bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standardized infection ratio: Can we still reliably use the national invasive device- associated infection models in intensive care units in Turkey?
Authors: HEKİMOĞLU Can Hüseyin , SAHAN Selda , BATIR Esen , YILDIRIM GOZEL Emine , ALTUN Dilek , PEHLIVANTURK Gulen , COMCE Muhammet , KARA Fatih
Published: April 2022

Objective: Standardized infection ratio (SIR) for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) has been calculated using formulas obtained from the national models in Turkey since 2016. we aimed to evaluate the current usability of the national models by using 2020 data and whether the models need to be updated. Methods: The database used for The National HAI Surveillance Network Summary Report 2020 was used for remodelling. For each type of infection, remodeling was performed with 2020 data using the variables in the national models. The number of CLABSIs, CAUTIs and VAPs was the dependent variable for each negative binomial model with a logarithmic link function. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) from the repeated models were compared with the national models using 95% confidence intervals. Results: In each model, all variables in the national models were again statistically significant (ps
Engaging in English language Learning-Acquisition Using Edmodo and Telegram Among Open Distance Learners (ODLs)
Authors: Mohamed Idris Mohammad Talha , Hussin Supyan
Published: April 2022

Distance education differs from normal face-to-face classroom situation in terms of a learner or teacher’s physical presence. It is crucial for the distance teachers to provide optimal learning support to ODLs (open distance learners) and prepare them for educational changes. The use of Web-Mobile Platforms (WMPs); Edmodo and Telegram in English language learning-acquisition among the undergraduate ODLs enabled learners and educators to stay connected regardless of physical space and time constraint. This study aims to generate insights and sharing through online questionnaire on Edmodo and Telegram to seek and identify learners’ perceptions in terms of language learning-acquisition process in both contexts. The WMPs were used to accommodate learners’ language learning materials and online discussion forums thus functioned as the scaffolding to facilitate learners’ language learning-acquisition process. The study employs purposively sampling involving eleven undergraduate ODLs from a Malaysian university. The findings are presented in a narrative manner to illustrate the emerging themes and the pedagogical implications pertaining to how the WMPs provided learners access to English learning resources beyond the classroom learning time and opportunities to interact with their peers suggesting practicality and convenient ways of engaging in language learning-acquisition via the WMPs while complementing the existing face-to-face learning mode.
A Theoretical Analysis of the Transient Fluctuation Theorem for Accelerated Colloidal Systems in the Long-Time Limit
Authors: Lokare Yash
Published: April 2022

A quantitative description of the second law of thermodynamics in small scale systems and over short time scales comes from various fluctuation theorems. The applicability of the transient fluctuation theorem in particular to small scale systems perturbed from an initial equilibrium steady-state distribution has been demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally in several works over the past few decades. In addition, some experimental works in the past have also made successful attempts to demonstrate the applicability of the fluctuation theorem to small scale systems evolving from a certain nonequilibrium steady-state distribution over relatively long time scales. To this end, this paper seeks to demonstrate the transient fluctuation theorem for a Brownian particle confined within a power-law trapping potential by following the trajectory of the particle that itself is translating linearly along one dimension with constant acceleration in a viscous fluid. Considered herein is an idealized version of this model, in that it is assumed that the force of the trapping potential is only felt by the translating Brownian particle confined within the trap, and that this Brownian particle moves relative to the fluid molecules that are held stationary. The results presented herein show that the transient fluctuation theorem applies not only to equilibrium steady-state distributions but also to nonequilibrium steady-state distributions of an ideal colloidal system in an accelerated frame of reference in the asymptotic (long-time) limit.
Analyzing the Techno-Economic Role of Nuclear Power in the Transition to the Net-Zero Energy System of the Netherlands Using the IESA-Opt-N Model
Authors: Fattahi Amirhossein , Sijm Jos , van den Broek Machteld , Martinez Gordon Rafael , Sanchez Dieguez Manuel , Faaij André
Published: April 2022

Intending to analyze the role of nuclear power in an integrated energy system, we used the IESA-Opt-N cost minimization model focusing on four key themes: system-wide impacts of nuclear power, uncertain technological costs, flexible generation, and cross-border electricity trade. We demonstrate that the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) alone should not be used to demonstrate the economic feasibility of a power generation technology. For instance, under the default techno-economic assumptions, particularly the 5% discount rate and exogenous electricity trade potentials, it is cost-optimal for the Netherlands to invest in 9.6 GWe nuclear capacity by 2050. However, its LCOE is 34 €/MWh higher than offshore wind. Moreover, we found that nuclear power investments can reduce demand for variable renewable energy sources in the short term and higher energy independence (i.e., lower imports of natural gas, biomass, and electricity) in the long term. Furthermore, investing in nuclear power can reduce the mitigation costs of the Dutch energy system by 1.6% and 6.2% in 2040 and 2050, and 25% lower national CO2 prices by 2050. However, this cost reduction is not significant given the odds of higher nuclear financing costs and longer construction times. In addition, this study has shown that lower financing costs (e.g., EU taxonomy support) considerably reduce the relevance of nuclear cost uncertainties on its investments. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the economic feasibility of national nuclear power investments can vary considerably depending on the cross-border electricity trade assumptions. Additionally, we found that lowering the cost of small modular reactors has more impact on their economic feasibility than increasing their generation flexibility. In conclusion, under the specific assumptions of this study, nuclear power can play a complementary role (in parallel to the wind and solar power) in supporting the Dutch energy transition from the sole techno-economic point of view.
Frictional Characterization Of Grey Cast Iron Train Brake Block Using A Reduced Scale Dynamometer
Authors: Utama Bernardus Prasetya
Published: April 2022

