bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons from the Humanization of Childbirth Projects: Qualitative Analysis of 7 JICA-Funded Projects
Authors: Tahara-Sasagawa Emi , Mochida Keiji , Sadamori Toru , Suzuki Miho , Guerrero Carmina , Haruna Megumi , Misago Chizuru
Published: July 2022

Background: The “humanization of childbirth” is one of the maternity care models respecting women and their newborns. For more than a quarter of a century, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been implementing technical cooperation projects around the world that place the humanization of childbirth at the center of the concept. This study aimed to describe the lessons learned from the previous JICA projects and to extract processes necessary for the formulation of future projects for the humanization of childbirth.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted by analyzing data obtained from documents of the JICA projects for the humanization of childbirth, targeting those which were completed as of August 2020. The study members discussed the results of the review and extracted necessary processes for the formulation of the projects for the humanization of childbirth and contributing factors according to the processes.Results: Documents from nine projects in seven countries were reviewed; of which the first project was launched in 1996 in Brazil and the latest project was completed in 2018 in Senegal. Based on the review, 11 processes of the projects were found and were grouped into four phases. In the “project formation phase,” (1) project finding/exploring unmet needs, (2) identification of local key persons, and (3) organization of a project team and a back-up committee, were identified. In the “project implementation phase,” (4) development of an action plan, (5) concept sharing, (6) local leader development, (7) infrastructure organization, and (8) final evaluation and wrap-up seminar, were identified. In the “project follow-up phase,” (9) ensuring sustainability and (10) younger generation expert development, were included. Moreover, as a transversal process that “always needs to be noted”, (11) sustainable and autonomous action was identified.Conclusions: This study revealed the 11 necessary processes for the formulation and sustainable development of the humanization of childbirth through reviewing the relevant documents of JICA’s previous projects in seven countries.
Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia Mimicking Sister Mary Joseph Nodule in a Patient With Ovarian Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Resuello Tina Elaine , Ang-Tiu Charlene Marie
Published: July 2022

Background: Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia (IPEH) is a rare benign vascular lesion of the skin and subcutaneous tissues that results from the proliferation of endothelial cells within a blood vessel. Case presentation: In this article, we present the case of an IPEH mimicking a Sister Mary Joseph Nodule on the umbilicus of a 53-year old female patient with ovarian cancer. A diagnostic workup was performed with a computerized tomography of abdominal cavity and pelvis showing an expansive cystic tumor formation with probable ovarian origin. Two separate histopathologic readings were done on the cutaneous lesion which revealed contradicting findings of benign versus malignant tumors. Immunohistochemical stains done showed that the lesion was positive for ERG and negative for epithelial differentiation markers. No surgical intervention was done at the time of consultation as a cutaneous metastasis was primarily considered initially. Conclusion: It is crucial to rule out a diagnosis of Sister Mary Joseph nodule, especially in a background of ovarian carcinoma as it may mimic vascular lesions occurring on the umbilicus. Immunohistochemical staining is a significant tool to precisely diagnose such lesions so that it is neither inadequately nor aggressively managed.
Engineering of tuber shape in potato (Solanum tuberosum) with marker assisted breeding or genetic modification using StOFP20
Authors: Eck Herman J. van , Oortwijn Maria E.P. , Terpstra Inez R. , Lieshout Natascha H.M. van , Knaap Esther van der , Willemsen Johan H. , Bachem Christian W.B.
Published: July 2022

Potato OFP20 is associated with the regulation of tuber shape. To further characterise the role of this gene in tuber shape, a panel of 136 potato varieties was re-sequenced to identify variants in the coding region of StOFP20. These SNPs were assembled into haplotypes and their allelic dosage was determined. Haplotype StOFP20.1 is the most common allele (65%) which in quadruplex condition results in long tubers. StOFP20.3 represents the second most common haplotype (22%) and is recognized as a dominant allele that is associated with round tubers in a dosage dependent manner. StOFP20.4 represents the third common haplotype (5%) and encodes a non-functional gene. The remaining haplotypes represent rare alleles and their phenotypic effect is unclear. We developed reliable DNA markers that distinguish between the long and round alleles for marker-assisted selection of tuber shape in a diverse collection of varieties. We also demonstrate that we can genetically engineer the tuber shape of two commercial tetraploid varieties and the diploid clone DM. Knock down of StOFP20 in the variety Atlantic using the RNAi strategy changed the tubers from round to oval and long-oval shapes. Conversely, overexpression of StOFP20 in Spunta changed tuber shape from long to round. The most dramatic change from very long into round tubers was achieved by overexpression of StOFP20 in DM. Our results demonstrate that engineering potato tuber shape is readily achieved by modulating StOFP20 gene expression in a dose dependent manner, either by traditional breeding or by using genetic engineering methods.
Parahydrogen-induced polarization and spin order transfer in ethyl pyruvate at high magnetic fields
Authors: Pravdivtsev Andrey N. , Brahms Arne , Ellermann Frowin , Stamp Tim , Herges Rainer , Hövener Jan-Bernd
Published: July 2022

