bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guideline for the Surgical Management of Locally Invasive Differentiated Thyroid Cancer From the Korean Society of Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Park Jun-Ook , Kim Joo Hyun , Joo Young Hoon , Kim Sang-Yeon , Kim Geun-Jeon , Kim Hyun Bum , Lee Dong-Hyun , Hong Hyun Jun , Park Young Min , Chung Eun-Jae , Ji Yong Bae , Oh Kyoung Ho , Lee Hyoung Shin , Lee Dong Kun , Park Ki Nam , Ban Myung Jin , Kim Bo Hae , Kim Do Hun , Cho Jae-Keun , Ahn Dong Bin , Kim Min-Su , Seok Jun Girl , Jang Jeon Yeob , Choi Hyo Geun , Kim Hee Jin , Park Sung Joon , Jung Eun Kyung , Kim Yeon Soo , Hong Yong Tae , Lee Young Chan , Won Ho-Ryun , Shin Sung-Chan , Baek Seung-Kuk , Kwon Soon Young
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to develop evidence-based recommendations for determining the surgical extent in patients with locally invasive differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Locally invasive DTC with gross extrathyroidal extension invading surrounding anatomical structures may lead to several functional deficits and poor oncological outcomes. At present, the optimal extent of surgery in locally invasive DTC remains a matter of debate, and there are no adequate guidelines. On October 8, 2021, four experts searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases; the identified papers were reviewed by 39 experts in thyroid and head and neck surgery. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of evidence, and to develop and report recommendations. The strength of a recommendation reflects the confidence of a guideline panel that the desirable effects of an intervention outweigh any undesirable effects, across all patients for whom the recommendation is applicable. After completing the draft guidelines, Delphi questionnaires were completed by members of the Korean Society of Head and Neck Surgery. Twenty-seven evidence-based recommendations were made for several factors, including the preoperative workup; surgical extent of thyroidectomy; surgery for cancer invading the strap muscles, recurrent laryngeal nerve, laryngeal framework, trachea, or esophagus; and surgery for patients with central and lateral cervical lymph node involvement. Evidence-based guidelines were devised to help clinicians make safer and more efficient clinical decisions for the optimal surgical treatment of patients with locally invasive DTC.
Strategi Bauran Promosi Kartu Perdana Smartfren sebagai Media Komunikasi di Masa Pandemi
Authors: Pratiwi Nuning Indah , Suparna Putu , Satria Wahyu Indra , Putri Ni Luh Putu Melyana
Published: January 2023

AbstrakÂ Pada masa pandemi, pemerintah mengeluarkan kebijakan-kebijakan seperti pembatasan bersekala besar (PSBB), bekerja dari rumah, dan belajar daring. Kebijakan tersebut mengakibatkan meningkatnya kebutuhan internet (kuota) di masyarakat. Sehingga hal tersebut menimbulkan persaingan usaha telekomunikasi di Indonesia. Meski demikian, PT. Smartfren Telecom Tbk (Smartfren) mampu bertumbuh dan secara konsisten meningkat pada masa pandemi di tahun 2020. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui strategi bauran promosi Smartfren sebagai media komunikasi kepada konsumen saat masa pandemi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif untuk mengkaji kedalaman topik penelitian. Data didapat melalui observasi, buku, jurnal ilmiah, dan mewawancara informan. Kriteria informannya yaitu pengguna baru kartu perdana Smartfen pada masa pandemi di kota Denpasar. Hasil penelitian menemukan bahwa PT. Smartfren Telecom Tbk (Smartfren)Â  telah menjalankan semua strategi promosi berdasarkan pada bauran promosi sebagai media komunikasi kepada masyarakat. Lebih lanjut, penelitian ini memaparkan srategi promosi yang dominan diimplementasikan oleh Smartfren, sehingga dapat berkembang di masa pandemi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menemukan bahwa pemasaran langsung dan digital merupakan bauran promosi yang paling mampu menarik minat calon konsumen untuk melakukan pembelian kartu perdana Smartfren yang juga sebagai media komunikasi pemasaran kepada konsumen.AbstractÂ During the pandemic, the government issued policies such as large-scale restrictions (PSBB), working from home, and online learning. This policy has resulted in an increase in the need for internet/quota in the community. So that this causes competition for telecommunications businesses in Indonesia. However, PT. Smartfren Telecom Tbk (Smartfren) was able to grow and consistently increase during the pandemic in 2020. This researchaims to find out smartfren's promotional mix strategy as a medium of communication to consumers during a pandemic. This research uses qualitative methods to examine the depth of the research topic. Data is obtained through observation, books, scientific journals, and interviewing informants. The criteria for informants are new users of Smartfen starter packs during the pandemic in the city of Denpasar. The results of the study found that PT. PT. Smartfren Telecom Tbk (Smartfren) has carried out all promotional strategies based on the promotion mix as a medium of communication to the public. Furthermore, this study explainsthe dominant promotion strategy implemented by Smartfren, sothat it can develop during a pandemic. Based on the results of the study, it was found that direct and digital marketing is the most attractive promotional mix that is able to attract potential consumers to purchase Smartfren starter packs which are also a medium of marketing communication to consumers.
Calidad de servicio y su relación con la fidelización de los clientes de la Agencia Juli de la Coopac "Credicoop Arequipa", 2021
Authors:   , Flores Zavala Glenda Meliza , Villegas Cayllahua Fabiola Wendy
Published: January 2023