The brake block is an important component that serves to slow down and stop the train. The safety of this transportation is very dependent on the reliability of this component. One of the important features of the brake block material is the coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction of the brake block material must meet and match the requirements. The coefficient of friction of a material is measured using a friction test. Previous studies have shown that the friction coefficient of a material is influenced by braking conditions, namely contact pressure and friction speed. Many friction testing methods have been developed to study the characteristics of friction materials.  In contrast to previous studies, in this study, the frictional characteristics of gray cast iron brake blocks were evaluated using a reduced scale dynamometer. The friction test is carried out by pressing the brake block specimen to the surface of the rotating wheel. The specimen size of the brake block and carriage wheels is reduced to 1/4 of the original size. The friction test is carried out at a contact pressure of 0.15,  0.20, 0.25, and 0.30 (MPa) and the friction speeds of 3, 6, 9, and 12 (m/s). The results of this study indicate that the coefficient of friction of the gray cast iron brake block decreases with increasing friction speed and contact pressure.
The Effect of Fumigation and Alkalization on Dimensional Changes of Cantula Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites Under Immersion
Authors: Wibowo M. Ihsan Tri
Published: April 2022

This study aims to investigate effect of fumigation and alkaline treatment on dimensional change in cantula fibers reinforced UPRs composite under immersion test in aqueous environment. Composites were fabricated using compression moulding method with cantula fiber content of 30% vt with the addition of 5% microcrystalline cellulose. Composite specimens were immersed under aquades for 2 months at room temperature. The dimensional changes of cantula fiber reinforced UPRs in different solutions were found to follow a Fickian behavior. Fumigation treated fibers and alkali treated fiber composites after immersion has lower results both in dimensional changes and its slope than untreated fiber composites.
Tracking COVID-19 Inequities Across Jurisdictions Represented in the Big Cities Health Coalition (BCHC): The COVID-19 Health Inequities in BCHC Cities Dashboard
Authors: Bilal Usama , McCulley Edwin , Li Ran , Rollins Heather , Schnake-Mahl Alina , Mullachery Pricila H. , Vaidya Vaishnavi , Koh Celina , Dureja Kristina , Sharaf Asma , Furukawa Alyssa , Juliano Chrissie , Barber Sharrelle , Kolker Jennifer , Diez Roux Ana V.
Published: April 2022

Objectives. To describe the creation of an interactive dashboard to advance the understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic from an equity and urban health perspective across 30 large US cities that are members of the Big Cities Health Coalition (BCHC).

Methods. We leveraged the Drexel‒BCHC partnership to define the objectives and audience for the dashboard and developed an equity framework to conceptualize COVID-19 inequities across social groups, neighborhoods, and cities. We compiled data on COVID-19 trends and inequities by race/ethnicity, neighborhood, and city, along with neighborhood- and city-level demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and built an interactive dashboard and Web platform to allow interactive comparisons of these inequities across cities.

Results. We launched the dashboard on January 21, 2021, and conducted several dissemination activities. As of September 2021, the dashboard included data on COVID-19 trends for the 30 cities, on inequities by race/ethnicity in 21 cities, and on inequities by neighborhood in 15 cities.

Conclusions. This dashboard allows public health practitioners to contextualize racial/ethnic and spatial inequities in COVID-19 across large US cities, providing valuable insights for policymakers. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(6):904–912. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306708 )
Tombigbee River : River Miles 81.0-76.0 sediment management study
Authors: Brown Jasen , Davinroy Robert , Nguyen Ivan , Rhoads Aron , Lovelace Nathan , Russ Emily , Straub Jessamin
Published: April 2022

The US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, Applied River Engineering Center (AREC), in cooperation with the Operations Branch of the Mobile District, conducted a sediment management study of the Sunflower Bend reach of the Tombigbee River, between River Miles 81.0 and 76.0, near Jackson, AL. The objective of the study was to look at sediment management alternatives to alleviate or eliminate repetitive maintenance dredging. These alternatives involved various river engineering measures including dikes, weirs, channel armoring, disposal armoring, and combinations thereof. A physical Hydraulic Sediment Response model was used to examine the sediment response resulting from these alternatives. During model testing, and after discussions with AREC and Mobile Operations Division staff, a second objective was established to define existing non-erodible bed materials that were located throughout the reach. This was conducted to examine the merits of strategically removing these erosion resistant materials in the river as an additional dredging/excavation alternative. The most favorable alternatives involved removing bedload sand and consolidated clay material from between River Miles 79.1 and 78.0 to improve navigation.
Proposing a Model for the Effects of Green Human Resource Management on Organizational Sustainability Considering the Mediating Role of Service Culture and Motivation in Sports Organizations of Fars Province in Iran
Authors: Naser Mohsen , mostahfezian mina , Karimian Jahangir , Zahedi Hamid
Published: April 2022

