bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The difference of the stroke effect between two types of new material seamed plastic table tennis ball: a case study of Nittaku and DHS
Authors: Tian Jiajie , Wang Zerong , Zeng Yuxuan , Zhou Yiheng , Xiao Yi
Published: April 2023

Nittaku 40 + and DHS D40 + are new material seamed plastic table tennis balls, both of which are designated as official match balls and widely used. Due to the change of material and diameter of the new seamed plastic ball, its hardness and elasticity also change accordingly. The purpose of this study is to analyze the difference of the stroke effect between the two types of new material seamed plastic table tennis balls, taking Nittaku 40 + ball and DHS D40 + ball as an example. Table tennis players (N = 18) were randomly selected from the China Table Tennis College (M age = 15.16 ± 2.41; M height = 1.59 ± 0.32 m; M weight = 45.72 ± 5.17 kg). Each participant was all righthand shake-hands grip. The high-speed camera was used to measure ball speed and spin speed. Data normality was tested by using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. An Independent-Samples T test was conducted to assess the difference of the stroke effect between two types of new material seamed plastic table tennis balls (Nittaku 40 + and DHS D40+). Results showed that there was a significant difference between the two types of new material seamed plastic table tennis ball in the ball speed and spin speed during the backhand backspin loop stroke (p = 0.041, p = 0.022, respectively), and the ball speed and spin speed of DHS D40 + were higher than that of Nittaku 40 + ball. Compared with the DHS D40 + ball, when hitting the Nittaku 40 + ball, players need to increase the swing distance and hit the ball with more strength to improve the ball speed and rotation speed.
DNA Dynamic Coding-based Encryption Algorithm for Vector Map Considering Global Objects
Authors: Qingbo Yan , Haowen Yan , Liming Zhang , Xiaolong Wang , Pengbo Li , Xiaojing Yan
Published: April 2023

With the rapid development of digitalization and networking, copying and sharing vector map data has become convenient, but it also brings security risks such as data interception and tampering. Current encryption methods focus on partially encrypting objects, which may leave some sensitive and confidential objects unencrypted. Additionally, the encryption effect for the point layers is not satisfactory. This paper proposes an algorithm for encrypting vector maps based on DNA dynamic encoding. Initially, global scrambling is performed on all object coordinates using double random position permutation, and a four-dimensional hyperchaotic system is selected to ensure the complexity of the chaotic sequence. Next, DNA dynamic coding operations are applied to whole layers of the vector map to encrypt all data. Finally, the encrypted data can be decrypted and restored according to the DNA coding rules and the double random position permutation mapping relationship, with the decrypted data being consistent with the original. Experimental results and theoretical analysis show that the proposed algorithm could be applied to the protection of various map objects, especially in improving the performance of encrypting point layer data. The encryption enhances the security of vector data in the process of storage and share.
Rosemary extract improves egg quality by altering gut barrier function, intestinal microbiota, and oviductal gene expressions in late-phase laying hens
Authors: Zhang Lianhua , Ge Junwei , Gao Fei , Yang Min , Li Hui , Xia Fei , Bai Hongtong , Piao Xiangshu , Sun Zhiying , Shi Lei
Published: April 2023

Background Rosemary extract (RE) has been reported to exert antioxidant property. However, the application of RE in late-phase laying hens on egg quality, intestinal barrier and microbiota, and oviductal function has not been systematically studied. This study was investigated to detect the potential effects of RE on performance, egg quality, serum parameters, intestinal heath, cecal microbiota and metabolism, and oviductal gene expressions in late-phase laying hens. A total of 210 65-week-old “Jing Tint 6” laying hens were divided into five treatments and fed basal diet (control) or basal diet supplemented with chlortetracycline at 50 mg/kg or RE at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg.Results Our results showed that RE improved Haugh unit and n-6/n-3 of egg yolk, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and jejunal ZO-1 and Occludin, and decreased serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and total cholesterol (TC). The biomarkers of cecal microbiota induced by RE, including Firmicutes, Eisenbergiella, Paraprevotella, Papillibacter, and butyrate were closely associated with Haugh unit, n-6/n-3, SOD, IL-6, and TC. PICRUSt2 analysis indicated that RE altered carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism of cecal microbiota and increased butyrate synthesizing enzymes, including 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase and butyrate-acetoacetate CoA-transferase. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed that RE improved gene expressions and functional pathways related to immunity and albumen formation in the oviductal magnum.Conclusions RE could increase egg quality of late-phase laying hens via modulating intestinal barrier, cecal microbiota and metabolism, and oviductal function. Overall, RE has the potential to use as an alternative to antibiotics to enhance egg quality of hens in the late phase of production.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of rapamycin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (RAP-ALS study)
Authors: Mandrioli Jessica , D'Amico Roberto , Zucchi Elisabetta , De Biasi Sara , Banchelli Federico , Martinelli Ilaria , Simonini Cecilia , Tartaro Domenico Lo , Vicini Roberto , Fini Nicola , Gianferrari Giulia , Pinti Marcello , Lunetta Christian , Gerardi Francesca , Tarlarini Claudia , Mazzini Letizia , De Marchi Fabiola , Scognamiglio Ada , Soraru Gianni , Fortuna Andrea , Lauria Giuseppe , Bella Eleonora Dalla , Caponnetto Claudia , Meo Giuseppe , Chiò Adriano , Calvo Andrea , Cossarizza Andrea
Published: April 2023

