bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Algorithms for Nonlinear Equations in Fluid Mechanics
Authors: Steijl Rene
Published: December 2020

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of quantum algorithms for linear ordinary differential equations as well as linear partial differential equations. There has not been similar progress in the development of quantum algorithms for nonlinear differential equations. In the present work, the focus is on nonlinear partial differential equations arising as governing equations in fluid mechanics. First, the key challenges related to nonlinear equations in the context of quantum computing are discussed. Then, as the main contribution of this work, quantum circuits are presented that represent the nonlinear convection terms in the Navier–Stokes equations. The quantum algorithms introduced use encoding in the computational basis, and employ arithmetic based on the Quantum Fourier Transform. Furthermore, a floating-point type data representation is used instead of the fixed-point representation typically employed in quantum algorithms. A complexity analysis shows that even with the limited number of qubits available on current and near-term quantum computers (<100), nonlinear product terms can be computed with good accuracy. The importance of including sub-normal numbers in the floating-point quantum arithmetic is demonstrated for a representative example problem. Further development steps required to embed the introduced algorithms into larger-scale algorithms are discussed.
Assessing the Impact of land-use types on the groundwater quality: a case study of Mid River Njoro Catchment, Kenya
Authors: Rendilicha Halake Guyo , Home Patrick , Raude James M. , M’Erimba Charles M. , Muthoka Stellamaris
Published: December 2020

The study assessed the impact of land-use types on the groundwater quality of the mid River Njoro catchment, Kenya. Groundwater samples were collected from eight boreholes between the period of October 2017 to February 2018 and analyzed for pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, ammonium, and total phosphorus. These parameters were used to calculate the Groundwater Quality Index (GQI) value of the study area. The concentration maps (“primary maps I”) were constructed using Kriging interpolation of ArcGIS software from the seven groundwater quality parameters. The “primary maps I” were standardized with the KEBS and WHO standards to the “primary maps II” for ease of integration into a GIS environment. The “primary maps II” were then rated and weighted using a polynomial function to generate “rank maps” before calculating the GQI using spatial analyst tools of ArcGIS software. The land use map was prepared from a high-resolution Google earth satellite imagery of 2015. The mean GQI values for the different land use polygons were calculated and compared using GIS techniques. The GQI ranged from 68.38 to 70.92, indicating a high groundwater quality of mid River Njoro catchment. The major land-use types identified include settlement area, forest cover, agricultural land and mixed area. The agricultural land dominated the study area, followed by settlement area, forest cover and finally mixed area. The mean GQI value in each land use type varied minimally and this could be because of the diffuse nature of the land use types of the study area. Settlement area had low GQI, followed by agricultural land, mixed area and the forest cover had the highest mean GQI value, which corresponds to good quality of groundwater. Even though the variation is insignificant in this particular study, it somehow indicates the adverse effects of different land use on the quality of groundwater.
Change and HOAP for the best
Authors: Castillo-González Claudia , Shippen Dorothy E
Published: December 2020

HOAP is a telomere-binding protein that has a conserved role in Drosophila, but it also needs to evolve quickly to restrict telomeric retrotransposons.
Microdecisions and autonomy in self-driving cars: virtual probabilities
Authors: Sprenger Florian
Published: December 2020

To operate in an unpredictable environment, a vehicle with advanced driving assistance systems, such as a robot or a drone, not only needs to register its surroundings but also to combine data from different sensors into a world model, for which it employs filter algorithms. Such world models, as this article argues with reference to the SLAM problem (simultaneous location and mapping) in robotics, consist of nothing other than probabilities about states and events arising in the environment. The model, thus, contains a virtuality of possible worlds that are the basis for adaptive behavior. The article shows that the current development of these technologies requires new concepts because their complex adaptive behaviors cannot be explained by referring them to mere algorithmic processes. Instead, it proposes the heuristic instrument of microdecisions to designate the temporality of decisions between alternatives that are created by probabilistic procedures of world modeling. Microdecisions are more than the implementation of deterministic processes—they decide between possibilities and, thus, always open up the potential of their otherness. By describing autonomous adaptive technologies with this heuristic, the question of sovereignty inevitably arises. It forces us to re-think what autonomy means when decisions can be automated.
P.OXY. 2438 AND THE ORDER OF BOOKS IN ARISTOPHANES BYZANTIUS’ EDITION OF PINDAR
Authors: Ercoles Marco
Published: December 2020

Two well-known ancient witnesses report that Aristophanes of Byzantium was responsible for the arrangement of Pindar's poems into seventeen book-rolls according to lyric genres (dithyrambs, hymns, etc.). These witnesses form fr. 381 in the edition of Aristophanes’ fragments by W.J. Slater (Aristophanis Byzantii fragmenta [Berlin and New York, 1986]):

Vit. Pind. P.Oxy. 2438.35–9 (LDAB 3724, TM 62542; late second/early third century a.d.) δ]ιῄρητα̣ι̣ δὲ α̣ὐ̣τ̣[ο]ῦ̣ τ̣[ὰ ποιήματα ὑπ’ Ἀριστοφάν]ους εἰς βιβλία ιζˊ· διθ̣[υ]ρά̣[μ]βων βˊ [προσοδίω]ν̣ βˊ παιάνων αˊ πα[ρ]θεν[εί]ων γ̣ˊ [ἐπινικίω]ν̣ δˊ ἐγκωμίων αˊ ἐν [ᾧ] κα̣ὶ [σκ]όλ̣[ια ±4 ὕμ]ν̣ων αˊ ὑ[π]ορχημάτων αˊ θρ̣[ήνων.

