bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of peanut kernel storage quality discrimination based on odor pattern
Authors: Wang Y.Y , Shi Bolin , Zhao Lei , Tian Shiyi , Zhong Kui , Wang Houyin
Published: May 2023

As part of safety monitoring, checking the quality of peanuts is indispensable. Peanuts contain oils and proteins that are denatured at elevated moisture levels and undergo vigorous metabolism, resulting in mass decay during storage. In this study, the e-nose signals of peanut kernel were classified into three categories of high quality, medium quality and low quality for each storage period by principal component analysis (PCA), which was consistent with the physical and chemical quality clustering results. Using the classification results as learning labels, support vector machine (SVM), decision tree, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and k-nearest neighbor learning (KNN) were used to develop quality discrimination models for peanut kernels, and the prediction accuracy of each model could reach more than 90%. The results show that the e-nose has an excellent ability to discriminate the quality changes of peanut kernels during storage, in agreement with its classification of physical and chemical quality changes.
Cytokine Levels Reflect Tic Symptoms more Prominently During Mild Phases
Authors: Chi SuHyuk , Mok Young Eun , Kang June , Gim Jeong-An , Han Changsu , Lee Moon-Soo
Published: May 2023

Various cytokines are involved in the neuroinflammatory circuitry of tic disorders. We aimed to identify the cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of tic disorders. We enrolled 44 patients with tic disorder and 38 healthy controls. Blood samples were analyzed using a Luminex® human cytokine multiplex assay kit. Patients were divided into groups with “mild tics” and “above moderate tics” based on Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) scores. In the mild tic group, interleukin (IL)-12 p70 negatively correlated with motor tic scores. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-4, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were positively correlated to phonic tic scores. IL-12 p40 and TNF-α were positively correlated to total tic scores. IL-12 p70 and IL-17a negatively correlated to impairment scores and total YGTSS scores. Only patients with mild symptoms exhibit significant correlations, suggesting that correlations between cytokines and tic symptoms are more relevant during the mild or remission phases.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Treatment for Adults: An Evidence Mapping Based on Systematic Reviews
Authors: Xie Kai , Jing Hui , Guan Shengnan , Kong Xinxin , Ji Wenshuai , Du Shen , Jia Mingyan , Wang Haifeng
Published: May 2023

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a cutting-edge life-support treatment measure for patients with severe cardiac and pulmonary illnesses. Although there are several systematic reviews (SRs) about ECMO, it remains to be seen how quality they are and how efficacy and safe the information about ECMO they describe is in these SRs. Therefore, performing an overview of available SRs concerning ECMO is crucial. Methods We searched four electronic databases from inception to January 2023 to identify SRs with or without meta-analyses. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) tool, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system were used to assess the methodological quality, and evidence quality for SRs, respectively. A bubble plot was used to visually display clinical topics, literature size, number of SRs, evidence quality, and an overall estimate of efficacy. Results A total of 17 SRs met eligibility criteria, which were combined into 9 different clinical topics. The methodological quality of the included SRs in this mapping was “Critically low” to “Moderate”. One of the SRs was high-quality evidence, three on moderate, three on low, and two on very low-quality evidence. The most prevalent study used to evaluate ECMO treatment was observational or cohort study with frequently small sample sizes. ECMO treatment has been proven beneficial for severe ARDS and ALI due to the H1N1 influenza infection. For ARDS, ALF or ACLF, and cardiac arrest were concluded to be probably beneficial. For dependent ARDS, ARF, ARF due to the H1N1 influenza pandemic, and cardiac arrest of cardiac origin came to an inconclusive conclusion. No evidence for a harmful association between ECMO treatment and the range of clinical topics. Conclusions There is limited available evidence on treatments for ECMO that large sample, multi-center, and multinational RCTs are needed. Most clinical topics are reported as beneficial or probably beneficial of SRs for ECMO treatment. Evidence mapping is a valuable and reliable methodology to identify and present the existing evidence about therapeutic interventions.
Facile synthesis of lignin Schiff base-copper complex as a catalyst for methylene blue and 4- nitrophenol removal
Authors: Chen Jiansong , Heo Ji Won , Kim Min Soo , Kim Ji Woo , Xia Qian , An Liangliang , Kim Yong Sik
Published: May 2023

Recently, biopolymer-based catalysts have been reported frequently due to the advantages of biodegradability, highly efficiency, and low cost. In this work, novel catalyst lignin Schiff base-copper complex (L-SB-Cu) was synthesized, and this catalyst was used for methylene blue (MB) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction in aqueous solutions. The results of characterization from elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) proved that lignin Schiff base (L-SB) was synthesized successfully. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and EDS-mapping proved that copper ions was coordinated with L-SB, thus forming L-SB-Cu catalyst. The catalyst showed highly catalytic reduction ability towards organic pollutants MB and 4-NP with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent even after three times of recycling. The catalyst ability of reducing MB and 4-NP was evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, and the mechanisms were explored. This work showed a new strategy of utilizing bio-based material as a highly efficiency catalyst to degrade organic pollutants.
Deep Care: Smart Depression Counselling System through Emotion Recognition and Opinion mining using Deep Learning
Authors: Awate Ashish , Sharma Himanshu , Hatkar Rohit , Shahade Makarand , Nandwalkar Bhushan , Jadhav Yash , Pardeshi Shraddha , Kulkarni Mayuri
Published: May 2023

