bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review on structural development and recognition–localization methods for end-effector of fruit–vegetable picking robots
Authors: Li Ziyue , Yuan Xianju , Wang Chuyan
Published: June 2022

The excellent performance of fruit and vegetable picking robots is usually contributed by the reasonable structure of end-effector and recognition–localization methods with high accuracy. As a result, efforts are focused on two aspects, and diverse structures of end-effector, target recognition methods as well as their combinations are yielded continuously. A good understanding for the working principle, advantages, limitations, and the adaptability in respective fields is helpful to design picking robots. Therefore, depending on different grasping ways, separating methods, structures, materials, and driving modes, main characteristics existing in traditional schemes will be depicted firstly. According to technical routes, advantages, potential applications, and challenges, underactuated manipulators and soft manipulators representing future development are then summarized systematically. Secondly, partial recognition and localization methods are also demonstrated. Specifically, current recognition manners adopting the single-feature, multi-feature fusion and deep learning are explained in view of their advantages, limitations, and successful instances. In the field of 3D localization, active vision based on the structured light, laser scanning, time of flight, and radar is reflected through the respective applications. Also, another 3D localization method called passive vision is also evaluated by advantages, limitations, the degree of automation, reconstruction effects, and the application scenario, such as monocular vision, binocular vision, and multiocular vision. Finally portrayed from structural development, recognition, and localization methods, it is possible to develop future end-effectors for fruit and vegetable picking robots with superior characteristics containing the less driving element, rigid–flexible–bionic coupling soft manipulators, simple control program, high efficiency, low damage, low cost, high versatility, and high recognition accuracy in all-season picking tasks.
Scarred survivors: gate keepers and gate openers to healthcare for migrants in vulnerable circumstances
Authors: Clark Emily , Steel Nicholas , Gillam Tara B , Sharman Monica , Webb Anne , Bucataru Ana-Maria , Hanson Sarah
Published: June 2022

Background

The main barriers to ‘vulnerable migrants’ receiving good quality primary care are language and administration barriers. Little is known about the experiences of healthcare discrimination faced by migrants from different cultural groups. The aim was to explore vulnerable migrants’ perspectives on primary healthcare in a UK city.

Methods

Three focus groups and two semi-structured interviews were aided by interpreters. These were analysed against a pre-developed framework based on national standards of care for vulnerable migrants. Recruitment was facilitated via a community organisation.

Results

In total, 13 participants took part, six women and seven men. There were five Arabic speakers, four Farsi speakers and four English speakers. Themes included access to primary care, mental health, use of interpreters, post-migration stressors and cultural competency.

Conclusion

Vulnerable migrants perceived high levels of discrimination and reported the value of a respectful attitude from health professionals. Appointment booking systems and re-ordering medication are key areas where language barriers cause the most disruption to patient care. Medication-only treatment plans have limitations for mental distress for this population. Community-based therapies which manage post-migration stressors are likely to enhance recovery.
Global pandemics, conflict and networks – the dynamics of international instability, infodemics and health care in the 21st century
Authors: Wells John SG , Scheibein Florian
Published: June 2022

Background

The COVID-19 global pandemic is a harbinger of a future destabilised world driven by climate change, rapid mass migration, food insecurity, state failures and epidemics. A significant feature fuelling this destabilised world is networked misinformation and disinformation (referred to as an infodemic), particularly in the area of health.

Aims

To describe the interactive dynamic of climate change; mass population movement; famine; state failure and epidemic disease, analyse developments over the year 2020–2021 and discuss their relationship to an infodemic about disease and public health responses and how this should be addressed in the future.

Methods

Using the concept of ‘the Five Horsemen’ of epochal change and network theory to guide a narrative review.

Results

Concepts of epidemiology are reflected in how misinformation is spread around the world. Health care services and personnel face threats as a result that make it more difficult to manage pan global health risks effectively.

Conclusions

Heath care professionals at an individual and organisational level need to counter infodemic networks. Health care professionals who consistently spread misinformation should have their licence to practice withdrawn.
Synthesis, spectral analysis, and theoretical investigations of diphenyl fumarate
Authors: You Mingxue , Liao Weiqian , Zhou Genlai , Bai Yihui
Published: June 2022

Diphenyl fumarate is synthesized from maleic anhydride and phenol under solvent-free conditions. The structure of the product is characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The molecular structure is optimized using the density functional theory approach at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level and the structural parameters are analyzed. Theoretical vibrational frequencies are investigated at the same level; the 1H NMR and 13C NMR are simulated using the default gauge-independent atomic orbital method at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level and the solvation model density implicit continuum solvation model for chloroform; chemical shifts are scaled using scaling factors available on the cheshirenmr.info website (accessed 12 September 2021). In addition, the UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence emission are simulated using the time-dependent method at the PBE38/6-311G(d,p) level. All the calculated spectral values are compared with the experimental data. A generally good agreement between the experimental and theoretical results is found. The results reveal diphenyl fumarate as a candidate substrate for small-molecule organic fluorophores with a large Stokes shift. This work provides a detailed experimental and theoretical study on the structural and spectral properties of diphenyl fumarate, and thus provides proof for the novel applications of diphenyl fumarate and its derivatives.
Acute:chronic workload ratio and training monotony variations over the season in youth soccer players: A systematic review
Authors: Rico-González Markel , Oliveira Rafael , González Fernández Francisco Tomás , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: June 2022

