bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
At the Intersection of Cardiology and Oncology: TGFβ as a Clinically Translatable Therapy for TNBC Treatment and as a Major Regulator of Post-Chemotherapy Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sulaiman Andrew , Chambers Jason , Chilumula Sai Charan , Vinod Vishak , Kandunuri Rohith , McGarry Sarah , Kim Sung
Published: February 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that disproportionally accounts for the majority of breast cancer-related deaths due to the lack of specific targets for effective treatments. While there is immense focus on the development of novel therapies for TNBC treatment, a persistent and critical issue is the rate of heart failure and cardiomyopathy which is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity amongst cancer survivors. In this review, we highlight mechanisms of cardiotoxicity post-chemotherapeutic exposure, assess how this is assessed clinically and highlight the transforming growth factor-beta family (TGF-β) pathway and discuss its role as a mediator of cardiomyopathy. We highlight recent findings demonstrating TGF-β inhibition as a potent method to prevent cardiac re-modeling, fibrosis and cardiomyopathy. We describe how dysregulation of the TGF-β pathway is associated with negative patient outcomes across 32 types of cancer including TNBC. We then highlight how TGF-β modulation may be a potent method to target mesenchymal (CD44+/CD24-) and epithelial (ALDHhigh) cancer stem cell (CSC) populations in TNBC models. CSCs are associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, relapse, resistance, and diminished patient prognosis; however, due to plasticity and differential regulation these populations remain difficult to target and persist as a major barrier barring successful therapy. TGF-β inhibition represents an intersection of two fields: cardiology and oncology. Through inhibiting cardiomyopathy, cardiac damage and heart failure may be prevented and through CSC targeting, patient prognosis may be improved. Together, both approaches, if successfully implemented would target the two greatest causes of cancer-related morbidity in patients and potentially lead to a breakthrough therapy.
Evolution and formation of large-scale vortex structures in accretion stellar disks
Authors: Livenets Zahar Dmitrievich , Lugovsky Alexey Yurievich
Published: February 2022

This paper is devoted to the study of the properties of astrophysical objects, namely, the study of the processes of development of large-scale turbulence in accretion stellar disks. Such activity is motivated by the need to explain the nature of the mechanisms that lead to the redistribution of angular momentum in the disk and the subsequent accretion of matter to the central gravitating body. Thus, the complete three-dimensional modeling of the processes of instability development in an initially stationary disk allows us to draw conclusions about the efficiency of the redistribution of angular momentum by large-scale vortex structures.
The Influence of Self Leadership on Organizational Citizenship Behavior with Self-Efficacy as a Mediation Variable on Teachers of SMK Negeri Jakarta Pusat
Authors: Munawaroh  , Febriantina Susan , Lathifah Aldinah Suro
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of self-leadership on Organizational Citizenship Behavior by self-efficacy as a mediation variable in, Central Jakarta State Vocatonal School Teacher. The research method used by researchers was a survey method with a descriptive approach, the population used was vocational school teachers. The model in this study uses the path analysis model. The analysis technique used in this study uses SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) which is operated with the SmartPLS version 3.0 program for testing hypothesis. In this study also tested the detection of the effect of intervening variables through the Sobel test. The analysis technique carried out in PLS includes three stages, namely the analysis of the outer model, analysis of the inner model, and testing of hypotheses. The results of the study are that self-leadership has a positive and significant effect on Organizational Citizenship Behavior, self-efficacy has a positive and significant effect on Organizational Citizenship Behavior, self-leadership has a positive and significant effect on self-efficacy, and self-leadership has a positive and significant effect on Organizational Citizenship Behavior with efficacy. self as a mediation between both.
Analysis of the Manpower Supply Strategy at PT Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Barat and Banten, Tbk with the SWOT Analysis Method
Authors: Pancasasti Ranthy , Saefulloh Ujang Aep , Nugraha Yugi Adhari
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to analyze the provision of human resources at PT Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Barat and Banten, Tbk. Where the provision of human resources is very important for the sustainability and development of the company. It is important for companies to be able to determine strategies and steps that must be taken to determine effective strategies in providing human resources that are used to analyze SWOT. Data analysis uses SWOT matrix analysis by considering strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The results of the study indicate that when the provision of human resources is differentiated based on external and internal factors, it is found that the company can choose the provision of human resources both internally and externally according to the company's needs
Management 3.0: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Almeida Fernando , Espinheira Eduardo
Published: February 2022