Nuclear magnetic resonance has experienced great advances with the development and translation of hyperpolarization methods into routine procedures for fundamental and clinical studies. Here, we propose the use of a wide bore NMR for the large-scale (volume- and concentration-wise) production of hyperpolarized media using parahydrogen-induced polarization. We discuss the benefits of radio frequency-induced parahydrogen spin order transfer, we show that 100% polarization is theoretically expected in homogeneous B0 and B1 magnetic fields for a three-spin system. Moreover, we estimated that the efficiency of spin order transfer is not significantly reduced when the B1 inhomogeneity is below ±5%; recommendations for the sample size and RF coils are also given. With the latest breakthrough in high yield synthesis of 1-13C-vinyl pyruvate and its deuterated isotopologues, the high-field PHIP-SAH will gain increased attention. Some remaining challenges will be addressed shortly.
A Novel Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Cyanide Ions in Solutions and Studies on Its Biophysical Interactions with ctDNA and Proteases
Authors: Doyuran Bensu , Gökoğlu Elmas , Zouitini Ayman , Keleş Ergin , Taskin-Tok Tugba , Seferoğlu Nurgül , Seferoğlu Zeynel
Published: July 2022

A new cationic indolium based styryl dye as a fluorescent probe, (E)-2-(4-(dibutylamino)styryl)-1,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indol-1-ium iodide (Ci), was synthesized and its anions selectivity/sensitivity properties /molecular interactions with protease enzymes (pepsin/trypsin) and ctDNA has been studied by spectroscopic and computational methods. The fluorescence measurements at different temperatures indicated that quenching mechanism of enzymes by Ci was static. ΔH and ΔS data pointed out electrostatic/hydrophobic interactions with pepsin, and also hydrogen bonds/van der Waals forces with trypsin of Ci. According to Förster’s non-radiative energy transfer, binding distances (r) were calculated as 3.53/3.27 nm for pepsin/trypsin. It was also investigated that groove binding is effective in interaction with ctDNA. The results were supported with molecular docking analyzes which have same tendency. Ci has been demonstrated hypsochromic effect with a decrease in solvent polarity and it showed highly selective colorimetric and fluorometric sensing behavior for cyanide ions in organic solvent and aqueous solution. 1H NMR titration was performed to examine the interaction mechanism between Ci and cyanide ions. The LOD values of cyanide ion were reported as 4.87x10− 9 M and 9.70x10− 7 M in DMSO and DMSO/H2O binary mixture, respectively. In addition, sensitivity of Ci as a chemosensor to cyanide ions was investigated in bitter almond samples.
Metagenomics and metabarcoding experimental choices and their impact on microbial community characterization in freshwater recirculating aquaculture systems
Authors: Rieder Jessica , Kapopoulou Adamantia , Bank Claudia , Adrian-Kalchhauser Irene
Published: July 2022

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) heavily depend on microbial communities to maintain water quality. These communities therefore influence the growth, development, and welfare of farmed fish. With the increasing socio-economic role of fish farming e.g. regarding food security, an in-depth understanding of aquaculture microbial communities is also relevant from a management perspective. However, the data situation regarding the composition of microbial communities within RAS is patchy. Since this is partly ascribed to method choices, there clearly is a need for accurate, standardized, and user-friendly methods to study microbial communities in aquaculture systems. Here, we compare the performance of 16S amplicon sequencing, Pac-Bio long-read amplicon sequencing, and amplification-free shotgun metagenomics in the characterization of microbial communities in two commercial-size RAS fish farms. We show that, even though primer choice affects read quality, diversity, and assigned taxa, distinct primer pairs uncover similar spatio-temporal patterns between sample types, farms, and time points. We find that long-read amplicons underperform regarding quantitative resolution of spatio-temporal patterns, but allow for species-level identification of functional services and pathogens. Finally, shotgun metagenomics data identified fungi, viruses, and bacteriophages, opening avenues for an exploration of natural approaches regarding antipathogenic treatments. Overall, the datasets agreed on major prokaryotic players. In conclusion, different sequencing approaches yield overlapping and highly complementary results, with each contributing data no other approach could. Such a tiered approach therefore constitutes a practical and cost-effective strategy for obtaining the maximum amount of information on aquaculture microbial communities. These data could lead to better farm management practices and at the same time inform basic research on community evolution dynamics.
Apparatus for modeling peristaltic pumping in biophysical flows
Authors: Ibanez Ruy , Kelley Douglas H
Published: July 2022

