bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Quadratus Lumborum Block on Perioperative Multimodal Analgesia and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Hu Zhen , Zhou Yingjie , Zhao Guohao , Zhang Xinxin , Liu Chunchun , Xing Huan , Liu Ji , Wang Fen 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) on perioperative multimodal analgesia and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.Methods: A total of 80 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were randomly divided into two groups: general anaesthesia with QLB (QLB group; n = 40) and general anaesthesia with sham QLB (normal saline [NS] group; n = 40). QLB or sham QLB was performed before the induction of anaesthesia. Sufentanil was intravenously administered for postoperative analgesia. The primary outcome was the pain score (measured using a numerical rating scale [NRS]) at different time points within 48h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included the cumulative dose of sufentanil within 48 h postoperatively, subjective comfort, grip strength, first time of exhaustion, first fluid intake time, time to get out of bed, length of postoperative hospital stay and overall satisfaction. The SPSS software, version 17.0, was used for all statistical analyses.Results: Postoperative NRS at rest was significantly lower at 2 h (1.7 ± 1.1 versus 3.0 ± 2.1), 4 h (1.8 ± 1.2 versus 4.1 ± 2.3), 6 h (1.9 ± 2 versus 4.4 ± 2) and 12 h (3.5 ± 2.3 versus 5 ± 3.3) and was also lower when coughing at 2 h (2.3 ± 1.1 versus 4 ± 2.1), 4 h (2.3 ± 1. 1 versus 4.3 ± 2) and 6 h (2.4 ± 1.1 versus 5.9 ± 2.3) in the QLB than that in the NS group. The cumulative dose of sufentanil was significantly lower in the QLB than that in the NS group at 4 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. The nausea score was significantly lower in the QLB group at 24 h postoperatively, and the first time of exhaustion and time to get out of bed were significantly shorter (P < 0.05). The overall satisfaction score was significantly higher in the QLB than in the NS group (4 ± 0.7 versus 2.6 ± 0.9).Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided bilateral QLB can provide effective postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, reduce the need for sufentanil, facilitate comfort and improve postoperative outcomes. QLB can be a good component of multimodal analgesia.Trial registration: The clinical trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR). Current Controlled Trials：ChiCTR1900022009. the date of registration：2019/03/20. http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=30934&htm=4
Stochastic and deterministic analysis of a COVID-19 pandemic model under vaccination strategy : Real cases application
Authors: Ez-Zetouni Adil , Khyar Omar , Allali Karam , Akdim Khadija , Zahid Mehdi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we present a novel SICVS COVID-19 pandemic model incorporating a vaccination strategy and crowding effect. First, we investigate the steady states and proved the local stability of the corresponding deterministic problem. Then we study the proposed stochastic epidemic model; we have considered a random incidence highlighting all the improbable fluctuations that appear in the infection process. Hence, the COVID 19 transmission parameter in the considered model will be stochastically perturbed by the white noise. We show the disease extinction of the pandemic according to the stochastic noise intensity. It was established, in the stochastic study, the existence of a possible extinction of the pandemic even if the base reproduction number is greater than unity. Furthermore we discuss the persistence in mean of the studied infection in terms of the stochastic model parameters. Our numerical simulations confirm the theoretical findings. The proposed model was validated and supported by a comparison, during the second wave of the pandemic in Morocco, between the trajectories of the clinical data of Covid-19 and those which represent our SICVS model. In addition, the impact of vaccination and social distancing strategies on reducing the infection severity were observed.
