bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change in the Indo-Pacific basin from mid- to late Holocene
Authors: Falasca Fabrizio , Crétat Julien , Bracco Annalisa , Braconnot Pascale , Marti Olivier
Published: March 2021

Changes in climate mean state profoundly impact climate variability. Here, we quantify slow changes in the mean climate induced by the variations in the Earth’s orbit from mid- to late Holocene, and their feedback on the main modes of climate variability. We focus on the Indo-Pacific system and show that mid-Holocene conditions favored the dominance of an equatorial dipole mode in the Indian Ocean (IO), independent of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and different from the IO Dipole (IOD) observed today. Mean state changes induced a gradual shift to an IO basin mode that along with the IOD modulates most of the IO variance at present. The climate modes evolution and their connectivity changes are investigated over 6,000 years using a complex network methodology and principal component analysis. To characterize the nature of this transition, we explore the trajectory of the Indo-Pacific climate by accounting for its spatiotemporal and multivariable dependency. The full trajectory of the system is explored from a dynamical system perspective by constructing a state space representation. The manifold embedded in the 104 -dimensional state space provides a compact representation of the system evolution and points to a gradual shift of the basin of attractions in the tropics. This approach, together with a mean state analysis, reveals that a strengthening of the Walker circulation set the stage for a shift in modes in both basins.
Multi-arm Trial of Inflammatory Signal Inhibitors (MATIS) for Hospitalised Patients with Mild or Moderate COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Structured Summary of a Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Vergis Nikhil , Phillips Rachel , Cornelius Victoria , Katsarou Alexia , Youngstein Taryn , Cook Lucy , Willicombe Michelle , Pillay Clio , Shturova Tina , Almonte Melanie , Charania Asad , Turner Richard , Kon Onn Min , Cooke Graham , Thursz Mark , Cherlin Svetlana , Wason James , Milojkovic Dragana , Innes Andrew , Cooper Nichola
Published: March 2021

The primary objective of MATIS is to determine the efficacy of ruxolitinib (RUX) or fostamatinib (FOS) compared to standard of care (SOC) with respect to reducing the proportion of hospitalised patients progressing from mild or moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Secondary objectives, at 14 and 28 days, are to: · Determine the efficacy of RUX or FOS to reduce mortality · Determine the efficacy of RUX or FOS to reduce the need for invasive ventilation or ECMO· Determine the efficacy of RUX or FOS to reduce the need for non-invasive ventilation · Determine the efficacy of RUX or FOS to reduce the proportion of participants suffering significant oxygen desaturationDetermine the efficacy of RUX or FOS to reduce the need for renal replacement therapy · Determine the efficacy of RUX and FOS to reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolism · Determine the efficacy of RUX and FOS to reduce the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia [graded by a 9-point modified WHO Ordinal Scale*· Determine the efficacy of RUX or FOS to reduce systemic inflammation· Determine the efficacy of RUX or FOS to the incidence of renal impairment · Determine the efficacy of RUX or FOS to reduce duration of hospital stay · Evaluate the safety of RUX and FOS for treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia.Trial designA multi-arm, multi-stage (3-arm parallel-group, 2-stage) randomised controlled trial that allocates participants 1:1:1 and tests for superiority in experimental arms versus standard of care.
The Cupola: An Additional Layer of Protection for Providers Working in the Oropharyngeal Region
Authors: Villa Alessandro , Grenon Marlene
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesTo reduce the spread of the infection, especially during aerosol generating procedures, we invented “The Cupola”, a shield that creates a mechanical barrier around the patient’s head and body. With this pilot study we aimed to assess the effectiveness of an additional layer of protection (The Cupola) developed for providers working in the oropharyngeal region.ResultsThe mean number of 0.3 μm particles with no Cupola was 3777 (SD: ±556), with The Cupola was 2068 (SD: ±1468) and with the Cupola and Drape was 2031 (SD: ±1108) (p<0.015). The mean number of 0.5 μm airborne particles with no Cupola was 65 (SD: ±7), with The Cupola was 29 (SD: ±28) and with the Cupola and Drape was 28 (SD: ±23) (p<0.05). Results showed a significant reduction of aerosols generated during simulated dental procedures when the Cupola was used. The Cupola offers an extra layer of protection in addition to the recommended personal protective equipment.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Families´ Utilization of Well Child Clinics and Pediatric Practice Attendance in Germany
Authors: Vogel Mandy , Beger Christoph , Gausche Ruth , Jurkutat Anne , Pfaeffle Roland , Koerner Antje , Meigen Christof , Poulain Tanja , Kiess Wieland
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented to stop the pandemic had a broad impact on our daily lives. Besides work and social life, health care is affected on many levels. In particular, there is concern that attendance in health care programs will drop or hospital admissions will be delayed due to COVID-19-related anxieties, especially in children. Therefore, we compared the number of weekly visits to 78 German pediatric institutions between 2019 and 2020. ResultsWe found no significant differences during the first ten weeks of the year. However, and importantly, from April, the weekly number of visits was more than 35% lower in 2020 than in 2019 (p=0.005). In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to relate to families´ utilization of well-child clinics and pediatric practice attendance in Germany. Of note is that an Austrian study shows that delays in accessing acute pediatric health care may outweigh the risks of COVID-19 because diagnostics and treatments of severe diseases might be delayed during the pandemic.
Outcome of Switching Anti-VEGF Agents at Fixed Intervals to Treat Eyes With Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Mito Tsuyoshi , Kobayashi Takeshi , Shiraishi Atsushi
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveTo determine whether switching intravitreal injections of ranibizumab or aflibercept to the other will affect the interval of subsequent injections in patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).ResultsThe medical charts of 16 eyes of 16 patients were reviewed. After injections of ranibizumab or aflibercept for >3 times/year, the type of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent was switched. A comparison was made of the average injection interval for the one year before switching and the interval of the first two injections post-switching. In the group that switched from ranibizumab to aflibercept (R to A group, n=8), the interval before was 85.4±6.6 days which was significantly increased to 125.9±23.2 days post-switching (P=0.0013). In the A to R group (n=8), a significant shortening from 103.9±11.8 days before to 85.9±12.6 days was observed (P=0.007). In the R to A group, the central retinal thickness at a recurrence was 522.1±79.6 µm which decreased significantly to 419.3±64.5 µm post-switching (P=0.005). The results suggest that the intervals can be different between ranibizumab and aflibercept in patients with macular edema secondary to BRVO who required repeat injections.
Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Chalcone Derivatives with Antimalarial activity in New Zealand White Rabbits
Authors: Sinha Shweta , Prakash Ajay , Medhi Bikash , Sehgal Alka , Batovska Daniela I , Sehgal Rakesh
Published: March 2021

