bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving soil organic carbon mapping with a field‐specific calibration approach through diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms
Authors: Camargo Livia Arantes , do Amaral Lucas Rios , dos Reis Aliny Aparecida , Brasco Thiago Luis , Magalhães Paulo Sergio Graziano
Published: October 2021

Detailed mapping of soil attributes is often not viable due to the high cost of wet‐chemical laboratory analysis, which requires a large number of samples. Thus, we evaluated whether the prediction of SOC contents through field‐specific diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) can increase the amount of samples available to SOC mapping through data interpolation. For such, we tested the performance of the partial least squares regression (PLSR), random forest (RF) and gradient boosting tree (GBT) algorithms to model and predict SOC. The field‐specific calibration approach proposed here proved to be suitable for predicting SOC content on soil samples, reducing the dependence on wet‐chemical soil laboratory analyses for mapping. With such SOC content prediction, the higher amount of samples to be used for spatial interpolation can be increased, leading to more accurate SOC maps that can be applied for site‐specific management.
Patterns of paediatric massive blood transfusion protocol use in trauma and non‐trauma patients
Authors: Alberto Emily C. , Zheng Yinan , Milestone Zachary P. , Cheng Megan , Ahmed Omar Z. , Olafson Samantha , Fritzeen Jennifer L. , Sharron Matthew P. , Burd Randall S. , Jacquot Cyril
Published: October 2021

Background

Massive blood transfusion is infrequently required by children but can be a lifesaving intervention for haemorrhage or coagulopathy. Product volumes and ratios administered during the initiation of paediatric massive blood transfusion protocol (MBTP) are highly variable and the optimal component ratio is unknown.

Methods/Materials

We performed a single‐centre retrospective chart review of patients (<20 years) who received MBTP activation from August 2012 through January 2018. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between MBTP use characteristics (including blood product type and volume transfused, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO] support, and cardiac arrest occurrence) and 24‐h mortality. “Low” product ratio was defined as a ratio of plasma or platelets to red blood cells (RBCs) of <1:2 and “high” as ≥1:2.

Results

Ninety‐eight MBTPs were activated for 89 patients (range 1–4 per patient). The most common underlying diagnoses were congenital heart disease (CHD, n = 28, 31.5%), followed by cardiopulmonary disease, and trauma. CHD patients required the greatest volume of RBCs (226.3 ml/kg, 95%CI [160.0, 292.7], p = 0.002) and platelets (46.7 ml/kg, 95%CI [33.2, 60.2], p < 0.001). A “low” product ratio was more common for the MBTP, with its incidence similar among the underlying diagnoses.

Conclusion

An MBTP developed for trauma patients can be applied to non‐trauma patients but standard MBTP components may not be optimal for all children. These findings show that underlying patient diagnoses may be a factor when designing an MBTP for a heterogeneous paediatric population.
Soil‐transmitted helminth infections after mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in rural southern India
Authors: Kaliappan Saravanakumar , Ramanujam Karthikeyan , Manuel Malathi , Farzana Jasmine , Janagaraj Venkateshprabhu , Laxmanan Selvi , Muliyil Jayaprakash , Sarkar Rajiv , Kang Gagandeep , Walson Judd , Ajjampur Sitara
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Targeted deworming is the current strategy for control of morbidity associated with soil‐transmitted helminths (STH) among at‐risk populations: preschool‐aged children, school‐aged children and women of childbearing age. We report the prevalence and intensity of STH in a district after lymphatic filariasis (LF) mass drug administration (MDA) in southern India where albendazole was co‐administered from 2001.

Methods

Children aged 2 to 15 years and adults (defined as ≥15 years) in a rural administrative block of Tamil Nadu were recruited using a probability proportional to size method. Stool samples were screened and eggs per gram (EPG) determined by Kato‐Katz method. Multilevel logistic regression (MLR) and multilevel negative binomial regression (MNBR) analyses were used to identify factors associated with infection and intensity, respectively.

Results

Of 862 participants who provided samples, 60 (7.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.3–8.7) were positive for STH with a predominance of hookworm infections (n = 57, 6.6%; 95% CI: 5.0–8.3). Increasing age (odds ratio (OR): 1.09; 95% CI: 1.04–1.15) and regular usage of the toilet (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.12–0.88) were independently associated with hookworm infection and age was significantly associated with increasing intensity of hookworm infection (infection intensity ratio (IIR): 1.28; 95% CI: 1.19–1.37). A brief review of STH prevalence in endemic settings before and after the stoppage of LF MDA indicated that, in most settings, a substantial reduction in STH prevalence is seen.

