bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Comparison of Haloperidol and Hydroxyzine Combination Therapy with Haloperidol Alone in the Treatment of Overactive Delirium
Authors: Sato Junya , Tanaka Rei
Published: January 2022

Background

For the treatment of delirium, antipsychotics such as haloperidol are used as standard treatments. However, haloperidol has little sedative effect and may not be sufficiently effective in controlling overactive delirium. Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, may be used in combination with haloperidol to supplement its sedative effect. Aim of this study was investigating the effect of haloperidol alone or in combination with hydroxyzine on the improvement of overactive delirium retrospectively.
Method

Delirium was assessed from medical records using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC). The number of patients and days with ICDSC score of < 4, indicating absence of delirium after haloperidol alone or haloperidol and hydroxyzine were surveyed for 6 days.
Results

A total of 157 patients were diagnosed with delirium from April 2019 to July 2021, of which 18 patients received haloperidol alone, and 21 patients received the combination of haloperidol and hydroxyzine for overactive delirium. The number of patients with a mean ICDSC score of < 4 on days 1–6 were two patients (11%) in the haloperidol groups and two patients (10%) in the combination of haloperidol and hydroxyzine group (P = 0.999). The days within < 4 of the ICDSC score on days 1–6 were 0.8 (1.3) and 0.8 (1.5), respectively (P = 0.848).
Conclusion

Haloperidol alone and haloperidol plus hydroxyzine are both effective in the treatment of overactive delirium. However, the concomitant use of hydroxyzine with haloperidol may not improve the efficacy of treatment of overactive delirium compared to haloperidol alone.
Dynamic Change of Placenta Previa From Second Trimester to Delivery: a Retrospective Longitudinal Study Cohort
Authors: Wei Sumei , Li Xin , Liu Tianjiao , Ding Rui , Wei Lu , Fan Conghong , Tang Dongmei , Xiong Wen , Li Yalan , Yang Xiao
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Placenta previa contributes greatly to severe antenatal and post-partum hemorrhage in obstetrics. Previous studies have mainly focused on the risk factors of placenta previa, and very limited studies have reported which factors may affect the dynamic outcome of placenta previa in the second trimester. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of maternal and neonatal characteristics on dynamic change of placenta previa from second trimester to delivery.Methods: A retrospective longitudinal sub-cohort investigation was carried out among 510 pregnant women with placenta previa in second trimester of pregnancy from the Longitudinal Placenta Previa Study (LoPPS). Logistic regression analysis was used to discover the connections between maternal covariates and dynamic change process of placenta. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to detect the associations between perioperative characteristics and the volume of intraoperative bleeding. Results: Among the pregnant women with major placenta previa in the second trimester, 28.8% of them were without placenta previa at delivery, and 25.5% morphed into minor placenta previa. There was significant correlation between placenta previa type and pre-pregnancy BMI (Beta: 0.141, 95% CI: 0.046,0.235. p=0.003), gestational age (Beta: -0.355, 95% CI: -0.507, -0.204. p<0.001) and times of prior cesarean section (Beta: 0.161, 95% CI: 0.050,0.271. p<0.001). Conclusion: 71.2% of the pregnant women with major placenta previa in the second trimester were still with placenta previa at delivery, and the proportion may be higher in pregnant women suffering previous cesarean section and with high pre-pregnancy BMI.
Is it possible to diminish 30-day revisits with frontline geriatric assessment?
Authors: Laine Jonna , Salminen Marika , Vahlberg Tero , Viikari Paula , Wuorela Maarit , Viitanen Matti , Viikari Laura
Published: January 2022

Background
Up to 20% of older patients admitted to Emergency Department (ED) are readmitted within 30 days after being discharged. Geriatric assessment in ED has shown to be associated with preferable discharge rates and reduction of readmission rates in older patients.
Methods
Subjects of this prospective study were ≥75-year-old home-dwelling citizens (N = 1234) who underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) during their first visit in Urgent Geriatric Outpatient Clinic (UrGeriC); 535 were discharged and, of those, 110 had a revisit to UrGeriC or an admission to ED within 30 days after index visit.
Results
Of those 535 discharged patients, 110 (21%) had a revisit to UrGeriC (42 patients, 38%) or an admission to ED (68 patient, 62%) within 30 days after the index visit in UrGeriC. The most common reason for the index visit, as well as for the following visit was nonspecific complaint. Over half of those who were admitted to ED during the office hours and almost all of those who were admitted out of the office hours could have been treated in UrGeriC instead of ED.
Conclusions
According to our study, it seems that 20% of older patients seek urgent medical help within 30 days after the index visit even after a multidimensional CGA. Frontline geriatric services are needed to better respond to the complex needs of rapidly increasing proportion of frail older patients presenting to ED.
Bioactivation of 3D Cell-imprinted Polydimethylsiloxane Surface by Bone Proteins Nanocoating for Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Babaei Mahrokh , Nasernejad Bahram , Sharifikolouei Elham , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Bonakdar Shahin
Published: January 2022

