Specific Time Points Research Articles

Pulmonary phenotypes of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the preterm infant

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most common complication of premature birth, imposing a significant and potentially life-long burden on patients and their families. Despite advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to patterns of lung injury and dysfunctional repair, current therapeutic strategies remain non-specific with limited success. Contemporary definitions of BPD continue to rely on clinician prescribed respiratory support requirements at specific time points. While these criteria may be helpful in broadly identifying infants at higher risk of adverse outcomes, they do not offer any precise information regarding the degree to which each compartment of the lung is affected. In this review we will outline the different pulmonary phenotypes of BPD and discuss important features in the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of these frequently overlapping scenarios.

Methods on COVID-19 Epidemic Curve Estimation During Emergency Based on Baidu Search Engine and ILI Traditional Surveillance in Beijing, China

Surveillance is an essential work on infectious diseases prevention and control. When the pandemic occurred, the inadequacy of traditional surveillance was exposed, but it also provided a valuable opportunity to explore new surveillance methods. This study aimed to estimate the transmission dynamics and epidemic curve of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron BF.7 in Beijing under the emergent situation using Baidu index and influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance. A novel hybrid model (multiattention bidirectional gated recurrent unit (MABG)–susceptible–exposed–infected–removed (SEIR)) was developed, which leveraged a deep learning algorithm (MABG) to scrutinize the past records of ILI occurrences and the Baidu index of diverse symptoms such as fever, pyrexia, cough, sore throat, anti-fever medicine, and runny nose. By considering the current Baidu index and the correlation between ILI cases and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, a transmission dynamics model (SEIR) was formulated to estimate the transmission dynamics and epidemic curve of SARS-CoV-2. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when conventional surveillance measures have been suspended temporarily, cases of ILI can serve as a useful indicator for estimating the epidemiological trends of COVID-19. In the specific case of Beijing, it has been ascertained that cumulative infection attack rate surpass 80.25% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 77.51%–82.99%) since December 17, 2022, with the apex of the outbreak projected to transpire on December 12. The culmination of existing patients is expected to occur three days subsequent to this peak. Effective reproduction number (Rt) represents the average number of secondary infections generated from a single infected individual at a specific point in time during an epidemic, remained below 1 since December 17, 2022. The traditional disease surveillance systems should be complemented with information from modern surveillance data such as online data sources with advanced technical support. Modern surveillance channels should be used primarily in emerging infectious and disease outbreaks. Syndrome surveillance on COVID-19 should be established to following on the epidemic, clinical severity, and medical resource demand.

4-Aminobenzoic acid, 2-phenoxyethanol and iodine used as tracers in a short-term in vivo-kinetics study for tattoo ink ingredients: Mass spectrometry method development and validation

Tattoos have been gaining popularity in recent years, leading to a growing interest in researching tattoo inks and the tattooing process itself. Since the exposure to soluble tattoo ink ingredients has not yet been investigated, we here present the method validation for a short-term biokinetics study on soluble tattoo ink ingredients. The three tracers 4-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), 2-phenoxyethanol (PEtOH) and iodine will be added to commercially available tattoo inks, which will subsequently be used on healthy study participants. Following the tattooing process, blood and urine will be sampled at specific time points and analysed for these tracers. For this purpose, a method using liquid chromatography separation coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LC-QTOF-MS) in positive and negative ESI mode for the quantification of PABA, PEtOH and selected metabolites and an inductively-coupled plasma (ICP)-MS method for the determination of iodine were developed and validated. For LC-QTOF-MS analysis, the most applicable additives for LC eluents (0.01 % formic acid for positive and 0.005 % acetic acid for negative mode) were identified. Protein precipitation with acetonitrile was chosen for sample preparation. The methods were validated for selectivity, specificity, carryover, linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), matrix effects, accuracy and precision, stability under different conditions and dilution integrity according to national and international guidelines with an allowed maximum variation of ±15 %. The LC-QTOF-MS method met the imposed guideline criteria for most parameters, however, some metabolites showed strong matrix effects. Validation of the ICP-MS method revealed that the KED-H2 collision mode is superior to the standard analysis mode due to enhanced method accuracy. The methods were validated for the relevant matrices plasma, urine, tattoo ink and tattoo consumables and proved to be applicable for the main target substances in the short-term biokinetics study. A proof-of-concept study showed successful quantification of iodine and PABA metabolites. The PEtOH metabolite was also quantified, but showed strong matrix effects in urine. Therefore standard addition was selected as an alternative quantification method.

