bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online regulation of walking gate speed for a five link bipedal robot via adaptive deforming of virtual holonomic constraints
Authors: Kakaei Mohammad Mehdi , Salarieh Hassan , Sohrabpour Saeed
Published: July 2022

Bipedal robots with instantaneous impact form a subclass of the dynamic systems with hybrid and under-actuation properties. Because of these two complex properties, finding an effective control method to show a rule base motion is difficult. In particular, few works are focused on how to regulate gate speed based on analytical stability and its own model which boost the robustness and accuracy. This is, thereby, still an open and challenging issue. In this paper, we present a solution for online regulating walking gait speed of bipedal robot based on its model while simultaneously stabilizing a closed orbit in the constraint manifold space. Suitable paths are therefore taken as the virtual holonomic constraints, which are then characterized by some parameters. By proposing a stability theorem, a hierarchical controller is designed in two levels. At the low-level, the controller stabilizes the constraints as an output of the system state space, thereby creating the constraint manifold. In order to achieve the desired gate speed, the high-level controller adaptively deforms this manifold through the characterization parameters. In this design, the robustness of the controller is taken into consideration to prevent the system from being affected by disturbances. Simulation results show that the control method has a good performance and works smoothly in regulating the robot gate speed. Furthermore, the robot is also resistant to disturbance during movement and performs a stable motion over time.
Sources and predictors of work-related stress among Omani Nurses: A cross sectional study
Authors: AL-Yaqoubi Safiya , Arulappan Judie
Published: July 2022

Background
Nurses experience high levels of stress as they deal with the patients having complex health care problems. Stress in nursing affects the practice of nursing profession worldwide. In response to this, the investigators explored the sources and predictors of work related stress among Omani Nurses.
Methods
Samples were selected through proportionate population sampling (PPS) from five selected tertiary care hospitals. Data were collected through self-administered nursing stress scale. The study included 383 Omani nurses. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.
Results
The highest level of work-related stress was on the subscale of workload with a mean score of 8.99 followed by the subscale of emotional issues related to death and dying with a mean of 8.72. Omani nurses working in tertiary care hospitals were experiencing high levels of work-related stress due to workload secondary to severe shortage in number of nursing staffs and by performing non-specified work responsibilities. Work- related stress was associated with the nursing position as staff nurses, performing night shift and reduced job satisfaction.
Conclusion
The study's results may help in developing human resource strategies aimed at minimizing nurses’ stress and improving quality of health care and task force performance.
Identification of Discrete Two-dimensional Systems Using Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Dehnavi Vahid Safari , Shafiee Masoud
Published: July 2022

This paper attempts to indicate the identification of discrete two-dimensional causal systems. Initially, two methods were proposed to estimate the order of model. Then, two models for identification used. The second model used a new hybrid algorithm to optimize the parameters. In the hybrid algorithm, the linear parameters are initialized by least square (LS) and optimized by recursive least square (RLS) with adaptive local forgotten factor in white noise condition. In colored noise conditions, by estimating the filter of noise, colored noise is converted to white noise. The hybrid algorithm optimizes nonlinear parameters by global nonlinear optimization algorithms such as metaheuristic algorithms. In metaheuristic algorithms, the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) and grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) with a new learning rate are used to optimize the nonlinear parameters. Finally, we proposed another method and nonlinear parameters optimized by backpropagation with a new algorithm proposed for determining the learning rate. The simulations reveal that the results are satisfying.
Increased Risk of All-Cause, Alzheimer’s, and Vascular Dementia in Adults with Migraine in Korea: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Hurh Kyungduk , Jeong Sung Hoon , Kim Seung Hoon , Jang Suk-Yong , Park Eun-Cheol , Jang Sung-In
Published: July 2022

Background: Studies investigating the association between migraine and dementia have reported inconsistent findings. This study aimed to evaluate whether patients with migraine have an increased risk of dementia compared to individuals without migraine.Methods: We obtained data from the 2002–2019 Korean National Health Insurance Health Screening Cohort. Non-migraine controls were selected using a 1:1 risk-set matching with a time-dependent propensity score. The main outcome was the development of all-cause dementia, and the secondary outcome was the development of each cause of dementia (Alzheimer’s, vascular, mixed or other specified, and unspecified dementia). The incidence rate of dementia was calculated using Poisson regression, and the association between migraine and dementia was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression.Results: Among 88,390 participants, 66.1% were female, and the mean baseline age was 55.3±9.4 years. During the study period, dementia cases were identified in 4,800 of the 44,195 patients with migraine and 3,757 of the 44,915 matched controls. The incidence rate of dementia was 139.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 135.7–143.5) and 107.7 (95% CI, 104.3–111.1) cases per 10,000 person-years in patients with migraine and matched controls, respectively. Patients with migraine had a 1.30 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.25–1.35), 1.29 (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.23–1.35), 1.35 (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.19–1.54), 1.68 (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.00–1.83), and 1.30 (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.17–1.45) times higher risk of developing all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s dementia, vascular dementia, mixed or other specified dementias, and unspecified dementia than their matched controls, respectively.Conclusion: Our results suggest that migraine is associated with an increased risk of subsequent dementia. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and to reveal the underlying mechanisms.
Treatment of rigid post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis by a novel technique of spinal joints release
Authors: Wang Qing , Tang， Chao , Wang， GaoJu , Li， GuangZhou , Zhong， DeJun , Wang， Song , Ma Fei
Published: July 2022