In preclinical studies rapamycin was found to target neuroinflammation, by expanding regulatory T cells (Tregs), and autophagy, two pillars of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. Rapamycin has never been tested in ALS patients.
Herein we report a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial, in 63 ALS patients who were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive rapamycin 2 mg/m2/day,1 mg/m2/day or placebo (NCT03359538). The primary outcome, the number of patients exhibiting an increase >30% in Tregs from baseline to treatment end, was not attained. Of the secondary outcomes, rapamycin decreased mRNA relative expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-18, reduced plasmatic IL-18 protein, and increased the percentage of classical monocytes and memory switched B cells, although no corrections were applied for multiple tests.
Rapamycin, in combination with riluzole, was well tolerated and provided reassuring safety findings. Based on immunological effects, plasma concentration stability and safety, rapamycin 1 mg/m2/day resulted the best dosage in this study, but further trials are necessary to understand the biological and clinical effects of this drug in ALS.
Innovative Fitness Functions for Robust Energy Management in WSNs
Authors: Hassan Mohammed Falih , Al-Musawi Bahaa , Al-Janabi Ali Kadhim
Published: April 2023

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are widely recognized as a crucial enabling technology for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. One of the primary challenges in designing WSNs is to ensure efficient energy management, which involves minimizing and uniformly distributing energy consumption among the wireless sensors to extend network lifetime. In this paper, we propose a set of mathematical tools in the form of fitness functions that can be used to measure, compare, and control the way in which the network manages energy consumption among the wireless sensors. Furthermore, we present an Optimized Energy Balanced and Distributed Clustering (OEBDC) protocol for WSNs, which utilizes these fitness functions to manage energy resources more efficiently by promoting uniform energy consumption, minimizing communication overhead, and extending network lifetime. The proposed tools can be integrated with other WSN protocols to manage energy resources according to specific requirements that suited different applications. We have evaluated the performance of the proposed protocol against well-established routing protocols for WSNs and found that OEBDC achieves a notable advantage in extending network lifetime compared to other protocols, while also demonstrating robust control in managing energy resources.
Gut microbiota and fecal short chain fatty acids differ with adiposity and country of origin: The METS-Microbiome Study
Authors: Gilbert Jack , Ecklu-Mensah Gertrude , Maseng Maria Gjerstad , Donato Sonya , Coo-Kang Candice , Dugas Lara , Bovet Pascal , Bedu-Addo Kweku , Plange-Rhule Jacob , Forrester Terrence , Lambert Estelle , Rae Dale , Luke Amy , Layden Brian , O'Keefe Stephen
Published: April 2023

The relationship between gut microbiota, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism, and obesity is still not well understood. Here we investigated these associations in a large (n=1904) African origin cohort from Ghana, South Africa, Jamaica, Seychelles, and the US. Fecal microbiota diversity and SCFA concentration were greatest in Ghanaians, and lowest in the US population, representing the lowest and highest end of the epidemiologic transition spectrum, respectively. Obesity was significantly associated with a reduction in SCFA concentration, microbial diversity and SCFA synthesizing bacteria. Country of origin could be accurately predicted from the fecal microbiota (AUC=0.97), while the predictive accuracy for obesity was inversely correlated to the epidemiological transition, being greatest in Ghana (AUC = 0.57). The findings suggest that the microbiota differences between obesity and non-obesity may be larger in low-to-middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. Further investigation is needed to determine the factors driving this association.
Clinical and neuroimaging characteristics in mild-type infantile acute subdural hematoma. Report of four cases
Authors: Aoki Nobuhiko , 青木 信彦
Published: April 2023

Purpose Infantile acute subdural hematoma (IASDH) has a limited age distribution and mostly benign clinical features. Mild-type IASDH has a stereotypical clinical course which, however, has been described in only a few studies.Methods Four male infants (aged 6–10 months; mean age: 7.5 months) were diagnosed as mild-type IASDH associated with retinal hemorrhage (RH) after suffering from occipital impact in a fall. The present case series reviews their clinical features and neuroimaging findings, including CT and MRI findings.Results All the infants fell backwards from a standing or sitting position onto a soft surface, striking the occipital region. They began crying on impact, then soon afterwards exhibited seizure-like activity or recurrent vomiting. CT and MRI revealed a thin, unclotted subdural hematoma (SDH) without mass effect or brain parenchymal abnormality. Various degrees of bilateral retinal hemorrhage (RH) were observed. On the day of symptom onset, all infants returned to baseline, and follow-up more than 5 years revealed normal development with no deficits.Conclusions Mild-type IASDH with retinal hemorrhage presents with seizure-like activity or recurrent vomiting preceded by crying after an occipital impact on a soft surface. The clinical course of IASDH is followed by rapid recovery on the day of symptom onset. CT and MRI findings reveal a small, unclotted subdural hematoma (SDH) without a mass effect or cerebral parenchymal abnormality.
Design of a Resilient System against Shoulder Surfing Attack: Adaptable to USSD Channel
Authors: Binitie Amaka Patience , Akhator Doris Ndudi , Chukwubueze Kingsley Kadiri
Published: April 2023