Depression is a common mental condition that can significantly affect both person’s daily life and mental health. The goal is to create a Depression Detection system for students and patients. The system consists of a depression quiz that takes the opinion of users (Questionnaire) and records a video which is then analyzed to determine the sentiments of patients. In this study, we have used Facial Emotion Recognition – A Kera’s-based Deep Learning model which generates six universal sentiments: angry, sad, disgusted, surprised, fearful, and happy this is then mapped with curated standard questions asked by counsellors. These approaches are then synchronized to produce a depression score which is used to prepare health reports. This health report is sent to the counselor for further treatment.
Does anastomotic leakage after intersphincteric resection for ultralow rectal cancer influence long-term outcomes? A retrospective observational study
Authors: Liu Feifan , Zhang Bin , Xiang Jianbin , Zhuo Guangzuan , Zhao YuJuan , Zhou Yiming , Ding Jianhua
Published: May 2023

Purpose
To determine whether anastomotic leakage (AL) following intersphincteric resection (ISR) for ultralow rectal cancer (uLRC) is associated with long-term negative outcomes.
Methods
Between June 2011 and January 2022, 236 consecutive patients who underwent ISR with diverting ileostomy for uLRC were included. The primary outcome was long-term clinical consequences of AL, including chronic stricture, stoma reversal, oncological and functional results.
Results
Forty-one (17.4%) patients developed symptomatic AL, whereas only two (0.8%) required re-laparotomy due to severe leakage. Patients with leaks had a significantly increased incidence of chronic stricture (29.3% vs 8.7%, P = 0.001) and stoma non-reversal (34.1% vs 4.6%, P < 0.0001) than controls. The severe consequences were particularly common in patients with anastomotic separation, resulting in 60% of those presenting with chronic stricture and 50% ending up with stoma non-reversal. After a median follow-up of 59 (range, 7-139) months, AL did not compromise long-term oncological outcomes, including tumor recurrence (9.8% vs 5.6%, P = 0.3), 5-year disease-free and overall survival (73.4% vs 74.8% and 85.1% vs 85.4%, P = 0.56 and P = 0.55). A total of 149 patients with bowel continuity who completed self-assessment questionnaires were enrolled for functional evaluation. The median follow-up was 24 (range, 12–94) months after ileostomy reversal, and functional results were comparable between patients with and without leaks.
Conclusion
AL is an unfortunate reality for patients who underwent ISR for uLRC, but the rate of severe leakage is limited. Leaks contribute to possible adverse impacts on chronic stricture and stoma non-reversal, especially for patients with anastomotic separation. However, long-term oncological and functional results may not be compromised.
Immune Microenvironment Analysis and Establishment of Response Prediction Model for PD-1 Blockade Immunotherapy in Glioblastoma Based on Transcriptome Deconvolution
Authors: Wong David , Yin Yanhui
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Only a small proportion of GBM patients obtain survival benefit from PD-1 blockade immunotherapy due to the highly heterogeneous and suppressed immune micro-environment of GBM. We aimed at revealing the characteristics of tumor micro-environment (TME) of GBM related to response to PD-1 inhibitors and constructing a response prediction model for screening patients possibly benefit from PD-1 inhibitors.
Methods
Based on the composition and expression profiles of cell subpopulations calculated by deconvoluting the GBM bulk RNA-seq, differentially expressed genes analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to explore genes and pathways related to response to PD-1 inhibitors. Further by combining least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and expression correlation with PD-L1, the response prediction genes of PD-1 inhibitors were identified and the response model was constructed through binary logistic regression.
Results
The comparison of abundances of infiltrating immune cells showed that the abundance of M0 macrophages of responders was lower while the abundance of activated DCs was higher before PD-1 inhibitors treatment; the abundances of plasma cells and M0 macrophages of responders were lower after PD-1 inhibitors treatment. In addition, GSEA showed that the main up-regulation pathways in the tumor microenvironment of responders before PD-1 inhibitors treatment included the regulation of T-helper 1 type immune response, the positive regulation of natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, p53 signaling pathway, homotypic cell-cell adhesion and etc., the main down-regulation pathways include the activation pathways of microglia and myeloid leukocytes, Ras signaling pathway and etc. Afterwards, ITGAX, LRRFIP1 and FMN1 were identified as the key response prediction genes of PD-1 inhibitors and the response prediction model based on them showed good predictive performance with potential value of clinical application in its validation and verification.
Conclusions
ITGAX, LRRFIP1 and FMN1 were identified as the response prediction genes of PD-1 inhibitors and the response prediction model based on them was proved to have potential clinical value.
Natural root canal deviation and dentin thickness of mandibular first molars assessed by microcomputed tomography
Authors: Amorim Carolina Alonso , Marceliano-Alves Marília F. , Gomes Isabelle Louise , Provenzano José C. , Alves Flávio R. F.
Published: May 2023

