bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethics guidelines for human enhancement R&D
Authors: Erden Yasemin J. , Brey Philip A. E.
Published: November 2022

Technologies to improve human performance raise ethical concerns
The emerging era of cell engineering: Harnessing the modularity of cells to program complex biological function
Authors: Lim Wendell A.
Published: November 2022

A new era of biological engineering is emerging in which living cells are used as building blocks to address therapeutic challenges. These efforts are distinct from traditional molecular engineering—their focus is not on optimizing individual genes and proteins as therapeutics, but rather on using molecular components as modules to reprogram how cells make decisions and communicate to achieve higher-order physiological functions in vivo. This cell-centric approach is enabled by a growing tool kit of components that can synthetically control core cell-level functional outputs, such as where in the body a cell should go, what other cells it should interact with, and what messages it should transmit or receive. The power of cell engineering has been clinically validated by the development of immune cells designed to kill cancer. This same tool kit for rewiring cell connectivity is beginning to be used to engineer cell therapies for a host of other diseases and to program the self-organization of tissues and organs. By forcing the conceptual distillation of complex biological functions into a finite set of instructions that operate at the cell level, these efforts also shed light on the fundamental hierarchical logic that links molecular components to higher-order physiological function.
Our entangled lives
Between Light and Storm: How We Live with Other Species
Esther Woolfson
Pegasus Books, 2022. 368 pp.
Authors: King Barbara J.
Published: November 2022

A writer probes humanity’s often fraught and paradoxical relationships with other creatures
Ancient Mesopotamian histories
Weavers, Scribes, and Kings
Amanda H. Podany
Oxford University Press, 2022. 672 pp.
Authors: Robinson Andrew
Published: November 2022

A historian explores the remarkable early civilizations of the Near East, from Uruk to Babylon
Small victories
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: November 2022

Nearly 30 years after apartheid’s demise, a reporter revisits children’s health in South Africa
‘Ancestry problem’ sends CRISPR astray in some people
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: November 2022

Reference genomes used to direct the gene editor fail to account for human diversity in those of African descent
Factors associated with institutional delivery among mothers who gave birth within 1 year prior to the study at Gilgelbelles town, Northwest Ethiopia: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Tarik Yaregal Dessalew , Nigussie Azezu Asres , Balcha Wondu Feyisa , Getu Almaz Aklilu
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to assess factors associated with institutional delivery among mothers who had delivered within 1 year prior to the study at Gilgelbelles town, Northwest, Ethiopia.

Design

A community-based mixed-methods study was conducted from 1 February 2020 to 2 March 2020.

Setting

This study was conducted at Gilgelbelles town, Northwest Ethiopia.

Participants

Included 422 mothers who delivered 1 year prior to the study at Gilgelbelles town.

Outcome measures

Utilisation of institutional delivery and factors associated with institutional delivery.

Methods

The quantitative data were collected by the simple random sampling technique, entered into Epi data V.3.1, and analysed using SPSS V.23.0. The qualitative data were collected by using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis was done manually to supplement the quantitative result.

Results

In this study, 39.6% (95% CI=34.8 to 44.3) of mothers were given childbirth at the health facility. In multivariable analysis maternal age group of 15–20 years, secondary and above educational level, good knowledge on danger signs of obstetric, antenatal care visits, good awareness of birth preparedness and complications readiness plan, getting married after the age of 18 years, faced at least one complication during pregnancy, less than two children, travelled <30 min to reach a nearby health facility, having decision making power and not practised traditional malpractice during labour were significantly associated with institutional delivery. The qualitative result shows that cultural factors of the society and the lack of adequate delivery material in the health facility were identified as the major reason for the low utilisation of institutional delivery services.

Conclusion

This study showed that the proportion of institutional delivery was low. Sociodemographic, reproductive and knowledge-related factors were associated with institutional delivery. This indicates a need of taking appropriate interventions by integrating other stakeholders to increase the utilisation of institutional delivery services.
Interventions to improve the quality of screening-related colonoscopy: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Khan Rishad , Vaska Marcus , Ruan Yibing , Bansal Rishi , Gimpaya Nikko , Scaffidi Michael A , Brenner Darren , Leontiadis G I , Grover Samir C , Forbes Nauzer
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Colonoscopy quality can vary depending on endoscopist-related factors. Quality indicators, such as adenoma detection rate (ADR), have been adopted to reduce variations in care. Several interventions aim to improve ADR, but these fall into several domains that have traditionally been difficult to compare. We will conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials evaluating the efficacies of interventions to improve colonoscopy quality and report our findings according to clinically relevant interventional domains.