Longitudinal Trends in Produce Purchasing Behavior: A Descriptive Study of Transaction Level Data from Loyalty Card Households
Authors: Fernandez Isabel Diana , Johnson Brent A. , Wixom Nellie , Kautz Amber , Janciuras Joanne , Prevost Steve , Luo Jiebo , Ramchandran Rajeev S 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background Household food purchases (HFP) are in the pathway between the community food environment and the foods available in households for consumption. As such, HFP data have emerged as alternatives to monitor population dietary trends over-time. In this paper, we investigate the use of loyalty card datasets as unexplored sources of continuously collected HFP data to describe temporal trends in household produce purchases. Methods We partnered with a grocery store chain to obtain a loyalty card database with all grocery transactions by household from January 2016 to October 2018. We included households in an urban county with complete observations for head of household agegroup, household income group, and family size. Data were summarized as weighted averages (95% CI) of percent produce purchased out of all foods purchased by household per month. We modeled seasonal and linear trends in the proportion of produce purchases by agegroup and income while accounting for repeated observations per household using generalized estimating equations. Results There are 290,098 households in the database (88% of all county households). At baseline, the smallest and largest percent produce purchases are observed among the youngest and lowest income (12.2%, CI 11.1; 13.3) and the oldest and highest income households (19.3, CI 18.9; 19.6); respectively. The seasonal variations are consistent in all age-and income-groups with an April-June peak gradually descending until December. However, the average linear change in percent produce purchased per household per year varies by age and income being the steepest among the youngest households at each income level (from 1.42%, CI 0.98;1.8 to 0.69%, CI 0.42;0.95) while the oldest households experience almost no annual change. Conclusions We explored the potential of a collaboration with a food retailer to use continuously collected loyalty card data for public health nutrition purposes. Our findings suggest a trend towards a healthier pattern in long-term food purchases and household food availability among the youngest households that may lessen the population chronic disease burden if sustained. Understanding the foods available for consumption within households allows public health advocates to develop and evaluate policies and programs promoting foods and nutrients along the life course.
Assessment of arsenic contamination in agricultural soils of Gangetic basin in Buxar, Bhojpur and Patna districts in Bihar, India
Authors: Pathak Saurabh Kumar , Upadhyay Munish Kumar , Shukla Anurakti , Majumdar Arnab , Srivast Sudhakar 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a nonessential and toxic metalloid found in sediments, soils and aquatic environments. The contamination of As is a serious problem in South and Southeast Asia threatening the health of millions of people. In this study, 71 soil samples were collected from agricultural fields from Bihar, India situated in the middle Gangetic basin to understand the status of As contamination. The 71 samples from Bihar were taken from three districts; Buxar (n = 21), Bhojpur (n = 34) and Patna (n = 16). Arsenic concentration in soil samples was determined by the wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) method. The pH, oxidation reduction potential (ORP), organic matter (OM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the samples were also analysed. The mean and range of As concentration were found to be 16.72 mg kg− 1 (13.9–19.4 mg kg− 1), 17.18 mg kg− 1 (13.9–21.1 mg kg− 1) and 17.16 mg kg− 1 (14.8–20.5 mg kg− 1) in Buxar, Bhojpur and Patna, respectively. Of the 71 samples from Bihar, five samples had As levels equal to or higher than the maximum permissible limit i.e. 20 mg kg− 1 for agricultural soil. These five samples were taken from the village of Salempur, Benwaliya, Gundi, Daulatpur and Katesar. To assess the contamination level, various indices like contamination factor, ecological risk assessment and geoaccumulation index were calculated, which indicated “moderate to high” As contamination in the studied areas. The study provides information about the As contamination scenario in middle Gangetic basin and proposes to conduct more comprehensive surveys to understand As contamination in the hugely populated state of Bihar.
Habitat Distribution Affects Connectivity and Population Size in Migratory Networks
Authors: Patel Swati , Taylor Caz 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Population dynamics of migratory species can be modeled using spatial bipartite networks in which breeding and winter regions, or nodes, are distributed longitudinally and connected by links representing migratory movements. Understanding the factors that influence the connectivity and population size of such networks is important for effective conservation. In migration ecology terminology, strong migratory connectivity is a network with low node degree and weak or diffuse connectivity is a network with high node degree. We present a model of migration networks using a Lotka-Volterra system of differential equations in which each winter-breeding link is represented as a subpopulation which competes with other subpopulations that share breeding or winter regions. We use persistence theory to determine which links coexist with one another under different parameter regimes in a 2 x 2 network where only three patterns of connectivity (weak, moderate, and strong) are possible. We find that, in the absence of dispersal among subpopulations, strong connectivity occurs when winter habitat has the same longitudinal distribution as breeding habitat, and/or costs of cross-longitudinal migration are high. Moderate connectivity arises otherwise. Total population size is maximized when each longitudinal region has the same amount of breeding habitat as winter habitat and decreases with the costs of migration. Including any degree of dispersal leads to weak connectivity and also reduces population size. Our results suggest that actions that conserve habitat so as to preserve matching habitat distributions and minimize costs of migration would be most effective.
