bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Edwardsiella tarda Bacteremia at a Single Institution, Japan, 2005-2022
Authors: Hasegawa Kohei , Kenya Murata , Suzuki Kumiko , Ogawa Yoshihiko
Published: July 2022

Background
Edwardsiella tarda is an Enterobacteriaceae isolated from freshwater and sea that can cause bacteremia in humans. However, only a few studies have described its clinical features; therefore, we conducted a case review in our hospital.
Methods
We conducted a single-center, retrospective descriptive study using electronic medical records. Patient and microbial features were extracted and evaluated for 30-day and 90-day mortality rates.
Results
From April 2005 to April 2022, the total number of positive blood cultures was 9368, 38 of which were E. tarda. Underlying cancer was observed in 65.8% of patients. The most common source of bacteremia was cholangitis, followed by cholecystitis, and endoscopic or surgical drainage was performed in almost all cases. Diarrhea was observed in only one patient, and there were no cases in which gastroenteritis was the source of bacteremia. Except in one case, almost all β-lactams, such as ampicillin, were susceptible. The 30-day and 90-day overall mortality rates were 8.6% and 17.2%, respectively, with only two infection-related deaths occurring within 30 days. Most patients die of cancer progression after successful E. tarda bacteremia (ETB) treatment.
Conclusion
Biliary tract infections are common in ETB cases, whereas gastroenteritis may be an atypical cause of bacteremia. This study shows ETB to have a better prognosis than in previous reports, possibly because adequate source control procedures were performed at our institution. ETB may occur in patients with unfavorable underlying conditions, such as advanced cancer.
Attitudes of European students towards family decision-making and the harmonisation of consent to deceased organ donation: A comparative cross-sectional survey
Authors: Molina-Pérez Alberto , Werner-Felmayer Gabriele , Assche Kristof Van , Jensen Anja M.B. , Delgado Janet , Flatscher-Thöni Magdalena , Hannikainen Ivar R. , Rodriguez-Arias David , Schicktanz Silke , Wöhlke Sabine
Published: July 2022

Background: European countries are increasingly harmonising their organ donation and transplantation policies. Although a growing number of nations are moving to presumed consent, no attempts have been made to harmonise policies on individual consent and the role of the family in the decision-making process. Little is known about public awareness and attitudes towards the role of the family in their own country and European harmonisation on these issues.Methods: Using LimeSurvey© software, we conducted a comparative cross-sectional international survey of 2,193 university students of health sciences and humanities/social sciences from Austria (339), Belgium (439), Denmark (230), Germany (424), Greece (159), Romania (190), Slovenia (190) and Spain (222). To maximise demographic balance across national samples, we applied inverse-probability-of-selection weights based on age and gender.Results: Participants from opt-in countries may have a better awareness of the family’s legal role than those from opt-out countries. Most respondents opposed the family veto, but they were more ambivalent towards its role as a surrogate decision-maker. Although a majority were satisfied with the family’s legal role, those unsatisfied preferred to limit family involvement. Overall, participants were opposed to the idea of national sovereignty over consent policies. They favoured opt-out policy harmonisation and were divided over opt-in. Their views on harmonisation of family involvement were consistent with their personal preferences.Conclusions: There is overall division on whether families should have a surrogate role, and substantial opposition to granting them full authority. If European countries were to harmonise their policies on consent for organ donation, an opt-out system that grants families a surrogate decision-making role would enjoy the widest public support.
Post-earthquake damage classification and assessment: Case study of the residential buildings after the Mw = 5 earthquake in Mila city, Northeast Algeria on August 7, 2020
Authors: Mouloud Hamidatou , Chaker Amar , Nassim Hallal , Lebdioui Saad , Rodrigues Hugo , Agius Matthew R.
Published: July 2022

On August 7th, 2020, a magnitude Mw = 5.0 earthquake shook 5 km north of Mila city center, northeast of Algeria, causing substantial damage directly to structures, and indirectly from induced impacts of landslides and rock falls, ultimately disrupt to everyday civilian life. Given the recent significant seismic occurrences in the region, a detailed and comprehensive examination and assessment of post-earthquake damage is critical to Algeria. This is primarily because masonry, concrete, and colonial-era structures are sensitive to horizontal motions caused by seismic waves, and because masonry and concrete structures constitute a substantial portion of today’s Algeria's build environment. We present a post-earthquake investigation for the Mila earthquake, starting from the earthquake source, and a catalogue of buildings type, damage categorization, and failure patterns of residential structures in Mila's historic old town, where colonial-era brick buildings prevail. We find that structures that represent notable architectural achievements were severely damaged as a result of the earthquake. Data acquired during the immediate post-earthquake analysis was also evaluated and discussed. The graphical representations of the damages are detailed and complemented by photos. This seismic event has shown the fragility of Algeria's building stock, which must be addressed properly in future years. This study reports on an overall estimate of a residential buildings in Mila's lower city, as well as an evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of three neighborhood towns (El-Kherba, Grareme-Gouga, and Azzeba). A generic database for graphical surveys and geometric research was developed and implemented making it possible to evaluate the shear strength on-site. The broad observations, collated data, and consequences were then loaded into the 3Muri structural verification program. Nonlinear static analysis was conducted to analyze probable failure paths and compare the real damage to the software results.
Self-report of mental health distress among pregnant and parenting adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi
Authors: Chamdimba Elita , Munthali Alister , Kabiru Caroline W , Thakwalakwa Chrissie , Ushie Boniface Ayanbekongshie , Ajayi Anthony Idowu
Published: July 2022

