bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gradient multi-layer ceramic fiber aerogel: Fabrication, anti-oxidation and thermal insulation
Authors: Zhong Yong , Li Hongyan , Liu Hongli , Liao Xiaolan , Wei Dongqing , Zhang Baolian , Lu Le
Published: October 2022

Aerogel is widely used in the field of thermal insulation. However, they exhibit brittleness and a dramatic increase in radiative heat transfer and effective thermal conductivity at high temperatures. Fiber composite aerogel achieved great progress, but the homogeneous structure hardly allowed heat convection, heat conduction, and heat radiation to be controlled simultaneously. In this paper, inspired by bamboo's multilayer and gradient structure, SiC fiber was prepared by electrostatic spinning, and TaSi2 and WSi2 particles were loaded on the fiber. Subsequently, SiC fiber was infiltrated by SiBCN ceramic precursors and then pyrolyzed to obtain gradient multilayer SiC/SiBCN ceramic fiber aerogel. The dense surface fiber reduced radiation heat transfer, and the porous structure of the aerogel decreased heat conduction and heat convection. The antioxidant particles improved the ceramic fiber aerogel's high-temperature oxidation resistance and thermal stability. The morphological structure, chemical composition, and thermal conductivity of ceramic fiber aerogel were characterized. The results showed that the gradient multilayer ceramic fiber aerogel had the comprehensive properties of ultra-low thermal conductivity, excellent infrared radiation shielding, and anti-oxidation performance. This study is expected to provide new ideas for constructing high-temperature thermal insulation ceramic aerogel.
Economic benefits of reduced deforestation are offset by excess deforestation – a counterfactual simulation
Authors: Knoke Thomas , Hanley Nick , Paul Carola
Published: October 2022

Assessment of the effectiveness of policies to preserve natural forests and the eco-nomic benefits we derive from them is of high international relevance. Here we use a counterfactual simulation approach to compare observed and expected deforesta-tion for Brazil, DR Congo and Indonesia. We reveal changes in the social costs of carbon (SCC), which coincide with command-and-control policies, climate anoma-lies, armed conflicts and pre-election promises. Our simulation of counterfactual country-level deforestation assumes that farmers seek satisfactory land-use profits. The approach integrates market data (1990-2019), but also accounts for heteroge-neous expectations. Phases with reduced deforestation saved 11% to 26% of SCC, while phases with excess deforestation caused 6% to 28% more SCC. In sum, a comparison with counterfactual deforestation levels showed forest savings of 11.1 million hectares (11% of the expected deforestation 2001-2019), but also excess deforestation of 11.3 million hectares. Our results confirm ongoing disastrously high SCC of forest losses.
Living Ethics: a stance and its implications in health ethics
Authors: Racine Eric , Ji Sophie , Badro Valérie , Bogossian Aline , Bourque Claude Julie , Bouthillier Marie-Ève , Chenel Vanessa , Dallaire Clara , Doucet Hubert , Favron-Godbout Caroline , Fortin Marie-Chantal , Ganache Isabelle , Guernon Anne-Sophie , Montreuil Marjorie , Olivier Catherine , Quintal Ariane , Senghor Abdou Simon , Stanton-Jean Michèle , Martineau Joé T. , Talbot Andréanne , Tremblay Nathalie
Published: October 2022

Background
Moral questions are vital questions because they concern what is esteemed to be the best action, the best choice and, ultimately, the best life to live. Health ethics which aims to address these moral questions has contributed to moving ethics toward more experience-based and user-oriented ethics theory and methodology. Despite this, current approaches remain an incomplete lever for human development and flourishing. This context led us to imagine and develop the stance of a “living ethics”, a radically participatory and situated form of ethics which we describe in this inaugural collective and programmatic paper.
Methods
We followed a participatory discussion and writing process known as instrumentalist concept analysis. Initial informal local consultations were undertaken about pragmatic ethics, and from these conversations emerged the current project. An exploratory literature review was undertaken, and a diverse working group of 21 co-authors was assembled. The working group held a total of 8 workshop-like meetings supported by prior reading and iterative revision of a shared draft document accessible through an online platform. Meetings were video-recorded and transcribed to support this process. Four subgroups were created to further the working group’s reflections in specific domains of health ethics.
Results
In its first sense, a living ethics designates a form of ethics attentive to human experience and the role played by morality in human existence. In its second sense, a living ethics represents an ongoing effort to interrogate and scrutinize our moral experiences to promote the engagement of both individuals and communities in envisioning and enacting scenarios which correspond to their flourishing as authentic ethical agents. Living ethics bears specific theoretical, methodological, and practical implications in various areas of health ethics activity such as clinical and organizational ethics, health policy and public health, health ethics research, and learning and teaching health ethics.
Conclusions
Living ethics encourages meaningful participation of stakeholders and reflects a commitment to the existential nature of moral affairs. Looking forward, there is a need for ongoing dialogue about the nature of living ethics and the methodological practices coherent with this orientation. We hope to build on this idea to initiate collaborative projects locally and internationally.
Measurement properties of 72 movement biomarkers aiming to discriminate non‑specific chronic low back pain patients from an asymptomatic population
Authors: Moissenet Florent , Armand Stéphane , Genevay Stéphane
Published: October 2022

