bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Damage in Crystalline Silicon Substrate Induced by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Amorphous Silicon Films
Authors: Kojima H. , Nishihara T. , Gotoh K. , Usami N. , Hara T. , Nakamura K. , Ohshita Y. , Ogura A.
Published: January 2023

We evaluated damage to crystalline silicon (c-Si) induced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H). The damaged layer +-on the c-Si surface under the a-Si:H film was evaluated by lifetime measurements using the photoconductance method in conjunction with step etching. This damaged layer is approximately 2.8 nm and did not disappear by annealing at 200 °C for 30 min in the air atmosphere. The image from cross-sectional transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation also shows an area of contrast on the c-Si surface approximately 2.8 nm thick, which appears to be a damaged layer. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements revealed that this damage is a non-luminescent defect. We verified that the difference in H2 flow rate during the a-Si:H deposition has an effect on the depth of the damage penetration into the c-Si. We concluded that the H atom is the main cause of the damage introduced into c-Si during a-Si:H deposition by PECVD.
Pendrin regulation is prioritized by anion in high-potassium diets
Authors: Tahaei Ebrahim , Pham Truyen D. , Al-Qusairi Lama , Grimm Rick , Wall Susan M. , Welling Paul A.
Published: January 2023

Regulation of the Cl−/[Formula: see text] exchanger pendrin has been suggested to explain the aldosterone paradox. A high-K+ diet has been proposed to downregulate a pendrin-mediated K+-sparing NaCl reabsorption pathway to maximize urinary K+ excretion. Here, we challenged the hypothesis, revealing that the accompanying anion, not K+, drives pendrin expression. Pendrin is downregulated with a high-KCl diet, preventing acidosis, and upregulated with an alkaline-rich high-K+ diet, preventing metabolic alkalosis. Pendrin regulation is prioritized for acid-base balance.
Intramuscular lipid utilization during exercise: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression
Authors: Stokie Jayden R. , Abbott Gavin , Howlett Kirsten F. , Hamilton David L. , Shaw Christopher S.
Published: January 2023

Intramuscular lipid (IMCL) utilization during exercise was controversial as numerous studies did not observe a decline in IMCL content post-exercise when assessed in muscle biopsies using biochemical techniques. Contemporary techniques including immunofluorescence microscopy and 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) offer advantages over biochemical techniques. The primary aim of this systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression was to examine the net degradation of IMCL in response to an acute bout of cycling exercise in humans, as assessed with different analytical approaches. A secondary aim was to explore the factors influencing IMCL degradation including feeding status, exercise variables, and participant characteristics. A total of 44 studies met the inclusion criteria using biochemical, immunofluorescence, and 1H-MRS techniques. A meta-analysis was completed using a random effects model and percentage change in IMCL content calculated from the standardized mean difference. Cycling exercise resulted in a net degradation of IMCL regardless of technique (total effect −23.7%, 95% CI = −28.7 to −18.7%) and there was no difference when comparing fasted versus fed-state exercise ( P > 0.05). IMCL degradation using immunofluorescence techniques detected larger effects in type I fibers compared with whole muscle using biochemical techniques ( P = 0.003) and in type I fibers compared with type II fibers ( P < 0.001). Although IMCL degradation was associated with exercise duration, V̇o2max, and BMI, none of these factors independently related to the change in IMCL content. These findings provide strong evidence that the analytical approach can influence the assessment of IMCL degradation in human skeletal muscle in response to exercise.
Early-stage Alzheimer’s disease: are skeletal muscle and exercise the key?
Authors: Brisendine Matthew H. , Drake Joshua C.
Published: January 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia affecting approximately 6.5 million people in the United States alone. The development of AD progresses over a span of years to possibly decades before resulting in cognitive impairment and clinically diagnosed AD. The time leading up to a clinical diagnosis is known as the preclinical phase, a time in which recent literature has noted a more severe loss of body mass and more specifically lean muscle mass and strength prior to diagnosis. Mitochondria dysfunction in neurons is also closely associated with AD, and mitochondrial dysfunction has been seen to occur in skeletal muscle with mild cognitive impairment prior to AD manifestation. Evidence from animal models of AD suggests a close link among skeletal muscle mass, mitochondria function, and cognition. Exercise is a powerful stimulus for improving mitochondria function and muscle health, and its benefits to cognition have been suggested as a possible therapeutic strategy for AD. However, evidence for beneficial effects of exercise in AD-afflicted populations and animal models has produced conflicting results. In this mini-review, we discuss these findings and highlight potential avenues for further investigation that may lead to the implementation of exercise as a therapeutic intervention to delay or prevent the development of AD.
Biomechanical effects of esophageal elongation on the circumferential tension of the cervical esophagus in vivo
Authors: Lang Ivan M. , Medda Bidyut K. , Shaker Reza
Published: January 2023