Since acute:chronic workload ratio and training monotony have been criticized as injury risk predictors, the use of intensity measures should be more oriented to understand the variations of intensity across the season. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the main evidence about the acute:chronic workload ratio and training monotony variations over the season in youth soccer players. The search was made in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and FECYT (Web of Sciences, CCC, DIIDW, KJD, MEDLINE, RSCI, and SCIELO) according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. From the 225 studies initially identified, 13 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed. Nine analyzed acute:chronic workload ratio, seven analyzed monotony, and four studies analyzed both acute:chronic workload ratio and monotony. Overall, the range values for acute:chronic workload ratio were 0.58–17.5 AU, while for monotony were 0.83–23.0 AU which showed a higher variability. Few studies showed an association between higher values of acute:chronic workload ratio and/monotony with injury risk or to prevent health problems. These measures could be used to understand the variations of the data through the in-season periods. However, caution is necessary due to the scarce studies performed in young soccer players.
Can’t jump, won’t jump: Affordances of the horse-rider dyad underpin skill adaptation in showjumping using a constraints-led approach
Authors: Davies Marianne , Stone Joseph A , Davids Keith , Williams Jane , O’Sullivan Mark
Published: June 2022

Equestrianism is part of a global industry influenced by a rich history of over 4000 years of culture and tradition. As the only interspecies Olympic event, equestrianism is facing negative public perceptions of competition performance and traditional coaching practices. In this position paper, we propose a constraints-led approach as a framework for contemporising equestrian coaching practice. Ecological dynamics is the theoretical framework that underpins a constraints-led approach methodology, providing guiding principles that inform a nonlinear pedagogy in sport and physical education. A constraints-led approach focuses on the individual (organism/s), task and environmental constraints acting over multiple nested timescales and what this means for how behaviour emerges. Using examples from the equestrian discipline of showjumping, we outline how a constraints-led approach can inform coaching behaviour and practice design to support skill acquisition through co-adaptations in the horse-rider dyad system. By focussing on the horse-rider dyad as a complex system, there is a move away from a human-centric perspective of compliance and control of the horse, toward system agency and intentionality in problem solving. Practice design principles of intention, representativeness, constraints manipulation and functional variability support the dyad to co-adapt and interact effectively through practice to achieve performance goals. Skilful performance is developed through attunement to perceptual information that invites opportunities for action (affordances). Understanding the development of affordance perception in the horse-rider dyad could guide the application of a constraints-led approach to equestrian coaching practice.
High-speed running distance and frequency in football training: When and how are they stimulated in a microcycle?
Authors: Marín Kévin , Castellano Julen
Published: June 2022

Purpose: The aims of this study were to describe the distribution of the distance and frequency of the high-speed running performed by professional players during the training process, taking into account the duration of the microcycle (Mi) composed of 4, 5, 6 and 7 days between matches (MD). Total distance at high speed (HSR, >21 km·h−1, in m), at very high-speed running (VHSR, >24 km·h−1, in m) and sprint (SPR, >27 km·h−1, in m) were recorded, in terms of distance (d) and frequency (n) during training sessions. Training data were obtained using global positioning technology from 23 professional football players belonging to the first team of the Spanish La Liga club during the 2017/18 season (n  =  28 microcycles). There were no significant differences in volume (distance and frequency) of the different locomotive demands (LD) when Mi accumulated more days. Regardless of the duration of the Mi, the central days (MD-5, MD-4 and MD-3) accumulated more stimulus in HSR, VHSR and SPR compared to the post sessions (MD-6 and MD-7) and pre-match (MD-2 and MD-1) where the MD-2 was the day that required the least stimuli from the players (p < 0.05). The Mi7 presented significantly higher external load values in the MD-5 and MD-4 compared to the Mi5 and Mi4, where the MD-3 was the day that received the greatest stimulation in the locomotive demand (p < 0.01). The data demonstrate that the LD (HSR, VHSR and SPR), accumulated greater stimulus in the central days of Mi, far from the previous competition, favoring an optimal recovery without compromising performance for the next game.
A two-stage UAV routing problem with time window considering rescheduling with random delivery reliability
Authors: Yan Rui , Tian Haotong , Gao Kaiye , Peng Rui , Liu Bin
Published: June 2022

