bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation on the Performance of a 4-Stroke Engine with Different Passive Pre-Chamber Geometries Using a Detailed Chemistry Solver
Authors: Bigalli Simone , Catalani Iacopo , Balduzzi Francesco , Matteazzi Nicola , Agostinelli Lorenzo , De Luca Michele , Ferrara Giovanni
Published: July 2022

Pre-chamber turbulent jet ignition represents one of the most promising techniques to improve spark ignition engines efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions. This technique consists of igniting the air-fuel mixture in the main combustion chamber by means of several hot turbulent flame jets exiting a pre-chamber. In the present study, the combustion process of a 4-stroke, gasoline SI, PFI engine equipped with a passive pre-chamber has been investigated through three-dimensional CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis. A detailed chemistry solver with a reduced reaction mechanism was employed to investigate ignition and flame propagation phenomena. Firstly, the combustion model was validated against experimental data for the baseline engine configuration (i.e., without pre-chamber). Eventually, the validated numerical model allowed for predictive simulations of the pre-chamber-equipped engine. By varying the shape of the pre-chamber body and the size of pre-chamber orifices, different pre-chamber configurations were studied. The influence of the geometrical features on the duration of the combustion process and the pressure trends inside both the pre-chamber and main chamber was assessed and discussed. Since the use of a pre-chamber can extend the air-fuel mixture ignition limits, an additional sensitivity on the air-fuel ratio was carried out, in order to investigate engine performance at lean conditions.
Multiple-Level Tectonic Control of Coalbed Methane Occurrence in the Huaibei Coalfield of Anhui Province, China
Authors: Zhao Zhigen , Xue Sheng
Published: July 2022

The Huaibei coalfield is an important coal base and one of the hot spots of coalbed methane development in China. Therefore, a detailed understanding of gas occurrence in the Huaibei coalfield is of great significance. This paper analyzes the gas occurrence from the perspective of multiple-level tectonic control, i.e., the regional tectonic level, the coalfield tectonic level, the mining area tectonic level, and the coal mine tectonic level. This study deduces that gas occurrence in the Huaibei coalfield is characterized by multiple-level tectonic control. At the regional level, the Huaibei coalfield is located in the southeast margin of the North China plate, affected by the tectonic evolution of the North China plate and by the evolution of the Dabie–Tanlu–Sulu orogenic belt. Therefore, the regional geological tectonic is complex, leading to the high gas content and serious gas hazard. At the coalfield level, gas occurrence in the Huaibei coalfield is controlled by east–west faults, NNE faults, and the Xuzhou–Suzhou arc nappe tectonic, which results in the highest gas occurrence in the Suxian mining area, followed by the Linhuan mining area and the Suixiao mining area, while the lowest amount of gas occurs in the Guoyang mining area. At the mining area level, considering the Suxian mining area as an example, the gas occurrence is controlled by the distance from the Tancheng–Lujiang fault zone and the intensity of tectonic compression, i.e., coal mine gas in the east is the highest, followed by coal mines in the south, while coal mine gas in the west is the lowest. At the coal mine level, gas occurrence is controlled by the buried depth of the coal seam, the tensional normal fault, magmatic activity, and uplift and erosion of strata. Finally, the findings of this study may help in the prevention of gas hazard and the exploration and development of coalbed methane in the Huaibei coalfield and other coalfields of similar geological characteristics.
Drug-Target Network Study Reveals the Core Target-Protein Interactions of Various COVID-19 Treatments
Authors: Dai Yulin , Yu Hui , Yan Qiheng , Li Bingrui , Liu Andi , Liu Wendao , Jiang Xiaoqian , Kim Yejin , Guo Yan , Zhao Zhongming
Published: July 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a dramatic loss of human life and devastated the worldwide economy. Numerous efforts have been made to mitigate COVID-19 symptoms and reduce the death rate. We conducted literature mining of more than 250 thousand published works and curated the 174 most widely used COVID-19 medications. Overlaid with the human protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, we used Steiner tree analysis to extract a core subnetwork that grew from the pharmacological targets of ten credible drugs ascertained by the CTD database. The resultant core subnetwork consisted of 34 interconnected genes, which were associated with 36 drugs. Immune cell membrane receptors, the downstream cellular signaling cascade, and severe COVID-19 symptom risk were significantly enriched for the core subnetwork genes. The lung mast cell was most enriched for the target genes among 1355 human tissue-cell types. Human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid COVID-19 single-cell RNA-Seq data highlighted the fact that T cells and macrophages have the most overlapping genes from the core subnetwork. Overall, we constructed an actionable human target-protein module that mainly involved anti-inflammatory/antiviral entry functions and highly overlapped with COVID-19-severity-related genes. Our findings could serve as a knowledge base for guiding drug discovery or drug repurposing to confront the fast-evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus and other severe infectious diseases.
Synergic Effect of Metformin and Everolimus on Mitochondrial Dynamics of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hong Seong-Hwi , Lee Kwang-Suk , Hwang Hyun-Ji , Park Sung-Yul , Han Woong-Kyu , Yoon Young-Eun
Published: July 2022

