bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimización de mecanismos de aireación para la producción de compost a partir de residuos orgánicos municipales
Authors:   , Vargas Ayala Arianne Marie
Published: March 2023

En la actualidad el aprovechamiento de los residuos sólidos es deficiente ya que se mantienen prácticas que no son sostenibles como la deposición de estos en botaderos informales y la quema de residuos. Teniendo en cuenta que en Lima el mayor porcen-taje corresponde a residuos orgánicos, es necesario busca técnicas que permitan reali-zar una valorización de tal forma que se reduzca el impacto ambiental. Técnicas como el compostaje urbano, que simula la descomposición natural de la materia orgánica, ofrecen el beneficio de la generación de un producto orgánico que puede ser usado como fertilizante del suelo aportando un elevado contenido de nutrientes que permite el desarrollo de las plantas y que también puede ser aplicado a zonas altamente de-gradadas. En esta investigación se recopila información acerca de la técnica del com-postaje y los distintos métodos que pueden ser aplicados para su optimización.
Polímeros biodegradables como alternativa para reducir la producción y el consumo de productos elaborados con plástico
Authors:   , Loayza Limas Maria Jose
Published: March 2023

La actual producción excesiva del plástico, debido al elevado uso que se le da por su accesible aprovechamiento y fabricación, ha generado un problema ambiental de gran impacto. Causando preocupación en la sociedad ya que estos son extremadamente persistentes en el ambiente, además de que también se fragmentan en pequeños pedazos llamados microplásticos, los cuales debido a su tamaño se desplazan rápidamente a las fuentes principales de los recursos y son consumidos por los organismos que habitan estos y finalmente también por las personas que los utilizan o consumen estos alimentos contaminados, por lo que son altamente dañinos para los ecosistemas y el ser humano. Para poder combatir este problema se vienen promoviendo y desarrollando alternativas accesibles para la sociedad, como la reducción, reuso, reciclaje y sobretodo la fabricación de bioplásticos compuestos por estructuras biodegradables obtenidas de distintas fuentes naturales, como enzimas, almidones, monómeros, proteínas, polisacáridos, etc., y así, poder reemplazar o reducir el uso de los fabricados con hidrocarburos. Los más usados son: El ácido poliláctico (PLA), el PCL (policaprolactona), el PHA (polihidroxialcanoatos), el TPS (Thermoplastic starch) y el PHV (polihidroxivaleriato).
Restauración del borde costero en la ciudad durante la pandemia por covid-19, Playa Agua Dulce, Chorrillos - Lima 2020
Authors:   , Escalante Arriola Gladys , Salazar Pajuelo Sol Isabo Geraldine , Cecilia Vizcarra Espinoza Megan
Published: March 2023

La presente investigación realiza un análisis de los cambios en el borde costero del balneario de Agua Dulce en el distrito de Chorrillos, Lima, bajo el contexto del aislamiento social obligatorio en el Perú a raíz de la pandemia por el COVID-19. Durante la cuarentena los habitantes permanecieron en sus viviendas, limitando su intervención en el borde costero, lo cual se reflejó en la reducción de la contaminación y el retorno de fauna marina a su hábitat natural, resultando en la restauración del paisaje del borde costero de la playa Agua Dulce. Esta situación atípica provocada por la pandemia presenta a la restauración natural del paisaje como una opción viable para mejorar su calidad visual y reintegrarse nuevamente a la ciudad. Para poder analizar estas variaciones en el presente artículo se procedió a medir la calidad visual del paisaje costero antes y durante la pandemia, para ello se desarrolla una propia matriz de evaluación aplicable en contextos como epidemias, pandemias, entre otros, en base a la metodología de valoración de Fernández , Arcila & García, (2019) aplicado en la playa El Palmar de Vejer – Cádiz, empleando un análisis de percepción visual a determinados elementos que conforman el paisaje costero. De acuerdo con las conclusiones, tras evaluar los cambios visibles del sector, se identificó la mejora de la calidad visual del paisaje costero durante la pandemia por el COVID-19 en la playa Agua Dulce en el distrito de Chorrillos, tras las medidas de cuarentena dictadas por el gobierno peruano.
Plan de negocios para la implementación de un minimarket virtual en distrito de San Juan de Miraflores
Authors:   , Garate Basaldua Yerlin , Ordoñez Zambrano Jesús Manuel , Quinde Colina Diana Luz , Reynalte Galindo Lila Maribel , Rondinel Carhuas Christian Luis
Published: March 2023

Debido a la situación en la que actualmente nos encontramos resultado de la pandemia por el contagio masivo del COVID 19, nuestro país y muchos de Latinoamérica se tuvo que ver en la obligación medios de adquisición de productos poco comunes, tales como el comercio electrónico complementando con el servicio delivery para la adquisición de productos de consumo masivo. Bajo esta premisa se consideró el siguiente plan de negocios que plantea la implementación de un Minimarket virtual, el cual tiene como principal objetivo lograr cubrir las necesidades de los clientes ya que se cuenta con un amplio surtido de productos entre perecibles y no perecibles , manteniendo altos índices de calidad en temperatura y servicio y además de ofrecer un servicio de envío a domicilio con todos los protocolos establecidos a los pobladores del distrito de San Juan de Miraflores, a través de una plataforma dinámica y de fácil interacción. Para poder lograr un escenario favorable y viable en la implementación del Minimarket Virtual, la empresa desarrollo los siguientes planes: estratégico, marketing, operaciones, recursos humanos y financiero, las cuales se detallan en el presente trabajo de investigación.
Factores asociados a la anemia en menores de 3 años en un Centro de Salud de Lima Sur - Perú
Authors:   , Cartolin Romero Stephany Gabriela
Published: March 2023