Reliability is an important metric for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to perform important, complex, and dangerous tasks. In addition, reliability influences the operational cost in UAVs routing. In order to reduce the operational cost of UAVs tasks, a method of routing strategy optimization is proposed from a view of mission reliability in this paper to address the limitations in routing scheduling. Different from previous studies on the UAVs routing optimization problem, this paper proposes a method that can reduce the operational costs of UAVs tasks based on the mission reliability. This method includes two stages: the pre-optimization stage and the rescheduling stage. In the pre-optimization stage, an optimal UAVs route solution is obtained for all the targets, while in the rescheduling stage, new UAVs are dispatched to the unvisited targets in the pre-optimization stage based on the new optimal UAVs route.
Risk factors associated with post-intensive care syndrome in family members (PICS-F): A prospective observational study
Authors: Lobato Carolina Tintim , Camões João , Carvalho Daniela , Vales Cláudia , Dias Cláudia Camila , Gomes Ernestina , Araújo Rui
Published: June 2022

Background

The family members of intensive care unit (ICU) patients play a crucial role in modern ICUs. These individuals are predisposed to the development of post-intensive care syndrome in family members (PICS-F), a syndrome experienced by family members of ICU patients in response to critical illness and characterised by new or worsening psychological symptoms. This study sought to evaluate the levels of anxiety and depression exhibited by the family members of patients hospitalised in the ICU. It also aimed to identify the risk factors associated with the experience of PICS-F, which should assist with its prevention in the future.

Methods

The study sample comprised 164 ICU patients and their family members. Sociodemographic data were gathered at the time of ICU admission and 3 months after discharge, and the family members were screened for emotional distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Comparison tests were used to test for an association between family/patient characteristics and a positive HADS score. In addition, a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify the independent factors associated with a positive HADS score.

Results

Emotional distress was identified in 24% of the family members 3 months after their relatives had been discharged from the ICU. A number of personal traits were found to be associated with emotional distress in the family members, namely unemployment ( p = .008), smoking/drinking habits ( p = .036) and personal history of psychopathology ( p = .045). In the multiple logistic regression analyses, only unemployment was found to be an independent factor associated with both anxiety and depression in the family members (OR = 2.74, CI 95%: 1.09–6.93). No association was found between the patients’ characteristics and emotional distress in the family members.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate an association between emotional distress in the family members of ICU patients and their personal traits, thereby building on the prior literature by suggesting that patient characteristics are less pertinent to the experience of PICS-F. Unemployment may represent a meaningful risk factor for emotional distress in family members (a potential marker of PICS-F), given its relationship with family members’ positive HADS scores post-ICU discharge. These findings should influence preventative strategies concerning PICS-F by illustrating the need to assess family characteristics and demographics early in a patient’s ICU stay and, consequently, allowing for the early identification of at-risk individuals and the prompt implementation of adequate support services.
Medium-term clinical outcomes of Zone 2B/2C finger flexor tendon repairs: influence of management of flexor digitorum superficialis
Authors: Lebot Gaspard , Halbaut Marion , Chantelot Christophe , Saab Marc
Published: June 2022

The aim of our study was to compare the medium-term clinical and functional outcomes of early repair of a complete Zone 2B or 2C transection of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon associated with either the repair of the two slips of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon, only one slip repaired (the other slip was resected) or no slips repaired (both slips were resected). The outcomes of these three repair techniques were compared based on the total active motion, residual flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint, Strickland’s formula and Tang classification, Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand score and complications. The study reviewed 61 fingers (51 patients) at a mean follow-up of 89.5 months. There was no significant difference in finger mobility comparing the three techniques for management of flexor digitorum superficialis. All but one patient returned to work and the DASH score (mean 6.9) suggests that function does not appear to be greatly affected.

Level of evidence

III
Minimal clinically important difference of the Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis Symptoms and Disability questionnaire
Authors: Florczynski Matthew , Antflek Daniel , Baltzer Heather
Published: June 2022

The Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis Symptoms and Disability questionnaire is a recently developed disease-specific instrument designed to measure patient-reported symptoms. Our aim was to establish a minimal clinically important difference for this questionnaire. This prospective study included 95 patients undergoing operative ( n = 39) or non-operative ( n = 56) treatments for primary trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Patients completed a battery of tests including the Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis Symptoms and Disability questionnaire at the initial clinic visit and follow-up visits. Two anchor-based methods were used to arrive at the minimal clinically important difference. Twenty-four scores met criteria for minimal clinically important change, with a median overall score rounding to 15 points. This finding is an important step in facilitating the application of this disease-specific instrument in practice.

