bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Morphometric Measurements of Median and Anterior Interosseous Nerve in Entrapment Syndromes in South Indian Population – An Anatomical Guide
Authors: Yoganandham Janani , Senthiappan Arathi Mariappan , Kumarasamy Suba Ananthi , Ramakrishnan Vidhya , Palanisamy Ramesh
Published: April 2022

Aim: To study the parameters that can help release the median nerve and its branch, the anterior interosseous nerve from entrapment neuropathies and various other lesions warranting surgical correction and infective and traumatic disorders of adjacent structures of the region. Materials and methods: Sixty four upper limbs belonging to South-Indian population were carefully dissected using the Cunningham’s Manual of Practical Anatomy, the axillary region was exposed, the cords of brachial plexus were traced and median nerve was identified with its relation to axillary artery. The upper limbs used were all disarticulated. The median nerve was further traced and exposed in the arm and forearm. Acromion process and medial epicondyle were considered as prominent bony landmarks for median and anterior interosseous nerves respectively. Measurements were taken using a non-stretchable thread and scale with the arm consistently placed in supine position. Results: The formation of the median nerve by the union of the lateral and medial roots was 11.83±2.36 cm and 11.58±2.057 cm on the right and left sides respectively located distal to the acromion process. The distance between the origin of the anterior interosseous nerve and the medial epicondyle was 8.946±1.084 cm on the right side and 8.875±1.109 cm on the left side. Conclusion: The knowledge of the level of union of two roots of median nerve and the origin of anterior interosseous nerve can be of use to surgeons and anatomists while marking the median nerve on the surface and also releasing the median and anterior interosseous nerves to relieve from various entrapment syndromes. The present study provides data that can facilitate easy identification of the prominent landmarks of the nerve during surgical procedures.
Drug Utilization Pattern Among Indoor Patients Treated Under CMAAY/PMJAY Insurance Schemes at Tertiary Care Hospital in Arunachal Pradesh, North East India
Authors: Sachdev Devender , Salwe Kartik Janardan , Anoop Dev Anoop Dev , Singha Binita , H Ambing H Ambing
Published: April 2022

Background: Drug utilization pattern helps to understand the current trend of the drug used in various conditions by healthcare providers. It also helps in rationalizing budget expenditure on the medication cost. The Chief Minister Arogya Arunachal Yojana/Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (CMAAY/PMJAY) is a cashless scheme run by Govt of Arunachal Pradesh and Govt of India where the surgeries, medicines/surgical items cost are borne by the government. Present study assessed the drug utilization pattern among indoor patients treated under these insurance schemes. Material and Method: Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Tomo Riba institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) in Arunachal Pradesh, North East India. Prescriptions of around 960 patients were analyzed who were treated from June 2020 to December 2020 (for 7 months) under above mentioned insurance schemes. Data was collected through the review of case sheets. For patients who have undergone surgery, the prescription on the post-operative day and for the patients managed conservatively, the prescription on the day of admission was analyzed. Information regarding Name, Age, Gender, Antimicrobial agents, Analgesics, Antiulcer drugs and other drugs given to the patients were collected. Results: A total of 960 patients were treated. 359 patients got benefitted in the insurance scheme by department of General surgery, 383 patients by dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 68 patients by orthopedics department, 65 patients by ENT dept, 85 patients by medicine department. Most common antimicrobial agent used were ceftriaxone (54.1%) followed by cefuroxime (17.5%) ,metronidazole (10%) and cefoperazone(7.5%). Some other antimicrobial agents preferred were piperacillin, tinidazole and amikacin. Most common antiulcer drug used was proton pump inhibitor pantoprazole (76.25%). The analgesics commonly used were diclofenac sodium (53.3%) followed by tramadol (30.6%), pentazocine (23.3%) and paracetamol (20.2%). Other drugs commonly used were ondansetron, butrophase and tranexemic acid. Conclusion: From our study, a conclusion can be withdrawn that if few of the antibiotics, analgesic, antiulcer drugs can be made available in the Govt set up through Govt procurement then the institute can work in more cost-effective and economical way.
Molecular Profiling and Potential Bioactive Characteristics of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Leptadenia pyrotechnica
Authors: Al-Maghraby Walaa K. , M. Doleib Nada , M. Taha Hend
Published: April 2022

Medicinal plants represent an important source of novel pharmaceutical products. More than 25% of current medicines are derived from natural substances, and another 25% are structural changes of major substances from natural sources. It is estimated that only 15% of higher plants have been investigated for potentially useful biological activity. In recent years, the search for new therapies has been directed to endophytes, as these microorganisms have produced several new and interesting bioactive metabolites for a variety of uses. Endophytes are organisms that colonize the internal tissues of plants without apparently damaging the host. Endogenous mushrooms from medicinal plants are potential antioxidant resources. The overall goals of the work proposed in this application evaluating antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents from endophytes isolated from some wild plants in Saudi Arabia.
Evaluation System for Agricultural Machinery Operation Based on Smartphone Sensors
Authors: Huang Jiahua , Liang Shuo , Wu Caicong , Kou Zhihong , Chen Ying
Published: April 2022

Highlights

An evaluation system for agricultural machinery operation was developed.