Physical or physiological esophageal elongation increases esophageal circumferential active or passive tension by a biomechanical process, which causes a decrease in esophageal circumferential elasticity. This increased stiffness of the esophageal wall likely promotes esophageal bolus flow during various esophageal functions.
Mesenchymal condensation in tooth development and regeneration: a focus on translational aspects of organogenesis
Authors: Sui Bing-Dong , Zheng Chen-Xi , Zhao Wan-Min , Xuan Kun , Li Bei , Jin Yan
Published: January 2023

The teeth are vertebrate-specific, highly specialized organs performing fundamental functions of mastication and speech, the maintenance of which is crucial for orofacial homeostasis and is further linked to systemic health and human psychosocial well-being. However, with limited ability for self-repair, the teeth can often be impaired by traumatic, inflammatory, and progressive insults, leading to high prevalence of tooth loss and defects worldwide. Regenerative medicine holds the promise to achieve physiological restoration of lost or damaged organs, and in particular an evolving framework of developmental engineering has pioneered functional tooth regeneration by harnessing the odontogenic program. As a key event of tooth morphogenesis, mesenchymal condensation dictates dental tissue formation and patterning through cellular self-organization and signaling interaction with the epithelium, which provides a representative to decipher organogenetic mechanisms and can be leveraged for regenerative purposes. In this review, we summarize how mesenchymal condensation spatiotemporally assembles from dental stem cells (DSCs) and sequentially mediates tooth development. We highlight condensation-mimetic engineering efforts and mechanisms based on ex vivo aggregation of DSCs, which have achieved functionally robust and physiologically relevant tooth regeneration after implantation in animals and in humans. The discussion of this aspect will add to the knowledge of development-inspired tissue engineering strategies and will offer benefits to propel clinical organ regeneration.
The Cable Fault Diagnosis for XLPE Cable Based on 1DCNNs-BiLSTM Network
Authors: Wang Qianyu , Cao Dong , Zhang Shuyuan , Zhou Yuzan , Yao Lina
Published: January 2023

Diagnosing the fault type accurately from a variety of faults is very essential to ensure a stable electricity supply when a short-circuit fault occurs. In this paper, a hybrid classification model combining the one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) and the bidirectional long short-term memory network (BiLSTM) is proposed for the classification of cable short-circuit faults to improve the accuracy of fault diagnosis. Sample sets of the current signal for single-phase grounding short circuit, two-phase grounding short circuit, two-phase to phase short circuit, and three-phase grounding short-circuit are obtained by the simulink model, and the signal is input to this network model. The local features of the cable fault signals are extracted using 1D-CNN and the fault signal timing information is captured using BiLSTM, which enables the diagnosis of cable faults based on the automatically extracted features. The experimental results of the simulation show that the model can obtain a good recognition performance and can achieve an overall accuracy of 99.45% in classifying the four short-circuit faults with 500 iterations. In addition, the analysis of loss function curves and accuracy curves shows that the method performs better than networks with only temporal feature extraction, such as 1D-CNN and LSTM.
Does Electrode Sensor Positioning over Motor Points Affect Different Portions of Quadriceps Muscle Architecture during Submaximal Evoked Torque?
Authors: Ventura Álvaro , Gomes Leandro , Cavalcante Jonathan , Vieira Denis , Sousa Caio Victor , Marqueti Rita de Cassia , Babault Nicolas , Durigan João Luiz
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives. Few studies have evaluated differences in muscle architecture in quadriceps femoris constituents with sensor electrodes positioned over vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) motor points during a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) session. We aimed to investigate the changes in muscle architecture of the rectus femoris (RF), VL, VM, and vastus intermedius (VI) portions during evoked contractions with sensor electrodes placed over VL and VM motor points. Materials and Methods. The study is a crossover, repeated‐measure design, conducted with healthy males aged 24.0 ± 4.6 years. Ultrasonography at rest and evoked contraction at 40% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) were used to assess the pennation angle (θp) and fascicle length (Lf) of RF, VL, VM, and VI portions. Results. The mean torque observed was 201.14 ± 50.22 N.m during MVC and at 40% of MVC was 80.45 ± 20.08 N.m. There was no difference for θp comparing four components of the quadriceps femoris (p = 0.27). There was a significant (p < 0.05) muscle evoked contraction interaction for Lf without relevant clinical importance to the study. Conclusions. There is no difference in the changes in the muscle architecture of quadriceps femoris constituents during stimulation with the electrodes placed on the VL and VM motor points. Therefore, clinicians can choose either VL or VM motor points for sensor electrode positioning and expect similar muscle architecture adaptation for a given evoked torque. Future clinical studies should be conducted to establish the optimal electrode positioning over different portions of the quadriceps muscle to optimize more rational NMES clinical settings.
Digital Record for Removable Denture Patients
Authors: Krishna Teja G , Rao BL , Satyanarayana TSV , Sravanthi TLG , Padmini D , Saikumar CD
Published: January 2023

Denture marking is required for forensic and social reasons in the event that patients must be identified individually. The majority of surface marking and inclusion techniques are costly and time-consuming, and do not allow for the incorporation of large amounts of data. Near-field communication (NFC) is a popular wireless technology that allows you to transfer data between two devices that are in close proximity to each other. This tag features an internal memory that can be used to store patient information. Incorporating this tag into a denture can make things handy for storage of information digitally.
An Overview of Scientific Production of Renewable Energies in Ghana
Authors: Takase Mohammed , Kipkoech Rogers
Published: January 2023