Conclusion

Community‐wide MDA in all age groups in these post‐LF MDA districts with low prevalence and light intensity infections could result in transmission interruption of STH.
The essential dimension of congruence covers
Authors: Farb Benson , Kisin Mark , Wolfson Jesse
Published: October 2021

Consider the algebraic function $\Phi _{g,n}$ that assigns to a general $g$-dimensional abelian variety an $n$-torsion point. A question first posed by Klein asks: What is the minimal $d$ such that, after a rational change of variables, the function $\Phi _{g,n}$ can be written as an algebraic function of $d$ variables? Using techniques from the deformation theory of $p$-divisible groups and finite flat group schemes, we answer this question by computing the essential dimension and $p$-dimension of congruence covers of the moduli space of principally polarized abelian varieties. We apply this result to compute the essential $p$-dimension of congruence covers of the moduli space of genus $g$ curves, as well as its hyperelliptic locus, and of certain locally symmetric varieties. These results include cases where the locally symmetric variety $M$ is proper. As far as we know, these are the first examples of nontrivial lower bounds on the essential dimension of an unramified, nonabelian covering of a proper algebraic variety.
Comparative assessment of smooth and non-smooth optimization solvers in HANSO software
Authors: Tor Ali Hakan
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study is to compare the performance of smooth and nonsmooth optimization solvers from HANSO (Hybrid Algorithm for Nonsmooth Optimization) software. The smooth optimization solver is the implementation of the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) method and the nonsmooth optimization solver is the Hybrid Algorithm for Nonsmooth Optimization. More precisely, the nonsmooth optimization algorithm is the combination of the BFGS and the Gradient Sampling Algorithm (GSA). We use well-known collection of academic test problems for nonsmooth optimization containing both convex and nonconvex problems. The motivation for this research is the importance of the comparative assessment of smooth optimization methods for solving nonsmooth optimization problems. This assessment will demonstrate how successful is the BFGS method for solving nonsmooth optimization problems in comparison with the nonsmooth optimization solver from HANSO. Performance profiles using the number iterations, the number of function evaluations and the number of subgradient evaluations are used to compare solvers.
Why Is the Angle of Incidence Equal to the Angle of Reflection? An Activity
Authors: Pathare Shirish R. , Latad Bhagyashri G. , Lahane Rohan D. , Huli Saurabhee S.
Published: October 2021

Students are often introduced to optics in their middle school years. The initial topics that are introduced through their lessons are laws of reflection and refraction of light. In the law of reflection, students do not often question why the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection and why a light ray should follow this specific path. Here we encourage students to question this result and provide an exercise to facilitate instruction regarding specular reflection of light.
Polarized Light Demonstrations with the Overhead Projector
Authors: Greenslade Thomas B.
Published: October 2021

The overhead projector is perhaps passing out of use, but it is still a useful device with which to do lecture demonstrations. In my early years at Kenyon I was teaching the pre-med course, and found that the overhead projector was an ideal platform for showing the phenomena of polarized light. This note is a discussion of how I learned to use the projector for these demonstrations. Now that I am in my eighth decade, I would like to pass on some of my earlier teaching techniques to my younger colleagues.
Where Are the Crosshairs in the Finderscope? Another activity using a cardboard telescope
Authors: Park Jeongwoo , Park Hee Kyung
Published: October 2021

A Finderscope is a low-power telescope with a relatively large field of view. It has the same line of sight as the main telescope, helping the main telescope easily find the target. One of the differences between a telescope and a finder is that the finder has crosshairs to aid in accurately pointing at a target. You can see the crosshairs and the object together clearly through the finderscope. If you add crosshairs to the telescope, can you see it as in a finder? If so, where should you put the crosshairs?
Video analysis to examine Kepler’s laws of planetary motion
Authors: Wörner Salome , Fischer Christian , Kuhn Jochen , Scheiter Katharina , Neumann Irene
Published: October 2021

Video motion analysis allows tracing trajectories of objects in motion and is an established method in physics education. Tablet computers, with their integrated cameras, offer the opportunity to both record and analyze dynamic motions during experiments on a single device. This enables students to work without transitioning the data between camera and computer, but with ubiquitously available applications on mobile devices. This article describes a model experiment to examine Kepler’s laws of motion using tablet computers with a video analysis application.
Machine learning in introductory astrophysics laboratory activities
Authors: Smith Donald A.
Published: October 2021

A working knowledge of Artificial Neural Networks is rapidly becoming critical for navigating the modern world. Although the last few years have seen an explosion of the use of these tools in research, and there are many do-it-yourself articles on the web, they have not yet filtered down to wide implementation in introductory courses. I report here on my integration of machine learning activities into a general education course on galaxies and cosmology. I describe four lab activities for image classification, and I reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of using these tools in the context of online instruction during the 2020-21 pandemic academic year.
Leaving the “One True Path”: Teaching physics without single correct answers
Authors: DiPenta Mylène
Published: October 2021

Are you frustrated when students focus on “getting the right answer” without understanding why the physics works that way, or even why their own brains came to that conclusion? If so, this might be less about the student and more about the pedagogy—you might be stuck on the “One True Path,” a way of thinking that assumes there is a single correct answer to questions, or even prefers for there to be one. Especially when introducing ideas, we often ask questions that have a single, usually mathematical, solution. We could choose problems that require judgment calls between imperfect trade-offs, but I only found such problems in textbooks reserved for advanced courses.
The Brachistochrone: An Excellent Problem for All Levels of Physics Students
Authors: Milsom John A.
Published: October 2021

