bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiments investigating the thermal runaway behavior of cyclically aged lithium batteries at various SOCs
Authors: Wei Ningning , Li Minghai , Qi Changbao
Published: May 2023

Thermal runaway (TR) is a critical safety concern in energy storage batteries, and the effects of aging on battery TR characteristics are of utmost importance. In this study, prismatic lithium-ion batteries with a nominal capacity of 40 Ah and Li(Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2)O2 cathode material were subjected to cycling aging up to 80% of their rated capacity. The TR characteristics of the aged batteries were investigated at different state of charge (SOC) levels, including 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, in an inert environment. The findings revealed that as SOC increased, various parameters, such as the maximum temperature of the safety valve outlet (TE,max), the highest temperature on the battery surface (TS,max), the highest temperature in the experimental chamber (TC,max), the mass loss rate, the highest temperature at the positive electrode tab (TP,max), and the highest temperature at the negative electrode tab (TN,max), all exhibited an upward trend. Additionally, higher SOC levels resulted in higher total gas production, while normalized gas production showed a decreasing trend. These results provide valuable insights for early warning of thermal hazards and internal thermal state analysis of batteries, which can inform the design of energy storage batteries with improved thermal safety measures.
On the Determination of the Friction-Caused Energy Losses and its Potential for Monitoring Industrial Tribomechanical Systems
Authors: Miljanić Dragomir , Milovanovic Vladimir , Vukelić Djordje , Rakić Dragan , Tadić Branko
Published: May 2023

The paper refers to a new method to quantify the energy losses due to frictional effects and imperfections in contacts in the case of real industrial tribomechanical systems. Whereby energy losses represent an integral indicator of quality of the real industrial tribomechanical system, in terms of the characteristics of the contact element materials, geometric accuracy, and manufacturing and assembly errors. This paper presents a very complex theoretical model based on the differential equation of motion of a real tribomechanical system down a steep plane. The outputs of the theoretical model are exact mathematical expressions that define the current values of the coefficient of friction and the friction-caused energy losses. The measuring system enables the quantification of current values of the distance traveled per unit of time. Based on a series of experimentally determined values of distance traveled per unit of time, the values of energy losses of the real industrial tribomechanical system are determined using the developed theoretical model and the appropriate software support. The obtained results indicate a high reliability, a large potential and a wide range of possible applications of the proposed method.
A new nematode (Mermithidae) and spider (Araneae) associations, along with a molecular analysis of mermithids hosted in the spider
Authors: Kostro-Ambroziak Agata , Jabłońska Urszula , Świsłocka Magdalena , Wiśniewski Konrad , Kupryjanowicz Janusz
Published: May 2023

Mermithid parasitoids are well known to infect spiders, however, their impact on the hosts and their taxonomic identity are still poorly analyzed. We present the first record of a mermithid nematode infection in the spider genera Piratula (Lycosidae) and Coelotes (Agelenidae), and in the species Alopecosa pulverulenta and Pardosa paludicola (Lycosidae). We describe the interesting maldevelopment of the spiders’ female genitalia induced by the parasitoid and summarize the data on the impact of nematode parasitoids on spider development and behaviour. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the 18S rRNA, showed that spider’ parasitoids arose independently in different phylogenetic branches of the family Mermithidae.
The effect of growth hormone on low-prognosis patients: a retrospective study based on POSEIDON criteria
Authors: Li Qiu-ping , Zhang Yun , Xiong Fang , Zheng Han , Gu Yan-fang , Zhu Yun
Published: May 2023

Objective: To investigate the effect of growth hormone on low-prognosis patients who were diagnosed by POSEIDON criteria.
Methods: Poor ovarian reserve patients were included if their AMH <1.2ng/ml, and according to POSEIDON criteria they were further divided into Group 3 and Group 4. Mild stimulation protocol was adopted in all groups. Growth hormone was administered in GH group. Further study on non-first cycles was conducted. Linear regression and logistic regression analysis were carried out to control the confounding factors.
Results: A total of 574 cycles (155 in GH group, 419 in Control group) were analyzed. For all the poor ovarian reserve patients, there were no significant differences between GH and control group, in aspects of HMG dosage, duration of HMG, the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of 2PN, the number of embryos, transferrable embryos ,good-quality embryos, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and clinical live birth rate. In stratified analysis, the variables of G4 were not significantly different, and in G3, duration of HMG (8.11±1.86vs. 8.80±1.98, P﹤0.05) was significantly different. Further study on non-first cycle patients, a total of 274 cycles (122 in GH group, 152 in Control group) were analyzed, there were no differences between GH group and control group, in aspects of HMG dosage, duration of HMG, the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of 2PN, the number of embryos, transferrable embryos ,good-quality embryos, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and clinical live birth rate. In stratified analysis, the variables of G3’ were not significantly different. In G4’, duration of HMG (8.74±2.31 vs. 7.90±2.56, P﹤0.05) was significantly different, the number of oocytes retrieved(8.74±2.31 vs. 7.90±2.56, P﹤0.05), clinical pregnancy rate(22.97% vs. 8.45%, P﹤0.05), and clinical live birth rate(14.86% vs. 4.23%, P﹤0.05) were significantly different between GH and control groups. The outcomes of linear regression and logistic regression analysis were approximately consistent with that of Chi square test.
Conclusions: GH co-treatment with the mild stimulation protocol in poor ovarian reserve patients who reached or were older than 35 years old, and failed in at least one previous cycle, could significantly increase the number of oocytes retrieved, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate.
Clinical availability and characteristics of multigene panel testing for recurrent/advanced gynecologic cancer
Authors: Kitazawa Shoko , Chiyoda Tatsuyuki , Nakamura Kohei , Sakai Kensuke , Yoshihama Tomoko , Nishio Hiroshi , Kobayashi Yusuke , Iwata Takashi , Banno Kouji , Yamagami Wataru , Nishihara Hiroshi , Aoki Daisuke
Published: May 2023

