bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative analysis of a discrete-time phytoplankton–zooplankton model with Holling type-II response and toxicity
Authors: Khan Muhammad Salman , Samreen Maria , Aydi Hassen , De la Sen Manuel
Published: October 2021

The interaction among phytoplankton and zooplankton is one of the most important processes in ecology. Discrete-time mathematical models are commonly used for describing the dynamical properties of phytoplankton and zooplankton interaction with nonoverlapping generations. In such type of generations a new age group swaps the older group after regular intervals of time. Keeping in observation the dynamical reliability for continuous-time mathematical models, we convert a continuous-time phytoplankton–zooplankton model into its discrete-time counterpart by applying a dynamically consistent nonstandard difference scheme. Moreover, we discuss boundedness conditions for every solution and prove the existence of a unique positive equilibrium point. We discuss the local stability of obtained system about all its equilibrium points and show the existence of Neimark–Sacker bifurcation about unique positive equilibrium under some mathematical conditions. To control the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation, we apply a generalized hybrid control technique. For explanation of our theoretical results and to compare the dynamics of obtained discrete-time model with its continuous counterpart, we provide some motivating numerical examples. Moreover, from numerical study we can see that the obtained system and its continuous-time counterpart are stable for the same values of parameters, and they are unstable for the same parametric values. Hence the dynamical consistency of our obtained system can be seen from numerical study. Finally, we compare the modified hybrid method with old hybrid method at the end of the paper.
On a new four-dimensional model of memristor-based chaotic circuit in the context of nonsingular Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo operators
Authors: Deressa Chernet Tuge , Etemad Sina , Rezapour Shahram
Published: October 2021

A memristor is naturally a nonlinear and at the same time memory element that may substitute resistors for next-generation nonlinear computational circuits that can show complex behaviors including chaos. A four-dimensional memristor system with the Atangana–Baleanu fractional nonsingular operator in the sense of Caputo is investigated. The Banach fixed point theorem for contraction principle is used to verify the existence–uniqueness of the fractional representation of the given system. A newly developed numerical scheme for fractional-order systems introduced by Toufik and Atangana is utilized to obtain the phase portraits of the suggested system for different fractional derivative orders and different parameter values of the system. Analysis on the local stability of the fractional model via the Matignon criteria showed that the trivial equilibrium point is unstable. The dynamics of the system are investigated using Lyapunov exponents for the characterization of the nature of the chaos and to verify the dissipativity of the system. It is shown that the supposed system is chaotic and it is significantly sensitive to parameter variation and small initial condition changes.
On backward problem for fractional spherically symmetric diffusion equation with observation data of nonlocal type
Authors: Long Le Dinh , Van Ho Thi Kim , Binh Ho Duy , Saadati Reza
Published: October 2021

The main target of this paper is to study a problem of recovering a spherically symmetric domain with fractional derivative from observed data of nonlocal type. This problem can be established as a new boundary value problem where a Cauchy condition is replaced with a prescribed time average of the solution. In this work, we set some of the results above existence and regularity of the mild solutions of the proposed problem in some suitable space. Next, we also show the ill-posedness of our problem in the sense of Hadamard. The regularized solution is given by the fractional Tikhonov method and convergence rate between the regularized solution and the exact solution under a priori parameter choice rule and under a posteriori parameter choice rule.
Species richness, phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic structure patterns of exotic and native plants along an elevational gradient in the Himalaya
Authors: Manish Kumar
Published: October 2021

Background

So far, macroecological studies in the Himalaya have mostly concentrated on spatial variation of overall species richness along the elevational gradient. Very few studies have attempted to document the difference in elevational richness patterns of native and exotic species. In this study, this knowledge gap is addressed by integrating data on phylogeny and elevational distribution of species to identify the variation in species richness, phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic structure of exotic and native plant species along an elevational gradient in the Himalaya.

Results

Species distribution patterns for exotic and native species differed; exotics tended to show maximum species richness at low elevations while natives tended to predominate at mid-elevations. Native species assemblages showed higher phylogenetic diversity than the exotic species assemblages over the entire elevational gradient in the Himalaya. In terms of phylogenetic structure, exotic species assemblages showed majorly phylogenetic clustering while native species assemblages were characterized by phylogenetic overdispersion over the entire gradient.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate that areas with high native species richness and phylogenetic diversity are less receptive to exotic species and vice versa in the Himalaya. Species assemblages with high native phylogenetic overdispersion are less receptive to exotic species than the phylogenetically clustered assemblages. Different ecological processes (ecological filtering in case of exotics and resource and niche competition in case of natives) may govern the distribution of exotic and native species along the elevational gradient in the Himalaya.
Distribution of crystalloid fluid infused during onset of anesthesia-induced hypotension: a retrospective population kinetic analysis
Authors: Hahn Robert G.
Published: October 2021

Background

Induction of anesthesia causes a drop in arterial pressure that might change the kinetics of infused crystalloid fluid. The aim of this report is to provide a mathematical view of how fluid distributes in this setting.