In this study, we present a novel experimental apparatus, its construction, data acquisition methodology, and validation for the study of peristaltic flows. The apparatus consists of a series of stepper motor actuators, which deflect a deformable membrane to produce peristaltic flows. We show that this apparatus design has significant advantages over previous designs that have been used to study peristaltic flows by offering a much wider range of modeling capabilities. Comparisons between the capabilities of our apparatus and previous ones show our apparatus spanning a larger range of wavelength λ, wave speed c, amplitude A, and wave shapes (i.e., the apparatus is not constrained to nondispersive waves or to a sinusoidal shape). We provide details on the experimental design and construction for ease of reconstruction to the reader. The apparatus capabilities are validated for a large parameter range by comparing experimental measurements to analytic results from Ibanez et al. [1] for high Reynolds number (Re > 1), and Jaffrin and Shapiro [2] for low Reynolds number (Re < 1) applications. We show that the apparatus is useful for biophysical peristaltic studies and has potential applications in other types of studies.
Potential Association of Type-2 Diabetes (T2D) and Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) measured by Skin Autofluorescence in Chinese Population
Authors: Ou-Yang Tianxiang , Ni Jiayi , Quéral Delphine , Heusèle Catherine , Schnebert Sylvianne
Published: July 2022

Background: Type-2 diabetes (T2D) has been associated with increased endogenous formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Their accumulation in different tissues including articular collagen, skeletal and smooth vascular muscles, or glomerular basement membranes in T2D patients have been implicated. ﻿Objective: To assess the potential association of T2D in skin ageing associated with AGEs in Chinese population.Methods: A multicentre study was conducted in Chinese population of 560 subjects aged between 50 and 70 years who were evenly assigned in two groups of 280 each, paired by health status (healthy/diabetic), gender, and age group well balanced for hormonal replacement therapy/menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), smoking status and skin characteristics. Skin conditions were examined by a dermatologist and skin autofluorescence (SAF) a marker of AGEs measured by a validated non-invasive in vivo measurement technique.Results: The results from this study confirmed the association of diabetes and skin ageing as increased AGEs accumulation were measured using SAF and contributed evidence on gender and ethnic origin on AGEs variations. This study opens the path of further investigation into the identification of significant effects of diabetes on major facial skin complexion parameters.
Endovascular coiling versus microsurgical clipping for extremely small intracranial aneurysms: treatment strategies, complications, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Tian Qi , Guo Yujia , Han Shoumeng , Chen Junhui , Wang Jianfeng , Liu Chengli , Deng Gang , Zhang Shenqi , Wang Junmin , Tian Daofeng , Chen Qianxue , Li Mingchang
Published: July 2022

Background and purpose
Extremely small intracranial aneurysms (ESIAs) with a diameter no more than 2 mm are great challenges in neurosurgery. This study analyzed the complications, angiographic results, and clinical outcomes of patients with ESIAs undergoing endovascular coiling (EC) and microsurgical clipping (MC) and aim to determine which treatment is more beneficial for ESIAs.
Methods
Data of patients with ESIAs treated with EC or MC were retrospectively analyzed from February 2013 to December 2020 in the neurosurgical department of our hospital. Follow-up imaging included computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography, and patient recovery was evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). The primary outcome was GOS 6 months later. The secondary outcomes included GOS at discharge, aneurysm occlusion rate 6 months after treatment, and postoperative complications such as cerebral infarction, hydrocephalus, pulmonary infection, postoperative rebleeding, hepatic or renal insufficiency, and electrolyte disturbance.
Results
A total of 88 patients were included in this study, among which 48 patients were treated with EC and 40 patients were treated with MC. There was no difference in complications between the two groups, and the hospitalization time of EC group was shorter than that of MC group. But immediate postoperative angiography results showed that the occlusion rate of EC group was lower than MC group at discharge and 6 months later. There was no difference in GOS scores between the two groups at discharge and 6-month follow-up.
Conclusion
EC and MC treatments were alternative management for patients with ESIAs.
Sampling strategies for sugarcane using either clonal replicates or diverse genotypes can bias the conclusions of RNA-seq studies
Authors: Mello Victor Hugo , Garcia Ana Letycia Basso , Correr Fernando Henrique , Hosaka Guilherme Kenichi , Carneiro Monalisa Sampaio , Margarido Gabriel Rodrigues Alves
Published: July 2022

A key procedure for ensuring statistical confidence in differential gene expression analyses is to use biological replicates to compare distinct groups. Biological replicates allow the estimation of the residual variation in the gene expression levels among samples of a given experimental condition. In sugarcane, it is possible to obtain an estimate of residual variability at two levels: among samples of distinct genotypes of the same experimental treatment or clonal replicates of the same genotype. The sequencing costs are often a limitation to leveraging both these levels in the same study, stressing the relevance of efforts to determine an appropriate experimental design. We aim to investigate this question by comparing the transcriptional profiles of young sugarcane culms with different sucrose levels using both sampling strategies. Our results show that clonal replicates provided enough statistical power to identify nearly three times more deferentially expressed genes than the more diverse strategy. However, it resulted in potentially less meaningful biological results because many of the significant genes were likely related to the particular genotype of choice, rather than representing a common expression profile for the compared groups. This study supports the development of sound experimental designs in new studies regarding differential expression for sugarcane.
Offloading Dependent Tasks in MEC-enabled IoT Systems: A Preference-based Hybrid Optimization Method
Authors: Sadatdiynov Kuanishbay , Cui Laizhong , Huang Joshua Zhexue
Published: July 2022