Ghana is experiencing an increase in energy demand as a result of increased industrialization activities. Nonrenewable energy sources, such as combustible fuels like petroleum, are the primary source of energy. Nonrenewable energy resources are associated with a number of issues, including environmental pollution. Renewable energy is a sustainable source of energy that is critical to the energy sector and the economy’s progress. Hydropower, biomass, solar energy, and wind energy are among the renewable energy resources available in Ghana. In Ghana, key institutions are responsible for the management and development of energy sources in the renewable energy sector. Among these institutions is the Ministry of Energy, which is responsible for the formulation and implementation of laws and policies, for instance, the Renewable Energy Act of 2011. Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana Grid Company (GGC), and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) are among the institutions under the Ministry of Energy. There are also regulatory agencies established by parliamentary act to ensure that all actors in the sector are working properly. Among these are the Energy Commission, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PUR), and the National Petroleum Authority. Active nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), research institutes and universities, and industry are also involved in renewable energy activities.
Critical Fractional
p
-Laplacian System with Negative Exponents
Authors: Zhu Qinghao , Qi Jianming
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we consider a class of fractional

p

-Laplacian problems with critical and negative exponents. By decomposition of the Nehari manifold, the existence and multiplicity of nontrivial solutions for the above problems are established with respect to a sufficiently small parameter.
Integrated Network Pharmacology and Proteomic Analyses of Targets and Mechanisms of Jianpi Tianjing Decoction in Treating Vascular Dementia
Authors: Liu Jidan , Gong Juanfen , Xu Jinchao , Fang Mengyuan , Su Meng , Li Weiguang , Wu Yiyi , Hui Yang , He Yingchun
Published: January 2023

Background. Vascular dementia (VD), associated with cerebrovascular injury, is characterized by severe cognitive impairment. Jianpi Tianjing Decoction (JTD) has been widely used to treat VD. However, its molecular targets and mechanisms of action in this treatment remain unclear. This study integrated network pharmacology and proteomics to identify targets and mechanisms of JTD in the treatment of VD and to provide new insights and goals for clinical treatments. Methods. Systematic network pharmacology was used to identify active chemical compositions, potential targets, and mechanisms of JTD in VD treatment. Then, a mouse model of VD was induced via transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion to verify the identified targets and mechanisms of JTD against VD using 4D label‐free quantitative proteomics. Results. By screening active chemical compositions and potential targets in relevant databases, 187 active chemical compositions and 416 disease‐related compound targets were identified. In vivo experiments showed that JTD improved learning and memory in mice. Proteomics also identified 112 differentially expressed proteins in the model and sham groups and the JTD and model groups. Integrating the network pharmacology and proteomics results revealed that JTD may regulate expressions of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 7C, metabotropic glutamate receptor 2, Slc30a1 zinc transporter 1, and apolipoprotein A‐IV in VD mice and that their mechanisms involve biological processes like oxidative phosphorylation, regulation of neuron death, glutamate secretion, cellular ion homeostasis, and lipoprotein metabolism. Conclusions. JTD may suppress VD development via multiple components, targets, and pathways. It may thus serve as a complementary treatment option for patients with VD.
Myeloid Maturity: ATRA to Enhance Anti–PD-1?
Authors: Olson Daniel J. , Luke Jason J.
Published: January 2023

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are associated with resistance to anti-PD-1 therapies. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) may induce maturation of MDSCs and alter their immunosuppressive effects. Adding ATRA to pembrolizumab may target this resistance mechanism to enhance the overall impact of anti-PD-1–based immunotherapy.

See related article by Tobin et al., p. 1209
Structures of Cancer Antigen Mesothelin and Its Complexes with Therapeutic Antibodies
Authors: Zhan Jingyu , Lin Dong , Watson Nathan , Esser Lothar , Tang Wai Kwan , Zhang Alex , Liu Xiufen , Hassan Raffit , Gleinich Anne , Shajahan Asif , Azadi Parastoo , Pastan Ira , Xia Di
Published: January 2023

The tumor-associated antigen mesothelin is expressed at high levels on the cell surface of many human cancers, while its expression in normal tissues is limited. The binding of mesothelin to the tumor-associated cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) can lead to heterotypic cell adhesion and tumor metastasis within the pleural and peritoneal cavities. Immunotherapeutic strategies targeting mesothelin are being intensively investigated. Here, we report the crystal structures of mesothelin that reveal a compact, right-handed solenoid consisting of 24 short helices and connecting loops. These helices form a nine-layered spiral coil that resembles ARM/HEAT family proteins. Glycan attachments have been identified in the structure for all three predicted N-glycosylation sites and confirmed with samples from cell culture and patient ascites. The structures of full-length mesothelin and its complex with the Fab of MORAb-009 reveal the interaction of the antibody with the complete epitope, which has not been reported previously. The N-terminal half of mesothelin is conformationally rigid, suitable for eliciting specific antibodies, whereas its C-terminal portion is more flexible. The structure of the C-terminal shedding-resistant fragment of mesothelin complexed with a mAb 15B6 displays an extended linear epitope and helps explain the protection afforded by the antibody for the shedding sites.