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) frequently recurs or metastasizes after surgical resection. Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, is used as a second-line treatment, but the response of RCC to everolimus is insufficient. Metformin is an antidiabetic drug; recent reports have indicated its anti-cancer effects in various cancers, and it is known to have synergistic effects with other drugs. We investigated the possibility of coadministering everolimus and metformin as an effective treatment for RCC. RCC cells treated with a combination of the two drugs showed significantly inhibited cell viability, cell migration, and invasion, and increased apoptosis compared to those treated with each drug alone. An anti-cancer synergistic effect was also confirmed in the xenograft model. Transcriptome analysis for identifying the underlying mechanism of the combined treatment showed the downregulation of mitochondrial fusion genes and upregulation of mitochondrial fission genes by the combination treatment. Changes in mitochondrial dynamics following the combination treatment were observed using LysoTracker, LysoSensor, and JC-1 staining. In conclusion, the combination of everolimus and metformin inhibited RCC growth by disrupting mitochondrial dynamics. Therefore, we suggest that a treatment combining metformin and everolimus disrupts mitochondrial dynamics in RCC, and may be a novel strategy for RCC treatment.
Overexpression of DfRaf from Fragrant Woodfern (Dryopteris fragrans) Enhances High-Temperature Tolerance in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Authors: Song Chunhua , Fan Qi , Tang Yuqing , Sun Yanan , Wang Li , Wei Mingchu , Chang Ying
Published: July 2022

Heat stress seriously affects medicinal herbs’ growth and yield. Rubisco accumulation factor (Raf) is a key mediator regulating the activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), which plays important roles in carbon assimilation and the Calvin cycle in plants. Raf has been studied in many plants, but has rarely been studied in the important medicinal plant fragrant woodfern (Dryopteris fragrans). The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of Raf on carbohydrate metabolism and the response to heat stress in medicinal plants. In this study, high temperature treatment upregulated the expression of DfRaf, which was significantly higher than that of phosphoribokinase (DfPRK), Rubisco small subunits (DfRbcS), Rubisco large subunits (DfRbcL) and Rubisco activase (DfRCA). The subcellular localization showed that the DfRaf proteins were primarily located in the nucleus; DfPRK, DfRbcS, DfRbcL and DfRCA proteins were primarily located in the chloroplast. We found that overexpression of DfRaf led to increased activity of Rubisco, RCA and PRK under high-temperature stress. The H2O2, O2− and MDA content of the DfRaf-OV-L2 and DfRaf-OV-L6 transgenic lines were significantly lower than those of WT and VC plants under high-temperature stress. The photosynthetic pigments, proline, soluble sugar content and ROS-scavenging ability of the DfRaf-OV-L2 and DfRaf-OV-L6 transgenic lines were higher than those of WT and VC plants under high-temperature stress. The results showed that overexpression of the DfRaf gene increased the Rubisco activity, which enhanced the high-temperature tolerance of plants.
Gender-Specific Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life in Obese Korean Older Adults: Evidence from the 2020 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Hee-jeong , Park Dahye
Published: July 2022

Given the increasing aging population in South Korea, the quality of life of older adults must be ensured. This cross-sectional descriptive study investigated the gender-specific factors associated with health-related quality of life in obese older adults aged 65 years and above based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) 2020 data. In total, 507 obese Korean older adults participated in the 8th KNHNES. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the variation in health-related quality of life according to socioeconomic and health-related factors and assess their inter-relationships. The influencing factors of health-related quality of life in obese Korean older adults were national health insurance (odds ratio (OR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.40–2.21), private health insurance (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.28–0.75), arthritis (OR = 6.64, 95% CI: 2.57–17.14), and good dietary lifestyle (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.05–0.93) in men; and private health insurance (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.05–6.72), arthritis (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.44–5.51), and physical activity (OR = 4.33, 95% CI: 1.71–10.94) affected health-related quality of life in women. The importance of health behaviors should be considered in the development of health programs and interventions for improving the quality of life of older adults.
Croatian National Cancer Patient Experience Survey
Authors: Karabatić Sandra , Šajnić Andreja , Pleština Sanja , Jakopović Marko , Kurtović Biljana
Published: July 2022

