bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal strategies to hand hygiene in Ghanaian hospitals: a cross-sectional study in the Eastern Region of Ghana
Authors: Dubik Stephen Dajaan , Amegah Kingsly E , Owusu-Asare Ama Akyampomaa , Kwakye Akosua Takyiwa , Akufo Christiana , Amponsah Joyce , Awekeya Hectoria , Vander Puije Leslie , Asibey Jocelyn , Twum Seth , Akwetey Francis Mensa , Sam Portia , Ofosu Winfred , Ackon Angela , Asrat Sofonias , Kwesi Hedidor George , Ohene Sally-Ann , Ashinyo Mary Eyram
Published: February 2024

Background

Hand hygiene (HH) is one of the core components of infection prevention and control and is critical for a high quality of care. Multimodal approaches are recommended to strengthen and drive HH systems in healthcare facilities (HCFs). We aimed to assess the extent of implementation of the WHO HH multimodal improvement strategy in HCFs in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

Methods

This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 22 HCFs from 17 districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana. We collected data from 22 hospitals using the WHO Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework (HHSAF). Data were analysed through descriptive statistics.

Results

The HHSAF median score denotes an intermediate HH implementation level (53.5%, IQR 48.8%–58.3%). Fourteen HCFs attained an intermediate level, five attained basic level, one attained advanced level and no facility exhibited inadequate HH implementation level. Evaluation and feedback had the highest score (64.3%, IQR 50%–71.4%), as ward-based audits for the availability of HH resources have become standard practice in many of the HCFs. Reminders in the workplace had the lowest score (33.3%, IQR 25.9%–37.0%), whereby less than half (46%) of the HCFs had posters explaining the indications for HH and the correct use of alcohol-based hand rubs. HH implementation level did not differ significantly among government (M=49.97, SD=12.30) and non-government (M=53.32, SD=18.73) facilities, (t (20)=−0.503, p=0.621).

Conclusion

Most HCFs had an intermediate HH implementation level. The provision of HH resources, including posters, HH rounds in patient care areas, introduction of HH corners, leadership, financial and organisational support are key elements for increased compliance with the WHO HH multimodal improvement strategy.
Current practice, guideline adherence, and barriers to implementation for Achilles tendinopathy rehabilitation: a survey of physical therapists and people with Achilles tendinopathy
Authors: Merry Kohle , MacPherson Megan M , Blazey Paul , Fearon Angie , Hunt Michael , Morrissey Dylan , Napier Christopher , Reid Duncan , Whittaker Jackie L , Willy Richard W , Scott Alex
Published: February 2024

Objective

To explore clinical practice patterns of physical therapists (PTs) who treat people with Achilles tendinopathy (AT), and identify perceived barriers and facilitators for prescribing and engaging with therapeutic exercise among PTs and people with AT.

Methods

Two cross-sectional surveys were electronically distributed between November 2021 and May 2022; one survey was designed for PTs while the second was for people with AT. Survey respondents answered questions regarding their physical therapy training and current practice (PTs), injury history and management (people with AT), and perceived barriers and facilitators (PTs and people with AT).

Results

341 PTs and 74 people with AT completed the surveys. In alignment with clinical practice guidelines, more than 94% of PTs surveyed (97% of whom had some form of advanced musculoskeletal training) prioritise patient education and therapeutic exercise. Patient compliance, patient knowledge, and the slow nature of recovery were barriers to prescribing therapeutic exercise reported by PTs, while time, physical resources, and a perceived lack of short-term treatment effectiveness were barriers for people with AT.

Conclusions

Consistent with clinical practice guidelines, PTs with advanced training reported prioritising therapeutic exercise and education for managing AT. However, both PTs and people with AT identified many barriers to prescribing or engaging with therapeutic exercise. By addressing misconceptions about the time burden and ineffectiveness of exercise, and by overcoming access issues to exercise space and equipment, PTs may be able to improve intervention adherence and subsequently outcomes for people with AT.
External validation of a rapid algorithm using high-sensitivity troponin assay results for evaluating patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Cullen Louise , Greenslade Jaimi H , Stephensen Laura , Ranasinghe Isuru , Gaikwad Niranjan , Khorramshahi Bayat Maryam , Mahmoodi Ehsan , Than Martin , Apple Fred , Parsonage William
Published: February 2024

Objective

We sought to validate the clinical performance of a rapid assessment pathway incorporating the Siemens Atellica IM high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assay in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

This was a multicentre prospective observational study of adult ED patients presenting to five Australian hospitals between November 2020 and September 2021. Participants included those with symptoms of suspected AMI (without ST-segment elevation MI on presentation ECG). The Siemen’s Atellica IM hs-cTnI laboratory-based assay was used to measure troponin concentrations at admission and after 2–3 hours and cardiologists adjudicated final diagnoses. The HighSTEACS diagnostic algorithm was evaluated, incorporating hs-cTnI concentrations at presentation and absolute changes within the first 2 to 3 hours. The primary outcome was index AMI, including type 1 or 2 non-ST segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) or ST-elevation MI (STEMI) following presentation. 30-day major adverse cardiac outcomes (including AMI, urgent revascularisation or cardiac death) were also reported. The trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.