Objective: Malaria is a major global health concern with the urgent need for new treatment alternatives due to the alarming increase of drug-resistant Plasmodium strains. Chalcones and its derivatives are important pharmacophores showing antimalarial activity. Substandard pharmacokinetic variables are often responsible for insufficient therapeutic effect. Determination of the pharmacokinetic variables at the preliminary step of drug development for any drug candidates is an essential component of in vivo antimalarial efficacy tests. Therefore, three chalcone derivatives, 1, 2, and 3, having antimalarial potency were studied further for potential therapeutic efficacy. Results: In vivo pharmacokinetic studies of these three derivatives were performed on New Zealand White rabbits. The three derivatives were administered intra-peritoneally or orally at effective dose concentration and blood samples at different time points were collected. The determination of drug concentration was done through reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography. The peak plasma concentration of derivative 1, 2, and 3 were 1.96 ± 0.46 µg/mL, 69.89 ± 5.49 µg/mL and 3.74 ± 1.64 µg/mL. The results indicate a very low bioavailability of these derivatives. The present study gives a benchmark to advance the investigation of more derivatives in order to revamp the pharmacokinetic variables while maintaining both potency and metabolic constancy.
Altered Skeletal Muscle Metabolic Pathways, Age, Systemic Inflammation, and Low Cardiorespiratory Fitness Associate with Improvements in Disease Activity Following High-Intensity Interval Training in Persons with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Andonian Brian J. , Johannemann Andrew , Hubal Monica J. , Pober David M. , Koss Alec , Kraus William E. , Bartlett David B. , Huffman Kim M.
Published: March 2021

BackgroundExercise training, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), improves rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inflammatory disease activity via unclear mechanisms. Because exercise requires skeletal muscle, skeletal muscle molecular pathways may contribute. The purpose of this study was to identify connections between skeletal muscle molecular pathways, RA disease activity, and RA disease activity improvements following HIIT.MethodsRA disease activity assessments and vastus lateralis skeletal muscle biopsies were performed in two separate cohorts of persons with established, seropositive and/or erosive RA. Body composition and objective physical activity assessments were also performed in both the cross-sectional cohort (n = 47) and the longitudinal group (n = 12) before and after 10 weeks of HIIT. Clinical assessments and muscle RNA gene expression were correlated with RA disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS-28) and DAS-28 improvements following HIIT. Skeletal muscle gene expression changes with HIIT were evaluated using analysis of covariance and biological pathway analysis.ResultsRA inflammatory disease activity was associated with greater amounts of intramuscular adiposity and less vigorous aerobic exercise (both p < 0.05). HIIT-induced disease activity improvements were greatest in those with an older age, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, low cardiorespiratory fitness, and a skeletal muscle molecular profile indicative of altered metabolic pathways (p < 0.05 for all). Specifically, disease activity improvements were linked to expression of RA skeletal muscle genes with cellular functions to: 1) increase amino acid catabolism and interconversion (GLDC, BCKDHB, AASS, PYCR, RPL15), 2) increase glycolytic lactate production (AGL, PDK2, LDHB, HIF1A), and 3) reduce oxidative metabolism via altered beta oxidation (PXMP2, ACSS2), TCA cycle flux (OGDH, SUCLA2, MDH1B), and electron transport chain complex I function (NDUFV3). The muscle mitochondrial glycine cleavage system (GCS) was identified as critically involved in RA disease activity improvements given upregulation of multiple GCS genes at baseline, while GLDC was significantly downregulated following HIIT.ConclusionIn the absence of physical activity, RA inflammatory disease activity is associated with transcriptional remodeling of skeletal muscle metabolism. Following exercise training, the greatest improvements in disease activity occur in older, more inflamed, and less fit persons with RA. These exercise training-induced immunomodulatory changes may occur via reprograming muscle bioenergetic and amino acid/protein homeostatic pathways.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02528344. Registered on 19 August 2015.
Comparative Studies for Determining the Optical Band-gap Energy of the Novel Polycrystalline Thin Znga2s4 Films Sprayed at Different Film Thicknesses
Authors: Hassanien Ahmed Saeed , Akl Alaa A , Radaf I. M. El
Published: March 2021