Background: Cancer patients’ experiences of the healthcare system, care, and treatment are increasingly viewed as important in order to inform and improve quality of care, patient safety, and treatment efficacy. Understanding patient experience is a key step in moving toward patient-centred care. The aims of this study were to determine the experience of cancer patients in Central and Eastern European countries and to identify the needs and perspectives of oncological patients during the cancer treatment. In this paper, results from Croatia are presented. Methods: A sixty-nine item online survey was translated by native-language participating countries. Only registered members (subjects with confirmed cancer diagnosis) of the national patient oncology associations in each participating country were allowed to access and complete the online questionnaire (n = 16,458). Data were collected between October 2018 to February 2019. The Croatian Coalition of Health Associations enabled the authors of this paper to use the collected data from a sample of the Croatian participants (n = 2460) for the purposes of publication. Results: Two-thirds (67.3%) of the respondents reported satisfaction with the length of time needed for getting tests done. Bad news was delivered sensitively to 52.97% of the participants, and 52.76% received a cancer treatment plan. During the hospitalisation, 45.93% responded that they did not find someone from the hospital staff whom they could talk to about their worries and fears, and 57.48% were not given any contact information in case of concerns about their condition or treatment following the discharge. Regarding the patients’ preferences, needs, and values, 60.81% of the respondents felt that the greatest improvement would be to perform all services in one place, and 55.28% felt that improvement would be achieved through a multidisciplinary team coordinated by one person. Conclusions: The study reveals domains that need to be addressed in the overall Croatian healthcare system for oncology patients. Based on the obtained data, we can conclude that there is a large need for improvement in patient experience on the oncology pathway.
Molecular Processes of Dodder Haustorium Formation on Host Plant under Low Red/Far Red (R/FR) Irradiation
Authors: Pan Hangkai , Li Yi , Chen Luxi , Li Junmin
Published: July 2022

Low R/FR irradiation can promote dodder haustorium formation on the host plant; however, the mechanisms underlying the process are still unknown. In this study, we compared the transcriptomic data during the formation of haustorium of Cuscuta chinensis on host plant Arabidopsisthaliana under low (R/FR = 0.1) versus high (R/FR = 0.2) R/FR irradiation at 12 h, 24 h and 72 h time points. The results show that low R/FR radiation significantly promoted the entanglement and haustorium formation. Transcriptome analysis showed that during the early stage of haustorium formation, low R/FR radiation significantly up-regulated ARR-A related genes and down-regulated peroxidase related genes compared with high R/FR radiation. Meanwhile, during the middle stage of haustorium formation, low R/FR treatment significantly increased the expression of genes related to pectinesterase (PE), polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin lyase (Pel) production, while, during the late stage of haustorium formation, peroxidase (Prx)-related genes were differentially expressed under different R/FR treatments. Overall, our findings show that a low R/FR ratio promotes the parasitism of C. chinensis through plant hormone signal transduction and cell wall degradation pathways. This study provides a basis for the control of parasitic plants.
Prediction of Time-Series Transcriptomic Gene Expression Based on Long Short-Term Memory with Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Zhou Ying , Jia Erteng , Shi Huajuan , Liu Zhiyu , Sheng Yuqi , Pan Min , Tu Jing , Ge Qinyu , Lu Zuhong
Published: July 2022

RNA degradation can significantly affect the results of gene expression profiling, with subsequent analysis failing to faithfully represent the initial gene expression level. It is urgent to have an artificial intelligence approach to better utilize the limited data to obtain meaningful and reliable analysis results in the case of data with missing destination time. In this study, we propose a method based on the signal decomposition technique and deep learning, named Multi-LSTM. It is divided into two main modules: One decomposes the collected gene expression data by an empirical mode decomposition (EMD) algorithm to obtain a series of sub-modules with different frequencies to improve data stability and reduce modeling complexity. The other is based on long short-term memory (LSTM) as the core predictor, aiming to deeply explore the temporal nonlinear relationships embedded in the sub-modules. Finally, the prediction results of sub-modules are reconstructed to obtain the final prediction results of time-series transcriptomic gene expression. The results show that EMD can efficiently reduce the nonlinearity of the original data, which provides reliable theoretical support to reduce the complexity and improve the robustness of LSTM models. Overall, the decomposition-combination prediction framework can effectively predict gene expression levels at unknown time points.
Management of Malpositioned Double-Lumen Tubes: A Simulation-Based Training Exercise for Anesthesiology Residents
Authors: Hierlmeier Bryan , Prem Anand , Anand Suwarna , Lerant Anna , Ostrovsky Galina
Published: July 2022

