bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent control system of smart home for context awareness
Authors: Li Minbo , Wu Yu
Published: March 2022

In recent years, the rapid development of Internet of Things smart hardware has increased the demand for intelligent control of devices, mainly in the smart home industry. The framework to solve the problem of equipment intelligent control is studied. The advantages and disadvantages of existing context modeling strategies are analyzed. According to the characteristics of household context activities, combined with the design principles of graph databases, a new context modeling method based on object and attribute graph is proposed, which is suitable for Internet of Things scenarios with limited resources. Rule control, mode control, and voice control approaches of smart home interaction are designed. An inference engine is used to map the data of context awareness to the Internet of Things control services that executed automatic control of the system, and a framework of smart control system based on context awareness of Internet of Things is proposed. Considering the behavior habits of users, the concept of user preference is introduced to provide more personalized services. Performance tests with simulated data show that the new context modeling method has a faster system response time than the ontology modeling control mode.
Thermal-induced influences considered spindle unit angular contact ball bearing preload determination using embedded fiber Bragg gating sensors
Authors: Dong Yanfang , Chen Feifan , Qiu Ming
Published: March 2022

As the most important segment of the spindle unit angular contact ball bearing, the preload significantly influences the bearing characteristics. Thus, the thermal-induced preload derived from the thermal expansion of spindle unit components also affects the increase in bearing temperature, stiffness, fatigue life, and ball skidding significantly. However, such preload is hard to monitor and analyze. Thus, in this article, the authors presented a fiber Bragg gating sensor-based structure for the identification of thermal-induced bearing preload. In addition, a bearing total preload control mechanism was designed with an emphasis on its thermal component. Based on the comparison of the shaft and the outer ring deformation temperature increases measured by embedded fiber Bragg gating sensors, the reasonable bearing preload range was achieved based on Hirano’s theory. Finally, the conclusions provide a reference for improving the performance of angular contact ball bearings and reducing the spindle vibration.
Strategic topics and main professional trends in public relations: Results from 19 Latin American countries
Authors: Álvarez-Nobell Alejandro , Molleda Juan Carlos , Athaydes Andréia Silveira
Published: March 2022

Although Latin America has a long history of well-established academic development and public relations professionals, multiple North American and European conceptualizations and trends still prevail in theoretical debates and professional practices. Nevertheless, a series of international studies sponsored by the EUPRERA and a broad network of researchers, universities, and local professional associations has become a fundamental precedent to consolidate the profession in the region and make it visible worldwide. In this respect, the results are presented below that show the strategic themes and main professional trends in public relations, grouped as follows: (a) trends in public relations management: strategic themes, the impact of fake news, information for decision-making, and the professionalization of public relations in the third sector and (b) the professional development and organization of the activity: excellent communication departments, gender, workplace climate and stress, job satisfaction, and work engagement. Such categorization, in addition to portraying the issues addressed in the third edition of the Latin American Communication Monitor (LCM), allows an analysis of the status quo of the non-continent profession, as it demonstrates the perception of the category on itself. Therefore, it allows reflection on melhorias, especially, in terms of professional training and institutionalization of professional training in Latin America. A sample of 1165 active professionals, who work in communication departments of companies, consultancies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, from 19 Latin American countries was analyzed. The impact of the results and of conducting studies like this one are extremely important for the development of the profession, its compared analysis with the state of affairs in other regions, and an explanatory self-understanding of the path traveled and that to come. Scientifically determining the levels of perception and their representativeness in Latin America amounts to a sign of maturity and evolution of the profession and the study thereof.
Idiopathic gross dilatation of the pancreatic duct with exocrine insufficiency in a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis
Authors: Jayarajah Umesh , Basnayake Oshan , Wijerathne Pradeep Kumara , Fernandopulle Nilesh , Sivaganesh Sivasuriya
Published: March 2022

Pancreatic duct dilatation occurs in conditions including chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. Although several pancreatic benign and malignant tumours have been reported in association with type 1 neurofibromatosis, an association with gross pancreatic duct dilatation or ectasia has not been previously published. We report on a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis found to have idiopathic gross pancreatic duct dilatation and exocrine insufficiency. A 51-year-old female with type 1 neurofibromatosis presented with weight loss and steatorrhoea. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed a possible cystic lesion in the head of the pancreas, a grossly dilated main pancreatic duct and minimal thinned out pancreatic parenchyma. Endosonography confirmed diffuse dilatation of the pancreatic duct with no evidence of a separate cystic neoplasm. Endosonography-guided aspiration revealed non-mucinous, clear fluid with high amylase and normal carcinoembryonic antigen levels. The patient was prescribed pancreatic enzyme supplementation and showed symptomatic improvement. Associations between type 1 neurofibromatosis and pancreatic duct ectasia or chronic pancreatitis have not been reported, and this finding may be coincidental. Clinical presentation in conjunction with multimodal imaging and biochemical and cytological fluid analysis did not reveal the aetiology of the ectatic duct system and attenuated glandular tissue in this patient which is most likely congenital.
Myopathy with oval inclusions in a domestic shorthair cat
Authors: Gougeon Eliot , Larcher Thibaut , Ledevin Mireille , McGrotty Yvonne , Méheust Pierre
Published: March 2022