Methods

Data were retrieved from three studies where 76 patients (mean age 63 years, mean body weight 66 kg) had received approximately 1.1 L of Ringer’s solution over 60 min by intravenous infusion before and during induction of spinal, epidural, or general anesthesia. A population kinetic model was used to analyze the fluid distribution and its relationship to individual-specific factors. Frequent measurements of blood hemoglobin and the urinary excretion served as dependent variables.

Results

Before anesthesia induction, distribution to the extravascular space was threefold faster than elimination by urinary excretion. Both distribution and elimination of infused fluid were retarded in an exponential fashion due to the anesthesia-induced decrease in the mean arterial pressure (MAP). A decrease in MAP from 110 to 60 mmHg reduced the rate of distribution by 75% and the rate of elimination by 90%. These adaptations cause most of the infused fluid to remain in the bloodstream. Age, gender, type of anesthesia, and the use of ephedrine had no statistically significant effect on plasma volume expansion, apart from their possible influence on MAP.

Conclusion

The decrease in MAP that accompanies anesthesia induction depresses the blood hemoglobin concentration by inhibiting both the distribution and elimination of infused crystalloid fluid. The report provides mathematical information about the degree of these changes.
An outbreak investigation of Burkholderia cepacia infections related with contaminated chlorhexidine mouthwash solution in a tertiary care center in Turkey
Authors: Bilgin Hüseyin , Altınkanat Gelmez Gülşen , Bayrakdar Fatma , Sayın Elvan , Gül Fethi , Pazar Nazlı , Çulha Gülcan , Süzük Yıldız Serap , Cinel Ismail , Korten Volkan
Published: October 2021

Background

We report a nosocomial outbreak caused by Burkholderia cepacia that occurred among six patients admitted in the medical and surgical intensive care unit between 04 March 2019 and 02 April 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Methods

The outbreak investigation was launched on 11 March 2019 five days after the detection of B. cepacia in four different patients. We defined potential reservoirs and started environmental screening. We sampled the liquid solutions used in patient care activities. Pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed to determine the genetic relatedness of environmental and patient samples.

Results

Burkholderia cepacia was isolated in tracheal aspiration cultures of six patients. Three out of six patients developed healthcare-associated pneumoniae due to B. cepacia. Environmental cultures in the ICUs revealed B. cepacia growth in 2% chlorhexidine-gluconate mouthwash solution that been used in the colonized patients as well as in samples obtained from the unused products. PFGE revealed the patient and a specific batch of chlorhexidine mouthwash solution samples had a 96% similarity.

Conclusion

Contamination of medical solutions used in critical patient care could cause outbreaks and should be detected early by infection control teams.

Graphic abstract
Overuse of antibiotics in maternity and neonatal wards, a descriptive report from public hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Kakolwa Mwaka A. , Woodd Susannah L. , Aiken Alexander M. , Manzi Fatuma , Gon Giorgia , Graham Wendy J. , Kabanywanyi Abdunoor M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Overuse of antibiotics is a major challenge and undermines measures to control drug resistance worldwide. Postnatal women and newborns are at risk of infections and are often prescribed prophylactic antibiotics although there is no evidence to support their universal use in either group.

Methods

We performed point prevalence surveys in three hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 2018 to collect descriptive data on antibiotic use and infections, in maternity and neonatal wards.

Results

Prescribing of antibiotics was high in all three hospitals ranging from 90% (43/48) to 100% (34/34) in women after cesarean section, from 1.4% (1/73) to 63% (30/48) in women after vaginal delivery, and from 89% (76/85) to 100% (77/77) in neonates. The most common reason for prescribing antibiotics was medical prophylaxis in both maternity and neonatal wards.

Conclusions

We observed substantial overuse of antibiotics in postnatal women and newborns. This calls for urgent antibiotic stewardship programs in Tanzanian hospitals to curb this inappropriate use and limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Relaxing the import proportionality assumption in multi-regional input–output modelling
Authors: Schulte Simon , Jakobs Arthur , Pauliuk Stefan
Published: October 2021

In the absence of data on the destination industry of international trade flows most multi-regional input–output (MRIO) tables are based on the import proportionality assumption. Under this assumption imported commodities are proportionally distributed over the target sectors (individual industries and final demand categories) of an importing region. Here, we quantify the uncertainty arising from the import proportionality assumption on the four major environmental footprints of the different regions and industries represented in the MRIO database EXIOBASE. We randomise the global import flows by applying an algorithm that randomly assigns imported commodities block-wise to the target sectors of an importing region, while maintaining the trade balance. We find the variability of the national footprints in general below a coefficient of variation (CV) of 4%, except for the material, water and land footprints of highly trade-dependent and small economies. At the industry level the variability is higher with 25% of the footprints having a CV above 10% (carbon footprint), and above 30% (land, material and water footprint), respectively, with maximum CVs up to 394%. We provide a list of the variability of the national and industry environmental footprints in the Additional files so that MRIO scholars can check if an industry/region that is important in their study ranks high, so that either the database can be improved through adding more details on bilateral trade, or the uncertainty can be calculated and reported.
25-hydroxycholecalciferol reverses heat induced alterations in bone quality in finisher broilers associated with effects on intestinal integrity and inflammation
Authors: Zhang Huaiyong , Majdeddin Maryam , Gaublomme Djoere , Taminiau Bernard , Boone Matthieu , Elewaut Dirk , Daube George , Josipovic Iván , Zhang Keying , Michiels Joris
Published: October 2021