The most widely accepted authentication method involves the use of a personal identification number (PIN). This method is applicable across many technologies, of which one of which is Unstructured Supplementary service data (USSD). USSD is a capability built into Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) mobile phones. In some third-world countries like Nigeria, this technology is used in carrying out financial transactions. It has been observed that while carrying out banking transactions using this technology, users' PIN entered for authentication appears in plain text on the mobile interface, thereby subjecting it to shoulder surfing attacks. Findings revealed that users' PIN appears in plain text because USSD technology is designed to convey only textual data. That is why many existing authentication methods against Human shoulder surfing attack which contains features like images, colors, or graphical password, that can provide security to users' PIN on mobile interface are not implemented on the USSD channel. This research is, therefore, on the design of a new authentication method that can provide security to users’ PIN at the mobile interface, against shoulder surfing attacks which can be implemented on the USSD channel. In this method, the challenge response approach is adopted to provide a secure PIN entry method in the presence of a human shoulder surfer, using the Randomization obfuscation method that randomly places the user's chosen PIN within randomly generated 10-digit numbers, in Left to Right order. For further security, the model designed named “Mobisafe” include features like; Bag of Soft Biometrics (BoSB) details and one-time password (OTP).
Imaging findings and clinical relevance of [68Ga]Ga -pentixafor PET in atherosclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Min , Zhang Jiayu , Ma Jiao , Liu Liyi , Wang Jia , Zhang Chunyin
Published: April 2023

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the imaging findings and clinical relevance of [68Ga]Ga -pentixafor PET in atherosclerosis.
Methods A systematic search of the PubMed and Embase databases for studies reporting the evaluation of atherosclerotic lesions by [68Ga]Ga -pentixafor PET was performed with a search time frame from database creation to 2022-12-26. The diagnostic test evaluation tool QUADAS-2 was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature and to perform descriptive analyses of relevant outcome indicators.
Results A total of 6 studies with 280 patients were included. One study reported only imaging outcome metrics, while the other five studies reported imaging outcome metrics and clinical correlation metrics. For imaging outcomes, three studies reported imaging results for [68Ga]Ga -pentixafor PET only, and the other three studies reported imaging results for comparative analysis of [68Ga]Ga -pentixafor PET with [18F]-FDG PET. For clinical correlation, three studies reported the correlation between tracer uptake and cardiovascular risk factors, one study reported the correlation between tracer uptake and plaque calcification, and one study reported the correlation between all three: tracer uptake, cardiovascular risk factors, and plaque calcification.
Conclusion [68Ga]Ga -pentixafor PET has a good imaging effect on atherosclerotic lesions, and it is a promising imaging modality that may replace [18F]-FDG PET for atherosclerosis imaging in the future. In patients with atherosclerosis, there is a clear clinical correlation between cardiovascular risk factors, tracer uptake, and plaque calcification.
Effects of sprayable degradable film mulching on cotton growth and yield under drip irrigation
Authors: Ma Zhanli , Liu Jian , Wen Yue , Song Libing , Zhu Yan , Li Yunguang , Liang Yonghui , Wang Zhenhua
Published: April 2023

Mulched drip irrigation is a highly effective water-saving technique that is commonly employed in arid regions. However, the residual plastic film left behind in the soil poses a significant challenge to the sustainable growth of agriculture. To address this issue, sprayable degradable film, which is both biodegradable and non-polluting, represents a superior alternative to the traditional plastic film. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cotton growth and development, physiological characteristics, yield, and water use efficiency under varying dosages of sprayable degradable film. The goal was to mitigate the hazards of residual film. A field experiment was conducted in Xinjiang, Northwest China to test the effects of five different mulching conditions: SF1 (1900 kg of sprayable degradable film per ha), SF2 (2200 kg of sprayable degradable film per ha), SF3 (2500 kg of sprayable degradable film per ha), PF (plastic film), and NF (no film mulching). Results showed that mulching with the sprayable degradable film had a positive impact on the soil hydrothermal environment, promoted root growth, significantly increased plant height and leaf area, and enhanced physiological characteristics compared to the no film mulching treatment, which ultimately improved yield and water use efficiency. The study found that cotton root length density, root weight density, and net photosynthesis showed significant linear relationships with yield. Compared to the NF, the yield of sprayable degradable film treatments increased by 11.79%, 14.39%, and 15.00%, and the water use efficiency increased by 21.88%, 23.96%, and 30.21%, respectively. The maximum yield and water use efficiency were observed in PF treatment, with 5345 kg ha-1and 1.28 kg m-3, respectively. The yield and water use efficiency of SF3 was close to PF. In general, applying moderate amounts of sprayable degradable film at a rate of 2500 kg ha-1can significantly boost cotton growth, improve photosynthetic characteristics, and increase cotton yield and water use efficiency. This study presents an effective agronomic strategy for managing residual film contamination while maintaining stable cotton yield.
Multi-objective Deployment of Wireless Sensor Networks in 3-D Environments using Metaheuristics
Authors: Barnawi Abdulaziz , Bawazir Ahmed
Published: April 2023

