bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobile rehabilitation support versus usual care in patients after total hip or knee arthroplasty: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Qingling , Hunter Sharyn , Lee Regina Lai-Tong , Wang Xiaofeng , Chan Sally Wai-Chi
Published: July 2022

Background

The global increase in total hip or knee arthroplasty has led to concern about the provision of postoperative rehabilitation. Telerehabilitation may be a strategy to meet the patients’ requirements for rehabilitation after arthroplasty. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation programme delivered via the mobile application WeChat in patients after total hip or knee arthroplasty on the following outcomes: self-efficacy, physical function, pain, depression, anxiety and health-related quality of life.

Methods

This is a single-centre, single-blinded, parallel-group, superiority randomised controlled trial conducted in Shanghai, China. Eighty-four eligible participants who undergo primary total hip or knee arthroplasty will be recruited preoperatively in a university teaching hospital and randomly assigned to the experimental or control group with their informed consent. Once discharged, the control group (n= 42) will receive the usual care provided by the hospital. The experimental group (n= 42) will receive usual care and a 6-week mobile application rehabilitation programme that consists of physical exercises and techniques for enhancing participants’ self-efficacy for rehabilitation. Baseline assessments will be conducted on the day before hospital discharge, and outcome assessments will be conducted 6 and 10 weeks postoperatively. The primary outcomes are changes in self-efficacy and physical function 6 weeks postoperatively, and the secondary outcomes include pain, depression, anxiety and health-related quality of life. The approach of a generalised estimating equation will be used to analyse the effect of the intervention on outcomes at a significance level of 0.05.

Discussion

This study is the first of its kind conducted in China to incorporate self-efficacy and learning theories as a framework to guide the development of a mobile application rehabilitation programme after arthroplasty. This study will contribute to the knowledge about the effectiveness of mobile application-based rehabilitation among patients after total hip or knee arthroplasty. If the findings are positive, they will support the implementation of mobile application-based rehabilitation in practice, which may potentially increase the accessibility of rehabilitation services as well as patient adherence to rehabilitation.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials RegistryACTRN12621000867897. Retrospectively registered on July 6, 2021
The antibacterial effect of nanosilver fluoride in relation to caries activity in primary teeth: a protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ammar Nour , El-Tekeya Magda M. , Essa Sara , Essawy Marwa M. , El Achy Samar N. , Talaat Dalia M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Minimally invasive dentistry is a highly convenient and efficient method of managing caries in pediatric patients. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is commonly used to arrest active caries lesions. However, the associated black stain, possibility of soft tissue injury, and unpleasant taste often limit its use. Recently, nanosilver fluoride (NSF) emerged as a promising topical fluoride agent with potent cariostatic and antibacterial potentials. This novel anticaries agent has gained attention as an alternative to overcome the drawbacks of SDF in caries arrest.

Objectives

To assess the antibacterial effect of NSF in relation to caries activity in dentin caries lesions, as well as to investigate the change in saliva bacterial levels in primary teeth in comparison to SDF after 1 and 3 months.

Materials and methods

Fifty children aged 4 to 6 years old with active dentin caries lesions (score 5 according to International Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) criteria) will be enrolled in the study. They will be equally and randomly allocated into 2 groups: a group receiving NSF and a control group receiving SDF treatment. Microbiological samples will be collected from the carious lesions and from unstimulated saliva at the baseline and at the 1 and 3 months’ follow-up appointments. Bacterial counts will be assessed using Mitis Salivarius agar (selective culture media for S. mutans) and Rogosa agar (selective culture media for lactobacilli), and the results will be expressed in colony-forming units. Data regarding the children’s oral health will be collected and their dmf index will be scored. The arrest of active carious lesions will be measured at the follow-up appointments according to ICDAS II criteria.

Results

The relation between bacterial colony counts and lesion activity for both groups will be assessed, as well as the change in salivary bacterial counts. The collected data will be statistically evaluated and tabulated. This clinical trial has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov in January 2022 (original version) with ID: NCT05221749.
A prospective trial to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with arsenic trioxide and carboplatin in locally advanced cervical cancer: a study protocol for randomized controlled clinical
Authors: He Ze Yang , Li Hai Ying , Yan Jiao , Li Si Jin , Li Dao Cheng , Liang Zhong Zhe
Published: July 2022

Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women, which is threatening female reproductive tract health. Chemotherapy can be used for neoadjuvant therapy of locally advanced cervical cancer and postoperative adjuvant therapy for patients with high-risk factors, so as to reduce the focus, sensitize radiotherapy, and reduce recurrence. The current first-line treatment is paclitaxel combined with platinum. Many literature studies have found that As2O3 alone or in combination with platinum drugs have good efficacy in a variety of tumors both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, our research group has verified that the efficacy of As2O3 combined with platinum drugs in the treatment of cervical cancer is not inferior to the traditional first-line regimen at the cellular and animal levels, and paclitaxel is more expensive than As2O3. Hence, we aim to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with As2O3 and carboplatin in locally advanced cervical cancer.