Actualmente, la anemia es considerada como un problema de salud pública, se estima que aproximadamente 2000 millones de personas sufren de anemia a nivel mundial. Según el informe acerca de la prevalencia de anemia mundial que data del año 2008, la prevalencia de anemia en la población general era de 24,8%, siendo la población más afectada los niños en edad preescolar (293 millones, 47,4%) y las mujeres gestantes (56 millones 41,8%), especialmente en aquellos individuos provenientes de regiones pobres como África con 67,6% y 57,1% respectivamente. Según la Organización Mundial de Salud (OMS) la anemia se define como “la disminución en la cantidad total de hemoglobina o la cantidad de glóbulos rojos por debajo de los rangos establecidos por edad y sexo”. Se establece que para niños entre los 6 meses a 5 años, el valor de hemoglobina debe ser mayor o igual a 11 mg/dl. Las causas de anemia son variables ya que esta es el resultado de la interacción de múltiples factores como la parasitosis, tuberculosis, déficit de micronutrientes como vitamina B12, entre otros; no obstante, la anemia por deficiencia de hierro es la causa más frecuente. La deficiencia de hierro puede deberse al aumento de la demanda del mismo, ingesta inadecuada de hierro, disminución de la absorción de hierro o el aumento de la pérdida de hierro. Los niños y gestantes, requieren una alta demanda de hierro, debido al ritmo de crecimiento rápido al que están sometidos y a las fuentes limitadas de este mineral en su dieta4. Según el Centro Nacional de Alimentación y Nutrición (CENAN), en los hogares peruanos se consume pocos alimentos ricos en hierro, en especial el hierro de origen animal, así como escaso consumo de otros micronutrientes como vitamina B12, vitamina A, Zinc entre otros.
Nivel de conocimiento teórico sobre bioseguridad en los alumnos de pregrado de Odontología en la Universidad Científica del Sur - 2020
Authors:   , Marengo Coronel Nidia Nicole
Published: March 2023

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el nivel de conocimiento sobre bioseguridad en los alumnos de pregrado de odontología en la Universidad Científica del Sur en el año 2020. Se realizó una investigación de tipo descriptivo y transversal. La población estuvo constituida por 129 alumnos que cursaban las clínicas integrales I, II, III, IV y V de la Carrera de pregrado de Estomatología en la Universidad Científica del Sur mediante un cuestionario estructurado. Los resultados mostraron que el grado de conocimiento bueno fue mayor en alumnos de la clínica integral III (40%), mientras que el grado regular y bajo fue presentado por los alumnos que cursaban la clínica integral II. Asimismo, se encontró que el sexo masculino destacó en el nivel de conocimiento bueno (60%), a diferencia del sexo femenino, en donde predominó en el nivel regular y bajo. En conclusión, el nivel de conocimiento sobre las medidas de bioseguridad en los alumnos de pregrado de la Universidad Científica del Sur fue regular con un 78.3%.
Percepción del estudiante sobre las estrategias de enseñanza de los docentes y su rendimiento académico, en alumnos de una universidad privada de Lima
Authors:   , Agurto Huerta Andrés Marcos
Published: March 2023

Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre la percepción del estudiante sobre las estrategias de enseñanza utilizadas por los docentes, con su rendimiento académico en alumnos de la carrera de Estomatología de la Universidad Científica del Sur (UCSUR) Materiales y método: La muestra estuvo conformada por 145 estudiantes que cursaban el ciclo 2015 II de la carrera de Estomatología de la UCSUR. Para las estrategias de enseñanza se empleó como técnica la encuesta y como instrumento un cuestionario elaborado para medir en los alumnos la percepción que tienen respecto a las estrategias de enseñanza de los profesores en clases, empleando la escala de medición de Likert. Para el rendimiento académico se recogió la información del promedio final de notas de los alumnos sujetos a la investigación Resultados: La prueba de correlación de Spearman determinó que existe relación estadísticamente significativa entre la percepción de los estudiantes sobre las estrategias utilizadas por los docentes y su rendimiento académico, salvo en las estrategias informativas e integradoras. Conclusiones: Las estrategias utilizadas por los docentes guardan una relación significativa con el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes especialmente en las estrategias focalizadoras y organizativas, por lo que la labor del docente universitario podría influenciar positivamente en el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje del estudiante y su rendimiento, por esta razón debería estar en constante preparación y capacitación.
Astrocytes express aberrant immunoglobulins
as putative gatekeeper of astrocytes to neuronal progenitor conversion
Authors: Capuz Alice , Osien Sylvain , karnoub Melodie , Aboulouard Soulaimane , Laurent Estelle , Coyaud Etienne , Romero Antonella Raffo , Duhamel Marie , Bonnefond Amelie , Derhourhi Mehdi , Trerotola Marco , YAZIDI IKRAM EL , Devos David , Zilkova Monika , Kobaissy Firas , Abeele Fabien Vanden , Fournier Isabelle , Cizkova Dasa , Rodet Franck , Salzet Michel
Published: March 2023

