bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group-symmetric consensus for nonholonomic mobile multirobot systems in coopetition networks
Authors: Zhang Tiehui , Li Hengyu , Liu Jun , Xie Shaorong , Luo Jun
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes the concept of group-symmetric consensus for nonholonomic mobile multirobot systems (NMMRSs). Based on the thought of group-based coordination control, the framework of group-symmetric consensus for NMMRSs is developed in coopetition networks. Antagonistic interactions between robots therein can exist in the same group. Resorting to a novel auxiliary velocity vector embedded in the control algorithm, group-symmetric consensus can be realized with an integrated torque controller. By exploiting the Laplacian matrix associated with the coopetition networks in NMMRSs, the coordinate transformation technique is employed to execute stability analysis. Finally, the effectiveness of the group-symmetric consensus problem is verified by numerical simulations in two coopetition network types.
Indentation creep behavior of pulsed Tungsten inert gas welded Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy joints by nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy
Authors: Muhammad Hassaan , Massab Junaid , Muhammad Shamir , Alkuhayli Abdulaziz , Noman Abdullah M. , Al-Shamma’a Abdullrahman A.
Published: February 2022

Indentation creep was used to analyze the heterogeneity of the mechanical properties in base metal, heat affected zone and fusion zone of titanium alloy weldments obtained using TIG welding process which is generally employed in aerospace industries. For all the weld zones, creep deformation was analyzed using nanoindenter, AFM and microhardness testing. Nanoindentation creep depth was plotted with respect to time using data from the hold stage and CSRs were calculated using empirical relations. The analysis of creep stress exponents (CSE) was indicative of an active creep mechanism for all the weld zones however, a notable variation between the stress exponents and creep mechanism was observed among base metal, heat affected zone and fusion zone. Moreover, Vickers microindentation was used to measure creep of Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy weldment using Sargent-Ashby model. However, it did not give the realistic values creep behavior when compared to literature and nanoindentation measurements. It was observed that the phase change, grain size and the loading strain rate (LSR) significantly affected the creep behavior of the Ti-5Al-2.5Sn weldment.
Utilization of waste black limestone filler in short jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites: Influence on the mechanical behaviour
Authors: Kumaran P , Balaji N S , Vijay R , Madhu S , Asokan P , Lenin Singaravelu D
Published: February 2022

Natural materials-based composites with superior mechanical properties were produced by utilizing waste black limestone as a filler and jute fibers in the epoxy matrix. The present effort investigates the mechanical properties of the epoxy composite reinforced by varying the weight percentages of the black limestone and the length of the jute fibers. Nine composites comprising black limestone with weight percentages of 0%, 5%, 10%, and short jute fibers having different lengths of 15 mm, 30 mm, and 45 mm were fabricated by a hand lay-up technique. It was found that the composites with optimal content filler material exhibited better performance than higher filler content-based and without fillers composites. The ultimate tensile strength of the 5% black limestone filled with 30 mm jute fiber was 54.8 MPa, similarly higher ultimate flexural and compression strength values. Fractography studies were performed using a scanning electron microscope to elucidate the characteristics of the mechanically tested composite.
Experimental analysis of microhardness changes of subsurface areas affected by WEDM
Authors: Mouralova Katerina , Michna Stefan , Zahradnicek Radim , Bednar Josef , Plichta Tomas , Fries Jiri
Published: February 2022

The influence of the surface area by the impact of high temperatures after wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) is a known fact. However, the affected parameters also include a change in microhardness. In order to further investigate this statement, 5 different ferrous and non-ferrous materials were selected, from which three samples were always made with different settings of machine parameters (gap voltage, pulse on and off time, wire feed and discharge current). This examined not only the effect of the machining itself on the material but also whether the change in the microhardness of the material is affected by the setting of the machine parameters. In order to measure the microhardness of the subsurface layer, a metallographic preparation was made from each sample, which enabled accurate measurements always in the same area. Subsequent evaluation revealed that the microhardness may not be affected at all and everything depends only on the type of material being machined. The changes in microhardness affected by setting machine parameters are negligible.
Machinability Study on CNC Turning of Stainless Steel 303 with CVD Multi-Layer (TiN/Al2O3/TiCN) Coated Carbide Insert by using Grey-Fuzzy Logic Approach
Authors: Bharathi SR Sundara , Ravindran D , Moshi A Arul Marcel , Alagarsamy SV , Kannan R Karthick , Prasath V Jegan
Published: February 2022

Manufacturing requires reliable models and methods for the prediction of output performance of machining processes as the demand for highly automated machine tools in the industry has been increased. The prediction of optimal machining conditions for good surface finish and dimensional accuracy plays a very important role in process planning. In the present work, dry turning of austenitic Stainless Steel (SS303) using CVD multi-layer (TiN/Al2O3/TiCN) coated carbide insert has been investigated. Cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut have been considered as the input process variables for the dry turning process. Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array has been utilized for designing the experiments. A Grey-Fuzzy logic approach has been employed to investigate the multi-objective optimization of turning process parametric combination to provide minimum Surface Roughness (SR) with the maximum Material Removal Rate (MRR). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique has been employed to identify the most influencing input process variable for achieving minimum SR and maximum MRR. Morphology analysis has been performed on the machined surfaces and the chips generated during the machining processes using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in order to relate the surface quality with the input factor setting.
In vitro testing for hip head-neck taper tribocorrosion: A review of experimental methods
Authors: Wight Christian M , Schemitsch Emil H
Published: February 2022