Methods

Sixty participants in the IB2, IIA2, and IIB stages of cervical cancer will be recruited in this study. After excluding patients who did not meet the criteria, they were randomly assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio. All patients underwent colposcopic biopsies to confirm the diagnosis and detailed clinical examinations. Eligible patients will receive either 2 cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin or As2O3 and carboplatin every 3 weeks. Patients were assessed for clinical efficacy after the second cycle of chemotherapy. Patients who had disease stable or disease progression at these time points will receive concurrent chemotherapy and radiation directly, while responders will receive PiverRutledge grade III radical hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Both groups of patients undergoing radical hysterectomy were given adjuvant therapy as per protocol-defined criteria. The efficacy and toxicity of the two groups were evaluated according to WHO acute and subacute toxicity classification standards.

Discussion

This is the first single-center, prospective, two-arm design, open-label randomized control trial that will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with As2O3 and carboplatin in locally advanced cervical cancer.

Trial registration

ChineseClinicalTrialRegistryChiCTR1900023822. Registered on 13 June 2019.
Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor mirodenafil ameliorates Alzheimer-like pathology and symptoms by multimodal actions
Authors: Kang Byung Woo , Kim Fred , Cho Joon-Yong , Kim SangYun , Rhee Jinseol , Choung Jai Jun
Published: July 2022

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology is associated with complex interactions among multiple factors, involving an intertwined network of various signaling pathways. The polypharmacological approach is an emerging therapeutic strategy that has been proposed to overcome the multifactorial nature of AD by targeting multiple pathophysiological factors including amyloid-β (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau. We evaluated a blood-brain barrier penetrating phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, mirodenafil (5-ethyl-2-7-n-propyl-3,5-dihydrro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-one), for its therapeutic effects on AD with polypharmacological properties.

Methods

To evaluate the potential of mirodenafil as a disease-modifying AD agent, mirodenafil was administered to test its effects on the cognitive behaviors of the APP-C105 AD mouse model using the Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests. To investigate the mechanisms of action that underlie the beneficial disease-modifying effects of mirodenafil, human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and mouse hippocampal HT-22 cells were used to show mirodenafil-induced alterations associated with the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG)/cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) pathway, apoptotic cell death, tau phosphorylation, amyloidogenesis, the autophagy-lysosome pathway, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) transcriptional activity, and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Results

Here, mirodenafil is demonstrated to improve cognitive behavior in the APP-C105 mouse model. Mirodenafil not only reduced the Aβ and phosphorylated tau burdens in vivo, but also ameliorated AD pathology induced by Aβ through the modulation of the cGMP/PKG/CREB signaling pathway, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) activity, GR transcriptional activity, and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in neuronal cells. Interestingly, homodimerization and nuclear localization of GR were inhibited by mirodenafil, but not by other PDE5 inhibitors. In addition, only mirodenafil reduced the expression levels of the Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1), thus activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Conclusions

These findings strongly suggest that the PDE5 inhibitor mirodenafil shows promise as a potential polypharmacological drug candidate for AD treatment, acting on multiple key signaling pathways involved in amyloid deposition, phosphorylated tau burden, the cGMP/PKG/CREB pathway, GSK-3β kinase activity, GR signaling, and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Mirodenafil administration to the APP-C105 AD mouse model also improved cognitive behavior, demonstrating the potential of mirodenafil as a polypharmacological AD therapeutic agent.
A symmetry-based length model for characterizing the hypersonic boundary layer transition on a slender cone at moderate incidence
Authors: Bi Wei-Tao , Wei Zhou , Zheng Ke-Xin , She Zhen-Su
Published: July 2022

The hypersonic boundary layer (HBL) transition on a slender cone at moderate incidence is studied via a symmetry-based length model: the SED-SL model. The SED-SL specifies an analytic stress length function (which defines the eddy viscosity) describing a physically sound two-dimensional multi-regime structure of transitional boundary layer. Previous studies showed accurate predictions, especially on the drag coefficient, by the SED-SL for airfoil flows at different subsonic Mach numbers, Reynolds numbers and angles of attack. Here, the SED-SL is extended to compute the hypersonic heat transfer on a 7 ∘ half-angle straight cone at Mach numbers 6 and 7 and angles of attack from 0 ∘ to 6 ∘. It is shown that a proper setting of the multi-regime structure with three parameters (i.e. a transition center, an after-transition near-wall eddy length, and a transition width quantifying transition overshoot) yields an accurate description of the surface heat fluxes measured in wind tunnels. Uniformly good agreements between simulations and measurements are obtained from windward to leeward side of the cone, implying the validity of the multi-regime description of the transition independent of instability mechanisms. It is concluded that a unified description for the HBL transition of cone is found, and might offer a basis for developing a new transition model that is simultaneously of computational simplicity, sound physics and greater accuracy.
Amplitude variation with incidence angle inversion of fluid parameters in porous media using an accurate estimation of the Jacobian matrix
Authors: Liu Xiaobo , Shen Guoqiang , Chen Jingyi
Published: July 2022