Case summary

An 18-month-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 2-month history of collapse and severe weakness, particularly affecting the pelvic limbs. A biceps femoris muscle biopsy revealed excessive variability in myofibre size, mild necrosis, minimal centronucleation and scattered 10 μm intracytoplasmic oval inclusions. The inclusions appeared amphophilic with haematoxylin and eosin, blue with Gomori trichrome and unstained with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase tetrazolium reductase staining. ATPase staining revealed a normal mosaic pattern and atrophy of both type 1 and 2 myofibres. The pathological diagnosis was a myopathy with inclusions. In contrast to previous feline myofibre inclusions previously reported in the literature, inclusions were not identified after immunohistochemistry using anti-desmin, tubulin, spectrin, laminin, LAMP and LC3 antibodies. After supportive care and corticosteroid treatment, clinical improvement was noted and the cat was discharged 10 days after initial presentation. Clinical and neurological re-examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6 and 9 months after discharge. Owner contact at both 10 and 30 months post-discharge confirmed that persistent muscular weakness was present.

Relevance and novel information

This case report describes a novel and slowly progressive feline myopathy associated with oval amphophilic inclusions unreactive to immunostaining, which have not been previously reported in feline myopathies.
Use of Complementary and Integrative Medicine Among Patients With Glioblastoma Multiforme Seen at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Munoz-Casabella Amanda , Wahner-Roedler Dietlind L. , Croghan Ivana T. , Petterson Tanya M. , Fuehrer Debbie L. , Bauer Brent A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most aggressive and lethal tumors, with a median survival of 12–15 months. Many patients use complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) therapies to supplement their cancer treatment.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of CIM use and identify the most frequently used types of CIM in a cohort of patients with GBM seen at a tertiary care medical center in the United States.

Methods

An anonymous survey was mailed through the US Postal Service from August 1, 2019, through February 21, 2020, to patients with GBM.

Results

A total of 346 surveys were mailed, and 146 responses (42%) were received. The median age of respondents was 61 years (range, 52–68 years), and 85 (58%) were male. Most patients had undergone surgery (90%), chemotherapy (96%), and radiotherapy (95%). The median time from diagnosis of GBM to survey participation was 18 months (range, 12–31 months). Most respondents (81%) used some form of CIM, most frequently meditation (22%), relaxation and other stress management techniques (19%), chiropractic therapy (16%), and acupuncture (12%). Compared with men, women more commonly meditated (32% vs 16%; P = .046) and practiced yoga (20% vs 6%; P = .04). We observed age-based differences, with younger patients more commonly meditating, practicing relaxation and stress management techniques, and receiving chiropractic therapy ( P < .05 for all).

Conclusions

Providers should encourage patients with GBM to discuss their interest in CIM therapies and guide them to evidence-based treatments that may help improve their quality of life.
Improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery in Canada: A Call to Action
Authors: Snell Laura , Valiquette Chantal R. , Avery Emma , Moltaji Syena , Forrest Christopher R.
Published: March 2022

The global COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the significant inequities in the delivery of healthcare, vaccine inequity, and differential access to life-saving treatments, which have disproportionately impacted marginalized and racialized populations. In this article, we acknowledge and recognize the centuries-old legacies perpetuating inequity, injustice, and oppression, we discuss the principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and we call our Canadian plastic surgery colleagues and trainees to action. We propose a plan for (1) Education, (2) Mitigating Disparities in the Clinical Setting, and (3) Policy, Societies, and Leadership Education.
Lipopolysaccharide-preconditioned allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells improve erectile function in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury
Authors: Zhang Zhenbin , Nie Pan , Yang Wende , Ma Xiaolei , Chen Zehong , Wei Hongbo
Published: March 2022

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) often occurs due to cavernous nerve injury (CNI) after colorectal surgery. Cell-based therapies have great potential for the treatment of CNI-related ED; however, it needs to be optimised. In this study, we explored the therapeutic effects of lipopolysaccharide-preconditioned allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells (L-ADSCs) on CNI-induced ED in rats.

Results

The results of this in vitro study revealed that low-dose lipopolysaccharide could increase the viability of ADSCs, inhibit caspase 3 activation induced by hydrogen peroxide and promote cell migration. Compared with the ADSC supernatant, the L-ADSC supernatant could better reduce fibrosis in the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta 1 protein. In the in vivo study, it was compared to ADSCs therapy, where the L-ADSCs therapy indicated that could better improve erectile function by increasing smooth muscle content and alleviating penile fibrosis in rats 2 weeks after CNI. The outcome may be related to the increase in the hepatocyte growth factor content in the corpus cavernosum and myelin basic protein in the major pelvic ganglion.

