bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of solar tracking systems applied to small-scale photovoltaic systems: a review
Authors: Tarazona-Romero B E , Carreño-Rodriguez J S , Quintero-Ruiz A D , Sandoval-Rodriguez C L , Lenguerke-Péreza O
Published: October 2022

This work evaluates solar tracking systems in application to small-scale photovoltaic systems. To do this, these systems are divided into two subsystems: one-axis solar tracking subsystem and two-axis solar tracking subsystem. Each is explored for its suitability as a suitable technology for small-scale application, defined by meeting a set of seven attributes. A specialized literature review process was developed specifically to present the potential of each subsystem evaluated, through an evaluation matrix. The analysis of solar tracking technologies and attributes was carried out through the formal concept analysis methodology. To facilitate the processing of information, a free access tool called concept Explorer is used. The analysis carried out shows that two-axis solar tracking systems are the most promising option as they meet a greater number of attributes than single-axis tracking systems. The applied methodology has proven to be useful for the evaluation of renewable technologies and serves as a reference, to carry out analyzes that group and link different alternatives as a model for evaluating a deterministic set of attributes.
Incident factors in the quality of cocoa almonds obtained in small agricultural production units
Authors: Grimaldo-Pretel E. L. , Guerrero-Navarro M. A. , Vidal-Tovar C.R. , Gordon-Hernández Y. , Fragoso-Castilla P. J.
Published: October 2022

Cocoa is an American tree of Amazonian origin, also known as cacaotero, since by cocoa it usually refers to the fruit that gives said tree. The proposed research is developed on the emerging paradigm, for which a dialectical synthesis is assumed from the use of qualitative and quantitative methods in a complementary way. Not limited to the forms and sources of information the collection of information, and the analysis of results, for which we take as a reference the contribution from the experience of Cocoa Producers and Experts in the production and marketing of cocoa, as a fundamental part of the construction of knowledge, and grant the same level of importance to the information obtained from multiple sources of information obtained in the year 2020. For the collection of information, the instruments are applied in three phases: the first consists of field visits to interview 5 cocoa producers and 5 experts in cocoa marketing. The second, search and systematization of documents and the third phase is a comparative analysis of the sources of information mentioned above. For the establishment of cocoa cultivation and to obtain adequate productions, aspects of great relevance must be taken into account, such as critical climatic factors such as temperature and rain. The layout and density of the agroforestry system. This activity aims to make a defined and organized distribution within the lot of each of the plant species that are going to be planted, seeking a better use of the soil. It was verified the effort made by small producers to integrate in the management of their cocoa crops, the processes, harvesting and post-harvest activities that are carried out to obtain dried cocoa almonds for marketing.
Design of a software prototype to make a Tour in the Infantery Museum Marine Park using View 360 technology.
Authors: Guzman E. , Hernandez C. , Morales A. , Sánchez S. , Acurero M.
Published: October 2022

Before the arrival of the pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2, the Infantery Museum Marine Park was among the most visited tourist sites in Coveñas, however, due to Colombian decree 457, the museum closed its doors to the visitors, thus avoiding the exposure of the national military heritages that are exposed in it, restricting one of the most important contributions to the educational context in the Caribbean Region. Therefore, the objective of the research is to design the model of a web prototype, using View 360 ° technology, for the remote exhibition of the facilities and heritage of the Infantery Museum Marine Park. The type of research is basic and applied, where a documentary analysis of the 360 ° view technology was carried out, identifying the technical and user requirements for the development of the prototype design, which will integrate 360 ° panoramic photographs and points of access, strengthening the exhibition of the heritages and there was a completely new way for the museum professionals to communicate the exhibits to the public. It is concluded that the proposed prototype meets the functional requirements necessary to solve the problem presented.
Machine learning for population growth modeling through annual CO2 data
Authors: Suárez Gustavo , Hoyos José Daniel , Vallejo Esteban , Arias Julián Andrés
Published: October 2022

This article presents a general framework to model the population growth of Colombia through machine learning, which allows incorporating variables such as CO2 emissions. The data are obtained through the DANE Geoportal and the World Bank portal database. In recent years, several cities in Colombia have experienced an accelerated population and urban growth as a result of an overwhelming increase in the immigrant population, a situation that has been affecting the urban order of the city, mainly due to population confinement, increased environmental pollution, unhealthiness, poverty among other factors.

The population growth prediction fully shows the effects of the fertility rate, mortality, and migration of people from one territory to another, essential factors in determining population and health system conditions. Accurate information can be obtained from population census measurements, a strategy with a high cost; However, the capabilities of machine learning are growing, being also implemented to determine predictions of systems and behaviors in demographic, environmental, and socioeconomic issues, which contributes to the economic and energy-saving that implies the gathering and processing of demographic information for the country.

