bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plan de marketing para el lanzamiento de un box para la preparación de cócteles al mercado de Lima Moderna
Authors:   , Canchos Lopez Diego Luis , Martinez Arango Hilvie Anthuane , Pasquel Machado Sharon Estefany
Published: April 2022

Esta idea de negocio se origina debido al contexto provocado por la pandemia y que actualmente nos afecta, tanto a nuestro país como a nivel mundial, por lo que pudimos identificar una oportunidad de negocio que es rentable, no afecta el medio ambiente y es un emprendimiento peruano. Como se mencionó anteriormente, debido a la pandemia surgieron nuevos comportamientos a partir de la nueva realidad que se está viviendo, claro ejemplo de esto, son las nuevas maneras que el público ha encontrado de poder celebrar eventos como cumpleaños, reuniones familiares, reuniones entre amigos, entre otras. Apoyados en plataformas virtuales como zoom o Google Meet, buscaron poder seguir celebrando momentos especiales. Luego de esto, con el levantamiento de algunas medidas restrictivas, se empezaron a popularizar las reuniones en cada hogar, descartando la posibilidad de poder asistir a bares o discotecas. A partir de esto, identificamos que nuestro público objetivo siempre busca innovar, pero manteniendo la preferencia de acompañar sus reuniones con tragos, cocteles y licores de gran calidad. Por lo que, surge nuestra propuesta de poder comercializar box de cócteles para preparar en casa, a partir de licores de gran calidad y alto posicionamiento en el mercado, ofreciendo una alternativa innovadora y práctica para el acompañamiento de sus celebraciones y a su vez, sea segura, puesto que la adquisición de nuestro producto es mediante delivery, y no necesariamente de manera presencial. A partir de lo ya mencionado, el objetivo del presente plan de negocios es determinar la viabilidad económica, financiera, tecnológica, social y de mercado para el lanzamiento de una empresa comercializadora de packs de cócteles para preparar en casa y que se ofrecerá en Lima Moderna...
Precisión de métodos de estimación de edad dental con la edad cronológica en pacientes atendidos en la ciudad de Cusco - Perú, 2021
Authors:   , Rios Florez Elflori Ricardo
Published: April 2022

Objetivo. Establecer el nivel de precisión de los métodos de Demirjian, Willems I y su modificación Willems II para estimar la edad dental en radiografías panorámicas digitales en pacientes de 5 a 16 años que acudieron al centro radiológico CERADENT Cusco – Perú, de enero a junio del 2021. Métodos. Este trabajo fue de tipo descriptivo comparativo, transversal y retrospectivo, se analizaron 220 radiografías digitales de pacientes (6-16 años), se consignó los estadios de maduración dental propuestos por Demirjian y cols. En cada pieza dental de la hemiarcada inferior izquierda para posteriormente estimar la edad dental mediante los métodos de Willems I, II y Demirjian. Resultados. Se aplicó la prueba Willcoxon para determinar la significancia de los resultados. Para el total de la muestra se evidencio que de los métodos estudiados Demirjian fue el más preciso presentando una ligera subestimación de edad en algunos rangos etarios para ambos sexos, seguido del método de Willems II y finalmente el menos preciso es el método de Willems I existiendo diferencias mínimas entre estos métodos, también se evidencio similitudes entre los resultados obtenidos a través de los métodos de Willems I y II. Conclusiones. El método del Demirjian es el más preciso para poder estimar la edad dental en una población cusqueña, sin embargo, al no existir diferencias amplias entre los métodos estudiados los tres métodos resultan aplicables en una población cusqueña.
Marketing digital y gestión de ventas de la empresa Mascota Veloz S.A.C., Lima - 2021
Authors:   , Errea Ocampo Paola Dolores
Published: April 2022

La investigación se desarrolló en el contexto de la pandemia del COVID-19, específicamente en sus implicancias y efectos en los negocios, considerando la evolución del consumidor y los negocios de la forma física a la digital, a través de la implementación del e-commerce y la aplicación del marketing digital (M.D) para la comercialización de artículos en el mercado de mascotas, por ello se estableció como objetivo el determinar la relación entre el marketing digital y la gestión de ventas (G.V.) de la empresa Mascota Veloz S.A.C., Lima, 2021. Se empleó una metodología de investigación de tipo básica, diseño no experimental, enfoque cuantitativo y correlacional que se basó en la revisión de literatura del tema, seguida de la recolección de datos, mediante la aplicación de dos encuestas a una muestra de 65 clientes, empleando como instrumento el cuestionario online, uno por cada variable M.D y G.V., ambos con un Alfa de Cronbach de .904 y .906 respectivamente. Los resultados indicaron un nivel de correlación positiva muy fuerte, con un Pearson de .826, siendo la prueba significativa con valor de probabilidad = 0.001; < 0.05 para la hipótesis general de la investigación con lo cual se concluyó que el M.D. se relaciona positiva y directamente con la G.V.
Exposición a violencia en el hogar y acoso escolar en adolescentes: resultados de una encuesta poblacional en Perú
Authors:   , Lazo Legrand Maria Fernanda , Palomino Torres Rodrigo
Published: April 2022

Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre la exposición a violencia en el hogar y la victimización por acoso escolar en adolescentes peruanos de 12 a 17 años, durante el 2019. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal de análisis de datos secundario de la Encuesta Nacional sobre Relaciones Sociales (ENARES) del 2019. La variable independiente fue la exposición a violencia en el hogar y la variable dependiente fue la victimización por acoso escolar, que incluyó al acoso psicológico y físico. Además, se incluyeron posibles variables de confusión. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística multinomial y se estimaron razones de riesgo relativo (RRR) con sus intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95%). En todos los cálculos se consideró el muestreo complejo de la ENARES 2019. Resultados: Se incluyeron datos de 1569 adolescentes peruanos. El 38,1% estuvieron expuestos a violencia en el hogar, mientras que el 37,9% fueron víctimas solo acoso psicológico, el 3,4% solo de acoso físico y el 22,4% de ambos tipos de acoso escolar. Los adolescentes que siempre o casi siempre estuvieron expuestos a la violencia en el hogar tuvieron 4,8 veces la probabilidad de ser víctimas de acoso escolar (RRR = 4,80; IC95%: 2,44–9,42), ajustado por múltiples variables de confusión. Conclusiones: En Perú, los adolescentes peruanos de 12 a 17 años que estuvieron expuestos a violencia en el hogar tuvieron una mayor probabilidad de ser víctimas de acoso escolar. Estos resultados deben llamar la atención de los decisores en políticas públicas de protección infantil.
Design and modeling of a D–shaped PCF refractive index sensor based on SPR effect
Authors: Tondro Amin Sayyad , sadeghi mojtaba , Kamaly Abbas , Adelpour Zahra , Emamghorashi Seyyed Ali
Published: April 2022

In this article, we propose and study a D–shaped plasmonic refractive index (RI) sensor. The numerical simulation is performed by the finite–element method (FEM). Results indicate that the proposed RI sensor is particularly proper for sensing in the wavelength range of 0.5 to 0.7 μm. When the analyte RI varies from 1.33 to 1.36, the highest wavelength sensitivity of 9500 nm/RIU and RI resolution of 6.5 ×10–6 RIU are obtained. Besides, the highest amplitude sensitivity of 215 RIU–1 is achieved with a high linearity of 0.99862. These results confirm the capability of the proposed sensor for rapid and accurate detection of RI change in biological and industrial applications.
Copper supported on cellulosic beads as a potential catalyst for environmental remediation reactions
Authors: Devard Alejandra , Taleb María Claudia , Olmos Graciela V. , Marchesini Fernanda Albana , Gutierrez Laura
Published: April 2022

Regenerated cellulose beads were synthesized for supporting copper as the catalytic active site for environmental remediation reactions. Starting from a commercial dissolving pulp, RC beads were prepared from direct dissolution and both solutions of carbamate and viscose. Copper was added to the supports by a simple green method. The material characterization by FTIR, TGA, SEM and XPS confirmed the successful incorporation of copper in all the prepared supports. The degradation of emerging contaminants (ECs) in water by catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) was selected as a reaction test. Phenol was adopted as the EC test molecule in the CWPO reaction at 70°C. The results evidenced that the cellulose regeneration route directly affects catalytic yields. The catalysts containing lower than 1 wt.% of copper converted more than 90% of phenol with almost 30% of total mineralization. The novelty and importance of preparing bead-shape catalysts with cellulose reside in the use of an economical, renewable and biodegradable support, and the simple separation of the structured catalyst from the heterogeneous solid/liquid reaction media.
Review of samples sizes used in agreement studies published in the PubMed database
Authors: Han Oscar , Tan Hao Wei , Julious Steven , Sutton Laura , Jacques Richard , Lee Ellen , Lewis Jen , Walters Stephen
Published: April 2022

Introduction: A sample size justification is required for all studies and should give the minimum number of subjects to be recruited for the study to achieve its primary objective. This aim of this review is to describe sample sizes from agreement studies with continuous or categorical endpoints published within the PubMed database, and determine whether sample size justification was provided.Methods: Data were gathered from the PubMed database with a time interval of 28th September 2018 to 28th September 2020. The search returned 5257 studies of which 82 studies were eligible for final assessment after duplicates and ineligible studies were excluded.Results: We observed a wide range of sample sizes. Of the 82 studies assessed, only 27 (32.9%) gave justification for their sample size. Forty-six studies (56.1%) used a continuous outcome measure, 28 (34.1%) used categorical and eight (9.8%) used both. Median sample sizes were 50 for continuous endpoints and 119 for categorical endpoints. Bland-Altman limits of agreement were the most common method of statistical analysis for continuous variables and Kappa coefficients for categorical variables.Conclusions: All studies need a sample size justification. Not all studies need a sample size calculation. Despite the importance of a sample size justification we found that two-thirds of agreement studies did not provide one. We recommend that all agreement studies provide rationale for their sample size even if they do not include a formal sample size calculation.
Study on soft tissue symmetry of patients with cleft lip and palate based on stereoscopic photography
Authors: Zhou Lijuan , Cao Yang , Wang Meichao , Guo Ziyuan , Zhang Ximeng
Published: April 2022