The identification of relevant and valid biomarkers to distinguish patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) from an asymptomatic population in terms of musculoskeletal factors could contribute to patient follow-up and to evaluate therapeutic strategies. Several parameters related to movement impairments have been proposed in the literature in that respect. However, most of them were assessed in only one study, and only 8% were evaluated in terms of reliability, validity and interpretability. The aim of this study was to consolidate the current knowledge about movement biomarkers to discriminate NSCLBP patients from an asymptomatic population. For that, an experimental protocol was established to assess the reliability, validity and interpretability of a set of 72 movement biomarkers on 30 asymptomatic participants and 30 NSCLBP patients. Correlations between the biomarkers and common patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were also analysed. Four biomarkers reached at least a good level in reliability (ICC ≥ 0.75) and validity (significant difference between asymptomatic participants and NSCLBP patients, p ≤ 0.01) domains and could thus be possibly considered as valuable biomarkers. These biomarkers are all related to the lumbar sagittal angle during trunk forward bending task. They are in general weakly correlated with patient reported outcome measures, arguing for a potential interest in including related musculoskeletal factors in the establishment of a valuable diagnosis and in guiding treatment response.
Levulinic acid production from lignocellulosic biomass using lignin-catalyst
Authors: Santos Miquéias Gomes dos , Fogarin Henrique Maziero , Silva Débora Danielle Virginio da , Dussan Kelly Johana
Published: October 2022

Purpose
This work developed a new solid carbonaceous acid catalyst on lignin-based and used it to convert cellulose into levulinic acid (LA), resorting a mixture of straw and sugarcane bagasse (1:1 ratio) as reagent and catalyst.
Methods
Pretreated straw and sugarcane bagasse in dry block reactors. The solid/liquid ratio for all tests was 1:20 at 110°C. Used a 22 rotational central composite design to optimize cellulose extraction and lignin precipitation, cellulose extraction: varying NaOH concentration (0.2 to 5% w/v) and reaction time (3 to 117 min), and lignin precipitation: testing different pH values (3 to 10) and residence time (6 to 69 min). Synthesized the catalysts through an incomplete lignin carbonization followed by sulfonation. Cellulosic pulp was treated with the catalyst at 140°C (1:8 solid/liquid ratio).
Results
Under reaction conditions of 110°C, 117 min, solid/NaOH (4.4% w/v) and 1:20 ratio, more than 91% of the lignin dissolved into the black liquor, recovering a solid with a cellulose content higher than 78%. Furthermore, lignin was fully recovered as precipitate by reducing the black liquor pH to 3 (11 g of recovered precipitate/liter of liquor) and used to synthesize a 7.3 mmol/g total acid site density catalyst, which converted the cellulose up to 17.11% and obtained LA yields of up to 38.55%, when applied an 8:10 catalyst/cellulose ratio (w/w).
Conclusion
The proposed process has the potential to enable the inclusion of LA among the by-products of the national sugar-energy sector, increasing its competitive potential.
Treatment with quercetin increases Nrf2 expression and neuronal differentiation of SVZ-derived NPSCs.
Authors: Ebrahimi Ali , parivar kazem , Roodbari Nasim Hayati , Eidi Akram
Published: October 2022

The presence of neural precursor stem cells (NPSCs) in some parts of the adult brain has been proven in recent years, and it has opened up a new approach for the treatment and recovery of the defects and diseases associated with the central nervous system (CNS). Besides, the potency of these types of cells with a therapeutic viewpoint is another beneficial facet of the application of NPSCs in cell biology. Quercetin, as an herbal flavonoid, has been extensively investigated and shown to have numerous restoratives, inhibitory, and protective effects on some cell-lines and disorders. In this research, we aimed to investigate the impact of quercetin, on expression of Nrf2 gene as one of the antioxidant pathway and proliferation and differentiation of NSCs derived from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the adult brains of rats. The brains of adult rats were dissected, and the two SVZs of the brain of each animal were removed. The obtained cell suspension was cultured for one week to achieve neurospheres. When the cells reached, quercetin was treated with the cultured cells at the concentrations of 1, 5, and 15 µM to evaluate the impact of this substance on the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs after one week. Cell identification was performed by RT- PCR, survival test with MTT assay, quantification of images with Image-J and cells were counted. The results indicated that the quercetin increases expression of Nrf2 at concentration above 5 µM. Also differentiation and proliferation rate of NSCs is affected by various concentrations of quercetin in a dose-dependent manner so that 1µM quercetin had the least, and 15 µM quercetin showed the most effects on cell differentiation. However, 1 µM quercetin exhibited no significant cell toxicity, but the most antiproliferative potential showed when treated with 15 µM concentration quercetin. These findings confirm previous information on the dose-dependent effect of quercetin on proliferation and differentiation of cell.
VOCs concentration, SOA formation contribution and festival effects during heavy haze event: a case study in Zhengzhou, Central China
Authors: Guo Jiahua , Xu Qixiang , Yu Shijie , Zhao Bingnan , Zhang Meng
Published: October 2022