Methods and analysis

We will search MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and Evidence-Based Medicine from inception to September 2022. Four reviewers will screen for eligibility and abstract data in parallel, with two accordant entries establishing agreement and with any discrepancies resolved by consensus. The primary outcome will be ADR. Two authors will independently conduct risk of bias assessments. The analyses of the network will be conducted under a Bayesian random-effects model using Markov-chain Monte-Carlo simulation, with 10 000 burn-ins and 100 000 iterations. We will calculate the ORs and corresponding 95% credible intervals of network estimates with a consistency model. We will report the impact of specific interventions within each domain against standard colonoscopy. We will perform a Bayesian random-effects pairwise meta-analysis to assess heterogeneity based on the I2statistic. We will assess the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework for network meta-analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

Our study does not require research ethics approval given the lack of patient-specific data being collected. The results will be disseminated at national and international gastroenterology conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021291814.
Time-varying risk of death after SARS-CoV-2 infection in Swedish long-term care facility residents: a matched cohort study
Authors: Ballin Marcel , Ioannidis John P , Bergman Jonathan , Kivipelto Miia , Nordström Anna , Nordström Peter
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection in residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities is associated with higher mortality after the acute phase of infection, and to estimate survival in uninfected residents.

Design

Extended follow-up of a previous, propensity score-matched, retrospective cohort study based on the Swedish Senior Alert register.

Setting

LTC facilities in Sweden.

Participants

n=3604 LTC residents with documented SARS-CoV-2 until 15 September 2020 matched to 3604 uninfected controls using time-dependent propensity scores on age, sex, health status, comorbidities, prescription medications, geographical region and Senior Alert registration time. In a secondary analysis (n=3731 in each group), geographical region and Senior Alert registration time were not matched for in order to increase the follow-up time in controls and allow for an estimation of median survival.

Primary outcome measures

All-cause mortality until 24 October 2020, tracked using the National Cause of Death Register.

Results

Median age was 87 years and 65% were women. Excess mortality peaked at 5 days after documented SARS-CoV-2-infection (HR 21.5, 95% CI 15.9 to 29.2), after which excess mortality decreased. From the second month onwards, mortality rate became lower in infected residents than controls. The HR for death during days 61–210 of follow-up was 0.76 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.93). The median survival of uninfected controls was 1.6 years, which was much lower than the national life expectancy in Sweden at age 87 (5.05 years in men, 6.07 years in women).

Conclusions

The risk of death after SARS-CoV-2 infection in LTC residents peaked after 5 days and decreased after 2 months, probably because the frailest residents died during the acute phase, leaving healthier residents remaining. The limited life expectancy in this population suggests that LTC resident status should be accounted for when estimating years of life lost due to COVID-19.
Efficacy of aerobic exercise following concussion: a narrative review
Authors: Cordingley Dean M. , Cornish Stephen M.
Published: November 2022

Concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury which results in symptoms within the physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep domains. Historically, guidelines established by expert opinion have recommended rest during the initial stages of recovery following a concussion until symptom resolution. However, recent recommendations have shifted to advise an initial period of 24–48 h of rest immediately following concussion with the gradual introduction of light-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise thereafter. Given the relatively recent transition in recommendations, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current literature on the efficacy of aerobic exercise following concussion. The current literature is limited to studies assessing the impact of standardized aerobic exercise following concussion. Upon review, literature suggests participating in aerobic exercise below the point of symptom exacerbation is safe in both the acute and chronic post-concussion symptom stages of recovery and does not delay time to medical clearance. Future large-scale randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of aerobic exercise and differences between males and females would help support the current evidence suggesting aerobic exercise could improve time to recovery following concussion and identify any sex differences in response. As well, future studies with the purpose of identifying optimal aerobic exercise volume and intensity in the treatment of concussion could improve the specificity of the current guidelines.
Exploring the self interacting dark matter properties from low redshift observations
Authors: Mishra Arvind Kumar
Published: November 2022

We calculate the shear ($$\eta $$
η
) and bulk viscosity ($$\zeta $$
ζ
) of Self Interacting Dark Matter (SIDM) fluid using the kinetic theory formalism. Using the astrophysical constraints on dark matter self-interaction cross section over mass $$ \sigma /m $$

σ
/
m

, we demonstrate that viscous SIDM fluid violates the lower bound on the ratio of shear viscosity to its entropy density, $$\eta /\mathfrak {s}=\frac{1}{4\pi }$$

η
/
s
=

1

4
π

. Then, considering the $$\eta /\mathfrak {s}$$

η
/
s

bound as universal, we derive a theoretical upper limit on the ratio of velocity average dark matter self interaction cross-section to its mass and also estimate an upper limit on SIDM mass. We report that mass of the SIDM particle should be sub-GeV scale. Furthermore, with the assumption of a power-law form of $$\eta $$
η
and $$\zeta $$
ζ
, we study its evolution in the light of low redshift observations. We show that at the large redshift, the SIDM viscosity is small, but at the small redshift, it becomes sufficiently large and contributes significantly to cosmic dissipation. As a consequence, viscous SIDM can explain the low redshift observations and also consistent with the standard cosmological prediction.
Einstein–Maxwell fields as solutions of higher-order theories
Authors: Ortaggio Marcello
Published: November 2022