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are expected to serve vast number of applications including environmental monitoring applications. In such networks, sensor nodes have limited energy supply and processing power. Hence, random deployments may result in initial communication gaps and waste of energy resources. These gaps may still exist even after structured manner deployments. Similarly, in hierarchical wireless sensor networks, deploying large number of sensor nodes in addition to relays and clusterhead (CH) could improve connectivity but may result in increasing the overall cost with no guarantees for enhancing network lifetime. Therefore, in order to achieve better connectivity, extend network lifetime and minimize cost, a careful deployment of nodes is required. Such deployment is challenging due to the conflicting nature of the aforementioned objectives. It is even more challenging when nodes are deployed in 3-D dimensional space. This paper proposes a 3-D multi-objective deployment of WSNs based on a heuristic optimization approaches, namely Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO). The proposed WSN has a multi-dimensional (3-D) structure with a two-layer hierarchy consisting of sensor nodes, clusterheads and a base station. The aim is to obtain an optimal or near optimal positioning for clusterheads to satisfy the desired objectives. Experimental results show that the proposed method can enhance the network deployment when the three objectives are considered.
Integrating network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the key mechanism of artemisinin in treating primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Liao Jia-he , He Qian , Huang Zi-wei , Yu Xin-bo , Yang Jian-ying , Zhang Yan , Song Wei-jiang , Luo Jing , Tao Qing-wen
Published: April 2023

Objective: The study aimed to explore the mechanism of artemisinin in treating primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.
Methods: Relevant targets of the artemisinin and pSS-related targets were integrated by public databases online. An artemisinin-pSS network was constructed by Cytoscape. The genes of artemisinin regulating pSS were imported into STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network in order to predict the key targets. The enrichment analyses were performed to predict the crucial mechanism and pathway of artemisinin against pSS. The active component of artemisinin underwent molecular docking with the key proteins. Artemisinin was administered intragastrically to SS-like NOD/Ltj mice to validate the efficacy and critical mechanisms.
Results: Network Pharmacology analysis revealed that artemisinin corresponded to 412 targets, and pSS related to 1495 genes. There were 40 intersection genes between artemisinin and pSS. KEGG indicated that therapeutic effects of artemisinin on pSS involves IL-17 signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, apoptosis signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. Molecular docking results further showed that the artemisinin molecule had higher binding energy by combining with the key nodes in IL-17 signaling pathway. In vivo experiments suggested artemisinin can restored salivary gland secretory function and improve the level of glandular damage of NOD/Ltj mice. It contributed to the increase of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the downregulated secretion of IL-17 in NOD/Ltj model.
Conclusion: The treatment of pSS with artemisinin is closely related to modulating the balance of Tregs and Th17 cells via T cell differentiation.
Association of atherogenic index of plasma with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study from the NHANES
Authors: Bei Bei , Xia Yaqing , Wu Zihong , Xiao Shunqiang , Chen Lingling , Li Yousheng
Published: April 2023

Background Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) plays an important role in predicting the occurrence of cardiovascular events and metabolic diseases. However, the relationship between AIP and insulin resistance (IR) are limited and controversial. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the relationship of AIP with IR and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods This cross-sectional study Based on the data of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2018. Weighted multivariate linear regression, weighted multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, generalized additive model, smooth curve fitting and two-part logistic regression were adopted to reveal the relationship between AIP and IR, T2D and its risk markers. Results A total of 9,245 patients were enrolled. After adjusting the potential confounders, AIP was positively correlated with FBG [β = 0.85 (95%CI: 0.66, 1.05)], HbA1c [β = 0.48 (95%CI: 0.39, 0.58)], FSI [β = 47.74 (95%CI: 41.42, 54.07)] and HOMA-IR [β = 2.39 (95%CI: 1.97, 2.82)]. Overall, there was a significant positive association between the AIP and IR [OR = 15.80 (95%CI: 11.44, 21.80)] and T2D [OR = 7.18 (95%CI: 5.21, 9.917)]. However, there was a significant interaction in the gender subgroup (IR: P for interaction = 0.0135; T2D: P for interaction = 0.0024) and smoking subgroup (IR: P for interaction = 0.0130). A reverse L-shaped association was found between AIP and IR, with a turning point of 0.45. Before the turning point, the OR (95% CI) was 13.15 (10.45, 16.55). A J-shaped association was found between AIP and T2D, with a turning point of -0.47. Before the turning point, the OR (95%CI) was 5.39(4.21, 6.89). Conclusions This study indicated that AIP exhibited an positive correlation with the risk markers of T2D (FBG, HbA1c, FSI and HOMA-IR). AIP is related to the increased risk of IR, and this relationship follows a reverse L-shaped curve. AIP is related to the increased risk of T2D, and this relationship follows a J-shaped curve.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy combined Gastroduodenal Collateral Reconstruction and Preservation due to Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: Technical notes with two surgical cases report (with video)
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Khiem , Nguyen Ham Hoi , Luong Tuan Hiep , Chantha Pisey , Ngo Gia Khanh , Le Van Duy , Dang Kim Khue , Tran Duc Huy , Nguyen Cuong Thinh
Published: April 2023