Level of evidence

III
Corkscrew Angiopathy of the Basilar Artery: A Case Report
Authors: Flinn Robert , Mann Kamalpreet , Umar Saad B. , Farooq Muhammad U.
Published: June 2022

A vascular malformation is an abnormal development of blood vessels that can be found in arteries, veins, or the lymphatic system. While pathology such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), dissections, and dolichoectasia have been documented frequently and linked to an increased incidence of stroke, we present a rare finding of a ‘corkscrew’ appearance of the basilar artery causing recurrent posterior circulation symptoms. Imaging during 3 separate hospitalizations showed recurrent acute strokes within the basilar artery vascular territory. A conventional cerebral angiogram revealed a corkscrew appearance of the basilar artery with no dilatation, outpouching, or aneurysm.
Urban Revitalization and the Policing of Racial Territoriality
Authors: Lautenschlager Rachel
Published: June 2022

The results from several recent studies suggest that police stop rates are elevated in neighborhoods that are gentrified or undergoing gentrification. However, it remains unclear how these findings fit into the well-documented pattern of racialized proactive policing practices, often interpreted through a racial-threat lens. To further our understanding of how of law enforcement relates to gentrification as a racialized institution, I utilize pedestrian stop data from eight cities to analyze the interconnected relationships between neighborhood-level police stops, temporal changes in racial and ethnic composition, and gentrification processes. Results from negative binomial spatial-durbin models reveal that, controlling for local crime levels and other covariates, police stops are more prevalent in neighborhoods that have experienced decreases in black and Latinx populations and in those surrounding gentrified areas. However, because gentrified and gentrifying neighborhoods have experienced relatively larger losses of these minority residents, this relationship appears to be intertwined with processes of urban revitalization. Based on these results, I argue that the geographic concentration of proactive police stops operates as an instrument of urban social transformation, shaped by racial territoriality – the implicit and explicit claims of whites to urban spaces.
Testing the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool in a Specialist Pediatric Hospital to Assess Potential Utility for Organizational Learning from Complaints
Authors: Wray Jo , Williams Claire , Oldham Geralyn
Published: June 2022

The importance of improving the analysis of complaints about poor healthcare experiences is recognized but often not addressed. We explored the utility of the Healthcare Complaints Assessment Tool for analyzing written complaints in a specialist pediatric hospital receiving relatively few, but complex, complaints. The scoring framework could be applied but, in contrast to previous work, the complexity of complaints was considerably greater. Responses to the complainant were also scored and we identified instances of both higher and lower levels of severity than identified by the complainant, suggesting a novel application of the tool which will be important for institutional learning.
Group Telehealth Music Therapy With Caregivers: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Brault Annabelle , Vaillancourt Guylaine
Published: June 2022

Informal caregivers of older adults are faced with increased responsibilities as health and social systems fail to respond to the rising demands associated with the aging populations. For many caregivers, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted their access to already sparse supportive resources, highlighting the importance of varying service delivery methods to meet caregivers’ needs. This qualitative study explored the experiences of informal caregivers of older adults who took part in group telehealth music therapy. Semi-structured interviews with 5 women caregivers were conducted. Through a thematic analysis process, the following themes were identified: (a) affordances of group telehealth music therapy, (b) challenges of group telehealth music therapy, and (c) music as a health resource. Telehealth considerations, clinical implications, as well as ways to support caregiver agency are discussed.
The Most-Cited Ankle Arthroplasty Implant Articles
Authors: Mo Kevin , Ficke James R.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Citation analysis is a useful way of evaluating the impact, importance, and merit of articles within a medical specialty. Our study identified and analyzed the most-cited articles on ankle arthroplasty implants to evaluate their importance in the field of ankle arthroplasty research.

Methods:

Using the keywords “ankle arthroplasty” and “ankle replacement” and the search period 1970-2021, we found 3728 articles on ankle arthroplasty implants in the Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE/PubMed databases. We included original articles, reviews, clinical trials, and case reports in the study. We retrieved the 50 most-cited articles published during the time frame and then screened them for studies of specific ankle arthroplasty implants and their postoperative outcomes. We also recorded and analyzed the articles’ subjects, authorship, journals, countries of origin, and years of publication.

Results:

The 50 most-cited articles were published between 1983 and 2014, with the majority (33) published between 2000 and 2010. They generated 9012 citations in the literature. The most-cited study accounted for 497 citations; the mean number of citations per article was 180.24 ± 76.24. Twenty-three (46%) of the articles addressed postoperative outcomes following a specific type of arthroplasty implant. Arthroplasty implant studies accounted for 4726 citations, or 52.4% of the citations of the 50 articles. The most frequently studied arthroplasty implant was STAR (15), followed by Agility (7), Buechel Pappas (5), and Salto (4). STAR accounted for 3311 citations, or 37% of the total citations of the 50 articles.

Conclusion:

Ankle arthroplasty research has made great progress in the past 2 decades, particularly in the area of postoperative outcomes of specific ankle implants, but continued research and publication on additional arthroplasty implants should become a priority.