We study four-dimensional Einstein–Maxwell fields for which any higher-order corrections to the field equations effectively reduces to just a rescaling of the gravitational and the cosmological constant. These configurations are thus simultaneous solutions of (virtually) any modified theory of gravity coupled (possibly non-minimally) to any electrodynamics. In the case of non-null electromagnetic fields we provide a full characterization of such universal solutions, which correspond to a family of gravitational waves propagating in universes of the Levi-Civita–Bertotti–Robinson type. For null fields we first obtain a set of general necessary conditions, and then a full characterization for a special subfamily, which turns out to represent electromagnetic waves accompanied by pure radiation in the (anti-)Nariai background. The results are exemplified for the case of Born–Infeld, ModMax and Horndeski electrodynamics.
Weak gravitational lensing in dark matter and plasma mediums for wormhole-like static aether solution
Authors: Javed Wajiha , Riaz Sibgha , Pantig Reggie C. , Övgün Ali
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we study the deflection angle for wormhole-like static aether solution by using Gibbons and Werner technique in non-plasma, plasma, and dark matter mediums. For this purpose, we use optical spacetime geometry to calculate the Gaussian optical curvature, then implement the Gauss–Bonnet theorem in weak field limits. Moreover, we compute the deflection angle by using a technique known as Keeton and Petters technique. Furthermore, we analyze the graphical behavior of the bending angle $$\psi $$
ψ
with respect to the impact parameter b, mass m as an integration constant, and parameter q in non-plasma and plasma mediums. We examine that the deflection angle is exponentially increasing as direct with charge. Also, we observe that for small values of b, $$\psi $$
ψ
increases, and for large values of b the angle decreases. We also considered analysis to the shadow cast of the wormhole relative to an observer at various locations. Comparing it the Schwarzschild shadow, shadow cast is possible for wormhole as $$r<2m$$

r
<
2
m

. At $$r>2m$$

r
>
2
m

, the Schwarzschild is larger. As $$r\rightarrow \infty $$

r
→
∞

, we have seen that the behavior of the shadow, as well as the weak deflection angle, approaches that of the Schwarzschild black hole. Overall, the effect of plasma tends to decrease the value of the observables due to the wormhole geometry.
Toponomic quantum computation
Authors: Chryssomalakos C. , Hanotel L. , Guzmán-González E. , Serrano-Ensástiga E.
Published: November 2022

Holonomic quantum computation makes use of non-abelian geometric phases, associated to the evolution of a subspace of quantum states, to encode logical gates. We identify a special class of subspaces, for which a sequence of rotations results in a non-abelian holonomy of a topological nature, so that it is invariant under any SO(3)-perturbation. Making use of a Majorana-like stellar representation for subspaces, we give explicit examples of topological-holonomic (or toponomic) NOT and CNOT gates.
Semi-Supervised Skin Lesion Segmentation via Iterative Mask Optimization
Authors: Du Fuhe , Peng Bo , Al-Huda Zaid , Yao Jing
Published: November 2022

Deep learning-based skin lesion segmentation methods have achieved promising results in the community. However, they are usually based on fully supervised learning and require many high-quality ground truths. Labeling the ground truths takes a lot of labor, material, and financial resources. We propose a novel semi-supervised skin lesion segmentation method to solve this problem. First, a hierarchical image segmentation algorithm is used to generate optimal segmentation maps. Then, fully supervised training is performed on a small part of the images with ground truths. The resulting pseudo masks are generated to train the rest of the images. The optimal segmentation maps are utilized in this process to refine the pseudo masks. Experiments show that the proposed method can improve the performance of semi-supervised learning for skin lesion segmentation by reducing the gap with fully supervised learning methods. Moreover, it can reduce the workload of labeling the ground truths. Extensive experiments are conducted on the open dataset to validate the efficiency of the proposed method. The results show that our method is competitive in improving the quality of semi-supervised segmentation.
In Vitro Evaluating Antimicrobial Activity for MgO Nanoparticles Prepared by PLAL
Authors: Abbas Ehsan M. , Mazhir Sabah N. , Abdalameer Nisreen kh.
Published: November 2022

Pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) of metallic magnesium was used in this work to manufacture magnesium nanoparticles with varying average sizes (10–90[Formula: see text]nm). (2.07–3.44) [Formula: see text] 108[Formula: see text]W/cm2 of laser intensity and pulse rates of 100 pulses were used to create the nanoparticles. Laser power increased the number of nanoparticles in magnesium oxide (MgO) at 204[Formula: see text]nm absorption spectroscopic absorbance linearly. When the UV–Vis absorbance of nanoparticles rose, so did their colloidal density (measured in mg/mL). Nanoparticles are more likely to be produced at higher laser scanning rates: UV–Vis absorbance and nanoparticle diameters. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed that nanoparticles created dendritic patterns when put upon metal foil. The nanoparticles were measured using dynamic light scattering. When MgO particles were used in antibacterial activity against (in vitro) various gram-positive and gram-negative strains of bacteria, they had a demonstrable impact on some strains of bacteria. MgO has been shown to have antibacterial properties.
Rational design of functionalized near-infrared absorbing phthalocyanines by three-component coupling strategy
Authors: Iwamoto Takayuki , Maeda Hajime , Segi Masahito , Furuyama Taniyuki
Published: November 2022