Objective: The main objective of the current study is to present a model for the effects of green human resource management on organizational sustainability considering the mediating role of service culture and motivation in sports organizations of Fars Province in Iran. The statistical population of the study includes all the employees in sports organizations of Fars Province (General Sports and Youth Offices; managers of sports clubs; presidents, vice-presidents, and secretariats of sports boards; and physical education offices of universities). Then, 395 employees and managers from those organizations were selected using stratified sampling to complete a questionnaire online or offline. Results: The results were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in Smart PLS, and the final model was presented. The reliability of green resource management, organizational sustainability, service culture, and motivation questionnaires was evaluated using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient, resulting in 0.86, 0.78, 0.96, and 0.85, respectively. The results indicate the good fit of the model presented in the study. The results show that green human resource management impacted sustainability with a path coefficient of 0.364. Moreover, the findings show that with a path coefficient of 0.409, the variable of service culture plays a mediating role in the relationship between green human resource management and sustainability. However, with a path coefficient of 0.0001, the variable of motivation does not play a mediating role in the relationship between green human resource management and sustainability.
Short-term Outcomes of IgA Nephropathy with Renal Insufficiency at Biopsy and Their Impact on Long-term Prognosis
Authors: Huang Xiaodan , Lin Qizhan , Shen Miaoying , Yang Min , Lin Jiarong , Chen Yizhen , Li Jundu , Lu Fuhua , Wang Lixin , Yang Haifeng , Li Weiping , He Qinglian , Cao Yanfei , Wen Bin , Liu Xusheng , Zou Chuan
Published: April 2022

Background: More than 50% of IgAN had renal insufficiency when diagnosed, but the short-term outcomes and their impact on long-term prognosis remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the relationship between short-term outcomes and long-term prognosis of IgAN with renal insufficiency at biopsy and their affecting factors.Methods: We recruited 187 biopsy-proven IgAN patients with renal insufficiency. They were divided into renal function improvement (RFI) group, renal function stabilization (RFS) group and renal function progression (RFP) group according to Scr within 6 months of follow-up. The endpoint was a combination of a ≥50% decline in eGFR or ESRD. Results: In the multivariate Logistic regression, proteinuria (OR = 1.263, 95% CI = 1.017-1.569) and C2 (OR = 3.577, 95% CI = 1.016-12.595) were favorable factors for RFI. We found that in RFI group, IgAN with mainly active lesions (especially C1), mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≤105mmHg, proteinuria >1g/24h, and renal insufficiency at biopsy (110-154μmol/L) may be more likely to benefit from immunosuppression (p <0.01). Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) can improve the long-term prognosis in RFP group (P = 0.005). The multivariate Cox regression showed that RFP (HR = 9.051, 95% CI = 4.116-19.903) was an independent risk factor for poor long-term prognosis, while RFI (HR = 0.355, 95% CI = 0.128-0.986) was a protective factor.Conclusions: Short-term outcomes of IgAN with renal insufficiency at biopsy were associated with proteinuria, crescent, and immunosuppression. Early identification and control of factors associated with RFI, such as C2 and proteinuria, may improve long-term prognosis.
Storage and distribution of organic carbon in cave sediments: examples from two caves in the northern karst region of Puerto Rico
Authors: Downey Autum R , Riddell Jill L , Padilla Ingrid Y , Vesper Dorothy J
Published: April 2022

The clastic sediments that accumulate in cave settings can be an important storage reservoir for organic carbon, affect contaminant fate and transport, and contribute to ecosystem processes. This study reports on grain size, total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations, and total organic carbon:total organic nitrogen (TOC:TON) ratios measured in sediments from two caves in Puerto Rico. El Tallonal Cave (TAL) is a small cave with a flowing stream; the sediments from TAL were collected from a deposit that is being actively eroded. Cueva Cave (CAM) is an upper level of the Río Camuy Cave System; the sediments from CAM were newly deposited by an internal river that rose in response to Hurricane Maria. Sediments collected from both caves were poorly sorted and contained no apparent stratigraphic correlation. CAM sediments contained a larger range in TOC concentrations but were overall lower than TOC in the TAL sediments. In TAL, the TOC concentrations were higher in sediments collected from below the usual water level. TOC:TON ratios from sediments at both caves were highly variable, highlighting the heterogeneous deposition and storage of organic matter. Despite the observed variation, TOC concentrations in both cave systems cause retardation of organic contaminants by up to two orders-of-magnitude, implying that deposited sediments influence the fate of organic contaminants in the groundwater; therefore, cave sediments could facilitate long term storage of organic carbon and associated contaminants.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen: Evidenced from 2000 to 2020 in a mixed ecosystem
Authors: Khan Md. Zulfikar , Shoumik Baig Abdullah Al
Published: April 2022