Background

Alterations in ambient temperature have been associated with multiple detrimental effects on broilers such as intestinal barrier disruption and dysbiosis resulting in systemic inflammation. Inflammation and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) have shown to play a negative and positive role, respectively, in the regulation of bone mass. Hence the potential of 25-OH-D3 in alleviating heat induced bone alterations and its mechanisms was studied.

Results

Heat stress (HS) directly induced a decrease in tibia material properties and bone mass, as demonstrated by lower mineral content, and HS caused a notable increase in intestinal permeability. Treatment with dietary 25-OH-D3 reversed the HS-induced bone loss and barrier leak. Broilers suffering from HS exhibited dysbiosis and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in the ileum and bone marrow, as well as increased osteoclast number and activity. The changes were prevented by dietary 25-OH-D3 administration. Specifically, dietary 25-OH-D3 addition decreased abundance of B- and T-cells in blood, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF-α, in both the ileum and bone marrow, but did not alter the diversity and population or composition of major bacterial phyla. With regard to bone remodeling, dietary 25-OH-D3 supplementation was linked to a decrease in serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen reflecting bone resorption and a concomitant decrement in osteoclast-specific marker genes expression (e.g. cathepsin K), whereas it did not apparently change serum bone formation markers during HS.

Conclusions

These data underscore the damage of HS to intestinal integrity and bone health, as well as that dietary 25-OH-D3 supplementation was identified as a potential therapy for preventing these adverse effects.
Perturbations of the ileal mycobiota by necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens
Authors: Yang Qing , Liu Jing , Robinson Kelsy J. , Whitmore Melanie A. , Stewart Sydney N. , Zhang Guolong
Published: October 2021

Background

Intestinal microbiota is critical for maintaining animal health and homeostasis. However, involvement of the fungal community, also known as the mycobiota, in animal health and disease is poorly understood. This study was aimed to examine the association between the intestinal mycobiota and the severity of necrotic enteritis (NE), an economically significant poultry disease.

Methods

A total of 90 day-of-hatch Cobb broilers were infected with Eimeria maxima on d 10, followed by an oral challenge with C. perfringens on d 14 to induce NE, while another 10 broilers were served as mock-infected controls. On d 17, the lesions in the jejunum were scored, and the ileal digesta were subjected to DNA isolation and real-time PCR quantification of total bacterial and fungi populations. Internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) amplicon sequencing was also performed to profile the ileal mycobiota composition. Changes in the ileal mycobiota in response to NE were investigated. Spearman correlation analysis was further conducted to identify the correlations between relative abundances of individual ileal fungi and the severity of NE.

Results

While the total bacterial population in the ileum was increased by 2- to 3-fold in NE chickens, the total fungal population was progressively declined in more exacerbated NE, with the most severely infected chickens showing a nearly 50-fold reduction relative to mock-infected controls. Richness of the ileal mycobiota also tended to reduce in chickens with NE (P = 0.06). Compositionally, among 30 most abundant fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), 11 were diminished and 7 were enriched (P < 0.05), while 12 remained largely unchanged in NE-afflicted chickens (P > 0.05). Multiple Wallemia and Aspergillus species were markedly diminished in NE (P < 0.05) and also showed a significant negative correlation with NE severity (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Dysbiosis of the ileal mycobiota is induced evidently by NE and the extent of the dysbiosis is positively correlated with disease severity. These findings suggest a possible role of the intestinal mycobiota in NE pathogenesis and highlight the mycobiota as a new potential target for NE mitigation in poultry.
The future of polarisation in Europe: relative cosmopolitanism and democracy
Authors: Pausch Markus
Published: October 2021

One of the central features of our societies is an increasing polarisation between communitarian and cosmopolitan positions. The theoretically sound and differentiated concepts are increasingly being escalated and misused in political practice by authoritarian populists and polarising pushers who try to pull the undecided to their side and tear society apart. Two essential agreements of the post-war period are increasingly being called into question: The European consensus, which considers European unification as an essential achievement and goal of political actors, and the democratic consensus, which states that representative democracy is the undisputed best form of government. In this article, after an introductory definition of polarisation, two future scenarios are developed. In the scenario “Polarised Europe”, polarisation is extrapolated into the future and discussed with its serious consequences for the democratic and European consensus. The second scenario “Democratised Europe” shows how the concept of a relative cosmopolitanism can mitigate polarisation and what steps could possibly be taken to constructively turn it into a more democratic direction.
The scent of fear makes sea urchins go ballistic
Authors: Pagès Jordi F. , Bartumeus Frederic , Romero Javier , Alcoverro Teresa
Published: October 2021

Background

Classic ecological formulations of predator–prey interactions often assume that predators and prey interact randomly in an information-limited environment. In the field, however, most prey can accurately assess predation risk by sensing predator chemical cues, which typically trigger some form of escape response to reduce the probability of capture. Here, we explore under laboratory-controlled conditions the long-term (minutes to hours) escaping response of the sea urchinParacentrotus lividus, a key species in Mediterranean subtidal macrophyte communities.