El presente artículo presentó como objetivo determinar la relación entre la calidad de servicio y la fidelización en los clientes de la agencia financiera CREDICOOP Arequipa. La metodología aplicada tuvo “enfoque cuantitativo, tipo aplicado, nivel descriptivo-correlacional, diseño no experimental – transversal” (Hernandez y Mendoza, 2018). Respecto a la población de estudio fueron 425 clientes de la agencia Juli de la Coopac “CREDICOOP Arequipa”, cuya muestra fue determinada probabilísticamente dando como resultado 202 clientes a estudiar, quienes fueron evaluados por dos cuestionarios; validados por medio del juicio de expertos y confiabilidad según el alfa de Cronbach, en ambos casos resultó “muy satisfactoria”. Debido a lo anterior, se concluye que a, un nivel de confianza de 95%, existe una relación positiva entre las variables, calidad de servicio y fidelización de los clientes agencia Juli de la Coopac “CREDICOOP Arequipa”, ya que se obtuvo un Coeficiente de correlación de 0.695 con un Pvalor de 0.000 (p<0.05); lo que muestra una relación positiva media entre dichas variables.
ATPergic signaling disruption in human sepsis as a potential source of biomarkers for clinical use
Authors: Leite Rafael Olivé , de Souza Priscila Oliveira , Haas Clarissa Branco , Silveira Fernando da , Mohr Kauan , Bertoni Ana Paula Santin , Soares Mayara S. Pereira , Azambuja Juliana H. , Prá Morgana Dal , Cruz Lorraynne Letycia Prado da , Gelsleichter Nicolly Espindola , Begnini Karine , Haskó George , Wink Márcia R. , Spanevello Roselia M. , Braganhol Elizandra
Published: January 2023

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection. To date, there is no specific treatment established for sepsis. In the extracellular compartment, purines such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine play essential roles in the immune/inflammatory responses during sepsis and septic shock. The balance of extracellular levels among ATP and adenosine are intimately involved in the signals related to immune stimulation/immunosuppression balance. Specialized enzymes, including CD39, CD73, and adenosine deaminase (ADA), are responsible to metabolize ATP to adenosine which will further sensitize the P2 and P1 purinoceptors, respectively. Disruption of the purinergic pathway had been described in the sepsis pathophysiology. Although purinergic signaling has been suggested as a potential target for sepsis treatment, the majority of data available was obtained using pre-clinical approaches. We hypothesized that, as a reflection of deregulation on purinergic signaling, septic patients exhibit differential measurements of serum, neutrophils and monocytes purinergic pathway markers when compared to two types of controls (ward and healthy). It was observed that ATP and ADP serum levels were increased in septic patients, as well as the A2a mRNA expression in neutrophils and monocytes. Both ATPase/ADPase activities were increased during sepsis. Serum ATP and ADP levels, and both ATPase and ADPase activities were associated with the diagnosis of sepsis, representing potential biomarkers candidates. In conclusion, our results advance the translation of purinergic signaling from pre-clinical models into the clinical setting opening opportunities for so much needed new strategies for sepsis and septic shock diagnostics and treatment.
Cognitive and Psychiatric Relevance of Dynamic Functional Connectivity States in Children
Authors: Fu Zening , Sui Jing , Iraji Armin , Liu Jingyu , Calhoun Vince
Published: January 2023

Children’s brains dynamically adapt to the stimuli from the internal state and the external environment, allowing for changes in the cognitive and mental behavior of individuals. In this work, we performed a large-scale analysis of dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) in children aged 9 ~ 11 years, investigating how brain dynamics relate to cognitive performance and mental health during an early age. An adaptive independent component analysis framework was applied to the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) data containing 10,988 children. We combined a sliding-window approach with k-means clustering to identify five reoccurring brain states with distinct DFC patterns. Interestingly, the occurrence of a strongly connected state was negatively correlated with cognitive performance and positively correlated with dimensional psychopathology in children. Meanwhile, the opposite relationships were observed for a sparsely connected state. The composite scores, the attention score, and the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder score were the most significantly correlated with the DFC states. The cognitive and psychiatric relevance of DFC states were highly reproducible across scans and between longitudinal sessions. Finally, the mediation analysis showed that the attention problems mediate the effect of DFC states on cognitive performance. This investigation unveils the neurological underpinnings of DFC by highlighting their robust associations with behavioral development in childhood. Tracking the patterns of maturation in DFC states may capture delays in development and guide people to provide early intervention to buffer adverse influences in children’s development.
Is there a Subnational Resource Curse? Evidence from Households in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Animashaun Jubril , Emediegwu Lotanna
Published: January 2023