The southwestern part of Bangladesh is a highly disaster-prone area with a mixed ecosystem, which is directly affected by climate change and undergoing remarkable changes in agricultural activities that are exacerbating the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (STN). To study the spatial distribution of SOC and STN dynamics in such ecosystem, we chose Dacope Upazila and applied different interpolation methods, and compared them to find out the best approach to demonstrate the spatial pattern of soil carbon and nitrogen status in 2000 and 2020 and correlated them with the terrain and environmental variables. We used the SRDI soil database to obtain the SOC and STN data of the study area in 2000 and 2020. To identify the elevation, aspect, slope, land surface temperature (LST), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and normalized difference water index (NDWI), we downloaded the digital elevation model (DEM) and satellite images of 2000 and 2020. The results showed that our applied interpolation methods and models did not perform well as the model efficiency (R2) was very low. Furthermore, in 2000, SOC and STN were only positively correlated with EC (p < 0.01) whereas after two decades, SOC and STN showed a positive correlation with elevation (p < 0.01), NDVI (p < 0.01), and negative correlation with NDWI (p < 0.01). In both years, SOC and STN showed a strong positive correlation at p < 0.001 with each other. Due to the poor model performance, we recommend that future researchers use extended spatial techniques coupling with environmental variables to increase the accuracy of spatial distribution for a complex ecosystem.
Plastid-localized amino acid metabolism coordinates rice ammonium tolerance and nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Xuan Wei , Xie Yuanming , Lv Yuanda , Jia Letian , Zheng Lulu , Li Yonghui , Zhu Ming , Tian Mengjun , Wang Ming , Qi Weicong , Luo Long , De Gernier Hugues , Pelissier Pierre-Mathieu , Motte Hans , Lin Shaoyan , Luo Le , Xu Guohua , Beeckman Tom
Published: April 2022

Ammonium toxicity affecting plant metabolism and development is a worldwide problem impeding crop production. Remarkably, rice (Oryza sativa L) favors ammonium as its major nitrogen source in paddy fields. We set up a forward-genetic screen to decipher the molecular mechanisms conferring rice ammonium tolerance and identified the rohan mutant showing root hyper-sensitivity to ammonium due to a missense mutation in an arginine-succinate lyase-encoding gene. ROHAN localizes to plastids while its expression is induced by ammonium. ROHAN alleviates ammonium-inhibited root elongation by converting the excessive glutamine into arginine. Consequently, arginine leads to auxin accumulation in the root meristem thereby stimulating root elongation under high ammonium. Furthermore, we identified natural variation in the ROHAN allele between Japonica and Indica subspecies explaining their different root sensitivity towards ammonium. Finally, we show that ROHAN expression positively correlates with root ammonium tolerance and that nitrogen use efficiency and yield can be improved through a gain-of-function approach.
DRFENet: Toward a residual network of dilated convolution for image denoising
Authors: zhong Ruizhe , Zuo Min , Zhang Qingchuan , Yan Wenjing
Published: April 2022

Deep learning technology dominates current research in image denoising. However, denoising performance is limited by target noise feature loss from information propagation in association with the depth of the network. This paper proposes a Dense Residual Feature Extraction Network (DRFENet) combined with Dense Enhancement Block (DEB), Residual Dilated Block (RDB), Feature Enhancement Block (FEB), and Simultaneous Iterative Reconstruction Block (SIRB). DEB enhances the extraction of noise features in the initial stage of the network. RDB increases the effect of the concatenated dilated convolution by using skip connections to broaden the receptive field of the model. FEB connects the incoming noisy images to enhance local feature information. SIRB uses the attention block to learn the noise distribution while using residual learning (RL) technology to reconstruct a denoised image. We examined the performance of DRFENet in gray image denoising on datasets BSD68 and SET12. Then, we evaluated its color image denoising performance on datasets McMaster, Kodak24, and CBSD68. The experimental results show that the denoising accuracy of DRFENet is better than the most existing image denoising methods. The code will be posted on Github
Students Perceptions of Learning Environment in Jazan Medical School in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Essa Madani
Published: April 2022