Conclusions

L-ADSC treatment may be a promising approach for restoring erectile function after CNI.
Identification of critical residues of O-antigen-modifying O-acetyltransferase B (OacB) of Shigella flexneri
Authors: Rajput Munazza I. , Verma Naresh K.
Published: March 2022

Background

Shigellosis is an acute gastrointestinal disease caused primarily by the bacterium Shigella flexneri. Upon ingestion, S. flexneri initiates a serotype-specific immune response that targets the O-antigen of the pathogen’s lipopolysaccharide. O-antigen subunits are modified by the addition of chemical moieties, which give rise to new serotypes of S. flexneri. Nineteen different serotypes of S. flexneri have been recognized. A recently identified O-antigen-modifying enzyme, O-acetyltransferase B (OacB), which adds an acetyl residue at either position 3 or 4 of RhamnoseIII (3/4-O-acetylation) in serotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 5a, 7a, Y, and 6 and position 6 of N- acetylglucosamine (6-O-acetylation) in serotypes 2a, 3a, Y and Yv of the O-antigen subunits. Critical residues in other proteins involved in O-antigen modifications such as glucosyltransferases (Gtrs) and acetyltransferase (Oac) of S. flexneri have been identified, whereas identification of important amino acids in OacB function is yet to be determined.

Results

Hydrophobicity analysis showed that OacB is a transmembrane protein with 11 transmembrane segments, 12 loops, and periplasmic N- and cytoplasmic C- termini. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that OacB contains acetyltransferase-3 domain and several conserved residues. Using site-directed mutagenesis, selected amino acids were mutated to alanine to elucidate their role in the mechanism of action of OacB. Seven amino acids R47, H58, F98, W71, R116, R119, and S146 were found critical for the OacB function.

Conclusion

In the absence of a three-dimensional structure of the serotype converting enzyme, O-acetyltransferase B (OacB), a clear role of important residues in the mechanism of action is precluded. Therefore, in this study, using site-directed mutagenesis, seven residues critical to the function of OacB were identified. The lack of agglutination of cell expressing mutant OacB in the presence of the antiserum indicated the functional role of the corresponding residues. Hence, this study provides significant information about key residues in OacB which might be involved in forming the catalytic sites of this O-antigen modifying enzyme of S. flexneri.
Comprehensive identification and expression analysis of CRY gene family in Gossypium
Authors: Huang Chaochen , Li Pengbo , Cao Junfeng , Zheng Zishou , Huang Jinquan , Zhang Xiufang , Shangguan Xiaoxia , Wang Lingjian , Chen Zhiwen
Published: March 2022

Background

The cryptochromes (CRY) are specific blue light receptors of plants and animals, which play crucial roles in physiological processes of plant growth, development, and stress tolerance.

Results

In the present work, a systematic analysis of the CRY gene family was performed on twelve cotton species, resulting in 18, 17, 17, 17, and 17 CRYs identified in five alloteraploid cottons (Gossypium hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. tomentosum, G. mustelinum and G. darwinii), respectively, and five to nine CRY genes in the seven diploid species. Phylogenetic analysis of protein-coding sequences revealed that CRY genes from cottons and Arabidopsis thaliana could be classified into seven clades. Synteny analysis suggested that the homoeolog of G. hirsutum Gh_A02G0384 has undergone an evolutionary loss event in the other four allotetraploid cotton species. Cis-element analysis predicated the possible functions of CRY genes in G. hirsutum. RNA-seq data revealed that Gh_D09G2225, Gh_A09G2012 and Gh_A11G1040 had high expressions in fiber cells of different developmental states. In addition, the expression levels of one (Gh_A03G0120), 15 and nine GhCRY genes were down-regulated following the PEG, NaCl and high-temperature treatments, respectively. For the low-temperature treatment, five GhCRY genes were induced, and five were repressed. These results indicated that most GhCRY genes negatively regulate the abiotic stress treatments.

Conclusion

We report the structures, domains, divergence, synteny, and cis-elements analyses systematically of G. hirsutum CRY genes. Possible biological functions of GhCRY genes in differential tissues as well as in response to abiotic stress during the cotton plant life cycle were predicted.
Genetic analysis reveals three novel QTLs underpinning a butterfly egg-induced hypersensitive response-like cell death in Brassica rapa
Authors: Bassetti Niccolò , Caarls Lotte , Bukovinszkine’Kiss Gabriella , El-Soda Mohamed , van Veen Jeroen , Bouwmeester Klaas , Zwaan Bas J. , Schranz M. Eric , Bonnema Guusje , Fatouros Nina E.
Published: March 2022

Background

Cabbage white butterflies (Pieris spp.) can be severe pests of Brassica crops such as Chinese cabbage, Pak choi (Brassica rapa) or cabbages (B. oleracea). Eggs of Pieris spp. can induce a hypersensitive response-like (HR-like) cell death which reduces egg survival in the wild black mustard (B. nigra). Unravelling the genetic basis of this egg-killing trait in Brassica crops could improve crop resistance to herbivory, reducing major crop losses and pesticides use. Here we investigated the genetic architecture of a HR-like cell death induced by P. brassicae eggs in B. rapa.