| nisi aliter ind., omnia suppl. Lobel | 2 Ἀριστοφάν]ους Lobel e Vit. Pind. Vat. (q.v.) | 3 ἐν [ᾧ] κα̣ὶ [σκ]όλ̣[ια …. de Kreij : ἐν [ᾧ] κ[αὶ σκόλιά τινα vel ἐν [ᾧ] κ[αὶ σκόλιά ἐστι(ν) Gallo (1968, 73–4; 1969, 107) : ἐν [ᾧ] καὶ [παροίνια D'Alessio (2000) | 4 αˊ post θρ̣[ήνων coni. edd., fort. recte; an θρ̣[- βˊ?

Vit. Pind. Vat. page 7.14–17 Dr. ὁ δὲ ἐπινίκιος οὗ ἡ ἀρχὴ “Ἄριστον μὲν ὕδωρ” προτέτακται ὑπὸ Ἀριστοφάνους τοῦ συντάξαντος τὰ Πινδαρικὰ διὰ τὸ περιέχειν τοῦ ἀγῶνος ἐγκώμιον καὶ τὰ περὶ τοῦ Πέλοπος, ὃς πρῶτος ἐν ῎Ηλιδι ἠγωνίσατο.

A much-debated question is whether the order of the poems attested by the papyrus can be credited to Aristophanes, since an ordering principle is apparently not to be found in the list transmitted by it. Moreover, there are some disagreements with the list of Pindar's works transmitted by the Vita Ambrosiana, which is generally deemed the most authoritative catalogue of the poet's corpus, on account of its well-recognized criterion of classification: the poems are divided between those for gods (from hymnoi to hyporchēmata) and those for men (from enkōmia to epinikia), and both of these categories of songs are arranged from the most general (respectively, the hymns and the enkōmia) to the most specific (the remaining genres). This catalogue has been thought to reproduce the order established by Aristophanes in his edition of Pindar.
Mechanistic study of the cooperative palladium/Lewis acid-catalyzed transfer hydrocyanation reaction: the origin of the regioselectivity
Authors: Jiang Dandan , Li Xiaojun , Cai Jiali , Bai Yuna , Zhang Lixiong , Zhao Lili
Published: December 2020

DFT calculations were performed to gain insights into the catalytic mechanism of the palladium/Lewis acid-catalyzed transfer hydrocyanations. Furthermore, the origin of the excellent regioselectivity of the product is discussed.
A multi-binding site hydrazone-based chemosensor for Zn(ii) and Cd(ii): a new strategy for the detection of metal ions in aqueous media based on aggregation-induced emission
Authors: Wu Min , Yang Dong-Dong , Zheng Han-Wen , Liang Qiong-Fang , Li Jia-Bin , Kang Yang , Li Sai , Jiao Chen , Zheng Xiang-Jun , Jin Lin-Pei
Published: December 2020

A new detection strategy based on AIE was developed to detect Cd(ii) and Zn(ii) ions in aqueous media via the off–on mode.
Sensitivity of a low-frequency polarimetric radio interferometer
Authors: Sutinjo A. T. , Sokolowski M. , Kovaleva M. , Ung D. C. X. , Broderick J. W. , Wayth R. B. , Davidson D. B. , Tingay S. J.
Published: December 2020

Context.The sensitivity of a radio interferometer is a key figure of merit (FoM) for a radio telescope. The sensitivity of a single polarized interferometer is typically given as an antenna effective area over a system temperature,Ae/Tsys, assuming an unpolarized source. For a dual-polarized polarimetric interferometer intended to observe sources of unknown polarization, the state of polarization must not be assumed a priori. Furthermore, in contrast to the narrow field of view (FoV) of dish-based interferometers, the sensitivity of a polarimetric low-frequency radio interferometer warrants a careful review because of the very wide FoV of the dual-polarized antennas. A revision of this key FoM is particularly needed in the context of the Low-Frequency Square Kilometre Array (SKA-Low) where the sensitivity requirements are currently stated usingAe/Tsysfor a single-polarized antenna system, which produces ambiguity for off-zenith angles.

Aims.This paper aims to derive an expression for the sensitivity of a polarimetric radio interferometer that is valid for all-sky observations of arbitrarily polarized sources, with neither a restriction on FoV nor with any a priori assumption regarding the polarization state of the source. We verify the resulting formula with an all-sky observation using the Murchison Widefield Array telescope.

Methods.The sensitivity expression was developed from first principles by applying the concept of system equivalent flux density (SEFD) to a polarimetric radio interferometer (not by computingAe/Tsys). The SEFD was calculated from the standard deviation of the noisy flux density estimate for a target source due to system noise.

