bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A timeline of the Cenozoic tectonic–magmatic–metamorphic evolution and development of ore resources in the Himalayas
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qin Song , Zhang Wen‐Lin , Liu Hang , Zhang Kai , Liu Xin , Zhang Xiang‐Fei , Cao Hua‐Wen
Published: May 2023

A large concentration of ore deposits (i.e., tungsten, tin, lithium, beryllium, lead, zinc, silver, antimony and gold) related to metamorphism and hydrothermal activity of granite developed in the Himalayas and are located in the southern part of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. As one of the newest and largest examples in the world of continental–continental collisional orogenic belts, the Himalayas are optimal for studying the coupling of continental collisions with metamorphic, tectonic, magmatic events and ore resources. Although considerable research has been conducted in the Himalayas, the timing of various geological processes remains debated, which limits the understanding of the genesis of ore deposits. To better understand the influence of orogeny on the metallogenic process, this study comprehensively presents the time of activity of the above‐mentioned four Cenozoic geological processes in the Himalayas. This contribution focuses on the context of the timeline to determine the internal connections and discusses the interrelationships of the geological processes. This study argues that Cenozoic lower crust–mantle interactions deep within the Indian continental plate below the Himalayas controlled the tectonics, metamorphism, magmatism and mineralization in the middle–upper crust. Cenozoic magmatic rocks in the upper crust are the direct results of the main‐collisional and post‐collisional stages of the Indian and Eurasian continental blocks. Intense collisional shearing and metamorphism during the Eocene formed the Himalayan fault–fold Belt and orogenic gold deposits. The break‐off, detachment and slab tearing of the Indian lithosphere during the Miocene led to the extensional structure of the middle–upper crust. There is a close coupling relationship between the exhumation of the middle–lower crust and the formation of large‐scale leucogranites during the Miocene in the upper crust, which provides the geological context for the main metallogenic period during which tungsten, tin, lithium, beryllium, lead, zinc, silver, antimony and gold ore widely developed. With technological advancements, the analytical accuracy of geological ages has gradually improved. In the future, research on the temporal constraints of important geological activities should be strengthened, and then a comprehensive evolutionary model of multiple spheres of geological processes in the Himalayas should be established.
Knowledge and attitude toward human papillomavirus vaccination and associated factors among adolescent school girls in Ambo town, Ethiopia, 2021: A multicenter cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yohannes Ephrem , Beyen Mulugeta W. , Bulto Gizachew A. , Chaka Eshetu E. , Debelo Bikila T. , Erena Maru M. , Tasu Tefera L.
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has shown considerable promise in lowering the incidence of cervical cancer. However, there are few studies done on knowledge and attitude toward the HPV vaccine, especially in the local setting. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV vaccination and related factors among adolescent girls in Ambo town, Ethiopia, in 2021.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted from May 1 to May 30, 2021, at selected schools in Ambo town among 422 adolescent girls. A structured self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The collected data were coded, and entered into Epi‐Info 7.2.2.6 and exported to STATA 16 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to compute summary statistics and proportions. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to ascertain the association.

Results

Current study revealed that 24.9% (95% CI: 20.8–29.0) and 55.6% (95% CI: 50.5–60.4) of respondents had good knowledge and favorable attitude, respectively. The factors like being secondary school students [AOR = 2.01, 95% CI; (1.24, 3.27)], having health workers as a source of information [AOR = 2.13, 95% CI; (1.30, 3.47)], and respondents who have heard about the HPV vaccine at school [AOR = 1.66, 95% CI; (1.02, 2.71)] were significantly associated with respondent's knowledge of HPV vaccine. Moreover, the perceived severity of the diseases [AOR = 2.89, 95% CI; (1.61, 5.21)], and the perceived benefit of the vaccine [AOR = 4.26, 95% CI; (2.43, 7.48)] were factors significantly associated with an attitude of the respondents about the HPV vaccine.

Conclusion

There was low knowledge and unfavorable attitude toward HPV vaccination among the school adolescents in the study area. Several seemingly major deterrents of knowledge and attitude toward the HPV vaccination were identified. Therefore, all parties involved should collaborate to improve female students' knowledge and attitudes toward Human Papilloma Virus vaccination.
Technical, ergonomic and cognitive learning methodology in transumbilical single‐port laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Yang Ye , Gu Song , Sang Wei Lin , Liu Wei , Wu Su Fang
Published: May 2023

Objective

We introduced learning curves on a detailed step protocol and ergonomic aspect to determine key surgical points in transumbilical single‐port laparoscopic hysterectomy (TSPLH) and to popularize both technical and cognitive methodology on laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of 87 TSPLH procedures was conducted by a single surgeon in three learning stages. Technical, ergonomic, and cognitive steps were introduced, and surgical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Key production points in TSPLH include developing a clear retroperitoneal space, maintaining appropriate strength and direction with a vaginal manipulator, coagulating the uterine artery, and applying an improved vaginal stump suturing method. Technical factors included instrument domination, hand–eye coordination, and alternating hand functions. Ergonomic techniques focused on shoulder, elbow, arm, wrist, and finger movements, range of motion, muscle power, continuous forces, and flexibility. Improved cognitive factors such as confidence, decision‐making, and communication were also observed.