This article has dedicated to studying some structural features and optical characteristics of the Novel polycrystalline ZnGa2S4 (ZGS) thin films utilizing spray pyrolysis process at different thicknesses (293, 375, 452, and 517nm). The microstructural properties and crystal defects of these films have been studied in previous work. While in this work, the crystallinity degree and crystalline volume fraction have been studied using X-ray diffractograms. The stoichiometry of these ZnGa2S4 films has been checked using the energy dispersive x-ray analysis. The field-emission-scanning-electron microscope has been utilized to investigate the morphology of ZGS films' surfaces. Optical properties have been studied via transmittance and reflectance spectra in the range 300nm - 2500nm. Some important optical parameters such as absorption coefficient, skin depth, Urbach's energy, steepness parameters, and electron-phonon interactions have been extensively studied. The direct and indirect gap energy were determined by different four models and compared with Tauc’s model. Optical data analysis revealed that; all studied properties are strongly dependent on the film thickness. The optical band gap values were slightly decreased from 3.7eV to 4.1eV with increment of the film thickness owing to improving the crystallization process. These obtained results confirm that these films are wide band gap semiconductors, which makes them recommended for use in many solar cell applications as a window layer.
Adaptation and Validation of Adult Temperament Scale (ATS)
Authors: Bano Zaqia , Khuzaima Umme , abid mueen
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute, Non-Complicated Infections in Primary Care in Germany: Baseline Assessment of in the Cluster Randomized Trial ARena
Authors: Poss-Doering Regina , Kronsteiner Dorothea , Kamradt Martina , Andres Edith , Kaufmann-Kolle Petra , Wensing Michel , Szecsenyi Joachim
Published: March 2021

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance is fueled by inappropriate use of antibiotics. Global and national strategies support rational use of antibiotics to retain treatment options and reduce resistance. In Germany, the ARena project (Sustainable reduction of antibiotic-induced antimicrobial resistance) intended to promote rational use of antibiotics for acute non-complicated infections by addressing network-affiliated physicians, primary care teams and patients through multiple interacting interventions. The present study documented patterns of antibiotic prescribing for patients with acute non-complicated infections who consulted a physician in these networks at the start of the ARena project. It explored variation across subgroups of patients and draws comparisons to prescribing patterns of non-targeted physicians. MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional analysis used mixed logistic regression models to explore factors associated with the primary outcome, which was the proportion of patients with acute non-complicated infections consulting primary care practices who received an antibiotic prescription. Secondary outcomes concerned the prescription of different types of antibiotics. Descriptive methods were used to summarize the data referring to targeted physicians in primary care networks, non-targeted physicians (reference groups), and patient subgroups. ResultsOverall, antibiotic prescription rates were 31.7% in reference groups and 32.0% in primary care networks. General practitioners prescribed antibiotics more frequently than other medical specialist groups (otolaryngologists vs. General practitioners OR=0.465 CI=[0.302; 0.719], p<0.001, pediatricians vs. General practitioners: OR=0.369 CI=[0.135; 1.011], p=0.053). Quinolone prescription rates were 8.1% in reference groups and 9.9% in primary care networks. Patients with comorbidities had a higher likelihood of receiving an antibiotic and quinolone prescription and were less likely to receive a guideline-recommended substance. Younger patients were less likely to receive antibiotics (OR=0.771 CI=[0.636; 0.933], p=0.008). Female gender was associated with higher rates of antibiotic prescriptions (OR=1.293 CI=[1.201, 1.392], p<0.001).Conclusion At the start of the ARena project, observed antibiotic prescription rates for acute non-complicated infections showed room for improvement. This clearly supports the need for the ARENA-Project.
The correlation between the change of Hounsfield units value and Modic changes in the lumbar vertebral endplate
Authors: Zhu Jiandong , Wu Hao , Chen Yilei , Liu Junhui , Shan Zhi , Fan Shunwu , Zhao Fengdong
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the changes of Hounsfield units (HU) value in different types of Modic changes (MCs) and to analyze the correlation between the change of HU value and area ratio of MCs region, bone mineral density (BMD), and degree of intervertebral disc degeneration.
Methods