Significance:

The structures of full-length mesothelin and its complexes with antibodies reported here are the first to be determined experimentally, providing atomic models for structural organization of this protein and its interactions with antibodies. It offers insights into the function of mesothelin and guidance for further development of therapeutic antibodies.
Immune Profile and Body Composition of Independent Oldest Old: The Longevous Project
Authors: Caldeira Marcelo Henrique Reis , Mello Almada-Filho Clineu , Brunialti Milena Karina Colo , Salomão Reinaldo , Cendoroglo Maysa
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Immunosenescence is associated with changes in lymphocyte function, thymus atrophy, and a chronic inflammatory process referred to as “inflammaging,” which may in part be linked to eating disorders. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence rate of immunological alterations, including immune risk profile (IRP), and their association with body composition in the oldest old individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 201 older adults aged 80 years and over, able to walk unaided, with no cognitive or immunological impairment, and with no serious diseases was conducted. Blood samples were collected between 2012 and 2014 during the morning period, and the following tests were conducted: urea, creatinine, hemogram, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, transferrin, albumin, 25-OH vitamin D, and high-sensitivity CRP. Plasma cytokines were measured and mononuclear cell counts were performed by flow cytometry. Anthropometric measurements and densitometry using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were performed to assess body composition. Results: Mean age was 84.4 ± 3.7 years, and the numbers of T cells were CD4, 784.0 cell/µL; CD8, 371.0 cell/µL; and CD4/CD8, 2.4. The rate of CD4/CD8 <1 (IRP) was 9.4%, CD4/CD8 1–5 was 85.6%, while CD4/CD8 >5 was only 5.5%. CRP, tumor necrosis factor, IL1, IL4, IL6, and IL10 variables showed a high coefficient of variation but low mean values of 1.1 ± 3.1 mg/L for CRP (reference range <3 mg/L) and 3.9 ± 5.0 pg/mL for IL6 (reference range <7.0 pg/mL). The same pattern was found for all other inflammatory variables assessed, characterizing a population whose values indicated low level of inflammation, considering age. Lean mass, as measured by DXA, was higher in men than in women, while the inverse was found for fat % (p < 0.001). A positive association between CRP values and DXA fat % (p value: 0.007, r: 0.49) and a negative association between CRP values and DXA lean mass (p value: 0.046, r:–0.37) was observed. Conclusion: In the independent oldest old, IRP rate proved low and high-sensitivity CRP was shown to be associated with body composition.
Ultrarapid Iron Polymaltose Infusions Are Safe for Management of Iron Deficiency
Authors: Banakh Iouri , Turek Martha , Niewodowski Daniel , Sriamareswaran Rumes Kanna , Yeaman Fiona , Vo Lilian , Churchill Travis
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Iron deficiency is a common condition, especially among patients with kidney and heart failure and inflammatory bowel disease. Intravenous iron is the preferred method of treatment in these patients, but it usually requires prolonged iron polymaltose infusions or multiple administrations of alternative preparations. The aim of the study was to confirm the safety and patient acceptance of ultrarapid iron polymaltose infusions as an alternative to slower treatments and ferric carboxymaltose. Method: An open-label, phase 4 safety study was conducted at a tertiary hospital, with consenting participants diagnosed with iron deficiency and requiring iron polymaltose up to 1,500 mg receiving the infusion over 15 min. The acute adverse event (AE) rates and their severities were compared to historical controls of 1- and 4-h iron polymaltose infusions from a retrospective study of 648 patients from the same study site. Delayed AEs as well as participant infusion acceptability were also studied. Results: Three hundred participants over a 2-year period received ultrarapid infusions of iron polymaltose with an acute AE rate of 18.7% and severe AE rate of 1.0%. The total and mild infusion AE rates were higher compared to those of slower infusions (p < 0.001), but comparable for moderate and severe AEs. Delayed reactions occurred in 12.5% of participants, with over 95% of them preferring repeat ultrarapid infusions if required again. Conclusion: Iron polymaltose can be safely infused at ultrarapid rates when compared to slower infusions, with similar safety to ferric carboxymaltose, offering greater convenience for patients and reduced healthcare costs.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Resections Larger than 10 cm: Outcomes from a Portuguese Center
Authors: Mendes Raquel R. , Barreiro Pedro , Mascarenhas André , Franco Ana Rita , Carvalho Liliana , Chagas Cristina
Published: January 2023