Background Japan’s health insurance covers multigene panel testing. This study aimed to determine the potential availability and utility of gene panel testing clinically in gynecologic oncology.Methods We analyzed the characteristics of patients with gynecologic cancer who underwent gene panel testing using FoundationOne® CDx or OncoGuide™ NCC Oncopanel between November 2019 and October 2022.Results Out of 102 patients analyzed, 32, 18, 43, 8, and 1 had cervical, endometrial, ovarian cancers, sarcoma, and vaginal cancer, respectively. Druggable gene alteration was found in 70 patients (68.6%; 21 with cervical cancer, 15 with endometrial cancer, 28 with ovarian cancer, 5 with sarcoma, and 1 with others). The most common druggable gene alteration was PIK3CA mutation (n = 21), followed by PTEN mutation (n = 12) and high tumor mutation burden (TMB-H) (n = 11). TMB-H was detected in 5 patients with cervical cancer, 5 with endometrial cancer, and 1 with endometrial stromal sarcoma. Eleven patients (10.8%) received molecularly targeted therapy according to their gene aberrations. Gene panel testing was mostly performed when the second-line treatment was ineffective. Of all 102 patients, 60 did not have recommended treatment, and 15 died or had worsened conditions before obtaining the test results.Conclusion Through multigene panel testing, although many patients had druggable gene alterations, 10.8% of them received the recommended treatment. TMB-H was mainly observed in cervical/endometrial cancer, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic biomarker of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Furthermore, patients’ prognosis and performance status should be considered before performing the test.
Grindability of γ-TiAl intermetallic compounds during ultrasonic vibration-assisted high efficiency deep grinding process
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Tang Yi , Zhao Biao , Chen Tao , Ding Wenfeng , Xu Jiuhua
Published: May 2023

Gamma titanium-aluminum intermetallic compounds (γ-TiAl) have an important application significance in the field of aero-engines owing to their excellent mechanical properties (e.g., high-temperature resistance, high toughness, etc). Grinding as an important method was used to realize the high efficiency and precise machining for difficult-to-cut materials. However, the machining defects (e.g., adhesion, cracks, and even burns, etc) were confronted on machined surface of γ-TiAl materials under high grinding force and temperature loads. In this case, the new machining methods combined with the ultrasonic vibration and high-efficiency deep grinding technology was proposed to improve the machining quality and efficiency. Comparative trials of ultrasonic vibration-assisted high efficiency deep grinding (UVHEDG) and high efficiency deep grinding (HEDG) were carried out to study the grinding performance, in terms of the grinding force, grinding temperature, specific grinding energy, and machining surface quality. Results show that UVHEDG possess the lower grinding force and temperature by 38.69% and 39.05% compared with HEDG, respectively. In addition, the employment of ultrasonic vibrations contributes to maintain the abrasive sharpness, and thus the specific grinding energy is reduced by 23.95%. Ground surface roughness can be reduced by 19.53%, and the grinding surface quality is effectively improved due to the lubrication effect and track overlap effect under ultrasonic vibration.
Higher Quantiles of Sea Levels Rise Faster in Baltic Sea Climate Projections
Authors: Dieterich Christian , Radtke Hagen
Published: May 2023

Absolute sea levels in the Baltic Sea will rise under the influence of climate warming, similar to those in the world ocean. For extreme sea levels, there are indications that they will rise even faster than mean sea levels, but that topic is still controversially discussed and existing studies point into different directions. We analyzed a regional climate model ensemble for the Baltic Sea for future sea level changes. We find that the rate of change differs between high sea levels and the average: In the eastern part of the Baltic Sea, the 99th percentile of sea level was predicted to rise faster than the median. In the south-western part, the relation was opposite. Thus, our simulations predict a change not only in the sea level mean, but also in its distribution. This pattern was almost consistent between the individual ensemble members. We investigated the 99th percentile as a proxy for extreme sea levels, since their partially stochastic nature limits the predictive skill of our 20-member ensemble. Our findings imply that adapting coastal protection to mean sea level change only may be regionally insufficient.
Transcriptomic signatures of feline chronic gingivostomatitis are influenced by upregulated IL6
Authors: Peralta Santiago , Grenier Jennifer K. , Webb Suzin M. , Miller Andrew D. , Miranda Ileana C. , Parker John S.L.
Published: May 2023