Introduction. Pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with CA stenosis due to median arcuate ligament often required carefully collateral pathways management to avoid hepatic ischemic complications.
Cases presentation. Case 1: A 63-year-old man was referred to our department because of jaundice with distal common bile duct tumor. Three-dimensional reconstruction images showed developed collateral pathways around the pancreatic head and the CA was compressed by the median arcuate ligament (MAL), which developed caudally. Pancreaticoduodenectomy with left-posterior SMA first-approach and circumferential lymphadenectomy was performed. Since the CA flow was insufficient before the surgery, the surgical procedure was routinely performed, without any special preoperative arterial interventional techniques. After clamping the GDA and MAL division, we confirmed poor blood flow in the proper hepatic artery (PHA) by palpation, so that we have decided to proceed a no-touch technique of GDA segmental resection en bloc with the tumor, in order to avoid bleeding from enlarged dorsal pancreatic branches from PDAs and reconstructed with an end-to-end GDA anastomosis. Case 2: A 48-year-old man was referred to our department because of right-upper-quadrant abdominal pain with Vater tumor. Three-dimensional reconstruction images showed developed collateral pathways around the pancreatic head and the CA was stenosis in 70% due to MAL. Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy with left posterior SMA first approach and circumferential lymphadenectomy was performed. Intraoperatively, we confirmed poor blood flow in the common hepatic artery (CHA) by palpation, so that we have decided to proceed gastroduodenal collateral preservation. When preserving these collateral pathways, we confirmed that the PHA flow remained pulsatile as an indicator that the blood flow was adequate.
Conclusion. Celiac axis stenosis was a rare but difficult-to-managed condition associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy. Collateral pathways management depends on varies of collateral pathways.
Initial management of suspected malignant pleural effusion : videothoracoscopic ambulatory indwelling pleural catheter versus talc pleurodesis, a propensity scores matched study
Authors: Baltazard Charlotte , Cunji Pierre Julien , Bylicki Olivier , Natale Claudia , Beranger Fabien , Rive Elodie , Paleiron Nicolas , Lacroix Guillaume , Avaro Jean-Philippe , Boudin Laurys , de Lesquen Henri
Published: April 2023

Objectives To determine if ambulatory videothoracoscopic pleural sampling followed by indwelling pleural catheter (VATS-IPC) is safe and effective comparing with videothoracoscopic talc pleurodesis (VATS-TP) reducing total pleural effusion-relative hospitalization days for patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE).Methods. All patients who underwent either ambulatory VATS- IPC or conventional VATS-TP were extracted from a prospective database. Patients were matched one to one according to the surgical strategy (VATS-IPC versus VATS-TP) and a propensity score including six variables: age, gender, PS, type and size of effusion, dyspnoea. Primary endpoint was effusion-relative hospital stay at 3 months. Secondary endpoints were occurrence of pleurodesis, additional pleural procedures and adverse events at 3 months.Results. From 2019 to 2021, among 176 patients underwent surgical procedure whose 48 an ambulatory hybrid approach by VATS-IPC. Overall effusion-relative hospital stay at 3 months was lower in the VATS-IPC group before and after propensity score (1.80 +/-3.95 vs 6.85 +/- 6.15 days, p < 0.001). Initial management length of stay was also lower in the VATS-IPC group before and after propensity score (0.81 +/- 1.27 vs 6.02 +/- 4.83, p < 0.001). Additional pleural procedure rate (11.1 vs 10.4%, p = 1.000) and pleurodesis (72.3% vs 66.7%, p = 0.706) were similar in both of groups. VATS- TP trended to be associated with more adverse events (16.7% vs 8.7%, p = 0.396). No difference of mortality at 3 months was found (18.8% vs 16.7%, p = 1.000).Conclusions. Ambulatory VATS-IPC was associated with shorter effusion-relative hospitalization stay with equivalent pleurodesis rate at 3 months, without increased morbimortality for initial management of MPE.
Identification of a novel drug molecule for Neurodegenerative Disease from marine algae through In-silico analysis
Authors: Dhanabalan Anantha Krishnan , Kumar Praveen Kumar , Vasudevan Saranya , Chworos Arkadiusz , Velmurugan Devadasan
Published: April 2023