Level of Evidence:

Level V, Review Article.
Perceptions of Entrepreneurship and Online Learning During the Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
Authors: Nungsari Melati , Ni Shi Wong Denise , Wei Chin Jia , Kirjane Ngu , Yee Chee Shu , Flanders Samuel , Shian Phoon Yong
Published: June 2022

Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) restrictions significantly influenced the learning and delivery of educational programs, especially traditionally hands-on educational programs. Entrepreneurship education and training (EET) studies on learners’ perceptions have so far focused on formal EET in university settings or Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). This paper explores youth perceptions of a non-formal, online EET program conducted during the pandemic. Perceptions matter since they tend to translate into attitudes, which in turn potentially translate into achieving learning outcomes (or not). Using hermeneutic content analysis (HCA), transcripts from 35 youth participants were analyzed, where the participants were categorized into four groups based on completion of the program and household income. Individual motivations were very important for all and the lack of social support was a concern for low-income youth. Almost a third of the dropouts who were part of the study did so to actually start their own business during the pandemic versus only one out of 18 of non-dropouts. The pandemic was disruptive to livelihoods and to their families, which sometimes made learning more difficult. Future online EET programs should relate learners’ motivations for learning entrepreneurship with learning outcomes by instilling social support structures and taking contextual influences into consideration.
Management of Malunited Depressed Frontal Bone Fracture With Onlay Corticocancellous Anterior Iliac Crest Bone Graft With Titanium Mesh
Authors: Singh Akhilesh Kumar , Chauhan Nishtha , Sharma Naresh Kumar , Hirani Mehul Shashikant , Mahajan Arjun
Published: June 2022

Frontal bone is fractured following high-velocity injuries such as road traffic injuries or assaults. At times, the intervention can get delayed to avoid grave intracranial injuries resulting in malunion of the fracture which may later become an aesthetic concern to the patient. Many alloplastic materials and autogenous grafts can be used to reconstruct the defect to replace lost and damaged anatomical bone structures, to renew their original function, and at the same time, to restore the aesthetics. We opted to go for an autogenous graft secured with a titanium mesh which gave us a better outcome.
Hydroxychloroquine induces apoptosis of myeloid-derived suppressor cells via up-regulation of CD81 contributing to alleviate lupus symptoms
Authors: Ni Jiali , Zhu Haiyan , Lu Li , Zhao Zihe , Jiang Jiaxuan , You Xiaokang , Wang Yuzhu , Ma Yuliang , Yang Zirui , Hou Yayi , Dou Huan
Published: June 2022

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that results from widespread immune complex deposition and secondary tissue injury. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been used clinically to treat SLE, while its exact mechanism has still remained elusive. Some studies have shown that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a vital role in the regulation of SLE. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of HCQ on the apoptosis of MDSCs in lupus mice and its possible molecular regulatory mechanism.

Methods

We constructed the imiquimod (IMQ)-induced lupus model in mice. The proportion and apoptosis of MDSCs were measured by flow cytometry. CD81-overexpressed adeno-associated virus was intraperitoneally injected into the lupus mice. We also transfected the CD81 siRNA into bone marrow-derived MDSCs, and employed qRT-PCR and Western blotting to quantify the level of CD81.

Results

The results showed that HCQ ameliorated IMQ-induced lupus symptoms, and simultaneously inhibited the expansion of MDSCs. In particular, HCQ induced the apoptosis of MDSCs, and also up-regulated the expression level of CD81 in MDSCs, which might indicate the relationship between the expression level of CD81 and the apoptosis of MDSCs. CD81 was further confirmed to participate in the apoptosis of MDSCs and lupus disease progression by overexpressing CD81 in vivo. Molecular docking experiment further proved the targeting effect of HCQ on CD81. And then we interfered CD81 in bone marrow derived MDSCs in vitro, and it was revealed that HCQ rescued the decreased expression level of CD81 and relieved the immune imbalance of Th17/Treg cells.

Conclusion

In summary, HCQ promoted the apoptosis of MDSCs by up-regulating the expression level of CD81 in MDSCs, and ultimately alleviated lupus symptoms. Our results may assist scholars to develop further effective therapies for SLE.
Influence of Shear Effects on the Characteristics of Axisymmetric Wave Propagation in a Buried Fluid-Filled Pipe
Authors: Lu Ping , Sheng Xiaozhen , Gao Yan , Wang Ruichen
Published: June 2022

The acoustic propagation characteristics of axisymmetric waves have been widely used in leak detection of fluid-filled pipes. The related acoustic methods and equipment are gradually coming to the market, but their theoretical research obviously lags behind the field practice, which seriously restricts the breakthrough and innovation of this technology. Based on the fully three-dimensional effect of the surrounding medium, a coupled motion equation of axisymmetric wave of buried liquid-filled pipes is derived in detail, a contact coefficient is used to express the coupling strength between surrounding medium and pipe, then, a general equation of motion was derived which contain the pipe soil lubrication contact, pipe soil compact contact and pipe in water and air. Finally, the corresponding numerical calculation model is established and solved used numerical method. The shear effects of the surrounding medium and the shear effects at the interface between surrounding medium and pipe are discussed in detail. The output indicates that the surrounding medium is to add mass to the pipe wall, but the shear effect is to add stiffness. With the consideration of the contact strength between the pipe and the medium, the additional mass and the pipe wall will resonate at a specific frequency, resulting in a significant increase in the radiation wave to the surrounding medium. The research contents have great guiding effect on the theory of acoustic wave propagation and the engineering application of leak detection technology in the buried pipe.
Integrated analysis of tRNA-derived small RNAs in proliferative human aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zhao Jian-Zhi , Li Qi-Yao , Lin Jia-Jie , Yang Li-Yun , Du Mei-Yang , Wang Yu , Liu Ke-Xin , Jiang Ze-An , Li Huan-Huan , Wang Si-Fan , Sun Bo , Mu Shi-Qing , Li Bin , Liu Kun , Gong Miao , Sun Shao-Guang
Published: June 2022