Results

1994 patients were included. The average age was 56.2 years (SD=15.6), and 44.9% were women. 118 (5.9%) patients had confirmed index AMI. The 2-hour algorithm defined 61.3% of patients as low risk. Sensitivity was 99.1% (94.0%–99.9%) and negative predictive value was 99.9% (99.3%–100%). 24.4% of patients were deemed intermediate risk. When applying the parameters for high risk, 252 (14.3%) were identified, with a specificity of 91.5% (88.7%–93.6%) and a PPV of 42.0% (35.6–48.7%).

Conclusions

A 2-hour algorithm based on the HighSTEACS strategy using the Siemens Atellica IM hs-cTnI laboratory-based assay enables safe and efficient risk assessment of emergency patients with suspected AMI.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12621000053820.
Efficacy and safety of novel left ventricular pacing leads: 1-year analysis of the NAVIGATOR trial
Authors: Martinez Juan Gabriel , De Sousa Joao , Dompnier Antoine , Martins -Oliveira Mario , Israel Carsten W , Teijeira Elvis , Rubin José Manuel , Sebag Frederic , Martino Maria , Michel Yann , Marques Pedro
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Assess safety and performance of novel quadripolar preshaped left ventricular (LV) leads: NAVIGO 4LV 2D (‘S shaped’) and NAVIGO 4LV ARC (‘U shaped’).

Methods

Patients indicated for cardiac resynchronisation therapy were enrolled in a multicentre, prospective, controlled study (NAVIGATOR,NCT03279484). Patients were implanted with either a NAVIGO 4LV 2D or ARC lead, and assessed at 10 weeks, 6, 12 and 24 months post-implant. Co-primary safety and performance endpoints were assessed at 10 weeks. Safety endpoint was the patients’ rate free from lead-related complications. Performance endpoint was the rate of patients with successful lead performance, defined as LV pacing threshold ≤2.5 V at 0.5 ms on at least one pacing vector, and the absence of phrenic nerve stimulation at the final programmed configuration. Lead-related complications and electrical parameters were monitored throughout study.

Results

A NAVIGO 4LV lead was successfully implanted in 211 out of 217 patients (97.2%). The safety endpoint was met, with 100% and 96.1% of patients free from complications for NAVIGO 4LV 2D and ARC, respectively. The performance endpoint was met with 98.1% and 98.9% of patients with a successful lead performance for NAVIGO 4LV 2D and ARC, respectively. Over 12 months, the global complication-free rate for both leads was 97.1% (95% CI: 93.71% to 98.70%), with a mean pacing capture threshold of 1.23 V±0.73 V and a mean impedance of 951 Ω±300.1 Ω.

Conclusion

A high implantation success rate and low complication rate was reported for the novel NAVIGO 4LV 2D and ARC leads, along with successful performance up to 12 months.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a proposed biosimilar MSB11456 with tocilizumab reference product in subjects with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis: results of a randomised double-blind study
Authors: Zubrzycka-Sienkiewicz Anna , Klama Kamilla , Ullmann Martin , Petit-Frere Corinne , Baker Peter , Monnet Joëlle , Illes Andras
Published: February 2024

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of the proposed biosimilar MSB11456 versus European Union (EU)-approved tocilizumab reference product in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, multinational, parallel-group study (NCT04512001).

Methods

Adult patients with moderate-to-severe active RA and inadequate clinical response to ≥1 disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (synthetic or biologic) receiving methotrexate were randomised to receive 24 weekly subcutaneous 162 mg injections of either MSB11456 or EU-approved tocilizumab. Equivalence between treatments was considered if the 95% CI (European Medicines Agency)/90% CI (US Food and Drug Administration) for the difference in mean change from baseline to week 24 in Disease Activity Score-28 Joint Count with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) between treatments was entirely within prespecified equivalence intervals (−0.6 to 0.6 and −0.6 to 0.5, respectively). At week 24, patients were rerandomised to continued treatment or MSB11456. Secondary efficacy endpoints to week 52, and safety and immunogenicity to week 55 were also evaluated.

Results

At week 24, the least squares mean difference in the change from baseline in DAS28-ESR between treatments was 0.01 (95% CI −0.19 to 0.22) in the 604 randomised patients. Similarity between treatments was shown for all other efficacy, safety and immunogenicity endpoints, including in patients who switched from EU-approved tocilizumab to MSB114466.