Results.The SEFD for a polarimetric radio interferometer is generally not 1/√2 of a single-polarized interferometer as is often assumed for narrow FoV. This assumption can lead to significant errors for a dual-polarized dipole based system, which is common in low-frequency radio astronomy: up to ∼15% for a zenith angle with a coverage of 45° and up to ∼45% for 60° coverage. The worst case errors occur in the diagonal planes of the dipole for very wide FoV. This is demonstrated through theory, simulation, and observations. Furthermore, using the resulting formulation, the calculation of the off-zenith sensitivity is straightforward and unambiguous.

Conclusions.For wide FoV observations pertinent to a low-frequency radio interferometer such as SKA-Low, the narrow FoV and the single-polarized sensitivity expressions are not correct and should be replaced by the formula derived in this paper.
Recurrence of galactic cosmic-ray intensity and anisotropy in solar minima 23/24 and 24/25 observed by ACE/CRIS, STEREO, SOHO/EPHIN and neutron monitors
Authors: Modzelewska R. , Gil A.
Published: December 2020

Aims.We studied the 27-day variations of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) based on neutron monitor (NM), ACE/CRIS, STEREO, and SOHO/EPHIN measurements in the solar minima 23/24 and 24/25, which are characterized by the opposite polarities of solar magnetic cycle. We used the opportunity to reanalyze the polarity dependence of the amplitudes of the recurrent GCR variations in 2007–2009 for the negativeA < 0 solar magnetic polarity and to compared it with the clear periodic variations related to solar rotation in 2017–2019 for positiveA > 0.

Methods.We used the Fourier analysis method to study the periodicity in the GCR fluxes. Because the GCR recurrence is a consequence of solar rotation, we analyzed not only GCR fluxes, but also solar and heliospheric parameters to examine the relations of the 27-day GCR variations and heliospheric as well as solar wind parameters.

Results.We find that the polarity dependence of the amplitudes of the 27-day variations of the GCR intensity and anisotropy for NMs data is kept for the last two solar minima: 23/24 (2007–2009) and 24/25 (2017–2019), with greater amplitudes in the positiveA > 0 solar magnetic polarity. ACE/CRIS, SOHO/EPHIN, and STEREO measurements are not governed by this principle of greater amplitudes in the positiveA > 0 polarity. The GCR recurrence caused by the solar rotation for low-energy (< 1 GeV) cosmic rays is more sensitive to the enhanced diffusion effects, resulting in the same level in 27-day amplitudes for the positive and negative polarities. In contrast, the high-energy (> 1 GeV) cosmic rays that are registered by NMs are more sensitive to the large-scale drift effect, which leads to the 22-year Hale cycle in the 27-day GCR variation, with the larger amplitudes in theA > 0 polarity than inA < 0.
Suprathermal particles from corotating interaction regions during the first perihelion pass of Solar Orbiter
Authors: Allen R. C. , Mason G. M. , Ho G. C. , Rodríguez-Pacheco J. , Wimmer-Schweingruber R. F. , Andrews G. B. , Berger L. , Boden S. , Cernuda I. , Espinosa Lara F. , Freiherr von Forstner J. L. , Gómez-Herrero R. , Hayes J. R. , Kulkarni S. R. , Lees W. J. , Martin C. , Pacheco D. , Polo O. R. , Prieto M. , Ravanbakhsh A. , Sánchez-Prieto S. , Schlemm C. E. , Seifert H. , Terasa J. C. , Tyagi K. , Xu Z. , Yedla M.
Published: December 2020

The first orbit of Solar Orbiter provided comprehensive measurements of six corotating interaction regions (CIRs) within 1 au. Five of these CIRs were also observed by ACE at 1 au, allowing for comparisons of the suprathermal ion intensities and spectra at different radial distances. Only subtle modulations of the4He spectral slopes are observed between Solar Orbiter and ACE. Additionally, the radial gradients of 226−320 keV/nuc4He ion intensities between Solar Orbiter and ACE are similar to that of 1.53 MeV H reported by Van Hollebeke et al. (1978, J. Geophys. Res., 83, A10). These observations provide a new addition to the study of the radial dependence of CIR-associated suprathermal ions in the inner heliosphere.
Diagnostic value of integral indexes of intoxication to assess the risk of complications development in gastric and intestinal diseases of calves
Authors: Poryvaeva A.P. , Vereshchak N.A. , Malkov S.V. , Krasnoperov A.S. , E.V. Pechura
Published: December 2020

The assessment of the intoxication degree and the state of general organism resistance was carried by identifying “hematological indices” showing the connections between various cell classes of leukocyte formula. Comparison of integral indices of intoxication has recorded “slight degree of intoxication of the organism” in sick calves in 47.6% of cases. In the case of “moderate severity of organism intoxication”, the tension in the hemopoiesis system was recorded in 85.7% of cases, and the imbalance in the reactions of the cellular and humoral link of immunity – in 48.1% cases. For animals with a “severe degree of organism intoxication” imbalance in the links of immunity was determined in 90.9% of cases. According to the results of the determination of LII, LSI and LI, 31.6% calves were identified as having a risk of gastrointestinal complications development, whereas according to the results of CBC only 9.5% animals were classified as a “risk group”.
SMA active fiber pumps inspired by the squid mantle
Authors: Philen Michael
Published: December 2020