Prenatal and Childhood Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Exposures and Blood Pressure Trajectories From Birth to Late Adolescence in a Prospective US Prebirth Cohort.

Background Evidence is limited regarding the associations of prenatal and childhood per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposures with blood pressure (BP) trajectories in children. Methods and Results Participants are from Project Viva, a prospective prebirth cohort in eastern Massachusetts. We measured PFAS in early-pregnancy maternal (median, 9.6 weeks) and midchildhood (median, 7.7 years) plasma samples. We conducted standardized BP measurements at 6 research visits: birth, infancy (median, 6.3 months), early childhood (median, 3.2 years), midchildhood (median, 7.7 years), early adolescence (median, 12.9 years), and late adolescence (median, 17.5 years). We used linear regression to examine associations of individual PFASs with BP at each visit, linear spline mixed-effects regression to model BP trajectories, and a mixture approach to estimate PFAS exposure burden. We included 9036 BP measures from 1506 participants. We observed associations between particular individual prenatal PFASs and child BP at specific time points, for example, prenatal 2-(N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetate (EtFOSAA) and 2-(N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetate (MeFOSAA) with higher systolic BP at birth; prenatal perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and EtFOSAAwith lower diastolic BP in infancy; and prenatal PFOS, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and EtFOSAAwith higher systolic BP at midchildhood. No prenatal or childhood PFAS was consistently associated with BP across all visits. Diastolic BP trajectories from 0 to 20 years differed slightly by prenatal PFOA, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoate (PFNA)(P values 0.01-0.09). Diastolic BP trajectories from 6 to 20 years differed slightly by midchildhood PFHxS and MeFOSAA(P-values 0.03-0.08). Prenatal or childhood PFAS mixture burden scoreswere not associated with BP. Conclusions We found associations of prenatal and childhood PFAS exposures with BP at specific time points between birth and late adolescence but no consistent associations across all time points or PFAS types.

QCT-based computational bone strength assessment updated with MRI-derived ‘hidden’ microporosity

Microdamage accumulated through sustained periods of cyclic loading or single overloading events contributes to bone fragility through a reduction in stiffness and strength. Monitoring microdamage in vivo remains unattainable by clinical imaging modalities. As such, there are no established computational methods for clinical fracture risk assessment that account for microdamage that exists in vivo at any specific timepoint. We propose a method that combines multiple clinical imaging modalities to identify an indicative surrogate, which we term ‘hidden porosity’, that incorporates pre-existing bone microdamage in vivo. To do so, we use the third metacarpal bone of the equine athlete as an exemplary model for fatigue induced microdamage, which coalesces in the subchondral bone. N = 10 metacarpals were scanned by clinical quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We used a patch-based similarity method to quantify the signal intensity of a fluid sensitive MRI sequence in bone regions where microdamage coalesces. The method generated MRI-derived pseudoCT images which were then used to determine a pre-existing damage (Dpex) variable to quantify the proposed surrogate and which we incorporate into a nonlinear constitutive model for bone tissue. The minimum, median, and maximum detected Dpex of 0.059, 0.209, and 0.353 reduced material stiffness by 5.9%, 20.9%, and 35.3% as well as yield stress by 5.9%, 20.3%, and 35.3%. Limb-specific voxel-based finite element meshes were equipped with the updated material model. Lateral and medial condyles of each metacarpal were loaded to simulate physiological joint loading during gallop. The degree of detected Dpex correlated with a relative reduction in both condylar stiffness (p = 0.001, R2 > 0.74) and strength (p < 0.001, R2 > 0.80). Our results illustrate the complementary value of looking beyond clinical CT, which neglects the inclusion of microdamage due to partial volume effects. As we use clinically available imaging techniques, our results may aid research beyond the equine model on fracture risk assessment in human diseases such as osteoarthritis, bone cancer, or osteoporosis.