In vitro test methods are challenged by the multi-factorial nature of head-neck taper connection tribocorrosion due to the consequences of simplification. Incorrect study design and misinterpretation of results has led to contradictory findings regarding important factors affecting head-neck taper tribocorrosion. This review seeks to highlight important considerations when developing in vitro test methods, to help researchers strengthen their study design and analyze the implications of others’ design decisions. The advantages, disadvantages, limitations and procedural considerations for finite element analyses, electrochemical studies and in vitro simulations related to head-neck taper connection tribocorrosion are discussed. Finite element analysis offers an efficient method for studying large ranges of mechanical parameters. However, they are limited by neglecting electrochemical, biological and fluid flow factors. Electrochemical studies may be preferred if these factors are considered important. Care must be taken in interpreting data from electrochemical studies, particularly when different materials are compared. Differences in material valence and toxicity affect clinical translation of electrochemical studies’ results. At their most complex, electrochemical studies attempt to simulate all aspects of headneck taper connection tribocorrosion in a bench top study. Effective execution requires in-depth knowledge of the tribocorrosion phenomenon, the involved mechanisms, and their measures such that each study design decision is fully informed.
Late-Holocene advances of the Greater Azau Glacier (Elbrus area, Northern Caucasus) revealed by 14C dating of paleosols
Authors: Solomina Olga N , Alexandrovskiy Alexander L , Zazovskaya Elya P , Konstantinov Evgeny A , Shishkov Vasily A , Kuderina Tatiana M , Bushueva Irina S
Published: February 2022

Three paleosols buried in the left lateral moraines of the Greater Azau Glacier (Northern Caucasus) were identified in an excavated outcrop (43.2658 N, 42.4766 E, 2370 m a.s.l.). When the glacier was overlying the surface of the lateral moraines at this site, the thickness of the ice was 50 m and more above the valley floor. Fragments of charcoal from the uppermost soil (S1) buried 0.6 m below the surface yielded the radiocarbon date 130 ± 20 yr BP (IGANAMS-6826) (AD 1680–1939). The middle soil (S2), buried at the depth of 13 m yielded two 14C dates 320 ± 20 yr BP (IGANAMS-8127) (bark of birch) (AD 1496–1641) and 1190 ± 20 yr BP (IGANAMS-8126) (AD 774–889) (charcoal). We suggest that the soil S2 has been formed between these dates during the Medieval Warm Period and in the early Little Ice Age. The lowermost (S3) unit lying 15 m below the surface is the thickest (0.4–0.6 m), well-developed paleosol. Charcoal collected at the top of S3, yielded the date 1300 ± 20 yr BP (IGANAMS-6826) (AD 663–773), indicating a prominent glacier advance occurred shortly before this date. Two dates from the charcoal buried at the bottom of S3 (2855 ± 20 yr BP (IGANAMS-8125) and 2880 ± 20 yr BP (IGANAMS-6827) mark the beginning of a long episode of restricted glacier extent that lasted for about 1600 years. The dates at the bottom of the S3 paleosol constrain the end of glacier advance that occurred before 2800–2900 14C yr BP. The timing of most prominent advances of the Greater Azau Glacier in the past 3500 years is in general agreement with the Late-Holocene glacial chronologies in the European Alps, Scandinavia and other regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Financial Forces for Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Development
Authors: Vaishnavi S. , Hariharan S.
Published: February 2022

This manuscript has set out the key issues connected to entrepreneurship in the framework of its connection with rustic area growth. The investigation seeks to identify determinants of rural entrepreneurship and the atmosphere encouraging its development. The policy needed to form this good environment has been discussed here. The conclusion is that in order to step up rural development in rustic rural areas, entrepreneurship must be encouraged. The entrepreneurial direction in rustic areas is based on invigorating local entrepreneurial capacity and successful development of innovative companies. This in turn would create jobs and add financially viable value to an area, while retaining scare funds within the community.
Equity Price Risk of Commercial Banks in India
Authors: Das Nupur Moni , Rout Bhabani Sankar
Published: February 2022

This study is directed at gauging the equity price risk of the Indian commercial banks for the period 2003–2020. Parametric value-at-risk (VaR) is employed to estimate the downside risk. Further, the univariate exponential generalized auto regressive conditional heteroskedasticity (EGARCH) model is also used to find out the existence of stylised aspects of volatility. The outcomes point towards the existence of volatility clustering, persistence and asymmetry, but differ from bank to bank. Furthermore, the parametric VaR model that assumes normal distribution and student’s t-distribution is not found to be an accurate model for all the banks. Tail risk is also found to be significant, and thus, justifies the Basel Committee’s decision to shift towards an expected shortfall. However, these conventional VaR models should be supplemented by internal models, taking into consideration, bank-specific characteristics.