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive technique for en bloc resection of superficial neoplastic lesions, independent of their size. However, for giant gastrointestinal superficial neoplasia, the risk of invasive cancer is higher, and ESD is typically challenging. Despite the increasing literature on giant resections, data on their efficacy and safety are still lacking. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe ESD outcomes from a Portuguese center, compare them with other international studies, and analyze the possible risk factors influencing outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center review using a prospectively collected database, including patients with rectal ESD resections larger than 10 cm, between January 2016 and December 2021. Clinical, procedural, and pathological data were collected and analyzed. Revision of the literature for comparison with international results was done through PubMed. Data were analyzed and statistical analysis performed, using Microsoft Excel and SPSS, to identify significant risk factors. Results: The study included 15 rectal resections, with a mean diameter of 140.9 mm (range 105–270), corresponding to lesions of 125.9 mm (87–238). The overall en bloc resection rate was 100% (n = 15). According to ESGE criteria, procedure was considered curative in 53.3% (n = 8), non-curative with high risk in 13.3% (n = 2), and local-risk recurrence in 33.3% (n = 5). Adverse events occurred in 26.7% (n = 4): 1 minor perforation and 3 stenosis, most endoscopically managed. For non-curative resections with local-risk recurrence, surveillance without adjuvant therapy was performed in all cases. For high-risk non-curative resections, surgery was performed in 1 patient and adjuvant chemoradiation therapy in another. Follow-up (mean 16 months) demonstrated a recurrence rate of 0%. Statistical analysis revealed resection size ≥20 cm as a risk factor for perforation (p value 0.067), and involvement of ≥90% of the circumference and procedural time ≥4 h as risk factors for stenosis (p value 0.029 and 0.009, respectively). Conclusions: Although challenging, ESD for giant lesions seems effective and safe, with a still relevant rate of complications, which were mostly endoscopically treated. Rigorous characterization of lesions is crucial to predict and avoid complications or the need for therapy escalation.
The Investigation of Kidney Involvement in 430 Hospitalized Patients with Omicron COVID-19 in Tianjin, China
Authors: Teng Lanbo , Chang Wenxiu
Published: January 2023

Introduction: This study evaluated the incidence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of kidney involvement in patients with the Omicron variant infection in the post-acute treatment phase in Tianjin, China. Methods: Data were collected from 430 patients with Omicron variant infection in Tianjin, China. Demographics, comorbidities, laboratory blood tests, urinalysis, vaccination status, and COVID-19 clinical classification were assessed. Patients were grouped based on kidney involvement, and associated risk factors of kidney involvement were also investigated. Results: Asymptomatic, mild, ordinary, and severe patients with Omicron COVID-19 variant comprised 1.5%, 49.1%, 48.9%, and 0.5% of the sample population, respectively, without critical illness or death. The incidences of hematuria, proteinuria, and concurrent hematuria and proteinuria were 14.7%, 14.2%, and 5.1%, respectively. Patients with and without kidney involvement differed in age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, creatinine levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Age, hypertension, higher CRP levels, and higher BMI were linked with kidney involvement. Conclusion: The majority of the patients suffered from mild or ordinary symptoms of Omicron COVID-19 infection. The primary kidney involvement was hematuria and proteinuria. Proteinuria was significantly associated with Omicron variant infection, and patients with hypertensive comorbidity, higher CRP, and higher creatinine levels were at increased risk of proteinuria after Omicron variant infection.
Endovenöse Laserablation vs. Crossektomie und Stripping-Operation: Welche Methode gewinnt im 10-Jahres-Vergleich?
Authors: Stücker Markus
Published: January 2023

Objective: The long-term results of saphenofemoral ligation and stripping (SFL/S) were compared with 980-nm bare fiber endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence. Methods: This was a single-center, randomized, controlled trial with a follow-up time of 10 years. Patients with GSV incompetence were randomized to undergo SFL/S or EVLA under tumescent anesthesia. The primary outcome was recurrence of groin-related varicose veins seen on duplex ultrasound imaging and clinical examination. The secondary outcomes were (changes or improvement in) CEAP clinical class, venous symptoms, cosmetic results, quality of life, reinterventions, and complications. Results: Between June 2007 and December 2008, 122 patients (130 limbs) were included; of these, 68 limbs were treated with SFL/S and 62 limbs with EVLA. The 10-year estimated freedom from groin recurrence as seen on duplex ultrasound imaging was higher in the SFL/S group (73% vs 44% in the EVLA group; P = .002), and the same trend was seen for clinically evident recurrence (77% vs 58%, respectively; P = .034). Nine reinterventions (17%) were deemed necessary in the SFL/S group vs 18 (36%) in the EVLA group (P = .059). All reinterventions in the SFL/S group consisted of foam sclerotherapy. Reinterventions in the EVLA group included foam sclerotherapy (n = 5), crossectomy (n = 2), and endovenous procedures (n = 11). There was no significant differences in quality of life and relief of venous symptoms. Cosmetic appearance improved, with a better cosmetic rating in the SFL/S group compared with the EVLA group (P = .026). One patient in the SFL/S group had a persisting neurosensory deficit remaining at 10 years. Conclusions: This study showed no clear long-term advantage of EVLA with a 980-nm wavelength and bare-tip fiber over high ligation and stripping of the GSV under local tumescent anesthesia.
Effects of Yijinjing Qigongin Alleviating Fatigue, Sleep Quality, and Health Status on Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled, and Parallel Group Clinical Study
Authors: Xie Fangfang , Dong Wenjun , Guan Chong , Yao Fei
Published: January 2023