Physical and chemical parameters that mimic the physiological niche of the human body have an influence on stem cell fate by creating directional signals to cells. Micro/nano cell patterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates, due to their ability to mimic the physiological niche, have been widely used in surface modifications. Integration of other factors such as the biochemical coating on the surface can achieve more similar microenvironmental conditions and promote stem cell differentiation to the target cell line. Herein, we investigated the effect of physical topography, chemical functionalization by acid bone lysate (ABL) nanocoating, and the combined functionalization of bone proteins nanocoated surface and topographically edited surface. We have prepared four distinguishing surfaces: plain PDMS, physically modified PDMS by 3D cell topography pattern, chemically modified PDMS with bone proteins nanocoating, and chemically modified nano 3D cell-imprinted PDMS by bone proteins (ABL). Characterization of ABL was carried out by Bradford staining and SDS page analysis followed by the MTT assay for evaluation of cell viability on ABL coated PDMS. Moreover, FESEM and Profilometry for determination of optimal coating thickness were utilized and the best coating concentration was identified and selected. The binding and retention of ABL to PDMS were confirmed by FTIR and BCA analysis. Sessile drop static water contact angle measurements on substrates have shown that the combined chemical functionalization and nano 3D cell-imprinting on PDMS surface leads to better surface wettability by 68% compared to plain PDMS. Eventually, the results of ALP measurement, Alizarin red S staining, Immunofluorescence staining, and real-time PCR have shown that nano 3D cell-imprinted PDMS surface functionalized by extracted bone proteins, ABL, is able to guide the fate of ADSCs toward osteogenic differentiation. Eventually, chemical modification of the cell-imprinted PDMS substrate by bone proteins extraction, not only improved the cell adhesion and proliferation but also contributed to the topographical effect itself and caused a significantly synergistic influence on the process of osteogenic differentiation.
Multi-objective optimal crop plan for optimum groundwater utilization considering profit maximization: A case study
Authors: Nath Kamalika , Jain Rajni , Arora Alka , Roy Himadri Shekhar , Marwaha Sudeep
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a multi-objective optimization problem to identify an optimal crop plan by simultaneously maximizing profit and reducing groundwater utilization. An important economic and sustainable agricultural decision-making task is to make optimal use of resource constraints in a given planting period. To solve the problem, the NSGA II and NSGA III algorithms are used. The performance and effectiveness of both algorithms are examined by comparison of the results. In addition, the Pareto fronts are presented with graphical comparisons. The findings show that NSGA-III is a more viable tool than NSGA II to solve an optimal crop planning problem.
Approaching the optimum focusing of diffused light through scattering media with iterative wavefront shaping by a probability-based algorithm
Authors: Woo Chi Man , Zhao Qi , Zhong Tianting , Li Huanhao , Yu Zhipeng , Lai Puxiang
Published: January 2022

Iterative wavefront shaping is a powerful tool to overcome medium scattering and enable focusing of diffusive light, which has exciting potentials in many applications that desire localized light delivery at depths in tissue-like complex media. Unsatisfactory performance and efficiency, however, have been a long-standing problem, and the large discrepancy between theoretical and experimental results has hindered the wide applications of the technology. Currently, most algorithms guiding the iterative search of optimal phase compensation rely heavily on randomness to achieve solution diversity. The lack of clear guidance on the new solution generation process considerably affects the optimization efficiency. Therefore, we propose a probability-based iterative algorithm that the new solutions are generated based on a probability map. With the clearer guidance provided by the probability map and less involvement of randomness, we can obtain optimization results that efficiently approach the theoretical optimal value. Moreover, with the proposed algorithm, we demonstrate higher adaptability in an unstable scattering environment and more spatially uniform optical focusing in the field of view. This study advances the state of the art in the practice of iterative wavefront shaping and can potentially inspire or open up wide applications that desire localized and enhanced optical delivery in situ.
Glucosamine Delays the Progression of Osteoporosis in Senile Mice by Promoting Osteoblast Autophagy
Authors: Su Wei , Lv Chen , Huang Lingtuo , Zheng XiaoHang , Yang Shengwu
Published: January 2022

Background: Senile osteoporosis (SOP) is one of the most prevalent diseases that afflict the elderly population, which characterized by decreased osteogenic ability. Glucosamine (GlcN) is an over-the-counter dietary supplement. Our previous study reported that GlcN promotes osteoblast proliferation by activating autophagy in vitro. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects and mechanisms of GlcN on senile osteoporosis and osteogenic differentiation in vivo.Methods: Aging was induced by subcutaneous injection of D-Galactose (D-Gal), and treated with GlcN or vehicle. The anti-senile-osteoporosis effect of GlcN was explored by examining changes in micro-CT, serum indicators, body weight, protein and gene expression of aging and apoptosis. Additionally, the effects of GlcN on protein and gene expression of osteogenesis and autophagy were observed by inhibiting autophagy with 3-Methyladenine (3-MA).Results: GlcN significantly improved bone mineral density (BMD) and bone micro-architecture, decreased skeletal senescence and apoptosis and increased osteogenesis in D-Gal induced osteoporotic mice. While all effect was reversed with 3-MA.Conclusion: GlcN effectively delayed the progression of osteoporosis in senile osteoporotic mice by promoting osteoblast autophagy. This study suggested that GlcN may be a prospective candidate drug for the treatment of SOP.
Benzotriazole UV Stabilizers (BUVSs) in the Environment: Much More than an Emerging Contaminant of Concern
Authors: Khare Ankur , Jadhao Pradip , Vaidya Atul Narayan , Kumar Asirvatham Ramesh
Published: January 2022

Benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVs) are a group of industrial chemicals used in various consumer products and industrial applications. Due to its large scale production and use, BUVs have been detected in all environmental matrices and in human milk; hence, they attract researchers and regulatory bodies worldwide. BUVs are considered as a new family of emerging environmental contaminants. Due to their persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like properties, they have also been classified as substances of very high concern (SVHC). The current review focuses on the persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT) of several BUVs, as well as their multicompartmental occurrence. Scarcity of scientific data on BUVs properties, occurrence in the environment, exposure levels and effects on organisms poses significant challenges to the policymakers and regulatory bodies in adopting management strategies. The need for a science-based integrated framework for risk assessment and management of benzotriazoles (BZTs) is recommended.
Entrapment Predicts First-Onset Suicidal Ideation: A Longitudinal Study in Medical Students
Authors: Wang Suping , Zhu Rui , Wu Hantao , Li Sicong , Liu Xinyi , Cai Yong , Gong Ruijie
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe prevalence of suicidal ideation among medical students is high. Evidences indicate that entrapment is a predicting factor of suicidal ideation. This study aimed to (1) investigate the prevalence rates of first-onset suicidal ideation among Chinese medical students, (2) explore the predictive effects of alteration of entrapment on first-onset suicidal ideation.MethodsThis longitudinal study was conducted between 2018 and 2019, included 211 new-enrolled medical students in Shanghai. Socio-demographic (gender, major, parents’ income and academic performance), psychological (entrapment, depression, loneliness, defeat, social support and interpersonal needs) variables and suicidal ideation were collected by anonymous questionnaire. Samples were divided into 4 subgroups according to their exposure to entrapment (control, new-onset, reduced and persistent group). The primary outcome, first-onset suicidal ideation, was defined as absent suicidal ideation at baseline but present at follow-up. Results54.98% of the participants (116/211) were female and 76.78% (162/211) majored in clinical medicine. 6.16% of the participants (16/211) reported first-onset suicidal ideation in the follow-up survey. 17.54% (37/211) reported new-onset entrapment while 12.80% (27/211) reported persistent entrapment during follow-up. Compared to control group who reported no perceived entrapment at baseline and follow-up, participants reported new-onset entrapment had the highest risk of new-onset suicidal ideation (odd ratios [OR]=14.700,95%confidence interval [CI]=2.906-74.364; adjusted OR=8.798, 95%CI=1.588-48.757; multivariate OR=8.238, 95%CI=1.394-48.693).ConclusionNew-onset entrapment can significantly predict suicidal ideation. Therefore, more attention should be attached to new-onset entrapment when it comes to suicidal ideation intervention.
Cloning, Improved Expression and Purification of Invasion Plasmid Antigen D (IpaD): An Effector Protein of Enteroinvasive Escherichia Coli (EIEC)
Authors: Halder Sudeshna , Jaiswal Namita , Mahata Nibedita
Published: January 2022

The widespread increase in broad-spectrum antimicrobial resistance is making it more difficult to treat gastrointestinal infections. Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli is a prominent etiological agent of bacillary dysentery, invading via the fecal-oral route and exerting virulence on the host via the type III secretion system. IpaD, a surface-exposed protein on the T3SS tip that is conserved among EIEC and Shigellae, may serve as a broad antigen for bacillary dysentery protection. For the first time, we present an effective framework for improving the expression level and yield of IpaD in the soluble fraction for easy recovery, as well as ideal storage conditions, which may aid in the development of new protein therapies for gastrointestinal infections in the future. To achieve this, uncharacterized full length IpaD gene from EIEC was cloned into pHis-TEV vector and induction parameters were optimised for enhanced expression in the soluble fraction. After affinity-chromatography based purification, 61% pure protein with a yield of 0.33 mg per litre of culture was obtained. The purified IpaD was kept the secondary structure with predominant α-helical structure at 4°C, -20°C, and -80°C using 5% sucrose as cryoprotectants during storage which is the fundamental parameter for protein-based therapeutics.
Effects of Piano Music of Different Tempos on Heart Rate and Autonomic Nervous System During the Recovery Period After High-intensity Exercise
Authors: Xue Biyun , Wang Jiameng
Published: January 2022

