bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical Medicine Potency of Musa paradisiaca var. sapientum (L.) kuntze as Oral Gel for Wound Healing: An In Vitro, In Vivo Study
Authors: Budi Hendrik Setia , Anitasari Silvia , Ulfa Ninik Mas , Juliastuti Wisnu Setyari , Aljunaid Mohammed , Ramadan Doaa Elsayed , Muzari Koko , Shen Yung-Kang
Published: February 2022

Objective Topical application of ambonese banana (Musa paradisiaca var. sapientum (L.) kuntze) stem sap gel (GEGPA) on the socket wound area showed an increase in the expression of platelet-derived growth factor-BB, while decrease in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9. The aim of this study is to achieve standard formulation of GEGPA through stability, viscosity, distribution area, and drugs release for oral gel wound healing.

Materials and Methods This is an in vitro and in vivo study with the randomized posttest only control group design. The gel was formulated according to the composition of each group by adding hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Lexgard, propylene glycol, and cold water to obtain 100 g of gel. Observations were made through the following tests: stability, viscosity, distribution area, drug release, and histopathological analysis of tooth extraction wound healing.

Statistical analysis Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (α = 0.05) with GraphPad Prism-8 statistical software.

Results The study showed that the GEGPA formulation was stable against changes in consistency, color, smell, homogeneity, and pH value. There is a significant difference between groups with respect to viscosity (p = 0.0001), adhesion (p = 0.004), dispersion (p = 0.000), and fibroblast cell numbers on days 3 and 5 (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001). There is no interaction between the active ingredients and the gel base of all formulations. Formulation 3 had better properties in terms of viscosity, broad distribution, and drug release compared with other groups. Application of GEGPA to tooth extraction wounds showed a significant proliferation of fibroblast cells on days 3 and 5.

Conclusions The formulation of M. paradisiaca var. sapientum (L.) kuntze extract with HPMC and propylene glycol obtained a gel preparation, GEGPA, that was organoleptically stable and met the topical gel standard for wounds in the oral cavity.
Anchusa italica Retz. Hydro-Alcoholic Extract through Attenuation of Oxidative Stress Exerts an Anticonvulsant Effect on the Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizure in Mice
Authors: Rahimi-Madiseh Mohammad , Nasiri-Boroujeni Shakiba , Lorigooini Zahra , Nazari Meysam , Sadeghian Reihaneh , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud , Amini-Khoei Hossein
Published: February 2022

Introduction It has been shown that oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of seizure. Current anticonvulsants have side effects, thus further studies are needed to find new agents with low side effects. Anchusa italica Retz. has been suggested to have antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. The present study aimed to determine the anticonvulsant effects of A. italica hydro-alcoholic extract on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in mice focusing on its possible antioxidative stress properties.

Materials and Methods Sixty mice were randomly divided into six groups. The intervention groups received the A. italica extract at the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, 30 minutes before the injection of PTZ, whereas the positive control group received phenobarbital. The seizure threshold was then recorded.

Results A. italica extract significantly increased the seizure threshold. The extract significantly increased serum and prefrontal cortex total antioxidant capacity compared with the control group. The A. italica extract significantly reduced serum and prefrontal cortex malondialdehyde and nitrite levels compared with the control group.

Conclusions The results showed the anticonvulsant effects of A. italica extracts on the PTZ-induced seizure in mice is partially due to the attenuation of oxidative stress.
Anxiety and Depression among Family Caregivers of Children with Epilepsy in Burkina Faso
Authors: Dabilgou Alfred Anselme , Dravé Alassane , Bague Boubacar , Kyelem Julie Marie Adeline , Belem Zowentalé , Napon Christian , Millogo Athanase , Karfo Kapouné , Kaboré Jean
Published: February 2022

Background Epilepsy is a common and chronic neurological disorder influencing children's cognitive and behavioral performance. Primary caregivers of children with epilepsy (CWE) report high levels of depression and anxiety.

Patients and Methods We performed a cross-sectional study on caregivers of CWE in the Neurology Department of Yalgado Ouédraogo University Teaching Hospital from May 7, 2020 to August 18, 2020. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale and Beck Depression Inventory scale were assessed to screen anxiety and depression.

Results One hundred caregivers with a mean age of 37.75 ± 10.69 years were included in the study. The majority of them were female gender (73%), aged <40 years (59%), and residing in rural areas (79%). Most of caregivers were female gender (73%) and the mothers of children (67%). The majority of CWE were boys (55%), having generalized epilepsy (55%) and epilepsy duration less than 6 years (74%). Anxiety was observed in 56%, depression in 27%, and both anxiety and depression in 23% of caregivers. The factors influencing anxiety among caregivers were female gender (p = 0.04), being patient's mothers (p = 0.04), and caring male patients (p = 0.04). The factors associated with caregiver's depression were being married (p = 0.03) and caring patients with five seizures per year (p = 0.04).