158 endplates with MCs were included and analyzed. HU values of MCs regions and adjacent vertebral corresponding regions without MCs were measured. The area ratio of MCs region was defined as the area of MCs divided by the area of endplate or the vertebral sagittal plane. BMD was measured by Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Degree of intervertebral disc degeneration was evaluated based on Pfirrmann classification. According to the types of variables, descriptive statistics, Kolmogorove-Smirnov test, paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Independent-Samples T Test, and Pearson correlation analysis were used.
Results

The HU values in any types of MCs are significantly higher than that of adjacent vertebral corresponding regions without MCs(P < 0.001). The HU value of the type III MCs is higher than that of the type I and type II MCs. HU value was positively correlated with BMD. In the levels with Grade V disc degeneration, the area ratio of MCs region was significant increased.
Conclusions

HU values of the vertebral endplate and bone marrow were increased in most MCs regions with all types of MCs. HU value of endplates had a significantly positive correlation with BMD. Higher area ratio of MCs region is associated with more severe intervertebral disc degeneration.
The best of both worlds: Shortcutting evolution through adaptive hybridization in hares
Authors: Pohjoismäki Jaakko L.O. , Michell Craig , Levänen Riikka , Smith Steve
Published: March 2021

Brown hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas) are able to hybridize with mountain hares (L. timidus Linnaeus) and produce fertile offspring, which results in cross-species gene flow. However, not much is known about the functional significance of this genetic introgression. Using targeted sequencing of candidate loci combined with mtDNA genotyping, we found the ancestral genetic diversity in the brown hare to be small, likely due to founder effect and range expansion, while gene flow from mountain hares constitutes an important source of functional genetic variability. Some of this variability, such as the alleles of the mountain hare thermogenin (uncoupling protein 1, UCP1), is likely of adaptive advantage for brown hares, whereas immunity-related MHC alleles are reciprocally exchanged and maintained via balancing selection. Our study offers a rare example where an expanding species can ease its expansion load through hybridization and obtain beneficial alleles to shortcut evolutionary adaptation to the novel environmental conditions.
Association between serum phosphorus levels and adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease: an observational cohort study
Authors: Oda Akira , Tanaka Kenichi , Saito Hirotaka , Iwasaki Tsuyoshi , Watanabe Shuhei , Kanno Makoto , Kimura Hiroshi , Shimabukuro Michio , Asahi Koichi , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Kazama Junichiro James
Published: March 2021

Background

Although an association between serum phosphorus levels and poor prognosis has been noted in dialysis patients, these associations have been insufficiently reported in non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) patients. This study attempted to determine the association between serum phosphorus levels and adverse outcomes in Japanese NDD-CKD patients.
Methods

We investigated the relationships between serum phosphorus levels and adverse outcomes such as kidney events, cardiovascular events, and all-cause death in Japanese NDD-CKD patients, using the longitudinal data of the Fukushima CKD Cohort Study. The study evaluated 822 patients with NDD-CKD enrolled between June 2012 and July 2014. A kidney event was defined as a combination of doubling of the baseline serum creatinine or end-stage renal disease. Cox regression was performed to analyze the relationships of the quartile of the serum phosphorus with kidney events, cardiovascular events, and all-cause death.
Results

Over a median follow-up period of 2.8 years, 46 patients died, there were 50 cardiovascular events, and 102 kidney events occurred. Increased risk of kidney events was observed in patients with higher serum phosphorus, with the lowest risk shown to be a second quartile of serum phosphorus level of 2.9–3.2 mg/dL. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed an increased risk of kidney events for the highest quartile of the serum phosphorus levels (≥ 3.7 mg/dL) versus the second quartile (2.9–3.2 mg/dL, hazard ratio, 3.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.65–7.94; P = 0.001). A 1 mg/dL increase of the serum phosphorus was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.66 (95% CI; 1.24–2.20) for the kidney events. There were no significant associations between the serum phosphorus levels at baseline and the risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause death.
Conclusions

Serum phosphorus levels were associated with an increased risk of CKD progression in Japanese NDD-CKD patients.
Knowledge, Perception and Women's Experience on Induction of Labour – A Questionnaire-based observational study in South India
Authors: Bhat Rajeshwari G , vinod vinutha , Bhat Parvati V , Zahoor Nida
Published: March 2021