Objective: In this retrospective study, three-dimensional photography (3dMD) was used to evaluate the facial soft tissue symmetry of unilateral cleft lip with alveolar cleft (UCLA) and unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The differences between the cleft side and non-cleft side were compared, and symmetrical mirror image analysis was performed.Methods: The study comprised 39 patients including 21 patients with UCLA and 18 patients with UCLP. All subjects were scanned by facial stereo photogrammetry to obtain facial soft tissue data and construct a three-dimensional digital model. The characteristic line distance in the three-dimensional direction of facial soft tissue was selected, and 3dMD Vultus software was used to measure the three-dimensional digital model of the maxillofacial soft tissue. The data were statistically analyzed with SPSS 23.0. The measurement indices of bilateral facial symmetry in each group were tested by paired t-test. One patient was selected from each of the two groups for symmetrical mirror image analysis to evaluate the distribution and severity of asymmetry.Results: There were significant differences in nostril, nasal alar and upper lip measurement indices between the two sides in both patient groups. These included the base of the nostril width (Sbal-Sni), nasal alar projection length (Ac-Prn), depth of midface (T-Sn) and all of the lip indices in both UCLA and UCLP groups. The nasal lateral length (En-Ac) was different in the UCLA group whereas the axial length of the nostril (Sbal-C) was different in the UCLP group. According to the mirror image analysis, the facial asymmetry of UCLA patients was identified principally in the ala, nostril and cheilion which was considered as mild asymmetry. Patients with UCLP showed severe asymmetry, including the entire midface. Conclusion: Patients in both study groups continued to show facial soft tissue deformity in three-dimensional evaluation in prepuberty. It was principally manifested, but not limited to, the nasolabial area. The range of asymmetry in patients with UCLP was wider and the degree of asymmetry was greater than in patients with UCLA. The facial malformation of patients in both groups would still require additional improvement with subsequent treatment.
Secondary attack rates of SARS-CoV-2 alpha and delta variants in Japan
Authors: Miyahara Reiko , Tamura Kosuke , Kato Tomoko , Otani Kanako , Ko Yura K , Arima Yuzo , Tani Hideki , Oishi Kazunori , Suzuki Motoi
Published: April 2022

BackgroundsThis study analysed secondary attack rates (SARs), comparing alpha variants, delta variants and non-variants of concern (non-VOCs), using clinical and close-contact tracing data.MethodsWe analysed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case data from a database and contact tracing data between July and October 2020 (Cohort 1) and April 2021 (Cohort 2) and between July and August 2021 (Cohort 3) in a city in Toyama prefecture, Japan. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the N501Y (alpha variant) and L452R (delta variant) mutations. We calculated the SARs considering close contact, index case and contact setting characteristics. Relative risks (RRs) of secondary attack were analysed using Poisson regression models.ResultsAmong 123 index cases and 530 close contacts in Cohort 1, 246 index cases and 988 close contacts in Cohort 2, and 304 index cases and 984 close contacts in Cohort 3, the SARs associated with alpha and delta variant index cases were 1.47 times and 1.89 times higher than those associated with non-VOC index cases. Delta variant index cases were associated with the highest SAR (29.2%) in the same household and a 2.40-fold (95% CI: 1.62-3.56) higher risk of transmission than non-VOC index cases. The age and symptoms of index cases were associated with the SAR.ConclusionsWe confirmed that VOC index cases were associated with increased transmissibility. Population longitudinal surveillance data linked with contact-tracing data provide valuable information for elucidation of the characteristics of newly emerging variants.
Teaching to transform surgical culture: An educational programme and thematic analysis in a general surgery department
Authors: Dave Madhav Sanatkumar , Mobarak Ms Shahd , Tarazi Munir , Macutkiewicz Christian
Published: April 2022

IntroductionGeneral surgery departments are busy, meaning educational opportunities may be sporadic. Clinical priorities can sometimes supersede teaching and trainees may feel alienated at the periphery of the working community. In this study, we demonstrate how a reflective, multidisciplinary general surgery teaching programme was established and use this to assess the impact of structured teaching on surgical doctors of all grades in the department. MethodsTwelve semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with participants of varying grades. Transcripts were analysed using a grounded theory thematic analysis, revealing four themes: the value of teaching; learning as a community; barriers to successful training; and culture of surgery. DiscussionTeaching helped juniors construct healthy narratives around general surgery and encouraged a process of professional identity formation. Pairing junior and senior colleagues allowed both to develop their skills, and reflective learning revealed new learning opportunities. Transparency across the ‘community of practice’ was achieved and the programme helped juniors overcome negative stereotypes of intimidation embedded in the hidden surgical curriculum.Conclusion Reflective, multidisciplinary learning can challenge the hidden curriculum and encourage team cohesion. A commitment to critical reflective teaching will be vital in cultivating surgeons of the future.
Are bubbles the future of dysphagia rehabilitation: A systematic review analysing evidence on the use of carbonated liquids in dysphagia rehabilitation.
Authors: Price Kathryn , Isbister Grace , Long Susannah , Mirams John , Smithard David
Published: April 2022