Conclusion Our study revealed very high rates of anxiety and depressive disorder among caregivers of CWE in Burkina Faso.
Learning Needs Assessment of Postmenopausal Women in a Rural Community, Karnataka, India
Authors: Veigas Jacintha , K. Rajgopal , Sudhakar Christopher
Published: February 2022

Introduction Every woman uniquely experiences menopause. The problems can be either well managed or prevented if a woman is well informed. Healthy women are productive and establish healthy families. It is important therefore to find out what a woman needs to learn about menopause.

Objective To determine the learning needs of the women at the postmenopausal period.

Materials and Methods The study adopted an exploratory approach using a cross-sectional design. The setting was selected conveniently. The investigator took a simple random sampling technique. Demographic proforma and learning needs assessment opinionnaire were used to collect data.

Results Most of the subjects (28.8%) were belonging to 51 to 55 years of age. The majority of the subjects (75%) attained menopause between the age of 41 and 50 years. More than third-fourth of the subjects (77.5%) were of a nuclear family. Eighty percent of the subjects were married. Around 68.8% had secondary education; 71.3% were housewives. Subjects had significant learning needs in the areas of “lifestyle modification” (mean % = 44.42) and “sexual health” (mean % = 35.75). Eighty-one percent felt that they needed to give more importance to their children than their health. Thirty-nine subjects ranked “prevention of bone loss and joint pain” as their first preference of learning, 19 ranked “mental health” as their seventh preference; and 20 subjects ranked “sexual health” as their eighth preference of education.

Conclusion There is a need to train women on lifestyle modification and the promotion of sexual health during the postmenopausal period. They do need information on the enhancement of physical and mental health.
Poor Accuracy of Intraoperation Medial Proximal Tibial Angle Measurement Compared to Alignment Rod Methods in Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy for Medial Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kubota Mitsuaki , Kim Yougji , Kaneko Haruka , Yoshida Keiichi , Ishijima Muneaki
Published: February 2022

The alignment rod is widely used as an index for intraoperative alignment but alignment error is inevitable. The purpose of this study was to verify the accuracy of lower limb alignment correction by measurement of mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) as an index in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). This study was retrospective case series. This study involved 152 patients undergoing OWHTO for primary medial osteoarthritis. Alignment rod or MPTA measurement board was used as an index of optimal correction in OWHTO. Alignment rod was used from October 2013 to May 2017, and MPTA measurement board was used from June 2017 to April 2020. The correction using an alignment rod was that the weight-bearing line ratio (WBLR) passed through 62.5% of the tibial plateau which was defined as Fujisawa's point under intraoperative fluoroscopy (A rod group). The correction using MPTA measurement board was aligning the intraoperative MPTA to the preplanned angle (MPTA group). Preplanned optimal alignment was defined as Fujisawa's point in all patients. Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome measure (KOOS), Knee Society scoring system objective knee score (KSS), 3-m timed up-and-go test (TUG), single-limb standing test (SLS), and isometric muscle strength of quadriceps and hamstrings were assessed as clinical results. WBLR, MPTA, joint-line convergence angle (JLCA), and joint-line obliquity (JLO) were assessed as radiological results preoperatively and at 1 year after surgery. The clinical and radiological results after OWHTO were compared with both groups. Postoperative WBLR in A rod group was closer to the target alignment (Fujisawa's point: 62.5) than in the MPTA group at all stage (A rod group vs. MPTA group: 63.1 vs. 54.6 at 6 months; 62.0 vs. 53.4 at 1 year; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the clinical results between both groups. The intraoperative measurement of medial proximal tibial angle has a risk of undercorrection after OWHTO. His study is a retrospective case series and reflects level of evidence IV.
Evaluation of Hypervascular Focal Liver Lesions Utilizing Virtual Monoenergetic Images from Third-Generation Dual-Source Dual-Energy Computed Tomography
Authors: Narappulan Niyas , Arunachalam Venkatesh Kasi , Alavandar Ezhilmathi , Selvaraja Swathigha , Renganathan Rupa , Cherian Mathew
Published: February 2022

Objectives The purpose of our study was to evaluate the virtual monochromatic imaging in detecting hypervascular focal liver lesions in the late arterial phase with third-generation dual-source dual-energy computed tomography and to assess its image quality.

Materials and Methods In our study, 80 patients were included. Contrast-enhanced images in the late arterial phase (in the dual-energy mode) were acquired and were post-processed in Syngo, via workstation, using Monoenergetic + software. Five sets of images, one polychromatic energy image (corresponding to 120 kVp single-energy image) and four virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) sets at 40, 50, 60, and 70 keV levels, were generated. All these images were analyzed both objectively and subjectively. The attenuation values were measured, and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of liver and tumor were measured and compared objectively in each dataset. Image noise, image contrast, and diagnostic confidence for liver lesion detection were analyzed subjectively using a five-point scale system. Statistical analysis was performed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov, analysis of variance, and Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results Among the VMI, maximum image noise was observed in the 40 keV image, with a gradual reduction in the image noise being noted with an increase in the VMI energy. The CNR of the hepatic parenchyma and the tumor gradually increased with a reduction in VMI energy from 70 to 40 keV. On subjective analysis, image contrast and image noise were observed to be more in low VMI datasets. In lesion detection, diagnostic confidence with an excellent confidence level was observed with a decrease in VMI energy.