Amplitude variation with incidence angle (AVA) or amplitude variation with offset (AVO) inversion provides remarkable information in discriminating lithology in hydrocarbon reservoirs. Fluid parameters (e.g., porosity, water, and oil saturations) are normally obtained through two steps and difficult to obtain from seismic data directly and accurately. Theoretically, the exact Zoeppritz equations and Biot-Gassmann equations can be combined together to invert fluid parameters using seismic data directly. We carry out AVA inversion to invert porosity, water, and oil saturations from seismic data using the exact Zoeppritz equations and accurate estimation of the Jacobian matrix. This matrix is composed of the partial derivatives of P- and S-wave reflection coefficients with respect to fluid parameters. Characteristics of these partial derivatives are analyzed. In addition, the iterative equations for AVA inversion are derived based on the Taylor series expansion. The numerical tests indicate that this algorithm can invert fluid parameters directly and accurately using seismic gathers. Unlike the conventional AVA using the approximations, the inversion using the exact Zoeppritz equations and accurate estimation of the Jacobian matrix is not limited by the selection of incidence angles and reflection interfaces. This method also is applicable to seismic data collected from formations with strong elastic contrast interfaces or large incidence angles.
Characteristics and main controlling factors of dolomite reservoirs in the Upper Cambrian Sanshanzi Formation, eastern Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Chunlin , Xing Fengcun , Fan Liyong , Zhang Yueqiao , Zhang Bin , Chen Xiaoquan , Qiang Gu
Published: July 2022

The Cambrian system in the Ordos Basin has a similar development degree of carbonate strata to that in the Sichuan and the Tarim Basins; however, no significant oil and gas breakthroughs similar to those in the latter two basins have been made in the Ordos Basin yet, and the characteristics, genesis, and differences in the reservoir need to be explored. Field outcrop observations reveal that the oil and gas shows are common in the Upper Cambrian Sanshanzi Formation in the eastern Ordos Basin, indicating important oil and gas exploration potential. Analysis of the characteristics and genesis of dolomite reservoirs can greatly support the exploration and development of the Cambrian carbonate oil reservoirs in the Ordos Basin. Based on the field outcrop observations and comprehensive laboratory tests and analyses, the reservoir characteristics and main control factors are systematically discussed. This study reveals that the reservoir lithology mainly comprises crystalline dolomite, from fine crystalline dolomite to coarse crystalline dolomite; this results in reservoirs with low porosity, extreme-low porosity, and ultralow permeability dominated by intergranular denudation, caves, and microfractures. They can be further divided into two types of reservoirs: type I reservoirs that have low porosity, ultralow permeability, and medium pore-throat radii, and type II reservoirs that have extreme-low porosity, ultralow permeability, and small pore-throat radii. The physical properties of fine-medium crystalline and medium crystalline dolomite reservoirs are slightly better, and the throats tend to be larger with increasing grain size. The reservoirs have not experienced deep burial processes; dolomitization mainly occurs in the marine-sourced fluid environment with weak oxidation and weak reduction, influenced by the atmospheric fresh water and thermal fluid transformation during the late period to some extent, whereas the hydrocarbons mainly charged during the late period. The crystalline dolomite in residual grains superimposes the denudation and cataclasis in the epigenetic karst stage that are the main controlling factors of the reservoirs. The crystalline cataclasis of dolomite can aid in the formation and reconstruction of the reservoirs. The spatial and temporal distribution laws of the reservoirs and key formation periods need to be studied further.
Randomized Phase II Trial of Proton Craniospinal Irradiation Versus Photon Involved-Field Radiotherapy for Patients With Solid Tumor Leptomeningeal Metastasis
Authors: Yang Jonathan T. , Wijetunga N. Ari , Pentsova Elena , Wolden Suzanne , Young Robert J. , Correa Denise , Zhang Zhigang , Zheng Junting , Steckler Alexa , Bucwinska Weronika , Bernstein Ashley , Betof Warner Allison , Yu Helena , Kris Mark G. , Seidman Andrew D. , Wilcox Jessica A. , Malani Rachna , Lin Andrew , DeAngelis Lisa M. , Lee Nancy Y. , Powell Simon N. , Boire Adrienne
Published: July 2022

PURPOSE

Photon involved-field radiotherapy (IFRT) is the standard-of-care radiotherapy for patients with leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) from solid tumors. We tested whether proton craniospinal irradiation (pCSI) encompassing the entire CNS would result in superior CNS progression-free survival (PFS) compared with IFRT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a randomized, phase II trial of pCSI versus IFRT in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer and breast cancers with LM. We enrolled patients with other solid tumors to an exploratory pCSI group. For the randomized groups, patients were assigned (2:1), stratified by histology and systemic disease status, to pCSI or IFRT. The primary end point was CNS PFS. Secondary end points included overall survival (OS) and treatment-related adverse events (TAEs).

