bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerated fetal growth velocity across the third trimester is associated with increased shoulder dystocia risk among fetuses who are not large-for-gestational-age: A prospective observational cohort study
Authors: MacDonald Teresa M. , Robinson Alice J. , Hiscock Richard J. , Hui Lisa , Dane Kirsten M. , Middleton Anna L. , Kennedy Lucy M. , Tong Stephen , Walker Susan P.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate whether fetuses with accelerated third trimester growth velocity are at increased risk of shoulder dystocia, even when they are not large-for-gestational-age (LGA; estimated fetal weight (EFW) >95th centile).

Methods

Fetal growth velocity and birth outcome data were prospectively collected from 347 nulliparous women. Each had blinded ultrasound biometry performed at 28 and 36 weeks’ gestation. Change in EFW and abdominal circumference (AC) centiles between 28–36 weeks were calculated, standardised over exactly eight weeks. We examined the odds of shoulder dystocia with increasing EFW and AC growth velocities among women with 36-week EFW ≤95th centile (non-LGA), who went on to have a vaginal birth. We then examined the relative risk (RR) of shoulder dystocia in cases of accelerated EFW and AC growth velocities (>30 centiles gained). Finally, we compared the predictive performances of accelerated fetal growth velocities to 36-week EFW >95th centile for shoulder dystocia among the cohort planned for vaginal birth.

Results

Of the 226 participants who had EFW ≤95th centile at 36-week ultrasound and birthed vaginally, six (2.7%) had shoulder dystocia. For each one centile increase in EFW between 28–36 weeks, the odds of shoulder dystocia increased by 8% (odds ratio (OR [95% Confidence Interval (CI)]) = 1.08 [1.04–1.12], p<0.001). For each one centile increase in AC between 28–36 weeks, the odds of shoulder dystocia increased by 9% (OR[95%CI] = 1.09 [1.05–1.12], p<0.001). When compared to the rest of the cohort with normal growth velocity, accelerated EFW and AC velocities were associated with increased relative risks of shoulder dystocia (RR[95%CI] = 7.3 [1.9–20.6], p = 0.03 and 4.8 [1.7–9.4], p = 0.02 respectively). Accelerated EFW or AC velocities predicted shoulder dystocia with higher sensitivity and positive predictive value than 36-week EFW >95th centile.

Conclusions

Accelerated fetal growth velocities between 28–36 weeks’ gestation are associated with increased risk of shoulder dystocia, and may predict shoulder dystocia risk better than the commonly used threshold of 36-week EFW >95th centile.
Accuracy of BIS monitoring using a novel interface device connecting conventional needle-electrodes and BIS sensors during frontal neurosurgical procedures
Authors: Harada Hideki , Muta Seiya , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Ukeda Misa , Ota So , Hirata Maiko , Fujioka Hiroshi , Nakashima Osamu , Dietel Barbara , Tauchi Miyuki
Published: October 2021

Background

Bispectral index (BIS) monitoring is a widely used non-invasive method to monitor the depth of anesthesia. However, in the event of surgeries requiring a frontal approach, placement of the electrode may be impossible at the designated area to achieve a proper BIS measurement.

Methods

We developed an investigational interface device to connect needle-electrodes to BIS sensors. The safety and clinical performance were investigated in patients who underwent surgery. Direct BIS values from a disposable BIS electrode and indirect values via the interface device were simultaneously recorded from the same areas of electrode placement in a single patient. The agreement between the direct and indirect BIS values was statistically analyzed.

Results

The interface device with a silver electrode demonstrated sufficient electric conduction to transmit electroencephalogram signals. The overall BIS curves were similar to those of direct BIS monitoring. Direct and indirect BIS values from 18 patients were statistically analyzed using a linear mixed model and a significant concordance was confirmed (indirect BIS = 7.0405 + 0.8286 * direct BIS, p<0.0001). Most observed data (2582/2787 data points, 92.64%) had BIS unit differences of 10 or less.

Conclusions

The interface device provides an opportunity for intraoperative BIS monitoring of patients, whose clinical situation does not permit the placement of conventional adhesive sensors at the standard location.
Structural and spectral properties of generative models for synthetic multilayer air transportation networks
Authors: Fügenschuh Marzena , Gera Ralucca , Méndez-Bermúdez José Antonio , Tagarelli Andrea
Published: October 2021

To understand airline transportation networks (ATN) systems we can effectively represent them as multilayer networks, where layers capture different airline companies, the nodes correspond to the airports and the edges to the routes between the airports. We focus our study on the importance of leveraging synthetic generative multilayer models to support the analysis of meaningful patterns in these routes, capturing an ATN’s evolution with an emphasis on measuring its resilience to random or targeted attacks and considering deliberate locations of airports. By resorting to the European ATN and the United States ATN as exemplary references, in this work, we provide a systematic analysis of major existing synthetic generation models for ATNs, specifically ANGEL, STARGEN and BINBALL. Besides a thorough study of the topological aspects of the ATNs created by the three models, our major contribution lays on an unprecedented investigation of their spectral characteristics based on Random Matrix Theory and on their resilience analysis based on both site and bond percolation approaches. Results have shown that ANGEL outperforms STARGEN and BINBALL to better capture the complexity of real-world ATNs by featuring the unique properties of building a multiplex ATN layer by layer and of replicating layers with point-to-point structures alongside hub-spoke formations.
Preoperative white blood cell count predicts anastomotic leakage in patients with left-sided colorectal cancer
Authors: Morimoto Masaki , Taniguchi Kenjiro , Yamamoto Osamu , Naka Takuji , Sugitani Atsushi , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2021