Methods

Behavioural experiments involved exposing a random sample ofP. lividusto either one of two treatments: (i) control water (filtered seawater) or (ii) predator-conditioned water (with cues from the mainP. lividusbenthic predator—the gastropodHexaplex trunculus). We analysed individual sea urchin trajectories, computed their heading angles, speed, path straightness, diffusive properties, and directional entropy (as a measure of path unpredictability). To account for the full picture of escaping strategies, we followed not only the first instants post-predator exposure, but also the entire escape trajectory. We then used linear models to compare the observed results from control and predators treatments.

Results

The trajectories from sea urchins subjected to predator cues were, on average, straighter and faster than those coming from controls, which translated into differences in the diffusive properties and unpredictability of their movement patterns. Sea urchins in control trials showed complex diffusive properties in an information-limited environment, with highly variable trajectories, ranging from Brownian motion to superdiffusion, and even marginal ballistic motion. In predator cue treatments, variability reduced, and trajectories became more homogeneous and predictable at the edge of ballistic motion.

Conclusions

Despite their old evolutionary origin, lack of cephalization, and homogenous external appearance, the trajectories that sea urchins displayed in information-limited environments were complex and ranged widely between individuals. Such variable behavioural repertoire appeared to be intrinsic to the species and emerged when the animals were left unconstrained. Our results highlight that fear from predators can be an important driver of sea urchin movement patterns. All in all, the observation of anomalous diffusion, highly variable trajectories and the behavioural shift induced by predator cues, further highlight that the functional forms currently used in classical predator–prey models are far from realistic.
Patterns of traumatic outdoor rock-climbing injuries in Sweden between 2008 and 2019
Authors: Identeg Fredrik , Orava Ebba , Sansone Mikael , Karlsson Jon , Hedelin Henrik
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Injury prevalence patterns for climbers have been presented in several papers but results are heterogenous largely due to a mix of included climbing disciplines and injury mechanisms. This study describes the distribution and pattern of acute traumatic climbing injuries sustained during outdoor climbing in Sweden.

Methods

Patients that experienced a climbing related traumatic injury during outdoor climbing between 2008 and 2019 and who submitted a self-reported questionnaire to the Swedish Climbing Association were included in the study. Medical records were retrieved, and the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation injury classification system was used for injury presentation.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were included in the study. Seven (18%) injuries occurred during traditional climbing, 13 (34%) during sport climbing and 9 (24%) during bouldering. Varying with climbing discipline, 84–100% injuries were caused by falls. Injuries of the foot and ankle accounted for 72–100% of the injuries. Fractures were the most common injury (60%) followed by sprains (17%) and contusions (10%).

Conclusions

Traumatic injuries sustained during outdoor climbing in Sweden were predominantly caused by falls and affected the lower extremities in all major outdoor climbing disciplines. Rope management errors as a cause of injury were common in sport climbing and in activity surrounding the climbing, indicating there is room for injury-preventing measures.
Predicting microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: a deep learning model validated across hospitals
Authors: Liu Shu-Cheng , Lai Jesyin , Huang Jhao-Yu , Cho Chia-Fong , Lee Pei Hua , Lu Min-Hsuan , Yeh Chun-Chieh , Yu Jiaxin , Lin Wei-Ching
Published: October 2021

Background

The accuracy of estimating microvascular invasion (MVI) preoperatively in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by clinical observers is low. Most recent studies constructed MVI predictive models utilizing radiological and/or radiomics features extracted from computed tomography (CT) images. These methods, however, rely heavily on human experiences and require manual tumor contouring. We developed a deep learning-based framework for preoperative MVI prediction by using CT images of arterial phase (AP) with simple tumor labeling and without the need of manual feature extraction. The model was further validated on CT images that were originally scanned at multiple different hospitals.

Methods

CT images of AP were acquired for 309 patients from China Medical University Hospital (CMUH). Images of 164 patients, who took their CT scanning at 54 different hospitals but were referred to CMUH, were also collected. Deep learning (ResNet-18) and machine learning (support vector machine) models were constructed with AP images and/or patients’ clinical factors (CFs), and their performance was compared systematically. All models were independently evaluated on two patient cohorts: validation set (within CMUH) and external set (other hospitals). Subsequently, explainability of the best model was visualized using gradient-weighted class activation map (Grad-CAM).

