bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approach to the prevalence and comorbidity of neurodevelopmental disorders in primary care consultations on the island of Menorca in 6-year-old children
Authors: Francés Lorena , Caules Jessica , Ruiz Antoni , Soler C. Virgínia , Hervás Amaia , Fernández Alberto , Rodríguez-Quiroga Alberto , Quintero Javier
Published: December 2022

Background
Few studies estimate the real prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders according to DSM-5 in Spain and worldwide. However, there are disparate prevalence figures. We consider research in this field essential to improve early detection, secondary prevention, and health planning.
Methods
The Minikid ADHD and TICS- Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents, The Autism Spectrum Quotient (Children’s version, AQ- Child) and a protocol of general medical questions were administered for screening purposes. The PROLEXIA battery in ages between 4–6 years was used to directly assess children. Parents provided information on emotional, medical, and school aspects. The final population evaluated using these tools was made up of 291 6-year-old subjects.
Results
The overall risk of presenting a neurodevelopmental disorder was 55.4% of the sample. A 23.4% risk of presenting attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in any modality (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined), a 2.8% risk of developing ASD, a 30.6% risk of presenting a learning disorder with reading difficulties, a 5.5% risk of tics and a 22.5% of language problems (incomprehensible language or minor language problems) were detected. The most common combinations were learning and language difficulties in 6.9% of the sample. The second most frequent combination was the presence of learning and language difficulties and the risk of ADHD in 4.5%.
Conclusions
The prevalence of risks detected in our sample seems to be consistent with national and international studies. A significant proportion had never been previously diagnosed, so it would be convenient to insist on early detection programs.
Should ICSI be implemented on patients with poor-quality embryos in the previous IVF cycle?
Authors: Wang Jiang , Xiong Shun , Xia Fei , Liao Haiyuan , Wei Biao , Zou Jiayi , Han Wei
Published: December 2022

Purpose
This study was to evaluate whether ICSI can improve the quality of embryo in patients with poor-quality embryos in the previous IVF cycle.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study of 178 IVF and 158 ICSI cycles for patients with poor-quality embryos in the previous IVF cycle in the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from March 2016 to June 2022. The 2PN rate, oocyte utilization rate and high-quality embryo rate and clinical pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups. Other outcome measures included the implantation rate, miscarriage rate and cycle cancelation rate.
Results
Compared with IVF, ICSI resulted in a similar 2PN rate, oocyte utilization rate and cycle cancelation rate. The high-quality embryo rate of ICSI group was significantly higher than that of IVF group (5.56% vs. 2.60%, P < 0.05). Among of them, a total of 239 patients performed embryo transfer, ICSI resulted in a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate (55.56% vs. 40.98%, P < 0.05) compared with IVF, but there were no notable differences in miscarriage rate and implantation rate.
Conclusion
The present study suggested that ICSI can significantly improve the quality of embryo and clinical pregnancy of the patients with poor-quality embryos in the previous IVF cycle.
A geochemical approach in assessing seawater intrusion by integrating geospatial techniques: a case study of Ghiss-Nekor coastal aquifer, Central Rif of Morocco
Authors: BOURJILA Abdelhak , DIMANE Fouad , GHALIT Mohammad , TAHER Morad , KAMARI Salim , ACHOUKHI Iliass , HAMMOUDANI Yahya EL , SAADI Omar , HABOUBI Khadija
Published: December 2022

For effective coastal aquifers management, it is strongly required to effectively analyze seawater intrusion (SWI). This study used an integrated approach of hydrogeochemical, statistical, geological, and geospatial techniques to assess the extent of SWI in the Ghiss-Nekor aquifer by evaluating the physicochemical parameters of 52 groundwater samples. Two main groundwater facies were identified, Na-Cl (38%) and Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4 (62%). The correlation matrix and a principal component analysis (PCA) depicted that the high salinization in the study area is influenced by both geogenic and anthropogenic factors, including a potential mixing with seawater. A single indicator or a small number of techniques were insufficient to evaluate SWI owing to the multiple causes of salinization in the study area. As a result, we coupled various geochemical indicators with geospatial methods to assess this complicated phenomenon. Accordingly, several ionic ratios (Cl/HCO3, SO4/Cl, Na/Cl, and Mg/Mg+Ca) and SWI indices (GQIswi and SMI) were overlaid to generate the final map that highlights the regions prone to SWI. Most of the SWI spots were discovered within two kilometers or less from the coast. The saline water detected far from the coast was interpreted as the encroachment of seawater from the Souani area being trapped where the clay-marly substratum is deep. These results support the application of geospatial tools to manage groundwater resources in water-stressed areas with complex aquifer systems, by combining various ionic ratios and indices. These findings will assist decision-makers in the Al Hoceima region in developing suitable groundwater management plans and strategies.
IDH mutations in G2-3 conventional central bone chondrosarcoma: a mono institutional experience
Authors: Setola Elisabetta , Benini Stefania , Righi Alberto , Gamberi Gabriella , Carretta Elisa , Ferrari Cristina , Avnet Sofia , Palmerini Emanuela , Magagnoli Giovanna , Gambarotti Marco , Lollini Pier Luigi , Cesari Marilena , Cocchi Stefania , Paioli Anna , Longhi Alessandra , Scotlandi Katia , Laginestra Maria Antonella , Donati Davide Maria , Baldini Nicola , Ibrahim Toni
Published: December 2022