RESULTS

Between April 16, 2020, and October 11, 2021, 42 and 21 patients were randomly assigned to pCSI and IFRT, respectively. At planned interim analysis, a significant benefit in CNS PFS was observed with pCSI (median 7.5 months; 95% CI, 6.6 months to not reached) compared with IFRT (2.3 months; 95% CI, 1.2 to 5.8 months; P < .001). We also observed OS benefit with pCSI (9.9 months; 95% CI, 7.5 months to not reached) versus IFRT (6.0 months; 95% CI, 3.9 months to not reached; P = .029). There was no difference in the rate of grade 3 and 4 TAEs ( P = .19). In the exploratory pCSI group, 35 patients enrolled, the median CNS PFS was 5.8 months (95% CI, 4.4 to 9.1 months) and OS was 6.6 months (95% CI, 5.4 to 11 months).

CONCLUSION

Compared with photon IFRT, we found pCSI improved CNS PFS and OS for patients with non–small-cell lung cancer and breast cancer with LM with no increase in serious TAEs.
The Impact of Supplements on Sports Performance for the Trained Athlete: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Kaufman Matthew W. , Roche Megan , Fredericson Michael
Published: July 2022

Elite athletes often use nutritional supplements to improve performance and gain competitive advantage. The prevalence of nutrient supplementation ranges from 40% to 100% among trained athletes, yet few athletes have a trusted source of information for their supplement decisions and expected results. This critical analysis review evaluates systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized control trials, and crossover trials investigating commonly used supplements in sport: caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine (β-alanine), branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), and dietary nitrates. By reviewing these supplements' mechanisms, evidence relating directly to improving sports performance, and ideal dosing strategies, we provide a reference for athletes and medical staff to personalize supplementation strategies. Caffeine and creatine impact power and high-intensity athletes, β-alanine, and BCAA mitigate fatigue, and dietary nitrates improve endurance. With each athlete having different demands, goals to maximize their performance, athletes and medical staff should collaborate to personalize supplementation strategies based on scientific backing to set expectations and potentiate results.
BLOOD FLOW CONDITION IN LOWER EXTREMITY VESSELS AND ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS DEPENDING ON DISEASE DURATION
Authors: Vinnik Yurii S. , Kochetova Lyudmila V. , Kulikova Anna B.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the study. Study arterial blood flow and blebbing of the plasma membrane of lymphocytes in the neuroischemic form of diabetic foot syndrome (SDS) depending on the age of the disease.

Material and methods. In a prospective study, 150 patients of type 2 DM were examined, of which 50 people with a neuroischemic form of SDS. Blood flow condition on vessels of lower extremities and plasma membrane of lymphocytes was examined. There were 30 women (60%), 20 men (40%). Vascular channel condition was evaluated by ultrasound dopplerography of lower extremity arteries, degree of diabetes mellitus compensation was determined by glycated hemoglobin level, lymphocyte membrane condition was evaluated by phase contrast microscope imaging results.

Results of the study. 72% of patients had complete occlusion of the tibia-foot segment of the arteries of the lower extremity, 28% had stenosis. The glycated hemoglobin level averaged 10.3 [8.5; 14.3]%, i.e. all observed patients had insufficient compensation for carbohydrate metabolism disorders. The total and terminal lymphocyte blebbing was 30.1 [25.4; 33.2]% and 15.8 [11.8; 18.4]%, which was 3 and 5 times higher than the control group, respectively. A high positive correlation between the duration of DM disease and the total (rS=0,72; p = 0.001) and terminal (rS=0,78; p = 0.001) blebbing of lymphocyte membrane.

Conclusion. The high correlation between the timing of DM disease and the blebbing of the lymphocyte plasma membrane allows these indicators to be used as markers of endothelial dysfunction in neuroischemic and ischemic forms of SDS. The level of summary and terminal blebbing can be considered as a prognostic marker of the development of macroangiopathy in patients with type 2 DM.
PRIORITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICINAL PLANT GROWING IN A POST-PANDEMIC ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Voronkova Olga Yu. , Volokhova Tatiana V. , Tubalets Anna A. , Smirnova Alla V. , Lebedeva Ekaterina S.
Published: July 2022