Purpose: The present study attempted to explore the effects of different tempos of piano music on heart rate and autonomous nervous system during the recovery period after high-intensity exercise. In addition, the study analyzed the influence of different tempos on the recovery period of athletes to devise methods for accelerating fatigue recovery through piano music.Method: A total of 57 college students majoring in physical education were selected as experimental subjects and were divided into three groups, namely Lento group (n = 20), Moderato group (n = 20), and Allegretto group (n = 20; only 17 students completed the experiment). Results: Under the same high-intensity exercise regimen, the three groups did not differ significantly in the body composition, high-intensity exercise ability, and time-domain variation indices, namely heart rate (HR), Heart rate variability index parameters(P > .05). The time-domain variation analysis in the recovery period revealed significant differences in HR frequency domain indices among the groups exposed to different rhythms (P < .05).Conclusion: Moderate-tempo piano music was the most effective in facilitating HR and autonomic nervous system recovery during the recovery period.
Adult and Pediatric All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Injury Patterns and Outcomes in a Community Trauma Center
Authors: Foote Christopher Wayne , Doan Xuan-Lan , Vanier Cheryl , Palacio Carlos H.
Published: January 2022

Background: All-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes result in severe morbidity in trauma. Limited data on these injury patterns come from large urban academic centers, but studies show increased use of ATVs in small rural communities with fewer resources, where these injuries are more likely to be treated. This study uses injury patterns to determine impact on community trauma systems based on length of stay.
Methods: The trauma registry of a level II trauma center was reviewed for ATV crash patients from January 2015 to December 2020. Injury type and frequency were grouped by proportion and 95% confidence interval based on ‘score’ method, and co-incidences were first screened with Fisher’s exact test, with significant p-value<0.01. Factors influencing length of stay in hospital/ICU were analyzed in a linear model and log-transformed dependent variable with significance based on sequential nested likelihood ratio analysis. Descriptive statistics were back transformed.
Results: Out of 7,787 trauma patients admitted during the study, 127 were involved in ATV crashes with 62 adults (age>18) and 65 pediatric patients. Injuries to skin/soft tissue and extremities were most common in both adult (68% and 42%, p<0.001) and pediatric (56% and 38%, p<0.001). Paired injuries included head bleeds with skull fractures (p<0.001) in both adults and pediatrics, pediatrics alone with spine and rib fractures (p=0.01). Length of stay in hospital increased for extremity injuries in both groups (mean (SD); adults 5.8 (2.4) vs 3.0 (2.2) days and pediatrics 4.0 (2.2) vs 2.6 (2.0) days, P=0.048). Pediatric patients had shorter overall hospital length of stay compared to adults (mean (SD); 3.1 (2.1) vs 3.9 (2.4) days respectively, P=0.009). Mortality was low with only a single adult death.
Conclusions: The findings from our retrospective study among ATV-related injuries on a community level II trauma center demonstrates skin/soft tissue injuries and extremity injuries were most common. We can also predict prolonged hospital length of stay in those with extremity injuries and those older than 18 years of age, requiring greater resources with longer hospital stay. No factors were predictive of longer ICU stays and mortality was very low with a single adult death in our population.
COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Female Healthcare Workers: A Look at the Gender Gap
Authors: Maraqa Beesan , Nazzal Zaher , AbuHasan Qais
Published: January 2022

Background

Females are often more hesitant to get vaccinated than males, even among health care workers (HCWs). The purpose of this study was to assess female HCWs' COVID-19 vaccination coverage and their anti-vaccination attitudes.
Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire. It included HCWs from various professions and examined participants' sociodemographic and work-related variables, anti-vaccination attitudes, and COVID-19 vaccination uptake. Anti-vaccination attitudes were assessed using the Vaccination Attitudes Examination Scale. We computed vaccination coverage and assessed its predicting factors using descriptive and analytical statistics, including multivariable models.
Results

The vaccine coverage was significantly lower among female HCWs [59.6% (95%CI: 55.5%-63.7%)] than males [74.9% (95%CI: 70.7%-78.8%)]. Female HCWs had significantly higher anti-vaccination attitudes and lowered perceived COVID-19 vaccine knowledge. Vaccine uptake was shown to be age-related in female HCWs, with 52.7% in the less than 30-year age group and 70.7% in the ≥50-year age group. Higher monthly income and smoking status were significant predictors of female HCWs vaccine uptake.
Conclusions

vaccine coverage is significantly lower among females with higher anti-vaccination attitudes. Historical scepticism towards vaccination, mistrust of the medical literature, and the myth of infertility could be possible reasons.
Structural Design and Kinematic Analysis of a Welding Robot for Liquefied Natural Gas Membrane Tank Automatic Welding
Authors: Jiang Yi , Han Qingqing , Dai Zhaoen , Zhou Chao , Yu Jianfeng , Hua Chunjian
Published: January 2022

Owing to the complex structures of welding materials, special welding conditions, and challenges during the automatic welding of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) ship Mark III’s membrane tank, a series–parallel–series hybrid structure mobile welding robot having sufficient adaptability for welding corrugated plates in membrane tanks was designed in this study. The configuration of the hybrid robot had good workspace characteristics, and it could always maintain a certain distance and angle between the end of the welding torch and the weld line because of its detection and control system coordination. In this study, degrees of freedom, kinematic characteristics, workspace, and adaptability analyses were conducted for the hybrid mechanism. A simulation verification was performed, and a ripple-trajectory-following experiment was conducted using real objects. The simulation and experimental results showed that the welding robot had a reasonable mechanism design, smooth motion, and good terminal distance and angle control, thus meeting the requirements for automatic welding of corrugated plates in membrane tanks.
Evaluation of Temperature as a Critical Factor in COVID-19 Transmission in Nigeria
Authors: Jacobs Ezekiel Damilare
Published: January 2022