Conclusion VMI datasets of 40 to 70 keV from third-generation dual-source DECT provide superior diagnostic accuracy for detecting hypervascular liver lesions. Considering the image noise and lesion detection rate among the VMI datasets, 60 keV VMI is the most helpful dataset for increased liver lesion detection with good image quality.
Adult Left Colocolic Intussusception Successfully Managed by Left Hemicolectomy and Primary Anastomosis
Authors: Rajput Deepak , David Lena Elizabath , Sharma Oshin , Gupta Amit , Siddeek Rohik Anjum T. , Phulware Ravi Hari
Published: February 2022

Intussusception, although quite common in children with the classic triad of cramping abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and palpable masses, is a rare cause of acute abdomen with myriad presentations in adults. It is defined as the telescoping of a proximal segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, called the intussusceptum, into the lumen of the adjacent distal segment of the GI tract, called intussuscipiens. Due to its different manifestations and time course, adult colonic intussusception often poses a diagnostic challenge for emergency doctors. The treatment of colonic intussusception in adults typically involves surgery, often with bowel resection and anastomosis followed by a defunctioning loop ileostomy. We report a case of left-sided colocolic intussusception secondary to a tubular adenoma as the lead point, which was successfully treated by resection and primary anastomosis. The pathological diagnosis of the lesion was reported as adenocarcinoma and resected bowel margins were found free of the tumor.
Principles and Available Hardware in DECT
Authors: Alavandar Ezhilmathi , Arunachalam Venkatesh Kasi , Narappulan Niyas , Mahadevan Gowtham S. , Kashyap Ravindar , Mehta Pankaj , Cherian Mathew
Published: February 2022

Computed tomography (CT) has undergone a phenomenal evolution since its introduction in 1971 and has revolutionized diagnostic radiology. It is now the cornerstone of diagnostic imaging and has become an inevitable part of the management of patients. Among all the advancements and breakthroughs witnessed over the years, the most recent and most advanced is the dual-energy CT (DECT), also known as spectral CT, introduced in 2006. In DECT, two datasets are obtained by scanning with two different energy spectra (low and high energy). The difference in attenuation can differentiate materials with different elemental compositions but similar attenuation in single-energy CT. Therefore, it has widespread clinical applications based on its potential for material decomposition and virtual monoenergetic imaging. In this review, the principle and hardware of DECT will be presented with an overview of its clinical applications.
Role of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Gallbladder Disease: A Review
Authors: Singh Tarvinder , Gupta Pankaj
Published: February 2022

Gallbladder diseases are common and include a spectrum ranging from benign to cancer. Imaging plays an integral role in the diagnosis and in guiding appropriate management. While most patients with gallstone (GS) diseases can be evaluated with ultrasound, those with complicated GS disease, suspicion of cancer, or staging of cancer need additional cross-sectional imaging. Computed tomography (CT) is widely available and is often the imaging test of choice following an equivocal ultrasound or negative ultrasound in patients with unexplained symptoms. Conventional CT has limited sensitivity in detecting GS or common bile duct stones. In other scenarios, including diagnosis of acute cholecystitis (AC) and characterization of gallbladder wall thickening, an increase in accuracy using novel techniques is desirable. Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is increasingly incorporated into clinical practice. DECT has shown promising results in the detection of cholesterol stones that otherwise go unnoticed on conventional CT. However, its role beyond GS disease has largely been unexplored. In this review, we discuss the available literature on the DECT in biliary diseases and discuss the potential applications of this technique.
Preoperative Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Prior to Sleeve Gastrectomy: To Do, or Not to Do
Authors: Okay Nermin D. , Yıldız Barış D.
Published: February 2022

There is controversy about the requirement of preoperative upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy for sleeve gastrectomy patients. The aim of this study is to understand the necessity of a preoperative upper GI endoscopy before sleeve gastrectomy. In this study, the incidental findings encountered in sleeve gastrectomy pathology specimens of a cohort of patients were analyzed. A total of 270 patients who had sleeve gastrectomy at Ankara Numune Teaching Hospital, General Surgery Clinic, between 2011 and 2016 were evaluated. Histopathological examination of sleeve gastrectomy specimens was performed. Chronic gastritis in 76.6% and intestinal metaplasia in 4.1% of patients were observed. A GI stromal tumor was found in one male patient. Also, an active gastric ulcer was detected in one patient. Only 13 (4.9%) out of 270 patients had a postoperative pathology needing follow-up. None of our findings would have an impact of changing the surgical approach. Therefore, the results of this study suggested that application of a preoperative GI endoscopy is not necessary prior to sleeve gastrectomy in patients without upper GI symptoms.
Management of Primary Aggressive Tumors of the Knee
Authors: Martin John R. , Auran Richard L. , Duran Michael D. , de Comas Amalia M. , Jacofsky David J.
Published: February 2022