Management 3.0 is a new concept that intends to revolutionize the way managers and leaders act within companies to offer a more happy, collaborative, and productive work environment. This paper aims to analyze the management 3.0 phenomenon and establish a research agenda in the field. A systematic review was conducted considering 215 published studies in the field between 2010 and 2019. The findings reveal that management 3.0 is an emerging area and one that has grown in 2019 and involves multidisciplinary research teams from management, leadership, information technology, and psychology.
Analysis of e-Advertising Influence Case Study on Culinary Product
Authors: Luckyardi S , N Albar C , N Supriatna N
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this research is to analyse the influence of e-advertising on consumers. The case study was conducted on culinary product by performing literature study method and questionnaires. Purposive sampling technique was used with two criteria namely age and location of residence. The questionnaires was distributed among 100 respondents with age ranging from 18 to 24 years old and resided in Bandung. The results show that advertisement in social media or e-advertisements is effective to influence consumers, this is indicated by most of respondents stated that they know the product from social media, not only conventional media. In addition, the coverage of e-advertisement exposure is very extensive. This is also supported by the fact that young adults tend to use social media and other online platforms to find information regarding product. This research contribute recommendation to integrate online means in their advertisement method.
Digital Entrepreneurship in the Last Decade: A Systematic Review
Authors: Amadi Chimezie , Zubairu Umaru Mustapha , Busra Sakariyan Olalekan , Imam Paiko Isah
Published: February 2022

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects ICT has on the sustainability of Digital Entrepreneurship in Nigeria.  Furthermore, this paper seeks to determine if the utilization of ICT can forecast the rate of start-ups in the Digital Entrepreneurship sector and interrogate the characteristics and inter-relationships inherent in Digital Entrepreneurship.   To achieve this objective, a systematic literature review using the Systematic Quantitative Assessment Technique (SQAT) was the methodology used to review 45 DE articles published over the last decade (2012 – 2021).   To provide a thorough, impartial amalgam of the reviewed articles, this paper analysed the time distribution, geographic distribution, types and data collection methods of the 45 DE articles.  The review revealed that existing research has been both empirical and conceptual in equal measure with only one instance in mixed mode.  The parity suggests that future researchers should endeavour to conduct more conceptual research to underpin the envisaged accelerated growth of DE.
Leading with Compassion in Times of Change
Authors: Amir Muhammad Taufiq
Published: February 2022

Managers face various challenges and difficulties at work, especially in dealing with changes. The adverse events can be compounded when personal problems also put additional pressure on the manager. The compassionate leader can function to alleviate the stress. This study shows how leading with compassion, where leaders are sensitive to problems, feeling those difficulties, and are motivated to help. By referring to the positive organization literature, aspects, and processes of compassion in organizations are disclosed. Likewise, how compassionate leaders increase the attention and understanding, empathize with the needs of managers and their future are also explained. Furthermore, leaders can also be present in the various policies that they create. This study is useful for making leadership effective, especially in managing organizational change.
A single-institution study of so-called “non-secreting” intracranial germinomas: neurological characteristics, treatment procedures, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Zhou Jiajun , Lei Ting , Zuo Jinyi , Wu Chenxing , Liu Rui , Li Shouwei
Published: February 2022

Background and PurposeIntracranial germinomas are rare brain tumors. In the present study, we collected data of patients with histology-proven germinomas, and analyzed their neurological characteristics, treatment procedures, and clinical short-term outcomes.MethodsWe reviewed the data of patients with “non-secreting” intracranial germinomas from January 2012 to June 2021 in our institution from Beijing, China.ResultsThere were 162 (69.8%) male patients and 70 (30.2%) female patients. Pineal germinomas were mainly found in male patients (98.3%), and germinomas in sellar/suprasellar region were often observed in female patients (67.5%). The most common clinical presentations were polyuria/polydipsia (42.7%), headache (40.5%), visual disturbance (37.5%), and motor impairment (28.4%). The symptoms of endocrinological alteration had significantly longer duration before hospital admission. Patients with pure germinoma had a higher serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) level than the germinoma with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells (STGCs) (P=0.001), and no significant difference was noted in serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level between the two groups (P=0.540). Tumors with multiple lesions such as bifocal and multifocal diseases had a higher tendency to intracranial dissemination and spinal seeding at diagnosis (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The mean duration of open craniotomy was 268.8 min with an average volume of blood loss of 316.9 mL, compared with 27.0 min and 6.2 mL in cases who received stereotactic biopsy (P<0.001 and P<0.001). The most common complication in both groups was postoperative hemorrhage (7.0% and 8.5%). Patients who received biopsy had higher KPS scores at hospital discharge than on admission in contrast to open craniotomy (P=0.047). Deterioration of KPS at hospital discharge than on admission was observed in 29 and 1 cases who received craniotomy and biopsy (P<0.001).ConclusionsEndocrinological alteration has longer duration before diagnosis. Patients with multiple lesions such as bifocal and multifocal germinomas have a higher tendency of dissemination, and additional attention should be paid to the imaging findings. Patients may not necessarily benefit from the surgical resection because of the surgical trauma and the postoperative complications, and stereotactic biopsy is highly significant in clinical practice.
Numerical Investigation and Design of Optical on Chip Waveguide With Engineered Dispersion for Generation of Supercontinuum Based Frequency Combs
Authors: Alizadeh Mohammad Reza , Olyaee Saeed , Seifouri Mahmood
Published: February 2022

