bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal Parasitic Infections among the Pediatric Patients in a Metropolitan City of Bangladesh with Emphasis on Cryptosporidiosis
Authors: Nipa Nusrat Jahan , Akter Nasima , Hira Hasina Momotaj , Akter Farhana , Jahan Dilshad , Islam Salequl , Etando Ayukafangha , Chowdhury Kona , Ahmad Rahnuma , Haque Mainul
Published: March 2022

Background: Gastrointestinal parasitic infections are one of the global health concerns in developing countries like Bangladesh. Among them, Cryptosporidium spp. plays an essential role in causing diarrhea, malnutrition, and poor cognitive function, especially in children. The study was conducted to identify the frequency of cryptosporidium cases and other parasitic agents. Methods: A Cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 219 hospitalized children with diarrhea. The conventional microscopic technique was applied for parasitic detection. A particular staining procedure was performed to identify oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. And PCR was conducted to determine the SSU rRNA and gp60 gene of Cryptosporidium. Results: Cyst of Giardia, ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (AL), Trichuris trichiura (TT), AL, and TT were identified in 2.3%, 1.4%, 0.5%, and 0.9% samples by wet mount preparation. The distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. was 1.4% and 4.1%, which was detected by the staining method and nested PCR. Factors independently associated with Cryptosporidium infection are unsafe water, lack of regular hand washing, and insufficiency of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions: This is the first report to detect the frequency of Cryptosporidium and other intestinal parasites and associated factors in Chattogram city of Bangladesh.
Pharmacogenetic Perspective for Optimal Gout Management
Authors: Alrajeh Khalifa , Roman Youssef M
Published: March 2022

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is the study of how variations of the patient genetic makeup could influence the selection and dosing of medications, including urate-lowering therapies (ULTs). Patients with gout present with several comorbidities, warranting the use of several long-term medications that increase their pill burden and the risk of adverse drug events. PGx testing can identify individuals who are more or less likely to benefit from a given treatment and ultimately improve adherence and reduce polypharmacy. Gout management involves using various ULTs associated with specific genetic variations that could modulate medication safety and efficacy. Individuals carrying the HLA-B*58:01 variant are at a higher risk of serious and life-threatening skin reactions from taking allopurinol. Besides, racial disparities in HLA-B distribution warrant testing for its status in high-risk populations, specifically some Asian subgroups and African Americans. G6PD-deficient individuals are prone to develop hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia with pegloticase and probenecid use. Patients with the less active form of the drug-metabolizing CYP2C9 are at higher risk for NSAID-related upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The drug-gene pair interactions among various gout therapies were also reviewed. Allopurinol-related genes included AOX, ABCG2, and SLC22A12. Febuxostat-related genes included UGT1A1. Benzbromarone- and probenecid- related genes included SLC22A12 and ABCB1. Colchicine-related genes included CYP2D6, ABCB1, rs6916345 G>A, and SEPHS1. Finally, the corticosteroid-related gene included HCG22; and the anakinra-related gene included IL1RA. This review synthesizes the most contemporary level of evidence for using PGx in gout pharmacotherapy, as referenced in the CPIC guidelines, FDA, PharmGKB, and current literature.
Phthalate Esters Metabolic Strain Gordonia sp. GZ-YC7, A Potential Soil Degrader for High Concentration Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate
Authors: Hu Tong , Yang Chen , Hou Zhengyu , Liu Tengfei , Mei Xiaotong , Zheng Lianbao , Zhong Weihong
Published: March 2022

As commonly used chemical plasticizers in plastic products, phthalate esters had become a serious ubiquitous environmental pollutant, such as in soil of plastic film mulch culture. Microbial degradation or transformation was regarded as a suitable strategy to solve the phthalate esters pollution. Thus, a new phthalate esters degrading strain Gordonia sp. GZ-YC7 was isolated in this study, which exhibited the highest di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate degradation efficiency under 1000 mg/L and the strongest tolerance to 4000 mg/L. The comparative genomic analysis showed that there exist diverse degradation pathways for various phthalate esters such as di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and dibutyl phthalate in Gordonia sp. GZ-YC7, which possibly contributes to its broad substrate spectrum, high degrading efficiency and high tolerance to phthalate esters. Gordonia sp. GZ-YC7 is potential for bioremediation of phthalate esters in polluted soil environments.
Low Power EEG Data Encoding For Brain Neurostimulation Implants
Authors: Fragkou Aikaterini , Kakarountas Athanasios , Kokkinos Vasileios
Published: March 2022