In this study, online ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were collected at an urban site of Zhengzhou in Central China during February 2018. The VOCs characteristics, source contributions and the Chinese New Year (CNY) effects have been investigated. During the sampling period, three haze periods have been identified, with the corresponding VOCs concentrations of 92 ppbv, 62 ppbv and 83 ppbv; in contrast, the concentration during non-haze days was found to be 57 ppbv. In addition, the festival effects of the Chinese New Year (CNY) were investigated, and the concentration of particulate matter precursor decreased significantly. Meanwhile, firework displaying events were identified, by the emission intensity had been greatly changed. Both potential source contribution function (PSCF) and the concentration weighted trajectory (CWT) models results indicated that short-distance transportation was the main influencing factor of the local VOCs pollution, especially by transport from the northeast. Source contributions results by the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model showed that vehicle exhaust (24%), liquid petroleum gas and natural gas (LPG/NG, 23%), coal combustion (21%), industrial processes (16%), and solvent usages (16%) were the major sources of ambient VOCs. Although industry and solvents have low contribution to the total VOCs, their SOA contribution were found to be relatively high, especially in haze-1 and haze-3 periods. The haze-2 period had the lowest SOAp during the sampling period, this is mainly caused by to the reduction of industrial and solvent emission due to CNY.
Information Use, Seeking Behaviors, and Barriers to Evidence-Based Information at a Large UK Teaching Hospital
Authors: Lagojda Lukasz , O'Connell Bridget , Brown Anna , Dekker Natasha S. den
Published: October 2022

Objective
Understanding whether clinicians use evidence-based information and if their information-seeking behaviours allow for retrieval of creditable information is key for clinical library service to develop a strategic action plan in supporting clinicians in utilising evidence in practice. This study explores the information use and the factors affecting access to evidence-based information amongst clinicians at an acute teaching hospital.
Methods
An anonymous online survey was distributed to all staff via SurveyMonkey®. Data were curated in Microsoft Excel and managed using SPSS v26. Graphs were generated using GraphPad PRIMS software.
Results
Ninety-three per cent of clinicians used EBI in practice, primarily for patient care and education. Clinicians employed a range of seeking behaviours to retrieve EBI, which change based on how often EBI was needed. The barriers to EBI varied between clinical professions but ‘time’ was the most consistent factor. The belief of evidence-based practice (EBP) being not part of the job role was the overwhelming factor for not using EBI.
Conclusions
Our findings are consistent with previous reports describing significant impact of time and access to IT resources on whether search for evidence-based information. This study allowed us to design a strategy aimed at clinicians to provide support in utilising evidence-based knowledge
Evidence of Sulfuric-acid Emitted from the Underground Coal-fire at Wuda of the Inner Mongolia of North China
Authors: Gao Xiulong , Wang Jing , Tie Cai , Liang Yanci , Liang Handong
Published: October 2022

The emission of pollutants from the continuous spontaneous combustion of coal seams and coal gangue may leads to serious destruction of the global environment and ecology in the 21st century. The persistent coal fire in the Wuda coalfield in Inner Mongolia, China is a typical coal fire in north China, and it attracts global attention. In this paper, Coal fire sponge (CFS) samples were collected from the Wuda coalfield and tested in the laboratory. The results show extremely low pH value (0.30 ~ 0.96, n = 33) and extremely high sulfate concentration (125 ~ 427mg/g, n = 33). It is confirmed that 90% of the sulfate exists in the form of sulfuric acid according to further analysis. This fact reveals that the emission of sulfur from spontaneous combustion of coal and coal gangue is mainly in the form of sulfuric acid (H2SO4·nH2O), which comes from conversion of sulfur in coal and coal gangue, and the accompanying emission of sulfur dioxide is secondary. Glauber's salt condensate, which is common in exposed rock cracks and voids in the Wuda coalfield, further indicates that at least in this coalfield, the spontaneous combustion of underground coal seams and coal gangue will inevitably emit sulfuric acid into the atmosphere. The strong water absorption of sulfuric acid droplets and the resulting condensation and nucleation in the atmosphere are the key factors leading to regional haze events and global climate radiation suppression. Anyway, this work reveals an important and unknown source of sulfuric acid emissions, and it is likely to be another way for coal fires to affect and endanger the global environment and ecology.
Characterization and Fine Mapping of a White Stripe Leaf Mutant in Rice
Authors: Hu Binhua , He zhiyuan , Xiang Xiaoli , Li Hui , Du Anping , Wang Minxia , Bai Yulu , Wang Lanying , Zhang Cong , Wang Ping , Pu Zhigang
Published: October 2022