Conclusions

The study aimed to form methodological education on TSPLH and LESS and benefit more surgeons. The detailed production and key ergonomic points will help guide self‐learning and education.
An improved method for thyroid nodule ultrasound image segmentation based on U2‐Net
Authors: Liu Qiong , Li Yue , Zhai Zi‐Xin , Jia Hai‐Yan , Liu Li‐Ping
Published: May 2023

To achieve accurate segmentation of thyroid nodule ultrasound images, obtain information on the physiological parameters of the lesion area and guide the clinical formulation of individualized treatment plan, an improved network based on the U2‐Net model is proposed in this paper. Thyroid images of 264 patients and 215 healthy volunteers at the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from February 2016 to June 2022 are studied, and the digital database thyroid image (DDTI) data set is proposed for data expansion. The experimental results show that the Dice coefficient on the test set was 80.58%, and the mean intersection over union was 81.21%. The improved U2‐Net model has the best segmentation accuracy compared with similar models, realizes the automatic segmentation of thyroid nodules, provides help for manual segmentation, and has good application prospects and clinical value.
Pavlovian learning and conditioned reinforcement
Authors: Madden Gregory J. , Mahmoudi Saba , Brown Katherine
Published: May 2023

Conditioned reinforcers are widely used in applied behavior analysis. Basic research evidence reveals that Pavlovian learning plays an important role in the acquisition and efficacy of new conditioned‐reinforcer functions. Thus, a better understanding of Pavlovian principles holds the promise of improving the efficacy of conditioned reinforcement in applied research and practice. This paper surveys how (and if) Pavlovian principles are presented in behavior‐analytic textbooks; imprecisions and knowledge gaps within contemporary Pavlovian empirical findings are highlighted. Thereafter, six practical principles of Pavlovian conditioning are presented along with empirical support and knowledge gaps that should be filled by applied and translational behavior‐analytic researchers. Innovative applications of these principles are outlined for research in language acquisition, token reinforcement, and self‐control.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Associated With Decreased Bone Mineral Density in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Su Ying‐Hao , Chien Kuo‐Liong , Yang Shu‐Hua , Chia Wei‐Tso , Chen Jen‐Hau , Chen Yen‐Ching
Published: May 2023

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the effect of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture in adults. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for observational studies published from inception to January 2023 that reported adjusted effect sizes of NAFLD on BMD, osteopenia/osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fracture. The data were synthesized using multilevel and random‐effects models. A total of 19 studies were included; of these, nine (21,294 participants) evaluated the effect of NAFLD on BMD, six (133,319 participants) investigated the risk of osteoporosis, and five (227,901 participants) assessed the risk of osteoporotic fracture. This meta‐analysis showed that NAFLD was associated with decreased BMD (mean difference −0.019 g/cm2, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.036 to −0.002, I2 = 93%) and increased risks of osteoporosis (adjusted risk ratio [RR] = 1.28, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.52, I2 = 84%) and osteoporotic fractures (adjusted RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.37, I2 = 67%). Subgroup analyses revealed that NAFLD had a significantly detrimental effect on BMD in men and on the BMD of the femoral neck and total hip. Stratified analyses by ethnicity demonstrated that NAFLD was not associated with BMD, osteoporosis, or osteoporotic fracture in non‐Asian populations. The publication bias of all included studies was low; however, there was considerable heterogeneity among the studies, warranting a careful interpretation of the findings. Overall, our results suggest that NAFLD is associated with decreased BMD and an increased risk of osteoporosis or osteoporotic fractures. Male sex and the BMD of the femoral neck and total hip may be potential risk factors for decreased BMD in adults with NAFLD. Additionally, ethnic disparities were observed between Asian and non‐Asian populations regarding BMD and osteoporotic fractures. © 2023 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Molecular and cellular remodeling of HepG2 cells upon treatment with antitubercular drugs
Authors: Bakshi Shikha , Kaur Maninder , Verma Arpana , Sharma Sadhna
Published: May 2023

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is an adverse outcome of the currently used tuberculosis treatment regimen, which results in patient noncompliance, poor treatment outcomes, and the emergence of drug‐resistant tuberculosis. DILI is primarily caused by the toxicity of the drugs and their metabolites, which affect liver cells, biliary epithelial cells, and liver vasculature. However, the precise mechanism behind the cellular damage attributable to first‐line antitubercular drugs (ATDs), as well as the effect of toxicity on the cell survival strategies, is yet to be elucidated. In the current study, HepG2 cells upon treatment with a high concentration of ATDs showed increased perforation within the cell, cuboidal shape, and membrane blebbing as compared with control/untreated cells. It was observed that ATD‐induced toxicity in HepG2 cells leads to altered mitochondrial membrane permeability, which was depicted by the decreased fluorescence intensity of the MitoRed tracker dye at higher drug concentrations. In addition, high doses of ATDs caused cell damage through an increase in reactive oxygen species production in HepG2 cells and a simultaneous reduction in glutathione levels. Further, high dose of isoniazid (50–200 mM), pyrazinamide (50–200 mM), and rifampicin (20–100 µM) causes cell apoptosis and affects cell survival during toxic conditions by decreasing the expression of potent autophagy markers Atg5, Atg7, and LC3B. Thus, ATD‐mediated toxicity contributes to the reduced ability of hepatocytes to tolerate cellular damage caused by altered mitochondrial membrane permeability, increased apoptosis, and decreased autophagy. These findings further emphasize the need to develop adjuvant therapies that can mitigate ATD‐induced toxicity for the effective treatment of tuberculosis.
Circular RNA HIPK3 facilitates ferroptosis in gestational diabetes mellitus by regulating glutathione peroxidase 4 DNA methylation
Authors: Jiang Jinna , Gao Haijie , Zhou Weidong , Cai Hongxia , Liao Liming , Wang Chenhong
Published: May 2023