Background Induction of labour is an indispensable obstetric procedure.Very few studies have concentrated on women;s experience of induction of labour. Its been reported that women generally have a negative experience with Induction...There is a lack of data regarding the experience of labour induction among Indian women. .We carried out this study womens experience on the induction of labour in this part of South Asia. This study highlights the unmet need of women undergoing induction of labour and changes obstetricians can implement in their day to day practice to make childbirth a positive experienceMethods The aim was to study the Knowledge, Perception and Women’s experience on Induction of labour and to compare this labour experience with women who have come in spontaneous labour. During the study period 300 women who were induced, formed the study group, every consecutive women who came in spontaneous labour formed the control group. Validated. Questionnaires were given after delivery for both induced and to women who delivered spontaneously. Ethical clearance was obtained by the institution (MUEC/13/2015-2016) Data were analysed using SPSS 16. Percentage was used to summarize the categorical data, Chi-square test for associations and Independent t test to compare visual analogue scoresResults Out of 300 women who were induced 65%(196) were aware of induction .84% (249) women knew the reason for their induction.57%(170/300) were aware of benefits of induction of labour, whereas only 15% (45/300) were informed about adverse effects .54% (162/300) of women felt analgesia given was not satisfactory.61 %(177) of women had positive, and 14 %(40) had negative attitude towards induction.32 %(94)spontaneously labouring women felt labour unbearable compared to 45% (126) induced women which is statistically significant (p value 0.001). While comparing the two groups, induced women felt more sad (p<0.001) and tired (p=0.01) compared to women in spontaneous group.Discussion Induced women were not well informed about adverse effects and felt labour was unbearable .Induced women were more tired and sad at the end of labour..Women should be provided with realistic information,and better analgesia in labor Conclusion Induced women were not well informed about adverse effects and felt labour was unbearable .Induced women were more tired and sad at the end of labour. Women should be offered better analgesia in labour. Good counselling and compassionate care from healthcare workers may increase the satisfaction levels of induced women.
A Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Approach for Identifying Variability in Costs of Childbirth Between and within Types of Delivery
Authors: Dubron Kathia , Verschaeve Mathilde , Roodhooft Filip
Published: March 2021

Background Recently, time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) is put forward as an alternative, more accurate costing method to calculate the cost of a medical treatment because it allows the assignment of costs directly to patients. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how the overall cost of childbirth at the maternity department can be calculated by implementing a TDABC analysis. In addition, this study outlines how this costing method can be utilized to provide insights into how patient and disease characteristics drive variability within childbirth cost. Through the use of process mapping, TDABC allows to exactly identify which activities and corresponding resources are impacted by these characteristics, leading to a more detailed understanding of childbirth cost.Methods Process maps were developed for two types of childbirth, vaginal delivery (VD) and caesarean section (CS). Costs were obtained from the financial department and capacity cost rates were calculated accordingly. Results Overall, the cost of childbirth equals €1894,12 and is mainly driven by personnel costs (89,0%). Monitoring after birth is the most expensive activity on the pathway, costing €1149,70. Significant cost variations between type of delivery were found, with VD costing €1808,66 compared to €2463,98 for a CS. Prolonged clinical visit (+33,3 min) and monitoring (+775,2 min) in CS were the main contributors to this cost difference. Within each delivery type, age, parity, number of gestation weeks and education attainment were found to drive cost variations. In particular, for VD an age >25 years, nulliparous, gestation weeks > 40 weeks and higher education attainment were associated with higher costs. Similar results were found within CS for age, parity and number of gestation weeks.Conclusions TDABC is a valuable approach to measure and understand the variability in costs of childbirth and its associated drivers over the full care cycle. Accordingly, these findings can inform health care providers, managers and regulators on process improvements and cost containment initiatives.
Influence of the interaction between parental myopia and poor reading and writing habits on prevalence of myopia in school students in Urumqi, China
Authors: Shi Haonan , Fu Jing , Liu Xiaojing , Wang Yingxia , Yong Xianting , Jiang Lan , Ma Shaowei , Yin Zhe , Yao Jian , Yao Xuan , Chen Xueyi , Wang Tingting
Published: March 2021

Background: To evaluate the prevalence of myopia in school students in Urumqi, China, and explore the influence of the interaction between parental myopia and poor reading and writing habits on myopia to identify the at-risk population and provide evidence to help school students avoid developing myopia.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 6,883 school students aged 7–20 years in Urumqi in December 2019. The Standard Eye Chart and mydriatic optometry were used to determine whether students had myopia. Falconer’s method was used to calculate the heritability of parental myopia. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for myopia and the additive and multiplicative interaction of parental myopia and poor reading and writing habits.Results After standardizing the age of the 6,883 students, the overall prevalence rate of myopia was 47.50%. The heritability of parental myopia was 66.57% for boys, 67.82% for girls, 65.02% for the Han group, and 52.71% for other ethnicities. There were additive interactions between parental myopia and poor reading and writing habits; among them, parental myopia and poor reading and writing habits (1) (the distance between the eyes and book is less than 30 cm when reading and writing, fingers block the sight of one eye while holding the pen, and leaning one’s body when reading and writing) increased the risk of myopia by 10.99 times (odds ratio [OR]=10.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]=8.33–14.68), parental myopia and poor reading and writing habits (2) (reading while lying down, walking, or in the car) increased the risk of myopia by 5.92 times (OR=5.92, 95% CI=4.84–7.27). There was no multiplicative interaction between parental myopia and poor reading and writing habits (1) or (2) (OR=0.69, 95% CI=0.44–1.08; OR=0.89, 95% CI=0.66–1.21, respectively).Conclusion The prevalence of myopia among students in Urumqi, Xinjiang is relatively high. The risk of developing myopia is affected by parental myopia and poor reading and writing habits. In addition, parental myopia amplifies the harm caused by poor reading and writing habits, thereby increasing the risk of myopia. Students with parents who have myopia should be targeted during myopia prevention efforts.
Investigation of Surface Scaling, Optical and Microwave Dielectric Studies of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 thin Films
Authors: Pattipaka Srinivas , D Pamu , J Pundareekam Goud , C James Raju K , Pradhan Gbinda , V Sridhar
Published: March 2021