Objectives: Demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of using the AirSim® Bronchi airway simulator to teach anesthesia residents how to successfully troubleshoot and manage malpositioned double-lumen endotracheal tubes used for single-lung ventilation. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Simulation lab in a university-based anesthesiology residency training program. Participants: CA1 (PGY2) anesthesiology residents. Interventions: Each resident was initially tasked with troubleshooting a malpositioned double-lumen tube (DLT) on an AirSim® Bronchi (Trucorp, Craigavon, UK) airway simulator in one of the three positions and was timed on their performance. This first simulation was followed by completion of a survey that assessed the resident’s level of confidence in repositioning a malpositioned DLT. Following the initial simulation, a didactic presentation was given to the residents on the management of malpositioned DLTs using a protocol, followed by a practice session. Two months later, each resident repeated the simulation exercise. A follow-up survey was conducted after each simulation, assessing the quality of the curriculum and subsequent level of confidence in performing the same tasks using a five-point Likert scale. Measurements and Main Results: Ten residents at the University of Mississippi Medical Center completed the simulation exercises and curriculum. The average time it took to troubleshoot the malpositioned DLT during the first simulation was 139 s, with only 30% of the residents correctly identifying the specific malposition and 40% correctly repositioning the DLT after initial malposition. The repeat simulation after two months showed significant improvement in efficiency, with the average time to complete the task decreasing from 139 s to 56 s. During the second simulation exercise, all 10 residents were able to correctly identify the DLT malposition and correctly reposition the DLT to the correct position. Additionally, residents’ confidence levels in managing a malpositioned DLT improved significantly. Initially, 70% of the residents reported a lack of confidence in identifying and correcting a malpositioned DLT, but after the didactic curriculum and simulation training, 100% of the residents reported confidence in completing the task. Conclusions: The AirSim® Bronchi (Trucorp, Craigavon, UK) simulator can be used to effectively teach and evaluate residents on correctly identifying and repositioning a malpositioned DLT. The residents’ performance and level of confidence were evaluated before and after the simulation curriculum. The results reveal that simulation-based training is an effective educational tool for improving clinical performance and confidence in identifying and appropriately managing a malpositioned DLT.
GaSubtle: A New Genetic Algorithm for Generating Subtle Higher-Order Mutants
Authors: Wedyan Fadi , Al-Shishani Abdullah , Jararweh Yaser
Published: July 2022

Mutation testing is an effective, yet costly, testing approach, as it requires generating and running large numbers of faulty programs, called mutants. Mutation testing also suffers from a fundamental problem, which is having a large percentage of equivalent mutants. These are mutants that produce the same output as the original program, and therefore, cannot be detected. Higher-order mutation is a promising approach that can produce hard-to-detect faulty programs called subtle mutants, with a low percentage of equivalent mutants. Subtle higher-order mutants contribute a small set of the large space of mutants which grows even larger as the order of mutation becomes higher. In this paper, we developed a genetic algorithm for finding subtle higher-order mutants. The proposed approach uses a new mechanism in the crossover phase and uses five selection techniques to select mutants that go to the next generation in the genetic algorithm. We implemented a tool, called GaSubtle that automates the process of creating subtle mutants. We evaluated the proposed approach by using 10 subject programs. Our evaluation shows that the proposed crossover generates more subtle mutants than the technique used in a previous genetic algorithm with less execution time. Results vary on the selection strategies, suggesting a dependency relation with the tested code.
Pathophysiology and Therapy of High-Altitude Sickness: Practical Approach in Emergency and Critical Care
Authors: Savioli Gabriele , Ceresa Iride Francesca , Gori Giulia , Fumoso Federica , Gri Nicole , Floris Valentina , Varesi Angelica , Martuscelli Ermelinda , Marchisio Sara , Longhitano Yaroslava , Ricevuti Giovanni , Esposito Ciro , Caironi Guido , Giardini Guido , Zanza Christian
Published: July 2022

High altitude can be a hostile environment and a paradigm of how environmental factors can determine illness when human biological adaptability is exceeded. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of high-altitude sickness, including its epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatments. The first section of our work defines high altitude and considers the mechanisms of adaptation to it and the associated risk factors for low adaptability. The second section discusses the main high-altitude diseases, highlighting how environmental factors can lead to the loss of homeostasis, compromising important vital functions. Early recognition of clinical symptoms is important for the establishment of the correct therapy. The third section focuses on high-altitude pulmonary edema, which is one of the main high-altitude diseases. With a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of high-altitude diseases, as well as a reasoned approach to environmental or physical factors, we examine the main high-altitude diseases. Such an approach is critical for the effective treatment of patients in a hostile environment, or treatment in the emergency room after exposure to extreme physical or environmental factors.
Long-Term Evolution of Vestibular Compensation, Postural Control, and Perceived Disability in a Population of Patients with Vestibular Neuritis
Authors: Esteban-Sanchez Jonathan , Martin-Sanz Eduardo
Published: July 2022

Objectives. The aim was to analyze and compare the compensatory process, vestibular dysfunction, postural control, and perceived disability in a population of patients with vestibular neuritis (VN). Material and Methods. This is a prospective and longitudinal study of 67 patients diagnosed with VN. Inclusion criteria were sudden onset of vertigo, unidirectional spontaneous horizontal nystagmus, and impairment in vestibular test. Exclusion criteria were imaging or clinical findings of any neurotologic disorder. All vestibular tests were performed; vHIT, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), caloric test and computerized dynamic posturography (CDP), dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), and visual analogue scale (VAS) were also performed at every follow up. Results. We observed a correlation between the composite score of CDP and baseline vestibular function elicited either by caloric test, VEMPs, or vHIT. There was a significant correlation between baseline vestibular function and first visit questionnaire scores. The main gain recovery for the horizontal canal was 0.1 ± 0.04 for the first three months. After that, the gain recovery significantly decreased. The presence of covert and overt saccades’, latency and amplitude decreased, respectively, after the 6-month period, when compared to the baseline results. We also observed a decrease in the PR score from 3 months after the vestibular insult until the last follow up. We observed a significant decrease in DHI and VAS from the first visit until the last one. Those patients with an initial HC gain below 0.5 had significantly higher DHI and VAS scores at every follow up. Conclusions. There are different measurements that could become a complete measurement of the state of compensation, postural control, and disability of the patients. There is a time window in which the vestibular restoration could give us clinical insights regarding the management of VN patients.
Experimental Investigation of Material Transfer on Bearings for Total Hip Arthroplasty—A Retrieval Study on Ceramic and Metallic Femoral Heads
Authors: Hembus Jessica , Rößler Lisa , Springer Armin , Frank Marcus , Klinder Annett , Bader Rainer , Zietz Carmen , Enz Andreas
Published: July 2022

