bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequences of 3 Strains of Apilactobacillus kunkeei Isolated from the Bee Gut Microbial Community
Authors: Crovadore Julien , Chablais Romain , Raffini François , Cochard Bastien , Hänzi Martine , Gérard François , Jensen Karl Kristian , Lefort François
Published: March 2021

Apilactobacillus kunkeei
is a fructophilic lactic acid bacterium found in fructose-rich environments such as flowers, fruits, fermented food, honey, and honeydew, as well as in the guts of fructose-feeding insects. We report here the draft genome sequences of three
Apilactobacillus kunkeei
strains isolated from the gut microbial community of three honeybees.
The role of governance in implementing sustainable global health interventions: review of health system integration for integrated community case management (iCCM) of childhood illnesses
Authors: Allen Koya C , Whitfield Kate , Rabinovich Regina , Sadruddin Salim
Published: March 2021

Improving health outcomes in countries with the greatest burden of under-5 child mortality requires implementing innovative approaches like integrated community case management (iCCM) to improve coverage and access for hard-to-reach populations. ICCM improves access for hard-to-reach populations by deploying community health workers to manage malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia. Despite documented impact, challenges remain in programme implementation and sustainability. An analytical review was conducted using evidence from published and grey literature from 2010 to 2019. The goal was to understand the link between governance, policy development and programme sustainability for iCCM. A Governance Analytical Framework revealed thematic challenges and successes for iCCM adaptation to national health systems. Governance in iCCM included the collective problems, actors in coordination and policy-setting, contextual norms and programmatic interactions. Key challenges were country leadership, contextual evidence and information-sharing, dependence on external funding, and disease-specific stovepipes that impede funding and coordination. Countries that tailor and adapt programmes to suit their governance processes and meet their specific needs and capacities are better able to achieve sustainability and impact in iCCM.
Media coverage and framing of road traffic safety in India
Authors: Gupta Medhavi , Kakar Inayat Singh , Peden Margaret , Altieri Elena , Jagnoor Jagnoor
Published: March 2021

Background

Media coverage of road traffic collisions (RTCs) may influence preventative action. India experiences some of the highest RTC mortality and morbidity rates globally, but advocacy and effective action to mitigate this has been limited. We conducted an analysis of Indian media in English to assess whether coverage met the WHO’sReporting on Road Safetyguidelines for evidence-based reporting of RTCs.

Methods

English-language articles published online between March 2018 and February 2019 were assessed against the seven recommended story angles and seven recommended key elements in the WHO guidelines.

Results

458 articles were included in the analysis. The most common story angle was descriptions of single collisions, which was not a WHO-recommended story angle. These included limited key elements such as use of human story or linking to road safety risks or evidence-based solutions. However, some articles did follow the WHO-recommended story angles, with 22.1% discussing specific road safety solutions and a further 6.3% discussing vulnerable groups. Almost all articles avoided the use of technical language, but only 2.0% explicitly stated that RTCs were preventable. More than half identified at least one evidence-based solution. Very few articles discussed economic or health impacts of RTCs, including the burden they present to the public health system.

Conclusion

Indian media in English can improve reporting by focusing on human stories and documenting experiences of those injured in RTCs. Coverage should also focus more on evidence-based solutions, emphasising the systems approach which encourages government action rather than changes to individual behaviour.
Critical analysis of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Aged Veterans Fund
Authors: Di Lemma Lisa C G , Finnegan A , Howe S
Published: March 2021

Background

Relatively little research is available regarding the specific needs of older military veterans and the services introduced to support them. In 2016, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust launched the Aged Veterans Fund (AVF), to understand the impact that military service may have on ageing, and to support initiatives targeting their health and well-being. This fund was financed for 5 years and included 19 UK portfolio projects.

Method

The paper presents a retrospective evaluation on the processes and impact of the AVF, with the intent of informing policy, educational services, service providers and stakeholders of the lessons learnt. The inclusion criteria was veterans and their families aged 65 years of age or over. In 2019, data were drawn from documentary evidence related to the programmes. Qualitative analysis were performed on 78 eligible sources and 10 themes were identified.

Results

Programmes were rolled out via collaborative partnerships referrals, focusing on person-centred or skill-exchange approaches. Challenges were encountered, such as capacity and timelines issues. A limited amount of associated cost-savings was observed, even if examples of sustainability and high satisfaction were reported. Evidence was found of programmes boosting health and well-being outcomes, in raising awareness, and in positively impacting on clinical practice, such as re-admission rates.

Conclusion

The AVF programmes were successful in their intent to provide support to older veterans and their families. The findings provide indicators of the next steps required for the support of ageing veterans. Further investigation of the cost-effectiveness of age-friendly veterans’ services is needed.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease related to anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody
Authors: Kamiya Hiroyuki , Panlaqui Ogee Mer
Published: March 2021

Objective

To clarify the risk of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) related to anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody.

Eligibility criteria

Patients with RA with and without ILD were eligible. The primary outcome was the prevalence or incidence of ILD. Primary studies of any design aside from a case report were eligible.

Information sources

Medline, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from the inception through 12 November 2019.