BackgroundStudents’ perceptions of their learning environment are important for continuous improvement of the educational environments and curriculum by defining their strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, this study aims to explore medical students’ perceptions of their learning environment at the Jazan Faculty of medicine in Jazan City, Saudi Arabia. Different aspects of the educational environment were compared across year levels and gender.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University. A total of 400 medical students participated in this study, with a response rate of 83.5%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Comparisons of the mean score of Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) subscales were calculated.ResultsFrom 334 students who submitted the questionnaire, almost equal participation of male (50.6%) and female (49.4%) students was observed. The mean total sum for each individual in all subscales is 104.9 (SD = 26.353), with male students having a mean of 100.36 (SD = 26.078), and for female students, the mean was 109.54 (SD = 25.897). The highest mean was observed among third-year female students (Mean = 115.57), and the lowest mean value was observed among fifth-year male students (Mean = 92). An examination of each of the 50 items in the DREEM inventory revealed that 26 items scored between 2.00 and 3.00, while 22 items scored less than 2.00. Those with a score of 2.00 or less were identified as problem areas in this medical school and are therefore addressed in this study. The overall score showed that the medical students’ perceptions were low. The students’ perceptions of the educational environment were not impressive for all five DREEM subscales.ConclusionAccording to the findings of the study, student perceptions of their learning environment are generally lower than expected from the faculty's perspective. Based on these findings, the study was able to identify areas that were found to be particularly problematic and, as a result, should be prioritized for improvement.
Analysis of safety and efficacy of oblique lateral interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar endplate inflammation
Authors: Xu Mengmeng , Liang Dingjie , Zhang Jianing , Yan Kun , Zhang Dapeng , Qian Weiqing
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical efficacy, safety, and related complications of oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) in the treatment of lumbar endplate inflammation. Methods: From June 2018 to August 2021, 36 patients with lumbar endplate inflammation underwent OLIF. There were 20 females and 16 males. Five patients had hypertension and three patients had diabetes. The complications were evaluated and treated before surgery. Patients’ medical histories were collected, and the pain visual analogue scale score (VAS) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) pain score before and after surgery were measured. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, postoperative imaging by X-ray and CT, and patient satisfaction were analyzed statistically. Results: All patients completed surgery successfully. Low back pain and leg pain were relieved significantly after surgery and there were no serious complications. During the last follow-up, bony fusion was achieved in all segments, including 34 cases of grade I fusion and 2 cases of grade II fusion. The VAS and JOA scores for low back pain and leg pain were improved significantly after surgery (P < 0.05). Thirty-three patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome and three patients was basically satisfied, so the satisfaction rate was 100.00%. Conclusion: OLIF is effective in the treatment of lumbar endplate inflammation. It has the advantages of being minimally invasive, less intraoperative bleeding, less trauma, rapid postoperative recovery, high bone fusion rate and fewer complications. It has obvious advantages in the clinical treatment of lumbar endplate inflammation and is worthy of clinical promotion.
Identification of Protective, Metabolite-producing Bacterial and Viral Consortia in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients
Authors: Orberg Erik Thiele , Meedt Elisabeth , Hiergeist Andreas , Xue Jinling , Ghimire Sakhila , Tiefgraber Melanie , Göldel Sophia , Eismann Tina , Schwarz Alix , Jarosch Sebastian , Steiger Katja , Gigl Michael , Kleigrewe Karin , Fischer Julius , Janssen Klaus-Peter , Quante Michael , Heidegger Simon , Herhaus Peter , Verbeek Mareike , Ruland Jürgen , Weber Daniela , Wolff Daniel , Edinger Matthias , Busch Dirk , Herr Wolfgang , Bassermann Florian , Gessner André , Deng Li , Holler Ernst , Poeck Hendrik
Published: April 2022

The intestinal bacteriome directly affects outcome in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Besides bacteria, fungal and viral communities as well as microbiota-derived metabolites play a role. Yet, it is still unclear how dynamic shifts in these three communities contribute to (1) clinical outcome of allo-SCT patients, (2) production of metabolites and (3) how they are affected by microbiome modulation via antibiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Here, we performed a prospective, longitudinal study that combined transkingdom (bacteria, fungi, viruses) analysis of intestinal microbial communities with targeted metabolomics in allo-SCT patients (n=78) at two different transplantation centers. We uncovered a microbiome signature of metabolite-producing bacteria from the Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospiraceae families and their corresponding bacteriophages, which correlated with the production of immunomodulatory metabolites including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), metabolites associated with induction of type-I IFN signaling (IIMs) and bile acids. Sustained production of these “protective” metabolites after allo-SCT was associated with improved survival and reduced transplantation-related mortality, whereas antibiotic exposure significantly impaired metabolite expression. We demonstrate that single taxa domination and metabolite depletion in a patient suffering from graft versus host disease (GvHD) could be rescued by transfer of metabolite-producing bacterial consortia via fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). FMT led to resolution of steroid refractory GvHD and was accompanied by an increase of bacterial and viral alpha diversity, restoration of SCFAs and IIMs and accumulation of regulatory T cells to the intestine. Our study demonstrates that microbiome modulation (via antibiotics or FMT) can affect the identified bacterial/bacteriophage network and their associated protective metabolites thereby determining clinical outcomes and provides a rationale for the development of engineered metabolite-producing consortia and defined metabolite combination drugs as novel microbiome-based therapies.
Empagliflozin induced diabetes ketoacidosis: a review of literature
Authors: Shojaei Lida , Majidzadeh Kolsoom , shahbazi foroud
Published: April 2022

