bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Preceding Risk Factors: an Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Doke Prakash Prabhakarrao , Palkar Sonali Hemant , Gothankar Jayashree Sachin , Patil Archana Vasantrao , Chutke Amruta Paresh , Pore Pasad Dnyandeo , Deshpande Aniruddha Vinayakrao , Bhuyan Khanindra Kumar , Karnataki Madhusudan Vamanrao , Shrotri Aparna Nishikant
Published: April 2021

Background: The health of women during the preconception phase though critical, is a comparatively ignored part in her life cycle. The presence of health risks is judged as hazardous to the wellbeing of women and their forthcoming progeny. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of various pregnancy outcomes and assess the association between various risk factors and adverse outcomes. Methods: It was a population-based cross-sectional analytical study. The study was carried out in Nashik District, having a large mountainous area. It included two randomly selected blocks, one tribal and one nontribal, in which interventions were planned in the later stage. For comparison, two adjacent blocks, one tribal and one nontribal, were also included. All women who had a pregnancy outcome in the preceding 12 months (01 April 2017 to 31 March 2018) were interviewed. Trained Accredited Social Health Activists under the direct supervision of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives and Medical Officers conducted the survey. Multivariate analysis was carried out to find the adjusted risk ratio of having a particular adverse outcome because of the specified potential risk factors.Results: A total of 9,307 women participated in the study. The prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was abortion 4.1%; stillbirth 1.6%; preterm birth 4.1%; LBW 11.2%; congenital physical defect 2.6%. Prevalence of consanguineous marriage, heavy work during the last six months of pregnancy, pre-existing illness, tobacco consumption, direct exposure to pesticides and domestic violence during pregnancy was 17.6%; 16.9%; 2.2%; 5.6%; 2.3%; and 0.8%, respectively. Risk factors that were significantly associated with abortion include existing illness at the time of conception and performing heavy work in the last six months of pregnancy. Consanguinity, tobacco consumption during pregnancy and pre-existing illness were identified as risk factors for stillbirth. Significant risk factors of LBW were heavy work in the last six months of pregnancy, pre-existing illness and residence in a tribal area. Conclusion: The survey showed that risk factors differentially affect outcomes of pregnancy. Preconception and antenatal care should include counselling about consanguineous marriages, identifying and managing a pre-existing illness, avoiding tobacco consumption in the prenatal and natal period, and avoiding heavy work during pregnancy.
Effect of Coir Fiber and Inorganic Filler Hybridization on Innegra Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Polymer Composites: Physical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Kavya H M , Bavan Saravana , Yogesha B , Rangappa Sanjay Mavinkere , Siengchin Suchart , Gorbatyuk Sergey
Published: April 2021

The present investigation is concentrated on the results of different fillers over the physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the epoxy polymer. These epoxy hybrid composites were produced using mechanical-stirring assisted wet layup method with coir micro-particles, fly ash, Titanium Carbide (TiC) nanoparticles, and Innegra fabrics contains simultaneous considering mechanical stirring with a stirring rod. The tensile, flexural, and inter-laminar shear characteristics of fabricated epoxy hybrid composites were determined using a universal testing machine. After the reinforcement of fly ash and TiC nanoparticles offers the most remarkable improvement in tensile, flexural, and impact strength, about 2.84, 1.65, and 9.19 times compared with pure epoxy polymer. The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed the epoxy hybrid composites' enhanced thermal stability. The homogeneity of fillers dispersion in the epoxy polymer was observed from a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Keywords: Contact angle; Fly ash; Inter-laminar shear strength; Innegra Fabric; Tensile Strength; TiC nanoparticle
Modelling of surface roughness and studying of optimal machining position in side milling
Authors: Bai Jinfeng , Zhao Huiying , Zhao Lingyu , Cao Mingchen , Duan Duanzhi
Published: April 2021

In this work, a theoretical analysis of surface generation numerical model is presented to predict the surface roughness achieved by side milling operations with cylindrical tools. This work is focused on the trajectory of tools with two teeth by influencing of tool errors such as radial runouts, as well as straightness with dynamic effects. A computational system was developed to simulate roughness topography in contour milling with cylindrical tool. Finally, the PSO (particle swarm optimization) algorithm is employed to find the optimal machining position for the best surface roughness. Experimental data is satisfied with the the novel pretiction model for the tooth’s trajectory, and the the final prediction accuracy is high enough, i.e. that the prediction surface roughness. Low prediction surface roughness error (1.37 ~ 15.04%) and position error (0.95 ~ 1.25 mm) indicate effectiveness of the model built in this work. The novel model may be used to determine the variation in surface roughness.
Fluid Status Changes During the Transition in Infants of Diabetic Mothers.
Authors: Zanardo Vincenzo , Tortora Domenico , Parotto matteo , Manghina Valeria , Severino lorenzo , Guerrini Pietro , Straface Gianluca
Published: April 2021