Objective: To assess the centralization and dentin thickness of mesial root canals by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT).
Methods: Ninety-nine mandibular molars Vertucci’s type IV mesial canals were scanned by micro-CT. The mesiodistal deviation; and the centroid were calculated for mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) canals (apical 4 mm and full canal).
Results: The centroid was deviated in MB and ML canals in full canal (MB=0.83 mm, 0.02-2.30 mm, and ML=0.83 mm, 0.05-3.99 mm), and in 4mm (MB=0.18mm,0.01-1.01 mm and ML=0.21 mm, 0.01-1.01 mm). In the full canal, both MV (69%) e ML (57%) deviated to mesial (M). In 4 mm, the deviation was M in 51% for MB canals and 52% of ML to distal (D). The dentin thickness was similar for MB and ML canals and their walls. Distal wall was lower for MB canal (0.07 mm) and M wall the higher in the MB canal (2.46 mm).
Conclusions: There is no centrality of mesial canals in mandibular first molars. The M deviation was frequent in the full canal. Dentin thickness were similar between mesial canals.
DNA-hypomethylation in the TNF-alpha gene predicts rheumatoid arthritis classification in patients with early inflammatory symptoms
Authors: Pitaksalee Rujiraporn , Parmar Rekha , Hotgett Richard , Emery Paul , Ponchel Frederique
Published: May 2023

Biomarkers for the classification of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and particularly of anti-citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) negative patients, remains an important hurdle for the early initiation of treatment despite the use of 2010 classification criteria. Taking advantage of DNA-methylation patterns specific to early RA, quantitative methylation-specific qPCR (qMSP) offers a robust technology for the development of biomarker. We developed assays and established their value as RA classification biomarkers.Methods: DNA-methylation data were screened to select candidate to design for qMSP assays. 8 assays were developed and tested on 2 early inflammatory arthritis cohorts. Logistic regression and bootstrapping were used to demonstrate added value.Result: Differentially methylated CpG data were screened for candidate-CpG meeting the qMSP assay requirements. The top CpG candidate was in theTNFgene, for which we successfully developed a qMSP-assay. Significant lower DNA-methylation levels were observed in RA (p < 4x10− 9), with high predictive value (OR < 0.54/AUC < 0.198) in 2 cohorts (n = 127/n = 157). Regression using both cohorts showed improved accuracy = 87.7% and AUC = 0.944 over the model using only clinical variables (accuracy = 85.2%, AUC = 0.917). Similar data were obtained in ACPA-negative patients (n = 167, accuracy = 82.6%, AUC = 0.930) compared to clinical variable model accuracy = 79.5%, AUC = 0.892. Bootstrapping using 2000 datasets confirmed that the AUCs for the clinical + TNF-qMSP model had significant added value in both analysis.Conclusion: The qMSP technology is robust and can successfully be developed with high specificity of the TNF qMSP-assay for RA in patients with early inflammatory arthritis. It should assist classification in ACPA-negative patients providing a means of reducing delay to diagnosis and treatment.
Community-based directly observed therapy is effective and results in better treatment outcomes for patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Uganda
Authors: Makabayi-Mugabe Rita , Musaazi Joseph , Zawedde-Muyanja Stella , Kizito Enock , Fatta Katherine , Namwanje-Kaweesi Hellen , Turyahabwe Stavia , Nkolo Abel
Published: May 2023

Background:
Health facility-based directly observed therapy (HF DOT) is the main strategy for the management of patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR TB) in Uganda, however, this still yields sub-optimal treatment outcomes. We set out to assess the effectiveness of community-based directly observed therapy (CB DOT) for the treatment of DR TB in Uganda.
Methods:
Using a previously developed patient-centered model for CB DOT, we assigned community health workers (CHWs) as primary caregivers to patients diagnosed with DR TB. CHWs administered daily DOT to patients in their homes. Once a month, patients received travel vouchers to attend clinic visits for treatment monitoring. We assessed the effectiveness of this model using a quasi-experimental pre and post-study. From December 2020 to March 2022, we enrolled adult DR-TB patients on the CB DOT model. We collected retrospective data from patients who had received care using the HF DOT model during the year before the study started. The adjusted effect of CB DOT versus HF DOT on DR TB treatment success was estimated using modified Poisson regression model with robust cluster variance estimator.
Results:
We analyzed data from 264 DR TB patients (152 HF DOT, 112 CB DOT). The majority were males (67.8%) with a median age of 36 years (IQR 29 to 44 years). Baseline characteristics were similar across the comparison groups, except for educational level. The treatment success rate in the CB DOT group was 12% higher than that in the HF DOT (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR)= 1.12 [95%CI 1.01, 1.24],
P-value=0.03). Males were less likely to achieve treatment success compared to their female counterparts (aPR=0.87 [95% CI 0.78, 0.98], P-value=0.02). A total of 126 (47.7%) of 264 patients reported at least one adverse event. The HF DOT group had a higher proportion of patients with at least one adverse event compared to the CB DOT group (90/152 [59.2%] versus 36/112 [32.1], P-value<0.01). The model was acceptable among patients (93.6%) and health workers (94.1%).
Conclusions:
CB DOT for DR-TB care is effective and results in better treatment outcomes than HF DOT. The cost-effectiveness of this model of care should be further evaluated.
Prognostic impact of the HS-mGPS on patients undergoing radical surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma Authorship
Authors: Luo Baoyang , Zhang Yun , Yang Yong , Ji Tianhao , Shi Longqing , Wu Kejia , Qu Zhen , Chen Jing , Cai Huihua , Sun Donglin , Duan Yunfei , Lu Yunjie
Published: May 2023