In this work, to predict population growth, the concept of machine learning was applied, carrying out a data analysis using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The results obtained provide a predictive model with the potential to provide regional and governmental entities with suggestions, strategies, and alternatives for studying the population and making decisions for urban redevelopment.
Theoretical study of validation methodologies for energy simulation in nZEB buildings.
Authors: Ascanio-Villabona J G , Lengerke-Pérez O , Sandoval-Rodríguez C L , Rincon-Quintero A D , Jaimes-Quintero K T
Published: October 2022

Validation methodologies play an important role in the analysis of energy simulations in buildings [1], since it is used to reduce the uncertainty of the extrapolations that must be taken into account for any validation study, so there may be various methodologies [2]. This study focuses on developing a state of the art on validation methodologies that can be applied in the analysis of energy simulations for NZEB buildings. First, the review method compiles the documents relevant to the research selected by selection criteria, which indicate whether they are of scientific criteria. Secondly, the methodologies found are reviewed and described, in addition to discussing a series of studies applied to each of the methodologies. Finally, it can be concluded that the application of validation methodologies depends on the purpose of the research, however, Sensitivity analysis is the simplest and most useful method to use in the analysis of building performance, even if it has defects; due to its low computational price, easy execution and interpretation.
Development of a vehicle to automatically load, transport and store the product of a blackberry crop
Authors: Angulo-Julio C.A. , Sandoval-Rodríguez C.L. , Lengerke-Perez O. , Tarazona-Romero B.E , Ascanio-Villabona y J.G.
Published: October 2022

Harvesting the blackberry crop is a delicate process because it must be carried out in the first hours of the day in shallow containers and without overhandling to prevent deterioration of the fruit and its fermentation. In this work a prototype of an automated vehicle is developed to improve the harvesting process of the crop reducing the time without affecting the quality of the blackberry. CAD tools were used to design the structure of the prototype and Arduino boards were used for its control, while communication between the vehicle and the monitoring station was established with Xbee devices. The vehicle moves carrying the harvest product in baskets between the collection points and the warehouse. Automated loading and unloading systems eliminate double handling of the products and require less human intervention. Hence, the implementation of the vehicle for loading, transporting, and unloading the product of the blackberry harvest generates savings in production costs and improves collection times since workers will be able to focus on the selection, harvesting and classification process.
Characterization of learning profiles, according to perception channels, in systems engineering students.
Authors: Romero I J , Morales A D , Sánchez S A
Published: October 2022

This article refers to characterize the predominant cognitive preferences or also called predominant perception channels of first semester students of Systems Engineering, virtual modality, associated to a subject in the area of Computer Science and Technology. The study was carried out with the purpose of providing teachers with a valuable informative tool that serves as a basis for proposing methodological innovations that contribute to face the difficulties of teaching concepts related to computer architecture, taking into account the differences, of individuals, associated to sensory perception, according to the CHAEA model, which has been validated by several authors. The research was descriptive, showing that the predominant profiles in the groups of students who participated in the research are those corresponding to the Theoretical, Pragmatic profile, the former being the predominant one; with a lower tendency for the Reflective style. It is concluded that there is a tendency of diversity towards the 2 channels of perception in which a higher level of preference was observed on the part of the students; therefore, it is suggested that the teaching strategies required for these students be varied according to the predominance found.
Study of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis using biomimetic micro-lung chips
Authors: Xia Jingjing , Xiong Zhuo , Guo Jiaxuan , Wang Yongan , Luo Yuan , Sun Yangyang , Guo Zhongwei , Lu Bingchuan , Zhang Ting , Sun Wei
Published: October 2022

Paraquat (PQ) poisoning induces pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. The pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis is complex, which has prevented the development of specific treatments. Pulmonary fibrosis shows several characteristics including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. To investigate pulmonary fibrosis, we designed a biomimetic multichannel micro-lung chip to imitate the in vivo interface between the lung epithelium and the lung interstitium. In our model, A549 (lung epithelial cells) and MRC-5 (fetal lung fibroblasts) cells were used to test the efficacy of our chip-based model. Rat tail type I collagen and hyaluronic acid were used to simulate ECM and to provide a 3D microenvironment. The micro-lung chips were cultured with PQ (0, 75, 150, 300, and 400 µM). The viability of A549 and MRC-5 cells significantly decreased with increasing PQ concentrations. There were significant changes in surfactant proteins C (SP-C), alpha smooth muscle actin protein (α-SMA), and vimentin protein levels during PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis. SP-C levels were decreased in A549 cells, while those of α-SMA and vimentin were increased in A549 cells and MRC-5 cells treated with PQ in the micro-lung chip. We also designed a reference model without interaction between the lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Compared to the non-contact model, co-culturing A549 and MRC-5 cells in chips induced more severe EMT in A549 cells after treatment with 75 µM PQ and together defended against PQ-induced damage. Thus, our novel co-culture micro-lung chip that models the lung epithelium and interstitium may provide a new approach for studying lung fibrosis and will facilitate drug development.
Optical Archimedes screw with acceleration of both trajectories and orbital angular momentum
Authors: Zhalenchuck Keren , Marima Daniel , Hadad Barak , Bahabad Alon
Published: October 2022