BackgroundIn animal and human neonates, expansion of the extracellular fluid volume is associated with “wet” lung and poor respiratory outcomes.MethodsTo define fluid status changes during the transition from fetal to neonatal life in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM), we conducted a single centre (Policlinico Abano Terme, Abano Terme, Italy) study of 66 IDM and a 1:2 matched control group from January 1 to September 30, 2020. Fluid status changes were assessed by computing Δ Hct from umbilical cord blood at birth and capillary heel Hct at 48h, accounting for body weight decrease.ResultsIDM presented with significantly lower cord blood Hct levels in comparison to controls (47.33±4.52 vs 50.03±3.51%, p<0.001), mainly if delivered by elective cesarean section (45.01±3.77 vs 48.43±3.50%, p=0.001). Hct levels at 48h were comparable (55.18±5.42 vs 54.62±7.41%, p=0.703), concurrently with similar body weight decrease (-217.21±113.34 vs-217.51±67.28 g, p=0.614). This supports significantly higher ∆ Hct in IDM (5.13±5.24 vs 7.29±6.48, p<0.01) and extra circulating fluid loss of 2-3%.Conclusion﻿Gestational diabetes is associated with an excess of circulating fluids during the transition from fetal to neonatal life, challenging the current assumption that is per se at risk of wet lung.
Estimation of the Chlorophyll Concentration in Sorghum Using Three High Throughput Phenotyping Imaging Techniques
Authors: Zhang Huichun , Ge Yufeng , Xie Xinyan , Atefi Abbas , Wijewardane Nuwan , Thapa Suresh
Published: April 2021

BackgroundLeaf chlorophyll content plays an important role in indicating plant stresses and nutrient status. Traditional approaches for the quantification of chlorophyll content mainly include acetone ethanol extraction, spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. Such destructive methods based on laboratory procedures are time consuming, expensive, and not suitable for high-throughput phenotyping. High throughput imaging techniques are now widely used for nondestructive analysis of plant phenotypic traits. In this study three imaging modules, namely, RGB, hyperspectral, and fluorescence imaging, were used to estimate chlorophyll content of sorghum plants in a greenhouse environment. Color features, spectral indices, and chlorophyll fluorescence intensity were extracted from these three types of images, and regression models were built to predict leaf chlorophyll content (measured by a handheld leaf chlorophyll meter) from the image features. ResultsModels that included two additional variables, DAS (day after sowing) and SLW (specific leaf weight), were also investigated to improve the prediction of chlorophyll. R2 for chlorophyll concentration for multiple linear models at various color components were 0.77 for R, 0.79 for G, 0.70 for B. To obtain additional spectral information, color component H, S, and I were calculated after color spaces being transformed. The result of HSI space showed that R2 for chlorophyll concentration for multiple linear models were 0.67 for H, 0.88 for S, 0.77 for I. The R2 values for different hyperspectral index like the ratio vegetation index (RVI), the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), modified chlorophyll absorption ratio index (MCARI) between 0.77 and 0.78. R2=0.79 was obtained with fluorescence image. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was employed to using the selected vegetation indices computed from different imaging data to estimate the chlorophyll concentration for sorghum plants. Among all the imaging data, chlorophyll content was predicted with high accuracy (R2 from 0.84 to 2.92, RPD from 2.49 to 3.58). ConclusionAccording to the Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) error function, the model was better fitted based on images, DAS and SLW than that based on images and DAS. This study indicated that the accuracy for chlorophyll estimation was increased by the image traits combined with DAS and SLW. High throughput imaging provides a simple, rapid, and nondestructive method to estimate the leaf chlorophyll concentration.
Early Transplanting of Rainfed Rice Minimizes Irrigation Demand by Utilizing Rainfall
Authors: Hossain Md. Belal , Roy Debjit , Mahmud Mir Nurul Hasan , Paul Priya Lal Chandra , Yesmin Mst. Shetara , Kundu Palash Kumar
Published: April 2021

BackgroundRainfall is the key contributor to provide soil moisture for wet season rice (T. Aman) cultivation. Erratic rainfall often causes water shortage resulting negative impact on plant growth and grain yield. The study aimed to determine suitable transplanting window that utilized maximum rainfall for long duration (145 days) rice cultivar. Firstly, three years field experiment conducted in Kushtia, Bangladesh in T. Aman season from 2013 to 2015, and then the findings were implemented for another two adjacent locations, Panba and Rajshahi. The field experiment considered six transplanting dates of popular cultivar BR11 at 7 days interval starting from 10 July up to 14 August. The CROPWAT 8.0 model was used to calculate crop water requirement (CWR), effective rainfall and irrigation demand (ID) from collected weather data in each growth phase of rice. A suitable transplanting window was selected considering minimum ID at reproductive phase and the maximum grain yield. ResultsT. Aman rice received enormous rainfall and accounted no irrigation at vegetative phase in all three tested years in all locations. The early transplanting received more rainfall in reproductive phase than late planting practice. Thus, Irrigation demand increased at reproductive phase with delay transplanting in moderate drought prone Kushtia, Pabna and Rajshah. A significant relationship (R2 = 0.71) observed between ID at reproductive phase to grain yield, while grain yield responded weakly with the ID at ripening phase. Based on yield performance 10-24 July found suitable transplanting window for BR11 in Kushtia. Applying ID vs yield relationship, 10-17 July and 10-24 July considered the best transplanting window in Pabna and Rajshahi, respectively. ConclusionsDelay in transplanting demanded more irrigation and reduced yield. Consequently, early transplanting utilized maximum rainfall, reduced ID in reproductive stage and ensured desired grain yield.
Research on the new mode of intelligent maintenance and health management of coal mine equipment
Authors: Cao Xiangang , Zhang Mengyuan , Duan Yong , Wu Kexin , Li Yanchuan
Published: April 2021