This research refers to the creation of a method of medical technology such as a device that can collect, encode, temporarily store, and transfer electroencephalographic signals from epileptic patients for study and evaluation. For applying the specific apparatus related to neurostimulation technologies such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) the approaches followed concern three basic levels. The first level is concerned with initial modelling and creating the template for the following two stages. Further on, the second level is based on developing code for programming integrated circuits and simulation with the appropriate software. The third and final stage is the most substantial, as the transmitter’s construction is attempted at the evaluation level. In particular, more than one software and device are involved in this phase for the most realistic performance of the desired result. However, it is worth noting that the principal goal of this study is to achieve low consumption rates for the device’s complete and smooth operation. As a result, this research aims to evolve this device so that it can send data wirelessly and simultaneously provide energy efficiency.
Pressure Interpretations in Acid Fracturing Treatments
Authors: Pandey Vibhas
Published: March 2022

Acid fracturing is a preferred method of stimulating low-permeability limestone formations throughout the world. The treatment consists of pumping alternating cycles of viscous pad and acid to promote differential etching, thereby creating a conductive acid-etched fracture.

Acid type, pad and acid volumes, and the injection rates in the designed pump schedule are based on treatment objectives, rock types, and in-situ conditions such as temperatures, in-situ stress, proximity to water-bearing layers, and others. During the acid fracturing treatment, the acid-rock interaction is often marked by signature pressure responses, that are a combined outcome of acid reaction kinetics, responses to changes in fluid viscosity and densities, fluid-frictional drop in narrow hydraulic fractures, and other such parameters. This paper focuses on interpretation of bottomhole pressures (BHPs) during acid fracturing treatment to separate these individual effects and determine the effectiveness of the treatment.

Unlike propped fracturing treatments where most fracturing treatments result in net pressure gain, acid fracturing treatments seldom result in net pressure increase at the end of the treatment because the in-situ stresses are generally relieved during the rock dissolution and fracture width creation process that results from acid-mineral reactions. Not only is the extent of stress relief evident from the difference in the start and the end of the treatment instantaneous shut-in pressures, the loss of stresses is also apparent during the treatment itself, especially in jobs where the treatment data are constantly monitored and evaluated in real time. The study reveals that the changes in pressure responses with the onset of acid in the formation can be successfully used to determine the effectiveness of treatment design and can aid in carrying out informed changes during the treatment. Better understanding of these responses can also lead to more effective treatment designs for future jobs.

The interpretation developed in the study can be applied to most of the acid fracturing treatments that are pumped worldwide.
A Strategy to Identify Event Specific Hospitalizations in Large Health Claims Databases
Authors: Lambert Joshua , Sandhu Harpal , Kean Emily , Xavier Teenu , Brokman Aviv , Steckler Zachary , Park Lee , Stromberg Arnold
Published: March 2022

Background: Health insurance claims data offer a unique opportunity to study disease distribution on a large scale. Challenges arise in the process of accurately analyzing these raw data. One important challenge to overcome is the accurate classification of study outcomes. For example, using claims data, there is no clear way of classifying hospitalizations due to a specific event. This is because of the inherent disjointedness and lack of context that typically come with raw claims data. Methods: In this paper, we propose a framework for classifying hospitalizations due to a specific event. Results: We then test this framework in a health insurance claims database with approximately 4 million US adults who tested positive with COVID-19 between March and December 2020. Our claims specific COVID-19 related hospitalizations proportion is then compared to nationally reported rates from the Centers for Disease Control by age and sex.Conclusions: The proposed methodology is a rigorous way to define event specific hospitalizations in claims data. This methodology can be extended to many different types of events and used on a variety of different types of claims databases.
An oxidative stress response gene model for the prediction of prognosis and therapeutic responses in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cai Xiujun , Hong Junjie
Published: March 2022

Background:Oxidative stress response genes are critical for the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Still, the predictive value for prognosis and treatment response of oxidative stress response genes needs further elucidation. Results:﻿We obtained the transcriptomic data and corresponding clinicopathological information of HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. Oxidative stress response genes (OSRGs) were retrieved from the MSigDB database. LASSO Cox regression analysis was utilized to establish an integrated multi-gene signature in the TCGA cohort, and its prediction performance was validated in the ICGC cohort. The risk score of each patient ware determined by the multi-gene signature. The CIBERSORT algorithm was employed to evaluate the immune cell infiltration. Response rate to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy was assessed using a TIDE platform. Tumor mutation burden was estimated using VarScan processed somatic mutation data. The drug activity data from the Cancer Genome Project and NCI-60 human cancer cell lines were used to predict sensitivity to chemotherapy. Finally the established gene signature comprises G6PD, MT3, CBX2, CDKN2B, CCNA2, MAPT, EZH2, and SLC7A11. Patients with high risk scores had shorter overall survival. The risk score was identified as an independent prognostic marker. The immune cell infiltration patterns, response rates to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy, and the estimated sensitivity of 89 chemotherapeutic drugs were associated with risk scores. Individual prognostic gene was also associated with the susceptibility of various FDA-approved drugs. Conclusion:﻿Our study indicates that an integrated transcriptomic analysis may provide a reliable molecular model that better predicts diagnosis and forecasts the response of ICI therapy and chemotherapy.
Prognosis and Immune Cell Infiltration Analysis of OAS Family Genes in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Wang Xingyun , Cheng Yan , Tian Yuan , Song Zheyao , He Zikang , Shen Ping , Wang Huan , Luo Liangyu , Cui Rongjun
Published: March 2022