The local effect of extractive industries on households’ living standards is viewed in this study as a signal of non-homothetic preferences for education. Previous evidence suggests that resource booms have a positive effect on labor outcomes that further translate into a reduction of poverty in the local population. In contrast to artisanal mining, hydrocarbon-based industries are intensive in high-skilled labor; we predict that further development could increase investment in education but have ambiguous implications on demand in sectors that improve the local welfare. Using annual household data from the Niger Delta between 2010 to 2016, we employ a geographic triple–differences (DDD) estimation that exploits spatial and temporal variation in oil production and locations. We find that costs of living are higher by proximity to oil fields but find that the mechanism is via non-homothetic preferences for education. We find inconclusive evidence on other welfare indicators; limited employment opportunities in non-oil sectors may explain the weak backward linkages and potential positive spillovers. JEL Codes: O13, O18, Q32, J24, I2, R20
Proteomics‑based prognostic signature predicts prognosis and immunity in glioma
Authors: xinyu shen , Zhou Jue , Tan Haoyuan , Zhao Dongxu , Lan Jin , Guo Han , Bao Yinghui
Published: January 2023

The prognosis of glioma patients is closely associated with the expression of immune cells and oncoproteins. Therefore, protein-related signatures were conducted to improve the prediction of overall survival (OS) in glioma patients after surgery. Differential oncoproteins were selected from the Renji cohort and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model is designed to construct the multiple oncoprotein model related to OS in two test series. Furthermore, the 6-oncoprotein model was tight associated with immune cell infiltration, immune function, and immunotherapy. In summary, the 6-oncoprotein marker, a favorable biomarker for the prognosis and immune characteristics of glioma, could help individualized immunotherapy for patients with glioma.
Foam mat drying of Indian blackberry (Syzygium cuminii L.) fruit pulp: Optimization of process parameters and its powder characteristics
Authors: Sahu Indrajeet , Mohapatra Minati , Panda Manoj Kumar , Nayak Raghabananda , Pal Uma Sankar , Rayaguru Kalpana , Dash S.K.
Published: January 2023

Foam-mat drying of Indian black-berry pulp (Syzygiumcumini L.) was carried out using different foaming aids, to determine the effects of concentration of maltodextrin (MD), soy protein isolate (SPI) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) on foaming characteristics e.g. foam expansion (FE), foam stability (FS) and foam density (FD). Optimization of product ingredients were performed using three levels of MD (3.0, 5.0, and 7.0 %), SPI (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 %) and CMC (0.0, 1.0, and 2.0 %) using Box-Behnken method of response surface design. The optimum solutions of the process parameters were obtained at 5.47% of MD, 1.02% of SPI and 1.06% of CMC with response functions of 93.93% FE, 91.60% FS and 481.71 kg/m3 FD. The optimised foamed jamun pulp was dried using hot air-drying method at temperature of 50, 60 and 70°C. The drying rate and effective moisture diffusivity (8.978×10-11 to 1.246×10-10 m2/s) increased with increase in drying temperature. The powder characteristics of dried jamun pulp including bulk density (0.15 to 0.12), flowability: HR (1.27 to 1.13) and CI (21.28 to 12.26 %), total anthocyanin content (61.06 to 35.63 mg/100g) and total phenolic content (278.49 to 195.78 mg GAE/100g) were reduced as the drying air temperature increased from 50 to 70° C, however water solubility index (58.55 to 74.28 %) and hygroscopicity (12.43 to 14.22 g/100g) of powder increased. The dried powder had a porous microstructure and yield medium brightness to their colour.
Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of a Personalised Self-management Intervention for living with long COVID: protocol for the LISTEN randomised controlled trial
Authors: Potter Claire , Leggat Fiona , Lowe Rachel , Pallmann Philip , Riaz Muhammad , Barlow Christy , Edwards Adrian , Siriwardena Aloysius Niroshan , Sevdalis Nick , Sewell Bernadette , McRae Jackie , Fish Jessica , de Abreu Maria Ines de Sousa , Jones Fiona , Busse Monica
Published: January 2023

Background.
Individuals living with long COVID experience multiple, interacting and fluctuating symptoms which can have a dramatic impact on daily living. The aim of the Long Covid Personalised Self-managemenT support EvaluatioN (LISTEN) trial is to evaluate effects of the LISTEN co-designed self-management support intervention for non-hospitalised people living with long COVID on participation in routine activities, social participation, emotional well-being, quality of life, fatigue, and self-efficacy. Cost-effectiveness will also be evaluated, and a detailed process evaluation carried out to understand how LISTEN is implemented.
Methods.
The study is a pragmatic randomised effectiveness and cost-effectiveness trial in which a total of 558 non-hospitalised people with long COVID will be randomised to either the LISTEN intervention or usual care. Recruitment strategies have been developed with input from the LISTEN Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) advisory group and a social enterprise, Diversity and Ability, to ensure inclusivity. Eligible participants can self-refer into the trial via a website or be referred by long COVID services. All participants complete a range of self-reported outcome measures, online, at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months post randomisation (the trial primary end point). Those randomised to the LISTEN intervention are offered up to six one-to-one sessions with LISTEN trained intervention practitioners and given a co-designed digital resource and paper-based book. A detailed process evaluation will be conducted alongside the trial to inform implementation approaches should the LISTEN intervention be found effective and cost-effective.
Discussion.
The LISTEN trial is evaluating a co-designed, personalised self-management support intervention (the LISTEN intervention) for non-hospitalised people living with long COVID. The design has incorporated extensive strategies to minimise participant burden and maximise access. Whilst the duration of follow-up is limited, all participants are approached to consent for long term follow-up (subject to additional funding being secured).
Trial Identifier: LISTEN, Trial registration: ISRCTN36407216, registered 27/01/2022
Magmatic Surge Requires Two-Stage Model for the Laramide Orogeny
Authors: Schwartz Joshua , Lackey Jade Star , Miranda Elena , Klepeis Keith , Mora-Klepeis Gabriela , Robles Francine , Bixler Jonathan
Published: January 2023