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most frequently occurring complication during pregnancy, with a high prevalence rate. Ferroptosis, a type of iron‐dependent cell death, is closely associated with GDM nosogenesis. The present study aimed to examine the potential role and mechanism of circHIPK3 in GDM.

Methods

Placental tissues, plasma samples, and HTR‐8/SVneo cells were used. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of circHIPK3 in GDM. Actinomycin D and RnaseR were added to identify circHIPK3 characteristics. The expression of circHIPK3, miR‐1278, and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) was assessed using a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐PCR. Cell counting kit‐8 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assays and specific kits were employed to assess cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde, iron, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) levels.

Results

The interaction between miR‐1278 and circHIPK3 or DNMT1 was validated via luciferase reporter and RNA pull‐down assays. circHIPK3 expression was found to be high in GDM placental tissues, plasma, and cells, with a high diagnostic value. In high glucose (HG)‐induced HTR‐8/SVneo cells, the inhibition of circHIPK3 provoked cell viability and mitigated cell apoptosis, ROS, and iron levels, but it was rescued through the downregulation of miR‐1278. Mechanism experiments showed that circHIPK3 bound with miR‐1278 targeting DNMT1 in GDM. The elevation in DNMT1 expression abolished the effects of miR‐1278 overexpression on ferroptosis in HG‐cultured HTR‐8/SVneo cells.

Conclusions

Overall, circHIPK3 might facilitate ferroptosis via miR‐1278/DNMT1 to regulate GPX4 DNA methylation in HG‐cultured HTR‐8/SVneo cells. CircHIPK3 could be a therapeutic agent for GDM treatment.
Women's participation in decision‐making: Analysis of Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data 2017–2018
Authors: Kirkwood Elizabeth K. , Raihana Shahreen , Alam Neeloy Ashraful , Dibley Michael J.
Published: May 2023

Gender‐based inequities prevent women from partaking in decision‐making. This study is a secondary analysis of the 2017–2018 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) data. We examined women's participation in no‐decisions against a set of independent variables to determine the factors associated with not participating in any decisions. The adjusted multivariable logistic regression revealed that women, aged 15–19, with no children, living in larger households, not employed for cash, agreed with at least one reason for husband's beating their wives and were not exposed to print media, were significantly less likely to be involved in any household decisions. This study sheds light on ways to promote women's active participation in decisions and to identify programme‐modifiable indicators for future research.
Liver directed adeno‐associated viral vectors to treat metabolic disease
Authors: Chuecos Marcel A. , Lagor William R.
Published: May 2023

The liver is the metabolic center of the body and an ideal target for gene therapy of inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). Adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vectors can deliver transgenes to the liver with high efficiency and specificity and a favorable safety profile. Recombinant AAV vectors contain only the transgene cassette, and their payload is converted to non‐integrating circular double‐stranded DNA episomes, which can provide stable expression from months to years. Insights from cellular studies and preclinical animal models have provided valuable information about AAV capsid serotypes with a high liver tropism. These vectors have been applied successfully in the clinic, particularly in trials for hemophilia, resulting in the first approved liver‐directed gene therapy. Lessons from ongoing clinical trials have identified key factors affecting efficacy and safety that were not readily apparent in animal models. Circumventing pre‐existing neutralizing antibodies to the AAV capsid, and mitigating adaptive immune responses to transduced cells are critical to achieving therapeutic benefit. Combining the high efficiency of AAV delivery with genome editing is a promising path to achieve more precise control of gene expression. The primary safety concern for liver gene therapy with AAV continues to be the small risk of tumorigenesis from rare vector integrations. Hepatotoxicity is a key consideration in the safety of neuromuscular gene therapies which are applied at substantially higher doses. The current knowledge base and toolkit for AAV is well developed, and poised to correct some of the most severe IMDs with liver‐directed gene therapy.
Editorial for “Glycemic Status and Myocardial Strain by Cardiac MRI in Patients With ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction”
Authors: Nickander Jannike , Wieslander Björn
Published: May 2023

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
Statins in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ren Yajuan , Wang Guizuo , Han Dong
Published: May 2023