Leaf color affects the efficiency of photosynthesis, and leaf color mutants are important genetic materials for studying the mechanisms of photosynthesis, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and chloroplast development in rice. In this study, a white-striped leaf mutant, wst1, was obtained from the mutant population of the indica restorer line ‘Chuanhui 907’ (R907) when treated by 60Co-γ radiation. Compared to the wild-type, the wst1 mutant showed normal leaf color before tillering and white stripes on the leaf and leaf sheaths after tillering. The chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were significantly reduced, and the thylakoids of chloroplasts developed abnormalities in wst1 plants in the tillering stage. The results of agronomic trait analysis showed that the number of effective panicles, plant height, seed setting rate, and 1000-grain weight of the wst1 mutant were significantly lower than those of the wild-type. Genetic analysis revealed that the phenotype of the wst1 mutant is controlled by a pair of recessive nuclear genes. The candidate gene was mapped to a 72 kb region between the InDel markers M6 and M12 on the short arm of chromosome 1 using molecular marker linkage analysis. Candidate genes were sequenced on the interval, and a G base was replaced by A at the 6972nd position on the 16th exon of LOC_Os01g01920, which encoded a previously reported protein containing the HD domain, WSF3/WFSL1, leading to alternative splicing, causing a 104 bp deletion in the coding region, and resulting in mistranslation after the 490 amino acid of the encoded protein translation in wst1. RT-qPCR analysis showed that the expression levels of most genes related to chlorophyll synthesis and chloroplast development were significantly altered in wst1 plants. Our study identified a novel allele of wsf3 and wfsl1 mutant and provided a new genetic resource and theoretical basis for further understanding of the molecular mechanism of WST1 gene regulation of white-striped leaves in rice.
Psyche: The 5th “P” and its Impact on the Second Stage of Labor
Authors: Gimovsky Alexis , Rasiah Stephen , Vergara-Lopez Chrystal , Has Phinnara , Ayala Nina , Stroud Laura
Published: October 2022

Purpose
The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of maternal preconception and antenatal depressive disorders on the duration of the second stage of labor and subsequent perinatal outcomes.
Methods
This is retrospective study of patients who reached the second stage of labor. Patients with a non-anomalous, singleton gestation in cephalic presentation were included. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: pre-conception only major depressive disorder (MDD), prenatal major depressive disorder, and non-depressed controls. The primary outcome was prolonged second stage of labor. Secondary outcomes included maternal and neonatal morbidities.
Results
172 patients were included. 24.4% (42/172) participants had preconception-only MDD, 42.4% (73/172) patients were categorized as having prenatal MDD, and 33.1% (57/172) patients were categorized as non-depressed controls. The second stage was prolonged in 13.8% (4/29) of the preconception MDD group, 8.3% (4/48) of the prenatal MDD group, and 10.0% (4/40) of the control group (p = 0.69). The adjusted pair-wise analysis between groups showed no significant difference in the duration of the second stage. There were significantly more cesarean births due to arrest of descent in the control group and prenatal MDD group compared to the pre-conception MDD group. No statistically significant differences were noted between the groups for adverse neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion
Maternal depressive disorders did not impact length of the second stage of labor or immediate perinatal outcomes in this cohort. However, further studies are needed to determine whether maternal depression impacts other perinatal outcomes related to the second stage of labor.
Graphene Family in the Acute Treatment of Migraine: Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Rezvantalab Sima , Imanpour Aylar
Published: October 2022

At present, the FDA approved some drugs for treating migraines such as Ubrogepant and Rimegepant by targeting the calcitonin-gene-related peptide receptor (CGRPR). Although nanomaterials have been recognized as useful as drug carriers or therapeutics for other diseases, there are few studies on migraine. Here, we study the graphene nanosheets with various functional groups including –COOH, -NH2, –COOH-NH2, -OH, and O interacting with calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) in combination with receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP1). This study uses molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the interaction between CLR/RAMP1 and graphene-family planar nanosheets: Gr, Gr-COOH, Gr-NH2, Gr-OH, Gr-O, and Gr-COOH&-NH2. The Ubrogepant was used to validate the results and comparison of the Gr-family performance. The MD simulation data revealed that Gr, Gr-OH, and Gr-COOH interacted with CLR/RAMP1 more intensely, due to changes in electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, the binding affinity of the nanosheets, as well as Ubrogepant toward the protein, have been calculated using docking. Docking analysis with both CLR fragment and CLR/RAMP1revealed similar trends in the interactions where Gr-OH has the strongest affinity in binding to the neuropeptide. Altogether, our study shows that three candidates; Gr-OH > Gr-COOH > pristine Gr can inhibit CGRPR binding by disrupting the protein’s structure. Significantly, the Gr-family outperformed Ubrogepant as an indicator of its potential anti-migraine applications. The results of this study provide detailed and reliable theoretical guidance for using the graphene family in treating migraine and can assist in the further development of new graphene-based materials.
Deficiency of LncRNA-CIRBIL promotes J-wave syndrome by enhancing transmural heterogeneity of Ito current
Authors: Jin Xuexin , Ma Wenbo , Zhang Yang , Gao Haiyu , Yin Dechun , Song Jiahui , Li Desheng , Shi Ling , Li Jialiang , Ma Jiudong , Zhang Lingmin , Shan Hongli , Lu Yanjie , Li Yue , Yang Baofeng , Pan Zhenwei
Published: October 2022