Data extraction and risk of bias

Two reviewers independently selected eligible reports, extracted relevant data and assessed risk of bias using a modified Quality in Prognostic Studies tool.

Data synthesis

Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model.

Quality of evidence

The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was applied.

Results

Among 29 out of 827 records retrieved through electronic databases and four additional reports identified from other sources, 29 studies were focused for the review. A total of 10158 subjects were included and the mean age at inclusion was between 45.8 and 63.9 years. The mean RA duration was between 4.3 and 14.9 years. The positivity of anti-CCP antibody ranged from 50.7% to 95.8%. All studies except for two were deemed as high risk of bias. A pooled analysis of univariate results demonstrated that the presence of anti-CCP antibody was significantly associated with RA-ILD with an OR of 2.10 (95% CI: 1.59 to 2.78). Similarly, the titre of anti-CCP antibody was significantly higher for RA-ILD with a standardised mean difference of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.20 to 0.65). These results were confirmed by multivariate analysis in the majority of studies and consistent by any subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

The presence and higher titres of anti-CCP antibody were suggested to be significantly associated with an increased risk of RA-ILD. However, the quality of evidence was rated as low or very low.
Prevalence and predictors of birth preparedness and complication readiness in the Kassena-Nankana district of Ghana: an analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Saaka Mahama , Alhassan Lawal
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To assess birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPACR) and associated factors among mothers who had given birth in the past 12 months prior to the study.

Design

An analytical cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was carried out in the rural areas of Kassena-Nankana district located in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Participants

The study population comprised 600 postpartum women who had delivered within the last 12 months prior to the study.

Primary outcome measure

The primary outcome measure was BPACR.

Results

The prevalence of BPACR among recently delivered women was very low as less than 15% were able to mention at least three of the five basic components of birth preparedness/complication readiness that were fulfilled. After adjustment for confounding effect using multivariable logistic regression analysis, high educational level (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.40 (95% CI: 1.88 to 6.15)), better knowledge about obstetric danger signs during pregnancy (AOR=4.88 (95% CI: 2.68 to 8.90)), older women (≥35 years) (AOR=2.59 (95% CI: 1.11 to 6.02)), women of low household wealth index (AOR=4.64 (95% CI: 1.97 to 10.91)) and women who received lower content of antenatal care services (AOR=3.34 (95% CI: 1.69 to 6.60)) were significant predictors of BPACR.

Conclusion

This study concludes that BPACR practices were low. High educational attainment of the woman, having adequate knowledge about obstetric danger signs during pregnancy, older women (≥35 years) and women of low household wealth index were significant predictors of BPACR. The predictors identified should be given high priority by health authorities in addressing low prevalence of BPACR.
Which parameters support disposition decision in suspected COVID-19 cases in the emergency department (ED): a German clinical cohort study
Authors: Möckel Martin , Stegemann Miriam Songa , Burst Volker , Kümpers Philipp , Risse Joachim , Koehler Felix Carlo , Schunk Domagoj , Hitzek Jennifer , Dietrich Tamara Elene , Slagman Anna
Published: March 2021

Objectives

One major goal of the emergency department (ED) is to decide, whether patients need to be hospitalised or can be sent home safely. We aim at providing criteria for these decisions without knowing the SARS-CoV-2 test result in suspected cases.

Setting

Tertiary emergency medicine.

Participants

All patients were treated at the ED of the Charité during the pandemic peak and underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing. Patients with positive test results were characterised in detail and underwent a 14-day-follow-up.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses were performed to identify predictors (primary endpoint), which confirm safe discharge. The clinical endpoint was all-cause mortality or need for mechanical ventilation during index stay or after readmission.

Results

The primary test population of suspected COVID-19 consisted of n=1255 cases, 45.2% were women (n=567). Of these, n=110 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (8.8%). The median age of SARS-CoV-2-positive cases was 45 years (IQR: 33–66 years), whereas the median age of the group tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 was 42 years (IQR: 30–60 years) (p=0.096). 43.6% were directly admitted to hospital care.

CART analysis identified the variables oxygen saturation (<95%), dyspnoea and history of cardiovascular (CV) disease to distinguish between high and low-risk groups. If all three variables were negative, most patients were discharged from ED, and the incidence of the clinical endpoint was 0%. The validation cohort confirmed the safety of discharge using these variables and revealed an incidence of the clinical endpoint from 14.3% in patients with CV disease, 9.4% in patients with dyspnoea and 18.2% in patients with O2 satuaration below 95%.

Conclusions

Based on easily available variables like dyspnoea, oxygen saturation, history of CV disease, approximately 25% of patients subsequently confirmed with COVID-19 can be identified for safe discharge.

Trial registration number

DRKS00023117.
Dysmenorrhoea as a risk factor for pain with intrauterine device insertion
Authors: Schneyer Rebecca , Lerma Klaira , Conti Jennifer , Shaw Kate
Published: March 2021

Background

Understanding predictors of pain with gynaecological procedures may facilitate individualised counselling and pain management. We aimed to study the effect of dysmenorrhoea on intrauterine device (IUD) insertion pain.