Using multi-omics analyses including RNAseq, RT-PCR, RACE-PCR, and shotgun proteomic with enrichment strategies, we demonstrated that newborn rat astrocytes produce neural immunoglobulin constant and variable heavy chains as well as light chains. However, their edification is different from the ones found in B cells and resembles aberrant immunoglobulins as observed in several cancers. Moreover, the complete enzymatic V(D)J recombination complex has also been identified in astrocytes. In addition, the constant heavy chain is also present in astrocytes adult rats, whereas in primary astrocytes from human fetal astrocytes we identified constant and variable kappa chains as well as the substitution lambda chains known to be involved in pre-B cells. To gather insights into the function of these neural IgGs, CRISPR-Cas9 IgG2B constant heavy chain (IgH6), overexpression, proximal labeling of rat astrocytes IgH6 and targets identification through 2D gels were performed. In CRISPR-Cas9 IgG2B KO, overexpression of factors involved in hematopoietic cells, neural stem cells and the regulation of neuritogenesis have been identified. Moreover, overexpression of IgG2B in astrocytes induces the CRTC1-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway known to be involved in gliogenesis whereas CRISPR-Cas9 IgG2B KO triggers the BMP/YAP1/TEAD3 pathway activated in astrocytes dedifferentiation into neural progenitors. Proximal labeling experiments revealed that IgG2B is N-glycosylated by the OST complex, addressed to vesicle membranes containing the ATPase complex; and behaves partially like CD98hc through its association with LAT1. Proximity-dependent biotin labeling experiments suggest that proximal IgG2B-LAT1 interaction occurs concomitantly with MACO-1 and C2CD2L, at the heart of a potentially novel cell signaling platform. Finally, we demonstrated that these chains are synthesized individually and associated to recognize specific targets. Indeed, intermediate filaments Eif4a2 and Pdia6 involved in astrocyte fate constitute targets for these neural IgGs. Taken together, we hypotheses that aberrant neural IgG chains may act as gatekeepers of astrocytes fate.
The influence of trailing edge shape on the wake circulation and time-averaged wake of bio-inspired pitching panels
Authors: King Justin , Green Melissa
Published: March 2023

The influence of trailing edge shape and Strouhal number on the performance and wakes of bio-inspired pitching panels is investigated.
Measurements of thrust and efficiency show that positive mean thrust and efficiency only develop for panels of reduced aspect ratio that have straight or pointed trailing edges, and high aspect ratio panels with forked trailing edges fail to produce positive mean thrust.
Wake behaviors reveal that forked panels can produce strong trailing edge vortices while minimizing the three-dimensional effects of tip vortices, yet still do not generate positive mean thrust.
Regardless of planform, the time-averaged wake contains one or more jets of surplus streamwise momentum when Strouhal number is large enough.
As Strouhal number and trailing edge convexity increase, streamwise momentum in the time-averaged wake grows, and different jet structures may arise.
Multiple jets of large inclination angles can be present during high performance, and single or dual jets of negligible or small inclination angles may be present during degraded performance.
Just as recent work has demonstrated that direct connections between time-varying vortex patterns and mean performance are difficult to establish, caution must be used when connecting time-averaged jet structures to performance characteristics.
Shocked To Death: A Case Report Of Cardiogenic Shock And Death Following Electrocardioversion For Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hashem Anas Mohamad , Ali Omar Al , Shehadah Ahmed , Mohammed Moghniuddin , Khalouf Amani , Laguio-Vila Maryrose , Rao Mohan , Mahmoud Amir
Published: March 2023

Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent, especially in patients with heart failure. Their prevalence increases with age and both conditions are interrelated. Electrocardioversion (ECV) is considered a safe and effective procedure and is among one of the recommended therapies to terminate AF back to normal sinus rhythm. Our study highlights one of the rare complications following ECV.
Case summary:
A 71-year-old female with a history of atrial fibrillation underwent electrocardioversion and developed sudden onset of ventricular stunning resulting in refractory cardiogenic shock. She was treated with mechanical cardiac support including IABP and Impella. Both provided minimal support then rapid clinical deterioration happened leading to imminent death.
Conclusion:
Patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure treated with electrocardioversion might develop refractory cardiogenic shock and death as a complication of this procedure.
Oncogenic KRAS mutation confers chemoresistance by upregulating SIRT1 in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Jo Jeong Yeon , Choi Minyoung , Kim Kyung-Hee , Bae Young-Ki , Kim Sang Soo
Published: March 2023

Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) is a frequent oncogenic driver of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its treatment and outcomes have been dramatically revolutionized by direct targeted therapies because of the lack of deep binding pockets for specific small -molecule inhibitors. Here, we demonstrated that the class III histone deacetylase SIRT1 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated by the KRASMut-Raf-MEK-c-Myc axis in KRASMut lung cancer cells and lung tumors of a spontaneous KrasG12D expression mouse model. KRASMut-induced SIRT1 bound to KRASMut again and stably deacetylased KRASMut lysine 104, which increased KRASMut activity. SIRT1 knock down (K/D) or SIRT1H363Y increased KRASMut acetylation, which decreased KRASMut activity, which sensitized the anti-cancer effect of cisplatin and erlotinib. Furthermore, KrasG12D/+;Sirt1co/co mice treated with cisplatin and erlotinib robustly reduced tumor burden and increased survival rates compared with these in spontaneous LSL-KrasG12D/+;Sirt1+/+ mice and each drug treatment group. By extension, we found p300 as a KRASMut acetyltransferase, which reinforced KRASMut lysine 104 acetylation and robustly decreased KRASMut activity. KRASMut lysine 104 acetylation by p300 and deacetylation by SIRT1 was confirmed by LC-MS/MS. Consistent with this finding, SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527 repressed KRASMut acetylation and activity, which abolished synergistically cell proliferation, colony formation, and tumor burden of KRASMut combined treatment with cisplatin or erlotinib. Our data reveals a novel pathway critical for the regulation of KRASMut lung cancer activity and provides important evidence for the potential application of SIRT1 inhibitor and p300 activator for the combination regimen of KRASMut lung cancer patients.
Significance
KRASMut lung cancer activity dependents on acetylation or deacetylation status at lysine 104 by SIRT1 and p300 and could be effective combined regimen to sensitize KRASMut NSCLC.
Structural characteristics of the moss (bryophyte) layer and its underlying soil structure and water retention characteristics
Authors: Hu Xia
Published: March 2023

Aims
The influence of the moss layer on soil structure and soil water retention is not well understood. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the changes in soil structure and soil water retention under moss layer and to reveal the influencing factors of these changes.
Methods
3D networks of soil macropores were quantified using CT scanning and image analysis techniques, and soil water retention characteristics were quantified through soil water retention curves (SWRCs) and VG model.
Results
The length density of the soil macropores under the thin moss and thick moss layers was approximately 2.7 and 1.6 times higher than that under no moss cover. The soil water retention properties under the thin and thick moss layers were better than those under no moss cover, with the highest plant-available water capacity under the thin moss layer. The plant-available water capacity of soils under the thin moss layer was higher than that of soils under the thick moss layer. The maximum water-holding capacity of the moss layer was significantly positively correlated with the field water-holding capacity of the soil and negatively correlated with the equivalent diameter of the macropores, while the storage capacity of the moss layer was significantly negatively correlated with the maximum effective water content of the soil.
Conclusions
The effect of the moss layer on water retention may be mainly through influencing the pore distribution and organic matter accumulation. The moss layer had a positive ecohydrological effect on soil water retention and even water conservation in forest soils.
Bifunctional circular DNA amplifier transforms a classic CRISPR/Cas sensor into an ultrasensitive autocatalytic sensor
Authors: Deng Fei , Sang Rui , Li Yi , Deng Wei , Goldys Ewa
Published: March 2023

The CRISPR/Cas sensors represent a new approach in molecular diagnostics. Based on the programmable trans-cleavage of Type V & VI Cas proteins to degrade single-strand DNA/RNA reporters they detect nucleic acids with single-nucleotide specificity. However, their clinical usefulness is limited by their pM level sensitivity, which is insufficient unless integrated with preamplification. To overcome this limitation, we designed a bifunctional circular DNA amplifier to report nucleic acid detection events and simultaneously facilitate an autocatalytic reaction network. This minimalistic design converts a classic CRISPR/Cas sensor into a DNA amplifier-enhanced CRISPR/Cas autocatalytic sensor (DANCER), without the need for additional amplification reaction or device. DANCER achieved 1 aM level (< 1 copy/uL) DNA detection (106 times improvement), within 15 mins, at room temperature, and with 11 orders of magnitude detection range. When combined with a colorimetric lateral flow assay, DANCER realized point-of-care testing of circulating tumor DNA in plasma of a colorectal cancer-mouse.
Comparative proteomics in captive giant pandas to identify proteins involved in age-related cataract formation
Authors: You Yuyan , Bai Chao , Wang Wei , Zhan Tongtong , Hu Xin , Hao Feier , Xia Maohua , Liu Yan , Ma Tao , Liu Yanhui , Zheng Changming , Pu Tianchun , Zhang Yizhuo , Lu Yanping , Ding Nan , Li Jing , Yin Yanqiang , Chen Yucun , Wang Liqin , Zhou Jun , Niu Lili , Xiu Yunfang , Lu Yan , Jia Ting , Liu Xuefeng , Zhang Chenglin
Published: March 2023