Transmural heterogeneity of Ito current is a major cause of J-wave syndrome (JWS), while the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. The present study aims to explore the influence of Cardiac Injury-Related Bclaf1-Interacting LncRNA (lncCIRBIL) on cardiac J-wave syndrome and to delineate the molecular mechanisms. The plasma level of lncCIRBIL was reduced in JWS patients and cold-induced JWS mice. Knockout of lncCIRBIL increased the frequency of J-wave and the susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia in mice. The transmural difference of KCND2 and Ito currents were dramatically increased in the right ventricle, but not the left ventricle of lncCIRBIL-KO mice. In contrast, cardiomyocyte-specific transgenic overexpression of lncCIRBIL produced the opposite effects. The human homologous conserved fragment of lncCIRBIL (hcf-CIRBIL) reduced Ito, downregulated action potential notch and prolonged APD20 in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM). LncCIRBIL titrates the transmural heterogeneity of KCND2 by regulating UPF1 mediated mRNA decay. Inhibition of lncCIRBIL promoted J-wave syndrome by enhancing the transmural heterogeneity of Ito in the right ventricle. These findings imply that lncCIRBIL represents a potential therapeutic target for J-wave syndrome.
Long-term homogeneity and trend analysis of seasonality and extreme rainfall under the influence of climate change in Johor River basin, Malaysia
Authors: Sa’adi Zulfaqar , Yusop Zulkifli , Alias Nor Eliza
Published: October 2022

There is a growing concern over the unprecedented shifts in seasonality and extreme rainfall over the last century across the globe. This study investigated 24 rainfall stations in Johor River basin (JRB) for homogeneity over the period 1970–2015 and followed by analysis of rainfall seasonality and extreme rainfall trend. Homogeneity test was conducted for annual and seasonal rainfall using a hybrid of Standard Normal Homogeneity test (SNHT), Pettit test, Buishand Range test (BRT), and Von Neumann ratio (VNR) test. The JRB climate was then divided into several classes using the Seasonality Index (SI). For trend analysis, RClimDex was utilised to compute eleven extreme rainfall indices as recommended by ETCCDI, consisting of frequency indices, namely, number of heavy rainfall days (R10), very heavy rainfall days (R20), extremely heavy rainfall days (R25), maximum number of consecutive dry days (CDD) and maximum number of consecutive wet days (CWD), and intensity indices, namely, daily maximum rainfall (Rx1day), maximum five-day rainfall (Rx5day), annual total wet-day rainfall (PRCPTOT), simple daily intensity index (SDII), very wet day rainfall (R95P) and extremely wet day rainfall (R99P). Mann-Kendall (MK) trend test was applied to show the area within JRB that is subjected to change at 95% significance level. Then, the flood vulnerability area due to significant change in extreme rainfall was assessed based on the past flood record. The results showed that the rainfall series during North East (NE) and South West (SW) monsoon are more homogeneous than annual rainfall series with the presence of inhomogeneity in some stations being associated with the influence of climate variability. Although non-significant, the SI results show increasing trends with rainfall being concentrated in the downstream area. During the NE monsoon, frequency index of R10 showed a significant increasing trend at thirteen stations. Meanwhile, R20 and R25 showed increasing trend at five stations, mainly in the downstream and at the west of the basin. During the SW monsoon, R10 showed a significant increasing trend at six stations, but R20 and R25 showed a significant decreasing trend at two and one station, respectively. Generally, the results showed that increasing extreme rainfall in the form of frequency indices are more prominent throughout JRB particularly at the end of the NE monsoon. Increasing severity of previously recorded flood prone area is expected, which required improved flood mitigation strategy.
The potential for improvement of quality parameters and reduction of costs in the current Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction logistics
Authors: Steenbergen GJ van , Demandt JPA. , Schulz DN , Tonino PA , Dekker L , Vermeer-Gerritzen Iris , Wijnbergen IF , Thijssen HJM , Theunissen LJHJ , Heijmen HPCM , Haest RJP , Vlaar PJ , Veghel D
Published: October 2022

Objective We aim to compare quality parameters, costs and clinical outcomes of NSTEMI patients stratified by centre of first presentation and revascularisation strategy.
Methods Hospital claim data on patients admitted with a NSTEMI between 2017 and 2019 from one of the largest health insurers in the Netherlands were used for this study. Included patients were stratified by revascularisation strategy (PCI, CABG or no revascularisation [noRevasc]) and subdivided by centre of presentation per treatment. The primary outcomes were the following quality measures: duration between admission and revascularisation, length of hospital stay and number of intracoronary procedures. Total costs (accumulation of costs for hospital claims and inter-hospital ambulance rides) and clinical outcomes at 30 days (MACE: all-cause mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction and cardiac readmission) were used as secondary outcomes.
Results A total of 9641 NSTEMI events (9167 unique patients) were analysed for which PCI was performed during admission in 4448 cases, CABG in 816 cases and no revascularisation was performed in 4377 cases. Direct presentation at an intervention centre occurred in 59%, 55% and 60% of cases, respectively. For PCI, direct presentation at an intervention centre yielded shorter time to revascularisation, shorter hospitalisation and less intracoronary procedures per patient. For CABG, time to revascularisation and hospitalisation were shorter. Total costs were significantly lower in case of direct presentation in an intervention centre for all treatment groups while MACE was similar.
Conclusion Direct admission of NSTEMI patients to an intervention centre might yield improvement potential for current NSTEMI care.
A new approach for fall risk assessment in hospitalized older adults based on gait data
Authors: Xie Zhenyan , Liu Huazhang , Zhong Guoqing , Huang Shuai , Hu Lianting , Huang Wenhan , Zeng Xiaolong , Lin Jinpeng , Cai Yuepeng , Chen Haobin , Li Liping , Liang Huiying , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2022