The classic brachistrochrone problem is standard material in intermediate mechanics. Many variations exist including some accessible to introductory students. While a quantitative solution isn’t feasible in introductory classes, qualitative discussions can be very beneficial since kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy conservation, and motion along curved trajectories all play a role. In this work, we describe an activity focusing on a qualitative understanding of the brachistochrone and examine the performance of freshmen, juniors, and graduate students. The activity can be downloaded at https://w3.physics.arizona.edu/undergrad/teaching-resources.
What Does It Mean to “Make Sense” of Physics?
Authors: Odden Tor Ole
Published: October 2021

What does it mean to “make sense” of physics? It’s not a simple question. Most people have an intuitive feeling for when things do (or do not) make sense to them. But putting this feeling into words—especially actionable words—is another task entirely. Generally speaking, there are two ways in which we commonly use the term “make sense.” The first connotes reasonability: for example, “it makes sense to start saving for college early.” Of the two, this is likely the more familiar meaning for the average physics teacher, since evaluating reasonability is a habit that we commonly teach in physics problem solving. We regularly instruct our students to check if their answers “make sense,” and there are numerous dependable strategies for this kind of evaluative sense-making such as unit checks, limiting-case analysis, order-of-magnitude estimation, and qualitatively examining relationships between variables.
Four Weeks of Power Optimized Sprint Training Improves Sprint Performance in Adolescent Soccer Players
Authors: Derakhti Mikael , Bremec Domen , Kambič Tim , Ten Siethoff Lasse , Psilander Niklas
Published: October 2021

Purpose: This study compared the effects of heavy resisted sprint training (RST) versus unresisted sprint training (UST) on sprint performance among adolescent soccer players. Methods: Twenty-four male soccer players (age: 15.7 [0.5] y; body height: 175.7 [9.4] cm; body mass: 62.5 [9.2] kg) were randomly assigned to the RST group (n = 8), the UST group (n = 10), or the control group (n = 6). The UST group performed 8 × 20 m unresisted sprints twice weekly for 4 weeks, whereas the RST group performed 5 × 20-m heavy resisted sprints with a resistance set to maximize the horizontal power output. The control group performed only ordinary soccer training and match play. Magnitude-based decision and linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The RST group improved sprint performances with moderate to large effect sizes (0.76–1.41) across all distances, both within and between groups (>92% beneficial effect likelihood). Conversely, there were no clear improvements in the UST and control groups. The RST evoked the largest improvements over short distances (6%–8%) and was strongly associated with increased maximum horizontal force capacities (r = .9). Players with a preintervention deficit in force capacity appeared to benefit the most from RST. Conclusions: Four weeks of heavy RST led to superior improvements in short-sprint performance compared with UST among adolescent soccer players. Heavy RST, using a load individually selected to maximize horizontal power, is therefore highly recommended as a method to improve sprint acceleration in youth athletes.
Transferred metal gate to 2D semiconductors for sub-1 V operation and near ideal subthreshold slope
Authors: Wang Jingli , Cai Lejuan , Chen Jiewei , Guo Xuyun , Liu Yuting , Ma Zichao , Xie Zhengdao , Huang Hao , Chan Mansun , Zhu Ye , Liao Lei , Shao Qiming , Chai Yang
Published: October 2021

van der Waals metal gate to two-dimensional semiconductors enables low-power electronic devices.
Self-sufficient self-oscillating microsystem driven by low power at low Reynolds numbers
Authors: Akbar Farzin , Rivkin Boris , Aziz Azaam , Becker Christian , Karnaushenko Dmitriy D. , Medina-Sánchez Mariana , Karnaushenko Daniil , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: October 2021

Fast autonomous rhythmic motion is achieved in water for an artificial microsystem inspired by biologically relevant frequencies.
Ribonuclease recruitment using a small molecule reduced c9ALS/FTD r(G
4
C
2
) repeat expansion in vitro and in vivo ALS models
Authors: Bush Jessica A. , Aikawa Haruo , Fuerst Rita , Li Yue , Ursu Andrei , Meyer Samantha M. , Benhamou Raphael I. , Chen Jonathan L. , Khan Tanya , Wagner-Griffin Sarah , Van Meter Montina J. , Tong Yuquan , Olafson Hailey , McKee Kendra K. , Childs-Disney Jessica L. , Gendron Tania F. , Zhang Yongjie , Coyne Alyssa N. , Wang Eric T. , Yildirim Ilyas , Wang Kye Won , Petrucelli Leonard , Rothstein Jeffrey D. , Disney Matthew D.
Published: October 2021

Small-molecule recruitment of an endogenous nuclease rescues pathologies associated with c9ALS/FTD in vivo by targeting an RNA repeat expansion.
Intrafascicular peripheral nerve stimulation produces fine functional hand movements in primates
Authors: Badi Marion , Wurth Sophie , Scarpato Ilaria , Roussinova Evgenia , Losanno Elena , Bogaard Andrew , Delacombaz Maude , Borgognon Simon , C̆vanc̆ara Paul , Fallegger Florian , Su David K. , Schmidlin Eric , Courtine Grégoire , Bloch Jocelyne , Lacour Stéphanie P. , Stieglitz Thomas , Rouiller Eric M. , Capogrosso Marco , Micera Silvestro
Published: October 2021