Background
Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 inhibitors have been proven to have positive effects on blood glucose control and decrease major atherosclerosis cardiac and renal outcomes. Diabetic ketoacidosis and genitourinary infections are two major side effects of this class. Hyper-, normo- or hypoglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis has been reported with SGLT2is. In this study, we report two cases of empagliflozin-associated diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Aim
in this narrative review we summarized cases of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 inhibitors associated diabetes ketoacidosis. First, we described two cases of empagliflozin induced diabetes ketoacidosis.
Method
Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library, and Google scholar were searched for eligible reports during February 2022.
Results
A review on etiology, signs, symptoms, laboratory data, and treatments for diabetic ketoacidosis associated sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors are provided here.
Conclusion
Early recognition, good past medical history taking, discontinuation before/during invasive procurers and acute illness, appropriate fluid and insulin replacement therapy are cornerstones of treatment.
Role reversal in a tri-trophic prey-predator interaction system: A model-based study through the deterministic and stochastic approaches
Authors: Mortoja Sk Golam , Paul Ayan , Panja Prabir , Bhattacharya Sabyasachi , Mondal Shyamal Kumar
Published: April 2022

It is frequently observed that the adult family of the prey species sometimes shows their predation mechanism on the juvenile member from the predator family. Ecological literature describes this phenomenon as the prey-predator role reversal dynamics. Numerous authors have witnessed and explained the biological development behind this feeding behavior. But, we have hardly found the literature to illustrate the role reversal dynamics in a precise way. In this regard, we formulate an ecological model using the standard prey-predator interactions allowing the reverse feeding mechanism. The mathematical model consists of a three-species food web structure with the common prey, intermediate, and top predator. Note that the role reversal mechanism is observed between the intermediate and top predator on the scarcity of the prey population. However, we are able to recognize the most critical parameters with their significant effect on this reverse feeding behavior. The bifurcation analysis is the major yardstick behind this identification. The proposed deterministic model is then extended to its stochastic analog by allowing the environmental influences on the tri-trophic food web structure. The stochastic setup analysis also supports the stability of this food chain structure with some restricted conditions.
Risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients: a meta- and network analysis
Authors: Kowsar Rasoul , Rahimi Amir Mohammad , Sr Magdalena , Mansouri Alireza , Sadeghi Khaled , Bonakdar Elham , Kateb Sayed Farshad , Mahdavi Amir Hossein
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Understanding the most relevant hematological/biochemical characteristics, pre-existing health conditions and complications in survivors and non-survivor will aid in predicting COVID-19 patient mortality. Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted for COVID-19 mortality in PubMed, Scopus, and various preprint servers (bioRxiv, medRxiv and SSRN), with 97 observational studies and preprints, consisting of survivor and non-survivor sub-populations. This meta/network analysis comprised 19014 COVID-19 patients, consisting of 14359 survivors and 4655 non-survivors. Meta and network analyses were performed using META-MAR V2.7.0 and PAST software. Results: The study revealed that non-survivors of COVID-19 had elevated levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase and creatinine, as well as a higher number of neutrophils. Non-survivors had fewer lymphocytes and platelets, as well as lower hemoglobin and albumin concentrations. Age, hypertension, and cerebrovascular disease were shown to be the most influential risk factors among non-survivors. The most common complication among non-survivors was heart failure, followed by septic shock and respiratory failure.Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that inexpensive and fast biochemical and hematological tests, as well as pre-existing conditions and complications, can be used to estimate the risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Clinical utility of analyzing circulating tumor DNA in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Haiping , Zhang Ying , Zhang Lin , Kuang Yongbei , Li Jingyue , Sui Na
Published: April 2022

Genotype-directed therapy is critical to the treatment strategy for advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma. Compared with the traditional biopsy sample, ctDNA is easier to sample and monitor in real time. Therefore, we extracted ctDNA from peripheral blood samples of 86 patients with advanced NSCLC for detection. We carried out ultra-highdepth targeted capture sequencing on seven genes. We found that 47.67% (41/86) of patients had at least one potentially manipulable variant. Of the 100 identified variants, 83 were potentially actionable variants. These single nucleotide variations, insertions, and deletions were most common in EGFR (46%), next were KRAS (26%), MET (20%), PIK3CA (15%), MAP2K1 (9%), BRAF (4%), NRAS (2%). Twelve new pathogenic mutants were identified by 12 protein function prediction algorithms. These results help us to better understand the mutation of NSCLC.
Right top pulmonary vein is a venous anomaly of which surgeons should be aware in subcarinal dissection for thoracoscopic esophagectomy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Sato Yuta , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Ohno Shinya , Endo Masahide , Okumura Naoki , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Takahashi Takao , Saiki Takuya , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: April 2022