Deep neural network technique for automated detection of ADHD and CD using ECG signal

Background and objectiveAttention Deficit Hyperactivity problem (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopment problem in children and adolescents that can lead to long-term challenges in life outcomes if left untreated. Also, ADHD is frequently associated with Conduct Disorder (CD), and multiple research have found similarities in clinical signs and behavioral symptoms between both diseases, making differentiation between ADHD, ADHD comorbid with CD (ADHD+CD), and CD a subjective diagnosis. Therefore, the goal of this pilot study is to create the first explainable deep learning (DL) model for objective ECG-based ADHD/CD diagnosis as having an objective biomarker may improve diagnostic accuracy. MethodsThe dataset used in this study consist of ECG data collected from 45 ADHD, 62 ADHD+CD, and 16 CD patients at the Child Guidance Clinic in Singapore. The ECG data were segmented into 2 s epochs and directly used to train our 1-dimensional (1D) convolutional neural network (CNN) model. ResultsThe proposed model yielded 96.04% classification accuracy, 96.26% precision, 95.99% sensitivity, and 96.11% F1-score. The Gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) function was also used to highlight the important ECG characteristics at specific time points that most impact the classification score. ConclusionIn addition to achieving model performance results with our suggested DL method, Grad-CAM's implementation also offers vital temporal data that clinicians and other mental healthcare professionals can use to make wise medical judgments. We hope that by conducting this pilot study, we will be able to encourage larger-scale research with a larger biosignal dataset. Hence allowing biosignal-based computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) tools to be implemented in healthcare and ambulatory settings, as ECG can be easily obtained via wearable devices such as smartwatches.

Characterization and modelling of the crystallization behavior of PEEK for polymer processing techniques

This study examines the crystallization behavior of high-performance thermoplastics under both isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. The accurate prediction of the crystallization kinetics in conjunction with process simulation tools can create new methods for defining the key process parameters in various polymer processing techniques. By simulating the thermal history of the materials, optimal process parameters can be assigned at specific time points, resulting in a more homogeneous process and improved material properties, while avoiding costly and time-consuming trial-and-error experimentation or post-processing. Here, flash differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to capture the rapid crystallization of Luvocom 3F PEEK 9581 NT, and various isothermal and non-isothermal models were applied to mimic its crystallization behavior, highlighting the differential form of the dual Nakamura model as the most suitable option. To accurately predict the absolute crystallinity, the maximum achievable enthalpy was introduced in the model, and weight factors were assigned to the primary and secondary crystallization mechanisms. The differential form of the model is suitable for efficient implementation in process simulation tools, because it is independent of the total crystallization time. This research has the potential to significantly improve the selection of proper process parameters in complex polymer processing techniques, e.g., material extrusion.

Time-Dependent Anabolic Response of hMSC-Derived Cartilage Grafts to Hydrostatic Pressure

It is generally accepted that the application of hydrostatic pressure (HP) is beneficial for MSC chondrogenesis. There is, however, evidence to suggest that the timing of application might determine its impact on cell fate and tissue development. Furthermore, understanding how the maturity of engineered cartilage affects its response to the application of HP can provide critical insight into determining when such a graft is ready for in vivo implantation into a mechanically loaded environment. In this study, we systematically examined chondrogenic maturation of hMSCs over 35 days in the presence of TGF-β3 in vitro. At specific timepoints, the response of hMSCs to the application of HP following the removal of TGF-β3 was assessed; this partially models conditions such grafts will experience in vivo upon implantation. In free swelling culture, the expression of chondrogenic (COL2A1 and ACAN) and hypertrophic (COL10A1) markers increased with time. At early timepoints, the expression of such markers continued to increase following TGF-β3 withdrawal; however, this was not observed after prolonged periods of chondrogenic priming (35 days). Interestingly, the application of HP was only beneficial after 35 days of chondrogenic priming, where it enhanced sGAG synthesis and improved key chondrogenic gene ratios. It was also found that HP can facilitate a metabolic shift towards oxidative phosphorylation, which can be viewed as a hallmark of successfully differentiating MSCs. These results point to the importance of mechanical loading as a key stimulus for maintaining a chondrogenic phenotype once MSCs are removed from chemically defined culture conditions.