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a relatively common and debilitating disease characterized by bilateral inflammation and ulceration of the caudal oral mucosa, alveolar and buccal mucosa, and varying degrees of periodontal disease. The etiopathogenesis of FCGS remains unresolved. In this study, we performed bulk RNA-seq molecular profiling of affected tissues derived from a cohort of client-owned cats with FCGS compared to tissues from unaffected animals, to identify candidate genes and pathways that can help guide future exploration of novel clinical solutions. We complemented transcriptomic findings with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays to better understand the biological significance of the results and performed RNA-seq validation of selected differentially expressed genes using qPCR assays to demonstrate technical reproducibility. Transcriptomic profiles of oral mucosal tissues in cats with FCGS are enriched with immune- and inflammation-related genes and pathways that appear to be largely influenced by IL6, and include NFKB, JAK/STAT, IL-17 and IFN type I and II signaling, offering new opportunities to develop novel clinical applications based on a more rational understanding of the disease.
Modeling and Managing Household Travels Taking Into Considering of School Bus
Authors: DAI Qing , ZHANG Jiajia , LIN Zhengkui , LIANG Zonglin
Published: May 2023

This paper examines the household commuting problem in a bi-modal transportation that includes both autos and school buses. Traditional studies of household commuting have assumed that adults first drop off their children at school before driving to work. However, with the increasing use of school buses in metropolitan areas, household commuting patterns have changed. This paper investigates the impact of school buses on household travel behavior during morning peak hours. Simultaneously, this paper also takes into account the positive utilities of household commuters’ activities at home, school and workplace, as well as the negative utilities of travel time and schedule delay. In this paper, based on activity approach, first, a net utility function is developed using these factors. Then, based on the net utility function, the occurrence conditions of all the possible equilibrium travel patterns are analytically solved and the properties of the user equilibrium are researched. Specifically, this paper examines how equilibrium travel patterns are affected by school bus fares and school-work start time difference, and at equilibrium travel patterns, the net utilities of household commuters are also analyzed. Finally, a first-best time-varying toll model is suggested to alleviate traffic congestion caused by household commuting.
Integrated Supercritical CO2 and subcritical water extraction of high-value compounds to valorize brown macroalgae (Padina tetrastromatica and Turbinaria conoides) harvested from Indian coastline
Authors: Hans Nidhi , Malik Anushree , Naik Satyanarayan
Published: May 2023

This work centred on the valorisation of brown macroalgae by sequentially extracting multiple value-added compounds using developing green extraction techniques. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was used to extract lipids from biomass, which were found to be rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with multiple nutraceutical applications. Using the subcritical water (ScW) technique, 48% sodium alginate and 11% protein were recovered from the SFE residual biomass. The alginate derived from ScW revealed the presence of mannuronic (M) and guluronic acids (G) with M/G ratio greater than 1, fulfilling WHO and FAO guidelines for the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Due to high concentration of polyphenolic compounds, alginate exhibited up to 80% invitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity. Thus, an integrated method has been designed to valorize biomass by extracting commercially relevant valuable compounds from macroalgae utilising green and sustainable technologies, which could be used for the scale-up extraction of these compounds by a variety of industrial sectors.
Novel multiple localized wave solutions and soliton molecules for the (2+1)-dimensional Korteweg-de Vries equation
Authors: Zhuang Jian-Hong , Chen Xin , Chu Jingyi , Liu Yaqing
Published: May 2023

This article focuses on the exploration of novel soliton molecules for the (2+1)-dimensional Korteweg-de Vries equation. Specifically, Hirota bilinear form is derived through Bell polynomial method, and a soliton molecule comprising one lump soliton and an arbitrary number of line solitons or/and breather solitons is derived through the introduction of a longwave limit and new constraint conditions between the parameters of the N-soliton solutions and velocity resonance. The paper presents both analytical and graphical demonstrations of a range of interactions, showcasing the propagation of nonlinear localized waves. The findings of this study could contribute to a better understanding of physical phenomena associated with the propagation of nonlinear localized waves.
Effects of heavy metal exposure during pregnancy on birth outcomes
Authors: Zinia Sabrina Shafi , Yang Ki-Hyeok , Lee Eun Ju , Lim Myoung-Nam , Kim Jeeyoung , Kim Woo Jin
Published: May 2023

Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury poses serious health risks to pregnant women because of their high toxicity. In this study, we investigated the associations of heavy metal exposure with birth outcomes of Korean infants. Data of 5,215 women between 2015 and 2019 were analyzed. This study was part of the Korean Children’s Environmental Health (Ko-CHENS) study. Linear regression and logistic regression analyses were used to examine effects of concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury on birth weight, small for gestational age, and large for gestational age after adjusting for maternal age groups, parity, infant sex, education, income, smoking, drinking, body mass index, stillbirth, premature birth, diabetes, hypertension, and gestational diabetes. Besides adjusting for these covariates, each metal was mutually adjusted to estimate birth weight and large for gestational age status. Maternal cadmium concentrations during early pregnancy (95% confidence interval (CI): -63.76, -16.17) and late pregnancy (95%CI: -61.63, -12.84) were significantly associated with birth weight. Cadmium levels during early pregnancy (95%CI: 0.444, 0.912) were also associated with large for gestational age status. Our findings suggest that prenatal cadmium exposure, even at a low level of exposure, is significantly associated with low birth weight.
Molecular characterization of stable QTL and putative candidate genes for grain zinc and iron concentrations in two related wheat populations
Authors: Sun Mengjing , Luo Qiaoling , Zheng Qi , Tong Jingyang , Wang Yue , Song Jie , Zhang Yelun , Pu Zongjun , Zheng Jianmin , Liu Lianzheng , Zhou Anding , Rasheed Awais , Li Ming , Cao Shuanghe , Xia Xianchun , He Zhonghu , Hao Yuanfeng
Published: May 2023

