spp. (32.1%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) (25.7%). S. aureus was majorly isolated from skin and soft tissue infections (60.3%), followed by patients with respiratory tract infections (18.2%) and blood stream infections (13%). Among S. aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), prevalence increased from 29.5% in 2016 to 35.1% in 2018, with an overall prevalence of 33.6%. All S. aureus isolates were 100% sensitive toward vancomycin, linezolid, tigecycline, and teicoplanin. However, the CoNS isolates showed a higher resistance rate with reduced susceptibility toward linezolid and teicoplanin. High prevalence of resistance was observed across gram-positive isolates with commonly used antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and erythromycin. While the prevalence of linezolid-resistant enterococcus (LRE) was 3.6%, vancomycin (VRE) and teicoplanin resistance among the enterococcus species was as high as 7.7% and 7.5%, respectively.

Conclusion Rising methicillin resistance among the Staphylococcal species (MRSA and MR-CoNS) along with reduced susceptibility toward currently available anti-MRSA agents is a matter of serious concern as it limits the therapeutic options for treating multidrug resistant (MDR) gram-positive infections.
Optimizing Outcomes in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Postcardiotomy in Pediatric Population
Authors: Salha Ahmad , Chowdhury Tasnim , Singh Saloni , Luyt Jessica , Harky Amer
Published: July 2021

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a rapidly emerging advanced life support technique used in cardiorespiratory failure refractory to other treatments. There has been an influx in the number of studies relating to ECMO in recent years, as the technique becomes more popular. However, there are still significant gaps in the literature including complications and their impacts and methods to predict their development. This review evaluates the available literature on the complications of ECMO postcardiotomy in the pediatric population. Areas explored include renal, cardiovascular, hematological, infection, neurological, and hepatic complications. Incidence, risk factors and potential predictors, and scoring systems for the development of these complications have been evaluated.
Physical activity patterns of free living dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis
Authors: Lee Anne H , Detweiler Katelyn B , Harper Tisha A , Knap Kim E , de Godoy Maria R C , Swanson Kelly S
Published: July 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects about 90% of dogs > 5 yr of age in the United States, resulting in reduced range of motion, difficulty climbing and jumping, reduced physical activity, and lower quality of life. Our objective was to use activity monitors to measure physical activity and identify how activity counts correlate with age, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), serum inflammatory markers, veterinarian pain assessment, and owner perception of pain in free-living dogs with OA. The University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approved the study and owner consent was received prior to experimentation. Fifty-six client-owned dogs (mean age = 7.8 yr; mean BCS = 6.1) with clinical signs and veterinary diagnosis of OA wore HeyRex activity collars continuously over a 49-d period. Blood samples were collected on day 0 and 49, and dog owners completed canine brief pain inventory (CBPI) and Liverpool osteoarthritis in dogs (LOAD) surveys on day 0, 21, 35, and 49. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.3 using repeated measures and R Studio 1.0.136 was used to generate Pearson correlation coefficients between data outcomes. Average activity throughout the study demonstrated greater activity levels on weekends. It also showed that 24-h activity spiked twice daily, once in the morning and another in the afternoon. Serum C-reactive protein concentration was lower (P < 0.01) at day 49 compared to day 0. Survey data indicated lower (P < 0.05) overall pain intensity and severity score on day 21, 35 and 49 compared to day 0. BW was correlated with average activity counts (P = 0.02; r = −0.12) and run activity (P = 0.10; r = −0.24). Weekend average activity counts were correlated with owner pain intensity scores (P = 0.0813; r = −0.2311), but weekday average activity count was not. Age was not correlated with total activity count, sleep activity, or run activity, but it was correlated with scratch (P = 0.03; r = −0.10), alert (P = 0.03; r = −0.13), and walk (P = 0.09; r = −0.23) activities. Total activity counts and activity type (sleep, scratch, alert, walk, and run) were not correlated with pain scored by veterinarians, pain intensity or severity scored by owners, or baseline BCS. Even though the lack of controls and/or information on the individual living conditions of dogs resulted in a high level of variability in this study, our data suggest that the use of activity monitors have the potential to aid in the management of OA and other conditions affecting activity (e.g., allergy; anxiety).
Evaluation of Liposomal Bupivacaine at Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites Through a Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Egan Katie G , Guest Rachel , Sinik Lauren M , Nazir Niaman , De Ruyter Martin , Ponnuru Satish , Bhavsar Dhaval
Published: July 2021