The beginning of the Laramide orogeny is a pivotal time in the geological development of the western United States, but the driving mechanism responsible for mountain building, basin formation and ore mineralization is controversial. Most prominent models suggest this event was caused by the collision of an oceanic plateau with western North America at ca. 88 Ma which caused the angle of subduction beneath the continent to shallow. This subhorizontal (flat) subduction is thought to have led to shut-down of the arc, crustal cooling, and the formation of deep, basement-involved thrust faults that penetrated far into the continental interior. In contrast to these predictions, we show that the arc experienced a magmatic surge, the lower crust was hot (835-750°C) and partially molten from 90 to 70 Ma, and cooling occurred after 75 Ma. These data contradict plateau underthrusting as the driving mechanism at 90-80 Ma; therefore, the Laramide orogeny cannot have been initiated by flat-slab subduction. We propose that the Laramide orogeny is best explained as a two-stage orogeny consisting of a syn-magmatic phase at 90-75 Ma, and a widespread mountain building phase at 75-50 Ma. Only that latter phase is linked to flat-slab subduction.
A Novel Index for measuring the Impact of Devices on Hypertension: The Hypertensive Index
Authors: Kingsmore David B , Edgar Ben , Rostron Maggie , Delles Christian , Brady Adrian JB
Published: January 2023

A key limitation in assessing the therapeutic impact of non-pharmacological approaches to treating hypertension is the method of reporting outcomes. Reducing the medications required to achieve the same blood pressure may be reported separately to a reduction in the blood pressure without change in medication, and thus lessen the reported beneficial impact of treatment. This study aims to derive a novel scoring system to gauge the therapeutic impact of non-drug treatment of hypertension by utilising a combination of excessive blood pressure and the number of anti-hypertensives into a combined score - the hypertensive index (HTi). The hypertensive index was empirically derived based on the systolic blood pressure and number of antihypertensive drugs, and applied retrospectively to a cohort undergoing intervention for renovascular hypertension. Subgroup and receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to compare the HTi to traditional methods of reporting outcomes. 99 patients were included. Following intervention, 46% had improvement in both medication load and blood pressure, 29% had benefit in blood pressure without reduction in medication load, 15% had reduction in medication load without significant change in blood pressure and 9% showed no benefit in either parameter. The HTi was superior in detecting benefit from intervention compared with measuring blood pressure or medication load alone (AUC 0.94 vs 0.85;0.84). The hypertensive index may be a more sensitive marker of treatment effect than assessing blood pressure measurements alone. The use of such scoring systems in future trial design may allow more accurate reporting of the effects of interventions for hypertension.
Role of Pseudomonas fluorescens FSYZ01 on the Corrosion Behavior of Q235B Carbon Steel in Oilfield Produced Water
Authors: Liang Lihua , Ren Yuanyuan , Tian Yuan , Garcí José Alberto Alvarado , Zhang Pu , Zhu Xiaoli
Published: January 2023

The corrosion behavior of Q235B carbon steel is investigated in water, LB medium and oilfield produced water adding Pseudomonas fluorescens FSYZ01. After immersion for 13-days, weight loss of carbon steel with this strain decreased by 32.23%, 54.07%, and 78.34% respectively. XRD results show Pseudomonas fluorescens FSYZ01 inhibited conversion of iron oxides by hindering oxygen from approaching metal surface. FT-IR and XPS results show that specific functional groups and bonds reacted with Fe(II/III) to form a dense and stable chelate-oxide protective layer, thereby inhibiting corrosion. Py-GCMS results demonstrate the bacteria degraded C12 to C20 alkanes in oil. The inhibitory mechanism of crude oil degrading bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens FSYZ01 on the carbon steel corrosion was proposed, so as to slowing corrosion of oilfield produced water system pipeline and prolonging its service life, helping to comprehend the microbial corrosion in the actual environment.
Combined in vivo and in situ genome-resolved metagenomics reveals novel symbiotic nitrogen fixing interactions between non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs and microalgae
Authors: CHANDOLA UDITA , TROTTIER CAMILLE , GAUDIN MARINNA , MANIRAKIZA ERIC , MENICOT SAMUEL , LOUVET ISABELLE , LACOUR THOMAS , CHAUMIER TIMOTHEE , TANAKA ATSUKO , Chaffron Samuel , Tirichine Leila
Published: January 2023