Background

Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to vascular remodeling diseases. Recently, it has been discovered that tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), a new type of noncoding RNAs, are related to the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. tsRNAs regulate target gene expression through miRNA-like functions. This study aims to explore the potential of tsRNAs in human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) proliferation.

Methods

High-throughput sequencing was performed to analyze the tsRNA expression profile of proliferative and quiescent HASMCs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to validate the sequence results and subcellular distribution of AS-tDR-001370, AS-tDR-000067, AS-tDR-009512, and AS-tDR-000076. Based on the microRNA-like functions of tsRNAs, we predicted target promoters and mRNAs and constructed tsRNA–promoter and tsRNA–mRNA interaction networks. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to reveal the function of target genes. EdU incorporation assay, Western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were utilized to detect the effects of tsRNAs on HASMC proliferation.

Results

Compared with quiescent HASMCs, there were 1838 differentially expressed tsRNAs in proliferative HASMCs, including 887 with increased expression (fold change > 2, p < 0.05) and 951 with decreased expression (fold change < ½, p < 0.05). AS-tDR-001370, AS-tDR-000067, AS-tDR-009512, and AS-tDR-000076 were increased in proliferative HASMCs and were mainly located in the nucleus. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the four tsRNAs involved a variety of GO terms and pathways related to VSMC proliferation. AS-tDR-000067 promoted HASMC proliferation by suppressing p53 transcription in a promoter-targeted manner. AS-tDR-000076 accelerated HASMC proliferation by attenuating mitofusin 2 (MFN2) levels in a 3′-untranslated region (UTR)-targeted manner.

Conclusions

During HASMC proliferation, the expression levels of many tsRNAs are altered. AS-tDR-000067 and AS-tDR-000076 act as new factors promoting VSMC proliferation.
Influence of Agaricus bisporus establishment and fungicidal treatments on casing soil metataxonomy during mushroom cultivation
Authors: Tello Martín Maria Luisa , Lavega Rebeca , Carrasco Jaime Carrasco , Pérez Margarita , Pérez-Pulido Antonio J. , Thon Michael , Pérez Benito Ernesto
Published: June 2022

The cultivation of edible mushroom is an emerging sector with a potential yet to be discovered. Unlike plants, it is a less developed agriculture where many studies are lacking to optimize the cultivation. In this work we have employed high-throughput techniques by next generation sequencing to screen the microbial structure of casing soil employed in mushroom cultivation (Agaricus bisporus) while sequencing V3-V4 of the 16S rRNA gene for bacteria and the ITS2 region of rRNA for. In addition, the microbiota dynamics and evolution (bacterial and fungal communities) in peat-based casing along the process of incubation of A. bisporus have been studied, while comparing the effect of fungicide treatment (chlorothalonil and metrafenone). Statistically significant changes in populations of bacteria and fungi were observed. Microbial composition differed significantly based on incubation day, changing radically from the original communities in the raw material to a specific microbial composition driven by the A. bisporus mycelium growth. Chlorothalonil treatment seems to delay casing colonization by A. bisporus. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota appeared as the most dominant bacterial phyla. We observed a great change in the structure of the bacteria populations between day 0 and the following days. Fungi populations changed more gradually, with A. bisporus displacing the rest of the species as the cultivation cycle progresses. A better understanding of the microbial communities in the casing will hopefully allow us to increase the biological efficiency of the crop.
TSABL: Trait Specific Annotation Based Locus predictor
Authors: Lorenz Kim , Thom Christopher S. , Adurty Sanjana , Voight Benjamin F.
Published: June 2022

Background

The majority of Genome Wide Associate Study (GWAS) loci fall in the non-coding genome, making causal variants difficult to identify and study. We hypothesized that the regulatory features underlying causal variants are biologically specific, identifiable from data, and that the regulatory architecture that influences one trait is distinct compared to biologically unrelated traits.

Results

To better characterize and identify these variants, we used publicly available GWAS loci and genomic annotations to build 17 Trait Specific Annotation Based Locus (TSABL) predictors to identify differences between GWAS loci associated with different phenotypic trait groups. We used a penalized binomial logistic regression model to select trait relevant annotations and tested all models on a holdout set of loci not used for training in any trait. We were able to successfully build models for autoimmune, electrocardiogram, lipid, platelet, red blood cell, and white blood cell trait groups. We used these models both to prioritize variants in existing loci and to identify new genomic regions of interest.

