bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synovial fluid calprotectin performs better than synovial fluid polymerase chain reaction and interleukin-6 in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Cheok Tim , Smith Thomas , Siddiquee Shihab , Jennings Matthew P. , Jayasekera Narlaka , Jaarsma Ruurd L.
Published: March 2022

Aims

The preoperative diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a challenge due to a lack of biomarkers that are both sensitive and specific. We investigated the performance characteristics of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), interleukin-6 (IL6), and calprotectin of synovial fluid in the diagnosis of PJI.

Methods

We performed systematic search of PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Science Direct from the date of inception of each database through to 31 May 2021. Studies which described the diagnostic accuracy of synovial fluid PCR, IL6, and calprotectin using the Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria as the reference standard were identified.

Results

Overall, 31 studies were identified: 20 described PCR, six described IL6, and five calprotectin. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.78 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67 to 0.86) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.99), respectively, for synovial PCR;, 0.86 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.92), and 0.94 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.96), respectively, for synovial IL6; and 0.94 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.98) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.97), respectively, for synovial calprotectin. Likelihood ratio scattergram analyses recommended clinical utility of synovial fluid PCR and IL6 as a confirmatory test only. Synovial calprotectin had utility in the exclusion and confirmation of PJI.

Conclusion

Synovial fluid PCR and IL6 had low sensitivity and high specificity in the diagnosis of PJI, and is recommended to be used as confirmatory test. In contrast, synovial fluid calprotectin had both high sensitivity and specificity with utility in both the exclusion and confirmation of PJI. We recommend use of synovial fluid calprotectin studies in the preoperative workup of PJI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):311–320.
Animal experimental investigation on the efficacy of antibiotic therapy with linezolid, vancomycin, cotrimoxazole, and rifampin in treatment of periprosthetic knee joint infections by MRSA
Authors: Goetz Julia , Keyssner Verena , Hanses Frank , Greimel Felix , Leiß Franziska , Schwarz Timo , Springorum Hans-Robert , Grifka Joachim , Schaumburger Jens
Published: March 2022

Aims

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare, but represent a great burden for the patient. In addition, the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing. The aim of this rat experiment was therefore to compare the antibiotics commonly used in the treatment of PJIs caused by MRSA.

Methods

For this purpose, sterilized steel implants were implanted into the femur of 77 rats. The metal devices were inoculated with suspensions of two different MRSA strains. The animals were divided into groups and treated with vancomycin, linezolid, cotrimoxazole, or rifampin as monotherapy, or with combination of antibiotics over a period of 14 days. After a two-day antibiotic-free interval, the implant was explanted, and bone, muscle, and periarticular tissue were microbiologically analyzed.

Results

Vancomycin and linezolid were able to significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the MRSA bacterial count at implants. No significant effect was found at the bone. Rifampin was the only monotherapy that significantly reduced the bacterial count on implant and bone. The combination with vancomycin or linezolid showed significant efficacy. Treatment with cotrimoxazole alone did not achieve a significant bacterial count reduction. The combination of linezolid plus rifampin was significantly more effective on implant and bone than the control group in both trials.

Conclusion

Although rifampicin is effective as a monotherapy, it should not be used because of the high rate of resistance development. Our animal experiments showed the great importance of combination antibiotic therapies. In the future, investigations with higher case numbers, varied bacterial concentrations, and changes in individual drug dosages will be necessary to be able to draw an exact comparison, possibly within a clinical trial. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(3):143–151.
Valoración de competencias del docente universitario: perspectiva comparada de México y España
Authors: Manzanal Martínez Ana Isabel , Islas Torres Claudia , Romero-García Carmen , Carranza Alcántar María del Rocío
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCCIÓN. El profesorado debe dominar una amplia gama de competencias para satisfacer la demanda del actual contexto de la enseñanza universitaria. OBJETIVO. Analizar la importancia de las competencias docentes para el ejercicio profesional, asignada por una muestra de profesores universitarios, procedentes de México y España, y, además, determinar si existen diferencias en las valoraciones según las características sociodemográficas y académicas. MÉTODO. Se ha realizado un estudio comparativo, con alcance descriptivo transversal mediante un cuestionario con un total de 1.238 participantes. Las competencias seleccionadas como marco de referencia son: interpersonal, metodológica, comunicativa, planificación y gestión de la docencia, trabajo en equipo e innovación. RESULTADOS. En la valoración global, la competencia interpersonal tiene la media superior en ambos grupos, mientras que la menor para mexicanos es innovación, y para españoles, trabajo en equipo. Se apreciaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en comunicativa e innovación, con un rango promedio superior en docentes españoles frente a mexicanos. Según las características sociodemográficas y académicas, en los españoles, el sexo es la única variable que establece diferencias significativas en las valoraciones de dos competencias, comunicativa y metodológica, y siempre superior en las mujeres. Sin embargo, en mexicanos, se evidenciaron diferencias significativas con la edad para la comunicativa, siendo los rangos superiores siempre en la categoría de mayor edad, con experiencia para comunicativa e innovación, fundamentalmente en los más veteranos, y finalmente, con la rama de conocimiento para todas las competencias en el ámbito de ciencias. DISCUSIÓN. Los participantes otorgan mayor importancia a competencias instrumentales, estrechamente relacionadas con la creación, manejo y optimización del proceso de aprendizaje, que requieren capacidades cognitivas, metodológicas y técnicas junto con habilidades de relación social y comunicativas. Estos resultados son útiles a la hora de orientar futuras acciones formativas más ajustadas en ambos países para actualizar las competencias docentes.
Prioritising elective arthroplasty: a further challenge of COVID-19 Can a prioritisation scoring tool help with reducing waiting lists?
Authors: Hainsworth L , Smith LK , Price M , Odutola A
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the delivery of elective orthopaedic care in the UK, leading to a hugely increased number of patients on waiting lists. The focus has therefore now turned to reducing the backlog. We sought to develop a clear, objective and reproducible system for prioritising elective hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