Non-cyanobacteria diazotrophs (NCDs) were shown to dominate in surface waters shifting the long-held paradigm of cyanobacteria dominance and raising fundamental questions on how these putative heterotrophic bacteria thrive in sunlit oceans. Here, we report an unprecedented finding in the widely used model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Pt) of NCDs sustaining diatom cells in the absence of bioavailable nitrogen. We identified PtNCDs using metagenomics sequencing and detected nitrogenase gene in silico and/or by PCR. We demonstrated nitrogen fixation in PtNCDs and their close genetic affiliation with NCDs from the environment. We showed the wide occurrence of this type of symbiosis with the isolation of NCDs from other microalgae, their identification in the environment, and predicted their associations with photosynthetic microalgae. Overall, this study provides evidence for a previously overlooked symbiosis using a multidisciplinary model-based approach, which will help understand the different players driving global marine nitrogen fixation.
Distinct mutational pattern of T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia combined with pure red cell aplasia: Low mutational burden of STAT3
Authors: Park Sooyong , Yun Jiwon , Choi Sung Yoon , Jeong Dajeong , Gu Ja-Yoon , Lee Jee-Soo , Seong Moon-Woo , Chang Yoon Hwan , Yun Hongseok , Kim Hyun Kyung
Published: January 2023

T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (T-LGL) is often accompanied by pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). A high depth of next generation sequencing (NGS) was used for detection of the mutational profiles in T-LGL alone (n = 25) and T-LGL combined with PRCA (n = 16). Beside STAT3 mutation (41.5%), the frequently mutated genes included KMT2D (17.1%), TERT (12.2%), SUZ12 (9.8%), BCOR (7.3%), DNMT3A (7.3%), and RUNX1 (7.3%). Mutations of the TERT promoter showed a good response to treatment. Concomitant myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) was detected in 7.3%. T-LGL combined with PRCA showed unique features (low VAF level of STAT3 mutation, low lymphocyte count, old age). Low ANC was detected in a STAT3 mutant with a low level of VAF, suggesting that even the low mutational burden of STAT3 is sufficient for reduction of ANC. In retrospective analysis of 591 patients without T-LGL, one MDS patient with STAT3 mutation was revealed to have subclinical T-LGL. T-LGL combined with PRCA may be classified as unique subtype of T-LGL. High depth NGS can enable sensitive detection of concomitant MDS in T-LGL. Mutation of the TERT promoter may indicate good response to treatment of T-LGL, thus, its addition to an NGS panel may be recommended.
Novel Arterial Reconstruction Policy in Simultaneous pancreas-kidney Transplantation; A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Karar Hassan , Shafiekhani Mojtaba , Mahmoudi Mohamad Mahdi , Azadeh Nazanin , Shamsaeefar Alireza , Nazari Sahar Sohrabi , Jafari Mehran , Ashrafzadeh Kiarash , Esmaeili Maryam , Nikeghbalian Saman , Nikoupour Hamed
Published: January 2023

Introduction
Simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplantation is an inestimable procedure to enhance the quality of life of insulin-dependent patients with advanced renal disease. The creation of vascular anastomoses of the donor’s pancreas vessels to the recipient’s, is of utmost importance to predict the graft prognosis and surgical complications. In the study we introduce a novel technique for arterial reconstruction during SPK transplantation.
Methods
Conventionally, during the SPK transplantation, a so-called Y-graft is anastomosed between donor’s superior mesenteric and splenic artery to the recipient’s right iliac artery. In the study we adopted a new technique by preparing an extra extension using the donor’s carotid artery, to be anastomosed to the Y-graft and the iliac artery. In this non-blinded randomized clinical trial we compared the surgical complications and early outcomes between the 2 groups of patients with the traditional and new arterial reconstruction techniques during 3 months after transplantation
Results
Thirty adult patients were included in the study. The incidence of pancreatitis, vascular thrombosis and surgical site infection was lower in the new Y-graft and extension technique, which was not statistically significant. However, the calculated Cohen’s d index showed the medium effect of new Y-graft and extension technique on complication after SPK transplantations.
Conclusion
The post-operative complications tend to be lower in the novel arterial reconstruction technique, however a study on a larger patient group is encouraged to confirm our primary results.
Trial registration:
The study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 12/05/2022; IRCT 20210625051701N2; (http://www.irct.ir/).
Population screening for 15q11-q13 duplications: corroboration of the difference in impact between maternally and paternally inherited alleles
Authors: Vermeesch Joris , Parijs Ilse , Brison Nathalie , Vancoillie Leen , Janssens Katrien , Blaumeiser Bettina , Baetens Machteld , Janssens Sandra , Menten Björn , Dimitrov Boyan , Fieremans Nathalie , Kim Van Berkel , Bogaert Ann Van Den , MEUNIER Colombine , Désir Julie , Boulanger Sebastien , Marichal Axel , Devriendt Koenraad , Bogaert Kris Van den
Published: January 2023

Maternally inherited 15q11-q13 duplications are generally found to cause more severe neurodevelopmental anomalies compared to paternally inherited duplications. However, this assessment is mainly inferred from the study of patient populations, causing an ascertainment bias. Here, we analyze the low coverage genome-wide cell-free DNA sequencing data obtained from pregnant women during non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS). We detect 23 15q11-q13 duplications in 333,187 pregnant women (0.0069%), with an approximately equal distribution between maternal and paternal duplications. Maternally inherited duplications are always associated with a clinical phenotype (ranging from mild learning difficulties to intellectual impairment, epilepsy and psychiatric disorders), while paternal duplications are associated with milder phenotypes (from normal to learning difficulties and dyslexia). This data corroborates the difference in impact between paternally and maternally inherited 15q11-q13 duplications, contributing to the improvement of genetic counselling. We recommend reporting 15q11-q13 duplications identified during genome-wide NIPS with appropriate genetic counselling for these pregnant women in the interest of both mothers and future children.
Topological transitions, turbulent-like motion and long-time-tails driven by cell division in biological tissues
Authors: Li Xin , Sinha Sumit , Kirkpatrick Theodore R. , Thirumalai Dave
Published: January 2023