Micronutrient malnutrition is one of the most common public health problems in the world. Biofortification the most attractive and sustainable solution to surmount malnutrition requires the development of micronutrient enriched new crop cultivars. In this study, two RIL populations, ZM175/XY60 and ZM175/LX987, were used to identify QTL for grain zinc concentration (GZnC), grain iron concentration (GFeC) and thousand grain weight (TGW). Eight QTL for GZnC, six QTL for GFeC and five QTL for TGW were detected. Three QTL on chromosome arms 2DL and 4BS and chromosome 6A showed pleiotropic effects on all three traits. The 4BS and 6A QTL also increased plant height and might be Rht-B1a and Rht25a, respectively. The 2DL locus within a suppressed recombination region was identified in both RIL populations and the favorable allele simultaneously increasing GZnC, GFeC and TGW was contributed by XY60 and LX987. A QTL on chromosome arm 6DL associated only with GZnC was detected in ZM175/XY60 and was validated in a JD8/AK58 RILs using KASP marker K_AX-110119937. Both the 2DL and 6DL QTL were new loci for GZnC. Based on gene annotations, sequence variations and expression profiles, phytic acid biosynthesis gene TaIPK1-2D and nicotianamine synthase gene TaNAS10-6D were predicted as candidate genes. Their gene-based KASP markers were developed and were validated in a cultivar panel of 343 wheat accessions. This study investigated the genetic basis of GZnC and GFeC, and provided valuable candidate genes and markers for breeding Zn- and Fe-enriched wheat.
In-situ Synthesis and Immobilization of Copper Oxide-Titanium Oxide Nanocomposite (CuO@TiO 2 NCs) onto L-methionine Modified Cotton Fabrics and Investigation of its Antibacterial Activity and UV-protection
Authors: Bayisa Tariku , Edossa Gemechu D. , Feyissa Zerihun , Inki Leta Guta
Published: May 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Evaluation of impedance characteristics of CVD-grown graphene and effect of turning of electrical properties of graphene up to 50 GHz
Authors: Okuda Ryota , Niwano Kazuhiko , Hatada Kaname , Kokubu Kei , Suga Ryosuke , Watanabe Takeshi , Koh Shinji
Published: May 2023

Graphene has been investigated as a transparent conductive film for use in a variety of devices, and in recent years it has shown promise for use in millimeter-wave devices as 5G technology. In this study, we applied single-layer (SL), triple-layer (3L), and p-type doped 3L graphene to coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission lines of practical sizes and obtained transmission characteristics from 1 to 50 GHz, which covered the 5G band. Furthermore, an equivalent circuit model of the CPW used in the measurements was constructed, and simulations were performed, which showed good agreement with the measured results. The results validated the transmission properties of the graphene and the contact impedance with electrodes and the graphene in CPW circuits. In addition, by comparing the transmission loss of various types of graphene, the parameters for improving the transmission characteristics were clarified.
Validation of the Six-Minute Walking Distance Measured by FeetMe® Insoles
Authors: Mostovov Andrey , Jacobs Damien , Farid Leila , Dhellin Paul , Baille Guillaume
Published: May 2023

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is widely used to assess functional capacity in patients with various diseases. Use of wearable devices can make this test more accurate and easier to administer, and may even enhance it by providing additional information. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of FeetMe® insoles for assessing the total six-minute walking distance (6MWD) by comparing the FeetMe® estimates to those obtained by a rater and to the ground truth measured with a surveyor’s wheel. Data were analyzed from healthy volunteers who performed the 6MWT on 10-m and 30-m tracks while wearing FeetMe® insoles (n = 32), and being simultaneously assessed by a rater (n = 33) and followed by an investigator with a surveyor’s wheel. The mean average error (MAE) of the estimates was below 13 m on both tracks for FeetMe®, whereas it ranged from 16.24 m to 38.88 m on the 30-m and 10-m tracks for the rater. Thus, the FeetMe® insoles provided a more precise estimate than the rater, and the precision of the FeetMe® estimates did not vary according to the track length. We conclude that the FeetMe insoles are a reliable and accurate solution for measuring the 6MWD.
Chronic Hyperpalatable Diet Impairs Hippocampal-dependent Memories by Disrupting Glutamatergic and Fractalkine Axis Signaling
Authors: Ribeiro Roberta , Silva Emanuele Guimarães , Moreira Felipe Caixeta , Gomes Giovanni Freitas , Cussat Gabriela Reis , Silva Barbara Stehling Ramos , Silva Maria Carolina Machado , Fernandes Heliana Barros , Oliveira Carolina Sena , Guarnieri Leonardo Oliveira , Lopes Victoria , Ferreira Cláudia Natália , Faria Ana Maria Caetano , Maioli Tatiani Uceli , Ribeiro Fabíola Mara , Miranda Aline Silva , Moraes Grace Schenatto Pereira , Oliveira Antônio Carlos Pinheiro , Vieira Luciene Bruno
Published: May 2023