The optical Archimedes screw is a structured beam of light shown to be useful in conveying airborne particles. Such beams were demonstrated propagating along straight and curved trajectories. Here we demonstrate an optical Archimedes screw where both its linear and angular momenta are accelerating—allowing to both control its trajectory and transverse profile during propagation.
Facile construction of electrospun zein nanofiber loaded with Rana chensinensis skin collagen for wound care after caesarean section surgery
Authors: Zhu Lingping , Lin Chenxiao , Chen Qiaoling
Published: October 2022

Numerous types of biomedical applications have found success using electrospun nanofibers. However, electrospinning techniques overlook Zein fibers favoring monolithic and coaxial fibers. Uniaxial electrospinning was used to construct Zein-structured nanofibers for wound healing, with the phase separation of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in solution, providing the basis for the investigation. Successful loading of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Rana chensinensis skin collagen (RCSCs) into Zein nanofibers (NFs) improved their bioactivity and antibacterial activity as wound dressings. Zein nanofibers were investigated for their heat conductivity, wettability, and mechanical characteristics. The cytotoxic effects of fabricated nanofibers were examined by using L929 fibroblast cells. Ag@RCSCs-NFs also increased cell migration and proliferation, and the wound scratch model was significantly reduced in size using an in vitro scratch assay. The antibacterial studies showed that the Ag@RCSCs-NFs have a potent antibacterial effect against the tested microbial pathogens (Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)). Finally, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of PCL/PVP, RCSCs, and Ag@RCSCs against two different bacteria were determined. These results suggest that wound care using Zein nanofibers loaded with RCSCs and AgNPs during cesarean section surgery has great promise.
Research on metal wire blowing mechanism and performance
Authors: Yao Xing-Xing , Feng Jia-Chen
Published: October 2022

A short metal wire can be used as a fuse in a circuit. Using ANSYS software simulations combined with experiments, it was verified that the highest temperature region during the blowing process of the wire and the most blowing position is near the middle When a direct current flow through. A measurement circuit was established to study the effect of fuse length, and current on fuse blowing time. The results show that for 0.05 mm diameter copper wire, the blowing time decreases rapidly with the increase of length when the length is within 1cm under the action of 3.16A direct current, and the blowing time is basically stable at 0.04s when the length exceeds 1 cm due to the limitation of heat transfer distance. The blowing time of copper wire decreases with the increase of current, and the blowing time is basically stable at 0.05s after the current reaches 3.5A; the melting time of three materials (Cu, Ag, Pb-Sb) all satisfy the theoretical prediction that the product of current density squared and time is constant; the equivalent current density is introduced to modify the theoretical formula, which makes the theory and experiment more in agreement. This study provides a more comprehensive description of the blowing time and characteristics of short metal wires under the action of high current (DC) from both theoretical and experimental aspects.
Grain refinement and eutectic modification of A356 casting alloy by adding Al-B-Sr master alloys and its effect on tensile properties
Authors: Eidhed K , Muangnoy P
Published: October 2022

The effects of the grain refinement and eutectic Si modification on tensile properties by using Al-B-Sr master alloys in A356 cast alloy were investigated. Two different master alloys, Al-4%B-1%Sr (4B1Sr) and Al-3%B-3%Sr (3B3Sr), were developed. In microstructure observation, the master alloys were consisted of AlB2, SrB6, AlSrF, KAlF4 and Al4Sr compounds. It should be noted that the α-Al phase also exists in two master alloy. The result showed that the AlB2 area fraction in the 4B1Sr alloy was higher than the 3B3Sr alloy. The 4B1Sr alloy has better efficiencies of α-Al grain refinement and eutectic Si modification than the 3B3Sr alloy, and α-Al grains are refined from 3035 to 312 μm and the eutectic Si is modified from the acicular to fibrous morphology. The tensile properties of 4 wt% treated with 4B1Sr alloy has higher UTS and elongation compared to the treated with 3B3Sr alloy.
Insights into the role of Nup62 and Nup93 in assembling cytoplasmic ring and central transport channel of the nuclear pore complex
Authors: Madheshiya Pankaj K. , Shukla Ekta , Singh Jyotsana , Bawaria Shrankhla , Ansari Mohammed Yousuf , Chauhan Radha
Published: October 2022

The biochemical basis of Nup93 and Nup62 for providing modularity to nuclear pore complex assembly is described.
Oil Red O Staining of Pulmonary Macrophages in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Specimens Is Not Specific for Vaping-Associated Lung Injury
Authors: Jebastin Thangaiah Judith , Booth Christine N , Brainard Jennifer A , Elsheikh Tarik M , Reynolds Jordan P , Ondrejka Sarah L , Thilagar Bright P , Mukhopadhyay Sanjay , Doxtader Erika E
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Oil Red O (ORO) positivity in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid macrophages in the setting of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated acute lung injury (EVALI) has been frequently requested by clinicians based on rare reports and subsequent US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine the specificity of ORO staining in BAL specimens with disease states other than EVALI.