2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) family is interferon (IFN) -induced antiviral enzymes including OAS1, OAS2, OAS3, and OAS-like (OASL) is increasingly thought to play significant roles in human cancers. This study aims to explore the potential role of OAS family genes with a new clue to providing insights on tumor immune mechanisms implicated here. High expression levels of OAS family gene were observed in most cancer types. OAS family gene expression in tumor samples correlated with poor overall survival in several cancers such as Brain Lower Grade Glioma (LGG). OAS family genes were associated with M1 macrophages in cancers. Tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI) correlated with OAS family genes dysregulation in cancers. OAS1/OAS3/OASL is a promising target for AP-26113, and OAS2/OASL is more likely to be an effective target for itraconazole. OAS1 and OASL were significantly correlated with their pathological stages in KIRC. OAS family genes were positively correlated with M1 macrophages. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA ) results demonstrated OAS1/OAS2/OASL have pathways commonly associated with immunity in KIRC such as natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity. Our study suggests that OAS family genes may influence cancer development, particularly KIRC, by modulating M1 macrophages and NK cells.
Real-Time Nodal Devices’ Buffer Capacities Provisioning for Lossless Data Communication Traffic Flows
Authors: Eyinagho Monday Ofori , Falaki Samuel Oluwole
Published: March 2022

Carrier Service Providers define a Bandwidth Profile, which enables them bill for bandwidth usage and engineer their networks’ resources to provide performance assurances for in-profile Service Frames. The CBS (Committed Burst Size) is one of the parameters of this profile. Similarly, in the context of the guaranteed and controlled-load services’ provisioning of theInternet, IETF’s (Internet Engineering Task Force’s) T-SPEC (traffic specification) defines a parameter known as burst tolerance, b. Likewise, in the Intserv (Integrated Service) use of RSVP (Resource Reservation Protocol), a service type is specified and quantitative traffic parameters are expressed using the token (buffered leaky) bucket model: Maximum Burst Size, B is one of the parameters of this model. Therefore, a major question that is usually asked in these contexts is: How should applications determine the CBS or b or B of their flows? This basically will be for the purpose of engendering optimal use of network resources, specifically, the use of buffer capacities in nodal devices (switches/routers). In this paper, we describe the derivation of a formula for Nodal Devices Buffers’ Capacities Provisioning, for lossless data communication traffic flows.
Efficacy and Safety of Piezocision in Accelerating Maxillary Anterior Teeth En-Masse Retraction: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: xu yichen , Liu yuehua , Yu Liming , Wang Yuhui , Pan Jie , Tong Xianqin , Li Yuanyuan , Yang Yanjing
Published: March 2022

Background: Orthodontic treatment is commonly more time-consuming in adults than in teenagers, especially when it comes to the maxillary en-masse retraction, which may take 9 months or even longer. As to solve this concern, orthodontists have been striving to seek new methods for shortening orthodontic treatment time. Piezocision, as a popular alternative treatment, have been widely used in different types of tooth movement. However, its effect on en-masse retraction of maxillary anterior teeth remains unclear. This randomized controlled trial intends to figure out the role piezocision plays in accelerating en-masse retraction. Methods: This protocol is designed for a prospective, single-center, assessor-blinded and parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Twenty adult patients aged from 18 to 40 whose orthodontic treatment required bilateral maxillary first premolars extraction will be randomly assigned to the piezocision group and the control group at a ratio of 1:1. The piezocision group will undergo en-masse retraction immediately after the piezo surgery, while the control group will start en-masse retraction directly. Both groups will be followed up every two weeks to maintain the retraction force until the end of space closure. The space closing time is set as the primary endpoint. Meanwhile, the secondary endpoints include the change of root length, labial and palatal alveolar bone thickness, vertical bone height, probing depth of maxillary anterior teeth, cephalometric measurements, visual analogue scale, and postoperative satisfaction questionnaire.Discussion: This study will attempt to provide more convincing evidence to verify whether piezocision will shorten the time of en-masse retraction or not. Distinguished with previous studies, our study has made some innovations in orthodontic procedure and primary outcome measurement, aiming to clarify the efficacy and safety of piezocision-assisted en-masse retraction in Chinese population.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR 1900024297. Registered on 5 July 2019.
Invasional Meltdown-Under? Toads Facilitate Cats By Removing A Naïve Top Predator
Authors: Doody J. Sean , Rhind David , McHenry Colin M. , Clulow Simon
Published: March 2022