The rapid development of IoT-based services has resulted in an exponen- tial increase in the number of connected smart mobile devices (SMDs). Processing the massive data generated by the large number of SMDs is becoming a big problem for mobile devices, servers, and wireless com- munication channels. A Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) paradigm partially mitigates this problem by deploying edge server nodes at the edge of wireless networks nearby SMDs, but the challenge still remains due to the limited computation capacity of MEC servers and the band- width of wireless channels. In addition, the dependency of tasks generated by applications on SMDs increases the complexity of the problem. In this paper, we propose a constrained multiobjective computation offload- ing optimization solution to resolve the problem of task dependency under limited resources. This solution improves the Quality of Ser- vice (QoS) through minimizing the latency, energy consumption, and rate of task failure caused by limited resources. We propose a two- staged hybrid computation offloading optimization method to solve the problem. In the first stage, the computation offloading decisions are made based on the preferences of tasks. Then, in the second stage, global optimal solutions are found using the modified Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-III). The overall efficiency of the proposed method is increased owing to the preference-based algorithm reinforcing the NSGA-III algorithm by generating a better initial population. The results of extensive experiments show that the efficiency of the proposed method is significantly better than the existing methods.
Comparison of Serum Usp9x and TGF-ß Levels in Children With Asd Spectrum Disorders With Healthy Controls
Authors: Karadag Mehmet , Turgut Fatma Subasi , Ciftci Zehra , Hangul Zehra , Taysi Seyithan
Published: July 2022

Introduction:
The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (OSB) is a complicated neurodevelopmental disease that is influenced by a number of unknown factors. Ubiquitin-specific proteins (USP) have been found to alter etiology in recent animal studies. However, there is no human study on the subject that we are aware of. The purpose of this research is to determine the differences and correlations between USP9X and TGFb exposure levels in healthy OSB controls, as well as the violence and correlations.
Methods
The children in the research ranged in age from 3 to 12, with 41 having ASD. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2, and sociodemographic questionnaires were completed by the participants (GARS TV-2). The parameters USP9X and TGFb were measured in peripheral blood samples using the ELISA technique.
Results
When the levels of USP9X and TGBb in children with ASD and healthy controls were compared, it was shown that the level of USP9X in children with ASD was statistically substantially higher (11.94 vs 8.77, p: 0.001), but the level of TGFb was not significantly different. The difficulty to make eye contact subscale showed a positive link in the correlation study between the CARS and TV-GARS-2 questionnaires and blood measurements.
Discussion
USP9X levels have been found to be high in children with ASD, independent of severity, necessitating additional investigation as a potential etiological target.
An approach to enhancing machining accuracy of five-axis machine tools based on a new sensitivity analysis method
Authors: Tao Haohao , Li Tongjie , Chen Feng , Fan Jinwei , Pan Ri
Published: July 2022

Identification of key geometric errors is an essential prerequisite for improving the machining accuracy of five-axis machine tools. This paper presents a new sensitivity analysis (SA) method to extract key geometric errors, and then to improve the machining performance of machine tools by compensating key geometric error components. Development of geometric error prediction model is involved to obtain geometric error values at arbitrary positions at first. Based on the multi-body system theory and flank milling theory, the machining error model is developed, which considers 37 geometric errors. Then, a new SA method is introduced by taking the machining error model as sensitivity analysis model and taking the geometric errors as analytical factors. Meanwhile, a sensitivity index, which has the characteristics of simple expression and clear physical meaning, is proposed, i.e., the peak value of the machining error caused by each geometric error. Moreover, the simulations analysis is carried out to obtain the sensitivity coefficient of each geometric error and the key error components. Finally, the validity and correctness of the proposed method is demonstrated by the experiments. Furthermore, the SA method can be extended to multi-axis machine tools.
Early post-operative neurodevelopment and visual assessment in neonates with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Vazquez Debora Cañizo , Hadley Stephanie , Leonhardt Mercè , Camprubí Marta Camprubí , Sanchez-de-Toledo Joan
Published: July 2022

Objective: Assessment of neurobehaviour and visual function of newborns with congenital heart disease during post-operative period to identify infants at risk of neurodevelopmental and visual impairment. Study design: Prospective study that include 45 newborns that underwent cardiac surgery. Newborn Behavioral Observations test (NBO) and “ML Battery of Optotypes” were used for assessment. Results: The median NBO global score was 2.4 [2.1-2.6]. Total days of oral morphine [p=0.005] and total days of sedation [p=0.009] were strongly related to abnormal evaluations. Time of cerebral regional oxygen saturation (CrSO2) under 40% during surgery and increased lactate were related with abnormal motor evaluation. Only 14.5% of the patients presented pathological results in visual evaluation. Conclusions: We have demonstrated alterations in attention, autonomic, motor and oral motor function. Duration of sedative medication, time of CrSO2 under 40% during surgery and increased lactate are the most important risk factors. No significant visual impairment was detected.
The Safety of Systemic Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Atopic Dermatitis: a Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Alves Carlos , Penedones Ana , Mendes Diogo , Marques Francisco Batel
Published: July 2022