Conclusions

Therapeutic equivalence was demonstrated for efficacy endpoints, and safety and immunogenicity analyses support the similarity of the two treatments. The results of this study strengthen the evidence that the proposed biosimilar MSB11456 and EU-approved tocilizumab exert similar clinical effects.
Integrated agroforestry system affects the dynamics of inorganic phosphorus fractions in the savanna of Brazilian Northeast
Authors: Silva Alcilane A. , Lacerda Julian J. de J. , de Araújo-Neto Raimundo B. , Sagrilo Edvaldo , Lustosa-Filho José F. , Andrade Hosana A. F. de , de Souza Henrique A.
Published: February 2024

The savanna (Cerrado) of northeastern Brazil has undergone significant transition in land use to expand agricultural activities. In this region, soils are highly weathered, with phosphorus (P) commonly bound to aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe), creating conditions that demand the supply of P fertilizers to build soil fertility. Conservation systems, such as integrated agroforestry, can increase the inorganic P lability. The aim of this study was to evaluate soil P availability in components of an integrated agroforestry system. Four systems were studied from a 3-year experiment: eucalyptus ( E. urophylla × E. tereticornis) rows (ER), sabiá ( Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) rows (SR), inter-planted maize, and inter-planted soybean in addition to an area of native Cerrado (NC) used as a control. Inter-planted soybean and maize components showed an increase in available P in relation to NC, as a response to a liming-induced increase in soil pH and phosphate fertilization. Eucalyptus and sabiá row components showed an increase in available P in soil because of higher P recycling promoted by forest species and lower P adsorption onto Fe and Al due to the high concentrations of organic matter. Phosphorus forms, following a descending order for all components of the agroforestry system, are P–Al > P–Fe > P–Ca. This information can be used to improve management and soil quality of agricultural production in the Cerrado of the Brazilian northeast region.
Does foreign direct investment cause economic growth in India? An econometric analysis
Authors: Kumar Ranjeet
Published: February 2024

With the lack of finance, many developing nations are struggling for investment in several areas to generate an opportunity for sustainable livelihood, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) emerged as an engine of economic growth, especially in developing nations. It helps to strengthen the economy by mainly promoting capital inflow and technical improvement into the recipient economies. However, some literatures found economic growth, responsible for the inflow of FDI. Therefore, this paper attempts to examine the causal relationship between FDI and Economic Growth in India. By running the Granger causality test in VECM settings, this study found, GDP causes inflow of FDI in India.
Modeling and Verification of Natural Language Requirements based on States and Modes
Authors: Liu Yinling , Bruel Jean-Michel
Published: February 2024

The relationship between states (status of a system) and modes (capabilities of a system) used to describe system requirements is often poorly defined. The unclear relationship could make systems of interest out of control because of the out of boundaries of the systems caused by the newly added modes. Formally modeling and verifying requirements can clarify the relationship, making the system safer. To this end, an innovative approach to analyzing requirements is proposed. The

MoSt

language (a Domain Specific Language implemented on the Xtext framework) is firstly designed for requirements modeling and a model validator is realized to check requirements statically. A code generator is then provided to realize the automatic model transformation from the

MoSt

model to a NuSMV model, laying the foundation for the dynamic checks of requirements through symbolic model checking. Next, a NuSMV runner is designed to connect the NuSMV with the validator to automate the whole dynamic checks. The grammar, the model validator, the code generator, and the NuSMV runner are finally integrated into a publicly available Eclipse-based tool. Two case studies have been employed to illustrate the feasibility of our approach. For each case study, we injected 14 errors. The results show that the static and dynamic checks can successfully detect all the errors.
Encrypted Video Search with Single/Multiple Writers
Authors: Zheng Yu , Zhang Wenchao , Song Wei , Wang Xiuhua , Fu Chong
Published: February 2024

Video-based services have become popular. Clients often outsource their videos to the cloud to relieve local maintenance. However, privacy has become a major concern, since many videos contain sensitive information. Although retrieving (unencrypted) videos has been extensively investigated, retrieving encrypted multimedia has received relatively rare attention, at best in a limitation of image-based similarity searches.

We initiate the study of scalable encrypted video search, enabling clients to query videos similar to an image search. Our modular framework leverages intrinsic attributes of videos, such as semantics and visuals, to effectively capture their contents. We propose a two-step approach whereby lightweight searchable encryption techniques are used for pre-screening, followed by an interactive approach for fine-grained search. Furthermore, we present three instantiations, including one centralized-writer instantiation and two distributed-writer instantiations, to effectively cater to varying needs and scenarios: (1) The centralized one employs forward and backward private searchable encryption [CCS 2017] over deep hashing [CVPR 2020]. (2) Motivated by distributed computing, the multi-writer instantiations building atop HSE [Usenix Security 2022] allows searching the relevant videos contributed by multiple intuitions collaboratively. Our experimental results illustrate their practical performance over multiple real-world datasets, whether in a centralized setting or distributed setting.
A method for isolating contractile smooth muscle cells from cryopreserved tissue
Authors: Schultz Matheus L. C. , Seth Pranjal , Kachmar Linda , Ijpma Gijs , Lauzon Anne-Marie
Published: February 2024

We report a successful protocol development for isolating contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from cryopreserved tissue reducing the reliance on fresh tissues and providing a readily available source of contractile SMCs. Our findings suggest that SMCs isolated using our protocol maintain their phenotype better compared with cultured SMCs. This preservation of the cellular characteristics, including the expression of key contractile proteins, makes these cells more representative of fresh SM tissue.
Effects of hyperventilation on repeated breath-holding while in a fasting state: do risks outweigh the benefits?
Authors: Elia Antonis , Gennser Mikael , Eiken Ola , Keramidas Michail E.
Published: February 2024

