bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameters of the Infrastructure of the Residential Area and Their Relationship with Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Mulerova T. A. , Gaziev T. F. , Bazdyrev E. D. , Indukaeva E. V. , Tsygankova D. P. , Nakhratova O. V. , Agienko A. S. , Artamonova G. V.
Published: September 2022

Aim. This study determined the level of public satisfaction with neighborhood design features in Kemerovo Oblast and their connection to cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Subjects and methods. The study population included 1,598 respondents aged between 35 and 70, with 491 living in rural areas and others living in Kemerovo (1,221 women and 477 men). The assessment of neighborhood environment was done according to residents' subjective opinions about infrastructural features (the Neighborhood Environmental Walkability Scale). Depending on how participants responded to the questionnaire, some of these parameters were identified as adverse.

Results. The residents of Kemerovo and rural areas of Kemerovo Oblast identified the following neighborhood design features as adverse: the lack of interesting places in neighborhood environment, the remote location of parks and restaurants, the absence of pavement, busy traffic, and a long distance between home and workplace. In the city, arterial hypertension prevalence was high among men, when grocery, fruit and clothing stores were distant, and among women, when banks, public transport stops were distant and the traffic was heavy. Lipid metabolism disorders were more common among women in urban areas, when there were no interesting places around. Obesity prevalence was high among urban female population, when the following adverse factors were present: the remote location of grocery stores, fruit stores, bank, pharmacy and public transport stops and the absence of pavement. Among rural male population, this risk factor was common when there were no pavements. The highest rate of carbohydrate metabolism disorders was found among women living in villages where the traffic is heavy and public transport stops are far away.

Conclusion. The impact of infrastructure on the health status of the living population is a new direction of scientific research. Epidemiological studies in different geographic areas and population groups show significant differences in health status, morbidity and mortality from chronic noncommunicable diseases. To reduce the risks of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system, the formation of a socially comfortable health-saving environment is of great importance.
Therapeutic Options for the Single Pill Combination of Lisinopril, Amlodipine and Rosuvastatin: a Systematic Review
Authors: Gilyarevsky S. R. , Golshmid M. V. , Bendeliani N. G.
Published: September 2022

Aim. To evaluate the effect of taking a single pill combination of amlodipine, lisinopril and rosuvastatin on blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in hypertensive patients with or without severe hypercholesterolemia.

Material and methods. Articles published in Russian were selected for analysis. Six articles that met the criteria for inclusion in a systematic review were found by searching the eLibrary database for the keyword "equamer". The results of 5 observational clinical studies were presented in these articles. The effectiveness of the fixed combination of amlodipine, lisinopril and rosuvastatin was assessed mainly by changes in the level of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the concentration of LDL cholesterol. In addition, the effects of fixed-dose amlodipine, lisinopril, and rosuvastatin on central aortic pressure and its increment index, as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, were studied in part of the studies. The effect of the fixed combination of amlodipine, lisinopril and rosuvastatin on blood pressure and LDL-C concentration, as well as on these additional indicators, in patients who had a coronavirus infection with severe lung damage was studied in one study.

Results. Evidence from a systematic review demonstrates the efficacy of single pill combination amlodipine, lisinopril and rosuvastatin in reducing blood pressure and LDL-C in a wide range of patients with different baseline risk of developing cardiovascular complications and different baseline levels of blood pressure and LDL-C.

Conclusion. The data obtained confirm the feasibility of more frequent prescription of the single pill combination of amlodipine, lisinopril and rosuvastatin in clinical practice for the treatment of hypertensive patients with high or moderate risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including patients with concomitant hypercholesterolemia.
Development and study of a microprocessor automatic control system for a mono-switch tie type with a linear inductive electric motor and a discrete speed controller
Authors: Buriakovskyi S. G. , Asmolova L. V. , Maslii An. S. , Maslii Ar. S. , Obruch I. V.
Published: September 2022

