Multi-step Search Research Articles

DeltaGzip: Computing Biopolymer-Ligand Binding Affinity via Kolmogorov Complexity and Lossless Compression.

The design of biosequences for biosensing and therapeutics is a challenging multistep search and optimization task. In principle, computational modeling may speed up the design process by virtual screening of sequences based on their binding affinities to target molecules. However, in practice, existing machine-learned models trained to predict binding affinities lack the flexibility with respect to reaction conditions, and molecular dynamics simulations that can incorporate reaction conditions suffer from high computational costs. Here, we describe a computational approach called DeltaGzip that evaluates the free energy of binding in biopolymer-ligand complexes from ultrashort equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The entropy of binding is evaluated using the Kolmogorov complexity definition of entropy and approximated using a lossless compression algorithm, Gzip. We benchmark the method on a well-studied data set of protein-ligand complexes comparing the predictions of DeltaGzip to the free energies of binding obtained using Jarzynski equality and experimental measurements.

Systematic review: Impact of stem cells-based therapy, and platelet-rich plasma in hair loss and telogen effluvium related to COVID-19

BackgroundThe incidence of hair loss (HL) and telogen effluvium (TE) in COVID-19 patients has been reported in several studies. ObjectivesEvaluate both the increased incidence of HL and TE in COVID-19 and the effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCs), and Human Follicle Stem Cells (HFSCs) in these patients. MethodsThe protocol was developed by the Preferred Reporting for Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. A multistep search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Clinicaltrials. gov, Scopus, and Cochrane databases has been performed to identify papers focusing on HL and TE COVID-19 related, and papers focusing on AD-MSCs, HFSC, and PRP use. ResultsOf the 404 articles initially identified focusing on HL and TE, 44 were related to COVID-19, and finally, only 6 were analyzed. On the other way, 331 articles focusing on AD-MSCs, HFSC, and PRP were initially identified. Of these, only 6 articles PRP (n = 3), AD-MSCs, and HFSCs (n = 3) have been analyzed. ConclusionCollected data confirmed both an increased incidence of HL and TE in COVID-19 patients, preliminarily, the related effectiveness of AD-MSCs, HFSCs, and PRP without major side effects.

Roadmap to recovery: Implemented and attitude toward school reopening strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, a scoping review.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had various financial and life impacts on the world's population. Schools' regular activity and function during the pandemic require balancing the repercussions of suspending in-person education versus health threats. Furthermore, children are one of the prominent victims of the restricted quarantine strategies' effects, which may make them vulnerable to various mental health problems. In this study, we reviewed previously reported strategies and roadmaps regarding the reopening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following databases were searched from October to December 2021, via multi-step search strategies for "COVID-19," "coronavirus," "school reopening," "roadmaps," "reopening," and "reopening strategies": Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A total of five papers with roadmaps focusing on reopening schools were included in this study. Fundamental issues and principles of these reviewed roadmaps were: 1) protecting the high-risk students and staff physically and mentally, 2) accelerating the vaccination of essential workers, staff, parents, and students, and 3) improving the COVID-19 testing capacity. Roadmaps for the reopening of the schools should describe some phases and steps for their strategies. Current roadmaps have not mentioned any phases and timelines for this process. Describing some health metrics in the roadmaps for progressing to the next step or returning to the previous ones is also necessary for all roadmaps and should be considered in further studies.

Structural Elements and Requirements in Forming Prehospital Health Response Teams in Response to Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Nuclear Incidents (CBRN), a Comparative Review Study.

One of the important indicators of increasing the capacity of the health system and the chances of survival of patients and injured immediately after chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear (CBRN) accidents is rapid access to medical services. Establishing prehospital health response teams is one of the main strategies to improve the capacity and ability to respond to unusual events. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the formation of rapid response teams in the field of health in response to chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear accidents (CBRN EDMRT). In this study, the comparative review method was used. The study period was from November 1, 2021 to March 2022. Forming and deploying rapid health response teams based on an extensive multi-step search and keywords in multiple databases such as PubMed, CINHAL, Blackwell, Iranmedex, SID, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Google Scholar, Scopus Also, the websites of the Ministry of Health and the responsible organizations in different countries and the proposed structure were done by international institutions and sites. After accessing the resources and documents, the process of analysis and comparison of different team structures was performed. After the initial search, the structure and required elements of their teams were extracted. According to published articles and texts, 10 teams from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Department of Homeland Security, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Australia, the British Public Health Organization, and the Japanese Red Cross were compared. Team requirements, population distribution, type of accident, level of team activity and training, equipment required by the team after the accident, according to which, each country/organization should consider the above factors to design and establish the structure of CBRN EDMRT to take. A study should be conducted to design a comprehensive and evidence-based structure.