In this paper, with dispersion engineering, two waveguides with silicon core and SiO2 cladding are proposed to generation the supercontinuum spectrum and optical frequency combs. By injecting a pulse with a peak power of 800 (W) and a pulse duration of 50 (fs), the output supercontinuum spectrum is obtained from a wavelength of 1100 (nm) to 4000 (nm). Also, by applying a maximum power of 1 KW and a pulse width of 100 (fs), optical frequency combs based on a supercontinuum with a broadband frequency combs have been obtained. Our proposed structure has good potential for engineering and achieving flatness dispersion which there are two zero dispersion wavelengths at 1890 (nm) and 2850 (nm). This flat dispersion can be very useful to achieve the desired output spectrum. Due to the materials used and the flat structure of the proposed waveguides, these waveguides can be used for integrated optical circuits as well as applications in optical communications, spectroscopy, and sensors.
Applicability and Effectiveness of Ultrasound Combined Nerve Stimulator-Guided Lumbosacral Plexus Block in Supine Versus Lateral Position During Surgeries for Lower Limb Fracture-A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Xu Yuting , Song Jie , Xia Xiaoqiong , Hu Xianwen , Li Yawen , Yu Yongbo , Wang Liang , Tao Zhiguo
Published: February 2022

Background:To compare the applicability and effectiveness of ultrasound combined nerve stimulator-guided lumbosacral plexus block (LSPB) in supine versus lateral position during the lower limb fracture surgery. Methods:Patients who underwent elective internal fixation for lower limb fracture were divided into the S group and the L group by the random number table method and received LSPB guided by ultrasound combined nerve stimulator in supine and lateral positions, respectively. The primary outcome examined was the dose of sufentanil used in surgery and the secondary outcomes were the maximum VAS pain score at position placing for LSPB, the time of position placing, the time for nerve block and the number of puncture attempts.Results:The maximum pain score at position placing, the time of position placing for nerve block, the time for lumbar plexus block and the time of puncture attempts were significantly lower in the S group compared with those of the L group (all P<0.05). However, the time for sacral plexus block was higher in the S group compared with that of the L group (P<0.05). The heart rate and mean arterial pressure at different time points, times of puncture attempts for sacral plexus, dose of sufentanil used, VAS scores, the satisfactory postoperative degree to analgesia and adverse events of nerve block did not significantly differ between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:LSPB in the supine position is simple to apply and has definite anesthetic effects. Meanwhile, it has a high comfort level and therefore should be widely applied. The trial was registered prior to patient enrollment at the Chinese Clinical Trail Registry (Date:11/03/2021 Number: ChiCTR2100044117).
Productivity, Global Value Chains and Cross-industry Spillovers in Turkey
Authors: dine Nasser Dine Nasser
Published: February 2022

This study examines the spillovers in productivity across industries and the impact of GVC participation, through backward and forward linkages, by estimating a spatial autoregressive model (SAR) using data drawn from the World Input-Output Dataset and Socio-Economic Accounts. We find that positive changes in productivity in one sector are significantly associated with higher productivity across sectors connected through input-output linkages. We find that productivity rises with forward linkages with a significant positive spillover across sectors through input-output connections, while backward linkages lead to declining productivity. A sectoral analysis shows that productivity benefits from forward linkages with positive spillover effects across service sectors but weakens with backward linkages within and across manufacturing sectors. This study empirically demonstrates that ignoring the spillovers effects in productivity leads to underestimating the impact of GVC participation on productivity.
Reliability Levels of Motor Competence In Youth Athletes
Authors: Silva Ana Filipa , Nobari Hadi , Badicu Georgian , Ceylan Halil Ibrahim , Lima Ricardo , Lagoa Maria João , Luz Carlos , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to analyze the reliability of the tests included in the motor competence assessment (MCA) battery and compare the effects of the number of trials per test. Thirty female volleyball players (14.6±1.3 years of age) were tested. The participants performed two or three trials of each test. Intra-class correlation (ICC) was calculated, and a paired sample t-test analyzed the variations between trials (1st vs. 2nd vs. 3rd). Results revealed a significant difference between the first and the second trials for jumping sideways [t(29)=-4.108, p<0.01], standing long jump [t(29)=-3.643, p<0.01], and shuttle run [t(29)=-3.139, p<0.01]. No significant result was registered in the shifting platforms, ball throwing and kicking between the first and second trials. Hence, any difference was recorded between the second and third trial. High ICC values were registered among the three repetitions of shuttle run, ball throwing, and ball kicking, while almost perfect values were recorded for the standing long jump. Nevertheless, there seems to be a learning effect between the first and the second repetition—no differences were registered only considering the two manipulative tests. In conclusion, except for jumping sideways, the MCA tests are reliable and only need to be performed two times instead of three.
Learning Patient-Level Prediction Models Across Multiple Healthcare Databases: Evaluation of Ensembles for Increasing Model Transportability
Authors: Reps Jenna Marie , Williams Ross D. , Schuemie Martijn J. , Ryan Patrick B. , Rijnbeek Peter R.
Published: February 2022