Chronic consumption of hyperpalatable and hypercaloric foods has been pointed out as a factor associated with cognitive decline and memory impairment in obesity. In this context, the integration between peripheral and central inflammation may play a significant role in the negative effects of an obesogenic environment on memory. However, little is known about how obesity-related peripheral inflammation affects specific neurotransmission systems involved with memory regulation. Here, we test the hypothesis that chronic exposure to a highly palatable diet may cause neuroinflammation, glutamatergic dysfunction, and memory impairment. For that, we exposed C57BL/6J mice to a high sugar and butter diet (HSB) for 12 weeks, and we investigated its effects on behavior, glial activation, blood-brain barrier permeability, pro-inflammatory features, glutamatergic alterations, plasticity, and fractalkine-CX3CR1 axis. Our results revealed that HSB diet induced a decrease in memory reconsolidation and extinction, as well as an increase in hippocampal glutamate levels. Although our data indicated a peripheral pro-inflammatory profile, we did not observe hippocampal neuroinflammatory features. Furthermore, we also observed that the HSB diet increased hippocampal fractalkine levels, a key chemokine associated with neuroprotection and inflammatory regulation. Then, we hypothesized that the elevation on glutamate levels may saturate synaptic communication, partially limiting plasticity, whereas fractalkine levels increase as a strategy to decrease glutamatergic damage.
The association between Thyroid Dysfunction and Vitiligo: A two-sample Mendelian Randomization study in the European population
Authors: Chen Yue , Gao Aili
Published: May 2023

Background Thyroid dysfunction have been demonstrated to be associated with vitiligo through observational studies. However, the causal relationship between thyroid disorders and vitiligo remains uncertain. In this study, we utilized Mendelian Randomization (MR) to assess the potential contribution of thyroid dysfunction to the development of vitiligo.Methods Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data for vitiligo, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism were sourced from the IEU GWAS database, while free thyroxine (FT4) and thyrotropin (TSH) GWAS summary data were extracted from the ThyroidOmics Consortium. The two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses using inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods was employed to estimate the causal relationships between thyroid functions, as measured by the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and blood levels of FT4 and TSH. Sensitivity analyses, including Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger regression, and the leave-one-out test, were conducted to evaluate the robustness of our findings. Additionally, we performed the MR-pleiotropy test to examine potential pleiotropic effects.Results Our results demonstrated that hypothyroidism was significantly associated with an increased risk of vitiligo (OR = 1.005, 95% CI: 1.002–1.007; p < 0.001). However, no significant relationship was observed between hyperthyroidism, FT4, TSH, and vitiligo. Sensitivity analyses did not show significant horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity in the study.Conclusions Our study revealed that individuals with hypothyroidism exhibit a higher susceptibility to developing vitiligo. This finding carries significant implications for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of vitiligo.
Risk factors for granulomatous mastitis and establishment and validation of a clinical prediction model (Nomogram)
Authors: Zeng Yifei , Zhang Dongxiao , Fu Na , Zhao Wenjie , Huang Qiao , Cui Jianchun , Chen Yunru , Liu Zhaolan , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhang Shiyun , Mansoor Khattak Mazher
Published: May 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the risk factors and clinical characteristics of granulomatous mastitis (GM) through a case-control study and establish and validate a clinical prediction model (Nomogram).
Method: This retrospective study was conducted at Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Guang’ anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from June 2017 to December 2021. In the design of the case-control study, a total of 1634 GM patients and 186 healthy women during the same time period were included and randomly divided into the modeling group and validation group with a 7:3 ratio. To identify the independent risk factors of GM, univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were conducted and used to develop a Nomogram . The prediction model was internally and externally validated using the Bootstrap technique and validation cohort. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the calibration curve were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the prediction model. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC) were utilized to evaluate the clinical significance of the model.
Result: The average age of GM patients was 33.14 (mainly 20 to 40). The incidence was high within five years after delivery. It mainly occurs in the unilateral breast. Majority of the patients exhibited local skin alterations, while some also presented with systemic symptoms. Univariate analysis showed GM was relevant to gestation history, menopause, nipple discharge and invagination, high prolactin level, sex hormone intake, thyroid function, SDS score, breast trauma and diet preference (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed ages (20-40 years old), high prolactin level, sex hormone intake, breast trauma, nipple discharge or invagination and high SDS score were independent risk factors for GM. The mean area under the curve (AUC) in the modeling group was 0.899, and the AUC in the validation group was 0.889. The internal and external validation demonstrated the model's predictive ability and clinical value.
Conclusion: The lactation-related factors are the main risk factors of GM, which could lead to milk siltation or ductal secretion increasing. Meanwhile, hormone disorders could affect the secretion and the expansion of mammary ducts. They all can obstruct or injure the duct, inducing inflammatory reactions and immune responses. Blunt trauma, depressed mood and diet preference can accelerate the process. The Nomogram can effectively predict the risk of GM's occurrence.
Optimal L2 -decay of solutions to a Schrödinger equation with sub-critical dissipative nonlinearity in higher space dimension
Authors: Sato Takuya , Kita Naoyasu
Published: May 2023