Intrafascicular stimulation evokes precise and functional hand movements in monkeys, suggesting clinical opportunities for people with hand paralysis.
Comment on “Genomic epidemiology of superspreading events in Austria reveals mutational dynamics and transmission properties of SARS-CoV-2”
Authors: Martin Michael A. , Koelle Katia
Published: October 2021

A reanalysis of SARS-CoV-2 deep sequencing data from donor-recipient pairs indicates that transmission bottlenecks are very narrow (one to three virions).
Golden Gate Assembly of Aerobic and Anaerobic Microbial Bioreporters
Authors: Hinz Aaron J. , Stenzler Benjamin , Poulain Alexandre J.
Published: October 2021

Microbial bioreporters are versatile genetic tools with wide-ranging applications, particularly in the field of environmental toxicology. For example, biosensors that produce a signal output in the presence of a specific analyte offer less costly alternatives to analytical methods for the detection of environmental toxins such as mercury and arsenic.
Concentration of Urine Samples Improves Sensitivity in Detection of
Strongyloides
-Specific IgG Antibody in Urine for Diagnosis of Strongyloidiasis
Authors: Chungkanchana Natchita , Sithithaworn Paiboon , Worasith Chanika , Wongphutorn Phattharaphon , Ruantip Sirowan , Kopolrat Kulthida Y. , Jusakul Apinya , Thanan Raynoo , Duenngai Kunyarat , Sithithaworn Jiraporn , Techasen Anchalee
Published: October 2021

Detection of IgG in urine is an efficient method comparable to that in serum for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis, but the effects of daily variation in urine dilution on diagnostic accuracy are not clearly known. This study evaluated the effects of urine concentration on the detection of parasite-specific IgG by urine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), particularly in individuals with borderline results or false-negative diagnosis.
Evaluation of Diagnostic Accuracy of Eight Commercial Assays for the Detection of Rubella Virus-Specific IgM Antibodies
Authors: Hiebert Joanne , Zubach Vanessa , Charlton Carmen L. , Fenton Jayne , Tipples Graham A. , Fonseca Kevin , Severini Alberto
Published: October 2021

Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome are caused by the rubella virus and are preventable through vaccination, making disease eradication possible. Monitoring of progress toward global eradication and local elimination requires high-quality, sensitive disease surveillance that includes laboratory confirmation of cases.
Bedaquiline Drug Resistance Emergence Assessment in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB): a 5-Year Prospective
In Vitro
Surveillance Study of Bedaquiline and Other Second-Line Drug Susceptibility Testing in MDR-TB Isolates
Authors: Kaniga Koné , Hasan Rumina , Jou Ruwen , Vasiliauskienė Edita , Chuchottaworn Charoen , Ismail Nazir , Metchock Beverly , Miliauskas Skaidrius , Viet Nhung Nguyen , Rodrigues Camilla , Shin Soyoun , Simsek Hulya , Smithtikarn Saijai , Ngoc Anh Le Thi , Boonyasopun Jirakan , Kazi Mubin , Kim Seungmo , Kamolwat Phalin , Musteikiene Greta , Sacopon Catherine Ann , Tahseen Sabira , Vasiliauskaitė Laima , Wu Mei-Hua , Vally Omar Shaheed
Published: October 2021

Bedaquiline drug resistance emergence assessment in multidrug-resistant-tuberculosis (MDR-TB) (DREAM) was a 5-year (2015 to 2019) phenotypic drug resistance surveillance study across 11 countries. DREAM assessed the susceptibility of 5,036 MDR-TB isolates of bedaquiline treatment-naive patients to bedaquiline and other antituberculosis drugs by the 7H9 broth microdilution (BMD) and 7H10/7H11 agar dilution (AD) MIC methods.
The CCCH-Type Zinc Finger Antiviral Protein Relieves Immunosuppression of T Cells Induced by Avian Leukosis Virus Subgroup J via the NLP–PKC-δ–NFAT Pathway
Authors: Zhu Mingjun , Zhou Jing , Zhou Defang , Yang Kunmei , Li Bin , Cheng Ziqiang
Published: October 2021

The evolution of the host defense system is driven synchronously in the process of resisting virus invasion. Accordingly, host innate defense factors effectively work to suppress virus replication.
Protective Efficacy of Gastrointestinal SARS-CoV-2 Delivery against Intranasal and Intratracheal SARS-CoV-2 Challenge in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Yu Jingyou , Collins Natalie D. , Mercado Noe B. , McMahan Katherine , Chandrashekar Abishek , Liu Jinyan , Anioke Tochi , Chang Aiquan , Giffin Victoria M. , Hope David L. , Sellers Daniel , Nampanya Felix , Gardner Sarah , Barrett Julia , Wan Huahua , Velasco Jason , Teow Elyse , Cook Anthony , Van Ry Alex , Pessaint Laurent , Andersen Hanne , Lewis Mark G. , Hofer Christian , Burke Donald S. , Barkei Erica K. , King Hannah A. D. , Subra Caroline , Bolton Diane , Modjarrad Kayvon , Michael Nelson L. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: October 2021