The year 2020 was heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic in all areas of human and social life. Today, it is difficult to imagine sectors of the economy that would not be affected by the pandemic, but the pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceutical companies are facing serious challenges. On the one hand, the pharmaceutical industry is forced to function in restrictions, like any other type of business in a pandemic, and on the other hand, it is forced to ensure uninterrupted production and supply of medicines, quickly increase their production, and strategically plan its activities in the post-pandemic world. All phases of pharmaceutical companies are affected by the pandemic, from the production and procurement of raw materials to research and development and doctor-patient interaction processes. The pharmaceutical industry, along with the health care system, has been at the epicenter of the global fight against the pandemic and its aftermath. In addition to new opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry in the fight against COVID-19, such as vaccine development and clinical trials of medical drugs to treat COVID-19, the pandemic has harmed the supply chain and production of herbal medicinal raw materials. The global pharmaceutical industry has faced the consequences of the closure of China’s customs borders for quarantine, as China is currently the leader in the production of medicinal pharmaceutical raw materials, accounting for about 40% of the world’s production of medicinal plant pharmaceutical raw materials. China has gained a leading position in the pharmaceutical raw materials industry due to its high production volume and low cost. Closed borders and quarantine-induced lockdown predetermined serious threats in the supply chain for the needs of pharmaceutical production, which was automatically reflected in rising logistics and freight prices. The presented study reviews the current state of the pharmaceutical herbal medicine industry and justifies the priorities of its development in post-pandemic conditions.
AUTHOR’S MODIFICATION OF DIASTASIS SUTURING AND NEOPUS FORMATION
Authors: Pakhomova Regina A. , Babadzhanyan Akop M. , Kochetova Lyudmila V. , Vinnik Yurii S.
Published: July 2022

The aim of the study is to reduce the incidence of pup necrosis after suturing diastasis of the direct abdominal muscles.

Materials and methods. The study included 34 patients. Abdominal volumes and diastasis levels were assessed. The presence of diastasis of the direct abdominal muscles was confirmed physically and by additional instrumental research methods: data from ultrasound examination of the anterior abdominal wall and electromyography of the direct abdominal muscles. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the type of diastasis suturing: 1 the group of diastasis of the right abdominal muscles was sutured in the traditional way, the study included women operated on in 2013–2016, in women 2 the group sutured diastasis of the right abdominal muscles by the author’s method (patent of the Russian Federation 2749475 from 11.06.21). Patients of group 2 were operated on from 2017 to 2022.

Results. In comparison groups, the method of suturing diastasis was approached differently. In the postoperative period, there were significantly different complications. In the distant period, there was no relapse in the groups. Improvement in the functional state of the anterior abdominal wall also occurs noted patients after surgery. A year after the intervention, patients according to the survey: indicate a significantly smaller chronic pain syndrome in the umbilical ring and white line in both comparison groups and an improvement in cosmetic satisfaction of patients increased significantly, but in the second group it was slightly higher.

Conclusion. Application of author’s modification in diastasis suturing and formation of neopoup reduces frequency of navel necrosis and improves cosmetic appearance of the latter.
Droplet Size Distributions from Hollow-Cone Nozzles Coupled with PWM Valves
Authors: Salcedo Ramón , Zhu Heping , Jeon Hongyoung , Ozkan Erdal , Wei Zhiming , Gil Emilio , Campos Javier , Román Carla
Published: July 2022

Highlights

Volumetric diameters DV0.1, DV0.5, and DV0.9 for PWM-controlled hollow-cone nozzles were investigated.

Droplet sizes were influenced greatly by nozzle size, operating pressure, duty cycle, and slightly by PWM valve type.

Volume fractions were reported for droplets smaller than 100 µm, between 100 and 300 µm, and greater than 300 µm.

Measured droplet sizes were classified as different categories based on the ASABE standard 572.3.

Abstract. Integration of variable-rate disc-core nozzles in orchard sprayers is the optimal solution to achieve precision spray applications of agrochemicals; however, little information is available on the droplet size distribution and classification for these hollow-cone nozzles. Investigations were performed for the comprehensive understanding of spray droplet size spectrum discharged from hollow-cone nozzles which were manipulated with pulse width modulation (PWM) valves to produce variable flow rates. Test variables included five disc-core hollow-cone nozzle sizes (D2-DC25, D2-DC45, D4-DC25, D4-DC45, and D5-DC25), two 10-Hz PWM valve designs, five operating pressures (276, 414, 552, 689, and 827 kPa), and 10 duty cycles (DUCs) ranging from 10% to 100% at 10% intervals. Droplet diameters were measured with a laser imaging particle system. Volumetric diameters (DV0.1, DV0.5, and DV0.9) varied greatly with the nozzle orifice size, operating pressure, and DUC, and varied slightly by PWM valve type. Higher operating pressures and larger nozzles generated droplets with more consistent size distributions across DUCs from 10% to 100%. The differences in relative spans among DUCs increased with the nozzle size increase and the operating pressure decrease. Droplet size classifications from very fine to coarse, based on ASABE 572.3 standard definitions, varied with the nozzle size and operating pressure but were similar for two PWM valve designs at all DUCs. Spray volume fractions also varied with the droplet size range, DUC and pressure. For droplets smaller than 100 µm, the volume fraction remained relatively consistent or slightly decreased as DUC increased, but increased as the pressure increased. In comparison, the fraction increased as both DUC and pressure increased for droplets between 100 and 300 µm and decreased for the portion of droplets greater than 300 µm. As a result, the discovered information would be implemented for the improvement of precision variable-rate spray systems equipped with PWM valves. Keywords: Atomization, Droplet diameter, Orchard sprayer, Precision agriculture, Variable rate.
Acute compartment syndrome of the lower limb after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a case report
Authors: Kudo Yuki , Maeyama Akira , Hara Masafumi , Yamamoto Takuaki
Published: July 2022