IntroductionDysphagia poses a huge health issue in our ageing population, impacting patients psychologically and through risk of aspiration, malnutrition and airway obstruction. The use of carbonated liquids to provide sensory enhancement as a tool to stimulate neuromuscular activity in dysphagia rehabilitation remains an area with limited research. This article reviews current evidence.MethodA data search of PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Cochrane was undertaken with set search terms. Abstracts were reviewed and selected by two clinicians according to inclusion criteria and papers were assessed using PRISMA methodology8 listed in Fig. 1.ResultsSelected publications (1992–2019) involved a median of 29 participants with predominantly neurogenic dysphagia. Despite the differences in study designs all used videofluroscopy (VF) to assess outcome measures. Majority of studies were small scale but showed encouraging results. However, there was heterogeneity between specific outcome measures. One study surveyed taste which was overall positively received.DiscussionThere continues to remain limited evidence to direct the use of carbonated liquids in rehabilitation of dysphagia, however its role in head and neck tumor recovery shows some promise. The heterogeneity of not just study designs but also study participants seems to be a primary barrier. Whilst evidence is encouraging, further prospective studies standardising patient cohorts, methodologies and standarised quantitative outcome measures must be carried out. Longitudinal studies to look at the role of carbonated liquids in secretion management is another area of potential interest. In conclusion the use of carbonated liquid in dysphagia rehabilitation may have a potential role but without firm evidence based research, successful use in clinical practice cannot be implemented.
Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used in Magico- Religious Practices in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Thakur Smriti , Jamwal Radhika , Negi Subodh
Published: April 2022

Worshipping of plants is an age old tradition of ancient India, which has taken a deep-root in believes, tradition and culture of India. This has provided the natives a need to undertake the traditional conservation practices, in the form of sacred grooves, which are forest areas protected by the rural communities since they believe that area to be the abode of their deities. This encourages interdependence between the forest and the local people for their livelihood. At the same time, it protects the delicate ecological balance, which has a key role to play in the sustainable development of mankind, but due to urbanization and modernization we are losing the sacred and valuable knowledge at a rapid pace, hence the need to document and preserve this diminishing sacred knowledge. The present study was done in and around Kullu region, of district Kullu (H.P.) India, lying between 31.2432°N and 32.2432°N latitude and 77.1455°E and 77.1892°E longitude covering an area of around 3,561 km² area. The study area Kullu, is also known as “Devbhoomi'' the land of Gods. Local inhabitants show hugh reverence and belief in their local deities which they consider supreme. For pleasing and worshipping these local ‘devats’, these people use various plants which are considered sacred hence utilized in various religious ceremonies. Thus, contribute immensely in the conserve of many plants while fulfilling their values in magico-religious beliefs. To maintain these age-old faiths, people of these areas harvest plants, sustainably and economically. The paper includes the list of around 75 species of 46 families that have been reported from three tehsils of Kullu region. These plants are used for Magico-religious beliefs along with their medicinal value, thus helping in ex-situ conservation of plants and sustainable development of the area.
Impact of Rapid Molecular Testing on Diagnosis, Treatment and Management of Community Acquired Pneumonia in Norway: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Authors: Serigstad Sondre , Ritz Christian , Faurholt-Jepsen Daniel , Markussen Dagfinn , Ebbesen Marit Helen , Kommedal Øyvind , Bjørneklett Rune Oskar , Heggelund Lars , Clark Tristan W. , Werkhoven Cornelis Henri van , Knoop Siri Tandberg , Ulvestad Elling , Grewal Harleen M.S. , Group . CAPNOR Study
Published: April 2022

Background
Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) causes a large burden of disease. Due to difficulties in obtaining representative respiratory samples and insensitive standard microbiological methods, the microbiological aetiology of CAP is difficult to ascertain. With a few exceptions, standard of care diagnostics are too slow to influence initial decisions on antimicrobial therapy. The management of CAP is therefore largely based on empirical treatment guidelines. Empiric antimicrobial therapy is often initiated in the primary care setting, affecting diagnostic tests based on conventional bacterial culture in hospitalized patients. Implementing rapid molecular testing may improve both the proportion of positive tests and the time it takes to obtain test results. Both measures are important for initiation of pathogen-targeted antibiotics, involving rapid de-escalation or escalation of treatment, which may improve antimicrobial stewardship and potentially, patient outcome.
Methods
Patients presenting to the emergency department of Haukeland University Hospital (HUH) in Bergen, Norway will be screened for inclusion into a pragmatic randomised controlled trial (RCT). Eligible patients with a suspicion of CAP will be included and randomised to receive either standard of care methods (standard microbiological testing), or standard of care methods in addition to testing by the rapid and comprehensive real-time multiplex PCR panel, the BioFire® FilmArray® Pneumonia panel plus (FAP plus) (bioMérieux S.A., Marcy-l’Etoile, France). The results of the FAP plus will be communicated directly to the treating staff within ~ 2 hours of sampling.
Discussion
We will examine if rapid use of FAP plus panel in hospitalized patients with suspected CAP, can improve both the time to and the proportion of patients receiving pathogen-directed treatment, thereby shortening the exposure to unnecessary antibiotics and the length of hospital admission, compared to the standard of care arm. The pragmatic design together with broad inclusion criteria and a straightforward intervention could make our results generalizable to other similar centres.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier number: NCT04660084). Registered on December 9, 2020. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04660084
Modeling and optimization of dry reforming of methane over Ni-Co/Al 2 O 3 -ZrO 2 catalyst coating via PVD method in a microchannel reactor using Box-Behnken design
Authors: moradi Mohamadgafar , Moradi Gholamreza , Heydarinasab Amir , Rashidi Alimorad
Published: April 2022