Introduction. The article is devoted to the development of the microprocessor automatic control system for a gearless controlled electric drive of a mono-switch tie based on a linear inductor electric motor. This solution provides control the position of the switch point, to carry out the transfer process with a smooth drive of shanks to the frame rail, to protect electric motor elements from overloads. Goal. development and study of the behavior of microprocessor automatic control system for mono-switch tie type with linear inductive electric motor and discrete PID speed controller which coefficients are adjusted according to Chin-Hrons-Reswick method to meet modern traffic safety requirements and improve operational reliability factors. Methodology. On the basis of electric drive theory, a kinematic line of a mono-switch tie type with nonlinear friction characteristic is presented. Using differential equation theory and Laplace transformation, a mathematic description of a linear inductor electric motor has been made. Using the z-transform method, a difference equation for describing a discrete PID speed controller is obtained, the coefficients of which are derived using the Chin-Hrons-Reswick method. A simulation mathematical model of the electric drive mono-switch tie type as the microprocessor automatic control system with linear inductive electric motor and discrete PID speed controller and nonlinear friction characteristic was built in MATLAB. Results. Simulation modelling of a mathematical model of the microprocessor automatic control system of the electric drive mono-switch tie type with the linear inductive electric motor and discrete PID speed controller and nonlinear friction characteristic have been developed and performed. Studies of dynamics of switch point movement have shown that, a drive time of less than 0.7 s at a constant speed motor armature of 0.2 and 0.3 m/s provides to meet modern requirements for railway switch points. The application of discrete PID speed controller has shown improved dynamics of switch point. Originality. First for the electric drive of the mono-switch tie type with linear inductive electric motor a mathematical model of the discrete PID speed controller and nonlinear friction characteristic as an object of speed control of switch point movement, has been developed. Practical value. Mathematical model of a railway track switch of the mono-switch tie type with linear inductive electric motor and discrete PID speed controller has been developed to carry out the control of the position of the switch point, process with a smooth drive them to the frame rail, to protect electric motor elements from overloads.
The method of multi objective synthesis of stochastic robust control by multimass electromechanical systems under non-gausian random external disturbances
Authors: Kuznetsov B. I. , Nikitina T. B. , Bovdui I. V. , Voloshko O. V. , Kolomiets V. V. , Kobylianskyi B. B.
Published: September 2022

Aim. Development of the method of multi objective synthesis of stochastic robust control by multimass electromechanical systems to satisfy various requirements for the operation of such systems in various modes under non-gausian random external disturbances. Methodology. The problem of multi objective synthesis of stochastic robust control by multimass electromechanical systems to satisfy various requirements for the operation of such systems in various modes under non-gausian random external disturbances solved based on the choosing of weight matrices in the robust control goal vector.The calculation of the target vector is performed based on the solution of the zero-sum vector antagonistic game. The components of the game payoff vector are variable quality indicators that are applied to the system operation in various modes. The calculation of the components of payoff vector game are performed based on the simulation of the initial system closed by the synthesized stochastic controllers in various operating modes and under various external influences and variations in the parameters of the uncertainty of the initial plant. Results. The results of multi objective synthesis of stochastic robust two-mass electromechanical servo systems modes under non-gausian random external disturbances in which differences requirements for the operation of such systems in various modes were satisfied are given. Based on the results of modeling and experimental studies it is established, that with the help of synthesized robust nonlinear controllers, it is possible to improve of quality indicators of two-mass electromechanical servo system in comparison with the system with standard regulators. Originality. For the first time the method of multi objective synthesis of stochastic robust control by multimass electromechanical systems to satisfy various requirements for the operation of multimass systems in various modes is developed. Practical value. From the point of view of the practical implementation the possibility of solving the problem of multi objective synthesis of stochastic robust control systems to satisfy various requirements for the operation of multimass electromechanical systems in various modes is shown.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих озабоченность (VOC) на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 03.09.2022 г. по 09.09.2022 г.
Authors: Дмитриева Людмила , Краснов Ярослав , Осина Наталья , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: September 2022

В обзоре представлена информация по циркулирующим в настоящее время вариантам вируса SARS-COV-2 вызывающих озабоченность (VOC), геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID с 03.09.2022 г. по 09.09.2022 г.
Shoulder Internal Rotation Contracture Formation in Surgically Managed C5, C6 Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries
Authors: Ulmann Eva T.E. , Malessy Martijn J.A. , Nagels Jochem , Pondaag Willem
Published: September 2022

Background:

A typical feature in infants with severe C5-C6 brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) requiring nerve repair is the formation of shoulder internal rotation contracture (IRC). The underlying pathophysiological mechanism is unknown, and the sequelae can be difficult to treat. The severity of the IRC differs among children. C5-C6 lesions are heterogeneous at the root level. Our null hypothesis was that the type of root-level lesion (axonotmesis or neurotmesis versus avulsion) was not associated with the extent of IRC formation over time in children with upper-trunk BPBI.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with upper-trunk BPBI who underwent primary surgery of the C5 and/or C6 spinal nerves between 1990 and 2020 and had follow-up of at least 2 years. The primary outcome was passive shoulder external rotation (ER) in adduction at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 15 years of age. The secondary outcome was whether additional shoulder surgery was performed. The relationship between the nature of the C5-C6 lesion and IRC formation was analyzed using linear mixed models. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the cumulative risk of secondary shoulder procedures.

Results:

In total, 322 patients were analyzed; mean follow-up was 7.2 ± 4.6 years. The C5-C6 root lesion type was significantly related to the passive range of ER (overall test in linear mixed model, p = 0.007). Children with avulsion of C5 and C6 (n = 21) had, on average, 18° (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3° to 30°) less IRC formation than those with neurotmesis of C5 and C6 (n = 175) and 17° (2.9° to 31°) less than those with neurotmesis of C5 and avulsion of C6 (n = 34). IRC formation did not differ between the neurotmesis C5-C6 and neurotmesis C5-avulsion C6 groups. Secondary shoulder procedures were performed in 77 patients (10-year risk, 28% [95%CI, 23% to 34%]).