Nasal Tip Remodeling Using Autologous Cartilage Grafts: Systematic Review.

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to assess the clinical outcomes and safety profile of autologous cartilage grafts (A-CGs) in nasal tip remodeling (NTR). The protocol was developed following the Preferred Reporting for Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Protocols guidelines. A multistep search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus database, and Cochrane databases has been performed to identify papers on A-CGs use in NTR. Of the 253 articles initially identified, only 39 articles providing either retrospective (n = 35) or prospective (n = 4) data about outcomes, descriptions, and complications of the A-CGs use in NTR were selected. Of these, 3 articles focused on alloplastic grafts were excluded. The nasal septum, concha, and ribs have been the main donor sites to build A-CGs to be used in NTR. Septal cartilage turned out to a specific and versatile, useful for many types of grafts tools, presenting a low rate of resorption, extrusion, and warping. Auricular concha cartilage has been used to correct both the internal and external nasal valve collapse, whereas rib chondral grafts have been used to improve the structural support when septal cartilage was not available. Crushed cartilage, minced cartilage, and diced cartilage have been used in noses with thinner soft tissues. Eighty percent of the analyzed studies focused on the description of the adopted surgical technique and A-CGs procedures of preparation, displaying encouraging aesthetic and functional outcomes with generally low levels of complications. Collected data confirmed the safety and efficacy of A-CGs-related interventions in NTR without major side effects.

Solving the problem of optimizing the resource efficiency of an enterprise using lean manufacturing technologies

The article provides a solution to the problem of studying the characteristics of resource efficiency for a given time interval in the form of solving an optimization problem (using dynamic programming methods and the method of recurrent Bellman equations. A multistep search for a solution was carried out for a given period of planning production activities. Boundary requirements were met in different ways due to the multivariate management decisions. The features of the optimization model were considered. The solution of the multistep problem is reduced to the sequential solution of several one-step optimization problems. The function of changes in resource efficiency in lean manufacturing technologies was set for the planning period. Changes in technologies for the capability involved demonstrate how resource efficiency changes with the observation time. It is noted thaqt the experience accumulation of experts and participants in the production process in the implementation of innovative approaches is of great importance for reducing all types of losses. It was revealed that one of the crucial parameters in a multi-criteria system is the preservation of efficient operation in the subsystem associated with intelligent decision support. The optimal amounts of costs have been determined. Their assessment was carried out to allow for the fact that when solving optimization problems, it is necessary to take into account such criteria for which the values take extrema. Assuming a successful solution of the optimization problem posed and analyzing the results obtained when dividing the multistep decision into three one-step ones, we received S-shaped functions with a function value equal to 6.8%

Coal mine robot; path planning; membrane computing; Informed RRT* algorithm; MC-IRRT* algorithm; multi-step search; parallel search

coal mine robot; path planning; membrane computing; Informed RRT* algorithm; MC-IRRT* algorithm; multi-step search; parallel search

The Effectiveness of Low-Level Light/Laser Therapy on Hair Loss.

Background: A systematic review on low-level light/laser therapy (LLLT) in male pattern hair loss (MPHL) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) has been performed. Objectives: Compare the reported effectiveness of LLLT in MPHL and FPHL with any control, through randomized controlled trials (RCTs) analysis. Methods: The protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting for Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Protocols guidelines. A multistep search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PreMEDLINE, Ebase, Clinicaltrials.gov, Scopus database, and Cochrane databases has been performed to identify articles on MPHL and/or FPHL treatment with LLLT. Results: Of the 298 articles initially identified, 136 articles focusing on MPHL and FPHL were selected and, consequently, only 36 articles focused exclusively on LLLT. Of this amount, 23 articles were clinical trials while 13 articles were systematic reviews. Systematic reviews were excluded, and only seven articles were analyzed as RCTs. Conclusions: All the articles selected and analyzed reported a positive effect of LLLT for MPHL and/or FPHL treatment without side effects.