To determine whether preoperative white blood cell (WBC) counts reflect risk of anastomotic leak (AL) for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), we retrospectively examined data from records of 208 consecutive patients who had undergone resections for left-sided CRC, including their clinicopathological parameters and preoperative laboratory data. The diagnostic value of WBC count for AL was evaluated and compared with those of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio and platelet count × C-reactive protein level multiplier (P-CRP) value; optimal cut-off values were derived from receiver operating characteristic curves. AL was observed in 11 of the 208 patients (5.3%). Compared with the no-AL group, the AL group had a significantly higher mean WBC count and smoking rate. In multivariate analysis, WBC count and smoking were independent risk factors for AL. Compared with the other tested inflammatory indicators, the cut-off value for WBC (6,200/μL) had the highest sensitivity (81.8%) and negative predictive value (98.4%), as well as the lowest likelihood ratio (0.289). Preoperative WBC count could therefore be a convenient predictor of AL in patients with left-sided CRC.
Role of the choroidal vascularity index in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with macular edema
Authors: Hwang Bo-Een , Kim Mirinae , Park Young-Hoon
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To assess choroidal vasculature changes in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and macular edema (ME) using the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and evaluate the effectiveness of CVI as a prognostic biomarker.

Methods

35 patients with monocular BRVO and ME were analyzed retrospectively. Luminal and stromal areas in choroids of swept-source optical coherence tomography were calculated using the image binarization technique. The CVI was calculated as the ratio of the luminal to total choroidal area. The CVI of BRVO and ME eyes were compared with that of the unaffected fellow and post anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injected eyes. A regression analysis was performed on the choroidal parameters, logMAR visual acuity (VA) two years post disease onset and central macula thickness (CMT).

Results

The CVI of BRVO and ME eyes was significantly lower than the fellow and post-injected eyes (p<0.05). The regression analysis showed a strong association between two years after logMAR VA and the CVI of fellow eyes (R2= 0.433, p<0.001). Remarkable correlations were observed in the CVI and subfoveal choroidal thickness of BRVO and ME eyes (R2= 0.189, 0.155, respectively, p<0.05). The CMT of diseased eyes were also significantly associated with the CVI of unaffected fellow eyes (R2= 0.113, p<0.05).

Conclusions

The alteration of CVI in BRVO and ME suggests that choroidal vasculature might be affected by extracellular fluid shift and VEGF changes. The fellow eye CVI could be a useful supplementary prognostic biomarker.
Effects of cyproheptadine on body weight gain in children with nonorganic failure to thrive in Taiwan: A hospital-based retrospective study
Authors: Lin Yi-Chun , Yen Hung-Rong , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Wang Chung-Hsing , Chien Lung-Chang , Chen An-Chyi , Lin Ro-Ting
Published: October 2021

Failure to thrive (FTT) impairs the expected normal physical growth of children. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cyproheptadine hydrochloride on growth parameters in prepubertal children with FTT. The medical records of prepubertal children who were newly diagnosed with FTT at China Medical University Hospital between 2007 and 2016 were retrospectively examined. The patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they had (T-group) or had not (NT-group) received cyproheptadine hydrochloride (0.3 mg/kg daily) for at least 14 days. The mean length of the treatment period was 97.22 days (range: 14–532 days). Weight, height, and body mass index were adjusted for age using the median values in the growth charts for Taiwanese boys and girls as the reference. A total of 788 patients aged 3–11 years were enrolled, 50 in the T-group and 738 in the NT-group. No statistically significant difference in the median age-adjusted weight value was noted between the T-group and NT-group during the follow up period. In the T-group, age-adjusted weight and body mass index were inversely associated with age (P <0.001, P <0.001) and positively associated with medication duration (P = 0.026, P = 0.04). Our findings underscore the positive association between cyproheptadine hydrochloride treatment and weight gain among prepubertal children. Further prospective clinical studies with a. longer and consistent treatment course is warranted.
Convergence in voice fundamental frequency during synchronous speech
Authors: Bradshaw Abigail R. , McGettigan Carolyn
Published: October 2021