JEL: G01, G15, I15, G17, G28
From marketising to empowering: Evaluating union responses to devolutionary policies in education
Authors: Gavin Mihajla , Fitzgerald Scott , McGrath-Champ Susan
Published: February 2022

Major reforms in education, globally, have focused on increased accountability and devolution of responsibility to the local school level to improve the efficiency and quality of education. While emerging research is considering implications of these changed governance arrangements at both a school and system level, little attention has been afforded to teacher union responses to devolutionary reform, despite teaching being a highly union-organised profession and the endurance of decentralising-style reforms in education for over 40 years. Drawing upon a power resources approach, this article examines union responses in cases of devolutionary reform in a populous Australian state. Through analysing evolving policy discourse, from anti-bureaucratic, managerialising rhetoric to a ‘post-bureaucratic, empowerment’ agenda, this article contributes to understandings of union power for resisting decentralising, neoliberal policy agendas by exposing the limits of public sector unions mobilising traditional power resources and arguing for strengthening of discursive and symbolic power.
Development and validation of an insulated isothermal PCR assay for the rapid detection of Mannheimia haemolytica
Authors: Dao Xiaofang , Hung Chien-Che , Yang Youwen , Wang Juan , Yang Falong
Published: February 2022

We developed a rapid insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR) assay for on-site detection of Mannheimia haemolytica using a primer and probe set targeting the superoxide dismutase ( sodA) gene. Our iiPCR assay detected M. haemolytica clinical isolates successfully and produced negative results on other bovine or ovine respiratory pathogens, including Histophilus somni, Bibersteinia trehalosi, Trueperella pyogenes, Streptococcus suis, and Mycoplasma spp., indicating that the PCR reactions were specific. Additionally, our iiPCR assay detected as few as 21 copies of genomic DNA and 17.2 cfu/mL of bacterial culture, which was 10 and 100 times more sensitive than conventional PCR, respectively. Our iiPCR assay can be performed on a portable device in a total of 58 min and may be a useful tool for the detection of M. haemolytica in bovine and ovine respiratory disease in the field.
The Differences and Perspectives Between Elderly Individuals and Their Surrogates Regarding End-of-Life Care: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Ke Li-Shan , Hu Wen-Yu , Dai Yu-Tzu , Chen Ching-Yu
Published: February 2022

Background: Family members often take the place of decision-making for elderly individuals. Previous studies showed that family members could not predict elderly individuals’ thoughts about end-of-life care. Objectives: The aims are to understand the differences and perspectives between elderly individuals and surrogates regarding end-of-life care. Design: A mixed methods study comprising a cross-sectional survey and field notes analysis. Setting: Two geriatric wards in a veterans hospital located in northern Taiwan. Subjects: Fifty-five pairs of elderly individuals and their surrogates. Measurements: Life support preferences questionnaire and field notes. Results: The quantitative data showed that the elderly individuals and their surrogates had proper consistency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and surgery. However, their consistency was poor in antibiotics and nasogastric tube feeding. Four themes were identified in qualitative data: recognizing old age, struggling with hope and peace, worries and concerns, and control of life. Recognizing old age for both elderly individuals and their surrogates was critical. Elderly individuals and their surrogates may seek a ray of hope among aggressive treatments and struggle with hope and peace. A lot of worries and concerns were mentioned, including contextual concerns. Elderly individuals need to depend on their ability to control their life. Conclusions: The study highlights elderly individuals’ and their surrogates’ considerations for antibiotics and nasogastric tube feeding. Furthermore, elderly individuals expressed that it is different for making decisions for themselves or others; thus, future studies can further explore whether elderly individuals allow their surrogates leeway from their wishes.
Beneficial effects of a prescription home-prepared diet and of zucchini on urine calcium oxalate supersaturation and urinary parameters in adult cats
Authors: Blanchard Géraldine , Amato Concetta , André Agnès , Bleis Philippe , Ninet Samuel , Zentek Jürgen , Nguyen Patrick
Published: February 2022

Objectives

From the authors’ experience, the consumption of a balanced prescription home-prepared diet that includes zucchini (courgette) benefits cats with recurrent urolithiasis, but there is no published evidence to support this. The aim was to study the effects on urinary parameters of (1) a balanced prescription home-prepared diet containing zucchini, and (2) the addition of zucchini to a dry food, compared with two commercial therapeutic diets.

Methods

Eight healthy cats were included in a Latin-square designed protocol. Five diets were evaluated: two commercial diets, designed for cats with urinary disorders, one high-moisture (U-WET) and one high-sodium dry (U-DRY); one home-prepared diet (HOME); one commercial dry food for adult maintenance (DRY); and DRY given together with 10 g of zucchini per kg body weight (DRY-Zuc). After a 7-day adaptation period, urine was collected and daily food and water intakes were assessed for 12 days. Urinary parameters, and relative supersaturation (RSS) for calcium oxalate (CaOx) and struvite, were determined. Data underwent repeated measures ANOVA analysis.

Results

The digestibility of energy, dry matter, protein and fat was highest with the HOME diet. CaOx RSS was lowest in cats eating the HOME diet, but not significantly different from the U-WET or U-DRY diets. CaOx RSS was lower in cats eating the DRY-Zuc diet than in cats eating the DRY diet. Struvite RSS did not differ significantly among groups.