Near-infrared (NIR) dyes are used in various applications such as organic solar cells and photodynamic therapy sensitizers. One example of a class of dyes, octa-arylthio-substituted phthalocyanines (Pcs), can effectively absorb NIR light above 800 nm. The substitution of the Pc’s peripheral sulfur effectively introduces extra functions without significant perturbation of the optical properties. However, the synthesis of phthalonitrile precursors containing various functionalized arylthio groups has been limited. Herein, we provide the three-component-type coupling reactions for synthesizing phthalonitriles with various functionalized chalcogen-aryl groups. Organometallic reagents were prepared from aryl halides, elemental chalcogen, and 3,6-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy)phthalonitrile can lead to functionalized phthalonitriles in a one-pot procedure. Commonly used methods were utilized to prepare the corresponding Pcs. This reaction can be extended to other group-16 elements, chemoselective organomagnesium, and organozincate reagents. The NIR absorption and fluorescence properties of Pcs were also revealed and rationalized under substitution effects.
The effect of covalent binding of phthalocyanine macrocycles with a cyclotriphosphazene spacer on the aggregation, NLO, and CT properties
Authors: Tolbin Alexander Yu. , Savelyev Mikhail S. , Gerasimenko Alexander Yu. , Sedova Marina V. , Maklakov Sergey S. , Pushkarev Victor E.
Published: November 2022

This work is devoted to studying the aggregation effect on the nonlinear optical (NLO) and charge transport (CT) properties of low-symmetry phthalocyanines bearing a cyclotriphosphazene moiety, a monomer, and clamshell-type bis-phthalocyanine. FE-SEM and AFM studies revealed ordered nanoaggregation in these compounds, represented as repeating objects of regular configuration, globules (340–480 nm), which contain small aggregates inside their cavity, similar to smoothed polygons (ca. 40 nm). Such specificity is not characteristic of other functionalized phthalocyanines, which we dealt with earlier. A new spectral method for estimating the aggregation threshold based on the change in extinction with increasing concentration of solutions was also implemented, and the effect of aggregation on optical limiting was demonstrated. The behavior of isomers and rotamers of bis-phthalocyanine in the presence of electric fields of various strengths was investigated with the DFT calculations, and that partially corresponds to the impact of laser radiation on molecules. It was shown that the unusual behavior of the trans-isomer in FF-DFT calculations is the reason for the worsening of the NLO and CT characteristics of bis-phthalocyanine, in which the macrocycles are strapped through a phosphazene spacer. An advanced method of multiparametric analysis has been implemented to evaluate the NLO and CT properties of the dyes in general.
Serendipitous formation of meso-free corroles in the [3+1] porphyrin and [3+2] sapphyrin syntheses
Authors: Uno Hidemitsu , Konishi Shota , Nakamura Jun , Mori Shigeki , Takase Masayoshi , Okujima Tetsuo
Published: November 2022

During the preparative investigation of [Formula: see text]-expanded porphyrinoids based on the retro-Diels-Alder reaction of bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene(BCOD)-fused precursors for benzo- and benzo[[Formula: see text]]fluorantho[9,10]-[[Formula: see text]]porphyrins by the [3+1] porphyrin synthesis using tripyrrane-1,14-dicarbaldehyde and BCOD-fused pyrroles, serendipitous formation of the corresponding corroles was observed. After elucidation of the reaction conditions, the [3+1] reaction afforded 21,31-dihydro-21,31-ethanobenzo[[Formula: see text]]fluorantho[9,10-[Formula: see text]]corrole in 23% yield as well as a trace amount of the corresponding porphyrin. In the sapphyrin synthesis by the [3+2] approach using the tripyrrane-1,14-dicarbaldehyde and a bipyrrole, the similar reaction conditions resulted in the formation of 5-pyrrolylcorrole in a 38% yield as well as isosmaragdyrin and the originally targeted sapphyrin.
Influence of the prestressed layer on spherical transducer in sound radiation performance
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Lin Xiujuan , Guo Rui , Yang Changhong , Zhao Hui , Zhang Mingyu , Wang Yan , Cheng Xin , Huang Shifeng
Published: November 2022

To improve the acoustic radiation performance of the spherical transducer, a prestressed layer is formed in the transducer through fiber winding. The influence of the prestressed layer on the transducer is studied from the effects of the radial prestress ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]) and acoustic impedance, respectively. First, a theoretical estimation of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] is established with a thin shell approximation of the prestressed layer. Then, the acoustic impedance is measured to evaluate the efficiency of sound energy transmission within the prestressed layer. Further, the ideal effects of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] on the sound radiation performances of the transducer are analyzed through finite element analysis (FEA). Finally, four spherical transducers are fabricated and tested to investigate their dependence of actual properties on the prestressed layer. The results show that with the growth of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text], the acoustic impedance of the prestressed layer grows, mitigating the enormous impedance mismatch between the piezoelectric ceramic and water, while increasing attenuation of the acoustic energy, resulting in a peak value of the maximum transmitting voltage response ([Formula: see text]) at 1.18 MPa. The maximum drive voltage increases with [Formula: see text][Formula: see text], leading to a steady growth of the maximum transmitting sound level ([Formula: see text]), with a noticeable ascend of 3.9 dB at a 3.44 MPa [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]. This is a strong credibility that the prestressed layer could improve the sound radiation performance of the spherical transducer.
About this title - Sequence Stratigraphy of the Jurassic–lowermost Cretaceous (Hettangian–Berriasian) of the North Sea Region
Authors: Copestake P. , Partington M. A.
Published: November 2022