Joint speech behaviours where speakers produce speech in unison are found in a variety of everyday settings, and have clinical relevance as a temporary fluency-enhancing technique for people who stutter. It is currently unknown whether such synchronisation of speech timing among two speakers is also accompanied by alignment in their vocal characteristics, for example in acoustic measures such as pitch. The current study investigated this by testing whether convergence in voice fundamental frequency (F0) between speakers could be demonstrated during synchronous speech. Sixty participants across two online experiments were audio recorded whilst reading a series of sentences, first on their own, and then in synchrony with another speaker (the accompanist) in a number of between-subject conditions. Experiment 1 demonstrated significant convergence in participants’ F0 to a pre-recorded accompanist voice, in the form of both upward (high F0 accompanist condition) and downward (low and extra-low F0 accompanist conditions) changes in F0. Experiment 2 demonstrated that such convergence was not seen during a visual synchronous speech condition, in which participants spoke in synchrony with silent video recordings of the accompanist. An audiovisual condition in which participants were able to both see and hear the accompanist in pre-recorded videos did not result in greater convergence in F0 compared to synchronisation with the pre-recorded voice alone. These findings suggest the need for models of speech motor control to incorporate interactions between self- and other-speech feedback during speech production, and suggest a novel hypothesis for the mechanisms underlying the fluency-enhancing effects of synchronous speech in people who stutter.
Lumpy skin disease outbreaks in Egypt during 2017-2018 among sheeppox vaccinated cattle: Epidemiological, pathological, and molecular findings
Authors: Rouby Sherin R. , Safwat Nesreen M. , Hussein Khaled H. , Abdel- Ra’ouf Aml M. , Madkour Bahaa S. , Abdel-Moneim Ahmed S. , Hosein Hosein I.
Published: October 2021

The General Organization of the Veterinary Services in Egypt has adopted a sheeppox vaccination policy to control lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle. Over the course of the last two years, recurrent outbreaks were reported, with animals showing severe clinical signs and consequentially higher fatalities than that of cases reported in previous LSD outbreaks. A total of 1050 cattle showing typical clinical signs suggestive of LSD were clinically and pathologically investigated during 2017–2018. Skin nodules were collected and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) was screened in collected skin samples using PCR for the RPO-30 gene. Furthermore, the entire P32 protein coding gene was sequenced. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the skin nodules were also conducted. The obtained results showed an overall mortality rate of 6.86%. LSDV was confirmed in all the examined nodules as evidenced by immunohistochemistry and positive PCR amplification of the RPO30 gene. Sequencing analysis of the P32 gene revealed a highly conserved nature and genetic stability of the LSDV. The results of the present study show that the current vaccination protocol was not effective for a multitude of reasons. These results also serve as evidence for a strong recommendation of an amendment of homologous vaccine use aside from a complete coverage of cattle populations in order to reduce the incidence of LSD among cattle population in Egypt.
What drives small-scale farmers to vaccinate their multiple livestock species animals against common infectious diseases in Myanmar?
Authors: Win Tu Tu Zaw , Campbell Angus , Magalhaes Ricardo J. Soares , Oo Kyaw Naing , Henning Joerg
Published: October 2021

Livestock rearing is an important income source for small-scale farmers in Myanmar, but Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Newcastle disease (ND) are major constraints to livestock production. A study was conducted to identify perceptions of farmers about FMD and ND disease risks and perceptions about vaccination practices by using the modified health belief model. The majority of livestock farmers (>70%) reported that they were aware of the risk and impact of FMD and ND and were willing to vaccinate their livestock (>60%). Focusing on three main livestock farmer groups, about 17.0% of cattle, 15.4% of village chicken, but only 2.3% of small ruminant owners, indicated that the non-availability of vaccinations in the villages was the major constraint to vaccinations (p<0.001), while in contrast twice as many small ruminant farmers compared to cattle and village chicken farmers indicated they had no knowledge about vaccinations and no funds to conduct vaccinations. Limited accessibility to vaccines and vaccinators was related to size of villages (p = 0.001 for cattle; p = 0.027 for small ruminants; p = 0.005 for village chicken). Willingness to vaccinate small ruminants against FMD was associated with the perceived impact of the disease on sales and accessibility of information about vaccination. Accessibility to information about ND vaccination influenced the willingness of village chicken farmers to conduct vaccinations. In addition, beliefs in the effectiveness of vaccinations played a major role in the willingness to carry out vaccinations on both, cattle (β = 0.3, p = 0.018) and village chicken farms (β = 0.5, p<0.001). Our study highlights that policies that increase the accessibility of vaccines and the dissemination of information about disease prevention and vaccination practices in villages of all sizes, have the potential to increase FMD and ND vaccination rates and thereby reduce outbreak occurrence in Myanmar. On the other hand, indirect factors, such as village size strongly influenced the availability of vaccinations.
No association between cataract surgery and mitochondrial DNA damage with age-related macular degeneration in human donor eyes
Authors: Armbrust Karen R. , Karunadharma Pabalu P. , Terluk Marcia R. , Kapphahn Rebecca J. , Olsen Timothy W. , Ferrington Deborah A. , Montezuma Sandra R.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To determine whether age-related macular degeneration (AMD) severity or the frequency of retinal pigment epithelium mitochondrial DNA lesions differ in human donor eyes that have undergone cataract surgery compared to phakic eyes.

Methods

Eyes from human donors aged ≥ 55 years were obtained from the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank. Cataract surgery status was obtained from history provided to Eye Bank personnel by family members at the time of tissue procurement. Donor eyes were graded for AMD severity using the Minnesota Grading System. Quantitative PCR was performed on DNA isolated from macular punches of retinal pigment epithelium to quantitate the frequency of mitochondrial DNA lesions in the donor tissue. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate for associations between (1) cataract surgery and AMD severity and (2) cataract surgery and mitochondrial DNA lesion frequency.