Conclusions

We found that TSABL models identified biologically relevant regulatory features, and anticipate their future use to enhance the design and interpretation of genetic studies.
Genome-wide identification, phylogeny and expression analysis of the SPL gene family and its important role in salt stress in Medicago sativa L.
Authors: He Fei , Long Ruicai , Wei Chunxue , Zhang Yunxiu , Li Mingna , Kang Junmei , Yang Qingchuan , Wang Zhen , Chen Lin
Published: June 2022

Background

SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) transcription factors are widely present in plants and are involved in signal transduction, the stress response and development. The SPL gene family has been characterized in several model species, such as A. thaliana and G. max. However, there is no in-depth analysis of the SPL gene family in forage, especially alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), one of the most important forage crops worldwide.

Result

In total, 76 putative MsSPL genes were identified in the alfalfa genome with an uneven distribution. Based on their identity and gene structure, these MsSPLs were divided into eight phylogenetic groups. Seventy-three MsSPL gene pairs arose from segmental duplication events, and the MsSPLs on the four subgenomes of individual chromosomes displayed high collinearity with the corresponding M. truncatula genome. The prediction of the cis-elements in the promoter regions of the MsSPLs detected two copies of ABA (abscisic acid)-responsive elements (ABREs) on average, implying their potential involvement in alfalfa adaptation to adverse environments. The transcriptome sequencing of MsSPLs in roots and leaves revealed that 54 MsSPLs were expressed in both tissues. Upon salt treatment, three MsSPLs (MsSPL17, MsSPL23 and MsSPL36) were significantly regulated, and the transcription level of MsSPL36 in leaves was repressed to 46.6% of the control level.

Conclusion

In this study, based on sequence homology, we identified 76 SPL genes in the alfalfa. The SPLs with high identity shared similar gene structures and motifs. In total, 71.1% (54 of 76) of the MsSPLs were expressed in both roots and leaves, and the majority (74.1%) preferred underground tissues to aerial tissues. MsSPL36 in leaves was significantly repressed under salt stress. These findings provide comprehensive information regarding the SPB-box gene family for improve alfalfa tolerance to high salinity.
Body fat percentage, cardiorespiratory fitness and arterial blood pressure in children and adolescents: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Brand Caroline , Sehn Ana Paula , Fochesatto Camila Felin , de Castro Silveira João Francisco , Mota Jorge , Gomez David Martinez , Gaya Anelise Reis , Reuter Cézane Priscila , Renner Jane Dagmar Pollo
Published: June 2022

Background

A better understanding of how cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and adiposity interact to associate with arterial blood pressure over time remains inconclusive. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine whether changes in CRF moderates the association between body fat percentage (BF%) and arterial blood pressure in children and adolescents.

Methods

This is an observational longitudinal study with 407 children and adolescents aged 8–17 years followed-up for three years from a city in Southern Brazil. Participants were evaluated in 2011 and 2014. CRF was measured by validated field-based tests following the Projeto Esporte Brazil protocols and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was estimated. BF% was determined by the measures of tricipital and subscapular skinfolds using equations according to sex. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were measured with a sphygmomanometer according to standard procedures. Moderation analyses included multiple linear regression models adjusted for sex, age, pubertal status, height, socioeconomic level, skin color, and the arterial blood pressure variable itself at baseline.

Results

It was observed a significant inverse association between VO2peak at baseline with SBP (β = − 0.646 CI95% = − 0.976  − 0.316) and DBP (β = − 0.649 CI95% = − 0.923  − 0.375) at follow-up and a positive association between BF% at baseline with SBP (β = 0.274; CI95% = 0.094 0.455) and DBP (β = 0.301; CI95% = 0.150 0.453) at follow-up. In addition, results indicated a significant interaction term between changes in VO2peak and BF% at baseline with both SBP (p = 0.034) and DBP at follow-up (p = 0.011), indicating that an increase of at least 0.35 mL/kg/min and 1.78 mL/kg/min in VO2peak attenuated the positive relationship between BF% with SBP and DBP.

Conclusion

CRF moderates the relationship between BF% and SBP and DBP in children and adolescents.
Investigating factors associated with the number of rehospitalizations among patients with schizophrenia disorder using penalized count regression models
Authors: Arayeshgari Mahya , Roshanaei Ghodratollah , Ghaleiha Ali , Poorolajal Jalal , Tapak Leili
Published: June 2022

Background

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and debilitating mental disorder always considered one of the recurrent psychiatric diseases. This study aimed to use penalized count regression models to determine factors associated with the number of rehospitalizations of schizophrenia disorder.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was performed on 413 schizophrenic patients who had been referred to the Sina (Farshchian) Educational and Medical Center in Hamadan, Iran, between March 2011 and March 2019. The penalized count regression models were fitted using R.3.5.2.