Objiective: Our study aimed to assess the ability of High-Sensitivity modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (HS-mGPS) predicting survival in patients undergoing radical surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to compare the impact with other Inflammation-Based Prognostic Scoring systems including Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) and modified GPS (mGPS).
Methods: Our study evaluated 293 patients with HCC who had undergone hepatectomy at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between 2010 and 2018. The HS-mGPS, mGPS, and GPS were calculated based on particular cut-off values of preoperative C-reactive protein and albumin, and the correlations between HS-mGPS and clinicopathological parameters were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were conducted by Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model.
Result: Kaplan-Meier and univariate survival analyses demonstrated that higher scores of the HS-mGPS, GPS and mGPS were all associated with significantly lower overall survival (OS) (all p < 0.001). In multivariate survival analysis, the HS-mGPS (p = 0.010) was an independent risk factor for poor OS in patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy, along with the maximal tumor diameter (p < 0.001), microvascular invasion(MVI)( p = 0.008), and BCLC stage(p = 0.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and AUC (areas under the curve) values, HS-mGPS was superior to GPS and mGPS for predicting the long-term prognosis of patients with resectable HCC.
Conclusion: Preoperative HS-mGPS is a superior prognostic score in predicting poor long-term outcomes after HCC patients undergoing radical surgery.
Diastereoselective Green Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines via [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction: Insights from Molecular Electron Density Theory
Authors: Mohammad-Salim Haydar , Mondal Asmita , de Julián-Ortiz Jesus Vicente , Acharjee Nivedita
Published: May 2023

The [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction between cyclic azomethine ylide (generated from N-phenacylquinolinium bromide) and N-arylmaleimide, leading to pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolone, has been investigated using the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the B3LYP/6-311 + + G(d,p) computational level. This study focuses on the zwitter-ionic type 32CA reaction, highlighting its polar character with the electronic flux from the azomethine ylide to the alkene. The reaction proceeds with complete endo-stereoselectivity, and the activation parameters show minimal variations in different solvents, consistent with experimental observations. The activation energy is associated with the depopulation of the N2-C1 and C4-C5 bonding regions, formation of non-bonding electron density at N2 nitrogen and creation of pseudoradical centers at C3, C4 and C5. These findings suggest that the formation of new covalent bonds does not occur at the transition states, in line with the presence of non-covalent interactions at the interatomic bonding regions, as revealed by the topological analysis of the Quantum Theory of Atoms-in-Molecules (QTAIM).
Three in four undescribed plant species are threatened with extinction
Authors: Bachman Steven , Lughadha Eimear Nic , Brown Matilda
Published: May 2023

Many thousands of plant species remain unknown to science, most being range-restricted and/or rare – both factors that increase extinction risk. Here, we show that more than 75% of species described after 2020 would qualify as threatened if assessed for the IUCN Red List. We recommend that newly described species are assumed to be threatened and encourage taxonomists to partner with assessors at the time of description to formally evaluate the extinction risk of new species using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Magnitude of in-hospital mortality and its associated factors among patients undergone laparotomy at tertiary public hospitals, West Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Benti Aliyi , Tesgera Debrework , Alemshet Esayas
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Laparotomy surgery is an incision in the abdominal cavity to treat serious abdominal disease and save the patient's life. It is performed in both elective and emergency conditions and results in significant deaths in both developed and developing countries, including Ethiopia. Studies of in-hospital mortality among patients undergone laparotomy surgery and associated factors are limited.
Objective: To assess the magnitude of in-hospital mortality and its associated factors among patients undergone laparotomy at tertiary hospitals, West Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022.
Method: An institutional retrospective cross-sectional study was donefrom January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021. Data were collected using systematic random sampling and basedstructured and pre-tested abstraction sheet from 548 patient chars and registries.Data were checked for completeness, consistency, coded, importedusing EPI data version 4.6, cleaned and analyzedusing SPSS version 25. Variables with p < 0.2 in bi-variable logistic regression analysis were included in themultivariate logistic regression analysis. The model fitness was checked by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Using the adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI and a p-value of 0.05, statistical significance was declared.
Results: A total of 512 patient records were reviewed and the response rate was 93.43%. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 7.42% [95% CI: 5.4-9.8]. American Anaesthesiology Association physiological status of patients ≥ III [AOR=7.64 (95% CI: 3.12-18.66)], systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg at admission [AOR=6.11 (95% CI: 1.98-18.80)], presence of preoperative sepsis [AOR= 3.54 (95% CI: 1.53-8.19)], Intensive care unit admission [AOR = 4.75 (95% CI: 1.50-14.96)], and hospital stay ≥14 days [(AOR = 6.76 (95% CI: 2.50-18.26)] were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality after laparotomy surgery.
Concussion: In this study,overall in-hospital mortality was high. TheAmerican Society of Anaesthesiologists identifies the patient's physical condition early, requires appropriate intervention,and pays special attention to patients: low systolic blood pressure, preoperative sepsis, admission to the hospital, Intensive care unit and prolonged hospital stay, in order to improve patient outcomes after laparotomy surgery.
Complications associated with loop ileostomy: analysis of risk factors
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshiko , Aisu Naoya , Kajitani Ryuji , Nagano Hideki , Yoshimatsu Gumpei , Hasegawa Suguru
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Loop ileostomy is a common surgical procedure but is associated with complications such as outlet obstruction (OO), parastomal hernia (PH), and high-output stoma (HOS). This study aimed to identify risk factors for these complications and their causal relationships.Methods: The study included 188 consecutive patients who underwent loop ileostomy between April 2016 and September 2021. Clinical factors and postoperative stoma-related complications (OO, HOS, and PH) were analyzed retrospectively. Stoma-related factors were evaluated by computed tomography (CT). The incidence, clinical course, and risk factors for the stoma-related complications were investigated.Results: OO was diagnosed in 28 cases (15.7%), PH in 57 (32%), and HOS in 57 (31.8%). A small longitudinal stoma diameter at the rectus abdominis level on CT and a right-sided stoma were significantly associated with OO. Creation of an ileostomy for anastomotic leakage was independently associated with HOS. Higher body weight and a large longitudinal stoma diameter at the rectus abdominis level on CT were significantly associated with PH. There was a significant relationship between occurrence of OO and occurrence of HOS; however, the association of occurrence of OO with that of PH was marginal.Conclusion: This study identified key risk factors for OO, HOS, and PH as complications of loop ileostomy and their causal relationships. Our findings may contribute to prevention and management of complications related to loop ileostomy.
Left atrial giant myxoma with mitral valve obstruction
Authors: Escobar Johao , Rivera Mario Rodriguez , Aguiluz Andrea , Larios Javier
Published: May 2023

Myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors, predominantly found in the left atrium. They can present with various symptoms, including cardiac manifestations such as heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and systemic findings. Surgical resection of myxomas has a favorable prognosis with low complication rates. This case report presents a 41-year-old man with dyspnea, abdominal distension, and edema diagnosed with a giant left atrial myxoma. Successful surgical removal resulted in symptom resolution. Cardiac myxomas are rare, with a prevalence of about 0.03% in the general population. Clinical manifestations, including intracardiac obstruction, embolization, and constitutional symptoms, depend on the tumor's location, size, and mobility. Echocardiography is essential for diagnosis, while additional imaging techniques such as CT and MRI can provide further information. Surgical excision is typically necessary to prevent embolization, with favorable outcomes, although there is a risk of arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, recurrence, and development of new lesions.
Protocol to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan in patients with ascites effusion after liver resection: An open-label, single-arm phase I/II study
Authors: Namba Yosuke , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Kuroda Shintaro , Hashimoto Masakazu , Takei Daisuke , Fukuhara Sotaro , Oshita Ko , Matsubara Keiso , Honmyo Naruhiko , Nakano Ryosuke , Sakai Hiroshi , Tahara Hiroyuki , Ohira Masahiro , Ide Kentaro , Ohdan Hideki
Published: May 2023

Background
In patients with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, massive ascites after hepatic resection is the cause of prolonged hospitalization and worsening prognosis. Recently, the efficacy of tolvaptan in refractory ascites has been reported; however, there are no reports on the efficacy or safety of tolvaptan for refractory ascites after hepatic resection. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of early administration of tolvaptan in patients with refractory ascites after hepatic resection.
Methods/design
This is an open-label, single-arm phase I/II study. This study subject will comprise patients scheduled for hepatic resection of a liver tumor. Patients with refractory ascites after hepatic resection (drainage volume on postoperative day 1 ≥ 5 mL/body weight 1 kg/day) will be treated with tolvaptan. The primary endpoint will include the maximum change in body weight after hepatic resection relative to the preoperative baseline. The secondary endpoints will include drainage volume, abdominal circumference, urine output, postoperative complication rate (heart failure, respiratory failure), number of days required for postoperative weight gain because of ascites to decrease to preoperative weight, change in improvement of postoperative pleural effusion, total amount of albumin or fresh frozen plasma transfusion, type and amount of diuretics used, and postoperative hospitalization days.
Discussion
This trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan prophylaxis for refractory ascites after hepatic resection. As there are no reports demonstrating the efficacy of tolvaptan prophylaxis for refractory ascites after hepatic resection, we expect that these findings will lead to future phase III trials and provide valuable indications for the selection of treatments for refractory postoperative ascites.
Trial registration
The trial was prospectively registered at Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs061220114).
Accuracy of the Bair Hugger™ Core Body Temperature in Wrist Regions: Prospective Observational Study.
Authors: Oh Kyung Seo , Park Yong-Hee , Kang Hyun , Baek Chongwha , Woo Young-Cheol
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Monitoring body temperature is essential during perioperative period. Core body temperature requires invasive device that may cause complications. We aim to study accuracy of non-invasive Bair Hugger™ core body temperature monitoring system (BHTMS) at wrist compared to esophageal temperature under general anesthesia.
Methods: Twenty adult patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II were enrolled in this study. BHTMS sensor was applied to wrist. After tracheal intubation, esophageal probe was inserted. Bair Hugger™ upper body warming blankets were applied. Esophageal temperature (Teso) and wrist temperature (Twrist) were recorded every 10 minutes.
Results: Total 257 pairs of data set were analyzed and T_eso and T_wrist had statistically no significant difference (P = 0.103). Median of T_eso and T_wrist were 36.5℃ and 36.4℃. Bland-Altman analysis showed Teso - Twrist of 0.14℃ (2SD ± 1.44℃). Ninety-nine pairs of data set from 0 to 40 minute were analyzed and showed significant difference at 0, 10 minute (P < 0.001) and no significant difference at 20, 30, 40 minutes. Bland-Altman plot by times showed difference (Teso - Twrist) of 1.49℃, 0.82℃, 0.29℃, -0.03℃, -0.12℃ (2SD ± 2.00℃, ± 1.30℃, ± 1.32℃, ± 0.84℃, ± 0.82℃) at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 minutes respectively.
Conclusions: BHTMS at wrist area under upper body warm blanket may be another possible alternative method for monitoring core body temperature after 30 minutes compared to esophageal temperature.
IRB number: 2112-030-489 (Date: 20220314)
Clinical trial registration number: KTC0007211 (Date: 20220317)
Predicting postoperative lung function in lung cancer patients by using imaging biomarkers
Authors: Kwon Oh-Beom , Lee Hae-Ung , Park Ha-Eun , Choi Joon-Young , Kim Jin-Woo , Lee Sang-Haak , Yeo Chang-Dong
Published: May 2023