This volume provides a landmark documentation of Jurassic sequence stratigraphy in the North Sea Basin, onshore UK and adjacent regions of the British Isles. It includes detailed sequence descriptions, historical syntheses and updated lithostratigraphy and biozonation schemes, all illustrated by numerous case studies, maps, well displays, seismic lines and biozonation charts.
Strategic Decisions: Survey, Taxonomy, and Future Directions from Artificial Intelligence Perspective
Authors: Wu Caesar , Zhang Rui , Kotagiri Ramamohanarao , Bouvry Pascal
Published: November 2022

Strategic Decision-Making is always challenging because it is inherently uncertain, ambiguous, risky, and complex. By contrast to tactical and operational decisions, strategic decisions are decisive, pivotal, and often irreversible, which may result in long-term and significant consequences. A strategic decision-making process usually involves many aspects of inquiry, including sensory perception, deliberative thinking, inquiry-based analysis, meta-learning, and constant interaction with the external world. Many unknowns, unpredictabilities, and environmental constraints will shape every aspect of a strategic decision. Traditionally, this task often relies on intuition, reflective thinking, visionary insights, approximate estimates, and practical wisdom. With recent advances in
artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)
technologies, we can leverage AI/ML to support strategic decision-making. However, there is still a substantial gap from an AI perspective due to inadequate models, despite the tremendous progress made. We argue that creating a comprehensive taxonomy of decision frames as a representation space is essential for AI because it could offer surprising insights beyond anyone's imaginary boundary today. Strategic decision-making is the art of possibility. This study develops a systematic taxonomy of decision-making frames that consists of six bases, 18 categorical, and 54 elementary frames. We formulate the model using the inquiry method based on Bloom's taxonomy approach. We aim to lay out the computational foundation that is possible to capture a comprehensive landscape view of a strategic problem. Compared with many traditional models, this novel taxonomy covers irrational, non-rational and rational frames capable of dealing with certainty, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity, chaos, and ignorance.
Towards signature-based gröbner basis algorithms for computing the nondegenerate locus of a polynomial system
Authors: Eder Christian , Lairez Pierre , Mohr Rafael , Din Mohab Safey El
Published: November 2022

Problem statement.
Let K be a field and K be an algebraic closure of K. Consider the polynomial ring
R
= K[
x
1
,...,

x
n

] over K and a finite sequence of polynomials
f
1
,...,

f
c

in
R
with
c
≤
n.
Let
V
⊂ K

n

be the algebraic set defined by the simultaneous vanishing of the

f
i

's. Recall that
V
can be decomposed into finitely many irreducible components, whose codimension cannot be greater than
c.
The set

V
c

which is the union of all these irreducible components of codimension
exactly c
is named further the nondegenerate locus of
f
1
,...,

f
c

.
Integral equation modelling and deep learning
Authors: Lemaire François , Roussel Louis
Published: November 2022

We present some preliminary results on the integration of integro-differential equations using Deep Learning techniques.
An identity on multinomial coefficients
Authors: Qi Jiayue
Published: November 2022

We introduce an identity on multinomial coefficients, as well as the proof for it.
Factoring non-monic polynomials represented by black boxes
Authors: Chen Tian , Monagan Michael
Published: November 2022

We aim to factor a sparse polynomial
a
∈ Z[
x
1
, ···,

x
n

] represented by a black box. The authors have previously developed efficient sparse Hensel lifting algorithms for the monic and square-free case that outperforms the algorithm by Kaltofen and Trager in 1990. We complete this black box factorization problem for the non-monic case with a new algorithm that computes the factors of
a
using many non-monic bivariate Hensel lifts. Our algorithm handles all cases of input
a
∈ Z[
x
1
, ···,

x
n

] including the non-square-free and the non-primitive cases. We have implemented the algorithm in Maple with all major subroutines coded in C for efficiency.
Wound Healing Potential and In Silico Appraisal of Convolvulus arvensis L. Methanolic Extract
Authors: Saleem Uzma , Khalid Sana , Zaib Shingraf , Anwar Fareeha , Akhtar Muhammad Furqan , Hussain Liaqat , Saleem Ammara , Ahmad Bashir
Published: November 2022

Convolvulus arvensis L. is rich in phenolic compounds and traditionally used to treat wounds, skin ulcer, and inflammation. The current study is aimed at scientifically potentiating its traditional wound healing use. The methanolic extract of C. arvensis stem (CaME) was analyzed for HPLC and GC‐MS analyses. The binding modes of active compounds were investigated against protein targets glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β), transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), c‐myc, and β‐catenin by molecular docking followed by molecular dynamic simulations which revealed some conserved mode of binding as reported in crystal structures. The antioxidant potential of CaME was evaluated by in vitro methods such as 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and ferric reducing power assays. Ointment formulations of 10 and 20% CaME were applied topically and evaluated for wound healing potency against the excisional wound on the skin of Wistar rats. Gentamycin (0.1%) served as standard therapy. The healing process was observed for 20 days in the form of wound size and epithelialization followed by histopathological evaluation of the wound area. Chemical characterization showed the presence of 7‐hexadecenoic acid, 2‐hexadecylicosan‐1‐ol, quercetin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, and other compounds. The plant extract exhibited significant in vitro antioxidant activity. The animals treated with 10% ointment showed moderate healing, whereas the treatment with 20% CaME revealed healing potential comparable to the standard 0.1% gentamycin as coevidenced from histopathological evaluation of skin. The study corroborates promising potential of C. arvensis on the healing of wounds, which possibly will be attributed to its antioxidant activity, fatty acids, quercetin, and gallic and caffeic acids, and binding potential of its phytoconstituents (phenolic acids) with wound healing targets.
Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes between Calibratable Patient‐Specific Instrumentation and Conventional Operation for Medial Open‐Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gao Fawei , Yang Xucheng , Wang Chenggong , Su Shilong , Qi Jun , Li Zhigang , Chen Juehao , Zhong Da
Published: November 2022