This study shows that breath-holds (apneas) preceded by a 12-h overnight fast coupled with a 30-s hyperventilation as opposed to normal breathing may increase the likelihood of a hypoxic blackout through delaying the excitation of hypercapnic ventilatory sensory chemoreflexes. Evidently, this risk is exacerbated over a series of repeated maximal attempts, possibly due to a shift in preapneic gas tensions facilitated by an unintentional increase in tidal volume breathing.
Mathematical Modeling of Coccidiosis Dynamics in Chickens with Some Control Strategies
Authors: Liana Yustina A. , Swai Mary C.
Published: February 2024

Coccidiosis is an infectious disease caused by the Eimeria species. The species can infect a bird’s digestive system, severely slow down its growth, and is a serious economic burden for chickens. A mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of coccidiosis disease in chickens in the presence of control interventions has been formulated and analyzed to gain insights into the dynamics of the disease in the population. Three control interventions, namely vaccination, sanitation, and treatment, are implemented. The study intends to assess the effects of these control interventions in coccidiosis transmission dynamics. Using the theory of differential equations, the invariant set of the model was derived, and the model’s solution was found to be mathematically and biologically significant. Analytical methods are employed to establish equilibrium solutions and investigate the stability of the model system’s equilibria, while numerical simulations illustrate the analytical results. The effective reproduction number is obtained using the next‐generation matrix method, and the local stability of the equilibria of the model is established. The disease‐free equilibrium is proved to be locally stable when the effective reproduction number is less than unity. Also, the nature of the bifurcation and its implications for disease prevention are investigated through the application of the center manifold theory. On the other hand, sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate the parameters that impact the transmission of coccidiosis disease using the normalized forward sensitivity index. The parameters that have a greater influence on the effective reproduction number should be targeted for control purposes to lessen the spread of disease. Furthermore, numerical simulation is performed to investigate the contribution of each control intervention.
Strategies to Promote Empowerment Status of Breast Cancer Women
Authors: Bahrami Mohammad Amin , Tabari Shahrzad , Tahmasebi Sedigheh , Zangouri Vahid , Ravangard Ramin
Published: February 2024

Background. As the second leading cause of death in women in the world, breast cancer has several physical and psychological effects. Nowadays, nonclinical approaches such as patient empowerment have been considered by physicians along with clinical care. Given the increasing number of breast cancer women worldwide, promoting the empowerment of these patients is one of the key factors affecting their survival and quality of life. Therefore, because of no comprehensive research on the empowerment needs and related improvement strategies, this study is aimed at determining the empowerment status of breast cancer patients referred to the Shahid Motahari Breast Cancer Clinic in Iran, Shiraz, and at providing strategies to improve their empowerment in 2021. Methods. This applied study was conducted in two phases. In the quantitative phase, 310 Cancer-Related Patient Empowerment Scale questionnaires (Persian format) were distributed among the studied patients selected through the random sampling method in the clinic, and the items with “unacceptable status” became the basis for determining the empowerment strategies through the scoping review and semistructured interviews with 22 medical staff and patients through the thematic analysis. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 and MAXQDA10 software. Results. The mean score of the participants’ empowerment strategies was 3.58. The results showed that trust in the physician, family support, and spiritual beliefs could affect the empowerment of the studied patients. Moreover, the participants needed empowerment strategies in 11 scale items with unacceptable status, for which 46 strategies were determined in the scoping review and interview phase. Conclusion. The results of this study provided useful strategies for empowering breast cancer patients, the most important of which were classified into five categories of financial support, informational support, interaction with the physician, occupational support, and complementary therapies, the use of which by the stakeholders could help to improve the patients’ quality of life while improving their empowerment.
Cystic Fibrosis Mice Are Highly Susceptible to Repeated Acute Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pneumonia after Intranasal Inoculation
Authors: Manzor Mariel , Koutsogiannaki Sophia , DiBlasi Marco , Schaefers Matthew , Priebe Gregory , Yuki Koichi
Published: February 2024

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) that controls chloride current. A number of different CFTR transgenic mouse lines have been developed and subjected to both acute and chronic infection models. However, prior studies showed no substantial differences in bacterial clearance between CF and non-CF mice after single inoculations. Here, using F508del transgenic CF mice, we examined the role of repeated acute Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection, with the second inoculation 7 days after the first. We found that CF mice were more susceptible to PA infection than non-CF mice following the second inoculation, with non-CF mice showing better neutrophil recruitment and effector functions. We further investigated the characteristics of lung immune cells using single-cell RNA sequencing, finding that non-CF lung neutrophils had more prominent upregulation of adhesion molecules including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) compared to CF lung neutrophils. Although people with CF are often colonized with bacteria and have high numbers of neutrophils in the airways during chronic infection, these data suggest that CF neutrophils have deficient effector functions in the setting of repeated acute infection.
Mitochondrial DNA D-Loop Polymorphisms among the Galla Goats Reveals Multiple Maternal Origins with Implication on the Functional Diversity of the HSP70 Gene
Authors: Masila Ednah M. , Ogada Stephen O. , Ogali Irene N. , Kennedy Grace M. , Too Eric K. , Ommeh Cecily S.
Published: February 2024