The prioritisation scoring system was constructed using the Federation of Surgical Specialty Associations (FSSA) guidelines as a framework. This included current Oxford hip scores, review of imaging, waiting list duration and previous cancellations. The inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for the final prioritisation scores was tested using the Kappa statistic by two blinded surgeons independently reviewing a selection of patients on two separate occasions.

RESULTS

A random sample of 20 scores from 125 of the 136 patients on the waiting list were included in the study. The level of prioritisation was assessed by two consultant surgeons. No statistically significant intra-rater or inter-rater reliability was demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

Developing an equitable hip arthroplasty prioritisation system is an essential but challenging task. This scoring system was designed as an objective means of determining prioritisation for the elective arthroplasty waiting list within the FSSA categories of priority 3 and 4. Further refinement in light of the evolving guidelines will allow improved reliability.
March 2022 Pulmonary Case of the Month: A Sore Back Leading to Sore Lungs
Authors:   Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ USA, Wesselius Lewis , Larsen Brandon
Published: March 2022

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. History of Present Illness An 82-year-old woman from Colorado was referred because of progressive shortness of breath over the past year. Her primary care physician had prescribed Trelegy® which did not improve her dyspnea. An outside pulmonologist noted abnormal findings on her thoracic CT scan and a bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was preformed which was positive for Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC). She was treated with a 3-drug regimen (azithromycin, rifampin, ethambutol) for 6 months with mild improvement. After the treatment was stopped, she noted more dyspnea and required supplemental oxygen. She underwent a fundoplication and initially improved but a month later her shortness of breath seemed to worsen. She was started on prednisone which was tapered to 10 mg/day. She was referred to the Mayo Clinic for possible VATS lung biopsy. Past Medical History (PMH), Social History (SH), Family History (FH) PMH • Hiatal Hernia/GERD • Ulcerative Colitis • Hypertension • Chronic back …
Underwater optical wireless communication performance enhancement using 4D 8PAM trellis-coded modulation OFDM with DFT precoding
Authors: Xu Lin , He Jing , Zhou Zhihua , Xiao Yaoqiang
Published: March 2022

A 4D 8-pulse amplitude modulation trellis-coded modulation-based orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (4D 8PAM TCM-OFDM) scheme combined with discrete Fourier transform (DFT) precoding is proposed and experimentally demonstrated in an underwater optical wireless communications system. It can resist power fading caused by the attenuation, scattering, and reflection in the water channel. The experimental results show that, after transmission over the water–air channel and at the bit error rate of

3.8

×

1

0

−
3

, the improvement in the receiver sensitivity is 0.88 dB using the 4D 8PAM TCM-OFDM scheme, compared to the conventional 64QAM-OFDM scheme. In addition, the proposed 4D 8PAM TCM-OFDM scheme combined with DFT precoding can compensate for unbalanced impairments, and it can obtain 1.28 dB receiver sensitivity improvement, compared to the conventional 64QAM-OFDM scheme with DFT precoding.
Availability analysis of a ship-to-ground FSO link
Authors: Júnior Airton F. G. , Azzolin Claisso P. , Castillo Claudio A. R. , Carneiro Vítor G. A.
Published: March 2022

This paper analyzes the availability of a free-space optical (FSO) communication link, established between a maritime platform and a land base. In this analysis, the impact of the laser beam misalignment, caused by the vessel’s six oscillatory motions in a seaway, is considered. The hydrodynamic system is modeled, through a ship’s response amplitude operator (RAO), under a typical sea-state condition. Finally, the link availability is calculated based on FSO losses, considering a beam with Gaussian power distribution.
Imaging polarimetry through metasurface polarization gratings
Authors: Rubin Noah A. , Chevalier Paul , Juhl Michael , Tamagnone Michele , Chipman Russell , Capasso Federico
Published: March 2022