SARS-CoV-2 remains a global threat, despite the rapid deployment but limited coverage of multiple vaccines. Alternative vaccine strategies that have favorable manufacturing timelines, greater ease of distribution, and improved coverage may offer significant public health benefits, especially in resource-limited settings.
Ubiquitination on Lysine 247 of Newcastle Disease Virus Matrix Protein Enhances Viral Replication and Virulence by Driving Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Trafficking
Authors: Peng Tingyu , Qiu Xusheng , Tan Lei , Yu Shengqing , Yang Binghuan , Dai Jun , Liu Xiaowen , Sun Yingjie , Song Cuiping , Liu Weiwei , Meng Chunchun , Liao Ying , Yuan Weifeng , Ren Tao , Liu Xiufan , Ding Chan
Published: October 2021

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a pathogen that is lethal to birds and causes heavy losses in the poultry industry worldwide. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) ranked Newcastle disease (ND) as the third most significant poultry disease and the eighth most important wildlife disease in the World Livestock Disease Atlas in 2011.
Hypochlorous Acid-Generating Electrochemical Catheter Prototype for Prevention of Intraluminal Infection
Authors: Cano Edison J. , Flurin Laure , Mohamed Abdelrhman , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Raval Yash S. , Beyenal Haluk , Patel Robin
Published: October 2021

Catheter-related infections constitute an economic and mortality burden in health care. Several options are available to reduce the risk of infection, but only a few focus on preventing intraluminal infection, which occurs in long-term catheters, most often used for dialysis, prolonged treatment, or chemotherapy.
Unraveling the Microbiome of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Insights in Novel Microbial and Metabolomic Biomarkers
Authors: Tarracchini Chiara , Milani Christian , Longhi Giulia , Fontana Federico , Mancabelli Leonardo , Pintus Roberta , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Alessandri Giulia , Anzalone Rosaria , Viappiani Alice , Turroni Francesca , Mussap Michele , Dessì Angelica , Cesare Marincola Flaminia , Noto Antonio , De Magistris Anna , Vincent Marine , Bernasconi Sergio , Picaud Jean-Charles , Fanos Vassilios , Ventura Marco
Published: October 2021

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal disease occurring predominantly in premature infants whose etiology is still not fully understood. In this study, the analysis of infant fecal samples through shotgun metagenomics approaches revealed a marked reduction of the intestinal (bio)diversity and an overgrowth of (opportunistic) pathogens associated with the NEC development.
Fulminant necrotising amoebic colitis after corticosteroid therapy for severe COVID-19
Authors: Saini Renu , Bhagat Vivek Kumar , Thirunavukkarasu Balamurugan , Baksi Aditya
Published: October 2021

Acute fulminant necrotising colitis is an uncommon presentation of amoebiasis, which can be precipitated after corticosteroid therapy. Clinicians treating patients with COVID-19 with corticosteroid therapy should be familiar with this condition to avoid delay in diagnosis. The disease is associated with high mortality, and prompt diagnosis and management are essential for salvaging patients. We report successful management of a patient who developed this complication following administration of steroids for COVID-19.
Equity of geographical access to public health facilities in Nepal
Authors: Cao Wen-Rui , Shakya Prabin , Karmacharya Biraj , Xu Dong Roman , Hao Yuan-Tao , Lai Ying-Si
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Geographical accessibility is important against health equity, particularly for less developed countries as Nepal. It is important to identify the disparities in geographical accessibility to the three levels of public health facilities across Nepal, which has not been available.

Methods

Based on the up-to-date dataset of Nepal formal public health facilities in 2021, we measured the geographical accessibility by calculating the travel time to the nearest public health facility of three levels (ie, primary, secondary and tertiary) across Nepal at 1×1 km2resolution under two travel modes: walking and motorised. Gini and Theil L index were used to assess the inequality. Potential locations of new facilities were identified for best improvement of geographical efficiency or equality.

Results

Both geographical accessibility and its equality were better under the motorised mode compared with the walking mode. If motorised transportation is available to everyone, the population coverage within 5 min to any public health facilities would be improved by 62.13%. The population-weighted average travel time was 17.91 min, 39.88 min and 69.23 min and the Gini coefficients 0.03, 0.18 and 0.42 to the nearest primary, secondary and tertiary facilities, respectively, under motorised mode. For primary facilities, low accessibility was found in the northern mountain belt; for secondary facilities, the accessibility decreased with increased distance from the district centres; and for tertiary facilities, low accessibility was found in most areas except the developed areas like zonal centres. The potential locations of new facilities differed for the three levels of facilities. Besides, the majority of inequalities of geographical accessibility were from within-province.