Split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) are commonly required in reconstructive surgery but may cause significant pain. The goal of this investigator-initiated trial is to evaluate the effect of liposomal bupivacaine on donor site pain and opioid consumption. A parallel, randomized, controlled trial of adult acute burn patients with <20% TBSA burns was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine at STSG donor sites. The control group received standard subcutaneous infiltration of dilute lidocaine solution at the STSG donor site, and the experimental group received dilute liposomal bupivacaine infiltration in a similar fashion. Donor site pain scores and opioid consumption in morphine equivalents (MEE) were evaluated. A total of 25 patients were enrolled in each group. There were no statistical differences in demographic variables, and TBSA was 4.0% in both groups (P = .94). There were no statistical differences in pain scores at any time point postoperatively (mean control range 3.1/10–4.9/10, experimental range 3.3/10–4.3/10, P = .12–.96). There were no statistical differences in opioid consumption at 24, 48, or 72 h postoperatively between the groups (mean control MEE range 49.3–71.1, experimental MEE range 63.6–75.8, P = .34–.85). The average length of stay was 7.7 days in both groups (P = .88). No adverse events occurred in either group. There is no statistical benefit to the use of liposomal bupivacaine for infiltration at STSG donor sites compared to standard of care with respect to pain control, opioid use, or length of stay when evaluated in a randomized, controlled fashion.
Artificial intelligence research in finance: discussion and examples
Authors: Veloso Manuela , Balch Tucker , Borrajo Daniel , Reddy Prashant , Shah Sameena
Published: July 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a science and engineering discipline that is highly relevant to financial services, given the significant amount and diversity of data generated (and consumed) as those services are delivered worldwide. Global banks process billions of international payments each day, while equity exchanges handle trillions of orders and billions of transactions. All of this activity is recorded as data, and driven by exogenous information sources such as news services and social media. To address these challenges, at J.P. Morgan, we established a new group dedicated to research at the intersection of AI and finance in mid-2018 to investigate how to develop and optimize the use of AI. In this article, we introduce and discuss the directions of focus of AI Research and present a few selective projects that illustrate potential novel applications to finance.
Cross-talk between clathrin-dependent post-Golgi trafficking and clathrin-mediated endocytosis in Arabidopsis root cells
Authors: Yan Xu , Wang Yutong , Xu Mei , Dahhan Dana A. , Liu Chan , Zhang Yan , Lin Jinxing , Bednarek Sebastian Y. , Pan Jianwei
Published: July 2021

Coupling of post-Golgi and endocytic membrane transport ensures that the flow of materials to/from the plasma membrane (PM) is properly balanced. The mechanisms underlying the coordinated trafficking of PM proteins in plants, however, are not well understood. In plant cells, clathrin and its adaptor protein complexes, AP-2 and the TPLATE complex (TPC) at the PM, and AP-1 at the trans-Golgi network/early endosome (TGN/EE), function in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) and post-Golgi trafficking. Here, we utilized mutants with defects in clathrin-dependent post-Golgi trafficking and CME, in combination with other cytological and pharmacological approaches, to further investigate the machinery behind the coordination of protein delivery and recycling to/from the TGN/EE and PM in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root cells. In mutants with defective AP-2-/TPC-dependent CME, we determined that clathrin and AP-1 recruitment to the TGN/EE as well as exocytosis are significantly impaired. Likewise, defects in AP-1-dependent post-Golgi trafficking and pharmacological inhibition of exocytosis resulted in the reduced association of clathrin and AP-2/TPC subunits with the PM and a reduction in the internalization of cargoes via CME. Together, these results suggest that post-Golgi trafficking and CME are coupled via modulation of clathrin and adaptor protein complex recruitment to the TGN/EE and PM.
Evidence that nuclear receptors evolved from terpene synthases
Authors: Houston Douglas R , Hanna Jane G , Lathe J Constance , Hillier Stephen G , Lathe Richard
Published: July 2021

Ligand-activated nuclear receptors (NRs) including steroid receptors orchestrate development, growth, and reproduction across all animal lifeforms - the Metazoa - but how NRs evolved remains mysterious. Given the universality of terpenoids - including steroids and retinoids - as activating NR ligands, we asked if NRs might have evolved from enzymes that catalyze terpene synthesis and metabolism. We provide evidence suggesting that NRs are a sub-branch of the terpene synthase (TS) enzyme superfamily. Based on over ten thousand 3D structural comparisons, backed up by multiple primary sequence alignments and mapping of ligand-contacting residues, we report that the NR ligand-binding domain and TS enzymes share a conserved core of seven α-helical segments. Primary sequence comparisons reveal potential amino acid sequence similarities between NRs and the subfamily of cis-isoprene transferases, in particular dehydrodolichyl pyrophosphate synthase (DHDPPS) and its obligate partner, NUS1/NOGOB receptor. Our results suggest that a ligand-gated receptor may have arisen from an enzyme antecedent, and thus resolve the long-standing debate about whether the ancestral NR was unliganded. This would also explain aspects of NR ligand 'promiscuity', with implications for the development of pharmaceuticals targeting NRs and TS enzymes.
A phase 1/2 randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled ascending dose trial to assess the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of ARCT-021 in healthy adults
Authors: Low Jenny G. , de Alwis Ruklanthi , Chen Shiwei , Kalimuddin Shirin , Leong Yan Shan , Mah Tania Ken Lin , Yuen Natalene , Tan Hwee Cheng , Zhang Summer L , Sim Jean X.Y. , Chan Yvonne F.Z. , Syenina Ayesa , Yee Jia Xin , Ong Eugenia Z. , Sekulovich Rose , Sullivan Brian B. , Lindert Kelly , Sullivan Sean B. , Chivukula Pad , Hughes Steven G. , Ooi Eng Eong.
Published: July 2021

Background

The pandemic of coronavirus disease-19 (Covid-19) continues to afflict the lives and livelihoods of many as global demand for vaccine supply remains unmet.

Methods

Phase 1 of this trial (N=42) assessed the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of ascending levels of one-dose ARCT-021, a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine against Covid-19. Phase 2 (N=64) tested two-doses of ARCT-021 given 28 days apart. Both young and older adults were enrolled. The primary safety outcomes were local and systemic solicited adverse events (AEs) reported immediately and up to 7 days post-inoculation and unsolicited events reported up to 56 days after inoculation. Secondary and exploratory outcomes were antibody and T cell responses to vaccination, respectively.

Results

ARCT-021 was well tolerated up to one 7.5 μg dose and two 5.0 μg doses. Local solicited AEs, namely injection-site pain and tenderness, as well as systemic solicited AEs, such as fatigue, headache and myalgia, were more common in ARCT-021 than placebo recipients, and in younger than older adults. Seroconversion rate for anti-S IgG was 100% in all cohorts except for the 1 μg one-dose in younger adults and the 7.5 μg one-dose in older adults, which were each 80%. Neutralizing antibody titers increased with increasing dose although the responses following 5.0 μg and 7.5 μg ARCT-021 were similar. Anti-S IgG titers overlapped with those in Covid-19 convalescent plasma. ARCT-021 also elicited T-cell responses against the S glycoprotein.

Conclusion

Taken collectively, the favorable safety and immunogenicity profiles support further clinical development of ARCT-021.
Placental vascular remodeling in pregnant women with COVID-19
Authors: Gychka Sergiy G. , Kuchyn Iurii L. , Savchuk Tetyana V. , Nikolaienko Sofia I. , Zhezhera Volodymyr M. , Chermak Ihor I. , Suzuki Yuichiro J.
Published: July 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been causing the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has so far resulted in over 180 million infections and nearly 4 million deaths. This respiratory virus uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a receptor to enter host cells, exhibiting a unique feature that affects various tissues in addition to the lungs. The present study reports that the placental arteries from women who gave birth to live full-term newborns while developing of COVID-19 during pregnancy exhibit severe vascular wall thickening and the occlusion of the vascular lumen. A morphometric analysis of the placental arteries stained with hematoxylin and eosin suggest a 2-fold increase in wall thickness and a 5-fold decrease in the lumen area. Immunohistochemistry with α-smooth muscle actin and Masson’s trichrome staining showed that such placental vascular remodeling in COVID-19 is associated with smooth muscle proliferation and fibrosis. Placental vascular remodeling may represent a mechanism of the clinical problems associated with childbirth in COVID-19 patients.
Pre-morbid risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: prospective cohort study
Authors: Batty G. David , Gale Catharine R.
Published: July 2021

Background

As a neurodegenerative disorder with high case-fatality, there is a need to identify primary, modifiable risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Their detection has, however, proved elusive and this may be ascribed to the scarcity of well-characterised, sufficiently-powered cohort studies necessary to explore the aetiology of this rare condition.

Methods

UK Biobank is an on-going, closed, prospective cohort study in which 502,524 participants (273,420 women) have been linked to national hospital and mortality registries. Baseline data collection took place between 2006 and 2010 when a range of psychosocial, physiological, and demographic data were captured.

Results

Approximately 11 years of event surveillance gave rise to 301 hospitalisations and 279 deaths ascribed to ALS. After left censoring to account for reverse causality and adjustment for confounding factors, being older (hazard ratio per 10 year increase; 95% confidence interval: 1.92; 1.58, 2.33) and male (1.37; 1.00, 1.87) were associated with elevated rates of hospitalisation for ALS. Similar effects were apparent when death due to the disorder was the outcome of interest. Of the remaining 23 potential risk indices, however, there was only a suggestion that taller people experienced an increased risk of hospitalisation (per SD increase: 1.31; 1.09, 1.59).

Conclusions

In the present study, a comprehensive array of potential risk indices were essentially unrelated to later ALS.