Based on the analysis of the current challenges and deficiencies in the maintenance and management of coal mine equipment, an intelligent maintenance and health management system framework for coal mine equipment is designed for the big data characteristics of the life cycle of coal mine equipment. Taking the big data processing and analysis of coal mine equipment as the main line, it proposes and elaborates the key technologies of the intelligent maintenance and health management of coal mine equipment driven by big data, including the unified description and analysis of multi-source heterogeneous big data, and intelligent fault diagnosis of coal mine equipment. Technology, health evaluation and prediction technology, intelligent maintenance decision-making technology, etc. Through the implementation of the above-mentioned system architecture and key technologies, data-driven life-cycle intelligent decision-making is realized, which promotes the continuous optimization and improvement of equipment process management and reduces business costs. The proposed system architecture provides a reference model for subsequent development.
High Altitude Is Associated With Lower Stroke-Related Mortality: A 17-Year Nationwide Population-Based Analysis From Ecuador
Authors: Ortiz-Prado Esteban , Espinosa Patricio. S , Borrero Alfredo , Cordovez Simone P. , Vasconez Jorge E. , Barreto Alejandra , Coral-Alemida Marco , Henriquez Aquiles R. , Simbana-Rivera Katherine , Gomez-Barreno Lenin , Viscor Gines , Roderick Paul
Published: April 2021

Background: Globally, more than 5.7% of the population reside above 1,500 m of elevation. It has been hypothesized that acute short-term hypoxia exposure could increase the risk of developing a stroke. Studies assessing the effect of altitude on stroke have provided conflicting results, some analysis suggest that long-term chronic exposure could be associated with reduced mortality and lower stroke incidence rates. Methods:An ecological analysis of all stroke hospital admissions, mortality rates and disability adjusted life years in Ecuador was performed from 2001-2017. The cases and population at risk were categorized in low (<1,500 m), moderate (1,500-2,500 m), high (2,500-3,500 m) and very high altitude (3,500-5,500 m) according to place of residence. The derived crude and direct standardized age-sex adjusted mortality and hospital admission rates were calculated. Results: A total of 38,201 deaths and 75,893 stroke-related hospital admissions were reported. High-altitude populations (HAP) had lower stroke mortality in men (RR: 0.91 [0.88 - 0.95]) and women (RR: 0.83 [0.79 - 0.86]). In addition, HAP had a significant lower risk of getting admitted to the hospital when compared with the low altitude group in men (RR: 0.55 [CI95% 0.54 - 0.56]) and women (RR: 0.65 [CI95% [0.64 - 0.66]). Conclusions: This is the first epidemiological study that aims to elucidate the association between stroke and altitude using four different elevation ranges. Our findings suggest that living at higher elevations offers a reduction or the risk of dying due to stroke as well as a reduction in the probability of being admitted to the hospital. Nevertheless, this protective factor has the stronger effect between 2,000 m to 3,500 m.
Safety and Efficacy of Minimally Invasive McKeown Esophagectomy in 1023 Consecutive Esophageal Cancer Patients: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Zheng Xiao-Dong , Li Shi-cong , Lu Chao , Zhang Wei-Ming , Hou Jian-Bin , Shi Ke-Feng , Zhang Peng
Published: April 2021

Objective
By analyzing the perioperative, postoperative complications and long-term overall survival time, we summarized the 8-year experience of minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in a single medical center.
Methods
This retrospective follow-up study included 1023 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent MIE-McKeown between Mar 2013 and Oct 2020. Relevant variables were collected and evaluated. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method.
Results
For 1023 esophageal cancer undergoing MIE-McKeown, the main intraoperative complications were bleeding (3.0%, 31/1023) and tracheal injury (1.7%, 17/1023). There was no death occurred during operation. The conversion rate of thoracoscopy to thoracotomy was 2.2% (22/1023), and laparoscopy to laparotomy was 0.3% (3/1023). The postoperative morbidity of complications was 36.2% (370/1023), of which anastomotic leakage 7.7% (79/1023), pulmonary complication 13.4% (137/1023), chylothorax 2.3% (24/1023), and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury 8.8% (90/1023). The radical resection rate (R0) was 96.0% (982/1023), 30-day mortality was 0.3% (3/1023). For 1000 cases with squamous cell carcinoma, the estimated 3-year and 5-year overall survival was 65.1% and 52.7% respectively. In addition, neoadjuvant chemotherapy offered 5-year survival advantage in advanced stage patients (for stage III: 53.1% vs. 32.9%, and for stage IV: 20.3% vs. 7.1%).
Conclusions
This retrospective single center study demonstrates that MIE-McKeown procedure is feasible and safe with low perioperative and postoperative complications’ morbidity, and acceptable long-term oncologic results. Meanwhile, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery may improve long-term survival for patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Association between the rs1360780 polymorphism in FKBP5 gene and serum cortisol levels in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Bozkurt Hasan , Çim Abdullah , Şimşek Şeref , Şahin Serkan , Coşkun Salih
Published: April 2021