Results

A total of 157 subjects qualified for study inclusion. Multivariable analysis with age, sex, smoking status, and cataract surgery status showed that only age was associated with AMD grade. Multivariable analysis with age, sex, smoking status, and cataract surgery status showed that none of these factors were associated with retinal pigment epithelium mitochondrial DNA lesion frequency.

Conclusions

In this study of human donor eyes, neither retinal pigment epithelium mitochondrial DNA damage nor the stage of AMD severity are independently associated with cataract surgery after adjusting for other AMD risk factors. These new pathologic and molecular findings provide evidence against a relationship between cataract surgery and AMD progression and support the idea that cataract surgery is safe in the setting of AMD.
Comprehensive mutagenesis to identify amino acid residues contributing to the difference in thermostability between two originally thermostable ancestral proteins
Authors: Akanuma Satoshi , Yamaguchi Minako , Yamagishi Akihiko
Published: October 2021

Further improvement of the thermostability of inherently thermostable proteins is an attractive challenge because more thermostable proteins are industrially more useful and serve as better scaffolds for protein engineering. To establish guidelines that can be applied for the rational design of hyperthermostable proteins, we compared the amino acid sequences of two ancestral nucleoside diphosphate kinases, Arc1 and Bac1, reconstructed in our previous study. Although Bac1 is a thermostable protein whose unfolding temperature is around 100°C, Arc1 is much more thermostable with an unfolding temperature of 114°C. However, only 12 out of 139 amino acids are different between the two sequences. In this study, one or a combination of amino acid(s) in Bac1 was/were substituted by a residue(s) found in Arc1 at the same position(s). The best mutant, which contained three amino acid substitutions (S108D, G116A and L120P substitutions), showed an unfolding temperature more than 10°C higher than that of Bac1. Furthermore, a combination of the other nine amino acid substitutions also led to improved thermostability of Bac1, although the effects of individual substitutions were small. Therefore, not only the sum of the contributions of individual amino acids, but also the synergistic effects of multiple amino acids are deeply involved in the stability of a hyperthermostable protein. Such insights will be helpful for future rational design of hyperthermostable proteins.
Substantial acetylcholine reduction in multiple brain regions of Mecp2-deficient female rats and associated behavioral abnormalities
Authors: Murasawa Hiroyasu , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Imai Jun , Nagase Takahiko , Soumiya Hitomi , Fukumitsu Hidefumi
Published: October 2021

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with X-linked dominant inheritance caused mainly by mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. The effects of various Mecp2 mutations have been extensively assessed in mouse models, but none adequately mimic the symptoms and pathological changes of RTT. In this study, we assessed the effects of Mecp2 gene deletion on female rats (Mecp2+/−) and found severe impairments in social behavior [at 8 weeks (w), 12 w, and 23 w of age], motor function [at 16 w and 26 w], and spatial cognition [at 29 w] as well as lower plasma insulin-like growth factor (but not brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and markedly reduced acetylcholine (30%–50%) in multiple brain regions compared to female Mecp2+/+ rats [at 29 w]. Alternatively, changes in brain monoamine levels were relatively small, in contrast to reports on mouse Mecp2 mutants. Female Mecp2-deficient rats express phenotypes resembling RTT and so may provide a robust model for future research on RTT pathobiology and treatment.
Acoustic notch filtering earmuff utilizing Helmholtz resonator arrays
Authors: Mizukoshi Fumiya , Takahashi Hidetoshi
Published: October 2021

In recent years, noisy bustling environments have created situations in which earmuffs must soundproof only specific noise while transmitting significant sounds, such as voices, for work safety and efficiency. Two sound insulation technologies have been utilized: passive noise control (PNC) and active noise control (ANC). However, PNC is incapable of insulating selective frequencies of noise, and ANC is limited to low-frequency sounds. Thus, it has been difficult for traditional earmuffs to cancel out only high-frequency noise that people feel uncomfortable hearing. Here, we propose an acoustic notch filtering earmuff utilizing Helmholtz resonator (HR) arrays that provides a sound attenuation effect around the tuneable resonant frequency. A sheet-like sound insulating plate comprising HR arrays is realized in a honeycomb structure. Since the resonant frequency is determined by the geometry of the HR arrays, a highly audible sound region can be designed as the target frequency. In this research, the acoustic notch filtering performance of the proposed HR array plate is investigated in both simulations and experiments. Furthermore, the fabricated earmuffs using the novel HR array plates achieve a sound insulation performance exceeding 40 dB at the target frequency, which is sufficiently high compared to that of conventional earmuffs. The experimental results confirm that the proposed device is a useful approach for insulating frequency-selective sound.
Increasing Black, Indigenous and People of Color participation in clinical trials through community engagement and recruitment goal establishment
Authors: Andrasik Michele P. , Broder Gail B. , Wallace Stephaun E. , Chaturvedi Richa , Michael Nelson L. , Bock Sally , Beyrer Chris , Oseso Linda , Aina Jasmin , Lucas Jonathan , Wilson David R. , Kublin James G. , Mensah George A.
Published: October 2021