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel technique named spinal joints release (SJR) and observe its efficacy in treating rigid post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis (RPTK).Methods RPTK patients who were treated by SJR with facet resection, limited laminotomy, clearance of the intervertebral space, and release of the anterior longitudinal ligament through the intervertebral foramen from August 2015 to August 2021 were reviewed. Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The intraoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up complications were observed. The improvement in VAS score and ODI index were observed. Spinal cord functional recovery was evaluated by ASIA score. Improvement of local kyphosis (Cobb) was evaluated by radiography.Results Forty-three patients were successfully treated by the SJR surgical technique. There were no serious complications. The average operation time was 224 ± 31 min, and intraoperative blood loss was 450 ± 225 mL. All of the patients were followed up with an average of 26 ± 8.5 months. The VAS scores and ODI index improved significantly at the final follow-up. All of the 17 patients with incomplete spinal cord injury achieved more than one grade neurological recovery at the final follow-up. An 87% correction rate of kyphosis was achieved and maintained, with the Cobb angle decreasing from 27.7° preoperatively to 5.4° at the final follow-up.Conclusion Posterior SJR surgery for patients with RPTK has the advantages of less trauma and less blood loss, and kyphosis correction is satisfactory.
Negative experiences, social exclusion and unwanted attention on social media: Exploring the association with adolescent alcohol use
Authors: Ranganath Priya , Hjetland Gunnhild Johnsen , Finserås Turi Reiten , Brunborg Geir Scott , Hesse Morten , Skogen Jens Christoffer
Published: July 2022

Background
Adolescents’ presence on Social Media (SoMe) facilitates peer-connections making them susceptible to peer-influences and approval. Negative experiences on SoMe can affect adolescent stress and wellbeing, impelling their use of alcohol. This paper provides a novel understanding of the relationship between negative experiences on SoMe and key indicators of alcohol use in adolescents.
Methods
Data was collected from upper secondary school students (n = 3528, ages 16–19, 45% boys) in Bergen (Norway) using a web-based questionnaire during school-hours in 2020 and 2021. Dependent variables were alcohol consumption, binge drinking and scoring ≥ 2 points on the CRAFFT instrument screening for substance use problems in adolescents. Independent variables were two scales indicating “negative acts and exclusion” and “unwanted attention from others”. All models were adjusted for age, gender and subjective socioeconomic status. Results are presented as relative risk ratios (RRR), odds ratios (OR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals.
Results
Using multinomial logistic regression models, “negative acts and exclusion” and “unwanted attention” were positively associated with trying alcohol (OR: 1.49 (95% CI 1.27–1.74) and 1.87 (95% CI 1.67–2.09) respectively, both p ≤ 0.001), with frequency and amount of alcohol consumed. Findings from logistic regression models indicated that “negative acts and exclusion” and “unwanted attention” were positively associated with i. CRAFFT-caseness (OR: 2.31 and 2.34) and ii. frequent binge drinking (OR: 1.55 and 1.89).
Conclusion
Both exclusion and unwanted attention on SoMe were associated with indicators of problematic drinking, including frequency, quantity, and consequences related to alcohol.
An approach for selecting appropriate mother wavelet and optimal level of decomposition for analyzing induction motor faults using quality parameters under variation in motor loading
Authors: Thakur Arunava Kabiraj , Mukherjee Alok , Kundu Palash Kumar , Das Arabinda
Published: July 2022

Wavelet transform is a widely used mathematical tool for analyzing fault signals. But the major problem lying with wavelet analysis is in the selection of the appropriate mother wavelet. Besides, selection of the optimal level of decomposition is also important since the complexity and time of computation increases proportionately as the level of decomposition increases. In this work, we have proposed a method for selecting an optimal mother wavelet and optimal level of decomposition of three phase fault current signals of induction motor, in order to achieve appreciably accurate result with optimized complexity. Here, we have analyzed the results using mother wavelets from the Daubechies (db), Coiflets (Coif) and Symlets (Sym) gropus and decomposed the fault current signals of three phase induction motors upto five levels. We have also varied the loading on the motor in three discrete steps in order to incorporate robustness to the model and analyzed the four major quality factors, viz., signal to noise ratio (SNR), root Mean square error (RMSE), peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and correlation coefficient (CC) for reaching a conclusion regarding optimum mother wavelet selection in favour of Symlet5 mother wavelet decomposed at level 4.
The gametogenic cycle and spawning of the Short-Necked Clam, Paphia undulata Born, 1778 from Timsah Lake, Suez Canal, Egypt
Authors: Mahmoud Mostafa A. M. , Yassien Mohamed H.
Published: July 2022