Quantitatively evaluating agricultural machinery operators can support the precision management for agricultural machinery service organizations.

The evaluation system can detect and quantify subtle and transient operating behaviors based on smartphone sensors.

The evaluation system can distinguish the relative pros and cons of the operating skills of agricultural machinery operators.

Abstract. To support the precision management of agricultural machinery operators, scaled agricultural machinery service organizations require comprehensive evaluations for the operating behaviors of each operator, particularly subtle and transient operating behaviors (e.g., sudden acceleration and unstable operating velocities), which greatly influence the operation quality. In this paper, embedded smartphone sensors were utilized to collect high-frequency motion information for agricultural machinery operation, and then, an Agricultural Machinery Operation Evaluation System (AMOES) was designed to evaluate the operating behaviors of the corresponding operators. In AMOES, four evaluation items (the ratio of useful work, the effect on machinery health, the quality of working operation, and the efficiency of U-turn) were defined specifically for the evaluation of subtle and transient operating behaviors, and they were quantified using motion information. Moreover, a case of a scaled agricultural machinery cooperative in Beijing was performed, and AMOES was used to evaluate the operating behaviors of six operators (two autonomous-driving and four manual-driving operators). The case study indicated that the motion data collected by smartphone sensors could capture subtle and transient operating behaviors and that AMOES could effectively detect and quantify subtle operating behaviors. Keywords: Agricultural machinery, Operating behavior, Operation evaluation, Smartphone sensors.
Body Leveling Control Model Establishment and Experiment Analysis
Authors: Wang Zhongshan , Ma Wenxing , Wang Tongjian , Liu Chunbao
Published: April 2022

Highlights

The vehicle body leveling control model based on tire stiffness and wheel centroid displacement is established in this article.

The average pitch angle error is 7.94%, and the tilt angle average error is 4.37%.

The body leveling control algorithm developed based on this model can be applied to the automatic leveling control of hilly tractors and cars.

Abstract. The body leveling control system is the core part of the attitude control of the hilly mountain tractor. It calculates the body posture in real-time according to the body leveling control model and makes corresponding control strategies. The accuracy of the control model directly affects the vehicle leveling accuracy. This article proposes the leveling control model based on tire stiffness and tire mass displacement. The slope road surface excitation information is collected in the field, and the road surface excitation data is processed appropriately. The accurate road surface excitation information is obtained. The input of the simulation model is displacement data. However, the collected road excitation information is the acceleration signal. Thus, the acceleration signal is converted to the displacement signal through the frequency domain integration method. The comparison between the calculated calculation results and the experimentally acquired attitude data indicates that the average pitch angle error is 7.94%, and the average tilt angle error is 4.37%. Accordingly, the vehicle body leveling control model established in this article is compatible with the experimental results and can accurately output the body posture and develop the body tone. Keywords: Control, Hydraulic, Leveling, Pavement, Road
Simulation and Experimental Study of Potato Conveyor Trajectory for Optimization Design of Belt-Fed Potato Sorter
Authors: Wang Shuai , Geng Jinfeng , Rao Xiuqin , Xu Huirong
Published: April 2022

Highlights

Potatoes of different mass had significantly different moving times and trajectories during unloading.

Moving time and trajectory length increased with the increase in mass level of potatoes at different initial speeds.

The belt-fed potato sorter developed by investigating potato moving trajectories had high accuracy and low damage.

Abstract. Belt conveyors are one of the main transport methods in potato sorting equipment. Generally, potatoes are detected and sorted while being discharged from the end of the loading conveyor. Therefore, the moving time and trajectory of potatoes are critical to determining the detection and sorting positions. In this study, the detection and sorting locations were optimized by investigating the influence of different mass levels of potatoes on their moving time and trajectories at different initial speeds by using a high-speed camera. In addition, a dynamic simulation model of potato movement was established using ADAMS software for further comparison. It was found that the potato trajectories and moving times were significantly influenced by the potato mass levels in a practical experiment. At the same initial speed, the moving time and trajectory length increased with the increase in mass level. Calculation methods for the optimal size and position of the rod ejectors and the unloading conveyor are proposed. When the initial speed was 1 m s-1, the length of the rod ejectors was 218.77 mm with a falling height of 250 mm, and the vertical and horizontal distances between the loading and unloading conveyors were 450 and 216.7 mm, respectively. Finally, a sorting experiment was performed to verify the design, and a classification accuracy of 98.95% and damage rate of 1.26% were obtained. This study provides a theoretical reference for the optimization design of belt-fed potato sorters. Keywords: Optimization design, Potato, Simulation, Trajectory tracking.
Agri-Food Waste Reduction and Utilization: A Sustainability Perspective
Authors: Adedeji Akinbode A.
Published: April 2022

Highlights

Significant amounts of waste are produced along the agri-food supply chain.