In-Beam PET And Compton Imaging For Enhanced Accuracy Proton-Range Verification
Authors: Balibrea-Correa Javier , Lerendegui-Marco Jorge , Ladarescu Ion , Domingo-Pardo César , Guerrero Carlos , Rodríguez-González Teresa , Jiménez-Ramos Maria del Carmen , Fernández-Martínez Begoña 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
We report on a combined in-beam PET and prompt-gamma Compton imaging system aimed at ion-range verification in proton-therapy treatments. A proof-of-concept experiment was carried out at the radiobiology beam line of the CNA cyclotron facility using a set of two synchronous Compton imagers and different target materials. The time structure of the 18 MeV proton beam was shaped with a series of beam-on and beam-off intervals, thereby mimicking a pulsed proton beam on a long time scale. During beam-on Compton imaging was performed utilizing the high energy γ-rays promptly emitted from the nuclear reactions in the target. In the course of the beam-off intervals in-situ positron-emission tomography was accomplished with the same imagers using the β + decay of short-lived activated nuclei. The targets used were stacks of different materials covering also various proton ranges and energies. The experimental results obtained in this work are compared with a Monte Carlo model of the experimental setup. The results demonstrate the possibility to combine both imaging techniques in a concomitant way, where high-efficiency Compton imaging is complemented with the high spatial accuracy of PET. Empowered by these results we discuss a new methodology for enhanced accuracy and real-time ion-range monitoring. We suggest that a pulsed beam with a suitable duty cycle, in conjunction with in-situ Compton- and PET-imaging may help to attain both real-time and high-accuracy range monitoring.
Spatio-temporal dynamics and evolution of land use transition and landscape patterns in response to ecological protection project in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Wang Quan , Bai Xuepiao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Restoration of degraded ecological environment is a global core issue, particularly in the ecologically fragile mountainous areas where excessive loss of natural vegetation has occurred, and the rational land use and ecological protection need high attention from academia. This study explored the dynamics of land use transition and landscape pattern by using large-scale remote sensing, geological information model, and landscape pattern method, to understand internal mechanism process for spatial difference at the prefecture-level city level. The results showed that the area of forestland, grassland, and urban and rural construction land showed an increasing trend during 1990—2015. The land use transition trend was mainly based on the mutual conversion between grassland, urban and rural construction land, cultivated land, and forestland, and were widely distributed in Guiyang, Qiannan, Zunyi, and Tongren. During 1990—2000 and 2005—2010, the largest changes of land use rising were forestland and grassland; during 2000—2005 and 2010—2015, the areas of land use shrinkage changes were cultivated land and grass land, as well as overall land use transition was becoming more intensive and efficient. Under the interaction of natural environment and human activities, severe land use transition led to the increasing trend of landscape pattern from low density to high fragmentation, patch richness, diversity, and irregular patch shape, enhancing regional spatial heterogeneity. Finally, we put forward realistic policy recommendations to provide a basis for the development of land space planning, regional ecological protection, and sustainable development in mountainous areas.