Methods

Consecutive BAL specimens (October-December 2019) were stained with ORO. The lipid-laden macrophage index (LLMI) was calculated for each case.

Results

We studied BAL samples from 50 patients. Indications for BAL were surveillance bronchoscopy for lung transplantation (27/50), suspected infection (12/50), sarcoidosis/suspected sarcoidosis (3/50), nodules or ground-glass opacities (3/50), hemoptysis (2/50), asthma or eosinophilic pneumonia (2/50), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (1/50). ORO staining was seen in BAL fluid macrophages in 45 of 50 cases (focal in 18, moderate in 23, diffuse in 4); LLMI ranged from 0 to 218. Using a threshold of LLMI of 85 or higher as positive, ORO was positive in 7 of 50 (14%) cases (range, 85-218).

Conclusions

ORO staining in BAL fluid macrophages is not specific for EVALI. Even when an LLMI of 85 or higher is used as a threshold for positivity, ORO positivity occurs in a significant subset of non–vaping-related cases.
Pockets of Possibility: Students of English in Diverse, Multilingual Secondary Schools in Austria
Authors: Erling Elizabeth J , Brummer Michael , Foltz Anouschka
Published: October 2022

This study provides a counter-narrative to commonly found deficit discourses about LX English learners from migration backgrounds in Europe. A questionnaire was conducted with 108 middle school students and 100 high school students in Austria in a context which has been relatively unexplored: non-elite, linguistically diverse small-town schools. Here, students are meeting their learning outcomes for English at a higher success rate than the national average, and this success in LX learning aligns with high reported levels of home language proficiency. Responses indicate that linguistically diverse students are more likely to succeed when they feel comfortable in the English classroom and actively participate in lessons. Students’ success is also related to their teachers showing an interest in their linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Findings thus suggest that this context is allowing for the creation of ‘pockets of possibility’ where teachers take on the rudiments of a translanguaging stance and create safe spaces in which students perform their multilingual identities as valued and welcome members of the classroom community.
Evaluation of efficiency prediction algorithms and development of ensemble model for CRISPR/Cas9 gRNA selection
Authors: Chen Yuhao , Wang Xiaowei
Published: October 2022

Motivation

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is widely used for genome editing. The editing efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 is mainly determined by the guide RNA (gRNA). Although many computational algorithms have been developed in recent years, it is still a challenge to select optimal bioinformatics tools for gRNA design in different experimental settings.

Results

We performed a comprehensive comparison analysis of 15 public algorithms for gRNA design, using 16 experimental gRNA datasets. Based on this analysis, we identified the top-performing algorithms, with which we further implemented various computational strategies to build ensemble models for performance improvement. Validation analysis indicates that the new ensemble model had improved performance over any individual algorithm alone at predicting gRNA efficacy under various experimental conditions.

Availability and implementation

The new sgRNA design tool is freely accessible as a web application via https://crisprdb.org. The source code and stand-alone version is available at Figshare (https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21295863) and Github (https://github.com/wang-lab/CRISPRDB).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The effect of background music on stress in the operating surgeon: scoping review
Authors: Narayanan Anantha , Pearson Lydia , Fisher James P , Khashram Manar
Published: October 2022

Background

Despite the ubiquitous sounds of music playing in operating theatres (OTs) around the world, the effect that music has on intraoperative clinician stress is ill-defined. In the present scoping review the aim was to map the available evidence for the effect of background music in the OT on the experience of stress in the operating surgeon.

Methods

The present review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA Protocols for Scoping Reviews. Using Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane databases, peer-reviewed research studies reporting the effect of intraoperative background music on an outcome measure of clinician stress or respondent perceptions on this effect were included.

Results

A total of 4342 studies were screened and 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 10 were interventional studies, and five were observational survey-based studies. Of the 10 interventional studies, four showed reduced anxiety and mental workload scores with music, although only two demonstrated a significant improvement in a physiological outcome. The survey-based studies generally reported a positive perception among surgeons and theatre staff towards the effect of music on OT stress.