The impact of these agri-food wastes on the environment is very costly.

Current solutions to reduce waste include upcycling and improved food labeling.

Future goals include improving the cost-effectiveness of solutions.

Abstract. As the human population edges closer to nine billion, we must explore how we can sustainably use Earth’s limited resources. Current agricultural production and food processing create significant amounts of wastes that have drastic effects on the environment, on the cost of production, and on human health and well-being. About a third of these wastes are produced domestically, as well as from agricultural production and food processing, and it often constitutes a disposal problem, although it contains many carbon-based materials (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, micronutrients, bioactive compounds, and dietary fibers) that can be converted into useful value-added products. Converting these wastes into useful products is important because of the impact it has on the environment, including energy consumption, water usage, and the amount of carbon it releases when discarded. The long-term goal is to ensure that all materials from agri-food production and processing are turned into valuable products based on the principle of upcycling and circular bioeconomies. This short review presents succinct information on where food and agricultural wastes and by-products are generated, it summarizes recent advances in waste reduction and value-added utilization, including the need for behavioral changes and improvements in food labeling, and it presents innovations, limitations, and future prospects for circular food systems that focus on total conversion of food and agricultural wastes to value-added products. Keywords: Agri-food waste, Circular economy, Food by-product, Food residue, Sustainability, Upcycling, Value-added.
Label-free, non-invasive, and repeatable cell viability bioassay using dynamic full-field optical coherence microscopy and supervised machine learning
Authors: Park Soongho , Veluvolu Vinay , Martin William S. , Nguyen Thien , Park Jinho , Sackett Dan L. , Boccara Claude , Gandjbakhche Amir
Published: April 2022

We present a novel method that can assay cellular viability in real-time using supervised machine learning and intracellular dynamic activity data that is acquired in a label-free, non-invasive, and non-destructive manner. Cell viability can be an indicator for cytology, treatment, and diagnosis of diseases. We applied four supervised machine learning models on the observed data and compared the results with a trypan blue assay. The cell death assay performance by the four supervised models had a balanced accuracy of 93.92 ± 0.86%. Unlike staining techniques, where criteria for determining viability of cells is unclear, cell viability assessment using machine learning could be clearly quantified.
Active volume engineered waveguide embedded nonvolatile photonic memory cell
Authors: Abdullah Mohammad Faraz , Ali Nadir , Almeida Vilson R. , Panepucci Roberto R. , Xie Yiwei , Dai Daoxin , Kumar Rajesh
Published: April 2022

We report thorough investigations of a photonic memory with phase change material embedded in a partially etched silicon waveguide, for operation at 1550 nm wavelength. Optical and thermal analyses are performed to study the performance of memory and the effect of deformity in

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2

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b

2

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(GST) cells due to volume contraction upon crystallization. The presented approach has better performance than other approaches with GST integrated on top of or filled in a fully etched waveguide. It is shown that a high readout contrast of

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33

d
B

with a low insertion loss of 0.79 dB is possible using an active volume of only

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3

. The photonic memory presented shows a low power consumption of 0.66 mW and 3.71 mW for switching the memory state from high to low and vice versa, respectively, with zero static power consumption. Using 100 ns and 10 ns pulses for phase transformation from amorphous to crystalline and that from crystalline to amorphous, the energy consumption is 82 pJ and 44.1 pJ, respectively.
Two regimes of confinement in photonic nanocavities: bulk confinement versus lightning rods
Authors: Albrechtsen Marcus , Vosoughi Lahijani Babak , Stobbe Søren
Published: April 2022

We present a theoretical study of dielectric bowtie cavities and show that they are governed by two essentially different confinement regimes. The first is confinement inside the bulk dielectric and the second is a local lightning-rod regime where the field is locally enhanced at sharp corners and may yield a vanishing mode volume without necessarily enhancing the mode inside the bulk dielectric. We show that while the bulk regime is reminiscent of the confinement in conventional nanocavities, the most commonly used definition of the mode volume gauges in fact the lightning-rod effect when applied to ultra-compact cavities, such as bowties. Distinguishing between these two regimes will be crucial for future research on nanocavities, and our insights show how to obtain strongly enhanced light-matter interaction over large bandwidths.
Effect of linewidth enhancement factor on the generation of optical vortices in a class-A degenerate cavity semiconductor laser
Authors: Bouchereau Yann , Karuseichyk Sopfy , Guitter Raphael , Pal Vishwa , Bretenaker Fabien
Published: April 2022