Purpose
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have been developed to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, but there is little evidence comparing the safety profile of these drugs. The aim of this study is to compare the relative safety of the different systemic JAK inhibitors in atopic dermatitis.
Methods
Medline, EMBASE and clinicaltrials.gov were searched to identify phase 2/3, clinical trials (RCTs) designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of systemic JAK inhibitors in atopic dermatitis. Outcomes were the risk of any adverse event (AE), serious AEs, AEs leading to treatment discontinuation, any infection, serious infections, herpes viral infections and any cardiac or vascular event.
Results
Eighteen RCTs were included. Compared with placebo, baricitinib (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% credible interval [CrI] 1,03–1.55), abrocitinib (OR 1.54, 95% CrI 1,25–1.90), and upadacitinib (OR 1.46, 95% CrI 1,19–1.81) increase the risk of any adverse event. Abrocitinib (OR 1.62, 95% CrI 1.7–2.72), upadacitinib (OR 1.67, 95% CrI 1.19–2.43), and dupilumab (OR 1.69, 95% CrI 1.02–2.79) increase the risk of infections when compared with placebo. The risk of herpes viral infections is increased with abrocitinib (OR 4.88; 95% CrI 1.79–16.91) and upadacitinib (OR 3.66; 95% CrI 1.61–11.13) compared to placebo. No further statistically significant risk differences between treatments were identified.
Conclusions
The results suggest systemic JAK inhibitors for atopic dermatitis have a similar safety profile. However, as current data present limitations, postmarketing safety evidence will be crucial to draw definitive conclusions regarding the safety of JAK inhibitors.
JNK signaling activity in pioneer neurons modulates the architectural organization of the CNS of Drosophila embryos
Authors: Karkali Katerina , Saunders Timothy , Panayotou George , Martin-Blanco Enrique
Published: July 2022

Morphogenesis of the Central Nervous System (CNS) is a complex process that obeys precise architectural rules. Yet, the mechanisms dictating these rules remain unknown. Analyzing morphogenesis of the Drosophila embryo Ventral Nerve Cord (VNC), we found that a tight control of JNK signaling is essential to attain the final VNC architecture. JNK signaling in a specific subset of pioneer neurons autonomously regulates the expression of Fasciclin 2 (Fas 2) and Neurexin IV (Nrx IV) adhesion molecules via the transcription factor zfh1. Interfering at any step in this cascade affects the fasciculation of axons and the dendritic make up of primary neurons. This leads to secondary cumulative scaffolding defects during the structural organization of the axonal network, revealed in aberrant spatial correlations along the Antero-Posterior (AP) axis of the VNC. The global loss of architectural robustness and tensional balance ultimately influences nervous system condensation. In summary, our data point to the JNK cascade in a subset of pioneer neurons as a key element underpinning VNC architecture, revealing critical milestones on the mechanism of control of its structural organization
Long-term survive of Aliarcobacter butzleri in two models symbiotic interaction with Acanthamoeba castellanii
Authors: Medina Gustavo A. , Flores-Martin Sandra N. , Pereira Wellison A. , Figueroa Elías G. , Guzmán Neftalí H. , Letelier Pablo J. , Andaur Marcela R. , Leyán Pilar I. , Boguen Rodrigo E. , Fernández Heriberto
Published: July 2022

Aliarcobacter butzleri (formerly known as Arcobacter butzleri) is an emerging foodborne zoonotic pathogen that establishes in vitro endosymbiotic relationships with Acanthamoeba castellanii, a free-living amoeba. Previously, we described that this bacterium acts as an endocytobiont of A. castellanii, surviving for at least 10 days in absence of bacterial replication. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of A. butzleri to survive as a long-term endosymbiont of A. castellanii for 30 days in two models of symbiotic interaction with A. castellanii: i) endosymbiotic culture followed by gentamicin protection assay and ii) transwell co-culture assay. The results allow us to conclude that A. butzleri is capable of surviving as an endosymbiont of A. castellanii for at least 30 days, without multiplying, under controlled laboratory conditions. In addition, in the absence of nutrients and as both microorganisms remain in the same culture, separated by semi-permeable membranes, A. castellanii does not promote the survival of A. butzleri, nor does it multiply. Our findings suggest that the greater survival capacity of A. butzleri is associated with their endosymbiont status inside A. castellanii, pointing out the complexity of this type of symbiotic relationship.
Incremental diagnostic value of perivascular fat attenuation index for identifying hemodynamically significant ischemia with severe calcification
Authors: Shan Dongkai , Ding Yipu , Wang Xi , Liu Zinuan , Dou Guanhua , Wang Kai , Zhang Wei , Jing Jing , He Bai , Li Yang , Yang Junjie , Chen Yundai
Published: July 2022