Background: Prognostic models that are accurate could help aid medical decision making. Large observational databases often contain temporal medical data for large and diverse populations of patients. It may be possible to learn prognostic models using the large observational data. Often the performance of a prognostic model undesirably worsens when transported to a different database (or into a clinical setting). In this study we investigate different ensemble approaches that combine prognostic models independently developed using different databases (a simple distributed learning approach) to determine whether ensembles that combine models developed across databases can improve model transportability (perform better in new data than single database models)?Methods: For a given prediction question we independently trained five single database models each using a different observational healthcare database. We then developed and investigated numerous ensemble models (fusion, stacking and mixture of experts) that combined the different database models. Performance of each model was investigated via discrimination and calibration using a leave one dataset out technique, i.e., hold out one database to use for validation and use the remaining four datasets for model development. The internal validation of a model developed using the hold out database was calculated and presented as the ‘hypothetical optimum’ for comparison. Results: In this study the fusion ensembles generally outperformed the single database models when transported to a previously unseen database and the performances were more consistent across unseen databases. Stacking ensembles performed poorly in terms of discrimination when the labels in the unseen database were limited. Calibration was consistently poor when both ensembles and single database models were applied to previously unseen databases. Conclusion: A simple distributed learning approach that implements ensemble techniques to combine models independently developed across different databases for the same prediction question may improve the discriminative performance in new data (new database or clinical setting) but will need to be recalibrated using the new data. This could help medical decision making by improving prognostic model performance.
Quantum teleportation of an image
Authors: Qiu Xiaodong , Guo Haoxu , Chen Lixiang
Published: February 2022

Quantum teleportation lies at the heart of a variety of quantum technologies, most of which, however, focused on 2-dimensional qubit states only. A fundamental open challenge remains as to whether we can teleport multilevel qudit states with bipartite entanglement. Here, we demonstrate such a high-dimensional teleportation using photonic orbital angular momentum (OAM). We exploit “perfect vortices” for preparing high-dimensional yet maximal OAM entanglement and for performing faithful high-dimensional Bell sate measurements (HDBSM) based on sum-frequency generation. We experimentally achieve the average teleportation fidelity 0.8788±0.048 for a complete set of 3-dimensional mutually unbiased bases. More importantly, we succeed in realizing the first quantum teleportation of optical images, with the effective channel capacity κ > 100. Our scheme holds promise for future high-volume quantum image transmission.
Toxicological Evaluation of Biological and Electrochemical Treatments of Coal Mine-impacted Water (MIW) on Duckweed Landoltia Punctata
Authors: Rodrigues Caroline , Lalau Cristina M. , Núñez-Gómez Dámaris , Puerari Rodrigo C. , Follmann Hioná V. D. M. , Oscar Bianca V. , Lapolli Flávio R. , Matias William Gerson , Lobo-Recio María Ángeles
Published: February 2022

Two different coal mine-impacted water (MIW) treatments (biological via biostimulation of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), and electrocoagulation (elC)) were proposed, reaching efficiencies of up to 99.79% in relation to SO42-, Fe, Mn, and Al ions, as well as acidity removals. Thus, toxicological assays with duckweed Landoltia punctata were performed, in order to verify the safeness and usability of the two treated waters. Therefore, duckweeds were exposed to different dilutions (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of samples) of the two treated waters, and the growth (r) and inhibition of growth (G) rates were calculated, based on 50% effect concentration (EC50). The water from the biological treatment (microcosm assay) presented the highest toxicity (EC50 = 33.42%), even higher when compared to the raw MIW (EC50 = 42.78%), probably due to the hydrogen sulfide, that even after a purge removal, remained in solution. The results showed that this water, despite being within the standards in physicochemical terms, demonstrated risks in terms of toxicity. The water from electrocoagulation (elC) treatment, in the opposite way, showed much less toxicity, even lower than the control, and therefore not reaching EC50, also suggesting a possible nutrient function of the treated water. Consequently, the treated water by elC could, for example, have a non-potable use. The study made it possible to prove the efficiency of elC treatment, the importance of post-treatment toxicological assessments, and the potential of the duckweeds as an option for a test organism in these types of evaluations.
Clinical Development of Anticancer Drugs Can Be enhanced Using Efficacy Data of Small Population Clinical Trials
Authors: Sawachi Keiichi , Matsumaru Naoki , Tsukamoto Katsura
Published: February 2022

Background

Although there are accelerated approval pathways based on the data of small populations and surrogate endpoints, the concern that these pathways authorize the use of inefficacious drugs based on limited data from earlier phase clinical trials remains. We retrospectively investigated the efficacy of anticancer drugs in small and large clinical trials and verified whether small clinical trials could reflect the efficacy results of large clinical trials.
Design:

All anticancer drugs approved in Japan or whose development was terminated from 2015 to 2019 were searched. The median overall survival (OS), median progression-free survival (PFS), and overall response rates (ORR) between small clinical trials (sample size ≤100) and large clinical trials (sample size >100) with identical target populations and treatment settings were compared. Simple linear regression and Spearman’s correlation analyses were performed.
Results

A total of 61 comparable small and large clinical trials were identified. For all endpoints, significant linear trend and correlation were detected (P < 0.001). In particular, the correlation coefficients of median OS and ORR were high (0.852 and 0.873, respectively).
Conclusion

The median OS, median PFS, and ORR data of small clinical trials precisely reflected the efficacy data of large clinical trials. Thus, the efficacy data of small clinical trials can be used to predict the efficacy data of a large population. These results support the accelerated approval pathway based on promising efficacy data of small populations in anticancer drug development.
Development and Verification of Ferroptosis-Related Gene Signature for Predicting the Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Song Siyuan , Shu Peng
Published: February 2022

Objective:The study is to explore the role of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer (GC), and to construct a new prognosis signature to predict the prognosis and immune microenvironment in GC.Method:We downloaded RNA sequencing data and related clinical information of GC from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-STAD) database as a training cohort. Microarray GSE84426 and GSE84437 were downloaded from Gene expression synthesis (GEO) database as validation cohorts. FRGs were come from FerDb. Prognostic genes associated with ferroptosis were identified in the training cohort using univariate Cox analysis and venn diagram, and two different molecular subtypes were identified by consistent clustering. Kaplan-Meier survival curve verified the prognostic value. ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, McpCounter and TIMER algorithm were used to analyze the infiltration of immune cells in each sample. LASSO algorithm and multiple Cox regression analysis were used to construct a prognostic risk signature and verified it. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed several important ways to participate in GC.Result: We obtained 16 prognostic genes for GC associated with ferroptosis, and divided GC patients into two subgroups by consistent clustering. Cluster C2 showed obvious median survival advantage, while Cluster C1 showed poor prognosis. Compared with Cluster C2, GC patients in Cluster C1 have significantly higher ESTIMATE score, higher immune cell infiltration and higher matrix score. MCPCounter, TIMER and CIBERSORT algorithms also showed that Cluster C1 had more immune cell infiltration, suggesting that the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of GC patients in high-risk group Cluster C1 accorded with immune exclusion subtype. Based on LASSO analysis, a risk signature was established, and it was found that TUBE1, NFE2L2 and ACSL4 genes were protective factors, while ZFP36, NOX5 and MIR9-3 genes were risk factors. Through the verification of GEO cohort, the risk signature of FRGs had a great potential to predict the prognosis of GC patients, and it was a strong correlation between the prognosis signature and GC immunity. The nomogram combined with risk signature and clinical features can accurately predict the prognosis of GC patients. GSEA analysis showed that compared with Cluster C2, Cluster C1 had lower expression in lipid metabolism and glutathione metabolism, which may be related to poor prognosis of GC patients. Conclusion: We constructed a new prognostic signature based on ferroptosis-related prognostic genes to predict the prognosis and TIME in GC, and the development of this signature had provided a new clue for determining the relationship between ferroptosis and immunity, which can be used to accurately predict the prognosis of GC patients and provide new strategies for immunotherapy of GC patients.
What is the best technic to dislodge Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm on medical implants?
Authors: Moris Vivien , Lam Mylan , Amoureux Lucie , Magallon Arnaud , Guilloteau Adrien , Zwetyenga Narcisse , Falentin-Daudre Céline , Neuwirth Catherine , Maldiney Thomas
Published: February 2022

BackgroundBacterial biofilm can occur on all medical implanted devices and lead to infection and/or dysfunction of the device.In this study, artificial biofilm was formed on four different medical implants (silicone, piccline, peripheral venous catheter and endotracheal tube) of interest for our daily clinical and/or research practice. We investigated the best conventional technic to dislodge the biofilm on the implants and quantified the number of bacteria. Staphylococcus epidermidis previously isolated from a breast implant capsular contracture on a patient in the university hospital of Dijon was selected for its ability to produce biofilm on the implants. Different technics (sonication, Digest-EUR®, mechanized bead mill, combination of sonication plus Digest-EUR®) were tested and compared to detach the biofilm before quantifying viable bacteria by colony counting.ResultsFor all treatments, the optical and scanning electron microscope images showed substantial less biofilm biomass remaining on the silicone implant compared to non-treated implant. This study demonstrated that the US procedure was statistically superior to the other physical treatment: beads, Digest-EUR® alone and Digest-EUR® + US (p < 0.001) for the flexible materials (picc-line, PIV, and silicone). The number of bacteria released by the US is significantly higher with a difference of 1 log on each material. The result for a rigid endotracheal tube were different with superiority for the chemical treatment dithiothreitol: Digest-EUR®. Surprisingly the combination of the US plus Digest-EUR® treatment was consistently inferior for the four materials.ConclusionsDepending on the materials used, the biofilm dislodging technique must be adapted. The US procedure was the best technic to dislodge S. epidermidis biofilm on silicone, piccline, peripheral venous catheter but not endotracheal tube. This suggested that scientists should compare themselves different methods before designing a protocol of biofilm study on a given material.
Automatic Detection Method of Mining subsidence basin based on InSAR and CNN-AFSA-SVM
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Shibao , Jiang Chuang , Teng Chaoqun , Li Jingyu , Li Zhong , Huang Jinzhong
Published: February 2022