Conclusion

While there is generally a positive perception towards intraoperative music and surgeon stress, there are few objective physiological and psychological data to support this. Studies were varied in their design. The present review can be used to guide future experimental, observational, and mixed-method research on this topic.
Routine pathologic evaluation of circular stapler anastomotic rings is not useful after resection for colorectal cancer: retrospective study and systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Holden James R , McIntosh Pam , Johnson Garrett G R J , Park Jason , Hochman David J , Vergis Ashley , Yip Benson , Helewa Ramzi M , Hyun Eric
Published: October 2022

Background

Circular staplers are commonly used for reconstruction after radical resection for colorectal cancer. Pathological analysis of the anastomotic rings is common practice, although the benefits are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of routine histopathological analysis of anastomotic rings in an original series and in a systematic review of the literature.

Method

The retrospective study was performed at two university-associated academic hospitals in Winnipeg, Canada, including patients investigated for colorectal cancers (within 30 cm of the anal verge) who underwent resection between 2007 and 2020. The systematic review involved Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, selecting for adult human studies involving analysis of anastomotic rings in elective colorectal cancer resections. The main outcome measure was the proportion of patients with cancer in the anastomotic ring specimens. The frequency of benign pathology findings and changes to patient management were also examined.

Results

Out of 673 eligible patients, 487 were included in the retrospective analysis. No patients had cancer within the anastomotic ring specimens. Twenty-five patients (5.1 per cent) had benign pathological findings within the anastomotic ring specimens, and patient management was never affected. In the systematic review, 27 articles were included in the final analysis out of 5848 records reviewed. The rate of cancer within anastomotic ring specimens was 0.34 per cent, and the rate of change in patient management was 0.19 per cent.

Conclusion

The likelihood of finding cancer within anastomotic rings is rare and their histopathological examination seldom changes patient management.
Effect of sedatives or anesthetics on the measurement of resting brain function in common marmosets
Authors: Muta Kanako , Hata Junichi , Kawaguchi Naoki , Haga Yawara , Yoshimaru Daisuke , Hagiya Kei , Kaneko Takaaki , Miyabe-Nishiwaki Takako , Komaki Yuji , Seki Fumiko , Okano Hirotaka James , Okano Hideyuki
Published: October 2022

Common marmosets are promising laboratory animals for the study of higher brain functions. Although there are many opportunities to use sedatives and anesthetics in resting brain function measurements in marmosets, their effects on the resting-state network remain unclear. In this study, the effects of sedatives or anesthetics such as midazolam, dexmedetomidine, co-administration of isoflurane and dexmedetomidine, propofol, alfaxalone, isoflurane, and sevoflurane on the resting brain function in common marmosets were evaluated using independent component analysis, dual regression analysis, and graph-theoretic analysis; and the sedatives or anesthetics suitable for the evaluation of resting brain function were investigated. The results show that network preservation tendency under light sedative with midazolam and dexmedetomidine is similar regardless of the type of target receptor. Moreover, alfaxalone, isoflurane, and sevoflurane have similar effects on resting state brain function, but only propofol exhibits different tendencies, as resting brain function is more preserved than it is following the administration of the other anesthetics. Co-administration of isoflurane and dexmedetomidine shows middle effect between sedatives and anesthetics.
Monopoly capitalism in the past four decades
Authors: Sawyer Malcolm
Published: October 2022

Monopoly capitalism can be seen as ‘actually existing neo-liberalism’, and the ‘worship of markets’ from doctrines of neo-liberalism operates to support monopoly capitalism. In recent decades, there has been an evolution from forms of national monopoly capitalism to transnational monopoly capitalism. Aspects of the processes of financialisation are explored for relevance for the evolution of monopoly capitalism. Recent trends in concentration and market power are consistent with the monopoly capitalism analysis, and review the links with profitability and investment. Ideas of secular stagnation have long been associated with monopoly capitalism, and that association is revisited in light of recent economic experience.
Exploring behavioral traits over different contexts in four species of Australian funnel-web spiders
Authors: Hernandez Duran Linda , Wilson David Thomas , Rymer Tasmin Lee
Published: October 2022

Australian funnel-web spiders are arguably the most venomous spiders in the world, with much research focusing on this aspect of their biology. However, other aspects related to their life history, ecology and behaviour have been overlooked. For the first time, we assessed repeatability, namely risk-taking behaviour, aggressiveness and activity in the contexts of predation, conspecific tolerance and exploration of a new territory in four species of Australian funnel-web spiders: two are closely related, Hadronyche valida and H. infensa, and two have overlapping distributions but occupy different habitats, H. cerberea and Atrax robustus. We also compared behaviors between species. At the species level, we found that H. valida showed consistency in risk-taking behavior when exposed to a predator stimulus, aggressiveness against conspecifics, and exploration of a new territory. In contrast, in the other species, only A. robustus showed repeatability in the context of exploration of a new territory. These results suggest that some behavioral traits are likely more flexible than others, and that the repeatability of behaviors may be species-specific in funnel-webs. When we compared species, we found differences in risk-taking behavior and defensiveness. This study provides novel insights to understanding variation in behavioral traits within and between species of funnel-web spiders, suggesting that some behavioral traits are likely context and/or species dependent, as a result of their evolutionary history. These findings provide key insights for understanding the ecological role of behavior and venom deployment in venomous animals, and a greater understanding of behavior in these medically significant and iconic spiders that are of conservation concern.
With M-protein positive, could transthyretin amyloidosis be easily excluded? Not necessarily! Wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis with Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia: a case report
Authors: Kinoshita Haruyuki , Sugino Hiroshi , Ishikawa Akira , Kido Miki , Kanegawa Munehiro , Kashiwabara Ayano , Sumimoto Yoji , Masada Kenji , Shimonaga Takashi , Oka Toshiharu
Published: October 2022