Purpose
To explore the incremental value of perivascular fat attenuation index (FAI) to identify hemodynamically significant ischemia in severe calcified vessels.
Methods
Patients who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) examination at Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2017 to 2020 and subsequently underwent fractional flow reserve (FFR) examination within 1 month were consecutively included. Several CCTA-derived indices were measured, including the coronary artery calcification score (CACS), lesion length, ≥CAD-RADS 4 proportion, perivascular FAI and CT-FFR. The included vessels were divided into a nonsevere calcification group and a severe calcification group according to the quartile of CACS. FFR ≤ 0.80 represents the presence of hemodynamically significant ischemia.
Results
A total of 124 patients with 152 vessels were included (age: 61.1 ± 9.2 years; male 64.5%). Significant differences in lesion length (28.4 ± 14.2 vs. 23.1 ± 12.3 mm, P = 0.021), perivascular FAI (-73.0 ± 7.5 vs. -79.0 ± 7.4 HU, P < 0.001) and CT-FFR (0.78 ± 0.06 vs. 0.86 ± 0.04, P < 0.001) were noted between the FFR ≤ 0.80 group (47 vessels) and the FFR > 0.80 group (105 vessels). Furthermore, the perivascular FAI in the FFR ≤ 0.80 group was significantly greater than that in the FFR > 0.80 group (nonsevere calcification: -73.2 ± 7.5 vs. -78.2 ± 7.4 HU, P = 0.002; severe calcification: -72.8 ± 7.7 vs. -82.7 ± 6.3 HU, P < 0.001). In discriminating hemodynamically significant ischemia, the specificity and accuracy of CT-FFR were significantly affected by severe calcification, which demonstrated a significantly declining trend (P = 0.033 and P = 0.010, respectively). The diagnostic performance of CT-FFR in the severe calcification group was lower than that in the nonsevere calcified group. However, perivascular FAI showed good discriminative performance in the severe calcification group. In combination with perivascular FAI, the predictive value of CT-FFR in identifying hemodynamically significant ischemia with severe calcification increased from an AUC of 0.740 to 0.919.
Conclusion
For coronary artery with severe calcification, the diagnostic performance of CT-FFR in discriminating flow-limiting lesions could be greatly impaired. Perivascular FAI represents a potential reliable imaging marker to provide incremental diagnostic value over CT-FFR for identifying hemodynamically significant ischemia with severe calcification.
The potential of soluble programmed death-ligand 1 (sPD-L1) as a diagnosis marker for colorectal cancer
Authors: Shao Weifang , Xu Yanhua , Lin Suzhen , Gao Junli , Gao Junshun , Wang Hong
Published: July 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most significant neoplasms with high morbidity and mortality. Activation of the programmed death protein 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) signaling pathway results in tumor immune evasion by suppressing the activity of T cells. The correlation of soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) in serum/plasma with clinicopathological features, lymph node metastasis, diagnosis and prognosis is less clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sPD-L1 and diagnosis potential and clinicopathological features and prognosis of CRC patients. Three hundred patients with CRC were included in this study. sPD-L1 was measured by ELISA. Pretreatment levels of sPD-L1 were significantly elevated in CRC patient sera compared to healthy donors (P < 0.001). The median value of sPD-L1 in healthy donors, CRC with non-lymph node metastasis, and CRC with lymph node metastasis were 246.78 ± 50.2pg/mL, 284.12 ± 52.7pg/mL, and 321.31 ± 55.3pg/mL, respectively. ROC analysis of sPD-L1 allowed significant differentiation between HC group and CRC group (lymph node metastasis and non lymph node metastasis (AUC = 0.861, 95% CI 0.830–0.887, p < 0.001). sPD-L1 is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of CRC. Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors (all P < 0.01), and sPD-L1 was not correlated with the CRC prognosis (p > 0.05).
Challenges and strategies in high-accuracy manufacture of the world's largest SiC aspheric mirror
Authors: Zhang Xuejun
Published: July 2022

