bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive versus open esophagectomy after neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Zixian , Zhu Kanghao , Sun Jiajing , Zhang Jian , Zhang Bo
Published: August 2022

Objectives: Neoadjuvant therapy and minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) are widely used in the comprehensive treatment of esophageal cancer. This study aimed to investigate the advantages of MIE for esophageal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy.Methods: Published clinical studies were reviewed and survival data and safety data were extracted. We compared the long-term survival and safety of MIE versus open esophagectomy after neoadjuvant surgery in a series of meta-analyses.Results: 6 retrospective studies were included. Overall, MIE could significantly improve the overall survival of patients with esophageal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy compared with open esophagectomy [hazard ratio (HR)=0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.75, 0.98)]. Compared with open esophagectomy, MIE could significantly reduce intraoperative blood loss and operative time [mean difference (MD)=-40.28.78, 95%CI (-62.98, -17.58); MD=-28.78, 95%CI (-42.48, -15.07), respectively]. There was no significant difference in 30-day and 90-day mortality between MIE and open esophagectomy [odds ratio (OR)=0.42, 95%CI (0.09, 2.01); OR=0.80, 95%CI (0.25, 2.60), respectively]. MIE could reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and chylothorax [OR=0.70, 95%CI (0.37, 1.32); OR=1.43, 95%CI (0.33, 6.25); HR=1.79, 95%CI (0.67, 4.75), respectively], but the incidence of pneumonia was significantly reduced [HR=0.43, 95%CI (0.22, 0.82)]. In addition, the length of hospital stay and the incidence of total complications were significantly reduced after MIE [MD=-2.61, 95%CI (-3.10,-2.12); HR=0.66, 95%CI (0.45, 0.98), respectively].Conclusion: MIE after neoadjuvant therapy is effective and safe. Compared with open esophagectomy, MIE can improve the long-term survival and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications of esophageal cancer patients.
Comment on ‘Painlev´e Integrability and Multi-wave pattern for (2+1) dimensional long wave-Short wave resonance interaction system’
Authors: Ramaswamy Radha , Kumar C. Senthil
Published: August 2022

In the above paper [1], the authors make a tall claim about the integrability of a 2 component (2+1) dimensional Long wave Short wave Resonance Interaction (2C(2+1)LSRI) equation with mixed sign which was already claimed to be non integrable and hence known not to satisfy Painlev'e [2] property which the authors show to pass Painlev'e test. We have categorically shown how the system does not pass Painlev'e test and hence non-integrable reinforcing the claim made by Maruno et al [2] . The authors claim to derive the solutions of 2C(2+1)LSRI equation which ironically do not satisfy the equation. To top it all, the authors claim to have generated lumps and dromions which again defy their very own definition.
CD47 is correlated with immune infiltration and is a prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer
Authors: Cai Chuanshu , Wang Peirong , Ke Chunlin , Shen Minmin , Dong Feng
Published: August 2022

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant neoplasm, and the cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) is an innate immune checkpoint and promising diagnostic and therapeutic target. We comprehensively examined the potential prognostic value, clinicopathological characteristics, and immune infiltration associated with CD47 in CRC patients.Results: In total, 305 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of CD47 suggested an area under the ROC curve of 0.819. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that CRC with high CD47 expression had a better prognosis in the progression-free interval (PFI; P = 0.011). Five drug targets (ABT-510, ALX148, TTI-621, CC-90002, and Hu5F9-G4) were identified for CD47. A positive correlation existed between CD47 expression and infiltrating levels of aDC, macrophages, T helper cells, Tcm, Th1 cells, Th2 cells, CD8 T cells, cytotoxic cells, neutrophils, T cells, and Tgd. In the neoplasm type, CD47 expression was higher in colon adenocarcinoma patients than in rectal adenocarcinoma patients (P = 0.029). In PFI events, CD47 expression was higher in live patients than in dead patients (P = 0.018). Male patients with high CD47 expression showed improved overall survival compared with female patients (P = 0.014). CD47 protein was highly expressed in colorectal tumor tissue and lowly expressed in normal tissues in the Human Protein Atlas(HPA). Methylation analysis of CD47 in CRC revealed that the first and second CpG islands were hypermethylated, whereas the third CpG island was hypomethylated. Genetic alterations in CRC included amplification and deletion of CD47 in colorectal cancer. I153M was found to be a mutational hotspot for CD47.Conclusions: CD47 is correlated with immune infiltration and is a prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer.
Design and Analysis of Passive LC3 Star Component Buck Converter
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Dehan , Zohra Fatema Tuz , Solaiman Mohammad , Sarowar Golam
Published: August 2022

A comprehensive analysis on a novel LC3 star Buck converter is introduced in this paper. DC-DC, AC-DC and closed loop topology of the designed converter is examined. The analysis verifies the improvement done due to the implementation of the LC3 star arrangement. Efficiency of the proposed DC-DC converter has a maximum efficiency of 96.71%. For AC-DC, maximum efficiency is 97.47%. LC3 arrangement also improves the power and THD of the proposed AC-DC converter. To further improve the THD, a closed loop analysis is also done. Simulations are done by using PSIM software. A 10V prototype is made, which shows similar results with the theoretical analysis.
Alcohol use disorder and associated factors among residents in Fiche town, North Shewa, Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional survey
Authors: zewde¹ Ofisa , Tulu Mikias , Desalegn Getachew Tesfaw
Published: August 2022

Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. It accounts 4% of all death worldwide and the third leading risk factor for premature deaths and disabilities. The empirical evidence about AUD and associated factors is not available in the northern part of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was assessed to the prevalence and associated factors of AUD among reside in Fich town in order to plan and give informed intervention in the communities. Methods: A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to May 2019 at Fiche town north shewa, Ethiopia. Multi-stage random sampling was used to recruit 1619 participants. The standardized Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to assess alcohol use disorder. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with alcohol use disorder. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to assess the strength of the association at p-value less than 0.05. Results: Overall prevalence of alcohol use disorder was found to be 15.7% with 95% CI (13.9-17.6), whereas hazardous drinkers (10.3%), harmful alcohol users (3.2%), and alcohol dependent (2.2%). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis; male sex (AOR=10.3, 95% CI: 6.63-16.00), age between 18-24 and 25-34 years (AOR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.10-5.44, and AOR=2.52, 95% CI: 1.23-5.16), respectively, peer pressure (AOR=4.51, 95% CI: 2.30-8.52), severe psychological distress (AOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.24-5.43), and poor social support (AOR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.75-5.50) were factors significantly associated with alcohol use disorder. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicated that the prevalence of alcohol used disorder among alcohol users was 15.7%. Being male, age between 18 to 34 years, peer pressure, severe psychological distress, and poor social support were significantly associated with AUD. Measures to increase the awareness of the community, their parents, and their social networks about AUD by the leading government as well as healthcare institutions are warranted.
COVID-19 Stock Market Experiences and Local Investors’ Investment Decisions in Lagos, Nigeria: a Pilot Study
Authors: Ekechukwu Iheanyi Valentine , Adejoh Ojima Samuel , Dinne Chinedu Ernest , Nwogu Joseph N
Published: August 2022

Economic activities were yet to pick up following the devastating effects of Covid-19 pandemic on stock market in Nigeria. Major cities were on complete lockdown for months leading to another phase of stock market crisis in 2021. This study explored Covid-19 stock market experiences and local investors’ investment decisions in Lagos, Nigeria. Organic theory of Emile Durkheim was adopted as framework, whereas exploratory design was employed. The study utilized purposive and snowballing sampling techniques, using purely qualitative research instruments with a sample of thirty-six (36) interviewees. Thirty in-depth interviews (IDI) and six key informants (KII), two each were purposively selected from staff of Nigerian Exchange Ltd (NGX), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Stockbrokers from Lagos State based on their in-depth professional knowledge about stock market operations. The qualitative data were content analyzed. 55.6% were men and 58.3% were married. The result of the study showed that local investors’ Covid-19 stock market experiences have greatly affected their present investment decisions. There is need for restoration of investors’ confidence in the Nigerian stock market.
High resistance of Blastocystis to chlorine and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Martín-Escolano Rubén , Ng Geok Choo , Tan Kevin S. W. , Stensvold C. Rune , Gentekaki Eleni , Tsaousis Anastasios D.
Published: August 2022

Blastocystis is a ubiquitous, widely distributed protist inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals. The organism is genetically diverse, and so far, at least 28 subtypes (STs) have been identified with ST1–ST9 being the most common in humans. The pathogenicity of Blastocystis is controversial. Several routes of transmission have been proposed including faecal-oral (e.g. zoonotic, anthroponotic) and waterborne. Research on the latter has gained traction in the last few years with the organism having been identified in various bodies of water, tap water and rainwater collection containers including water that has been previously filtered and/or chlorinated. Herein, we assessed the resistance of 11 strains maintained in culture, spanning ST1–ST9 to various chlorine and hydrogen peroxide concentrations for 24 hours and performed recovery assays along with re-exposure. Following treatment with both compounds, all subtypes showed increased resistance, and viability could be visualised at the cellular level. These results are hinting at the presence of mechanism of resistance to both chlorine and hydrogen peroxide.
Application of high-flow nasal cannula oxygenation in the induction of general anesthesia by direct providers: A case series
Authors: Liu Fanfan , Meng Fansi , Chen Haiming , Hu Sheng
Published: August 2022

Background: Pressurized mask-assisted ventilation is commonly used during general anesthesia, which often requires the cooperation of two anesthesiologists and creates a severe shortage of anesthesiologists. High-flow nasal cannula oxygenation (HFNCO) is reportedly effective in perioperative airway management, but its safety and efficacy in the induction of general anesthesia by direct providers have not been confirmed. Methods: Twelve patients were enrolled in our study. Their vital signs were recorded before surgery (T0), and HFNCO was continuously applied after admission. Blood gas analysis results were recorded before pre-oxygenation (T1), during anesthetic induction (T2), and before mechanical ventilation (T3). Results: The mean arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) was 86.6±26.0, 245.3±90.6, and 170.0±99.4 mmHg at T1, T2, and T3, respectively, and the lowest pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) was 92% at T3. The mean arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was 39.0±6.2, 40.0±5.7, and 50.2±8.7 mmHg, respectively; the highest was 71.1 mmHg. The mean pH was 7.40±0.02, 7.39±0.05, and 7.35±0.06, respectively. One patient switched to pressurized mask-assisted ventilation because of severe hypoxemia (lowest SpO2, 82%) during apnea oxygenation. Conclusions: HFNCO significantly improves oxygenation levels without severe hypercapnia and can be safely applied to general anesthesia induction by direct providers.
Preparation of humidity-responsive cinnamon essential oil nanomicelles and its effect on post-harvest quality of strawberries
Authors: Luo Yali , Su Jingyi , Guo Shuangfeng , Cao Zhaoxin , Liu Zhiming , Wu Shang , Mao Yueyang , Zheng Yan , Shen Wen , Li Tingting , Ge Xuemei
Published: August 2022