‘These are my principles. If you don’t like them I have others.’ On justifications of foreign investment protection under international law

Abstract This article aims to show that the mainstream discourse of the international law of foreign investment protection has adjusted itself to changing historical circumstances in a way that brings to light its strategic and ideological character. It argues, in particular, that the justifications offered in defence of foreign investment protection under international law appear to have been pretextual rather than principled, having been offered to provide reasons capable of flying at a particular point in time in light of the attending circumstances rather than to serve as an analytically sound, empirically grounded, and diachronically consistent framework.

Age-adjusted high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation or conventional chemotherapy with R-MP as first-line treatment in elderly primary CNS lymphoma patients – the randomized phase III PRIMA-CNS trial

BackgroundOlder primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) patients have an inferior prognosis compared to younger patients because available evidence on best treatment is scarce and treatment delivery is challenging due to comorbidities and reduced performance status. High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HCT-ASCT) after high-dose methotrexate (MTX)-based immuno-chemotherapy has become an increasingly used treatment approach in eligible elderly PCNSL patients with promising feasibility and efficacy, but has not been compared with conventional chemotherapy approaches. In addition, eligibility for HCT-ASCT in elderly PCNSL is not well defined. Geriatric assessment (GA) may be helpful in selecting patients for the best individual treatment choice, but no standardized GA exists to date. A randomized controlled trial, incorporating a GA and comparing age-adapted HCT-ASCT treatment with conventional chemotherapy is needed.MethodsThis open-label, multicenter, randomized phase III trial with two parallel arms will recruit 310 patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL > 65 years of age in 40 centers in Germany and Austria. The primary objective is to demonstrate that intensified chemotherapy followed by consolidating HCT-ASCT is superior to conventional chemotherapy with rituximab, MTX, procarbazine (R-MP) followed by maintenance with procarbazine in terms of progression free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS), event free survival (EFS), (neuro-)toxicity and quality of life (QoL). GA will be conducted at specific time points during the course of the study. All patients will be treated with a pre-phase rituximab-MTX (R-MTX) cycle followed by re-assessment of transplant eligibility. Patients judged transplant eligible will be randomized (1:1). Patients in arm A will be treated with 3 cycles of R-MP followed by maintenance therapy with procarbazine for 6 months. Patients in arm B will be treated with 2 cycles of MARTA (R-MTX/AraC) followed by busulfan- and thiotepa-based HCT-ASCT.DiscussionThe best treatment strategy for elderly PCNSL patients remains unknown. Treatments range from palliative to curative but more toxic therapies, and there is no standardized measure to select patients for the right treatment. This randomized controlled trial will create evidence for the best treatment strategy with the focus on developing a standardized GA to help define eligibility for an intensive treatment approach.Trial registrationGerman clinical trials registry DRKS00024085 registered March 29, 2023.

Xenon inhalation attenuates neuronal injury and prevents epilepsy in febrile seizure Sprague-Dawley pups.

Febrile seizures (FS) usually occur in childhood and may cause irreversible neuronal damage, cognitive functional defects, and an increase in the risk of epilepsy later in life. Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), currently used to treat FS in children, can relieve seizures. However, their effects in preventing the risk of developing epilepsy in later life are unsatisfactory. Moreover, AEDs may damage child brain development. Here, we evaluated the efficiency of xenon in treating prolonged FS (PFS) and preventing epilepsy in Sprague-Dawley pups. Prolonged FS was induced by hyperthermic treatment. After 90 min of PFS, the pups in the xenon treatment group were immediately treated with 70% xenon/21% oxygen/9% nitrogen for 60 min. The levels of glutamate, mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitophagy, and neuronal injury, seizures, learning, and memory functions were measured at specific time points. Neonatal period PFS led to spontaneous seizure, learning and memory dysfunction, accompanied by increased levels of glutamate, mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitophagy, and neuronal injury. Xenon treatment alleviated the changes caused by PFS and reduced the risk of PFS developing into epilepsy later. Our results suggest that xenon inhalation could be a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate neuronal injury and prevent epilepsy in patients with FS.