Metasurfaces—subwavelength arrays of phase-shifting elements—present new possibilities for polarization optics and polarimetry. In particular, a periodic, polarization-sensitive metasurface diffraction grating can enable full-Stokes imaging polarimetry with a single polarization-sensitive component. In this work, we show that a suitably-designed metasurface grating can serve as a polarimetric “attachment” to an existing intensity-only imaging system, converting it into one capable of full-Stokes imaging polarimetry. Design rules and tradeoffs governing this adaptation are described and demonstrated using a machine vision imaging system as an example.
Neural network assisted design of plasmonic nanostructures on superconducting transition-edge-sensors for single photon detectors
Authors: Rodrigo Sergio G. , Pobes Carlos , Sánchez Casi Marta , Martín-Moreno Luis , Camón Lasheras Agustín
Published: March 2022

Transition edge sensors (TESs) are extremely sensitive thermometers made of superconducting materials operating at their transition temperature, where small variations in temperature give rise to a measurable increase in electrical resistance. Coupled to suitable absorbers, they are used as radiation detectors with very good energy resolution in several experiments. Particularly interesting are the applications that TESs may bring to single photon detection in the visible and infrared regimes. In this work, we propose a method to enhance absorption efficiency at these wavelengths. The operation principle exploits the generation of highly absorbing plasmons on the metallic surface. Following this approach, we report nanostructures featuring theoretical values of absorption reaching 98%, at the telecom design frequency (λ = 1550 nm). The optimization process takes into account the TES requirements in terms of heat capacity, critical temperature and energy resolution leading to a promising design for an operating device. Neural networks were first trained and then used as solvers of the optical properties of the nanostructures. The neural network topology takes the geometrical parameters, the properties of materials and the wavelength of light as input, predicting the absorption spectrum at single wavelength as output. The incorporation of the material properties and the dependence with frequency was crucial to reduce the number of required spectra for training. The results are almost indistinguishable from those calculated with a commonly used numerical method in computational electromagnetism, the finite-difference time-domain algorithm, but up to 106 times faster than the numerical simulation.
Orthogonality of diffractive deep neural network
Authors: Zheng Shuiqin , Xu Shixiang , Fan Dianyuan
Published: March 2022

Some rules of the diffractive deep neural network (D2NN) are discovered. They reveal that the inner product of any two optical fields in D2NN is invariant and the D2NN acts as a unitary transformation for optical fields. If the output intensities of the two inputs are separated spatially, the input fields must be orthogonal. These rules imply that the D2NN is not only suitable for the classification of general objects but also more suitable for applications aimed at optical orthogonal modes. Our simulation shows the D2NN performs well in applications like mode conversion, mode multiplexing/demultiplexing, and optical mode recognition.
Temperature-dependent second-harmonic generation from color centers in diamond
Authors: Abulikemu Aizitiaili , Kainuma Yuta , An Toshu , Hase Muneaki
Published: March 2022

Under infrared ultrashort pulse laser stimulation, we investigate temperature-dependent second-harmonic generation (SHG) from nitrogen-vacancy (NV)-introduced bulk diamond. The SHG intensity decreases in the temperature range of 20–300°C, due to phase mismatching caused by refractive index modification. We discover that optical phonon scattering outperforms acoustic phonon scattering in NV diamond by fitting the temperature dependence of the SHG intensity using a model based on the bandgap change via the deformation potential interaction. This study presents an efficient and viable way for creating diamond-based nonlinear optical temperature sensing.
High-efficiency one-dimensional metalens for 3D focusing
Authors: Xia Han , Sheng Tianyao , Ding Jigen , Li Mengmeng , Yu Yefeng
Published: March 2022

We demonstrate a high-efficiency on-chip one-dimensional metalens for three-dimensional (3D) light focusing. The metalens consists of a one-dimensional dielectric nano-antenna array, which scatters the evanescent wave of a nano-waveguide into free space and focuses this scattered light into a 3D ring. The corresponding phase profile of the metalens is controlled by the relative locations of antennas in the array. Through antenna-waveguide distance optimization, the designed metalens only scatters 1.5% of propagation light into free space and 55% of the scattered energy is focused into the 3D ring. When we use the antennas with an optimized shape, 50.18% of the focused energy is concentrated in a circular arc of the ring, which subtends an angle of 48°. This high-efficiency on-chip one-dimensional metalens is promising for non-invasive optical signal detection in photonic integrated chips.
Machine-learning-empowered multispectral metafilm with reduced radar cross section, low infrared emissivity, and visible transparency
Authors: Zhu Ruichao , Wang Jiafu , Jiang Jinming , Xu Cuilian , Liu Che , Jia Yuxiang , Sui Sai , Zhang Zhongtao , Liu Tonghao , Chu Zuntian , Wang Jun , Cui Tie Jun , Qu Shaobo
Published: March 2022

