bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic platforms for characterization of crude oil emulsion stability
Authors: Ghasemi Homa , Mozaffari Saeed , Mohammadghasemi Hossein , Jemere Abebaw B. , Nazemifard Neda
Published: March 2022

Microfluidic technology has gained significant scientific interest in the characterization of crude oil emulsions that are often formed in the process of oil production. Microfluidic platforms can be used to mimic the pores of natural rock and study multiphase displacement, as well as emulsion formation at a microscale level. This paper focuses on the applications of microfluidics to probe the stability of emulsified droplets against coalescence (e.g., in the presence of additives, electric field) for both water-in-oil (W/O) and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems. Additionally, this study summarizes the recent efforts made to identify the effects of various experimental factors, including crude oil composition, aging, salinity, and pH on the interfacial properties of water–oil interface and their ultimate roles in the formation and stability of emulsions. Finally, main findings and some recommendations for future work related to the potential of microfluidics in different aspects of crude oil emulsion studies are discussed.
The Roaming Edge and its Applications
Authors: Banerjee Suman , Arpaci-Dusseau Remzi , Dai Shenghong , Fawaz Kassem , Gupta Mohit , Lee Kangwook , Venkataraman Shivaram
Published: March 2022

Connected sensors, e.g., cameras, LiDARs, air sensors, installed in a mobile platform (e.g., a terrestrial or aerial vehicle, or special in-person devices) can provide broad views of wide-area environments quickly and efficiently. If many vehicles incorporate such sensing systems, they together can be composed into a unique crowd-sourced platform and can gather fine-grained, diverse, and noisy information at city-scales. However, these sensors can generate large amounts of data and such data is hard to aggregate in a central server. We explore the design of a "roaming edge" - the notion that generalpurpose computing be installed in these mobile platforms, which connect over wireless paths to the static infrastructure and to the static edge nodes, to support a broad range of applications. In particular, a roaming edge node allows different sensors and data sources in-range of a mobile platform to connect to it, and supports data processing for necessary local analytics, considering both efficiency and privacy. The roaming edge, of course, does not operate in isolation and we describe a three-tier architecture that integrates it with a static edge and cloudhosted services. This paper also outlines several applications that can leverage opportunities provided by the roaming edge, and focus, briefly, on one - a real-time video query application with public safety implications.
Salt Consumption and Blood Pressure in Rural Hypertensive Participants: A Community Filed Trial
Authors: Noroozi Farzaneh , Fararouei Mohammad , Kojuri Javad , Ghahremani Leila , Ghodrati Kaveh
Published: March 2022

Purpose. Hypertension is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. This study aimed to evaluate an intervention based on the Health Belief Model regarding the whole family’s salt consumption and blood pressure among hypertensive patients in rural areas in Iran. Methods. This clinical multicenter trial (clinical and community) with a control and an intervention group was conducted on the residents of 14 villages covered by 14 health houses. Totally, 200 hypertensive patients (n = 100 in each group) were selected via multistage random sampling. The intervention included a two-day workshop on blood pressure and reducing salt consumption based on HBM structures for health personnel and an eight-session workshop on how to reduce salt intake and blood pressure for mothers who were responsible for the families’ diets. Participants completed the questionnaires before and immediately after the intervention. Results. Compared to the control group, in the intervention group, a significant reduction was observed in salt consumption by the families (urine sodium and creatinine reduced by 35 mEq/l and 7.5 mg/dL, respectively). The results also revealed a significant decrease in blood pressure in the intervention group. Conclusion. The results showed that the mothers’ model-based education could effectively improve the diet of the whole family members and, as a result, reduce the associated diseases. The main advantage of this study was the involvement of the rural health personnel, which helped run longer and larger-scale health-promotion programs in the communities.
Evidence-Based Medicine in the Field of Ophthalmology during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Walter Eyal , Vofo Brice , Jotkowitz Alan , Levy Jaime
Published: March 2022

Purpose. To describe the evolution of COVID-19 related publications in the field of ophthalmology. Methods. All articles published in the field of ophthalmology and relevant to COVID-19 were identified by conducting a search on PubMed and Scopus databases using the string ((ophthalmology) OR (eye) OR (ocular)) AND ((corona) OR (COVID-19) OR (pandemic)). Search was conducted on September 30, 2020. Each eligible publication was independently graded by two experienced ophthalmologists based on the level of evidence-based medicine (EBM), with scores ranging from 1 (the highest level of EBM) to 5 (the lowest level). The average level of EBM was also evaluated for each month from February through September. Finally, we analyzed the interval (in days) between submission and acceptance for publication as well as the percentage of manuscripts that required revision before being accepted. Results. Our search yielded a total of 425 relevant publications. Of these publications, 359 (84.5%), 59 (13.9%), and 7 (1.6%) were rated as level 5, 4, and 3, respectively; none of the publications was rated as level 1 or 2. From February 2020 through September 2020, we found a significant increase in the relative proportion of level 3 and 4 publications compared to level 5 publications (rho = 0.108,

p
=
0.024

). Moreover, the number of citations per article was significantly correlated with the level of EBM (rho = 2.44,

p
<
0.0005

); however, we found no correlation between the number of citations and either the month of publication or the ranking of the journal in which the article was published. The mean interval between submission and acceptance for publication was 20.4 days (SD: 20.2 days), and 48.2% of submitted manuscripts were accepted without revision. From February through September, the interval between submission and acceptance increased significantly (rho = 0.515,

p
<
0.0005

); however, we found no significant change in the percentage of publications that were accepted without revision over this same time period. Conclusions. In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily lower-level EBM articles were published, and these publications were accepted relatively quickly. However, this effect was temporary, and over time the EBM levels improved and the interval between submission and acceptance increased, indicating an increase in publication standards.
A Cross-Regional Scheduling Strategy of Waste Collection and Transportation Based on an Improved Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Wei Zeming , Liang Chufeng , Tang Hua
Published: March 2022

The disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) is based on the divide-regional operation model at present, which brings management convenience. However, due to the constraints of the division between the operating regions, there are problems such as inflexible vehicle scheduling and low efficiency. Changing this mode will put pressure on management. It is necessary to break the constraint of the region and form a fully automatic operating scheme without too much manual management. First, the initial clusters are formed by considering the distance in the initial allocation module. Secondly, through the type labeling and reallocation module, the single big data set is transformed into multiple small data sets by considering the allocated amount of garbage and the carrying capacity of garbage vehicles. Then, this work proposes the improved hierarchical agglomerative clustering (IHAC) algorithm and the garbage collecting path planning (GCPP) algorithm to realize the intelligent allocation of waste and scheduling route planning of garbage vehicles. Finally, through simulation by real example and comparative analysis, the advantages of the proposed scheme are discussed. The results show that the proposed scheme is more effective than the original scheme and other advanced methods, which can provide decision support for the scientific and intelligent collection and transportation of MSW.
Study on the Dynamic Instability Mechanism of the Rock Formation in the Multifault Structure Zone of the Stope
Authors: Guo Hanxiao , Yu Weijian , Liu Yong , Zhang Zongtang , Kang Xiangtao
Published: March 2022

Under the influence of tectonism in geological activities, most fault structures appear in groups. Multiple fault structures can induce a variety of mine dynamic disasters, which significantly affect the safety of mine production. To study the dynamic instability mechanism of the strata in the multifault structure zone of the stope when mining, a numerical model of multiple fracture structures was established. At the same time, the mechanism of the dynamic instability of the rock formation in the multifault structure zone of the stope has been studied through similar simulation experiments and on-site data analysis. The research results show that the stress-affected areas of the faults in the multiple-fault structure area overlap, and the stress evolution law of the fault will distinguish its independent dynamic evolution model. The multifault structure area has a multifault overall evolution law model. In this model, there is a synergy between the fault layers, and the maximum value of stress concentration is diagonally distributed. Under the influence of mining, the fault structure will be activated to change the stress field distribution form of the stope. The two faults in multiple structural areas have a joint mechanism, which plays a key role in controlling the dynamic instability process of the surrounding rock of the stope. The first activated faults in the multiple-fault structure area will undergo secondary activation under the influence of subsequent fault activities. The evolution law of cracks in the overburden of similar simulation experiments confirms that the early active F1 fault will be affected by the subsequent F2 fault activity. The mine pressure data measured on-site verifies the reliability of the numerical simulation experiment and the similar simulation experiment.
Rare Presentation of Rosai-Dorfman Disease in Soft Tissue: Diagnostic Findings and Surgical Treatment
Authors: Betini Niteesha , Munger Alana M. , Rottmann Douglas , Haims Andrew , Costa José , Lindskog Dieter M.
Published: March 2022

Introduction and Importance. Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare, benign type II histiocytosis characterized by the infiltration of S100+ histiocytes and emperipolesis. The disease may present in the lymph nodes (nodal RDD), in extranodal sites, or in both nodal and extranodal sites. Among those patients who present exclusively in extranodal sites, only a minority of cases present in the soft tissue. Case Presentation. An 18-year-old female presented to orthopedic oncology clinic with a chief complaint of a mass located in her lower back. The patient underwent excision of the lumbosacral mass. Pathologic review demonstrated emperipolesis of lymphocytes and plasma cells within enlarged, eosinophilic histiocytes in a background of lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and collagenous stroma. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated S100+ and CD163+ histiocytes, consistent with diagnosis of soft tissue RDD. Clinical Discussion. Histologically, RDD is generally characterized by emperipolesis—the presence of intact lymphocytes within the histiocyte cytoplasm—and a mixed infiltrate of S100+ histiocytes, mononuclear cells, plasma cells, and lymphocytes. Although soft tissue RDD may histologically resemble nodal RDD, soft tissue RDD also demonstrates some notable histologic differences including the lack of nodal architecture, the presence of increased fibrosis and collagen deposition, and generally fewer RDD cells. Conclusion. This case presentation demonstrates one few reports of isolated soft tissue RDD within the lumbosacral region without associated lymphadenopathy or skin changes and highlights the heterogeneity that still exists in the treatment paradigm of extranodal RDD.
Identification of 9 Gene Signatures by WGCNA to Predict Prognosis for Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Mian , He Haibin , Peng Tao , Lu Yi , Yu Jiazi
Published: March 2022

Background. A risk assessment model for prognostic prediction of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) was established based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Methods. From the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, RNA-seq data and clinical data of COAD patients were retrieved. After screening of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), WGCNA was performed to identify gene modules and screen those associated with COAD progression. Then, via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction of module genes, hub genes were obtained, which were then subjected to the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Cox regression to build a hub gene-based prognostic scoring model. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was plotted for the optimal cutoff (OCO) of the risk score, based on which, patients were assigned to high or low-risk groups. Areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) were calculated, and model performance was visualized using Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival curves and verified in the external dataset GSE29621. Finally, the model’s independent prognostic value was evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and a nomogram was built. Results. Totally 2840 DEGs were screened from COAD dataset of TCGA, including 1401 upregulated ones and 1439 downregulated ones, which were divided into 10 modules by WGCNA. The eigenvalue of the black module was found to have a high correlation with COAD progression. PPI interaction networks were constructed for genes in the black module, and 34 hub genes were obtained by using the MCODE plug-in. A LASSO-Cox regression approach was utilized to analyze the hub genes, and a prognostic risk score model based on the signatures of 9 genes (CHEK1, DEPDC1B, FANCI, MCM10, NCAPG, PARPBP, PLK4, RAD51AP1, and RFC4) was constructed. KM analysis identified shorter overall lower survival in the high-risk group. The model was verified to have favorable predictive ability through training set and validation set. The nomogram, composed of tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging and risk score, was of good predictability. Conclusions. The COAD prognostic risk model constructed upon the signatures of 9 genes (CHEK1, DEPDC1B, FANCI, MCM10, NCAPG, PARPBP, PLK4, RAD51AP1, and RFC4) can effectively predict the survival status of COAD patients.
Pumping-Induced Non-Darcian Flow in a Finite Confined Aquifer
Authors: Feng Chen , Cai Binghua , Feng Qinggao
Published: March 2022

An analytic model for depicting non-Darcian flow caused by pumping in a finite confined aquifer with an outer barrier boundary is established. The model considers the wellbore storage and skin effect. And the semi-analytical solution is derived with the aid of the Izbash’s law-based non-Darcian flow and the method for linearization procedure combined with the Laplace transformation. The new presented solution can reduce to some available solutions for the confined aquifer of unlimited extension. The drawdowns in abstraction well and aquifer are explored. The results suggest that the presence of the no-flux outer boundary makes no difference to the early-time drawdowns, the late-time drawdowns in the unlimited confined aquifer are smaller than those in the finite confined aquifer with a zero-flux outer boundary, and the flow in this finite confined aquifer cannot approach quasi-steady state, especially to a smaller finite outer boundary distance radius. The change of power index n in the non-Darcian flow equation cannot affect the early-time drawdowns in abstraction well, while the drawdowns in aquifer are underestimated for Darcian flow case at early pumping time. The late-time drawdowns in the pumping well and aquifer are significantly overestimated under the assumption of Darcian flow. The early-time drawdowns in abstraction well and aquifer are significantly affected by wellbore storage, and a larger wellbore storage coefficient leads to a smaller drawdown. The skin factor can impact the intermediate-time drawdowns in abstraction well, while the early and intermediate-time drawdowns in aquifer are influenced by skin effect.
Encrypted Speech Retrieval Scheme Based on Multiuser Searchable Encryption in Cloud Storage
Authors: Zhang Qiuyu , Fu Minrui , Huang Yibo , Zhao Zhenyu
Published: March 2022

In order to solve the problem of multiuser security sharing and privacy protection of the speech data in cloud storage and realize efficient encrypted speech retrieval, an encrypted speech retrieval scheme based on multiuser searchable encryption was proposed. Firstly, the ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE) and searchable encryption (SE) are combined to support a multiuser searchable speech encryption scheme, which achieves the encryption and fine-grained access control of the speech data. Secondly, the Mel frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) feature of the original speech that is used as the input of the long- and short-term memory network (LSTM) is extracted to perform the deep semantic feature extraction as the speech keywords. Finally, the speech keywords are encrypted to generate a secure index, bound together with the encrypted speech, and then stored in the cloud. During the user retrieving, the keywords of query speech are extracted by utilizing the trained LSTM to generate the search trapdoor of the user and then uploaded to the cloud server, and the Euclidean distance is used for matching the security index with the search trapdoor. In addition, a proxy server is introduced to execute the partial ciphertext decryption operations to reduce computation overhead and storage space. The theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the proposed scheme has higher security and retrieval accuracy and can realize the secure storage of the massive speech data and multiuser data sharing.
Understanding of Diabetes in Tibetan, Mongolian, Miao, Dai, Uygur, and Yi Medicine and Collation of Prevention and Cure Medicines
Authors: Shi Yi , Zhou Banghua , Yu Liqiong , Liu Yaqin , Han Yunfeng , Tang Xi , Lai Xianrong
Published: March 2022

Diabetes seriously endangers human health and causes a huge economic burden. With the improvement of people’s living standard, the prevalence of diabetes is getting higher and higher, and age is becoming younger. It is an increasingly serious global problem. Therefore, it is imperative to find the drugs to treat diabetes. Ethnic medicine is an important part of the world’s medicinal treasure house and has its own unique system. This study systematically combined the theoretical understanding of the prevention and treatment of diabetes of Tibetan, Mongolian, Miao, Dai, Uygur, and Yi people by searching the existing literature studies published until 2021, library collection resources (related ethnic monographs, medical books, standards of medicinal materials, etc.), CNKI, PubMed, and other databases and collected and sorted the relevant medicines. A total of 112 kinds of ethnic medicines for the prevention and treatment of diabetes have been discovered, including plant medicines (105 kinds), animal medicines (6 kinds), and fungal medicines (1 kind). The composition of family and genus, medicinal parts, and life forms of medicinal plants were analyzed, and the number of drugs used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes in each ethnic group was statistically analyzed. The results showed that Rosaceae was at the top of the list, and the drugs used in underground parts accounted for 33.90% of the total, and the medicinal plants were mainly herbaceous, and the Mongolians have the largest number of diabetes medicines. In addition, CNKI, PubMed, and other databases selected “medicinal materials name,” “diabetes,” and “hypoglycemia” as keywords, the top 30 medicinal materials reported in existing literature were listed, and their Chinese name, the Latin name of the original plant, family and genus, nationality used, medicinal parts, and active ingredients related to the prevention and treatment of diabetes were introduced in detail. Among the 30 medicines, Astragalus membranaceus, Pueraria lobata, and Coptis chinensis are the most commonly used. Through literature research, this study summarized the existing theories of ethnic medicine for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, collected and sorted out ethnic medicine, clarified the potential mechanism of ethnic medicine, and provided effective data compilation. Ethnic medicine has a long history of treating diabetes, and there are abundant medicinal materials, to provide a new idea and basis for treating diabetes.
Metabolism disorder promotes isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in mice with high temperature and high humidity and high-fat diet
Authors: Lan Taohua , Zeng Qiaohuang , Jiang Wei , Liu Tong , Xu Wenjing , Yao Ping , Lu Weihui
Published: March 2022

Background

Isoproterenol (ISO), a synthetic on selective β-adrenergic agonist, provides a simple and non-invasive method for inducing myocardial injury with lower mortality and higher reproducibility. Phlegm-damp syndrome, as known as “Tanshi” in Chinese, is one of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation, which plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown.

Methods

In our present study, a myocardial injury mouse model was introduced by ISO administration combined with high temperature and high humidity and high-fat diet to simulate phlegm-damp syndrome. Nontargeted metabolomics with LC–MS/MS was adopted to reveal serum metabolism profile for elucidating the possible molecular mechanism.

Results

The results of our study showed that phlegm-damp syndrome promoted ISO-induced myocardial injury by aggravating left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis, and increasing cardiac index. Our study also confirmed the presence of specific metabolites and disturbed metabolic pathways by comparing ISO mice and Tanshi mice, mainly including glycerophospholipid metabolism, arginine–proline metabolism, and sphingolipid signaling pathway. The lysoPCs, PCs, SMs, Sphingosine, and L-Arginine were the main metabolites that showed a difference between ISO and Tanshi mice, which might be the result of the underlying mechanism in the promotion of ISO-induced myocardial injury in mice with high temperature and high humidity and high-fat diet.

Conclusion

Our current study provides new insights into contribution of metabolism disorder in promotion of ISO-induced myocardial injury in mice with high temperature and high humidity and high-fat diet, and new targets for clinical diagnosis and pharmacologic treatment of cardiovascular disease with phlegm-damp syndrome.
Sexual risk-taking behaviors among young migrant population in Sweden
Authors: Causevic Sara , Salazar Mariano , Orsini Nicola , Kågesten Anna , Ekström Anna Mia
Published: March 2022

Background

Migration is a complex process of high uncertainty with adjustments to new contexts and experiences influencing individuals’ health. This study aims to assess the prevalence of self-reported sexual risk-taking behaviors among migrant youth population in Sweden, fulfilling the research gap in that field.

Methods

A pre-tested, web-based self-administered cross-sectional survey was used to collect data among 1563 migrant youth (15–25 years old) in Sweden. The survey was conducted in high schools and Swedish language schools for foreigners between December 2018 and November 2019. Pearson chi-square and t-tests were used to compare whether sociodemographic characteristics and migration status varied between those engaging in sexual risk behaviors or not. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odds ratio of the key outcome variable and independent variables.

Results

There is a profound heterogeneity in migrant youth characteristics related to engagement in different sexual risk-taking behaviors. Those engaging in condomless sex were older, coming from the Americas and Europe, living longer in Sweden and came to live with their family. Belonging to the Islamic religion was a protective factor. Sex under the influence of drugs was related to those from Europe, and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and coming to Sweden to work/study, where age was a protective factor. Living longer in Sweden, coming for work/study or to live with family had higher odds to engage in sex in exchange for gifts/money.

Conclusion

The results highlight the needed reconsideration of the broader system response that can influence migrant youth health outcomes and public health implications. The approach should consider and relate to sexual risk-taking behavior’s long-term consequences. Migrant youth background needs and knowledge should guide this response.
Cephalometric measurements performed on CBCT and reconstructed lateral cephalograms: a cross-sectional study providing a quantitative approach of differences and bias
Authors: Baldini Benedetta , Cavagnetto Davide , Baselli Giuseppe , Sforza Chiarella , Tartaglia Gianluca Martino
Published: March 2022

Background

Cephalometric analysis is traditionally performed on skull lateral teleradiographs for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. However, the skull flattened over a 2D film presents projection distortions and superimpositions to various extents depending on landmarks relative position. When a CBCT scan is indicated for mixed reasons, cephalometric assessments can be performed directly on CBCT scans with a distortion free procedure. The aim of the present study is to compare these two methods for orthodontic cephalometry.

Methods

114 CBCTs were selected, reconstructed lateral cephalometries were obtained by lateral radiographic projection of the entire volume from the right and left sides. 2D and 3D cephalometric tracings were performed. Since paired t-tests between left and right-side measurements found no statistically significant differences, mean values between sides were considered for both 2D and 3D values. The following measurements were evaluated: PNS-A; S-N; N-Me; N-ANS; ANS-Me; Go-Me; Go-S; Go-Co; SNA, SNB, ANB; BaŜN; S-N^PNS-ANS; PNS-ANS^Go-Me; S-N^Go-Me. Intraclass correlation coefficients, paired t-test, correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman analysis were performed to compare these techniques.

Results

The values of intra- and inter-rater ICC showed excellent repeatability and reliability: the average (± SD) intraobserver ICCs were 0.98 (± 0.01) and 0.97(± 0.01) for CBCT and RLCs, respectively; Inter-rater reliability resulted in an average ICC (± SD) of 0.98 (± 0.01) for CBCT and 0.94 (± 0.03) for RLC. The paired t-tests between CBCT and reconstructed lateral cephalograms revealed that Go-Me, Go-S, PNS-ANS^Go-Me and S-N^Go-Me measurements were statistically different between the two modalities. All the evaluated sets of measurements showed strong positive correlation; the bias and ranges for the 95% Limits of Agreement showed higher levels of agreement between the two modalities for unpaired measurements with respect to bilateral ones.

Conclusion

The cephalometric measurements laying on the mid-sagittal plane can be evaluated on CBCT and used for orthodontic diagnosis as they do not show statistically significant differences with those measured on 2D lateral cephalograms. For measurements that are not in the mid-sagittal plane, the future development of specific algorithms for distortion correction could help clinicians deduct all the information needed for orthodontic diagnosis from the CBCT scan.
Physical activity enhances the improvement of body mass index and metabolism by inulin: a multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial performed in obese individuals
Authors: Rodriguez Julie , Neyrinck Audrey M. , Van Kerckhoven Maxime , Gianfrancesco Marco A. , Renguet Edith , Bertrand Luc , Cani Patrice D. , Lanthier Nicolas , Cnop Miriam , Paquot Nicolas , Thissen Jean-Paul , Bindels Laure B. , Delzenne Nathalie M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Dietary interventions targeting the gut microbiota have been proposed as innovative strategies to improve obesity-associated metabolic disorders. Increasing physical activity (PA) is considered as a key behavioral change for improving health. We have tested the hypothesis that changing the PA status during a nutritional intervention based on prebiotic supplementation can alter or even change the metabolic response to the prebiotic. We confirm in obese subjects and in high-fat diet fed mice that performing PA in parallel to a prebiotic supplementation is necessary to observe metabolic improvements upon inulin.

Methods

A randomized, single-blinded, multicentric, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in obese participants who received 16 g/day native inulin versus maltodextrin, coupled to dietary advice to consume inulin-rich versus -poor vegetables for 3 months, respectively, in addition to dietary caloric restriction. Primary outcomes concern the changes on the gut microbiota composition, and secondary outcomes are related to the measures of anthropometric and metabolic parameters, as well as the evaluation of PA. Among the 106 patients who completed the study, 61 patients filled a questionnaire for PA before and after intervention (placebo:n = 31, prebiotic:n = 30). Except the dietitian (who provided dietary advices and recipes book), all participants and research staff were blinded to the treatments and no advices related to PA were given to participants in order to change their habits. In parallel, a preclinical study was designed combining both inulin supplementation and voluntary exercise in a model of diet-induced obesity in mice.

Results

Obese subjects who increased PA during a 3 months intervention with inulin-enriched diet exhibited several clinical improvements such as reduced BMI (− 1.6 kg/m2), decreased liver enzymes and plasma cholesterol, and improved glucose tolerance. Interestingly, the regulations ofBifidobacterium, Dialister, andCatenibacteriumgenera by inulin were only significant when participants exercised more. In obese mice, we highlighted a greater gut fermentation of inulin and improved glucose homeostasis when PA is combined with prebiotics.

Conclusion

We conclude that PA level is an important determinant of the success of a dietary intervention targeting the gut microbiota.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT03852069(February 22, 2019 retrospectively registered).
Impact of perioperative blood transfusions on postoperative renal function and survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Rodieck Wiebke , Hallensleben Michael , Robert Julia , Beetz Oliver , Grannas Gerrit , Cammann Sebastian , Oldhafer Felix , Klempnauer Juergen , Vondran Florian W. R. , Kulik Ulf
Published: March 2022

Background and aims

Recent studies focusing on thoracic surgery suggest postoperative kidney injury depending on the amount of perioperative blood transfusions. Data investigating similar effects after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are not available. Aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the influence of perioperative blood transfusions on postoperative renal function and survival after resection of CRLM.

Methods

Seven hundred twenty-seven cases of liver resection for CRLM were retrospectively analyzed. Renal function was measured via estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and a postoperative decline of ≥ 10% was considered substantial. Potential influences on postoperative kidney function were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Cox-regression analyses were performed to estimate the impact on overall survival (OS).

Results

Preoperative impaired kidney function (p = 0.001, OR 2.477) and transfusion of > 2 units of packed red blood cells (PRBC) (p = 0.046; OR 1.638) were independently associated with an increased risk for ≥ 10% loss of renal function. Neither a pre-existing renal impairment, nor the additional loss of renal function were associated with reduced survival. Chemotherapies in the context of primary colorectal cancer treatment (p = 0.002), age > 70 years at liver resection (p = 0.005), number (p = 0.001), and size of metastases > 50 mm (p = 0.018), duration of resection > 120 min (p = 0.006) and transfusions of > 2 units of PRBC (p = 0.039) showed a negative independent influence on OS.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate a negative impact of perioperative blood transfusions on the postoperative renal function and OS. Hence, efforts to reduce blood transfusions should be intensified.
Alzheimer’s disease: history, ethics and medical humanities in the context of assisted suicide
Authors: Braun Birgit , Demling Joachim , Loew Thomas Horst
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Dementia diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are of considerable importance in terms of social policy and health economics. Moreover, against the background of the current Karlsruhe judgement on the legalisation of assisted suicide, there are also questions to be asked about medical humanities in AD.

Methodology

Relevant literature on complementary forms of therapy and prognosis was included and discussed.

Results

Creative sociotherapeutic approaches (art, music, dance) and validating psychotherapeutic approaches show promise for suitability and efficiency in the treatment of dementia, but in some cases still need to be scientifically tested. Biomarker-based early diagnosis of dementia diseases is increasingly becoming a subject of debate against the background of the Karlsruhe ruling.

Discussion

Needs-oriented and resource-enhancing approaches can make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of people with dementia. The discussion on the issue of “assisted suicide” should include questions of the dignity and value of a life with dementia.

Outlook

The integrative dementia therapy model can be complemented by a religion- and spirituality-based approach. Appropriate forms of psychotherapy should be scientifically evaluated.
Confusing Context with Character: Correspondence Bias in Economic Interactions
Authors: Han Yi , Liu Yiming , Loewenstein George
Published: March 2022

When drawing inferences about a person’s personal characteristics from the person’s actions, “correspondence bias” is the tendency to overestimate the influence of those characteristics and underestimate the influence of situational factors, such as incentives the individual faces. We build a simple framework to formalize correspondence bias and test its predictions in an online experiment. Consistent with correspondence bias, subjects are, on average, willing to pay to receive the dictator-game givings of an individual with whom they are randomly assigned to play a game that encourages cooperation rather than one with whom they play a game that encourages selfish behavior. We show, further, that experiencing both games oneself, as opposed to playing one and observing the other, reduces the bias, and receiving information about how each of the players behaved in both games eliminates it.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: Y. Liu acknowledges financial support from the Einstein Foundation [Grant EVF-2018-426].

Supplemental Material: Data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4384 .
New workforce standards for district nursing launched
Authors: Bradby Matthew
Published: March 2022

The Queen's Nursing Institute has published workforce standards for district nursing services in the UK. The standards are intended to provide top-level guidance to commissioners, service planners and managers about the key considerations when deciding on the number of staff, skill mix, and workload management tools needed to provide healthcare in the community setting. The standards are intended to support the evidence base around the number of suitably qualified and experienced district nurses needed to provide a service to a given population. The standards include ‘red flags’ that indicate when a service is at increased risk of deferring care due to lack of staff capacity.
Nausea and vomiting in end-of-life care: managing this debilitating symptom in the community
Authors: Baldwin Rebecca
Published: March 2022

Nausea and vomiting (N&V) are common, debilitating and distressing symptoms for patients with advanced cancer, precipitating admission to hospital for intravenous antiemetic and re-hydration ( Glare et al, 2011 ). The causes of N&V in end-of-life care (EOLC) are multifaceted, with appropriate therapy guided by thorough assessment ( Walsh et al, 2017 ; Watson et al, 2019 ). Cyclizine and levomepromazine can, depending on aetiology, be cited as effective antiemetic agents for patients with advanced cancer ( Ingleton and Larkin, 2015 ; Watson et al, 2019 ). Conversely, careful consideration of the use of dexamethasone for the management of N&V in EOLC should be taken, due to known side effects ( Ferrel and Paice, 2019 ). This case study will use a systematic approach to critically appraise the management of N&V, experienced by a community patient receiving EOLC from the district nurses.
Membrane contact probability: An essential and predictive character for the structural and functional studies of membrane proteins
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Jiangguo , Wang Dali , Song Chen
Published: March 2022

One of the unique traits of membrane proteins is that a significant fraction of their hydrophobic amino acids is exposed to the hydrophobic core of lipid bilayers rather than being embedded in the protein interior, which is often not explicitly considered in the protein structure and function predictions. Here, we propose a characteristic and predictive quantity, the membrane contact probability (MCP), to describe the likelihood of the amino acids of a given sequence being in direct contact with the acyl chains of lipid molecules. We show that MCP is complementary to solvent accessibility in characterizing the outer surface of membrane proteins, and it can be predicted for any given sequence with a machine learning-based method by utilizing a training dataset extracted from MemProtMD, a database generated from molecular dynamics simulations for the membrane proteins with a known structure. As the first of many potential applications, we demonstrate that MCP can be used to systematically improve the prediction precision of the protein contact maps and structures.
Rare and common variants in ROM1 and PRPH2 genes trans-modify Stargardt/ABCA4 disease
Authors: Zernant Jana , Lee Winston , Wang Jun , Goetz Kerry , Ullah Ehsan , Nagasaki Takayuki , Su Pei-Yin , Fishman Gerald A. , Tsang Stephen H. , Tumminia Santa J. , Brooks Brian P. , Hufnagel Robert B. , Chen Rui , Allikmets Rando
Published: March 2022

Over 1,500 variants in the ABCA4 locus cause phenotypes ranging from severe, early-onset retinal degeneration to very late-onset maculopathies. The resulting ABCA4/Stargardt disease is the most prevalent Mendelian eye disorder, although its underlying clinical heterogeneity, including penetrance of many alleles, are not well-understood. We hypothesized that a share of this complexity is explained by trans-modifiers, i.e., variants in unlinked loci, which are currently unknown. We sought to identify these by performing exome sequencing in a large cohort for a rare disease of 622 cases and compared variation in seven genes known to clinically phenocopy ABCA4 disease to cohorts of ethnically matched controls. We identified a significant enrichment of variants in 2 out of the 7 genes. Moderately rare, likely functional, variants, at the minor allele frequency (MAF) <0.005 and CADD>25, were enriched in ROM1, where 1.3% of 622 patients harbored a ROM1 variant compared to 0.3% of 10,865 controls (p = 2.41E04; OR 3.81 95% CI [1.77; 8.22]). More importantly, analysis of common variants (MAF>0.1) identified a frequent haplotype in PRPH2, tagged by the p.Asp338 variant with MAF = 0.21 in the matched general population that was significantly increased in the patient cohort, MAF 0.25, p = 0.0014. Significant differences were also observed between ABCA4 disease subgroups. In the late-onset subgroup, defined by the hypomorphic p.Asn1868Ile variant and including c.4253+43G>A, the allele frequency for the PRPH2 p.Asp338 variant was 0.15 vs 0.27 in the remaining cohort, p = 0.00057. Known functional data allowed suggesting a mechanism by which the PRPH2 haplotype influences the ABCA4 disease penetrance. These associations were replicated in an independent cohort of 408 patients. The association was highly statistically significant in the combined cohorts of 1,030 cases, p = 4.00E-05 for all patients and p = 0.00014 for the hypomorph subgroup, suggesting a substantial trans-modifying role in ABCA4 disease for both rare and common variants in two unlinked loci.
Acceptability of unsupervised peer-based distribution of HIV oral self-testing for the hard-to-reach in rural KwaZulu Natal, South Africa: Results from a demonstration study
Authors: Kitenge Marcel K. , Laxmeshwar Chinmay , Bermudez Aza Elkin , Ford-Kamara Ellie , Van Cutsem Gilles , Gcwensa Ntombi , Casas Esther C. , Hlophe Khanyo , Isaakidis Petros , Ohler Liesbet
Published: March 2022

Background

Innovative models to distribute oral HIV self-tests (HIVST) provide an opportunity to increase access to HIV testing, especially for hard-to-reach populations. This study aimed to describe the acceptability of unsupervised peer-distribution of HIVST as a method to scale-up HIV testing.

Methods

In this study, lay counsellors or community health workers provided HIVST kits to primary recipients (PRs) for distribution to their sexual partners, anyone in their social network (termed secondary recipients) or for self-testing, from September 2018 to March 2020. The study was conducted in Eshowe and Mbongolwane areas in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A structured questionnaire was administered during the recruitment and passive follow-up, when people came for confirmatory HIV testing. Electronic records were retrospectively examined to determine initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for all HIVST users and non-users.

Results

Among 36,708 people approached to be primary recipients, 9,891 (26.9%) accepted; 31,341 HIVST kits were distributed with a median of three (IQR: 2–4) per peer. PRs were predominately recruited at primary health clinics (PHCs). However, acceptability of HIVST was thrice as high at community-based testing sites compared to PHCs (64.5% vs. 21.0%; p<0.001). During the study period, 34,715 adults were tested for HIV at both PHCs and community-based testing sites; of these, 1,089 individuals reported HIVST use. Among HIVST users, 893 (82.0%) returned to the clinic for confirmatory testing after testing negative on HIVST; 196 (17.9%) were confirmed HIV positive following a positive HIVST. After excluding 36/196 (18.4%) participants for whom clinical records could not be found in electronic register and 25/160 (15.6%) who were already on ART before receiving HIVST, 129/135 (95.5%) initiated ART, whereas 2,362/2685 (88%) of HIV positive HIVST non-users-initiated ART.

Conclusion

Unsupervised peer-distribution of HIVST was feasible and acceptable, with more than 25% accepting to be peer-distributors. Acceptability of HIVST was thrice as high in community sites compared to clinics.
Performance of GPS/GPRS tracking devices improves with increased fix interval and is not affected by animal deployment
Authors: Acácio Marta , Atkinson Philip W. , Silva João Paulo , Franco Aldina M. A.
Published: March 2022

The use of GPS tracking technologies has revolutionized the study of animal movement providing unprecedentedly detailed information. The characterization of GPS accuracy and precision under different conditions is essential to correctly identify the spatial and temporal resolution at which studies can be conducted. Here, we examined the influence of fix acquisition interval and device deployment on the performance of a new GPS/GSM solar powered device. Horizontal and vertical accuracy and precision of locations were obtained under different GPS fix acquisition intervals (1min, 20 min and 60 min) in a stationary test. The test devices were deployed on pre-fledgling white storks (Ciconia ciconia) and we quantified accuracy and precision after deployment while controlling for bias caused by variation in habitat, topography, and animal movement. We also assessed the performance of GPS-Error, a metric provided by the device, at identifying inaccurate locations (> 10 m). Average horizontal accuracy varied between 3.4 to 6.5 m, and vertical accuracy varied between 4.9 to 9.7 m, in high (1 min) and low frequency (60 min) GPS fix intervals. These values were similar after the deployment on white storks. Over 84% of GPS horizontal positions and 71% of vertical positions had less than 10m error in accuracy. Removing 3% of data with highest GPS-Error eliminated over 99% of inaccurate positions in high GPS frequency intervals, but this metric was not effective in the low frequency intervals. We confirmed the suitability of these devices for studies requiring horizontal and vertical accuracies of 5-10m. For higher accuracy data, intensive GPS fix intervals should be used, but this requires more sophisticated battery management, or larger batteries and devices.
Research on extremely short construction period of engineering project based on labor balance under resource tolerance
Authors: Peng Junlong , Wang Mengyao , Peng Chao , Hu Ke
Published: March 2022

Under the condition of resource tolerance, engineering construction projects face the problem of labor force balance in the working face. Notably, a deviation occurs between the distribution and certain demand of the labor force in the limited working face, which affects the realization of an extremely short construction period. To address this problem, we first introduced the stochastic coefficient of labor force equilibrium to measure the degree of labor balance. Second, a labor force equilibrium model with the realization goal of an extremely short construction period was established. Then, the standard particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was improved from two perspectives to solve the proposed model. The update equation was rounded to solve practical project problems, and a dynamic variable inertia weight was adopted to ensure the PSO algorithm accuracy and convergence speed. Finally, through case analysis, we determined the extremely short construction period and best labor force distribution scheme. Moreover, the case results revealed that the established model is simple, operable and practical and that the proposed algorithm achieves a high search accuracy and efficiency in the model solution process. Overall, under the condition of resource tolerance, this study provides scientific and effective references for managers to realize an extremely short construction period.