Despite much attention given to the history of goat evolution in Kenya, information on the origin, demographic history, dispersal route, and genetic diversity of Galla goats remains unclear. Here, we examined the genetic background, diversity, demographic history, and population genetic variation of Galla goats using mtDNA D-loop and HSP70 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers. The results revealed 90 segregating sites and 68 haplotypes in a 600-bp mtDNA D-loop sequence. The overall mean mitochondrial haplotype diversity was 0.993. The haplotype diversities ranged between 0.8939 ± 0.0777 and 1.0000 ± 0.0221 in all populations supporting high genetic diversity. Mitochondrial phylogenetic analysis revealed three Galla goat haplogroups (A, G, and D), supporting multiple maternal ancestries, of which haplogroup A was the most predominant. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed considerable variation within populations at 94.39%, evidence of high genetic diversity. Bimodal mismatch distribution patterns were observed while most populations recorded negative results for Tajima and Fu’s Fs neutrality tests supporting population expansion. Genetic variation among populations was also confirmed using HSP70 gene fragment sequences, where six polymorphic sites which defined 21 haplotypes were discovered. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a significant FST index value of 0.134 and a high FIS index value of 0.746, an indication of inbreeding. This information will pave the way for conservation strategies and informed breeding to improve Galla or other goat breeds for climate-smart agriculture.
Management of Alternative Organic Fertilizer Sources for Wheat Production: Evidence from Decomposition Dynamics and Agronomic, Economic, and Farmers’ Preferences
Authors: Laekemariam Fanuel , Gifole Gidago , Kefita Getachew
Published: February 2024

The increasing cost of mineral fertilizer has posed a barrier for smallholder farmers, resulting in lower application rates, declined soil fertility status, and crop yield. Therefore, it is vital to look for cheap, impactful, and locally accessible organic fertilizer sources. Thus, two-year on-farm studies were conducted to evaluate potential organic fertilizer sources based on their decomposition dynamics and agronomic, economic, and farmer preference responses. The organic fertilizer sources used were dried tree leaves of Croton macrostachyus (Cm) and Erythrina bruci (Eb) and farm yard manure (FYM) and their mixture at ratios of 1 : 1:0, 2 : 1:0, and 1 : 1:1 Cm : Eb : FYM, respectively. The organic materials were buried using litter bags at 5 tons ha−1 rate in the crop field and retrieved at the weeks of two (14 days), four (28 days), six (42 days), and eight (56 days) after placement. Data were collected that included dry mass (DM) remaining, daily decomposition rate (k), and half-life (t1/2). Furthermore, to validate the findings of litter bag trials, the mixture of three organic fertilizer sources [1 : 1 : 0, 2 : 1 : 0, and 1 : 1 : 1 of Cm : Eb : FYM] and four application times (two, four, six, and eight weeks before sowing) were evaluated on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) as a test crop in factorial randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications. Data on agronomic, economic, and farmers’ preferences were recorded. The result revealed an increased weight loss over 56 days in the order of 2 : 1 : 0 > 1 : 1 : 0 > 1 : 1 : 1. The k value significantly (P<0.05) varied among organic fertilizer sources. The k value (% day−1) in 2013 varied between 3.42% and 0.023%, whereas in 2014, it was 3.10% and 0.23% for Cm and FYM, respectively. The k value was in the order of Cm > 2 : 1 : 0 > 1 : 1 : 0 > Eb > 1 : 1 : 1 > FYM. Applying organic fertilizers two weeks before sowing significantly improved wheat performance compared to applications made eight weeks prior. For example, the mean grain yield was 4.1 tons ha−1 and 2.6 tons·ha−1 at two and eight weeks before sowing, respectively. Although there were no statistically significant differences among the mixed sources, the 2 : 1 and 1 : 1 over 1 : 1 : 1 proportion have resulted in a higher grain yield. Farmers showed the highest preference rank for 2 Cm : 1 Eb and 1 Cm : 1 Eb, incorporated two weeks before sowing. The partial budget analysis demonstrated the highest net benefit from applying two weeks before sowing and 2 Cm : 1 Eb organic material mixture. Considering the findings generated from the decomposition test, agronomic and economic evaluations, and farmers’ preferences, we could conclude that the wheat growers should use 2 Cm : 1 Eb and incorporate it into the soil two weeks before sowing.
Association of the Osseodensification Technique with Soft Tissue Substitute in a Limitrophe Edentulous Area: A Clinical Case Report with 5‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: de Souza André Luiz Berbel , dos Reis Rogério Jorqueira , Girondo Rodrigo Mendes Ferreiro , Pascon Rafaela , Cabrera Alexandre , da Silva Salomão Gustavo Vargas
Published: February 2024