Results

A germplasm screening of 56 B. rapa accessions, representing the genetic and geographical diversity of a B. rapa core collection, showed phenotypic variation for cell death. An image-based phenotyping protocol was developed to accurately measure size of HR-like cell death and was then used to identify two accessions that consistently showed weak (R-o-18) or strong cell death response (L58). Screening of 160 RILs derived from these two accessions resulted in three novel QTLs for Pieris brassicae-induced cell death on chromosomes A02 (Pbc1), A03 (Pbc2), and A06 (Pbc3). The three QTLs Pbc1–3 contain cell surface receptors, intracellular receptors and other genes involved in plant immunity processes, such as ROS accumulation and cell death formation. Synteny analysis with A. thaliana suggested that Pbc1 and Pbc2 are novel QTLs associated with this trait, while Pbc3 also contains an ortholog of LecRK-I.1, a gene of A. thaliana previously associated with cell death induced by a P. brassicae egg extract.

Conclusions

This study provides the first genomic regions associated with the Pieris egg-induced HR-like cell death in a Brassica crop species. It is a step closer towards unravelling the genetic basis of an egg-killing crop resistance trait, paving the way for breeders to further fine-map and validate candidate genes.
An optional surgical technique for obtaining lamellar donor grafts: a pilot study
Authors: Liu Xin , Liu Chunyu , Lin Hui , Shao Yuting , Zhang Li , Bi Yanlong
Published: March 2022

Background

To evaluate the surface quality and thickness uniformity of lamellar donor grafts using an optional surgical technique called reversed manual dissection (RMD) in porcine corneas.

Methods

Twenty-four paired porcine corneas (48 eyes) were numbered 1 to 24 and divided into 6 groups. All left corneas were assigned to conventional manual dissection (CMD), and all right corneas were assigned to RMD. Each group contained 8 corneas. For Groups I, II, and III, 30, 50, and 70% of the entire corneal thickness was dissected using CMD. For groups IV, V, and VI, 70, 50, and 30% of the entire corneal thickness was dissected using RMD. The residual stromal thickness was examined by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) to assess the thickness uniformity and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess the surface quality.

Results

The thickness uniformity of the lamellar grafts between each paired group was not significantly different (p > 0.05). The qualitative surface roughness grading (QiSR) evaluated by masked observers through SEM was significantly higher in the RMD groups (p < 0.001). The quantitative surface roughness grading (QnSR) acquired from the Mountains software was significantly lower in the RMD groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

RMD is an optional surgical technique for obtaining porcine lamellar grafts. The thickness uniformity of RMD is comparable to that of CMD, and a smoother surface with fewer ridges and roughness is achieved compared to CMD.
Stronger correlation of peak oxygen uptake with distance of incremental shuttle walk test than 6-min walk test in patients with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chae Ganghee , Ko Eun Jae , Lee Sei Won , Kim Hyun Jung , Kwak Sang Gyu , Park Donghwi , Ra Seung Won
Published: March 2022

Background

The 6-min walk test (6MWT) and incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) are valid and reliable measures to assess exercise capacity of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the comparison of correlation between peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and 6MWT or ISWT distance has not been investigated. We aimed to investigate the correlation between peak VO2and 6MWT and ISWT distances in COPD patients through a meta-analysis.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to June, 2020 for studies comparing the correlation of peak VO2with either 6MWT or ISWT in COPD patients. Meta-analysis was performed with R software using a fixed-effect model. We compared the correlation coefficient and measured the heterogeneity using I2statistics.

Results

We identified 12 studies involving 746 patients. Meta-analysis showed a significant correlation between peak VO2and 6MWT and ISWT distances (6MWT: r = 0.65, 95% CI 0.61–0.70; ISWT: r = 0.81, 95% CI 0.74–0.85;p < 0.0001). The heterogeneity was lower in ISWT than in 6MWT (6MWT: I2 = 56%,p = 0.02; ISWT: I2 = 0%,p = 0.71). Subgroup analysis showed a higher correlation coefficient in the low exercise capacity group than in the high exercise capacity group in both field tests.

Conclusions

6MWT and ISWT significantly correlated with peak VO2. Our findings suggest that ISWT has a stronger correlation with peak VO2than 6MWT. The exercise capacity in COPD patients may affect the strength of the relationship between peak VO2and walking distance in both field tests, suggesting the importance of using various exercise tests.