Australia has been a battleground of invasive vs. native species for ~200 years. Two of the most impactful invasive species to Australian animal communities are the toxic cane toad (Rhinella marina) and the predatory feral cat (Felis catus). Australia’s native fauna is evolutionarily naïve to both invaders because neither’s taxonomic group is native to the continent. Both invaders have had severe effects on Australian native animal communities including species extinctions, extirpations, and severe population declines, but until now their effects have been thought to be independent of one another. Here we present evidence for invasional meltdown: Invasive cane toads apparently facilitated feral cats by removing a naïve, native top predator from the ecosystem. Camera trap and track station data (>4,000 trap nights) spanning 11 years demonstrated, as expected, that invading cane toads rapidly decimated populations of two species of monitor lizards (97-99% declines), including the top-order predatory Varanus panoptes, at three sites in northwestern Australia. Unexpectedly, this loss was associated with a >10-fold mean increase in detection rates of cats by five years after the loss of V. panoptes, reflecting relative increases of 3.3-8.7 individual cats per site. Although some unknown factor may have caused an increase in cats, their similar trophic position and niche to V. panoptes suggests that toads facilitated cats by effectively removing the lizards from the animal community. The potentially synergistic tandem of cane toads and feral cats could have chronic, irreversible effects on animal communities due to the extreme difficulty of controlling these invaders.
Dual water-electricity cooperation improves economic benefits and water equality in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin
Authors: Zhang Bingyao , Li Yu , Zhang Chi , Hu Chunhong , Fu Guangtao , Cai Ximing
Published: March 2022

Transboundary river cooperation provides an effective pathway to maintain regional security and sustainable development; however, its implementation is a pressing and prominent concern due to lack of appropriate compensation measures and effective incentive strategies. Here we develop a dual water-electricity cooperation (DWEC) framework that combines water and electricity trading to meet the often-conflicting demands of participating countries. The results from the Lancang-Mekong River Basin reveal that substantial benefits in both economic and social aspects can be achieved through coupling regional water and electricity trades. Economic benefits can be obtained by expanding cooperation space and thereby greatly improving the willingness of countries to participate in basin-wide cooperation. Electricity trading plays a key role in loss compensation for water exporters, ensuring no loss for any party and maximizing basin-wide benefits. Furthermore, the DWEC improves regional water use equality, especially in water shortage periods when there is severe competition among water users. The proposed cooperation framework provides a viable way to implement cooperation in transboundary river basins.
Regulation of Adropin by Sitagliptin Monotherapy in Participants With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wang Qiu , An Yu , Zhang Lin , Zhang Yuanying , Wang Guang , Liu Jia
Published: March 2022

Background: Adropin is a potent metabolic regulator of insulin sensitivity and glycolipid metabolism. The present study investigated the effects of sitagliptin on adropin and metabolic parameters in participants with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D).Methods: Thirty-five participants were diagnosed with T2D and were prescribed sitagliptin 100 mg once daily for 17 weeks. Twenty-eight age-, sex-, and BMI-matched healthy subjects were included as the control group. Adropin and clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and after treatment.Results: Serum adropin levels were lower in T2D participants than in the healthy individuals (3.12 ± 0.73 vs. 5.90 ± 1.22 ng/ml, P < 0.01). Serum adropin levels were significantly increased in T2D patient after sitagliptin treatment (4.97 ± 1.01 vs. 3.12 ± 0.73 ng/ml, P < 0.01). The changes in serum adropin levels after sitagliptin treatment were parallel with the improving of fasting blood glucose (FBG) (β = -0.71, P < 0.01), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (β = -0.44, P < 0.01) and homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) (β = 9.02, P < 0.01).Conclusions: Sitagliptin treatment significantly increased serum adropin levels in participants with newly diagnosed T2D. And the changes in serum adropin levels were parallel with the amelioration of glucose metabolism. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04495881. Retrospectively registered on 3 August 2020.
Influence of emotionally affective imaginations on the Adaptive Force in young woman: unpleasant imaginations reduce the holding capacity of muscles
Authors: Schaefer Laura V , Dech Silas , Wolff Lara L , Bittmann Frank N
Published: March 2022