Introduction:Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is one of the most serious orthopedic diseases causing complications and requiring emergency surgery. Most cases of ACS are associated with fractures and crush injuries. However, surgical procedures can also cause ACS. Case presentation:We herein describe a 41-year-old man who underwent arthroscopic surgery for revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the semitendinosus tendon. Two days after the operation, the patient developed ACS of the left lower leg. This patient had undergone anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstruction previously, and we assumed that the cause of the ACS was damage to the small blood vessels from the collateral circulation during hamstring tendon harvesting. Fasciotomy was performed under general anesthesia, and his postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusion:ACS after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is rare. We should keep in mind that patients who have undergone previous surgery may develop ACS due to damage to the collateral circulation. To avoid ACS, harvesting tendon from the healthy side can avoid damage to the collateral circulation. Keywords:Acute compartment syndrome, Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, Fasciotomy
TresLock for Unstable Proximal Femoral Fractures: Morphological Compatibility and Clinical Results: A Case Series
Authors: Yoshikawa Ryo , Hiranaka Takafumi , Kamenaga Tomoyuki , Niikura Takahiro , Sakai Yoshitada , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: July 2022

Introduction: A new device, TresLock (KISCO DIR Co., Ltd., Kobe), has been used for the treatment of unstable proximal femoral fractures and was designed based on Japanese anatomical characteristics. It has three sliding hip screws with one side plate. The angle of all screws relative to the plate has been set to 128°, and each hip screw has a short thread (15 mm) to prevent crossing of the fracture line. In this study, we evaluated the morphological compatibility of TresLock. Methods:We treated 10 patients with hip fractures using TresLock at our institution between September 2016 and December 2017. The average age of the patients was 83.8 years (range, 73–93 years). Fractures included five proximal neck transcervical shear fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association [OTA] type-31B2.3, Pauwels III) and five basicervical fractures (OTA type-31B3). The clinical course and three-dimensional computed tomography were evaluated postoperatively. Results:In all cases, all three screws were inserted within the femoral neck. The screws were inserted at an axis of 2.5 ± 1.3° varus to the femoral neck axis. The distance from the subcapital line to the three (proximal-anterior, proximal-posterior, and distal) screw thread ends was 12.0 ± 1.8 mm, 10.4 ± 2.4 mm, and 11.6 ± 4.0 mm, respectively and was sufficient to actuate compression force. However, one case (Pauwels III) required reoperation because of non-union. Conclusion:Careful follow-up is needed, but TresLock shows good anatomical compatibility for femurs among the Japanese population. Keywords:Proximal femoral fracture, basicervical fracture, internal fixation device.
Attempts to Repeal the Cuban Adjustment Act: A Public Policy Analysis
Authors: González Maestrey Rodney A.
Published: July 2022

Historical struggles to maintain, reform or repeal the Cuban Adjustment Act in the US Congress reveal a complex ideological, political and policy-driven battle among a wide range of groups acting in the domestic and foreign policies fronts. Drawing on the methodological approaches of public policy analysis, this paper focuses on three critical moments in which US efforts to reform its immigration system clashed with the influence of Cuban-American hardliners. This group has been successful in using its political clout in order to influence the public debate against repeal, by insisting on the longer term ideological value of the Act in the context of the US Cuba policy, in spite of structural trends in favour of restricted immigration.
El sistema electoral y la reforma política integral en Cuba: ¿Cómo contribuir a un nuevo consenso nacional?
Authors: Antonio Duharte Díaz Emilio
Published: July 2022

This article offers a contribution to the analysis of possible electoral reforms in Cuba today, considering the necessary systemic approach to updating the integral model of socialist development, which going beyond the economic sphere, strengthens the broadest popular participation and national political consensus by further democratization of the political system. This objective is materialized through a critical assessment of the reform process that has taken place in the Cuban electoral system and the prospects for change. It is specified that this process is not isolated, but is part of the approach (mentioned above) of the model and must permanently accompany the economic, cultural, social, political and ideological transformations in a way to guarantee the integrality of the processes of revolutionary transformation of Cuban society. The article makes a proposal for possible new electoral reforms in the country, linking it, from the same critical point of view, to the precepts of the Constitution approved by a referendum in February 2019 -which did not offer any innovations in terms of direct elections- and with the key premise of political development defined by this author: the necessary increasingly broad, active, direct, systematic, creative, real, effective, deliberative and binding popular participation of the population in making the most important decisions of the country.
De los ciclos de no especialización a la era del azúcar: Elementos de historia de Cuba en un largo período (1895–1959) (PARTE II)
Authors: Rémy Herrera
Published: July 2022