Background

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which caused about 80,000 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidences during its first wave in Nigeria is an enveloped virus, with infective properties that make it susceptible to inactivation, upon exposure to harsh conditions, including temperature. Moreover, temperature has been reported to influence the spread and viability of most known human coronaviruses. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of temperature variables on the transmission of COVID-19 in Nigeria during its first wave in the country.
Methods

Daily COVID-19 incidences for 300 days of the virus presence in Nigeria were obtained from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and used in the estimation of the instantaneous reproduction number (R). In this study, R was used to determine COVID-19 transmissibility, while the daily incidences reflected the spread rate of the virus in Nigeria. Meteorological data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and World Bank Climate Projection Data, were matched with each of R and COVID-19 incidences, to determine the correlation between them, using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rs) test.
Results

R estimation of 1.4 reflects the prevailing transmissibility of COVID-19 in Nigeria. No significant and positive relationship was observed between COVID-19 incidences and temperature variables. However, Minimum temperature (℃) showed strongest association with R (rs = 0.9273; p = 0.001).
Conclusion

The strong relationship observed between R and minimum temperature, suggests that temperature could be a driver modulating the transmission routes of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
The Influence of the National Health Insurance on Access and Catastrophic Health Expenditures for Patients with Chronic Renal Disease; and the Possibility of Integrating Organ Transplantation in Laos' Health Financing System.
Authors: Bodhisane SOMDETH , Pongpanich Sathirakorn
Published: January 2022

Laos has difficulties in accessing and obtaining proper health services compared to more developed countries, due to the availability of health facilities and health financing programs. Hemodialysis (HD) is currently under the coverage of the National Health Insurance (NHI). However, there are several technical barriers related to health service utilization. This study aims to carefully analyze the role of Laos' National Health Insurance on issues of accessibility and the possibility of encountering catastrophic health expenditures for chronic kidney disease patients. In addition, this study is also willing to provide policy recommendations for policymakers in offering organ transplantation under NHI in the future. The Savannakhet Province is purposively selected as a study site, where 342 respondents participated in the study. Two logistic regression models have been used to assess the effectiveness of the NHI in terms of accessibility and financial protection against catastrophic health expenditures. This research applies the Anderson Behavioral Model as a guideline to factors that affect accessibility and economic catastrophe. NHI improves accessibility to health service utilization for a household with chronic kidney disease. However, due to the limited hemodialysis services, there is a barrier to accessing health services and financial hardship due to non-medical expenditures. Chronic conditions, in addition to kidney issues, dramatically increase the chances of suffering catastrophic health expenditures. In the short run, NHI's policymakers are highly recommended to collaborate with neighboring countries' hospitals through copayment programs. For long-term policy guidelines, the government should move forward to include kidney transplants in the NHI's healthcare system
Changes in Nutritional Behaviours During the COVID-19 Lockdown and the Impact on the Potential Inflammatory Effects of Diet.
Authors: López María del Pilar Montero , Urda Ana Isabel Mora , Almena Francisco Javier Martin , Martínez Oscar Geovanny Enríquez
Published: January 2022

Background: This cross-sectional study compares eating behaviours before and during the COVID-19 lockdown that was decreed in Spain on March 14, 2020. Methods: The sample was made up of 1,177 people aged 18 years or older who responded during the month of June to a questionnaire designed in Google Forms. Information was collected on the frequency of food consumption before and during lockdown. A dietary inflammatory index (DII) was created with positive or negative values ​​depending on the inflammatory potential of different foods, vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, meat, fish, eggs, yogurt, milk, cheese, industrial pastries, salty snacks, fast food, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The scores from before and during confinement were compared. Results: Most of the people in the sample maintained their eating pattern during lockdown. Among those who changed, the majority increased their consumption of healthy foods, which resulted in a decrease in the inflammatory potential of the diet; this was particularly the case in men. Conclusions: The improvement in the quality of the diet contributed to a significant decrease in DII during confinement, especially in men.
Influence of topography on the asymmetry of rill cross-section: A case in the Yuanmou dry-hot valley
Authors: Gu Xingli , Luo Jun , Zhang Bin , Wang Lei , Wu Qiangjianzhong
Published: January 2022