Background

Generally, it is said that amyloid light-chain (AL) develops not only in multiple myeloma but also in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. We experienced a case of M-protein positive and diagnosed as wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt) accompanied with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia.

Case summary

The patient was 72-year-old male, and the main complaint was dyspnoea in April 2020 and visited a nearby doctor. He was introduced to the Department of Haematology at our hospital for high levels of serum immunoglobulin M, M-protein positivity, and cardiac hypertrophy with a suspect of AL amyloidosis. Duodenal mucosal biopsy and abdominal skin biopsy showed no amyloid deposits, and left iliac bone marrow biopsy diagnosed Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia and with no amyloid, and Kumamoto criteria score 1. Last of all, ATTRwt was diagnosed for endocardial biopsy.

Discussion

This is a very rare case of ATTRwt with Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.
Low dose peripheral systemic thrombolysis for treatment of intermediate–high risk acute pulmonary embolism: a case series
Authors: Charif Fida , Khatoun Houda , Nassar Pierre , Jouni Aya , Jaber Sadek , Moussa Malek , Choumar Bilal , Karrowni Wassef
Published: October 2022

Background

The management of intermediate–high-risk acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is controversial with increasing interest in more aggressive treatment approaches than anticoagulation alone.

Case summary

We describe the case series of four consecutive patients who presented to emergency room for acute shortness of breath. They were diagnosed with intermediate–high-risk acute PE based on the computed tomography pulmonary angiography and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) findings and the elevated simplified PE score index. They received bolus of 5 mg thrombolytics recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) administered through peripheral intravenous (i.v.) line followed by continuous infusion at a rate of 2 mg/h along with unfractionated heparin (UFH) at a rate of 500 IU/h for additional ≤10 h. There after the dose of UFH was increased to reach a therapeutic level. Rapid clinical improvement and also improvement in TTE parameters were noted at discharge. Patients were discharged home on oral anticoagulation.

Discussion

Intermediate–high-risk acute PE carries increased risk of mortality and morbidities. Catheter-directed thrombolysis uses a low rtPA dose for local thrombolysis and is associated with low bleeding risk; however it is expensive and requires expertise and human resources. Low-dose rtPA through a peripheral i.v. line might be safe and effective in the treatment of patient with intermediate–high-risk acute PE. This therapeutic approach is readily available at most medical centres, can be started in the emergency room (ER), and can be alternative to catheter-directed thrombolysis nowadays during the COVID-19 era and in hospitals at the periphery and with limited resources.
‘Turning the Rights Lens Inwards’: The Case for Child Rights-Consistent Strategic Litigation Practice
Authors: Nolan Aoife , Skelton Ann
Published: October 2022

The last three decades have seen an explosion of academic, advocacy and policy-maker interest in both the theory and the practice of children’s rights. There is a growing global body of strategic litigation focused on the advancement of those rights through positive legal and/or social change.

In this context, child rights have primarily played an ‘outward-facing’ role: used as a schema that should constrain or mandate the actions of external decision-makers that are the targets of litigation. However, children’s rights have not generally been used as a framework by which to assess, and as necessary, critique strategic litigation practice—i.e. as a lens to be turned inwards by litigators to consider the extent to which their practice is consistent with child rights standards.

This article considers the case for child rights strategic litigation (CRSL) practice that is child rights-consistent. In doing so, it identifies CRSL-relevant rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and outlines how such rights arise in the litigation process. It ultimately posits that child rights can serve as a clear, multi-faceted framework that enables litigators to strengthen their existing practice in a legitimate, unified and coherent way.
Should we adopt a prognosis-based approach to unexplained infertility?
Authors: Shingshetty Laxmi , Maheshwari Abha , McLernon David J , Bhattacharya Siladitya
Published: October 2022