The Short-Necked Clam Paphia undulata is a marine edible bivalve consumed all over the world and locally in Egypt. In the past decade, its population declined across the Egyptian fisheries due to overexploitation and pollution. The gametogenic cycle and spawning studies of P. undulata were carried out during the period from January 2020 to December 2020 along Timsah Lake, Suez Canal, Egypt. Shell lengths of the collected clams ranged from 2.31 cm to 6.22 cm in males, 2.05 cm to 5.97 cm in females and 3.70 cm to 4.36 cm in hermaphrodite clams. These clams are functionally dioecious wherein male and female sexes are separate, with very low incidences of hermaphroditism. The sex ratio (male: female: hermaphrodite) of the clam population was 1.0: 1.07: 0.04. The onset of sexual maturity of both males and females was 2.3 cm and 2.7 cm respectively. Reproductive studies revealed that this species has a prolonged spawning season not restricted during a certain period.
A comparison of the effect of time-to-treatment on survival according to economic status of lung cancer patients with chronic diseases
Authors: Kim Woorim , Han Kyu-Tae
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The topic of providing timely treatment to lung cancer patients with chronic diseases has not been widely examined. This study therefore aimed to investigate the association between time-to-treatment and five-year mortality in lung cancer patients with diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia.Methods: The National Health Insurance elderly cohort data (2002-2019) were used. The participants were 2,023 lung cancer patients with diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia who underwent surgery. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the impact of time-to-treatment for first cancer treatment on five-year mortality. The cut-off value for time-to-treatment was set at 30 days. Sub-group analysis was conducted according to the economic status and the level of comorbidities. Results: Compared with individuals who received their first treatment for lung cancer in less than 30 days from diagnosis, patients who received their treatment after 30 days showed a higher risk of five-year mortality (HR 1.328, 95% CI 1.077-1.639). This difference in mortality risk was magnified in individuals of lower economic status or with a higher level of comorbidities.Conclusion: Lung cancer patients with diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia who received their first treatment for cancer 30 days after diagnosis were more associated with five-year mortality. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding delays in the treatment and management of lung cancer with chronic diseases.
Efficacy of Extracts from Datura Metel L. for Psoriasis: A meta-analysis of case series and single arm studies
Authors: Sang Xiaopu , Bi Huanzhou , Tu Yijun , Wang Yihang , Wu Fenfang
Published: July 2022

Background Datura Metel L. has been used to treat psoriasis in China for a long time. The effect of extracts from Datura Metel L. for Psoriasis has not been previously confirmed. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of extracts from Datura Metel L. for patients with psoriasis.Methods PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and other databases were searched from database inception until to September 1, 2021. A quality assessment and data extraction were performed by 2 independent reviews. We used a random-effects meta-analysis model to estimate the pooled curative effect, pooled odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals. Results Nine studies were included in Meta‐analysis, including a total number of 1778 patients with psoriasis. The case cure rate of Datura Metel L. intravenous therapy was 0.48 (95% CI: 0.33, 0.62) and of Datura Metel L. oral therapy was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.68), respectively. The case effective rate of Datura Metel L. intravenous therapy was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.97) and of Datura Metel L. oral therapy was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.99), respectively. Conclusions The extracts from Datura Metel L. showed the potential to treat psoriasis, and intravenous therapy might be a promising treatment to cure psoriasis, which is likely affected by selection and publication bias, still need more high quality clinical studies.
Factors affecting the treatment decision making of patients with wet age- related macular degeneration: A qualitative study in China
Authors: Wan Junli , Zhang Feng , Tan Mingqiong , wang lu , Hu Shaoyi , Bian wei
Published: July 2022

Background: The treatment decision making of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration （WAMD）is a very complex process，However, the influencing factors of WAMD in treatment decision making have not been well described.Methods: We performed a patient led qualitative study to explore patient experiences with decision-making processes when admitted to hospital with wet age-related macular degeneration. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was used. Analysis was conducted using the thematic analysis approach. Results: Twenty-six patients with WAMD participated in the study. Four major themes were identified from the original data analysis. These themes included patient level (interpersonal characteristics of the patient, confidence in one’s own disease knowledge, expectations of the outcome of being involved in treatment decision making, weighting benefits or risks from others’ experiences, and self-efficacy in decision making); clinician level (interpersonal characteristics of the clinician, technical terms used by doctors, providing relevant information about options, and decision support); interaction level (doctor–patient communication, unbalanced relationship between doctors and patients, and patients fully trusting the doctor’s decision); and the system level (discontinuity of visits, lack of sufficient communication time, and insufficient system configuration).Conclusion: Our study has identified the influencing factors of treatment decision making in patients with WAMD during treatment. According to these influencing factors, we can construct patient decision-making assistance tools and formulate intervention models to provide a theoretical basis for patients to participate in treatment decision making effectively.
Robust H∞ based model predictive control for Lipschitz nonlinear switched systems under asynchronous switching
Authors: Rahdan Ali , Abedi Mostafa
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes an asynchronous robust H∞ model predictive control scheme for discretetime Lipschitz nonlinear switched systems. It is assumed that there exist some mismatches between the switching of the subsystems and the controllers. For this purpose, two different types of cost functions have to be minimized, including the cost function with the finite horizon in the mismatched intervals and with the infinite horizon in the matched intervals. The control scheme is developed based on the multiple Lyapunov functions and persistent dwell time switching signal to ensure the H∞ performance. Therefore, conservative aspects of the other model predictive methods developed based on the common Lyapunov function and arbitrary switching signals are treated. Due to the online framework of the suggested strategy, fewer constraints have to be resolved simultaneously. So, there will be fewer feasibility problems and unexpected variations issues compared to offline methods, which are widely used in the literature of switched systems. The non-convex control scheme is formulated as an optimization problem in the framework of linear matrix inequality, as well as the optimal values of some parameters are obtained. Finally, a numerical example is developed, and the performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated.
Clinical Profile and Demographic Distribution of Pigment Dispersion Syndrome: An electronic medical record-driven big data analytics from an eye care network in India
Authors: Warjri Gazella Bruce , Das Anthony Vipin , Senthil Sirisha
Published: July 2022