Words Matter: An Analysis of the Content and Readability of COVID-19 Information on Clinic Websites

Objective: To examine content and readability of COVID-19 information on outpatient clinic websites in South Carolina.Participants: Thirty-three outpatient clinic websites.Methods: Using a multi-step search strategy, we located three COVID-19 information content sections from each website. Descriptive statistics were calculated for content section characteristics (focus, information source, target population/race, presence of graphics, mobilizing information). Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) were used to calculate reading levels. Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were performed to examine readability levels by clinic type (primary care vs. specialty) and content section characteristics.Results: Twenty-six clinics offered COVID-19 information; 70 content sections across all 26 clinics were analyzed. Sections focused on COVID-19 clinic policies (48.4%), prevention (22.6%), testing (19.4%), and symptoms (9.7%). 93.5% lacked target population, 41.9% provided no information source, 38.7% had no graphics, and none mentioned racial/ethnic groups. MFRE = 54.3, MFKGL = 9.9, MSMOG = 9.5.Conclusion: COVID-19 information focused mainly on clinic policy and was written at a ninth-grade skill level. Findings suggest there is opportunity for clinics to update their online content to convey more plain language and sourced information, especially for high-risk groups.

Systematic Review: Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Platelet-Rich Plasma and Biomaterials as New Regenerative Strategies in Chronic Skin Wounds and Soft Tissue Defects.

The number of clinical trials evaluating adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and biomaterials efficacy in regenerative plastic surgery has exponentially increased during the last ten years. AD-MSCs are easily accessible from various fat depots and show intrinsic plasticity in giving rise to cell types involved in wound healing and angiogenesis. AD-MSCs have been used in the treatment of soft tissue defects and chronic wounds, employed in conjunction with a fat grafting technique or with dermal substitute scaffolds and platelet-rich plasma. In this systematic review, an overview of the current knowledge on this topic has been provided, based on existing studies and the authors’ experience. A multistep search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PreMEDLINE, Ebase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Clinicaltrials.gov, Scopus database, and Cochrane databases has been performed to identify papers on AD-MSCs, PRP, and biomaterials used in soft tissue defects and chronic wounds. Of the 2136 articles initially identified, 422 articles focusing on regenerative strategies in wound healing were selected and, consequently, only 278 articles apparently related to AD-MSC, PRP, and biomaterials were initially assessed for eligibility. Of these, 85 articles were excluded as pre-clinical, experimental, and in vitro studies. For the above-mentioned reasons, 193 articles were selected; of this amount, 121 letters, expert opinions, commentary, and editorials were removed. The remaining 72 articles, strictly regarding the use of AD-MSCs, PRP, and biomaterials in chronic skin wounds and soft tissue defects, were analyzed. The studies included had to match predetermined criteria according to the patients, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study design (PICOS) approach. The information analyzed highlights the safety and efficacy of AD-MSCs, PRP, and biomaterials on soft tissue defects and chronic wounds, without major side effects.

Path planning of mobile robot based on improved ant colony algorithm for logistics.

The path planning of robot is of great significance for the logistics industry, which helps to improve the efficiency of warehousing, sorting and distribution. On the basis of ant colony algorithm, multi step search strategy is used instead of single step search strategy, pheromone update mechanism is redesigned, and path smoothing is configured to improve the performance of the algorithm. The experimental results show that the improved ant colony algorithm proposed in this paper can plan a shorter optimal path on the 16 * 16 grid logistics storage site, and the path length is saved by 9.21%.

Fast Switch and Spline Function Inversion Algorithm with Multistep Optimization and k-Vector Search for Solving Kepler’s Equation in Celestial Mechanics

Obtaining the inverse of a nonlinear monotonic function f(x) over a given interval is a common problem in pure and applied mathematics, the most famous example being Kepler’s description of orbital motion in the two-body approximation. In traditional numerical approaches, this problem is reduced to solving the nonlinear equation f(x)−y=0 in each point y of the co-domain. However, modern applications of orbital mechanics for Kepler’s equation, especially in many-body problems, require highly optimized numerical performance. Ongoing efforts continually attempt to improve such performance. Recently, we introduced a novel method for computing the inverse of a one-dimensional function, called the fast switch and spline inversion (FSSI) algorithm. It works by obtaining an accurate interpolation of the inverse function f−1(y) over an entire interval with a very small generation time. Here, we describe two significant improvements with respect to the performance of the original algorithm. First, the indices of the intervals for building the spline are obtained by k-vector search combined with bisection, thereby making the generation time even smaller. Second, in the case of Kepler’s equation, a multistep method for the optimized calculation of the breakpoints of the spline polynomial was designed and implemented in Cython. We demonstrate results that accurately solve Kepler’s equation for any value of the eccentricity e∈[0,1−ϵ], with ϵ=2.22×10−16, which is the limiting error in double precision. Even with modest current hardware, the CPU generation time for obtaining the solution with high accuracy in a large number of points of the co-domain can be kept to around a few nanoseconds per point.