Background: Heterozygous isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations occur in about half of conventional central bone chondrosarcomas (CCBC). Aim of this study was to assess the frequency and prognostic impact of IDH mutations in high grade CCBC patients.
Methods: 64 patients with G2 and G3 CCBC were included. DNA extraction, PCR amplification of IDH1/2 exon 4s, and sequencing analysis with Sanger were performed.
Results: IDH mutations were detected in 24/54 patients (44%): IDH1 in 18, IDH2 in 4, and both IDH1/2 in 2 patients. The frequency of mutations was 37% in G2 vs. 69% in G3 (p = 0.039), and 100% in three Ollier disease associated chondrosarcoma.
5-year overall survival (OS) at 124 months (range 1-166) was 51%, with no significant difference based on the IDHmutational status: 61% in IDHmut vs 44% in IDH wild type (IDHwt). The 5-year relapse free survival (RFS) was 33% (95% CI:10-57) for IDHmut vs 57% (95%CI: 30-77) for IDHwt. Progression free survival (PFS) was 25% (95%CI:1-65) IDHmut vs. 16% (95%CI: 0.7-52) IDHwt. 55% (5/9) of IDHmut G2 became higher grade at the recurrence, as compared with 25% (3/12) of G2 IDHwt.
Conclusions: This study shows a higher frequency of IDH mutations in G3 CCBC as compared with G2. No significant differences in OS, RFS, and PFS by mutational status were detected. After relapse, a higher rate of G3 for IDH mutated CCBC was observed.
Physical activity and eating behaviors patterns associated with high blood pressure among Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: CHEN Jiaoyan , WANG Yuanyuan , LI Wenxiu , ZHANG Ya , CAO Ruiyao , PENG Xingwang , ZHANG Juan , LIU Keke , HAN Mei , FU Lianguo
Published: December 2022

Background
Physical activity and eating behavior are associated with hypertension in children and adolescents. Revealing the associations between physical activity patterns, eating behavior patterns and high blood pressure (HBP) could help improve the problem of hypertension from the actual children’s physical activities and eating behaviors.
Methods
The students aged 8–15 years was selected from two nine-year primary and secondary schools using stratified cluster random sampling method. The students’ body height, weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured, and their physical activity time and eating behaviors were surveyed by using CLASS questionnaire and self-made eating behavior questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to extract moderate-high intensity physical activity factor (MHPAF), sedentary physical activity factor (SPAF), healthy eating behavior factor (HEBF), unhealthy eating behavior factor (UHEBF). MHPAF ≥ SPAF was defined as moderate-high intensity physical activity pattern (MHPAP), MHPAF < SPAF was defined as sedentary physical activity pattern (SPAP). HEBF ≥ UHEBF was defined as healthy eating behavior pattern (HEBP), while the opposite was defined as unhealthy eating behavior pattern (UHEBP).
Results
The MHPAF and UHEBF in boys were significantly higher than those in girls (P < 0.01), while the SPAF in girls was significantly higher than that in boys (P < 0.05). The SPAF was positively correlated with SBP in girls (β (SE) = 1.36 (0.50), P = 0.07), and was positively correlated with SBP (β (SE) = 4.81 (1.22), P < 0.001) and DBP (β (SE) = 1.36 (0.49), P = 0.006) in boys. The MHPAF was negatively correlated with DBP (β(SE)=-0.94 (0.41), P = 0.022) in boys. In boys, the SPAP increased the risks of HBP (OR (95% CI):3.34 (1.30–8.63)) and high DBP (OR (95% CI):3.08 (1.02–9.34)) compared with MHPAP.
Conclusion
Compared with the boys with MHPAP, boys with SPAP may increase the risks of HBP and high DBP. The SPAF may be positively associated with SBP in boys and girls, while the MHPAF may be negatively associated with DBP in boys.
Changes of hyperopia reserve and other eye parameters among Chinese children aged 3-6 years old
Authors: Yu Wang , Zhu Hong , Xu Yong , Gao Hongqin , Zhu Guangwei , Qian Dengjuan , Pan Hong , Li Juan
Published: December 2022