Trial registrationCRD 42020200139 at crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/
In vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of Euphorbia grandicornis Blanc chemical constituents
Authors: Kemboi Douglas , Langat Moses K. , Siwe-Noundou Xavier , Krause Rui W. M. , Isaacs Michelle Louise , Tembu Vuyelwa Jacqueline
Published: March 2022

Background

Euphorbia grandicornis is widely utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of microbial infections including sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and for healing of wounds.

Objective

The aim of this work was to isolate and evaluate the antibacterial and anticancer activities of Euphorbia grandicornis chemical constituents.

Methods

Chemical constituents were isolated and identified using various spectroscopic techniques such as IR, MS, and NMR. The single point growth inhibitory potential of the compounds was determined using a 96-well plate based assay.

Results

The CH2Cl2 crude extracts exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 with percentage growth of 94.90 ± 4.24 and 29.47 ± 4.89 respectively. Hence, the CH2Cl2 crude extract was further subjected to column chromatography which resulted in the isolation of methyl 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate (1), n-octyl benzoate (2), friedelanol (3), and germanicol (4) and identification of compounds 12–24 for the first time in the species based on the LC-MS/MS spectroscopic data. The purified compounds (1–4), and previously reported compounds (5–11) were evaluated for antibacterial activities against S. aureus and E. coli, as well as the cytotoxicity effects against HeLa cells. Of the purified compounds, methyl 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate (1), was the most active against E.coli and S. aureus with a percentage growth of 19.12 ± 0.65 and 23.32 ± 0.23 respectively. β-amyrin (6), and β-sitosterol (8), were active against S. aureus with percentage growth of 27.17 ± 0.07, and 47.79 ± 2.99 respectively.

Conclusion

The results obtained from this study indicate that E. grandicornis, is a rich source of chemical constituents that may provide new lead compounds for the development of antibacterial agents.
Body mass index and healthcare costs: using genetic variants from the HUNT study as instrumental variables
Authors: Edwards Christina Hansen , Vie Gunnhild Åberge , Kinge Jonas Minet
Published: March 2022

Background

Past studies have found associations between obesity and healthcare costs, however, these studies have suffered from bias due to omitted variables, reverse causality, and measurement error.

Methods

We used genetic variants related to body mass index (BMI) as instruments for BMI; thereby exploiting the natural randomization of genetic variants that occurs at conception. We used data on measured height and weight, genetic information, and sociodemographic factors from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Studies (HUNT), and individual-level registry data on healthcare costs, educational level, registration status, and biological relatives. We studied associations between BMI and general practitioner (GP)-, specialist-, and total healthcare costs in the Norwegian setting using instrumental variable (IV) regressions, and compared our findings with effect estimates from ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions. The sensitivity of our findings to underlying IV-assumptions was explored using two-sample Mendelian randomization methods, non-linear analyses, sex-, healthcare provider-, and age-specific analyses, within-family analyses, and outlier removal. We also conducted power calculations to assess the likelihood of detecting an effect given our sample 60,786 individuals.

Results

We found that increased BMI resulted in significantly higher GP costs; however, the IV-based effect estimate was smaller than the OLS-based estimate. We found no evidence of an association between BMI and specialist or total healthcare costs.

Conclusions

Elevated BMI leads to higher GP costs, and more studies are needed to understand the causal mechanisms between BMI and specialist costs.
The cost of post-abortion care (PAC): a systematic review
Authors: Sihaloho Estro Dariatno , Habibie Ibnu , Kamilah Fariza Zahra , Christiani Yodi
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite the increasing trend of Postabortion Care (PAC) needs and provision, the evidence related to its cost is lacking. This study aims to review the costs of Postabortion Care (PAC) per patient at a national level.

Methods

A systematic review of literature related to PAC cost published in 1994 – October 2020 was performed. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Medline, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were used to search the literature. Following the title and abstract screening, reporting quality was appraised using the Consolidates Health Economic Evaluation (CHEERS) checklist. PAC costs were extrapolated into US dollars ($US) and international dollars ($I), both in 2019.

Results

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies reported direct medical cost per patient in accessing PAC, but only three of them included indirect medical cost. All studies reported either average or range of cost. In terms of range, the highest direct cost of PAC with MVA (Medical Vacuum Aspiration) services can be found in Colombia, between $US50.58–212.47, while the lowest is in Malawi ($US15.2–139.19). The highest direct cost of PAC with D&C (Dilatation and Curettage), services is in El Salvador ($US65.22–240.75), while the lowest is in Bangladesh ($US15.71–103.85). Among two studies providing average indirect cost data, Uganda with $US105.04 has the highest average indirect medical cost, while Rwanda with $US51.44 has the lowest.