The osseodensification (OD) technique differs from conventional milling for dental implant installation in that it preserves the prepared bone and compacts it toward the apex and lateral walls of the socket, resulting in bone compaction. By enabling autografting, bone expansion, and high implant insertion torques, OD has become an increasingly popular option. The aim of this clinical case report is to demonstrate the predictability of combining OD with guided bone and tissue regeneration (GBR/GTR) techniques for bone expansion in the maxilla with reduced thickness, while avoiding other reconstructive surgeries. The report presents the treatment of a 32‐year‐old female patient who had cosmetic concerns regarding the anterior maxillary region. The patient was using an adhesive prosthesis with pontic on tooth 13 fixed between teeth 12 and 14. After the case was planned, it was decided that bone expansion in the region would be performed using the OD technique. The implant installation (AR Torque, 3.5 × 11.5 mm, Conexão®) and guided bone regeneration (GBR) were done with the assistance of L‐PRF (Stick Bone, associated with L‐PRF membrane). Following the osseointegration period, a provisional resin crown was fabricated, and a collagen matrix membrane (Mucoderm®) was used to increase vestibular soft tissue volume and shape the patient’s gingival profile. After a period of 120 days, the final crown was created and observed for a span of 5 years. The results showed stability of the case along with maintaining its esthetic and satisfactory function. The use of the osseodensification technique coupled with a connective tissue graft substitute has been anticipated for a long time. It has proven to be an excellent alternative to autogenous grafts.
Predicting Potential PRRSV‐2 Variant Emergence through Phylogenetic Inference
Authors: Pamornchainavakul Nakarin , Kikuti Mariana , Paploski Igor A. D. , Corzo Cesar A. , VanderWaal Kimberly
Published: February 2024

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a significant pig disease causing substantial annual losses exceeding half a billion dollars to the United States pork industry. The cocirculation and emergence of genetically distinct PRRSV‐2 viruses hinder PRRS control, especially vaccine development. Similar to other viral infections like seasonal flu and SARS‐CoV‐2, predictive tools for identifying potential emerging viral variants may prospectively aid in preemptive disease mitigation. However, such predictions have not been made for PRRSV‐2, despite the abundance of relevant data. In this study, we analyzed a decade’s worth of virus ORF5 sequences (n = 20,700) and corresponding metadata to identify phylogenetic‐based early indicators for short‐term (12 months) and long‐term (24 months) variant emergence. Our analysis focuses on PRRSV‐2 Lineage 1, which was the predominant lineage within the U.S. during this period. We evaluated population expansion, spatial distribution, and genetic diversity as key success metrics for variant emergence. Our findings indicate that successful variants were best characterized as those that underwent population expansion alongside widespread geographical spread but had limited genetic diversification. Conditional logistic regression revealed the local branching index as the sole informative indicator for predicting population expansion (balanced accuracy (BA) = 0.75), while ancestral branch length was strongly linked to future genetic diversity (BA = 0.79). Predicting spatial dispersion relied on the branch length and putative antigenic difference (BA = 0.67), but their causal relationships remain unclear. Although the predictive models effectively captured most emerging variants (sensitivity = 0.58–0.81), they exhibited relatively low positive predictive value (PPV = 0.09–0.16). This initial step in PRRSV‐2 prediction is a crucial step for more precise prevention strategies against PRRS in the future.
Automatic Acquisition System for Mine Pressure Monitoring in Coal Mine Working-Face Footage
Authors: Zhou Miaoer , Shi Yongkui , Hao Jian , Chen Xin
Published: February 2024

The existing mine pressure monitoring system has realized the online continuous monitoring of the working-face stent resistance, roadway roof offcuts, and anchor rod/rope working resistance. However, the mine pressure monitoring information of the working face currently includes only the stent resistance and the monitoring time, and there is no information on the working-face advance. The mine pressure data cannot be precisely analyzed due to a lack of measurement point locations. Mine pressure data analysis combined with the working-face feed information is the basis for safe and efficient mining and for improving the intelligence level of the comprehensive mining face. According to the special electromagnetic environment of the underground, this system adopts UWB (ultra-wide-band) technology and the SDS-TWR (symmetric double-sided two-way ranging) ranging method, with the UWB positioning base station as the core and installs positioning tags at the end supports of the working face to collect information. The data are uploaded to the host computer via Ethernet for coordinate solving, automatically collecting the working-face footage data and providing positional information for mine pressure monitoring. The application results show that the system operates normally and can collect real-time information of working-face footage and monitor mine pressure data, and meet the requirements of coal mine positioning accuracy, positioning error is less than 30 cm, the application effect is good.
An Example of Modelica–LabVIEW Communication Usage to Implement Hardware-in-the-Loop Experiments
Authors: Ceraolo Massimo , Marracci Mirko
Published: February 2024

Modelica is a very powerful language to simulate a very large set of systems, including electrical, thermal, mechanical, fluidic, control, and has already been used very extensively for several purposes, as the several Modelica conferences testify. Despite of this large literature, no paper seems to be available regarding the use of Modelica for real-time applications or hardware-in-the loop (HIL). This is a field where applications may be very fruitful. In this paper, the possibility of creating mixed software–hardware experiences (i.e., HIL), through combination of a Modelica program, the related simulation tool, a LabVIEW program, and the corresponding hardware is demonstrated. This demonstration is made using as an example a partial simulator of an electric vehicle running in a stand-alone PC, which communicates via User Datagram Protocol (UDP) packets with another PC running the LabVIEW program, which in turn is physically connected with the hardware-under-test. The obtained results are satisfying, given the inherent delay times due to the UDP communication.
Natural History of Germline BRCA1 Mutated and BRCA Wild-type Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Gardi Nilesh , Chaubal Rohan , Parab Pallavi , Pachakar Sunil , Kulkarni Suyash , Shet Tanuja , Joshi Shalaka , Kembhavi Yogesh , Chandrani Pratik , Quist Jelmar , Kowtal Pradnya , Grigoriadis Anita , Sarin Rajiv , Govindarajan Raman , Gupta Sudeep
Published: February 2024