Results

The ResNet-18 model built with AP images and patients’ clinical factors was superior than other models achieving a highest AUC of 0.845. When evaluating on the external set, the model produced an AUC of 0.777, approaching its performance on the validation set. Model interpretation with Grad-CAM revealed that MVI relevant imaging features on CT images were captured and learned by the ResNet-18 model.

Conclusions

This framework provide evidence showing the generalizability and robustness of ResNet-18 in predicting MVI using CT images of AP scanned at multiple different hospitals. Attention heatmaps obtained from model explainability further confirmed that ResNet-18 focused on imaging features on CT overlapping with the conditions used by radiologists to estimate MVI clinically.
Development of a snowdrift model with the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Tanji Seika , Inatsu Masaru , Okaze Tsubasa
Published: October 2021

We developed a snowdrift model to evaluate the snowdrift height around snow fences, which are often installed along roads in snowy, windy locations. The model consisted of the conventional computational fluid dynamics solver that used the lattice Boltzmann method and a module for calculating the snow particles’ motion and accumulation. The calculation domain was a half channel with a flat free-slip boundary on the top and a non-slip boundary on the bottom, and an inflow with artificially generated turbulence from one side to the outlet side was imposed. In addition to the reference experiment with no fence, experiments were set up with a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional fence normal to the dominant wind direction in the channel center. The estimated wind flow over the two-dimensional fence was characterized by a swirling eddy in the cross section, whereas the wind flow in the three-dimensional fence experiment was horizontally diffluent with a dipole vortex pair on the leeward side of the fence. Almost all the snowdrift formed on the windward side of the two-dimensional and three-dimensional fences, although the snowdrift also formed along the split streaks on the leeward side of the three-dimensional fence. Our results suggested that the fence should be as long as possible to avoid snowdrifts on roads.
Surgical resection of a rapidly growing pulmonary spindle cell carcinoma by robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a case report
Authors: Koen Akihiro , Maeda Hideyuki , Nagashima Yoji , Kanzaki Masato
Published: October 2021

Background

Pulmonary spindle cell carcinoma (PSCC) is an extremely rare tumor that is highly malignant and fast-growing. As chemotherapy and radiation therapy are ineffective, early surgical resection is effective for PSCC.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis was referred to our hospital with an abnormal shadow. Chest computed tomography revealed a 33-mm-wide lobular mass in the right upper lobe. She was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer by bronchoscopic smear cytology. Although staging evaluation indicated stage IIIB (T3N2M0) disease, she required continued administration of immunosuppressants and prednisolone for rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) right upper lobectomy followed by lymph node dissection was performed without preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Pathological findings revealed PSCC.

Conclusions

We report a very rare case of pulmonary spindle cell carcinoma, successfully resected with RATS.
The impact of a digital wheeze detector on parental disease management of pre-school children suffering from wheezing—a pilot study
Authors: Dramburg Stephanie , Dellbrügger Ellen , van Aalderen Wim , Matricardi Paolo Maria
Published: October 2021

Background

Viral airway infections are a major reason for doctor’s visits at pre-school age, especially when associated with wheezing. While proper treatment requires adequate recognition of airway obstruction, caretakers are often struggling with this judgment, consequently leading to insufficient or late treatment and an unnecessary discomfort of the patient. Digital technologies may serve to support parental decision taking. The aim of the present pilot study is to acquire data on the feasibility of recruitment and observation procedures for a randomized controlled trial on the impact of a digital wheeze detector in a home management setting of pre-school wheezing.

Methods

This single-armed pilot study enrolled patients with a doctor’s diagnosis of wheezing aged 9 to 72 months. Participants were asked to use a digital wheeze detector (WheezeScan, Omron Healthcare, Japan) 2×/day for 30 days and record the child’s respiratory symptoms, detection of wheezing, and medication intake via an electronic diary (eDiary) app. Demographic and clinical data were collected at the recruitment visit. The asthma control test and the Parent Asthma Management Self-Efficacy Scale (PAMSES) were assessed both, at recruitment and follow-up.

Results

Twenty families were recruited and completed the monitoring. All but one completed the follow-up after 30 days. The recruitment procedures were feasible, and adherence to daily monitoring reached an average of 81%. The use of the wheeze detector was rated as uncomplicated. Parents detected wheezing without digital support in only 22/708 (3.1%) of the recorded events. By contrast, the wheeze detector indicated an airway obstruction in 140/708 (19.8%) of the recordings.

Conclusion

In parallel to feasible recruitment procedures, we observed good usability of the wheeze detection device and high adherence to eDiary recording. The positive outcomes show that the WheezeScan may empower parents by increasing their capacity for wheeze detection. This deserves to be investigated in a larger randomized controlled trial.
Folate metabolism modifies chromosomal damage induced by 1,3-butadiene: results from a match-up study in China and in vitro experiments
Authors: Xiang Menglong , Wang Zhi , Zou Peng , Ling Xi , Zhang Guowei , Zhou Ziyuan , Cao Jia , Ao Lin
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To explore the role of folate metabolism in 1,3-Butadiene (BD)'s genotoxicity, we conducted a match-up study in BD-exposed workers in China to analyze the associations between the polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and the chromosomal damage induced by BD exposure, and culture-based experiments in TK-6 cells to examine the global DNA methylation levels and chromosomal damage when exposed both to BD’s genotoxic metabolite, 1,2:3,4-diepoxybutane (DEB), and MTHFR’s direct catalytic product, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).