Methods

This was a planned secondary analysis of a randomised trial evaluating self-administered lidocaine gel versus placebo for IUD insertion pain. We included those participants who reported menses in the past 3 months. We assessed dysmenorrhoea (in the past 3 months) and procedural pain using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). We categorised dysmenorrhoea as none/mild (<40 mm), moderate (40–69 mm) or severe (≥70 mm). We assessed participant pain scores at speculum insertion, tenaculum placement, IUD insertion, and overall. We compared median procedural pain scores by dysmenorrhoea group with three-way and post hoc pairwise analyses.

Results

We analysed 188 participants. Demographic characteristics were similar among the three dysmenorrhoea groups. Pairwise comparisons revealed higher median procedural pain scores in the severe dysmenorrhoea group compared with the none/mild dysmenorrhoea group at speculum insertion (25 mm vs 8 mm; p=0.007), tenaculum placement (51 mm vs 31 mm; p=0.04) and IUD insertion (74 mm vs 61 mm; p=0.04). Overall pain did not differ among the three groups (p=0.32).

Conclusions

Patients with severe dysmenorrhoea experienced increased pain with all aspects of IUD insertion, including speculum and tenaculum placement, compared with those with only mild or no dysmenorrhoea. Clinicians may consider this finding when providing individualised counselling and pain management for patients undergoing IUD insertion and other gynaecological procedures. Larger studies are needed to validate the effect of dysmenorrhoea severity on pain throughout IUD insertion.
Rethinking diversity, equity and inclusion in an acute care surgery setting
Authors: Terse Pranaya Pramod
Published: March 2021

N/A - This is the first place essay contest winner for the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee’s 2020 essay contest in response to the prompt ‘How can diversity, equity, and inclusion be improved in acute care surgery/the AAST?’ The essay does not have an attached abstract.
A review of the taxonomy, genetics, and biology of the genus Escherichia and the type species Escherichia coli
Authors: Yu Daniel , Banting Graham , Neumann Norman F.
Published: March 2021

Historically, bacteriologists have relied heavily on biochemical and structural phenotypes for bacterial taxonomic classification. However, advances in comparative genomics have led to greater insights into the remarkable genetic diversity within the microbial world, and even within well-accepted species such as Escherichia coli. The extraordinary genetic diversity in E. coli recapitulates the evolutionary radiation of this species in exploiting a wide range of niches (i.e., ecotypes), including the gastrointestinal system of diverse vertebrate hosts as well as non-host natural environments (soil, natural waters, wastewater), which drives the adaptation, natural selection, and evolution of intragenotypic conspecific specialism as a strategy for survival. Over the last few years, there has been increasing evidence that many E. coli strains are very host (or niche)-specific. While biochemical and phylogenetic evidence support the classification of E. coli as a distinct species, the vast genomic (diverse pan-genome and intragenotypic variability), phenotypic (e.g., metabolic pathways), and ecotypic (host-/niche-specificity) diversity, comparable to the diversity observed in known species complexes, suggest that E. coli is better represented as a complex. Herein we review the taxonomic classification of the genus Escherichia and discuss how phenotype, genotype, and ecotype recapitulate our understanding of the biology of this remarkable bacterium.
The growing amplification of social media: measuring temporal and social contagion dynamics for over 150 languages on Twitter for 2009–2020
Authors: Alshaabi Thayer , Dewhurst David Rushing , Minot Joshua R. , Arnold Michael V. , Adams Jane L. , Danforth Christopher M. , Dodds Peter Sheridan
Published: March 2021

Working from a dataset of 118 billion messages running from the start of 2009 to the end of 2019, we identify and explore the relative daily use of over 150 languages on Twitter. We find that eight languages comprise 80% of all tweets, with English, Japanese, Spanish, Arabic, and Portuguese being the most dominant. To quantify social spreading in each language over time, we compute the ‘contagion ratio’: The balance of retweets to organic messages. We find that for the most common languages on Twitter there is a growing tendency, though not universal, to retweet rather than share new content. By the end of 2019, the contagion ratios for half of the top 30 languages, including English and Spanish, had reached above 1—the naive contagion threshold. In 2019, the top 5 languages with the highest average daily ratios were, in order, Thai (7.3), Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, and Catalan, while the bottom 5 were Russian, Swedish, Esperanto, Cebuano, and Finnish (0.26). Further, we show that over time, the contagion ratios for most common languages are growing more strongly than those of rare languages.
Detecting Connected Consciousness During Propofol-Induced Anesthesia Using EEG Based Brain Decoding
Authors: Wang Yubo , Wan Chenghao , Zhang Yun , Zhou Yu , Wang Haidong , Yan Fei , Song Dawei , Du Ruini , Wang Qiang , Huang Liyu
Published: March 2021