Mining subsidence disasters are common geological disasters. Accurate and effective identification of their deformation position is significant in preventing and controlling geological disasters and monitoring illegal mining. In this study, we used deep learning combined with support vector machine (SVM) to establish an automatic detection method for mining subsidence basins using Sentinel-1A data. The Huainan mining area was selected as the experimental area to verify the method. The interferogram was obtained using differential radar interferometry (D-InSAR), and the mining subsidence basin and other targets were extracted manually as training samples. Subsequently, AlexNet, VGG19, and ResNet50 convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were used to extract feature vectors of mining subsidence basins for the SVM classifier, and mining subsidence basins were detected in a large-area InSAR interferogram; The artificial fish swarm algorithm with strong optimization ability and good global convergence is introduced into SVM parameter optimization to construct an improved ResNet50_ SVM model. The experimental results show that (1) the three CNN_SVM methods can accurately detect dry mining subsidence basins automatically in large regional interference maps, providing an essential scientific basis for the government to monitor illegal mining activities and prevent and control geological disasters in mining areas; (2) the accuracy of the CNN_SVM automatic detection methods for mining subsidence basins is approximately 80%, and that of ResNet50_SVM for mining subsidence basin detection is 83.7%, superior to that of AlexNet_SVM and VGG19_SVM, The accuracy of the improved ResNet50_SVM based on AFSA algorithm is 88.3%, which is better than the unimproved Resnet50_SVM model.
Unveiling of metal-tolerance bacterial consortia in chromite mine by metagenomic approaches
Authors: Pradhan Sukanta Kumar , Sahu Dinesh Kumar , Singh Nihar Ranjan , Kumar Upendra , Thatoi Hrudayanath
Published: February 2022

Heavy metal-contaminated soils are a widespread problem in mine field environments. To gain insights on the structural and functional diversity of bacterial community present in chromium contaminated mine soil obtained from Sukinda Chromite mine of Odisha (India), whole metagenomic analysis was performed by using Illumina HiSeq platform. Chromite mine soils contain high concentrations of heavy metals such as Mn, Fe, Cu besides chromium and low concentrations of organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The bacterial community living in that hostile environment was correlated with the inherent abilities of these strains to be involved in the reduction of the major heavy metal Cr(VI). Our results showed that Proteobacteria (66.45%) were found to be the most abundant in the study area, followed by Actinobacteria (17.32%), Bacteroidetes (4.65%). The Keto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional category has 228543 predicted functions, 20% of which were involved in cellular metabolic functions, 5.21% in genetic information processing and 5.13% in environmental and information processing, while SEED functional category has 112542 predicted functions. Of which 11.73% are involved in carbohydrate metabolism with 13202 hits, followed by 10.57% amino acids and derivatives with 11899 hits, 8.24% protein metabolism with 9282 hits, 6.88% DNA metabolism with 7746 hits with and 5.94% cofactors, vitamins, prosthetic group, pigments with 6687 hits. The isolated bacterial consortia exhibited visible growth up to a Cr concentration of 800 mg L−1. The results presented in this study have important implications for understanding bacterial diversity in chromium-contaminated mine soils and their role in exhibiting Cr(VI) resistance.
First National-Scale Evaluation of Temephos Resistance in Aedes Aegypti in Peru.
Authors: Palomino Miriam , Pinto Jesus , Yañez Pamela , Cornelio Anali , Dias Luciana , Amorim Quesia , Lenhart Audrey , Lima Jose Bento Pereira
Published: February 2022