Objective: Few studies have examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among young people in sub-Saharan Africa and particularly pregnant and parenting adolescents exposed to multiple stressors. Our study addresses this gap by examining self-report of mental health challenges among pregnant and parenting adolescent girls during the pandemic. Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional survey involving 666 girls aged 13-19 in Blantyre district, southern Malawi, between March and May 2021. We recruited eligible respondents from households in 66 randomly selected rural (26) and urban (40) enumeration areas. Mental distress was assessed using nine symptoms including worry, restlessness, fear, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, frustration, fear, stress, and boredom. Girls were asked whether they experienced more of these symptoms after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any girl experiencing one of these symptoms was considered to have experienced mental distress. Bivariate and multivariable regression models were used to examine correlates of mental distress. Findings: Girls’ median age was 18 years with a range of 13-19 years. Most girls (68.3%) reported having experienced somewhat more or much more mental distress, with 17.6% indicating all nine symptoms. In the adjusted model, pregnant and parenting girls aged 19 were more likely to report having experienced more mental distress (OR=1.79; 95% CI 1.15 – 2.77) during the pandemic compared to those aged 13-17 years. Similarly, girls who had ever worked had a higher likelihood of experiencing more mental distress (AOR:1.65; 95% CI 1.12 – 2.41) than before the pandemic. On the contrary, perceived neighborhood safety was protective against mental distress (OR=0.81 95% CI 0.69 – 0.95 p<0.01). Conclusion: Pregnant and parenting adolescent girls' mental health was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby exacerbating their vulnerabilities and increasing risk of poor mental health. Our findings could inform interventions targeting adolescents’ mental health during pandemics.
A Five-port Integrated Planar Ultra Wideband and Narrowband Antennas System Using Excitation Switching Reconfigurable Technique for Cognitive Radio Applications
Authors: Tadesse Abdulaziz Dessalew , ACHARYA OM PRAKASH , Sahu Sudhakar
Published: July 2022

This work presents an integrated planar five-element antennas system for cognitive radio (CR) applications. The proposed system is composed a ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna for sensing the radio spectrum and four different narrowband (NB) antennas for conducting the communication tasks. The overall antenna system is printed on FR-4 substrate of 50 mm × 50 mm × 1.6 mm dimension. The UWB antenna-coupled at port 5 (P5) is designed for sensing the 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz un-licensed UWB band. The first NB antenna attached to port 1(P1) covers 5 GHz to 11.4 GHz wideband frequency, whereas the paired NB antennas located at port 2 and port 3 (P2 & P3) consists of two similar antennas to achieve MIMO operation and provides 3.05 GHz to 3.75 GHz and 4.9 GHz to 6.1 GHz dual-band operation.The last NB antenna accessible at port 4 (P4) operates in dual-band frequencies of 3.7 GHz to 4.92 GHz and 8.3 GHz to 11.3 GHz. These attained resonant bands cover applications, notably Wi-MAX 3.5 GHz, Upper WLAN, sub 6 GHz 5G, and X-bands in the full UWB spectrum.The minimum isolation among all UWB and NB antennas is 16 dB over the working bands. The MIMO performances of the port 2 and port 3 antenna pairs have been computed considering the envelope correlation coefficient and mean effective gain, and found within their practical limits. The measured results are validated and show a good matching with the simulated ones.The low profile and planar features of the suggested antenna make it a possible choice to be assimilated within small wireless devices applicable in CR communication.
A novel approach to Manufacture a Micro-Structured Surface Plasmon Resonance Multiparameter Sensor based on Inkjet 3D Printing for Simultaneous Measurements of Refractive Index and Temperature
Authors: Saitta Lorena , Arcadio Francesco , Celano Giovanni , Cennamo Nunzio , Zeni Luigi , Tosto Claudio , Cicala Gianluca
Published: July 2022