This paper treats the optimality of decay estimate of solutions to the initial value problem of nonlinear Schrodinger equations with a sub-critical dissipative power nonlinearity. Our aim is to obtain two results. One asserts that, for the spatial dimension n=1,2,3, if a global solution decays more rapidly than t-d with d=1/(p-1) -n/2 > 0 in L2, then it must be a trivial solution. The other one shows that, for n=2, there exists a solution decaying just at the rate of t-d in L2.
2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 35Q55; Secondary 35B40.
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Typing of Multilocular Cystic Renal Neoplasm of Low Malignant Potential (MCRNLMP): a patients’ management report of 76 cases
Authors: Gao Wenlong , Yu Jianpeng , Zhang Mingpeng , Wang Guixin , Li Gang , niu yuanjie
Published: May 2023

Background The association between computed tomography (CT) imaging characteristics and clinical growth rate of multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential (MCRNLMP) have not been reported. Our study focused on the correlation of CT imaging and growth rate to investigate the distinguished characteristics in MCRNLMP versus renal cysts, and explore the optimized management.Methods Data regarding 1520 patients including 1,444 patients with renal cysts and 76 patients with MCRNLMP who underwent renal cyst decompression, radical nephrectomy, or nephron sparing surgery due to renal cystic disease between Jan 2013 and Dec 2021 in our institution were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Bosniak classification for imaging modality and the 2016 WHO criteria for clinic pathology were used for detection of MCRNLMP.Results In our study, MCRNLMP accounted for 1.48% of patients with “simple renal cysts”, 5.26% of the patients with “complex renal cysts”, and 12.11% of the patients with “renal tumors combined with renal cysts” (P < 0.001); MCRNLMP accounted for 22.37% and 0.66% of patients with cysts’ growth rate ≥ 2.0 cm/year and < 2.0 cm/year, repectively. Of 76 MCRNLMP cases, after renal cyst de-topping decompression, no recurrence or metastasis was found in 9 patients who underwent nephron-sparing surgery or radical nephrectomy again, while only 1 suspicious recurrence was found by CT of 67 patients underwent actively monitored in postoperative 3-year follow-up.Conclusions MCRNLMP can be slightly identified and divided into three types through the potential predictors of Computed tomography (CT) scanning and growth rate. For MCRNLMP, partial nephrectomy is the first choice and radical nephrectomy should be avoided as much as possible, in addition, active monitoring can also be adopted after surgery to avoid unnecessary nephrectomy.
Sodium Hyaluronate Combined with Pranolprofen Improve Visual Function and Reduce Inflammation in Patients with Dry eye
Authors: Yin Jian , Wu Zhihang
Published: May 2023

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical application of sodium hyaluronate combined with pranoprofen in patients with dry eye.Methods This study’s subjects were 117 patients with dry eye who were diagnosed and treated at our hospital between March 2020 and May 2022. They were divided into three groups based on the therapy methods: sodium hyaluronate (SH) group (N = 39, treated with SH), pranoprofen group (N = 39, treated with pranoprofen), and joint group (N = 39, treated with SH combined with pranoprofen). The clinical efficacy of different treatment methods on patients was evaluated. The symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index scale), tear film stability (tear film rupture time, tear film secretion volume, and corneal fluorescein staining), and visual function (visual contrast sensitivity) of patients were assessed among the groups. The levels of tear inflammatory factors, including C-reactive protein (CPR), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results The effective rates of dry eye in the SH group, the pranoprofen group and the joint group were 79.49%, 74.36% and 94.87%, respectively, with the joint group showing a significantly higher rate than the other groups (P < 0.05). After treatment, the tear film rupture time and tear film secretion of the three groups were prominently increased than those before treatment (P < 0.05), and the joint group was significantly higher than that of the SH group (P < 0.05) and the pranoprofen group (P < 0.05). The corneal fluorescein staining and dry eye symptom scores of the three groups after treatment were dramatically lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05), and the joint group showed significant lower scores than the other groups (P < 0.001). After treatment, the visual contrast sensitivity (12c/d, 18c/d and 24c/d) of the three groups were sensibly higher than before treatment (P < 0.05), and the joint group exhibited higher visual contrast sensitivity compared with other groups (P < 0.001). The CPR, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-1β levels of the three groups were notably decreased after treatment (P < 0.05), and the levels of these factors in joint group were dramatically decreased compared with other groups (P < 0.001). The three groups displayed reduced levels of CPR, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-1β after treatment (P < 0.05), and the joint group showed significant lower levels compared with other groups (P < 0.001).Conclusion SH combined with pranoprofen demonstrated obvious clinical efficacy in the treatment of dry eye, and the curative effect was superior to single drug use. It significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear film stability, and visual function, as well as reducing patients’ inflammatory response, which had a high clinical promotion value.
Load Balancing Strategy for SDN Multi-controller ClustersBased on Load Prediction
Authors: Xiao Junbi , Pan Xingjian , Liu Jianhang , Wang Jian , Zhang Peiying , Abualigah Laith
Published: May 2023