20% of the aged giant pandas in captivity have developed cataracts that impair their quality of life. Hardness and curvature of the panda's lens make it difficult to replicate in vitro. Therefore, early prediction will be the most effective way to prevent the occurrence of cataract in giant pandas. We carried out a quantitative proteomics analysis of 10 giant pandas to identify proteins differing in abundance between healthy and cataract-bearing animals. We identified almost 150 proteins exceeding our threshold for differential expression, most of which were associated with GO categories suggesting extracellular localization. The most significant differential abundance was associated with components of the proteasome and other proteins with a role in proteolysis or its regulation, most of which were depleted in pandas with cataracts. Other modulated proteins included components of the extracellular matrix or cytoskeleton, as well as associated signaling proteins and regulators, but we did not find any differentially expressed transcription factors. These results indicate that the formation of cataracts involves a complex network of signaling inside and outside lens cells to drive a stress response mainly at the protein level as a means to address the accumulation of protein aggregates triggered by oxidative damage. The modulated proteins also suggests that it should be possible to predict the onset of cataracts in captive pandas by taking blood samples and testing them for the presence or absence of particular protein markers.
The impact of COVID-19-related restrictions on pregnancy and abortion rates in the Republic of Georgia
Authors: Khachidze Nia , Manjavidze Tinatin , Anda Erik Eik , Nedberg Ingvild Hersoug , Sandøy Ingvild Fossgard , Rylander Charlotta
Published: March 2023

Background:The Republic of Georgia implemented COVID-19-related restrictions starting on 31 March 2020, when it imposed a 1-month strict lockdown, after which the country continued with some form of restrictions for 1 year. These restrictions created barriers to healthcare access, affected healthcare services, caused severe economic degradation, and changed people’s behavior. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19-related restrictions on pregnancy and abortion rates in Georgia.
Methods: Information on pregnancy, abortion, and related variables was extracted from the Georgian Birth Registry from January 2018 through April 2022. The final study sample included 232,594 pregnancies and 86,729 abortions. We used interrupted time series analysis to study the impact of COVID-19-related restrictions.
Results: There were slightly decreasing trends in pregnancy and abortion rates in the pre-pandemic period. During the 1-month strict lockdown, pregnancy and abortion rates decreased in all investigated age groups. There were no substantial differences in pregnancy or abortion rates in the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period. The precision of all estimates suggested that both small increases and decreases in pregnancy and abortion rates are reasonably compatible with our data.
Conclusions: Despite the 1-year-long COVID-19-related restrictions, our results did not indicate substantial long-term changes in pregnancy or abortion rates during the study period for any age group. This may indicate that the restrictions did not substantially influence access to contraception, abortion services, or women’s behavior.
The adaptability of new trainees in pediatrics for the current epileptic seizure classification (ILAE-2017) with a modular education program
Authors: Imanli Maharram , Simsek Erdem , Dezhakam Afshin , Kanmaz Seda , Dokurel Ipek , Serin Hepsen Mine , Yilmaz Sanem , Aktan Gul , Tekgul Hasan
Published: March 2023

Objective.
To evaluate the adaptability of trainees in pediatrics for the current seizure classification of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE-2017) with a modular education program (MEP) to provide a common language between neurologists and pediatricians.
Methods.
An MEP consisting of five modules for the current version of the ILAE-2017 seizure classification and three modules for the older ILAE-1981 version were applied to new-generation trainees in pediatrics. The MEP consisted of 50 illustrative pediatric seizure videos and an instruction manual kit including a seizure determinator. A post-test with 58 new videos was performed during the three-month follow-up period.
Results.
The overall success rate of the participants was slightly higher for ILAE-2017 than for ILAE-1981 in the post-MEP test (42% vs. 38%). Within the ILAE-2017 modules, similar success rates were defined for focal seizures (44%) and generalized seizures (39%). However, the participants more easily classified focal non-motor seizures (56.3%) than focal motor seizures (34.9%). Contrary, the participants had significantly lower correct rates for generalized non-motor seizures (26%) compared to generalized non-motor seizures (46%). The most miss-matched seizure types (> 50%) were automatisms and myoclonic seizures in focal seizures and atypical absences in generalized seizures for ILAE 2017 classification modules.
Conclusion.
The presented MEP provided considerable yields for ILAE-2017 seizure classification in pediatric trainees. However, booster applications of the MEP are needed for a better seizure classification with ILAE-2017 seizure nomenclature in clinical practice.
Diabetic nephropathy with marked extra-capillary cell proliferation: A case report
Authors: Morimoto Madoka , Namba-Hamano Tomoko , Notsu Shoki , Iwata Yukimasa , Yasuhara Yumiko , Yamato Masafumi , Isaka Yoshitaka
Published: March 2023

Background: Extra-capillary hypercellularity is a common finding in crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). In diabetic nephropathy (DN), extra-capillary hypercellularity is often observed as a finding of complications such as IgA nephropathy or microscopic polyangiitis superimposed on DN. However, in rare cases, epithelial cell proliferation may accompany DN. We experienced a case of nodular diabetic glomerulosclerosis with marked extra-capillary hypercellularity and revealed the origin of this atypical lesion using immunostainings.
Case presentation: A man in his 50s was admitted to the hospital with nephrotic syndrome, and a renal biopsy was performed. Diffuse nodular lesions and extra-capillary hypercellularity were observed, but the results of serological examination or immunofluorescent assays did not implicate any other crescentic GN. Immunostaining for claudin-1 and nephrin was performed to identify the origin of the extra-capillary lesions. Given the clinical course and pathological findings, a diagnosis of DN-associated extra-capillary cell proliferation was made.
Conclusions: Extra-capillary hypercellularity, which resembles FSGS or crescentic GN, is a rare finding in DN and should therefore be treated with caution. In such cases, co-staining for claudin-1 and nephrin may facilitate the diagnosis of DN.
DVNE-DRL: Dynamic virtual network embedding algorithm based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Xiao Xiancui
Published: March 2023