Purpose Track refractive changes in preschool children to explore the characteristics of refractive changes, further delineate refractive status and provide data for the prevention of refractive errors in preschool children. Methods The refractive data of 26,528 preschoolers in 2021 and 16383 ones lasting for 2 years(2020 and 2021) aged 3–6 years were collected from different kindergartens in Suzhou High-tech Zone for the study(Until 23 July 2021). The refractive data of every participant was measured with the Welch Allyn Spot on non-cycloplegic refraction. A follow-up for all the included participants was performed. The spherical equivalent change was calculated, subsequently, the characteristics related to the change were performed. Results The chi-square test of 26528 preschoolers in 2021 showed a higher prevalence of hyperopia in boys (χ2 = 4.299,P = 0.038), and a higher prevalence of hyperopia reserve deficiency in boys (χ2 = 11.987,P = 0.001). And there are the trends for myopia (χ2 = 26.398,P < 0.001), astigmatism (χ2 = 58.838,P < 0.001), hyperopia reserve deficiency (χ2 = 24.290,P < 0.001) to increase with age. Trackable data shows the incidence of refractive errors (= Number of new patients in 2021/number of non-patients in 2020). After Chi-square that the incidence of hyperopia, astigmatism and myopia was statistically different at different ages and the incidence of the three at 5 years-old are at the high level. The further analysis of the newly developed people with hyperopia reserve deficiency shows the decline rate of hyperopia reserve has slowed down with age, the rate of decline of 2–3 and 3–4 are faster than 4-5and 5–6 significantly. Conclusion In preschool, boys possess higher hyperopia than girls; and, as age increases, but the increase rate of hyperopia reserve deficiency for girls is faster with the growth of age. There were the special incidence of hyperopia and astigmatism at 5 years old. And we should watch out for sharp changes in early hyperopia reserve. At the same time, the serious lack of hyperopia reserve(19%) of children in Suzhou also sounded an alarm for myopia prevention.
Early efficacy of rehabilitation training after surgery for lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Zhu Yuwei , Xia Shuang , Yang Weihang , Shi Fengchao
Published: December 2022

Background
To study the early clinical efficacy of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE) in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation after surgery.
Methods
A total of 100 patients with lumbar disc herniation who underwent UBE technology in Yancheng Third People's Hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and randomly divided into the intervention group (N = 50) and the control group (N = 50). The control group was given routine functional exercise, while the intervention group was given rehabilitation training on the basis of routine functional exercise. The pain degree and quality of life in the early postoperative period were compared between the two groups, and the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients were analyzed.
Results
The postoperative VAS, ODI scores and quality of life in the two groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In postoperative follow-up, the VAS and ODI scores of the intervention group were lower than those of the control group at 3 and 12 months after operation, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The quality of life score of the intervention group was lower than that of the control group 12 months after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). At 12 months after operation, the excellent and good rate of the modified Macnab standard intervention group was 88.00%, and that of the control group was 62.00%. The difference of the excellent and good rate of the modified Macnab standard after operation between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The results of Logistic multivariate regression model analysis showed that the postoperative rehabilitation (95%CI: 1.360-12.122, P = 0.012), the degree of intervertebral disc (95%CI: 0.010–0.676, P = 0.020), and the age (95%CI: 1.360-12.122, P = 0.012). 1.056–8.244, P = 0.039) was an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of patients.
Conclusion
Routine functional exercise is recommended for patients with lumbar disc herniation surgery, which can effectively reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Research on Healthcare Services Efficiency and its spatial-temporal differentiation characteristics in China from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Ye yizhong , Tao Qunshan
Published: December 2022

Background
In China, public health and medical care spending have significantly expanded over the past ten years, yet issues like inefficiency and injustice persist. It is crucial to figure out how to increase healthcare service efficiency if we are to improve the high-quality and effective medical and health services system and fulfill the inhabitants' increasingly diversified healthcare requirements.
Methods
Based on the panel data of China's medical resources in 2010–2020, we used SFA model to assess the effectiveness of healthcare services in 31 Chinese provinces. Kernel density estimation, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and Markov chains are used to examine the provinces' spatial-temporal features.
Results
In the efficiency assessment, although the efficiency of China's healthcare services has improved from 2010–2020, it is still at a medium level. Furthermore, inter-regional efficiency shows heterogeneous characteristics of high in the east and down in the west. In the spatial correlation, the spatial correlation between healthcare service efficiency is positive, and spatial agglomeration is dominated by homogeneous development, with a weakening tendency toward heterogeneous development. The type of healthcare services efficiency level is stable and difficult to transfer across provinces. After considering the spatial factor, although the basic pattern does not change, the type of neighborhood has a noticeable "near-neighbor effect" on the efficiency of local healthcare services.
Conclusions
(1) China's provinces should coordinate the regional allocation of high-quality medical and health resources following the level of regional economic development and the demand for medical services. (2) The government should fully use the spatial spillover effects between neighboring provinces to strengthen inter-regional cooperation and exchanges. (3) The top-ranked provinces should utilize their radiation-driven position to the fullest, and the provinces with lower healthcare service efficiency should take into account their development conditions and seek a balanced point of coordinated development between economic growth, resource allocation, and efficiency improvement.
Country parks as sites of emergency medical facilities A case of Covid-19 in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Li Shuai , Wu Zheng , tang jiefang , Wang Shuo , Wang Pengfei
Published: December 2022

As COVID-19 has swept across the world, the escalating number of confirmed and suspected cases overwhelmed the admission capacity of the designated hospitals. Faced with such a grim situation, governments made a quick decision to build emergency medical facilities to address the outbreak, which was an important step toward controlling the growing epidemic and improving the recovery rate. However, the emergency medical facilities faced a huge risk of epidemic spread and improper site could lead to serious secondary transmission. Make use of the disaster prevention function of urban green space, the problems can be alleviated to a certain extent through the “combined with peacetime and epidemic period” design. Through comparison, it is found that country parks are highly compatible with the needs of emergency medical facilities in terms of site selection, scale, environment, infrastructure and coverage. Incorporate country parks into the emergency plan for urban public health emergencies, through early reasonable site selection and layout, pre-exploration and laying of pipe network, strengthen the sewage and garbage treatment system, reasonable planning of health function and other means, greatly improve the construction speed of emergency medical facilities in case of epidemic disaster, and reduce the harm of infectious diseases to the population and the environment.
Diagnosis and Treatment Value of Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Lung Biopsy in Pulmonary Hamartoma：A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ye Sheng , Meng Shen , Zhao Cuicui , Yang Jin , Lei Wei
Published: December 2022