The inconsistent results about cortisol levels in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be suggestive of other factors like gen polymorphisms rather than the disorder itself. So we aimed to investigate the rs1360780 polymorphism in FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) gene and its relation to ASD and cortisol levels comparing with that of healthy participants. We have included two main groups as study and control groups in the present study. Eighty nine children with ASD ranging in age from 2 to 15 years were selected for the study group and age-matched 86 healthy children were selected for the control group. Cortisol levels were found to be significantly higher in the study group. However there was no statistically significant difference in terms of allele and genotype frequencies between the groups. Carrying the C allele of FKBP5 seems to increase the cortisol levels in the study group. This is the first clinical study to evaluate the association between rs1360780 polymorphism in FKBP5 gene and serum cortisol levels in children with ASD. Since the prevalence of ASD is gradually increasing in recent years, several endocrine and related genetic factors should be born in mind while examining this population.
Modified Recipient Blood Flow-preserved Cross-leg Anterolateral Thigh Flap Procedure for Complex Lower Extremity Reconstruction
Authors: Zhou Hong-Xiang , He Liang , Yin Dong , Niu Yang , Jin Zhe , Li Jun-Jie , Wang Qian-Kun , Zhou Tao
Published: April 2021

Background: Complex lower limb reconstruction following severe trauma remains a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. We here introduce a modified recipient blood flow-preserved cross-leg anterolateral thigh flap procedure and evaluate its clinical efficacy.Methods: Between January 2013 and December 2019, 22 patients (range 10 to 64 years old) with unilateral lower limb injuries underwent the modified recipient blood flow-preserved cross-leg anterolateral thigh flap procedures. Among them, 16 cases were traffic accidents, 5 cases were stubborn ulcers, and 1 case was degloving injury. The arterial pedicle of flap was prepared as Y-shaped fashion and microanastomosed to contralateral posterior tibial artery in a flow-through style. A split-thickness skin graft was applied to wrap the vascular pedicle after anastomosis. The flap was designed as single or bilobed fashions according to the shape of defects. The tissue defects ranged from 12 × 6 to 21 × 18 cm2. The vascular pedicle was divided 4 weeks after vascular anastomosis. Doppler ultrasound was performed to evaluate the blood flow of the recipient posterior tibial artery during postoperative follow-up.Results: All of 22 flaps survived. The flap sizes ranged from to 14 × 7.5 to 24 × 21 cm2. Eighteen flaps were designed as single fashion, and four flaps were bilobed fashion. Twenty patients underwent fasciocutaneous flap transplantation, and two underwent musculocutaneous flap transplantation. Two cases developed local lysis of the flap, and the wound healed after further debridement. Direct suture of the donor-site incision were performed in 16 cases, while additional full-thickness skin grafting were performed in remaining 6 cases. Further bone transport procedure was performed in 15 patients with severe tibia bone defects. Blood flow of recipient posterior tibial arteries were all confirmed during follow-up. The postoperative follow-up ranged 18 to 84 months, and no long-term complications were observed.Conclusions: The modified recipient blood flow-preserved cross-leg anterolateral thigh flap procedure is an ideal method to repair large tissue defects without sacrificing major artery of uninjured lower limb.
Investigation on the Surface Settlement for Curved Shield Construction in Sandy Stratum with Laboratory Model Test
Authors: Xu Ping , Xi Danhui
Published: April 2021

According to the existing practical engineering data, the settlement curve of shield tunnel with small curvature radius is obviously different from that of straight tunnel, so using Peck formula to forecast the surface settlement is not applicable. This paper describes results from a series of the laboratory test based on similarity theory carried out in sandy soil. According to the test results, the characteristics of surface settlement caused by small radius tunnel excavation are summarized, and the effects of turning radius and buried depth on the surface settlement are demonstrated. Based on Gaussian formula, a method to forecast the surface settlement caused by construction of shield tunnel with small curvature radius is developed.
Head-to-Head Comparison of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 and [18F]-FDG PET/CT in Evaluating the Extent of Disease in Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kuten Jonathan , Levine Charles , Shamni Ofer , Pelles Sharon , Wolf Ido , Lahat Guy , Mishani Eyal , Even-Sapir Einat
Published: April 2021