For camouflage applications, the performance requirements for metamaterials in different electromagnetic spectra are usually contradictory, which makes it difficult to develop satisfactory design schemes with multispectral compatibility. Fortunately, empowered by machine learning, metamaterial design is no longer limited to directly solving Maxwell’s equations. The design schemes and experiences of metamaterials can be analyzed, summarized, and learned by computers, which will significantly improve the design efficiency for the sake of practical engineering applications. Here, we resort to the machine learning to solve the multispectral compatibility problem of metamaterials and demonstrate the design of a new metafilm with multiple mechanisms that can realize small microwave scattering, low infrared emissivity, and visible transparency simultaneously using a multilayer backpropagation neural network. The rapid evolution of structural design is realized by establishing a mapping between spectral curves and structural parameters. By training the network with different materials, the designed network is more adaptable. Through simulations and experimental verifications, the designed architecture has good accuracy and robustness. This paper provides a facile method for fast designs of multispectral metafilms that can find wide applications in satellite solar panels, aircraft windows, and others.
The ER membrane complex (EMC) can functionally replace the Oxa1 insertase in mitochondria
Authors: Güngör Büsra , Flohr Tamara , Garg Sriram G. , Herrmann Johannes M.
Published: March 2022

Two multisubunit protein complexes for membrane protein insertion were recently identified in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER): the guided entry of tail anchor proteins (GET) complex and ER membrane complex (EMC). The structures of both of their hydrophobic core subunits, which are required for the insertion reaction, revealed an overall similarity to the YidC/Oxa1/Alb3 family members found in bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. This suggests that these membrane insertion machineries all share a common ancestry. To test whether these ER proteins can functionally replace Oxa1 in yeast mitochondria, we generated strains that express mitochondria-targeted Get2–Get1 and Emc6–Emc3 fusion proteins in Oxa1 deletion mutants. Interestingly, the Emc6–Emc3 fusion was able to complement an Δoxa1 mutant and restored its respiratory competence. The Emc6–Emc3 fusion promoted the insertion of the mitochondrially encoded protein Cox2, as well as of nuclear encoded inner membrane proteins, although was not able to facilitate the assembly of the Atp9 ring. Our observations indicate that protein insertion into the ER is functionally conserved to the insertion mechanism in bacteria and mitochondria and adheres to similar topological principles.
Insight into real-world complexities is required to enable effective response from the aquaculture sector to climate change
Authors: Falconer Lynne , Telfer Trevor C. , Garrett Angus , Hermansen Øystein , Mikkelsen Eirik , Hjøllo Solfrid Sætre , McAdam Bruce J. , Ytteborg Elisabeth
Published: March 2022

This study demonstrates how a comprehensive knowledge base can be used by the aquaculture industry, researchers, and policymakers as a foundation for more targeted and detailed climate change impact analysis, risk assessments and adaptation planning. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) production in Norway was used as a case study and to illustrate the need to consider impacts from multiple stressors across different production stages and the wider supply chain. Based on literature searches and industry news, a total of 45 impacts and 101 adaptation responses were identified. Almost all impacts were linked to multiple climate stressors, and many adaptation responses can be used for a range of impacts. Based on the research, a move towards more targeted and detailed assessments is recommended. This can be facilitated through a strong knowledge base, further research to address complexities, and better communication between all stakeholders. The results also demonstrate the need for more climate change research that reflects the challenges that the aquaculture sector faces, where multiple stressors and the range of impacts across production stages and the wider supply chain are included. Highlighting the wide range of stressors, impacts and adaptation responses provides a more holistic understanding of the real-world complexities that aquaculture producers face. This again could facilitate adoption of more effective responses to climate change needed to maintain or increase production sustainably.
Factors associated with in-hospital mortality of adult tetanus patients–a multicenter study from Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Md. Abdullah Saeed , Hasan Mohammad Jahid , Rashid Md. Utba , Kha Sagar Soumik , Khan Sanzida , Zaman Susmita , Sumon Sultan Mahamud , Basher Ariful , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain , Nabi Mohammad Hayatun , Kakoly Nadira Sultana
Published: March 2022

Background

Tetanus, a vaccine-preventable disease, is still occurring in the elderly population of low- and middle-income countries with a high case-fatality rate. The objective of the study was to elucidate the factors associated with in-hospital mortality of tetanus in Bangladesh.

Methods

This prospective observational study, conducted in two specialized infectious disease hospitals, conveniently selected adult tetanus patients (≥18 years) for inclusion. Data were collected through a preformed structured questionnaire. Kaplan Meier survival analysis and univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis were carried out to assess factors associated with in-hospital mortality among patients. All analysis was done using Stata (version 16) and SPSS (version 26).