Rill erosion is one of the most common modes of erosion, and the development conditions of the cross-sections asymmetric characteristics are still uncertain. To study the relationship between rill topography and rill cross-sectional asymmetry, we used the measuring needle board method to measure 712 groups of rill cross-section in the Yuanmou dry-hot valley area. Using correlation analysis and principal component analysis to investigate the topographical conditions of rill development, the results show that: (1) Asymmetry is main feature in rill cross-sections, and 53% of rill cross-sections are right-biased, and 47% of them are left-biased. (2) There is a significant positive correlation between the slope difference and the rill cross-section asymmetry ratio (P<0.01). The asymmetry ratio increases as the slope difference on both sides (B) increases, and the directionality of the asymmetry ratio is affected by B . The difference between the catchment areas on both sides has a significant linear correlation with the asymmetry ratio of width (r=0.07, P<0.05). (3) 7 topographic factors are divided into two types of principal components: The first represents the rill slope surface shape and rill shape, including the rill length, rill slope length, rill head catchment area, and the four rill bending coefficient factors; the second principal component represents the difference between the two sides of the rill, including the difference in slope from side to side, the difference between the catchment areas on both sides and the location of turning angle of the rill.
A comparison between different methods to fill gaps in early precipitation series
Authors: Camuffo Dario , Becherini Francesca , Valle Antonio della , Zanini Valeria
Published: January 2022

The aim of this work is to analyse and compare different methodologies to fill gaps in historical precipitation series, and to evaluate which time resolution is reachable, i.e. monthly or daily one. The following methods are applied and tested to fill the 1764-1767 gap in the precipitation series of Padua: (i) using a relationship between monthly amounts and frequencies; (ii) transforming a daily log with visual observations into numerical values through analysis, classification, and calibration; (iii) substituting the missing values with an instrumental record from a nearby, contemporary station in the same climatic area. To apply the second method, the descriptions reported in the Morgagni Logs are grouped in 37 classes and transformed into numerical values, using for calibration the observed amounts in the Poleni record over the 24-year common period. As a third method, the series of Temanza and Pollaroli in Venice is used to fill the gap, and the application of a factor scale based on the ratio Padua/Venice tempted. The results of these three methods are discussed and commented.
Identifying Suitable Areas for Common Bottlenose Dolphins in Anthropized Waters
Authors: Maricato Guilherme , Tardin Rodrigo , Lodi Liliane , Wedekin Leonardo L. , Daura-Jorge Fábio G. , Maciel Israel , Maria Tatiana F. , Alves Maria Alice S.
Published: January 2022

Understanding the processes that determine the occurrence of species, especially for those exposed to human activities, is the key to appropriate management. Despite Tursiops truncatus being well-studied worldwide, information about transient groups of this common bottlenose dolphins and how groups are exposed to human activities is lacking. Here, we modelled and mapped how the environment and human activities drives bottlenose dolphin habitat suitability, and residence patterns in an anthropized area of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. We ran 300 distribution models, including six algorithms, and generated an ensemble model to predict the habitat suitability of the species. In parallel, we used photo-identification techniques to evaluate dolphins' degree of residence pattern. Primary productivity, seabed slope and port activities explained dolphins’ habitat suitability. The most suitable areas for bottlenose dolphins included coastal waters, nearby port complexes and shipping routes. We also identified a low degree of residence in Cabo Frio and Rio de Janeiro city waters, but calves were constantly sighted there, indicating an important area for caring and nursing. The high overlap between the dolphins’ most suitable areas and human activities, such as ports, vessel traffic and fisheries spots, plus the presence of calves in these areas, highlights the need for safeguard measurements to protect these animals from threats. In addition, our results may be used to support management decisions, such as fisheries regulations and the creation of new marine protected areas to conserve critical habitats of this species.
Numerical Study of BaZrS3 Based Chalcogenide Perovskite Solar Cell Using SCAPS-1D Device Simulation
Authors: Chawki Najwa , Rouchdi Mustapha , Fares Boubker
Published: January 2022

Chalcogenide perovskites are prototypical absorber materials based solar cells, they could solve both: the stability and toxicity issues existing in conventional perovskites. A device simulation of BaZrS3 as a potential absorbing material (high chemical stability, direct band gap and a strong light absorption coefficient) based chalcogenide perovskite solar cells is performed by using the one dimensional Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS)-1D software. Parameters like (thickness, doping concentration, defect density of the absorber and interfaces, temperature) are varied in order to inspect their impact on device performance. For this study, a performed architecture has been proposed: FTO (Fluorine doped Tin Oxide)/TiO2 (ETL; Electron Transport Layer)/BaZrS3 (Absorber)/Spiro-OMeTAD (HTL; Hole Transport Layer)/Au (metal back contact). To enhance the solar cell efficiency, an optimization of these key parameters is investigated. Our simulation results in optimized thickness and doping density (NA, ND) of (80 nm; 1×1019 cm-3), (10 nm; 8×1019 cm-3), (850 nm; 1×1020 cm-3) and (60 nm; 9×1019 cm-3) for FTO, TiO2, BaZrS3 and Spiro-OMeTAD materials respectively, with a global illumination spectrum AM1.5 and 440 K as an optimum operation temperature, are found to be: PCE (maximum Power Conversion Efficiency) of 17.29%, FF (fill factor) of 86.26%, Voc (Open Circuit Voltage) of 1.2124 V and Jsc (Short Circuit current density) of 16.5363 mA/cm2.
Association Analysis of Persistent Cytopenia With Efficacy and Side Effects of Anti-CD19 CAR T Therapy in Relapsed/refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients.
Authors: Lin Xuemei , Liu Meijing , Cui Rui , Lyu Cuicui , Wang Jia , Li Qing , Mou Nan , Deng Qi
Published: January 2022