In the current study, to optimize dry reforming of methane, coating Ni-Co /Al2O3-ZrO2 nanocatalyst was explored in a microchannel reactor using physical vapor deposition (PVD) method. The Box-Behnken design was implemented to examine initial feed conversion (CO2, CH4), H2:CO molar ratio and catalyst deactivation. Using response surface method, optimization of coating time (2 min, 3 min, and 4 min), Co/Ni weight percentage (25%, 50%, and 75%), and reaction temperature (650 °C, 700 °C, 750 °C) was explored. The experiments were conducted when the temperature ranged from 650 °C to 750 °C, the pressure was equal to 1 atm, and CH4/CO2 molar ratio was equal to 1. Also, Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), were used to identify catalyst features. FESEM images showed that catalyst film activity highly depended on coating time in that increasing coating time yielded more uniform and properly dispersed catalyst particles. When deposition time was 4 min, nearly 95% of the particles had a size of 10-20 nm (with an average of 15.41 nm). EDX analysis also indicated that all elements were uniformly and properly dispersed on the substrate. GIXRD analysis further demonstrated that increasing Co/Ni weight percentage up to 50% would result in reduced particle size as well as higher activity, stability, and resistance to carbon deposition. Conversely, greater Co weight percentages led to relatively larger particle size and lower catalytic activity given that the active sites were synthesized and the Ni particles were covered by the Co-rich phase. Concerning the optimum condition, the highest amounts of initial CH4 conversion (95.94%), initial CO2 conversion (97.87%), H2:CO molar ratio (0.96), and catalyst deactivation (1.99%) were registered when the coating time was 3.87 min, Co/Ni weight percentage was 45.04%, and the reaction temperature was 750 °C. The values predicted in the proposed model closely aligned with the results obtained through experimental tests.
Effect of a Semi-rigid Ankle Brace on the In Vivo Kinematics and Muscle Activity of Patients with Functional Ankle Instability Duing Simulated Ankle Sprain
Authors: Zhang Gonghao , Cao Shengxuan , Zhang Guoning , Zhang Yangyang , Xiong Li , Huang Ping , Wang Chen , Zhang Chao , Ma Xin , Ji Yunhan
Published: April 2022

Background
Ankle braces can effectively decrease the incidence of recurrent ankle sprain; however, whether the brace can decrease the severity of sprain and its related mechanism during sprain remain unknown.
Methods
12 patients with functional ankle instability (FAI) (7 males and 5 females) and 10 healthy subjects (5 males and 5 females) were enrlled in this study. All of the subjects walked on a custom-built tilting platform that offered a 30° inversion to mimic the inversion of ankle sprain. We collected the kinematic and sEMG data of patients with FAI with or without ankle brace and normal controls six times.
Results
The FAI without brace group showed significantly higher maximum inversion angles and average inversion velocities than the control group (P < 0.001). The FAI with brace group revealed significantly lower maximum inversion angles and average inversion velocities than the FAI without brace group (P < 0.001); this group also showed significantly higher maximum external rotation angle and average external rotation velocities than the FAI with brace (P < 0.001) and control (P < 0.001) groups. The FAI with brace group indicated significantly lower average EMGPrep (P = 0.047), EMGTilt (P = 0.037), and EMGafterTilt (P = 0.004) of the peroneus longus (PL) than the FAI without brace group.
Conclusions
The ankle brace could effectively decrease inversion angles and their velocities and increase external rotation angles and their corresponding velocities during ankle sprain in patients with FAI. It could also decrease the activity of the PL muscle during ankle sprain.
Neutrophil CD64 index for diagnosis of infectious disease in the pediatric ICU: a single-center prospective study
Authors: Cao lulu , Wang Wei-Wei , Zhao Li , Li Ji-Ru , Kong Xiang-Mei , zhu Yueniu , zhu xiaodong
Published: April 2022

Background: Infection is a major cause of death in children, and it is particularly important to identify biological indicators of early infection. Previous studies showed that the neutrophil CD64 (nCD64) index may be a useful biomarker for infection. The purpose of this study was to investigate use of the nCD64 index to identify infection in children from a pediatric ICU (PICU) in China.Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 201 children who were admitted to our PICU and divided them into an infection group and a non-infection group. In each patient, C-reactive protein (CRP), nCD64 index, procalcitonin (PCT), and white blood cell count were measured during the first 24 h after admission. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic value of the nCD64 index for infection. Results: Among all 201 children, the infection group had greater levels of CRP, nCD64 index, and PCT (all p < 0.05). ROC analysis indicated the nCD64 index had a sensitivity of 68.8%, specificity of 90.7%, accuracy of 80.5%, and an optimal cut-off value of 0.14, which had better diagnostic value than CRP or PCT. For children with postoperative fever, the nCD64 index can also distinguish SIRS from infection, with accuracy of 79%. Conclusions: The nCD64 index is a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of early infection in children admitted to the PICU.
A prospective interventional study of recombinant human interleukin-11 mouthwash in chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis
Authors: Wei Hangping , Dong Xiaofang , Wei Juan
Published: April 2022