Connected consciousness refers to the state when external stimuli can enter into the stream of our consciousness experience. Emerging evidence suggests that although patients may not respond behaviorally to external stimuli during anesthesia, they may be aware of their surroundings. In this work, we investigated whether EEG based brain decoding could be used for detecting connected consciousness in the absence of behavioral responses during propofol infusion. A total of 14 subjects participated in our experiment. Subjects were asked to discriminate two types of auditory stimuli with a finger press during an ultraslow propofol infusion. We trained an EEG based brain decoding model using data collected in the awakened state using the same auditory stimuli and tested the model on data collected during the propofol infusion. The model provided a correct classification rate (CCR) of [Formula: see text]% when subjects were able to respond to the stimuli during the propofol infusion. The CCR dropped to [Formula: see text]% when subjects ceased responding and further decreased to [Formula: see text]% when we increased the propofol concentration by another 0.2 [Formula: see text]g/ml. After terminating the propofol infusion, we observed that the CCR rebounded to [Formula: see text]% before the subjects regained consciousness. With the classification results, we provided evidence that loss of consciousness is a gradual process and may progress from full consciousness to connected consciousness and then to disconnected consciousness.
Effect analysis of surface metal layer on step height standard
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Li Suoyin , Han Zhiguo , Zhao Lin , Feng Yanan , Xu Xiaoqing , Wu Aihua
Published: March 2021

In order to improve the measurement accuracy of the step height measuring instrument, a semiconductor process was used to prepare the step height standard for calibrating the instrument. Aiming at the problem of deviation in the white light interferometer measuring step height standard, the cause of the measurement deviation was theoretically analyzed, combining the optical theory and the principle of instrument. In addition, referring to the semiconductor sputtering process, a method of sputtering metal layer on the surface of the step structure was proposed, and a set of universal step height standards with a nominal value of [Formula: see text] nm were developed for the step height measuring instrument. Finally, the step height standards with the sputtered metal layer were compared and measured, using the white light interferometer and nanometer measuring machine (NMM). The measurement error of the white light interferometer can be effectively controlled within 1%, which is beneficial to verify the measurement capability of the step height measuring instrument.
Dark soliton dynamics for quantum systems with higher-order dispersion and higher-order nonlinearity
Authors: Chen Chen , Gao Guojun , Wang Ying , Pan Yuqi , Zhou Shuyu
Published: March 2021

In this work, we investigated one-dimensional and two-dimensional quantum systems with higher-order dispersions and higher-order nonlinear interactions. Based on the high-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) and via the [Formula: see text]-expansion method, we derived the analytical dark soliton solution for the one-dimensional system first. By applying the self-similar method and using the results of the one-dimensional case, the analytical dark soliton solution of the system in the two-dimensional case was derived. The dynamic evolution pattern of the two-dimensional dark soliton is pictorially demonstrated. The theoretical results of our work can be used to guide the detection and experimental study of dark soliton in a two-dimensional quantum system, using high-order dispersion and higher-order nonlinear interactions.
SLIDING WEAR BEHAVIOR OF ZrO2-CONTAINING PEO COATINGS FORMED ON ZL101A ALUMINUM ALLOY
Authors: SHI YUANJI , GUO XUNZHONG , YU HAIMING , LI JUNWAN
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings were formed in K2ZrF6-containing electrolyte with the addition of glycerin on aluminum alloy. PEO coating increased the tribological and mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy. The effect of frequency on the properties of PEO coatings was studied. AFM observation showed that the micropores number increased with the increasing frequency. XRD results showed that the content of [Formula: see text]-Al2O3 ranged with the frequency increase. The coating formed in the electrolyte with the frequency of 800[Formula: see text]Hz was of the lowest friction coefficient and stablest curve. The glycerin is not only of ability to lower the defect of PEO coatings, but can also increase the wear resistance ability of the coatings.
Efficiency of the weak Rescaled Pure Greedy Algorithm
Authors: Jiang Bing , Ye Peixin
Published: March 2021

We study the efficiency of the Weak Rescaled Pure Greedy Algorithm (WRPGA) with respect to a dictionary in a Hilbert space or more generally a Banach space. We obtain the sufficient and necessary conditions for the convergence of WRPGA for any element and any dictionary. This condition is weaker than the sufficient conditions for convergence of the Weak Pure Greedy Algorithm (WPGA). In addition, we establish the noisy version of the error estimate for the WRPGA, which implies the results on sparse classes obtained in [G. Petrova, Rescaled pure greedy algorithm for Hlibert and Banach spaces, Appl. Comput. Harmon. Anal. 41(3) (2016) 852–866].
Absorbing Markov chains for analyzing COVID-19 infections
Authors: Kadhem Safaa K. , Kadhim Sadeq A.
Published: March 2021

Recently, there are many works that proposed modeling approaches to describe the random movement of individuals for COVID-19 infection. However, these models have not taken into account some key aspects for disease such the prediction of expected time of patients remaining at certain health state before entering an absorption state (e.g., exit out of the system for ever such as death state or recovery). Therefore, we propose a dynamical model approach called the absorbing Markov chains for analyzing COVID-19 infections. From this modeling approach, we seek to focus and predict two states of absorption: recovery and death, as these two conditions are considered as important indicators in assessment of the health level. Based on the absorbing Markov model, the study suggested that there is a gradually increase in the predicted death number, while a decrease in the number of recovered individuals.
Two-step direct heteroarylation reaction towards 2,5-bis(alkoxy)benzene polymer for organic field-effect transistors processed with tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Hao Xiangyu , Tang Yu , Zhu Bili , Lei Yanlian , Deng Ping
Published: March 2021