The dynamical behavior of a one-dimensional ring array of lasers generated in a class-A degenerate cavity semiconductor laser is numerically investigated. The class-A behavior of the laser is obtained by considering a low-loss vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL), in which a telescope and a mask allow us to control the geometry and the linear nearest-neighbour coupling between the lasers. The behavior of the lasers is simulated using coupled rate equations, taking the influence of the Henry factor into account. It is shown that the ring array of lasers exhibits multistability. Moreover, by comparison with a class-B semiconductor laser, it is proved that the class-A nature of the laser makes it more robust to the increase of the Henry factor when it comes to generating topological charge carrying arrays of lasers, thus opening new perspectives of application for such lasers.
Low-latency and efficient retiming and equalizing scheme for a 112-Gbps bandwidth-limited optical PAM-4 system
Authors: Sun Lin , Xiao Jiawang , Cai Yi , Shen Gangxiang , Liu Gordon Ning , Lu Chao
Published: April 2022

The bandwidth limitation of optoelectronic devices is a key constraint for realizing higher capacity short-reach optical communication systems. In this work, we show that the performance of the timing recovery algorithm will significantly impact the performance of bandwidth-limited optical PAM-4 signals. To address this problem, we introduce a moving average filter (MAF) into the Gardner retiming loop to realize ultra-stable retiming without any pilot symbols. It enables a significantly reduced timing jitter, especially for bandwidth-limited conditions. Based on simulations, we show that the proposed retiming scheme will give a stable sampling phase, which is beneficial to the performance of the decision feedback equalizer. Compared to the system based on the traditional Gardner timing synchronization algorithm, the 2-dB power budget gain is realized. The proposed method improves the equalization performance of short-reach optical communication systems where complexity and processing latency are important concerns.
Exciton-induced mid-infrared optical nonlinearity of wide bandgap hexagon boron nitride
Authors: Liang Yangyang , Feng Tianli , Zhang Lu , Zhao Yuefeng , Zhang Shuaiyi , Li Tao
Published: April 2022

In this Letter, an exciton absorption assumption is made to explain the mid-infrared saturable absorption performance of the 2D h-BN nanosheet. The exciton binding energy of ∼0.4 eV corresponds to the light wavelength around 3 µm, matching well with the experimental results. Experimentally, the h-BN saturable absorber (SA) shows a modulation depth of 5.3% in the wavelength region of 3 µm. By employing the h-BN SA in an Er:Lu2O3 laser, laser pulses with a pulse duration of 252 ns are realized at a repetition rate of 169 kHz, corresponding to a pulse energy of 3.55 µJ and peak power of 14 W. The exciton absorption assumption will help obtain a better understanding of the nonlinear optical dynamics in 2D materials from a new perspective.
Digital contact tracing and network theory to stop the spread of COVID-19 using big-data on human mobility geolocalization
Authors: Serafino Matteo , Monteiro Higor S. , Luo Shaojun , Reis Saulo D. S. , Igual Carles , Lima Neto Antonio S. , Travizano Matías , Andrade José S. , Makse Hernán A.
Published: April 2022

The spread of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has become a worldwide problem with devastating consequences. Here, we implement a comprehensive contact tracing and network analysis to find an optimized quarantine protocol to dismantle the chain of transmission of coronavirus with minimal disruptions to society. We track billions of anonymized GPS human mobility datapoints to monitor the evolution of the contact network of disease transmission before and after mass quarantines. As a consequence of the lockdowns, people’s mobility decreases by 53%, which results in a drastic disintegration of the transmission network by 90%. However, this disintegration did not halt the spreading of the disease. Our analysis indicates that superspreading k-core structures persist in the transmission network to prolong the pandemic. Once the k-cores are identified, an optimized strategy to break the chain of transmission is to quarantine a minimal number of ‘weak links’ with high betweenness centrality connecting the large k-cores.
Validation-based model selection for 13C metabolic flux analysis with uncertain measurement errors
Authors: Sundqvist Nicolas , Grankvist Nina , Watrous Jeramie , Mohit Jain , Nilsson Roland , Cedersund Gunnar
Published: April 2022

Accurate measurements of metabolic fluxes in living cells are central to metabolism research and metabolic engineering. The gold standard method is model-based metabolic flux analysis (MFA), where fluxes are estimated indirectly from mass isotopomer data with the use of a mathematical model of the metabolic network. A critical step in MFA is model selection: choosing what compartments, metabolites, and reactions to include in the metabolic network model. Model selection is often done informally during the modelling process, based on the same data that is used for model fitting (estimation data). This can lead to either overly complex models (overfitting) or too simple ones (underfitting), in both cases resulting in poor flux estimates. Here, we propose a method for model selection based on independent validation data. We demonstrate in simulation studies that this method consistently chooses the correct model in a way that is independent on errors in measurement uncertainty. This independence is beneficial, since estimating the true magnitude of these errors can be difficult. In contrast, commonly used model selection methods based on the χ2-test choose different model structures depending on the believed measurement uncertainty; this can lead to errors in flux estimates, especially when the magnitude of the error is substantially off. We present a new approach for quantification of prediction uncertainty of mass isotopomer distributions in other labelling experiments, to check for problems with too much or too little novelty in the validation data. Finally, in an isotope tracing study on human mammary epithelial cells, the validation-based model selection method identified pyruvate carboxylase as a key model component. Our results argue that validation-based model selection should be an integral part of MFA model development.
Fundamental limits on inferring epidemic resurgence in real time using effective reproduction numbers
Authors: Parag Kris V. , Donnelly Christl A.
Published: April 2022