Herein, we have investigated the optical and microwave dielectric properties of Bi 0.5 Na 0.5 TiO 3 (BNT) thin films grown under different oxygen pressure ( P O2 ) using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The X-ray diffraction measurements confirms the single phase of BNT along with secondary phase and further reduction in secondary phase and increase in BNT phase with P O2 , signifies the close relation between the crystal structure and oxygen content. The shift of Raman-active TO1, TO2 and TO3 modes towards higher wavelengths and increase in mode intensity with P O2 indicating the films degree of crystallinity. The local roughness ( α loc ) of all films obtained as ~ 0.85, and the interface width ( w ) and lateral correlation length ( ξ ) of films varies with P O2 . Also, the films exhibit the increase in refractive index and reduction in optical bandgap of due to improvement in crystallinity and reduction in the oxygen vacancies. The microwave dielectric properties show a strong P O2 depends with higher dielectric constant ( ε r = 336) with lower loss (tan δ = 0.0093) at 5 GHz which show the potential applications in high frequency devices.
Qualitative analysis of first-person accounts of noetic experiences
Authors: Wahbeh Helané , Fry Nina , Speirn Paolo , Hrnjic Lutvija , Ancel Emma , Niebauer Erica
Published: March 2021

The term “noetic” comes from the Greek word noēsis/noētikos that means inner wisdom, direct knowing, intuition, or implicit understanding. Strong cultural taboo exist about sharing these experiences. Thus, many may not feel comfortable transparently discussing or researching these topics, despite growing evidence that these experiences may be real. The study’s objective was to qualitatively evaluate first-hand accounts of noetic experiences. 521 English-speaking adults from around the world completed an online survey collected demographic data and four open-ended questions about noetic experiences. Thematic analysis was used to characterize the data. The ten most used codes were expressing to or sharing with others, impacts decision making, intuition/”just knowing,” meditation/hypnosis, inner visions, setting intentions/getting into the “state,” healing others, writing for self, and inner voice. There were five main themes identified: 1. Ways of Engagement; 2. Ways of Knowing; 3. Types of Information; 4. Ways of Affecting; and 5. Ways of Expressing. Subthemes. Future research will include investigating the nuances of these themes and also establishing standardized methods for evaluating them. This would also then inform curricula and therapies to support people in these experiences.
A scoping review of global vaccine certificate solutions for COVID-19
Authors: Mithani Salima S. , Bota A. Brianne , Zhu David T. , Wilson Kumanan
Published: March 2021

Background: Globally, measures such as lockdown, quarantining, and physical distancing have been implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19. As the vaccines are now available and reintegration into the society is beginning, measures such as vaccine certificates are being implemented around the world. Objective: The objective of the scoping review is to identify the initial digital solutions available globally for COVID-19 vaccine certificates and evaluate them on the basis of purpose and use case, technological architecture, and ethical and legal implications. Methods: We conducted a Google search on November 18 and 19, 2020 as well as a search of Embase on November 26, 2020, Ovid MEDLINE and preprint servers (MedRXIV, BioRXIV). The search terms used were “coronavirus”, “COVID-19”, “SARS COV2”, “immunization passport”, “immunization certificate”, “vaccine certificate”, “vaccination certificate” and “digital”. Articles were included for review if they included any discussion of a digital solution for vaccine certificates and English language. Data was extracted using an electronic data extraction form and included date, location, type of article, source, companies identified, technology used, type of evidence provided, digital architecture, security and privacy measures, and use cases. The articles were categorized based on the following six pre-identified themes: 1) legal, 2) technology, 3) ethics, 4) travel, 5) policy, and 6) science. Results: A total of 70 articles were included in the final analysis. Technology emerged as the most dominant theme, appearing in 58.5% (n=41) articles followed by ethics (n=22, 31%), travel (n=21, 30%), legal concerns (n=10, 14%), public policy (n=9, 13%), and scientific concerns (n=1, 1.5%. Our review identified 8 global solutions that are working towards COVID-19 vaccine certificate, all optimizing blockchain technology. COVID-19 vaccine certificates are being considered in 13 countries and are in place in 3 countries. All the solutions we identified are using blockchain technology.Conclusion: Several countries have implemented or are considering COVID-19 vaccine certificates. Many issues concerning the themes we identified remain to be addressed to facilitate successful implementation.
The Thalamus in Trigeminal Neuralgia: Structural and Metabolic Abnormalities, and Influence on Surgical Response
Authors: Danyluk Hayden , Andrews Jennifer , Kesarwani Rohit , Seres Peter , Broad Robert , Wheatley Matt , Sankar Tejas
Published: March 2021