Purpose
The preoperative diagnosis of pulmonary hamartoma (PH) is a challenge, especially in patients with atypical imaging features. This study was aimed at exploring the application value of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) in the diagnosis and treatment of PH.
Data and Methods:
Patients who were diagnosed with PH and had undergone PTNB from our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Other cases were retrieved from the literature prior to December 2022 regarding the use of PTNB in patients with PH. Patients’ age, sex, imaging characteristics of chest CT, the diagnosis by PTNB, cytology features of biopsy specimen, complications and further treatment were analyzed.
Results
In this retrospective study, a total of 47 patients who were diagnosed as PH and had undergone PTNB were analyzed. 6 of the cases were patients from our hospital from 2008 to 2022. Others were collected from the literature. The mean diameter of PH lesions was 24.1mm (8-60mm). The diagnosis accuracy of PTNB was 70.2%. The complication rate was 19.1%, mainly pneumothorax. Fibro myxoid stroma and chondroid material accounted for 48.9% and 38.3%, respectively. 16 cases underwent surgery, and follow-up was available for all the 47 patients and no significant growth of the PH lesion or recurrent was occurred.
Conclusion
PTNB might be a useful tool to diagnose PH with a lower incidence of complications. The lesion could be managed conservatively and surgical procedures can be avoided.
BMI-1 activates hepatic stellate cells to promote EMT of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Jiang Zhongyang , Ma Ximei , Luan Xiaohui , Liuyang Zhenyu , Hong Yiyang , Dai Yuan , Dong Qinghua , Wang Guanyu
Published: December 2022

Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the major source of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the liver. Though the crosstalk between aHSCs and colorectal cancer (CRC) cells supports liver metastasis (LM), the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated BMI-1, a polycomb-group protein family member, which is high-expressed in LM, in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and interacting with CRC cells while promoting colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM). We found the positivity of BMI-1 expression in the liver of CRLM patients was 77.8%, and the expression level of BMI-1 continued to increase during CRLM in mice. We overexpressed BMI-1 in HSCs (LX2) by lentivirus infection, and HSCs were activated, accompanied by increased expression levels of α-SMA, Fibronectin, TGF-β1, MMPs, and IL-6. CRC cells (HCT116 and DLD1) were cultured in HSCs-conditioned medium (LX2 NC CM or LX2 BMI-1 CM), and CRC cells cultured in BMI-1 CM exhibited enhanced proliferation and migration ability, and EMT phenotype with activation of TGF-β/SMAD pathway. Besides, a TFG-βR inhibitor SB-505124 largely diminished the effect of the BMI-1 CM on Smad2/3 phosphorylation in CRC cells. A mouse subcutaneous xenotransplantation tumor model was established by co-implantation of HSCs (LX2 NC or LX2 BMI-1) and CRC cells, andBMI-1 overexpressed LX2 HSCs promoted tumor growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypein vivo. In conclusion, BMI-1 activates HSCs to promote the EMT of CRC cells partially through the TGF-β/SMAD pathway. These findings demonstrate BMI-1 activated HSCs might be a new target in CRC therapy.
Evaluating the nonlinear population-economic growth nexus in MENA countries
Authors: BENGANA Ismail Mohamed , ADELEYE Bosede Ngozi , BOUKHELKHAL Abdelaziz Abdelkhader , OKAFOR Victoria ISIOMA , Alnefaie Abdulah HAMOUD , Salim Eltahir Ibrahim Elnour
Published: December 2022

The relation between population growth and economic growth is a complex one, and the historical quantitative evidence is ambiguous. This study contributes to the population-economic growth literature by interrogating whether the relationship is monotonic or if a turning point exists. Using panel data on a sample of 19 MENA countries from 1965 to 2018 and deploying the PSCE and FGLS techniques, the results reveal inter alia: (1) a U-shaped relation exists; (2) unemployment and financial development are negative predictors of economic growth; and (3) trade and inflation rate are positive predictors. Policy recommendations are discussed.
The association of rod curvature with postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion for spinal stenosis
Authors: Han Lin , Ma Hongdao , Li Qisheng , Yuan Jincan , Yang Haisong , Qin Yuchen , Lu Xuhua
Published: December 2022