The treatment of unexplained infertility is a contentious topic that continues to attract a great deal of interest amongst clinicians, patients and policy makers. The inability to identify an underlying pathology makes it difficult to devise effective treatments for this condition. Couples with unexplained infertility can conceive on their own and any proposed intervention needs to offer a better chance of having a baby. Over the years, several prognostic and prediction models based on routinely collected clinical data have been developed, but these are not widely used by clinicians and patients. In this opinion paper, we propose a prognosis-based approach such that a decision to access treatment is based on the estimated chances of natural and treatment-related conception, which, in the same couple, can change over time. This approach avoids treating all couples as a homogeneous group and minimizes unnecessary treatment whilst ensuring access to those who need it early.
Restrictions ‘by object’ after Generics, Lundbeck, and Budapest Bank: are we any wiser now?
Authors: Enchelmaier Stefan
Published: October 2022

‘Restrictions “By Object” After Generics, Lundbeck, and Budapest Bank: Are We Any Wiser Now?’ summarizes the CJEU’s jurisprudence on the question when an agreement or a concerted practice between undertakings restricts competition ‘by object’ and when ‘by effect’, Article 101(1) TFEU. It turns out that there are few certainties in this area. Instead, there is a bewildering array of standards for assessing the consequences of agreements on the relevant market. Time and again, it is unclear how ‘abstract’ or ‘concrete’ the assessment has to be. Not much more clarity comes from the recent judgments in Generics, Lundbeck, and Budapest Bank on patent settlement agreements and price fixing, respectively. Nevertheless, they contain the elements of a simple and comprehensive test that dispenses with the complications that have built up in the case law.
Evaluating the use of luteal color Doppler ultrasonography and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins to diagnose pregnancy and predict pregnancy loss in Bos taurus beef replacement heifers
Authors: Holton Matthew P , de Melo Gabriela D , Dias Nicholas W , Pancini Stefania , Lamb Graham C , Pohler Ky G , Mercadante Vitor R G , Harvey Kelsey M , Fontes Pedro L P
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of corpus luteum (CL) color Doppler (CD) ultrasonography and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) for early pregnancy diagnosis and examine their ability to predict late embryonic/early fetal mortality (LEM) in Bos taurus beef replacement heifers. Beef heifers (n = 178) were exposed to a 7-d CO-Synch + CIDR protocol followed by fixed-time artificial insemination (day 0). On days 20 and 22, B-mode and CD ultrasonography were performed to evaluate CL morphometries and blood perfusion, respectively. Heifers were considered nonpregnant when CL area was <2 cm2 or estimated luteal blood perfusion was ≤30% of the total luteal area. Blood samples were collected on days 25 and 29 to estimate circulating concentrations of PAG. Conventional ultrasonography on days 29 and 94 was utilized to determine pregnancy status and considered the gold standard method for pregnancy diagnosis. Pregnant heifers had greater (P < 0.01) CL diameter, area, volume, and blood perfusion when compared with nonpregnant heifers on days 20 and 22. Accuracy of CD on days 20 and 22, and PAG on days 25 and 29 were 91%, 94%, 96%, and 98%, respectively. No false-negative results were observed for CD on both days 20 and 22 (negative predicted value = 100%) and false-positive results represented 8% and 6% of the diagnoses. Heifers that experienced LEM between days 29 and 94 of gestation had decreased luteal (P = 0.02) volume on day 20 and tended (P = 0.07) to have decreased concentrations of PAG on day 29 compared with heifers that maintained pregnancy. However, both CD and PAG failed to predict embryonic mortality. In conclusion, CD successfully detected most nonpregnant replacement heifers as early as day 20 of gestation, while resulting in no false negative diagnoses. Both CD and PAG failed to predict LEM in the present study.
A draft reference genome of the Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp,Branchinecta lynchi
Authors: Kieran Blair Shannon Rose , Schreier Andrea , Escalona Merly , Finger Amanda J , Joslin Shannon E K , Sahasrabudhe Ruta , Marimuthu Mohan P A , Nguyen Oanh , Chumchim Noravit , Morris Emily Reister , Mangelson Hayley , Hull Joshua
Published: October 2022

We present the reference genome of the Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp Branchinecta lynchi. This branchiopod crustacean is endemic to California’s freshwater ephemeral ponds. It faces enormous habitat loss and fragmentation as urbanization and agriculture have fundamentally changed the vernal pool landscape over the past 3 centuries. The assembled genome consists of 22 chromosome-length scaffolds that account for 96.85% of the total sequence. One hundred and ninety-five unscaffolded contigs comprise the rest of the genome’s 575.6 Mb length. The genome is substantially complete with a BUSCO score of 90.0%. There is no immediately identifiable sex chromosome, typical for this class of organism. This new resource will permit researchers to better understand the adaptive capacity of this imperiled species, as well as answer lingering questions about anostracan physiology, sex determination, and development.
Implementation Research for Integrated Tick Control of Rhipicephalus australis (Acari: Ixodidae) Through the Pasture and Cattle Management Method in New Caledonia
Authors: Hüe Thomas , Wang Hsiao-Hsuan , Grant William E , Teel Pete D , Pérez de León Adalberto A
Published: October 2022