Squid possess a mantle that is able to quickly compress an internal fluid, thus providing a jetting locomotion that enables them to be the fastest aquatic invertebrates. The mantle possesses a complex collagen fiber and muscular system, and the primary propulsion is accomplished through circumferential muscles (90°) contracting around the mantel. In addition, jetting is enhanced through elastic energy stored in the helically-wound IM-1 collagen fibers. The angles of these fibers have been measured between 28° and 32° in different species of squid. Inspired by the muscular fiber configuration found in the mantle of squid, novel pumps that use shape memory alloy (SMA) active fibers oriented at precise angles around a cylindrical shell are investigated through experiments and analytical studies. A thermomechanical model of an SMA fiber is presented and the parameters are identified through experiments. Using the thermomechanical model of the SMA fiber, an analytical model of the SMA active fiber pump is presented and is validated through experiments. Results show that maximum pumping power and efficiency is achieved for pumps when the matrix modulus is less than the fiber modulus and the optimal fiber wind angle is ±55°. When the matrix modulus is similar to the fiber modulus, maximum pumping performance is achieved with a wind angle of ±90°, similar to the angle of the circumferential muscles in the squid mantel.
Household final energy footprints in Nepal, Vietnam and Zambia: composition, inequality and links to well-being
Authors: Baltruszewicz Marta , Steinberger Julia K , Ivanova Diana , Brand-Correa Lina I , Paavola Jouni , Owen Anne
Published: December 2020

The link between energy use, social and environmental well-being is at the root of critical synergies between clean and affordable energy (SDG7) and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Household-level quantitative energy analyses enable better understanding regarding interconnections between the level and composition of energy use, and SDG achievement. This study examines the household-level energy footprints in Nepal, Vietnam, and Zambia. We calculate the footprints using multi-regional input–output with energy extensions based on International Energy Agency data. We propose an original perspective on the links between household final energy use and well-being, measured through access to safe water, health, education, sustenance, and modern fuels. In all three countries, households with high well-being show much lower housing energy use, due to a transition from inefficient biomass-based traditional fuels to efficient modern fuels, such as gas and electricity. We find that households achieving well-being have 60%–80% lower energy footprint of residential fuel use compared to average across the countries. We observe that collective provisioning systems in form of access to health centers, public transport, markets, and garbage disposal and characteristics linked to having solid shelter, access to sanitation, and minimum floor area are more important for the attainment of well-being than changes in income or total energy consumption. This is an important finding, contradicting the narrative that basic well-being outcomes require increased income and individual consumption of energy. Substantial synergies exist between the achievement of well-being at a low level of energy use and other SDGs linked to poverty reduction (encompassed in SDG1), health (SDG3), sanitation (SDG6), gender equality (SDG5), climate action and reduced deforestation (SDG 13 and SDG15) and inequalities (SDG10).
On the impact of excess diesel NO
X
emissions upon NO2 pollution in a compact city
Authors: Benavides Jaime , Guevara Marc , Snyder Michelle G , Rodríguez-Rey Daniel , Soret Albert , Pérez García-Pando Carlos , Jorba Oriol
Published: December 2020

NO
X
emissions from diesel light-duty-vehicles (LDV) largely exceed the Euro emission standards in real-world driving conditions. Recent studies have quantified their impact upon air quality and human health primarily based on air quality models at mesoscale and large-scale resolutions. Here, we show that these approaches can significantly underestimate the impact of diesel LDV excess NO
X
emissions upon NO2 pollution in cities, particularly in the more compact and heavily trafficked ones. We compare an air quality mesoscale model at both 4 and 1 km resolution with a street-scale model in Barcelona, a compact city where the EU annual NO2 limits are repeatedly exceeded and a large share of passenger cars are diesel (65%). We compare consistently two emissions scenarios: a business-as-usual scenario where diesel LDV emit NO
X
in excess, and a counterfactual standard limits scenario where emissions are compliant with the Euro emission standards. We first show that in contrast to the mesoscale model, the street scale model is able to largely represent the observed NO2 concentration gradients between traffic and background stations in the city. In a second step, we find that the mesoscale model strongly underestimates the impact of diesel LDV excess NO
X
emissions upon NO2 pollution both in absolute terms (by 38%–48%) and relative terms (by 10%–35%). We argue that such underestimated impacts should be considered when assessing NO
X
excess emissions by LDV in cities. Using the street scale model, we find that diesel LDV excess NO
X
emissions are associated with about 20% of NO2 levels in the city, contributing substantially to an increased number of citizens exposed to high NO2 pollution in Barcelona.
Modelling the deceleration of COVID-19 spreading
Authors: Barzon Giacomo , Kabbur Hanumanthappa Manjunatha Karan , Rugel Wolfgang , Orlandini Enzo , Baiesi Marco
Published: December 2020

By characterizing the time evolution of COVID-19 in term of its ‘velocity’ (log of the new cases per day) and its rate of variation, or ‘acceleration’, we show that in many countries there has been a deceleration even before lockdowns were issued. This feature, possibly due to the increase of social awareness, can be rationalized by a susceptible-hidden-infected-recovered model introduced by Barnes, in which a hidden (isolated from the virus) compartment H is gradually populated by susceptible people, thus reducing the effectiveness of the virus spreading. By introducing a partial hiding mechanism, for instance due to the impossibility for a fraction of the population to enter the hidden state, we obtain a model that, although still sufficiently simple, faithfully reproduces the different deceleration trends observed in several major countries.
Evolutionary and Ecological Pressures Shaping Social Wasps Collective Defenses
Authors: Detoni Mateus , Feás Xesús , Jeanne Robert L , Loope Kevin J , O’Donnell Sean , Santoro Davide , Sumner Seirian , Jandt Jennifer M
Published: December 2020