Exploring Differential Exon Usage via Short- and Long-read RNA Sequencing Strategies
Authors: Leshkowitz Dena , Kedmi Merav , Fried Yael , Pilzer David , Keren-Shaul Hadas , Ainbinder Elena , Dassa Bareket 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background Alternative splicing is a post-transcriptional biological process that produces various messenger RNAs, and thereby various protein products, from one gene, impacting a wide range of cellular activities and disease processes. However, the accurate reconstruction and quantification of full-length transcripts using short-reads is limited, due to their length. Recent long-reads sequencing technologies may provide a solution by sequencing full-length transcripts, yet to address their higher error rates and lower yields, dedicated analysis tools are being developed and assessed. We wanted to explore the use of both short reads and long Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) RNA-Seq reads, with different strategies and tools, for detecting global alternative splicing changes, namely differential splicing (DS), during embryonic stem cell differentiation. Specifically, we used two major strategies for DS analysis: isoform-based and count-based. Isoform based requires a complete and accurate isoform construction and quantification of full-length transcripts as the basis for a confident DS analysis. Alternatively, count-based strategy uses count units, such as exonic regions or junction regions to detect differential exon usage. Exon-based methods, when utilized with short reads, perform better than the isoform-based methods, however, the benefits of applying this method on long reads are yet to be evaluated. ResultsBioinformatics analysis of three platforms, Illumina short reads and two long ONT sequencing technologies, namely cDNA and Direct RNA, revealed the strongest gene-level similarity compared to exon-based and isoform-based. Furthermore, the exon-based strategy was advantageous for long reads in detecting differential exon usage (DEU) at the 3’ UTRs, whereas short reads were advantageous in overall detecting more DEUs. Specifically, many genes with DEUs were discovered, mostly in a platform depended manner. Of them, exons within 20 genes, detected in one or more platforms, were validated by PCR, including key differentiation genes, such as Mdb3 and Aplp1.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that the exon count–based strategy is also applicable and reliable for long reads. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the tested sequencing platforms complement one another in the detection of DEUs, thus enabling novel biological insights. Specifically, we provide an important sequence and analysis resource for discovering transcriptome changes occurring during stem cell development.
Can Agroecological Transition Of Intensive Cereal System Of Indo-Gangetic Plains Deliver Sustainable And Nutritious Food?
Authors: Gora M. K. , Kumar Satish , Jat H. S. , Kakraliya S. K. , Choudhary Madhu , Dhaka A. K. , Jat R. D. , Kakraliya Manish , Sharma P. C. , Jat M. L. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) of South Asia have supported bulk of human and bovine population in the region since ages, and a spectacular progress has been made here on food production. However, this cereal-system-dominated region still suffers with challenges of malnourishment, declining total factor productivity and natural resource degradation with potential threats of climate change. Addressing these challenges would require a transition towards agroecological cropping systems. A study was, therefore, conducted on crop diversification and sustainable intensification options using agro-ecological approaches such as Conservation Agriculture (CA) to ensure food and nutritional security while sustaining the natural resources. On 2 years mean basis, CA-based cropping system management scenarios (mean of Sc2-Sc7) using diversified rotations; increased the system yield by 15.4%, net return by 28.7%, protein yield by 29.7%while using 53.0% less irrigation water compared to conventional tillage (CT)-based rice-wheat system (Sc1). Maize-mustard-mungbean on permanent beds (Sc4) recorded the highest productivity (+40.7%), profitability (+60.1%), and saved 81.8% of irrigation water compared to Sc1 (11.8 Mg ha-1; 2190 USD ha-1; 2514 mm ha-1). It was closely followed by Sc5 (32.3, 57.4, 413.8, 75.5%) i.e. maize-wheat-mungbean on permanent beds. In terms of nutritional value, Sc5 was more balanced than other scenarios, and produced 43.8, 27.5 and 259.8% higher protein, carbohydrate and fat yields, respectively, compared to Sc1 (0.93, 8.55 and 0.14 Mg ha-1). Scenario 5 was able to meet the nutrient demand of 19, 23 and 32 more persons ha-1 year-1 with respect to protein, carbohydrate and fat demand, respectively, compared to Sc1 (44, 86 and 13 persons ha-1 year-1).However, the highest protein and fat yield and their adult equivalents was associated with Sc6 (soybean based) and Sc4 (maize based), respectively. Soybean based system (Sc6) was economically more efficient with respect to nutrients than other systems. Mungbean integration improved the system productivity by 17.2 % and profitability by 32.1%, while improving the irrigation water productivity by three times compared to CT-based systems. In western IGP, CA-based maize-wheat-mungbean system was the most productive, profitable and nutritionally rich and efficient system compared to other systems. Therefore, CA- based crop diversification is an option to ensure quality and nutritious food for the dwelling communities in the region.