A 2,5-bis(alkoxy)benzene polymer POB-TNT has been newly designed and synthesized via very convenient two-step direct heteroarylation reaction. Its physicochemical properties have been investigated. POB-TNT demonstrates typical [Formula: see text]-type carrier transport characteristic in unencapsulated bottom-gate and top-contact organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) processed with relatively green tetrahydrofuran solvent. The results highlight a readily accessible and low-cost-oriented polymer semiconductor for non-halogenated solvent-processed OFET application.
Path Following Control for UAV Using Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach
Authors: Zhang Yintao , Zhang Youmin , Yu Ziquan
Published: March 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been extensively used in civil and industrial applications due to the rapid development of the guidance, navigation and control (GNC) technologies. Especially, using deep reinforcement learning methods for motion control acquires a major progress recently, since deep [Formula: see text]-learning algorithm has been successfully applied to the continuous action domain problem. This paper proposes an improved deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm for path following control problem of UAV. A specific reward function is designed for minimizing the cross-track error of the path following problem. In the training phase, a double experience replay buffer (DERB) is used to increase the learning efficiency and accelerate the convergence speed. First, the model of UAV path following problem has been established. After that, the framework of DDPG algorithm is constructed. Then the state space, action space and reward function of the UAV path following algorithm are designed. DERB is proposed to accelerate the training phase. Finally, simulation results are carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed DERB–DDPG method.
Red Blood Cell Hitchhiking: A Novel Approach for Vascular Delivery of Nanocarriers
Authors: Brenner Jacob S. , Mitragotri Samir , Muzykantov Vladimir R.
Published: March 2021

Red blood cell (RBC) hitchhiking is a method of drug delivery that can increase drug concentration in target organs by orders of magnitude. In RBC hitchhiking, drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) are adsorbed onto red blood cells and then injected intravascularly, which causes the NPs to transfer to cells of the capillaries in the downstream organ. RBC hitchhiking has been demonstrated in multiple species and multiple organs. For example, RBC-hitchhiking NPs localized at unprecedented levels in the brain when using intra-arterial catheters, such as those in place immediately after mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. RBC hitchhiking has been successfully employed in numerous preclinical models of disease, ranging from pulmonary embolism to cancer metastasis. In addition to summarizing the versatility of RBC hitchhiking, we also describe studies into the surprisingly complex mechanisms of RBC hitchhiking as well as outline future studies to further improve RBC hitchhiking's clinical utility.
Faraday in the Fab: A Look at Copper Plating Equipment for On-Chip Wiring
Authors: Beaudry Christopher L. , Dukovic John O.
Published: March 2021

It has been interesting to watch the growth and development of copper interconnects on silicon chips in the seven years that have passed since IBM announced that it would use electrodeposited copper for the wiring structure of its 0.25-micrometer CMOS7 microprocessor.
Menstrual phase and ambient temperature do not influence iron regulation in the acute exercise period
Authors: Zheng Huixin , Badenhorst Claire E. , Lei Tze-Huan , Liao Yi-Hung , Che Muhamed Ahmad Munir , Fujii Naoto , Kondo Narihiko , Mündel Toby
Published: March 2021

The current study investigated whether ambient heat augments the inflammatory and postexercise hepcidin response in women and if menstrual phase and/or self-pacing modulate these physiological effects. Eight trained females (age: 37 ± 7 yr; V̇o2max: 46 ± 7 mL·kg−1·min−1; peak power output: 4.5 ± 0.8 W·kg−1) underwent 20 min of fixed-intensity cycling (100 W and 125 W) followed by a 30-min work trial (∼75% V̇o2max) in a moderate (MOD: 20 ± 1°C, 53 ± 8% relative humidity) and warm-humid (WARM: 32 ± 0°C, 75 ± 3% relative humidity) environment in both their early follicular (days 5 ± 2) and midluteal (days 21 ± 3) phases. Mean power output was 5 ± 4 W higher in MOD than in WARM ( P = 0.02) such that the difference in core temperature rise was limited between environments (−0.29 ± 0.18°C in MOD, P < 0.01). IL-6 and hepcidin both increased postexercise (198% and 38%, respectively); however, neither was affected by ambient temperature or menstrual phase (all P > 0.15). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the IL-6 response to exercise was explained by leukocyte and platelet count ( r2= 0.72, P < 0.01), and the hepcidin response to exercise was explained by serum iron and ferritin ( r2= 0.62, P < 0.01). During exercise, participants almost matched their fluid loss (0.48 ± 0.18 kg·h−1) with water intake (0.35 ± 0.15 L·h−1) such that changes in body mass (−0.3 ± 0.3%) and serum osmolality (0.5 ± 2.0 osmol·kgH2O−1) were minimal or negligible, indicating a behavioral fluid-regulatory response. These results indicate that trained, iron-sufficient women suffer no detriment to their iron regulation in response to exercise with acute ambient heat stress or between menstrual phases on account of a performance-physiological trade-off.
Multimedia Archives: New Digital Filters to Correct Equalization Errors on Digitized Audio Tapes
Authors: Pretto Niccolò , Micheloni Edoardo , Chmiel Anthony , Pozza Nadir Dalla , Marinello Dario , Schubert Emery , Canazza Sergio
Published: March 2021