Social insects are well known for their aggressive (stinging) responses to a nest disturbance. Still, colonies are attacked due to the high-protein brood cached in their nests. Social wasps have evolved a variety of defense mechanisms to exclude predators, including nest construction and coordinated stinging response. Which predatory pressures have shaped the defensive strategies displayed by social wasps to protect their colonies? We reviewed the literature and explored social media to compare direct and indirect (claims and inferences) evidence of predators attacking individuals and colonies of wasps. Individual foraging wasps are predominantly preyed upon by birds and other arthropods, whereas predators on wasp brood vary across subfamilies of Vespidae. Polistinae wasps are predominantly preyed upon by ants and Passeriformes birds, whereas Vespinae are predominantly preyed upon by badgers, bears, and hawks. Ants and hornets are the primary predators of Stenogastrinae colonies. The probability of predation by these five main Orders of predators varies across continents. However, biogeographical variation in prey–predator trends was best predicted by climate (temperate vs. tropical). In social wasps’ evolutionary history, when colonies were small, predation pressure likely came from small mammals, lizards, or birds. As colonies evolved larger size and larger rewards for predators, the increased predation pressure likely selected for more effective defensive responses. Today, primary predators of large wasp colonies seem to be highly adapted to resist or avoid aggressive nest defense, such as large birds and mammals (which were not yet present when eusociality evolved in wasps), and ants.
Deciphering the genetic code of DNA methylation
Authors: Wang Mengchi , Ngo Vu , Wang Wei
Published: December 2020

DNA methylation plays crucial roles in many biological processes and abnormal DNA methylation patterns are often observed in diseases. Recent studies have shed light on cis-acting DNA elements that regulate locus-specific DNA methylation, which involves transcription factors, histone modification and DNA secondary structures. In addition, several recent studies have surveyed DNA motifs that regulate DNA methylation and suggest potential applications in diagnosis and prognosis. Here, we discuss the current biological foundation for the cis-acting genetic code that regulates DNA methylation. We review the computational models that predict DNA methylation with genetic features and discuss the biological insights revealed from these models. We also provide an in-depth discussion on how to leverage such knowledge in clinical applications, particularly in the context of liquid biopsy for early cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Conservative versus surgical treatment for Garden I hip fracture
Authors: Wang Wei , Xu Fangzhu , Luo Jianguang , Zhu Liping
Published: December 2020

Background:

A femoral neck fracture (FNF) is one of the most destructive and familiar injuries encountered via the orthopedic surgeons. However, this is no guideline for the treatment of the Garden I hip fractures because the current evidence is limited from the poor study design and small sample size. The objective of our research is to compare the safety and effectiveness of the surgical treatment and conservative treatment in the non-displaced FNFs.

Methods:

This is a randomized trial, which will be implemented from December 2020 to December 2021. The experiment was granted through the Research Ethics Committee of the Zhenhai District People's Hospital of Ningbo (2014005). Hundred patients meet inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria are included. Patients who are eligible for the following conditions will be included: those over 75 years old with Garden I hip fractures diagnosed by CT or X-ray. Patients with the following conditions will be excluded: patients age under 75 years old, the avascular necrosis of the femoral head, pathological fracture, infection, former symptomatic hip pathology, the history of hip fracture, as well as the lower limb deformity. The primary outcome contains pain at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months and hip function at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Secondary outcome includes the life quality, mortality rate, complications such as deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism.

Results:

Comparison of outcome indicators in 2 groups after conservative treatment or surgical treatment (Table).

Conclusion:

The current trial will offer better evidence for the future treatment selection for Garden 1 FNFs for patients older than 75years old.

Trial registration number:

researchregistry6147.
Vitamin D supplementation for improving children with bone mineral density
Authors: Yuan Chengcheng , Qu Chunyan , Ji Weigang
Published: December 2020

Background:

Osteoporosis is usually one of the less perceived complications of chronic illness among children. Previous studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation may be valuable to bone density, especially among children with a deficiency of vitamin D. Yet, the results often remain inconsistent. Therefore, the present study investigates the clinical therapeutic effects of vitamin D supplementation to enhance children with bone mineral density.

Methods:

We will search the randomised controlled experiment literature of vitamin D supplementation for bone mineral density, focusing on children, in 3 distinct English databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE via PubMed, and Cochrane Library) and 2 specific Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WanFang databases). Additionally, we intend to explore the Clinical Trials.gov, reference lists of identified publication and the grey literature. Accordingly, we will use 2 independent authors to screen the literature, extract data, and research quality assessment. We will carry out all statistical analyses using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results:

We will systematically evaluate the clinical therapeutic effects of vitamin D supplementation to enhance children with bone mineral density.

Conclusion:

The present study will summarise the currently published pieces of evidence of vitamin D supplementation for bone mineral density in children to further comprehend its promotion and application.