Metallic deposition is a commonly observed phenomenon on the surface of revised femoral heads in total hip arthroplasty and can lead to increased wear due to third bodies. In order to find out the origin and composition of the transfer material, 98 retrieved femoral heads of different materials were examined with regard to the cause of revision, localization, pattern and composition of the transfer material by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. We found that in 53.1%, the deposition was mostly in the region of the equator and the adjacent pole of the femoral heads. The most common cause for revision of heads with metallic deposition was polyethylene wear (43.9%). Random stripes (44.9%), random patches (41.8%) and solid patches (35.7%) were most prevalent on retrieved femoral heads. Random patches were a typical pattern in ceramic-on-ceramic bearing couples. The solid patch frequently occurred in association with dislocation of the femoral head (55%). The elemental analysis of the depositions showed a variety of different materials. In most cases, titanium was an element of the transferred material (76.5%). In addition to metallic components, several non-metallic components were also detected, such as carbon (49%) or sulfur (4.1%). Many of the determined elements could be assigned with regard to their origin with the help of the associated revision cause. Since the depositions lead to an introduction of third-body particles and thus to increased wear, the depositions on the bearing surfaces should be avoided in any case.
Serum Fibrinogen as a Biomarker for Disease Severity and Exacerbation in Patients with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis
Authors: Lee Seung Jun , Jeong Jong Hwan , Heo Manbong , Ju Sunmi , Yoo Jung-Wan , Jeong Yi Yeong , Lee Jong Deog
Published: July 2022

Background: Serum biomarkers associated with severe non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis are currently lacking. We assessed the association of serum fibrinogen, adiponectin, and angiopoietin-2 levels with the severity and exacerbation of bronchiectasis. Methods: Serum levels of fibrinogen, adiponectin, and angiopoietin-2 were measured and compared in patients with stable non-CF bronchiectasis (n = 61) and healthy controls (n = 16). The correlations between the three biomarkers and the bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) or FACED scores were assessed. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify variables independently associated with BSI and FACED scores in patients with bronchiectasis. Additionally, the exacerbation-free survival was compared between groups of patients with high and low fibrinogen levels, while the predictors of exacerbation were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Patients with non-CF bronchiectasis carried higher fibrinogen (3.00 ± 2.31 vs. 1.52 ± 0.74 µg/mL; p = 0.016) and adiponectin (12.3 ± 5.07 vs. 9.17 ± 5.30 µg/mL; p = 0.031) levels compared with healthy controls. The serum level of angiopoietin-2 was comparable between the two groups (1.49 ± 0.96 vs. 1.21 ± 0.79 ng/mL, p = 0.277). Correlations of adiponectin and angiopoietin-2 with BSI and FACED scores were not significant. However, there were significant correlations between fibrinogen and both BSI (r = 0.428) and FACED scores (r = 0.484). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that fibrinogen level was an independent variable associated with both BSI and FACED scores. A total of 31 (50.8%) out of 61 patients experienced exacerbation during the follow-up period of 25.4 months. Exacerbation-free survival was significantly longer in patients with low fibrinogen levels than in those with high fibrinogen (log-rank test, p = 0.034). High fibrinogen levels and Pseudomonas colonization were independent risk factors for future exacerbation (HR 2.308; p = 0.03 and HR 2.555; p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusions: Serum fibrinogen, but not adiponectin or angiopoietin-2, is a potential biomarker closely associated with the severity and exacerbation of non-CF bronchiectasis.
Bone Density May Be a Promising Predictor for Blood Loss during Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Zhu Wei , Wei Zhanqi , Zhou Tianjun , Han Chang , Lv Zehui , Wang Han , Feng Bin , Weng Xisheng
Published: July 2022