Purpose: To describe the demographics and clinical profile of pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) in patients presenting to a multi-tier ophthalmology hospital network in India. Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 2,961,706 new patients presenting between August 2010 and September 2021. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of PDS in at least one eye were included as cases. The data were collected using an electronic medical record system. Results: Overall, 403 (0.014%) patients were diagnosed with PDS. Three fourth of the patients were male (75.43%) and 91.81% had bilateral affliction. The most common age group at presentation was during the fourth decade of life with 100 (24.81%) patients. In the 773 eyes, 443 (57.31%) eyes had mild or no visual impairment (<20/70) and blindness (>20/400) in 81 (10.48%) eyes. Krukenberg spindle was seen in 445 (57.57%) eyes and iris transillumination defects in 33 (4.27%) eyes. About a third of the eyes, 241 (31.18%) eyes had an intraocular pressure >21 mm of Hg at presentation. 328 (42.43%) eyes were on more than one anti-glaucoma medication. YAG peripheral iridotomy was documented in 100 (12.94%) eyes. In the 46 (5.95%) eyes that required a glaucoma related surgical intervention, combined surgery was performed in 30 (3.88%) eyes and trabeculectomy in 16 (2.07%) eyes. Conclusion: PDS is more common in males presenting during the fourth decade of life and is predominantly bilateral. A third of the eyes have raised intraocular pressure and a tenth of them are affected with blindness at presentation.
Control variables of serum ferritin concentrations in hospitalized newborn infants: an observational study
Authors: Hisano Tadashi , Okada Junichiro , Tsuda Kennosuke , Iwata Sachiko , Saitoh Shinji , Iwata Osuke
Published: July 2022

Background: Excess as well as deficiency of iron are deleterious to cellular and organ homeostasis. Serum ferritin levels have been used as a clinical marker of iron storage; however, their distribution and determinants in sick newborn infants remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the reference range and independent variables of serum ferritin in hospitalized newborn infants. Methods: Newborn infants of 24 h of age who were hospitalized at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit between April 2015 and March 2017 were retrospectively reviewed for their clinical variables and serum ferritin levels. Results: A total of 368 infants (36.2 ± 2.8 weeks gestation and 2319 ± 623 g at birth) were included in this study. The median serum ferritin level was 149 µg/L (inter-quartile range: 81–236). The multivariable model used to explain serum ferritin values comprised hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, blood pH, and maternal hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (all p<0.001, adjusted for sex and birth weight). Conclusion: Serum ferritin value in hospitalized newborn infants was convertible with the range measured using umbilical cord blood. Our novel findings indicated the association between blood pH, lactate dehydrogenase, and ferritin levels, suggesting the influence of antenatal hypoxia-ischemia and stress to serum ferritin levels.
Defining the impact of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio for patient survival with gastric neuroendocrine neoplasm: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Liang Wenquan , Xu Xinxin , Liu Yuhua , Cui Jianxin , Gao Yunhe , Wang Chuang , Zhuang Ziwei , Zhang Kecheng , Xi Hongqing , Cai Aizhen , Wei Bo , Chen Lin
Published: July 2022

Backgrounds Gastric neuroendocrine neoplasm (g-NEN) is a rare but heterogeneous neoplasm, with an increasing incidence yearly. Conventional prognostic markers of g-NEN remain limited which could only be detected after surgery. There is an urgent need to explore new prognostic markers for g-NEN patients.MethodsA retrospective cohort of patients with g-NEN from January 2001 through June 2016 was examined. The prognostic significance of PLR was determined by multiple regression analysis in different models. A stratified analysis was performed to examine the prognostic value of PLR at different BMI levels.ResultsIn total, 238 patients were enrolled, and those with higher PLRs tended to undergo open surgery, have larger tumor sizes, were diagnosed more frequently with neuroendocrine carcinoma, and have higher tumor grades. PLR was significantly associated with the survival of g-NEN patients. With PLR increased per standard deviation, the all-cause mortality risk of g-NEN patients increased by 67%, 63%, and 54% in the crude (HR=1.67, 95% CI 1.32-2.12, P < 0.001), minimally adjusted (HR=1.63, 95% CI 1.28-2.08, P < 0.001), and fully adjusted (HR=1.54, 95% CI 1.202-1.98, P = 0.001) models, respectively. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction effect between BMI subgroups and PLR in predicting survival of g-NEN patients. G-NEN patients with the characteristics of higher PLR (quartile 4, ≥187) and non-overweight (BMI <25 kg/m2) had worse survival than the other (P <0.05).ConclusionThe inflammation marker PLR has an independent prognostic value for g-NEN patients, and high PLR combined with non-overweight increases the mortality risk of patients with g-NEN.
The weight percentiles of singleton full-term pregnant women by gestational week and risks of low birth weight or macrosomia in those outsides: a real word data analysis of 32 hospitals
Authors: Li Bing , Xiao Xiao-hua
Published: July 2022