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of statins in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19). A systematic search was made of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov, without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on treatment of COVID‐19 with statins, compared with placebo or standard of care, were reviewed. Seven RCTs (enrolling 1830 participants) met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in all‐cause mortality (risk ratio [RR]: 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75–1.13), length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference: −0.21 days, 95% CI: −1.01 to 0.59 days), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (RR: 1.84, 95% CI: 0.45–7.55), and mechanical ventilation (RR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.70–1.70) between the two groups. Statins failed to reduce mortality, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and length of stay in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19. Statins probably should not be used routinely in COVID‐19 patients.
Histone mRNA polyadenylation‐mediated inflammation underlies various virus infections and cancers
Authors: Guo Mengbiao , Zhu Jianxi , Hu Zhijie , Wang Qi , Songyang Zhou , Xiong Yuanyan
Published: May 2023

The mechanistic understanding of virus infection and inflammation in many diseases is incomplete. Normally, messenger RNA (mRNA) tails of replication‐dependent histones (RDH) that safeguard naked nuclear DNAs are protected by a specialized stem‐loop instead of polyadenylation. Here, we showed that infection by various RNA viruses (including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) induced aberrant polyadenylation of RDH mRNAs (pARDH) that resulted in inflammation or cellular senescence, based on which we constructed a pARDH inflammation score (pARIS). We further investigated pARIS elevation in various disease conditions, including different types of virus infection, cancer, and cellular senescence. Notably, we found that pARIS was positively correlated with coronavirus disease 2019 severity in specific immune cell types. We also detected a subset of HIV‐1 elite controllers characterized by pARDH “flipping” potentially mediated by HuR. Importantly, pARIS was positively associated with transcription of endogenous retrovirus but negatively associated with most immune cell infiltration in tumors of various cancer types. Finally, we identified and experimentally verified two pARIS regulators, ADAR1 and ZKSCAN1, which was first linked to inflammation. The ZKSCAN1 was known as a transcription factor but instead was shown to regulate pARIS as a novel RNA binding protein. Both regulators were upregulated under most infection and inflammation conditions. In conclusion, we unraveled a potential antiviral mechanism underlying various types of virus infections and cancers.
IRF5‐TNOP3 polymorphisms are associated with elite control of HIV infection: A retrospective study
Authors: Sepúlveda‐Crespo Daniel , Jiménez‐Sousa María A. , Fernández‐Rodíguez Amanda , Muñoz‐Fernández María A. , Jiménez José Luis , Moreno Santiago , Garcia Felipe , Martínez Isidoro , Benito José M. , Rallón Norma , Resino Salvador
Published: May 2023

IRF5–TNPO3 polymorphisms have previously been related to immune response, and TNPO3 plays a role in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 infection after nuclear import. Therefore, we analyzed the genetic association between IRF5–TNPO3 polymorphisms and the HIV elite control in long‐term nonprogressors (LTNPs). We performed a retrospective cohort study on 183 LTNPs, who were antiretroviral therapy‐naïve with CD4+ ≥ 500 cells/mm3, viral load ≤10 000 copies/mL, and asymptomatic over 10 years after HIV seroconversion. The primary outcome variable was HIV elite control (undetectable viral load in at least 90% of the measurements for at least 1 year). Seven IRF5–TNPO3 polymorphisms were genotyped using Agena Bioscience's MassARRAY platform. We found a significant association between specific IRF5–TNPO3 genotypes and HIV elite control: rs2004640 TT (aOR = 2.05; p = 0.041), rs10954213 AA (aOR = 1.95; p = 0.035), rs2280714 TT (aOR = 2.02; p = 0.031), and rs10279821 CC (aOR = 2.12; p = 0.017). We also found a significant association between IRF5‐TNPO3 haplotype TATC composed of the favorable significant polymorphisms (rs2004640, rs10954213, rs2280714, and rs10279821) and the HIV elite control (aOR = 1.59; p = 0.048). IRF5–TNPO3 rs2004640, rs10954213, rs2280714, and rs10279821 polymorphisms were related to HIV elite control in LTNPs. Our data provide new knowledge about the impact of IRF5–TNPO3 polymorphisms on HIV pathogenesis to understand the phenomenon of natural HIV control.
Static and dynamic adsorption of supramolecular surfactant for oil recovery in high temperature and salinity conditions
Authors: Nieto‐Alvarez David A. , Marín‐León Adlai , Luna‐Rojero Erick E. , Servín‐Nájera Ana G. , Soto‐Castruita Enrique , Cisneros‐Dévora Rodolfo , Cerón‐Camacho Ricardo , Hernández‐Altamirano Raúl , Mena‐Cervantes Violeta Y. , Zamudio‐Rivera Luis S.
Published: May 2023