Marine algae-derived compounds were reported for their neuroprotective activities, hence they can be utilised for treating neurodegenerative ailments like Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. Marine algae are potential sources of useful compounds for the pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetics industries. Molecular Docking study has been performed with the bioactive compounds reported from Phaeophyceae (Brown Algae), Rhodophyta (Red Algae) and Chlorophyta (Green Algae) with drug target protein Acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The docking study shows that the bioactive compound Tetrafucol (-14.37 kcal/mol) has good binding affinity and energy compared with other compounds such as Eckol (-13.78 kcal/mol), Phytol (-9.74 kcal/mol), Eckstonol (-12.56 kcal/mol), Phlorofucofuroeckol B (-13.307 kcal/mol) and the co-crystal (-11.63 kcal/mol) Further, Molecular Dynamics simulations study had been carried out with AChE complex with Phlorofucofuroeckol, Tetrafucol and cocrystal (Dihydrotanshinone I) for 100ns each. MD simulations study also supports the stability and flexibility of the bioactive compounds (Tetrafucol and Phlorofucofuroeckol) within the protein.
Environmental assessment of single-chain polymer nanoparticles: prospects for cleaner production
Authors: Galant Or , Diesendruck Charles , Spatari Sabrina
Published: April 2023

Emerging nano-scale materials are under development for multiple uses in high-performance product applications such as advanced polymers. We apply prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) methods to evaluate alternative process scenarios for single chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs) synthesis through a photochemistry process, emphasizing the role of limiting solvent quantity and type used. SCNPs are promising high-performance materials with multiple potential applications in catalysts, lubricants, nanoreactors and more. However, as of today, SCNPs synthetic routes are still under development and usually require an excessive amount of solvent, imposing costly environmental impacts. In this study, we perform LCA to evaluate SCNPs production through a flow photochemical process compared to a classical batch process. We apply LCA to compare the performance of different scenarios for batch and flow processes, considering solvent recovery through vacuum distillation, atmospheric distillation, and solvent replacement. The results indicate that there are environmental benefits under the flow process over conventionally used batch processes where the solvent is recovered through atmospheric distillation, and toluene is the preferred solvent. In addition, we compare the LCA results to a common green chemistry metric known as the Environmental factor and conclude that a green metric calculation alone is insufficient. Hence, a comprehensive and systematic life cycle approach is needed to understand the environmental impacts of flow chemistry with potential scenarios prior to scaling up production.
Evaluation of Androgen Receptor Expression in Patients with Breast Cancer by 18 F-FDG PET/CT Radiomics and Clinicopathological Characteristics
Authors: Jia Tongtong , Lv Qingfu , Zhang Bin , Yu Chunjing , Sang Shibiao , Deng Shengming
Published: April 2023

Objective In the present study, we mainly aimed to predict the expression of androgen receptor (AR) in breast cancer (BC) patients by combing radiomic features and clinicopathological factors in a non-invasive machine learning way.Materials and Methods A total of 48 BC patients, who were initially diagnosed by 18F-FDG PET/CT, were retrospectively enrolled in this study. LIFEx software was used to extract radiomic features based on PET and CT data. The most useful predictive features were selected by the LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression and t-test. Radiomic signatures and clinicopathologic characteristics were incorporated to develop a prediction model using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) test, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were conducted to assess the predictive efficiency of the model.Results In the univariate analysis, the metabolic tumor volume (MTV) was significantly correlated with the expression of AR in BC patients (p < 0.05). However, there only existed feeble correlations between estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and AR status (p = 0.127, p = 0.061, respectively). Based on the binary logistic regression method, MTV, SHAPE_SphericityCT (CT Sphericity from SHAPE), and GLCM_ContrastCT (CT Contrast from grey-level co-occurrence matrix) were included in the prediction model for AR expression. Among them, GLCM_ContrastCT was an independent predictor of AR status (OR = 9.00, p = 0.018). The area under the curve (AUC) of ROC in this model was 0.832. The p-value of the H-L test was beyond 0.05.Conclusions A prediction model combining radiomic features and clinicopathological characteristics could be a promising approach to predict the expression of AR and noninvasively screen the BC patients who could benefit from anti-AR regimens.
Tumor location impacts the development of radiation necrosis in benign intracranial tumors
Authors: Demetz Matthias , Mangesius Julian , Krigers Aleksandrs , Nevinny-Stickel Meinhard , Thomé Claudius , Freyschlag Christian F. , Kerschbaumer Johannes
Published: April 2023

Background
Radiation necrosis (RN) is a possible late complication of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), but only few risk factors are known. The aim of this study was to assess tumor location in correlation to the development of radiation necrosis for skull base (SB) and non-skull base tumors.
Methods
All patients treated with radiosurgery for benign neoplasms (2004-2020) were retrospectively evaluated. The clinical, imaging and medication data was gained and largest axial tumor diameter was determined using MRI scans in T1 weighted imaging with gadolinium. The diagnosis of RN was established using imaging parameters. Patients with tumors located at the skull base were compared to patients with tumors in non-skull base locations.
Results
205 patients could be included. 157 tumors (76.6%) were located at the SB and compared to 48 (23.4%) non-SB tumors. Among SB-tumors, the most common were vestibular schwannomas (125 cases) and meningiomas (21 cases). 32 (15.6%) patients developed RN after median 10 (IqR 5-12) months. 62 patients (30.2%) had already undergone at least one surgical resection.
In multivariate Cox regression, SB-tumors showed a significantly lower risk of radiation necrosis with a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 0.252, p<0.001, independently of the applied radiation dose. Furthermore, higher radiation doses had a significant impact on the occurrence of RN (HR 1.372, p=0.002).
Conclusion
The risk for development of RN for SB tumors appears to be low, but should not be underestimated. No difference was found between recurrent tumors and newly diagnosed tumors, which may support the value of radiosurgical treatment for patients with recurrent SB tumors.
Measurement of charm baryon lifetimes at Belle II
Authors: Das Sanjeeda Bharati
Published: April 2023