Conclusions and relevance

This study shows that a balanced prescription home-prepared diet was safe and allowed a very low urinary CaOx RSS. It also showed that adding zucchini to dry food lowered the urine CaOx RSS.
Systematic reviews: A glossary for public health
Authors: Haddaway Neal R. , Lotfi Tamara , Mbuagbaw Lawrence
Published: February 2022

Literature reviews are conducted for a range of purposes, from providing an overview or primer of a novel topic, to providing a comprehensive, precise, and accurate estimate of an effect estimate. There is much confusion over nomenclature related to literature reviews, with the term ‘systematic review’ often used to mean any review based on some form of explicit methodology. However, guidance and minimum standards exist for these kinds of robust reviews that are intended to support evidence-informed decision-making, and reviewers must carefully ensure their syntheses are conducted and reported to a high standard if this is their objective. The diversity of names given to reviews is reflected in the diversity of methods used for these evidence syntheses: the result is a general confusion about what is important to ensure a review is fit-for-purpose, and many reviews are labelled as ‘systematic reviews’ when they do not follow standardised or replicable approaches. Here, we provide a glossary or typology that aims to highlight the importance of the reviewers’ objectives in choosing and naming their review method. We focus on reviews in public health and provide guidance on selecting an objective, methodological guidance to follow, justifying and reporting the methods chosen, and attempting to ensure consistent and clear nomenclature. We hope this will help review authors, editors, peer-reviewers, and readers understand, interpret, and critique a review depending on its intended use.
New analytical solution of the fractal anharmonic oscillator using an ancient Chinese algorithm: Investigating how plasma frequency changes with fractal parameter values
Authors: Elías-Zúñiga Alex , Martínez-Romero Oscar , Palacios-Pineda Luis M , Olvera-Trejo Daniel
Published: February 2022

This paper uses the two-scale fractal dimension transform and He’s formula derived from the ancient Chinese algorithm Ying Bu Zu Shu to find the approximate frequency–amplitude expression of the fractal and forced anharmonic oscillator that can be used to study the nonlinear oscillations produced by the plasma physics fractal structures. The results show how the electron frequency and wavelength change as a function of the plasma physics fractal structure. In fact, if the value of the fractal parameter is decreased, the wavelength increases, and consequently, the system frequency decreases. The introduced solution procedure sheds a bright light on the easy-to-follow steps to obtain an accurate steady-state analytical solution of fractal anharmonic nonlinear oscillators.
Legacies of Political Violence and Voter Behavior in Colombia
Authors: Gillooly Shauna N.
Published: February 2022

Do legacies of politically motivated violence influence future or current electoral behaviour? How so? This article considers the question of the impact of violence on voter behaviour, specifically on elections that centred on issues of peace in contexts of long-running civil conflict. This study theorises the ways in which decades of violence, and continued contexts of unevenly distributed violence during elections, impacts current electoral behaviour. This article explores whether continued exposure to violence makes voters more or less conciliatory in their political preferences as expressed through electoral institutions. To do this, the article utilises the second round of voting in the 2014 and 2018 Colombian presidential elections and the 2016 plebiscite vote on the peace accords with the leftist guerrilla group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, along with a data set that records politically motivated violent events perpetrated by insurgents, counterinsurgents, and the state forces at a municipal level from 1991 to 2012.
Circ_0026579 alleviates LPS-induced WI-38 cells inflammation injury in infantile pneumonia
Authors: Yu Yang , Yang Tingting , Ding Zhaozheng , Cao Yuan
Published: February 2022

Circular RNA (circRNA) represents an important regulator in infantile pneumonia progression. To clarify the role of circ_0026579 in this disease, LPS was used to treat WI-38 cells to mimic inflammation injury. The levels of inflammatory factors were determined by ELISA assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by MTT assay, EdU staining and flow cytometry. The protein levels of cyclinD1, cleaved-caspase-3 and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) were examined using Western blot analysis. Cell oxidative stress was assessed by detecting MDA level and SOD activity. The expression of circ_0026579, miR-24-3p and IGF2 were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR, and the interaction between miR-24-3p and circ_0026579 or IGF2 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. LPS induced inflammation in WI-38 cells. Circ_0026579 expression was promoted in LPS-induced WI-38 cells, and its knockdown alleviated LPS-induced WI-38 cells inflammation. MiR-24-3p was sponged by circ_0026579, and its expression was reduced by LPS. MiR-24-3p inhibitor reversed the regulation of circ_0026579 knockdown on LPS-induced WI-38 cells inflammation. IGF2 was targeted by miR-24-3p, and its expression could be enhanced by LPS. MiR-24-3p relieved the inflammation of WI-38 cells which could be abolished by IGF2 overexpression. Circ_0026579 positively regulated IGF2 expression through sponging miR-24-3p. Circ_0026579 knockdown alleviated LPS-induced WI-38 cells inflammation by miR-24-3p/IGF2 axis, suggesting that circ_0026579 might contribute to infantile pneumonia progression.
Optimal management of post-discharge postpartum hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a quality improvement initiative
Authors: Tanguay Lecomte Alexia , Vittoz Lauriane , Sauvé Nadine , Roy-Lacroix Marie-Ève , Malick Mandy , Côté Anne-Marie
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Postpartum hypertensive disorders of pregnancy occur in 2-5% of pregnancies. It is a major cause of urgent postpartum consultation and is associated with life-threatening complications. Our objective was to evaluate if local management of postpartum hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was congruent with expert recommendations. Methods: We conducted a quality improvement initiative through a retrospective single-centre cross-sectional study. All women over 18-year-old consulting emergently for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the first six weeks postpartum, from 2015 to 2020, were eligible. Results: We included 224 women. Optimal management of postpartum hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was observed in 65.0%. While diagnosis and laboratory work-up were excellent, adequate blood pressure surveillance and recommendations upon discharge of an outpatient postpartum episode (69.7%) did not meet expectations. Conclusion: Efforts should be targeted to improve discharge recommendations on optimal blood pressure surveillance after delivery for women at risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and for postpartum hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in women treated as outpatients.
Revisiting public diplomacy in a postpandemic world: The need for a humanity-centered communication logic
Authors: Zaharna R S , Huang Zhao Alexandre
Published: February 2022