Longstanding social and economic inequities elevate health risks and vulnerabilities for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Engagement of BIPOC communities in infectious disease research is a critical component in efforts to increase vaccine confidence, acceptability, and uptake of future approved products. Recent data highlight the relative absence of BIPOC communities in vaccine clinical trials. Intentional and effective community engagement methods are needed to improve BIPOC inclusion. We describe the methods utilized for the successful enrollment of BIPOC participants in the U.S. Government (USG)-funded COVID-19 Prevention Network (CoVPN)-sponsored vaccine efficacy trials and analyze the demographic and enrollment data across the efficacy trials to inform future efforts to ensure inclusive participation. Across the four USG-funded COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials for which data are available, 47% of participants enrolled at CoVPN sites in the US were BIPOC. White enrollment outpaced enrollment of BIPOC participants throughout the accrual period, requiring the implementation of strategies to increase diverse and inclusive enrollment. Trials opening later benefitted considerably from strengthened community engagement efforts, and greater and more diverse volunteer registry records. Despite robust fiscal resources and a longstanding collaborative and collective effort, enrollment of White persons outpaced that of BIPOC communities. With appropriate resources, commitment and community engagement expertise, the equitable enrollment of BIPOC individuals can be achieved. To ensure this goal, intentional efforts are needed, including an emphasis on diversity of enrollment in clinical trials, establishment of enrollment goals, ongoing robust community engagement, conducting population-specific trials, and research to inform best practices.
Application of simplified MLST scheme for direct typing of clinical samples from human leptospirosis cases in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines
Authors: Mendoza Marjo V. , Rivera Windell L.
Published: October 2021

Despite the major threat of leptospirosis to public health in the Philippines, its epidemiologic data remain scarce. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) is a method often used for identification of circulating Leptospira species and disease surveillance. Unfortunately, molecular typing of Leptospira isolates is not routinely done in most hospital settings. A simplified MLST scheme targeting three loci (adk, lipL41, mreA) was performed for rapid direct typing of Leptospira in clinical specimens. Blood samples from suspected or clinically diagnosed cases (n = 50) were initially screened via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 23S rRNA, 16S rRNA (rrs2), and lipL32 genes. From the nine positives, seven had interpretable data from MLST. Allelic profiles identified L. interrogans in all positive samples. Six were assigned to ST12 of serovar Manilae (serogroup Pyrogenes) while one sample cannot be clearly differentiated between two serovars/serogroups, Bataviae/Losbanos (serogroup Bataviae) or Australis (serogroup Australis), indicating possibility of a new ST. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the application of simplified MLST scheme produces consistent results with the seven-loci genetic profile of published Leptospira MLST schemes. Reduced scheme addressed the challenges often encountered in the amplification of full MLST genetic profile of Leptospira. The approach is a potential alternative to serological tests for rapid typing of clinical specimens and can also aid in investigations on disease epidemiology specifically to monitor occurrence, pathogen transmission, host specificity and susceptibility, and other factors that could lead to potential outbreaks.
Handgrip strength cutoff value predicting successful extubation in mechanically ventilated patients
Authors: Saiphoklang Narongkorn , Mokkongphai Nattawadee
Published: October 2021

Background

Handgrip strength (HGS) is an alternative tool to evaluate respiratory muscle function. HGS cutoff value indicating extubation success or failure has not been investigated. This study aimed to determine HGS cutoff value to predict successful extubation.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted. Patients requiring intubated mechanical ventilation with intubation ≥ 48 hours in medical wards were recruited. HGS test was performed at 10 minutes before and 30 minutes after spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) was measured at 10 minutes before SBT.

Results

Ninety-three patients (58% men) were included. Mean age was 71.6 ± 15.2 years. Weaning failure rate was 6.5%. The area under the ROC curve of 0.84 for the best HGS cutoff value at 10 minutes before SBT was 12.7 kg, with 75.9% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity (P = 0.005). The best HSG cutoff value at 30 minutes after SBT was 14.9 kg, with the area under the ROC curve of 0.82, with 58.6% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity (P = 0.009). The best RSBI cutoff value was 43.5 breaths/min/L, with the area under the ROC curve of 0.46, 33.3% sensitivity and 66.6% specificity (P = 0.737).

Conclusions

HGS may be a predictive tool to guide extubation with better sensitivity and specificity than RSBI. A prospective study is needed to verify HGS test as adjunctive to RSBI in ventilator weaning protocol.
Sistema endokannabinoideak emearen ugal-fisiologia modulatzen du
Authors: Totorikaguena Iturriaga Lide , Olabarrieta López Estibaliz , Agirregoitia Marcos Naiara , Agirregoitia Marcos Ekaitz
Published: October 2021

Sistema kannabinideak ugal-sistemaren prozesu desberdinetan parte hartzen du, eta jakina da kannabinoide exogenoen kontsumo kroniko sistemikoa kaltegarria dela ugalketa-prozesuetarako; sistema endokannabinoidean izan daitezkeen gabeziak, halaber, ez dira mesedegarriak. Frogatu da sistema endokannabinoidearen edozein osagairen aktibazioak edo eraldaketek eragina izan dezaketela ugalketaren fase desberdinen erregulazioan eta bizitza berri baten hasiera arriskuan jar dezaketela. Horregatik, kannabinoideen erabilera lagungarria izan liteke, antzutasunaren diagnostikoan biomarkatzaile posible gisa edota praktika klinikoan tratatzeko itu terapeutiko posible bezala.
Melatoninaren eraginkortasuna loezina arintzeko: saio klinikoen berrikusketa sistematikoa
Authors: Barreras Ane , Rodilla Irati , Mendiguren Aitziber
Published: October 2021