Background
Restoration of sagittal balance is a key issue in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery and adverse postoperative outcomes are associated with inadequate restoration of sagittal alignment. However, there is still a lack of solid evidence about the impact of the rod curvature on sagittal spinopelvic radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes.
Method
A retrospective clinical study was conducted to compare patient characteristics between lumbar spinal stenosis patients who underwent PLIF with satisfactory postoperative results and those who had poor recovery resulted from adjacent segment degeneration after PLIF and needed revision surgery (i.e. Normal and Abnormal Groups). Patient demographics (age, gender, height, weight and BMI), surgical characteristics (number of fused levels, surgical time, blood loss and hospital stay) and radiographic parameters (lumbar lordosis [LL], sacral slope [SS], pelvic incidence [PI], pelvic tilt [PT], PI-LL, Cobb angle of fused segments [Cobb], rod curvature [RC], Posterior tangent angle of fused segments [PTA] and RC-PTA) were analyzed.
Results
Patients in the abnormal group had older median age and suffered more blood loss than those in the normal group. RC and RC-PTA were significantly lower in the abnormal group compared to the normal group. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that lower age and lower PTA were related to higher odds of better surgical outcomes. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the RC classifier was a good predictor of postoperative outcomes.
Conclusions
The study revealed significant differences in age, blood loss, RC and RC-PTA between normal and abnormal groups, and RC was demonstrated to be a pretty good indicator for predicting postoperative outcomes.
The Impact of Semi-upright Position on Severity of Sleep Disordered Breathing in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A two-arm, prospective, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lukachan Gincy Ann , Yadollahi Azadeh , Auckley Dennis , Gavrilovic Bojan , Matelski John , Chung Frances , Singh Mandeep
Published: December 2022

Background
The severity of sleep-disordered breathing is known to worsen postoperatively and is associated with increased cardio-pulmonary complications and increased resource implications. In the general population, the semi-upright position has been used in the management of OSA. We hypothesized that the use of a semi-upright position versus a non-elevated position will reduce postoperative worsening of OSA in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgeries
Methods
This study was conducted as a prospective randomized controlled trial of perioperative patients, undergoing elective non-cardiac inpatient surgeries. Patients underwent a preoperative sleep study using a portable polysomnography device. Patients with OSA (apnea hypopnea index (AHI) >5 events/hr), underwent a sleep study on postoperative night 2 (N2) after being randomized into an intervention group (Group I): semi-upright position (30 to 45 degrees incline), or a control group (Group C) (zero degrees from horizontal). The primary outcome was postoperative AHI on N2. The secondary outcomes were obstructive apnea index (OAI), central apnea index (CAI), hypopnea index (HI), obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI) and oxygenation parameters.
Results: Thirty-five patients were included. Twenty-one patients were assigned to the Group 1 (females-14 (67%); mean age 65±12) while there were fourteen patients in the Group C (females-5 (36%); mean age 63±10). The semi-upright position resulted in a significant reduction in OAI in the intervention arm (Group C vs Group I postop AHI: 16.6 ± 19.0 vs 8.6 ± 11.2 events/hr; overall p = 0.01), but there were no significant differences in the overall AHI or other parameters between the two groups. Subgroup analysis of patients with “supine related OSA” revealed a decreasing trend in postoperative AHI with semi-upright position, but the sample size was too small to evaluate statistical significance.
Conclusion: In patients with newly diagnosed OSA, the semi-upright position resulted in improvement in obstructive apneas, but not the overall AHI.
Study registration
This trial was retrospectively registered in clinicaltrials.gov NCT02152202 on 02/06/2014.
Scraping Effect of Dam-overtopping Debris Flow—A Case Study of Chutou Gully '8.20' in Miansi Town, Wenchuan County
Authors: Huang Chen , Hu Qijun , Zhang Youyi , Li Mingyang , Ye Xiaobing
Published: December 2022

Upon the May 12 earthquake in Wenchuan, a series of disaster prevention and mitigation projects were built, including a check dam. Generally, when massive debris flow occurs, the debris flow will overtop the dam and flow into the downstream channel. At present, there are few investigations on the effect of the check dam itself on debris flow erosion and scraping after engineering treatment. In this paper, the "8.20" debris flow in Chutou gully is taken as the research object, and the erosion-migration mode upon the debris flow overtopping the dam is studied by combining field investigation, theoretical analysis, and indoor model test to obtain the quantitative evaluation model of erosion scraping depth and scraping volume. The study results showed that once the debris flow overtops the dam, the loose source carried by the channel is involved in the entire migration process, enlarging the fluid's scale and intensifying the damage along the channel. The results agree with the actual measurements and observations, and the maximum relative errors are 3.34% and 14.70%, respectively, representing the model's validity. At the same time, the test results show that the debris flow scarping phenomenon in γ=[1.4 t/m3, 1.6 t/m3] interval is the most significant. This work will help improve the future engineering and design strategy and find the best design to minimize the risk of debris flow disaster in dam tipping.
Contamination-Related Characteristics of Covid-19: A Household Survey
Authors: Erik HanifeEce , Özaltun Şahin Can , Atılmış Duygu , Dizman Lect. GülçinTelli , Karahan Gizem , Önder İlke Toker , Alp Alpaslan , Akın Levent
Published: December 2022