The complex spatiotemporal flow patterns in living tissues, driven by active forces, have many of the characteristics associated with inertial turbulence even though the Reynolds number is extremely low. Analyses of experimental data from two- dimensional epithelial monolayers in combination with agent-based simulations show that cell division and apoptosis lead to directed cell motion for hours, resulting in rapid topological transitions in neighboring cells. These transitions in turn generate both long ranged and long lived clockwise and anticlockwise vortices, which gives rise to turbulent-like flows. Both experiments and simulations show that at long wavelengths the wave vector (k) dependent energy spectrum E(k) ≈ k−5/3, coinciding with the Kolmogorov scaling in fully developed inertial turbulence. Using theoretical arguments and simulations, we show that long-lived vortices lead to long-time tails in the velocity auto-correlation function, Cv(t) ∼ t−1/2, which has the same structure as in classical 2D fluids but with a different scaling exponent.
The synergistic response of primary production in grasslands to combined nitrogen and phosphorus addition is caused by increased nutrient uptake and retention
Authors: Vázquez Eduardo , Borer Elizabeth T. , Bugalho Miguel N. , Caldeira Maria C. , McCulley Rebecca L. , Risch Anita C. , Seabloom Eric W. , Wheeler George R. , Spohn Marie
Published: January 2023

Background and aims: A synergistic response of aboveground plant biomass production to combined nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition has been observed in many ecosystems, but the underlying mechanisms and their relative importance are not well known. We aimed at evaluating several mechanisms that could potentially cause the synergistic growth response, such as changes in plant biomass allocation, increased N and P uptake by plants, and enhanced ecosystem nutrient retention.
Methods: We studied five grasslands located in Europe and the USA that are subjected to an element addition experiment composed of four treatments: control (no element addition), N addition, P addition, combined NP addition.
Results: Combined NP addition increased the total plant N stocks per unit area by 1.47 times compared to the N treatment, while total plant P stocks per unit area were 1.62 times higher in NP than in single P addition. Further, higher N uptake by plants in response to combined NP addition was associated with reduced N losses from the soil (evaluated based on soil δ15N) compared to N addition alone, indicating a higher ecosystem N retention. In contrast, the synergistic growth response was not associated with significant changes in plant resource allocation.
Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the commonly observed synergistic effect of NP addition on aboveground biomass production in grasslands is caused by enhanced N uptake compared to single N addition, and increased P uptake compared to single P addition, which is associated with a higher N and P retention in the ecosystem.
The longer-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on wellbeing and cognitive functioning of older adults
Authors: De Pue Sarah , Gillebert Céline , Dierckx Eva , Bussche Eva Van den
Published: January 2023

In earlier survey research, we observed a severe impact of the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic on the subjective wellbeing, sleep and activity of adults aged 65 years or older in Flanders, Belgium. The impact on subjective cognitive functioning, however, was limited. Since then, periods of lockdown and periods with less strict regulations alternated, but social distancing remained, especially for older adults. To study the longer-term impact of the pandemic on wellbeing and cognitive functioning, we re-assessed the older adults from the first measurement moment (n = 371) in a second (June-July 2020) and third (December 2020) wave of the survey. Results indicated that wellbeing fluctuated with the severity of the pandemic. Results for self-reported cognitive functioning were mixed. While participants indicated a slightly better general cognitive functioning at the end of the study, experienced problems with most cognitive subdomains significantly increased over time. The presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms influenced the longer-term impact of the pandemic on wellbeing and cognitive functioning. Our study shows the long-lasting impact of the pandemic on the wellbeing and cognitive functioning of older adults, without full recovery from the first wave.
ARL4C is associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kanai Ryo , Uehara Takeshi , Yoshizawa Takahiro , Kamakura Masato , Nakajima Tomoyuki , Kinugawa Yasuhiro , Iwaya Mai , Asaka Shiho , Kitazawa Masato , Nagaya Tadanobu , Ota Hiroyoshi
Published: January 2023

Background: ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein 4C (ARL4C) is a member of the ARF small GTP-binding protein subfamily. The ARL4C gene is highly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC). ARL4Cprotein promotes cell motility, invasion, and proliferation.
Methods: We investigated the characteristics of ARL4Cby comparing its expression at the invasion front and relationshipswith clinicopathological data using RNAscope, a highly sensitive RNA in situmethod.
Results: In all cases, ARL4Cexpression was observed in both cancer stromal cells and cancer cells. ARL4Cexpression in cancer cells was localized at the invasion front. In cancer stromal cells, ARL4C expression was significantly stronger in cases with high-grade tumor budding than in cases with low-grade tumor budding (P=0.0002). Additionally, ARL4C expression was significantly increased in patients with highhistological grade compared with those with lowhistological grade (P=0.0227). Furthermore, ARL4C expression was significantly stronger in lesions with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype compared with the non-EMT phenotype (P=0.0289). In CRC cells, ARL4C expression was significantly stronger in cells that had the EMT phenotype compared with those with a non-EMT phenotype (P=0.0366). ARL4C expression was significantly higher in cancer stromal cells than in CRC cells (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: Our analysis reinforces the possibility that ARL4Cexpression worsens prognosis. Further elucidation of the function of ARL4Cis desired.
Prognostic value of pretreatment FDG PET-CT for short-term efficacy of radioactive iodine-125 seed implantation in patients with NSCLC
Authors: Hu Tianpeng , Shen Jie , Shao Menglin , Feng Xuemin , Lu Dongyan , Ding Enci
Published: January 2023