Background[18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) may sometimes be suboptimal for imaging gastric adenocarcinoma. The recently introduced [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 (FAPI) PET/CT targets tumor stroma and has shown considerable potential in evaluating the extent of disease in a variety of tumors.MethodsWe performed a head-to-head prospective comparison of FAPI and FDG PET/CT in the same group of 13 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who presented for either initial staging (n = 10) or restaging (n = 3) of disease. Lesion detection and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) were compared between the two types of radiotracers.ResultsAll ten primary gastric tumors were FAPI-positive (100% detection rate), whereas only five were also FDG-positive (50%). SUVmax was not significantly different, but the tumor-to-background ratio was higher for FAPI (mean, median, and range of 4.5, 3.2, and 0.8-9.7 for FDG and 12.9, 11.9, and 2.2-23.9 for FAPI, P = 0.007). The level of detection of regional lymph node involvement was comparable. FAPI showed a superior detection rate for peritoneal carcinomatosis (100% vs. none). Two patients with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis underwent a follow-up FAPI scan after chemotherapy: one showed partial remission and the other showed progressive disease.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that FAPI PET/CT outperforms FDG PET/CT in detecting both primary gastric adenocarcinoma and peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer. FAPI PET/CT also shows promise for monitoring response to treatment in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer, however, larger trials are needed to validate these findings.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Presepsin in Patients with Non-Infectious Organ Failure, Sepsis, and Septic Shock: A Prospective Observational Study According to the Sepsis-3 Definitions
Authors: Lee Sukyo , Song Juhyun , Park Dae Won , Seok Hyeri , Cha Jae-hyung , Ahn Sejoong , Kim Jooyeong , Park Jonghak , Cho Han-jin
Published: April 2021

Background: Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. Early diagnosis of sepsis is challenging due to unknown sources of infection, and mortality prediction is usually complex. We aimed to investigate the clinical value of presepsin for discriminating sepsis from non-infectious organ failure and predicting mortality among sepsis patients in the emergency department (ED).Methods: This prospective observational study included 420 patients divided into three groups according to the Sepsis-3 definitions: non-infectious organ failure (n=142), sepsis (n=141), and septic shock (n=137). Blood samples for biomarker measurement of presepsin, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein were drawn in the ED and biomarker levels were compared between the groups. Optimal cut-off values for presepsin to discriminate between the three clinical diagnoses were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. We also performed ROC curve analysis for each biomarker as a predictor of mortality. After excluding non-infectious organ failure, we extracted the optimal cut-off value of presepsin to predict mortality associated with sepsis and septic shock and performed Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis according to the cut-off value.Results: Presepsin levels (median [IQR]) were significantly higher in sepsis than in non-infectious organ failure (792 [450–1273] vs. 286 [170–417], p <0.001) and significantly higher in septic shock than in sepsis (1287 [589–2365] vs. 792 [450–1273], p=0.002). The optimal cut-off value for presepsin to discriminate between sepsis and non-infectious organ failure was 582 pg/mL (sensitivity, 70.1; specificity, 89.4; AUC, 0.877; p <0.001) and to discriminate between sepsis and septic shock was 1285 pg/mL (sensitivity, 50.4; specificity, 76.6; AUC, 0.618; p <0.001). The optimal cut-off value for presepsin for predicting 30-day mortality was 821 pg/mL (sensitivity, 68.9; specificity, 50.5; AUC, 0.605; p=0.005) in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that patients with higher presepsin levels (≥821 pg/mL) had significantly higher mortality than patients with lower presepsin levels (<821 pg/mL) (log-rank test; p=0.004). Conclusions: Presepsin levels could effectively differentiate sepsis from non-infectious organ failure and septic shock from sepsis. Presepsin levels could help clinicians predict mortality in patients with sepsis and septic shock.
Optimization of Dosage Regimen of Meropenem in Patients Undergoing Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kang Soyoung , Yang Seungwon , Hahn Jongsung , Jang June Young , Min Kyoung Lok , Wi Jin , Chang Min Jung
Published: April 2021

BackgroundPatients receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) therapy often require antibiotics to prevent and treat infections. Our objective was to determine an optimal dosage regimen of meropenem in patients receiving VA ECMO by developing a population pharmacokinetic model.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study. Blood samples were collected during ECMO (ECMO-ON) and after ECMO (ECMO-OFF). The population pharmacokinetic model was developed using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. A Monte Carlo simulation was used (n=10,000) to assess the probability of target attainment.ResultsThirteen adult patients on ECMO receiving meropenem were included. Meropenem pharmacokinetics was best fitted by a two-compartment model. Covariate analysis indicated that continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was negatively correlated with clearance (CL). The final pharmacokinetic model was: CL (L/h) = 3.79 × 0.44CRRT; where use of CRRT = 1, no CRRT = 0, central volume of distribution (L) = 2.4, peripheral volume of distribution (L) = 8.56, and intercompartmental clearance (L/h) = 21.3. According to the simulation results, 1–2 g q8h intravenous administration over 20 min was sufficient in patients without CRRT for both susceptible (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 2 mg/L) and resistant (MIC = 8 mg/L) pathogens, regardless of ECMO use (40% fT>MIC target). However, if more aggressive treatment is needed (100% fT>MIC target), dose increment or extended infusion is recommended.ConclusionsWe established a population pharmacokinetic model for meropenem in patients receiving VA ECMO and suggested an optimal dosage regimen. These results should improve treatment success and survival in VA ECMO patients. Clinicaltrials.gov registration # NCT02581280
Comparison of Biometry Traits, Chemical and Fatty Acid Composition of Wild and Farmed Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus Labrax)
Authors: Tarricone Simona , Cagnetta Prospero , Jambrenghi Anna Caputi , Ragni Marco
Published: April 2021

