bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV status and survival of patients with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease: the Pan African Pulmonary Hypertension Cohort
Authors: Katoto Patrick D.M.C. , Mukasa Sandra L. , Sani Mahmoud U. , Karaye Kamilu M. , Mbanze Irina , Damasceno Albertino , Mocumbi Ana O. , Dzudie Anastase , Sliwa Karen , Thienemann Friedrich
Published: December 2022

Little is known about pulmonary hypertension in left heart disease (PH-LHD) in sub-Saharan Africa. We used multivariate logistic and cox-hazard proportional regression models to investigate factors associated with increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and the impact of real-world HIV status scenarios on six-month survival rate in the Pan African Pulmonary Hypertension Cohort (PAPUCO) study, a prospective cohort in four African countries. Upon presentation, exposure to biomass fuel smoke (aOR, 95%CI: 3.07, 1.02-9.28), moderate to severe NYHA/FC III/IV (aOR, 95%CI: 4.18, 1.01-17.38) and unknown HIV status (aOR, 95%CI: 2.73, 0.96-7.73) predicted moderate to severe RVSP. After six months, HIV infection, moderate to severe NYHA/FC and alcohol consumption were associated with reduced survival odds. After accounting for HIV infection, each additional increase in RVSP (1 mmHg) and interventricular septal thickness (1 mm) increased the likelihood of dying from PH-LHD by 8% (aHR, 95%CI: 1.08, 1.02-1.13) and 20% (aHR, 95%CI: 1.2, 1.00-1.43), respectively. However, for each additional unit of BMI, the hazard of dying from PH-LHD was reduced by 23%. (aHR, 95%CI: 0.77, 0.59-1.00). We provide factors that are significantly associated with poor survival in PH-LHD patients, some of which are easily assessable and modifiable in resource-constrained settings.
Risedronate prevents exercise-induced hypercalcemia but not nausea or vomit in humans: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Senda Masamitsu , Hamano Takayuki , Fujii Naohiko , Ito Toshimitsu , Isaka Yoshitaka , Moriyama Toshiki
Published: December 2022

Background: Reportedly, nausea or vomiting after heavy exercise was associated with post-exercise increased blood calcium (Ca) levels, which was correlated with enhanced bone resorption.
Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, enrolling 104 healthy trained male members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Risedronate (17.5 mg) or placebo was prescribed 3 and 10 days before heavy exercise lasting approximately 5 hours. We estimated Ca levels immediately after the exercise using the correlation between blood Ca and time from the end of exercise. The primary outcome was the severity of nausea or vomiting assessed by a visual analog scale during or post-exercise. The secondary outcomes included clinical symptoms associated with heat illness, post-exercise serum total Ca (tCa), whole blood ionized Ca (iCa), and serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) levels.
Results: The mean age and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were 26 years and 87 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The exercise resulted in a 4.5% weight loss. The two groups were comparable in terms of the symptoms, including primary outcome, and post-exercise eGFR. However, post-exercise estimated tCa and TRACP-5b were significantly lower with risedronate. A similar result was observed for estimated iCa. The incidence of hypercalcemia (defined as an estimated tCa or iCa levels ≥ each median value of all subjects) and urinary Ca excretion were significantly lower with risedronate. A stronger treatment effect of risedronate on blood Ca levels was observed in participants who lost substantial bodyweight.
Conclusion: Our strategy may help decrease the incidence of urinary stones often observed in marathon runners.
Trial Registration Registered on www.umin.ac.jp (UMIN000032110)
Multiple Sclerosis Presenting as Intracranial Hypertension in the Setting of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Hammad Mustafa , Abu-Ghosh Mohammed
Published: December 2022

Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) occur more commonly in women of childbearing age. There is cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) altered dynamics in both diseases causing them to have similar presentation at times. Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) have also been reported to affect the Central Nervous System (CNS) of any age.
Case Presentation:
We report A-19-year-old male who initially presented with headaches, and fever and was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. A few days later, he developed acute severe left eye pain, blurred vision, diplopia, and left ear tinnitus. The patient was found to have reduced visual acuity, left sixth nerve palsy, esotropia and asymmetric bilateral papilledema. Later, he developed left facial nerve palsy. MRI of the brain showed extensive demyelinating lesions. Lumbar puncture revealed significantly increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and positive oligoclonal bands.
Conclusion
This is a unique case of MS presenting with intracranial hypertension (IH) in the setting of COVID-19 infection that could have been the trigger for the MS clinical attack.
Bone mineral density in infant and young child aged 6 to 36 months: a retrospective study in main urban areas of Chongqing, China
Authors: Shen Liang , Huang Shengping , Li Yuheng , Sun Xuehua , Liu Zuping , Yu Yang , Zhao Yan
Published: December 2022