Software-defined networking (SDN) separates the control layer from the data layer, and decisions tomanage the network are issued through a controller. The distributed SDN architecture is an effectivesolution addressing modern WAN SDN architectures and allows multiple controllers to managedifferent parts of the network to ensure efficient and stable operation. To solve the problems of highswitch migration cost, load imbalance, and inefficient load balancing in SDN multi-controller environments,we propose a deep learning-based controller load prediction switch migration (LPSM) strategythat uses a migration switch selection algorithm, target controller selection algorithm, and switchmigration decision algorithm. Then, we propose a load balancing algorithm based on this decisionalgorithm. The final experimental results show that the LPSM reduces the migration cost by 16%and 8%, respectively, compared with time-sharing switch migration (TSSM) and distributed decisionmigration (DDM) strategies, reduces load variance from 0.02 to 0.004 compared with the DDMstrategy, and improves load balancing efficiency by 27.6% compared with the TSSM strategy.
Factors predicting adherent periadrenal fat in laparoscopic adrenalectomy
Authors: Olcucuoglu Erkan , Senel Samet , Uzun Emre , Ceviz Kazim , Gultekin Huseyin , Arabaci Hasan Batuhan , Koudonas Antonios , Aydin Cevdet
Published: May 2023

Background Adrenalectomy require the anatomic preparation of the adrenal gland in the fat-rich retroperitoneal space. In the literature, it was shown that the retroperitoneal fat area affects surgical outcomes in laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). Besides the quantity of retroperitoneal fat, its qualitative properties play hypothetically a significant role in the safety profile and perioperative parameters of LA. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with adherent periadrenal fat.Methods The prospectively obtained demographic, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data of 44 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy in our clinic were analyzed retrospectively. The patients was divided into two groups as adherent periadrenal fat (APAF) and non-APAF group. Periadrenal fat tissue was defined as adherent or non-adherent by the attending surgeon according to the difficulty in dissection of adrenal gland from the surrounding fat tissue during the operation.Results The rate of female gender and presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) was higher in the APAF group (respectively, p = 0.038 and p = 0.001). A ROC curve analysis showed that the cut-off point was − 97 HU for APAF. On multivariable analysis using stepwise regression model, we identified presence of DM (OR = 5.073; 95% Cl = 2.192–12.387; p = 0.006) and ARFD > -97 HU (OR = 3.727; 95% Cl = 1.898–11.454; p = 0.008) as independent predictor of APAF.Conclusion APAF seems to affect the perioperative outcomes of LA in terms of operation duration but not perioperative complications.
Caregiver burden and related determinants of adult patients with β- thalassemia major in mainland China
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Zhang Runqi , Ming Jing , Xie Jing , Liu Baoguo , Jiang Weihang , Fu Yingjie , Zhen Xuemei , Sun Xiaojie
Published: May 2023

Purpose The caregivers of adult patients with β-thalassemia major bear not only physical but also emotional and economic pressures of providing care. The aim of this study was to examine the determinants of caregiver burden in adult patients with β-thalassemia major in mainland China.
Methods In this cross-sectional study, we conducted an online survey with snowball sampling covering seven provinces between September 1, 2021, and January 31, 2022, of patients aged ≥18 years with β-thalassemia major and their caregivers. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Data on patient demographics, disease and therapy characteristics, and caregivers’ demographic characteristics were collected and analyzed using independent t-tests, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression.
Results Of 75 included patients, more than half (50.7%) were male. The mean patient age was 24.69±5.59 years. The mean age of the caregivers was 50.60±9.16 years, with women (74.7%) being predominant. The ZBI score was 38.00 ±17.02. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that patients with interrupted blood transfusion therapy and caregivers required to care of others were positively associated with caregiver burden (p<0.05). Married caregivers were negatively associated with caregiver burden (p<0.05).
Conclusions The caregivers of adult patients with β-thalassemia major in mainland China experienced a moderate-to-severe level of caregiving burden. The burden was higher in patients with a history of interrupted blood transfusion therapy or in caregivers caring for others. Additionally, married caregivers experienced lower burdens compared to non-married caregivers. These findings provide a reference to identify caregivers with higher burdens among patients with β-thalassemia major.
A Novel CircRNA Circ_0001722 Regulates Proliferation and Invasion of Osteosarcoma Cells Through Targeting miR-204-5p/RUNX2 Axis
Authors: Gong Shuai , Zhang Yi , Pang Lina , Wang Liye , He Wei
Published: May 2023

Background
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary fatal bone neoplasm in adolescents and children owing to limited therapeutic methods. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are identified as vital regulators in a variety of cancers. However, the roles of circRNAs in OS are still unclear.
Methods
Firstly, we evaluate the differentially expressed circRNAs in 3 paired OS and corresponding adjacent nontumor tissue samples by circRNA microarray assay, finding a novel circRNA, circ_001722, significantly upregulated in OS tissues and cells. The circular structure of candidate circRNA was confirmed through Sanger sequencing, divergent primer PCR, and RNase R treatments. Proliferation of OS cells was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The microRNA (miRNA) sponge mechanism of circRNAs was verified by dual-luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay.
Results
A novel circRNA, circ_001722, is significantly upregulated in OS tissues and cells. Downregulation of circ_0001722 can suppress proliferation and invasion of human OS cells in vitro and in vivo. Computational algorithms predict miR-204-5p can bind with circ_0001722 and RUNX2 mRNA 3’UTR, which is verified by Dual-luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Further functional experiments show that circ_0001722 competitively binds to miR-204-5p and prevents it to decrease the level of RUNX2, which upregulates proliferation and invasion of human OS cells.
Conclusion
Circ_001722 is a novel tumor promotor in OS, and promotes the progression of OS via miR-204-5p/RUNX2 axis.
Biomechanical investigation of traditional and modified cortical bone trajectory for osteoporosis lumbar spine - finite element analysis
Authors: Zhou Zhihao , Maimaiti Abulikemu , Kahaer Alafate , Tuoheti Abudusalamu , Wang Yixi , Xiao Yang , Liu Dongshan , Guo Hailong , Rexiti Paerhati
Published: May 2023