Background: This study was to create the weight percentiles of pregnant women with singleton full-term birth by gestational week (GW), and to evaluate the risks of low birth weight (LBW) and over birth weight/macrosomia (OBW) in newborns with maternal weight under 10th percentile (P10) or over 90th percentile (P90).Methods: The real medical record data of 94473 singleton full-term pregnancy women and their newborns were extracted from a regional information system. All participants were divided into LBW group, normal birth weight (NBW) group and OBW group, and the weight percentiles of all pregnant women and the weight percentiles curves by three groups and maternal BMI category were created. Then we calculated and compared the frequency of under P10 and over P90 during pregnancy in there groups, and used a adjusted generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to compare the weight of three groups, and estimated the OR (95% CI) of LBW and OBW in under P10 and over P90 women by GW.Results: In all 94473 participants, 1.78% (1678) were full-term LBW and 2.94% (2780) were OBW. Compared with normal weight women, underweight women had a lower level and sharper percentile curves, overweight and obesity women had higher level and flatter percentile curves. Compared with NBW, women with LBW had a lower level percentile curves and women with OBW had a higher level percentile curves. Compared never under P10 women during pregnancy, OR (95% CI) of LBW was 2.15 (1.83, 2.52) in 1-3 frequencies under P10 women and was 3.37 (3.01, 3.77) in more than 3 frequencies under P10 women. Compared never over P90 women during pregnancy, OR (95% CI) of OBW was 2.54 (2.22, 2.91) in 1-3 frequencies over P90 women and was 4.97 (4.57, 5.41) in more than 3 frequencies over P90 women. At each GW, LBW was negative correlation with maternal weight (P < 0.05) and OBW was positive correlation with maternal weight (P < 0.05). In under P10 weight women at each GW (excepting 10th and 14th GW), there was a high risk of LBW (OR values from 1.64 to 3.77, P < 0.05). In over P90 weight women at each GW, there was a high risk of OBW (OR values from 2.22 to 4.28, P < 0.05).Conclusion: The weight percentiles and their curves by GW are available, economical and convenient measure for pregnancy health-care services and self-monitor of pregnant women, under P10 weight increases the risk of LBW and over P90 weight increases the risk of macrosomia.
Bloodstream infections in allogeneic haematopoietic cell recipients from the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study
Authors: Weisser Maja , Sava Mihaela , Baettig Veronika , Gerull Sabine , Passweg Jakob , Khanna Nina , Garzoni Christian , Gerber Bernhard , Mueller Nicolas , Schanz Urs , Berger Christoph , Chalandon Yves , Delden Christian van , Neofytos Dionysios , Stampf Susanne , Franzeck Fabian
Published: July 2022

Empiric antibiotic treatment for bloodstream infection (BSI) after haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in the era of antimicrobial resistance is challenging. We conducted a nested project in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study 09/2009 to 10/2018 assessing BSI incidence, pathogen distribution and antimicrobial resistance. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to detect factors associated with BSI and outcome. We included 1 364 adults (61.1% male) receiving 1 432 HCTs complicated by 676 BSIs in 451 (33%) patients. Cumulative incidence of BSI was 20.5% (95%CI 18.4 – 22.7) until day 100 after the first HCT. Gram-positive pathogens, mostly coagulase-negative staphylococci, dominated (454, 58.1%). Production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and quinolone-resistance were observed in 41/195 (21%) and 81/195 (41.5%) of Enterobacterales, respectively. Carbapenem-resistance was documented in 10/49 (20.4%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Multivariable cox regression analysis within the first-year post-transplant identified male gender, comorbidities, myeloablative regimen, acute graft-versus-host disease grade III/IV and haematological progression/relapse after HCT as independent risk factors for BSI. One-year mortality was 26.6% with BSI modeled as a time-dependent covariable independent risk factor for mortality. To conclude, BSI remains a frequent complication after HCT, with stable rates of antibiotic resistance in BSI-causing pathogens in Switzerland. BSI was a major contributor to mortality.
Corrosion of Weld Heat-affected Zones Submersed in Seawater With Indigenous Microorganisms
Authors: Liduino Vitor Silva , Leoni Gabriel Batalha , Brasil Simone Louise , Payão-Filho João , Sérvulo Eliana Flávia Camporese
Published: July 2022