Background. High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an effective surgery in treating medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (KOA) combined with varus deformity. An accurate orthopaedy is the key and challenge to the success of HTO. Therefore, we designed a calibratable patient‐specific instrumentation (PSI) to assist surgery and evaluated its accuracy and clinical outcomes by comparing with conventional operation (CO). Materials and Methods. 37 patients (39 knees) with medial compartment KOA were randomly divided into the PSI and CO groups and underwent medial open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) from September 2020 to May 2021. The postoperative radiological outcomes were compared with the preoperative measurements or target values to evaluate the accuracy of correction in the two groups. The American Knee Society Score (AKSS), complication rate, number of intraoperative radiation exposures, blood loss volume, and operative duration were analysed to evaluate the clinical outcomes in the two groups. Results. The designed target values were better achieved in the PSI group than in the CO group. The mean absolute difference between the postoperative measurements and preoperative targets was significantly lower in the PSI group than in the CO group (weight‐bearing line (WBL) ratio, 1.97 ± 1.83% vs.5.42 ± 4.41%, P = 0.002; hip‐knee‐ankle (HKA) angle, 1.12 ± 0.86° vs. 2.27 ± 1.97°, P = 0.018). The operative duration was significantly shorter (P = 0.014), and the number of radiation exposures (P < 0.001) and volume of intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.003) were significantly lower in the PSI group than in the CO group. The clinical AKSS score at 3 and 6 months postoperatively and the functional AKSS score at 3 months postoperatively were significantly higher in the PSI group than in the CO group (P = 0.042, 0.040, and 0.034, respectively). Conclusion. For patients with medial compartment KOA, calibratable PSI can assist the surgeon in MOWHTO with superior accuracy and clinical efficacy. This study was conducted under Randomized Controlled Trial Details (RCT) with Registry Number ChiCTR2000038619.
A Concentration Method for HIV Drug Resistance Testing in Low‐Level Viremia Samples
Authors: Li Qun , Yu Fengting , Song Chuan , Zhao Hongxin , Yan Liting , Xiao Qing , Lao Xiaojie , Yang Siyuan , Tang Yunxia , Xiao Jiang , Zhang Fujie
Published: November 2022

Background. Drug resistance testing in HIV‐1 low‐level viremia (LLV) samples is challenging yet critical. Our study is aimed at assessing the performance of lentivirus concentration reagent (LCR) in combination with a validated Sanger sequencing (SS) for monitoring drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in LLV samples. Methods. A series of clinical samples were diluted and amplified for genotypic resistance testing (GRT) to prove the performance of the LCR. The Stanford HIV‐1 drug resistance database (HIVdb version 8.9) was used to analyze the mutations. HIV‐1 subtypes and CRFs were determined using the COMET online tool. The overall success rate of genotyping was compared with ultracentrifugation combined with SS. Furthermore, the success rates at varied VL of the two concentration methods were evaluated, and the DRMs of diluted samples were compared with those undiluted samples. Results. When LCR was used, the overall success rate was 90% (72/80) in the PR and RT regions and 60% (48/80) in the IN region. In addition, when HIV RNA was 1000 copies/ml, 400 copies/ml, 200 copies/ml, and 100 copies/ml, the success rates of PR and RT regions were 100%, 100%, 95%, and 65%, respectively, while the success rates of IN region were 85%, 60%, 45%, and 50%, respectively. We found that the sample DR‐387A2 missed the E138A mutation, and mutations in other samples were consistent with undiluted samples using LCR. Conclusions. LCR will support monitoring DRMs in HIV‐1 patients with LLV and can be an effective alternative for small‐ and medium‐sized laboratories that cannot afford an ultracentrifuge.
Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome Alleviates Synovitis by Reducing Pyroptosis in Rats with Experimental Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Xin Yinzi , Wang Wei , Mao Enyu , Yang Hefeng , Li Song
Published: November 2022