The adsorption of a supramolecular surfactant formed by the non‐covalent interactions among sodium (E)‐dodec‐2‐ene‐1‐sulfonate, sodium 3‐hydroxydodecane‐1‐sulfonate and 3‐[(3‐dodecanoylamidopropyl)dimethylazaniumyl]‐2‐hydroxypropane‐1‐sulfonate onto limestone under static and dynamic conditions in the presence of seawater and connate water is presented. In the static test at 70°C and atmospheric pressure, the adsorption capacity of the saturated monolayer was 8.65 mg/g for seawater and 4.05 mg/g for connate water. This behavior was associated with the increase of the critical micellar concentration from 217 ppm in seawater to 672 ppm in connate water, which is related to the capacity of the supramolecular surfactant to form complexes at high salinity and hardness. The dynamic experiment was carried out at 130°C with a pressure of 16,500 kPa, a flow rate of 90 mL/h and a dose of 2000 ppm of the surfactant. An adsorption of 0.230 mg/g was found in seawater, while a value of 0.109 mg/g was obtained in connate water, consistent with the static experiment. In addition, spontaneous imbibition experiments for connate and connate water with 2000 ppm of surfactant showed an increase in the oil recovery factor from 3% to 17% in the presence of surfactant at 100°C. It was observed that the rock changed from oil‐wettable to water‐wettable, indicating that the supramolecular complex retains its capability to form the monolayer on the rock surface. In contrast to the ionic and cationic conventional surfactants, the experimental evidence indicates that the surfactant preserves its properties under the extreme conditions found in mature Mexican carbonate reservoirs.
Predictive Value of Eosinophil Cationic Protein in Nasal Secretions in Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Jin Jing , Guo Bei , Zhang Wei , Chen Jian‐jun , Deng Yu‐qing , Xiang Rong , Tan Lu , Liu Pei‐qiang , Zheng Li , Chen Zhe , Tao Ze‐zhang , Xu Yu
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To investigate the value of secretions Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) detection in the diagnosis of endotypes of Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and its correlation with clinical symptoms, so as to provide guidance for the clinical application of EOS and ECP detection in secretions.

Methods

Patients' nasal secretions and polyps (or middle turbinate for control) were collected and their EOS% and ECP levels were measured. Correlation analysis was performed for EOS% and ECP levels in secretions and tissues, respectively. The correlation between secretions EOS% and ECP and clinical symptom scores (symptomatic visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Lanza‐kennedy scores from nasal endoscopy and Lund‐Mackay scores from sinus CT) was further analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the predictive potential of EOS% and ECP in nasal secretions.

Results

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) patients had higher concentrations of ECP in nasal secretions than healthy subjects and NECRS (non‐eosinophilic CRS) (p < 0.0001;0.0001); EOS% in nasal secretions was higher in ECRS than healthy subjects (p = 0.0055), but the differences between ECRS and NECRS were not statistically significant (p = 0.0999). Correlation analysis showed that tissue EOS% was correlated with ECP concentration and EOS% in nasal secretions (R = 0.5943;0.2815). There was a correlation between EOS% in secretions with a total LM score (R = 0.3131); ECP concentration in secretions with a total LK score (R = 0.3792). To diagnose ECRS, the highest area under the curve (0.8230) was determined for ECP in secretions; the highest area under the curve (0.6635) was determined for EOS% in secretions.

Conclusion

Measurement of ECP in nasal secretions is useful for non‐invasive diagnosis of ECRS.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:3304–3312, 2023
Eosinophil Peroxidase: A Biomarker for Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis Agnostic of Polyp Status
Authors: Idler Beau M. , Iijima Koji , Ochkur Sergei I. , Jacobsen Elizabeth A. , Rank Matthew A. , Kita Hirohito , Lal Devyani
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) as a biomarker for tissue levels of eosinophilia, cytokines, and chemokines within chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

Twenty‐eight subjects undergoing sinonasal surgery were prospectively enrolled. Ethmoid tissue was analyzed with an in‐house EPX immunoassay and a 48‐plex cytokine‐chemokine array. Clinical severity was assessed using SNOT‐22 and Lund‐Mackay scores. Subjects were grouped as follows: controls, polyp status (CRS with [CRSwNP] and without nasal polyps [CRSsNP]), tissue eosinophilia (eosinophilic CRS [eCRS], non‐eosinophilic CRS [neCRS]), or combinations thereof (eCRSwNP, eCRSsNP, neCRSsNP). eCRS was defined as >10 eosinophils per high power field (HPF). Subjects without CRS or asthma were enrolled as controls.

Results

EPX was elevated in CRSwNP compared to control (p = 0.007), in eCRS compared to neCRS (p = 0.002), and in eCRSwNP along with eCRSsNP compared to neCRSsNP (p = 0.023, p = 0.015, respectively). eCRS displayed elevated IL‐5 compared to neCRS (p = 0.005). No significant differences in EPX or IL‐5 were observed between eCRSwNP and eCRSsNP. IL‐5 was elevated in eCRSwNP (p = 0.019) compared neCRSsNP. Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.938 (95% CI, 0.835–1.00) for EPX and tissue eosinophilia, with an optimal cut‐point of 470 ng/mL being 100% specific and 81.25% sensitive for tissue eosinophilia. Linear regression revealed a strong correlation between EPX and IL‐5 (R2 = 0.64, p < 0.001). Comparing EPX and IL‐5, only EPX displayed significant correlation with SNOT‐22 (p = 0.04) and Lund‐Mackay score (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