Multimedia archives face the problem of obsolescing and degrading analogue media (e.g., speech and music recordings and video art). In response, researchers in the field have recently begun studying ad hoc tools for the preservation and access of historical analogue documents. This paper investigates the active preservation process of audio tape recordings, specifically focusing on possible means for compensating equalization errors introduced in the digitization process. If the accuracy of corrective equalization filters is validated, an archivist or musicologist would be able to experience the audio as a historically authentic document such that their listening experience would not require the recovery of the original analogue audio document or the redigitization of the audio. Thus, we conducted a MUSHRA-inspired perception test (n = 14) containing 6 excerpts of electronic music (3 stimuli recorded NAB and 3 recorded CCIR). Participants listened to 6 different equalization filters for each stimulus and rated them in terms of similarity. Filters included a correctly digitized “Reference,” an intentionally incorrect “Foil” filter, and a subsequent digital correction of the Foil filter that was produced with a MATLAB script. When stimuli were collapsed according to their filter type (NAB or CCIR), no significant differences were observed between the Reference and MATLAB correction filters. As such, the digital correction appears to be a promising method for compensation of equalization errors although future study is recommended, specifically containing an increased sample size and additional correction filters for comparison.
Beneficial Effect of Statin Therapy on Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Alidadi Mona , Montecucco Fabrizio , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Al-Rasadi Khalid , Johnston Thomas P. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: March 2021

Arterial stiffness describes the increased rigidity of the arterial wall that occurs as a consequence of biological aging and several diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated that parameters to assess arterial stiffness, especially pulse‐wave velocity, are predictive of those individuals that will suffer cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Statin therapy may be a pharmacological strategy to improve arterial elasticity. It has been shown that the positive benefits of statin therapy on cardiovascular disease is attributable not only to their lipid‐lowering capacity but also to various pleiotropic effects, such as their anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and antithrombotic properties. Additionally, statins reduce endothelial dysfunction, improve vascular and myocardial remodeling, and stabilize atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of the present review was to summarize the evidence from human studies showing the effects of statins on arterial stiffness.
Design and Experiment of a Hand Movement Device Driven by Shape Memory Alloy Wires
Authors: Wang Yangwei , Zheng Shufang , Pang Jingquan , Li Sanping , Li Jian
Published: March 2021

Hand is one of the most flexible and useful organs of the human body. However, cases of hand function loss due to diseases and accidents abound, which brings a lot of inconvenience to patients’ lives. This paper introduced a flexible hand movement device (HMD) driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) wires, which is compact, lightweight, and easy to use during activities of daily living (ADL). Firstly, we elaborated the design and modelling process, including the driving analysis of SMA wires. Secondly, the manufacturing process and testing method of the HMD are presented. Thirdly, the results of the experiment are discussed in detail. Through the experiment, we obtained the bending angle and operating space of fingers. Moreover, the joint angle as well as the fingertip force can be controlled using PWM. A maximum angular movement of 45°, 62°, and 71° can be generated at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and distal interphalangeal joints (DIP) of a finger using an SMA wire, respectively. Then, the operating space of the entire hand can be calculated based on the experimental results. Besides, an estimated 40 N of grasping force can be produced for a whole hand. In conclusion, this research indicates that the finger movement driven by the HMD is similar to a healthy person, which can meet the needs of ADL.
Helicobacter Pylori Variants with ABC‐Type Tyrosine Phosphorylation Motif in Gastric Biopsies of Ghanaian Patients
Authors: Tagoe Emmanuel A. , Awandare Gordon A. , Quaye Osbourne , Asmah Richard H. , Archampong Timothy N. , Osman Mahasin A. , Brown Charles A.
Published: March 2021

Background. Helicobacter pylori pathogenicity and disease severity are determined by the tyrosine phosphorylation motifs of CagA protein. This study is aimed at detecting the presence of H. pylori and identifying the CagA tyrosine phosphorylation motifs in Ghanaian patients. Material and Methods. A total of 94 archival genomic DNA samples from gastric biopsies were used for the study, and H. pylori was detected by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene. The 3 ′‐end variable region of the cagA gene was amplified, and the entire 3 ′‐end was sequenced and translated into amino acids. Results. H. pylori was detected in 53.2% (50/94) of the samples, and all the detected bacteria harboured the cagA gene. Two variants of the bacteria were identified based on the size of the amplified cagA gene: 207 bp and 285 bp. The 207 bp and 285 bp variants accounted for 74% and 22%, respectively, and 4% showed both fragments. Translated amino acid sequence of the cagA gene showed EPIYA‐A, EPIYA‐B, and EPIYA‐C (ABC type) motifs, indicating the Western variant. The CagA protein C‐terminal showed insertion of amino acids in the sequence flanking the EPIYA‐A motif at the N‐terminal and a complete deletion of the EPIYA‐CC and EPIYA‐CCC motifs together with the flanking sequences. Conclusions. H. pylori identified were Western variant (ABC type) with unique amino acid insertions, suggesting unique variants in Ghanaian patients. Further investigation is however required to understand the role of the molecular diversity of the variant in gastric disease outcome.
Clinical Misdiagnosis of COVID-19 Infection with Confusing Clinical Course
Authors: Eshaghi Hamid , Ziaee Vahid , Khodabande Mahmood , Safavi Moeinadin , Haji Esmaeil Memar Elmira
Published: March 2021