Biodegradable materials have attracted considerable attention to be applied in maintaining food quality and safety due to their ability of a sustained release of antimicrobial agents. In this study, cinnamon essential oil (CEO) loaded poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (ε-caprolactone) (PEG-PCL) micelles (CEO-micelles) were prepared for humidity-controlled CEO release and preservation of strawberry quality. The CEO-micelles with spherical shape and uniform size were obtained, and a high encapsulation rate (92.00 ± 1.77%) of CEO was achieved. X-ray diffraction demonstrated that the CEO was successfully encapsulated in PEG-PCL micelles. The release rate could be controlled by adjusting the relative humidity (RH) and 75% RH was favorable for CEO release from micelles (with 72% total amount release in 7 d). The encapsulation of CEO with high concentrations in PEG-PCL micelles reduced the cytotoxicity. Additionally, CEO-micelles exhibited high antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, the main pathogenic fungus of strawberry. Finally, the application of CEO-micelles to the preservation of strawberries had a positive effect on changes in decay rate, weight loss, firmness, color and total soluble solids.
Risk factors for refractory enterocutaneous fistula following button jejunostomy removal and its treatment using a novel extraperitoneal approach in patients with esophageal cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kamada Teppei , Ohdaira Hironori , Nakashima Keigo , Nishide Ryo , Takahashi Junji , Ito Eisaku , Nakaseko Yuichi , Suzuki Norihiko , Yoshida Masashi , Eto Ken , Suzuki Yutaka
Published: August 2022

BackgroundEnterocutaneous fistula after removal of the jejunostomy tube leads to multiple problems, such as cosmetic problems, decreased quality of life, electrolyte imbalances, infectious complications, and increased medical costs. However, the risk factors for refractory enterocutaneous fistula (REF) after button jejunostomy removal remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the risk factors for REF after button jejunostomy removal in patients with esophageal cancer and reported the surgical outcomes of the novel extraperitoneal approach (EPA) for REF closure.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 47 patients who underwent button jejunostomy removal after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. We assessed the risk factors for REF in these patients and reported the surgical outcomes of the novel EPA for REF closure at the International University of Health and Welfare Hospital between March 2013 and October 2021. The primary endpoint was defined as the occurrence of REF after removal of the button jejunostomy, which was assessed using a maintained data base. The risk factors and outcomes of the EPA for REF closure were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsREFs occurred in 15 (31.9%) patients. In the univariate analysis, REF was significantly more common in patients with albumin level<4.0 g/dL (p=0.026), duration>12 months for button jejunostomy removal (p=0.003), and with a fistula<15.0 mm (p=0.002). The multivariate analysis revealed that a duration>12 months for button jejunostomy removal (odds ratio [OR]:7.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38–36.8; p=0.019), and fistula<15.0 mm (OR: 8.08; 95% CI: 1.50–43.6; p=0.002) were independent risk factors for REF. EPA for REF closure was performed in 15 patients. The technical success rate of EPA was 88.2%. Of the 15 EPA procedures, fistula closure was achieved in 12 (80.0%). The complications of EPA (11.7%) were major leakages (n=3) and for two of them, EPA procedure was reperformed, and closure of the fistula was finally achieved. ConclusionThis study suggested that duration>12 months for button jejunostomy removal and fistula<15.0 mm are the independent risk factors for REF after button jejunostomy removal. EPA for REF closure is a novel, simple, and useful surgical option for patients with REF after esophagectomy.
Prediction Model for the Compressive Strength of Green Concrete using Cement Kiln Dust and Fly Ash
Authors: Bakhoum Emad S. , Amir Arsani , Osama Fady , Adel Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Integrating artificial intelligence in construction industry is a challenge that can help to move towards sustainable construction. Therefore, Artificial Neural Network (ANN), which is a computing system that simulates the human brain processes, can be helpful tool for prediction of the compressive strength of green concrete. Green concrete can be made using waste materials as a replacement portion of cement (supplementary cementitious materials) or aggregate that can benefit in the reduction of negative impacts on the environment and improve its compressive strength. This research aims to predict the compressive strength of green concrete that includes a ratio of cement kiln dust (CKD) and fly ash (FA), as industrial by-products, using artificial neural network technique and MATLAB software. The developed ANN model is based on the collected necessary information about the concrete components and compressive strengths from literature. Two models have been trained and tested. The first includes CKD in the concrete mix using 35 training samples with 3 hidden layers. While the second includes CKD and FA in the concrete mix using 42 training samples with 7 hidden layers. The results of both models showed a good prediction of the compressive strength of green concrete with error less than 10%. The benefits of this nondestructive approach may include preservation of natural resources, reduction of greenhouse gasses emissions, cost, time, and waste to landfill as well as saving energy.
Ultra-wide bandwidth all-solid specialty bandgap fiber for ultrashort pulse delivery
Authors: Biswas Piyali , Pal Bishnu Pada , Ghosh Somnath
Published: August 2022