Results

A total of 61 tetanus cases were included, and the overall in-hospital mortality rate was 34.4% (n = 21). Patients had an average age of 46.49 ±15.65 years (SD), and the majority were male (96.7%), farmers (57.4%), and came from rural areas (93.4%). Survival analysis revealed that the probability of death was significantly higher among patients having an age of ≥ 40 years, incubation time of ≤12 days, onset time of ≤ 4 days, and having complication(s). However, on multivariable Cox regression analysis, age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 4.03, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.07–15.17, p = 0.039) and onset time (≤4 days) (aHR 3.33; 95% CI 1.05–10.57, p = 0.041) came as significant predictors of in-hospital mortality after adjusting for incubation period and complications.

Conclusion

Older age and short onset time are the two most important determinants of in-hospital mortality of tetanus patients. Hence, these patients require enhanced emphasis and care.
Linkage disequilibrium and population structure in a core collection of Brassica napus (L.)
Authors: Rahman Mukhlesur , Hoque Ahasanul , Roy Jayanta
Published: March 2022

Estimation of genetic diversity in rapeseed is important for sustainable breeding program to provide an option for the development of new breeding lines. The objective of this study was to elucidate the patterns of genetic diversity within and among different structural groups, and measure the extent of linkage disequilibrium (LD) of 383 globally distributed rapeseed germplasm using 8,502 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. We divided the germplasm collection into five subpopulations (P1 to P5) according to geographic and growth habit-related patterns. All subpopulations showed moderate genetic diversity (average H = 0.22 and I = 0.34). The pairwise Fst comparison revealed a great degree of divergence (Fst > 0.24) between most of the combinations. The rutabaga type showed highest divergence with spring and winter types. Higher divergence was also found between winter and spring types. Admixture model based structure analysis, principal component and neighbor-joining tree analysis placed all subpopulations into three distinct clusters. Admixed genotype constituted 29.24% of total genotypes, while remaining 70.76% belongs to identified clusters. Overall, mean linkage disequilibrium was 0.03 and it decayed to its half maximum within < 45 kb distance for whole genome. The LD decay was slower in C genome (< 93 kb); relative to the A genome (< 21 kb) which was confirmed by availability of larger haplotype blocks in C genome than A genome. The findings regarding LD pattern and population structure will help to utilize the collection as an important resource for association mapping efforts to identify genes useful in crop improvement as well as for selection of parents for hybrid breeding.
Mixed methods systematic review and metasummary about barriers and facilitators for the implementation of cotrimoxazole and isoniazid—Preventive therapies for people living with HIV
Authors: Müller Pia , Velez Lapão Luís
Published: March 2022

Background

Cotrimoxazole and isoniazid preventive therapy (CPT, IPT) have been shown to be efficacious therapies for the prevention of opportunistic infections and tuberculosis (TB) among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite governments’ efforts to translate World Health Organization recommendations into practice, implementation remains challenging. This review aimed to explore and compare CPT and IPT with respect to similarities and differences of barriers identified across high TB/HIV burden countries. A secondary objective was to identify facilitators for implementing both preventive therapies.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases for peer-reviewed literature published before September 2020. We extracted and synthesized our findings using Maxqda software. We applied framework synthesis in conjunction with metasummary to compare both therapies with respect to similarities and differences of barriers identified across seven health system components (in line with the modified WHO’s Framework for action). Protocol registration: PROSPERO (CRD42019137778).

Findings

We identified four hundred and eighty-two papers, of which we included forty for review. Although most barrier themes were identical for both preventive therapies, we identified seven intervention-specific themes. Like for CPT, barriers identified for IPT were most frequently classified as ‘service delivery-related barriers’ and ‘patient & community-related barriers’. ‘Health provider-related barriers’ played an important role for implementing IPT. Most facilitators identified referred to health system strengthening activities.

Conclusions

For researchers with limited working experience in high TB/HIV burden countries, this review can provide valuable insights about barriers that may arise at different levels of the health system. For policymakers in high TB/HIV burden countries, this review offers strategies for improving the delivery of IPT (or any newer therapy regimen) for the prevention of TB. Based on our findings, we suggest initial and continuous stakeholder involvement, focusing on the efficient use and reinforcement of existing resources for health.
Towards better reliability in fetal heart rate variability using time domain and spectral domain analyses. A new method for assessing fetal neurological state?
Authors: Zizzo Anne Rahbek , Kirkegaard Ida , Uldbjerg Niels , Hansen John , Mølgaard Henning
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) has shown potential in fetal surveillance. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the reliability of time domain and spectral domain parameters based on non-invasive fetal electrocardiography (NI-FECG).

Method

NI-FECG, with a sampling frequency of 1 kHz, was obtained in 75 healthy, singleton pregnant women between gestational age (GA) 20+0 to 41+0. The recording was divided into a) heart rate pattern (HRP) and b) periods fulfilling certain criteria of stationarity of RR-intervals, termed stationary heart rate pattern (SHRP). Within each recording, the first and the last time series from each HRP with less than 5% artifact correction were analyzed and compared. Standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR-intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), high frequency power (HF-power), low frequency power (LF-power), and LF-power/HF-power were performed. A multivariate mixed model was used and acceptable reliability was defined as intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ≥ 0.80 and a coefficient of variation (CV) ≤ 15%. Based on these results, the CV and ICC were computed if the average of two to six time series was used.