Conclusions

Our review shows variability in the cost of PAC across countries. This study depicts a clearer picture of how costly it is for women to access PAC services, although it is still seemingly underestimated. When a study compared the use of UE (Uterine Evacuation) method between MVA and D&C, it is confirmed that MVA treatments tend to have lower costs and potentially reduce a significant cost. Therefore, by looking at both clinical and economic perspectives, improving and strengthening the quality and accessibility of PAC with MVA is a priority.
Cross-ethnic analysis of common gene variants in hemostasis show lopsided representation of global populations in genetic databases
Authors: Osman Abdimajid , Jonasson Jon
Published: March 2022

A majority of studies reporting human genetic variants were performed in populations of European ancestry whereas other global populations, and particularly many ethnolinguistic groups in other continents, are heavily underrepresented in these studies. To investigate the extent of this disproportionate representation of global populations concerning variants of significance to thrombosis and hemostasis, 845 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in and around 34 genes associated with thrombosis and hemostasis and included in the commercial Axiom Precision Medicine Research Array (PMRA) were evaluated, using gene frequencies in 3 African (Somali and Luhya in East Africa, and Yoruba in West Africa) and 14 non-African (admixed American, East Asian, European, South Asian, and sub-groups) populations. Among the populations studied, Europeans were observed to be the best represented population by the hemostatic SNPs included in the PMRA. The European population also presented the largest number of common pharmacogenetic and pathogenic hemostatic variants reported in the ClinVar database. The number of such variants decreased the farther the genetic distance a population was from Europeans, with Yoruba and East Asians presenting the least number of clinically significant hemostatic SNPs in ClinVar while also being the two genetically most distinct populations from Europeans among the populations compared. Current study shows the lopsided representation of global populations as regards to hemostatic genetic variants listed in different commercial SNP arrays, such as the PMRA, and reported in genetic databases while also underlining the importance of inclusion of non-European ethnolinguistic populations in genomics studies designed to discover variants of significance to bleeding and thrombotic disorders.
A novel tablet-based application for assessment of manual dexterity and its components: a reliability and validity study in healthy subjects
Authors: Rabah Ayah , Le Boterff Quentin , Carment Loïc , Bendjemaa Narjes , Térémetz Maxime , Dupin Lucile , Cuenca Macarena , Mas Jean-Louis , Krebs Marie-Odile , Maier Marc A. , Lindberg Påvel G.
Published: March 2022

Background

We developed five tablet-based tasks (applications) to measure multiple components of manual dexterity. Aim: to test reliability and validity of tablet-based dexterity measures in healthy participants.

Methods

Tasks included: (1) Finger recognition to assess mental rotation capacity. The subject taps with the finger indicated on a virtual hand in three orientations (reaction time, correct trials). (2) Rhythm tapping to evaluate timing of finger movements performed with, and subsequently without, an auditory cue (inter-stimulus interval). (3) Multi-finger tapping to assess independent finger movements (reaction time, correct trials, unwanted finger movements). (4) Sequence tapping to assess production and memorization of visually cued finger sequences (successful taps). (5) Line-tracking to assess movement speed and accuracy while tracking an unpredictably moving line on the screen with the fingertip (duration, error). To study inter-rater reliability, 34 healthy subjects (mean age 35 years) performed the tablet tasks twice with two raters. Relative reliability (Intra-class correlation, ICC) and absolute reliability (Standard error of measurement, SEM) were established. Task validity was evaluated in 54 healthy subjects (mean age 49 years, range: 20–78 years) by correlating tablet measures with age, clinical dexterity assessments (time taken to pick-up objects in Box and Block Test, BBT and Moberg Pick Up Test, MPUT) and with measures obtained using a finger force-sensor device.

Results

Most timing measures showed excellent reliability. Poor to excellent reliability was found for correct trials across tasks, and reliability was poor for unwanted movements. Inter-session learning occurred in some measures. Age correlated with slower and more variable reaction times in finger recognition, less correct trials in multi-finger tapping, and slower line-tracking. Reaction times correlated with those obtained using a finger force-sensor device. No significant correlations between tablet measures and BBT or MPUT were found. Inter-task correlation among tablet-derived measures was weak.

Conclusions

Most tablet-based dexterity measures showed good-to-excellent reliability (ICC ≥ 0.60) except for unwanted movements during multi-finger tapping. Age-related decline in performance and association with finger force-sensor measures support validity of tablet measures. Tablet-based components of dexterity complement conventional clinical dexterity assessments. Future work is required to establish measurement properties in patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Nasal pressure swings as the measure of inspiratory effort in spontaneously breathing patients with de novo acute respiratory failure
Authors: Tonelli Roberto , Cortegiani Andrea , Marchioni Alessandro , Fantini Riccardo , Tabbì Luca , Castaniere Ivana , Biagioni Emanuela , Busani Stefano , Nani Chiara , Cerbone Caterina , Vermi Morgana , Gozzi Filippo , Bruzzi Giulia , Manicardi Linda , Pellegrino Maria Rosaria , Beghè Bianca , Girardis Massimo , Pelosi Paolo , Gregoretti Cesare , Ball Lorenzo , Clini Enrico
Published: March 2022

Background

Excessive inspiratory effort could translate into self-inflicted lung injury, thus worsening clinical outcomes of spontaneously breathing patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). Although esophageal manometry is a reliable method to estimate the magnitude of inspiratory effort, procedural issues significantly limit its use in daily clinical practice. The aim of this study is to describe the correlation between esophageal pressure swings (ΔPes) and nasal (ΔPnos) as a potential measure of inspiratory effort in spontaneously breathing patients with de novo ARF.