Loezinak, loak hartzeko edo mantentzeko zailtasunari, behar baino lehenago esnatzeari zein indarberritzailea ez den loa edukitzeari egiten dio erreferentzia. Loezinak erritmo zirkadianoaren lo-esnatzearen alterazioak (adibidez, loaldi atzeratuaren sindromea edo lan txandekin lotutako loezina) eta ez-REM loaren esnatze asaldurak (somnanbulismoa, gaueko ikarak edo amesgaiztoak, besteak beste) barnebiltzen ditu. Loezinaren tratamendurako gehien erabiltzen diren farmakoek (bentzodiazepinek eta Z-hipnotikoek) eragin kaltegarri ugari dituzte eta epe luzera erabiltzeko ez dira gomendagarriak. Horregatik, loezina tratatzeko, ustez segurtasun hobea eta eraginkortasun bera duten alternatibak merkaturatu dira, adibidez, melatonina. Azken urteotan, melatoninaren erabilera asko handitu da eta adin guztietako pazienteengan loezin mota ugari arintzeko erabili izan da, baina ez dago argi erabilera hori ebidentzian oinarrituta dagoen. Horregatik, lan honen helburua gaixotasunekin erlaziorik ez zuen adin guztietako pazienteengan melatoninak loezina arintzeko duen eraginkortasuna aztertzea izan zen. Horretarako, plazeboarekin kontrolatutako entsegu klinikoen berrikusketa sistematikoa egin zen. Aztertutako saioen arabera, melatonina (2 mg-ko dosian, 3 astetan zehar) lehen mailako loezinarako eraginkorra da bai lo-latentzia laburtzeko bai lo-kalitatea eta pazienteen ongizatea eta bizi kalitatea hobetzeko. Loezin mota zehatzetarako, aldiz, dauden ebidentziak urriak dira. Adinari dagokionez, melatonina 55 urtetik gorako pazienteengan loezina arintzeko eraginkorra dela frogatu da. 55 urtetik beherako pazienteengan, ostera, eraginkortasuna frogatu duen entsegu bakarra bildu da. Ondorio orokor gisa esan daiteke melatonina eraginkorra dela 55 urtetik gorako pazienteengan lehen mailako loezina arintzeko, 2 mg-ko dosian eta 3 astetan zehar administratzen denean. Beste adineko pazienteengan, dosi baxuagotan edota loezin zehatz batzuetan egiten den erabilera, aldiz, ez dago ebidentzian oinarrituta.
As finanças da Câmara Municipal de Coimbra nos finais do Antigo Regime (1762-1820) [II]: as despesas
Authors: Barbosa José Luís
Published: October 2021

O presente estudo pretende analisar as despesas da Câmara Municipal de Coimbra, entre 1762 e 1820. Trata-se de um período de grandes dificuldades para a gestão camarária coimbrã, que levou a algumas alterações significativas na forma de arrecadar as receitas, o que permitiu um crescimento dos gastos. Com recurso a uma metodologia quantitativa e comparativa, aspira-se, com esta investigação, compreender em que medida a composição e a evolução da despesa foi afetada pela evolução da receita. Pretendemos examinar a evolução da despesa e de cada uma das suas categorias individualmente, com o objetivo de apurar: qual era a estrutura das despesas da Câmara Municipal de Coimbra, entre 1762 e 1820; como evoluíram os gastos; identificar as semelhanças e diferenças existentes entre Coimbra e outras câmaras municipais do mesmo período; que continuidades e ruturas se podem traçar com a realidade financeira coimbrã do séc. XVII. O núcleo central de fontes corresponde aos Livros de Receita e Despesa, à guarda do Arquivo Histórico Municipal. Pretendemos que este estudo carreie um importante contributo para a compreensão das finanças municipais nos finais de Antigo Regime.
Vida da Faculdade de Letras 2018-2019
Authors: Coimbra Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de
Published: October 2021

A partir do ano letivo de 2012/2013, toda a informação que integrava a secção “Vida da Faculdade”, da Revista Biblos passa a ter uma existência autónoma em formato digital. Por se considerar relevante preservar essa memória e por se entender que ela não deve integrar uma revista científica, cria-se esta publicação à parte, acessível ao público interno e externo, que passa a estar alojada na página web da Faculdade de Letras e nas plataformas da Imprensa da Universidade. Neste volume, reúnem-se informações relativas ao ano letivo de 2018/2019.
AS INDICAÇÕES GEOGRÁFICAS COMO FORMA DE VALORIZAÇÃO DOS ATRIBUTOS TERRITORIAIS DE PRODUTOS ALIMENTARES
Authors: Nunes de Oliveira Alini
Published: October 2021