Shapify: Pathways to SARS-CoV-2 Frameshifting Pseudoknot
Authors: Trinity Luke , Wark Ian , Lansing Lance , Jabbari Hosna , Stege Ulrike 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Multiple viruses including HIV, MERS-CoV (coronavirus responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, MERS), SARS-CoV (coronavirus responsible for SARS) and SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus responsible for COVID-19) use a mechanism known as -1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (-1 PRF) to successfully replicate. SARS-CoV-2 possesses a unique RNA pseudoknotted structure that stimulates -1 PRF. Recent experiments identified small molecules as antiviral agents that can bind to the pseudoknot and disrupt its stimulation of -1 PRF. Targeting -1 PRF in SARS-CoV-2 to impair viral replication can improve patients' prognoses.Crucial to developing these successful therapies is modeling the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 -1 PRF pseudoknot.Our goal is to expand knowledge of possible pseudoknot conformations. Results: Following a structural alignment approach, we identify similarities in -1 PRF pseudoknots of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV. We introduce Shapify, a novel algorithm that given an RNA sequence incorporates structural reactivity (SHAPE) data and partial structure information to output an RNA secondary structure prediction within a biologically sound hierarchical folding approach. Shapify helps us to better understand non-native SARS-CoV-2 -1 PRF pseudoknot conformations that are relevant to structure function and may correlate with -1 PRF efficiency. We provide in-depth analysis by investigating the structural landscape for the SARS-CoV-2 -1 PRF pseudoknot, including reference and mutated sequences. To better understand the impact of mutations, we provide insight on SARS-CoV-2 -1 PRF pseudoknot sequence mutations and their effect on the resulting structure. Conclusion: We identify the consensus structure for SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV -1 PRF pseudoknots; this similarity in functional RNA structures aids treatment preparation for existing and emergent viruses. Shapify predictions are guided both by SHAPE data and partial structure information. Applied to the SARS-CoV-2 -1 PRF pseudoknot, Shapify unveiled previously unknown pathways from initial stems to pseudoknotted secondary structures. Where SHAPE data is unavailable we provide predictions for noteworthy SARS-CoV-2 -1 PRF mutated pseudoknot sequences. By contextualizing our work with available experimental data, our structure predictions motivate future RNA structure-function research and can aid 3-D modeling of pseudoknots.
Early Anatomical Changes and Association with Photodynamic Therapy Induced Acute Exudative Maculopathy in Patients with Macular Diseases
Authors: Yamamoto Manabu , Honda Satoshi , Kohno Takeya , Hirayama Kumiko , Kyo Akika , Hirabayashi Michiko , Honda Shigeru 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence rate and predictors of photodynamic therapy (PDT) induced acute exudative maculopathy (PAEM). This retrospective study included 39 eyes of 39 patients (32 males and 7 females), who were treated with initial PDT. PAEM was defined as an increase in central retinal thickness (CRT) of 10% or more measured by OCT on day 3 after PDT compared with baseline. Sixteen of 39 eyes (41%) were classified in the PAEM+ group. CRT and central choroidal thickness (CCT) were significantly increased at 3 days in the PAEM+ group and significantly decreased at 1 month after PDT in the PAEM- group. In a multiple comparison, neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) had a significantly higher incidence of PAEM compared to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). The incidence of PAEM was lower in PCV and CSC, and higher in nAMD. BCVA at 1 month was significantly worse in the PAEM group, which may be related to visual prognosis after PDT. Since both CRT and CCT decrease at 1 month, the detection of PAEM needs to be assessed a few days after PDT.