Sea bass is a fish widely produced, consumed and appreciated in Italy. Its intensive rearing system provide the consumption of valuable fish to wider population. Thanks to the use of an appropriate feed is possible to obtain reared sea bass richer in total lipid with a majority presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as n-3 and n-6 families. A total of 75 specimens of European sea bass from three different origins (two farmed and one wild) were considered, 25 fish from each origin. Biometry traits were valuated as the chemical and fatty acid composition of fillets. Biometric indices, chemical composition and fatty acid profile resulted significantly affected by the rearing system. Fishes from the Intensive rearing system (IRS) showed the highest value of relative profile and condition factor; higher content of lipid and total n-6 that influenced the n-3/n-6 ratio and the atherogenic index; values that make their meats very healthy and indicated for human consumption as the wild fishes.
A Blended Empirical Shot Stream Velocity Model for Improvement of Shot Peening Production
Authors: NGUYEN VAN BO , Teo Augustine , Ba Te , Aramcharoen Ampara , Ahluwalia Kunal , Kang Chang Wei
Published: April 2021

Peening intensity and coverage are vital measurement outputs to quantify the quality of a peening process in surface enhancement operation of metal parts. In practice, these parameters can only be measured offline upon process completion, which are not suitable for online tracking and operation. Instead, shot stream velocity can be used as a real-time monitoring parameter to bridge operational inputs to the outputs. As such, a robust and accurate shot stream velocity model is needed for real-time tracking. In this study, we propose a blended practical model for shot stream velocity to address the issues. The model is constructed using regression algorithm based on the blended candidate functions, which are developed from experimental data and nature of the particle-air flow inside the system. Obtained model is validated against experimental data for different conditions. Calculated velocities are in good agreement with the measurements. In addition, applications of the model in predicting the shot stream velocity for different peen types, different peening intensities and coverages. The obtained results are comparable to the measurement data. Furthermore, a single-input and single-output model-based control is developed from proposed shot stream velocity model. The developed control system is robust, accurate and reliable. It implies that the developed model can be used to provide necessary information as well as in optimal process control development to improve and accelerate the peening processes to reduce cost and time of actual productions.
Enhancing Environmental Sustainability Through Corporate Governance: The Merger and Acquisition Perspective
Authors: Zheng Dandan , Yuan Zhipan , DING Shusheng , Cui Tianxiang
Published: April 2021

Background: Environmental sustainability may be perceived as conflicting with economic development. Economic activities such as merger and acquisitions can contribute to resource allocation optimization, where corporate governance plays an important role in advancing environmental sustainability. Our study broadens the investigation of whether merger and acquisitions are helpful for sustainable environmental development. We attempt to reveal the mechanism by which merger and acquisitions affect sustainable development: namely, through corporate governance. Results: By employing panel data for Chinese listed companies, we reveal that merger and acquisitions have a significant positive influence on environmental sustainability. In particular, the study documents a mediating effect of corporate governance. We argue that merger and acquisitions can trigger company reorganizations and thus optimize firm structure, resulting in better corporate governance. This effect, in turn, can enhance company management in several aspects, including sustainable environmental development. Therefore, we conclude that the government can improve corporate governance by promoting board reorganizations via mergers and acquisitions, leading to better environmental sustainability. Conclusions: This paper can inspire future research avenues by shedding light on how economic development and environment sustainability can be harmonized through better corporate governance. It can also deliver research implications on corporate governance studies through merger and acquisitions.
Soil biotic and abiotic characteristics as driven factors for site quality of Araucaria angustifolia plantations
Authors: Souza Tancredo , Dobner Mário , Schmitt Djalma Eugênio , Silva Lucas Jónatan Rodrigues da , Niemeyer Júlia Carina , Schneider Ketlin
Published: April 2021

Purpose
The role of soil biotic and abiotic factors in crucial ecosystem services such as primary production, organic matter dynamics, nutrient cycling, and soil biota community structure in the Araucaria ecosystem remains poorly quantified. We aimed to quantify the role of site quality on the development of organic horizons, root growth, soil chemical properties, and the entire soil biota community in even-aged and monospecific Araucaria angustifolia plantations.
Methods
We collected and dissected soil monoliths to describe layers of organic matter and the complex soil food web into these layers. We determined soil pH, soil moisture, total nitrogen, available P, and total organic carbon into each layer (litter, F-layer, H-layer, and A horizon), the biomass of fine roots, the community structure of soil biota, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and nematodes, as well as the microbial biomass carbon.
Results
In the high-productivity site, there was significantly higher organic matter formation, nutrient cycling (N and P), root growth, soil moisture, soil biota diversity, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, nematodes, and microbial activity evaluated by the microbial biomass carbon compared to the low-productivity site.
Conclusions
High-productivity sites promote the development of organic horizons, root growth on superficial layers that provide plant nutrient release, the A horizon nutrient contents, and the entire soil biota community in monospecific Araucaria angustifolia plantations located on humid subtropical Cambisols. This creates a positive plant-soil feedback that maintains soil quality and increases primary production, nutrient cycling, and habitat and food for the soil food web.
An Initial Experience and Usefulness of Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrix (PADM) Assisted Prepectoral Breast Implant Surgery: Case Series and Systematic Review
Authors: Song Woo Jin , Sim Hyung Bo , Jeong Hyun Gyo , Kang Sang Gue
Published: April 2021