EPX is associated with tissue eosinophilia in CRS patients regardless of polyp status. EPX correlates with IL‐5 and could be potentially considered a biomarker for anti‐IL‐5 therapies.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:69–78, 2024
Pharyngeal Squeeze Maneuver During Endoscopy—What Does it Tell Us?
Authors: Miles Anna , Hunting Alexandra
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Diminished pharyngeal constriction is a common biomechanical deficit associated with dysphagia and holds strong predictive value for aspiration. Pharyngeal squeeze manoeuvre (PSM) was previously validated for evaluating pharyngeal constriction on endoscopy. However, PSM is not routinely used in laryngology clinics or flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) protocols worldwide. This study explored PSM in the acute care setting and its relationship with swallowing safety and efficiency, other swallowing biomechanical functions, and clinical outcomes.

Methods

This prospective observational study consented 222 consecutive inpatients of mixed aetiology who were receiving FEES as part of their standard care. Established FEES protocols were performed including assessment of secretion accumulation, urge‐to‐clear ratings, laryngeal motor, and sensory functional tests, PSM, as well as aspiration, and residue during oral trials. Swallow frequency and cough peak flow were also collected as well as clinical outcomes at discharge.

Results

PSM was impaired in 46% of the patients. Accumulated secretions, penetration‐aspiration, and post‐swallow residue were frequent and correlated with abnormal PSM (p < 0.05). PSM was reliable and agreed with pharyngeal constriction ratio on videofluoroscopy in all 15 patients who had both assessments within 72 h. Abnormal PSM correlated with vocal cord immobility, reduced peak cough flow, and reduced swallow frequency (p < 0.05). Abnormal PSM predicted restricted diet on hospital discharge with an odds ratio of 10.38.

Conclusions

PSM is a quick and simple addition to an endoscopic evaluation and has the potential to predict likelihood of impaired swallow safety and efficiency as well as clinical outcomes.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:3429–3435, 2023
Screening of new native metallophytes from copper abandoned mining site: Promising tool for phytoremediation
Authors: Midhat Laila , Ouazzani Naaila , Aziz Faissal , Esshaimi Mouhsine , Hejjaj Abdessamed , Mandi Laila
Published: May 2023

A field survey on abandoned mining site ‘Bir Nehass‐Morocco’ was conducted to identify new native metallophytes as a promising tool for phytoremediation. The spatial distribution of metals in tailings and mining soils was investigated and metal accumulation in plant tissues was analyzed and compared. The results indicated that the studied area was polluted by Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd Cadmium with maximum values of 2892, 27868.3, 6982 and 63.03 mg.kg−1, respectively, which are higher than background levels for agricultural soils. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd decreased with the distance from the mine tailings. Thirteen species (11 families) were identified and mainly native and therophyte plants. Significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed among the average concentrations of metals in plant tissues and most values exceeded the normal concentration range. Based on the comparative analysis of heavy metals content, translocation and bioconcentration factors in plants, Aizoon canariense L, Hirschfeldia incana (L.) L. Fossat, Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrader and Peganum harmala L had a high accumulation ability and showed a remarkable phytoremediation potential which could be identified as promising candidates for phytoremediation techniques.
Multi‐functional characteristics of artificial forests of Caragana korshinskii Kom with different plantation ages in the hilly and sandy area of Northwest Shanxi, China
Authors: Gou Qianqian , Gao Min , Wang Guohua
Published: May 2023

To explore the multi‐functional characteristics of an artificial Caragana korshinskii ecosystem with different plantation ages, we assessed the differences in ecosystem multi‐functionality, the main influencing factors, and recovery dynamics over 6, 12, 18, 40, and 50 years. The results showed a binomial correlation between planting age and regulatory function (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.459), and a significant linear positive correlation between the multi‐functionality index and supporting and provisioning services. Meanwhile, a significant trinomial correlation was observed among planting age, nutrient transformation, and nutrient cycle (p < 0.01, R2 = 0.754), whereas a linear positive correlation (p < 0.05) was detected between plantation age and plant nutrient uptake, soil fertility, maintenance of plant diversity, aboveground primary productivity, and ecosystem multi‐functionality. The multi‐functionality index was significantly positively correlated with plant nutrient uptake, soil fertility, maintenance of plant diversity, and aboveground primary productivity. Plant diversity maintenance, aboveground primary productivity, and water conservation all had significant effects on the multi‐functionality index. The ecosystem multi‐functionality of C. korshinskii forests significantly increased with the increase of plantation age, and C. korshinskii establishment considerably improved plant nutrient uptake, soil fertility, maintenance of plant diversity, aboveground primary productivity, and ecosystem multi‐functionality. The water conservation function of the ecosystem peaked 12 years after planting C. korshinskii, and considerably decreased 40 years after planting, indicating that the limiting factors must be accounted for when evaluating ecosystem multi‐functionality in arid and semi‐arid areas.
Inertial algorithms with adaptive stepsizes for split variational inclusion problems and their applications to signal recovery problem
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Tan Bing , Li Songxiao
Published: May 2023