Background. Similarities in the febrile course and other manifestations of some diseases may lead to clinical misdiagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Here, we report a case in a young child with a potentially confusing clinical course. Case Presentation. A 29-month-old boy presented with a 2-month history of fever. His PCR test for COVID-19 was positive, and there was pleural effusion plus positive findings in the lower left lobe of the lung on computed tomography scan. Mid-sized splenomegaly was found on abdominal ultrasound, and laboratory tests disclosed pancytopenia. In light of the atypical lymphocyte counts in laboratory tests, he underwent bone marrow aspiration. The suggested diagnosis was hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and prednisolone was initiated. Subsequently, Leishman-Donovan bodies were seen in the bone marrow aspirate, and treatment was started with amphotericin, which led to clinical improvement. Conclusion. In cases with vague clinical symptoms in tropical countries where other infectious diseases occur, possible simultaneous infection should be considered even during a pandemic. Familiarity with the possible differential diagnoses and appropriate, step-by-step consideration to rule out other possible causes are needed in all situations, and the coexistence of infectious disease should be considered in evaluating the clinical conditions of patients in tropical countries.
Reproducibility of Glucose Fluctuations Induced by Moderate Intensity Cycling Exercise in Persons with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Notkin Gabriel Tafdrup , Kristensen Peter Lommer , Pedersen-Bjergaard Ulrik , Jensen Andreas Kryger , Molsted Stig
Published: March 2021

Aims. The purpose was to assess the reproducibility of glucose changes during three sessions of standardized moderate intensity continuous training of cycling on an individual level in people with type 1 diabetes. Methods. Twelve adults (six females) with type 1 diabetes performed three test sessions on an ergometer bicycle (30 min, 67% of predicted heart rate) on three different days. The participants were 36.5 (26.6-45.5) (median, IQR) years old, and their HbA1c was

65
±
15
 

mmol/mol (

mean
±
SD

). Two hours before the tests, the participants had a standard meal. Interstitial glucose (IG) and capillary glucose (CG) were measured using an iPro2 Medtronic continuous glucose monitor and the Bayer Contour XT-device, respectively. Prior to the test sessions, resting heart rate was measured using a digital blood pressure monitor to estimate the desired intensity of the exercise. Results. The average within-participant relationship between the average slope in glucose during sessions 2 and 1 was in IG -0.29 (95% CI -1.11; 0.58) and in CG -0.04 (-0.68; 0.77). Between sessions 3 and 2, IG is 0.18 (-0.27; 0.64) and in CG 0.13 (-0.25; 0.55). Between sessions 3 and 1, IG was 0.06 (-0.57; 0.71) and in CG 0.06 (-0.39; 0.52). The results indicate low reproducibility at participant levels and remained unchanged after adjustment for baseline glucose values. Conclusion. On an individual level, the glucose declines during three standardized sessions of PA were not associated with identical responses of the measured IG and CG levels. An overall anticipated decline of glucose concentrations was found in the moderate intensity cycling sessions. This highlights the importance of regular CG measurements during and after physical activity and awareness towards potential exercise-induced hypoglycemia in persons with type 1 diabetes.
Factors Influencing Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment in the Ketu North District of the Volta Region, Ghana
Authors: Dogah Eyram , Aviisah Mark , Kuatewo Da-Ama Mawulom , Kpene Godsway Edem , Lokpo Sylvester Yao , Edziah Florence Shine
Published: March 2021

Annually, ten million cases of tuberculosis (TB) and about 1.8 million mortalities are recorded. Adherence to TB treatment not only reduces death outcomes but prevents prolonged sickness, transmission to others, and the development of multidrug-resistant TB. This study is aimed at determining the rate of treatment adherence, knowledge of TB infection, and the possible factors influencing adherence to TB treatment in the Ketu North District in the Volta Region of Ghana. A cross-sectional study design was employed. A semistructured questionnaire was used to obtain data from respondents. Adherence to TB treatment and knowledge level about TB infection were assessed. A Chi-square test analysis was used to determine the variables that were associated with treatment adherence. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine potential factors that contribute to treatment adherence. A total of 125 TB registrants were enrolled in the study. The majority (102 (81.6%)) adhered to the TB treatment regimen. However, the level of knowledge about night sweat being a symptom of TB infection was relatively low (78 (62.4%)). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the male gender was about three times more likely (