Conclusion

The high-resolution geographical accessibility maps and the assessment of inequality provide valuable information for health resource allocation and health-related planning in Nepal.
Partial pressure of oxygen level at admission as a predictor of postoperative pneumonia after hip fracture surgery in a geriatric population: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ji Yahong , Li Xiaoli , Wang Yakang , Cheng Li , Tian Hua , Li Na , Wang Junning
Published: October 2021

Objective

To identify whether the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) level at admission is an independent risk factor as a prognostic biomarker to predict postoperative pneumonia (POP) in the geriatric population who have undergone hip fracture surgical repair at our hospital.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

This is a retrospective chart review of POP after hip fracture surgery in China.

Participants

In training cohort, patients aged ≥65 years who had hip fracture surgery between 1 January 2018 and 30 November 2019. In the validation cohort, a series of patients who underwent hip fracture surgery between 1 January 2020 and 28 February 2020.

Interventions

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to obtain the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and cut-off values of PaO2to predict POP. A binomial logistic regression model was used to identify potential risk factors for POP by analysing demographic distribution factors, laboratory results, preoperative comorbidities and surgical factors. Then the regression model was validated using an independent cohort.

Results

In the training cohort, ROC curves were generated to compare the predictive performance of PaO2for the occurrence of POP, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.653 (95% CI 0.577 to 0.729, p<0.0001), with sensitivity and specificity values of 60.0% and 63.8%, respectively. The cut-off value of the PaO2for POP was 72.5 mm Hg. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that hypoxaemia (PaO2<72.5 mm Hg) at hospital admission (OR=3.000, 95% CI 1.629 to 5.528; p<0.0001) was independent risk factors associated with POP after hip fracture surgery. In the validation cohort, PaO2had a predictive eﬀect for POP (AUC 0.71, 95% CI 0.541 to 0.891).

Conclusions

The current study revealed that the PaO2level at hospital admission is a simple and widely available biomarker predictor of POP after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients.
Effectiveness of acute geriatric unit care on functional decline and process outcomes among older adults admitted to hospital with acute medical complaints: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Íde , Robinson Katie , O"Connor Margaret , Conneely Mairéad , Ryan Damien , Steed Fiona , Carey Leonora , Leahy Aoife , Galvin Rose
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Older adults are clinically heterogeneous and are at increased risk of adverse outcomes during hospitalisation due to the presence of multiple comorbid conditions and reduced homoeostatic reserves. Acute geriatric units (AGUs) are units designed with their own physical location and structure, which provide care to older adults during the acute phase of illness and are underpinned by an interdisciplinary comprehensive geriatric assessment model of care. This review aims to update and synthesise the totality of evidence related to the effectiveness of AGU care on clinical and process outcomes among older adults admitted to hospital with acute medical complaints.

Design

Updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Methods and analysis

MEDLINE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library and Embase electronic databases will be systematically searched from 2008 to February 2021. Trials with a randomised design that deliver an AGU intervention to older adults admitted to hospital for acute medical complaints will be included. The primary outcome measure will be functional decline at discharge from hospital and at follow-up. Secondary outcomes will include length of stay, cost of index admission, incidence of unscheduled hospital readmission, living at home (the inverse of death or institutionalisation combined; used to describe someone who is in their own home at follow‐up), mortality, cognitive function and patient satisfaction with index admission. Title and abstract screening of studies for full-text extraction will be conducted independently by two authors. The Cochrane risk of bias 2 tool will be used to assess the methodological quality of the included trials. The quality of evidence for outcomes reported will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework. A pooled meta-analysis will be conducted using Review Manager, depending on the uniformity of the data.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required as all data collected will be secondary data and will be analysed anonymously. The authors will present the findings of the review to a patient and public involvement stakeholder panel of older adults that has been established at the Ageing Research Centre in the University of Limerick. This will enable the views and opinions of older adults to be integrated into the discussion section of the paper.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021237633.
Malnutrition in all its forms and associated factors affecting the nutritional status of adult rural population in Bangladesh: results from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Rakhshanda Shagoofa , Barua Lingkan , Faruque Mithila , Banik Palash Chandra , Shawon R A , Rahman A K M Fazlur , Mashreky Saidur
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The burden of malnutrition is widely evaluated in Bangladesh in different contexts. However, most of them determine the influence of sociodemographic factors, which have limited scope for modification and design intervention. This study attempted to determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity and their modifiable lifestyle predictors in a rural population of Bangladesh.

Methods

This study was part of a cross-sectional study that applied the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions in a rural area of Bangladesh to assess the burden of diabetes, hypertension and their associated risk factors. Census was used as the sampling technique. Anthropometric measurement and data on sociodemographic characteristics and behavioural risk factors were collected following the standard protocol described in the WHO STEP-wise approach. Analysis included means of continuous variables and multinomial regression of factors.

Results

The mean body mass index of the study population was 21.9 kg/m2. About 20.9% were underweight, 16.4% were overweight and 3.5% were obese. Underweight was most predominant among people above 60 years, while overweight and obesity were predominant among people between 31 and 40 years. Higher overweight and obesity were noted among women. Employment, consumption of added salt and inactivity increased the odds of being underweight by 0.32, 0.33 and 0.14, respectively. On the other hand, the odds of being overweight or obese increased by 0.58, 0.55, 0.78, 0.21 and 0.25 if a respondent was female, literate, married, housewife and consumed red meat, and decreased by 0.38 and 0.18 if a respondent consumed added salt and inadequate amounts of fruits and vegetables, respectively. Consumption of added salt decreases the odds of being overweight or obese by 0.37.