Ethics and dissemination:

The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis founded upon existing or published studies; therefore, ethical approval is not applicable.

OSF registration number:

October 24, 2020. osf.io/7vtey. (https://osf.io/7vtey/).
Efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase for treating acute ischemic stroke at different time windows
Authors: Huang Baogang , Qian Fang , Fan Xijun , Guan Shaoyong , Zheng Yan , Yang Junsu , Xu Fengming
Published: December 2020

Background:

As the priority drug for treating acute ischemic stroke (AIS), alteplase is a thrombolytic drug with strong fibrin specificity. It can obviously treat AIS with high safety. However, the validity of its time window is controversial. This study focus on the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase for treating AIS at different time windows.

Methods:

Retrieval of English database (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library) and Chinese database was conducted (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WAN FANG, VIP, China Biology Medicine disc) by computers. From the establishment of the database to October 2020, a retrospective study and case-control study on intravenous thrombolysis at different time windows for treating AIS were conducted. Two researchers independently conducted data extraction and quality evaluation of literature on the included studies, and RevMan5.3 was used for Meta-analysis on the included literature.

Results:

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase at different time windows for treating AIS by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, modified Rankin Scale rating scale, spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage incidence rate, All-cause mortality, and so on.

Conclusions:

This study will provide an evidence-based basis for the clinical efficacy of alteplase for treating AIS by thrombolytic therapy at different time windows.

Ethics and dissemination:

Private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also does not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval was not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated at relevant conferences.

OSF Registration number:

DOI 10.17605 / OSF.IO / K7PHB
Identification of risk factors of developing pressure injuries among immobile patient, and a risk prediction model establishment
Authors: Yang Ke-Lu , Chen Lin , Kang Ying-Ying , Xing Li-Na , Li Hai-Ling , Cheng Peng , Song Zong-Hui
Published: December 2020

Backgroud:

Pressure injuries (PIs) bring a considerable physical and mental burden on immobile patients, and have put families and government under tremendous pressure to cover the cost of treatment. Therefore, this protocol proposes to identify risk factors of developing PIs in immobile patients from systematic reviews (SRs) and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), in order to establish a risk prediction model for developing PIs and identify individual risk factors that can be modified to aid prevention.

Methods:

Electronic databases and specific databases for CPGs and SRs will be searched. Study selection and data collection will be performed independently by two reviewers. All included SRs and CPGs will be subject to critical appraisal. RevMan 5.3 will be used to calculate the pooled odds ratio (ORP) after appraising the quality of eligible studies, and the risk predictive model will be established using logistic regression model. A narrative synthesis, evidence summary table, and Sankey diagram will also be performed.

Results:

The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Conclusion:

This systematic review will provide a risk prediction model of PI developing.

INSPLAY registration number:

INPLASY2020100097
Incidence and severity of adverse events among platelet donors
Authors: Almutairi Hamdan , Salam Mahmoud , Batarfi Khalid , Alharbi Dima , Wani Faisal , Almutairi Adel , Al-Shammari Bushra , Al–Surimi Khaled
Published: December 2020

Adverse events (AEs) are unfortunate consequences of platelet donation. This study reports the incidence and severity of AEs and the associated risk factors in platelet donation at a major blood donation center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A review of donation records was conducted between 2014 and 2017. Eligible study participants were 5007 platelet donors who had donated 7969 times. Each donation was accounted for as a single study subject. Participants’ characteristics were described and analyzed as potential contributing factors to adverse events.

The average age of platelet donors was 30.0±7.3 years. First-time donors comprised (n = 3,100, 61.9%) of the sample, and 1907 (38.1%) were multiple donors (periodic/routine). Their average BMI was 28.6 ± 4.9 kg/m2. Most donors have blood type “O” and Rheo “positive”. The range of blood volume processed was 0 to 5273 ml, while the procedure duration ranged from 0 to 90 minutes. The average platelet yield was 3.8 ± 3.5 ∗1011 platelets per unit, and the average collected volume was 257.6 ± 86.1 ml. Incidence of AEs was 4.2%, of which 91.3% were mild and 8.7% were severe. AEs were vascular injuries (65.3%), vasovagal reactions (11.6%), and citrate toxicity (5.3%). AEs were associated with first-time donation, adj.OR (95%CI) = 1.5 (1.1–1.8) and lower BMI, adj. OR (95% CI) = 1.4 (1.1–1.8). Citrate toxicity was present in severe forms, unlike vascular injuries and vasovagal reactions that tended to be milder. Donors with hemoglobin levels above 16 g/dl, adj. OR (95% CI) = 1.3 (1.1–1.7) and platelet levels below 250,000, adj. OR (95% CI) = 1.3 (1.1–1.6) were more likely to contract AEs than others.

Reporting adverse events is essential to establish a benchmark for the annual incidence rates to be compared against local and international figures. Blood donor centers should also take notice of blood donors characteristics that are associated with higher incidence and more severe forms of AEs during or after platelet donation.
Correlation between tumor marker CA72-4 and prognosis of patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Li Minxia , Xue Fei , Yang Jie , Pan Xiaodong
Published: December 2020

Background:

Gastric cancer is one of the common gastrointestinal tumors, with high recurrence and metastasis rates. Tumor marker tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4) has been used in the screening and diagnosis of gastric cancer, but whether it can be used as an indicator to monitor the prognosis of gastric cancer remains a great controversy. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the correlation between tumor marker CA72-4 and prognosis of gastric cancer patients.