Virtual Network Embedding (VNE), as the key challenge of network resource management technology, lies in the contradiction between online embedding decision and pursuing long-term average revenue goals. Most of the previous work ignored the dynamics in Virtual Network (VN) modeling, or could not automatically detect the complex and time-varying network state to provide a reasonable network embedding scheme. In view of this, we model a network embedding framework where the topology and resource allocation change dynamically with the number of network users and workload, and then introduce a deep reinforcement learning method to solve the VNE problem. Further, a dynamic virtual network embedding algorithm based on Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), named DVNE-DRL, is proposed. In DVNE-DRL, VNE is modeled as Markov Decision Process (MDP), and Reinforcement Learning Agent (RLA) is used to periodically detect the state of network environment and provide a more reasonable network embedding scheme in real time. Different from the previous methods based on DRL algorithm to solve VNE problem, this paper improves the method of feature extraction and matrix optimization, and considers the characteristics of virtual network and physical network together to alleviate the problem of redundancy and slow convergence. The simulation results show that compared with the existing advanced algorithms, the acceptance rate and average revenue of DVNE-DRL are increased by about 25% and 35%, respectively.
K E Y W O R D S
VNE, DRL, embedding framework, DRL-DVNE，MDP，feature extraction
Validation of Malayalam translation of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Esophageal (FACT-E) questionnaire
Authors: K Chandramohan , Abdulla Faheem Ahmed , Muralee Madhu , Wagh Mira , Mathew Arun Peter , JV Ammu , Rahman Sajeed Abdul , George Preethi Sarah
Published: March 2023

Introduction
Oesophageal cancer has long been considered as one of the most deadly diseases. Recent advances in the perioperative management of this cancer has brought about some progress in prolonging survival. With the significant improvements in survival, attention has turned to studying the changes in Quality of Life (QoL) in these patients. This needs a specific and comprehensible tool to be used in local patient population. We intend to determine whether this QoL questionnaire can be used to assess the QoL in patients from Kerala with oesophageal cancer.
Patients and Methods
The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Esophagus (FACT-E) English questionnaire, specific for oesophageal cancer, was cross-culturally translated to the local language, Malayalam, and was used in a prospective study in 98 consecutive oesophageal cancer patients. Its reliability and validity was assessed in this group of patients. The internal consistency of the FACT-E tool was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha.
Results
After validating the FACT-E Malayalam questionnaire, we found Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was more than 0.7, indicating good reliability. The various subscales studied showed good correlation. Good convergent and discriminant validities were obtained. Correlation was found to be more than 0.4 and was deemed acceptable. The face validity was examined and was found to be satisfactory.
Conclusions:
The FACT-E Malayalam questionnaire is shown to be a reliable and valid tool that can be used to prospectively evaluate the quality of life of patients speaking Malayalam language and can be a useful accessory for future trials assessing QoL in such patients with oesophageal cancer.
Colorectal Polyps among Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy in Sulaimaniyah Province, Iraq
Authors: Ghalib Hawar Ali , Khayat Fadhil Ahmed Mohialdeen , Fatah Chenar Dhahir
Published: March 2023

Background
Colorectal cancers (CRC) are believed to develop primarily through an adenoma-carcinoma sequence, with adenomatous polyps beginning as the primary precursor lesions.
Objective
To assess the prevalence of colorectal polyps with their characteristics and relation to age/gender and to aid in establishing a screening program to detect polyps and CRC in the early stages. Patients and
Methods
The data of 2698 patients who underwent colonoscopy in Sulaimani Gastroenterology Center, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, for various complaints and asymptomatic patients from January 2019 to February 2021 were studied retrospectively. Patients were given bowel preparation solutions the day before the colonoscopy examination, and the colonoscopy was performed under conscious sedation.
Results
The mean ± SD age of patients was 52.0 ± 17.59 years, and most were females (55.1%). Among the studied patients, 14.3% were diagnosed with polyps, of which 17.1% were males and 12.1 were females. The high prevalence rate was found in patients aged > 60 years (23.8%), followed by 50–60 years (17.71%), and then 40–49 years (13.07%).
Conclusion
Colorectal polyp was common among patients undergoing colonoscopy for several gastrointestinal symptoms, especially after age forty.
Global DNA hypomethylation in hysterectomy: An 8-year follow-up study from Haryana, India
Authors: Rajkumari Sunanda , Chaudhary Vineet ,   Imnameren Longkumer1, Devi Naorem Kiranmala , Sarwal Yamini , Saraswathy Kallur Nava
Published: March 2023

Background

Despite being a common gynecological surgery, epigenetic correlates of hysterectomy have not been much explored. Since epigenetic alterations are associated with several complex diseases, it is rather important to investigate the epigenetics of hysterectomy. To address this research gap, the present study aims to understand the interrelationship between hysterectomy and peripheral blood leucocyte global DNA methylation independently and in light of selected biochemicals (vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine).