Background: Resistance of Aedes aegypti to insecticides can lead to operational failures in control programs. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal trends of this resistance is needed for effective monitoring, on which vector control decision-making should be based.Methods: The organophosphate insecticide temephos was evaluated in L3 larvae in dose-response bioassays with eleven concentrations of the insecticide, following WHO recommendations. The mosquitoes tested were Ae. aegypti larvae of F1 and F2 generations from eggs collected with ovitraps during 2018 and 2019.Results: The results segregated into two geographic groups. The first group, from the coast, was mostly resistant to temephos (RR > 10), with three populations (AG, CR and LO) showing RR values greater than 20 (AG 21.5, CR 23.1, LO 39.4). The populations in the second group, from the jungle of the Amazon and high jungle, showed moderate levels of resistance (defined as RR values between 5 and 10) with values ranging between 5.1 in JN and 7.1 in PU. Exception in this region was the population of PM, which showed a RR value of 28.8 to this insecticide.Conclusions: The results demonstrate that Ae. aegypti populations in Peru present different resistance intensities to temephos, even after the suspension of its widespread use. Resistance to this larvicide should continue to be monitored because it is possible that resistance to temephos could decrease in the absence of routine selection pressures.
A proposal new classification in multi-ligament knee injuries based on both femorotibial joint and patellofemoral joint factors
Authors: TAJIMA Takuya , YAMAGUCHI Nami , MORITA Yudai , YOKOE Takuji , NAGASAWA Makoto , OTA Tomomi , KAWAGOE Shuichi , CHOSA Etsuo
Published: February 2022

BackgroundKnee extensor structure disruption is sometimes combined with multi-ligament knee injury (MLKI). These cases could not be classified into the previous classification for knee dislocation or MLKI. To propose a new classification of MLKI that addresses both femorotibial and patellofemoral (PF) factors.MethodsThe present study involved patients diagnosed with MLKI at our institute. Cases with two or more injured structures diagnosed clinically and by MRI and X-ray examinations were included. Details of injured structures were defined as follows: ‘cruciate ligaments’, including the ACL and PCL; ‘collateral ligaments’, including the MCL and the posterolateral corner (PLC); and the ‘PF joint factor’, including the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), quadriceps tendon, and patellar tendon. A total of 65 cases met the inclusion criteria from 2007 to August 2020 and were enrolled in this study.Based on the number of injured structures, cases were categorized as: Type A, two structures injured; Type B, three structures injured; Type C, four structures injured; and Type D, five structures injured. Depending on the combination of injured structures, they were subdivided into 1 to 5 in Types A and B and into 1 to 3 in Type C. Additional injuries were subdivided as follows: MLKI with fracture was defined as X, with neurovascular injury as Y, and both fracture and neurovascular injury as Z. MLKI cases were divided into both Schenck’s KD classification and the present classification.ResultsFourteen of 65 cases (21.5%) could not be categorized using Schenck’s KD classification; two cases of PLC+MPFL (Type-A5 in new classification), ACL+PLC with periarticular fracture (Type-A1-X), and single cases of ACL+MCL+PLC (Type-B2), ACL+PCL+MCL+PLC+MPFL (Type-D), ACL+MPFL (Type-A4), ACL+MCL+MPFL (Type-B3), PCL+PLC+ patellar tendon with periarticular fracture (Type-B3-X), and PCL+ patellar tendon (Type-A4), ACL+PLC with neurovascular injury (Type-A1-Y), and three cases of PCL+PLC with complications (Type-A1-X, -Y, -Z). With the new classification for MLKI and complications, all cases were successfully assigned to each category.ConclusionIn the present classification, every combination of MLKI cases containing both tibiofemoral and patellofemoral factors, with or without complications, was successfully classified into a suitable category.
The Ultrasound-Guided Funicular Block in Cats Undergoing Orchiectomy: Ropivacaine Injection into The Spermatic Cord to Improve Intra and Postoperative Analgesia
Authors: Cicirelli Vincenzo , Matteo Burgio , Bella Caterina , Lacalandra Giovani M , Aiudi Giulio
Published: February 2022

Background: The orchiectomy in cats is a common surgical procedure with medium level of pain and for this reason requires intra and postoperative analgesia management. The aim of this study was to compare intra and postoperative pain in two groups of cats undergoing orchiectomy. Sixty healthy cats were randomly assigned in two groups (n=30) to receive pre surgery ropivacaine hydrochloride (0.2 mL/kg at 0.5%) (R Group) or NaCl 0.9% (C group) into the spermatic cord. The intraoperative evaluation was carried out using the hemodynamic stability parameters and eventually administration of rescue analgesia. A rescue analgesia (fentanyl 2 µg/kg) was administered during orchiectomy in case of considerable increase of blood pressure, heart rate or respiratory rate. The postoperative evaluation was been done using scores following a UNESP-Botucatu multimodal scale for 6 hours post-surgery. Results: As result, cats in R group responded better to surgical procedure, maintaining lower postoperative pain scores than C group. Conclusions: The ultrasound-guided funicular block used in this study, as already demonstrated in dogs, is a good method to protect the cats from surgical pain and ensure a good level of surgical analgesia.
Liquid-liquid equilibria for aromatic extraction systems using artificial neural networks
Authors: Ahmed Saad , Al-Dujaili Ammar
Published: February 2022