Background: Medically-refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN) can be treated successfully with operative intervention, but a significant proportion of patients are non-responders despite undergoing technically successful surgery. The thalamus is a key component of the trigeminal sensory pathway involved in transmitting facial pain, but the role of the thalamus in TN, and its influence on durability of pain relief after TN surgery, are relatively understudied. We aimed to test the hypothesis that variations in thalamic structure and metabolism are related to surgical non-response in TN. Methods: We performed a longitudinal, peri-operative neuroimaging study of the thalamus in medically-refractory TN patients undergoing microvascular decompression or percutaneous balloon compression rhizotomy. Patients underwent structural MRI and MR spectroscopy scans pre-operatively and at 1-week following surgery, and were classified as responders or non-responders based on 1-year post-operative pain outcome. Thalamus volume, shape, and metabolite concentration (choline/creatine [Cho/Cr] and N-acetylaspartate/creatine [NAA/Cr]) were evaluated at baseline and 1-week, and compared between responders, non-responders, and healthy controls. Results: Twenty healthy controls and 23 patients with medically-refractory TN treated surgically (17 responders, 6 non-responders) were included. Pre-operatively, TN patients as a group showed significantly larger thalamus volume contralateral to the side of facial pain. However, vertex-wise shape analysis showed significant contralateral thalamus volume reduction in non-responders compared to responders in an axially-oriented band spanning the outer thalamic circumference (peak p = 0.019). Further, while pre-operative thalamic metabolite concentrations did not differ between responders and non-responders, as early as 1-week after surgery, every single long-term non-responder showed a distinct decrease in contralateral thalamic Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr, irrespective of surgery type, which was not observed in responders.Conclusions: Atrophy of the contralateral thalamus is a consistent feature across patients with medically-refractory TN. Regional alterations in preoperative thalamic structure, and very early post-operative metabolic changes in the thalamus, both appear to influence the durability of pain relief after TN surgery.
Computational Studies of Diindole-Based Molecules for Organic Bulk Heterojunction Solar Devices Using DFT and TD-DFT Calculations
Authors: Fei Elly Tan Li , Biswas Joydeep , Datta Bandita , Kumar Dhruva
Published: March 2021

Theoretical analysis on geometries, optoelectronic properties, photovoltaic properties and absorption spectra on six π-conjugated molecules used in organic bulk heterojunction solar cell (BHJ), completed using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations with Becke’s three-parameter functional and Lee-Yang-Parr functional (B3LYP), hybrid exchange-correlation functional using the Coulomb-attenuating method (CAM-B3LYP) and WB97XD level with 6-311G basis set supported by Gauss View and Gaussian 09 program. LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital), HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital), energy gap (Egap) and Voc (open-circuit voltage) and other essential parameters have been investigated to study the effects on substitution of electron-donating and electron-accepting groups to the proposed molecule. These properties determine if the studied compounds can act as good electron donors along with phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as a suitable electron acceptor.
Evaluation and GWAS of radicle gravitropic response in a core rice germplasms population
Authors: lou qiaojun , Li Qingsong , Feng Fangjun , Joynson Ryan , Yang Yunan , Luo Lijun , Chen Liang
Published: March 2021

Aims: Gravitropism is one of the primary determinants of root development, facilitating root penetration into soil and subsequent absorption of water and nutrients. To study the gravitropism of the radicle roots, we conducted this research.Methods: The gravitropism of 226 Chinese rice micro-core accessions and drought-resistant core accessions were assessed through the modified gravity-bending experiment and genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was used to map the associated QTLs.Results: The average value of gravitropic response speed of radicle roots was 41.05°/h from 16.77°/h to 62.83°/h. Significant difference (p < 0.002) in gravity response speed between Indica (42.49°/h) and Japonica (39.71°/h) subspecies was found. The gravitational response speed of radicle roots was significantly positively correlated with the number of deep roots (r =0.16), the growth speed of radicle roots (r =0.21) and the drought resistance coefficient (r=0.14).Conclusions: In total, 3 QTLs (quantitative traits) associated with gravitropic response speed were identified on chromosome 4,11 and 12. There are some known QTLs relating to roots traits and drought resistance located nearby the QTLs identified here, which confirms the close relationship between radicle gravitropism and the drought resistance. From within these intervals, 5 candidate genes were screened for qPCR in 6 extreme rice varieties, demonstrating that gene LOC_Os12g29350 may regulate gravitropism negatively and confirming its candidacy for further study.
Artificial Intelligence Framework for Efficient Detection and Classification of Pneumonia Using Chest Radiography Images
Authors: Alqudah Ali Mohammad , Qazan Shoroq , Masad Ihssan S.
Published: March 2021