Methods

From January 1, 2021, to September 1, 2021, 61 consecutive patients with ARF (83.6% related to COVID-19) admitted to the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU) of the University Hospital of Modena (Italy) and candidate to escalation of non-invasive respiratory support (NRS) were enrolled. Clinical features and tidal changes in esophageal and nasal pressure were recorded on admission and 24 h after starting NRS. Correlation between ΔPes and ΔPnos served as primary outcome. The effect of ΔPnos measurements on respiratory rate and ΔPes was also assessed.

Results

ΔPes and ΔPnos were strongly correlated at admission (R2 = 0.88, p < 0.001) and 24 h apart (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.001). The nasal plug insertion and the mouth closure required for ΔPnos measurement did not result in significant change of respiratory rate and ΔPes. The correlation between measures at 24 h remained significant even after splitting the study population according to the type of NRS (high-flow nasal cannulas [R2 = 0.79, p < 0.001] or non-invasive ventilation [R2 = 0.95, p < 0.001]).

Conclusions

In a cohort of patients with ARF, nasal pressure swings did not alter respiratory mechanics in the short term and were highly correlated with esophageal pressure swings during spontaneous tidal breathing. ΔPnos might warrant further investigation as a measure of inspiratory effort in patients with ARF.

Trial registration: NCT03826797. Registered October 2016.
Effect of different recovery modes during resistance training with blood flow restriction on hormonal levels and performance in young men: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fekri-Kourabbaslou Vahid , Shams Sara , Amani-Shalamzari Sadegh
Published: March 2022

Background

Resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) results in hypertrophy, and its magnitude depends on various training variables. This study aimed to compare the long-term effect of passive recovery (PR) and active recovery (AR) during low-intensity resistance training with BFR on hormonal levels and performance in young men.

Methods

In the randomized clinical trial, 20 men were randomly divided into PR and AR groups during resistance training with BFR. The intervention consisted of six upper and lower body movements with 30% of one maximum repetition (1RM), three sessions per week for six weeks. Both groups wore pneumatic cuffs on the proximal part of thighs and arms. The cuff pressure was 60% of the calculated arterial blood occlusion and increased 10% every two weeks. The AR group performed seven repetitions in 30 s break between sets by one second for concentric and eccentric phases and two seconds rest, and the other group had passive rest. The blood samples and a series of performance tests were gathered before and after the intervention. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyze data.

Results

AR and PR interventions significantly improved the C-reactive protein (CRP) (− 38% vs. − 40%), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (− 11% vs. − 3%), Sargent jump (9% vs. 10%), peak power (20% vs.18%), and average power (14% vs. 14%), upper 1RM (8% vs. 8%) and no significant differences were observed between groups. The AR intervention significantly increased growth hormone (GH) (423% vs. 151%, p = 0.03), lower body 1RM (18% vs. 11%) and muscle endurance (34% vs. 22% for the upper body, p = 0.02 and 32% vs. 24% for the lower body, p = 0.04) than the PR group. The PR intervention further increased the minimum power than the AR group (19% vs. 10%). There were no significant changes in testosterone (p = 0.79) and cortisol (p = 0.34) following interventions.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that by increasing muscle activation and higher metabolic load, AR during resistance training with BFR might cause more remarkable improvements in serum GH, muscle strength, and endurance. Thus, to gain further benefits, AR during training with BFR is recommended.

Trial registration: IRCT20191207045644N1. Registration date: 14/03/2020. URL: https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20191207045644N1
An automatic modulation classification network for IoT terminal spectrum monitoring under zero-sample situations
Authors: Zhou Quan , Zhang Ronghui , Zhang Fangpei , Jing Xiaojun
Published: March 2022