In this work, a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) multiparameter sensor for simultaneous determination of refractive index and temperature was manufactured through a novel and low-cost approach. A polymer planar optical structure was realized via inkjet 3D printing, by using photo-curable resins having tailored refractive index for device’s core and cladding, respectively. The multiparameter sensor was fully designed, manufactured, and experimentally tested to check the numerical analyses run on a preliminary phase. In such a way, a temperature resolution equal to about 0.5°C and a refractive index resolution equal to about 2 x 10^-4 RIU were obtained. Next, even a quality control analysis of the 3D printed surface was carried out by following a novel approach that relies on the profile monitoring technique, with the aim to evaluate the suitability of the design and the geometric accuracy control. In addition, thanks to the cost analysis performed through a properly model, it was proved that the multiparameter sensor designed, manufactured and tested satisfies the low – cost requirements, being the estimated cost ~ 23 €, which is an absolutely competitive cost if compared with other traditional sensors. In the end, even the performance of the sensor in terms of bulk sensitivity (equal to about 900 nm/RIU) resulted to be higher than similar devices already presented in the state – of – the – art, thus proving the validity of the developed SPR multiparameter sensor both in economic and performance terms.
Determining the preferred attachment site of tick species endemic to New York State and the influence of pathogen infection on body-segment selection in the deer tick, Ixodes scapularis
Authors: Hart Charles , Schad Laura A. , Bhaskar Jahnavi Reddy , Reynolds Erin S. , Morley Christopher P. , Thangamani Saravanan
Published: July 2022

Ticks transmit several arthropod-borne pathogens in New York state. The primary human-biting ticks in this region are Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma americanum, and Dermacentor variabilis. Tick body-segment preference varies depending on tick and host species, with the human bite-site located on the head or lower extremities and abdomen. A community tick submission system was used to acquire information about bite-site location prior to pathogen testing to understand species and life stage-specific body-segment preferences. This identified species-specific preferences for location, with D. variabilis preferentially biting the head and neck and A. americanum preferring the thighs, groin, and abdomen. Ixodes scapularis was found across the body, although it showed a significant life stage difference with adults preferring the head, midsection, and groin while nymphs/larvae preferred the extremities. Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi related to a significant change in attachment site. This provides an assessment of which body segments ticks of the most common species in New York are likely to be found. This can be applied to tick protection or clinically to inform the search for biting ticks or cutaneous signs of tick-borne illness such as erythema migrans or eschar.
Using Proton Pump Inhibitors Increases the Risk of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Cancer. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Xinlong , Fan Qigang , Yu Haichuan , Jiang Wenkai , Zhou Wence
Published: July 2022

Background: More and more studies are focusing on the adverse effects and damage caused by PPI abuse, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis for assessing whether the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) leads to liver-biliary-pancreatic cancer.Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched until July 1, 2022, 24 studies (16 case-control and 8 cohort studies; 274, 0958 individuals) included in this study. Pooled Odd Ratios (ORs) were used for random effect models. Sensitivity analysis and dose-response analysis, subgroup analysis were all conducted.Results: The aggregate OR of the meta-analysis was 1.69 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-2.22, P = 0.01) and heterogeneity (I2 = 98.9%, P < 0.001) was substantial. According to stratified subgroup analyses, the incidence of hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer was associated, expect for study design, study quality and region. Risk of hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer is highest when people is treated with normal doses of PPI. The risks decrease and become insignificant when the cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) increases.Conclusion: The use of PPI may be associated with an increased risk of hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer. Hence, caution is needed when using PPIs among patients with a high risk of hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer.
contact-free palpation of human skin by virtue of surface waves: viscoelasticity assessment of tumoral skin
Authors: Bergheau ALEXANDRE , Perrot Jean-Luc , Vargiolu Roberto , Zahouani Hassan
Published: July 2022

The ensuing pilot investigation sheds new light on characterizing tumoral and non-tumoral human skin mechanical properties that will not only assist the dermatologist’s diagnosis but also could constitute the creation of an Artificial Intelligence database for upcoming research. A modern, non-invasive, and contact-free methodology – UNDERSKIN® – was developed, and hinges upon Fourier transform computations that permit the analysis of surface wave dispersion with a specific skin inversion model and viscoelastic model. It yields a detailed look at how particle movements of the medium propagate throughout its near sub-surface, hence a novel knowledge of the mechanical responses of skin tumors. The research results display the tumors’ viscoelastic responses alongside their respective healthy skin outcomes for each skin layer as well as the dermatologist’s touch analysis. Although dermatologists are capable of sensing and having a fair overall assessment of what they are palpating, they are unable heretofore to quantify it and inform where the firmness or softness derives from, which it is necessary to be acquainted with so as to perform an accurate diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, future surgery, and teledermatology.
Preparation, characterization, and optical properties of double-layered hydroxide doped polymers
Authors: Hosni N. M. , Saber S. , El-Sayed S.
Published: July 2022

Double layered hydroxide (LDH) nanomaterials were prepared by the co-precipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The XRD pattern of LDH showed a rhombohedra phase with a hexagonal lattice. After blending polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene oxide (PVA/PEO) by casting method, the as-prepared LDH was loaded to the polymer blend in different amounts; 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10 wt.%. The results of the XRD revealed a significant change in the crystallinity of the polymer nanocomposite films. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to characterize the LDH nanomaterials. The ratio of Zn and Fe (4:1) in LDH nanopowder is confirmed. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to test the morphology of the LDH nanopowder and polymer nanocomposites. A homogenous rough surface in the form of paper-like layers was observed in LDH nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) reflectance spectra were measured at room temperature in the wavenumber range 400 – 4000 cm−1. It was noted that there are no interactions between PVA/PEO blend and LDH nanoparticles. The UV–vis spectra of the nanocomposite films were discussed to determine different optical parameters to look for the applications of the studied nanocomposite films if any.
Bone formation around implants in extraction sockets after immediate implantation in response to different treatments: a pre-clinical study in the canine posterior mandible
Authors: Zhang Yiwen , Zhou Qin , Wu Jing , Zhou Yong , Wang Mohan , Zhang Zhiyuan , Zou Duohong
Published: July 2022