Photonic bandgap (PBG) fibers provide a versatile platform for ultra-short pulse delivery with low-loss, and low dispersion. Precisely, Braggkind of 1D PBG fibers with periodic cladding bilayers offer ample degrees of freedom to tailor fiber bandwidth along with loss, and dispersion. In this paper, we propose a next-level specialty bandgap fiber with multiple concentric cores based on the 1D PBG geometry in an all-solid form. It has three sets of tailored bilayer thickness in which each set of bilayer forms an effective core region that allows confinement of specific range of wavelengths. Thus, the successive overlap of the wavelength ranges supported by each of these concentric cores effectively enhances the overall transmission bandwidth of the fiber. Moreover, the concept can be extended to form a large number of concentric cores that allows further enhancement of the fiber bandwidth. As a proof-of-concept, an ultra-wide low-loss bandwidth covering a wavelength range of ~ 1600 nm for the fundamental mode has been achieved. Going beyond, an advanced level customization of the proposed fiber geometry has enabled further minimization of loss and enhancement in structural robustness. The propagation dynamics of an ultrashort pulse ~ 300 fs have been investigated numerically in both the normal and the anomalous dispersion regime of the proposed specialty fiber in the presence of nonlinearity and loss. Eventually, such all-solid multicore large-bandwidth fiber is proposed as a promising candidate for the delivery of ultrashort optical pulses over long distance with minimum amount of distortion and wave-breaking possible.
A Construction of Involutory Recursive-Like MDS Matrices via Self-Reciprocal Generator Polynomials of Reed-Solomon Codes
Authors: Tran Thi Luong , Nguyen Ngoc Cuong , Dinh Thi Xinh
Published: August 2022

Using a recursive MDS matrix over a finite field in the diffusion layer of block ciphers is a standard method to maximize the diffusion while minimizing the implementation cost. On the other hand, an involutory MDS matrix (the matrix is the inverse of itself) simplifies the implementation of the cipher as the same module can be used for both encryption and decryption. However, it has been shown (Gupta et al.’21) that there doesn’t exist a recursive MDS matrix M that is also involutory over a field of charateristic 2 except for a trivial case. Another option is to use a recursive-like involutory MDS matrix of the form RM, where M is a recursive matrix and R is a permutation matrix. In fact, Gupta et al. proved that over a field of characteristic 2, if f is a monic, self-reciprocal polynomial of degree m, Cf is the companion matrix of f and M = Cfm is MDS, then RM is an involuntary MDS matrix, where R is the matrix reversing the order of rows in M. With RM in the diffusion layer, one can use the same LFSR for both encryption and decryption while still taking advantage of the fact that M is recursive. In this paper, we extend the work of Gupta et al. and establish a necessary and sufficient condition for the generator polynomials of Reed-Solomon codes over a finite field of arbitrary characteristic to be self-reciprocal, from which the desired RM matrices can be efficiently constructed for all feasible parameters.
Kantowski-Sachs cosmological model: a general equation of state
Authors: Gonçalves S.V.B. , Silva B.B.
Published: August 2022

In this work we present a review of the calculations of traditional articles dealing with homogeneous and anisotropic cosmological models, particularly the Kantowski-Sachs cosmological model. As an innovative contribution, we calculate an exact solution to the field equations with a general expression of the equation of state for the material content of the universe, $p = \alpha\rho$. We obtain the expressions for energy density and pressure in this general case. We also study the case involving a scalar field. We studied, in particular, the following perfect fluids: dust ($p = 0$), stiff matter ($p = \rho$), radiation ($p = \rho/3$), cosmic strings ($p = -\rho/3$) and vacuum ($p = -\rho$).
An efficient numerical method on modified space-time sparse grid for time-fractional diffusion equation with nonsmooth data
Authors: Zhu Bi-Yun , Li Xue-Yang , Xiao Ai-Guo
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we focus on developing a high efficient algorithm for solving d-dimension time-fractional diffusion equation (TFDE). For TFDE, the initial function or source term is usually not smooth, which can lead to the low regularity of exact solution. And such low regularity have a marked impact on the convergence rate of numerical method. In order to improve the convergence rate of the algorithm, we introduce the space-time sparse grid (STSG) method to solve TFDE. In our study, we employ the sine basis for spatial discretization, and all the sine coefficients can be divided into several levels. The sine coefficients with different levels are discretized by temporal basis with different scales, which can lead to the STSG method. Under certain conditions, the function approximation on standard STSG can achieve the accuracy order O(2-Jd) with O(2JJ) degrees of freedom (DOF) for d=1 and O(2Jd) DOF for d>1, where J denotes the maximal level of sine coefficients. However, the standard STSG is not suitable to simulate the singularity of TFDE at the initial time. To overcome this, we integrate the full grid into the STSG, and obtain the modified STSG. Then, the modified STSG is used to construct the fully discrete scheme for solving TFDE. The great advantage of STSG method can be shown in the comparative numerical experiment.Mathematics Subject Classification (2010) 35R11 · 65M70 · 65T40 · 68Q25
Intra-arterial chemotherapy plus BCG, a promising combination adjuvant treatment for high-risk NMIBC
Authors: Luo Shuhang , Yang Rui , Huang Gaowei , Wusimanjiang Wumier , Lei Jiahao , Liu Jinwen , Lin Shengjie , Liu Zhoujing , Chen Lingwu , Chen Junxing , Huang Bin
Published: August 2022