The mechanism of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA), which leads to the final erosion of cartilage and subchondral bone, has been widely demonstrated, but still not clearly elucidated. Many studies have pointed that NLRP3-mediated inflammation played a vital role in degenerative diseases. However, its interaction with synovitis of TMJOA has remained poorly investigated. In our study, we explored the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in TMJOA synovitis and the therapeutic potential of caspase-1 and NLRP3 inhibitors. By establishing a rat TMJOA model, we found that NLRP3 was upregulated in synovial tissue of TMJOA. It was involved in the progress of a programmed cell death called pyroptosis, which was caspase-1 dependent and ultimately triggered inflammatory mediator interleukin IL-1β release. Treatment with Ac-YVAD-cmk and MCC950, inhibitors targeting caspase-1 and NLRP3, respectively, significantly suppressed pyroptosis in TMJOA synovial tissue. Then, a macrophage- and fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) cocultured model further verified the above results. Macrophage somehow promoted FLS pyroptosis in this study. Our results suggested that the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis participated in synovial inflammation of TMJOA. Interfering with the progress could be a potential option for controlling TMJOA development.
Integrated Development of Artificial Intelligence and Economic Management
Authors: He Yixing , Ding Haolun
Published: November 2022

The world economy is developing rapidly. Behind the rapid development, the management of economic regions is very important. In the process of economic management, the government plays the role of macrocontrol and is responsible for the management of various economic affairs and social and economic services. While undertaking infrastructure construction, it creates a good environment for economic development. However, with the deepening of economic development and the more and more complex economic data, the current economic management has gradually exposed a range of issues that arise during the process of economic development, and these problems need to be solved urgently. At this time, the application scope of artificial intelligence in the economic field is getting wider and wider, and it has a great positive effect on economic development. Therefore, in order to solve the problem of economic management in the process of economic development, this paper proposes a development path that integrates AI and economic management and provides intelligent technology support for the development of economic management to help the smooth operation of economic development. In addition, this paper shows through experiments that the path of integration of AI and economic management can promote the development and smooth operation of the economy, and AI has a positive impact on economic management.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Associated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in a Toddler
Authors: Searcy Kristie , Jagadish Apoorva , Pichilingue-Reto Patricia , Baliga Radhakrishna
Published: November 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a heterogenous, predominantly pulmonary disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has resulted in catastrophic illness around the world. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a triad of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and end organ damage. This is present in severe cases of COVID-19 and in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) commonly caused by Escherichia coli (E.coli) 0157:H7. We report a novel case of a toddler who presented with classic features suggestive of HUS characterized by bloody diarrhea followed by thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and acute kidney injury, in whom a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2 was positive.
Wideband Circularly Polarized Microstrip-Slot Antenna with Parasitic Ground Planes
Authors: Huang Qin
Published: November 2022

In this study, a new stacked microstrip slot antenna (MSA) with wideband circular polarization (CP) characteristics is proposed. The antenna consists of a square-loop feed configuration, four parasitic square patches, four parasitic vertical planes, and a square ground plane etched with four parasitic square slots. The corner-cut square-loop can excite a stable 270° phase difference by loading an arc-shaped strip into the square-loop. Square-patches, vertical planes, and square slots as parasitic elements are placed together at the side of the square-loop to stimulate two CP resonant points. Simulation and measurement are performed on the designed antenna prototype to demonstrate the design’s rationality. The measured results depict that the measured impedance bandwidth (IBW) for |S11| < −10 dB is 36.4% (4.65 to 6.70 GHz) and the measured axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) for AR < 3 dB is 25.1% (5.01 to 6.45 GHz). Compared with other reported stacked CP antennas, the proposed antenna has significant advantages in CP bandwidth, which could occupy the wireless local area network ITS (5.8 GHz), (5.725–5.85 GHz), and WIFI (5.85–5.925 GHz) bands.
Survival and Predictors of Mortality among Adults Initiating Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study (2007‐2019)
Authors: Getaneh Yimam , Ning Feng , He Qianxin , Rashid Abdur , Kassa Desta , Assefa Yibeltal , Yi Feng , Liao Lingjie , Shao Yiming
Published: November 2022

Background. Studies have shown high early mortality after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We examined change in three‐year survival and predictors of mortality of patients initiating HAART in Ethiopia since 2007 to 2019. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 47 health facilities (HFs) using records of 11,013 adult patients initiating HAART from 2007 to 2019. Study subjects were stratified as four different cohorts based on their calendar year of HAART initiation: 2007‐2010, 2011‐2013, 2014‐2016, and 2017‐2019. HFs were selected using probability proportional to size of patients. Survival rate and predictors of mortality were estimated by the calendar year using the Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazard, respectively. We generated a pooled estimate of survival rate and predicators of mortality. Results. Data from 1881, 3868, 3004, and 2260 patients were retrieved from each of the cohorts. Overall mortality for all cohorts at all times was 10.3%. A gradual decline of mortality was observed in the first three years of follow‐up since 2007‐2016 which were 21.37%, 10.03%, and 4.34% among patients who initiated HAART in 2007, 2011, and 2014 respectively. A mortality jump of 9.25% was observed among patents initiating HAART in 2017, which coincided with political instability happened in the country. Of the 21,638 person‐years of follow‐up among 11,013 adults, mortality was 5.23/100 person‐years, while disaggregated by the cohorts, it was 14.77, 5.06, 2.12, and 4.17 per 100 person‐years, respectively. Among all the cohorts, patients with CD4 count of ≤200 cells/mm3, unsuppressed viral load, poor adherence, and drug resistance in all cohorts, respectively, have overall 2.0 (95%CI = 1.35 − 2.69), 4.66 (95%CI = 2.53 − 6.72), 6.78 (95%CI = 3.4 − 10.3), and 10.02 (95%CI = 6.91 − 13.82) times of mortality risk than those without. Patients with bedridden for cohort initiating HAART during 2007 and 2011 were 2.0 (95%CI = 1.35 − 2.69) times of mortality risk than those without. Conclusion. Patients initiating HAART from 2007 to 2016 have continuously improved their survival during three‐year cohort follow‐up in Ethiopia. The significant decline of survival among those who initiate HAART as of 2017 calls for program intervention. Low CD4 counts, unsuppressed viral load, poor adherence, and drug resistance could be used as predictors for increased mortality to monitor the quality of HAART and improve clinical management of HIV/AIDS patients.
A Patient with Concurrent Legionella and COVID-19 Infection in a UK District General Hospital
Authors: Tong Jie L. , Long Michael A. , Russell Peter
Published: November 2022