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA), which is performed mostly in elderly individuals, can result in substantial blood loss and thereby imposes a significant physical burden and risk of blood transfusion. The femoral neck cut and reamed acetabulum are the main sites of intraoperative bleeding. Whether the bone density in that region can be used to predict the amount of blood loss in THA is unknown. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed adult patients undergoing primary THA in the Department of Orthopedics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from January 2018 to January 2020. All these patients underwent primary unilateral THA. Patients had their bone mineral density (BMD) recorded within the week before surgery and were stratified and analyzed for perioperative blood loss. Multivariable regressions were utilized to adjust for differences in demographics and comorbidities among groups. Results: A total of 176 patients were included in the study. Intraoperative blood loss was 280.1 ± 119.56 mL. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between blood loss and preoperative bone density of both the femoral greater trochanter (R = 0.245, p = 0.001) and the Ward’s triangle (R = 0.181, p = 0.016). Stepwise multiple linear regression showed that preoperative bone density of the greater trochanter (p = 0.015, 95% CI: 0.004–0.049) and sex (p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for THA bleeding. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the greater trochanter and Ward’s triangle was 0.593 (95% CI: 0.507–0.678, p = 0.035) and 0.603 (95% CI: 0.519–0.688, p = 0.018), respectively. The cutoff T value on the femoral greater trochanter for predicting higher bleeding was −1.75. Conclusions: In THA patients, preoperative bone density values of the femoral greater trochanter and sex could be promising independent predictors for bleeding during surgery. Osteoporosis and female patients might have lower blood loss in the THA operation.
Single-Centre Retrospective Evaluation of Intraoperative Hemoadsorption in Left-Sided Acute Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Kalisnik Jurij Matija , Leiler Spela , Mamdooh Hazem , Zibert Janez , Bertsch Thomas , Vogt Ferdinand Aurel , Bagaev Erik , Fittkau Matthias , Fischlein Theodor
Published: July 2022

Background: Cardiac surgery in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) is still associated with high mortality and morbidity; an already present inflammation might further be aggravated due to a cardiopulmonary bypass-induced dysregulated immune response. Intraoperative hemoadsorption therapy may attenuate this septic response. Our objective was therefore to assess the efficacy of intraoperative hemoadsorption in active left-sided native- and prosthetic infective endocarditis. Methods: Consecutive high-risk patients with active left-sided infective endocarditis were enrolled between January 2015 and April 2021. Patients with intraoperative hemoadsorption (Cytosorbents, Princeton, NJ, USA) were compared to patients without hemoadsorption (control). Endpoints were the incidence of postoperative sepsis, sepsis-associated death and in-hospital mortality. Predictors for sepsis-associated mortality and in-hospital mortality were analysed by multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 202 patients were included, 135 with active left-sided native and 67 with prosthetic valve infective endocarditis. Ninety-nine patients received intraoperative hemoadsorption and 103 patients did not. Ninety-nine propensity-matched pairs were selected for final analyses. Postoperative sepsis and sepsis-related mortality was reduced in the hemoadsorption group (22.2% vs. 39.4%, p = 0.014 and 8.1% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.01, respectively). In-hospital mortality tended to be lower in the hemoadsorption group (14.1% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.052). Key predictors for sepsis-associated mortality and in-hospital mortality were preoperative inotropic support, lactate-levels 24 h after surgery, C-reactive protein levels on postoperative day 1, chest tube output, cumulative inotropes and white blood cell counts on postoperative day 2, and new onset of dialysis. Multivariate regression analysis revealed intraoperative hemoadsorption to be associated with lower sepsis-associated (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.013–0.62, p = 0.014) as well as in-hospital mortality (OR 0.069, 95% CI 0.006–0.795, p = 0.032). Conclusions: Intraoperative hemoadsorption holds promise to reduce sepsis and sepsis-associated mortality after cardiac surgery for active left-sided native and prosthetic valve infective endocarditis.
Sleeve Gastrectomy-Induced Body Mass Index Reduction Increases the Intensity of Taste Perception’s and Reduces Bitter-Induced Pleasantness in Severe Obesity
Authors: Rurgo Sara , Cantone Elena , Pesce Marcella , Efficie Eleonora , Musella Mario , Polese Barbara , De Conno Barbara , Pagliaro Marta , Seguella Luisa , Guida Bruna , Esposito Giuseppe , Sarnelli Giovanni
Published: July 2022

Background: The sense of taste is involved in food behavior and may drive food choices, likely contributing to obesity. Differences in taste preferences have been reported in normal-weight as compared to obese subjects. Changes in taste perception with an increased sweet-induced sensitivity have been reported in surgically treated obese patients, but data regarding the perception of basic tastes yielded conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate basic taste identification, induced perception, and pleasantness in normal-weight controls and obese subjects before and after bariatric surgery. Methods: Severe obese and matched normal weight subjects underwent a standardized spit test to evaluate sweet, bitter, salty, umami, and sour taste identification, induced perception, and pleasantness. A subset of obese subjects were also studied before and 12 months after sleeve gastrectomy. Results: No significant differences in basic taste-induced perceptions were observed, although a higher number of controls correctly identified umami than did obese subjects. Sleeve-gastrectomy-induced weight loss did not affect the overall ability to correctly identify basic tastes but was associated with a significant increase in taste intensities, with higher scores for sour and bitter, and a significantly reduced bitter-induced pleasantness. Conclusions: The perception of basic tastes is similar in normal-weight and severely obese subjects. Sleeve-gastrectomy-induced weight loss significantly increases basic taste-induced intensity, and selectively reduces bitter-related pleasantness without affecting the ability to identify the tastes. Our findings reveal that taste perception is influenced by body mass index changes, likely supporting the hypothesis that centrally mediated mechanisms modulate taste perception in severe obesity.
Assessment of Soil Capability and Crop Suitability Using Integrated Multivariate and GIS Approaches toward Agricultural Sustainability
Authors: El Behairy Radwa A. , El Baroudy Ahmed A. , Ibrahim Mahmoud M. , Mohamed Elsayed Said , Kucher Dmitry E. , Shokr Mohamed S.
Published: July 2022