Emotionally affective imaginations can influence the Adaptive Force (AF) in healthy participants as was recently shown in an exploratory study. The AF describes the neuromuscular holding capacity in reaction to an increasing external force, which was suggested to be especially vulnerable for interfering inputs. The present study investigated the influence of pleasant and unpleasant food imaginations on the manually assessed AF of elbow and hip flexors objectified by a handheld device in 12 healthy participants in an improved design. Baseline measurements, randomization of imagination tasks and single-blinding were implemented. The maximal isometric Adaptive Force (AFisomax) was significantly reduced during unpleasant vs. pleasant imaginations and baseline (p < 0.001, dz = 0.98 to 1.61). During unpleasant imaginations muscle lengthening started at 59.00 ± 22.50% of the maximal AF, which was reached during eccentric muscle action. For baseline measurements and pleasant imaginations, this ratio amounted ~97.90 ± 5.00% for both muscles, indicating that the participant was able to maintain the isometric position during the entire external force increase. For those stable adaptations, oscillations arose in force signal at a level of ~72.26 ± 12.89% of AFmax, whereby they occurred under isometric conditions. For unpleasant imaginations, the onset of oscillation was at a force of 84.28 ± 14.03% of AFmax, which in most cases was after the muscle started to lengthen.In conclusion, healthy participants showed an impaired holding function triggered by unpleasant imaginations, which are assumed to be related to negative emotions. This muscular instability is suggested to lead to joint destabilization which can result in musculoskeletal complaints. Therefore, the findings might support the understanding of the causal chain of linked musculoskeletal pain and mental stress. A case example (current stress vs. positive imaginations) will be presented, underpinning the hypothesis this approach might support psychomotor diagnostics and therapeutics.
Loss of Starch Synthase IIIa changes starch molecular structure and granule morphology in grains of hexaploid bread wheat
Authors: Fahy Brendan , Gonzalez Oscar , Savva George A. , Warren Frederick J. , Ahn-Jarvis Jennifer H. , Lovegrove Alison , Dunn Jack , Hazard Brittany A.
Published: March 2022

Starch Synthase III plays a key role in starch biosynthesis and is highly expressed in developing wheat grains. To understand the contribution of SSIII to starch and grain properties, we developed wheat ssIIIa mutants in the elite cultivar Cadenza using in silico TILLING in a mutagenized population. SSIIIa protein was undetectable by immunoblot analysis in triple ssIIIa mutants carrying mutations in each homoeologous copy of ssIIIa (A, B and D). Loss of SSIIIa in triple mutants led to significant changes in starch phenotype including smaller A-type granules and altered granule morphology. Starch chain-length distributions of double and triple mutants indicated greater levels of amylose than sibling controls (33.8% of starch in triple mutants, and 29.3% in double mutants vs. 25.5% in sibling controls) and fewer long amylopectin chains. Wholemeal flour of triple mutants had more resistant starch (6.0% vs. 2.9% in sibling controls) and greater levels of non-starch polysaccharides; the grains appeared shrunken and weighed ~11% less than the sibling control which was partially explained by loss in starch content. Despite the elevation in resistant starch, the other effects on starch and grain properties may hamper the usefulness of ssIIIa mutants in breeding applications.
Identification of Function LncRNAs Associated With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Fang Jun , Wang An , Zhu Wuhui
Published: March 2022

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract. New diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed for HCC. To investigate potential pathogenic and prognostic long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with HCC, we conduct this study.
Material and Methods
Gene expression matrix were obtained from TCGA and GEO databases. The overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TCGA and GEO databases were analyzed using the limma package. Then we constructed mRNA-lncRNA-miRNA network. In the end, Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and survival analysis were performed to find hub lncRNAs related to diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
Results
In total, 299 DEGs including 10 lncRNAs and 289 mRNAs were acquired. The mRNA-lncRNA-miRNA network comprised of four lncRNAs (GSEC, LINC00844, LINC01146 and MIR99AHG), 49 miRNAs and 25 mRNAs. GO and KEGG analysis shown that four lncRNAs were mainly enriched in cell cycle. In addition, survival analysis demonstrated that there is a significant correlation between GSEC and overall survival rate. Finally, the expression of LINC00844, LINC01146 and MIR99AHG were down-regulated in HCC tissues, and GSEC was up-regulated.
Conclusion
In summary, four lncRNAs including GSEC, LINC00844, LINC01146 and MIR99AHG may play an important part in the development of HCC. The function of these lncRNAs may have a great effect to the overall survival rate of HCC.
Serious Environmental Threat Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Plant Natural Fibers: Different Extraction Methods and Morphological Properties for Polymer Composite Applications
Authors: Thangiah Winowlin Jappes Jebas , Arivendan Ajithram , Basha Adamkhan Mahaoob , Nagarajan Rajini , Daphne Reena
Published: March 2022

The aim of this research is to explore the different types of water hyacinth plant fiber extraction methods, as well as the effects of several extraction methods to obtain appropriate hyacinth fibers. During this research, we first tried several extraction methods, such as the conventional retting process, manual extraction method, hot water extraction method, and chemical hot water boiling method. Nevertheless, in all cases, the fiber quantity produced by this method is very low, while the quality of the fiber surface is harmed. An automated machine with the help of a bare motor is then used to perform the extraction process through mechanical means. The goal of the hyacinth fiber production process is to produce a much higher quantity of good-quality fiber. Only mechanical extraction is capable of accomplishing this goal. A mechanically extracted fiber has a cellulosic content of 65 to 68%, and a hemicellulose content of 35%, as well as a lignin content of 2.56% and moisture content of 0.215%. Water hyacinth fibers measure 45 to 65 cm long, 150 mm wide, and have a density of 1.226 grams per cubic centimeter. Specifically, the results showed that the fiber surface conditions had an impact on the optimum length of the hyacinth fiber.
Clinical Efficacy and Diagnostic Value of Metagenomic Next- Generation Sequencing for Rapid Pathogen Detection in Patients with Suspected Infectious Diseases
Authors: Xiao Yang-hua , Liu Mei-fang , Wu Hong-wen , Xu De-rong , Zhang Wei , Zhao Rui
Published: March 2022