The healing capacity and osteogenesis pattern of demineralized dentin matrix (DDM)-fibrin glue (FG) compound

Demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) is an osteoconductive and osteoinductive material that has been successfully used in sinus floor augmentation and alveolar ridge augmentation in clinical applications. It releases bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and other growth factors, making DDM a suitable grafting material. However, the granular particle of DDM makes it difficult to anchor into the bone defect area. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological effects and osteoinductivity of the combination of DDM and Fibrin Glue (FG) at an optimal ratio on bone healing from a critical bone defect in an animal model. The mouse osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3-E1) was co-cultured with various ratios of DDM and FG to examine their effects on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, as indicated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) production and mineralized nodules formation. The optimal ratio was then chosen for further study with a rabbit calvarial defective model, in which they were implanted with DDM or DDM-FG1 (1 g: 0.1 ml) and DDM-FG2 (1 g: 0.5 ml) compounds, or left blank for 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks to investigate soft tissue and new bone regeneration. Micro-CT and histology analysis were used to evaluate the total grafting properties according to the different healing periods. The result from in vitro studies demonstrated that the ratio of 1:0.1 induced more ALP activity and mineralized nodules, while the ratio of 1: 0.5 (DDM-FG combined) induced more osteocalcin (OC) at specific time points. In the animal model, the 3D new bone volume in all DDM-FG treatment groups was significantly greater than that in the blank group at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Furthermore, the new bone volume was greater in DDM-FG2 when compared to the other groups during the early weeks of the healing period. In histological analysis, clusters of osteoblasts were formed adjacent to the DDM particles, and newly formed bone was observed in all groups, suggesting an osteoinductive property of DDM. Moreover, the greater new collagen synthesis observed at 4 weeks suggested that early bone healing was induced in the DDM-FG2 group. This study demonstrated that at an optimal ratio, the DDM-FG compound enhances osteogenic activities and bone regeneration.

Analysing ecological dynamics with relational event models: The case of biological invasions

AbstractAimsSpatio‐temporal processes play a key role in ecology, from genes to large‐scale macroecological and biogeographical processes. Existing methods studying such spatio‐temporally structured data either simplify the dynamic structure or the complex interactions of ecological drivers. The aim of this paper is to present a generic method for ecological research that allows analysing spatio‐temporal patterns of biological processes at large spatial scales by including the time‐varying variables that drive these dynamics.LocationGlobal analysis at the level of 272 regions.MethodsWe introduce a method called relational event modelling (REM). REM relies on temporal interaction dynamics that encode sequences of relational events connecting a sender node to a recipient node at a specific point in time. We apply REM to the spread of alien species around the globe between 1880 and 2005, following accidental or deliberate introductions into geographical regions outside of their native range. In this context, a relational event represents the new occurrence of an alien species given its former distribution.ResultsThe application of relational event models to the first reported invasions of 4835 established alien species outside of their native ranges from four major taxonomic groups enables us to unravel the main drivers of the dynamics of the spread of invasive alien species. Combining the alien species first records data with other spatio‐temporal information enables us to discover which factors have been responsible for the spread of species across the globe. Besides the usual drivers of species invasions, such as trade, land use and climatic conditions, we also find evidence for species‐interconnectedness in alien species spread.ConclusionsRelational event models offer the capacity to account for the temporal sequences of ecological events such as biological invasions and to investigate how relationships between these events and potential drivers change over time.

Characteristics and classification of first primary cancer patients with second primary cancer: a population-based cohort study.