Primary bone sarcomas and aggressive benign bone tumors are relatively rare. It is essential to recognize features that are concerning for these aggressive tumors based on a patient's history, physical exam, and radiographs. Physicians and other health care providers should have a high suspicion for these tumors and promptly refer these patients to orthopaedic oncologists. A multidisciplinary, team-based approach is required to obtain an accurate diagnosis and provide comprehensive care. This review discussed the appropriate work-up, biopsy principles, relevant peri-operative medical management, and surgical treatment options for patients with aggressive primary bone tumors around the knee. Primary bone sarcomas (osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma) and aggressive benign bone tumors (giant cell tumor, chondroblastoma, and chondromyxoid fibroma) that have a predilection to the distal femur and proximal tibia are the focus of this review.
Qualitätssicherung: Integration von Nachhaltigkeitskriterien in der Lieferantenbewertung
Authors: Reinig Julia , Schlüchtermann Jörg
Published: February 2022

Die Beschaffung kann durch die Bewertung von Lieferanten nach sozialen und ökologischen Kriterien einen großen Beitrag zur Nachhaltigkeit leisten. Bestehende Kriterienkataloge sollten in Zukunft um diese wichtigen Aspekte ergänzt werden.
Digitalisierung der Supply-Chain: Lieferketten – mit Transparenz zur Resilienz
Authors: Schrod Klaus
Published: February 2022

Lieferengpässe zu verhindern und beim Auftreten von Störungen in der Lieferkette zielgerichtet zu reagieren, sind wichtige Aufgaben für die Erfüllung des Versorgungsauftrags. Um die Versorgung krisensicher zu gestalten, hilft nur die durchgängige Digitalisierung der Lieferkette.
Kolumne: Das Unvorhersehbare managen lernen
Authors: Pietzuch Thomas
Published: February 2022

Die Pandemie macht Schwachstellen in komplexen Lieferketten sichtbar, die wir zu Anfang des vergangenen Jahres noch für einen pandemiebedingten Ausnahmezustand hielten, der irgendwann einmal zu Ende sein würde. Doch nach zwölf Monaten gleichen sich die Symptome, wir stecken fest in der Notfallschleife. Improvisationstalent, Augenmaß und Pragmatismus werden zu Key-Assets.
Anforderungen, Ansätze und Methoden: KI in der Krankenhaus-Transportdisposition
Authors: Bredehorn Thomas
Published: February 2022

Wie kann künstliche Intelligenz (KI) die Logistik, speziell die Transportdisposition von Material- und Patiententransporten im Krankenhaus verbessern? Das im März 2020 vom BMBF geförderte Forschungsvorhaben „Künstliche Intelligenz zur Prognose und Steuerung in der Krankenhaus-Transportdisposition – KIK_Dispo“ ist vorangeschritten und es kann über Anforderungen, Ansätze und Methoden berichtet werden.
Fachkräftemangel: Pflegelogistik als Stellhebel
Authors: Kriegel Johannes , Hummer Christian
Published: February 2022

Der Fachkräftemangel im Krankenhaus wird durch die Corona-Pandemie verstärkt und immer deutlicher. Ein gewichtiger Fokus liegt dabei auf den Pflegekräften, die nicht nur auf den Intensivstationen einen leistungskritischen Faktor darstellen. Um das erforderliche Niveau und den nötigen Umfang an Pflegeleistungen sicherzustellen, ist ein breites Spektrum an Maßnahmen notwendig.
Zivilrecht: Smarte Änderungen im Kaufrecht
Authors: Güther Robert
Published: February 2022

Am 1. Januar 2022 sind verschiedene Änderungen im Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuch (BGB) in Kraft getreten. Der deutsche Gesetzgeber hat zum einen die EU-Warenkaufrichtlinie und zum anderen die Digitale-Inhalte-Richtlinie der EU in nationales Recht umgesetzt.
Burch Procedure: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Marquini Gisele Vissoci , Bella Zsuzsanna Ilona Katalin de Jarmy di , Sartori Marair Gracio Ferreira
Published: February 2022

Introduction The Burch procedure (1961) was considered the gold standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) before the midurethral slings (MUSs) were introduced, in 2001.

Objective This historical perspective of the Burch's timeline can encourage urogynecological surgeons to master the Burch technique as one of the options for surgical treatment of SUI.

Search Strategy and Selection Criteria A bibliographic search was performed in the PubMed and National Library of Medicine (NIH) databases with the terms Burch colposuspension AND history AND stress urinary incontinence in the last 20 years. The original article by Burch (1961) was included. The references were read by three authors. The exclusion criterion was studies in non-English languages. Biomedical Library Special Collections were included as historical relevant search.

Data Collection, Analysis and Main Results Some modifications of the technique have been made since the Burch procedure was first described. The interest in this technique has been increasing due to the negative publicity associated with vaginal synthetic mesh products. Twenty-nine relevant articles were included in the present review article, and numerous trials have compared Burch colposuspension with MUS.