Rely on powerful computing resources, a large number of internet of things (IoT) sensors are placed in various locations to sense the environment we live. However, the proliferation of IoT devices has led to the misuse of spectrum resources, and many IoT devices occupy the frequency band without permission. As a consequence, the spectrum regulation has become an essential part of the development of IoT. Automatic modulation classification (AMC) is a task in spectrum monitoring, which senses the electromagnetic space and is carried out under non-cooperative communication. Generally, deep learning (DL)-based methods are data-driven and require large amounts of training data. In fact, under some non-cooperative communication scenarios, it is challenging to collect the wireless signal data directly. How can the DL-based algorithm complete the inference task under zero-sample conditions? In this paper, a signal zero-shot learning network (SigZSLNet) is proposed for AMC under the zero-sample situations. The semantic descriptions and the corresponding semantic vectors are designed to generate the feature vectors of the modulated signals. The generated feature vectors act as the training data of zero-sample classes. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed SigZSLNet. The accuracy of one unseen class and two unseen classes exceeds 90% and 76%, respectively. Simultaneously, we show the generated feature vectors and the intermediate layer output of the model.
Matching-adjusted indirect treatment comparison of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies for third-line or later treatment of relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma: lisocabtagene maraleucel versus tisagenlecleucel
Authors: Cartron Guillaume , Fox Christopher P. , Liu Fei Fei , Kostic Ana , Hasskarl Jens , Li Daniel , Bonner Ashley , Zhang Yixie , Maloney David G. , Kuruvilla John
Published: March 2022

Background

There are no head-to-head clinical studies comparing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for the treatment of relapsed or refractory aggressive large B-cell lymphomas. Naive, indirect comparisons may be inappropriate, as the study designs and patient populations could differ substantially. Matching-adjusted indirect comparisons (MAIC) can reduce many biases associated with indirect comparisons between studies. To determine the comparative efficacy and safety of lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) to tisagenlecleucel, we describe an unanchored MAIC of the pivotal studies TRANSCEND NHL 001 (TRANSCEND; NCT02631044; liso-cel) and JULIET (NCT02445248; tisagenlecleucel).

Methods

Individual patient data (IPD) from TRANSCEND were available to the authors; for the JULIET pivotal study, summary-level data from the published study were used. To balance the populations between two studies, IPD from TRANSCEND were adjusted to match the marginal distribution (e.g., mean, variance) of clinical factors among patients from JULIET.

Results

Results from the primary MAIC showed liso-cel had statistically significant greater efficacy than tisagenlecleucel (objective response rate: odds ratio [OR] = 2.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63‒4.74; complete response rate: OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.22‒3.30; progression-free survival: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47‒0.91; overall survival: HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47‒0.95). MAIC of safety outcomes showed lower ORs for all-grade and grade ≥ 3 cytokine release syndrome, and grade ≥ 3 prolonged cytopenia for liso-cel when compared with tisagenlecleucel; there were no statistically significant differences detected for other safety outcomes.

Conclusions

Overall, this MAIC of two CAR T-cell therapies indicates liso-cel had favorable efficacy and a comparable or better safety profile relative to tisagenlecleucel.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT02631044 and NCT02445248.
Machine learning-assisted identification of bioindicators predicts medium-chain carboxylate production performance of an anaerobic mixed culture
Authors: Liu Bin , Sträuber Heike , Saraiva João , Harms Hauke , Silva Sandra Godinho , Kasmanas Jonas Coelho , Kleinsteuber Sabine , Nunes da Rocha Ulisses
Published: March 2022

Background

The ability to quantitatively predict ecophysiological functions of microbial communities provides an important step to engineer microbiota for desired functions related to specific biochemical conversions. Here, we present the quantitative prediction of medium-chain carboxylate production in two continuous anaerobic bioreactors from 16S rRNA gene dynamics in enriched communities.

Results

By progressively shortening the hydraulic retention time (HRT) from 8 to 2 days with different temporal schemes in two bioreactors operated for 211 days, we achieved higher productivities and yields of the target productsn-caproate andn-caprylate. The datasets generated from each bioreactor were applied independently for training and testing machine learning algorithms using 16S rRNA genes to predictn-caproate andn-caprylate productivities. Our dataset consisted of 14 and 40 samples from HRT of 8 and 2 days, respectively. Because of the size and balance of our dataset, we compared linear regression, support vector machine and random forest regression algorithms using the original and balanced datasets generated using synthetic minority oversampling. Further, we performed cross-validation to estimate model stability. The random forest regression was the best algorithm producing more consistent results with median of error rates below 8%. More than 90% accuracy in the prediction ofn-caproate andn-caprylate productivities was achieved. Four inferred bioindicators belonging to the generaOlsenella,Lactobacillus,SyntrophococcusandClostridiumIV suggest their relevance to the higher carboxylate productivity at shorter HRT. The recovery of metagenome-assembled genomes of these bioindicators confirmed their genetic potential to perform key steps of medium-chain carboxylate production.

Conclusions

Shortening the hydraulic retention time of the continuous bioreactor systems allows to shape the communities with desired chain elongation functions. Using machine learning, we demonstrated that 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data can be used to predict bioreactor process performance quantitatively and accurately. Characterizing and harnessing bioindicators holds promise to manage reactor microbiota towards selection of the target processes. Our mathematical framework is transferrable to other ecosystem processes and microbial systems where community dynamics is linked to key functions. The general methodology used here can be adapted to data types of other functional categories such as genes, transcripts, proteins or metabolites.