HVAC Optimal Control with the Multistep-Actor Critic Algorithm in Large Action Spaces

We propose an optimization method, named as the Multistep-Actor Critic (MAC) algorithm, which uses the value-network and the action-network, where the action-network is based on the deep Q-network (DQN). The proposed method is intended to solve the problem of energy conservation optimization of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system in a large action space, principally for the cases with high computation and convergence time. The method employs the multistep action-network and search tree to generate the original state and then selects the optimal state based on the value-network for the original and the adjacent states. The results from the application of the MAC algorithm to a simulation problem on the TRNSYS system, where the simulation problem is referring to a real supertall building in Hong Kong, have shown that the proposed MAC algorithm balances control actions between different HVAC subsystems. Further, it substantially saves the computational time while maintaining a good energy conservation performance.

Global trends in clinical trials involving pluripotent stem cells: a systematic multi-database analysis

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) hold great potential for novel therapeutic approaches to regenerate or replace functionally impaired tissues. Since the introduction of the induced pluripotent stem cell technology in 2006, the number of scientific publications on this topic has constantly been increasing. However, so far no therapy based on PSCs has found its way into routine clinical use. In this study, we examined research trends related to clinical trials involving PSCs based on data obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, the ICTRP database from the World Health Organization, as well as from a search of all individual databases that are included in the ICTRP using a multistep search algorithm. Following a stringent inclusion/exclusion procedure 131 studies remained that could be classified as clinical trials involving PSCs. The magnitude of these studies (77.1%) was observational, which implies that no cells were transplanted into patients, and only a minority of studies (22.9%) were of an interventional study type. The number of clinical trials involving induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs, 74.8%) was substantially higher than the one involving embryonic stem cells (ESCs, 25.2%). However, the picture changes completely when focusing on interventional studies, where in the majority (73.3%) of cases ESCs were used. Interestingly, also the study duration was significantly shorter for interventional versus observational trials (p = 0.002). When focusing on the geographical study regions, it became obvious that the greatest part of all observational trials was performed in the USA (41.6%) and in France (16.8%), while the magnitude of interventional studies was performed in Asian countries (China 36.7%, Japan 13.3%, South Korea 10.0%) and in the field of ophthalmology. In summary, these results indicate that only a limited number of trials were focusing on the actual transplantation of PSCs into patients in a rather narrow field of diagnoses. The future will tell us, if the iPSC technology will ultimately overcome the current challenges and will finally make its way into routine clinical use.

Rapid Penetration Path Planning Method for Stealth UAV in Complex Environment with BB Threats

This paper presents the flight penetration path planning algorithm in a complex environment with Bogie or Bandit (BB) threats for stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The emergence of rigorous air defense radar net necessitates efficient flight path planning and replanning for stealth UAV concerning survivability and penetration ability. We propose the improved A-Star algorithm based on the multiple step search approach to deal with this uprising problem. The objective is to achieve rapid penetration path planning for stealth UAV in a complex environment. Firstly, the combination of single-base radar, dual-base radar, and BB threats is adopted to different threat scenarios which are closer to the real combat environment. Besides, the multistep search strategy, the prediction technique, and path planning algorithm are developed for stealth UAV to deal with BB threats and achieve the penetration path replanning in complex scenarios. Moreover, the attitude angle information is integrated into the flight path which can meet real flight requirements for stealth UAV. The theoretical analysis and numerical results prove the validity of our method.

The Clinical Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Knee Disorders and Surgery-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In recent years, the interest in biological treatment of knee lesions has increased, especially the application of platelet-rich plasma is of particular note. The number of articles evaluating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) efficacy in the recovery of knee disorders and during knee surgery has exponentially increased over the last decade. A systematic review with meta-analyses was performed by assessing selected studies of local PRP injections to the knee joint. The study was completed in accordance with 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A multistep search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed to identify studies on knee surgery and knee lesion treatment with PRP. Of the 4004 articles initially identified, 357 articles focusing on knee lesions were selected and, consequently, only 83 clinical trials were analyzed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool to evaluate risk. In total, seven areas of meta-analysis reported a positive effect of PRP. Among them, 10 sub-analyses demonstrated significant differences in favor of PRP when compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). This study showed the positive effects of PRP, both on the recovery of knee disorders and during knee surgery; however further prospective and randomized studies with a higher number of subjects and with lower biases are needed.