Conclusion This historical perspective enables the scientific community to review a standardized technique for SUI. Burch colposuspension should be considered an appropriate surgical treatment for women with SUI, and an option in urogynecological training programs worldwide.
Insight into the effects of leading edge delamination on the aerodynamic performance of an airfoil and wind turbine
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhou YongZe , Duan ChengLin , Wang Liang , Jia An
Published: February 2022

Severe erosion or delamination at the leading edge of blades has an adverse influence on the power loss of wind turbines. Obtaining relevant quantitative data and its mechanisms would help in the efficient management and maintenance of these turbines. In the present work, detailed analysis on the effects of various levels of leading edge delamination on the aerodynamics and flow characteristics of an S809 airfoil and, in turn, on the performance of the NREL phase VI rotor is conducted. The results indicated that an elongated leading edge separation bubble and two enclosed vortex systems appeared in the delaminated region of the airfoil when the delamination levels aggravate to a certain degree, while the trailing edge separation vortex can be observed for all delaminated airfoils. The aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine decreases with increasing delamination depth and increases with growing delamination depth. The most influential delamination length is 1%c, and the maximum power loss is 23.09% for the blade with the severe delamination case. A small area of deep leading edge delamination or defects may cause great power loss, which should not be ignored in practice engineering.
Conductivity effects during the transition from collisionless to collisional regimes in cylindrical inductively coupled plasmas
Authors: YANG Wei , GAO Fei , WANG Younian
Published: February 2022

A numerical model is developed to study the conductivity effects during the transition from collisionless to collisional regimes in cylindrical inductively coupled argon plasmas at pressures of 0.1–20 Pa. The model consists of electron kinetics module, electromagnetics module, and global model module. It allows for self-consistent description of non-local electron kinetics and collisionless electron heating in terms of the conductivity of homogeneous hot plasma. Simulation results for non-local conductivity case are compared with predictions for the assumption of local conductivity case. Electron densities and effective electron temperatures under non-local and local conductivities show obvious differences at relatively low pressures. As increasing pressure, the results under the two cases of conductivities tend to converge, which indicates the transition from collisionless to collisional regimes. At relatively low pressures the local negative power absorption is predicted by non-local conductivity case but not captured by local conductivity case. The two-dimensional (2D) profiles of electron current density and electric field are coincident for local conductivity case in the pressure range of interest, but it roughly holds true for non-local conductivity case at very high pressure. In addition, an effective conductivity with consideration of non-collisional stochastic heating effect is introduced. The effective conductivity almost reproduces the electron density and effective electron temperature for the non-local conductivity case, but does not capture the non-local relation between electron current and electric field as well as the local negative power absorption that is observed for non-local conductivity case at low pressures.
Augmentation Mammoplasty With External Volume Expander–Assisted Autologous Fat Grafting in 305 Asian Patients
Authors: Gao Qiuni , Liu Chengsheng , Qi Zuoliang , Zhai Peiming , Qi Jun , Yang Zhenyu , Hu Yuling , Yuan Xihang
Published: February 2022

Background

External volume expander (EVE)-assisted autologous fat grafting is suitable for breast augmentation, but no large sample study in Asia has confirmed this method.

Objectives

The authors reported their experience and outcomes in augmentation mammoplasty with EVE-assisted autologous fat grafting.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in 305 female patients who underwent augmentation mammoplasty with EVE-assisted fat grafting between September 2012 and December 2020. Doctors utilized Crisalix (Crisalix S.A., Lausanne, Switzerland) for 3-dimensional (3D) imaging acquisition to measure the increase in breast volume to evaluate doctor satisfaction. The Preoperative Satisfaction with Breast and BREAST-Q questionnaires were employed to assess patients’ preoperative and postoperative satisfaction, respectively.

Results

The 305 female patients were aged 18 to 50 years (mean, 35.9 years). Among them, 68.52% were “very satisfied,” 18.69% were “somewhat satisfied,” 11.15% were “somewhat dissatisfied,” and 1.64% were “very dissatisfied” based on BREAST-Q analysis, whereas 100% were dissatisfied according to the Preoperative Satisfaction with Breast questionnaire. Doctors employed Crisalix to measure the increase in breast volume to evaluate doctor satisfaction. The results showed 76.01% had an increase in breast volume of 150 to 250 mL or >250 mL and were “satisfied” and “very satisfied,” respectively, 21.64% had an increase of 50 to 149 mL and were “somewhat satisfied,” and 2.30% had an increase <50 mL and were “dissatisfied.” There were no complications, such as obvious fat liquefaction, infection, or fat embolism.

Conclusions

Augmentation mammoplasty with EVE-assisted fat grafting is effective and satisfying in China. Crisalix for 3D imaging acquisition is convenient and effective in measuring breast volume.

Level of Evidence: 4
TSAFinder: exhaustive tumor-specific antigen detection with RNAseq
Authors: Sharpnack Michael F , Johnson Travis S , Chalkley Robert , Han Zhi , Carbone David , Huang Kun , He Kai
Published: February 2022

Motivation

Tumor-specific antigen (TSA) identification in human cancer predicts response to immunotherapy and provides targets for cancer vaccine and adoptive T-cell therapies with curative potential, and TSAs that are highly expressed at the RNA level are more likely to be presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I. Direct measurements of the RNA expression of peptides would allow for generalized prediction of TSAs. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-I genotypes were predicted with seq2HLA. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) fastq files were translated into all possible peptides of length 8–11, and peptides with high and low expressions in the tumor and control samples, respectively, were tested for their MHC-I binding potential with netMHCpan-4.0.