Background: This prospective interventional study aimed to evaluate and analyse the efficacy of rhIL-11 mouthwash compared to Rehabilitation New Liquid or blank control in treating and preventing oral mucositis (OM) in patients receiving chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: In total, 50 patients in the treatment group and 62 patients in the prevention group were included. Subsequently, each group was divided into an experimental group and a control group. In the treatment group, the experimental patients received recombinant human interleukin-11 (rhIL-11) mouthwash, whereas the control group received Rehabilitation New Liquid. In the prevention group, experimental patients still received rhIL-11 mouthwash based on routine oral care, whereas the control group only received routine oral care. Meanwhile, we observed and recorded the efficacy in the treatment group, and the occurrence and grades of OM in the prevention group. Results: Through statistical analysis, the results showed that on the seventh day of treatment, the experimental group showed more improvement compared to the control group, and it was statistically significant (P= 0.032) (Table 2). The average healing time in the experimental group (3.59 ± 1.927 days) was shorter than that in the control group (4.96 ± 2.205 days; P=0.024) (Table 3). In the prevention group, we observed the incidence of oral mucositis. No significant differences were found in the occurrence and grades of OM in the experimental and control groups (P=0.175; Table 4). Conclusion: Our preliminary results indicate that rhIL-11 mouthwash may be an available option to treat OM, especially in severe cases. However, there is no advantage in prevention.
Sleep Duration is Associated with Caudate Volume and Executive Function
Authors: Jones Nicole F , Ikuta Toshikazu
Published: April 2022

The role of the caudate volume in sleep has been implicated. Previous literature showed that the caudate volume is associated with longer habitual sleep duration in older adults. However, the association between sleep duration and caudate volume remains unknown in the younger population. In this study, we examined the caudate volume in youth to older adults (10 to 85 years old) with a greater sample size (N = 463). The volumetric size of the caudate nucleus showed significantly positive association with habitual sleep duration. Sleep duration showed significant association with executive function performance. However, caudate volume did not significantly predict executive function. Our results suggested that sleep duration is associated with the caudate volume and executive function. It is also suggested that there are some external mechanisms that modulate executive function which prevent the caudate-sleep relation’s effect on executive function.
Novel tRNA-like transcripts from the NEAT1-MALAT1 genomic region critically influence human innate immunity and macrophage functions
Authors: Gast Martina , Nageswaran Vanasa , Kuss Andreas , Tzvetkova Ana , Wang Xiaomin , Mochmann Liliana , Ramezani-Rad Pegah , Weiss Stefan , Simm Stefan , Zeller Tanja , Voelzke Henry , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Völker Uwe , Felix Stefan , Dörr Marcus , Beling Antje , Skurk Carsten , Leistner David-Manuel , Rauch Bernhard , Hirose Tetsuro , Heidecker Bettina , Klingel Karin , Nakagawa Shinichi , Poller Wolfram , Swirski Filip , Haghikia Arash , Poller Wolfgang
Published: April 2022

The evolutionary conserved NEAT1-MALAT1 gene cluster generates large noncoding transcripts remaining nuclear, while tRNA-like transcripts (mascRNA, menRNA) enzymatically generated from these precursors translocate to the cytosol. NEAT1-/- and MALAT1-/- mice display massive atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation.

Here, we identify the tRNA-like molecules as critical components of innate immunity. They appear as prototypes of a new class of noncoding RNAs distinct from others (miRNAs, siRNAs) by biosynthetic pathway and intracellular kinetics. CRISPR-generated human ΔmascRNA and ΔmenRNA monocytes/macrophages display defective innate immune sensing, loss of cytokine control, imbalance of growth/angiogenic factor expression impacting upon angiogenesis, and altered cell-cell interaction systems. Antiviral response, foam cell formation/oxLDL uptake, and M1/M2 polarization are defective in ΔmascRNA/ΔmenRNA macrophages, defining the tRNA-like molecules’ first described biological functions.

menRNA and mascRNA represent novel components of innate immunity arising from the noncoding genome. Their NEAT1-MALAT1 region of origin appears as archetype of a functionally highly integrated RNA processing system.
Internally versus Externally Trained Residents and Fellows Hired as Attendings at a Large Integrated Healthcare System: A 20-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Chien Gary W. , Wertheimer Stephen M. , Harris Jerad A. , Collins J. Craig , Spiegel Nancy H
Published: April 2022