The corrosion behaviors of different weld heat-affected zones (HAZs) were investigated, comprising an API 5L X65 steel immersed in seawater with an abundant native microbial community. Before tests, HAZ physical simulations were performed at the peak temperatures of 700°C, 860°C, 1000°C, and 1350°C. Throughout 14 days of immersion, various planktonic bacterial groups associated with microbiologically influenced corrosion were metabolically active in the seawater. Desulfovibrio members were present in a considerable number of OTUs. Scanning electron microscopy showed an intense microbial adhesion and corrosion product deposits in all HAZ sub-regions and the control base metal coupon (BM). The electrochemical tests revealed that the corrosion behavior of all HAZ sub-regions and BM were indistinguishable. However, topography analysis showed different behaviors of pitting corrosion. The results revealed that the pitting resistance of the microstructure composed of cementite grains (700°C HAZ) was superior to that of other HAZ sub-regions. On the other hand, the microstructure composed of martensite and austenite grains (860°C HAZ) exhibited the worst pitting resistance of the weld joint, leading to a maximum pit penetration of 2.3 times greater than that pit on the BM. The changes in the HAZ sub-region sensitivity to pitting corrosion were attributed to variations in the microstructural composition.
A weighted composite log-likelihood approach to parametric estimation of the extreme quantiles of a distribution
Authors: Stein Michael
Published: July 2022

Extreme value theory motivates estimating extreme upper quantiles of a distribution by selecting some threshold, discarding those observations below the threshold and fitting a generalized Pareto distribution to exceedances above the threshold via maximum likelihood.
This sharp cutoff between observations that are used in the parameter estimation and those that are not is at odds with statistical practice for analogous problems such as nonparametric density estimation, in which observations are typically smoothly downweighted as they become more distant from the value at which the density is being estimated.
By exploiting the fact that the order statistics of independent and identically distributed observations form a Markov chain, this work shows how one can obtain a natural weighted composite log-likelihood for fitting generalized Pareto distributions to exceedances over a threshold.
Some theory demonstrates the asymptotic advantages of using weights in the special case when the shape parameter of the limiting generalized Pareto distribution is known to be 0.
Methods for extending this approach to observations that are not identically distributed are described and applied to an analysis of daily precipitation data in New York City.
Perhaps the most important practical finding is that including weights in the composite log-likelihood can reduce the sensitivity of estimates to small changes in the threshold.
Study of nonsynchronous online teaching of regional anatomy for international students integrated with medical humanity and local culture during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hao Yanli , Ding Hongmei , Li Qingqing , Lin Manchun , ibrahin Ambreen , Wang Xiao , Wu Yingying , Leng Shuilong
Published: July 2022

PurposeCOVID-19 pandemic imposed unexpected disruptions to anatomical educational practice, the teaching of regional anatomy for international students which has changed to an online format and faces various challenges. The challenges include creating online education homogeneous/equivalent to offline education, introducing local culture to international students, and educating students in medical humanities and ethics. Methods To address these problems, the teaching staff integrated medical humanities and local culture into nonsynchronous online teaching of regional anatomy. ResultsThe nonsynchronous online teaching with interpreted videos of dissections does not significantly affect the experimental and total scores of regional anatomy courses for international students. Integrating medical humanities and local culture into this teaching model is appreciated by them, and also has a good teaching effect. ConclusionStudents not only got professional knowledge but also obtained enhanced exposure to local culture and professional spirit from this regional anatomy education.
Active immunization using TRPM2 peptide vaccine attenuates atherosclerotic progression in a mouse model of atherosclerosis
Authors: Yao Xiaoqiang , Ying Fan , Zhang Yunting , Meng Zhaoyue , Tian Xiaoyu , Li Xiao , Li Jingxuan , Lo Chun-yin
Published: July 2022

Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular diseases and mortality around the world. One exciting strategy for atherosclerosis treatment is immunotherapy, especially active immunization. Active immunization relies on the delivery of antigens in a vaccine platform to introduce humoral and cellular immunity alleviating atherosclerotic progression. TRPM2 is an ROS-activated Ca2+-permeable ion channel that can promote atherosclerosis via stimulating vascular inflammation. In the present study, we developed a strategy of active immunization with TRPM2 E3 domain peptide in a vaccine platform, aiming to induce endogenous production of anti-TRPM2 blocking antibody in mice in vivo, consequently inhibiting TRPM2 channel activity to alleviate atherosclerotic progression. The results show that immunization with a pig TRPM2 E3 region-based peptide (P1) could effectively alleviate high cholesterol diet-induced atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice. We worked out the best vaccine formulation for most effective atheroprotection, namely P1 at the dose of 67.5 µg per mouse (2.5 mg/kg body weight) with aluminium salts as adjuvant. The present study laid the foundation for future clinical trials using TRPM2 E3 vaccine for potential therapeutic option against atherosclerosis.
Comparison of Proliferation and Differentiation of Hanwoo Muscle Satellite Cells and C2C12 Myoblast Cells According to Culture Temperature
Authors: Oh Sehyuk , Park Sanghun , Park Yunhwan , Kim Yuna , Park Gyutae , Joo Seontea , Hur Sunjin , Kim Gapdon , Choi Jungseok
Published: July 2022