Methods

Cytokinesis block micronucleus assay (CBMN) was used to examine the chromosomal damage induced by BD or DEB. Poisson regression models were produced to quantify the relationship of chromosomal damage and genetic polymorphisms in the BD-exposed workers. Global DNA methylation levels in TK6 cells were examined using DNA Methylation Quantification Kit.

Results

We found that BD-exposed workers carryingMTHFRC677T CC (2.00 ± 2.00‰) (FR = 0.36, 95%CI: 0.20–0.67,P < 0.01) orMTHFRC677T CT (2.87 ± 1.98‰) (FR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.32–0.77,P < 0.01) genotypes had significantly lower nuclear bud (NBUD) frequencies than those carrying genotypeMTHFR677 TT (5.33 ± 2.60‰), respectively. The results in TK6 cells showed that there was a significant increment in frequencies of micronucleus (MN), nucleoplasmic bridge (NPB) and nuclear bud (NBUD) with exposure to DEB at each 5-MTHF dose (ANOVA,P < 0.01). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in frequencies of MN, NPB and NBUD in DEB-exposed cultures with increasing concentration of 5-MTHF (ANOVA,P < 0.05). The levels of global DNA methylation were significantly decreased by DEB treatment in a dose-dependent manner within each 5-MTHF concentration in TK-6 cells (ANOVA,P < 0.01), and were significantly increased by 5-MTHF supplementation within each DEB concentration (ANOVA,P < 0.01).

Conclusion

We reported that folate metabolism could modify the association between BD exposure and chromosomal damage, and such effect may be partially mediated by DNA hypomethylation, and 5-MTHF supplementation could rescue it.
Genetic interaction between RLM1 and F-box motif encoding gene SAF1 contributes to stress response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sharma Meenu , Verma V. , Bairwa Narendra K.
Published: October 2021

Background

Stress response is mediated by the transcription of stress-responsive genes. The F-box motif protein Saf1p is involved in SCF-E3 ligase mediated degradation of the adenine deaminase, Aah1p upon nutrient stress. The four transcription regulators,BUR6, MED6, SPT10, SUA7,are listed forSAF1in the genome database ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae.Here in this study, we carried out anin-silicoanalysis of gene expression and transcription factor databases to understand the regulation ofSAF1expression during stress for hypothesis and experimental analysis.

Result

An analysis of the GEO profile database indicated an increase inSAF1expression when cells were treated with stress agents such as Clioquinol, Pterostilbene, Gentamicin, Hypoxia, Genotoxic, desiccation, and heat. The increase in expression ofSAF1during stress conditions correlated positively with the expression ofRLM1,encoding the Rlm1p transcription factor. The expression ofAAH1encoding Aah1p, a Saf1p substrate for ubiquitination, appeared to be negatively correlated with the expression ofRLM1as revealed by an analysis of the Yeastract expression database.Based on analysis of expression profile and regulatory association ofSAF1andRLM1, we hypothesized that inactivation of both the genes together may contribute to stress tolerance. The experimental analysis of cellular growth response of cells lacking bothSAF1andRLM1to selected stress agents such as cell wall and osmo-stressors,by spot assay indicated stress tolerance phenotype similar to parental strain however sensitivity to genotoxic and microtubule depolymerizing stress agents.

Conclusions

Based on in-silicoand experimental data we suggest thatSAF1andRLM1both interact genetically in differential response to genotoxic and general stressors.
Trans-cervical thoracic duct embolization for post-surgical left Chylothorax in a patient with multifocal lymphatic malformations
Authors: Gulaya Karan , Entezari Pouya , Salem Riad , Riaz Ahsun
Published: October 2021

Background

Mediastinal and abdominal lymphatic malformations may not be diagnosed until adulthood. Radiologic and pathologic diagnosis is often challenging due to the rarity of the lesion. Surgical excision of these lesions may be curative but lymphatic leak is a known complication. Lymphatic duct embolization may then be required to treat the leak.

Case presentation

We describe a patient with post-surgical chylothorax where thoracic duct lymphangiography and embolization was performed by catheterizing the thoracic duct at the venous angle where it drains into the subclavian vein.

Conclusion

Lymphatic duct embolization can be challenging in patients with lymphatic malformations. In these patients, if there is adequate visualization on ultrasound or fluoroscopy, terminal aspect of the thoracic duct can be accessed through the subclavian vein to perform the procedure.
Mid-term outcomes of tantalum cup– a single centre study
Authors: Bawale Rajesh , Choudhry Baseem , Samsani Srinivasa
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The cementless acetabular implants are commonly used in primary and revision hip arthroplasty. Reconstruction of acetabulum in case of bone defects can be challenging. The aims of this single center study are to review the mid-term outcomes of porous tantalum cups (TM) and evaluate complications.