Purpose To develop a novel combination therapy for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), namely, intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) plus BCG immunotherapy, and to compare the feasibility and safety of the two therapies. Materials and methods A retrospective study was conducted on the data of 119 patients who were diagnosed with high-risk NMIBC and underwent TURBT in the past five years. Those who did not complete the treatment were excluded, and the remaining 98 patients were divided into two groups: both groups received intravesical BCG immunotherapy, while the BCG+IAC group received 4 courses of extra intra-arterial chemotherapy. Clinical and follow-up data were processed using statistical software.Result The recurrence rate was 22.2% in the BCG+IAC group and 35.8% in the BCG group, whereas the progression rates were 8.9% and 24.5%, respectively. In the Kaplan-Meier plot, a statistically significant difference was observed with respect to recurrence-free survival (p=0.025), as well as the progression-free survival of the two groups was similar (p=0.019). 22.2% of the patients with adverse effects of IAC and 79.6% of patients suffered from adverse reactions to BCG immunotherapy, and most of the adverse effects were mild and tolerable. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that multifocal and treatment were independent risk factors for recurrence, while the history of recurrence and treatment were independent risk factors for progression.Conclusion IAC could be a promising auxiliary treatment for BCG immunotherapy in decreasing the recurrence and progression rate of high-risk NMIBC with little additional toxicity.Date of registration:10th, April 23, 2022. TRN: ChiCTR2200058555, retrospectively registered
Prognostic Value of Peritoneal Cytology in Stage I Serous and Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Endometrium
Authors: Yang Jie , Xiang Yang , Cao Dongyan , Wu Ming , Yang Jiaxin
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation of malignant peritoneal cytology and survival outcomes in patients who underwent primary staging surgery for stage I uterine serous (USC) or clear cell carcinoma (UCCC). METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, patients with stage I USC or UCCC who underwent staging surgery between 2010 - 2020 from the Peking Union Medical College Hospital were identified and reviewed.RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were included and 11 patients had malignant cytology (10.9%). None of the covariates were associated with an increased likelihood of malignant peritoneal cytology. The median follow-up time was 44 months (range 6-120). A total of 11 (10.9%) patients developed recurrence: 6 (54.4%) in the malignant cytology group and 5 (5.6%) in the comparative group. Patients with malignant cytology had a higher likelihood of peritoneal recurrence and shorter time to relapse (13 vs 38 months, p=0.022), as compared to patients with negative cytology. In univariate analysis, malignant cytology and serous histology had worse progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (all, p < 0.05). Advanced age (>60 years old), higher stage (IB), and no omentectomy were additionally associated with inferior OS (all, p < 0.05). In sensitive analysis, the detrimental effects of malignant cytology on survival were more prominent in patients over 60 years old, those with serous histology, stage IB disease, and those who received hysteroscopy as a diagnostic test. CONCLUSION: Stage I USC or UCCC patients with malignant peritoneal cytology had higher recurrence and inferior survival.
Prosthetic valve endocarditis secondary to Tropheryma whipplei in a patient with chronic polyarthritis
Authors: Kahn Mauricio J. , Ennis David M. , Delgado Dennis G.
Published: August 2022

Background: Whipple’s disease is a chronic multisystemic infectious disease that rarely presents as culture-negative endocarditis. Most patients reported with Tropheryma whipplei endocarditis involve a native valve and few describe prosthetic valve disease.Case presentation: A patient with chronic polyarthritis and previous mitral valve replacement developed decompensated heart failure without fever. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a prosthetic mitral valve vegetation and he underwent prosthetic mitral valve replacement. Blood and prosthetic mitral valve cultures were unrevealing. Broad-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the extracted valve and subsequent Periodic-acid-Schiff (PAS) staining established the diagnosis of T. whipplei prosthetic valve endocarditis.Conclusion: Whipple’s disease may present as culture-negative infective endocarditis and affect prosthetic valves. Histopathology with PAS staining and broad-range PCR of excised valves are essential for the diagnosis. Greater clinical awareness and implementation of these diagnostic procedures should result in an increased reported incidence of this rare disease.
Harmonizing DevOps Taxonomies - A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Díaz Jessica , Pérez Jorge , Alves Isaque , Kon Fabio , Leite Leonarado , Meirelles Paulo , Rocha Carla
Published: August 2022