To improve culture efficiency of Hanwoo muscle satellite cells, these cells were cultured at different temperatures. Hanwoo muscle satellite cells were compared with C2C12 cells to observe proliferation and differentiation at culture temperatures of 37 ℃ and 39 ℃ and determine the possibility of using them as cultured meat. Immunofluorescence staining using Pax7 and Hoechst, both cells cultured at 37 ℃ proliferated better than cultured at 39 ℃ (p < 0.05). When differentiated cells were stained with myosin and Hoechst, there was no significant difference in root canal thickness and Fusion index. In Western blotting analysis, Hanwoo muscle satellite cells were no significant difference in the expression of myosin or cytochrome C between cells differentiated at the two temperatures. C2C12 cells were no significant difference in the expression of myosin between cells differentiated at the two temperatrues. In RT-qPCR analysis, Hanwoo muscle satellite cells cultured at 39 ℃ had significantly (p < 0.05) higher expression levels of MyHC, MRF4, and myoglobin than those cultured at 37 ℃. C2C12 cells cultured at 39 ℃ showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher expression levels of myogenin and myoglobin than those cultured at 37 ℃. To increase culture efficiency of Hanwoo muscle satellite cells, proliferating at 37 ℃ and differentiating at 39 ℃ are appropriate. Since results of temperature differences of Hanwoo muscle satellite cells were similar to those of C2C12 cells, they could be used as a reference for producing cultured meat using Hanwoo satellite cells.
Improving soil moisture capacity with polymeric-mineral materials for growing plants
Authors: Vartanyan Arevshad A. , Shakhnazarov Alexander A. , Avanesyan Eleonora V. , Tokmajyan Vache H.
Published: July 2022

The amount, quality and cost of growing plants are determined not only by biological traits, but also by environmental factors such as soil moisture capacity. Water, nutrients and air, in addition to light and heat, are required for regular plant development. Furthermore, water is the most significant factor in the productivity and viability of plants contained in soil, determining all vital activities in plants and microorganisms, as well as the physicochemical qualities of the soil, cultivation schedule, etc. The authors conducted tests to boost the field moisture capacity of various substrates using polymer-mineral materials (PMM) inserted into them, allowing them to conserve additional water for plant development and survival gathered through precipitation or artificial irrigation. Furthermore, the volume of collected water can be managed by the amount of PMM put into the substrate and, if necessary, brought to levels that can drastically reduce the frequency of irrigations, for example, by half or more, and, in certain circumstances, completely abandon it under boghara conditions. Tests conducted without plants allow us to offer recommendations on the technology of placing PMM in the substrate to increase their moisture capacity, as well as the best amount to acquire a particular volume of additional water. In particular, in soil with a field capacity of 30 %, 3-6 gr of PMM material can be added to raise it by 20-30 %, providing an additional 60-90 g of water per kg of soil, equal to the volume of water that the soil provides the plant quite easily even without material. Plants can easily absorb 30 % of the water capacity of the area.
An Unusual Case of Scimitar Syndrome: A case report
Authors: Shrivastava Ashish , Safa Raya M , Aggarwal Sanjeev , Al-Ahmadi Mamdouh , Kobayashi Daisuke , Sanil Yamuna
Published: July 2022

Scimitar syndrome is a rare congenital heart syndrome. It has a varied presentation and is therefore difficult to diagnose. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and imaging modalities like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are usually helpful. Treatment involves stabilizing the patient followed by surgical repair which can vary case by case. We report a rare case of an infant incidentally diagnosed with scimitar syndrome. This case highlights the unique occurrence of left pulmonary vein dilation and tortuosity and the progressive nature of pulmonary venous stenosis that could be associated with scimitar syndrome. It's worth acknowledging as a case because of its incidental finding, variable presentation, and rare involvement of the left pulmonary vasculature.
scm6A-seq reveals single-cell landscapes of the dynamic m6A during oocyte maturation and early embryonic development
Authors: Yao Huan , Gao Chun-Chun , Zhang Danru , Xu Jiawei , Song Gege , Fan Xiu , Liang Daobo , Chen Yu-Sheng , Li Qian , Guo Yanjie , Hu Lulu , Zhao Yongliang , Sun Yingpu , Yang Ying , han Jianyong , Yang Yun-Gui
Published: July 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been demonstrated to regulate RNA metabolism and various biological processes, including gametogenesis and embryogenesis. However, the landscape and function of m6A at single cell resolution have not been extensively studied in mammalian oocytes or during pre-implantation. In this study, we developed a single-cell m6A sequencing (scm6A-seq) method to simultaneously profile the m6A methylome and transcriptome in single oocytes/blastomeres of cleavage-stage embryos. We found that m6A deficiency leads to aberrant RNA clearance and consequent low quality of Mettl3Gdf9 conditional knockout (cKO) oocytes. We further revealed that m6A regulates the translation and stability of modified RNAs in metaphase II (MII) oocytes and during oocyte-to-embryo transition, respectively. Moreover, we observed m6A-dependent asymmetries in the epi-transcriptome between the blastomeres of two-cell embryo. scm6A-seq thus allows in-depth investigation into m6A characteristics and functions, and the findings provide invaluable single-cell resolution resources for delineating the underlying mechanism for gametogenesis and early embryonic development.
Leptomeningeal Metastases in Glioma Revisited: Incidence and Molecular Predictors Based on Post-contrast FLAIR Imaging
Authors: Park Yae Won , Han Kyunghwa , Park Ji Eun , Ahn Sung Soo , Kim Eui Hyun , Kim Jinna , Kang Seok-Gu , Chang Jong Hee , Lee Se Hoon , Lee Seung-Koo
Published: July 2022