We report a deep next-generation sequencing analysis of 13 sequentially obtained tumor samples, eight sequentially obtained circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) samples and three germline DNA samples over the life history of 3 patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), 2 of whom had germline pathogenic BRCA1 mutation, to unravel tumor evolution. Tumor tissue from all timepoints and germline DNA was subjected to whole-exome sequencing (WES), custom amplicon deep sequencing (30,000X) of a WES-derived somatic mutation panel, and SNP arrays for copy-number variation (CNV), while whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed only on somatic tumor.

There was enrichment of homologous recombination deficiency signature in all tumors and widespread CNV, which remained largely stable over time. Somatic tumor mutation numbers varied between patients and within each patient (range: 70–216, one outlier). There was minimal mutational overlap between patients with TP53 being the sole commonly mutated gene, but there was substantial overlap in sequential samples in each patient. Each patient's tumor contained a founding (“stem”) clone at diagnosis, which persisted over time, from which all other clones (“subclone”) were derived (“branching evolution”), which contained mutations in well-characterized cancer-related genes like PDGFRB, ARID2, TP53 (Patient_02), TP53, BRAF, BRIP1, CSF3R (Patient_04), and TP53, APC, EZH2 (Patient_07). Including stem and subclones, tumors from all patients were polyclonal at diagnosis and during disease progression. ctDNA recapitulated most tissue-derived stem clonal and subclonal mutations while detecting some additional subclonal mutations. RNA-seq revealed a stable basal-like pattern, with most highly expressed variants belonging to stem clone.

Significance:

In germline BRCA1 mutated and BRCA wild-type patients, TNBC shows a branching evolutionary pattern of mutations with a single founding clone, are polyclonal throughout their disease course, and have widespread copy-number aberrations. This evolutionary pattern may be associated with treatment resistance or sensitivity and could be therapeutically exploited.
Japanese Study of the Effects of AMG (α1-Microglobulin) Reduction Rates on Survival (JAMREDS): A Protocol of a Multicenter Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Naganuma Toshihide , Takemoto Yoshiaki , Kamada Naohiro , Kabata Daijiro , Shintani Ayumi , Ota Keiko , Minakuchi Jun , Tsuchiya Ken , Kawanishi Hideki
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Recent advances in dialysis therapy have made it possible to remove middle molecules. Removal of small-middle molecules, such as β2-microglobulin, can now be achieved with conventional hemodialysis (HD), and removal of large-middle molecules has become a target, particularly for α1-microglobulin (AMG, 33 kD). The AMG reduction rate has emerged as a target for improvement of various clinical symptoms, but the effects on prognosis have yet to be determined. The “Japanese study of the effects of AMG (α1-microglobulin) reduction rates on survival” (JAMREDS) was started in April 2020, with the goal of determining if the AMG reduction rate associates with the risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Methods: JAMREDS is a prospective observational study in patients on HD to examine the effects of: (1) AMG reduction rate on survival outcome and CVD events; (2) dialysis treatment modalities (HD, intermittent infusion hemodiafiltration(iHDF), pre/post-dilution online HDF) on survival and CVD events (based on AMG reduction rates with treatment mode); and (3) AMG reduction rates on survival and CVD events in patients undergoing each therapy (iHDF, pre/post-dilution online HDF). The number of planned subjects was 4,000 in preplanning. Data are collected using RED-Cap, which is an EDC system. A total of 9,930 patients were enrolled at the beginning of the study at 59 registered facilities. The JAMREDS observation period will continue until the end of 2023, after which the data will be cleaned and confirmed before analysis. Conclusion: This study may provide new evidence for the relationship between the amount of removed large-middle molecules (such as AMG) and the mortality and CVD risk. Comparisons with convection volumes will also be of interest.
First records of Microdesmus longipinnis (Weymouth, 1910) (Actinopteri, Gobiiformes, Microdesmidae) for the Brazilian semiarid coast
Authors: Gurgel-Lourenço Ronaldo César , Pinto Leonardo Mesquita , Bezerra Luis Artur Valões , Garcez Danielle Sequeira , Sánchez-Botero Jorge Iván
Published: February 2024

Microdesmus longipinnis was documented for the first time in the Brazilian semiarid coast. Previous occurrences of this species ranged from the Western Atlantic, North Carolina (USA) to the southeastern coast of Brazil, and there is still a substantial gap between these regions. Specimens were collected in the Curu and Pacoti estuaries, Ceará state, Brazil. These new records of M. longipinnis can help to fill a portion of the geographical distribution gap for species inhabiting estuaries under the semiarid climate of Brazil.
O carrossel da revolução: opressão e resistência em Capitães da areia
Authors: Dantas Emanuella Pereira de Souza , Rodrigues Manoel Freire
Published: February 2024