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a chronic disease characterized by various symptoms such as pathological fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and inability to recover energy after waking up. The Yijinjing, a kind of health care practice from ancient China, consists of 12 movements, and it is considered as one of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for health maintenance, health care, and disease healing. In this study, multiple scales were used to evaluate the effects of Yijinjing intervention on the clinical symptoms of CFS. Patients and Methods: Forty patients with CFS were randomly assigned to Yijinjing group and the cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) group separately. The Yijinjing intervention was practiced 6 times per week, among which one exercise should be guided by the teacher of the faculty in the university, and another 5 times should be finished at home over 12 consecutive weeks. Similarly, the control group received cognitive education, including popular science lectures and psychological counseling related to CFS prevention and treatment for 12 weeks. Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 (MFI-20), Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were assessed before and after intervention. Results: Intra-group analysis showed that the differences in MFI-20, SF-36, and PSQI were statistically significant (p < 0.05) after the intervention of 12 weeks Yijinjing intervention. Compared with the CBT group, the differences in MFI-20 and PSQI of the Yijinjing group were statistically significant (p < 0.05), but SF-36 was superior to the CBT group in terms of physical function, bodily pain, general health, and vitality (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Yijinjing can significantly improve sleep disorders, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with CFS and is superior to behavioral cognitive education in pain and vitality. The study was registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-INR-17010694.
Malignant Primary and Metastatic Cardiac Tumors: A Single-Center 27-Year Case Review
Authors: Garcia Brás Pedro , Branco Luísa Moura , Galrinho Ana , Timóteo Ana Teresa , Branco Mano Tânia , Ferreira Vera , Cardoso Isabel , Castelo Alexandra , Pinto Eugénia , Coelho Pedro , Rodrigues Rui , Leal Ana , Bravio Ivan , Fragata José , Cruz Ferreira Rui
Published: January 2023

Background: Malignant primary cardiac tumors are exceedingly rare, and despite surgical exeresis or chemotherapy, their prognosis remains poor. Cardiac invasion by metastatic tumors, while more common, also entails an unsatisfactory outcome. This study aimed to review patients diagnosed with malignant primary and secondary cardiac tumors in a tertiary center between 1995 and 2022. Methods: Clinical data, echocardiographic, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance assessments of tumor location and morphology, histology, treatment, and survival were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Sixty malignant cardiac tumors were diagnosed: 17 primary (A) and 43 metastatic (B) tumors. A: the most common types were angiosarcoma (41%), undifferentiated sarcoma (23%), and fibrosarcoma (18%). Patients with primary tumors were younger than patients with metastatic tumors (41 ± 13 years vs. 57 ± 18 years, p = 0.001), with no significant gender difference. The most frequent presentations were heart failure (59%) and arrhythmia (23%). The most prevalent tumor location was the right heart chambers (71%), mostly in the right atrium (35%). 47% were submitted to tumor resection, and 29% received chemotherapy. The mortality rate was 82% with a median survival of 6.0 (interquartile range: 1.0–11.8) months after diagnosis (minimum of 12 days and maximum of 19 years). One patient with fibrosarcoma underwent heart transplantation and was still alive and well after 19 years. B: regarding metastatic cardiac invasion, the most common primary tumor sites were lung carcinomas (38%), thymomas (17%), and lymphomas (14%). Presentation with pericardial effusion was common (33%). The mortality rate was 72%, with a median survival of 3.6 (1.0–13.4) months (minimum of 7 days, maximum of 5 years). Conclusion: Diagnosis of metastatic cardiac tumors was more common than that of malignant primary tumors, both with a dismal prognosis. When radical exeresis is not possible, heart transplantation can be an option with a favorable outcome in carefully selected patients with sarcomas.
Deep Learning-Based Segmentation of Airway Morphology from Endobronchial Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Zhou Zi-Qing , Guo Zu-Yuan , Zhong Chang-Hao , Qiu Hui-Qi , Chen Yu , Rao Wan-Yuan , Chen Xiao-Bo , Wu Hong-Kai , Tang Chun-Li , Su Zhu-Quan , Li Shi-Yue
Published: January 2023