Aim This study aimed to explore new bone formation around implants in extraction sockets after immediate implantation in the canine posterior mandible in response to different treatments. Materials and methods The 4th premolar and the 1st molar of six Labrador dogs were extracted from the mandible, and then, 4 dental implants were implanted. The mesial and distal gaps between the implants and the sockets were treated with one of four methods and divided into the following groups: (1) the blank group (group BG), (2) the collagen membrane (CM) group (group C), (3) the deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) group (group D), and (4) the DBBM+CM group (group DC). Sequential fluorescent labeling was performed at 4, 8, and 10 weeks after the operation. After 12 weeks, the dogs were euthanized, and specimens were collected for micro-CT scanning and histological analysis. Results The survival rate was 100%. Micro-CT showed significant differences in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume fraction (BVF) among the four groups (P = 0.040, P = 0.009); other indicators were not significantly different among the groups. Histological analysis showed that the proportion of new bone formation and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) were not significantly different among the groups. Conclusion The current study demonstrated that although DBBM can significantly increase BMD and BVF, the use of DBBM and CM did not significantly improve bone formation in extraction sockets around the implants.Clinical relevance According to the current animal experiment, DBBM and CM may not have a significant impact on bone formation in the extraction socket of IIP in the posterior mandible, suggesting that there was no sufficient reason to recommend the application of these two kinds of materials in mesiodistal extraction sockets around IIP in mandibular molar sites.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow score in Finnish-speaking overhead athletes
Authors: Sukanen Maria , Pajari Jesse , Äyrämö Sami , Paloneva Juha , Waller Benjamin , Häkkinen Arja , Multanen Juhani
Published: July 2022

Background
The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow score (KJOC) is developed to evaluate the shoulder and elbow function in overhead athletes. To date, the score has not been adapted into Finnish language. The aim of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow score (KJOC) into Finnish language and evaluate its validity, reliability, and responsiveness in overhead athletes.
Methods
Forward-backward translation method was followed in the cross-cultural adaptation process. Subsequently, 114 overhead athletes completed the Finnish version of KJOC score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) and RAND-36 to assess validity of the KJOC score. To evaluate reliability and responsiveness, the participants filled in the KJOC score 16 days and 8 months after the first acquisition. Validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the Finnish KJOC score were statistically tested.
Results
Minor modifications were made during the cross-cultural translation and adaptation process, which were related to culture specific terminology in sports and agreed by an expert committee. Construct validity of the KJOC score was moderate to high, based on the correlations with DASH (r=-0.757); DASH sports module (r=-0.667); ASES (r = 0.559); and RAND-36 (r = 0.397) questionnaires. Finnish KJOC score showed excellent internal consistency (α = 0.92) and good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.77) with acceptable measurement error level (SEM 5.5; MDC 15.1). Ceiling effect was detected for asymptomatic athletes in each item (23.2–61.1%), and for symptomatic athletes in item 5 (47.4%). Responsiveness of the Finnish KJOC score could not be confirmed due to conflicting follow-up results.
Conclusion
The Finnish KJOC score was found to be a valid and reliable questionnaire measuring the self-reported upper arm status in Finnish-speaking overhead athletes.
Efficacy and patients’ satisfaction with the ORCAM MyEye device among visually impaired people: a multicenter study
Authors: Amore Filippo , Silvestri Valeria , Guidobaldi Margherita , Sulfaro Marco , Piscopo Paola , Turco Simona , De Rossi Francesca , Rellini Emanuela , Fortini Stefania , Rizzo Stanislao , Perna Fabiana , Mastropasqua Leonardo , Bosch Vanessa , Oest-Shirai Luz Ruriko , Haddad Maria Aparecida Onuki , Higashi Alez Haruo , Sato Rodrigo Hideharo , Pyatova Yulia , Daibert-Nido Monica , Markowitz Samuel N
Published: July 2022