With the help of the Meir–Keeler contraction method and the Mann‐type method, two adaptive inertial iterative schemes are introduced for finding solutions of the split variational inclusion problem in Hilbert spaces. The strong convergence of the suggested algorithms is guaranteed by a new stepsize criterion that does not require calculation of the bounded linear operator norm. Some numerical experiments and applications in signal recovery problems are given to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
The nurses' touch: An irreplaceable component of caring
Authors: Pepito Joseph Andrew T. , Babate Faustino Jerome G. , Dator Wireen Leila T.
Published: May 2023

Background

Touch is an integral part of human interaction. Health care makes significant use of touch, and for most healthcare professionals, it is indispensable to their practice. An essential and inevitable facet of the nursing profession is the touching of patients during the provision of care. Unfortunately, touch is seldom considered in the nursing framework today.

Aims

To emphasize the importance of touch in contemporary nursing practice in a highly technological environment.

Materials and methods

A search was conducted on February–May 2022. The initial search identified 84 articles and the final analysis included 38 articles that met the inclusion criteria (touch; touch in health care; touch and nursing; touch and technology; nursing and technology; nursing and caring; touch and caring).

Results

The nurses' touch will always be an irreplaceable component of caring in nursing.

Discussion

There can be no substitute to the expressive touch of a nurse. As the technological revolution in nursing is inevitable, it is imperative that nurses consider how much these technologies impact the nurse–patient relationships.

Conclusion

The study emphasized the importance of touch in contemporary nursing practice. The study found that the nurses' touch will always be an irreplaceable component of caring in nursing. The finding will have an impact on nurses and patients situated in highly technological healthcare environments.
Severity of acute lung injury in aspiration pneumonia model mice transplanted with human oral microflora
Authors: Hayashi Manami , Mori Mina , Itsumi Momoe , Nakamura Natsuno , Takaki Takashi , Onoyama Kaoru , Fukamachi Haruka , Kurosawa Mie , Morisaki Hirobumi , Funatsu Takahiro , Myers Mie , Iijima Takehiko , Kuwata Hirotaka
Published: May 2023

Objectives

When the microflora balance becomes disturbed, referred to as “dysbiosis,” immune homeostasis is altered, triggering various diseases. In the oral cavity, it is also becoming evident that dysbiosis can act as a stimulus for various systemic diseases. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when oral microflora enters the lungs of elderly individuals. Aspiration pneumonia is highly lethal and intractable; thus, a detailed understanding of the interaction between the microflora and lung immunity is essential to establish the optimal treatment.

Methods

Human oral microflora‐associated mice (HOMA) were created by transplanting human oral commensal microflora into germ‐free mice. Then, the effects of oral microflora were analyzed on lung immunity and systemic conditions of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS).

Results

The microflora in HOMA was in a state of dysbiosis. Furthermore, the accumulation of neutrophils in the lungs during septic conditions was more significant in HOMA. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) increased considerably in HOMA during ALI/ARDS. Simultaneously, the tissue distribution of lung macrophages in HOMA decreased more significantly in alveolar macrophages than in tissue macrophages. Finally, we found that microbial compositions in the lungs during ALI/ARDS were only a single or a small number of species, as in aspiration pneumonia in humans.

Conclusion

Systemic inflammation and lung tissue damage were observed more significantly in HOMA during ALI/ARDS, suggesting that dysbiosis has a synergistic effect with septic shock, resulting in severe injury. Thus, oral and systemic dysbiosis may be a potential target for treating aspiration pneumonia in the elderly.
Experimental and numerical studies on damage and failure behavior of anisotropic ductile metals
Authors: Koirala Sanjeev , Gerke Steffen , Brünig Michael
Published: May 2023

The paper deals with experiments and numerical simulations of the biaxially loaded H‐specimen to study the damage and failure in anisotropic ductile metals. The deformation and failure behavior of anisotropic ductile metals depend both on load ratio and loading direction with respect to the rolling direction. Experiments focusing on shear‐compression stress states have been performed and digital image correlation (DIC) is used to monitor the strain fields. Numerical simulations based on the Hill48 anisotropic yield criterion are used to predict the stress states of the investigated anisotropic aluminum alloy EN AW‐2017A. The fractured surfaces are visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental‐numerical technique clearly shows the influence of loading direction and the stress state on the evolution of damage processes.
Comparing of the analytical investigation with the FEM simulation for minimizing the total radiated sound from a vibrating plate
Authors: Hajilou Mehran , Sachau Delf
Published: May 2023

A theoretical model comprising Active‐Noise‐Control (ANC) systems is created to minimize interfering primary sound radiated from a vibrating simply supported plate with the destructive secondary sound radiated from loudspeakers. In this paper, a global noise reduction at low frequencies is achieved with local control of secondary sources while the most previous studies have already focused on a control of the sound pressure field over a large number of distributed microphones. The ANC systems are placed close to the primary noise. An optimal solution which is assigned to each loudspeaker is derived analytically in terms of the estimated active sound intensities in front of the loudspeakers. In addition, the model is investigated with the Finite‐Element‐Method (FEM). COMSOL Multiphysics is used to simulate the residual sound field by feeding the loudspeakers with the optimal solutions. The analytical results are compared with those results obtained from the FEM simulation. This study proofs the effectiveness of an ANC system and derives the optimal position and the required number of secondary sources to minimize the total radiated sound from a vibrating plate.
Uncertainty estimation using Gaussian error propagation in metal forming process simulation
Authors: Dileep Pranav Kumar , Hartmann Stefan , Javadi Mehrdad , Palkowski Heinz , Fischer Tobias , Ziegmann Gerhard
Published: May 2023