Background: There remains a question of whether graduates trained internally are different than those trained elsewhere. We examine the difference between physicians trained within our Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs versus physicians trained elsewhere. Our large integrated healthcare system is unique in addressing this objective due to its large physician labor hiring needs across different specialties of GME graduates.Methods: A retrospective review was performed from Jan 2000 to August 2020 of Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) physicians hired: KPSC GME trained versus non-KPSC GME trained. We examined five variables: retention, leadership (current or historical), physician relations cases, member appraisal of physician and provider services survey (MAPPS) scores, and rate of board certification. Chi-square test of proportions was used for comparison, p<0.05 was significant. Results: From Jan 2000 to August 2020, 2,940 residents and fellows graduated from KPSC GME programs, of which 1,127 (38%) were hired on at KPSC as full time attendings. Across all five metrics (Retention 82% vs 76% (p=< 0.01), Leadership [current 13% vs 10% (p=<0.01)or historical 17% vs 14% (p=0.01)], Physician Relations 23% vs 26% (p=0.04), MAPPS 75% vs 69% (p=<0.01), and Board Certification 81% vs 74% (p=<0.01)), KPSC outperformed non-KPSC GME trained physicians to a statistically significant degree. Conclusions: We have shown that an internally sponsored GME program can represent an opportunity for recruitment of physicians that may have higher retention rates, higher probability of being physician leaders, decreased likelihood of physician relations issues, improved patient satisfaction, and increased rates of board certification.
YTHDC1 serves as a potential therapeutic target and is linked with the immune microenvironment in Pan cancer
Authors: Wen Diguang , Lu Jiao , Liu Zuojin , Li Yue
Published: April 2022

Previous studies have shown that m6A is involved in many aspects surrounding tumor progression, but the role of classic m6A reading protein YTHDC1 in the progression and immune microenvironment among multiple cancers remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of YTHDC1 in the Pan cancer tumor progression and immune microenvironment. The YTHDC1 expression pattern and prognostic value were first detected in Pan cancer in the public data. The role of YTHDC1 in Pan cancer was analyzed by bioinformatic analysis. The association between YTHDC1 expression and immune cell infiltration and immune inhibitory markers was analyzed. The expression of YTHDC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma was verified by independent datasets and clinical samples, and its function was explored in vitro. YTHDC1 is positive expression in all of 33 types tumors, and its expression and phosphorylation modification have abnormal changes across varieties tumors based on the analysis of TCGA and CPTAC databases. Prognostic analysis also showed that YTHDC1 was closely related to the prognosis of patients in some tumors such as BLCA and KIRC (p < 0.05). Finally, independent data sets, clinical samples and in vitro experiments verified the high expression of YTHDC1 in liver cancer and its ability to promote tumor and immune microenvironment. In conclusion, YTHDC1 has potential functions in tumors, can be used as a prognostic marker for a variety of tumors, and is related to the formation of the immune microenvironment. Out of pan-cancer, YTHDC1 promotes liver cancer progression.
Searching behavior and prey preference by the predatory mirid bug Tupiocoris cucurbitaceus, a potential biocontrol agent of tomato crops in Argentina
Authors: Cáceres Rocío Isabel Montiel , Rocca Margarita , Luna María Gabriela
Published: April 2022

Generalist arthropod predators usually exhibit a degree for prey acceptance and this behavior can ultimately determine their potential as biocontrol agents. The South American tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta is a key pest of tomato crops worldwide. Biological control has gained interest as a reliable and environmentally safe pest management technique, and particularly the use of predatory mirid bugs has shown positive results to control T. absoluta and other horticultural pests in several countries. In a laboratory study we assessed: 1) prey searching behavior and 2) feeding preference of late nymphs and adults of both sexes of Tupiocoris cucurbitaceus, a mirid bug present in Argentinian tomato crops with the aim of deepen its status as a biocontrol candidate of T. absoluta. Predatory individuals were offered simultaneously three patches of prey: the target patch (TP) with T. absoluta eggs and two non-target patches (NTP) with Ephestia kuehniella eggs and Trialeurodes vaporariorum late-instar nymphs. First, a 30-min trial was analyzed using EthoVision® software in which we found that mirids equally accepted TP and NTP, and only nymphs preferred to feed on T. absoluta eggs. After 24 h, predatory nymphs consumed proportionally more of the three prey offered, but mainly lepidopteran eggs. These results prove that T. absoluta eggs can be part of the prey diet of T. cucurbitaceous especially for the nymphal stage. Further studies on prey availability in field conditions are needed to use T. cucurbitaceus as a biocontrol agent of T. absoluta in Argentina.
Analysis of Genetic Contribution to Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection in a Prospective Cohort of Familial and Sporadic Cases in East China
Authors: Duan Yanyu , Xiong Jianxian , Lai Zhenghong , Zhong Yiming , Tian Chengnan , Du Zhiming , Luo Zhifang , Yu Junjian , Li Wentong , Xu Weichang , Wang Yabing , Ding Ting , Zhong Xuehong , Pan Mengmeng , Qiu Yu , Lan Xuemei , Chen Taihua , Li Peijun , Liu Kang , Gao Meng , Hu Yanqiu , Liu Ziyou
Published: April 2022

Background. Thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection (TAAD) is a group of life-threatening diseases. Genetic etiology lead to some special characteristics on age of onset, clinical phenotype, and timing of intervention. Herein, we initiated a prospective trial to determine the prevalence of pathogenic variants in TAAD patients and to elucidate the traits related to harboring pathogenic variants. One hundred and one unrelated TAAD patients were sequenced and analyzed for 23 TAAD associated genes using a targeted PCR and next generation sequencing-based panel. Results. A total of 47 variants were identified in 52 TAAD patients (51.5%) including 6 pathogenic, 1 likely pathogenic and 40 variants of uncertain significance. The pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in 4 disease-causing genes were carried by 1 familial and 6 sporadic cases (6.9%). Besides one familial TAAD, the FBN1 gene also harbored more than half of the P/LP variants in sporadic ones. The individuals with the age of onset less than 50 years and normotension massively increased the genetic risk. Conclusions. The TAAD cases with younger age at diagnosis and normotension were more likely to carry a P/LP variant, thus routine genetic testing will be beneficial to better prognosis through a genetically personalized care prior to acute rupture or dissection.
A new perspective on increased emergence of Central Pacific ENSO
in the recent two decades
Authors: Chen Shangfeng , Chen Wen , Yu Bin , Wu Renguang , Graf Hans , Chen Lin
Published: April 2022