Objective
To evaluate usability of and satisfaction with OrCam MyEye, a finger-size wearable assistive technology device for visually impaired during real-world tasks.
Methods
This prospective multicenter study was conducted on visually impaired people recruited from 5 vision rehabilitation centers. Patients performed real-world tasks such as near and distance reading, money handling, colour identification and faces recognition in 2 different scenarios: without using any low vision aid and with OrCam. System Usability Scale (SUS), Patient’s Global Impression of Change (PGIC), the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) and the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) were administered after the use of the OrCam device.
Results
Among the 100 participants, use of OrCam MyEye device improved many daily-living tasks (F = 1.67, P < .05), and in particular reading and face recognition. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age and visual field defect explained 89% of the variation in efficacy of the device. Nearly half (45%) of the participants indicated a positive rating with the SUS. The PGIC rates showed a minimal improvement with a mean score of 4.2 (SD:1.8). The most highlighted parameter with the QUEST 2.0 test was “ease of use” in 58% (48 subjects). The PIADS indicator showed that the device positively impacted on the daily-living tasks of users (r2 = 0.72, P < .05). Regression modelling demonstrated a good relation between the questionnaires scores and demographic, disease and visual factors (P < .05).
Conclusions
OrCam MyEye allowed visually impaired people to read, handle money and face recognition independently. This device may offer to these subjects to be independent.
Novel Estimation Technique for the Carrier-to-Noise Ratio of Wireless Medical Telemetry Using Software-Defined Radio with Machine-Learning
Authors: Ishida Kai
Published: July 2022

In this study, we developed a novel machine-learning model to estimate the carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) of wireless medical telemetry (WMT) using time-domain waveform data measured by a low-cost software-defined radio. If the CNR can be estimated automatically, the management of the electromagnetic environment of WMT can be easier. Therefore, we proposed a machine-learning method for estimating CNR. According to the performance evaluation results by 5-segment cross-validation on 704 types of measured data, CNR was estimated with 99.5% R-square and 0.844 dB mean absolute error using a gradient boosting regression tree. The gradient boosting decision tree classifiers predicted whether the CNR exceeded 30 dB with 99.5% accuracy. The proposed method is effective for investigating electromagnetic environments in clinical settings.
Immortal Data: A qualitative exploration of patients’ understandings of genomic data
Authors: Lyle Kate , Weller Susie , Horton Rachel , Lucassen Anneke
Published: July 2022

As ambitions to ‘mainstream’ genetic and genomic medicine in the UK advance, genomic data is becoming increasingly familiar to patients. Unlike the results of many other medical investigations which are linked to the time of sample collection, genomic testing provides immortal data that do not change across time, and may have relevance for relatives and generations far beyond the patient’s own lifespan. This immortality raises new ethical challenges for healthcare professionals, patients and families alike, such as ensuring consent for possible future interpretations; determining when data should be reinterpreted; balancing the confidentiality of patients and duties of care towards others. Given the range of ethical challenges it raises, it is essential that the immortality of genomic data is brought to the fore. This paper reports on a qualitative study exploring the perspectives of patients and relatives participating in genomic testing, and suggests that their engagements with this immortality are shaped by: the simplicity of sample provision; understandings of heritability; and notions of genomic data as a collective resource. We discuss the implications this holds for practice and argue that the immortality of genomic data must take a more prominent position in patient and health care professional interactions.
Morbidity and Mortality due to Infections in Patients hospitalized for Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Khoury Antoine El , Hammoudeh Sarah , Mahmoud Ahmad El , Othman Leen , Salameh Pascale , Harb Tonia , Chamoun Nadia , Kalaydjian Aline , Chalhoub Lea , Meouchy Paul El , Chendeb Sara , Nasr Samer
Published: July 2022

Background: The increased risk of myocardial infarction has been well established following and infection, however, few articles explore the complications and mortality rates associated with simultaneous infections and myocardial infarctions. Our article explores this scope with the hope of better understanding how the management of infections in patients with MI will lead to better outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality. Methods: 1,197 patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction were included in this study. A comparison between infected and non-infected patients was made in terms of mortality and complication rate. Pearson's chi squared test was used to compare categorical variables. Means were compared through ANOVA test after checking the data for normality and homoscedasticity. Taking dichotomous outcomes as dependent variables, and sociodemographic and biological characteristics as independent variables, a likelihood ratio backward stepwise method was used to conduct dichotomous logistic regressions.Results: Wound, sputum, blood, and urine infections were associated with increased same admission mortality and complications. Length of stay was significantly elevated in patients with concomitant infection and even more elevated when bacteria was cultured from other sites.Conclusion: Patients with myocardial infarction and concomitant infections had a significantly increased risk of same admission complications, mortality, and length of stay.
Gravity-Assist as a Possible Solution to Save Earth from Global Warming
Authors: Rahvar Sohrab
Published: July 2022

Global warming is one of the problems of human civilization and decarbonization policy is the main solution to this problem. In this work, we propose an alternative method of using the gravity-assist by the asteroids to increase the orbital distance of the Earth from the Sun. While this proposal is far from the present day technical potential however, we show that in principle this is a doable project.Let us assume manipulating the orbit of asteroids in the asteroid belt by solar sailing and propulsion engines to guide them towards the Mars orbit. A gravitational scattering from Mars can put asteroids in a favorable direction to provide an energy loss scattering from the Earth. The result would be increasing the orbital distance of the earth and consequently cooling down the Earth's temperature. We calculate the increase in the orbital distance of the earth for each scattering.
Angiotensin II type-1 receptor-associated protein interacts with transferrin receptor-1 and promotes its internalization
Authors: Abe Eriko , Yamashita Akio , Hirota Keigo , Yamaji Takahiro , Azushima Kengo , Urate Shingo , Suzuki Toru , Tanaka Shohei , Taguchi Shinya , Tsukamoto Shunichiro , Wakui Hiromichi , Tamura Kouichi , Takahashi Hidehisa
Published: July 2022