Background: Manual measurement of endobronchial optical coherence tomography (EB-OCT) images means a heavy workload in the clinical practice, which can also introduce bias if the subjective opinions of doctors are involved. Objective: We aim to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based EB-OCT image analysis algorithm to automatically identify and measure EB-OCT parameters of airway morphology. Methods: The ResUNet, MultiResUNet, and Siamese network were used for analyzing airway inner area (Ai), airway wall area (Aw), airway wall area percentage (Aw%), and airway bifurcate segmentation obtained from EB-OCT imaging, respectively. The accuracy of the automatic segmentations was verified by comparing with manual measurements. Results: Thirty-three patients who were diagnosed with asthma (n = 13), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, n = 13), and normal airway (n = 7) were enrolled. EB-OCT was performed in RB9 segment (lateral basal segment of the right lower lobe), and a total of 17,820 OCT images were collected for CNN training, validation, and testing. After training, the Ai, Aw, and airway bifurcate were readily identified in both normal airway and airways of asthma and COPD. The ResUNet and the MultiResUNet resulted in a mean dice similarity coefficient of 0.97 and 0.95 for Ai and Aw segmentation. The accuracy Siamese network in identifying airway bifurcate was 96.6%. Bland-Altman analysis indicated there was a negligible bias between manual and CNN measurements for Ai (bias = −0.02 to 0.01, 95% CI = −0.12 to 0.14) and Aw% (bias = −0.06 to 0.12, 95% CI = −1.98 to 2.14). Conclusion: EB-OCT imaging in conjunction with ResUNet, MultiResUNet, and Siamese network could automatically measure normal and diseased airway structure with an accurate performance.
Common Benign Melanocytic and Non-Melanocytic Skin Tumors among the Elderly: Results of the Graz Study on Health and Aging
Authors: Gruber Viktoria , Hofmann-Wellenhof Rainer , Wolf Peter , Hofmann-Wellenhof Elena Lucia , Schmidt Helena , Berghold Andrea , Wedrich Andreas
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Benign skin tumors are the most common skin findings and contribute to the major reasons for consulting a dermatologist. However, the frequency of benign skin tumors concerning different body areas and their relationship with sun-related behavior have not been sufficiently characterized. We aimed to improve knowledge about the anatomic distribution of the most frequently occurring benign skin tumors among a healthy predominant elderly population. Furthermore, we investigated associations with sun-related habits. Methods: In total, 100 participants, 37 men, and 63 women (mean age: 67.2 years; range: 46–86 years) were enrolled in the Graz Study on Health and Aging (GSHA) cohort. Full body images were investigated for melanocytic nevi, seborrheic keratoses, hemangiomas, dermatofibromas, and lentigines. Information on the phenotypic trait, sun exposure, use of sun-protective measures, and history of sunburns was collected in a questionnaire. Results: Common melanocytic nevi were the most frequently encountered skin lesions. Male sex was associated with multiple common nevi on the abdomen and the presence of atypical nevi. High sun exposure in central European latitudes during adolescence was positively associated with multiple common nevi on the total body. Multiple common nevi and atypical nevi on the back correlated with frequent use of sunscreens with SPF during young adulthood and adolescence, respectively. Conclusion: Our study adds new knowledge about the most frequently occurring benign skin tumors, considering all visible body areas. This research may serve as a reference basis for following epidemiological studies.
High-amplitude network co-fluctuations linked to variation in hormone concentrations over the menstrual cycle
Authors: Greenwell Sarah , Faskowitz Joshua , Pritschet Laura , Santander Tyler , Jacobs Emily G. , Betzel Richard F.
Published: January 2023

Many studies have shown that the human endocrine system modulates brain function, reporting associations between fluctuations in hormone concentrations and brain connectivity. However, how hormonal fluctuations impact fast changes in brain network organization over short timescales remains unknown. Here, we leverage a recently proposed framework for modeling co-fluctuations between the activity of pairs of brain regions at a framewise timescale. In previous studies we showed that time points corresponding to high-amplitude co-fluctuations disproportionately contributed to the time-averaged functional connectivity pattern and that these co-fluctuation patterns could be clustered into a low-dimensional set of recurring “states.” Here, we assessed the relationship between these network states and quotidian variation in hormone concentrations. Specifically, we were interested in whether the frequency with which network states occurred was related to hormone concentration. We addressed this question using a dense-sampling dataset (N = 1 brain). In this dataset, a single individual was sampled over the course of two endocrine states: a natural menstrual cycle and while the subject underwent selective progesterone suppression via oral hormonal contraceptives. During each cycle, the subject underwent 30 daily resting-state fMRI scans and blood draws. Our analysis of the imaging data revealed two repeating network states. We found that the frequency with which state 1 occurred in scan sessions was significantly correlated with follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone concentrations. We also constructed representative networks for each scan session using only “event frames”—those time points when an event was determined to have occurred. We found that the weights of specific subsets of functional connections were robustly correlated with fluctuations in the concentration of not only luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, but also progesterone and estradiol.
Convective-Scale Assimilation of Cloud Cover from Photographs Using a Machine Learning Forward Operator
Authors: Reinhardt Maria , Schoger Sybille Y. , Kurzrock Frederik , Potthast Roland
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an innovational way of assimilating observations of clouds into the icosahedral nonhydrostatic weather forecasting model for regional scale (ICON-D2), which is operated by the German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst) (DWD). A convolutional neural network (CNN) is trained to detect clouds in camera photographs. The network’s output is a grayscale picture, in which each pixel has a value between 0 and 1, describing the probability of the pixel belonging to a cloud (1) or not (0). By averaging over a certain box of the picture a value for the cloud cover of that region is obtained. A forward operator is built to map an ICON model state into the observation space. A three-dimensional grid in the space of the camera’s perspective is constructed and the ICON model variable cloud cover (CLC) is interpolated onto that grid. The maximum CLC along the rays that fabricate the camera grid, is taken as a model equivalent for each pixel. After superobbing, monitoring experiments have been conducted to compare the observations and model equivalents over a longer time period, yielding promising results. Further we show the performance of a single assimilation step as well as a longer assimilation experiment over a time period of 6 days, which also yields good results. These findings are proof of concept and further research has to be invested before these new innovational observations can be assimilated operationally in any numerical weather prediction (NWP) model.
Projected Impacts of Antarctic Meltwater Anomalies over the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Purich Ariaan , England Matthew H.
Published: January 2023