The objective of this research focuses on the relationship between oppression and resistance and how this is manifested in the Amadian characters of Captains of the Sands. With this article, based on the postulates of, Candido (2000; 2015; 2019), Bueno (2015) and Marx (2014), among other authors, we seek to analyze the relationships between oppression and resistance, starting from of social issues, which subsidized our analysis. The selected clipping seeks to highlight the violence faced, and the awakening of resistance, aiming at social freedom.
The Hybrid Recharge Delayed Oscillator: A More Realistic El Niño Conceptual Model
Authors: Izumo Takeshi , Colin Maxime , Jin Fei-Fei , Pagli Bastien
Published: February 2024

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the leading mode of climate interannual variability, with large socioeconomical and environmental impacts, potentially increasing with climate change. Improving its understanding may shed further light on its predictability. Here we revisit the two main conceptual models for explaining ENSO cyclic nature, namely, the recharge oscillator (RO) and the advective–reflective delayed oscillator (DO). Some previous studies have argued that these two models capture similar physical processes. Yet, we show here that they actually capture two distinct roles of ocean wave dynamics in ENSO’s temperature tendency equation, using observations, reanalyses, and Climate Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) models. The slow recharge/discharge process mostly influences central-eastern Pacific by favoring warmer equatorial undercurrent and equatorial upwelling, while the 6-month delayed advective–reflective feedback process dominates in the western-central Pacific. We thus propose a hybrid recharge delayed oscillator (RDO) that combines these two distinct processes into one conceptual model, more realistic than the RO or DO alone. The RDO eigenvalues (frequency and growth rate) are highly sensitive to the relative strengths of the recharge/discharge and delayed negative feedbacks, which have distinct dependencies to mean state. Combining these two feedbacks explains most of ENSO frequency diversity among models. Thanks to the two different spatial patterns involved, the RDO can even capture ENSO spatiotemporal diversity and complexity. We also develop a fully nonlinear and seasonal RDO, even more robust and realistic, investigating each nonlinear term. The great RDO sensitivity may explain the observed and simulated richness in ENSO’s characteristics and predictability.

Significance Statement

El Niño and La Niña events, and the related Southern Oscillation, cause the largest year-to-year variations of Earth’s climate. Yet the theories behind them are still debated, with two main conceptual models being the recharge oscillator and the delayed oscillator. Our purpose here is to address this debate by developing a more realistic theory, a hybrid recharge delayed oscillator. We show how simple yet realistic it is, with equivalent contributions from the slow recharge process and from the faster delayed feedback. It even captures the observed El Niño and La Niña diversity in space and in frequency. Future studies could use the simple theoretical framework provided here to investigate El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in observations, theories, climate models diagnostics and forecasts, and global warming projections.
Diverse Characteristics of Extreme Orographic Snowfall Events in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
Authors: Wasserstein Michael L. , Steenburgh W. James
Published: February 2024

Heavy orographic snowfall can disrupt transportation and threaten lives and property in mountainous regions but benefits water resources, winter sports, and tourism. Little Cottonwood Canyon (LCC) in northern Utah’s Wasatch Range is one of the snowiest locations in the interior western United States and frequently observes orographic snowfall extremes with threats to transportation, structures, and public safety due to storm-related avalanche hazards. Using manual new-snow and liquid precipitation equivalent (LPE) observations, ERA5 reanalyses, and operational radar data, this paper examines the characteristics of cool-season (October–April) 12-h snowfall extremes in upper LCC. The 12-h extremes, defined based on either 95th percentile new snow or LPE, occur for a wide range of crest-level flow directions. The distribution of LPE extremes is bimodal with maxima for south-southwest or north-northwest flow, whereas new-snow extremes occur most frequently during west-northwest flow, which features colder storms with higher snow-to-liquid ratios. Both snowfall and LPE extremes are produced by diverse synoptic patterns, including inland-penetrating or decaying atmospheric rivers from the south through northwest that avoid the southern high Sierra Nevada, frontal systems, post-cold-frontal northwesterly flow, south-southwesterly cold-core flow, and closed low pressure systems. Although often associated with heavy precipitation in other mountainous regions, the linkages between local integrated water vapor transport (IVT) and orographic precipitation extremes in LCC are relatively weak, and during post-cold-frontal northwesterly flow, highly localized and intense snowfall can occur despite low IVT. These results illustrate the remarkable diversity of storm characteristics producing orographic snowfall extremes at this interior continental mountain location.

Significance Statement

Little Cottonwood Canyon in northern Utah’s central Wasatch Range frequently experiences extreme snowfall events that pose threats to lives and property. In this study, we illustrate the large diversity of storm characteristics that produce this extreme snowfall. Meteorologists commonly use the amount of water vapor transport in the atmosphere to predict heavy mountain precipitation, but that metric has limited utility in Little Cottonwood Canyon where heavy snowfall can occur with lower values of such transport. Our results can aid weather forecasting in the central Wasatch Range and have implications for understanding precipitation processes in mountain ranges throughout the world.