Introduction
Household transmission studies are suitable setting to examine determinants of disease by controlling many environmental variables. This study is a prospective, case-based study evaluating the household transmission and possible risk factors on the demographical, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and households.
Material – Method
Between 1 August 2021 and 1 February 2022, individuals who were RT-PCR positive and their household members were invited to the study. The standard protocol of the World Health Organization evaluating household transmission was used in the study. Swab samples were taken from contact individuals at the first and second visits and RT-PCR test was performed. A questionnaire form was applied to the individuals via telephone. Secondary attack rate (SAR) was calculated to assess household transmission. Descriptive analyzes and Logistic Regression analyses were used in the study.
Results
42 index cases and 112 contacts were involved in the study. 42.9% of index cases and 53.6% of contacts were women. The median age of index cases was 40.5 and contacts’ was 34.5 years. Secondary attack rate in the study was 25%. Contacts without symptoms of the index case (OR: 0.117, 95% CI 0.018-0.077), contacts with five or more people in the household (OR: 5.535, 95% CI 1.585-19.325), spouse or child of the index case (OR: 3.532, 95 %CI 1.066-11.710) have a higher risk of infection.
Discussion
Being spouse or child of index case, living in a crowded house and asymptomatic index case were risk factors of contagion. There could be increased risk due to close contact between index case and child or spouse. Living in crowded house was seen as the most important risk factor for infection transmission. Especially the restriction measures applied regarding staying at home may cause an increase in contagion in crowded and poorly ventilated houses. In order to prevent contagion, such measures as the use of masks in the house, frequent ventilation of the house, not eating in the same environment during the quarantine period should be shared with the public and policies should be developed in this direction.
Low charge noise quantum dots with industrial CMOS manufacturing
Authors: Elsayed Asser , Shehata Mohamed Mohamed Elkordy , Godfrin Clement , Kubicek Stefan , Massar Shana , Canvel Yann , Jussot Julien , Simion George , Mongillo Massimo , Wan Danny , Govoreanu Bogdan , Radu Iuliana P. , Li Ruoyu , Dorpe Pol Van , de Greve Kristiaan
Published: December 2022

Silicon spin qubits are among the most promising candidates for large scale quantum computers, due to their excellent coherence and compatibility with CMOS technology for upscaling. Advanced industrial CMOS process flows allow wafer-scale uniformity and high device yield, but off the shelf transistor processes cannot be directly transferred to qubit structures due to the different designs and operation conditions. To therefore leverage the know-how of the micro-electronics industry, we customize a 300mm wafer fabrication line for silicon MOS qubit integration. With careful optimization and engineering of the MOS gate stack, we report stable and uniform quantum dot operation at the Si/SiOx interface at milli-Kelvin temperature. We extract the charge noise in different devices and under various operation conditions, demonstrating a record-low average noise level of 0.61 μeV/√Hz at 1 Hz and even below 0.1 μeV/√Hz for some devices and operating conditions. By statistical analysis of the charge noise with different operation and device parameters, we show that the noise source can indeed be well described by a two-level fluctuator model. This reproducible low noise level, in combination with uniform operation of our quantum dots, marks CMOS manufactured MOS spin qubits as a mature and highly scalable platform for high fidelity qubits.
Identification of flavonol synthase gene from M. pinnata and its functional elucidation using cowpea genome
Authors: Kumari Garima , Nigam Vinod Kumar , Pandey Dev Mani
Published: December 2022

Background
Flavonoids are a class of key polyphenolic secondary metabolites having various roles in plants, like in growth and development, stress defense, and reproduction. Dihydroflavonols are converted into flavonols by flavonol synthase (FLS) and this enzyme belongs to the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (ODD) superfamily. Millettia pinnata is important medicinal plant possessing various phytoconstituents involved in the treatment of various diseases. The FLS is involved in the synthesis of a natural flavonol 3,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone i.e., kaempferol. However, detailed information about FLS gene sequence and its characterization in M. pinnata is not available.
Methods
In the current investigation the full-length cDNA sequences of the FLS gene (MpFLS) was deduced by isolating RNA from M. pinnata leaf, cDNA prearaion, PCR based amplification, sequencing followed by sequence analysis.
Results
The full-length cDNA of MpFLS containing 952-bp open reading frame and encoding 310-amino-acid protein has been elucidated, and submitted to NCBI with accession number OM469017. Bioinformatics analysis of MpFLS protein showed 85% similarities with VuFLS (Vigna unguilata). Also, BLAST analysis of M. pinnata sequence exhibited maximum similarity with V. unguilata. Therefore, to find the possible functional characteristics of MpFLS, the genome wide investigation of this gene was performed in cowpea (V. unguilata) genome using Phytozome v13 database. Total 17 full length non-redundant VuFLSgenes were identified in V. unguilata. These genes and the corresponding proteins were examined for their physicochemical characteristics, chromosomal location, domain and motif architecture, and phylogeny. Phylogenetic and motif analysis revealed that all the proteins had the 2OG-FeII Oxy domain. The functional annotation analysis revealed their involvement in various biological processes and molecular processes. The majority of the genes at the subcellular level are found in the cytoplasm, followed by the nucleus.
Conclusions
Our research study provides information about FLS gene sequence in M. pinnata and its detailed characterization. Our result also revealed that MpFLSshows similarity in functional characteristics with VuFLS.
Multivalent Human Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B Nucleoside-Modified mRNA Vaccines Demonstrate a Greater Breadth in T cell but not Antibody Responses
Authors: Permar Sallie , Wang Hsuan-Yuan , Li Leike , Nelson Cody , Barfield Richard , Valencia Sarah , Chan Cliburn , Muramatsu Hiromi , Lin Paulo , Pardi Norbert , An Zhiqiang , Weissman Drew
Published: December 2022