Antarctic margin and Southern Ocean surface freshening has been observed in recent decades and is projected to continue over the twenty-first century. Surface freshening due to precipitation and sea ice changes is represented in coupled climate models; however, Antarctic ice sheet/shelf meltwater contributions are not. Because Antarctic melting is projected to accelerate over the twenty-first century, this constitutes a fundamental shortcoming in present-day projections of high-latitude climate. Southern Ocean surface freshening has been shown to cause surface cooling by reducing both ocean convection and the entrainment of warm subsurface waters to the surface. Over the twenty-first century, Antarctic meltwater is expected to alter the pattern of projected surface warming as well as having other climatic effects. However, there remains considerable uncertainty in projected Antarctic meltwater amounts, and previous findings could be model dependent. Here, we use the ACCESS-ESM1.5 coupled model to investigate global climate responses to low and high Antarctic meltwater additions over the twenty-first century under a high-emissions climate scenario. Our high-meltwater simulations produce anomalous surface cooling, increased Antarctic sea ice, subsurface ocean warming, and hemispheric differences in precipitation. Our low-meltwater simulations suggest that the magnitude of surface temperature and Antarctic sea ice responses is strongly dependent on the applied meltwater amount. Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of constraining projections of Antarctic ice sheet/shelf melt to better project global surface climate changes over the twenty-first century.

Significance Statement

Antarctic ice sheets and shelves are melting, adding meltwater to the Southern Ocean and changing the ocean circulation. Antarctic meltwater stratifies the upper ocean, resulting in cooling of the surface Southern Ocean but warming at depth that could accelerate ice shelf melting. Coupled climate models used to project twenty-first-century climate do not represent ice sheets or shelves, neglecting important climate impacts. Here we conduct meltwater simulations with a coupled climate model and find that the magnitude of climate responses is strongly dependent on the applied meltwater amount. This highlights 1) the importance of constraining Antarctic meltwater projections to better project global climate over the twenty-first century and 2) that it is important that Antarctic meltwater be represented in future-generation coupled climate models.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccinations: Provider Education to Enhance Vaccine Uptake
Authors: Kopp Sarah A. , Turk Dawn E.
Published: January 2023

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the number one sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximated that 92% of HPV-related cancers might be prevented by receiving the HPV 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9). The 2-dose HPV vaccine for children ages 11 to 12 years provides almost 100% protection against strains affiliated with cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Provider education is essential to decrease clinical knowledge deficits and increase vaccination uptake. Evidence-based provider recommendations expressed to eligible individuals improves vaccination rates. Evidence-based approaches for vaccine-hesitant parents involve using the presumptive announcement approach, asking for and addressing main concerns, and trying again if the parent initially declines. Seventy percent of parents who initially decide not to get their child vaccinated later agree to the vaccine or schedule a follow-up appointment. The CDC guidelines for HPV vaccinations, including the catch-up and adult guidelines, are reviewed. A clinical vignette with case scenarios and a Q&A quiz are included.
Do Simulated Augmented Reality Overlays Influence Street-Crossing Decisions for Non-Mobility-Impaired Older and Younger Adult Pedestrians?
Authors: Malik Jeehan , Kim Nam-Yoon , Parr Morgan D. N. , Kearney Joseph K. , Plumert Jodie M. , Rector Kyle
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study used a virtual environment to examine how older and younger pedestrians responded to simulated augmented reality (AR) overlays that indicated the crossability of gaps in a continuous stream of traffic.

Background

Older adults represent a vulnerable group of pedestrians. AR has the potential to make the task of street-crossing safer and easier for older adults.

Method

We used an immersive virtual environment to conduct a study with age group and condition as between-subjects factors. In the control condition, older and younger participants crossed a continuous stream of traffic without simulated AR overlays. In the AR condition, older and younger participants crossed with simulated AR overlays signaling whether gaps between vehicles were safe or unsafe to cross. Participants were subsequently interviewed about their experience.

Results

We found that participants were more selective in their crossing decisions and took safer gaps in the AR condition as compared to the control condition. Older adult participants also reported reduced mental and physical demand in the AR condition compared to the control condition.

Conclusion

AR overlays that display the crossability of gaps between vehicles have the potential to make street-crossing safer and easier for older adults. Additional research is needed in more complex real-world scenarios to further examine how AR overlays impact pedestrian behavior.

Application

With rapid advances in autonomous vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian communication technologies, it is critical to study how pedestrians can be better supported. Our research provides key insights for ways to improve pedestrian safety applications using emerging technologies like AR.