Methods

The midterm outcome of a trabecular metal tantalum modular uncemented cup was evaluated in 59 hips in 58 patients. In our group, we had 23 males and 35 females. The mean age was 70.11 years (range, 30 to 87 years). Four patients were lost to follow-up and 13 died during the period without having further surgeries attributed to the hip arthroplasty. The remaining 41 patients (42 revision hip arthroplasties) had complete data available.

Results

The mean follow-up was 87 months, ranging from 24 to 144 months. Standard pelvic anteroposterior (AP) radiographs were used to assess and preoperatively classify acetabular defects as per Paprosky classification. The serial radiographs showed excellent stability, bone opposition and graft incorporation. Four patients had further surgeries. Two of these were due to infection (one superficial and one deep infection). One of the patients had washout and then removal of metal work, the other patient only had a washout and symptoms settled. One patient had vascular compromise and went for surgery to stem the bleeding. One patient had re-revision due to stem loosening and hence required surgery but the revision cup remained stable. We noted a 96% survival at an average of 7.2 years follow-up.

Conclusion

The mid-term results with the trabecular metal cementless cup appeared to be promising in both primary and revision hip arthroplasty, even in the presence of considerable bone loss which requires bone grafting and augments.

Level of evidence

IV.
Nutritional, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of 24 mung bean (Vigna radiate L.) genotypes
Authors: Wang Fuhao , Huang Lu , Yuan Xingxing , Zhang Xiaoyan , Guo Luping , Xue Chenchen , Chen Xin
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to investigate the proximate and phytochemicals present in seeds of 24 mung bean (Vigna radiate L.) genotypes from four provinces of China for estimating their nutritional and antioxidant properties. Proximate analysis of mung bean genotypes revealed that starch, protein, fat, ash and water-soluble polysaccharide ranged from 39.54–60.66, 17.36–24.89, 4.24–12.18, 2.78–3.53 and 1.99–2.96 g/100 g respectively. The five principal fatty acids detected in mung beans were stearic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid. The contents of insoluble-bound phenolic compounds, soluble phenolic compounds, and flavonoids ranged from 0.78 to 1.5 mg GAE g− 1, 1.78 to 4.10 mg GAE g− 1, and 1.25 to 3.52 mg RE g− 1, respectively. The black seed coat mung bean genotype M13 (Suheilv 1) exhibited highest flavonoid and phenolic contents which showed strong antioxidant activity. Two flavonoids (vitexin and isovitexin) and four phenolic acids (caffeic, syringic acid, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids) were identified by HPLC. Vitexin and isovitexin were the major phenolic compounds in all mung bean genotypes. The content of soluble phenolic compounds had positive correlation with DPPH (r2 = 0.713) and ABTS (r2 = 0.665) radical scavenging activities. Principal component analysis indicated that the first two principal components could reflect most details on mung bean with a cumulative contribution rate of 66.1%. Twenty-four mung bean genotypes were classified into four groups based on their phenolic compounds contents and antioxidant activities. The present study highlights the importance of these mung bean genotypes as a source of nature antioxidant ingredient for the development of functional foods or a source of health promoting food.

Graphical Abstract
Analytical method validation for related substances in sodium valproate oral solution by gas chromatography
Authors: Chandrasekar R. , Sivagami B. , Eswarisai M. , Nandini P. , Pallavi Y. , Sai Dikshitha P. , Shirisha V. , Yamini Y.
Published: October 2021

Background

Sodium Valproate is the sodium salt of valproic acid (VPA). Valproic acid is mainly used for the treatment of epilepsy. The specific aim of the study is to develop and validate an optimized method for the determination of six related substances such as N,N-dimethyl valpronamide, valeric acid, 2-methyl valeric acid, 2-ethyl valeric acid, 2-isopropyl valeric acid and 2-n-butyl valeric acid in Sodium Valproate Oral Solution by Gas Chromatography. Chromatographic separations of these six related substances were achieved on DB-FFAP fused silica capillary column (30 m × 0.53 mm) bonded with a 0.5-µm layer of macrogol 20,000 2-nitroterephthalate materials used as stationary phase. The six related impurities were extracted using heptane and monitored by Gas Chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector. The performance of the developed method was assessed by evaluating system suitability, method precision, specificity, linearity and range, ruggedness, accuracy, robustness.

Results

The correlation coefficient was within the acceptance criteria in the range of 0.9998. The evaluated concentrations for Sodium Valproate were in the ranges of 5.05–25.27 ppm. The average recovery values were in the range of 92.4–100.4%. Solution Stability experiments were performed to evaluate the degradation behavior of SVS.