Background There were previous studies to predict postoperative lung function with pulmonary function test (PFT). Computing tomography (CT) can quantitatively measure small airway wall thickness, lung volume, pulmonary vessel volume, and emphysema area, which reflect the severity of respiratory diseases. These measurements are considered as imaging biomarkers. This study aimed to predict postoperative lung function with imaging biomarkers.
Methods Retrospective analysis of 79 lung cancer patients who underwent lung surgery was completed. Postoperative lung function measured by forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was defined as an outcome. Preoperative clinico-pathological parameters and imaging biomarkers representing airway wall thickness, severity of emphysema, total lung volume, and pulmonary vessel volume were measured quantitatively in chest CT by an automated segmentation software, AVIEW COPD. Logistic and linear regression were used to assess these variables. If the actual postoperative FEV1 was higher than the projected postoperative FEV1 by a formula, the group was considered to be preserved.
Results Among 79 patients, 16 patients were grouped as a non-preserved group and 63 were grouped as a preserved group. Patients in the preserved FEV1 group had a higher vessel volume than the non-preserved group. Pi1 and Wafw were independent predictors of postoperative lung function.
Conclusion Imaging biomarkers can be considered as significant variables in predicting postoperative lung function in patients with lung cancer.
“You Don`t Go Out If You Don’t See Anyone” – Reconsidering the Interplay of Personal, Social and Environmental Resources for Life-Space Mobility in Old Age”
Authors: Mümken Sandra Angelika , Haeger Christine , Herrmann Wolfram J. , Gellert Paul
Published: May 2023

Maintaining mobility with increasing age depends on personal, social and environmental factors, but the understanding of their complex interplay remains limited. Considering the comprehensive concept of Life-space mobility (LSM), we aim to illustrate the synergistic or antagonistic interplay of personal, social and environmental factors for life-space mobility (LSM) of older adults living in rural areas. Semi-structured interviews with twelve older adults (74–95 years) from a particularly rural area in Germany were conducted alongside the validation study of the German version of the Life-Space Assessment (DRKS00019023). To analyze interview transcripts methods of qualitative content analysis were applied using MAXQDA 2020. Participants were additionally characterized with assessments of LSM, everyday functioning, quality of life and balance confidence were carried out. Eight participants reported restricted LSM. Qualitative analysis displayed that difficulties visiting healthcare services were related to accessible information and dependence on being driven there. Additionally, factors cancelled each other out, e.g., the motivation to go out was facilitated by modernized sidewalks but subverted by the absence of social contacts. Findings related to social and environmental factors turned out to be ambivalent. For instance, the spouse who helped his wife to be mobile outdoors also undermined her motivation to go out. Results reveal various forms of interplay of personal, social and environmental factors providing an enriched understanding of emerging barriers to LSM as well as resource allocation to maintain LSM in old age.
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced free radicals cause encephalopathy in goat kids via intrinsic pathway of apoptosis: Pathological and immunohistochemical confirmation of non-hepatic neuroaflatoxicosis
Authors: Sahoo Monalisa , Thakor Jigarji , Kumar Pradeep , Singh Rajendra , Kumar Pawan , Singh Karampal , Puvvala Bhavani , Kumar Ajay , Gopinathan Aswathy , Palai Santawana , Patra Sushmita , Tripathy Jagannath Prasad , Acharya Ramakanta , Sahoo Nihar , Behera Pratima
Published: May 2023