Background: Leptomeningeal metastases (LM) in glioma have been underestimated due to low incidence and lack of reliable imaging. This study aimed to investigate a real-world incidence of LM using a CSF-sensitive imaging, namely post-contrast FLAIR, and analyze molecular predictors for LM in the molecular era. Patients and Methods: Total 1,405 adult glioma patients underwent post-contrast FLAIR imaging at initial diagnosis and during treatment monitoring between 2001 and 2021. Molecular data included isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation, 1p/19q co-deletion, H3 K27M alteration, and O6-methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status. LM diagnosis was performed with MRI including post-contrast FLAIR. Logistic regression analysis for LM development was performed with molecular, clinical, and imaging data. Overall survival (OS) was compared between patients with and without LM. Results: LM was identified in 228 patients (16.2%), with 110 patients (7.8%) at initial diagnosis, and 118 patients (8.4%) at recurrence. Among molecular diagnostics, IDH-wildtype (odds ratio [OR] 3.14, P = .001) and MGMT promoter unmethylation (OR=1.43, P=.034) were independent predictors of LM. WHO grade 4 (OR=10.52, P <.001) and nonlobar location (OR=1.54, P=.048) were associated with LM at initial diagnosis, whereas IDH-wildtype (OR=5.04, P<.001) and H3 K27M alteration (OR=3.39, P=.003) were associated with LM at recurrence. Patients with LM had a worse median OS than those without LM (16.7 vs. 32.0 months, log-rank test; P<.001). Conclusions: CSF-sensitive imaging aid diagnosis of LM demonstrating a high incidence of LM in adult gliomas. Furthermore, molecular markers are associated with LM development in glioma, and patients with aggressive molecular markers warrant imaging surveillance of LM.
WITHDRAWN: Millimeter-scale combustion characteristics of premixed methane flames
Authors: Chen Junjie
Published: July 2022

A fundamental understanding of the stabilization mechanisms of a flame within very small spaces is of both fundamental and practical significance. While flame propagation in small spaces is feasible, the interplay of kinetics and transport in flame stability and combustion characteristics is poorly understood. Numerical simulations are performed using computational fluid dynamics to understand the overall millimeter-scale combustion characteristics of premixed methane flames. The effect of heat transfer coefficient on flame stability is investigated. Computations are performed to gain insights into combustion system performance such as reaction rates, temperatures, and flames. The factors affecting combustion characteristics are determined for millimeter-scale combustion systems. The results indicate that the cavity structure can induce recirculation of hot products, thereby improving flame stability. Vortex breakdown occurs just downstream of the cavities thereby enabling flame holding to be achieved. Stable high combustion is possible at temperatures not only well below a temperature resulting in significant formation of nitrogen oxides from molecular nitrogen and oxygen but often even below the minimum temperatures of catalytic combustors. In order for flame holding to occur, fuel and air must be mixed and provided a low velocity region to reside. Thermal quenching is the loss of energy generated by combustion through heat transfer out of the combustion region. Chemical quenching occurs when the reactive species is removed by reaction with the material forming the combustion chamber wall surfaces. Material resistance to corrosion and decomposition during combustion is essential for long term operation of the millimeter-scale system.
Kräfte für Digitalisierungsprozesse an Berufskollegs bündeln
Authors: Ratermann-Busse Monique
Published: July 2022

Eine digitalisierte Organisationsentwicklung ist für berufliche Schulen von besonderer Bedeutung, damit sie im Rahmen der beruflichen Qualifizierung mit einer von technologischen Fortschritten geprägten Arbeitswelt Schritt halten und regional-spezifischen sowie institutionellen Anpassungsanforderungen gerecht werden können. Allerdings sind die Integration digitaler Systeme für die Schul- und Unterrichtsorganisationen sowie der Aufbau und die Etablierung von Wartungs- und Supportstrukturen oder einer digitalen Öffentlichkeitsarbeit mit grossen Herausforderungen für die schulischen Akteur:innen verbunden (Endberg et al. 2020). Was genau unter einer digitalisierten Organisationsentwicklung an beruflichen Schulen zu verstehen ist und welche Bedeutung in diesem Zusammenhang die daran beteiligten (ausser)schulischen Akteur:innen haben, wird in bisherigen Studien (z. B. Schmid et al. 2016) nur im Ansatz und wenig systematisch erfasst. Auf Basis einer explorativen Studie zu Digitalisierungsprozessen an berufsbildenden Schulen werden in dem Beitrag anhand von vier wesentlichen Organisationsfaktoren der Bildungsorganisation «Berufskolleg» Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede zur Erreichung des Organisationsziels digitalisierte Organisationsentwicklung systematisch herausgearbeitet. Dabei wird die Bedeutung des Organisationsfaktors schulische Akteur:innen für die Entwicklung von Strategien und Konzepten sowie der Herausbildung von digitalisierungsbezogenen intra- und interorganisationalen Akteurskonstellationen im Kontext der Digitalisierung in seinem Zusammenspiel mit den anderen Organisationsfaktoren räumlich-sächlich-technische Ausstattung, formale und informelle Organisationsstrukturen und -elemente und Organisationsumwelt besonders herausgestellt. Die Ergebnisse aus vier analysierten Fallbeispielen beinhalten für andere berufsbildende Schulen Anregungen zur Gestaltung von Digitalisierungsprozessen und können zur Stärkung des «voneinander Lernens» beitragen.