Background: A right top pulmonary vein (RTPV) that crosses behind the right main or intermediate bronchus, is a variation of the superior posterior pulmonary vein in the right upper lobe. Damage or ligation of this abnormal vessel can lead to massive intraoperative bleeding and serious complications, such as congestion of the posterior segment of the right upper lobe and cardiac tamponade. Subcarinal lymph node dissection is mandatory in radical thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, and the RTPV is an anomalous vessel of which thoracic surgeons should be aware. Case presentation: A 70-year-old man underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer (T3N1M0). An anomaly of the superior posterior pulmonary vein in the right lobe was recognized on preoperative computed tomography imaging. With simulation and intraoperative navigation using three-dimensional imaging of the same view as that observed during the operation, radical subcarinal dissection could be performed with preservation of the RTPV. Conclusion: In our review of the relevant literature, the incidence of RTPV ranged from 0.28 to 9.3%, and its mean vascular diameter was 7.0 mm at the maximum and 2.2 ± 0.72 mm at the minimum, with the right superior pulmonary vein being a relatively common inflow site. Our case in which the RTPV ran dorsal to the right main bronchus is very rare. In radical subcarinal dissection of thoracoscopic esophagectomy, it is important to recognize the posterior pericardial plane and release the ventral fixation of these lymph nodes to free space for the back side. This is also true in the case of RTPV, which should be noted to avoid injury. In cases involving an RTPV larger than 4.5 mm, ligation should be avoided, and preoperative recognition of the exact run of this abnormal vessel using three-dimensional imaging can be very useful.
Synthesis of PVA/Fe3O4@SiO2@CPS@SID@Ni as novel magnetic fibrous composite polymer nanostructures and evaluation of anticancer and antimicrobal activity
Authors: Moghaddam-manesh Mohammadreza , Sargazi Ghasem , Roohani Mehdi , Zanjani Nooshin Gholipour , Khaleghi Mahroo , Hosseinzadegan Sara
Published: April 2022

Novel PVA/Fe3O4@SiO2@CPS@SID@Ni magnetic fibrous composite polymer (PVA/MFCP) were synthesized and its structure by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms and thermal behavior were confirmed. Anticancer properties of synthetic PVA/Fe3O4@SiO2@CPS@SID@Ni (MFCP) were evaluated by MTT method on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and IC50 119 µg/ml was observed at 48 hours. Antibacterial and antifungal properties of the synthesized MFCP nanostructures based on Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were tested and the results proved in some cases have better effect than commercial drugs.
Creatinine levels on admission are main modulators of COVID-19 severity
Authors: Nader Moni , Zmerli Omar , Platt Daniel E. , Hamdan Hamdan , Hamdash Salwa , Tayeh Rami Abi , Azar Jad , Kadi Diana , Sultan Youssef , Bazarbachi Taha , Karayakoupoglou Gilbert , Zalloua Pierre , Azar Eid
Published: April 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic claimed millions of lives worldwide without clear signs of abating. There have been tremendous interests in understanding the etiology of the disease particularly in what makes it fatal in certain patients. Methods: This study investigated 819 COVID-19 patients admitted to the COVID-19 ward at a tertiary care center in Lebanon and evaluated their vital signs and biomarkers while probing for two main outcomes: intubation and fatality. Results: Correlation analysis of various comorbidities revealed that hypertension, diabetes, being overweight, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, and gender are independent risk factors for both intubation and fatality. Shortness of breath, age and being overweight correlated with intubation while fatality correlated with shortness of breath in our group of patients. Elevated level of serum creatinine was the highest correlating factor with fatality, while both white blood count and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase levels emerged as independent risk factors for intubation. Conclusions: Collectively our data show that high creatinine levels are significantly associated with fatality in our COVID-19 study patients, underscoring the importance of kidney function as a main modulator of SARS-CoV-2 morbidity and favor a careful management of patients with elevated creatinine levels on admission.
An analytical model for dynamic radius prediction of a penny-shaped hydraulic fracture at depth
Authors: Feng Runhua , Sarout Joel , Dautriat Jeremie , Zhang Jiecheng , Roshan Hamid , Rezaee Reza , sarmadivaleh mohammad
Published: April 2022

Hydraulic fracturing is a coupled multi-physics and scale-dependent process requiring an extensive numerical-laboratory appraisal prior to a field trial. Developing a robust model of hydraulic fracture propagation requires knowledge of the time evolution of the fracture’s geometrical attributes, e.g., width/aperture and length/radius. However, it is inherently challenging to directly measure even the simplest fracture attribute (i.e., dynamic radius) within the rock sample subjected to in-situ stress conditions. In this study, two analytical models are developed to predict the time evolution of the radius of a penny-shaped hydraulic fracture. In the first model (RE), the incremental fracture propagation of an infinite hydraulic fracture is described using linear elasticity, modified to incorporate a realistic distribution of internal fluid pressure using a Taylor series. The second model (Rd) predicts the fracture opening and internal pressure gradient using Poiseuille’s law and assuming a self-similar propagation. Scaling and dimensional analysis are used to define propagation regimes; non-linear hydro-mechanical coupling is accounted for in the near-tip region (process- or cohesive-zone). Finally, the two analytical models are compared against published experimental data. Our results show that the radius prediction based on linear elasticity (RE) is suitable only for limited conditions, i.e., non-viscous dominated propagation regimes with negligible fluid lag and a stable fracture propagation. On the other hand, the Rd model takes advantage of a fast reconstruction of the dynamic radius of finite hydraulic fracture problems under more realistic conditions, i.e., including multiscale propagation regimes, cohesive effects, stable and unstable propagation in different geomaterials.
Relationship Between Developmental Enamel Defects and Caries in 18-Year-Old Adolescents
Authors: Olczak-Kowalczyk Dorota , Turska-Szybka Anna , Krämer Norbert , Gozdowski Dariusz , Kaczmarek Urszula
Published: April 2022