Background:
Bone mineral density (BMD) in infant and young child is the focus of child care physicians in the process of development during childhood. The study aimed at investigating the BMD of full-term, singleton infant and young child aged 6 to36 months of Chongqing’s main urban areas.
Methods:
Quantitative ultrasound was used to detect the BMD of the middle tibia of 8354 term infants (3919 boys and 4435 girls) aged 6 to 36 months in the urban area of Chongqing, and the BMD levels of infant and young child of different sexes, ages, weight-for-height and birth weight was compared.
Results:
The overall insufficient BMD detection rate was 14.39% in all children. The prevalence of insufficient BMD in boys was lower than that in girls (P < 0.001). And detection rate of BMD deficiency in infant and young child aged 6 to11months, 12 to17 months, 18 to 23 months, 24 to 29 months and 30 to 36 months were 32.6%, 10.6%, 7.5%, 7.0% and 5.8%, respectively, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in BMD among infant and young child with different weight for length (P < 0.001). And the BMD was not associated with the birth weight of the child (P = 0.952).
Conclusions:
Medical staff should regularly follow up children according to the characteristics of insufficient BMD, understand the deposition of bone calcium in infants and young children, so as to achieve early detection and early intervention.
Identification of ferroptosis-associated genes exhibited in human kidney biopsies after one hour of normothermic machine perfusion
Authors: Ming Shaopeng , Wen Haiming , Zeng Chunrong , Qin Ke
Published: December 2022

Background
In the 21st century, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a major global health problem, and the prevalence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has increased rapidly worldwide. In patients with ESKD, transformative kidney transplantation technology offers the greatest potential for improving quality of life and increasing survival. A growing number of studies now suggest that normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) may be beneficial for graft preservation. Ferroptosis has been shown to have significant adverse effects in models of kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, few studies have examined the effect of NMP on ferroptosis in transplanted kidneys.
Method
In the current study, gene expression profiles of pre-NMP and 1h-NMP of four discarded human kidney biopsies were downloaded from a public database, and 21 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. These genes were screened for ferroptosis-associated genes using the FerrDb database, thereby identifying six genes. Finally, the construction of gene-microRNA (miRNA), gene transcription factor (TF), gene-disease, and gene-drug networks, in conjunction with gene ontology and biological pathway enrichment analysis, was used to inform hypothesis regarding the molecular mechanisms of NMP regulation of ferroptosis.
Results
Six genes were involved in NMP regulation of ferroptosis, including ATF3, TNFAIP3, JUN, IL6, CXCL2, and GDF15. Ferroptosis-associated genes are the key players in kidney tissue inflammatory responses and may be regulated by several identified miRNAs and TFs, thereby suggesting that the inhibition of ferroptosis by NMP may involve regulatory pathways.
Conclusion
These results suggest that 1 h of NMP treatment may inhibit ferroptosis in kidney tissue. This finding may help improve transplant kidney preservation methods and reduce transplant kidney injury and post-transplant kidney adverse events.
Effects of processing parameters on the surface roughness of Zr-based bulk metallic glass processed by Wire Electrical Discharge Machining
Authors: Tang Huohong , Cheng Maohu , Chang Weijie , Yin Yingyue , Dong Bolin , Yang Qin , Chen Shunhua
Published: December 2022

Bulk metallic glass (BMG) is one of the predominant materials that are progressively used in the aerospace, medical devices, electronics, sporting goods and engineering materials. Examples include springs, miniature gears, high-end cell phones, slatted track covers, baseball clubs and computer shields. Making of components by BMG is still confrontation. Conventional methods of machining are restricted in use due to more tool wear and slower processing efficiency. Non-traditional methods of machining have been widely used for processing hard materials. Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) is one among the promising approach of machining for hard and conductive materials, especially for the new BMG metal material. The preliminary aim of this exploration is to predict the temperature field distribution using the modified Gaussian heat source mode during WEDM multi-pulse discharge process. The impact of various variables like pulse off time and peak current over the pit depth and surface roughness is investigated. Taguchi's orthogonal arrays are espoused to analyze the influence of these parameters and to determine the better machining performance.
Novel Electrospun Titanium (IV) Oxide Composite Hollow Fibres with Silver Oxide Outgrowth: Synthesis, Fabrication, Properties and Prospective Applications
Authors: Sirimekanont Tanatchporn , Supaphol Pitt , Sombatmankhong Korakot
Published: December 2022

A two-dimensional nanostructure composed of Ag2O nanobranches attached to TiO2 hollow nanofibres (2D Ag2O/TiO2) was successfully prepared as a novel material for energy applications. Sol-gel and coaxial electrospinning techniques were combined to produce hollow one-dimensional Ag/TiO2 from a colloidal solution, comprised of titanium (IV) isopropoxide, poly (vinyl acetate) and metal seed particles. Subsequently, the precursor nanofibres were calcined in ambient air at 500 oC for 1 hour, followed by a hydrothermal treatment. The silver nanoparticles functioned as seeds to generate the Ag2O outgrowth on the TiO2 surfaces using a hydrothermal treatment at different times and temperatures. FE-SEM and TEM results confirmed well-oriented nanofibres with a well‑retained hollow structure after treatment processes. FTIR and EDX elemental analysis confirmed the removal of organic materials and TiO2 formation after calcination. XRD patterns revealed the crystalline features of anatase TiO2 with cubic shaped Ag2O. The change in physical appearance, surface area and electrical conductivity of 2D Ag2O/TiO2 was studied and compared with those of 0D and 1D TiO2-based nanofibers using FE-SEM, SAED patterns, BET, electrochemical methods and a collinear four-point probe technique. Finally, a potential application of 2D Ag2O/TiO2 for photocatalysis was verified with a photoelectrochemical test using EIS with and without UV illumination.
Alcohol drinking and associated factors among chronic disease patients in primary health centers in Cambodia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tep Sovanvorleak , Lin Ruixi , Chhoun Pheak , Mao Soukean , Ly Chuong Ay , Tuot Sovannary , Yi Siyan
Published: December 2022