Kidney fibrosis is a common pathway that leads to chronic kidney disease. Angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1R)-associated protein (ATRAP) was originally identified as an AT1R-binding protein. Previously, we reported that systemic knockout of ATRAP exacerbates kidney fibrosis in aged mice. Although these effects of ATRAP appeared to be AT1R-independent actions, the molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of ATRAP independent of AT1R, we explored novel ATRAP-interacting proteins. Mass spectrometric analysis of the immunoprecipitants of a Flag-tagged ATRAP complex revealed 376 candidate proteins that potentially interact with ATRAP. Gene ontology analysis revealed that proteins related to vesicle trafficking, membrane transport, and many membrane proteins, including transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), were enriched. Because TfR1 promotes cellular iron uptake and iron is a key factor involved in kidney fibrosis, we focused on TfR1 and confirmed that it interacts with ATRAP. In addition, our findings revealed that enhanced ATRAP expression decreased cell-surface TfR1 expression without altering the overall cellular TfR1 expression levels. Furthermore, enhanced ATRAP expression attenuated cellular iron levels. Together, our results highlight the role of ATRAP as a suppressor of TfR1 that functions by facilitating TfR1 internalization, which affects iron metabolism.
Research on suppression effect of different types of inert dust on coking coal dust explosion pressure in a confined space
Authors: Liu Tianqi
Published: July 2022

To study the suppression effect of inert dust on coking coal dust explosion pressure, NaCl, KCl and NH4H2PO4 are selected for explosion suppression. It is found that as dust cloud mass concentration increases in the range of 300~500 g/m3, both Pmax and (dP/dt)max increase first and then decrease. The coal dust explosion pressure decreases continuously as the mass percentages of inert dust mixed into coal dust increase from 0% to 70%. The explosion no longer occurs when the mass percentage of NH4H2PO4 mixed into coal dust is 70%, indicating that NH4H2PO4 is more effective than that of NaCl and KCl. The smaller the particle size of inert dust NH4H2PO4, the more obvious the suppression effect on dust explosion. The coal dust no longer explodes when the mass percentage of NH4H2PO4 mixed into coal dust is 60% and the particle size of NH4H2PO4 is 25~38 μm, which proves that decreasing the particle size of NH4H2PO4 is important for suppressing explosion.
Benign Thyroid Enlargement Across Racial and Ethnic Groups
Authors: Young Lily , Ow Thomas J. , Lin Juan , Schiff Bradley A. , Smith Richard V. , Mehta Vikas
Published: July 2022

Purpose
The objective of this study is to determine if there is a significant correlation between race/ethnicity and total thyroid volume among patients with benign thyroid disease. Our hypothesis is that patients of racial and ethnic minorities may present with enlarged, non-cancerous thyroids more frequently than white patients.
Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study of 457 patients (N = 457) diagnosed with benign thyroid disease between 2008 and 2020 at Montefiore Medical Center. Data were taken from an existing database and the electronic health record. The primary outcome was total thyroid volume (cm3/mL) calculated from ultrasound measurements. The secondary outcome was the maximum dimension (cm) of the largest thyroid nodule.
Results
Black patients had a mean thyroid volume (± SD) of 142.7 (± 131.1) and a mean maximum nodule dimension of 4.3 (± 1.9). White patients had a mean thyroid volume of 74.7 (± 128.0) and a mean maximum nodule size of 3.0 (± 1.5). Race was significantly correlated with total thyroid volume (p = .0007). Black race specifically was significantly correlated with total thyroid volume (p = .0008, 95% CI [.209, .794]) and maximum nodule dimension (p = .05, 95% CI [.006, 1.278]).
Conclusion
Black patients had significantly larger total thyroid volumes and nodules compared to white patients. Thyroid volume was not associated with measures of socioeconomic status such as insurance type or estimated income. Although these findings illustrate an important relationship between race and thyroid volume, further research is required to determine the etiology of this discrepancy.
Impact of COVID-19 on hospital visits for non-traumatic dental conditions in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Singhal Sonica , Dhar Badal , Ayoub Nardin , Quiñonez Carlos
Published: July 2022