Objective: To analyze the short-term clinical effect of radioactive iodine-125 seed implantation (125I-SI) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and explore the correlation between the related metabolic parameters of pretreatment FDG PET-CT and the short-term efficacy of 125I-SI in patients with NSCLC, so as to provide useful reference for 125I-SI treatment.
Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on 46 patients with NSCLC, who received 125I-SI treatment for lung tumors in Tianjin First Central Hospital from January 2016 to December 2018. The correlation among D90, gender, pathological pattern, age, maximum tumor diameter, MTV, SUVmax, SUVpeak, SUVmean, TLG, High metabolic tumor cell ratio (HMR) and CEA with short-term efficacy of 125I-SI was analyzed by two independent-sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test or Chi-squared test and binary logistic regression.
Results: One month after 125I-SI, 0 cases were CR, and 4 cases were PR, and the total effective rate was 8.7%. After 3 months, there were 2 cases of CR, and 25 cases of PR, with a total effective rate of 58.7%; after 6 months, there were 5 cases of CR, and 27 cases of PR, with a total effective rate of 69.6%. D90 (P = 0.028, OR:1.075,95%CI:1.008-1.147), MTV (P = 0.026, OR: 0.918,95%CI: 0.851-0.990), HMR (P = 0.020, OR: 0.003,95%CI: 0-0.407) were independent predictors for the short-term efficacy. The predictable accuracy of MTV was medium (AUC=0.781; cutoff value=44.58). However, the predictable accuracy of D90 and HMR was low, with both AUC of 0.650 (the cutoff =127.8Gy and the cutoff=0.27, respectively).
Conclusion: 125-SI is an effective therapy with few complications in NSCLC patients. Small MTV, high D90 and low HRM were linked with better local control of 6 months after 125-SI.
Portal venous blood flows determine liver function in patients with decompensated cirrhosis due to HCV infection receiving successful sofosbuvir/velpatasvir therapy
Authors: Uchida Yoshihito , Imai Yukinori , Tsuji Shohei , Uemura Hayato , Kouyama Jun-ichi , Naiki Kayoko , Ando Satsuki , Sugawara Kayoko , Nakao Masamitsu , Nakayama Nobuaki , Mizuno Suguru , Tomiya Tomoaki , Mochida Satoshi
Published: January 2023

Aim: To determine the significance of the portal venous blood flow and portosystemic shunts in patients with decompensated cirrhosis due to HCV infection following SVR achievement.Methods: Portal hypertension-related events and liver function were evaluated in 27 patients during and after sofosbuvir/velpatasvir therapy.Results: SVR was achieved in 25 patients, and the outcome was evaluated in 24 patients. Serum albumin level (median; g/dL) increased from 2.9 at baseline to 3.5 at 12 weeks after EOT, while liver volumes (cm3) decreased from 1,260 to 1,150. The cumulative occurrence rates of portal hypertension-related events after EOT were 29.2%, 33.3%, and 46.1% at 24, 48, and 96 weeks, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the maximal diameter of the shunts was associated with the event development, with a cutoff value of 8.3 mm. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that portal venous blood flow, liver volume, serum albumin and bilirubin levels at baseline were associated with serum albumin levels at 12 weeks after EOT.Conclusion: In patients with decompensated cirrhosis caused by HCV, the baseline portal venous blood flow and liver volume and function were predictive of liver function following SVR, while the size of portosystemic shunts predicted the portal hypertension-related event occurrence.
A Study on the Mechanisms of Digital Transformation Affecting Total Factor Productivity of Firms: Evidence from Chinese Heavy Polluting Listed Companies
Authors: Su Jinqi , Wei Yinying , Wang Shubin , Liu Qilei
Published: January 2023

In the era of digital economy, the relationship between digital transformation and total factor productivity of enterprises has a profound impact on the high-quality development of enterprises. Heavy polluting enterprises are given more environmental responsibilities due to their high pollution and high emission characteristics. This paper analyzes the theoretical framework of the impact of digital transformation on total factor productivity of heavy polluting enterprises, and explores the impact mechanism of digitalization of heavy polluting enterprises on total factor productivity of enterprises with a sample of heavy polluting enterprises in Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares from 2010 to 2020. It is found that the digital transformation of heavy polluting enterprises can effectively improve the total factor productivity of enterprises, internally by improving the level of green technological innovation and externally by enhancing the willingness and ability of corporate social responsibility. It is further found that the digital transformation of state-owned, non-manufacturing, high level of environmental protection investment and large heavy polluting enterprises has a more significant increase in total factor productivity. The findings of the study provide empirical evidence for the digital transformation of heavy polluting enterprises to improve productivity and the green transformation of the economy by enterprises under the dual carbon target.
“We don’t need no education” – A qualitative study of barriers to continuous medical education among Danish general practitioners
Authors: Ibsen Helle , Lillevang Gunver , Søndergaard Jens , Kjaer Niels Kristian
Published: January 2023