Methods:

A systematic search was performed by retrieving on English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library) and Chinese databases (China Knowledge Network, Wanfang, Weipu (VIP Information Chinese Journal Service Platform), CBM) of clinical study on the correlation between tumor marker CA72-4 and prognosis of gastric cancer patients. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to October 2020. Two researchers independently extracted and evaluated the quality of the data in the included study. A meta-analysis was performed using Stata12.0 and RevMan5.3 software.

Conclusions:

This study will compare the correlation between tumor marker CA72-4 and prognosis of gastric cancer patients, so as to provide evidence-based basis for clinicians to select prognostic indicators of gastric cancer.

Ethics and dissemination:

Private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also does not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval was not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated at relevant conferences.

OSF Registration number:

DOI: 10.17605 / OSF.IO / B3AMN
Levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 and cold test in reversible and irreversible pulpitis
Authors: Aguirre-López Eva Concepción , Patiño-Marín Nuria , Martínez-Castañón Gabriel Alejandro , Medina-Solís Carlo Eduardo , Castillo-Silva Brenda Eréndida , Cepeda-Argüelles Oscar , Aguilera-Galaviz Luis Alejandro , Rosales-García Pedro
Published: December 2020

Researchers have reported false positive/negative results of the cold test in the diagnosis of pulpitis. Knowledge of the correlation between results of the cold test and proteins could aid in decreasing the frequency of incorrect diagnosis. To associate the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) with the responses (in seconds) to the cold test in teeth diagnosed with reversible and irreversible pulpitis.

A cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 150 subjects were evaluated, of which 60 subjects met the selection criteria. The participants were divided into 3 groups: Group 1, healthy pulps, 20 subjects with 20 posterior teeth (premolars) with clinically normal pulp tissue; Group 2, reversible pulpitis, 20 patients with 20 teeth diagnosed with reversible pulpitis; and Group 3, irreversible pulpitis, 20 subjects with 20 teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. All participants were evaluated based on the following variables: medical and dental history, cold test, and expression of MMP-8 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in dentin samples.

Responses to the cold test between 4 to 5 seconds (second evaluation; P < .0001) were associated with high levels of MMP-8 (mean, 0.36 ng/mL) in the reversible pulpitis group. In the irreversible pulpitis group, the responses from 6 to ≥10 seconds (second evaluation; P < .0001) were associated with a higher average of MMP-8 levels (mean, 1.97 ng/mL).

We determined that an increase in the duration of response to the cold test was associated with an increase in MMP-8 levels (Rho = 0.81, P < .0001) in teeth with pulpitis. The above correlations can be considered an adjunct to the clinical diagnosis of pulpitis.
Diverse clinical processes of 16 COVID-19 cases who concentrated infection in the same workplace in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhang Chi , Mu Jing , Zhang Daitao , Li Jiawen , Wang He , Jin Yunv , Han Yan , Li Haiyang , Zhang Chunxiao , Yu Peng , Guo Rui , Dou Xiangfeng , Chu Yanhui , Wu Zhao , Dong Xiaoqin , Wang Guiqiang , Zhao Hong
Published: December 2020

Since December 2019, an outbreak of COVID-19 sweeping the world. Understanding the clinical and SARS-CoV-2 dynamic changes of mild and ordinary patients of COVID-19, so as to provide basis for the prevention and control of COVID-19.

On February 1st, 2020, 16 SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive patients diagnosed in the same site in Beijing. The patients symptoms, signs, medication, and SARS-CoV-2 results were recorded.

Of the 16 patients, 12 were female. Although they were infected at the same time in the same workplace, their clinical processes were very different and can be roughly divided into three different types: persistent sputum positive, persistent stool positive and persistent both positive. In 7 patients with mild clinical manifestations, the median days of SARS-CoV-2 RNA negative conversion in sputum samples were significantly later than those with obvious lung injury (27 days [range: 18 to 36]; 17 days, [range 6 to 25], P = .021). The negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in stool was significant later than in sputum.

There were various clinical manifestations after SARS-CoV-2 infection, even if they were infected by the same source of infection in the same place. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA in stool samples was longer than that in respiratory tract.
International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification social determinants of health codes are poorly used in electronic health records
Authors: Guo Yi , Chen Zhaoyi , Xu Ke , George Thomas J. , Wu Yonghui , Hogan William , Shenkman Elizabeth A. , Bian Jiang
Published: December 2020

There have been increasing calls for clinicians to document social determinants of health (SDOH) in electronic health records (EHRs). One potential source of SDOH in the EHRs is in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) Z codes (Z55–Z65). In February 2018, ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting approved that all clinicians, not just the physicians, involved in the care of a patient can document SDOH using these Z codes.

To examine the utilization rate of the ICD-10-CM Z codes using data from a large network of EHRs.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of EHR data between 2015 to 2018 in the OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium, 1 of the 13 Clinical Data Research Networks funded by Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. We calculated the Z code utilization rate at both the encounter and patient levels.