Background: Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been an effective salvage therapy for relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Hematological toxicity is one of the adverse events (AEs) of this therapy. But the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism of persistent cytopenia is unclear. The association of persistent cytopenia with the efficacy and side effects of anti-CD19-CAR T cell therapy should be concerned about.Patients and methods: In this work, 38 R/R DLBCL patients were enrolled in clinical trial of anti-CD19-CAR T-cell therapy. Before CAR T-cell therapy, all the patients received lymphodepleting chemotherapy with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide. The degree and duration of cytopenia, clinical response, proportions of CAR T-cells and levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), AEs and follow up were observed following the anti-CD19-CAR T-cell therapy.Results: The 3-4 grade of persistent cytopenia occurred in 14 R/R DLBCL patients (more than 8 weeks after CAR-T cell infusion) and recovered at 8-18 weeks after CAR-T cell infusion. All these 14 patients achieved objective response rate (ORR) in their anti-CD19-CAR T cell therapy. In the 26 patients obtained ORR, the incidence of 3-4 grade of persistent cytopenia was higher in patients with high tumor load than that of patients without high tumor load. The mean peak of IL-6 and anti-CD19-CAR T cells, the grade of CRS in patients with 3-4 grade of persistent cytopenia were higher than that of patients without such persistent cytopenia. Most patients whose anti-CD19-CAR T cells could be observed at 21 and 28 days after infusion were associated with 3-4 grade of persistent cytopenia. The PFS and OS were higher in patients with 3-4 grade of persistent cytopenia.Conclusion: All the R/R DLBCL patients who occurred 3-4 grade of persistent cytopenia after anti-CD19-CAR T cell therapy achieved ORR in this therapy. The 3-4 grade of persistent cytopenia was associated with high tumor load, higher peaks of IL-6 and anti-CD19-CAR T cells, higher grades of CRS, the higher PFS and OS. Our study is helpful in predicting efficacy and severe hematologic side effects of anti-CD19-CAR T-cell therapy in R/R DLBCL patients.Trial registration: The study was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx as ChiCTR-ONN-16009862 and http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx as ChiCTR1800019622.
The effect of trastuzumab on taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy in women with breast cancer: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Patel Ruchit , Lyne-Ethier Josee , Brogly Susan , Griffiths Rebecca , Hendry J. Michael
Published: January 2022

Background: Recent pre-clinical evidence suggests a protective role of trastuzumab following nerve injury. Therefore, a population-based database study was utilized to examine whether trastuzumab can prevent taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN). Methods: We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of trastuzumab. The population-level cohort for this study included all incident cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Ontario from January 1, 2007-December 31, 2017 in patients aged ≥ 66 years who received taxane (paclitaxel or docetaxel) chemotherapy. There were no restrictions on specific paclitaxel or docetaxel regimens. Two years of follow-up data were available for all patients. The primary outcome was incident neuropathic pain which was measured by the number of new prescriptions commonly used as first-line treatments for neuropathic pain. The secondary outcome was healthcare utilization related to peripheral neuropathy. Healthcare utilization was characterized as outpatient visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations.Results: We included 3905 patients (> 66 years old) with stage I-III breast cancer treated with taxane-containing chemotherapy (paclitaxel/docetaxel) regimens between 2007-2017. 74% patients received taxane-based chemotherapy alone, while 26% received taxane-based chemotherapy plus trastuzumab. Only 4% of patients received treatment for TIPN for more than 6 months. The incidence of neuropathic pain medication prescription was lower in the paclitaxel plus trastuzumab group when compared to the paclitaxel only group (15.1% vs 20.5%, p=0.026). There was no difference in the proportion of patients who needed emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or outpatient visits for neuropathy symptoms between the two groups.Conclusions: These findings provide a real-world estimate of clinically significant TIPN and evidence of a small protective effect conferred by trastuzumab against these symptoms.
Territorial inequalities in children under five avoidable mortality in Colombia between 2000 and 2019: A multilevel approach
Authors: Rojas-Botero Maylen Liseth , Fernández-Niño Julián Alfredo , Borrero-Ramírez Yadira Eugenia
Published: January 2022

Aim: to evaluate territorial inequalities in children under five avoidable mortality in Colombia between 2000 and 2019.Methods: We conducted an ecological, longitudinal, multi-group study using secondary information sources. Due to the hierarchical structure of the data, we estimated the effect of territorial characteristics on the count of avoidable deaths in children under-five years using a three-level negative binomial regression model with a random intercept by the municipality and fixed intercepts by time and departments.Results: We found ecological relationships between children under five avoidable mortality and the proportion of adolescent births, female illiteracy, and municipality multidimensional poverty. Furthermore, the multidimensional poverty was a confounding factor for the association between the proportion of the population living in rural areas and avoidable child mortality.Conclusions: We observed systematic and avoidable gaps in children under-five mortality in Colombia, where the territory-population binomial and the socially constructed space constitute an axis of inequality, not only the physical place itself. Implementing strategies and programs that contribute to improving the conditions of women and socioeconomic conditions in the territories should be a priority, especially, where rural population is high.
A Complete Inventory of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Biosynthesis Pathway Enzymes in the Miniaturized Cyprinid Paedocypris Micromegethes
Authors: Sam Ka-Kei , Lau Nyok-Sean , Kuah Meng-Kiat , Lading Engkamat anak , Shu-Chien Alexander Chong
Published: January 2022