Background:Falling in older adults is one of the most common and serious problems leading to disability. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the risk of falls in older adults and take preventive measures in advance. The traditional risk assessment depends on the scale, which may be affected by the subjective factors of patients. However, in recent years, instruments have been developed to collect objective data related to gait in older adults.The aim of this study was to use objective gait data to predict fall risk in older adults.
Methods:In this study, a total of 207 hospitalized older adults were recruited, and the Morse Fall Scale (MFS) and six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) gait kinematic parameters of the lower limb joints were collected using a marker-based instrument. Based on the gait data, two important tasks in fall risk assessment were conducted, analysis of abnormal gait patterns and risk level classification. There were three fall risk levels corresponding to the scale, and an end-to-end attention-based convolution model was proposed to analyze gait kinematic data.
Results: The model achieved an accuracy score of 0.878 and a recall score of 0.897 on the test set. In addition, we applied an attention-based heatmap to visualize the input data and features across the model. The color bars in the heatmap highly correlate with the level of fall risk and can serve as an indicator of the abnormal gait pattern.
Conclusions: An end-to-end attention-based convolution model achieved a favorable result.Besides, the heatmap could serve as the indicator of risk level for each step and also provide further clues to the mechanism of falling. It has the potential to assist doctors in clinical work and contribute to further knowledge discovery.
Impact of continuous hypertonic (NaCl 20%) saline solution on renal outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI): A post-hoc analysis of the COBI trial
Authors: Huet Olivier , Chapalain Xavier , Vermeersch Véronique , Moyer Jean-Denis , Lasocki Sigismond , Cohen Benjamin , Dahyot-Fizelier Claire , Chalard Kevin , Seguin Philippe , Hourmant Yannick , Asehnoune Karim , Roquilly Antoine , Group Atlanrea Study Group Atlanrea Study , Network Société Française d’Anesthésie Réanimation (SFAR) Research N
Published: October 2022

Background To evaluate if the increase of chloride intake during a continuous infusion of 20% hypertonic saline solution (HSS) is associated with an increase in the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to standard of care in traumatic brain injury patients. Methods In this post-hoc analysis of COBI trial, 370 patients admitted for a moderate-to-severe TBI in the 9 participating ICUs were enrolled. The intervention consisted in a continuous infusion of HSS to maintain a blood sodium level ranging from 150 to 155 mmol/l for at least 48 hours. Patients enrolled in the control arm were treated as recommended by the last Brain Trauma foundation guidelines. The primary outcome was the occurrence of AKI defined by stages 2 or 3 according to KDIGO criteria from inclusion to Day 30. Results After exclusion of missing data, 322 patients were included in this post-hoc analysis. The patients randomized in the intervention arm received a significantly higher amount of chloride during the first 4 days. (intervention group: 97.3 ± 31.6 g vs. control group: 61.3 ± 38.1 g; p < 0.001) and had higher chloride blood levels at day 4 (117.9 ± 10.7 mmol/L vs. 111.6 ± 9 mmol/L respectively, p < 0.001). The rates of patients with AKI were not statistically different between the intervention and the control groups (24.5% vs. 28.9% respectively; p = 0.45). Conclusions Despite a significant increase in chloride intake, a continuous infusion of HSS was not associated with AKI in moderate-to-severe TBI patients. Our study does not confirm the potentially detrimental effect of chloride load on kidney function in ICU patients. Trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov, NCT03143751. The COBI trial was registered on 8 May 2017.
Effect of Treatment Model on Biomechanical Behaviour of Maxillary Incisors with External Cervical Resorption at Different Progression Levels
Authors: örs Sevinc Askerbeyli , Eren Selen Küçükkaya
Published: October 2022

Objectives The aim was to evaluate the biomechanical behaviour of maxillary incisors with external cervical resorption at different progression levels after receiving different treatment options under occlusal forces using finite element analysis. Materials and Methods A 3D model of an intact maxillary incisor was constructed and then modified to have external resorption (ECR)cavities with different progression levels in buccal cervical area. Models with ECR cavities confined to dentine repaired using either with Biodentine, composite resine or GIC were generated. Models with ECR cavities with pulp invasion requiring direct pulp capping were simulated as repaired using Biodentine only or 1 mm thick Biodentine and either composite resin or GIC for the rest of the cavity. Also models with root canal treatment and ECR defect repaired using either with Biodentine, composite resine or GIC were generated. A force of 240 N was applied from incisal edge. Principal stresses in dentine were evaluated. Results GIC showed more favorable results compared to other materials in ECR cavities confined to dentine. The use of solely Biodentine presented more favorable Pmin stresses compared to other materials in ECR cavities with close pulp proximity. Exceptionally, the models localized in coronal third of the root with circumferential extension of the cavity more than 90° showed more favourable results for GIC. The presence of root canal treatment had no prominent effect on stresses values. Conclusions The use of GIC in ECR lesions confined to dentine is recommended. However, Biodentine may be a better option for the restoration of ECR lesions that are close to pulp with/without root canal treatment. Except when the circumferential extension of the cavity is more than 90°, the use of GIC can be more advantageous.
Impact of habitual yogurt intake in mother-child dyads on incidence of childhood otitis media: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS)
Authors: Tsuchiya Masahiro , Tsuchiya Shinobu , Momma Haruki , Ikeda Ryoukichi , Suzuki Jun , Nagatomi Ryoichi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Arima Takahiro , Igarashi Kaoru
Published: October 2022