Method

This study is a population-based follow-up study consisting of 616 women aged 30 to 70 years recruited from Palwal, Haryana (North India). Recruited participants underwent a baseline assessment, which included determination of menopausal and hysterectomy status, estimation of vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine, and global DNA methylation levels. Participants with no history of hysterectomy were followed up after 8 years and their follow-up menopausal and hysterectomy statuses were determined.

Result

Median global DNA methylation level of the group with hysterectomy was found to be significantly lower than that of those without hysterectomy in the baseline assessment. However, baseline median global methylation levels of women who eventually underwent hysterectomy and those who did not were comparable. Regardless of normal and abnormal levels of studied biochemicals, the median global DNA methylation level of the baseline hysterectomy group was found to be lower (statistically not significant) than that of pre- and post-menopausal groups.
Conclusions
Hysterectomy (or associated factors) appears to be a risk factor for global DNA hypomethylation. More studies should be taken up to understand the epigenetic implications of hysterectomy.
Exergy and Economic Assessment of a Hybrid Solar-Biomass Cogeneration Plant Applied to the Corn Ethanol Industry
Authors: Oliveira Lauro Augusto Jeronimo , Burin Eduardo K. , Bazzo Edson
Published: March 2023

The present work comprises the thermodynamic and economic performance analysis of a hybrid (solar thermal and biomass) cogeneration cycle applied to a 292.000 m3/year corn ethanol distillery. These analyses aim to assess the technic and economic feasibility of the proposed distillery for its operation in Phoenix (USA) and Barreiras (BRA). A biomass boiler is used parallel with a direct steam generation parabolic trough solar field to produce together the distillery's fixed steam requirement. In this scheme, the solar field is responsible for up to 60% of the produced steam. The study evaluates energy and exergy indexes, for the solar field's design conditions and typical meteorological years, and calculates the net present value for economic evaluation. Annually, the proposed hybrid cycle design achieved biomass savings of 14% in Phoenix and 12% in Barreiras compared to a standard boiler cycle. For both locations, the steam generation processes account for more than 90% of the exergy destruction in the plant. These results show the technical feasibility of the hybrid solution for both locations, with Phoenix performing better due to larger solar resource availability. Furthermore, by finding negative net present values, the economic analysis indicates that the proposed integration is not yet economically feasible.
Growth of Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography in Chinese Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Gaps in Practice and Training
Authors: Deng Yingping , Cao Xiang , Mertens Luc L , McNamara Patrick J
Published: March 2023

Aims: To evaluate clinical practice, neonatologists’ attitudes, the extent of training and accreditation regarding targeted neonatal echocardiography (TnEcho) among Chinese neonatologists.
Methods: A web-based questionnaire was emailed to 331 neonatologists across China who completed training in subspecialty neonatology.The survey covered various aspects of TnEcho, including the characteristics of clinical practice, attitudes towards its usefulness, perceived barriers to implementation and training methods.
Results: Survey response rate was 68.0% (225/331). Seventy-nine (35.1%) respondents stated that TnEcho was utilized in their NICUs. Most respondents reported use of echocardiography to evaluate hemodynamic significance of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA, 94.9%). The eyeballing technique was most used to evaluate left (82.3%) and right (77.2%) ventricular function. Most respondents (87.3% - 96.2%) positively valued the role of TnEcho in providing timely and longitudinal hemodynamic information to guide cardiovascular care. TnEcho was most used in centers with on-site pediatric cardiology service (p=.003), larger bed capacity (p=.004) or level IV status (p=.003). Lack of experienced practitioners with echocardiography expertise (88.9%) and accredited training programs (85.8%) were perceived to be the major barriers to implementation. Of concern, most practitioners with TnEcho skills received training in an informal manner through workshops (60.8%) or self-directed learning (54.4%).
Conclusions: The use of TnEcho for longitudinal evaluation of infants with hemodynamic instability is growing within Chinese NICUs. There is an urgent need to develop standardized training programs and accreditation for TnEcho which are adapted to the Chinese context.
Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Delirium Among Hospitalized Patients In Mekelle Public Hospitals, Mekele, Tigray, Ethiopia, a cross sectional study
Authors: Welu Solomon Gidey , Gebreslassie Hagos Tsegabrhan , Kiros Kalayu Mebrahtu , Metekiya Workua Mekonen
Published: March 2023

Background

delirium is an acute reversible mental disorder characterized by disturbance in consciousness, confusion, disorientation and agitation. Although delirium more affects older patients and patients in intensive care unit the problem is also prevalent among all hospitalized patients with the range 10–60%.

Objective

the aim of the study is to assess the prevalence and associated factors of delirium among hospitalized patients in Mekelle public hospitals, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia.

Methodology

an institution based cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 368 hospitalized patients in Mekelle public hospitals. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the participants and proportional allocation was made to each public hospitals. Structured and standardized data collection tool was used. Univariate, bivarite and multivariable analysis was carried out by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Statistical significance was determined at p-value 0.05.

Result

in this study 358 participants were interviewed which makes 97.3% response rate. The prevalence rate of delirium among hospitalized patients was found to be 45 (12.6%). Older age (60 years and above), previous cognitive impairment, sensory impairment, having anxiety disorder and being single were significantly associated with delirium in multivariate logistic regression.