Objective: The aim of the cross-sectional study was to assess the potential relationship between developmental defects of the enamel (DDE) and caries in adolescents aged 18 year.Materials and methods: A total of 1,611 individuals aged 18 years were selected based on randomisation to form a nationally representative sample from all provinces of Poland. Dental evaluation was performed by 22 trained and calibrated dentists. DDE and caries were assessed using the modified DDE index, MIH Treatment Need Index, FDI and WHO criteria. T-test was used for comparing group means. A simple and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between DDE and caries (p <0.05).Results: The prevalence of DDE was 13.7%. Demarcated opacities (DEO) were the most frequent (9.65%); 4% had diffuse opacities (DIO), 1.5% had hypoplasia and 0.6% - MIH. The prevalence of caries was 93.2%, with mean DMFT of 6.50±4.22. The DMFT and DMFS values ​​were: 7.52±4.77 and 11.31±8.94 in the group of patients with DEO; 7.85±4.74 and 11.88±9.83 with DIO and 7.56 ±4.57 and 10.96±8.77 with enamel hypoplasia, respectively. There was an association between the presence of caries and DDE (p <0.001): DEO (p = 0.001) and DIO (p = 0.038), and between DDE and DMFT (p <0.001).Conclusions: Caries and DDE are prevalent and influenced the dental health of 18-year-old adolescents. The presence of DDE had significant association with caries severity in 18-year-old adolescents. Adolescents with DDE had a higher probability to develop carious lesions.Clinical Relevance: DDE is associated with dental caries.
Future Changes in the Transitions of Monthly-to-Seasonal Precipitation Extremes over the Midwest in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Chen Liang , Ford Trent W
Published: April 2022

Precipitation extremes present significant risks to Midwest agriculture, water resources, and natural ecosystems. Recently, there is growing attention to the transitions of precipitation extremes, or shifts between heavy precipitation and drought, due to their profound environmental and socio-economic impacts. Changes in Midwest precipitation extremes and transitions between extremes over the past few decades have been documented; however, their future changes are still unknown. In this study, we estimate the projected changes in transitions of precipitation extremes in the Midwest based on 17 CMIP6 models. Two Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) based metrics, intra-annual variability and transitions, are used to quantify the magnitude, duration, and frequency of variability and transitions between wet and dry extremes. Compared with the observation-based precipitation datasets, the multimodel ensemble median of CMIP6 can reasonably represent the spatial patterns of SPI extremes and transitions. Climate projections show significantly intensified wet extremes across the Midwest by the end of the century, with a greater increase over the northern Midwest and the Great Lakes region. The short-term SPI also shows intensified dry extremes over the western half of the Midwest. Consequently, there is a significant increase in the magnitude of intra-annual variability in most areas. Projections also suggest more frequent and rapid transitions between the wet and dry extremes, especially over the Great Lakes region and northern Midwest. Seasonally, more frequent transitions from a wet spring to a dry summer (or from a dry fall to a wet winter/spring) are projected to occur; and generally, the wet and dry conditions between the transitions are projected to be more intense compared to the historical period. Furthermore, the intensified precipitation extremes and accelerated transitions are greatly alleviated under a lower emission scenario, implying that future changes in hydroclimate extremes, and impacts thereof, in the Midwest are sensitive to climate change mitigation.
Tunable Topological Dirac Surface States and Van Hove Singularities in Kagome Metal GdV6Sn6
Authors: Hu Yong , Wu Xianxin , Yang Yongqi , Plumb Nicholas , Schnyder Andreas , Xie Weiwei , Ma Junzhang , Shi Ming
Published: April 2022

Realizing and tuning novel electronic states is of great interest and importance to modern condensed-matter physics and spintronics applications. Transition-metal-based kagome materials are a rich frontier for the investigation of novel topological electronic states and correlated phenomena. The divergent density of states in the kagome lattice due to van Hove singularities (VHSs) in the vicinity of the Fermi level (EF) also provide an ideal playground for the search of exotic correlated quantum states on a kagome lattice. However, in the idealized two-dimensional kagome lattice, topologically non-trivial Dirac surface states (TDSSs) have not been unambiguously observed, and the manipulation of TDSSs and VHSs remains largely unexplored. Here, combining angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with density functional theory calculations, we clearly reveal TDSSs originating from a ℤ2 bulk topology for the first time in kagome lattices and identify two types of VHSs near EF in a newly discovered magnetic kagome material, GdV6Sn6. Remarkably, using in-situ surface potassium deposition to elevate carrier density, we successfully realize manipulation of the TDSSs and VHSs. The Dirac point of the TDSSs can be tuned from above to below EF, which reverses the chirality of the spin texture at the Fermi surface. These results not only establish GdV6Sn6 as a fascinating platform for studying the nontrivial band topology, magnetism and correlation effects native to kagome lattices, but also open up a new avenue for the potential application of spintronic devices based on kagome materials.