Conclusion

The study emphasised malnutrition to be a public health concern in spite of the dynamic sociodemographic scenario. Specific health messages for targeted population may help improve the nutritional status. Findings from further explorations may support policies and programmes in the future.
Value of age and alarm features for predicting upper gastrointestinal malignancy in patients with dyspepsia: an endoscopic database review of 4664 patients in Thailand
Authors: Kaosombatwattana Uayporn , Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai , Pausawasdi Nonthalee , Maneerattanaporn Monthira , Limsrivilai Julajak , Leelakusolvong Somchai , Kachintorn Udom
Published: October 2021

Objective

Age and alarm features are commonly used as indicators for endoscopy in dyspeptic patients; however, the age cut-off and the predictive value of these parameters for identifying upper gastrointestinal (UGI) malignancies are uncertain.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Data were extracted from the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Centre of Siriraj Hospital, Thailand, during 2005–2011.

Participants

Consecutive patients underwent a first-time upper endoscopy for dyspepsia. Patients with previous surgery, suspected UGI malignancy by imaging, or indefinite biopsy results on prior examination were excluded.

Main outcome measures

Alarm features included dysphagia, unintentional weight loss, GI bleeding/anaemia, and persistent vomiting. The diagnostic performance of each alarm feature and different age cut-off values were evaluated.

Results

A total of 4664 patients (mean age: 52.0±14.4 years, 66% female) were included. Alarm symptoms were presented in 21.6%. The prevalence of activeHelicobacter pyloriinfection was 26.3%. Fifty-eight (1.2%) patients had UGI malignancy. The prevalence of malignancy significantly increased with increasing age (0.6% in patients aged <50 years, and 1.8% in patients aged >60 years (p<0.001)). Cancer was found in two patients aged <50 years who did not have alarm features. Patients with alarm features had a higher prevalence of malignancy (OR 22.3, 95% CI 10.5 to 47.4; p<0.001) than those without. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of alarm features for UGI malignancy were 87.0%, 79.1%, 4.7% and 99.8%, respectively. Among all age groups, persistent vomiting had a positive likelihood ratio (PLR) >10, while dysphagia and GI bleeding/anaemia had a PLR >10 in patients <50 years old.

Conclusion

Despite the overall limited value of age and alarm features, persistent vomiting, dysphagia, and GI bleeding/anaemia are strong predictors for malignancy in patients aged <50 years. Without these symptoms, cancer prevalence is negligible; thus, they are worthy guidance for endoscopic evaluation in this age group.
Experience of the COVID-19 pandemic as lived by patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis: an Italian qualitative study
Authors: Battista Simone , Dell'Isola Andrea , Manoni Mattia , Englund Martin , Palese Alvisa , Testa Marco
Published: October 2021

Objective

To examine the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic as lived by people with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), in Italy.

Design

A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews.

Setting

Urban and suburban areas in northern Italy.

Participants

A total of 11 people with OA were enrolled through a purposeful sampling and completed the study.

Primary outcome measure

The experience of Italian people with OA during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Four themes were brought to the forefront from the analysis of the interviews. (1)Being Stressed for the Limited Social Interactions and for the Family Members at High Risk of Infection,as the interviewees were frustrated because they could not see their loved ones or felt a sense of apprehension for their relatives. (2)Recurring Strategies to Cope with the Pandemicsuch as an active acceptance towards the situation. (3)Being Limited in the Possibility of Undergoing OA Complementary Treatments and Other Routine Medical Visits.(4)Being Unaware of the Importance of Physical Activity as First-Line Interventionswhich was an attitude already present before the pandemic.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions impacted the quality of life and the care of individuals with hip and knee OA. The social sphere seemed to be the most hindered. However, the interviewees developed a good level of acceptance to deal with the pandemic. When it came to their care, they faced a delay of routine medical visits not related to OA and of other complementary treatments (eg, physical therapies) to manage OA. Finally, a controversial result that emerged from these interviews was that first-line interventions for OA (ie, therapeutic exercise) was not sought by the interviewees, regardless of the restrictions dictated by the pandemic. Policy-making strategies are thus necessary to support the awareness of the importance of such interventions.
Wegovy (Semaglutide): A New Weight Loss Drug for Chronic Weight Management
Authors: Singh Gurdeep , Krauthamer Matthew , Bjalme-Evans Meghan
Published: October 2021