Background
Alcohol drinking is a significant risk factor for many chronic diseases. It can aggravate some existing chronic conditions, which are likely to be worsened even by occasional and short-term alcohol consumption. Given the high prevalence of at-risk drinking among the Cambodian general population and the potential health consequences of alcohol, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of alcohol consumption and identified factors associated with alcohol drinking among outpatients with chronic diseases in Cambodia.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted with outpatients receiving care and treatment for one or more of twenty chronic diseases and conditions in four urban and rural primary health centers. Eligible patients were selected from the outpatient department of the selected health centers using a systematic sampling procedure. We conducted a multiple logistic regression model to identify factors associated with alcohol drinking.
Results
This study included 1600 patients, with 77.7% being female. Of the total, 24.8% reported using alcohol at least once in the past 12 months. After controlling for other covariates, the odds of alcohol drinking were significantly lower among participants in the age groups of 35–51, 52–68, and 69–85 than those in the age group of 21–34. The odds of alcohol drinking were significantly higher among participants who were male, had 6 to 12 years of formal education, were employed, had a poor diet index, and had hypertension and migraine or frequent headaches.
Conclusions
A considerably high proportion of patients with chronic diseases and conditions in this study consumed alcohol in the past year despite being diagnosed with and on treatment for chronic diseases and conditions. Given the potential interaction of alcohol use and chronic diseases, a history of and current alcohol use should be elicited in the treatment process in primary healthcare settings, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Cambodia.
Biobanking and Consenting to Research: a Qualitative Thematic Analysis of Young People’s Perspectives
Authors: Velden Fabian Johannes Stanislaus van der , Lim Emma , Gills Lily , Broadey Jasmin , Hayes Louise , Roberts Eve , Courtney Jack , Ball Joanne , Herberg Jethro , Galassini Rachel , Emonts Marieke
Published: December 2022

Background
Biobanking biospecimens and consent are common practice in paediatric research. We need to explore children and young people’s (CYP) knowledge and perspectives around the use of and consent to biobanking. This will ensure meaningful informed consent can be obtained and improve current consent procedures.
Methods
We designed a survey, in co-production with CYP, collecting demographic data, views on biobanking, and consent using three scenarios: 1) prospective consent, 2) deferred consent, and 3) reconsent and assent at age of capacity. The survey was disseminated via the Young Person’s Advisory Group North England (YPAGne) and participating CYP’s secondary schools. Data were analysed using a qualitative thematic approach by three independent reviewers (including CYP) to identify common themes. Data triangulation occurred independently by a fourth reviewer.
Results
102 CYP completed the survey. Most were between 16-18 years (63.7%, N=65) and female (66.7%, N=68). 72.3% had no prior knowledge of biobanking (N=73).
Acceptability of prospective consent for biobanking was high (91.2%, N=93) with common themes: ‘altruism’, ‘potential benefits outweigh individual risk’, frugality, and ‘(in)convenience’.
Deferred consent was also deemed acceptable in the large majority (84.3%, N=86), with common themes: ‘altruism’, ‘body integrity’ and ‘sample frugality’. 76.5% preferred to reconsent when cognitively mature enough to give assent (N=78), even if parental consent was previously in place. 79.2% wanted to be informed if their biobanked biospecimen is reused (N=80).
Conclusion
Prospective and deferred consent acceptability for biobanking is high among CYP. Altruism, frugality, body integrity, and privacy are the most important themes. Clear communication and justification are paramount to obtain consent. Any CYP with capacity should be part of the consenting procedure, if possible.
Improved outcomes of elderly patients with acute and displaced proximal humerus fractures treated with window bone ingrowth fracture-specific stem reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Claro Rui , Ribau Ana , Fonte Hélder , Amorim-Barbosa Tiago , Barros Luís Henrique , Sevivas Nuno
Published: December 2022

Background:
The optimal treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) in the elderly population remains controversial. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is a popular surgical treatment option that provides improved and reproducible results. However, the relevance of fracture-specific stem designs for RSA to improve tuberosity consolidation and shoulder function remains debatable.
Methods:
This study included all patients 70 years or older with acute and displaced PHFs primarily treated with RSA at a single institution between January 2010 and December 2019 who participated in a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Exclusion criteria were pathologic fractures and more than 6 weeks between fracture onset and the time of surgery.
Results:
A total of 112 patients (15 men and 97 women) with a median clinical follow-up of 52 months were included. The mean age at the time of fracture was 78.6 years. The mean time from trauma to surgery was 6.9 days. The mean length of the postoperative hospital stay was 5.2 days. According to the Charlson comorbidity index, 41 patients had a score of 4, and 17 patients had a score ≥ 6. All fractures were classified as Neer types 3 and 4 (n = 50 and n = 62, respectively). Most patients had American Society of Anesthesiology scores II and III (56% and 40%, respectively). A fracture-specific humeral implant was used for 86 patients, and a conventional humeral stem was used for 26 patients. Regarding the tuberosity fixation technique, 76 tuberosities were attached using technique A and 36 tuberosities were attached using technique B. The overall survival rate during the 2-year follow-up was 88.2%; however, this decreased to 79% at 5 years. Most patients returned to normal activities of daily living, and 45.5% of the patients achieved functional mobility. Only three patients had complications (two infections and one dislocation) requiring revision surgery. In the multivariable analysis, the tuberosity fixation technique (P = 0.012) and tuberosity anatomical consolidation (P < 0.001) were associated with improved Constant scores. Fracture-specific humeral implants (P = 0.051), the tuberosity fixation technique (P = 0.041), tuberosity anatomical consolidation (P < 0.001), and dementia influenced the achievement of functional mobility (P = 0.014). Tuberosity anatomic consolidation was positively associated with bone ingrowth fracture-specific humeral implants (P < 0.01) and a strong tuberosity fixation technique (P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
RSA is used for complex and displaced fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly patients. Dementia was negatively correlated with functional outcomes. A window bone ingrowth fracture-specific stem combined with strong tuberosity fixation can yield better clinical and radiological results.
Studies on performance and emission analysis of a CI engine using zinc oxide nanoparticles with biodiesel
Authors: SHUKLA DIVYANSHU , Sharma Ajay Kumar , Maurya Abhijeet
Published: December 2022

In this study, B10, B20 and B30 forms of rice bran biodiesel along with concentrations of 750 PPM and 1500 PPM ZnO nanoparticles (< 40 nm size) are used as fuel additives in 4 strokes single-cylinder water-cooled CI engine. The engine runs at 0 kW to 3.5 kW load, a constant speed of 1500 RPM and 17.5:1 mm compression ratio. The ultrasonication process is used to prepare nano fuel for this experimental work. Six different samples such as B10ZnO750, B20ZnO750, B30ZnO750, B10ZnO1500, B20ZnO1500 and B30ZnO1500 of nano additives blended fuels have been prepared using magnetic stirrer. The characteristics of CI engine were analyzed with all six RBME biodiesel nano additives fuel blends and the outcomes were compared to neat diesel fuel. The main aim of this study is to enhance the performance and combustion properties of the engine and deteriorates exhaust emissions of NOX, CO2, CO and HC from the atmosphere. In this study, engine performance parameters such as BSFC, BTE and EGT increased by 14.16%, 27.72%, and 14.35% and reduction in exhaust emission of NOx, CO, CO2, and HC by 17.12%, 75%, 6.66% and 24.18% respectively as compared to neat diesel. However, the slight increase in noise by using all six types of blended fuels in this experimental study. ZnO nano additive with biodiesel blended fuel shows considerable improvement in engine performance and combustion characteristics of diesel engine.
Production performance and rumen bacterial community structure of Hu sheep fed fermented spent mushroom substrate from Pleurotus eryngii
Authors: Huang Xiaoyun , Zhou Liuting , You Xiaofeng , Han Haidong , Chen Xinzhu , Huang Xiusheng
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to compare the slaughter performance, meat quality and rumen bacterial community structure of Hu sheep by adding raw materials( RL0), 0 (RL1), 15% (RL2), 30% (RL3) and 45% (RL4) fermented spent mushroom substrate from Pleurotus eryngii to the basal diet. The results showed that: (1) The pre-slaughter weight (PSW), carcass weight (CW) and slaughter rate (SR) of RL2 group were higher than others, but the differences between the groups were not significant (p > 0.05). (2) The contents of threonine, valerine, leucine, lysine, histidine, total essential amino acids, aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid and arginine of the musculi longissimus thoracis in RL2 and RL3 groups were significantly higher than RL1 and RL4 (p < 0.05). (3) A total of 1202445 valid sequences were obtained from rumen of Hu sheep fed different amounts of fermented feed, and the valid sequences were clustered into 9824 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). (4) α diversity analysis showed that the richness and diversity of rumen bacterial communities in Hu sheep in RL1, RL2, RL3 and RL4 groups were significantly higher than RL0 group (p < 0.05). β diversity analysis showed that the bacterial community structure was the most different between RL0 and RL3. (5) At the genus level, compared with RL1, the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae R-7 in RL3 group decreased significantly by 33.59%, the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae UCG001 in RL2, RL3 and RL4 decreased significantly by 50.41%, 62.24% and 49.17%, respectively, and the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 in RL2 group increased significantly by 35.01% (p < 0.05). In summary, the addition of fermented Pleurotus eryngii mushroom bran to the basal diet of Hu sheep can significantly improve the slaughter performance, meat quality and rumen bacterial community diversity and abundance of Hu sheep.
In vitro comparative evaluation of polycaprolactone/polylactic acid copolymer and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene based Guided Tissue Regeneration membrane for bacterial adhesion
Authors: Sareen Shubham , Bey Afshan , Zia Afaf , Khan Fatima
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Earlier in vitro models have aimed to study the barrier function against the bacterial penetration across the GTR membranes. No such study is present in the literature which is aimed to quantify bacterial adhesion over the surface of the membrane irrespective of surface being examined.
Method: Sterile Resorbable PLA/PGA copolymer and Non resorbable Microporous eptfe based GTR membrane were used in the study. Both groups were subdivided into two subgroup (n=10) based on incubation period of 24 and 48 hours. Incubated in Todd Hewitt broth with streptococcus mutans, at each incubation time period the samples were vortexed and analysed for bacterial count (CFU) and also by scanning electron microscopy.
Result: Between PLA/PGA and ePTFE GTR membrane at 24 hrs incubation time period , there was a significant difference in terms of Colony forming units (W = 100.000, p = <0.001), with the median Colony forming units being highest in the PLA/PGA GTR membrane. Also at 48 hrs incubation time period, There was a significant difference in terms of Colony forming units (W = 100.000, p = <0.001), with the median Colony forming units being highest in the PLA/PGA gtr membrane.
Conclusion: Our findings depicts that ePTFE based GTR membrane showed significantly lesser bacterial adhesion on its surface as compared to PLA/PGA at both the incubation periods i.e. 24hrs and 48 hrs as shown by both spot test and SEM .
Seroprevalence of rubella hemagglutination inhibition and rubella-specific IgM antibodies and the significance of rubella-specific IgM antibody measurement in pregnant Japanese women: A retrospective study
Authors: Hiiragi Kazuya , Shindo Ryosuke , Shinoda Satoru , Okuda Mika , Miyagi Etsuko , Aoki Shigeru
Published: December 2022

Background
Cases of congenital rubella syndrome are reported annually in Japan. Rubella-specific IgM antibody titers can show false positivity or remain positive for a long period. Furthermore, the seroprevalence of rubella hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and IgM antibodies is unknown, and the relevance of measuring rubella-specific IgM antibodies in asymptomatic individuals is unclear. Hence, this study aimed to assess the validity of rubella-specific IgM antibody titers as a diagnostic marker, by retrospectively assessing the prevalence of rubella HI and IgM antibodies among pregnant Japanese women. The study also aimed to estimate the incidence of rubella among rubella IgM antibody-positive pregnant women.
Methods
This single-center, retrospective study measured rubella HI and IgM antibody titers of pregnant Japanese women during prenatal visits from January 2007 to December 2020 at Yokohama City University Medical Center Perinatal Center for Maternity and Neonates. Rubella-specific IgM antibody titers were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Values > 1.2 and ≤ 1.2 were defined as positive and negative, respectively.
Results
A total of 14965 pregnant women were included in the study, of whom 186 (1.2%) were IgM-positive. One patient (0.5%) was clinically diagnosed with rubella. Of the IgM-positive patients, 136 (73.1%) had rubella HI antibody titers of < 1:256. The patient with clinically diagnosed rubella had a fever and skin rash and showed a high titer value for both rubella HI (1:2048) and rubella-specific IgM. The patient decided to terminate the pregnancy without a repeat blood examination. The correlation coefficient between rubella-specific IgM and rubella HI antibody titers was 0.2527 (p < 0.0001), indicating a weak positive correlation.
Conclusion
This study showed that almost all asymptomatic rubella-specific IgM-positive patients measured in the context of high rubella HI antibody titers were not acutely infected regardless of whether the rubella-specific IgM antibody titer was high or low.
Manual assembly and Human-Robot Collaboration in repetitive assembly processes: a structured comparison based on human-centered performances
Authors: Gervasi Riccardo , Capponi Matteo , Mastrogiacomo Luca , Franceschini Fiorenzo
Published: December 2022

Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) represents an innovative solution able to enhance quality and adaptability of production processes. In a collaborative process, man and robot cooperate symbiotically. However, to fully exploit the benefits of HRC, human factors must be taken into account. A novel experimental setting involving a repetitive assembly process is presented to investigate the effects of prolonged HRC on user experience and performance. Each participant was involved in two 4-hours shifts: a manual assembly setting and a HRC assembly setting. The response variables collected in the study include the perceived workload, self-reported affective state, perceived body discomfort, physiological indicators of stress (heart rate variability and electrodermal activity), and process defectiveness. The experimental results showed reduced mental effort and fewer process defects in the HRC setting, highlighting how collaborative robotics can also support humans from a cognitive point of view.
Chronically ill Patients’ Perspectives on Support Services and Activities of Patient Organizations
Authors: Zigdon Avi , Eckhaus Eyal , Zigdon Ofek , Rosenfeld Michal
Published: December 2022

Background:Evidence suggests that Patient Organizations (POs) are an important support factor in chronically ill patients' coping with their illness. This support differs significantly in topic, type, and style from the physician support, and they complement each other. Also, the chronically ill Patients' perspective on the activities and services offered by patient organizations has yet to be evaluated. This study aimed to identify and map the services and activities of all types of non-profit POs from the general chronically ill patient's perspective.Methods:Nineteen services and activities of POs were sampled from the activities of patient organizations in Israel and from scientific literature and evaluated by chronically ill patients in Israel. Questionnaires were distributed among patients with chronic diseases (N=1395) using snowball sampling.Results: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for convergent and discriminant validity. Findings showed that twelve services and activities suggested by patient organizations were found to represent chronically ill patients' needs and categorized into three groups: Interpersonal support (five items), patients' rights (three items), and medical information (four items).CFA showed a good fit for the observed data. CFI = 0.98, NFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.058.Conclusions:Patient organizations complement services and activities that are not available in health systems. However, patient organizations need to tailor their services and activities to the needs of chronically ill patients, to whom they provide the services, in a beneficial manner that will allow them to maximize their ability to better manage their disease.
An Overview of the Research Trends on Fiber-Reinforced Shotcrete for Construction Applications
Authors: Amin Muhammad Nasir , Al-Samman Ahmad Yahia , Ahmad Waqas , Khan Kaffayatullah , Al-Hashem Mohammed Najeeb , Sahar Umbreen-us , Mohamed Abdullah
Published: December 2022

Research on fiber-reinforced shotcrete (FRS) for rock supports in tunneling and mining is increasing. This study used a novel approach based on scientometric analysis of FRS's bibliographic data to determine its essential components. The potential of manual review articles to link together previously isolated areas of the literature is limited. Knowledge mapping, co-citations, and co-occurrence analysis are the most challenging parts of current research. The information needed to complete the study was retrieved from the Scopus search engine. Important publishing sources, keyword analysis, writers that have the most contribution in terms of citations and publications, the most-cited articles, and the regions most actively engaged in FRS research were identified throughout the data review process. Moreover, the need for FRS and the major constraints associated with their usage were discussed. In addition to its applications in tunneling and mining, FRS can also be used for refractory linings, soil stabilization, structural restorations, and the construction of river barriers, swimming pools, shell structures, domes, and even buildings. The key barriers to employing FRS are the corrosion of fibers, high expense, and uniform fiber dispersion. Using recycled fibers, particularly from discarded tires, coating fibers with zinc/brass/copper, and employing the layer procedure, on the other hand, are superior approaches to addressing these issues. Moreover, with increased concerns about the sustainability of construction materials, efforts need to be carried out for the creation of sustainable FRS by using waste materials. The scientific description and quantitative assessment of regions and scientists might help academics build collaborative projects and disseminate new ideas and methods.
Milky strawberry-like cerebrospinal fluid secondary to hypertriglyceridemia a rare case report of hemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Elzain Mohammed Awad , Osman Mostafa , Othman Mohammed N. Al , Boukhari Rabab Abdulkarim T , Moussa Zaghloul Mahmoud , Alshahrani Saad Safar
Published: December 2022

INTRODUCTION: Disorders of lipid metabolism can lead to intracranial hemorrhages as a rare complication of the disease. To our knowledge only 4 case reports were found to have milky pinkish cerebrospinal fluid secondary to severe hypertriglyceridemia.
CASE DESCRIPTION: Forty years old Indian male, presented to the emergency department with severe headache, vomiting and decreased level of consciousness. His CT Brain showed intraventricular hemorrhage causing secondary hydrocephalus. His lab investigations revealed very high lipid profile specially triglycerides level (70.19 mmol/L). An external ventricular drain (EVD) was inserted and CSF was milky strawberry-like. CSF analysis revealed high lipid profile as well. Both CTA and DSA were unremarkable for any vascular malformations. The patient was successfully managed through a combined effort of neurosurgery, medical and ICU teams. His serum lipid profile came back to normal, his EVD was removed and a ventriculo-perotineal shunt was inserted.
CONCLUSION: The case illustrates the significant high risk for intracranial hemorrhages secondary to hyperlipidemia. Therefore, it may be suggested to obtain a CSF sample via lumbar puncture for example to measure the corresponding CSF lipid profile in patients with extremely high serum levels. This may possibly predict the associated high risk for these devastating intracranial hemorrhages. The guidelines for the serum level at which this has to be performed should be tailored based on multiple randomized multicenter clinical trials. The combined effort of the medical, neurosurgical and ICU teams is the cornerstone in the management of these special cases.
The coenzyme A precursor pantethine restrains sarcoma growth through promotion of type 1 immunity
Authors: Miallot Richard , Millet Virginie , ROGER Anais , Fenouil Romain , Tardivel Catherine , Martin Jean Charles , Shintu Laetitia , Berchard Paul , Lanza Juliane Souza , Malissen Bernard , Ugolini Sophie , Dutour Aurelie , Henri Sandrine , Finetti Pascal , Bertucci francois , Blay Jean-Yves , Galland Franck , Naquet Philippe
Published: December 2022

The tumor microenvironment is a dynamic network of stromal, cancer and immune cells that interact and compete for resources. Mitochondria play an essential role in the control of metabolic plasticity and contribute to tumor progression and immune cell functionality. We previously identified the Vanin1 pathway as a tumor suppressor of sarcoma development via vitamin B5 and coenzyme A regeneration. Using an aggressive sarcoma cell line that lacks Vnn1 expression, we showed that administration of pantethine, a vitamin B5 precursor, impairs tumor growth in immunocompetent mice. Pantethine boosts anti-tumor type 1 immunity including polarization of myeloid and dendritic cells towards enhanced IFNγ-driven antigen presentation pathways and improved development of hypermetabolic effector CD8+ T cells endowed with potential anti-tumor activity. At later stages of treatment, the effect of pantethine is limited by the development of immune cell exhaustion. Nevertheless, its activity is comparable to that of anti-PD1 treatment in sensitive tumors. In humans, VNN1 expression correlates with improved survival and immune cell infiltration in soft tissue sarcomas but not osteosarcomas. Pantethine could be a potential therapeutic immunoadjuvant for the development of anti-tumor immunity.
Combined Gestational Age and Serum Fucose for Early Prediction of Risk for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Premature Infants
Authors: Li Liangliang , Xu Shimin , Yin Xiangyun , Xi Hongmin , Yang Ping , Ma Lili , Zhang Lijuan , Li Xianghong
Published: December 2022

Objective:
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most complication of premature infants, accurate identification of at-risk infants and early intervention are key to improve outcomes. The objective of this study is to explore a multifactorial model to predict the risk of BPD.
Materials and methods:
A total of 148 neonates with gestational age ≤ 32 weeks were recruited. Clinical data and serum samples at 1week after birth were collected. Content of serum free monosaccharides and degraded monosaccharides were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The logistic regression analysis was drawn to build models for the early diagnosis of BPD. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of different monosaccharides for BPD, and combined with clinical data to improve the diagnostic efficiency, which was calculated using the area under the curve (AUC).
Results:
Of the 148 eligible infants, 42 developed BPD (28.38%), which consist of 71.43% mild (30/42) and 28.57%moderate-severe (12/42) cases. The significant risk factors for BPD in the multivariate analysis of clinical data and serum monosaccharides were gestational age, birth-weight, the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation and non-invasive ventilation, patient ductus arteriosus (PDA) and pregnancy-induced hypertension, glucose (Glc-F), mannose (Man-F), fucose (Fuc-D), galactosamine (GalN-D), galactose (Gal-D), glucose (Glc-D) and mannose (Man-D). In addition, the concentration of Glc-D and Fuc-D inmoderate-severe BPD group were significantly lower than those in mild BPD group. The combination of gestational age and Fuc-D determined the risk of developing BPD, with an AUC value of 0.9964.
Conclusion:
The prediction model based on the gestational age and Fuc-D predicts the development of BPD with high sensitivity (95.24%) and specificity (93.24%) and might facilitate early intervention and improve outcome.
Does Switching Colchicine Preparations Have a Role in The Treatment of Familial Mediterranean Fever?
Authors: Öner Nimet , Çelikel Elif , Tekin Zahide Ekici , Güngörer Vildan , Kurt Tuba , Sezer Müge , Tekgöz Pakize Nilüfer , Karagöl Cüneyt , Coşkun Serkan , Kaplan Melike Mehveş , Polat Merve Cansu , Acar Banu Çelikel
Published: December 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment response of compressed colchicine tablets in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients with resistance or intolerance to coated colchicine. Another objective was to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of the group that responded to compressed colchicine preparations.
Methods: In this retrospective study, the files of 1574 patients with FMF in our center were reviewed. Sixty-one patients who did not respond to coated colchicine and were switched to compressed colchicine treatment were evaluated. The number of attacks and the International Severity Score for FMF (ISSF) during the 6 months before and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months after switching from coated colchicine to compressed colchicine were recorded.
Results: Of the 61 patients, 36 (59%) were boys, and 25 (41%) were girls. The mean age of symptom onset was 34±22 months. The mean age at diagnosis was 8.4±5.1 years. The mean age at the time of switching from coated colchicine to compressed colchicine was 11.8±3.5 years. Among 61 patients whose treatments were switched to compressed colchicine, 12 had intolerance, while 49 had uncontrolled attacks and persistent subclinical inflammation. The problems of 12 patients who were switched to compressed colchicine due to intolerance were resolved. Response to compressed colchicine was observed in 25/49 patients with uncontrolled attacks and persistent subclinical inflammation. The frequency of attacks decreased significantly at the 3rd and 6th months after switching from coated colchicine to compressed colchicine (p<0.05). The mean ISSF score of the patients in the last 3 months while receiving coated colchicine was 5.4±2.3. The mean ISSF scores of the patients at the 3rd and 6th months after switching to compressed colchicine were 3.2±2.1 and 2.6±1.7, respectively. Twenty-four of the 49 patients did not respond to compressed colchicine. Anakinra was added to the treatments of 14 of the 24 patients, and canakinumab was added to the treatments of 10. The frequency of attacks and ISSF scores of the patients who did not respond to compressed colchicine significantly decreased after the addition of IL-1-targeting drugs to their treatments. At the end of the two-year follow-up, 42 patients were tolerant to compressed colchicine, and 19 patients (4 anakinra, 15 canakinumab) were on compressed colchicine plus IL-1-targeting drugs.
Conclusions: Compressed colchicine was shown to be a useful treatment option before initiating biological agents in patients who were unresponsive to coated colchicine, especially those with side effects.
Morphologic analysis of the foveal avascular zone for prediction of postoperative visual function in advanced idiopathic epiretinal membrane
Authors: Kim Gee-Hyun , Hwang Bo-Een , Chun Heejeong , Kim Joo Young , Kim Rae Young , Kim Mirinae , Park Young-Geun , Park Young-Hoon
Published: December 2022