Background and Rationale: As general health care is publicly funded in Canada and oral health care is not, many people seek care from hospitals for their dental problems. This study assessed if the unprecedented times of COVID-19 affected the hospital visits for dental emergencies, making disadvantaged populations further vulnerable for attendance of their dental problems. Methods: Data from IntelliHealth Ontario for emergency department (ED) visits, day surgery visits, and hospitalizations associated with non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs) were retrieved for years 2016 to 2020 to assess trends before COVID-19 and changes, if any, for the year 2020. Trends by month, for the years 2019 and 2020, to make straight comparisons and understand the effects of lockdown in Ontario, was also analyzed. Results: In the year 2020, there was a reduction of 40% in day surgeries, 21% in ED visits and 8% in hospitalizations compared to 2019. Stratified by month, largest reductions were observed in April 2020: 96% in day surgeries; 50% in ED visits; and 38% reductions in hospitalizations when compared to the same month of 2019. In May 2020, day surgeries and ED visits though remained reduced, hospitalization rates increased by 31%. Conclusion: Hospital EDs are inefficient avenues for handling dental emergencies. Nevertheless, they do remain a care setting that is sought by many for dental problems, and if the need for hospitalization and day surgery is there, this care setting is an important avenue for dentally related medical care. Perhaps unsurprisingly, COVID-19 has lessened the opportunity and capacity for such care.Practical implications: Administrators and policy makers can utilize this information to strategize on augmenting community infrastructure for building more effective, and cost-efficient avenues of care for timely management of dental problems.
Copper accumulation process and rhizosphere mechanism under different water regime in riparian wetland of Poyang Lake, China
Authors: Xu Jinying , Zhang Ruiqi , Liu Jinfu , Xiaolong WANG
Published: July 2022

Purpose Conducting research about the metal accumulation process of wetland plants and relevant rhizosphere mechanism can better understand the biogeochemical behavior of metals in riparian wetland. However, little relative information is available for riparian wetland. Methods In this study, we explored the copper accumulation process of dominant plant of Artemisia and rhizosphere mechanism under different water regime (flooding condition [FC], dry condition [DC] and alternate dry and flooding condition [DFC]) in riparian wetland of Poyang Lake.Results The result indicated that continuous or intermittent flooding may impede the accumulation and transformation of Cu by Artemisia. The correlation and multivariate analysis indicated that rhizosphere pH, Cu fraction and iron plaque on root surface can significantly influence Cu accumulation process. The transformation of exchangeable fraction to carbonate bound fraction and organic fraction under DFC and FC treatments may impede the accumulation of Cu in Artemisia. Formation of iron plaque under DFC and DC treatments can enhance the Cu accumulation in roots, but impede the translocation of Cu to aboveground tissues. Higher rhizosphere pH under DFC and FC treatments may impede the translocation of Cu by enhancing formation of iron plaque. Additionally, the growth status, bioaccumulation factor, translocation factor and root/aerial Cu content indicated that Artemisia can accumulate quantitative Cu in roots, but not suitable for phytoextracting Cu contaminated soil because of significant decrease of biomass with Cu addition, especially under DFC and FC treatments. Conclusion Altogether, our results indicate that Cu accumulation processes and ability is impeded by DFC and FC treatments.
Reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies of mammographic BI-RADS 4 lesions through a deep transfer learning method
Authors: Meng Mingzhu , Li Hong , Zhang Ming , He Guangyuan , Wang Long , Shen Dong
Published: July 2022

Background
In clinical practice, reducing unnecessary biopsies of BI-RADS 4 lesions of the mammogram is crucial. The objective of this study was to explore the potential value of deep transfer learning (DTL) based on the different fine-tuning strategies of Inception V3 to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies of mammographic BI-RADS 4 lesions for residents.
Methods
A total of 1980 patients with breast lesions were included, including 1473 benign lesions (185 women with bilateral breast lesions), and 692 malignant lesions were collected and confirmed by clinical pathology or biopsy. The dataset of breast mammography images was randomly divided into three subsets: a training set, testing set, and validation set at a ratio of 8:1:1. We constructed a DTL model for the classification of breast lesions based on InceptionV3, and 11 fine-tuning strategies were attempted to improve the performance of the InceptionV3 model. Mammography images from 362 patients with BI-RADS 4 breast lesions were employed as validation set 2. All breast lesions in validation set 2 were pathologically confirmed. Two images from each lesion were tested and trials were categorized as correct if the judgement (≥ 1 image) was correct. We used precision (Pr), recall rate (Rc), f1 score (f1), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) as the performance metrics of the DTL model on validation set 2.
Results
The S5 model was the best fit for the data. The Pr, Rc, \(f1\) and AUROC of S5 were 0.90, 0.90, 0.90, and 0.86, respectively, for Category 4. The proportions of downgraded lesions by S5 were 90.73%, 84.76%, and 80.19% for category 4A,4B,4C, respectively. The overall proportion of lesions downgraded by S5 was 85.91% in Category 4. There was no statistical difference between the classification results of the S5 model and pathological diagnosis (P = 0.110).
Conclusion
The S5 model we propose here can be used as an effective approach to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies of mammographic BI-RADS 4 lesions for residents and have important clinical uses.
Sense of coherence moderates the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and oral health-related quality of life in scholars
Authors: Noronha Thaís Gioda , Knorst Jessica Klöckner , Godois Leonardo da Silva , Emmanuelli Bruno , Ardenghi Thiago Machado , Tomazoni Fernanda
Published: July 2022