Background
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a powerful method for the diagnosis of suspected infections, avoiding empirical broad-spectrum therapy and lessening the risk of drug resistance. However, little is known about its clinical efficacy and diagnostic value when used in routine practice.
Methods
A reference panel of 10 microorganisms was designed to characterize mNGS test accuracy. Retrospective study was performed to compare the diagnostic value of mNGS tests and culture in infectious disease, and evaluated the clinical efficacy of mNGS based on interpretation of mNGS results by clinicians as well as whether leading to a favorable clinical outcome.
Results
At a typical sequencing depth and the concentration of human DNA up to 100,000 cells/ml, the sequencing platform can still detect pathogens at concentration of 400 CFU/ml. Among 518 patients, the sensitivity and specificity of mNGS for diagnosing infectious disease were 79.49% and 82.20%, respectively. The bacteria and fungus detection rate (apart from candida) were significantly higher than culture (P < 0.01). Test sensitivity and specificity of mNGS were 78.40 and 95.27% for bacteria and 75.23 and 93.95% for fungi, respectively. mNGS was especially practical in identification of atypical pathogens, contributing a positive impact in 267(51.54%) cases in which 142 cases where mNGS results directly led to a change in treatment.
Conclusions
mNGS significantly improved sensitivity for bacteria and fungi identification, is a valuable tool for for identifying infectious patients and could optimize antimicrobial therapy to improve the clinical outcomes. Further multicenter and prospective studies with larger samples are needed to validate the clinical efficacy and diagnostic value of mNGS.
Less identifiable but no less helpful: Face masks do not go along with selfish behavior
Authors: Seetahul Yashvin , Greitemeyer Tobias
Published: March 2022

Covering the face with masks in public settings has been recommended since the start of the pandemic. Because faces provide information about identity, and that face masks hide a portion of the face, it is plausible to expect individuals who wear a mask to consider themselves less identifiable. Prior research suggests that perceived identifiability is positively related to prosocial behavior, and with two pre-registered field studies (total N = 5706) we provide a currently relevant and practical test of this relation. Our findings indicate that mask wearers and non-wearers display equivalent levels of helping behavior (Studies 1 and 2), although mask wearers have a lower level of perceived identifiability than those without a mask (Study 2). Overall, our findings suggest that claims that face masks are related to selfish behavior are not warranted, and that there is no practical link between perceived identifiability and prosocial behavior.
The efficacy of XEN gel stent implantation in glaucoma: a systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: Duan Xuanchu , Yang Xiang , Zhao Yang , Zhong Yu
Published: March 2022

Background Xen45 is a device of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, which is indicative for refractory glaucoma. The issues of XEN45 in treating glaucoma remains to be confirmed and clarified. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy and complication of XEN45 implantations.Methods We conducted a literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang and SinoMed databases to identify studies published before May 15, 2021, that assessed XEN45 in glaucoma, and measurements included intra-ocular pressure (IOP), number of anti-glaucoma medications (NOAM), and bleb needling rate. We compared the measurements of XEN-only procedure between phaco-XEN and trabeculectomy, and we also did sub-analysis according to time points, glaucoma types, ethnics, etc. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias were conducted for evaluating bias.Results We identified 78 eligible studies, analysis revealed obvious IOP reduction after XEN stent implantation (SMD: 1.69, 95% CI 1.52 to 1.86, p value < 0.001) and NOAM reduction(SMD: 2.11, 95% CI 1.84 to 2.38, p value < 0.001). Sub-analysis showed no significant difference according to time points, ethnics, and economic status. No significant difference was found between XEN treatment effect on POAG and PEXG eyes and between pseudo-phakic and phakic eyes. No significant difference was found between XEN and phaco-XEN surgery according to IOP after surgery (SMD: -0.01, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.08, p value 0.894). However, NOAM (after publication bias correction) and bleb needling rate (RR: 1.45, 95% CI 1.06to 1.99, p value 0.019) was lower in phaco-XEN group compared to XEN only group. Compared to trabeculectomy, XEN implantation has similar after-surgery IOP, however bleb needling rate (RR: 2.42, 95% CI 1.33 to 4.43, p value 0.004) was higher.Conclusion Our results confirmed that XEN45 is effective in both lowering IOP and NOAM until 48 months after surgery. It is noteworthy that XEN implantation leads to higher needling rate, compared to phaco-XEN or trabeculectomy. Further studies studying complications of XEN and on non-European ethnics, especially on Asian, are in urgent need before XEN45 is widely applied.
Predicted fundamental niche expansion of Agarophyton vermiculophyllum under present and future climate scenarios
Authors: Mendoza-Segura Clara , Fernández Emilio , Beca-Carretero Pedro
Published: March 2022