Obesity is a growing epidemic within the USA. Because weight gain is associated with an increased risk of developing life-threatening comorbidities, such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes, there is great interest in developing non-invasive pharmacotherapeutics to help combat obesity. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of antidiabetic medications that have shown promise in encouraging glycemic control and promoting weight loss in patients with or without type 2 diabetes. This literature review summarizes and discusses the weight loss results from the SUSTAIN (Semaglutide Unabated Sustainability in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes), PIONEER (Peptide Innovation for Early Diabetes Treatment), and STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) clinical trial programs. The SUSTAIN and PIONEER clinical trials studied the use of 1.0 mg, once-weekly, subcutaneous and oral semaglutide (a new GLP-1 homolog), respectively, on participants with type 2 diabetes. The STEP trial examined the effects of 2.4 mg, once-weekly, subcutaneous semaglutide on patients with obesity. Trial data and other pertinent articles were obtained via database search through the US National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials and the National Center for Biotechnology Information. All three clinical trials demonstrated that semaglutide (injected or oral) has superior efficacy compared with placebo and other antidiabetic medications in weight reduction, which led to Food and Drug Administration approval of Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss.
Physiological parameters of a plover during nonbreeding and breeding seasons in Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: D’Amico Verónica L. , Hevia Glenda D. , Walker Brian , González Patricia M. , Bertellotti Marcelo
Published: October 2021

Migratory shorebirds are the most threatened avian species due to the effects of human activities and climate change. Physiological parameters are useful to evaluate the health status of free-living animals. Here we investigated lymphocytes, heterophils, heterophils/lymphocytes, and glucose for female and male Two-banded Plovers (Charadrius falklandicus Latham, 1790) during nonbreeding (body moult) and breeding (incubation) seasons in coastal areas of northern Patagonia, Argentina. We also measured corticosterone for the first time for this species during the breeding season. Nonbreeding Two-banded Plovers were more likely to have higher physiological measurements that were not dependent on body moult nor body condition, being similar between sexes. Differences found in glucose are likely related to recent feeding in nonbreeding birds compared with fasting during incubation. The gregarious nonbreeding behaviour in comparison with the isolated breeding pairs would increase the risk of acquiring parasites and (or) pathogens inducing a response of the immune system reflected in higher values of lymphocytes. Baseline corticosterone during breeding was similar between sexes and were lower compared with other values reported for breeding plovers. Two-banded Plovers undergo energetically demanding physiological changes during the nonbreeding stage, strengthening the idea that conservation of the environmental resources at these locations may be more important than previously thought.
COHERENT RISK MEASURE ON L0: NA CONDITION, PRICING AND DUAL REPRESENTATION
Authors: LEPINETTE EMMANUEL , VU DUC THINH
Published: October 2021

The NA condition is one of the pillars supporting the classical theory of financial mathematics. We revisit this condition for financial market models where a dynamic risk-measure defined on [Formula: see text] is fixed to characterize the family of acceptable wealths that play the role of nonnegative financial positions. We provide in this setting a new version of the fundamental theorem of asset pricing and we deduce a dual characterization of the super-hedging prices (called risk-hedging prices) of a European option. Moreover, we show that the set of all risk-hedging prices is closed under NA. At last, we provide a dual representation of the risk-measure on [Formula: see text] under some conditions.
Mitochondrial metabolism in macrophages
Authors: Nassef Mohamed Zakaria , Hanke Jasmin E. , Hiller Karsten
Published: October 2021

Mitochondria are considered to be the powerhouse of the cell. Normal functioning of the mitochondria is not only essential for cellular energy production but also for several immunomodulatory processes. Macrophages operate in metabolic niches and rely on rapid adaptation to specific metabolic conditions such as hypoxia, nutrient limitations, or reactive oxygen species to neutralize pathogens. In this regard, the fast reprogramming of mitochondrial metabolism is indispensable to provide the cells with the necessary energy and intermediates to efficiently mount the inflammatory response. Moreover, mitochondria act as a physical scaffold for several proteins involved in immune signaling cascades and their dysfunction is immediately associated with a dampened immune response. In this review, we put special focus on mitochondrial function in macrophages and highlight how mitochondrial metabolism is involved in macrophage activation.
Susceptible-Infected-Removed Mathematical Model under Deep Learning in Hospital Infection Control of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia
Authors: Liu Ting , Bai Yanling , Du Mingmei , Gao Yueming , Liu Yunxi
Published: October 2021

Objective. This research aimed to explore the application of a mathematical model based on deep learning in hospital infection control of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia. Methods. First, the epidemic data of Beijing, China, were utilized to make a definite susceptible-infected-removed (SIR) model fitting to determine the estimated value of the COVID-19 removal intensity β, which was then used to do a determined SIR model and a stochastic SIR model fitting for the hospital. In addition, the reasonable β and γ estimates of the hospital were determined, and the spread of the epidemic in hospital was simulated, to discuss the impact of basal reproductive number changes, isolation, vaccination, and so forth on COVID-19. Results. There was a certain gap between the fitting of SIR to the remover and the actual data. The fitting of the number of infections was accurate. The growth rate of the number of infections decreased after measures, such as isolation, were taken. The effect of herd immunity was achieved after the overall immunity reached 70.9%. Conclusion. The SIR model based on deep learning and the stochastic SIR fitting model were accurate in judging the development trend of the epidemic, which can provide basis and reference for hospital epidemic infection control.