Objectives
Evaluate the moderating effect of the SOC in the relationship between racial discrimination and OHRQoL in scholars.
Materials and Methods
This is a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort performed in southern Brazil. OHRQoL was assessed using the short version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11–14. The perception of racial discrimination was measured using a question contained in the Bullying Questionnaire by Olweus, and SOC through the shortened version of the 13-item Sense of Coherence Scale. Sociodemographic and dental caries characteristics were also collected. A simple slop test and Poisson regression analysis were performed to test the interaction effects of the predictors on OHRQoL. The results are presented in Rate Ratio and 95% confidence interval.
Results
A total of 429 scholars were included in this study. About 6.7% reported had perceived racial discrimination. The simple slope test indicated that the negative effects of racial discrimination on OHRQoL were significant under different SOC levels. Among scholars who suffered racial discrimination, those who had higher SOC reported lower impact on OHRQoL (RR 0.70; 95%CI 0.55–0.89) when compared to those with low SOC.
Conclusion
SOC can be considered a moderating variable in the relationship between racial discrimination and OHRQoL. These findings highlight the potential importance of the SOC in reducing the harmful effects of racial discrimination on OHRQoL.
Clinical Relevance:
It is important that we present ways to minimize the impacts of racial discrimination in order to reduce the effects of these acts on different oral health outcomes throughout life.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement via the introducer technique is safe and effective in children when compared to the laparoscopic technique
Authors: Glithero Kyle J , Hey Matthew T , Calisto Juan L , Alkhoury Fuad , Malvezzi Leopoldo , Burnweit Cathy A
Published: July 2022

PurposeWe compare our experience of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, introducer technique (PEG) and laparoscopic technique (LapGT) at a tertiary care pediatric hospital.MethodsIsolated PEGs and LapGTs placements were reviewed at our institution from August 2016 through January 2018. Demographics, procedure time, operative charges, and 30-day complications were reviewed. Means of quantitative values were compared using the student’s t test. Categorical values were compared using the X2 test.Results93 isolated gastrostomy tubes were placed in children aged 2 weeks to 19 years. There were 56 PEGs (60%) and 37 LapGTs (40%), based on surgeon preference. There was no significant difference in demographics between the two groups. Mean operative time for PEG was 59% shorter (14 vs. 33 minutes, p < 0.001). Operating room charges averaged $4,500 less in the PEG group ($11,400 vs. $15,900, p < 0.001). Neither group had complications that required a return to the operating room within 30 days postoperatively. There was no difference in the rate of fundoplication after gastrostomy tube placement. In two cases PEGs were converted to LapGTs after safety criteria for PEG were not met.ConclusionThe PEG introducer technique, when used with clearly defined safety criteria, decreased operative time and cost without compromising safety.Level of evidence: level III
Periodic Solutions for a Class of Differential Equations With Distributed Delay
Authors: WU XUAN , Xiao Huafeng
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we study the existence of periodic solutions of the following differential delay system x'(t) = - f(∫10 x(t -s)ds), x ∈ RN where f ∈ C(RN, RN) and N ∈ N. We transform the existence of periodic solutions of the above system to that of periodic solutions with the special symmetry of an associated Hamiltonian system. Using the pseudo-index theory, we obtain some results about the number of periodic solutions, i.e. the discrepancies between the eigenvalues of asymptotic linear matrices at the origin and at infinity.
Quality Control Matters: Automated Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Abdominal Organ Segmentation in 20,000 Participants of the UK Biobank and German National Cohort Studies.
Authors: Kart Turkay , Fischer Marc , Winzeck Stefan , Glocker Ben , Bai Wenjia , Bülow Robin , Emmel Carina , Friedrich Lena , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Keil Thomas , Kröncke Thomas , Mayer Philipp , Niendorf Thoralf , Peters Annette , Pischon Tobias , Schaarschmidt Benedikt , Schmidt Börge , Schulze Matthias , Umutlu Lale , Völzke Henry , Küstner Thomas , Bamberg Fabian , Schoelkopf Bernhard , Rückert Daniel , Gatidis Sergios
Published: July 2022

Large epidemiological studies such as the UK Biobank (UKBB) or German National Cohort (NAKO) provide unprecedented health-related data of the general population aiming to better understand determinants of health and disease. As part of these studies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is performed in a subset of participants allowing for phenotypical and functional characterization of different organ systems. Due to the large amount of imaging data, automated image analysis is required, which can be performed using deep learning methods, e. g. for automated organ segmentation. In this paper we describe a computational pipeline for automated segmentation of abdominal organs on MRI data from 20,000 participants of UKBB and NAKO and provide results of the quality control process. We found that approx. 90% of data sets showed no relevant segmentation errors while relevant errors occurred in a varying proportion of data sets depending on the organ of interest. Image-derived features based on automated organ segmentations showed relevant deviations of varying degree in the presence of segmentation errors. These results show that large-scale, deep learning-based abdominal organ segmentation on MRI data is feasible with overall high accuracy, but visual quality control remains important ensuring the validity of down-stream analyses in large epidemiological imaging studies.