Professor R. S. Zaharna is a leading scholar in international communication and public diplomacy. She has witnessed the rapid development of public diplomacy since 2001 and has been committed to researching different communication logics in public diplomacy. In recent years, she has begun to explore the boundaries of public diplomacy theory, aiming to expand the conceptual scope of public diplomacy, advocating a relational shift in conventional public diplomacy studies, and reflecting on the limitations of the actor-centered approach in international communication. In this interview, Professor Zaharna shared her definition of public diplomacy and discussed how relations, connectivity, and interactivity will be indispensable in public diplomacy research and practice. She also analyzed the limitations of the actor-centered public diplomacy research and explained three communication logics in humanity-centered diplomacy. For her, humanity-centered public diplomacy responds to the needs of human societies, harnessing our capacity to collaborate in collective decision-making and problem-solving. In this case, communication is not about agency or control but about navigating the connectivity and interactivity made possible by digitalization, emphasizing horizontal social collaboration, and observing relational constellations and dynamics.
Anthropometric Factors Associated With Bone Stress Injuries in Collegiate Distance Runners: New Risk Metrics and Screening Tools?
Authors: Carbuhn Aaron F. , Yu Daniel , Magee Lawrence M. , McCulloch Patrick C. , Lambert Bradley S.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Lower limb bone stress injury (BSI) of the pelvis, femur, and tibia is prevalent in collegiate track and field distance runners. Bone mineral density (BMD), body composition (BComp), and anthropometric parameters before initial collegiate injury have not been compared between runners with BSI and their noninjured counterparts.

Purpose:

To characterize bone health in relation to BComp and anthropometric measurements from total-body dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans in collegiate male and female distance runners before BSI and develop BMD prediction models.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Distance runners (N = 79) from a single university track and field team were retrospectively enrolled into this study. The runners completed a DXA scan during the fall season (August-November) and participated in sport activities before the scan. Three months after scanning, electronic medical records were reviewed for the occurrence of BSI. An independent-sample t test was used to compare BMD (total and regional [spine, pelvis, and legs]), BComp (% body fat, fat mass, and lean mass), and anthropometric measurements (shoulder width and leg, arm, and trunk length) between runners with versus without BSI (included subgroup analysis by sex). Multiple linear regression with stepwise removal was used to determine variables most predictive of BMD.

Results:

Of the 79 enrolled participants (42 male, 37 female), 18 runners (22.8%; 11 female, 7 male) sustained a lower limb BSI. Compared with the noninjured group, injured runners had lower total and regional BMD ( P < .001 for all) and shorter leg and arm lengths ( P < .05 for both), whereas injured male runners had lower fat mass and injured female runners had lower lean mass in the legs ( P < .05 for both). Injured runners’ age-matched total BMD Z score (-0.1 ± 0.6) was considered clinically normal. BComp and anthropometric measures were predictive of total and regional BMD ( P < .05; R 2 = 0.64-0.80; percentage error = 3.8%-4.8%).

Conclusion:

The DXA scans of injured runners prior to incidence indicated lower BMD compared with noninjured runners. Shorter limb lengths, lower fat mass (male), and lower leg lean mass (female) may also be indicative of risk. Certain BComp and anthropometric measures were predictive of BMD.
European Respiratory Society statement on long COVID follow-up
Authors: Antoniou Katerina M. , Vasarmidi Eirini , Russell Anne-Marie , Andrejak Claire , Crestani Bruno , Delcroix Marion , Dinh-Xuan Anh Tuan , Poletti Venerino , Sverzellati Nicola , Vitacca Michele , Witzenrath Martin , Tonia Thomy , Spanevello Antonio
Published: February 2022

Patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection frequently experience symptom burden post-acute infection or post-hospitalisation. We aimed to identify optimal strategies for follow-up care that may positively impact the patient's quality of life (QoL). A European Respiratory Society (ERS) Task Force convened and prioritised eight clinical questions. A targeted search of the literature defined the timeline of “long COVID” as 1–6 months post-infection and identified clinical evidence in the follow-up of patients. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria report an association of characteristics of acute infection with persistent symptoms, thromboembolic events in the follow-up period, and evaluations of pulmonary physiology and imaging. Importantly, this statement reviews QoL consequences, symptom burden, disability and home care follow-up. Overall, the evidence for follow-up care for patients with long COVID is limited.
Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19: a phenotype of severe COVID-19 pneumonitis? The results of the UK POETIC survey
Authors: Melhorn James , Achaiah Andrew , Conway Francesca M. , Thompson Elizabeth M.F. , Skyllberg Erik W. , Durrant Joseph , Hasan Neda A. , Madani Yasser , Naran Prasheena , Vijayakumar Bavithra , Tate Matthew J. , Trevelyan Gareth E. , Zaki Irfan , Doig Catherine A. , Lynch Geraldine , Warwick Gill , Aujayeb Avinash , Jackson Karl A. , Iftikhar Hina , Noble Jonathan H. , Ng Anthony Y.K.C. , Nugent Mark , Evans Philip J. , Hastings Robert A. , Bellenberg Harry R. , Lawrence Hannah , Saville Rachel L. , Johl Nikolas T. , Grey Adam N. , Ellis Huw C. , Chen Cheng , Jones Thomas L. , Maddekar Nadeem , Khan Shahul Leyakathali , Muhammad Ambreen Iqbal , Ghani Hakim , Maung Maung Myint Yadee , Rafique Cecillia , Pippard Benjamin J. , Irving Benjamin R.H. , Ali Fawad , Asimba Viola H. , Azam Aqeem , Barton Eleanor C. , Bhatnagar Malvika , Blackburn Matthew P. , Millington Kate J. , Budhram Nicholas J. , Bunclark Katherine L. , Sapkal Toshit P. , Dixon Giles , Harries Andrew J.E. , Ijaz Mohammad , Karunanithi Vijayalakshmi , Naik Samir , Khan Malik Aamaz , Savlani Karishma , Kumar Vimal , Lara Gallego Beatriz , Mahdi Noor A. , Morgan Caitlin , Patel Neena , Rowlands Elen W. , Steward Matthew S. , Thorley Richard S. , Wollerton Rebecca L. , Ullah Sana , Smith David M. , Lason Wojciech , Rostron Anthony J. , Rahman Najib M. , Hallifax Rob J.
Published: February 2022

Background

There is an emerging understanding that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with increased incidence of pneumomediastinum (PTM). We aimed to determine its incidence among patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK and describe factors associated with outcome.

Methods

A structured survey of PTM and its incidence was conducted from September 2020 to February 2021. UK-wide participation was solicitedviarespiratory research networks. Identified patients had severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and radiologically proven PTM. The primary outcomes were to determine incidence of PTM in COVID-19 and to investigate risk factors associated with patient mortality.

Results

377 cases of PTM in COVID-19 were identified from 58 484 inpatients with COVID-19 at 53 hospitals during the study period, giving an incidence of 0.64%. Overall 120-day mortality in COVID-19 PTM was 195 out of 377 (51.7%). PTM in COVID-19 was associated with high rates of mechanical ventilation. 172 out of 377 patients (45.6%) were mechanically ventilated at the point of diagnosis. Mechanical ventilation was the most important predictor of mortality in COVID-19 PTM at the time of diagnosis and thereafter (p<0.001), along with increasing age (p<0.01) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.08). Switching patients from continuous positive airway pressure support to oxygen or high-flow nasal oxygen after the diagnosis of PTM was not associated with difference in mortality.

Conclusions

PTM appears to be a marker of severe COVID-19 pneumonitis. The majority of patients in whom PTM was identified had not been mechanically ventilated at the point of diagnosis.
The burden of asthma, hay fever and eczema in children in 25 countries: GAN Phase I study
Authors: García-Marcos Luis , Asher M. Innes , Pearce Neil , Ellwood Eamon , Bissell Karen , Chiang Chen-Yuan , El Sony Asma , Ellwood Philippa , Marks Guy B. , Mortimer Kevin , Martínez-Torres A. Elena , Morales Eva , Perez-Fernandez Virginia , Robertson Steven , Rutter Charlotte E. , Silverwood Richard J. , Strachan David P.
Published: February 2022

Aims

There have been no worldwide standardised surveys of prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in school children for 15 years. The present study aims to provide this information.

Methods

Following the exact International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) methodology (cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey), Global Asthma Network (GAN) Phase I was carried out between 2015 and 2020 in many centres worldwide.