We find that epidemic resurgence, defined as an upswing in the effective reproduction number (R) of the contagion from subcritical to supercritical values, is fundamentally difficult to detect in real time. Inherent latencies in pathogen transmission, coupled with smaller and intrinsically noisier case incidence across periods of subcritical spread, mean that resurgence cannot be reliably detected without significant delays of the order of the generation time of the disease, even when case reporting is perfect. In contrast, epidemic suppression (where R falls from supercritical to subcritical values) may be ascertained 5–10 times faster due to the naturally larger incidence at which control actions are generally applied. We prove that these innate limits on detecting resurgence only worsen when spatial or demographic heterogeneities are incorporated. Consequently, we argue that resurgence is more effectively handled proactively, potentially at the expense of false alarms. Timely responses to recrudescent infections or emerging variants of concern are more likely to be possible when policy is informed by a greater quality and diversity of surveillance data than by further optimisation of the statistical models used to process routine outbreak data.
Are transient protein-protein interactions more dispensable?
Authors: Ghadie Mohamed Ali , Xia Yu
Published: April 2022

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are key drivers of cell function and evolution. While it is widely assumed that most permanent PPIs are important for cellular function, it remains unclear whether transient PPIs are equally important. Here, we estimate and compare dispensable content among transient PPIs and permanent PPIs in human. Starting with a human reference interactome mapped by experiments, we construct a human structural interactome by building three-dimensional structural models for PPIs, and then distinguish transient PPIs from permanent PPIs using several structural and biophysical properties. We map common mutations from healthy individuals and disease-causing mutations onto the structural interactome, and perform structure-based calculations of the probabilities for common mutations (assumed to be neutral) and disease mutations (assumed to be mildly deleterious) to disrupt transient PPIs and permanent PPIs. Using Bayes’ theorem we estimate that a similarly small fraction (<~20%) of both transient and permanent PPIs are completely dispensable, i.e., effectively neutral upon disruption. Hence, transient and permanent interactions are subject to similarly strong selective constraints in the human interactome.
TTLL1 and TTLL4 polyglutamylases are required for the neurodegenerative phenotypes in pcd mice
Authors: Wu Hui-Yuan , Rong Yongqi , Bansal Parmil K. , Wei Peng , Guo Hong , Morgan James I.
Published: April 2022

Polyglutamylation is a dynamic posttranslational modification where glutamate residues are added to substrate proteins by 8 tubulin tyrosine ligase-like (TTLL) family members (writers) and removed by the 6 member Nna1/CCP family of carboxypeptidases (erasers). Genetic disruption of polyglutamylation leading to hyperglutamylation causes neurodegenerative phenotypes in humans and animal models; the best characterized being thePurkinje cell degeneration(pcd) mouse, a mutant of the gene encoding Nna1/CCP1, the prototypic eraser. Emphasizing the functional importance of the balance between glutamate addition and elimination, loss of TTLL1 prevents Purkinje cell degeneration inpcd. However, whetherTtll1loss protects other vulnerable neurons inpcd, or if elimination of other TTLLs provides protection is largely unknown. Here using a mouse genetic rescue strategy, we characterized the contribution ofTtll1,4,5,7, or11to the degenerative phenotypes in cerebellum, olfactory bulb and retinae ofpcdmutants.Ttll1deficiency attenuates Purkinje cell loss and function and reduces olfactory bulb mitral cell death and retinal photoreceptor degeneration. Moreover, degeneration of photoreceptors inpcdis preceded by impaired rhodopsin trafficking to the rod outer segment and likely represents the causal defect leading to degeneration as this too is rescued by elimination of TTLL1. Although TTLLs have similar catalytic properties on model substrates and several are highly expressed in Purkinje cells (e.g. TTLL5 and 7), besides TTLL1 only TTLL4 deficiency attenuated degeneration of Purkinje and mitral cells inpcd. Additionally, TTLL4 loss partially rescued photoreceptor degeneration and impaired rhodopsin trafficking. Despite their common properties, the polyglutamylation profile changes promoted by TTLL1 and TTLL4 deficiencies inpcdmice are very different. We also report that loss of anabolic TTLL5 synergizes with loss of catabolic Nna1/CCP1 to promote photoreceptor degeneration. Finally, male infertility inpcdis not rescued by loss of anyTtll. These data provide insight into the complexity of polyglutamate homeostasis and functionin vivoand potential routes to ameliorate disorders caused by disrupted polyglutamylation.
Mortality rates among COVID-19 patients hospitalised during the first three waves of the epidemic in Milan, Italy: A prospective observational study
Authors: Giacomelli Andrea , Ridolfo Anna Lisa , Pezzati Laura , Oreni Letizia , Carrozzo Giorgia , Beltrami Martina , Poloni Andrea , Caloni Beatrice , Lazzarin Samuel , Colombo Martina , Pozza Giacomo , Pagano Simone , Caronni Stefania , Fusetti Chiara , Gerbi Martina , Petri Francesco , Borgonovo Fabio , D’Aloia Fabiana , Negri Cristina , Rizzardini Giuliano , Antinori Spinello
Published: April 2022

Introduction

This paper describes how mortality among hospitalised COVID-19 patients changed during the first three waves of the epidemic in Italy.