Conclusions:

Shoulder IRC formation in infants with BPBI with surgically treated C5-C6 lesions occurs to a lesser degree if the C5 root is avulsed than when C5 is neurotmetic. This finding provides insight into the possible causative pathoanatomy and may ultimately lead to strategies to mitigate IRC.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Perceiving Social and Economic Gerontology issues in Elder Healthcare
Authors:   Research Investigator, Population Research Centre, JSS Institute of Economic Research, Dharwad 580004, Karnataka, India., Pundappanavar Basavaraj , Prabhakar S C Jai ,   Assitant Professor, Centre for Multidisciplinary Development Research, Dr B R Ambedkar Nagar, Dharwad580004, Karnataka.
Published: September 2022

Population ageing, which implicate an increasing share of elderly persons in a population, represents an unprecedented global demographic transformation and expected to intensify as the twenty first century progresses. The biomedical view, ageing related to physical and mental deterioration of people. Morbidities endured by understanding the sustainability and curable factors. The imbalance occurred due to the very fact that what problems previously endured due to the medical advancement and often cured today. However, somewhere there is blurred line existing between these two important aspects of elderly health i.e. between curing and enduring the issues. In the existing scientific literature, the two commonest concepts discussed and reported are medicalization and bio-medicalization. However, the opposite concept contradicting to the abovementioned concepts operationalized and defined as demedicalization. The paper discussed the present issues of gerontology and knowledge on elder healthcare through available literature review. Keywords: Eaging; Social; Economic; Healthcare.
Long non-coding RNA SREBF2-AS1 promotes cell progression by increasing SREBF2 expression in Hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Su Chuan , Qu Lili , Cai Xiaoxiao , Shen Peng , Zhu Yefei
Published: September 2022

Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as one of important regulators that may be involved in the progression of cancers in humans.
Methods:Comprehensive analysis of the lncRNA expression profile of HCC was performed by using TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to screen the target lncRNA(s). LncRNA of SREBF2-AS1 was selected and its expression level in a cohort of 15 pairs of HCC tissues was verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Loss-of-function and gain-of-function assays were carried out to investigate the role of SREBF2-AS1 in HCC progression in vitro. Tumor formation assay was performed to verity the role of SREBF2-AS1 in HCC progression in vivo.
Results: Database analysis showed that the expression of SREBF2-AS1 was upregulated in HCC, which was correlated with neoplasm grade and over survival time. The expression of SREBF2-AS1 was verified in a cohort of 15 pairs of HCC tissues. SREBF2-AS1 knockdown mitigated HCC cell growth and promoted apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Whereas, SREBF2-AS1 overexpression promoted tumor cell growth. Furthermore, our investigation demonstrated that the oncogenic activity of SREBF2-AS1 is partially attributable to the regulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBF2) expression.
Conclusions: Our study highlights the regulatory role of SREBF2-AS1 in promoting HCC progression, suggesting that SREBF2-AS1 might be a potent therapeutic target by regulating the expression of SREBF2 for patients with HCC.
Efficient Load Balancing in Cloud Environment Using Improved Spider Monkey Optimization
Authors: Verma Garima
Published: September 2022

Cloud computing provides a shared resource pool in a distributed environment. Users can access these resources anywhere anytime as per the provider’s policy. Whenever tasks are submitted on the cloud for execution, they needs to be scheduled appropriately in the cloud environment as many Virtual Machines (VM) are available at the backend. The performance of the entire system depends on the scheduling algorithm. A good scheduling algorithm distributes given tasks among all VMs so that the load of each VM is balanced. This problem is called a load balancing problem and comes under the category of NP-Hard problems. This paper uses the Spider Monkey Optimization algorithm for more efficient load balancing. The proposed optimization algorithm aims to enhance the performance by selecting the minimum loaded VM for balancing. Results of simulation show that proposed algorithm performance is improved compared to the existing algorithms with respect to load balancing, response time, make span, and resource utilization.
Assessing the Potential Chronic, Lethal, and Multigenerational Ecotoxicity of Land-Applying Biosolids using Zea mays, Glycine max, Phaseolus vulgaris and Brassica rapa
Authors: Puddephatt Karen Joan , McCarthy Lynda Helen , Serre Bryant Micheal
Published: September 2022