Results

A novel pipeline for TSA prediction from RNAseq was used to predict all possible unique peptides size 8–11 on previously published murine and human lung and lymphoma tumors and validated on matched tumor and control lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) samples. We show that neoantigens predicted by exomeSeq are typically poorly expressed at the RNA level, and a fraction is expressed in matched normal samples. TSAs presented in the proteomics data have higher RNA abundance and lower MHC-I binding percentile, and these attributes are used to discover high confidence TSAs within the validation cohort. Finally, a subset of these high confidence TSAs is expressed in a majority of LUAD tumors and represents attractive vaccine targets.

Availability and implementation

The datasets were derived from sources in the public domain as follows: TSAFinder is open-source software written in python and R. It is licensed under CC-BY-NC-SA and can be downloaded at https://github.com/RNAseqTSA.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Type-2 cGMP-dependent protein kinase suppresses proliferation and carcinogenesis in the colon epithelium
Authors: Islam Bianca N , Sharman Sarah K , Hou Yali , Wang Rui , Ashby Justin , Li Honglin , Liu Kebin , Vega Kenneth J , Browning Darren D
Published: February 2022

A large body of evidence has demonstrated that cyclic-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), signaling has anti-tumor effects that might be used for colon cancer prevention. The tumor-suppressive mechanism and the signaling components downstream of cGMP remain largely unknown. The present study has characterized the expression of cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKG1, PKG2) in normal and cancerous tissue from human colon. PKG1 was detected in both normal and tumor tissue, where it localized exclusively to the lamina propria and stroma (respectively). In contrast, PKG2 localized specifically to the epithelium where its expression decreased markedly in tumors compared to matched normal tissue. Neither PKG isoform was detected at the RNA or protein level in established colon cancer cell lines. To test for a potential tumor-suppressor role of PKG2 in the colon epithelium, Prkg2 knockout (KO) mice were subjected to azoxymethane/dextran sulfate-sodium (AOM/DSS) treatment. PKG2 deficiency was associated with crypt hyperplasia (Ki67) and almost twice the number of polyps per mouse as wild-type (WT) siblings. In vitro culture of mouse colon epithelium as organoids confirmed that PKG2 was the only isoform expressed, and it was detected in both proliferating and differentiating epithelial compartments. Colon organoids derived from Prkg2 KO mice proliferated more rapidly and exhibited a reduced ability to differentiate compared to WT controls. Taken together our results highlight PKG2 as the central target of cGMP in the colon, where it suppresses carcinogenesis by controlling proliferation in an epithelial-cell intrinsic manner.
Performance comparison of mono and polycrystalline silicon solar photovoltaic modules under tropical wet and dry climatic conditions in east-central India
Authors: Baghel Niranjan Singh , Chander Nikhil
Published: February 2022

This work focuses on the performance comparison of monocrystalline and polycrystalline Si solar photovoltaic (SPV) modules under tropical wet and dry climatic conditions in east-central India (21.16° N 81.65° E, Raipur, Chhattisgarh). This study would help to select the SPV module for system installation in the east-central part of the country. For comparative analysis, we used performance ratio (PR) and efficiency as figures of merit. The plane-of-array (POA) irradiance was used to determine the efficiency of the modules. The decomposition and transposition models calculated the POA values from the measured global horizontal irradiance. The data were analysed systematically for 6 months in the non-rainy season, from October 2020 to March 2021. Special attention was given to solar irradiance, ambient temperature and module temperature—the parameters that affect the performance of PV modules. The month of October showed the highest variation in irradiance and temperature. The highest average module temperatures (51–52°C) were observed in October–November, while the lowest average module temperatures (34°C for mono-Si and 36°C for poly-Si) were observed in December. The highest value of average monthly POA irradiance (568 W/m2) was observed in February and the lowest (483 W/m2) in December. The results showed that the monocrystalline SPV module performed better than the polycrystalline module under all weather conditions. The maximum observed values of mono-Si and poly-Si panel PRs were 0.89 and 0.86, respectively, in December. Thermal losses were higher with higher module temperatures in October and November, and lower in December due to lower temperatures. The energy yield was calculated from the measured data and compared with PVSyst simulations.
Transition to cleaner cooking energy in Ghana
Authors: Bofah Richard Osei , Appiah-Konadu Paul , Ngwu Franklin Nnaemeka
Published: February 2022

Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal 7 and other related goals hinges on increased access to clean energy alternatives for all people irrespective of where they live. However, most developing countries including Ghana still rely largely on traditional biomass as the main source of household energy as a result of a myriad of challenges. From the foregoing, the present study uses the Ghana Living Standard Survey 7 (GLSS 7) household data and the multinomial logit regression model to analyse the factors that determine the transition to cleaner cooking energy in Ghana. The analysis shows that the main determinants of household energy choice in Ghana are education, household dwelling type, household size, employment and income group. Whereas education, modern housing, paid employment and higher income increase the adoption of cleaner energy, a higher dependency ratio and employment in the informal sector increase the likelihood of using unclean energy. Increased access to education and the adoption of policies to improve housing conditions, employment and incomes are recommended to encourage the adoption of cleaner energy alternatives.
Analysis of routes for electrochemical conversion of CO2 to methanol
Authors: Li Pingping , Gong Siqi , Li Chufu , Liu Zhien
Published: February 2022