In this study, we provide a new perspective on the recent increased emergence of the central Pacific type of El Niño and Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Our results indicate that early-spring Aleutian Low (AL) intensity has a remarkable impact on the following winter ENSO especially after the late-1990s. Decrease (increase) in the early-spring AL strength tends to induce an anomalous cyclone (anticyclone) over subtropical North Pacific via wave-mean flow interaction. The anomalous cyclone (anticyclone) leads to sea surface temperature (SST) increase (decrease) in the equatorial Pacific in the following summer via wind-evaporation-SST feedback and trade wind charging mechanism, which further contributes to succeeding central Pacific-like El Niño (La Niña). This remarkable AL’s impact on ENSO is attributable to enhancement of the background trade winds, which is related to changes of both the AMO and NPGO from positive to negative phases around the late-1990s. In contrast, global warming is suggested to have a negative effect on the recent increased connection of the early-spring AL with the following winter ENSO. The results offer the potential to advance our understanding of the factors that explain decrease of the prediction skill of ENSO since the late-1990s.
Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitude Scale: Turkish validity and reliability study
Authors: KURT HASAN ANIL , YILMAZ Büşra , ALAN Handan , ALAN Cabir
Published: April 2022

Objectives: It is designed to test the Turkish version of ASKAS's validity and reliability for use with older people, health professionals, and people who influence older people. Methods: Language and content validity, item analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency coefficients were evaluated in this study. Results: It was decided to omit two items from the scale's knowledge subscale, and the three-factor structure of the attitude subscale was found to be within the range of acceptable fit indices. Conclusions: The Turkish version of ASKAS was determined to be valid, reliable, and applicable in practice.
Prognostic value of estimated glucose disposal rate in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome cases administered percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Liu Chi , Zhao Qi , Ma Xiaoteng , Cheng Yujing , Sun Yan , Zhang Dai , Liu Xiaoli , Zhou Yujie
Published: April 2022

Background: Estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) is highly associated with all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases administered coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, the predictive ability of eGDR for poor outcome in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) cases diagnosed by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unknown.Methods: Totally 2308 NSTE-ACS patients administered PCI at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January to December 2015 were enrolled in this study. Major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCEs) were considered the primary endpoint. eGDR was calculated by waist circumference (WC) (eGDRWC) or body mass index (BMI) (eGDRBMI).Results: The incidence of MACCEs was markedly higher in cases with low eGDR compared with the high eGDR group. Multivariable analysis showed hazard ratios (HRs) for eGDRWC and eGDRBMI of 1.152 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.088-1.219; P<0.001) and 0.998 (95%CI 0.936-1.064; P=0.957). Addition of eGDRWC to a model that includes currently recognized cardiovascular risk factors markedly enhanced its predictive power (Harrell’s C-index, eGDRWC versus Baseline model, 0.778 versus 0.768, P=0.003; continuous net reclassification improvement (continuous-NRI) 0.125, P<0.001; integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) 0.016, P<0.001).Conclusion: Low eGDR independently predicts adverse outcome in NSTE-ACS cases administered PCI.
Amelioration of ionic conductivity (303K) with the supplement of MnO2 filler in the chitosan biopolymer electrolyte for magnesium batteries.
Authors: Helen Adlin , Selvin Christopher , Lakshmi D. , Diana M.Infanta
Published: April 2022

In the present work, the significance of adding MnO2 filler towards development of biopolymer electrolyte, chitosan with enhanced ionic conductivity has been reported. The complexation that has taken place with the inclusion of MgNO3.6H2O salt and MnO2 filler in the chitosan matrix has been investigated through the Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectra analysis. Further, the transport parameter values such as number of charge carrier densities (n), mobility (µ) and diffusion coefficient (D) have been calculated from the deconvoluted FTIR spectra. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) examination revealed that the inclusion of filler significantly reduced the degree of crystallinity and the glass transition Tg values respectively. These findings show that the inclusion of filler increases the segmental mobility of the polymer chains, allowing for faster ion transport. The conduction properties of the prepared electrolytes has been determined using Alternating Current (AC) impedance analysis, with the electrolyte containing 60 wt% magnesium salt (2.6 ± 0.08) х 10− 4 S cm− 1 achieving the maximum ionic conductivity value at room temperature (303K). This value is further increased by one order of magnitude with the addition of MnO2 filler into the polymer matrix (1.25 ± 0.09) х 10− 3 S cm− 1. To elucidate the individual contributions of ions and electrons in the conduction process, the Direct Current (DC) polarisation method has been used to determine the transference number (tion) of the produced electrolytes. The filler added chitosan polymer exhibits an extended electrochemical stability window, 1.7 V as determined by Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV).