bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What do we want to get out of this? A critical interpretive synthesis of the value of process evaluations with a practical planning framework
Authors: French Caroline , Dowrick Anna , Fudge Nina , Pinnock Hilary , Taylor Stephanie JC
Published: May 2022

Background
Process evaluations aim to understand how interventions bring about outcomes by examining intervention mechanisms, implementation, and context. While much attention has been paid to the methodology of process evaluations in health research, the value of process evaluations has received less critical attention. We aimed to unpack how value is conceptualised in process evaluations and identify and critically analyse 1) how process evaluations may create value and negative consequences, 2) themes of value, and 3) tensions between values.
Methods
We systematically searched for and identified published literature on process evaluation, including guidance, opinion pieces, primary research, reviews, and discussion of methodological and practical issues. We conducted a critical interpretive synthesis and developed a practical planning framework.
Results
We identified and included 147 literature items. From these we determined three sources of value (or potential negative consequences) created by process evaluations: 1) socio-technical processes of ‘doing’ the process evaluation, 2) characteristics of the knowledge produced by process evaluations, and 3) how process evaluation knowledge is used. From these three sources of value, we identified 15 value themes. Value varies according to the characteristics of individual process evaluation and is subjective and context dependent.
Conclusion
The concept of value in process evaluations is complex and multi-faceted. Stakeholders in different contexts may have very different expectations of process evaluations and the value that can and should be obtained from them. We propose a planning framework to support an open and transparent process to plan and create value from process evaluations and negotiate trade-offs. This will support the development of joint solutions and, ultimately, generate more value from process evaluations to all.
Robot-assisted radial forearm free flap harvesting: A propensity score-matched case-control study
Authors: Shin Seung-Woo , Kim Hyounmin , Nam Woong , Kim Hyung Jun , Cha In-Ho , Koh Yoon Woo , Kim Dongwook
Published: May 2022

Although some surgeons prefer anterolateral thigh and latissimus dorsi flap for soft tissue reconstruction in head and neck area because it minimizes donor site complications, radial forearm flap remains the workhorse for soft tissue reconstruction due to its reliability. To reduce donor site morbidity, the authors developed a novel technique for radial forearm flap harvesting using a robotic device. 42 radial forearm free flap reconstruction cases were studied, consisting of 31 conventional and 11 robot-assisted cases. 1:1 propensity score matching was done according to age, sex, previous and postoperative radiation therapy history and method used for vein anastomosis. There were no significant difference was in flap outcome, which was 100% vitality in the robot-assisted group and 90.9% vitality in the conventional group. The robot-assisted group showed significantly longer mean harvesting time than did the conventional group, being 107.2 minutes and 67.0 minutes respectively. Robot-assisted radial forearm flap harvesting can reduce donor site complications by minimizing incision. When more surgical experience is gained under appropriate case selection, we expect our robot-assisted method will yield a harvesting time similar to that of the conventional method and thus become more reliable and feasible.
What do patients and their carers experience in a lung cancer referral pathway? a qualitative study.
Authors: Otty Zulfiquer , Evans Rebecca , Larkins Sarah , Sabesan Sabe , Brown Amy
Published: May 2022

Background: Lung cancer referral pathways aim to reduce delays and improve referral patterns of people with suspected lung cancer. As part of implementing lung cancer referral pathway at a regional Australian hospital, this study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of people with lung cancer and their carers.Methods: In-depth interviews were used to elicit data for thematic analysis in this cross-sectional qualitative study. Newly diagnosed lung cancer patients and their carers at an academic cancer centre were invited to participate in interviews. Five interviews were conducted face-to-face, and fourteen interviews were conducted by telephone (as per interviewee preference). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analysed. Descriptive phrases were used to generate initial inductive codes and themes. Results: Nineteen out of 36 participants approached agreed to take part in the study. Important aspects for participants identified were: quality of communication from clinicians, timeliness of investigations and specialist referrals, patient advocacy, psycho-social support, and co-ordination of care. Various difficulties experienced which reduced their perception of quality of care were reported by some patients and their carers. Tele-health consultations, including telephone consultations, were being used widely due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Factors which positively impacted the care experience were good communication, timeliness and patient advocacy and support. Improper communication, long waiting times for investigations and appointments, uncertainty about the process and inconsistent providers negatively impacted the care experience. Participants preferred face to face or video-linked consultations over telephone consultations.Conclusions: Proper communication, timeliness and adequate psycho-social support were perceived as important factors in improving satisfaction of lung cancer patients and their carers during the referral pathway. Methods to improve communication by clinicians, reduce delays and provide support care during the referral pathway should be explored further.
Optimised Extreme Gradient Boosting Model for Short Term Electric Load Forecasting: Application to the French Regional Grid
Authors: Qinghe ZHAO , Wen XIANG , Boyan HUANG , WANG Jong , FANG Junlong
Published: May 2022

Load forecast provides effective and reliable guidance for power construction and grid operation. It is essential for the power utility to forecast the exact in-future coming energy demand. Advanced machine learning methods can support competently for load forecasting, and extreme gradient boosting is an algorithm with great research potential. We take the extreme gradient boosting algorithm as the original model and combine the Tree-structured Parzen Estimator method to design the TPE-XGBoost model for completing the high-performance single-lag power load forecasting task. We resample the power load data of the Île-de-France Region Grid provided by Réseau de Transport d'Électricité in the day, train and optimise the TPE-XGBoost model by samples from 2016 to 2018, and test and evaluate in samples of 2019. The optimal window width of the time series data is determined in this study through Discrete Fourier Transform and Pearson Correlation Coefficient Methods, and five additional date features are introduced to complete feature engineering. By 500 iterations, TPE optimisation ensures nine hyperparameters’ values of XGBoost and improves the models obviously. In the dataset of 2019, the TPE-XGBoost model we designed has an excellent performance of MAE = 166.020 and MAPE = 2.61%. Compared with the original model, the two metrics are respectively improved by 14.23% and 14.14%; compared with the other eight machine learning algorithms, the model performs with the best metrics as well.
Improving medical student recruitment into neurosurgery through teaching reform
Authors: Shen Jun , Yuan Lili , Ge Ruixiang , Shao Xuefei , Jiang Xiaochun
Published: May 2022

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether a combination of case-based learning (CBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) methods in teaching can improve the academic performance and recruitment of medical students for neurosurgery.Methods: Four classes of fourth-year medical students were randomly divided into two groups. The traditional model group received the traditional teaching method, and the CBL-PBL group received the combined teaching methods of CBL and PBL. After the courses, the differences between the two groups in self-perceived competence, satisfaction with the course, postclass test scores, and clinical practice abilities were compared, and the proportions of neurosurgery major selection in pre- and postcurriculum between the two groups were also analyzed.Results: Self-perceived competence, postclass test scores, and clinical practice abilities in the CBL-PBL group were significantly better than those in the traditional model group. The students in the CBL-PBL group showed a higher degree of satisfaction with the course than those in the traditional model group. At the end of the semester, the proportion of students who chose neurosurgery majors in the CBL-PBL group increased significantly.Conclusion: Compared with the traditional teaching method, the CBL and PBL integrated method is more effective for improving the performance of medical students and enhancing their clinical capabilities in neurosurgery teaching. The CBL-PBL method effectively improved students’ interests in neurosurgery, potentially contributing to increasing medical student recruitment into neurosurgery.
A Case Report of the Identification of Catheter Pinch-Off Syndrome in a Chest X-Ray by Nurse Specialist
Authors: GAO LI , ZHANG Hanfeng , LUO LEI
Published: May 2022

Introduction Pinch-off syndrome (POS) can lead to intravascular embolization so it is very important to predict POS in advance. POS is easily misdiagnosed as catheter catheter obstruction, most of the cases are diagnosed by radiologists or clinicians observe whether the catheter is narrowed or broken on chest radiographs,but fewer cases are reported in which catheter stenosis is identified on chest radiographs by nurse specialist alone.Methods We discuss the case which thetotally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) was dysfunctional but it was not being addressed correctly in many medical Settings until the patient came to our hospital.Results The nurse specialist in the vascular access nursing clinic discovered POS and helped the patient manage it timely. The TIVADs were removed safely under digital subtraction angiography (DSA).Conclusions It is necessary for medical staff to increase their awareness of catheter pinch-off syndrome and to prevent and treat TIVAD, thus avoiding serious complications.
Synthesis of Diverse Spiro-imidazo Pyridine-indene Derivatives via Acid-Promoted Annulation Reaction of Bindone and Heterocyclic Ketene Aminals
Authors: Nasri Shima , Bayat Mohammad , Miankooshki Fatemeh Rostami
Published: May 2022

A new multi-component reaction for the synthesis of novel and diverse spiro-imidazo pyridine-indene derivatives named spiro[imidazo[1,2-a]indeno[2,1-e]pyridine-5,1'-indene and indenylidene-1H-spiro[imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-7,1'-indene was successfully developed by the reaction between heterocyclic ketene aminals (generated from 1,1-bis(methylthio)-2-nitro ethylene and diamine) and [1,2′-biindenylidene]-1′,3,3′-trione (bindone) (in situ generated from self-condensation of 1,3-indandion) by using malononitrile as a promoter or as one of the precursors respectively in the presence of p-TSA as the acid catalyst in EtOH as reaction medium under reflux conditions. Depending on whether the reaction is single-step or two-step, malononitrile can act as a promoter or reactant. The convenient one-pot operation, straightforward isolation without using additional purification methods, and the use of a variety of diamines and cysteamine hydrochloride causing a variety of structural products are attractive aspects of the present approach. The synthesized final product contains active methylene and this active site can be involved in further reactions to synthesize more complex heterocycles.
Characterization and discrimination of two varieties of eggplants using multi-element and metabolomics profiles with chemometrics
Authors: Niu Xuemei , Mi Si , Jin Qiuxia , Sang Yaxin , Wang Xianghong
Published: May 2022

The main purpose of the present study was to clarify the differences present in the multi-element and metabolite profiles between two varieties of eggplants. A total of 54 elements were identified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, 16 elements were significantly different between peel (n = 3) and flesh (n = 3). Besides, untargeted metabolomics combined with chemometric approach based on UHPLC-Q-TOF/ MS was used to identify the peel (n = 4) and flesh (n = 4).178 metabolites were screened with criteria of p < 0.05, fold change > 1.5 or < 0.67 and variable importance > 1 for the PLS-DA model prediction score. Amino acid compounds, maltitol and Kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside are the most important identification components of the two varieties of eggplant. Results showed that the two varieties of eggplants could be distinguished based on their multi-element and metabolite profiles, which may provide new directions for eggplant function research.
Transcriptome analysis reveals key genes and pathways associated with the petal color formation in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wang Jiao , Chen Li , Ren Wenjing , Han Fengqing , Fang Zhiyuan , Yang Limei , Zhuang Mu , Lv Honghao , Wang Yong , Ji Jialei , Zhang Yangyong
Published: May 2022

Petal color is an important agronomic trait in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata). Although the key gene BoCCD4 has been functionally characterized, the underlying molecular regulatory mechanism of petal color formation in cabbage is still unclear. In this study, we applied the transcriptome analysis of yellow petals from the cabbage inbred line YL-1 and white petals from the Chinese kale inbred line A192-1 and BoCCD4-overexpressing transgenic line YF-2 (YL-1 background), which revealed 1928 DEGs common to both the A192-1 vs. YL-1 and the YL-1 vs. YF-2 comparison groups. One key enzyme-encoding gene, BoAAO3, and two key TF-encoding genes, Bo2g151880 (WRKY) and Bo3g024180 (SBP), related to carotenoid biosynthesis were significantly up-regulated in both A192-1 and YF-2 petals, which was consistent with the expression pattern of BoCCD4, indicating that these key genes may interact with BoCCD4 to jointly regulate carotenoid biosynthesis in cabbage petals. This study provides new insights into the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying petal color formation in cabbage.
The role of Atlantic variability in modulating the tropical cyclone formation in the Australian region
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Ma Ming , Li Ming , Chen Jian , Bai Chengzu
Published: May 2022

Previously the interannual variability of tropical cyclone genesis (TCG) in the Australian region has mainly been attributed to the climate variability in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In this study, we found that the influence from climate variability in the Atlantic is of equal importance. Application of a state-of-the-art causality analysis reveals that the Atlantic meridional mode (AMM), Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and north tropical Atlantic (NTA) sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are all causal to the Australian region TCG frequency. The associated physical mechanisms are investigated as well. Based on this causal analysis and inference, a statistical model is constructed to forecast TCG, using the Poisson regression and the step-by-step predictor selection method. The Atlantic causal factors, after being taken in as new predictors, help increase the forecast skill for the seasonal Australian region TCG by as much as 10% in terms of correlation increase and 40% in terms of root-mean-square error reduction.
Based on AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway to explore the molecular mechanism of autophagy and the intervention effect of esmolol in septic myocardial injury
Authors: Liu Maoxia , Qin Yan , Li Zheng-da , Jin Jun , Zhang Yan-bing , Yang Xin-jing
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Autophagy is a double-edged sword. The purpose of this study was to investigate the signal transduction pathway of esmolol (ES) interfered with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiomyocyte autophagy.
Methods
Sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10mg/kg) in male Sprague- Dawley rats (250–300) g, which were treated with ES (15mg/kg·h), 3-methyladenine (3-MA, 15mg/kg) and rapamycin (RAP, 4mg/kg) respectively for twelve hours. The severity of myocardial necrosis was analyzed by hematoxylin- eosin (HE) staining. The expression quantity of autophagy protein in myocardial tissue was detected by Western blotting.
Results
LPS-induced increase in the expression of p- mTOR as well as decrease in the expression of LC3-II, Beclin-1, p-AMPK and p-ULK1 was also inhibited by pretreatment with ES or rapamycin (agonists of autophagy). On the contrary, 3-MA didn’t play a role in enhancing LPS-induced autophagy inhibition.
Conclusion
This study suggests that ES may provide a new strategy for treatment of sepsis cardiomyopathy through activating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signal pathway-regulated autophagy.
New MDS Self-Dual Codes From Two Disjoint Subsets
Authors: Cao Yuting , Zhu Shixin
Published: May 2022

In recent years, some new classes of MDS self-dual codes were construed. The method is to obtain new structure by generalized GRS codes. In this paper, our idea is to construct MDS self-dual codes of length n where is composed with two subgroups of Fq. In particular, these two subgroups do not intersect. Several classes of new q-ary MDS self-dual codes under specific conditions are given by considering the intervalof s, t.
Evaluation of factors affecting the reduction in pelvic floor muscle tension and the therapeutic effect
Authors: Zou Jinghui , Liu Yan , Xue Aijiao , Sun Xiaohuan , Zhang Yisheng
Published: May 2022

Purpose This study investigated the risk factors associated with reductions in pelvic floor muscle tension and evaluated improvements in pelvic floor muscle tension with electrical stimulation combined with biofeedback technology and Kegel exercises.Methods We conducted a case-control study of 170 women with postpartum follow-up at Ningbo Li Huili Hospital from April 2019 to May 2020. According to the MOS, 94 and 76 women were included in the abnormal pelvic floor muscle tension group and control group, respectively. The two groups were trained by pelvic floor training. The changes in pelvic floor muscle tension before and after treatment in the two groups were analyzed to evaluate the effect of postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation training.Results The EMG value of the fast muscle contraction stage was negatively correlated with age and neonatal weight (P <0.05). The EMG values of slow muscle contraction and endurance were negatively correlated with weight gain during pregnancy but positively correlated with age and BMI at delivery (P <0.05). The muscle tension of the abnormal muscle tension group was significantly improved and significantly higher than that of the control group (P <0.05) after the two groups received the intervention.Conclusion The factors affecting postpartum pelvic floor muscle tension include age, delivery times, BMI at delivery and neonatal weight. Electrical stimulation combined with the biofeedback technique and Kegel exercises in the early postpartum period are effective means to reduce the incidence of PFD.
An experiment to distinguish persistent infrasounds from two fumaroles at Kirishima Iwo-Yama
Authors: Yamakawa Kazuya , Ichihara Mie , Muramatsu Dan , Matsushima Takeshi , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Wada Ruka , Shimoyama Isao
Published: May 2022

In the infrasonic observation of fumarolic area, the challenge is to distinguish among the multiple fumarolic sources and noise. The array technique effectively estimates the source locations and identifies the target signal from others and noise. We conducted the experiment at Kirishima Iwo-yama, Japan, where there are two fumarolic craters separated by about 450 m. A three-element array with an aperture of 20 m was installed between two targeting fumaroles. In addition, a single microphone was installed near one of the fumaroles. The array with the waveform correlation analysis estimated the most prominent source but failed to estimate the other weak source. The joint analysis of the array and the single microphone effectively resolved the two sources. The method developed by this experiment would be beneficial for monitoring volcanoes that hold hydrothermally active multiple vents.
Clinical Application of Machine Learning in the Assessment of Pulmonary Embolism in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Lee Sang Hyub , Kim Joo Seong , Kim Kyungdo , Lee Seung-Bo , Kim Kwangsoo , Kim Dongmin , Lee Min Woo , Park Namyoung , Choi Jin Ho , Cho In Rae , Paik Woo Hyun , Lee Jun Kyu , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Yong-Tae
Published: May 2022

Background: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is one of the most important complications in cancer patients. Gastrointestinal cancers are at increased risk of PTE. However, there were few studies that predict pulmonary embolism using machine learning (ML) in cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to develop an ML based prediction model for PTE in gastrointestinal cancer patients, and to compare its performance with the conventional model. Methods: In a tertiary hospital, patients who underwent computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) were reviewed retrospectively from 2010 to 2020. Demographic and predictor variables including the Wells score and D-dimer were investigated. ML was based on the random forest model. In the model comparison, the area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the predictive performance of each model.Results: A total of 446 gastrointestinal cancer patients were analyzed in this study. The overall incidence of PTE was 30.0%. PTE was the most common in pancreatic cancer (47.2%). Compared with the conventional model (AUROC 0.605), the performance of ML model predicting PTE was improved (0.706, P = 0.002) and was further improved with additional input of further demographic factors including age and sex (0.743, P < 0.001). The number of patients classified as requiring CTPA was significantly reduced according to the prediction with ML (1.8% vs 9.4%, P< 0.001).Conclusion: Prediction model based on ML might have advantages to improve the diagnostic performance and reduce the number of CTPA compared to the conventional model for PTE in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Two new species of Entoloma (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Authors: Izhar Aiman , USMAN MUHAMMAD , KIRAN MUNAZZA , KHALID ABDUL NASIR
Published: May 2022

Cedar towering forests of Kumrat valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan were visited to collect mushrooms during several fungal forays, which revealed two interesting and novel species from genus Entoloma, subgenus Cyanula, both are characterized by clamp-less hyphae and bluish-violaceous tinges on their pilei and stipes. Entoloma kumraticus is characterized by its bluish brown centrally depressed pileus, serrulate lamellar edge, bluish violet fibrillose stipe, dense clusters of cheilocystidia and presence of abundant greyish brown intracellular pigments in terminal cells of pileipellis and in few cheilocystidia. The key characters of Entoloma swatica are light brownish olive pileus with violet-blue finely fibrillose covering, translucently striated with radial stripes, blackish brown lamellar edge with clusters of cheilocystidia which are often septate and scaly, fibrillose slightly twisted violet blue stipe. Both new species are described and illustrated here, based on morphological and molecular evidence. E. kumraticus and E. swatica formed distinct phylogenetic lineages based on the sequences of nuclear ribosomal ITS and LSU gene regions.
Acupuncture effects on dogs with Intervertebral Disk Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sawamura Megumi , Arai Toshiro , Kawasumi Koh
Published: May 2022

Sixteen dogs with intervertebral disk disease (IVDD)(3–16 years old) were examined acupuncture effects of energy metabolism changes. Acupuncture treatments were performed at acupuncture points according to individual needs to the dogs. Acupuncture effects were evaluated based on the IVDD evaluation scales. Pyruvate and lactate concentrations, LDH and MDH activities, malate dehydrogenase/lactate dehydrogenase ratio (M/L ratio), and LDH isozyme electrophoretic patterns were measured as energy metabolism markers after the acupuncture treatments. In dogs with IVDD improved group, plasma pyruvate concentrations, LDH and MDH activities were significantly decreased, and M/L ratio were significantly increased. Plasma LDH isozyme electrophoretic patterns changed from LDH5 predominance to LDH1 predominance. The present study suggests that local redox potential is improved and energy metabolisms are activated in dogs with IVDD after the acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture treatments on dogs with IVDD may result in activation of citric acid cycle and increase in ATP production followed by improvement of IVDD. Further studies with a large number of dogs will be needed to clarify this hypothesis.
Three new genera, two new species and one new combination of family Hystrignathidae (Nematoda: Thelastomatoidea) from Ceracupes fronticornis (Westwood) (Insecta: Passalidae) in China
Authors: ZHANG NINGNING , ZHANG LUPING
Published: May 2022

Two new genera and two new species of family Hystrignathidae were collected from Ceracupes fronticornis (Westwood) from the Yunnan Province, China. Pseudoxyo yunnanensis gen. et sp. nov. differs from the related genera by having the cervical region armed with alternating rows of spines, with 22 spines in the first row, and by lacking the first cephalic annule. Sinospinata chitwoodi gen. et sp. nov. can be easily distinguished from the related genera by having the cervical region of females armed with irregularly arranged spines, two or three spines clustered together in their roots in some spines. Meanwhile, Huntinema gen. nov. was proposed to replace Huntia Zhang, Yin, Carreno & Zhang, 2021 because the name of this genus was preoccupied by Huntia Gray & Thompson, 2001 for placement of two new species of spiders. In addition, the 18S and 28S rDNA partial sequences of two new species were obtained.
Light-induced Chiral Self-assembly of Achiral Triphenylamines with Controlled Number of Hydrogen Bondings
Authors: Kim Donghwi , Kim Taehyoung , Kim Youngjun , Kim Woo Youn , Seo Myungeun , Lee Haeshin , Kim Sang Youl
Published: May 2022

We report the self-assembly of achiral triphenylamine molecules with different numbers of hydrogen bonding sites. The supramolecular chirality was controlled by the symmetry breaking effect of circularly polarized light (CPL) occurring in the nucleation step. As the number of hydrogen bonding sites increased, the stability of supramolecular helices increased, and reversible transformation of the right- and left-handed helices by CPL became feasible only with aid of ultra-sonication. In contrast, triphenylamine molecules without hydrogen bonding sites did not undergo light-induced self-assembly.
In-Silico Investigation of Inhibiting Property of Phytoconstituents of Medicinal Herb ‘Aconitum Heterophyllum’ Against Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lakhera Shradha , Devlal Kamal , Rana Meenakshi , Ghosh Arabinda
Published: May 2022

Omicron’s traces have been found significantly faster than the Delta variant. Persons who already have been vaccinated are also affected by this variant. This shows that vaccines taken to combat COVID-19 are less effective in preventing the Omicron’s transmission. Thus, the identification of effective candidates to fight against Omicron has been the top priority in pharmaceutics. The present study deals with the investigation of the antiviral activities of the phytocompounds of Aconitum heterophyllum against the Omicron variant. The systematic in-silico study done in the paper reveals the good binding of Isoatisine with spike glycoprotein of Omicron. Isoatisine molecule follows most of the pharmacokinetic properties that make it a better drug-like molecule. The computed global reactivity parameters fairly justified the high reactivity of the Isoatisine molecule. This study aims to discover the novel antiviral activity of Isoatisine to counter the Omicron protein. The results of this study can also be considered for experimental validation and clinical trials.
Incidence, mortality, and survival analyses for carcinosarcoma from 1975 to 2018: an epidemiological study
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhu Yaqing , Zhou Cuiling , Tian Yun
Published: May 2022

Introduction
Carcinosarcoma (CS) is a rare malignant tumor. Little is known about the epidemiological feature of the disease in literature. Our aim is to offer the largest and latest analysis of the incidence, mortality, and survival of CS.
Methods
Data of CS from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (SEER-9 incidence database and SEER-9 incidence-based mortality database) were adopted. Incidence, mortality, and survival analyses were performed by SEER*Stat software. We used annual percentage change (APC) to evaluate the trends in incidence and mortality.
Results
Incidence rate increased from 0.36/100,000 to 0.83/100,000 with an APC of 3.4% from 1975 to 2018. Mortality rate followed a similar pattern of increase at an APC of 3.2% from 0.07/100,000 in 1975 to 0.54/100,000 in 2018. Most CS occurred in the female genital system and the 5-year survival rate of all patients was 34.9%.
Conclusion
CS is an aggressive tumor with increasing incidence and mortality trends. This tumor, especially CS in the female genital system, is no longer considered to be a rare tumor in the near future. This research will broad our knowledge for CS as well as provide insight for clinicians.
Initiation and Rapid Titration of Methadone and Slow-Release Oral Morphine (SROM) in an Acute Care, Inpatient Setting: A Case Series
Authors: Rodger Laura , Nader Maya , Turner Suzanne , Lurie Erin
Published: May 2022

Background: Methadone titration in an outpatient setting typically involves initiation with subtherapeutic doses with slow titration to mitigate the risks of respiratory depression and overdose. In pregnancy, subtherapeutic doses of methadone and slow titrations are associated with poorer outcomes in terms of retreatment retention and ongoing illicit opioid use. We aim to describe rapid titration of OAT in an inpatient setting for pregnant injection opioid users with high opioid tolerance secondary to a fentanyl-based illicit drug supply. Methods: Retrospective case series of patients admitted to a tertiary center with a primary indication of opiate withdrawal and treatment for severe opioid use disorder in pregnancy. Results: Twelve women received rapid methadone titrations with or without slow-release oral morphine for opioid use disorder during a total of fifteen hospital admissions. All women included in the study were active fentanyl users (12/12). Methadone dosing was increased rapidly with no adverse events with a median dose at day 7 of 65mg (IQR 60-70mg) and median discharge dose of 85mg (IQR 70-92.5mg). Slow-release oral morphine was used in half of the titration admissions (8/15) with a median dose of 340mg (IQR 187.5-425mg) at discharge. The median length of admission was 12 days (IQR 9.5-15). Conclusions: A rapid titration of methadone was completed in an inpatient setting with or without slow-release oral morphine, without adverse events showing feasibility of this protocol for a pregnant population in an inpatient setting. Patients achieved therapeutic doses of methadone (and/or SROM) faster than outpatient counterparts with no adverse events.
Nitrogen and carbon stable isotope ratios analysis sheds light on trophic competition between two syntopic land iguana species from Galápagos
Authors: Gargano Marco , Colosimo Giuliano , Gratton Paolo , Marta Silvio , Brilli Mauro , Giustini Francesca , Sevilla Christian , Gentile Gabriele
Published: May 2022

Coexistence between closely related species can lead to intense competition for resources. Stable isotope ratio analysis (SIRA) is a reliable tool to estimate the extent of species competition. We performed SIRA to assess niche partitioning among two syntopic species of Galápagos land iguanas: Conolophus subcristatus and the critically endangered C. marthae. We collected samples from 60 C. marthae and 58 C. subcristatus within an area of about 2 km2 on Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island, where C. marthae is endemic. We determined δ13C and δ15N ratios and described the isotopic niche of each species using corrected standard ellipse area (SEAc). We tested for differentiation between the isotopic niches, while controlling for sex, using bivariate linear models. Despite the extensive overlap of the isotopic niches, our results indicate the existence of niche partitioning mechanisms acting between species and sexes. Evaluating the effect of ecological variables, we found that body size and productivity at the capture points, plus further, undetermined spatial effects explain ca. 75% of the differences observed between species and sexes, providing evidence for differential microhabitat and food-items usage. Our study provides essential baselines for evaluating conservation actions for C. marthae, such as the potential translocation to a sanctuary area.
Multifunctional Logic Gates based on Resonant Transmission at Atomic-Plasmonic structure
Authors: MOSLEH M. , HAMIDI S. M. , RANJBARAN M.
Published: May 2022

Regarding confinement of light at nanoscale dimensions in plasmonic structures, we try to show the impact of hot atomic vapor spectroscopy in a miniaturized scale. In such a combined structure, resonant coupling of atom to plasmonic mode provides diverse ways to control the optical response of the system. We fabricate an atomic plasmonic cell based on Rubidium atomic vapor and gold plasmonic thin film onto Krestchman setup to introduce resonant coupling (EIT-like) of atom- plasmons as a tunable all optical bandpass filter, switch or logic gates. These all-optical devices such as as NOR and XNOR logic gates well done based on the filter by incidence angle of light, temperature as well as external magnetic field. We believe the possibility of easy modulation of atomic susceptibility, not only through direct alteration on atoms but also through common methods available for modulation of plasmonic mode, has the potential to design and fabricate modern all-optical devices.
Multi-Temperature Experiments to Ease Analysis of Heterogeneous Binder Solutions by Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensing
Authors: Gaudreault Jimmy , Durocher Yves , Henry Olivier , De Crescenzo Gregory
Published: May 2022

SPR biosensing is a well-established tool for the investigation of binding kinetics between a soluble species and an immobilized (bio)molecule. While robust and accurate data analysis techniques are readily available for single species, methods to exploit data collected with a solution containing multiple interactants are scarce. In a previous study, our group proposed two data analysis algorithms for 1) the precise and reliable identification of the kinetic parameters of N interactants present at different ratios in N mixtures and 2) the estimation of the composition of a given mixture, assuming that the kinetic parameters and the total concentration of all interactants are known. Here, we extend the first algorithm by reducing the number of necessary mixtures. This is achieved by conducting experiments at different temperatures. Through the Van’t Hoff and Eyring equations, identifying the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of N binders becomes possible with M mixtures with M comprised between 2 and N and at least N/M temperatures. The second algorithm is improved by adding the total analyte concentration as a supplementary variable to be identified in an optimization routine. We validated our analysis framework experimentally with a system consisting of mixtures of low molecular weight drugs, each competing to bind to an immobilized protein. We believe that the analysis of mixtures and composition estimation could pave the way for SPR biosensing to become a bioprocess monitoring tool, on top of expanding its already substantial role in drug discovery and development.
Systematic review of Plasmodium knowlesi in Indonesia: a risk of emergence in the context of capital relocation to Borneo?
Authors: Said Ibrahim Bin , Kouakou Yobouet Ines , Omorou Roukayatou , Bienvenu Anne-Lise , Ahmed Kamruddin , Culleton Richard , Picot Stephane
Published: May 2022

Background
The Indonesian Republic plans to relocate its capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan, Borneo Island in the next few years. This relocation may be associated with deforestation, decreased biodiversity and an increased risk of emerging zoonotic infections including Plasmodium knowlesi malaria. The Malaysian part of Borneo Island is one of the main hotspots of knowlesi malaria.
Methods
Considering this risk, evaluate the transmission dynamics of P. knowlesi in the Indonesian Archipelago based on a literature search and extensive review of data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health.
Results
We report that 545 knowlesi cases were documented in Indonesia, mainly in the Aceh and North Sumatra provinces, with 95% of these occurring in the last four years.
Conclusions
The main P. knowlesi vectors are present in the area of the future capital requiring strengthened surveillance to reduce the risk of emerging cases in a rapidly growing population.
Skin Landmarks as Ideal Entry Points for Ventricular Drainage, a Radiological Study
Authors: ROBLOT Paul , LEFEVRE Etienne , DAVID Romain , PARDO Pier-Luka , MONGARDI Lorenzo , DENAT Laurent , TOURDIAS Thomas , LIGUORO Dominique , JECKO Vincent
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE: Ventricular drainage remains a challenging procedure for neurosurgical trainees, particularly in healthy subjects. The objective of the study was to describe reliable skin landmarks for ideal entry points (IEPs) to catheterize brain ventricles via frontal and parieto-occipital approaches.METHODS: We included 30 healthy subjects who underwent brain MRI and simulated the ideal catheterization trajectories of lateral ventricles using anterior and posterior approaches and localized skin surface IEPs. The optimal frontal target was the interventricular foramen and that for the parieto-occipital approach was the atrium. We measured the distances between these IEPs and easily identifiable skin landmarks.RESULTS: The frontal IEP was localized to 114.00 ± 6.75 mm behind the nasion on the sagittal plane and to 40.04 ± 3.07 mm lateral to the midline on the coronal plane. The ideal catheter length was estimated to be 73.08 ± 4.03 mm from the skin surface to the interventricular foramen. The parieto-occipital IEP point was localized to 61.40 ± 4.44 mm above the ipsilateral tragus on the coronal plane and to 56.53 ± 6.86 mm behind the tragus on the axial plane. The ideal catheter length was estimated to be 51.65 ± 2.86 mm.CONCLUSION: The IEP for the frontal approach was localized to 11 cm above the nasion and 4 cm lateral to the midline. The IEP for the parieto-occipital approach was 5.5 cm behind and 6 cm above the tragus. These measurements differ from the classical descriptions of Kocher’s point and Keen’s point and seem relevant to neurosurgical practice.
Successful DNA amplification of DNA from non-destructive buccal swabbing in Vespertilionid and Rhinolophid bats
Authors: Hughes Morgan , Brown Scott K , Martin Rémi , Young Christopher H , Maddock Simon
Published: May 2022

Acquiring DNA from wild bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) is typically undertaken utilizing highly invasive (but non-lethal) sampling techniques comprising wing biopsies and occasional blood samples. While non-invasive sampling is possible through the extraction of DNA from faecal samples, it is not always possible to acquire samples from individual bats whilst conducting fieldwork, and as such, this method is primarily applicable to roost occupancy identification. Similarly, wing swabbing is liable to cross-contamination from roost mates. Here we present the first use of oral (buccal) swabbing for successful, species-resolution DNA sequencing of Vespertilionidae and Rhinolophidae in 10 bat species (nine Vespertilionidae and one Rhinolophidae) from the UK.
Massive Renal Oncocytoma ; Case report from Ireland
Authors: ahmed farah
Published: May 2022

Renal oncocytomas are rare and are often incidental findings discovered following check-ups for other non-urological illnesses. A 67 years old male presented to the urology service, in 2019 at Galway University, Ireland with a history of atonic bladder symptoms. Upon investigation he was found to have an incidental mass. Radiological imaging demonstrated a 19cm solid mass in the right kidney weighing 1935 grams. It was large enough to case compression of the surrounding viscera and blood vessels. A Nephrectomy was performed and the diagnosis of oncocytoma was confirmed by histolopathology.
A novel analytical heat source model for cold rolling based on the energy method and unified yield criterion
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Li Xu , Zhao Meiying , Qu Fuquan , Zhang Yuhe , Peng Wen , Zhao Dewen , Di Hong Shuang , Zhang Dianhua
Published: May 2022

Accurate calculation of the heat source in the roll gap during the cold rolling process is the basis for a well-designed coolant system, which is particularly important for reducing roll wear and improving the flatness quality of strip steel. Although many established numerical models have high precision in calculating the work roll temperature, complex modeling processes and large calculation times result in the inability to predict work roll temperature quickly for the application of automatic control systems. Therefore, the authors develop a new analytical heat source model to calculate the axial temperature distribution of the work roll in the cold rolling process. First, according to the deformation characteristics of strip cold rolling, the deformation zone is divided into a plastic zone and two elastic zones, and the length of each deformation zone is calculated considering the effect of tension. Then friction heat generated in the elastic zone is calculated. Second, new exponential velocity and corresponding strain-rate fields satisfying kinematically admissible conditions are proposed to calculate the deformation heat and friction heat generated in the plastic zone. Finally, the work roll temperature prediction model is established by contemplating the heat source of the roll gap, emulsion heat transfer, air cooling, and contact heat transfer with the intermediate roll. By repeatedly optimizing the weighted coefficient d of intermediate principal shear stress on the yield criterion, the maximum error between the calculated results and the actual measured cold roll temperature data is reduced to 3.1%. Then, the effects of the reduction ratio, rolling speed, and resistance to deformation on the deformation heat and friction heat are discussed. And the variation of temperature field of the work roll with time is analyzed quantitatively.
Expansion of the RNAStructuromeDB to include secondary structural data spanning the human protein-coding transcriptome
Authors: Rouse Warren B. , O’Leary Collin A. , Booher Nicholas J. , Moss Walter N.
Published: May 2022

RNA plays vital functional roles in almost every component of biology, and these functional roles are often influenced by its folding into secondary and tertiary structures. An important role of RNA secondary structure is in maintaining proper gene regulation; therefore, making accurate predictions of the structures involved in these processes is important. In this study, we have expanded on our previous work that led to the creation of the RNAStructuromeDB. Unlike this previous study that analyzed the human genome at low resolution, we have now scanned the protein-coding human transcriptome at high (single nt) resolution. This provides more robust structure predictions for over 100,000 isoforms of known protein-coding genes. Notably, we also utilize the motif identification tool, ScanFold, to model structures with high propensity for ordered/evolved stability. All data have been uploaded to the RNAStructuromeDB, allowing for easy searching of transcripts, visualization of data tracks (via the Integrative Genomics Viewer or IGV), and download of ScanFold data—including unique highly-ordered motifs. Herein, we provide an example analysis of MAT2A to demonstrate the utility of ScanFold at finding known and novel secondary structures, highlighting regions of potential functionality, and guiding generation of functional hypotheses through use of the data.
Molecular identification of Anisakis species (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in Scorpaena scrofa (Scorpaenidae) from the Aegean Sea
Authors: AYDIN Coskun , PEKMEZCI Gokmen Zafer
Published: May 2022

The red scorpionfish Scorpaena scrofa (Scorpaenidae) is a high commercial value marine fish species along the Mediterranean coasts. Anisakiasis is a fish‒borne parasitic zoonoses caused by Anisakis larvae in consumers. To date, there are only a few epidemiological studies on the presence and molecular identification of Anisakis larvae infecting the S. scrofa in the Mediterranean Sea. A total of 272 S. scrofa captured from the Aegean Sea (FAO 37.3.1) were examined for Anisakis larvae between March 2019 and March 2020. The prevalence, mean intensity, and mean abundance of Anisakis larvae was 9.6% (95% CI 6.5–13.7%), 2.8 (95% CI 1.88–5.19), and 0.27 (95% CI 0.15–0.56), respectively. Anisakis pegreffii, A. typica, A. ziphidarum, and A. simplex (s.s.)/A.pegreffii hybrid were identified by RFLP analysis of ITS region. Anisakis pegreffii, A. typica and A. ziphidarum larvae were also confirmed by cox2 sequence analysis. A weak positive and statistically significant correlation between total length (ρS 0.204; p = 0.001) and total weight (ρS 0.200; p = 0.001) of S. scrofa and the number of Anisakis larvae was observed. This survey presents the first molecular detection of A. typica and A. ziphidarum in S. scrofa. Thus, this fish species is a new host for A. typica and A. ziphidarum. This is also the first report of A. ziphidarum in the Aegean Sea.
Prevalence, Characteristics, and Risk of Exacerbation in Young patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Jo Yong Suk , Kim Kyung Joo , Rhee Chin Kook , Yoo Kwang Ha , Jung Ki-Suck , Park Yong-Bum
Published: May 2022

Background: Early identification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in young individuals could be beneficial to attempt preventive interventions. The objective of this study was to investigate clinical features and outcomes of young individuals with COPD from the general population cohort. Methods: We included individuals from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) with spirometry and identifiable smoking status. Young subjects with COPD were defined as aged between 40 and 50 years and had baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1]/forced vital capacity [FVC] ratio less than 0.7. Outcomes include the risk of exacerbation and medical expenses during three years of follow-up. Results: Among 2,236 individuals aged between 40 and 50 years, 95 (4.2%) had COPD, including 47 who were non-smokers (smoking pack-year < 10) and 48 who were ever-smokers (smoking pack-year ≥ 10). Approximately 98% of COPD subjects had mild to moderate airflow limitation. Inhaler treatment was given to only 6.3% patients in the COPD group. Hazards ratio for exacerbation was 1.50 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.147-13.39) in the non-smoker COPD group and 1.83 (95% CI: 0.18-18.11) in the ever-smoker COPD group of young subjects. COPD related medical costs were not significantly different between non-COPD and COPD groups of young individuals. Conclusions: The risk of exacerbation showed an increasing trend in COPD patients regardless of smoking status compared to non-COPD. More attention to early identification and provision of preventive measures are needed to reduce disease progression and improve outcome.