Results

For GA 28+0 to 34+6, SDNN and RMSSD exhibited acceptable reliability (CV < 15%; ICC > 90%), whereas GA 35+0 to 41+0and 20+0 to 27+6 showed higher CVs. Spectral domain parameters also showed high CVs However, by using the mean value of two to six time series, acceptable reliability in SDNN, RMSSD and HF-power from GA 28+0 was achieved. Stationarity of RR-intervals showed high influence on reliability and SHRP was superior to HRP, whereas the length of the time series showed minor influence.

Conclusion

Acceptable reliability seems achievable in SDNN, RMSSD and HF-power from gestational week 28. However, stationarity of RR-intervals should be considered when selecting time series for analyses.
Residual tensile force estimation method for earth anchor using elasto-magnetic sensing system
Authors: Park Sehwan , Kim Junkyeong , Lee Changgil
Published: March 2022

The earth anchor method is used to prevent landslides, and repair and reinforce cut or steep slopes due to its benefits of ease of construction and economic feasibility. However, the loss of anchor force has become a problem, which may cause failure and collapse of slopes when the anchor force drops below the design anchor force. While numerous studies have been conducted to solve this problem, measuring the residual tensile force of existing earth anchors remains a challenge, as prior studies required sensors to be installed inside structural members at the time of construction. Therefore, to address this limitation, an experiment was performed in this study to develop an elasto-magnetic (EM) sensor for measuring tensile force based on the EM effect, which could be installed on externally exposed anchor heads. The commercial software ANSYS Maxwell was used to analyze the optimal sensor design for the experiment. Additionally, a series of tests to measure the tensile force was conducted by fabricating the sensor based on the numerical analysis results. The area of B-H curves measured by developed EM sensor was increased according to the decrease of tensile force. Also, The tensile force estimation equation was derived and verified using measured data. According to the results, the proposed method can be one of the solution for measuring residual tensile force of earth anchor.
Integrated RNA gene expression analysis identified potential immune-related biomarkers and RNA regulatory pathways of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Shao Guangyao
Published: March 2022

Background

Acute lesions are among the most important causes of death due to vascular lesions worldwide. However, there are no accurate genetic markers for Acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This project will use microarray integration analysis in bioinformatics analysis to find and validate relevant AMI gene markers.

Methods

Five microarray gene expression datasets were downloaded through the GEO database. We identified 50 significant DEGs by comparing and analyzing gene expression between 92 AMI and 57 standard samples. The BioGPS database screened differentially expressed genes specific to the immune system. DEGs were mainly involved in immune-related biological processes based on Enrichment analysis. Eight hub genes and three-gene cluster modules were subsequently screened using Cytoscape and validated using Box plot’s grouping comparison and ROC curves. Combined group comparison results and ROC curves analysis concluded thatAQP9,IL1B, andIL1RNmight be potential gene markers for the AMI process. We used the StarBase database to predict target miRNAs for eight essential genes. The expected results were used to screen and obtain target lncRNAs. Then Cytoscape was used to create CeRNA networks. By searching the literature in PubMed, we concluded thatAQP9,IL1B, andIL1RNcould be used as gene markers for AMI, whileFSTL3-miR3303p-IL1B/IL1RNandACSL4-miR5905p-IL1Bcould be used as RNA regulatory pathways affecting AMI disease progression.

Conclusions

Our study identified three genes that may be potential genetic markers for AMI’s early diagnosis and treatment. In addition, we suggest thatFSTL3-miR-330-3p-IL1B/IL1RNandACSL4-miR-590-5p-IL1Bmay be possible RNA regulatory pathways to control AMI disease progression.
Diet composition and diversity does not explain fewer, smaller urban nestlings
Authors: Grabarczyk Erin E. , Gill Sharon A. , Vonhof Maarten J. , Alabady Magdy S. , Wang Zengyan , Schmidt Jason M.
Published: March 2022