The uncertainty of potential toxicity when land-applying municipal biosolids to agricultural fields needs to be clarified considering the concomitant benefit for nutrient amendment and sustainability of resource recovery. This research is part of a larger program that assessed the toxicity of biosolids to terrestrial and aquatic organisms and this study specifically examined the toxicity of two biosolids when applied to four environmentally-relevant field crops. New bioassays were necessary to test the ecotoxicity of biosolids throughout the entire life cycle of each crop: Zea mays (corn), Glycine max (soybeans), Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean), and Brassica rapa (field mustard). It was hypothesized that biosolids would exhibit impact at both an environmentally-relevant application rate (8 tonnes ha-1) and a worst-case scenario (22 tonnes ha-1). The ecotoxicity of biosolids was tested using chronic, lethal, and multigenerational endpoints (i.e., F1 generation viability). Overall, study findings indicated a positive response to nutrient amendment using biosolids at either application rate. Negative responses to biosolids were seen in early growth stages of some cultivars (Zea mays) but disappeared or became positive as plants matured: these observations would have been made if existing protocols had been followed. Brassica rapa exhibited a negative germination rate when exposed to biosolids; however, further work is necessary to elucidate whether the effect is a result of nutrient additions or physical compaction on the small seed. The complete life-cycle bioassays of crops suggest that plants grown in the biosolids-amended soil were significantly larger and produced more seeds compared to reference assays. These results lend scientific support for their sustainable use in land-application strategies in Canada.
Is area-level socioeconomic deprivation associated with mortality due to circulatory system diseases in Poland?
Authors: Jamiołkowski Jacek , Genowska Agnieszka , Pająk Andrzej
Published: September 2022

Background.
Socioeconomic deprivation (SED) is known to influence cardiovascular health. However, studies analyzing the relationship between deprivation and circulatory system diseases (CSD) in Central and Eastern Europe are limited. This study aimed to assess the relationship between SED and mortality due to CSD at a population level in 66 sub-regions of Poland.
Methods.
The data regarding mortality and SED components were obtained from the Central Statistical Office. An area-based SED index was estimated from the rates of education, structure in employment, salary, unemployment, as well as and poverty. The dynamics of changes in mortality due to CSD was calculated as the number of deaths prevented or postponed (DPP) in terciles of SED index. The associations between the mortality from CSD and SED index were analyzed using multivariate Poisson regression models and generalized estimating equations.
Results.
Among men, the percentage of DPP in 2014 was 13.1% for CSD, 23.4% for ischemic heart disease (IHD), and 21.4% for cerebrovascular diseases (CD). In the case of women, the proportion of DPP was 12.8%, 25.6%, and 21.6%, respectively. More deprived sub-regions experienced a greater decrease in CSD-related mortality compared to the less deprived sub-regions. The disparity in mortality reduction between more deprived and less deprived sub-regions was even more pronounced for women. After adjustment for lifestyle, population density, and changes in mortality over time, the SED index was found to be associated with CSD- and IHD-related mortality for men (β = 1.053, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.008–1.100 and β = 1.195, 95% CI 1.005–1.419, respectively), and with IHD- and CD-related mortality for women (β = 1.303, 95% CI 1.025–1.657 and β = 1.230, 95% CI 1.025–1.477, respectively).
Conclusions.
A major proportion of the territorial differences in mortality due to CSD in Poland could be attributed to socioeconomic deprivation. To reduce CSD mortality, more comprehensive preventive measures, including approaches addressing the socioeconomic factors, mainly poverty, education and employment, in particular in less urbanized areas are needed.
Molecular characterisation and tracking of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Thailand, 2020–2022
Authors: Puenpa Jiratchaya , Rattanakomol Patthaya , Saengdao Nutsada , Chansaenroj Jira , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Suwannakarn Kamol , Thanasitthichai Somchai , Vongpunsawad Sompong , Poovorawan Yong
Published: September 2022

The global COVID-19 pandemic caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first detected in China in December 2019. To date, there have been approximately 3.4 million reported cases and over 24,000 deaths in Thailand. This study investigated the molecular characterisation and the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 identified during 2020–2022 in Thailand. Two hundred and sixty-eight SARS-CoV-2 strains, collected mostly in Bangkok from COVID-19 patients, were characterised by partial genome sequencing. Moreover, 5,627 positive SARS-CoV-2 samples were identified as viral variants [B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.617.2 (Delta), B.1.1.529 (Omicron/BA.1) and B.1.1.529 (Omicron/BA.2)] by multiplex real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. The results revealed that B.1.36.16 caused the predominant outbreak in the second wave (December 2020–January 2021), B.1.1.7 (Alpha) in the third wave (April–June 2021), B.1.617.2 (Delta) in the fourth wave (July–December 2021), and B.1.1.529 (Omicron) in the fifth wave (January–March 2022). The evolutionary rate of the viral genome was 2.60×10− 3 (95% highest posterior density [HPD], 1.72×10− 3 to 3.62×10− 3) nucleotide substitutions per site per year. Continued molecular surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for monitoring emerging variants with the potential to cause new COVID-19 outbreaks.
Steering to intercept targets following curving trajectories: Insights into visual guidance from Qualitative Inconsistency Detection
Authors: Opstal A. A. M. (Daphne) Van , Casanova Remy , Zaal Frank T. J. M. , Bootsma Reinoud J.
Published: September 2022