Methods

This prospective cohort study used the Kaplan-Meier method to analyse the time-dependent probability of death of all of the patients admitted to a COVID-19 referral centre in Milan, Italy, during the three consecutive periods of: 21 February-31 July 2020 (first wave, W1), 1 August 2020–31 January 2021 (second wave, W2), and 1 February-30 April 2021 (third wave, W3). Cox models were used to examine the association between death and the period of admission after adjusting for age, biological sex, the time from symptom onset to admission, disease severity upon admission, obesity, and the comorbidity burden.

Results

Of the 2,023 COVID-19 patients admitted to our hospital during the study period, 553 (27.3%) were admitted during W1, 838 (41.5%) during W2, and 632 (31.2%) during W3. The crude mortality rate during W1, W2 and W3 was respectively 21.3%, 23.7% and 15.8%. After adjusting for potential confounders, hospitalisation during W2 or W3 was independently associated with a significantly lower risk of death than hospitalisation during W1 (adjusted hazard ratios [AHRs]: 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–0.95, and 0.58, 95% CI 0.44–0.77). Among the patients aged >75 years, there was no significant difference in the probability of death during the three waves (AHRs during W2 and W3 vs W1: 0.93, 95% CI 0.65–1.33, and 0.88, 95% CI 0.59–1.32), whereas those presenting with critical disease during W2 and W3 were at significantly lower risk of dying than those admitted during W1 (AHRs 0.61, 95% CI 0.43–0.88, and 0.44, 95% CI 0.28–0.70).

Conclusions

Hospitalisation during W2 and W3 was associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 death in comparison with W1, but there was no difference in survival probability in patients aged >75 years.
The conditioned medium from mesenchymal stromal cells pretreated with proinflammatory cytokines promote fibroblasts migration and activation
Authors: Liu Chenyang , Wang Chengchun , Yang Fengbo , Lu Yichi , Du Pan , Hu Kai , Yin Xinyao , Zhao Peng , Lu Guozhong
Published: April 2022

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) play important roles in all stages of wound healing. However, in nonhealing wounds, fibroblasts are prone to aging, resulting in insufficient migration, proliferation and secretion functions. Recent studies have suggested that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are conducive to wound healing and cell growth through paracrine cytokine signaling. In our studies, we found that conditioned medium of MSCs pretreated with IFN-γ and TNF-α (IT MSC-CM) has abundant growth factors associated with wound repair. Our in vitro results showed that the effects of IT MSC-CM on promoting cell migration, proliferation and activation in HDFs were better than those of conditioned medium from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC-CM). Moreover, we embedded a scaffold material containing IT MSC-CM and reconfirmed that cell migration and activation were superior to that in the presence of MSC-CM in vivo. Generally, PDGF-BB is perceived as a promoter of the migration and proliferation of HDFs. Moreover, a high level of PDGF-BB in IT MSC-CM was detected, according to which we guess that the effect on HDFs may be mediated by the upregulation of PDGF-BB. These studies all showed the potential of IT MSC-CM to promote rapid and effective wound healing.
Farmers’ adoption of soil and water conservation practices: The case of Lege-Lafto Watershed, Dessie Zuria District, South Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Yifru Gizachew Shewaye , Miheretu Birhan Asmame
Published: April 2022

In Ethiopia, soil degradation is one of the major causes of low and declining agricultural productivity. As a result of this challenge, the country has been battling to adopt conservation practices. The main objective of this study was to assess farmers’ adoption decisions of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices. For the survey, 304 farmers were selected from farming communities in Lege-Lafto Watershed, South Wollo,Ethiopia. Information were gathered using a household survey, and through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observation. A binary logistic regression model and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that about 64% of the farmers adopted soil and water conservation practices in the study area. The findings depicted that soil bund, stone bund, stone-faced soil bund, loose stone and brush-wood check dams, hillside terrace, and bund stabilized with vegetation are practiced in the watershed. The analysis result revealed adoption of soil and water conservation practices is significantly and positively influenced by the perception of farmers on erosion problems and SWC practices, family labour, educational level, and membership in local institutions. However, distance from residence to the nearest market and farmland, off-farm activities, and the ratio of cultivable land to family size influenced the adoption of SWC practices negatively. Therefore, improving farmers’ educational status, and strengthening local institutions are vital for sustainable land management practices in the country.
Using LSTM and PSO techniques for predicting moisture content of poplar fibers by Impulse-cyclone Drying
Authors: Chen Feng , Gao Xun , Xia Xinghua , Xu Jing
Published: April 2022