Background: We report our experience with performing prepectoral placement breast implant surgery using Supporix TM (HansBiomed, Korea), a porcine acellular dermal matrix (PADM), for cosmetic and reconstructive indications. The clinical efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of PADM were also discussed. Methods: A single-center, retrospective study was designed from December 2017 to December 2019. The participants were Korean female patients who had PADM-assisted prepectoral breast implant surgery performed by two surgeons (S.G.K. & H.B.S.). All complications were registered and analyzed. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the complication rates after PADM-assisted prepectoral breast implant surgery were conducted for comparison with other studies. Subgroup analysis was performed in three groups according to the operation type: the cosmetic breast surgery (CBS) group, the immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IIBR) group, and the delayed implant-based breast reconstruction (DIBR) group. Results: A total of 20 breasts in 16 patients were included in our study with a median follow-up period of 8.25 months. In a systematic review, 20 publications with a total of 2,504 breasts in 1,921 females were quantitively analyzed. The overall complication rates in our study and other studies were 14% and 24% in total group analysis, 0% and 12% in the CBS group, 62% and 26% in the IIBR group, and 0% and 28% in the DIBR group, respectively.Conclusion: Our data support the effectiveness of PADM-assisted prepectoral breast implant surgery, which was comparable to other studies. PADM was effective for reducing seroma and hematoma in the revision CBS group and the DIBR group. In the IIBR group, it was helpful in preventing implant loss and explantation.
Enhancing Resonance Imaging Sensitivity and Upconversion Emission of Gd-based Nanoscale Coordination Polymers by Combination With Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Xiao Chen , Change Tuck Yun , Li Yin , Xu Hualan , Zhong Shengliang
Published: April 2021

Nanoscale coordination polymers (NCPs) are attracting increasing research interest due to their highly tailorable structure, feasible functionality and promising application in various fields, especially in biomedical applications, they are excellent contrast agents for bioimaging, biosensing and clinical diagnosis. Currently, to overcome the low relaxation rate and unitary information of magnetic resonance imaging, the design of multifunction contrast agent is critical and challenging. Herein, a new Au nanoparticles/Gd-based coordination polymer (Au@GdCP) composite nanoparticles have been fabricated by a facile hydrothermal methodology. The Au@GdCP exhibit excellent magnetic resonance, bright upconversion luminescence (UC) and good biocompatibility. More importantly, with the introduction of Au nanoparticles, the magnetization and longitudinal relaxation rate (r1) of the nanocomposite is enhanced significantly, with 131.6-fold from 5.19 emu/g to 683.52 emu/g and 11.5 fold from 0.248 mM–1S–1 to 2.853 mM–1S–1 enhancement, respectively, as well as better UC property over GdCPs. This work may offer a new way to develop multifunctional NCPs with enhanced performance in image-guided diagnosis and therapy.
A simple algorithm for selecting cases to investigate acute and early HIV infections in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: MATSUDA ELAINE MONTEIRO , Ahagon Cintia Mayumi , Coelho Luana Portes Ozório , Campos Ivana Barros , Colpas Daniela Rodrigues , Campos Norberto Camilo , López-Lopes Giselle Ibete Silva , Silva Valeria Oliveira , de Oliviera Isabela Penteriche , Brígido Luis Fernando de Macedo
Published: April 2021

We documented the outcome of an over 10-year effort to diagnose acute and early HIV infections (AEHI) in an Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic with limited resources. Of a total of 132 cases, 119 HIV-RNA tests were performed from 2017–2020, 12 cases were identified, using a simple algorithm: risk exposure of six weeks or less before the visit and/or symptoms compatible with acute retroviral syndrome 7–30 days after exposure and/or undetermined 3rd generation rapid diagnostic test or serology. AEHI diagnoses varied from 2.4% among asymptomatic to 25% for undetermined serology cases using a simple screening applicable to different settings.
Simultaneous Optimization of Even Flow and Land and Timber value in Forest Planning: A Continuous Approach
Authors: González-González José Mario , Vázquez-Méndez Miguel Ernesto , Diéguez-Aranda Ulises
Published: April 2021