Aflatoxins, particularly Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), are the most common feed contaminants worldwide, causing significant economic losses to the livestock sector. The current paper describes an outbreak of aflatoxicosis in a herd of 160 male young goat kids (3–4 months), of which 68 young kids succumbed over a period of 25 days after showing neurological signs of abnormal gait, progressive paralysis and head pressing. The haematobiochemical investigation showed reduced haemoglobin, leucocyte count, PCV level, increased levels of AST, ALT, glucose, BUN, creatinine and reduced level of total protein. Grossly, kids had pale mucous membranes, pale and swollen liver; right apical lobe consolidation, and petechiation of the synovial membrane of the hock joints. The microscopic changes were characterized by multifocal hemorrhages, status spongiosus/ vacuolation, vasculitis, focal to diffuse gliosis, satellitosis, and ischemic apoptotic neurons in different parts of the brain and spinal cord. These changes corresponded well with strong immunoreactivity for AFB1 in neurons, glia cells (oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and ependymal cells) in various anatomical sites of the brain. The higher values of LPO and reduced levels of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, SOD, GSH) with strong immunoreactivity of 8-OHdG in the brain indicating high level of oxidative stress. Further, the higher immunosignalling of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in the brain points towards the association with intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. The toxicological analysis of feed samples detected high amounts of AFB1 (0.38ppm). These findings suggest that AFB1 in younger goat kids has more of neurotoxic effect mediated through caspase dependent intrinsic pathway, than hepatic toxicity.
Sacubitril/Valsartan Effects on Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Coupling and Albumin-bilirubin Score in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction in China
Authors: Xu Yu , Gao ChuanYu , Xu Yu , Yuan Fang
Published: May 2023

Background
Impaired right ventricular (RV) function coupled with progressive uncoupling of the pulmonary circulation (PA) represents a turning point in clinical deterioration with profound consequences for prognosis. Several studies have proposed that RV-PA coupling, calculated by measuring the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), can be used as an early indicator of right ventricular dysfunction(RVD) in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Patients with HFrEF benefit from sacubitril/valsartan therapy in terms of left ventricular (LV) function as well as functional and symptomatic improvement. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sacubitril/valsartan treatment on TAPSE/PASP in patients with HFrEF.
Methods
A retrospective observational study was conducted on 305 patients with HFrEF and RVD who were hospitalized between June 2020 and December 2021.One year after treatment, we reevaluated laboratory tests, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), NYHA(New York Heart Association) classification, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHFQ) scores and changes in relevant variables.
Results
A significant improvement was demonstrated in the following echocardiography parameters assessing RV function after 1 year of treatment with sacubitril/valsartan:TAPSE (15 ± 1 vs. 18 ± 2 mm,p < 0.001), PASP (45 ± 8 vs. 40 ± 9mmHg,p < 0.001), Pulmonary artery diastolic pressure(PADP)(22 ± 4 vs. 19 ± 4mmHg, p < 0.001),RV-PA coupling (0.35 ± 0.08 vs. 0.48 ± 0.12,p < 0.001),and RV s’(8.7 ± 2.2 vs. 9.5 ± 2.6 cm/s, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that RV-PA coupling improved with baseline PASP (r-0.45, p < 0.001) and PADP (r-0.45, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Sacubitril/valsartan improves RV-PA conjugation in patients with RVD and HFrEF, however, this effect may not be a result of left ventricular remodeling, but rather a result of reduced left atrial pressure.
Effect of electric field intensity on energy consumption and removal efficiency of chromium ions from salt-affected clayey soils
Authors: Hussain Abdul Ahad , Kamran Kashif , Waseem Muhammad , Akram Aasma
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the effect of electric field intensity on electroosmosis and the effects of potential distribution, current and pH on the removal of total Cr, Na+, Clˉ and K+ ions from salt-effected clayey soils. During electrokinetic experiments, DC electric field intensities varying from 0.5 to 2 Vcm− 1 were applied across the artificially contaminated soil samples for 48 hours. The results depict that the electric field intensity directly influences the electroosmotic flow and electromigration of ionic species presented in the pore solution of the specimens. The maximum removal of total Cr (~ 71%), Na+ (~ 91%), Clˉ (~ 65%) and K+ (~ 63%) was achieved at 2 Vcm− 1 due to the electromigration and initially higher electroosmotic flow (i.e., 69 ml). However, the higher electric field intensity resulted in enhanced electric energy consumption (i.e., 218.6 kWhr-m− 3) and the production of more aggressive acidic and alkaline environments across the electrodes. Thus, the migration of ions and electroosmosis were inhibited due to the higher potential drop caused by the collusion of pH fronts. Moreover, under an electric field intensity of 2 Vcm− 1, the electrical conductivity of soil reduced from 5.2 to 1.29 dS m− 1.
The determinants of handwashing during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-country analysis of data from the Wash’Em process for hygiene programme design
Authors: Lamb Jenny , Thorseth Astrid Hasund , MacDougall Amy , Thorsen William , White Sian
Published: May 2023