The introduction of new species in marine ecosystems is a phenomenon that has grown in recent years due to anthropogenic activities and climate change effects. Agarophyton vermiculophyllum, a red seaweed native from the north-eastern Pacific, has successfully colonised large regions in the Northern Hemisphere; however, there are no studies to date investigating how future climate conditions will affect its potential biogeographical range. In this investigation, we implemented species distribution models (SDMs) based on sea surface temperature (SST) and salinity to determine the potential current, and future distribution of A. vermiculophyllum based on two climate scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways [RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5]). The model built for A. vermiculophyllum showed a high discriminatory ability and marked sensitivity. The SDM for present climate settings showed a potential wider distribution than is recorded to date. In addition, a subtle habitat expansion of 2.9º into higher latitudes was reported under the RCP 2.6 scenario by the end of this century. The high carbon emission scenario (RCP 8.5) delivered a potential large habitat expansion (6.0º), even reaching arctic latitudes. Under this climate scenario, it was also observed a remarkable habitat loss of 11° in its southern distribution range. SMDs also forecasted suitable areas for this species in the Southern Hemisphere, pointing toward a potential global expansion in the coming decades. The information reported in this study is relevant to developing management plans to effectively implement contingency actions addressing invasion events, thereby fostering adequate habitat conservation policies.
Shouting strengthens voluntary force during sustained maximal effort through enhancement of motor system state via motor commands
Authors: Takarada Yudai , Nozaki Daichi
Published: March 2022

Previous research indicates that shouting during momentary maximal exertion effort potentiates the maximal voluntary force through the potentiation of motor cortical excitability. However, the muscular force-enhancing effects of shouting on sustained maximal force production remain unclear. We investigated the effect of shouting on the motor system state by examining motor evoked potentials in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation applied over the hand area of the contralateral primary motor cortex (M1) during sustained maximal voluntary contraction, and by assessing handgrip maximal voluntary force. We observed that shouting significantly increased handgrip maximal voluntary force and reduced the silent period. Our results indicate that shouting increased handgrip voluntary force during sustained maximal exertion effort through the reduced silent period. This is the first objective evidence that the muscular force-potentiating effect of shouting during maximal force exertion is associated with the potentiation of motor system activity produced by the additional drive of shouting operating on the motor system (i.e., shouting-induced excitatory input to M1).
Implant Migration and Functional Outcome of Reverse Shoulder Lateralized Glenosphere Line Extension System: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jensen Marie Louise , Olsen Bo Sanderhoff , Nyring Marc Randall Kristensen , Yilmaz Müjgan , Petersen Michael Mørk , Flivik Gunnar , Rasmussen Jeppe Vejlgaard
Published: March 2022

Background Inferior scapular notching is a complication unique to reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The most efficient technique to avoid inferior scapular notching has been reported to be lateralization of the glenoid offset. This study aims to compare radiological and functional outcomes of the DELTA Xtend® Reverse Shoulder System Lateralized Glenosphere Line Extension (intervention group) with the Standard DELTA Xtend® Reverse Shoulder System (control group).MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, all Danish citizens with rotator cuff arthropathy or degeneration of the glenohumeral joint with severe posterior wear and allocated for a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty at the department of orthopaedic surgery at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital will be considered for participation. The exclusion criteria are: Below 50 years of age; Cognitive or linguistic impairment; Insufficient glenoid bone stock; Previous fracture in the upper extremity; Autoimmune mediated inflammatory arthritis. There will be included a total of 122 patients of which 56 will participate in the radiostereometric analysis. This number of patients allows 20% to drop out. The primary outcome is the pattern and magnitude of the migration of the glenoid component and functional outcome (WOOS score). The secondary outcomes are the position of the arthroplasty, loosening, inferior scapular notching, patient-reported and functional outcomes (Oxford shoulder score, Constant Murley score and pain), number of complications, readmissions, revision, changes in bone mineral density and economy. The migration is assessed by radiostereometric analysis and the bone mineral density. The included patients will be examined before the surgery, within 1 week and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after.DiscussionNo previous studies have compared the conventional reverse shoulder arthroplasty with the lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasty in a randomized controlled trial regarding functional, radiographic and patient-reported outcomes. Furthermore, radiostereometric analysis has not been used to evaluate the migration of reverse shoulder arthroplasty. This study intends to determine which treatment is best for the benefit of future patients with an indication for reverse shoulder arthroplasty.Trial registrationThe study has been notified to Pactius and has approval number P-2021-231. Furthermore, the study will be registered on clinicaltrials.gov before start inclusion.
A Novel Ward-based Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for Elderly Orthopedic Patients and Analysis of Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications
Authors: Kong Chao , Zhang Yanhong , Wang Chaodong , Wang Peng , Li Xiangyu , Wang Wei , Wang Yu , Shen Jianghua , Ren Xiaoyi , Wang Tianlong , Zhao Guoguang , Lu Shibao
Published: March 2022