Phase equilibrium data regression is necessary to obtain the suitable values for modelling liquid-liquid extraction. It is important in equipment design, simulation, and optimization. Different factors may affect the accuracy of results. The present paper treats the nonlinear behavior of multicomponent liquid-liquid extraction using artificial neural networks. Two systems were studied, pentane-benzene- sulfolane system and heptane-benzene-tetraethylene glycol (TEG)-water system. Learning the first system in the neural networks doesn’t gave good results while for the second equilibrium system, interaction terms were input, good values of mean square error and regression coefficient (R2) values achieved.
Crack detection in upsetting of aluminum alloy using acoustic emission monitoring technology
Authors: Ha Mingyu , Kim Ji Hoon , Kim SangWoo
Published: February 2022

Acoustic emission technology relies on detecting and converting elastic (acoustic) waves from solids undergoing internal structural irreversible changes into electrical signals. This technique represents a non-destructive testing method used in industrial fields such as weld monitoring, proof testing, and flaw detection of pressure vessels. In this study, the applicability of acoustic emission technology for detecting and monitoring defects in a workpiece during a metal forming process was studied. A notch shape was designed using the finite element method to induce a premature crack on the surface of aluminum alloy cylindrical specimens by compressing them using a pair of flat dies. During the upsetting tests, acoustic emission signals and images of the notched specimen were recorded in real time. The obtained acoustic emission signals were analyzed through various parameters such as amplitude, energy, and RMS to determine the crack occurrence. Moreover, the signal results were compared with those from images obtained simultaneously to confirm the crack detection. The experimental results showed that acoustic emission technology could successfully detect crack occurrence in aluminum materials during the upsetting tests. These results imply an opportunity to detect material defects during various metal forming processes using acoustic emission technology.
Automated Identification of Hip Arthroplasty Implants Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Gong Zibo , Fu Yonghui , He Ming , Fu Xinzhe
Published: February 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the performance of deep learning methods based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) to detect and identify specific hip arthroplasty models.Methods: In this study, we propose a novel deep learning-based approach to identify hip arthroplasty implants’ design using anterior-posterior (AP) images of both the stem and the cup. We harness the pre-trained ResNet50 CNN model and employ transfer learning methods to adapt the model for implants identification task using a total of 714 radiographs of 4 different hip arthroplasty implant designs. Performance was compared with operative note and crosschecked with implant sheets. We also evaluate the difference of performance of models trained with the images of the stem, the cup or both.Result: The training and validation data sets were comprised of 357 stem images and 357 cup radiographs across 313 patients and included 4 hip arthroplasty implants from 4 leading implant manufactures. After 1000 training epochs the model classified 4 implant models with very high accuracy. Our results showed that jointly using stem images and cup images did not improve the classification accuracy of the CNN model.Conclusion: CNN can accurately distinguish between specific hip arthroplasty designs. This technology could offer a useful adjunct to the surgeon in preoperative identification of the prior implant. However, using both stem images and cup images to train the CNN is not more effective than using images from only one perspective.
The combined effect of nanobubble-IR783-HPPH- affibody complex and laser on HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Li , Cai Wenbin , Lv Wei , Meng Li , Duan Yunyou
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Nanobubble is an innovative ultrasound contrast agent that triggers the development of targeted imaging of HER2-positive breast cancer by combining with HER2 affibody and IR783. HPPH is a second-generation photosensitiser that is effective in treating tumours. Hence, the nanobubble-IR783-HPPH-affibody (NIHA) complex demonstrates considerable potential in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Methods: We fabricated the NIHA complex via an advanced thin-film hydration method and detected its characteristics such as particle size, morphology, and stability cytotoxicity. Moreover, the effect of NIHA complex with laser on HER2-positive breast cancer was confirmed via in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results: The NIHA complex was spheroid, stable, and exhibited no evident cytotoxicity; moreover, its particle size was 524.8 ± 53.3 nm (n = 5). In combination with laser treatment, NIHA complex reduced the cell viability and tumour volume, induced apoptosis of HER2-positive breast cancer cells, and prolonged survival of nude mice. Conclusion: The newly prepared NIHA complex with laser treatment Have the potential on treating HER2-positive breast cancer.
Acetolysis of waste PET for upcycling and life-cycle assessment study
Authors: Peng Yuantao , Yang Jie , Deng Chenqiang , Fu Yao , Deng Jin
Published: February 2022

To reduce environmental pollution and reliance on fossil resources, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the most consumed synthetic polyester needs to be recycled effectively. However, the existing recycling methods cannot process colored or blended PET materials for upcycling. Here we report a new efficient method for acetolysis of waste PET into terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol diacetate (EGDA) in acetic acid. Since acetic acid can dissolve or decompose other components such as dyes, additives, blends, etc., TPA can be crystallized out in a high-purity form. On the other hand, EGDA can be hydrolyzed to ethylene glycol or directly polymerized with TPA to form PET, completing the closed-loop recycling. The life-cycle assessment shows that, compared with the petroleum route, 67% of global warming potential and 77% of non-renewable energy use can be reduced via acetolysis under optimum conditions. This is the lowest environmental impact of all chemical recycling options available today.