Results

The study included 157 784 adolescents (13–14 years of age) in 63 centres in 25 countries and 101 777 children (6–7 years of age) in 44 centres in 16 countries. The current prevalence of symptoms, respectively, was 11.0% and 9.1% for asthma, 13.3% and 7.7% for rhinoconjunctivitis and 6.4% and 5.9% for eczema. The prevalence of asthma ever was 10.5% and 7.6%, hay fever ever was 15.2% and 11.1% and eczema ever was 10.6% and 13.4%, respectively. Centres in low or lower middle gross national income countries (LICs or LMICs) had significantly lower prevalence of the three disease symptoms and diagnoses (except for hay fever). In children, the prevalence of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms was higher in boys, while the reverse occurred among adolescents. For eczema, while the prevalence among female adolescents was double that of males, there was no sex difference among children. Centre accounted for non-negligible variability in all disease symptoms (10–20%).

Conclusion

The burdens of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema vary widely among the limited number of countries studied. Although symptom prevalence is lower in LICs and LMICs, it represents a considerable burden everywhere studied.
Low-dose oral corticosteroids in asthma associates with increased morbidity and mortality
Authors: Skov Inge Raadal , Madsen Hanne , Henriksen Daniel Pilsgaard , Andersen Jacob Harbo , Pottegård Anton , Davidsen Jesper Rømhild
Published: February 2022

Background

Long-term oral corticosteroid (OCS) treatment for severe asthma is known to cause significant adverse effects, but knowledge on effects of lower exposures in general asthma populations is limited. We aimed to explore this in a nationwide Danish asthma population.

Methods

Users of asthma medication aged 18–45 years were identified in the Danish nationwide registers during 1999–2018 and followed prospectively in an open-cohort design. Incident OCS users were matched 1:4 to nonusers by propensity scores with replacement. Associations between OCS use and incident comorbidities were examined by Cox regression. Mortality rates, causes of death and rates of unscheduled hospital visits were assessed.

Results

OCS users (n=30 352) had, compared with nonusers (n=121 408), an increased risk of all outcomes with evident dose–response relationships starting at cumulative doses of ≤500 mg (prednisolone-equivalent). Hazard ratios ranged from 1.24 (95% CI 1.18–1.30) for fractures to 8.53 (95% CI 3.97–18.33) for adrenal insufficiency. Depression/anxiety had the highest incidence rate difference at 4.3 (95% CI 3.6–5.0) per 1000 person-years. Asthma-specific mortality rates were generally low at 0.15 (95% CI 0.11–0.20) and 0.04 (95% CI 0.02–0.06) per 1000 person-years for OCS users and nonusers, respectively. Mortality rates and unscheduled hospital visits increased with increasing OCS exposure.

Conclusion

The study findings should be interpreted with their observational nature in mind. However, we found that even at low cumulative exposure, OCS use in asthma management was associated with increased risk of comorbidities, mortality and unscheduled hospital visits. Effective strategies for optimising asthma control and reducing OCS use are pivotal in asthma management.
HiCmapTools: a tool to access HiC contact maps
Authors: Chang Jia-Ming , Weng Yi-Fu , Chang Wei-Ting , Lin Fu-An , Cavalli Giacomo
Published: February 2022

Background

With the development of HiC technology, more and more HiC sequencing data have been produced. Although there are dozens of packages that can turn sequencing data into contact maps, there is no appropriate tool to query contact maps in order to extract biological information from HiC datasets.

Results

We present HiCmapTools, a tool for biologists to efficiently calculate and analyze HiC maps. The complete program provides multi-query modes and analysis tools. We have validated its utility on two real biological questions: TAD loop and TAD intra-density.

Conclusions

HiCmapTools supports seven access options so that biologists can quantify contact frequency of the interest sites. The tool has been implemented in C++ and R and is freely available at https://github.com/changlabtw/hicmaptools and documented at https://hicmaptools.readthedocs.io/.
A hierarchical opportunistic screening model for osteoporosis using machine learning applied to clinical data and CT images
Authors: Liu Liyu , Si Meng , Ma Hecheng , Cong Menglin , Xu Quanzheng , Sun Qinghua , Wu Weiming , Wang Cong , Fagan Michael J. , Mur Luis A. J. , Yang Qing , Ji Bing
Published: February 2022

Background

Osteoporosis is a common metabolic skeletal disease and usually lacks obvious symptoms. Many individuals are not diagnosed until osteoporotic fractures occur. Bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for osteoporosis detection. However, only a limited percentage of people with osteoporosis risks undergo the DXA test. As a result, it is vital to develop methods to identify individuals at-risk based on methods other than DXA.

Results

We proposed a hierarchical model with three layers to detect osteoporosis using clinical data (including demographic characteristics and routine laboratory tests data) and CT images covering lumbar vertebral bodies rather than DXA data via machine learning. 2210 individuals over age 40 were collected retrospectively, among which 246 individuals’ clinical data and CT images are both available. Irrelevant and redundant features were removed via statistical analysis. Consequently, 28 features, including 16 clinical data and 12 texture features demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between osteoporosis and normal groups. Six machine learning algorithms including logistic regression (LR), support vector machine with radial-basis function kernel, artificial neural network, random forests, eXtreme Gradient Boosting and Stacking that combined the above five classifiers were employed as classifiers to assess the performances of the model. Furthermore, to diminish the influence of data partitioning, the dataset was randomly split into training and test set with stratified sampling repeated five times. The results demonstrated that the hierarchical model based on LR showed better performances with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.818, 0.838, and 0.962 for three layers, respectively in distinguishing individuals with osteoporosis and normal BMD.