Background: Forest management planning involves deciding which silvicultural treatment should be applied to each stand and at what time to best meet the objectives established for the forest. For this, many mathematical formulations have been proposed, both within the linear and non-linear programming frameworks, in the latter case generally considering integer variables in a combinatorial manner. We present a novel approach for planning the management of forests comprising single-species, even-aged stands, using a continuous, multi-objective formulation (considering economic and even flow) which can be solved with gradient-type methods.Results: The continuous formulation has proved robust in forest with different structures and different number of stands. The results obtained show a clear advantage of the gradient-type methods over heuristics to solve the problems, both in terms of computational time (efficiency) and in the solution obtained (effectiveness): their improvement increases drastically with the dimension of the problem (number of stands). Conclusions: It is advisable to rigorously analyze the mathematical properties of the objective functions involved in forest management planning models. The continuous bi-objective model proposed in this paper works with smooth enough functions and can be efficiently solved by using gradient-type techniques, does not require to set management prescriptions in advance, and avoids the division of the planning horizon into periods, providing better solutions than the traditional combinatorial formulations. The graphical display of trade-off information allows a posteriori articulation of preferences in an intuitive way, therefore being a very interesting tool for the decision-making process in forest planning.
Relationship between serum total testosterone and prostate volume in aging men
Authors: Xia Bo-Wen , Zhao Si-Cong , Chen Zong-Ping , Chen Chao , Liu Tian-Shu , Yang Fan , Yan Yong
Published: April 2021

Objectives
Total testosterone levels decline with age, while prostate volume and the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia increase with age. We sought to investigate the correlation of serum testosterone levels with prostate volume in aging men.
Materials and methods
We analyzed clinical data obtained from 416 ostensibly healthy men who underwent routine health check-ups and recruited and collected data from these subjects 4 years later. We analyzed the correlation between prostate volume and relevant factors, as well as the correlation between changes in prostate volume and low testosterone over a 4-year period.
Results
Men with low testosterone had significantly larger prostate volume than those in the normal testosterone group (26.86 ± 8.75 vs 24.06 ± 6.77 p = 0.02), and subjects with low testosterone had significantly higher levels of obesity-related factors, including waist circumference, body mass index, and insulin (all p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, testosterone level was negatively correlated with prostate volume (p = 0.004), and prostate volume and 4-year changes in prostate volume were associated with low testosterone. With increased testosterone level, prostate volume showed a significant linear decreasing trend.
Conclusion
These findings provide evidence of the relationship between testosterone and prostate volume. Additional large studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
Effects of Simultaneous Reinforcement of Endocannabinoid and Cholinergic Systems on Anxiety-Like Behavior in Mice
Authors: Shahidi Siamak , Dindar Asghar , Komaki Alireza , Sadeghian Reihaneh
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveAnxiety behavior is regulated by different neurotransmitter systems. There has been no direct relationship between endocannabinoid and cholinergic systems on anxiety in previous studies. This study investigated the effects of each of these systems separately and simultaneously using Donepezil (Cholinesterase inhibitor) and URB-597 (endocannabinoid degrading enzyme inhibitor) on anxiety-like behavior. MethodEighty-eight male mice were divided into eleven groups (n=8) including control (saline), diazepam (0.3 mg /kg), URB-597 (0.1, 0.3, or 1 mg /kg), donepezil (0.5, 1 or 2 mg/kg) and the combination of the two drugs at low, medium and high doses. All treatments were injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before the elevated plus maze test. ResultsSeparate administration of URB597, donepezil or diazepam increased the number and time spent of open arms compared to the control group. Concurrent administration of URB and donepezil at low, medium and high doses did not change the number of open arms entries compared to the control group, but they reduced the number of entries to the closed arms. ConclusionsThese results suggest that strengthening any cholinergic or endocannabinoid system has anxiolytic effect similar to diazepam. However, the interaction of these two systems has fewer anxiolytic effects compared to the effects of each alone. It seems that these drugs alone may represent a strategy for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
An analysis of social participation and depression in middle-aged and senior citizens in China: A fixed-effect analysis
Authors: Chen Xiaoqun , Hua Zhongsheng , Zhu Xiaoli
Published: April 2021

Background
Social activities has been suggested to prevent for depression for middle-aged and senior citizens for a long time. However, researchers failed to reach an agreement on the influence of formal and informal social activities on depression for both males and females. This study aimed to investigate the difference between these two types of social activities on depressive symptoms in middle-aged and senior citizens for both males and females in China.
Methods
Based on activity theory, social activities are classified into formal social activities and informal social activities according to the degree of intensity and intimacy. A total of 8610 participants from an 8-year period of the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2018) were analyzed using fixed-effect analysis. 10-item center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to measure depression symptoms for middle-aged and senior citizens.
Results
The average depression score for women and men are 9.235 and 7.141, respectively. There was a significant negative relationship between participating in informal social activities and depression scores. Moreover, the coefficient of informal social activities for men are significantly higher than women.
Conclusion
Only informal social activities can reduce depressive symptoms middle-aged and senior citizens. The effects of informal social participation on depression are different between men and women among middle-aged and senior citizens. Middle-aged and senior women are more likely to be depressed, but men can benefit more from informal social activities.