We found a low rate of utilization for these Z codes (270.61 per 100,000 at the encounter level and 2.03% at the patient level). We also found that the rate of utilization for these Z codes increased (from 255.62 to 292.79 per 100,000) since the official approval of Z code reporting from all clinicians by the American Hospital Association Coding Clinic and ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting became effective in February 2018.

The SDOH Z codes are rarely used by clinicians. Providing clear guidelines and incentives for documenting the Z codes can promote their use in EHRs. Improvements in the EHR systems are probably needed to better document SDOH.
Study on the clinical mechanism of Tong-Xie-An-Chang Decoction in the treatment of diarrheal irritable bowel syndrome based on single-cell sequencing technology
Authors: Tan Xiang , Zhao Xing-jie , Li Jun-xiang , Xie Chun-e , Pei Wen-jing , Shi Lei , Kou Fu-shun , Yuan Ya-li , Xue Xiao-xuan
Published: December 2020

Background:

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a kind of functional gastrointestinal disorder with obscure pathogenesis, and exploration about differential gene expression and cell heterogeneity of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood in IBS-D patients still remains unknown. Clinicians tend to use symptomatic treatment, but the efficacy is unstable and symptoms are prone to relapse. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is used frequently in IBS-D with stable and lower adverse effects. Tong-Xie-An-Chang Decoction (TXACD) has been proven to be effective in the treatment of IBS-D. However, the underlying therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. This trial aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of TXACD in IBS-D and elucidate the gene-level mechanism of IBS-D and therapeutic targets of TXACD based on single-cell sequencing technology.

Methods/design:

This is a randomized controlled, double-blind, double-simulation clinical trial in which 72 eligible participants with IBS-D and TCM syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency will be randomly allocated in the ratio of 1:1 to two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group receives Tong-Xie-An-Chang Decoction (TXACD) and Pinaverium bromide tablets placebo; the control group receives pinaverium bromide tablets and TXACD placebo. Each group will be treated for 4 weeks. The primary outcome: the rate of IBS-Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS). The secondary outcomes: TCM syndrome score, adequate relief and IBS-Quality of Life Questionnaire (IBS-QOL). Mechanistic outcome is the single-cell sequencing profiling of the T lymphocytes in peripheral blood from IBS-D participants before and after the treatment and healthy individuals.

Discussion:

This trial will prove the efficacy and safety of TXACD with high-quality evidence and provide a comprehensive perspective on the molecular mechanism of IBS-D by single-cell sequencing profiling, which makes us pinpoint specific biomarkers of IBS-D and therapeutic targets of TXACD.
Radiotherapy for glioblastoma in the elderly
Authors: Huang Puxin , Li Liqiang , Qiao Juntang , Li Xiang , Zhang Peng
Published: December 2020

Background:

Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims to determine the radiotherapy for treatment of elderly people with diagnosed glioblastoma.

Method:

This study adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis for Protocols. Chinese electronic Database (CBM, Wanfang, and CNKI) and international electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) will be searched for all relevant published articles, with no restrictions on the year of publication or language. Study selection, data collection, and assessment of study bias will be conducted independently by a pair of independent reviewers. The Cochrane Risk of bias (ROB) tool will be used for the risk of bias assessment. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system will be used to assess the quality of evidence. The statistical analysis of this meta-analysis will be calculated by Review manager version 5.3.

Results:

The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

The findings of this review will to provide high-level evidence in terms of the benefits and harms of radiotherapy in people with glioblastoma to provide meaningful conclusions for clinical practice and further research.

Trial registration:

This study protocol was registered in open Science framework (OSF), (Registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/A6BCS).
ASF (a Compound of Traditional Chinese Medicine) in the treatment of patients with alcohol dependence
Authors: Liang Xianting , Hu Xiaoyu , Zhang Xia , Fu Hongfang
Published: December 2020

Background:

Alcohol dependence is one of the biggest problems facing public health worldwide. Currently, it is an under-diagnosed and under-treated disease. Even when given treatments for addiction withdrawal, over 2/3 of patients who have undergone abstinence-oriented treatment will relapse in the first year. Therefore, it is necessary to find an efficacious way to prevent and treat alcohol dependence. ASF (a Compound of Traditional Chinese Medicine) has proven to inhibit the formation and expression of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization and the development of conditioned place preference in mice. As an empirical prescription for abstinence from alcohol, ASF has long been used in clinical patients. However, the effect of ASF in humans has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of ASF for patients with alcohol dependence.

Methods:

The effect of ASF will be studied in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 82 outpatients and inpatients will be recruited and randomly assigned to treatment with either ASF or placebo for 6 weeks as a complement to cognitive behavioural therapy. The primary endpoints are the changes in the average daily alcohol consumption of the 2 groups before and after treatment and comparison of the scores of the psychological craving self-rating scale during the courses of treatment of 2 groups. The secondary endpoints include abstinence rates of the 2 groups during the follow-up period, days without consumption, and changes of Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores in 2 groups before and after therapy.

Discussion:

This study is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate ASF in the treatment of alcohol dependence. ASF is likely to be a new and effective drug for the treatment of alcohol dependence developed from natural products with a low incidence of side effects or toxicity.

Trial Registration:

Registry number: ChiCTR2000039397.