Conclusions

The proposed model showed great potential in opportunistic screening for osteoporosis without additional expense. It is hoped that this model could serve to detect osteoporosis as early as possible and thereby prevent serious complications of osteoporosis, such as osteoporosis fractures.
Cellular diversity and gene expression profiles in the male and female brain of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Cui Yingjun , Behura Susanta K. , Franz Alexander W. E.
Published: February 2022

Background

Aedes aegypti is a medically-important mosquito vector that transmits arboviruses including yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses to humans. The mosquito exhibits typical sexually dimorphic behaviors such as courtship, mating, host seeking, bloodfeeding, and oviposition. All these behaviors are mainly regulated by the brain; however, little is known about the function and neuron composition of the mosquito brain. In this study, we generated an initial atlas of the adult male and female brain of Ae. aegypti using 10xGenomics based single-nucleus RNA sequencing.

Results

We identified 35 brain cell clusters in male and female brains, and 15 of those clusters were assigned to known cell types. Identified cell types include glia (astrocytes), Kenyon cells, (ventral) projection neurons, monoaminergic neurons, medulla neurons, and proximal medulla neurons. In addition, the cell type compositions of male and female brains were compared to each other showing that they were quantitatively distinct, as 17 out of 35 cell clusters varied significantly in their cell type proportions. Overall, the transcriptomes from each cell cluster looked very similar between the male and female brain as only up to 25 genes were differentially expressed in these clusters. The sex determination factor Nix was highly expressed in neurons and glia of the male brain, whereas doublesex (dsx) was expressed in all neuron and glia cell clusters of the male and female brain.

Conclusions

An initial cell atlas of the brain of the mosquito Ae. aegypti has been generated showing that the cellular compositions of the male and female brains of this hematophagous insect differ significantly from each other. Although some of the rare brain cell types have not been detected in our single biological replicate, this study provides an important basis for the further development of a complete brain cell atlas as well as a better understanding of the neurobiology of the brains of male and female mosquitoes and their sexually dimorphic behaviors.
Self-reported health and the well-being paradox among community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study using baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
Authors: Whitmore Carly , Markle-Reid Maureen , McAiney Carrie , Ploeg Jenny , Griffith Lauren E. , Phillips Susan P. , Wister Andrew , Fisher Kathryn
Published: February 2022

Background

Self-reported health is a widely used epidemiologic measure, however, the factors that predict self-reported health among community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years), especially those with multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions), are poorly understood. Further, it is not known why some older adults self-report their health positively despite the presence of high levels of multimorbidity, a phenomenon known as the well-being paradox. The objectives of this study were to: 1) examine the factors that moderate or mediate the relationship between multimorbidity and self-reported health; 2) identify the factors that predict high self-reported health; and 3) determine whether these same factors predict high self-reported health among those with high levels of multimorbidity to better understand the well-being paradox.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging was completed (n = 21,503). Bivariate stratified analyses were used to explore whether each factor moderated or mediated the relationship between multimorbidity and self-reported health. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors that predict high self-reported health in the general population of community-dwelling older adults and those displaying the well-being paradox.

Results

None of the factors explored in this study moderated or mediated the relationship between multimorbidity and self-reported health, yet all were independently associated with self-reported health. The ‘top five’ factors predicting high self-reported health in the general older adult population were: lower level of multimorbidity (odds ratio [OR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-0.76), female sex (OR 0.62, CI 0.57-0.68), higher Life Space Index score (OR 1.01, CI 1.01-1.01), higher functional resilience (OR 1.16, CI 1.14-1.19), and higher psychological resilience (OR 1.26, CI 1.23-1.29). These same ‘top five’ factors predicted high self-reported health among the subset of this population with the well-being paradox.

Conclusions

The factors that predict high self-reported health in the general population of older adults are the same for the subset of this population with the well-being paradox. A number of these factors are potentially modifiable and can be the target of future interventions to improve the self-reported health of this population.
Simultaneous bilateral fallopian tubal pregnancy of a laparoscopic definite spontaneous unilateral ovulation: a case report
Authors: Wang Zhen-zhen , Xu Lian-wei , Zhao Li , Chen Yi-jia , Liu Hui-cong , Yu Er-kai
Published: February 2022

Background

Bilateral simultaneous fallopian tubal pregnancy is one of the rarest forms of ectopic pregnancy. Due to the lack of unique features and clinical presentation to distinguish bilateral from unilateral ectopic pregnancy, challenges the diagnosis.

Case report

A 27-year-old Asian woman presented with pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. Pelvic transvaginal ultrasound showed fluid in Douglas Pouch and posterior fornix puncture revealed unclotted blood. Laparoscopic examination unveiled bilateral ectopic pregnancy with two corpus luteum visible in the right ovary, suggesting a double spontaneous unilateral ovulation. Bilateral fallopian tube fenestration and embryo extraction were performed to preserve fertility.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of bilateral tubal pregnancy is difficult during preoperative ultrasound examination and careful examination during laparoscopic inspection of the whole pelvic cavity to avoid missed diagnosis.