Conclusion

the prevalence of delirium was high among Mekelle public hospitals inpatients. Older age (60 years and above), previous cognitive impairment, sensory impairment, having anxiety disorder and being single were significantly associated with delirium.
Use and Misuse of Machine Learning Variable Importance Metrics in Medicine: Demonstrations through Incident Stroke Prediction
Authors: Wallace Meredith L. , Mentch Lucas , Wheeler Bradley J. , Tapia Amanda , Richards Marc , Zhou Siyu , Yi Lixia , Redline Susan , Buysse Daniel J.
Published: March 2023

Background. Machine learning tools such as random forests provide important opportunities for modeling large, complex modern data generated in medicine. Unfortunately, when it comes to understanding why machine learning models are predictive, applied research continues to rely on “out of bag” (OOB) variable importance metrics (VIMPs) that are known to have considerable shortcomings within the statistics community. Our objective is to examine these shortcomings and demonstrate statistically valid VIMP approaches.
Methods. After explaining the limitations of OOB VIMPs – including bias towards correlated features and limited interpretability – we describe a modern approach called “knockoff VIMPs” and explain its advantages. We recommend organized and interpretable strategies for analysis with knockoff VIMPs, including computing them for groups of features and considering multiple model performance metrics. We evaluate current VIMP practices through an in-depth literature review of 50 recent random forest manuscripts. To demonstrate methods, we develop a random forest to predict 5-year incident stroke in the Sleep Heart Health Study and compare results based on OOB and knockoff VIMPs.
Results. Nearly all papers in the literature review contained substantial limitations in their use of VIMPs. In our demonstration, using OOB VIMPs for individual variables suggested two highly correlated lung function variables (forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity) as the best predictors of incident stroke, followed by age and height. Using an organized analytic approach that considered knockoff VIMPs of both groups of features and individual features, the largest contributions to model sensitivity were medications (especially cardiovascular) and measured medical risk factors, while the largest contributions to model specificity were age, diastolic blood pressure, self-reported medical risk factors, polysomnography features, and pack-years of smoking. Thus, we reach very different conclusions about stroke risk factors using OOB VIMPs versus knockoff VIMPs.
Conclusions. The near-ubiquitous reliance on OOB VIMPs may provide misleading results for researchers who use such methods to guide their research. Given the rapid pace of scientific inquiry using machine learning, it is essential to bring modern knockoff VIMPs that are interpretable and unbiased into widespread applied practice to steer researchers using random forest machine learning toward more meaningful results.
Vortex-Induced Vibrations Of A Pipeline Near The Sea Floor
Authors: de Medeiros Bernardo Brambila Marques , Avila Juan Pablo Julca
Published: March 2023

A numerical model capable to simulate the dynamic behavior of the cross-flow vibration of a flexible cylinder under the effects of a free stream flow and a plane boundary with variable gap ratios, in representation of a pipeline near the sea floor is proposed. The pipeline is modeled as a Euler-Bernoulli beam with small displacements and axially tensioned. The model is composed of structural dynamics equations, discretized by the finite element method, and a system of wake oscillators, to include the interference of a plane boundary, distributed along the pipeline. The motion equations are implicitly integrated through the Newmark method. The wake oscillator model is numerically discretized using the central finite difference method. The simulations were capable to capture the interference generated by the boundary on the oscillatory frequency of the pipeline and on its amplitude.
Endovascular Repair Combine with In-situ Fenestration for New-Onset or Residual Arch Dissection in Patients Underwent Aortic Replacement
Authors: Lu Zhexin , Huang Jin , Fan Yongliang , Gu Hongbing , Yu Min , Ye Yizhou
Published: March 2023

Background:
Ascending aorta or hemi-arch replacement used to be a common treatment for some patients with acute type A thoracic aortic dissection especially in the elderly or complicated with multiple comorbidities. However the secondary entry tears in the aortic arch or descending aorta often remains not completely closed or true lumen compressed by perfusion of the false lumen in the dissected aorta and usually require reoperation.
Methods:
From January 2019 to July 2022, eighteen patients were treated by endovascular total aortic arch repair and fenestration technique without median re-sternotomy. Aortic stent grafts were implanted from femoral approach, prosthetic vessels can be served as an adequate proximal landing zone for aortic stent graft deployment. According to the debranching conditions of the arch in the previous surgery, single, double or triple in-situ fenestrations were performed respectively. Endovascular repair of aortic arch or descending aorta and restoration of perfusion of the branch arteries were accomplished.
Result:
Technical success was achieved in all cases. Median follow-up was 20 (18;31) mouths. All patients had an acceptable postoperative course with no 30-day and in-hospital deaths. None of the patients showed signs of disabling stroke, paraplegia or endo-leak, stent graft migration and stent graft induced new entry. In all patients the false lumen was completely thrombosed at the aortic arch level .
Conclusion:
Our preliminary experience suggests that endovascular total arch repair combined with in-situ fenestration technique are feasible, effective and safe options. And mid-term result seems encouraging. However long-term result and durability concerns for further evaluation are mandatory.