Outstanding vertexing performance and low-background environment are key enablers of a systematic Belle II program targeted at measurements of charm baryon lifetimes. Recent results from measurements of the Λ+c and Ω0c baryon lifetimes are presented. The former result is the most precise to date.
Transmission probability of gas molecules through porous layers at Knudsen diffusion
Authors: Macher Wolfgang , Skorov Yuri , Kargl Günter , Laddha Sunny , Zivithal Stephan
Published: April 2023

Gas flow through layers of porous materials plays a crucial role in technical applications, geology, petrochemistry and space sciences (e.g. fuel cells, catalysis, shale gas production and outgassing of volatiles from comets). In many applications the Knudsen regime is predominant, where the pore size is small compared to the mean free path between intermolecular collisions. In this context common parameters to describe the gas percolation through layers of porous media are the probability of gas molecule transmission and the Knudsen diffusion coefficient of the medium. We show how probabilistic considerations on layer partitions lead to the analytical description of the permeability of a porous medium to gas flow as a function of layer thickness. The derivations are made on the preconditions that the reflection at pore surfaces is diffuse and that the pore structure is homogenous on a scale much larger than the pore size. By applying a bi-hemispherical Maxwell distribution, relations between the layer transmission probability, the half-transmission depth and the Knudsen diffusion coefficient are obtained. For packings of spheres, expressions of these parameters in terms of porosity and grain size are derived and compared with former standard models. A verification of the derived equations is given by means of numerical simulations, also giving evidence that our analytical model for sphere packing is more accurate than the former classical models.
Management of iatrogenic gallbladder perforation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Urakawa Shinya , Michiura Toshiya , Tokuyama Shinji , Fukuda Yasunari , Miyazaki Yasuaki , Hayashi Nobuyasu , Yamabe Kazuo
Published: April 2023

Purpose Iatrogenic gallbladder perforation frequently occurs during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and may increase the risk of infectious complications. The effectiveness of postoperative antibiotics and drainage in preventing infections remain unclear. The study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with Iatrogenic gallbladder perforation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in relation to these treatments.Methods One hundred twenty-one consecutive patients with Iatrogenic gallbladder perforation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled. Surgeons chose the treatments for Iatrogenic gallbladder perforation: antibiotics (n = 48), drainage (n = 39), and no treatment (n = 34). Infectious complications were classified into wound infections, intra-abdominal abscesses, distant infections, and infections with unknown origin.Results The drainage group showed a nonsignificantly higher frequency of overall infectious complications than the other two groups (antibiotics vs. drainage vs. no-treatment = 14.6% vs. 23.1% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.31). The infection-positive group (n = 20) had a higher frequency of diabetes mellitus (positive vs. negative group = 52.6% vs. 17.7%, P = 0.0009) and lower preoperative albumin (3.8 vs. 4.1 g/dL, P = 0.0081) than the infection-negatve group. Multivariate analysis showed that a lower preoperative albumin (OR 4.90, 95% CI 1.20–20.0, P = 0.027) and the presence of diabetes mellitus (OR 5.49, 95% CI 1.62–18.6, P = 0.0063) were independent factors of overall infectious complications.Conclusions Additional treatments such as postoperative antibiotics and drainage may be unnecessary to prevent infectious complications in patients with Iatrogenic gallbladder perforation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. diabetes mellitus and malnutrition were associated with postoperative infections. These findings should be validated in larger independent samples.
Cultivation of Ulva lactuca changes bacterial community structure and abundances of nitrogen cycling functional genes in an IMTA system
Authors: Kong Shuo , Chen Zhao , Zhao Fazhen , Liu Qingbing , Li Jian
Published: April 2023