This study explored the informational variables guiding steering behaviour in a locomotor interception task with targets moving along circular trajectories. Using a new method of analysis focussing on the temporal co-evolution of steering behaviour and the potential information sources driving it, we set out to invalidate reliance on plausible informational candidates. Applied to individual trials rather than ensemble averages, this Qualitative Inconsistency Detection (QuID) method revealed that steering behaviour was not compatible with reliance on information grounded in any type of change in the agent-centred target-heading angle. First-order changes in the environment-centred target’s bearing angle could also not adequately account for the variations in behaviour observed under the different experimental conditions. Capturing the observed timing of unfolding steering behaviour ultimately required a combination of (velocity-based) first-order and (acceleration-based) second-order changes in bearing angle. While this result may point to reliance on fractional-order based changes in bearing angle, the overall importance of the present findings resides in the demonstration of the necessity to break away from the existing practice of trying to fit behaviour into a priori postulated functional strategies based on categorical differences between operative heuristic rules or control laws.
Seroprevalence of zoonotic abortive diseases and their associated risk factors in Tunisian sheep
Authors: Guesmi Kaouther , Kalthoum Sana , Mamlouk Aymen , Baccar Mohamed Naceur , Mohamed Bassem Bel Haj , Hajlaoui Haikel , Cherni Jamel , Seghaier Chédia , Messadi Lilia , Toumi Aymen
Published: September 2022

Background Abortion is a serious problem for sheep flocks and it is responsible for considerable economic losses. The epidemiological situation of abortion causing agents in sheep is poorly documented in Tunisia. This study aims to investigate the status of three abortion causing agents (Brucella melitensis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Coxiella burnetii) among organized flocks in Tunisia. ResultsA total of 793 sample sera collected from twenty-six flocks in seven governorates in Tunisia, were tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) for antibodies against three abortion causing agents (Brucella melitensis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Coxiella burnetii). Risk factors for individual-level seroprevalence were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Results revealed that 19.7%, 17.2%, and 16.1% of the tested sera were positive for toxoplasmosis, Q fever, and brucellosis, respectively. Mixed infection was found in Logistic regression showed that the management practices (control of new introduction, common grazing and watering point, workers exchange, presence of lambing box on the farm) and the history of infertility and the presence of abortion in neighboring flocks were likely to increase the probability of being infected by the three abortive diseases. ConclusionsEvidence of the positive relationship between seroprevalence of abortion causing agents and several risk factors, suggests further investigations to better understand the etiology of infectious abortions in flocks to develop an applicable preventive and control program.
Probable human origin of the SARS-CoV-2 polybasic furin cleavage site
Authors: Romeu Antonio R.
Published: September 2022

Background: the origin of the current SARS-CoV-2 virus is still elusive. However, the finding that Laos bats host closest known relatives of virus behind Covid that even without the furin site they can infect human cells, it is a giant stride forward to known the progenitor of the virus. The mystery focus on the CGG-CGG code of the SARS-CoV-2 furin site arginine dimer. This genetic footprint has not been observed in natural coronaviruses.
Results: based in a bioinformatic approach I found that the two possible 12-nucleotide fragment (and they reverse complement) properly inserted within the codon S680 in the S gene of the closest relative to the virus, encoding the PRRA furin site motif, 100% match to severe human NCBI RefSeq curated mRNA protein-coding transcripts. The genes to which these transcripts belong are ubiquitously and highly expressed genes, e.g., the alpha subunit of the mitochondrial ATP synthase F1 (ATP5F1) and/or the ubiquitin specific peptidase 21 (USP21); or specific and highly expressed genes in tissues such as small intestine, duodenum, brain, kidney and gonads which are the gateway of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. On the other hand, a significant group of virus specimens have been discovered in which the arginine dimer of the furin site is codon-optimized by the SARS-CoV-2 codon usage bias. Another main finding was to discover other PRRA-like insertions in the S protein from some SARS-CoV-2 specimens.
Conclusions: the first conclusion of this work is that the SARS-CoV-2 is deleting the non-viral origin of the furin site CGG-CGG arginine pair through codon optimization. Based on the results shown here together with the new Laos coronaviruses the main conclusion of this work is that a genetic recombination of unrelated RNA sequences between the a closest relative to SARS-CoV-2 and human transcripts, during an undetected viral circulation in humans, could be the origin of the polybasic furin cleavage site.
Geospatial Analysis of Gully Erosion Causative Factors: A Case Study of Anambra Erosion Prone Site, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Emeh Chukwuebuka , Igwe Ogbonnaya , Ugwoke Tochukwu A.S.
Published: September 2022