In consideration of the difficulties in the high-accuracy manufacture of the world's largest aperture SiC (silicon carbide) aspheric mirror, such as the difficulty of processing complex mirror blanks, low accuracy and efficiency of conventional processing, print-through effect, inconsistent processing and testing states, high stress/poor denseness of conventional cladding, the insufficient dynamic range of conventional measurement, and air turbulence of long optical path testing, we proposed the water-soluble room temperature vanishing mold and gel casting technology, homogeneous microstructure reaction-formed joint technology, nano-accuracy efficient convergence processing technology, gravity unloading technology, high-denseness low-defect PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) cladding process, data fusion testing technology, time-domain averaging method, etc. On the basis of the proposed key technologies and methods, we have currently developed the world's largest SiC aspheric mirror with the size of ⌀4.03m. The impressive performance of the SiC aspheric mirror is verified as follows. The area density of the SiC blank is less than 120kg/m2; surface error testing accuracy is less than 6nm RMS; the thickness inhomogeneity of cladding layer is less than 5%; the final surface error and roughness are 15.2nm RMS and 0.78nm RMS, respectively.
Predicting bending strength of concrete using a novel-structured multivariable grey model with various orders
Authors: Bo Zeng , Yin fengfeng , Liu Sifeng , Yang yingjie , Yu Lean
Published: July 2022

Bending strength of concrete is one of the significant indexes to measure the mechanical properties of concrete. A reliable prediction about the bending strength of concrete is of great importance to maintain the health state and service life of concrete. However, it is difficult to obtain reliable data of large samples due to the high cost, serious destructiveness and complex influencing factors of concrete bending strength test data collection. In view of this, based on the multivariable grey prediction model whose modeling object is small data, we construct a new novel-structured multivariable grey prediction model VGM(1,N,ri) with various orders for predicting the bending strength of concrete. It defines and optimizes the accumulative orders differentially and introduces a nonlinear correction term to expand the model structure. Then, the bending strength of concrete is modeled using the new model, and its comprehensive error is only 0.035%, which is much smaller than the conventional NSGM(1,N) and FMGM(1,N) models (5.232% and 2.624%, respectively). The findings provide a new modeling method for the prediction of concrete bending strength in areas with large temperature difference, and have significance for enriching and improving the methodologies of grey prediction models.
A study exploring the effects of cell disruption techniques on lipid recovery in co-cultivated microalgae and oleaginous yeast
Authors: Jayakumar Tharunkumar , rakesh suchitra
Published: July 2022

Co-cultivated microalgae and oleaginous yeast are promising in improving lipid and biomass yield, resulting in cheaper biofuel production with several economic prospects. This study evaluated three microalgal and three oleaginous yeast combinations to study biomass, and lipid production as well as the differences in the yield while using distinct cell disruption approaches, viz., sonication, microwave, freezing, osmotic shock, and autoclave. Among the different cell disruption strategies used, sonication was found to be the most effective, resulting in the highest lipid yield by the co-cultivation of S. obliquus with Y. lipolytica, C. sorokiniana with R. glutinis, and C. protothecoides with Y. lipolytica obtaining 49.4%, 50.7% and 53.6% of lipid content respectively. Compared to the monocultures, various microalgae and oleaginous yeast combinations reported higher biomass and lipid yield. FAME (Fatty acid methyl esters) analysis by Gas chromatography of the three combinations reported the presence of biofuel precursors like palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and heptadecanoic acid, which confirms their suitability for biofuel production. The results demonstrated that co-cultivated microalgae and yeast, assisted with an effective cell disruption technique, can enhance lipid yield and be applied for biofuel production.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of PD-L1 in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Shao Weifang , Xu Yanhua , Lin Suzhen , Gao Junshun , Gao Junli , Wang Hong
Published: July 2022

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most frequently encountered neoplasms with high morbidity and mortality. Activation of the programmed death protein 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) signaling pathway results in tumor immune evasion by suppressing the activity of T cells. The correlation of PD-L1 with clinicopathological features, lymph node metastasis, diagnosis and prognosis is less clear in CRC. The aim of present work was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of PD-L1, and the association of PD-L1 with clinicopathological features in CRC patients. Three hundred and eighty-six patients were included in this study. The soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) in Serum was measured by ELISA, and PD-L1 on tumor cells was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Pretreatment levels of sPD-L1 were significantly elevated in CRC patient sera compared to healthy donors (P < 0.001). ROC analysis of sPD-L1 allowed significant differentiation between HC group and CRC group (lymph node metastasis and non lymph node metastasis (AUC = 0.800, 95% CI 0.756–0.838, p < 0.001), and indicated that sPD-L1 is a potential diagnosis biomarker of CRC. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that the tumor sizes, sPD-L1 levels and clinicopathologic stages were not correlated with the CRC prognosis (all p > 0.05). Meanwhile, univariate analysis indicated that the PD-L1 expression on tumor cells, tumor differentiation, and lymph node metastasis were statistically associated with the prognosis of CRC patient (all p < 0.05). The multivariate analysis further demonstrated that the PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and lymph node metastasis were two independent prognostic factors of CRC (all p < 0.05). Our study demonstrates that sPD-L1 is a potential diagnosis biomarker, and PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and lymph node metastasis are independent prognostic factors in CRC patients.
Stationary equilibria of N-player stochastic games
Authors: Oliu-Barton Miquel , Attia Luc
Published: July 2022