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) remains the most common congenital infection and infectious complication in immunocompromised patients. The most successful HCMV vaccine to-date, an HCMV glycoprotein B (gB) subunit vaccine adjuvanted with MF59, achieved 50% efficacy against primary HCMV infection. A previous study demonstrated that gB/MF59 vaccinees were less frequently infected with HCMV gB genotype strains most similar to the vaccine strain than strains encoding genetically distinct gB genotypes, suggesting strain-specific immunity accounted for the limited efficacy. To determine whether vaccination with multiple HCMV gB genotypes could increase the breadth of anti-HCMV gB humoral and cellular responses, we immunized 18 female rabbits with monovalent (gB-1), bivalent (gB-1+gB-3), or pentavalent (gB-1+gB-2+gB-3+gB-4+gB-5) gB lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated nucleoside-modified RNA (mRNA-LNP) vaccines. The multivalent vaccine groups did not demonstrate higher magnitude or breadth of the IgG response to the gB ectodomain or cell-associated gB compared to that of monovalent vaccine. Also, the multivalent vaccines did not show an increase in the breadth of neutralization activity and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis against HCMV strains encoding distinct gB genotypes. Yet, peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived T cell responses elicited by multivalent vaccines were of a higher magnitude compared to that of monovalent vaccinated animals against a vaccine-mismatched gB genotype at peak immunogenicity. Our data suggests that inclusion of multivalent gB antigens is beneficial to increase the magnitude of T cell response but not an effective strategy to increase the breadth of anti-HCMV gB antibody responses. Further studies are required to validate whether the multivalent gB mRNA vaccines could effectively increase the T cell response breadth.
Defining the Incidence and Management of Postoperative Scrotal Hematoma after Primary and Complex Three-piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery
Authors: Simhan Jay , Braun Avery , Swerdloff Daniel , Sudhakar Architha , Patel Rutul , Gross Martin
Published: December 2022

Background:
Scrotal hematoma is a challenging complication of penile prosthesis surgery. We characterize the risk of hematoma formation with implementation of standardized techniques to mitigate hematomas and assess for any associated factors in a large multi-institutional penile implant cohort.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective review from February 2018 to December 2020 of all patients who underwent inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP)implantation at 2 high volume implant centers was conducted. Cases were defined as ‘complex’ if they involved revision, salvage with removal/replacement, or were performed with concurrent penile, scrotal or intra-abdominal surgeries. The incidence of scrotal hematoma among primary and complex IPP recipients was measured and modifiable and innate risk factors associated with hematoma formation within the two cohorts were tracked.
Results:
Of 246 men who underwent IPP, 194 (78.9%) patients underwent primary implantation and 52 (21.1%) were complex. Although patients in the complex group had comparable drain outputs to non-hematoma patients on POD0 (66.8cc vs 49.6, p=0.488) and POD1 (20.0cc vs 40.3, p=0.114), hematomas in the complex group had a higher propensity for OR evacuation (p=0.03). Difference in duration of temporary device inflation between 2 and 4 weeks did not contribute to hematoma formation. Postoperative hematoma formation in complex cases (5/52, 9.6%) trended towards a higher incidence than primary cases (7/194, 3.1%) (HR=2.61, p=0.072).
Conclusions:
Complex IPP surgery performed for revision or with ancillary procedures are more likely to result in clinically significant hematomas that require surgical management, suggesting a need for heightened caution in managing these individuals.
Intrauterine treatment and outcome of fetal persistent atrial flutter: a case report
Authors: Runxuan Du , Fangna Wang , Yuewen Dong , Wei Chu , Lishuang Ma , Jian Gao
Published: December 2022

Background: Fetal atrial flutter (AF) accounts for 30% of all fetal tachyarrhythmias, and more than 80% of fetal atrial flutter is 2:1 atrioventricular conduction. When a severe persistent arrhythmia occurs, intrauterine therapy is the first choice, and childbirth is not the first choice.
﻿Case presentation: A 32-year-old Chinese multipara at 30+2 weeks of gestation whose ultrasonographic examination revealed fetal persistent atrial flutter (atrial rate 219-445 beats/min, ventricular rate 219-228 beats/min, 2:1 or 1:1 down transmission) and a small amount of ascites. The fetal heart rhythm did not recover even after oral administration of digoxin and sotalol to the gravida. At 32+3 weeks of gestation, the fetal intramuscular injection of celanide was administered under the guidance of ultrasound. The fetal ventricular rate decreased 6 days after operation and the ascites disappeared. At 33+3 weeks, due to the poor tolerance of the gravida to the drugs, ﻿the infant was delivered by cesarean section. 5 minutes after birth, ﻿the infant heart rhythm was spontaneously converted to sinus rhythm. Follow-up to 1 year after birth, the infant hasn't had atrial flutter.
﻿Conclusions: In this case, the fetal heart rhythm automatically reverted to sinus rhythm after birth which appears that when the transplacental drug treatment failed, intrauterine treatment of the drug should be considered. And the prognosis of fetal atrial flutter is optimistic.
Ampere-hour-scale soft-package potassium-ion hybrid capacitors enabling 6-minute fast-charging
Authors: Li Huanxin , Gong Yi , Yang Kai , Zhou Haihui , Li Jing , Mao Boyang , Zhang Jincan , Shi Yan , Deng Jinhai , Mao Mingxuan , Huang Zhongyuan , Jiao Shuqiang , Kuang Yafei , Zhao Yunlong , Luo Shenglian
Published: December 2022