Land evaluation has an important role in agriculture. Developing countries such as Egypt face many challenges as far as food security is concerned due to the increasing rates of population growth and the limited agriculture resources. The present study used multivariate analysis (PCA and cluster analysis) to assess soil capability in drylands, Meanwhile the Almagra model of Micro LEIS was used to evaluate land suitability for cultivated crops in the investigated area under the current (CS) and optimal scenario (OS) of soil management with the aim of determining the most appropriate land use based on physiographic units. A total of 15 soil profiles were selected to characterize the physiographic units of the investigated area. The results reveal that the high capability cluster (C1) occupied 31.83% of the total study area, while the moderately high capability (C2), moderate capability (C3), and low capability (C4) clusters accounted for 37.88%, 28.27%, and 2.02%, respectively. The limitation factors in the studied area were the high contents of CaCO3, the shallow soil depth, and the high salinity and high percentage of exchangeable sodium (% ESP) in certain areas. The application of OS enhanced the moderate suitability (S3) and unsuitable clusters (S5) to the suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S4) categories, respectively, while the high suitability cluster (S1) had increased land area, which significantly affected the suitability of maize crop. The use of multivariate analysis for mapping and modeling soil suitability and capability can potentially help decision-makers to improve agricultural management practices and demonstrates the importance of appropriate management to achieving agricultural sustainability under intensive land use in drylands.
Estimating the Probability of Visiting a Protected Natural Space and Its Conditioning Factors: The Case of the Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve (Spain)
Authors: Sánchez-Rivero Marcelino , de la Cruz Sánchez-Domínguez Juan , Rodríguez-Rangel Mª Cristina
Published: July 2022

Spain is the European country with the highest percentage of protected areas (27.4% of its total surface area) and the country with the highest number of Biosphere Reserves, with 53. Extremadura, the region that we analyze in our study, has a total of 89 Special Conservation Areas and 71 Special Protection Areas, Monfragüe being one of them. In this context, the aim of this paper is to determine which factors have an influence on the decision to visit Monfragüe. We perform a regression analysis using a logit model, which shows that the only four factors that influence the decision to visit Monfragüe are gender, travelling with one’s partner or family, the type of accommodation, and the importance given to nature conservation. We also analyze the structural change using the Chow test, which shows that there are no structural changes, i.e., that the probability of visiting Monfragüe in the high or low season is not significantly different. In the case of Monfragüe, ecotourism is not currently practiced en masse; only 3 out of 10 tourists practice ecotourism in Monfragüe, which is important for the sustainable management of the park because the number of tourists it receives each year is within its carrying capacity.
Correction: Iwan et al. Pro-Oxidative Effect of KIO3 and Protective Effect of Melatonin in the Thyroid—Comparison to Other Tissues. Life 2021, 11, 592
Authors: Iwan Paulina , Stepniak Jan , Karbownik-Lewinska Malgorzata
Published: July 2022

In the original article [...]
Novel Approach toward the Forming Process of CFRP Reinforcement with a Hot Stamped Part by Prepreg Compression Molding
Authors: Kim Jae-Hong , Jung Yong-Hun , Lambiase Francesco , Moon Young-Hoon , Ko Dae-Cheol
Published: July 2022

The use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) is markedly increasing, particularly for the manufacturing of automotive parts, to achieve better mechanical properties and a light weight. However, it is difficult to manufacture multi-material products because of the problems due to the adhesive between CFRP and steel. The prepreg compression molding (PCM) of laminated CFRP can reduce the production time and increase the flexibility of the manufacturing process. In this study, a new manufacturing process is proposed for CFRP reinforcement on a hot stamped B-pillar using PCM. A finite element (FE) simulation of the hot stamping process is conducted to predict the dimensions of the B-pillar. The feasibility of PCM manufacturing is explored by the simulation of the thermoforming of a CFRP set on a shaped B-pillar. The temperature conditions of the CFRP and B-pillar for the PCM are determined by considering the heat transfer between the CFRP and steel. Finally, the PCM of the B-pillar consisting of steel and CFRP was performed to compare with the analytical results for verification. The evaluation of the B-pillar was conducted by the observation of the cross-section for the B-pillar and interlayer by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result, a steel/CFRP B-pillar assembly could be efficiently manufactured using the PCM process without an additional adhesive process.
Settlement of Soil Reinforced with Vertical Fiberglass Micro-Piles
Authors: Sabri Mohanad Muayad Sabri , Vatin Nikolai Ivanovich , Ponomarev Andrey Budimirovich , Nurmukhametov Renat Rustamovich , Kostyukov Ivan Igorevich
Published: July 2022