This article analyses the history of the Cuban economy over a very long period. Its first part (last edition) was devoted to the period extending from 1492, when the island was “discovered”, to 1898, when the War of Independence ended. This part analyses the development of the economcy during the 20th century until the victory of the Revolution in 1959.
Managing an ageing population: Lessons the UK could learn from Cuba
Authors: Helen Jarman Caroline
Published: July 2022

Both the UK and Cuba face an ageing population, which presents major challenges for their health and social care sectors. Although the UK is considerably more developed than Cuba, its disorganised and inadequate community services for older people, combined with a less preventative approach to the health of its older population have increased pressure on care homes and hospitals alike. In contrast, Cuba’s cheaper, preventative and holistic elderly care programme integrates health and social care to sufficiently serve its older population. This article demonstrates the flaws in the UK elderly care system and highlights the successes of the Cuban system, before formulating three suggested areas of research for potential implementation in the UK based on Cuban principles. These are: 1) associating care homes with medical professionals, 2) overhauling the NHS health check system and 3) providing each local authority with a wider variety of facilities for the older person. Modelling Cuba’s elderly care system with these suggestions may improve the management of an ageing population in the UK by increasing disease prevention and care planning. This should improve the overall health of the UK’s older population whilst saving the health service both money and time.
Variable-intensity line 3D images drawn using kinoform-type electroholography superimposed with phase error
Authors: Nishitsuji Takashi , Shiina Nobuya , Blinder David , Shimobaba Tomoyoshi , Kakue Takashi , Schelkens Peter , Ito Tomoyoshi , Asaka Takuya
Published: July 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) display using electroholography is a promising technology for next-generation television systems; however, its applicability is limited by the heavy computational load for obtaining computer-generated holograms (CGHs). The CG-line method is an algorithm that calculates CGHs to display 3D line-drawn objects at a very high computational speed but with limited expressiveness; for instance, the intensity along the line must be constant. Herein, we propose an extension for drawing gradated 3D lines using the CG-line method by superimposing phase noise. Consequently, we succeeded in drawing gradated 3D lines while maintaining the high computational speed of the original CG-line method.
Reducing circuit complexity in optical quantum computation using 3D architectures
Authors: Zhou Wen-Hao , Vijayan Madhav Krishnan , Wang Xiao-Wei , Lu Yong-Heng , Gao Jun , Jiao Zhi-Qiang , Ren Ruo-Jing , Chang Yi-Jun , Shen Zi-Song , Rohde Peter P. , Jin Xian-Min
Published: July 2022

Integrated photonic architectures based on optical waveguides are one of the leading candidates for the future realisation of large-scale quantum computation. One of the central challenges in realising this goal is simultaneously minimising loss whilst maximising interferometric visibility within waveguide circuits. One approach is to reduce circuit complexity and depth. A major constraint in most planar waveguide systems is that beamsplitter transformations between distant optical modes require numerous intermediate SWAP operations to couple them into nearest neighbour proximity, each of which introduces loss and scattering. Here, we propose a 3D architecture which can significantly mitigate this problem by geometrically bypassing trivial intermediate operations. We demonstrate the viability of this concept by considering a worst-case 2D scenario, where we interfere the two most distant optical modes in a planar structure. Using femtosecond laser direct-writing technology we experimentally construct a 2D architecture to implement Hong-Ou-Mandel interference between its most distant modes, and a 3D one with corresponding physical dimensions, demonstrating significant improvement in both fidelity and efficiency in the latter case. In addition to improving fidelity and efficiency of individual non-adjacent beamsplitter operations, this approach provides an avenue for reducing the optical depth of circuits comprising complex arrays of beamsplitter operations.
Time-domain feature extraction for target specificity in photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy
Authors: Pellegrino Nicholas , Ecclestone Benjamin R. , Dinakaran Deepak , van Landeghem Frank , Fieguth Paul , Haji Reza Parsin
Published: July 2022

Photoacoustic remote sensing (PARS) microscopy is an emerging label-free optical absorption imaging modality. PARS operates by capturing nanosecond-scale optical fluctuations produced by photoacoustic pressures. These time-domain (TD) variations are usually projected by amplitude to determine optical absorption magnitude. However, valuable details on a target’s material properties (e.g., density, speed of sound) are contained within the TD signals. This work uses a novel, to the best of our knowledge, clustering method to learn TD features, based on signal shape, which relate to underlying material traits. A modified K-means method is used to cluster TD data, capturing representative signal features. These features are then used to form virtual colorizations which may highlight tissues based on their underlying material properties. Applied in fresh resected murine brain tissue, colorized visualizations highlight distinct regions of tissue. This may potentially facilitate differentiation of tissue constituents (e.g., myelinated and unmyelinated axons, cell nuclei) in a single acquisition.
Optimal control of the spatial allocation of COVID-19 vaccines: Italy as a case study
Authors: Lemaitre Joseph Chadi , Pasetto Damiano , Zanon Mario , Bertuzzo Enrico , Mari Lorenzo , Miccoli Stefano , Casagrandi Renato , Gatto Marino , Rinaldo Andrea
Published: July 2022