The ease of estimating the uncertainties of numerical simulations in metal forming is of particular interest. This uncertainty arises from, for example, material parameter identification, geometric dimensions, external loads, and contact conditions. In this paper, we aim to address this issue with the extension to geometric influences, and boundary as well as friction conditions. The uncertainty quantification from material parameter identification – here, in terms of sensitivities of the resulting simulations based on the confidence interval of the parameters – is transferred from the literature and the individual proportions are quantified and compared, respectively. For material parameter identification, experiments on steel and glass fiber reinforced plastic are used and the confidence intervals are determined. Particularly in the case of sequential determination of the parameters, the uncertainties are estimated with the aid of Gaussian error propagation. This concept can also be transferred to geometric dimensions or loads. The application of numerical differentiation for the sensitivities within the Gaussian error propagation leads to a concept where the finite element program can be treated as a black‐box. Here, all uncertainties of the simulation results are obtained, leading to the result that geometric influences in the deep drawing process used as well as the friction coefficient have the largest effect. This provides a very simple procedure for the uncertainty quantification of all individual influencing variables in any finite element simulation.
A thermodynamically consistent anisotropic damage model for metallic glasses
Authors: Shi Jianye , Ma Songyun , Markert Bernd
Published: May 2023

The recent success in manufacturing large‐size, also called bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) using 3D‐printing based on laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) opens an avenue for the broad application of this material class. To explore the great potential of both as‐cast and 3D‐printed BMGs, a comprehensive understanding and an accurate prediction of the plastic deformation and damage behaviour of this material class are indispensable. In this study, we develop a thermodynamically consistent anisotropic damage model incorporating tension‐compression asymmetry (TCA) to describe the unique inelastic deformation and damage behaviours of metallic glasses. The widely observed normal stress sensitivity and plastic dilatancy in metallic glasses are considered by using an extended Mohr‐Coulomb criterion in the constitutive description. Furthermore, a second‐order damage tensor is adopted for describing the anisotropic damage behaviour. By augmenting the Helmholtz free energy function to be dependent on the gradient of the free volume concentration and the gradient of the nonlocal damage parameter, the governing equations for the corresponding internal variables are derived within the framework of finite deformation. The damage localisation and mesh dependency are correspondingly alleviated. The simulation result shows that the shear band patterns are in good agreement with the experimental observations from literature.
Application of state‐space models with frequency‐dependent uncertainty for efficient reliability analysis of complex structures
Authors: Urrea-Quintero Jorge-Humberto , Hirzinger Benjamin , Nackenhorst Udo
Published: May 2023

In this work, we introduce a commonly used framework to model uncertain dynamical systems and adapt it to propagate both parameters uncertainty and model mismatches through a dynamically excited railway bridge system. The approach considers the system inherent uncertainties in the frequency domain and leads to a significant reduction of the computational effort when performing an uncertainty quantification tasks. In an application example the proposed approach is utilized for efficient reliability analysis of the uncertain railway bridge system. The utilized technique allows for an efficient generation of structural responses, and thus enables a fast evaluation of failure probabilities by crude Monte Carlo sampling. Accuracy of the uncertain prediction model is ensured by comparing the failure probabilities with failure probability simulations based on a semi‐analytical Euler‐Bernoulli bridge beam model.
A multiscale study of the retention behavior and hydraulic anisotropy in deformable porous media
Authors: Chaaban Mohamad , Heider Yousef , Markert Bernd
Published: May 2023

The following proceeding presents a multiscale approach to investigate the hydraulic anisotropy and retention behavior in porous materials involving deformation effects. Concerning the former, single‐phasic fluid flow simulations using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) are initially accomplished at the pore‐level geometry of Bentheimer sandstones provided by X‐ray microscopy at several degrees of compression to compute the intrinsic permeability. Due to the anisotropic nature of the Bentheimer sandstones, favored pore channels for fluid flow are witnessed within the domain. Therefore, it is important to understand the alteration of the preferred flow paths at each degree of compression. In this regard, we propose a new upscaling approach between the LBM and the macroscopic Theory of Porous Media (TPM) to accurately compute the macroscopic hydraulic structural tensor, which plays a crucial role in the calculation of the deformation‐dependent anisotropic specific permeability. As for the latter, the Shan‐Chen (SC) model of the LBM is applied at each strain level to model biphasic fluid flow via the unsaturated porous domain. Herein, the retention curves of the drainage and imbibition processes of each deformed state are computed. In turn, the comparison among the results shows the effect of variation of the strain degree on the retention behavior.