Background: The effectiveness of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) has been confirmed to reduce perioperative complications of geriatric patients. But there is no universally accepted standardization of CGA for orthopedic surgery. In this study, a novel CGA strategy was applied to evaluate the conditions of elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery from a broad view and to identify potential risk factors for postoperative complications. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from March 2019 to December 2020.The study enrolled patients for elective or confined orthopedic surgery if they were over the age of 75 years old. All patients were enrolled and treated with help from a multidisciplinary team. A structured CGA was conducted to identify high-risk elderly patients and to facilitate coordinated multidisciplinary team care by a geriatric team. The basic patient characteristics and CGA results were collected in addition to postoperative complication and mortality rates. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for postoperative complications. Results: A total of 214 patients with an age of 81.07 ± 4.78 (range, 75–100) years were prospectively enrolled in this study. In total, 66 (30.8%) complications were registered, including one death from myocardial infarction (mortality rate, 0.5%). Poor ADL and IADL were accompanied by frailty, worse American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, visual analogue scale score, and nutritional status. Poor ADL was also associated with higher risks of falling, polypharmacy, and cardiac and respiration complications. Poor IADL was associated with higher risk of cardiac and respiration complications. Higher stroke risk was accompanied by higher risks of cardiac complications, delirium, and hemorrhage. Worse ASA scale was associated with worse ADL, IADL, and frailty, and higher delirium risk. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that spinal fusion (odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65 to 0.83; p = 0.0214), blood loss(OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.31 to 2.01; p = 0.0168), ADL (severe dysfunction or worse) (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.81; p = 0.0413), IADL (serious dependence) (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.33 to 1.63; p = 0.0436), renal function (CKD ≥ stage 3a) (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.54 to 2.55; p = 0.0133), and malnutrition(OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.74 to 2.56; p = 0.0101) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. All P <0.05.Conclusion: Spinal fusion, blood loss, ADL (severe dysfunction or worse), IADL (serious dependence), renal function (CKD ≥ stage 3a) and nutrition MNA (malnourished) were independent risk factors of postoperative complications following orthopaedic surgery in elderly patients.
Fiber Bragg Grating-Based Garment For Monitoring Human Body Temperature
Authors: Wang Xiujuan , Jiang Yaming , Xu Siyi , Li Xiaozhi , Liu Hao
Published: March 2022

Body temperature provides an insight into the physiological state of a person and body temperature changes reflect much information about human health. In the present study, a garment for monitoring human body temperature based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors is reported. The FBG sensor was encapsulated by a PMMA tube and calibrated in the thermostatic water bath. It has good vibration resistance and the wavelength changes about 0-1pm at 0.5-80Hz vibration frequency. The path of optical fiber was discussed and its bending radius was equal or greater than 20mm, so that the lower bending loss can be achieved when the garment was stretched on the human body. The FBG sensor, the optical fiber and garment were integrated together using hot melt glue by the electric iron and the hot press machine. Through experiments of monitoring human body temperature, the sensor can reach the human armpit temperature in about 15min with the upper arm close to the torso. For it is immune to electromagnetic interferences, the smart garment can be used in some special environments such as ultrasonography, magnetic resonance (MR) and aerospace.
3D Point Cloud Target Detection Method Based on R-PointGNN
Authors: Li Nianfeng , Li Yan , Wang Yuying , Xiao Zhiguo , Zhao Nan , Li Yupeng
Published: March 2022

Point cloud target detection completes the interaction of 3D features such as vector position and reflection intensity in the coordinate system and 3D visualization with visual enhancement effects, which are widely used in virtual reality, augmented reality and autonomous driving. However, the disorder, sparsity and overlap of LiDAR point clouds increase the difficulty of point cloud recognition. To address this problem, a 3D point cloud target detection model named R-PointGNN (Residual-Graph Neural Network) based on graph neural network is proposed. Deep residual connections are constructed on the graph neural network structure. Firstly, the semantic graphs of the point clouds are constructed by the nearest neighbor algorithm; then, the feature transfer and state update of the graphs are completed by the improved edge convolution; finally, the residual connections are introduced to connect multiple layers of states and extract deep features. Experiments on the KITTI dataset show that the method performs well in the point cloud target detection task with a high degree of discrimination.