Cancer survivors have an increased risk of developing subsequent primary tumors. However, the characteristics of first primary cancers (FPCs) with various types of second primary cancers (SPCs) are poorly understood, which hinders screening strategies. We analyzed data from 1,893,258 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to characterize and classify of FPC patients with subsequent SPCs at the pan-cancer level. In total, 3% of patients had SPC, with varied incidence rates observed depending on the types of FPC. Their onset patterns of SPC and diversity of SPC varied. Based on the diversity of the high-incidence sites of SPC, we classified FPCs into two categories: FPCs that require whole-body screening and those that need screening of particular body parts. Moreover, according to the different timing of high incidence of SPCs, our system classifies FPCs into two subtypes: FPCs that require long-term monitoring for the occurrence of SPCs and those that require screening at specific time points for SPCs. Furthermore, we identified 11 anatomical sites where over half of FPC types are prone to SPC occurrence at these locations. The risk factors for SPC occurrence in different FPC types and prognostic factors were also elucidated. Overall, we characterize and classify of FPC patients with subsequent SPCs at the pan-cancer level, which can guide the development of distinct screening strategies for each FPC type.

“Today, We Are All Ukrainians”—Visual Responses in Georgian Cities to Russia’s War in Ukraine

This article explores visual responses in Georgian cities, during April and May 2022, to Russia’s war on Ukraine. Combining visual discourse analysis of “zeitgeist cultural objects” with insights from interviews, an “inventory of socio-semiotic relations” is created to provide a glimpse of ways that Georgian “bi-vocal” identity plays out in the context of a very real nearby crisis. While the items explored cannot account for the full range of views in the society at that specific point in time, they instead offer insights into Georgian perceptions of the war in the light of their nation’s own unique cultural context and relationship with Russia.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of auxin response factor (ARF) gene family in pecan indicates its possible roles during graft union formation

Auxin responsive factors (ARFs) are central components of auxin signaling, with critical roles in numerous developmental processes and stress responses. However, systematic analysis of pecan ARF (CiARF) gene family has not been conducted. Here, we performed a genome-wide identification and expression analysis of ARF gene family in pecan. In total, 31 non-redundant CiARF genes were detected and unevenly distributed among 16 chromosomes. Phylogenetic study suggested that the 31 CiARFs could be divided into three groups, in which members of the same group commonly exhibited similar exon-intron structures and motif patterns. Segmental duplication was found to be the main driving force for CiARF gene family expansion. Promoter analysis revealed that CiARFs contained elements associated with environmental stimuli, hormone response, and cellular development. GO enrichment detection showed that the 31 CiARFs were all involved in auxin-activated signaling pathway, among which, CiARF10a and CiARF10b regulated cell division as well. Expression pattern analysis demonstrated that 7 CiARFs including CiARF2e/5/10b/10c/10e/10f/19b were highly up-regulated at specific time points during graft union formation. Among them, the consistently up-regulated CiARF5 and CiARF2e were also persistently induced by drought stress and during embryo development, respectively. Analysis of CiARF gene family provides a valuable information for understanding the molecular mechanisms of auxin signaling during graft union formation.

Financial Statement Analysis of Infosys and Wipro through DUPONT Analysis

Abstract: Uniformity, Timeliness, Understandability, Relevance, Reliability and Comparability are some of the qualitative characteristics of financial statements. Every company aims at providing the financial information to its users about the operations of a company through formal reports in the form of financial statements. It summarizes the operations of a business and transactions conducted in a particular accounting period. Financial statements are the trueindicators of the financial health of the company at a particular point of time. The study deployed secondary data published in the form of annual reports of the selected companies. In this context, the present paper aims at analyzing the financial statements of the year 2020- 21 and 2021- 22 prepared as per new accounting standards i.e., Indian Accounting Standards (IND-AS) of two different companies that is Infosys and Wipro through DUPONT analysis. The study highlights there is an increase in Return on Equity (ROE) of both the companies which is the one of the important measures used to find out the direction of the company.