A systematic review on the Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS) questionnaire in surgical research

In this review, we examine the use of DAS59 and DAS24 in the scientific literature and in particular how the use of these questionnaires has improved the understanding and practice of plastic and reconstructive surgery. A systematic review protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting for Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analys-Protocol (PRISMA-P) guide. A multi-step search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Premedeline, Ebase, CINAHL, PsychINFO and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies on body image using DAS59 and DAS24. The literature review yielded 28 articles with DAS59 and 32 articles with DAS24 from peer-reviewed journals met our inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Since its inception in 2001, the number of publications incorporating the DAS has increased each year with a total of 3.483 patients for DAS59 and 6.012 patients for DAS24. The prospective study design was the most prevalent, being used in 50% of publications (n = 30), 57% for DAS59, 43% for DAS24. The DAS59 was administered in a cross-sectional design in 21% of studies (n = 6) and DAS24 41% (n = 13). The DAS59 was administered in a retrospective design in 18% of studies (n = 5) and DAS24 9% (n = 3). We reported only one case series for DAS59 and 2 for DAS24. The DAS59 and DAS24 are versatile self-assessment tools that can be used in different medical and surgical environments. Level of evidence: not ratable.

A Systematic Synthesis of Lag Schedule Research in Individuals with Autism and Other Populations

Lag schedules increase operant variability. Several researchers have explored their clinical and educational applications, especially to address repetitive behavior or limited repertoires in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. In the current study, we provide the first comprehensive synthesis and appraisal of lag schedule research in humans. A multistep search strategy was employed to identify all experimental studies of lag schedules in humans published in peer-reviewed journals. We identified 38 studies that met inclusion criteria, summarized the study and participant characteristics, and evaluated evidential certainty. The results suggest that lag schedules are emerging as a promising applied behavioral technology for increasing operant variability, especially in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. We conclude with preliminary practice guidelines based on evidential certainty provided by the studies and identify future avenues of research.

Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil®, Finasteride®, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy.

The number of articles evaluating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) efficacy in androgenic alopecia (AGA) have exponentially increased during the last decade. A systematic review on this field was performed by assessing in the selected studies the local injections of PRP compared to any control for AGA. The protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting for Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. A multistep search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PreMEDLINE, Ebase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Clinicaltrials.gov, Scopus database, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies on hair loss treatment with platelet-rich plasma. Of the 163 articles initially identified, 123 articles focusing on AGA were selected and, consequently, only 12 clinical trials were analyzed. The studies included had to match predetermined criteria according to the PICOS (patients, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study design) approach. In total, 84% of the studies reported a positive effect of PRP for AGA treatment. Among them, 50% of the studies demonstrated a statistically significant improvement using objective measures and 34% of the studies showed hair density and hair thickness improvement, although no p values or statistical analysis was described. In total, 17% of the studies reported greater improvement in lower-grade AGA, while 8% noted increased improvement in higher-grade AGA. Only 17% of the studies reported that PRP was not effective in treating AGA. The information analyzed highlights the positive effects of PRP on AGA, without major side effects and thus it be may considered as a safe and effective alternative procedure to treat hair loss compared with Minoxidil® and Finasteride®.

A Novel Real-Time Penetration Path Planning Algorithm for Stealth UAV in 3D Complex Dynamic Environment

In recent years, stealth aircraft penetration path planning has been a significant research subject in the field of low altitude combat. However, previous works have mainly concentrated on the path planning for stealth unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV) in 2D static environment. In contrast, this paper addresses a novel real-time path planning algorithm for stealth UAV to realize the rapid penetration, which aims to devise a route penetration strategy based on the improved A-Star algorithm to address the problems of replanning for stealth UAV in 3D complex dynamic environment. The proposed method introduces the kinematic model of stealth UAV and detection performance of netted radar in the process of low altitude penetration. Additionally, POP-UP threats are adopted into three different threat scenarios, which is closer to the real combat environment. Moreover, further combined with the prediction technique and route planning algorithm, the multi-step search strategy is developed for stealth UAV to deal with POP-UP threats and complete the replanning of the route in different scenarios. Furthermore, the attitude angle information is integrated into the improved A-Star algorithm, which reflects the characteristics of the dynamic radar cross section(RCS) and conforms to the actual flight requirements for the stealth UAV. Finally, the improved A-Star algorithm, the sparse A-Star search (SAS), and the dynamic A-Star algorithm(D-Star) are respectively adopted to address the problem of penetration route planning for stealth UAV in three different threat scenarios. Numerical simulations are performed to illustrate that the proposed approach can achieve rapid penetration route planning for stealth UAV in a dynamic threat scenario, and verify the validity of the improved A-Star algorithm which is compared to the other two algorithms