In the context of peak carbon and carbon neutrality, the utilization of CO2 has attracted attention with the aim of reducing carbon emissions by converting CO2 into high-value chemicals or energy. Methanol (MeOH), which is both a hydrogen and a carbon carrier, is considered the most promising among the CO2-conversion products. This paper focus on routes for electrochemical conversion of CO2 to MeOH using green power and green hydrogen to achieve negative CO2 emissions. Three feasible technical routes for electrochemical conversion of CO2 to MeOH are proposed in this paper: Route 1, electrolysis of water to H2 and hydrogenation of CO2 to MeOH; Route 2, electrochemical reduction of CO2 to MeOH; and Route 3, co-electrolysis of CO2–H2O to syngas and synthesis of MeOH from syngas. Techno-economic assessments of the three routes are conducted using technical maturity surveys, system simulations and cost analyses to provide reference data for route selection for CO2 conversion to MeOH in China. Compared with the other routes, Route 1 is advantageous in terms of technical maturity and commercial application prospects. Although Route 1 is presently economically unviable, it is expected to achieve profitability and commercial application in the future with decreases in the cost of renewable power and continuous development of water-electrolysis technology.
A roadmap to parathyroidectomy for kidney transplant candidates
Authors: Cianciolo Giuseppe , Tondolo Francesco , Barbuto Simona , Angelini Andrea , Ferrara Francesca , Iacovella Francesca , Raimondi Concettina , La Manna Gaetano , Serra Carla , De Molo Chiara , Cavicchi Ottavio , Piccin Ottavio , D'Alessio Pasquale , De Pasquale Loredana , Felisati Giovanni , Ciceri Paola , Galassi Andrea , Cozzolino Mario
Published: February 2022

Chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorder may persist after successful kidney transplantation. Persistent hyperparathyroidism has been identified in up to 80% of patients throughout the first year after kidney transplantation. International guidelines lack strict recommendations about the management of persistent hyperparathyroidism. However, it is associated with adverse graft and patient outcomes, including higher fracture risk and an increased risk of all-cause mortality and allograft loss. Secondary hyperparathyroidism may be treated medically (vitamin D, phosphate binders and calcimimetics) or surgically (parathyroidectomy). Guideline recommendations suggest medical therapy first but do not clarify optimal parathyroid hormone targets or indications and timing of parathyroidectomy. There are no clear guidelines or long-term studies about the impact of hyperparathyroidism therapy. Parathyroidectomy is more effective than medical treatment, although it is associated with increased short-term risks. Ideally parathyroidectomy should be performed before kidney transplantation to prevent persistent hyperparathyroidism and improve graft outcomes. We now propose a roadmap for the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients eligible for kidney transplantation that includes the indications and timing (pre- or post-kidney transplantation) of parathyroidectomy, the evaluation of parathyroid gland size and the integration of parathyroid gland size in the decision-making process by a multidisciplinary team of nephrologists, radiologists and surgeons.
Total transfemoral access in a new off-the-shelf thoracoabdominal inner-branched endograft
Authors: Andic Mateja , Mustafi Migdat , Schlensak Christian , Lescan Mario
Published: February 2022

Branched endovascular aneurysm repair (BEVAR) is increasingly being performed with the off-the-shelf devices. We evaluated the use of the wire-assisted sheath stabilization technique for the new inner branch-based (iBEVAR), off-the-shelf E-nside endograft in 2 patients. The cannulation of the 8 reno-visceral target vessels and the BSG implantation were successfully performed using the total transfemoral approach. Complications were not observed during the 3-month follow-up. The wire-assisted sheath stabilization technique was shown feasible in an off-the-shelf iBEVAR.
Feasibility of the SINERGIAPS (“Sinergias entre profesionales y pacientes para una Atención Primaria Segura”) intervention for improving patient safety in primary care
Authors: Serrano-Ripoll Maria J , Fiol-deRoque Maria A , Valderas José M , Zamanillo-Campos Rocío , Llobera Joan , de Labry Lima Antonio Olry , Pastor-Moreno Guadalupe , Ricci-Cabello Ignacio
Published: February 2022

Aim

The primary aim was to examine the feasibility of intervention delivery and of trial procedures. Secondary aims were to study the intervention uptake; its acceptability and perceived utility; and its potential to improve safety culture and avoidable hospital admissions.

Methods

We conducted a 3-month, single-arm feasibility study in 10 primary care (PC) centres in Spain. Centres received information regarding patients’ experiences of safety (through the Patient Reported Experiences and Outcomes of Safety in Primary Care [PREOS-PC] questionnaire), and were instructed to plan safety improvements based on that feedback. We used a bespoke online tool to recruit PC professionals, collect patient feedback, and deliver it to the centres, and to collect outcome data (patient safety culture [Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture, MOSPSC questionnaire]). We measured recruitment and follow-up rates and intervention uptake (based on the number of safety improvement plans registered). We conducted semistructured interviews with 9 professionals to explore the intervention acceptability and perceived utility.