Gully erosion studies are usually complex and expensive due to the multiple nature of the causative factors, heterogeneity of the underlying geologic materials, and the high volume of point source data required within a given area. For this reason, thorough gully erosion studies are rarely carried out especially in developing countries with little resources allocated to environmental studies. Thus, it becomes difficult in solving problems arising from such geologic hazard in those areas. However, the availability of data emanating from remotely sensed operations can be utilized in solving complex gully erosional problems using modern geospatial analytical tools. Consequently, gully erosion studies within the study area were carried out by integration of geomorphologic and environmental data which were acquired remotely, and geotechnical information derived from field and laboratory investigations of the underlying geologic materials. The integrated geomorphologic, environmental, and geotechnical data was analysed with analytical tools such as ArcGIS, Google Earth, and Microsoft Excel, following the frequency ratio method. Results from the study revealed that slope angle, soil plasticity, angle of internal friction, cohesion, and population density contributed about 20%, 23%, 20%, 18%, and 9%, respectively to soil’s susceptibility to gullying. Slope angle and population density were positively correlated with the frequency of gully erosion, whereas plasticity, cohesion, and angle of internal friction were negatively correlated with frequency of gully erosion. The spatial distribution of the data revealed areas that are susceptible to gullying in their various degrees; thus providing affordable information for proper environmental planning and development.
Acceptance of a digital therapy recommender system for psoriasis
Authors: Graf Lisa , Tesch Falko , Gräßer Felix , Harst Lorenz , Siegels Doreen , Schmitt Jochen , Abraham Susanne
Published: September 2022

Background: About 2% of the German population are affected by psoriasis. A growing number of cost-intensive systemic treatments are available. Surveys have shown high proportions of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis are not adequately treated despite a high disease burden. Digital therapy recommendation systems (TRS) may help implement guideline-based treatment. However, little is known about the acceptance of such clinical decision support systems (CDSSs).
Methods:
To assess the acceptance of the TRS, a prototypical demonstrator was developed. In three scenarios, potential test patients with psoriasis but different sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, previous treatments, desire to have children, and multiple comorbidities were designed. The demonstrator and test patients were presented to a random sample of 76 dermatologists attending a national dermatology conference in a cross-sectional face-to-face survey with case vignettes. 76.8% of dermatologists rated the TRS as acceptable based on the system usability scale (SUS).
Results: Acceptance of the TRS was highest for patients eligible for systemic therapy (82%). 50% of participants accepted the system for patients with additional comorbidities and 43% for patients with special subtypes of psoriasis. Dermatologists in the outpatient sector or with many patients per week were less willing to use the TRS for patients with special psoriasis-subtypes. Participants whose SUS was 10 points above average were 27% more likely to use TRS for special psoriasis-subtypes. The main barrier in using the TRS was time demand (47.4%). Participants who perceived time as an obstacle were 22.3% less willing to use TRS with systemic therapy patients. 27.6% of physicians stated that they did not understand exactly how the recommendation was generated by the TRS, with no effect on the preparedness to use the system.
Conclusion: The considerably high acceptance and the preparedness to use the psoriasis CDSS suggests that a TRS appears to be implementable in routine healthcare and may improve clinical care. Main barrier is the additional time demand posed on dermatologists in a busy clinical setting. Therefore, it will be a major challenge to identify a limited set of variables that still allows a valid recommendation with precise prediction of the patient-individual benefits and harms.
Timing of Intubation and ICU Mortality in Covid-19 Patients: A Preplanned Retrospective Analysis of 4198 Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Manrique Sara , Claverias Laura , Magret Mónica , Masclans Joan Ramon , Bodi María , Trefler Sandra , Canadell Laura , Diaz Emili , Sole-Violan Jordi , Bisbal-Andrés Elena , Gonzalez Ruth , Albaya Antonio , Vallverdu Montserrat , Ballesteros Juan Carlos , Socias Lorenzo , Gordo Federico , Sancho Susana , Loeches Ignacio Martín , Rodriguez Alejandro ,   SEMICYUC’s COVID-19 working group
Published: September 2022