Context: DevOps responds to the growing need of companies to streamline the software development process and, thus, have experienced a widespread adoption in the past few years. However, successful adoption of DevOps requires companies to address important cultural and organizational changes. Understanding the organizational structure and characteristics of teams adopting DevOps is key, and comprehending the existing theories and representations of team taxonomies is critical to guide companies in a more systematic and structured DevOps adoption process. Objective: This paper presents empirical research on the structure of DevOps teams in software-producing organizations. The goal is to better understand the organizational structure and characteristics of teams adopting DevOps by harmonizing the existing knowledge. Method: To do this, we conducted a grounded theory study, analyzing existing studies on DevOps teams and taxonomies. Results: From the analysis, we built a substantive and analytic theory of DevOps taxonomies. The theory is substantive in that the scope of validity refers to the ten primary studies processed and analytic in that it analyzes “what is” rather than explaining causality or attempting predictive generalizations. A public repository with all the data related to the products resulting from the analysis and generation of the theory is available. Conclusions: We built a theory on DevOps taxonomies and tested whether it harmonizes the existing taxonomies, i.e., whether our theory can instantiate the others. This is the first step to define which taxonomies are best suited to approach DevOps culture and practices according to the companies’ objectives and capabilities.
Underwater Mucosectomy to Treat Colon Mesenchymal Leiomyoma Lesion - a Rare Case Report
Authors: Guedes Hugo Gonçalo , Viana Beatriz Oliveira , Vieira Isabela Santos Rossigneux , Rassi Carlos Henrique Reis Esselin , Silveira Thales Parenti
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Leiomyomas are rare on the colon and represent only 3% of cases. They are frequently asymptomatic and are often found accidentally during colonoscopic examination. Colonic leiomyomas have an excellent prognosis and do not tend to recur after removal.Case: We report a rare case of submucosal leiomyoma, in the colon, diagnosed during a routine colonoscopy and resected by underwater mucosectomy.Conclusion: Although rare, colonic leiomyomas are a differential diagnosis for pre-cancerous epithelial lesions and should be considered when a polyp is found. In this case report we present what is likely the first case to be successfully resected through underwater mucosectomy.
Underwater acoustic object recognition with few shot SE_RseNet_Decoder semi-supervised learning
Authors: Lingzhi Xue , Xiangyang Zeng , Xiang Yan , Shuang Yang
Published: August 2022

Underwater acoustic object recognition is becoming attractive given the critical information available. However, this comes at the expense of large-scale annotated data, which is expensive to collect and annotate. This paper proposes a semi-supervised learning approach of SE_RseNet_Decoder to recognizing insufficient sample underwater acoustic targets. Given this goal, we introduce the SE_RseNet_Decoder network containing supervised and unsupervised modules. Firstly, we leverage the supervised module to recognize the labeled signals and reduce the dimensional feature extraction of unlabeled samples. Then, the unsupervised network is designed as an auxiliary network to optimize the supervised network, which uses low-dimensional features to restore high-dimensional features of unlabeled samples to enhance the classification ability of the supervised network. We especially introduce ReLU activation function to connect the supervised and unsupervised modules that can help find a balanced relationship between classification and regression tasks for recognizing underwater acoustic signals. Extensive experiments on multiple benchmark datasets demonstrate the superiority of our framework showing that the proposed approach achieves the best recognition accuracy compared with the other approaches with few samples. Moreover, the experimental results can demonstrate the optimal combination of variables for the recognition effect of the proposed method under multiple variables.
Experimental Analysis on performance of Engineered Cementitious Composite with Reactive Nano, Micro MgO, Micro Tio 2 at Normal and H 2 So 4 acid conditions
Authors: Chowdary Muppalla Venkata Sai Surya Pratap , Asadi SS.
Published: August 2022

Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) is one of the high-performance-based structural components. The materials used in the preparation of this composite are responsible for its characteristics. To improve structural safety against acid rains, the impact of one of the significant acids (H2So4) on mechanical, durability, and microstructural characteristics of Nano MgO based ECC with the different fine aggregates namely, Silica sand, Indian Zone II River sand and Manufactured sand is analyzed. For this, three mixes (Mix-A with silica sand, Mix-B with river sand, Mix-C with 50% River sand+ 50% Manufactured sand) were considered and cast specimens. In the composition, a suitable content of Micro MgO and Micro Tio2 are available. These specimens are kept for 28days under water curing before placing in an acidic solution and normal (atmospheric at 25 to 400C) conditions. The performance of acid (5% concentration) exposed specimens is compared with the normal atmospheric conditions after 28days. Three layers are formed on the surface of each specimen at acid exposure and 2layers are formed under normal conditions. A small layer of Caco3 + Tio2 formed on top of the specimens, this was responsible for photocatalytic action to reduce Co2 into fuels. Below this layer, the brucite layer formed on the specimens that reduced further exposure to acid. Apart from this, the Gypsum layer formed in the acid-exposed specimens. All these layers are formed by the chemical reaction of Nano MgO, Micro MgO and Tio2 with other materials. These reactions were also responsible for the almost same strength and densification under both conditions. But Mix-C showed better performance than other mixes due to the presence of high content portlandite and micro MgO that are responsible for an increase in the thickness of layers.
Antibiotic use in children under five years of age in Northern Tanzania; the experiences of the caring mothers
Authors: Emgård Matilda , Mwangi Rose , Mayo Celina , Mshana Ester , Nkini Gertrud , Andersson Rune , Lepp Margret , Skovbjerg Susann , Muro Florida
Published: August 2022