As indicações geográficas surgem, no contexto europeu, da necessidade de se distinguir os produtos no mercado afim de evitar falsificações e como forma de valorizar os atributos territoriais. No Brasil, a legislação mais recente sobre este sistema de propriedade industrial remonta o final da década de 1990 e pretende identificar e valorizar a origem e a qualidade de produtos e serviços, inerentes ao território em que são produzidos. No caso dos produtos alimentares, os produtores podem obter vantagens com esta forma de certificação no sentido de que agrega valor ao seu produto frente ao mercado e, aos consumidores, também é proporcionado benefícios, pois esta é uma forma de possivelmente adquirir produtos com características distintas e, muitas vezes, melhor qualidade. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo expressar como o processo de registro das indicações geográficas pode contribuir para a valorização dos atributos territoriais de produtos alimentares. Para a construção deste artigo utilizou-se como procedimento metodológico a pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. Ao final do artigo foi possível conhecer um panorama atual das indicações geográficas brasileiras, o contexto e histórico de surgimento, características e benefícios, assim como os produtos já registrados.
Effect of blue light on the photosynthesis and flavonoid accumulation in leaves of Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lam.
Authors: Le Anh Tuan , Phan Ngo Hoang , Do Thuong Kiet
Published: October 2021

In plants, blue light with a short wavelength can promote light reaction in photosynthesis and increase dry mass. Photosynthesis plays an important role in supporting carbohydrates for primary and secondary metabolism processes. Flavonoids are phenolic compounds, a class of plant secondary metabolites, that can be obtained from many medicinal herbs. These phenolic compounds are involved in the reactive oxygen species scavenging system, inhibit lipid peroxidation by free-radical, chelate redox-active metals resulting in their antioxidant ability and cardioprotective effects. In this study, H. corymbosa (L.) Lam., one of the common medicinal herbs, was cultured for 4 weeks under conditions of 450 nm blue LED (light-emitting diode) lights at the different light intensity as treatments and fluorescent lamp light as a control to investigate the effects of blue light on photosynthesis and flavonoid accumulation in leaves. The results show that blue light at 450 nm promoted photosynthetic rate by enhancing stomatal opening, electron transport rate in light reaction. Blue light also enhanced photoprotection by decrease the quantum yield of non-photochemical losses, increase the quantum yield of non-photochemical quenching and gained 24% more in dry mass. The accumulation of flavonoid and total phenolic compounds in leaves was followed by a decrease in sucrose. These events proved that blue light enhances photosynthesis and increase carbohydrate and flavonoid accumulation in leaves.
RPT
Authors: Tang Nan , Fan Ju , Li Fangyi , Tu Jianhong , Du Xiaoyong , Li Guoliang , Madden Sam , Ouzzani Mourad
Published: October 2021

Can AI help automate human-easy but computer-hard data preparation tasks that burden data scientists, practitioners, and crowd workers?
We answer this question by presenting RPT, a denoising autoencoder for
tuple-to-X
models ("
X
" could be tuple, token, label, JSON, and so on). RPT is pre-trained for a
tuple-to-tuple
model by corrupting the input tuple and then learning a model to reconstruct the original tuple. It adopts a Transformer-based neural translation architecture that consists of a bidirectional encoder (similar to BERT) and a left-to-right autoregressive decoder (similar to GPT), leading to a generalization of both BERT and GPT. The pre-trained RPT can already support several common data preparation tasks such as data cleaning, auto-completion and schema matching. Better still, RPT can be fine-tuned on a wide range of data preparation tasks, such as value normalization, data transformation, data annotation, etc. To complement RPT, we also discuss several appealing techniques such as collaborative training and few-shot learning for entity resolution, and few-shot learning and NLP question-answering for information extraction. In addition, we identify a series of research opportunities to advance the field of data preparation.
Updatable learned index with precise positions
Authors: Wu Jiacheng , Zhang Yong , Chen Shimin , Wang Jin , Chen Yu , Xing Chunxiao
Published: October 2021

Index plays an essential role in modern database engines to accelerate the query processing. The new paradigm of "learned index" has significantly changed the way of designing index structures in DBMS. The key insight is that indexes could be regarded as learned models that predict the position of a lookup key in the dataset. While such studies show promising results in both lookup time and index size, they cannot efficiently support update operations. Although recent studies have proposed some preliminary approaches to support update, they are at the cost of scarifying the lookup performance as they suffer from the overheads brought by imprecise predictions in the leaf nodes.

In this paper, we propose LIPP, a brand new framework of learned index to address such issues. Similar with state-of-the-art learned index structures, LIPP is able to support all kinds of index operations, namely lookup query, range query, insert, delete, update and bulkload. Meanwhile, we overcome the limitations of previous studies by properly extending the tree structure when dealing with update operations so as to eliminate the deviation of location predicted by the models in the leaf nodes. Moreover, we further propose a dynamic adjustment strategy to ensure that the height of the tree index is tightly bounded and provide comprehensive theoretical analysis to illustrate it. We conduct an extensive set of experiments on several real-life and synthetic datasets. The results demonstrate that our method consistently outperforms state-of-the-art solutions, achieving by up to 4X for a broader class of workloads with different index operations.
Approaching DRAM performance by using microsecond-latency flash memory for small-sized random read accesses
Authors: Suzuki Tomoya , Hiwada Kazuhiro , Kajihara Hirotsugu , Sano Shintaro , Nomura Shuou , Shiozawa Tatsuo
Published: October 2021