Impulse-cyclone drying (ICD) is a new type of pretreatment method to remove the excess moisture of wood fibers (WFs) with high speed and low energy consumption. However, the process parameters are often determined by the experience of the process operators, thus the quality of WF drying lacks an objective basis and cannot be ensured. To address this issue, this study adopted the long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network, backpropagation neural network, and Central-Composite response surface method to establish a moisture content (MC) prediction model and a process parameter optimization model based on single-factor experiments. The initial MC, inlet air temperature, feed rate, and inlet air velocity were taken as the experimental factors, and the final MC was taken as the inspection index. The parameters of LSTM were optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and the predicted value of MC was fitted to the model. The PSO-optimized LSTM had higher prediction accuracy than did the typical prediction models. The optimal process for the targeted MC, which was obtained by PSO, was featured with an initial MC of 10.3%, inlet air temperature of 242°C, feed rate of 90 kg/h, and inlet air velocity of 8 m/s. PSO-LSTM could be a new approach for predicting the MC of WFs, which, in turn, could provide a theoretical basis for the application of ICD technology in the biomass composite industry.
A rapid, specific, extraction-less, and cost-effective RT-LAMP test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical specimens
Authors: Marino Francesco Elia , Proffitt Eric , Joseph Eugene , Manoharan Arun
Published: April 2022

In 2019 a newly identified coronavirus, designated as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread rapidly from the epicenter in Wuhan (China) to more than 150 countries around the world, causing the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this study, we describe an extraction-less method based on reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) intended for the rapid qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in upper respiratory specimens, including oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs, anterior nasal and mid-turbinate nasal swabs, nasopharyngeal washes/aspirates or nasal aspirates as well as bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider. The assay’s performance was evaluated and compared to an RT quantitative PCR-based assay (FDA-approved). With high sensitivity, specificity, and bypassing the need for RNA extraction, the RT-LAMP Rapid Detection assay is a valuable and fast test for an accurate and rapid RNA detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and potentially other pathogens. Additionally, the versatility of this test allows its application in virtually every laboratory setting and remote location where access to expensive laboratory equipment is a limiting factor for testing during pandemic crises.
Extract, transform, load framework for the conversion of health databases to OMOP
Authors: Quiroz Juan C. , Chard Tim , Sa Zhisheng , Ritchie Angus , Jorm Louisa , Gallego Blanca
Published: April 2022

Common data models standardize the structures and semantics of health datasets, enabling reproducibility and large-scale studies that leverage the data from multiple locations and settings. The Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model (OMOP CDM) is one of the leading common data models. While there is a strong incentive to convert datasets to OMOP, the conversion is time and resource-intensive, leaving the research community in need of tools for mapping data to OMOP. We propose an extract, transform, load (ETL) framework that is metadata-driven and generic across source datasets. The ETL framework uses a new data manipulation language (DML) that organizes SQL snippets in YAML. Our framework includes a compiler that converts YAML files with mapping logic into an ETL script. Access to the ETL framework is available via a web application, allowing users to upload and edit YAML files via web editor and obtain an ETL SQL script for use in development environments. The structure of the DML maximizes readability, refactoring, and maintainability, while minimizing technical debt and standardizing the writing of ETL operations for mapping to OMOP. Our framework also supports transparency of the mapping process and reuse by different institutions.
Food security and small holder farming in Pacific Island countries and territories: A scoping review
Authors: Georgeou Nichole , Hawksley Charles , Wali Nidhi , Lountain Sophie , Rowe Ella , West Caleb , Barratt Liesje
Published: April 2022

UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger links ending hunger to achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) is a region where such linkages can be investigated as the PICTs are confronting climate change while facing a decrease in available arable land and increasing rates of urbanisation. Around 80% of all Pacific Islanders still rely on agricultural produce from their own gardens or from small holder farmers to support or to supplement their diets. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has declared the years 2019–2028 to be the Decade of Family Farming. Food imports are increasingly common in PICTs, and can provide cheap, although not particularly nutritious foods, leading to generalised health problems. Increased reliance on imports is itself an indicator of diminishing food security, and with the PICTs facing a range of food security challenges, it is timely to assess the existing literature in the PICTs on the relationship between smallholder farming and food security. This scoping review analyses 49 peer reviewed and grey literature studies in English from 1970–2019 concerning the relationship between food security and small holder farming in the PICTs. It identifies four main themes: (1) Community adaptation, resilience and crop diversification; (2) Decreased availability of local foods and land; (3) Changes in diet; (4) Gender and agricultural production. The review shows Pacific peoples quickly adapt to changing circumstances to plant different crops both for food and for sale, and it identifies the role of small holder agriculture as crucial to: (1) growing local foods to support food security, and (2) expanding domestic asset creation to promote economic development, especially for women.
UNTITLED ( MEMBERING)
Authors: DUGGAN PATRICK
Published: April 2022