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to the global achievements in child health thus far. Previous studies have found high use of antibiotics in children in Northern Tanzania, but the experiences of the primary care-givers, who play a key role in accessing and administering antibiotics for the sick child, has remained largely unknown. We aimed to understand mothers’ conceptions of antibiotic use in their children, which is of importance when forming strategies to improve antibiotic use in the community. Method: A qualitative study including eight focus group discussions with mothers of under-five children in Moshi urban and rural districts, Northern Tanzania, was performed during 2019. The discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated to English and analysed according to the phenomenographic approach. Findings: Three conceptual themes emerged during analysis; (1) conceptions of disease and antibiotics, (2) accessing treatment and (3) administering antibiotics. Antibiotics were often perceived as a universal treatment for common symptoms or diseases in children with few side-effects. Although mothers preferred to attend a healthcare facility, unforeseen costs, long waits and lack of financial support from their husbands, pose barriers for care-seeking. However, pharmacies were perceived as a cheap and convenient option to access previously used or prescribed antibiotics. Some mothers sought advice from a trusted neighbour regarding when to seek care, thus resembling the function of the community health worker (CHW). Conclusions: To improve antibiotic use in children under five years of age in Northern Tanzania, we suggest targeting behaviour of individuals alone will not be sufficient. Improving structures, including the healthcare system and socio-economic inequality, are needed for sustained results. In the meantime, equipping CHWs to support women in appropriate healthcare seeking for their children, may be a feasible target for intervention.
Impact of microbial genome completeness on functional metagenomics
Authors: Eisenhofer Raphael , Odriozola Iñaki , Alberdi Antton
Published: August 2022

Inferring the functional capabilities of bacteria from metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) is becoming a central process in microbiology. Here we show that the completeness of MAGs has a significant impact on the recovered functional signal, spanning all domains of metabolic functions. We identify factors that affect this relationship between genome completeness and function fullness, and provide baseline knowledge to guide efforts to correct for this new-found bias in functional metagenomic analyses.
Hybrid Gravitational Search Algorithm to Solve the Task Scheduling Problem of Two-Machine Flow Shop
Authors: Pirozmand Poria , Mirkamali SeyedSaeid , Slowik Adam
Published: August 2022

The main goal of any task scheduling problem is to map several tasks to proper processors so that it could optimize one or more objectives at an acceptable time under some constraints. In this paper, the problem of scheduling n independent work with different due times on Two -Machines in the sequential flow shop environment is investigated. To solve this problem, we propose a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm that combines the Simulated Annealing (SA) with Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) called SA_GSA. The proposed hybrid algorithm starts the above problem by defining two stages. First, we generate an initial solution of the problem using the SA algorithm, then we run the GSA algorithm on the generated solution. To evaluate the answers, the criterion of the minimum weight of delays and delays of tasks has been used as an objective function, which is considered in line with the goals of timely production systems. The proposed algorithm is presented in 4 scenarios, which are obtained by considering two different modes for the Markov chain and how to reduce the temperature. Finally, according to the analysis of the results and the quality of the results, the best scenario is introduced as the final result. Experimental results show that the performance of the proposed algorithm in finding the optimal answers in most of the problems could compete with state-of-the-art.
How effective are drain tip cultures at predicting surgical site infections after hip arthroplasty?
Authors: Toga Akira , Balaji Ayush , Hemmi Osamu , Ishii Ken , Tokunaga Shigeyuki , Katoh Shojiro , Izumida Ryoichi
Published: August 2022

Background: Postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common complication of surgical procedures; however, the use of drain tip cultures to diagnose SSIs in patients is controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of drain tip cultures for the prediction of postoperative SSIs in patients recovering from hip arthroplasty. Study design: The data was compiled from 1204 patients in 15 years and statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of drain tip culture in determining surgical site infection. We also used this data to evaluate whether preexisting conditions such as hypertension or diabetes affected the probability of a patient getting an SSI. Results: Drain tip cultures were positive in 12 of 1,112 cases of primary hip arthroplasty, but only one of these 12 patients were ultimately diagnosed with an SSI (Sensitivity, 12.5%; specificity, 99.0%; p = 0.0834). Results from postoperative drain tip cultures performed in patients undergoing revision arthroplasty included 2 false positives and 3 false negatives; interestingly, no true positives were detected in any of the revision arthroplasty cases we evaluated (sensitivity, 0％; specificity, 97.8％; p = 0.9355). Conclusion: Our results indicate that drain tip cultures have no statistically significant predictive value for the diagnosis of postoperative SSIs and thus should not be used as a primary diagnostic or predictive tool for SSIs. We recommend exploring other diagnostic tools for the postoperative diagnosis of SSIs. Standardized guidelines should therefore be established to improve the predictive value of the different methods.
Dual Rifampicin and Isoniazid Mannose-Decorated Lipopolysaccharide Nanospheres for Macrophage-
Targeted Lung Delivery
Authors: Sumaila Mumuni , Kumar Pradeep , Ubanako Philemon , Adeyemi Samson A. , Choonara Yahya E.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Currently, the treatment protocols for tuberculosis (TB) have several challenges such as inconsistent oral bioavailability, dose-related adverse effects, and off-target drug toxicity.