OR
=
2.978

,

95
%
CI
=
1.173
‐
7.561

;

p
=
0.022

) to be associated with adherence to TB treatment. However, food availability (

OR
=
2.208

, 95% CI (0.848-5.753);

p
=
0.10

) and household size (

OR
=
0.538

, 95% CI (0.195-1.483);

p
=
0.23

) were not significantly associated with treatment adherence. In this study, adherence to TB treatment and the knowledge level of TB infection were high. However, the knowledge level of night sweat being a symptom of TB infection was relatively low. Being a male was significantly associated with treatment adherence. An intensified health education on the symptoms of TB infection is therefore recommended.
Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending the Diabetic Clinic of the University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tsegaw Asamere , Alemu Shitaye , Dessie Abere , Patterson Christopher C. , Parry Eldryd H. O. , Phillips David I. W. , Trimble Elisabeth R.
Published: March 2021

Objective. To investigate the level of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients attending the University of Gondar Hospital (UGH) Diabetic Clinic, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. An audit was carried out involving a total of 739 T2DM patients attending at the diabetic clinic of UGH. They represented approximately 90% and 50% of all T2DM patients under regular review at the urban and rural diabetic clinics of UGH, respectively. All were supervised by the same clinical team for a long period. Eye examinations were performed for visual acuity, cataract, and retinal changes (retinal photography and slit-lamp biomicroscopy). Body mass index (BMI) and HbA1c levels were measured. The presence or absence of hypertension was recorded. Results. Men constituted 41.5% of the group, the mean age at diagnosis of T2DM was 50.4 years, and 50.2% were hypertensive. The BMI was 25.0 ± 4.1 kg/m2, and HbA1c was 7.75 ± 1.63% (61.2 ± 17.8 mmol/mol) (mean ± SD, for BMI and HbA1c)). Severe visual impairment/blindness was reported in 10.6%, 15.2% had cataract, 16.0% had retinopathy, and 11.1% had maculopathy. The prevalence of retinopathy increased with time from diagnosis of T2DM (chi-square for trend,

p
<
0.001

) and with increasing HbA1c level (chi-square for trend,

p
=
0.03

). Conclusion. These results compare well with the most recent results in well-equipped, wealthier regions of the world and show the importance of stable healthcare infrastructure for chronic-disease management.
Experimental Investigation on the Flow Resistance of a Staged Fuel Injector with Thermal Protection
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , Wang Xinyi , Wu Yu , He Xiaomin
Published: March 2021

The multistaged rotating swirling usually adopts the staged combustion and multiple point fuel supply, which has the advantages of high efficiency and low emissions. However, the high inlet temperature rise will cause autooxidation and fuel coking. Multiple fuel circuit mutual cooling technology by using different flight conditions is an effective measure for the thermal protection of the nozzle. But the complicated fuel circuit configuration inevitably increase the flow resistance in the fuel jet. This paper presents an experimental investigation of flow resistance of a triple-stage rotating swirling nozzle, concerning the effects of various factors on total pressure loss and friction factor in nozzle fuel circuit. The factors include fuel velocity

V

f
,
i

, inlet temperature

T

f
,
i

, and inlet Reynolds number

Re

f
,
i

. The results show that the complicated fuel-cooled structure made flow resistance of the pilot fuel circuit much bigger than the main one. Meanwhile, the empirical correlations between the friction factor and the inlet Reynolds number have been fitted, which can be the reference for engineering design.
amenaza del dengue, un riesgo real para Chile. Propuesta de nueva estrategia para su control
Authors: Díaz Sepúlveda Aldo
Published: March 2021

Señor editor: 
Sin duda la pandemia por COVID-19 ha mantenido la atención de todo el mundo dado la magnitud de la situación y las consecuencias de la misma, no obstante, resulta necesario mantenernos alerta en todos los flancos interviniendo oportunamente. Así como hace mención el Dr. Mauricio Canals (2020) en la editorial titulada “Modelos epidemiológicos y la pandemia COVID-19 en Chile”: la globalización, los cambios demográficos, ambientales y climáticos mantienen latente la aparición de enfermedades emergentes y re-emergentes, así como una progresiva expansión de las mismas en las zonas ya afectadas. Es así como previo al inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19, la afección por dengue representaba una de las enfermedades infecciosas más importantes en América Latina y el Caribe, alcanzando inclusive el máximo registro histórico en la notificacion de casos en la región y a nivel mundial durante el año 2019 (Organización Mundial de la Salud, 2020). Preocupa además en dengue la falta de medidas que impacten de forma significativa y sostenida en el tiempo, junto a la ausencia de tratamientos específicos y de vacunas efectivas, seguras, y de uso amplio, puesto que, la actual vacuna disponible solo está considerada en un subgrupo de la población ya expuesta al virus para la prevención de dengue grave.
Barotrauma en COVID-19: Asociación de neumotórax y uso de cánula nasal de alto flujo
Authors: Navarrete Fajardo Felipe , Mix Vidal Allan
Published: March 2021

La cánula nasal de alto flujo (CNAF) es una alternativa en la oxigenoterapia de pacientes en insuficiencia respiratoria aguda hipoxémica, especialmente en contexto de pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. Existen muchos beneficios, con distintos niveles de evidencia y muy pocos efectos adversos reportados a su uso descritos en adultos. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, que cursando con una neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2, mientras recibía terapia con CNAF, desarrolló un neumotórax. Esta complicación asociada a la terapia con CNAF es poco reportada en la literatura, lo que motiva este reporte.