Background We aimed to investigate the biomechanical properties of the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) and modified cortical bone trajectory (MCBT) on the osteoporotic lumbar spine with the finite element method.Methods Four osteoporotic specimens were selected to establish the L4 vertebral body model. For the CBT, a screw with a diameter of 6.0 mm and a length of 35 mm was used, while for the MCBT, a screw with a diameter of 4.5 mm and a length of 40 mm was used. Two screws with different trajectories were inserted into the pedicles on the different sides of the same vertebral body. The axial pull-out strength, stability of the screw, and the stability of the vertebral body were compared.Results The pull-out strength of the MCBT (1620.00 ± 40.67N) was significantly higher than CBT (1360.25 ± 44.70N) (p < 0.001), and the stability of the MCBT screws in the upper, lower, left, and right direction was significantly higher than the CBT (p = 0.043; p = 0.027; p = 0.023; p = 0.035). The stability of the vertebral body with MCBT in axial rotation, and lateral bending was significantly higher than CBT (p = 0.005; p = 0.011). However, there was no significant difference in flexion and extension between the two groups (p > 0.05).Conclusion MCBT might be a choice for internal fixation of the lumbar spine in patients with osteoporosis.
Increased Risk of COVID-19 Infection Among Individuals with Periodontal Disease
Authors: Andrews Michael , Datta Santanu , Gao Hanzhi , Katz Joseph
Published: May 2023

Objectives Periodontal disease has been linked to multiple systemic conditions but the relationship with COVID-19 still needs to be elucidated. We hypothesized that periodontal diseases may be associated with Covid 19 infectionMaterials/Methods: This study utilized cross-sectional data to establish the strength of association between periodontal disease and COVID-19 infection. The University of Florida Health Center’s i2b2 patient’s registry was used to generate patient counts through ICD-10 diagnostic codes. Univariate descriptive statistics of the patient population and logistic regression to estimate odds ratios of associations between periodontal disease and COVID-19 infection were used for analysis.Results Patients with diagnosed periodontal disease were 4.4 times more likely to be positively diagnosed with COVID-19 than patients without periodontal disease. Associations remained similar and robust (P value < 0.0001) after adjustment for age (OR = 4.34; 95% CI, 3.68–5.09), gender (OR = 4.46; 95% CI, 3.79–5.23), and smoking status (OR = 4.77; 95% CI, 4.04–5.59). Associations were smaller but remained robust (P value < 0.0001) after adjusting for race (OR = 2.83; 95% CI, 2.40–3.32), obesity (OR = 2.53; 95% CI, 2.14–2.98), diabetes (OR = 3.32; 95% CI, 2.81–3.90), and cardiovascular disease (OR = 2.68; 95% CI, 2.27–3.14).Conclusions Periodontal disease is significantly associated with increased risk for COVID-19 infection.Clinical Relevance: With the caveat of a cross sectional study design, these results suggest that periodontal disease may increase the risk for Covid 19 infection.
The serum lipid profiles in immune thrombocytopenia: mendelian randomization analysis and a retrospective study
Authors: Xu Pengcheng , Zhao Yajing , Hou Ming , Xu Miao
Published: May 2023

Background Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune hemorrhagic disease characterized by increased platelet destruction and impaired thrombopoiesis. Platelet indices changes depending on the morphology and volume of platelets. Serum lipids have been found to affect platelet formation and activity in certain diseases, thus induce the corresponding variation of platelet indices.Methods Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed based on databases. The clinical data from 457 ITP patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed, including platelet indices, serum lipids, hemorrhage and therapeutic response.Results MR analysis showed low high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low apolipoprotein A-1, high triglyceride (TG) and high apolipoprotein B (ApoB) causing high platelet distribution width (PDW); high low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) increasing mean platelet volume (MPV). In ITP, there were positive correlations between platelet count with TG, PDW with HDL-C and ApoB, and plateletcrit with TG and non-esterified fatty acid, and the correlation had gender differences. Bleeding scores were negatively corelated with cholesterol and LDL-C. LDL-C and homocysteine were risk factors for therapeutic response.Conclusions Serum lipids, especially cholesterol were tightly correlated with platelet indices, hemorrhage and therapeutic effects in ITP patients. These results provide clinical references for the management of serum lipids, and highlight the necessity to further explore the relationship between lipids and pathogenesis of ITP.Trial registration: No: NCT05095896, October 14, 2021, retrospectively registered.