For applications in which small-sized random accesses frequently occur for datasets that exceed DRAM capacity, placing the datasets on SSD can result in poor application performance. For the read-intensive case we focus on in this paper, low latency flash memory with microsecond read latency is a promising solution. However, when they are used in large numbers to achieve high IOPS (Input/Output operations Per Second), the CPU processing involved in IO requests is an overhead. To tackle the problem, we propose a new access method combining two approaches: 1) optimizing issuance and completion of the IO requests to reduce the CPU overhead. 2) utilizing many contexts with lightweight context switches by stackless coroutines. These reduce the CPU overhead per request to less than 10 ns, enabling read access with DRAM-like overhead, while the access latency longer than DRAM can be hidden by the context switches. We apply the proposed method to graph algorithms such as BFS (Breadth First Search), which involves many small-sized random read accesses. In our evaluation, the large graph data is placed on microsecond-latency flash memories within prototype boards, and it is accessed by the proposed method. As a result, for the synthetic and real-world graphs, the execution times of the graph algorithms are 88--141% of those when all the data are placed in DRAM.
Isotope dilution LC-MS/MS quantification of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators ivacaftor, lumacaftor, tezacaftor, elexacaftor, and their major metabolites in human serum
Authors: Habler Katharina , Kalla Anne-Sophie , Rychlik Michael , Bruegel Mathias , Teupser Daniel , Nährig Susanne , Vogeser Michael , Paal Michael
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators have revolutionized the therapeutic landscape in CF treatment. These vital drugs are extensively metabolized via CYP3A, so caution must be exercised in multimodal CF therapy because of the risk of adverse drug interactions. Our goal was to develop a highly sensitive assay for the purpose of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in diagnostic laboratories.

Methods

After protein precipitation, the CFTR modulators ivacaftor, lumacaftor, tezacaftor, elexacaftor, and their metabolites ivacaftor-M1, ivacaftor-M6, and tezacaftor-M1 were separated with a two-dimensional chromatography setup within 5 min, and quantified with stable isotope-labeled internal standards. The method was validated according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) guideline on bioanalytical method validation and applied to CF patient samples.

Results

Inaccuracy was ≤7.0% and the imprecision coefficient of variation (CV) was ≤8.3% for all quality controls (QCs). The method consistently compensated for matrix effects, recovery, and process efficiency were 105–115 and 96.5–103%, respectively. Analysis of CF serum samples provided concentrations comparable to the pharmacokinetic profile data reported in the EMA assessment report for the triple combination therapy Kaftrio.

Conclusions

We hereby present a robust and highly selective isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) assay for the simultaneous quantification of the so far approved CFTR modulators and their metabolites in human serum. The assay is suitable for state-of-the-art pharmacovigilance of CFTR modulator therapy in CF patients, in order to maximize safety and efficacy, and also to establish dose-response relationships in clinical trials.
Numerical study of time delay singularly perturbed parabolic differential equations involving both small positive and negative space shifts
Authors: Sahu Subal Ranjan , Mohapatra Jugal
Published: October 2021

A time dependent singularly perturbed differential-difference equation is considered.
The problem involves time delay and general small space shift terms.
Taylor series approximation is used to expand the space shift term.
A robust numerical scheme based on the backward Euler scheme
for the time and classical upwind scheme for space is proposed.
The convergence analysis is carried out. It is observed that
the proposed scheme converges
almost first order up to a logarithm term and optimal first order
in space on the Shishkin and Bakhvalov–Shishkin mesh, respectively.
Numerical results confirm the efficiency of the proposed scheme,
which are in agreement with the theoretical bounds.
Mini-medical school programs decrease perceived barriers of pursuing medical careers among underrepresented minority high school students
Authors: Abdulrazzak Abraham , Chandler Andrew , Lu Rosemary , Mobarakai Olivia , Lebron Bryan , Ingram Nicholas , Sheth Avni , Patel Neel , Parikh Shreel , Kumar Rita , Bedi Jessica , Diaw Ndeye Kane , Abonamah Adal , Lomiguen Christine , Fanning Stacey L.
Published: October 2021

Context

The percent of underrepresented minority (URM) students who apply to medical school has changed minimally in the past 40 years. Due to the lack of URM applicants, the consequent matriculation of URMs is grossly disproportionate from their percent representation of the US population. Increasing diversity among medical students and physicians has previously been identified as essential to decreasing healthcare disparities among US minorities.

Objectives

The objective of our study was to recognize the barriers of applying to medical school among URMs in high school.

Methods

To identify and assess the prevalence of barriers, surveys were distributed to participants of Med-Achieve, a mini-medical school program of diverse high school students in New York City during the 2019–2020 academic year.

Results

Among students who will be first in their immediate family to attend college, 80.0% perceived a barrier to pursuing medical school. Specified barriers indicated include the cost of medical school (77%), a lack of guidance/role models (53.9%), and the predicted inability to do well in medical school classes (53.9%). At the end of the program, a statistically significant reduction in the barrier of lack of guidance/role models was seen.

Conclusions

This study highlights the benefit of mini-medical school programs, especially programs with a mentoring component, to decrease the perceived barriers of applying to medical school among URMs. It also suggests the potential role of similar programs to increase diversity in medicine and to decrease healthcare disparities among minorities in the United States.