New Caledonia is a major livestock producing country in the Southwest Pacific where cattle raising for beef production is a primary agricultural activity. The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus australis, is the most economically important ectoparasite of livestock in New Caledonia. Blood feeding by the parasitic stages of R. australis limits the productivity of tick-susceptible European cattle breeds, which are preferred by livestock farmers. Methods that consider the interplay between tick biology and ecology of pastured cattle provide an opportunity for integrated tick management approaches to mitigate the deleterious effects of R. australis on cattle health and production. Research to implement a Pasture and Cattle Management (PCM) method for integrated control of R. australis in New Caledonia is presented here. Principal aspects of the PCM are described. Optimizing the use of long-acting acaricides contributes to these efforts. Its agroecological foundation affords versatility in the strategic application of practices that follow the PCM method at the farm and agricultural landscape levels. This allows the incorporation of other control technologies like the use of a vaccine against R. australis. Research recommendations to refine integrated R. australis control involving the PCM method for sustainable cattle production in New Caledonia are discussed. Continued research on the biology and ecology of R. australis across the changing agricultural landscape of its geographic range will inform science-based adaptations of the PCM method, which could facilitate its implementation as part of integrated cattle tick management efforts in other semi-extensive cattle management settings.
Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Interference in Monoclonal Gammopathy Monitoring: a Denosumab Experience
Authors: Aydin Ozgur , Aykas Fatma
Published: October 2022

A 73-year-old woman was diagnosed with a lambda light chain myeloma. A follow-up immunofixation electrophoresis showed a monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig)G kappa in addition to the regular lambda band. A monoclonal antibody therapy interference was suspected but her VRD (bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) regimen did not include such a medication. Later it was learned that she was prescribed denosumab, a monoclonal human antibody agent to treat bone lesions. The IgG kappa band disappeared 7 months after the first and 4 months after the last dose of denosumab, confirming a case of interference. This case once again emphasizes the importance of delta check and close communication between clinicians to avoid a false result in electrophoresis. It also describes the migration pattern of denosumab. As therapeutic antibodies gain approval and enter into common clinical practice, drug interference will complicate electrophoresis testing in diagnosis and patient follow-up.
Imbalance of Circulating Monocyte Subsets in Subjects with Newly Emerged and Recurrent Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Jin Yu-jia , Shen Yu , Jin Yi-fan , Zhai Jia-wei , Zhang Yao-xin , Xu Pan-pan , Chen Cheng , Qu Qiu-xia
Published: October 2022

Objective

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is one of the most common diseases in the intensive care unit, where the development of disease is closely related with the host immune response. Monocytes play an important role in both innate and adaptive immune system. We aimed to investigate the changes of circulating monocyte subsets in subjects with HAP to explore its value in monitoring HAP.

Methods

In total, 60 HAP patients and 18 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Human monocyte subsets are classified into 3 groups: nonclassical (NC), intermediate (ITM), and classical (CL). Also, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on circulating monocyte subsets was measured by flow cytometry.

Results

Data showed that the ratio of NC, ITM, and CL among monocytes was comparable between HAP patients and healthy controls (P > .05). There was a remarkable imbalance of NC and CL in newly emerged HAP compared to healthy controls (P < .05), subsequently reaching normalization in recurrent HAP (P > .05). Furthermore, although PD-L1 was seemly constitutively expressed by NC, ITM, and CL groups regardless of disease status, it was noted that PD-L1 was dominantly expressed in the CL group (P < .05).

Conclusion

Given distinct PD-L1 expression, a shift of CL/NC in newly emerged HAP would constitute an inhibitory anti-pathogen immune response. Normalization of circulating monocyte subsets on recurrence of HAP might be the consequence of immune memory of bacterial infection.
Intermediate Care Technicians: The Return on Federal Investments of Medics
Authors: Harrison Randolph Scott
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Over the last 200 years, the “medic” has demonstrated its value at the point of injury care. Unfortunately, when medics leave military service with their medical skills, they have limited direct employment options available to them without added educational requirements. Fortunately, the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) innovation of the Intermediate Care Technician (ICT) Program has a solution for that problem. This article will look at the Veterans Affairs’ creation of the ICT Program, investigate its origins, evaluate where it is today through the lens of the WHO Task-Shifting Model for healthcare system implementation, and address the ICT Programs’ potential for tomorrow.

Materials and Methods

A descriptive, non-experimental research method design was used to collect and analyze the ICT Program’s quantitative and qualitative data.

Results

Through a decade of quality clinical care, Authority of Veteran Affairs Professionals to Practice Health Care Rule, and comparative evaluation of the WHO Task-Shifting Criteria, the ICT Program will bring incredible clinical value to VHA.

Conclusion

The VHA ICT Program demonstrates to the U.S. Healthcare System a validated and reliable program to address healthcare worker shortages, reduce healthcare costs, increase access to care, and manage increasing demand for healthcare.