BackgroundOptimal time to intubate patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia is controversial. Whereas some authors recommend trying noninvasive respiratory support before intubate, others argue that delaying intubation can cause patient-self-induced lung injury and worsen the prognosis. We hypothesized that delayed intubation would increase the risk mortality in COVID-19 patients.MethodsThis preplanned retrospective observational study used prospectively collected data from adult patients with COVID-19 and respiratory failure admitted to 73 intensive care units between February 2020 and March 2021. Patients with limitations on life support and those with missing data were excluded.We collected demographic, laboratory, clinical variables and outcomes.Intubation was classified as 1) Very early: before or at ICU admission; 2) Early: < 24 hours after ICU admission; or 3) Late: ≥24 hours after ICU admission. We compared the early group versus those intubated late, using chi-square tests for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U for continuous variables. To assess the relationship between early versus late intubation and mortality, we used multivariable binary logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results We included 4198 patients [median age, 63 (54‒71) years; 70.8% male; median SOFA score, 4 (3‒7); median APACHE score, 13 (10‒18)], and median PaO2/FiO2, 131 (100‒190)]; intubation was very early in 2024 (48.2%) patients, early in 928 (22.1%), and late in 441 (10.5%). ICU mortality was 30.2% and median ICU stay was 14 (7‒28) days. Although patients in the late group were younger [62 vs. 64, respectively, p<0.05] and had less severe disease [APACHE II (13 vs. 14, respectively, p<0.05) and SOFA (3 vs. 4, respectively, p<0.05) scores], and higher PaO2/FiO2 at admission (116 vs. 100, respectively, p<0.05), mortality was higher in the late group than in the early group (36.9% vs. 31.6%, p<0.05). Late intubation was independently associated with mortality (OR1.83; 95%CI 1.35‒2.47).ConclusionsDelaying intubation beyond the first 24 hours of admission in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia increases the risk of mortality. Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered at Clinical-Trials.gov (NCT 04948242) on the 30th June 2021.
Present Scenario of Dairy Wastewater Treatment: A State of Art Review
Authors: Das Pragyan , Paul Kakoli Karar
Published: September 2022

Dairy industry is one of the leading consumer of water and producer of wastewater. Increased demand of dairy products results in rapid growth of dairy industry and hence wastewater production increases. Dairy effluent contains high concentrations of organic and inorganic substances that cause eutrophication in water bodies. This review study emphasizes on various treatment methods of DWW for period 2002 to 2021. Dairy wastewater imposes serious environmental concern because of the presence of wide range of fatty acids, proteins, nutrients, and other organics. These contaminants are difficult to treat in single step conventional treatment technique. In recent years much attention has been given for integrated system of dairy wastewater (DWW) treatment. The present review has deep insight for ongoing development in various treatment techniques of dairy wastewater. Moreover, this article intricate issue related with treatment followed by a brief discussion on the biological technique and special emphasis has been on the bio-filtration process. Extensive review study found that bio filtration method is environmentally sustainable and economically affordable technology as it requires minimal maintenance and low operating cost; filter media can be coarse gravel, stone, bio-carrier. Literature survey found that the bio-filtration process has the efficiency of removing BOD, COD, TP, TN (91.7–97.5, 74.1–99%, 98.3%, 88-91.5%). Fresh water crisis demands the reuse of DWW for non-potable purposes. Reuse of DWW in food, plastic, fuel, health and pharmaceutical industries helps to convert its zero value to a potential resource.
Interactive Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Capstone During Transition-to-Residency Program: Virtual and In-person Focused Workshop for EPA 13
Authors: Chen Catherine , Coppola Kristen M. , Weber Paul , Parikh Payal
Published: September 2022

Identifying systems failures and contributing to a safety culture is the Association of American Colleges (AAMC’s) thirteenth Entrustable Professional Activity (EPA). While most curricula teach Patient Safety (PS) and Quality Improvement (QI) principles, student participation in live QI/PS activities remains limited. This workshop enabled late Clerkship phase students to apply these Health Systems Science (HSS) principles to real adverse patient event cases through team-based simulation. This 3-hour capstone included both a didactic review of QI, PS, and TeamSTEPPS tools and an experiential component where student-led interactive small group discussions were augmented by resident and faculty preceptors. Collaboratively, students composed an adverse patient event report, conducted a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) during role-play, and proposed error prevention ideas after identifying systems problems. In April 2020, the in-person workshop became fully virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A statistically significant increase in ability to identify Serious Safety Events, Escalation Chain of Command, and define a PDSA cycle was observed. Comfort with RCA increased from 48–87% and comfort with TeamSTEPPS principles increased from 68–85.5% This novel capstone provided students with the tools to synthesize HSS concepts through problem-solving processes and recognize EPA 13’s importance. Their increased capability to identify appropriate chain of command, escalate concerns, and recognize serious adverse patient events also has training and practice readiness implications.
Influence of Social Media Contact on College Students' COVID-19 Vaccination Intention --The Mediating Role of Health Beliefs and the Moderating Role of Government Trust
Authors: Zhang Huiqin , Wang Zijuan , Tang Dejin
Published: September 2022

Background
Vaccination is an important measure of campus epidemic prevention and control. At present, the intention of COVID-19 vaccination is mainly affected by the public opinion of vaccine safety, and most college students understand the relevant public opinion information about vaccine safety from social media.
Methods
In this paper, 377 college students were investigated by a questionnaire network. The influence of social media contact on college students' vaccination intention was analyzed by the hierarchical regression model.
Results
Social media contact, perceived severity of the epidemic situation, and perceived benefits of vaccination had a positive impact on vaccination intention; college students' health belief partially mediated the relationship between social media contact and vaccination intention, while government trust moderated the relationship between perceived severity, perceived barriers and vaccination intention.
Conclusions
In order to increase the willingness of college students to be vaccinated against the COVID-19, it is recommended to strictly manage public opinion on social media and strengthen the public's trust in the government.
Regulation of iNOS -NF-kappa B- COX-2 inflammatory pathway by alpha-pinene neuroprotective effects in brain ischemia model
Authors: Erfani Sohaila , Khoshnazar Seyedeh Mahdieh , afzali Fatemeh Ephtekhar , Abdolmaleki Arash , Moghadam Bahram Farhadi
Published: September 2022