While campaigns of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 are underway across the world, communities face the challenge of a fair and effective distribution of a limited supply of doses. Current vaccine allocation strategies are based on criteria such as age or risk. In the light of strong spatial heterogeneities in disease history and transmission, we explore spatial allocation strategies as a complement to existing approaches. Given the practical constraints and complex epidemiological dynamics, designing effective vaccination strategies at a country scale is an intricate task. We propose a novel optimal control framework to derive the best possible vaccine allocation for given disease transmission projections and constraints on vaccine supply and distribution logistics. As a proof-of-concept, we couple our framework with an existing spatially explicit compartmental COVID-19 model tailored to the Italian geographic and epidemiological context. We optimize the vaccine allocation on scenarios of unfolding disease transmission across the 107 provinces of Italy, from January to April 2021. For each scenario, the optimal solution significantly outperforms alternative strategies that prioritize provinces based on incidence, population distribution, or prevalence of susceptibles. Our results suggest that the complex interplay between the mobility network and the spatial heterogeneities implies highly non-trivial prioritization strategies for effective vaccination campaigns. Our work demonstrates the potential of optimal control for complex and heterogeneous epidemiological landscapes at country, and possibly global, scales.
Model-based translation of DNA damage signaling dynamics across cell types
Authors: Heldring Muriel M. , Wijaya Lukas S. , Niemeijer Marije , Yang Huan , Lakhal Talel , Le Dévédec Sylvia E. , van de Water Bob , Beltman Joost B.
Published: July 2022

Interindividual variability in DNA damage response (DDR) dynamics may evoke differences in susceptibility to cancer. However, pathway dynamics are often studied in cell lines as alternative to primary cells, disregarding variability. To compare DDR dynamics in the cell line HepG2 with primary human hepatocytes (PHHs), we developed a HepG2-based computational model that describes the dynamics of DDR regulator p53 and targets MDM2, p21 and BTG2. We used this model to generate simulations of virtual PHHs and compared the results to those for PHH donor samples. Correlations between baseline p53 and p21 or BTG2 mRNA expression in the absence and presence of DNA damage for HepG2-derived virtual samples matched the moderately positive correlations observed for 50 PHH donor samples, but not the negative correlations between p53 and its inhibitor MDM2. Model parameter manipulation that affected p53 or MDM2 dynamics was not sufficient to accurately explain the negative correlation between these genes. Thus, extrapolation from HepG2 to PHH can be done for some DDR elements, yet our analysis also reveals a knowledge gap within p53 pathway regulation, which makes such extrapolation inaccurate for the regulator MDM2. This illustrates the relevance of studying pathway dynamics in addition to gene expression comparisons to allow reliable translation of cellular responses from cell lines to primary cells. Overall, with our approach we show that dynamical modeling can be used to improve our understanding of the sources of interindividual variability of pathway dynamics.
Non-zero mean alpha oscillations revealed with computational model and empirical data
Authors: Studenova Alina A. , Villringer Arno , Nikulin Vadim V.
Published: July 2022

Ongoing oscillations and evoked responses are two main types of neuronal activity obtained with diverse electrophysiological recordings (EEG/MEG/iEEG/LFP). Although typically studied separately, they might in fact be closely related. One possibility to unite them is to demonstrate that neuronal oscillations have non-zero mean which predicts that stimulus- or task-triggered amplitude modulation of oscillations can contribute to the generation of evoked responses. We validated this mechanism using computational modelling and analysis of a large EEG data set. With a biophysical model, we indeed demonstrated that intracellular currents in the neuron are asymmetric and, consequently, the mean of alpha oscillations is non-zero. To understand the effect that neuronal currents exert on oscillatory mean, we varied several biophysical and morphological properties of neurons in the network, such as voltage-gated channel densities, length of dendrites, and intensity of incoming stimuli. For a very large range of model parameters, we observed evidence for non-zero mean of oscillations. Complimentary, we analysed empirical rest EEG recordings of 90 participants (50 young, 40 elderly) and, with spatio-spectral decomposition, detected at least one spatially-filtred oscillatory component of non-zero mean alpha oscillations in 93% of participants. In order to explain a complex relationship between the dynamics of amplitude-envelope and corresponding baseline shifts, we performed additional simulations with simple oscillators coupled with different time delays. We demonstrated that the extent of spatial synchronisation may obscure macroscopic estimation of alpha rhythm modulation while leaving baseline shifts unchanged. Overall, our results predict that amplitude modulation of neural oscillations should at least partially explain the generation of evoked responses. Therefore, inference about changes in evoked responses with respect to cognitive conditions, age or neuropathologies should be constructed while taking into account oscillatory neuronal dynamics.