BackgroundChest diseases are serious health problems that threaten the lives of people. The early and accurate diagnosis of such diseases is very crucial in the success of their treatment and cure. Pneumonia is one of the most widely occurred chest diseases responsible for a high percentage of deaths especially among children. So, detection and classification of pneumonia using the non-invasive chest x-ray imaging would have a great advantage of reducing the mortality rates.ResultsThe results showed that the best input image size in this framework was 64 64 based on comparison between different sizes. Using CNN as a deep features extractor and utilizing the 10-fold methodology the propose artificial intelligence framework achieved an accuracy of 94% for SVM and 93.9% for KNN, a sensitivity of 93.33% for SVM and 93.19% for KNN and a specificity of 96.68% for SVM and 96.60% for KNN.ConclusionsIn this study, an artificial intelligence framework has been proposed for the detection and classification of pneumonia based on chest x-ray imaging with different sizes of input images. The proposed methodology used CNN for features extraction that were fed to two different types of classifiers, namely, SVM and KNN; in addition to the SoftMax classifier which is the default CNN classifier. The proposed CNN has been trained, validated, and tested using a large dataset of chest x-ray images contains in total 5852 images.
Immune Effective Score As A Predictor Of Response To Neoadjuvant Trastuzumab Therapy And A Prognostic Indicator For HER2-positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Wu Xueying , Zhang Chenyang , Xiong Jing-wei , Zhang Henghui
Published: March 2021

Background: HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) is a highly aggressive phenotype and accounts for 15–20% of all BC cases. The role of the host immune features in predictive response to anti-HER2 therapies and prognosis in BC is already suggested. We aimed to develop a predictive and prognostic model and examine its relevance to the clinical outcomes of patients with HER2-positive BC.Methods: Based on the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) scores of the signatures related to neoadjuvant trastuzumab therapy response, an immune effective score (IES) was constructed using principal component analysis algorithms. A bioinformatic analysis using 4 independent cohorts (GSE66305, n=88; GSE130786, n=110; TCGA, n=123; METABRIC, n=236) established associations between IES and clinical outcomes.Results: Genes associated with neoadjuvant trastuzumab therapy response enriched in pathways related to antitumor immune activities, including T cell receptor signaling pathway, Natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity and NF−kappa B signaling pathway. IES was demonstrated to be a predictive biomarker to neoadjuvant trastuzumab therapy benefits (GSE66305: area under the curve (AUC) = 0.804; GSE130786: AUC = 0.704). In addition, IES was identified as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in the TCGA cohort (P = 0.036, hazard ratio (HR): 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.449–0.97) and METABRIC cohort (P = 0.037, HR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.81–0.99).Conclusions: The IES has a predictive value for response to neoadjuvant trastuzumab therapy and independent prognostic value for HER2-positive breast cancer.
Microbially guided discovery and biosynthesis of biologically active natural products
Authors: Sarkar Ankur , Kim Edward , Jang Taehwan , Hongdusit Akarawin , Kim Hyungjun , Choi Jeong-Mo , Fox Jerome
Published: March 2021

The design of small molecules that inhibit disease-relevant proteins represents a longstanding challenge of medicinal chemistry. Here, we describe an approach for encoding this challenge—the inhibition of a human drug target—into a microbial host and using it to guide the discovery and biosynthesis of targeted, biologically active natural products. This approach identified two previously unknown terpenoid inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), an elusive therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes and cancer. Both inhibitors appear to target an allosteric site, which confers selectivity, and can inhibit PTP1B in living cells. A screen of 24 uncharacterized terpene synthases from a pool of 4,464 genes uncovered additional hits, demonstrating a scalable discovery approach, and the incorporation of different PTPs into the microbial host yielded alternative PTP-specific detection systems. Findings illustrate the potential for using microbes to discover and build natural products that exhibit precisely defined biochemical activities yet possess unanticipated structures and/or binding sites.
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Authors: Qayyum Khan Abdul , Saeed S Alqahtani Abdullah
Published: March 2021

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Financial ratios and book value of shares for selected money transfer companies listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange
Authors: Shaker Ibrahim Sardar , Olarewaju Odunayo , Yearwood Verna
Published: March 2021

The study examined the nexus between the financial ratio and book value of shares for Iraqi money transfer companies. The data used was extracted from the financial reports of selected money transfer companies listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange, and a descriptive, correlation and panel least square regression technique were adopted for the analysis. The result revealed that the financial ratio captured by earnings per share (EPS), return on investment (ROI) and return on assets (ROA) were positively related with the book value of shares (BVAL), while debt ratio (DER) was negatively related with BVAL. Also, EPS, ROA, ROI and DER positively influenced BVAL. Thus, the engagement of competent and qualified personnel to manage the assets and investments in order to ensure optimal returns is urgently required. There is also a need for proper issuing of shares by the management of money transfer companies to ensure free access to the stock market.