Results

Of 256 professionals invited, 120 (47%) agreed to participate, and 97 completed baseline and postintervention measures. Of 780 patients invited, 585 (75%) completed the PREOS-PC questionnaire. Five of 10 centres (50%) designed an improvement plan, providing 27 plans in total (range per centre, 1–14). The intervention was perceived as a novel strategy for improving safety, although the healthcare professionals identified several factors limiting its acceptability and utility: lack of feedback at the individual professional level; potentially unrepresentative sample of patients providing feedback; and number of educational materials deemed overwhelming.

Discussion

It is feasible to deliver the proposed intervention so long as the identified limitations are addressed.
The effects of plate interface rheology on subduction kinematics and dynamics
Authors: Behr Whitney M , Holt Adam F , Becker Thorsten W , Faccenna Claudio
Published: February 2022

Tectonic plate motions predominantly result from a balance between the potential energy change of the subducting slab and viscous dissipation in the mantle, bending lithosphere and slab–upper plate interface. A wide range of observations from active subduction zones and exhumed rocks suggest that subduction interface shear zone rheology is sensitive to the composition of subducting crustal material—for example, sediments versus mafic igneous oceanic crust. Here we use 2-D numerical models of dynamically consistent subduction to systematically investigate how subduction interface viscosity influences large-scale subduction kinematics and dynamics. Our model consists of an oceanic slab subducting beneath an overriding continental plate. The slab includes an oceanic crustal/weak layer that controls the rheology of the interface. We implement a range of slab and interface strengths and explore how the kinematics respond for an initial upper mantle slab stage, and subsequent quasi-steady-state ponding near a viscosity jump at the 660-km-discontinuity. If material properties are suitably averaged, our results confirm the effect of interface strength on plate motions as based on simplified viscous dissipation analysis: a ∼2 order of magnitude increase in interface viscosity can decrease convergence speeds by ∼1 order of magnitude. However, the full dynamic solutions show a range of interesting behaviour including an interplay between interface strength and overriding plate topography and an end-member weak interface-weak slab case that results in slab break-off/tearing. Additionally, for models with a spatially limited, weak sediment strip embedded in regular interface material, as might be expected for the subduction of different types of oceanic materials through Earth’s history, the transient response of enhanced rollback and subduction velocity is different for strong and weak slabs. Our work substantiates earlier suggestions as to the importance of the plate interface, and expands the range of quantifiable links between plate reorganizations, the nature of the incoming and overriding plate and the potential geological record.
Multi-omics approaches identify a key gene, PpTST1, for organic acid accumulation in peach
Authors: Wang Qi , Cao Ke , Cheng Lailiang , Li Yong , Guo Jian , Yang Xuanwen , Wang Jiao , Khan Irshad Ahmad , Zhu Gengrui , Fang Weichao , Chen Changwen , Wang Xinwei , Wu Jinlong , Xu Qiang , Wang Lirong
Published: February 2022

Organic acid content in fruit is an important determinant of peach organoleptic quality, and undergoes considerable variations during development and maturation. However, its molecular mechanism remains largely unclear. In this study, an integrative approach of genome-wide association studies and comparative transcriptome analysis was applied to identify candidate genes involved in organic acid accumulation in peach. A key gene, PpTST1, encoding tonoplast sugar transporter, was identified and the genotype of PpTST1 with a single-base transversion (G1584T) in the third exon that leads to a single amino acid substitution (Q528H) was associated with a low level of organic acid content in peach. Overexpression of PpTST1His resulted in reduced organic acid content along with increased sugar content both in peach and tomato fruits, suggesting its dual function in sugar accumulation and organic acid content reduction. Two V-type proton ATPases interacted with PpTST1 in a yeast two-hybrid assay. In addition, the G1584T transversion appeared and gradually accumulated during domestication and improvement, which indicated that PpTST1 was under selection. The identification and characterization of PpTST1 would facilitate the improvement of peach fruit quality.
The circadian clock and cancer: links between circadian disruption and disease Pathology
Authors: Fekry Baharan , Eckel-Mahan Kristin
Published: February 2022

There is growing evidence that disruption of our 24-h clock increases our risk for acquiring several diseases and disorders. One of these diseases is cancer. While the mechanistic links between circadian clock disruption and cancer initiation or progression are an active area of study, significantly more work needs to be done to understand the molecular substrates involved. Of particular complexity remains the functions of the clock in individual cells during the process of transformation (cancer initiation) versus the functions of the clock in tumour-surrounding stroma in the process of tumour progression or metastasis. Indeed, the nexus of cellular circadian dynamics, metabolism and carcinogenesis is drawing more attention, and many new studies are now highlighting the critical role of circadian rhythms and clock proteins in cancer prevention. In this brief review, we cover some of the basic mechanisms reported to link circadian disruption and cancer at the level of gene expression and metabolism. We also review some of the human studies addressing circadian disruption and cancer incidence as well as some controlled laboratory studies connecting the two in pre-clinical models. Finally, we discuss the tremendous opportunity to use circadian approaches for future prevention and treatment in the context of cancer in specific organs.