The reproductive success of animals breeding in cities is often lower compared to counterparts that inhabit rural, suburban, and peri-urban areas. Urban dwelling may be especially costly for offspring development and survival. Diet composition and diversity may underlie factors that lead to lower fitness, particularly if prey abundance and quality decline in modified environments. Moreover, breeding success may change over the course of a season, an effect that may be augmented in urban areas. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that habitat and date affected nestling house wren (Troglodytes aedon) body condition and survival, and examined whether diet explained differences in nestling success. We monitored urban and rural populations of house wrens breeding in nest boxes, and tested whether clutch size, nestling survivorship, and nestling body condition varied by habitat or by date, and then characterized the diet of a subset of nestlings with DNA metabarcoding of fecal samples. Urbanization had clear impacts on house wren nestling fitness: urban broods contained fewer, smaller nestlings. Early nestling survival decreased as the breeding season progressed, and this effect was more pronounced in the urban population. However, the diets of urban and rural nestlings were similar and did not explain differences in body condition. Instead, across populations, diet changed with date, becoming less diverse, with fewer Lepidoptera and more Orthoptera. Regardless of habitat, adult house wrens provide nestlings with similar types of foods, but other factors, such as quantity or quality of prey delivered, may lead to fitness disparities between urban and rural nestlings.
Visual attention prediction improves performance of autonomous drone racing agents
Authors: Pfeiffer Christian , Wengeler Simon , Loquercio Antonio , Scaramuzza Davide
Published: March 2022

Humans race drones faster than neural networks trained for end-to-end autonomous flight. This may be related to the ability of human pilots to select task-relevant visual information effectively. This work investigates whether neural networks capable of imitating human eye gaze behavior and attention can improve neural networks’ performance for the challenging task of vision-based autonomous drone racing. We hypothesize that gaze-based attention prediction can be an efficient mechanism for visual information selection and decision making in a simulator-based drone racing task. We test this hypothesis using eye gaze and flight trajectory data from 18 human drone pilots to train a visual attention prediction model. We then use this visual attention prediction model to train an end-to-end controller for vision-based autonomous drone racing using imitation learning. We compare the drone racing performance of the attention-prediction controller to those using raw image inputs and image-based abstractions (i.e., feature tracks). Comparing success rates for completing a challenging race track by autonomous flight, our results show that the attention-prediction based controller (88% success rate) outperforms the RGB-image (61% success rate) and feature-tracks (55% success rate) controller baselines. Furthermore, visual attention-prediction and feature-track based models showed better generalization performance than image-based models when evaluated on hold-out reference trajectories. Our results demonstrate that human visual attention prediction improves the performance of autonomous vision-based drone racing agents and provides an essential step towards vision-based, fast, and agile autonomous flight that eventually can reach and even exceed human performances.
Knowledge, behaviours and attitudes towards Evidence-Based Practice amongst physiotherapists in Poland. A nationwide cross-sectional survey and focus group study protocol
Authors: Płaszewski Maciej , Krzepkowska Weronika , Grantham Weronika , Wroński Zbigniew , Makaruk Hubert , Trębska Joanna
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Evidence-Based Practice, EBP, is recognised, along with team work and patient-centred care, as a core competency in contemporary healthcare. However, dissemination and implementation of EBP remains problematic and is dependent on various external and internal factors, from personal through institutional to systemic, factors, with specific characteristics for different professions, contexts and settings. Knowledge, behaviours, attitudes, as well as facilitators and barriers towards EBP amongst physiotherapists, have been widely explored worldwide, but never in Poland. This study is part of a nationwide project, including dissemination actions addressing EBP in physiotherapists registered in Poland. Our purpose is to explore the issues of knowledge, behaviours, experiences, and attitudes of physiotherapists in Poland towards EBP. Descriptive research studies are warranted before analytical investigations and dissemination activities are conducted.

Methods

We plan to conduct a quantitative, cross-sectional study–an online survey amongst the total population of physiotherapists registered in Poland to assess knowledge, behaviours and use of EBP (Study 1), and a qualitative study to allow physiotherapists to voice their opinions and to explore their experiences and attitudes towards EBP (Study 2). The EBP2 questionnaire, Polish validated translation, will be used for Study 1, in a web-based survey. A focus group approach will be applied for Study 2, with purposive sampling to achieve a representative picture of physiotherapists with respect to setting, specialty, seniority, educational degrees, and age. We will follow an inductive approach, using topics rather than questions.

Results

We will present the results of the studies separately, as typically presented in relevant study types: Study 1 will be reported addressing the domains and items of the EBP2, in relation to the independent variables, and Study 2 will be discussed using the themes and illustrative quotes analyses.

Discussion

We are aware that significant non-response, spin and Hawthorne effect may potentially bias our findings.
Secondary postpartum hemorrhage: Incidence, etiologies, and clinical courses in the setting of a high cesarean delivery rate
Authors: Chainarong Natthicha , Deevongkij Kittiya , Petpichetchian Chusana
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence, etiologies, and clinical outcomes of secondary postpartum hemorrhage in a hospital with a high cesarean section rate and to compare the etiologies of secondary postpartum hemorrhage following cesarean delivery versus vaginal delivery.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 123 women with secondary postpartum hemorrhage who were treated at a tertiary-level hospital between January 2004 and June 2018. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used for data analysis.