Background The Wash’Em process was developed to improve the design of handwashing behaviour change programmes in outbreaks and fragile humanitarian settings, ensuring that programmes are able to be designed rapidly while still being contextualised and evidence-based. The approach was widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic to inform prevention programmes. This study aims to compare data emerging from the use of the Wash’Em process during the pandemic, to understand whether commonalities in programming constraints or the determinants of handwashing behaviour existed across countries. Methods We conducted a secondary data analysis of summary data entered into the Wash’Em Programme Designer Software. This summary data was drawn from the use of the Wash’Em Rapid Assessment Tools in 38 settings during the pandemic. Data was verified prior to inclusion; descriptively summarised and then statistical summaries of homogeneity were derived. Results Wash’Em was implemented as intended during the pandemic, typically taking a small number of humanitarian staff less than a week to complete. Most humanitarian actors reported using the programmatic recommendations suggested by the process but did so within relatively short-term and poorly financed prevention programmes. Homogeneity in the responses to the Rapid Assessment Tools was low indicating that the determinants of handwashing behaviour during the pandemic were predominantly shaped by pre-existing factors within the context rather than the nature of the health threat. Conclusion Hygiene programmes during outbreaks should avoid ‘copying and pasting’ interventions from one setting to another and instead make time to holistically understand the behavioural determinants in a specific context and develop programme activities that are designed to address these. Particular attention should be given to factors in the physical and social environment which may enable or constrain handwashing behaviour, pre-existing disease vulnerabilities, and the secondary and non-health impacts of outbreaks. Wash’Em provides one feasible way of contextualising handwashing interventions in outbreak or fragile humanitarians settings.
2d Qsar and Docking Studies on Chalcone - Quinoxaline Variants – a Potential Target for Acetylcholinestrase Inhibitors
Authors: VELMURUGAN BALA AAKASH , SIVARAMAN BHUVANESWARI , NATARAJAN RAMALAKSHMI
Published: May 2023

The Quantitative Structural Activity Relationship among 49 reported compounds containing chalcone derivatives as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. The acetylcholinesterase enzyme is the major leading threat to neurodegenerative disorders. The 2D QSAR study was done using QSARINS software. Model 2 was obtained as the best model with an r2value of 0.9398. The OECD principles were used to validate the model. The applicability domain of the model resulted in zero outliers. Based on the results of the QSAR study, 10 novel ligands possessing chalcones fused with quinoxaline were drawn. These 10 novel ligands showed class 5 toxicity, which was predicted using PROTOX II software. The ADME properties were also screened using preADMET. Molecular docking was performed between the 10 ligands and the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (PDB ID: 4EY7) using Autodock 4.0 softaware. 2D visualisation of drug interactions was also discussed. Compounds 4 and 5 with substitution of p-chloro and 2-bromo respectively demonstrated active binding to the catalytic anionic site and the peripheral anionic site, respectively. These results were compared with those of the standard drug, donepezil.
Limits of Thermal Insulations – Heat Transfer within Evacuated Porous High-Performance Insulations
Authors: Ebert Hans-Peter , Manara Jochen , Reichenauer Gudrun
Published: May 2023

High-performance thermal insulations (HPI) have outstanding thermal properties to minimize heat transfer for a specific application. The term "high performance" is a relative rating: whether an insulating property, i.e. the thermal conductivity or thermal transmittance, is significantly lower than those of conventional insulating materials or systems depends on the use case and the related conditions. Applications fields for thermal insulations are the energy, building, industry and transport sector, but also the space and aviation industry. The total effective thermal conductivity of evacuated HPI depends on the contributions of the heat transfer via the solid skeleton of the porous insulation material and the radiative heat exchange. For a given operating temperature, the effective thermal conductivity yields a minimum depending on the density and the infrared-optically extinction properties of the insulation material. Examples for HPI with outstanding low thermal conductivity values will be presented and compared with the theoretical predictions based on a percolation model for the solid thermal conductivity of the skeleton and on a diffusion model for the radiative heat transfer.
Classification of sympathetic skin response based on the morphologic features and Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference system( ANFIS)
Authors: dhouibi nourhene , ALI Jaouher BEN , SAYADI Mounir , GRAPPERON Jacques , GINOUX Jean-Marc
Published: May 2023

The prevalence of polyneuropathy (PNP) or peripheral neuropathy (PN) is estimated to be 2%-3% in the general population and may be as high as 8% in people over 55 years of age. It’s the most common type of disorder of the peripheral nervous system in adults and in the elderly. Early detection and accurate classification of PNP can lead to proper diagnosis and treatment of painful symptoms. Our team developed a new method to classify the presence or absence of PNP in a database based on Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference system( ANFIS) using sympathetic skin response (SSR) signal. To realize an efficient detection the output of our classification is divided into four classes such as the severity of PNP: no-PNP, mild, moderate, and severe class. In fact, we propose to extract the morphologic features of SSR signal including Latency, amplitude, rise time, the typical recovery time of 63%, and the typical recovery time of 50% which can be altered by PNP. Thus, the performances of the PNP severity classification system were compared with different machine learning (ML) algorithms such as support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbor (KNN). Hence, The ANFIS model showed better performance in comparison to different ML models. In the classification stage, the best classification performance was achieved as 97.16%, 84.40%, and 87.12%% using ANFIS, KNN, and SVM classifier respectively.