Maybe bodies come to be ‘ours’ when we recognise them as traumatic.
COMPOST AND LIFE
Authors: WARR TRACEY
Published: April 2022

I would like my pictures to look as if a human being had passed between them, like a snail, leaving a trail of the human presence and memory trace of past events as the snail leaves its slime.
‘OCEAN-DEAFENED VOICES WARNING ME’
Authors: COOGAN AMANDA
Published: April 2022

I’m rushing to get there, stomping through the campus searching for the site of the performance. I walk down a lane, dead end, nothing. I retrace my footsteps and spot a tree-lined avenue. I walk down it. The place is deserted. I find a cluster of buildings. The first door is locked, the second door – ungiving. I see people walking around inside. I wave manically to get their attention, to no avail. I walk around the building in search of another entry point. Boom, unmistakable, a trail of people outside a door, quietly smoking, looking at each other with hollowed eyes. I’m in the right place. This group of loiterers point me, like a human arrow, in the right direction.
WE KEEP OUR BIOLOGIES INTIMATE
Authors: O’REILLY KIRA
Published: April 2022

The eggy yolk stares back, unblinking, with transparent tendrils of sap like oxygenated blood syncopating a duh/duh double beat.
Differentially Deregulated MicroRNAs as Novel Biomarkers for Neoplastic Progression in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Quintanilla Isabel , Jung Gerhard , Jimeno Mireya , Lozano Juan José , Sidorova Julia , Camps Jordi , Carballal Sabela , Bujanda Luis , Vera Maria Isabel , Quintero Enrique , Carrillo-Palau Marta , Cuatrecasas Miriam , Castells Antoni , Panés Julià , Ricart Elena , Moreira Leticia , Balaguer Francesc , Pellisé Maria
Published: April 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a potentially life-threatening complication of long-standing ulcerative colitis (UC). MicroRNAs (miRNA) are epigenetic regulators that have been involved in the development of UC-associated CRC. However, their role as potential mucosal biomarkers of neoplastic progression has not been adequately studied.

METHODS:

In this study, we analyzed the expression of 96 preselected miRNAs in human formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue of 52 case biopsies (20 normal mucosa, 20 dysplasia, and 12 UC-associated CRCs) and 50 control biopsies (10 normal mucosa, 21 sporadic adenomas, and 19 sporadic CRCs) by using Custom TaqMan Array Cards. For validation of deregulated miRNAs, we performed individual quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in an independent cohort of 50 cases (13 normal mucosa, 25 dysplasia, and 12 UC-associated CRCs) and 46 controls (7 normal mucosa, 19 sporadic adenomas, and 20 sporadic CRCs).

RESULTS:

Sixty-four miRNAs were found to be differentially deregulated in the UC-associated CRC sequence. Eight of these miRNAs were chosen for further validation. We confirmed miR-31, -106a, and -135b to be significantly deregulated between normal mucosa and dysplasia, as well as across the UC-associated CRC sequence (all P < 0.01). Notably, these miRNAs also confirmed to have a significant differential expression compared with sporadic CRC (all P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION:

UC-associated and sporadic CRCs have distinct miRNA expression patterns, and some miRNAs indicate early neoplastic progression.
World Money in Time and Space: A Blow to the Dollar or a Blow by the Dollar?
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Minakir Pavel , Izotov Dmitriy ,   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS
Published: April 2022

Theoretical and practical aspects of the problem of functioning of the world’s means of payment and accumulation are discussed. It is shown that the US dollar is one of the specific forms of world money along with other ‘dominant’ currencies due to its function as a reliable asset for other countries, requiring for the issuing country exceptionally strong national institutions and confidence in this national currency, the American currency is also the universal equivalent in international settlements and the world’s means of payment, accumulation and medium of circulation. It is determined that the Russian ruble is ‘commodity’ currency but not the ‘dominant’ currency, and its share in international settlements is almost imperceptible. It is shown that, other things being equal, the American currency will continue to flow into Russia, since the export of Russian raw materials is traded on the world market mainly in dollars. It was revealed that the strategy for de-dollarization of the Russian economy did not contribute to the displacement of the dollar from payments for exports from Russia, with a noticeable increase in the share of the euro in payments. It was found that the transition in Russia’s settlements from China to national currencies was not carried out, and the EAEU countries remained the only ruble zone in settlements for Russia. It is shown that Russia’s attempt to switch to settlements exclusively in rubles is tantamount to creating an exclusive money circulation system for a small country, which, within the framework of the ‘dominant’ currencies paradigm, shows its limitations. The risks for the Russian economy as a result of its isolation from the system of international settlements in dollars and euros are formulated as part of the current sanctions by developed countries