Inflammatory stimulus during cerebral ischemia are the central component in the progression of cell damage and pathological events in the brain. α-Pinene is an organic compound of many aromatic plants and is known as a potent agent to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we sought to identify the anti-inflammatory mechanism by which α-Pinene improves brain ischemia injury. Male Wistar rats underwent a MCAO surgery for 1 hour and different doses of alpha-pinene (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally injected immediately after reperfusion to test this hypothesis. Gene and protein expression of inflammatory mediators inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 were determined by RT-PCR and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results demonstrated that alpha-pinene regulates complex post-ischemic inflammatory responses. NF-κB p65 gene and protein expression increased in the hippocampus, cortex, and striatum after 24 h of reperfusion, and alpha-pinene significantly inhibited NF-kB p65 expression. In addition, the gene and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in the hippocampus, cortex, and striatum was suppressed by alpha-pinene treatment after 1 h of MCAO and 24 h of reperfusion. Results showed that alpha-pinene protects the cerebral against ischemic damage caused by MCAO, and this effect may be through the regulating iNOS -NF-kappa B- COX-2 inflammatory pathway.
miRNA Dysregulation in Traumatic Brain Injury and Epilepsy: A Systematic Review to Identify Putative Biomarkers for Post-Traumatic Epilepsy
Authors: Kumar Prince
Published: September 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), hence both TBI and PTE share various similar molecular mechanisms. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a small non-coding RNA that acts as a gene silencing molecule. Notably, the dysregulation of miRNAs in various neurological diseases including TBI and epilepsy is reported in several studies. However, studies on commonly dysregulated miRNAs and regulation of shared pathway in both TBI and epilepsy that can identify potential biomarker of PTE is still lacking. This systematic review covers the peer-review publications of TBI and database study of epilepsy dysregulated miRNAs of clinical studies. For TBI, 290 research articles were identified after screening, 12 articles were provided data for dysregulated miRNAs in humans only. The compiled data suggest that 85 and 222 miRNAs are dysregulated in TBI and epilepsy consecutively. In both, 10 miRNAs were found commonly dysregulated in both, hence considered as potentially dysregulated miRNAs for PTE. Furthermore, targets and involvement of each putative miRNA in different pathways were identified and evaluated. Also, clusters of predicted miRNAs were analyzed. Each miRNAs regulatory role was found to be linked with apoptosis, inflammation and cell cycle regulation pathways. Hence provided insight for future diagnostic biomarkers.
Vagus Nerve Stimulator Revision in Pediatric Epilepsy Patients: A Technical Note and Case Series
Authors: LoPresti Melissa , Huang Jonathan , Shlobin Nathan A. , Curry Daniel J. , Weiner Howard L. , Lam Sandi K.
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an adjunctive treatment in children with intractable epilepsy. When lead replacement becomes necessary, the old leads are often truncated and retained and new leads are implanted at a newly exposed segment of the nerve. Direct lead removal and replacement is infrequently described, with outcomes poorly characterized. We aimed to describe our experience with feasibility of VNS lead removal and replacement in pediatric patients. Methods: Retrospective review examined 14 patients, at a single, tertiary-care, children’s hospital, who underwent surgery to replace VNS leads, with complete removal of the existing lead from the vagus nerve and placement of a new lead on the same segment of the vagus nerve, via blunt and sharp dissection without use of electrocautery. Preoperative characteristics, stimulation parameters, and outcomes were collected. Results: Mean age at initial VNS placement was 7.6 years (SD 3.5, range 4.5-13.4). Most common etiologies of epilepsy were genetic (5, 36%) and cryptogenic (4, 29%). Lead replacement was performed at a mean of 6.0 years (SD 3.8, range 2.1-11.7) following initial VNS placement. Reasons for revision included VNS lead breakage or malfunction. There were no perioperative complications, including surgical site infection, voice changes, dysphagia, or new deficits postoperatively. Stimulation parameters after replacement surgery at last follow-up were similar compared to preoperatively, with final stimulation parameters ranging from 0.25 mA higher to 1.5 mA lower to maintain baseline seizure control. Mean length of follow-up was 7.9 years (SD 3.5, range 3.1-13.7).Conclusion: Removal and replacement of VNS leads is feasible and can be safely performed in children. Further characterization of surgical technique, associated risk, impact on stimulation parameters, and long-term outcomes are needed to inform best practices in VNS revision.