A 65 year-old gentleman had been brought to our Respiratory Emergency Department for patients with respiratory symptoms and a possible COVID-19 infection with a 3-day history of shortness of breath (SOB), fever, a productive cough of yellow sputum, and right-sided chest pain. The patient had received both vaccinations at the time and initially reported no travel history, although later it was revealed that he had recently stayed at a hotel. He tested positive for COVID-19 and had hyponatremia and a raised procalcitonin, indicating a bacterial infection as well. He had been initiated on our local treatment guidelines for COVID with antibiotics, guided by local hospital guidelines. An atypical pneumonia screen returned a positive result for Legionella urine antigen, and his antibiotic regime was changed accordingly. Our patient deteriorated significantly, and despite being escalated to our intensive care unit (ICU), he unfortunately passed away. Our case highlights the importance of early ICU involvement and escalation of antibiotics in cases of suspected concurrent Legionella and COVID-19 infections.
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy-Induced Cardiogenic Shock Causing Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy in a COVID-19 Patient
Authors: Le Minh Khoi , Nguyen Thanh Hieu
Published: November 2022

Background. Cardiogenic shock complicating peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but lethal syndrome. The etiology of PPCM is not fully elucidated and is probably multifactorial, and viral infection might play some role. It has been documented that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) directly invades the cardiomyocytes and most commonly damages this vital organ via complex systemic devastating mechanisms. Case presentation. A 28-year-old pregnant female was admitted to a COVID-19 field hospital due to a SARS-CoV-2 infection. She gave birth by spontaneous vaginal delivery at 34 gestational weeks. Six hours after the delivery, she presented signs of hemodynamic collapse and became comatosed, requiring a transfer to the COVID-19 intensive care center. The brain magnetic resonance imaging excluded thromboembolism, intracerebral hemorrhage, and central nervous system infection and revealed a hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Bedside echocardiography documented a dilated left ventricle and severely reduced left ventricular systolic function with an ejection fraction of 24%. The management was aimed at a cardiogenic shock secondary to peripartum cardiomyopathy. The clinical course was favorable: the hemodynamics stabilized, the cognitive function fully recovered, and the patient was extubated on the second day of admission to the intensive care unit. The patient was discharged from the hospital ten days after admission. Neurological and cardiovascular checkups six months after discharge showed full recovery. Conclusion. Peripartum cardiomyopathy-induced cardiogenic shock with severe neurological consequences in COVID-19 patients was rare but did exist. A systemic approach and vigorous efforts to pinpoint the accurate diagnosis played important roles in the prompt and appropriate management.
Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Properties of Natural Bioactive Monoterpenes Nerol, Estragole, and 3,7-Dimethyl-1-Octanol
Authors: Coêlho Mayara Ladeira , Islam Muhammad Torequl , Laylson da Silva Oliveira George , Oliveira Barros de Alencar Marcus Vinicius , Victor de Oliveira Santos José , Campinho dos Reis Antonielly , Oliveira Ferreira da Mata Ana Maria , Correia Jardim Paz Márcia Fernanda , Docea Anca Oana , Calina Daniela , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Amélia de Carvalho Melo-Cavalcante Ana
Published: November 2022

The therapeutic potential of medicinal plants is noted because of the presence of varieties of biochemicals. The monoterpenes, like nerol, estragole, and 3,7-dimethyl-1-octanol, have been reported for antimicrobial, antifungal, anthelmintic, and antioxidant activities. This study evaluated the toxic, cytotoxic, and oxidant/antioxidant effects of these compounds by several in vitro (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, and ferric reducing potential), ex vivo (hemolysis), and in vivo (Artemia Salina and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) assays. Results suggest that estragole and 3,7-dimethyl-1-octanol at 31.25–500 μg/mL did not exhibit significant cytotoxic effects in the A. Salina and hemolysis tests. Nerol showed significant cytotoxic effects on these test systems at all test concentrations. The monoterpenes showed radical (ABTS•+ and DPPH•) scavenging capacities in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro tests. However, they did not oxidize the genetic material of S. cerevisiae (SODWT, Sod1Δ, Sod2Δ, Sod1/Sod2Δ, Cat1Δ, and Cat1Δ/Sod1Δ) lines. Among the three monoterpenes, nerol may be a good candidate for antioxidant and anti-tumor therapies.