Robust decision trees for the multi-mode project scheduling problem with a resource investment objective and uncertain activity duration

In this paper, we advocate the use of robust decision trees for a multi-mode resource constrained project scheduling problem with uncertain activity duration and a resource investment objective, coming from an industrial assembly line scheduling application. This work takes place in the context of multi-stage optimization where uncertainty is revealed progressively across a succession of decision time points. In a robust decision tree, a node represents a robust partial schedule from the time origin to a specific decision time point. At this point, the decision maker has access to some information, which partitions the uncertainty scenario set, yielding for each scenario subset a child node and an associated extended partial robust schedule up to the next decision point. Considering that the level of uncertainty is lowered, the new partial schedule is less conservative and improves the robustness guarantee. However, since all accessible information may not be relevant, we turned the information selection part into an optimization problem. An algorithm is proposed to solve the robust decision tree problem. Experimentation is provided to study the influence of decision tree parameters as well as highlighted recommendations. The interest of the decision tree is shown through an experimental comparison with classical approaches of the literature on benchmark instances and industrial instances.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2(Covid-19) Antibody Among Blood Donors in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India

Introduction The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is responsible Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), spread worldwide from China, causing a pandemic from late December 2019. Due to the high proportion of asymptomatic or mild infections (approximately 80%), data restricted to laboratory-confirmed cases do not capture the true extent of the spread or burden of the virus, or its infection-fatality ratio. Therefore, serological detection of specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 can better estimate the true number of infections. The current study aims to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among the whole blood donors without any prior COVID-19 history or symptoms. Objective To determine seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) antibody (IgG and IgM) among asymptomatic healthy blood donors. Methods This was a cross sectional study conducted between March and July, 2021 among 300 blood donors without any prior COVID-19 history or symptoms who came to a tertiary care, multispecialty hospital in south India. Any donor who had recently travelled abroad or donors who had received COVID-19 vaccine are excluded from the study. 3 ml venous blood was drawn in EDTA tube from participants and was tested by “Access SARS CoV-2 IgG assay” and “Access SARS CoV-2 IgM assay” by UniCel DxI 800 Immunoassay analyzer (Beckman coulter). The Access SARS CoV-2 IgG assay and the Access SARS Cov-2 IgM assay detect antibodies to the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the Spike Protein. Result was reported as Reactive if Signal/Cut-off (S/CO)&gt;1.0 and non-Reactive if S/CO &lt;1. Data was collected and entered into excel sheets and was analyzed by using the software SPSS version 25. Results A total of 300 healthy blood donors were included. The study reported seroprevalence of 15.3% for IgG and 4.3% for IgM (95%CI) among asymptomatic whole blood donors. No significant difference was observed across age groups, diet, BMI, ABO/Rh blood type or Ayurveda/homeo immune medicine intake with respect to IgG and IgM reactivity. Conclusion 15% of blood donors were seroconverted for COVID-19 during second wave. This reflects widespread seroprevalence in the adult population. Real-time seroprevalence studies will help to know the herd immunity among the blood donors which will assist in knowing the COVID-19 transmission dynamics and distribution of immunity levels at a particular point in time.

Multiple breath washout and oscillometry after allogenic HSCT: a scoping review.

Pulmonary chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a substantial cause of pulmonary morbidity and mortality post-haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Current spirometry-based monitoring strategies have significant limitations. Understanding the utility of novel peripheral airway function tests - multiple breath washout (MBW) and oscillometry - is critical in efforts to improve detection, facilitate earlier intervention and improve outcomes. In this scoping review, we identified 17 studies investigating MBW or oscillometry, or both, after allogenic HSCT. Despite small study numbers limiting the ability to draw firm conclusions, several themes were evident. Detectable peripheral airway abnormality in MBW occurred in a substantial proportion prior to HSCT. MBW indices post-HSCT were more frequently abnormal than spirometry when reporting group data and among those with extrapulmonary cGVHD and pulmonary cGVHD. Changes in MBW indices over time may be more indicative of pulmonary complications than absolute values at any given time point. Oscillometry indices were often normal at baseline, but more frequently abnormal in those who developed pulmonary cGVHD. Pooling currently available individual participant data across these studies may improve our ability to formally compare their respective sensitivity and specificity at specific time points and assess the trajectory of MBW and oscillometry indices over time.