Otitis media, one of the most common childhood diseases, is characterized by inflammation or infection of the middle ear. Due to their ease of access, daily probiotics are recommended for the prevention of early childhood otitis media. This study aimed to assess the impact of probiotics on the incidence of otitis media using a dataset (n = 95,380) from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, a nationwide birth cohort study. After multiple imputations, the association between the incidence of otitis media in early childhood and the daily frequency of yogurt intake in children and mothers was examined using a generalized linear model with adjusting for several confounders. Repeated incidence of otitis media during the two years after birth was found in 14,874 participants (15.6%). Based on participants with the lowest frequency of yogurt intake (“almost never”) as the reference group, risk ratios (95% confidence interval) for otitis media incidence decreased with higher frequencies of yogurt intake in children at one year of age, but also independently in mothers during pregnancy. Furthermore, although not statistically significant, a similar association was observed in the subgroup of those with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), a high risk group for severe otitis media. Thus, increased regular yogurt intake in both children and mothers was associated with a decrease in early childhood otitis media.
Catch up saccades in vestibular hypofunction: a contribution of the cerebellum?
Authors: Hermann Ruben , Robert Camille , Lagadec Vincent , Dupre Mathieu , Pelisson Denis , Tilikete Carolilne Froment
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Long-term deficits of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) elicited by head rotation can be partially compensated by Catch-up Saccades (CuS). These saccades are initially visually guided but their latency can greatly decrease resulting in Short Latency CuS. It is still unclear what triggers these CuS and what are the underlying neural circuits. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the impact of cerebellar pathology on CuS by comparing their latency between two groups of patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction, with or without additional cerebellar dysfunction.
Method: We recruited 12 patients with both bilateral vestibular hypofunction and cerebellar dysfunction (BVH-CD group) and 12 patients with isolated bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH group). Both groups were matched for age and residual VOR gain. Subjects underwent video head impulse test recording of the horizontal semi-circular canals responses as well as recording of visually guided saccades in the Step, Gap and Overlap paradigms. Latency and gain of the different saccades were calculated.
Results: Mean age for BVH-CD and BVH was respectively 67.8 and 67.2 years and mean residual VOR gain was respectively 0.24 and 0.26. Mean latency of the first catch-up saccade was significantly longer for the BVH-CD group than for the BVH group (204ms vs 145ms, p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the latency of visually guided saccades between the two groups, for none of the three paradigms.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that the cerebellum plays a role in the generation of compensatory SL-CuS observed in BVH patients.
A comparative study of machine translated subtitles based on the user-centered approach: a case study between Bilibili and YouTube
Authors: Xie Bina
Published: October 2022

Bilibili has become a famous video-sharing platform in China, attracting a growing number of visitors. Expect for the videos made by uploaders themselves, an increasing number of videos in different languages are uploaded. This year, the platform announced that automatic translation can be used for free to offer an alternative solution to the language barrier. Previous research has been done to test the impact machine-translated subtitles of TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) or MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) have on the users’ reception. Very little attention has been paid to do a comparative study between different platforms. This research did a pilot study to compare machine translated subtitles on Bilibili (MTS-B) with those on YouTube (MTS-Y). Based on the human evaluation of the quality and the questionnaire conducted online, the author analyzed the relationship between the quality, users’ comprehension and attitude towards machine translated subtitles. The results show that the quality has little impact on the users’ comprehension on the video. However, when MTS-Y performs better in accuracy, participants had a better attitude towards it.
Impact of climate and anthropogenic changes on current and future variability in flows in the Nyong River Basin (equatorial central Africa)
Authors: Ebode Valentin Brice
Published: October 2022

Due to climate and environmental changes, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has experienced several drought and flood events in recent decades with serious consequences on the economy of the sub-region. In this context, the region needs to enhance its capacity in water resources management, based on both good knowledges of contemporary variations in river flows and reliable forecasts. The objective of this article was to study the evolution of current and future (near (2022–2060) and distant (2061–2100)) flows in the Nyong River Basin (NRB) in Cameroon. To achieve this, the Pettitt and modified Mann-Kendall tests were used to analyze hydrometeorological time series in the basin. The soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model was used to simulate the future flows in the SRB. During the 1970s, the Nyong basin experienced a joint decrease in rainfall and flow. Despite a general decrease in future precipitation, a significant increase in runoff is expected in this basin, regardless of the period (2022–2060 or 2061–2100), the model (RCA4 or CCCma) and the scenario (RCP4.5 or RCP8 .5). This increase in flow will be the result of the increase in impervious areas to the detriment of forest in the basin, which will compensate for the drop in precipitation with an increase in runoff. Results from this study could be used to enhance water resources management in the basin investigated and the region.
Clinical and genetic factors associated with clinical relapse during anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in Japanese patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Shimoda Fumiko , Naito Takeo , Kakuta Yoichi , Kawai Yosuke , Shimoyama Yusuke , Moroi Rintaro , Shiga Hisashi , Nagasaki Masao , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Masamune Atsushi
Published: October 2022