Results

About 73% of the patients were male. The mean (SD) of age and the number of rehospitalizations were 36.16 (11.18) years and 1.21 (2.18), respectively. According to the results, longer duration of illness (P < 0.001), having a positive family history of psychiatric illness (P = 0.017), having at least three children (P = 0.013), unemployment, disability, and retirement (P = 0.025), residence in other Hamadan province townships (P = 0.003) and having a history of arrest/prison (P = 0.022) were significantly associated with an increase in the number of rehospitalizations.

Conclusion

To reduce the number of rehospitalizations among schizophrenic patients, it is recommended to provide special medical services for patients who do not have access to specialized medical centers and to create the necessary infrastructure for the employment of patients.
Trial-level characteristics associate with treatment effect estimates: a systematic review of meta-epidemiological studies
Authors: Wang Huan , Song Jinlu , Lin Yali , Dai Wenjie , Gao Yinyan , Qin Lang , Chen Yancong , Tam Wilson , Wu Irene XY , Chung Vincent CH
Published: June 2022

Background

To summarize the up-to-date empirical evidence on trial-level characteristics of randomized controlled trials associated with treatment effect estimates.

Methods

A systematic review searched three databases up to August 2020. Meta-epidemiological (ME) studies of randomized controlled trials on intervention effect were eligible. We assessed the methodological quality of ME studies using a self-developed criterion. Associations between treatment effect estimates and trial-level characteristics were presented using forest plots.

Results

Eighty ME studies were included, with 25/80 (31%) being published after 2015. Less than one-third ME studies critically appraised the included studies (26/80, 33%), published a protocol (23/80, 29%), and provided a list of excluded studies with justifications (12/80, 15%). Trials with high or unclear (versus low) risk of bias on sequence generation (3/14 for binary outcome and 1/6 for continuous outcome), allocation concealment (11/18 and 1/6), double blinding (5/15 and 2/4) and smaller sample size (4/5 and 2/2) significantly associated with larger treatment effect estimates. Associations between high or unclear risk of bias on allocation concealment (5/6 for binary outcome and 1/3 for continuous outcome), double blinding (4/5 and 1/3) and larger treatment effect estimates were more frequently observed for subjective outcomes. The associations between treatment effect estimates and non-blinding of outcome assessors were removed in trials using multiple observers to reach consensus for both binary and continuous outcomes. Some trial characteristics in the Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB2) tool have not been covered by the included ME studies, including using validated method for outcome measures and selection of the reported results from multiple outcome measures or multiple analysis based on results (e.g., significance of the results).

Conclusions

Consistently significant associations between larger treatment effect estimates and high or unclear risk of bias on sequence generation, allocation concealment, double blinding and smaller sample size were found. The impact of allocation concealment and double blinding were more consistent for subjective outcomes. The methodological and reporting quality of included ME studies were dissatisfactory. Future ME studies should follow the corresponding reporting guideline. Specific guidelines for conducting and critically appraising ME studies are needed.
The effect of seasonal and extreme floods on hospitalizations for Legionnaires’ disease in the United States, 2000–2011
Authors: Lynch Victoria D. , Shaman Jeffrey
Published: June 2022

Background

An increasing severity of extreme storms and more intense seasonal flooding are projected consequences of climate change in the United States. In addition to the immediate destruction caused by storm surges and catastrophic flooding, these events may also increase the risk of infectious disease transmission. We aimed to determine the association between extreme and seasonal floods and hospitalizations for Legionnaires’ disease in 25 US states during 2000–2011.

Methods

We used a nonparametric bootstrap approach to examine the association between Legionnaires’ disease hospitalizations and extreme floods, defined by multiple hydrometeorological variables. We also assessed the effect of extreme flooding associated with named cyclonic storms on hospitalizations in a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) framework. To quantify the effect of seasonal floods, we used multi-model inference to identify the most highly weighted flood-indicator variables and evaluated their effects on hospitalizations in a GLMM.

Results

We found a 32% increase in monthly hospitalizations at sites that experienced cyclonic storms, compared to sites in months without storms. Hospitalizations in months with extreme precipitation were in the 89th percentile of the bootstrapped distribution of monthly hospitalizations. Soil moisture and precipitation were the most highly weighted variables identified by multi-model inference and were included in the final model. A 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in average monthly soil moisture was associated with a 49% increase in hospitalizations; in the same model, a 1-SD increase in precipitation was associated with a 26% increase in hospitalizations.

Conclusions

This analysis is the first to examine the effects of flooding on hospitalizations for Legionnaires’ disease in the United States using a range of flood-indicator variables and flood definitions. We found evidence that extreme and seasonal flooding is associated with increased hospitalizations; further research is required to mechanistically establish whether floodwaters contaminated with Legionella bacteria drive transmission.