Results

The incidence of secondary postpartum hemorrhage was 0.21%. The median onset of bleeding was 12 days after delivery. Fifty-two percent of the deliveries were by cesarean section. The most common etiology of secondary postpartum hemorrhage was endometritis (67.5%), followed by retained placental tissue (21.1%). Women who delivered by cesarean section had a higher rate of endometritis (80.0% vs 53.4%) and a lower rate of retained placental tissue (10.8% vs. 32.8%) than those who delivered vaginally. Surgical intervention included uterine evacuation in 29.3% and hysterectomy in 8.1% of the patients. Five percent of women were treated by embolization.

Conclusions

Endometritis was the most common cause of secondary postpartum hemorrhage. Women who delivered by cesarean section were less likely to have retained placental tissue but were at higher risk for endometritis and uterine pseudoaneurysm than those who delivered vaginally.
Bifocal lesions have a poorer treatment outcome than a single lesion in adult patients with intracranial germinoma
Authors: Kang Yu-Mei , Lee Yi-Yen , Lin Shih-Chieh , Chang Feng-Chi , Hsu Sanford P. C. , Lin Chun-Fu , Liang Muh-Lii , Chen Hsin-Hung , Wong Tai-Tong , Lan Keng-Li , Chao Yee , Chen Yi-Wei
Published: March 2022

Intracranial germinoma (IG) rarely occurs in adults. Its optimal treatment strategy is unclear. We evaluated the outcomes of radiotherapy in adults with intracranial germinoma. Data of 29 adult patients (age, 18–52 years; median age, 24.3 years) with IG treated with radiotherapy at Taipei Veterans General Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. They were followed up for a median time of 5.9 years (range, 1.0–12.8 years). We used the Kaplan–Meier method to estimate the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models to identify the factors affecting PFS. PFS and OS were compared between adult and pediatric patients with IG. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year PFS rates were 96.6%, 85.8%, and 77.8%, respectively, in the adult patients, and the OS rate were all 100%. Seven patients (24.1%) experienced recurrence, and in six of them, salvage therapy successfully controlled the disease. Two patients (6.9%) died after 5 years of follow-up due to disease progression and central pontine myelinolysis. In the univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, bifocal lesions had a significantly lower PFS than those with single lesions (p = 0.008). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that adult patients had a poorer PFS (p = 0.06) and OS (p = 0.025) than pediatric patients. Our study showed bifocal lesions were associated with lower PFS than a single lesion among adult IG patients, and adult IG patients tended to have poorer PFS and OS compared to pediatric IG patients. For adult patients with bifocal IG, we recommend treatment with craniospinal irradiation, whole ventricle irradiation (WVI) with chemotherapy, or frequent spine images follow-up for patients who received only WVI.
Enhancing the prediction of hospitalization from a COVID-19 agent-based model: A Bayesian method for model parameter estimation
Authors: Hadley Emily , Rhea Sarah , Jones Kasey , Li Lei , Stoner Marie , Bobashev Georgiy
Published: March 2022

Agent-based models (ABMs) have become a common tool for estimating demand for hospital beds during the COVID-19 pandemic. A key parameter in these ABMs is the probability of hospitalization for agents with COVID-19. Many published COVID-19 ABMs use either single point or age-specific estimates of the probability of hospitalization for agents with COVID-19, omitting key factors: comorbidities and testing status (i.e., received vs. did not receive COVID-19 test). These omissions can inhibit interpretability, particularly by stakeholders seeking to use an ABM for transparent decision-making. We introduce a straightforward yet novel application of Bayes’ theorem with inputs from aggregated hospital data to better incorporate these factors in an ABM. We update input parameters for a North Carolina COVID-19 ABM using this approach, demonstrate sensitivity to input data selections, and highlight the enhanced interpretability and accuracy of the method and the predictions. We propose that even in tumultuous scenarios with limited information like the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, straightforward approaches like this one with discrete, attainable inputs can improve ABMs to better support stakeholders.
Vaccination conspiracy beliefs among social science & humanities and STEM educated people—An analysis of the mediation paths
Authors: Pavić Željko , Šuljok Adrijana
Published: March 2022

Understanding vaccine hesitancy is becoming increasingly important, especially after the global outbreak of COVID-19. The main goal of this study was to explore the differences in vaccination conspiracy beliefs between people with a university degree coming from different scientific fields—Social Sciences & Humanities (SH) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The study was conducted on an online convenience sample of respondents with college and university degrees in Croatia (N = 577). The results revealed that respondents educated in SH proved to be more prone to vaccination conspiracy beliefs. The indirect effect through science literacy was confirmed, while this was not the case for the indirect effects through health beliefs (natural immunity beliefs) and trust in the healthcare system. However, all three variables were important direct predictors of vaccination conspiracy beliefs. Female gender and religiosity were positively correlated with vaccination conspiracy beliefs, while age was not a statistically significant predictor. The authors concluded by emphasizing the necessity of the more theoretically elaborated approaches to the study of the educational and other socio-demographic differences in vaccine hesitancy.