Background: Little is known about clinical and genetic factors that predict the long-term response of anti-TNF therapy are limited in Japanese patients with Crohn’s disease (CD).
Methods: Association between clinical factors and cumulative clinical relapse-free rates were investigated in 464 patients with CD (373 anti-TNF naïve and 91 anti-TNF switch patients). A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using Cox proportional hazards model. Genotype data of 5,657,947 SNPs from 275 anti-TNF naïve patients were used for GWAS.
Results: Lower serum albumin level, perianal disease, and younger age at disease onset were identified as risk factors for earlier clinical relapse in the anti-TNF naïve group (hazard ratio: HR = 1.76, 1.43, and 1.36; P = 0.00029, 0.044, and 0.045, respectively). Previous intestinal resection was associated with clinical relapse in the anti-TNF switch group (HR = 0.42; P = 0.0075). In the GWAS, rs12613485, which is located between RFX8 and MAP4K4, showed the strongest association with relapse (HR = 2.44; P = 3.42E-7). Pathway analysis indicated the association of the TGF-β signaling pathway (P = 3.06E-4).
Conclusions: We identified several reasonable clinical factors and candidate genetic factors associated with early relapse during anti-TNF treatments in Japanese CD patients.
Fixed-time adaptive neural network synchronization control for teleoperation system with position error constraints and time-varying delay
Authors: Su Shan , Ji Yude
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates the fixed-time master-slave synchronization control of teleoperation system with asymmetric position errors constraints, dynamics uncertainties and time-varying delay.
First, we propose an adaptive fixed-time combined with Barrier Lyapunov Functions (BLF) controller to figure out asymmetric constraints issues, and it also applies to the case of teleoperation system with no constraint or symmetric state constraint requirements.
Second, the adaptive radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs) and linearly parameterizable control methods are used for dealing with the uncertainties and time-varying delay problems of system. Next, it is demonstrated that the globally fixed-time stability performance of teleoperation can be achieved through the proposed control strategy and the asymmetric constraint requirements of the position synchronization errors are met all the time.
Finally, simulation validates the feasibility of the control method.
A large-scale three-dimensional apparatus to study failure mechanisms of rockfalls in underground engineering contexts
Authors: Xin Gongfeng , Yang Guangyu , Li Fan , Liu Hongliang
Published: October 2022

Rockfalls are an important factor affecting underground engineering safety. However, there has been limited progress in understanding and predicting these disasters in the past few years. Therefore, a large-scale three-dimensional experimental simulation apparatus to study failure mechanisms of rockfalls occurring during underground engineering was developed. This apparatus, measuring 4 m × 4 m × 3.3 m in size, can achieve vertical (2.95 MPa) and horizontal symmetric loading (2.91 MPa). It not only simulates the structure and stress environment of a rock mass, but also simulates the stepwise excavation processes involved in underground engineering. A complete simulation experiment of rockfalls in an underground engineering context was performed using this apparatus. Dynamic evolution characteristics of block displacement, temperature, natural vibration frequency and acoustic emissions occurring during rockfalls were studied during the simulation. These data indicate there are several indicators that could be used to predict rockfalls in underground engineering contexts, leading to better prevention and control.
Performance analyses of step-counting algorithms using wrist accelerometry
Authors: Pilkar Rakesh , Gerstel Dawid , Toole Ethan , Biggs Matt , Guthrie Tyler , Karas Marta , Achkar Christopher Moufawad el , Renevey Philippe , Soltani Abolfazl , Sloan Sarah , Nguyen Joe , Patterson Matthew R , Ferrario Damien , Lemay Mathieu , Neishabouri Ali , Guo Christine
Published: October 2022

Step count is one of the most used real-world (RW) outcomes for understanding physical functioning, activity, and overall quality of life. In the current investigation, we systematically evaluated the performances of modern wrist-accelerometry-based algorithms based on peak detection, autocorrelation, template matching, movement frequency detection, and machine learning on a common dataset that included continuous walking trials of varying speeds and regularities. The accuracies were computed with respect to the ground truth step count derived using smartphone-based video recordings. On average, the movement frequency detection-based and ML-based algorithms outperformed the other algorithms showing the highest accuracies across all trials (95.3 ± 6% to 96.7 ± 6.41%). The other algorithms showed varied accuracies ranging from 59.8 ± 41% to 90.11 ± 10.3%. All algorithms showed relatively lower accuracies for 1-minute slower walks and showed relatively higher accuracies for the longest walking trials of 6-minute. Except for two algorithms (autocorrelation and template-based), all algorithms showed no significant effect of the device type (CentrePoint Insight Watch vs GT9X) as well as device placement (left wrist vs right wrist) on accuracies for all trials. The smartphone-based step detection algorithm showed the lowest accuracies and variability suggesting the need for fit-for-purpose algorithms in step count estimation using wrist accelerometry. The current investigation provides essential evidence to facilitate the application of wearable digital health technologies in clinical research and care.