Methods:

This research reports design and characterization of rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) loaded hybrid lipid-polysaccharide nanoparticles using the solvent injection method, and demonstrated the influence of conjugated mannosyl residue on macrophage targeting and intracellular drug delivery capacity.

Results:

The nanospheres, herein called mannose-decorated lipopolysaccharide nanoparticles, were spherical in shape, exhibiting average sizes less than 120 nm (PDI<0.20) and positive zeta potentials. Drug encapsulation was greater than 50% for rifampicin and 60% for isoniazid. The pH-responsive drug release was sustained over a 48-hour period and preferentially released more rifampicin/isoniazid in a simulated acidic phagolysosomal environment (pH 4.8) than in a simulated physiological medium. TGA and FTIR analysis confirmed successful mannose-grafting on nanoparticle surface and optimal degree of mannosylation was achieved within 48-hour mannose-lipopolysaccharide reaction time. The mannosylated nanoparticles were biocompatible and demonstrated a significant improvement towards uptake by RAW 264.7 cells, producing higher intracellular RIF/INH accumulation when compared to the unmannosylated nanocarriers.

Conclusion:

Overall, the experimental results suggested that mannose-decorated lipopolysaccharide nanosystems hold promise towards safe and efficacious macrophage-targeted delivery of anti-TB therapeutics.
Predicting the Anticancer Activity of 2-alkoxycarbonylallyl Esters against
MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer - QSAR, Machine Learning and Molecular
Docking
Authors: Oyeneyin Oluwatoba Emmanuel , Obadawo Babatunde Samuel , Olanrewaju Adesoji Alani , Metibemu Damilohun Samuel , Emaleku Sunday Adeola , Owolabi Taoreed Olakunle , Ipinloju Nureni
Published: August 2022

Background:

The continuous increase in mortality of breast cancer and other forms of cancer due to the failure of current drugs, resistance, and associated side effects calls for the development of novel and potent drug candidates.

Methods:

In this study, we used the QSAR and extreme learning machine models in predicting the bioactivities of some 2-alkoxycarbonylallyl esters as potentials drug candidates against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer. The lead candidates were docked at the active site of a carbonic anhydrase target.

Results:

The QSAR model of choice satisfied the recommended values and was statistically significant. The R2pred (0.6572) was credence to the predictability of the model. The extreme learning machine ELM-Sig model showed excellent performance superiority over other models against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer. Compound 22 with a docking score of 4.67 kcal mol-1 displayed better inhibition of the carbonic anhydrase protein, interacting through its carbonyl bonds.

Conclusion:

The extreme learning machine’s ELM-Sig model showed excellent performance superiority over other models and should be exploited in the search for novel anticancer drugs.
Effective Topical Psoralen Herbal Hydrogel Expending Capsaicin as a
Penetration Enhancer
Authors: Bhardwaj Kamini , Sharma Pankaj Kumar , Sachdeva Monika , Budhlakoti Pankaj , Ghosh Nemai Chandra
Published: August 2022

Background:

This research aims to prepare a hydrogel of psoralen and capsaicin extract for
topical application using various gelling agents like Carbopol 940, HPMC, Pluronic 127, and Pectin to
minimize the side effect of synthetic drugs in treating psoriasis. Natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic
polymers were utilized for the treatment of psoriasis, and provide a number of benefits, including improved
skin permeability, particularly for psoralen, and improved drug stability with improved therapeutic
concentration gradients across the skin. Psoriasis is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease affecting
2-3 % worldwide.

Methods:

FTIR and HPLC confirm the extract identification. pH, spreadability, homogeneity, extrudability,
phase separation, viscosity, drug content, and stability analysis are all tested on all prepared
hydrogels. The releases of psoralen from all prepared formulations are studied in phosphate buffer pH
6.8 using dialysis membranes at 37oC.

Results:

The net results conclude that hydrogels made using Carbopol-940 and HPMC (A1, A3, B2,
B3) are the most superior and reliable formulations in terms of physicochemical parameters and in
vitro permeation studies, out of which 1% carbopol 940 formulations (A3) showed maximum %CDR
of 87.96 % much higher compared to other concentration used. Fitting data of the best formulations
(A1, A3, B2, B3) obtained from in vitro drug permeation studies showed the release best fitted to the
Korsmeyer-Peppas model as indicated by higher R2 value. The optimum formulation (A3) has a higher
R2 value, which is then compared with the marketed formulation for the release of psoralen (in
vitro), showing that %CDR of the A3 formulation (87.96%) is much higher than the %CDR of the
marketed formulation (79.58%), due to the impact of capsaicin which acts as a penetration enhancer
and therefore increases psoralen release from the hydrogel.

Conclusion:

As a result, the permeability issue with Psoralen for dermal drug administration has been
overcome by using capsaicin as a permeability enhancer.