The capacity for long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) biosynthesis activity in a species depends on the enzymatic activities of fatty acyl desaturase (Fads) and elongation of very long-chain fatty acid (Elovl). The miniaturized fish Paedocypris micromegethes is a developmentally truncated cyprinid living in highly acidic water conditions in tropical peat swamps. The capacity for LC-PUFA biosynthesis in this species, which has a reduced genome size, is unknown. A high-quality de novo transcriptome assembly enabled the identification of a putative Fads2 and four Elovl. The Fads2 was verified as a P. micromegethes Fads2 ortholog with in vitro Δ5 and Δ6 activities. The Elovl sequences were established as an Elovl5, Elovl2, and two Elovl4 paralogs, namely Elovl4a and Elovl4b. These Elovl enzymes, mainly Elovl5 and Elovl2, fulfill the necessary C18, C20, and C22 PUFA elongation steps for LC-PUFA biosynthesis. Collectively, these results validate the presence of a complete repertoire of LC-PUFA biosynthesis enzymes in a tropical miniatured freshwater fish.
Short Term Clinical Outcomes of Intracranial Pressure Monitor Placement in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Foote Christopher Wayne , Doan Xuan-Lan , Guice Jordan , Cruz Bianca , Vanier Cheryl , Betancourt Alejandro , Palacio Carlos H.
Published: January 2022

Background : Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring has been recommended as a guiding tool for ICP treatment; however, data suggests invasive ICP monitoring had no better outcomes than those patients without it. We hypothesized that there is no difference in short term outcomes in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) who received invasive ICP monitoring compared to those who did not.

Methods : The trauma registry of a community Level II trauma center was queried from January 2015 to June 2020. Patients with severe TBI identified as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤8 upon admission with an abnormal computed tomography (CT) scan, and those meeting Brain Injury Guideline (BIG) 3 (severe) were included. The data was analyzed in a logistic regression model to predict mortality, and a linear model to predict (log-transformed) hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS). Analyses were done in Rv4.0.2software.

Results : A total of 7,787 trauma patients were admitted during the study period, 592 were found to have GCS≤8 and of those, 118 met inclusion criteria. Forty-seven percent (n=55) received invasive ICP monitoring and 53 percent (n=63) did not. The majority (n=78, 66%) of patients were male. Median age was 35 for the ICP monitored group and 54 for the group with no ICP monitoring. The median GCS was 3 (IQR= 3,6) and the median ISS was 25 (IQR=17,26 or 27) for both groups. The ICU LOS was 5.3 days and hospital LOS 6.2 days longer for patients with ICP monitor compared to those without ICP monitor (p=0.001). The mortality rate of patients who received an ICP monitor was 19 in 55 (35%) compared to 27 of 63 (42%) for those who did not (p=0.84).

Conclusions : Patients with severe traumatic brain injury who received invasive ICP monitors had an increased ICU and hospital length of stay and no mortality difference when compared to those who did not. The use of an ICP monitor did not improve outcomes in this population of severe TBI patients, particularly for those who did not require neurosurgery.

Level of Evidence: Level IV
Glycoproteomics revealed novel N-glycosylation biomarkers for early diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma cancers
Authors: Fang Kai , Long Qin , Liao Zhonghua , Zhang Chaoyu , Jiang Zhiqiang
Published: January 2022

Circulating biomarkers play important roles in diagnosis of malignant tumors. N-glycosylation is an important post-translation patter and obviously affect biological behaviors of malignant tumor cells. However, the role of N-glycosylation sites in early diagnosis of tumors still remains further investigation. In this study, plasma from 20 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which were all classified as stage I, as well as 20 normal controls (NL) were labeled and screened by mass spectrometry (MS). Total 39 differential N-glycosylation sites were detected in LUAD, 17 were up-regulated and 22 were down-regulated. In all differential sites, ITGB3-680 showed highest potential in LUAD which showed 99.2% AUC, 95.0% SP and 95.0% SN. Besides, APOB-1523 (AUC: 89.0%, SP: 95.0%, SN: 70.0%), APOB-2982 (AUC: 86.8%, SP: 95.0%, SN: 45.0%) and LPAL2-101 (AUC: 81.1%, SP: 95.0%, SN: 47.4%) also acted as candidate biomarkers in LUAD. Combination analysis was then performed by random forest model, all samples were divided into training group (16 cases) and testing group (4 cases) and conducted by feature selection, machine learning, integrated model of classifier and model evaluation. And the results indicated that combination of differential sites could reach 100% AUC in both training and testing group. Taken together, our study revealed multiple N-glycosylation sites which could be applied as candidate biomarkers for early diagnosis diagnosis of LUAD.