To study nitrogen removal by Ulva lactuca and its effects on the structure of the bacterial community and abundance of nitrogen cycle functional genes in the ‘sea cucumber–shrimp–crab–fish’ integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system, we analysed bacterial community composition by Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing and nitrogen cycling functional gene levels by real-time quantitative PCR in water and sediment with (Y) and without the presence of U. lactuca (N). Diversity and abundance indices, including Sobs, Shannon, Ace, and Chao1, were higher in Group Y water and sediment. In the water, the predominant phyla were Proteobacteria in Group Y and Cyanobacteria in Group N in September. Flavobacteriaceae and Rhodobacteraceae were the dominant families in Group Y and Group N in October and November, respectively. In the sediment, Bacillaceae was the dominant family in Group Y throughout the experimental period, whereas Desulfocapsaceae was the dominant family in Group N in October and November. Regarding nitrogen cycle functional genes, millions of Amx, nosZ, nxrB, and nrfA genes were detected in both water and sediment. The abundances of nifH, amoA, nxrB, norB, and nrfA genes were higher in Group Y than those in Group N, which can improve ammonia removal without nitrogen loss. In this study, a potential novel approach was proposed to enhance the development of sustainable aquaculture, promote the nitrogen cycle, and remediate and optimise the water environment by cultivating bacteria and algae, according to the effects of U. lactuca on water quality, bacterial communities, and abundance of functional nitrogen cycling genes in IMTA systems.
Synergistic immunoprotection by Oma87 and Bap against Acinetobacter baumannii sepsis model
Authors: Mansouri Mobina , Sadeghpoor Masoomeh , Ghaini Mohammad Hossein , Rasooli Iraj
Published: April 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii is the leading cause of nosocomial infection. A surface protein commonly known as biofilm associate protein (Bap) has been identified in a bloodstream isolate of A. baumannii. Bap of A. baumannii is involved in intercellular adhesion within the mature biofilm. Outer membrane protein Acinetobacter 87kDa (Oma87) or β-barrel assembly machinery A (BamA) has been introduced as an immunogenic outer membrane protein via in silico reverse vaccinology. The current research examines the synergistic effect of immunization of mice with both recombinant proteins viz., Oma87 and Bap. Antibodies were raised to the proteins. The mice were challenged with A. baumannii ATCC 19606 and the bacterial burden was enumerated in the mice’s livers, spleens, and lungs followed by histological examination. IgG levels significantly increased, and a significant (p < 0.0001) difference was observed between bacterial burdens in the internal organs of the actively and passively immunized groups. Female BALB/c mice weighing 20-25g, were divided into 4 groups of 14 mice each viz., control, Oma87, Bap, Oma87-Bap groups. The proteins were individually immunogenic, but the combination of both proteins had a synergistic protection property. This is further supported by the histological examination. Based on the results, the combination of Oma87 and Bap may be considered a promising vaccine candidate against A. baumannii.
Uncontrollable Elevating D-dimer During Pregnancy and Formation of Fetal Umbilical Artery Thrombosis: a Case Report
Authors: Lin Changsheng , Zhan Jun , Xiao Xue
Published: April 2023

Background: Elevated levels of d-dimer during pregnancy are thought to be associated with adverse outcomes of pregnancy. Some obstetrician suspect maternal hypercoagulability may lead placenta or umbilical vascular thrombosis, which could cause fetal death in third trimester. However those hypothesis is lack of evidence of evidence-based medicine.Our case is unique because we regular screening level of d-dimer since first trimester. And we had ran scrutinize detailed inspection in other possible causes of umbilical artery thrombosis, including fetal chromosome abnormalities, umbilical cord abnormalities, immunological abnormalities, which all show negative results. This leads us to the conclusion that maternal hypercoagulability can directly lead to the formation of umbilical artery thrombosis.
Case presentation: A 29-year-old patient, a primigravida, was revealed the elevating d-dimer levels of 0.51mg/L in early pregnancy(normal level <0.5mg/L). With the clinical experience, the attending doctor considered the elevation of d-dimer levels were prompting a high risk of venous thromboembolism and spontaneous abortion potential and opted to treat the patient with low molecular weight heparin. After treatment,the level of d-dimer still sharply raising.Obstetrician choose to stop treatment in 36 gestational weeks.After tow weeks fetal death occurs. Postpartum pathological analysis confirmed formation of fetal umbilical artery thrombosis.
Conclusions: Maternal hypercoagulable state could cause umbilical vascular thrombosis.As a reliable indicator of coagulation function, it’s maybe necessary for regular screening the level of d-dimer for pregnant women in different trimester.The cut off values of d-dimer in different gestational weeks should be determined according to different race and inspection methods. Low molecular weight heparin maybe effective treatment for pregnant women with abnormal elevation of d-dimer.
Lack of Alignment between Surgeon Priorities and Patient Expectations in Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Shah Harsh N. , Barrett Andrew A. , Le Patrick H. , Arora Prerna , Kamal Robin N. , Amanatullah Derek F.
Published: April 2023

Background: Healthcare systems are shifting toward “patient-centered” care often without assessing the values important to patients. Analogously, the interests of the patient may be disparate with physician interests, as pay-for-performance models become common. The purpose of the study was to determine which medical preferences are essential for patients during their surgical care.
Methods: This prospective, observational study surveyed 102 patients who had undergone a primary knee replacement and/or hip replacement surgery about hypothetical scenarios regarding their surgical experience. Data analysis included categorical variables presented as a number and percent, while continuous variables presented as mean and standard deviation. Statistical analysis for anticoagulation data included the Pearson chi-square test and one-way ANOVA test.
Results: A large majority, 73 patients (72%), would not pay to have a four-centimeter or smaller incision. The remaining 29 patients (28%) would prefer to have a four-centimeter or smaller incision and would pay a mean of $1,328 ± 1,629 for that day. A significant number of patients preferred not to use anticoagulation (p = 0.019); however, the value attributed to avoiding a specific method of anticoagulation was found not to be significant (p = 0.507).
Conclusions: The study determined the metrics prioritized by hospitals and surgeons are not important to the majority of patients when they evaluate their own care. These disconnects in the entitlements patients expect and receive can be solved by including patients in discussions with physicians and hospital systems.