Background: Continuous medical education is essential for the individual patient care, the society, and the wellbeing of the general practitioner. There has been research into the reasons for participation in continuous medical education, but little is known about the barriers to participation. To be able to tailor continuous medical education to general practitioners who are currently deselecting education, we require systematic knowledge of the barriers.
Continuous medical education can stimulate job satisfaction, diminish burnout, and reinforce feelings of competence. Delayed retirement is seen among general practitioners who thrive in their job. General practitioners’ mental well-being may have positive implications for their patients and for healthcare expenditures. Educational activities show promise as a strategy to recruit and retain physicians in less attractive specialties.
Despite renumeration and a comprehensive continuous education model not all Danish general practitioners participate in continuous medical education.
Methods: 243 out of a total of 3440 Danish general practitioners did not apply for reimbursement for accredited continuous medical education in a two-year period. 10 general practitioners were selected for an interview regarding maximum variation in practice form, number of listed patients, seniority as a general practitioner, geography, gender, and age. All 10 selected general practitioners accepted to be interviewed. The interviews were analysed using Systematic Text Condensation.
Results: Each of the 10 interviewed general practitioners mentions several barriers for participating in continuous education. The barriers fall into three main categories:
· barriers related to the individual general practitioner
· barriers related to the clinic
· barriers related to the accredited continuous medical education offered
Conclusions: Less than 7% of the Danish general practitioners did not participate in accredited remunerated continuous medical education. It corresponds to 400.000 listed patients having a general practitioner who does not participate in accredited continuous education. The barriers for participating fall into three main categories. A knowledge of the barriers for participating in accredited continuous medical education can be used to better target continuous medical education to some of the general practitioners who are currently deselecting continuous education.
Gliomatosis cerebri with blindness mimicking herpes simplex encephalitis: a case report with literature review
Authors: Jahanshahi Amirreza , Salarinejad Sareh , Oraee-Yazdani Saeed , Chehresonboll Yasaman , Morsali Soroush , Jafarizadeh Ali , Jaberinezhad Mehran , Falahatian Masih
Published: January 2023

Background Gliomatosis cerebri (GC) is a rare diffuse infiltrative growth pattern of gliomas presenting with unspecified clinical manifestations. Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a central nervous system (CNS) viral infection, usually involving temporal lobes, that can lead to acute or sub-acute cerebral dysfunction. Differentiating these entities is necessary for patients with misleading presentations and imaging findings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of glioma mimicking herpes encephalitis, which has complicated by blindness. Case Presentation The patient was a 35 years-old male in a drug rehabilitation center for heroin addiction. He presented with a headache, a single episode of seizure, and a two-month history of bilateral decrease in visual acuity, which had acutely worsened. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral temporal lobe involvement, which when combined with the patient's demographic and history, led to empirical treatment for herpes simplex encephalitis being commenced. Unfortunately, no improvement in visual acuity was detected following this treatment. Ophthalmological studies showed bilateral papilledema, absence of visual evoked potential, and thickening of the retinal nerve fiber layer. Due to the atypical clinical presentation, normal laboratory data, and suspicious MRI findings, further investigation with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was performed. Results showed a greatly increased ratio of choline to creatinine or N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), suggesting a possible neoplastic nature of the disease. Subsequently, the patient was referred for a brain tissue biopsy with a suspicion of malignancy. The pathology results revealed adult-type diffuse glioma with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation. Conclusion When presented with a young patient displaying acute or sub-acute neurological symptoms and bilateral temporal lobe involvement on MRI, it is common for clinicians to presume HSE or another viral encephalitis as the primary differential diagnosis. However, as demonstrated in this study, neoplastic lesions such as adult-type diffuse glioma must be considered, especially when the clinical and imaging findings are not completely typical for HSE.
Simulation based Single cell and Multi Cell Monitoring Management with SOC & SOH Control for Continuous working of Electric Vehicle/ Grid Connected System
Authors: V Kandaswamy K , B Raj Narain
Published: January 2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) and smart grids are two examples of high-power applications that frequently use lithium-ion pack and a battery management system (BMS). Battery status estimation, defect detection, monitoring, and control functions are required for BMS implementations, which require both software and hardware. Predicting battery life aids in the consistent and efficient operation of battery-powered equipment. The proposed method uses Portable and continuous monitoring of the battery life to prevent from sudden discharge, High temperature with frequent charging and discharging system. Voltage, current, and temperature sensors are used to detect the voltage, current, and temperature of the cells. The controller receives the data from each sensor connected at different node gives the update continuously to the monitor. Similarly, the controller prevents the battery from over discharge and under discharge of each cell. Apart from regular monitoring and controlling of each cell, a novel method is proposed in the existing circuit for partial or full charging during idling condition. Monitoring the battery state continuously allows for balanced charging of the battery cells and overcharge prevention. The suggested concept includes a Graphical User Interface (GUI), a method for training a model, and test results for the BMS.