We provide a characterisation of the set of stationary equilibria for finite discountedstochastic games using an approach inspired by Atkinson (Academic Press, 1972). In the zero-sum case, this approach has already led to a characterisation of the discounted values and of the limit value (Attia and Oliu-Barton, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2019), and to efficient algorithms to compute these quantities (Oliu-Barton, Mathematics of Operations Research, 2021). The extension of these results to the non-zero sum case, that is an efficient computation of stationary equilibria, and a characterisation of the limit set of stationary equilibrium payoffs, which is known to exist (Renault and Ziliotto, Mathematics of Operations Research, 2020), are two very hard open problems, which could be tackled using our characterisation. Interestingly, this characterisation remains valid for a broader class of games, the so-called normal-form games with complementarities, which models the static interaction of several firms on finitely many complementary markets.
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in the obese patient population: A single- center’s 5- year experience
Authors: Pararas Nikolaos , Pikouli Anastasia , Bounnah Messaoud , Zenah Yousef , Alkadrou Abdulkarim Muoustafa , Papakonstantinou Dimitris , Pikoulis Emmanouil
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to explore how obesity impacts daily practice by reviewing the experience of a single-center, to evaluate the distribution of the TAPP and TEP methods amongst obese and non-obese patient populations and assess relevant postoperative outcomes.Methods: patients undergoing elective minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair in our hospital, were included from January 2017 to January 2022. Data of interest were the minimally invasive technique utilized, patient demographics, individual patient American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, the body mass index (BMI), underlying hypertension and diabetes, and smoking status.Results: A total of 109 patients were included in the present analysis, of which 81 (74.3%) underwent elective TEP repairs, while 28 (25.7%) underwent elective TAPP repairs. Overall, 39 (35.7%) patients were included in the obesity subgroup with an average BMI of 35.4 ± 4.9, with a range from 30,1 to 52,7, and 70 (64.3%) were included in the non-obese subgroup, with an average BMI of 23.2 ± 3.3 and a range from 16,2 to 29,7.Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach to inguinal hernia repair in obese patients has similar outcomes as an open approach regarding the 30-day events, in the hands of experienced surgeons with the advantages of the laparoscopic approach vs. the open one.
Existence and stability of solutions for linear and nonlinear damping of q−fractional Duffing-Rayleigh problem
Authors: Houas Mohamed , Samei Mohammad Esmael
Published: July 2022

In this current paper, by using q−fractional calculus, we study the Duffing-Rayleigh type problem with sequential fractional q−derivative of the Caputo type. We investigate the existence and uniqueness of solutions by applying some classical fixed pointtheorems. Also we define and study the Ulam-Hyers and the Ulam-Hyers-Rassias stabilities of solutions for our problem. An example is presented to illustrate the main results.(2010) Mathematics Subject Classifications: 26A33, 39B72, 34C45.
Cochlear affection in obese children
Authors: Gomaa Mohammed A. , Abdelaal Omnia , Moniem Rasha A. Abdel , kader Rafeek M. Abdel
Published: July 2022

Objective:-Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Obesity can influence the whole body, including Ear, owing to mega inflammation.The primary target of this research is to detect minor changes in the hearing of obese children by Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) and High Frequency Audiometry (HFA). Patients and Method:-The current study is prospective that done at otorhinolaryngology clinic of Minia University Hospital, the study sample was divided into two subgroups, their age range from 6 to 17 years. The control group consisted of 20 children with average weight, while the experimental group consisted of 58 obese children. Both groups had no history of systemic or immunological diseases that affect their hearing. There were no history of hearing loss, delayed speech and language development or consanguinity . Both groups were subjected to Measurement of transient evoked otoacoustic emission, Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (OAE), and High-Frequency Audiometry (HFA)Results:-As regard of the audiological evaluation, there is no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) in all frequencies (from 0.25 to 8). HFA revealed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the two groups in 20000 HZ frequency.Transient OAE shows a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between both groups, while DPOAE shows no statistically significant difference between both groups as all ears were normal in the response.Conclusion:- Obesity is not a simple disease, but it impairs the high-frequency portion of the cochlea, early detection of any subtle affection of the cochlea must be detected, and screening of obese children is mandatory even if there is no complaint of hearing diminution.
Covid-19 has turned things upside down: e-learning in Bukavu city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: M Isidore Murhi , N. Daina Salama , N. Dieudonné Kahasha
Published: July 2022

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), e-learning is a new concept for academic institutions. Covid-19 has reignited the debate about using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) within institutions. Technology is evolving exponentially, and Information and Communication Technology-based is now essential in all sectors. During the lockdown, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the educational institution's closure, e-learning became the rule, and face-to-face (in-person) teaching was the exception. Based on qualitative data on information and communication technology use with non-structured interviews in higher institutions in Bukavu, this paper attempts to understand the obstacles to the transition from face-to-face teaching to e-learning during the Covid-19 period. Our results show that many educational institutions lack information and communication technology tools and infrastructures. The Covid-19 pandemic advent brought most educational institutions to stop activities.