Extreme fast charging of Ampere-hour (Ah)-scale energy storage devices targeting charging times of less than 10 minutes can dramatically accelerate mass-market adoption of electric vehicles, advance the Net-Zero, and secure the grid. However, restricted by the inherent reaction mechanism and safety hazards of conventional batteries, this technical barrier is still difficult to break through in Ah-scale devices. In this work, we report novel 1Ah soft-package potassium-ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs), which combine the merits of high-energy density of battery-type anode and high-power density of capacitor-type cathode, featuring an ultra-high voltage up to 4.8 V, high full-cell level energy density of 140 Wh kg−1 (based on the whole mass of device) with a full charge of 6 mins. Additionally, the full cells (1 Ah) exhibit excellent cycling stability (88% capacity retention after 200 cycles under 10 C) and exceptional voltage retention. This outstanding performance benefits from a holistic optimization of electrode materials, electrolyte and cell configuration, especially the construction and integration of defect-rich, high specific surface area N-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) cathode, MnO quantum dots inlaid spacing-expanded CNTs anode, as well as the binder- and current collector-free cell design, which provides clear guidance for practical applications of PIHCs.
Potential of secretome of human fetal cartilage progenitor cells as disease modifying agent for osteoarthritis
Authors: Tran Ngoc-Trinh , Park In-Su , Truong Minh-Dung , Yun Hee-Woong , Min Byoung-Hyun
Published: December 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by an imbalance in the synthesis and degradation of cartilage tissue by chondrocytes. Therefore, a therapeutic agent for OA patients that can positively affect both synthesis and degradation is needed. However, current nonsurgical treatments for OA can barely achieve satisfactory long-term outcomes in cartilage repair. Human fetal cartilage progenitor cells-secretome (ShFCPC) has shown potent anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair effects; however, its underlying mechanisms and effects on OA have rarely been systematically elucidated. This study aims to analyze and evaluate the potency of ShFCPC in modifying OA process. Herein, secreted proteins enriched in ShFCPC have been characterized, and their biological functions both in vitro and in vivo in an OA model are compared with those of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells-secretome (ShBMSC) and hyaluronan (HA). Secretome analysis has shown that ShFCPC is significantly enriched with extracellular matrix molecules involved in many effects of cellular processes required for homeostasis during OA progression. Biological validation in vitro has shown that ShFCPC protects chondrocyte apoptosis by suppressing the expression of inflammatory mediators and matrix-degrading proteases and promotes the secretion of pro-chondrogenic cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-induced coculture of human chondrocytes and SW982 synovial cells compared with ShBMSC. Moreover, in a rat OA model, ShFCPC protects articular cartilage by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and promoting M2 macrophage polarization in the synovium, which directly contributes to an increase in immunomodulatory atmosphere and enhances cartilage repair compared to ShBMSC and HA. This shows great potential for ShFCPC as a novel agent for modifying OA process.
Universal growth of graphene on arbitrary insulating substrates
Authors: Li Junzhu , Yuan Yue , Lanza Mario , Abate Iwnetim , Tian Bo , Zhang Xixiang
Published: December 2022

Graphene synthesis on insulating substrates is a cornerstone for research on low-dimensional materials. However, it is challenging to grow graphene on insulators due to the lack of metal catalysts, lattice mismatch, and other factors. Although considerable approaches have been explored, it is still vital to develop a synthetic approach with general applicability. Herein, a universal growth strategy is proposed to synthesize graphene on arbitrary insulating substrates with relatively high efficiency. A non-adhered metal foil–insulator substrate has been designed, and a high-temperature near-melting annealing treatment has been used for obtaining high-quality graphene on insulators. Characterization results indicate that as-grown graphene exhibits uniform monolayer, defect-free structure, and smooth surface. Utilizing the same approach, graphene bilayers and trilayers have been fabricated on sapphire, and high-quality graphene has also been universally achieved on other insulating substrates. The proposed strategy could guide the production of large-area graphene-based van der Waals heterostructures on arbitrary substrates.
Effects of Humor Comprehension on Dynamic Cognitive Processes of Insight: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Sun Cuicui , Liu Guanxiong , Wu Jieqing , Xu Liping , Zhou Xinqi , Zhao Qingbai , Zhou Zhijin
Published: December 2022

Some questionnaires and behavioral studies have examined the effect of humor on insight. However, the time course of the effects of humor on the stage of insight remains unclear. This study explored the effect of humor comprehension on insight with event-related potential (ERP) technology using verbal humorous jokes and two-part allegorical sayings. The results show that the average amplitude of the novel semantic association (creative solution) in N400 (350−450 ms) is significantly larger than that of the ordinary semantic association (ordinary solution) in the two priming groups (humor priming and non-humor priming). The amplitude in the LPC (600−900 ms) of novel semantic associations in the humor priming group was significantly smaller than that of the non-humor priming group. The results suggest that the effect of humor comprehension on insight is not reflected in the early breaking of the mindset process of insight but the formation of the novel association process.