Conclusion

A novel, precise and sensitive GC method was developed, validated and optimized for the determination of six related substances in sodium Valproate oral solution. The results obtained from the validation experiments demonstrated that the method is accurate, precise, linear, specific, sensitive and robust. Hence, the proposed method can be an alternative method, for the determination of related substances in sodium valproate oral solution drug substance.
Could smell and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients be a sign of the clinical course of the disease?
Authors: Bayrak A. F. , Karaca B. , Özkul Y.
Published: October 2021

Background

It could be of great benefit to determine smell and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients and to investigate the relationship between these symptoms and clinical characteristics as the determination of points requiring attention during the clinical course of the disease.

Method

Evaluations of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were made using a questionnaire method. Those with smell and taste dysfunction completed a visual analog scale (VAS) to determine severity. The patients were evaluated at the end of 1 and 2 months.

Results

Evaluation was made of a total of 105 patients with a mean age of 55.9±17.6 years. Smell and taste dysfunction was present in 56 (53.3%) patients with a mean age of 48.7±17.6 years and the 49 (46.7%) patients with no smell and taste dysfunction had a mean age of 64±13.6 years. It was determined that as age increased, the complaints of smell and taste dysfunction decreased. Full recovery was determined in 31 (55%) patients after 1 month, and in 16 (28%) patients, smell and taste dysfunction continued at the end of the second month. The symptoms of smell and taste dysfunction were determined to last longer in patients with no comorbidities, no symptoms of fever or shortness of breath, and those treated as outpatients (p=0.043, p=0.031, p=0.034, p=0.028, respectively). In the older age patient group, the VAS scores were observed to be higher and the time to recovery was shorter (p=0.007, p=0.018, respectively).

Conclusion

Smell and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients is seen more as age decreases and recovery takes longer. Smell and taste dysfunction is seen more in patients with symptoms of cough, nasal obstruction, and headache and lasts longer in patients without symptoms of fever and shortness of breath, with no comorbidities and in those treated as outpatients.
Application of cell-free massive MIMO in 5G and beyond 5G wireless networks: a survey
Authors: Obakhena Hope Ikoghene , Imoize Agbotiname Lucky , Anyasi Francis Ifeanyi , Kavitha K. V. N.
Published: October 2021

In recent times, the rapid growth in mobile subscriptions and the associated demand for high data rates fuels the need for a robust wireless network design to meet the required capacity and coverage. Deploying massive numbers of cellular base stations (BSs) over a geographic area to fulfill high-capacity demands and broad network coverage is quite challenging due to inter-cell interference and significant rate variations. Cell-free massive MIMO (CF-mMIMO), a key enabler for 5G and 6G wireless networks, has been identified as an innovative technology to address this problem. In CF-mMIMO, many irregularly scattered single access points (APs) are linked to a central processing unit (CPU) via a backhaul network that coherently serves a limited number of mobile stations (MSs) to achieve high energy efficiency (EE) and spectral gains. This paper presents key areas of applications of CF-mMIMO in the ubiquitous 5G, and the envisioned 6G wireless networks. First, a foundational background on massive MIMO solutions-cellular massive MIMO, network MIMO, and CF-mMIMO is presented, focusing on the application areas and associated challenges. Additionally, CF-mMIMO architectures, design considerations, and system modeling are discussed extensively. Furthermore, the key areas of application of CF-mMIMO such as simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT), channel hardening, hardware efficiency, power control, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), spectral efficiency (SE), and EE are discussed exhaustively. Finally, the research directions, open issues, and lessons learned to stimulate cutting-edge research in this emerging domain of wireless communications are highlighted.
Opioid-free anesthesia versus opioid-inclusive anesthesia for breast cancer surgery: a retrospective study
Authors: Di Benedetto Pia , Pelli Massimiliano , Loffredo Chiara , La Regina Rosaria , Policastro Federico , Fiorelli Silvia , De Blasi Roberto Alberto , Coluzzi Flaminia , Rocco Monica
Published: October 2021

Background

Breast cancer surgery is usually managed using opioid-inclusive anesthesia (OIA), although opioids are associated with several adverse events, including nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Multimodal opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) has been introduced to reduce the incidence of these side effects. In this single-center retrospective study, we investigated whether ketamine, combined with magnesium and clonidine, could effectively control postoperative pain in patients undergoing quadrantectomy, while reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Results

A total of 89 patients submitted to quadrantectomy were included and divided into an OFA group (38 patients) and an OIA group (51 patients) according to the received anesthetic technique. Analgesia in the OIA group was based on an intraoperative infusion of remifentanil, and analgesia in the OFA consisted of an intraoperative infusion of ketamine and magnesium sulfate. Postoperative pain in both groups was managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol. Postoperative pain, assessed with the numeric rating scale (NRS), requirements for additional analgesics, the incidence of PONV, and patient satisfaction evaluated using a QoR-40 questionnaire were compared between the two groups. Levels of pain at 30 min and 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery; number of paracetamol rescue doses; and the incidence of PONV were lower in the OFA group (p <0.05). Patient satisfaction was comparable in the two groups.

Conclusions

A combination of ketamine, magnesium, and clonidine could be more effective than opioid-based analgesia in reducing postoperative pain and lowering PONV occurrence after quadrantectomy for breast cancer.