This article is dedicated to investigating the properties of soil after its reinforcement with fiberglass elements through large-scale laboratory plate-load tests of various samples that varied in the numbers and lengths of the reinforcing elements. The investigation of the vertical elements considered the diameter increase at the bottom toe by using widening washers. The results were compared relative to each other and to the theoretical calculation results. The theoretical calculations for the settlements were undertaken based on the authors’ proposed method. The method considers the number, shape, area and material of the strengthening elements using a pre-proposed reinforcement area factor µ. This pre-established factor was calculated with reference to the elements’ geometry—the diameter of the vertical elements and the bottom’s washer diameter—which determined the reinforcement area. A comparison between the reinforced and reference soft sandy soil samples indicated a 25% increase in the deformation modulus after the reinforcement process at a pressure of 25 kPa. Samples with µ ranging from 1.20 to 1.43 were 55–65% stiffer than samples with µ equal to 0.69 at a pressure of 100 kPa. The comparative analysis of the calculated results and the actual laboratory PLT test results was adequate for use for further development.
Generative Design and Integrated 3D Printing Manufacture of Cross Joints
Authors: Han Leyu , Du Wenfeng , Xia Zhuang , Gao Boqing , Yang Mijia
Published: July 2022

The integrated process of design and fabrication is invariably of particular interest and important to improve the quality and reduce the production cycle for structural joints, which are key components for connecting members and transferring loads in structural systems. In this work, using the generative design method, a pioneering idea was successfully realized to attain a reasonable configuration of the cross joints, which was then consecutively manufactured using 3D printing technology. Firstly, the initial model and generation conditions of a cross joint were constructed by the machine learning-based generative design algorithm, and hundreds of models were automatically generated. Then, based on the design objective and cost index of the cross joint, three representative joints were selected for further numerical analysis to verify the advantages of generative design. Finally, 3D printing was utilized to produce generative joints; the influences of printing parameters on the quality of 3D printing are further discussed in this paper. The results show that the cross joints from the generative design method have varied and innovative configurations and the best static behaviors. 3D printing technology can enhance the accuracy of cross joint fabrication. It is viable to utilize the integrated process of generative design and 3D printing to design and manufacture cross joints.
Study on the Influence of Defects on Fracture Mechanical Behavior of Cu/SAC305/Cu Solder Joint
Authors: Zhang Sinan , Wang Zhen , Wang Jie , Duan Guihua , Li Haixia
Published: July 2022

The fracture behavior of the Cu/Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Sn (SAC305)/Cu solder joint was investigated by conducting tensile tests with in situ X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) observation, and finite element (FE) simulation. The tensile fracture process of solder joints with a real internal defect structure was simulated and compared with the experimental results in terms of defect distribution and fracture path. Additionally, the stress distribution around the defects during the tensile process was calculated. The experimental results revealed that the pores near the intermetallic compound (IMC) layers and the flaky cracks inside the solder significantly affected the crack path. The aggregation degree of the spherical pores and the angle between the crack surface and the loading direction controlled the initiation position and propagation path of the cracks. The fracture morphology indicated that the fracture of the IMC layer was brittle, while the solder fracture exhibited ductile tearing. There were significant differences in the fracture morphology under tensile and shear loading.
The Effects of Selected Measurement Errors on Surface Texture Parameters
Authors: Pawlus Pawel , Reizer Rafal , Wieczorowski Michal , Zelasko Wieslaw
Published: July 2022

Surface texture measurement, characterized by areal parameters, is very susceptible to measurement errors. Various types of errors differently affect surface texture parameters. In this paper, two types of measurement errors were investigated. To analyze the impact of the presence of scratches, circular valleys of various diameters were added to surface textures measured by a white light interferometer. Measurement errors were larger for higher scratches. Skewness and kurtosis were mostly affected by the presence in valleys, and changes of spatial parameters were also comparatively high. The difference between the results of measurement of the same surface details two times after a break of three months was also studied. This difference was caused by errors of relocation, spikes and non-measured point presences, high-frequency noise, and surface ageing. Spatial parameters were found to be the most stable.
High Temperature Fracture Resistance of Model Kraft Recovery Boiler Deposits
Authors: Abdully Mohammad , DeMartini Nikolai , Bussmann Markus , Kortschot Mark
Published: July 2022

In kraft paper mills, supersonic steam jets are used to remove deposits that build up on the heat exchanger tubes in the recovery boiler. In this study, the fracture toughness KC and work of fracture, WF, of simulated boiler deposits were measured at temperatures up to 500 °C to determine the optimal conditions for deposit removal. The model deposits experienced an important brittle to ductile transition at ~450 °C. Above this temperature, ductile deposits required lower peak force, but four times more energy to fracture when compared to those tested at lower temperatures. The transition was clear in scanning electron micrographs of the fracture surfaces. The findings have significant implications for mills wishing to optimize sootblower performance.