To investigate the preoperative morphology of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) for prediction of the postoperative visual function in advanced idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM).
21 patients (21 eyes) with unilateral idiopathic ERM who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling were included. Superficial FAZ was measured preoperatively in both eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Area, perimeter, and circularity of FAZ were achieved, and their rationes between the ERM eyes and the contralateral eyes were calculated to analyze the degree of FAZ distortion in diseased eyes. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were measured at baseline and more than 6 months after surgery. The correlations of the preoperative FAZ rationes with BCVA and CFT were assessed.
The FAZ in the eyes with ERM was significantly reduced, and the BCVA was significantly correlated with the area ratio (P = 0.004) and the perimeter ratio (P = 0.005) of the FAZ before surgery. Decimal BCVA changed from 0.326 ± 0.139 to 0.450 ± 0.202 (P = 0.058), and CFT reduced significantly (P = 0.001) after surgery. The preoperative FAZ area and perimeter rationes were significantly correlated with letter score gain (P = 0.001, P < 0.001), and the latter showed significant correlations with the postoperative BCVA (P = 0.031) and CFT reduction ratio (P = 0.008).
The preoperative FAZ perimeter ratio is the best predictor of functional and morphological prognosis after surgery in advanced idiopathic ERM.
Platelet-lymphocyte ratio predicts chemotherapy response and prognosis in patients with gastric cancer undergoing radical resection
Authors: Zeng Qingnuo , wang danfang , wang shilong , bai zilong , nie yuanhua , xu longwen , chang dongmin , zhang xin
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Amounting literatures have reported the significance of systemic inflammatory markers for evaluating tumor prognosis. But few studies have systematically compared their superiority and their impact on adjuvant chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 730 GC patients who underwent radical gastrectomy. Fibrinogen (FIB), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lymph node ratio (LNR) were grouped according to cutoff values. Their clinical significance for GC prognosis was determined by multivariate COX regression analysis in both overall and subgroups by PLR status. Cases were divided into four groups according to PLR status and adjuvant chemotherapy status and survival was compared between groups.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that PLR was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of GC patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy improved survival more significantly in patients with low PLR than that with high PLR. Among patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, low PLR was significantly associated with prolonged survival in TNM stage II, but not in TNM stage III.

Conclusion

Preoperative high PLR is an independent risk factor for GC patients undergoing radical gastrectomy and adversely affects the postoperative chemotherapy effect.
Contradictions in Experiences of Compulsory Sexuality and Pathways to Asexual Citizenship
Authors: Hart-Brinson Peter , Tlachac ML , Lepien Emily
Published: December 2022

Compulsory sexuality refers to the ways that social institutions both assume and privilege sexualities while marginalizing asexuality—the relative lack of sexual attraction. However, experiences of compulsory sexuality are not uniform. This paper documents how the institutions of compulsory sexuality can variously impede or facilitate the development of asexual citizenship, sometimes simultaneously. Data come from exploratory, semi-structured interviews with young adults who identify as asexual in the central U.S. Informants talk about their experiences with intimate relationships, religion, media, and LGBTQIA + groups in contradictory ways: each institution figures into discourses of both citizenship and alienation. We argue that there are multiple pathways to sexual citizenship for aces, which depend not only on how compulsory sexuality intersects with other structures, like race and gender, but also according to one’s experiences with the institutions of compulsory sexuality.
Understanding the Regionality and Diurnal Cycles of Precipitation in the Lake Victoria Basin during Boreal Fall
Authors: Cook Kerry H. , Vizy Edward K.
Published: December 2022

The diurnal cycle of rainfall in the Lake Victoria Basin of East Africa results from the super positioning of regional circulations driven by lake/land temperature differences and topography in the presence of the large-scale flow. Analysis of a triple-nested regional model simulation with a convective-permitting inner domain shows how these elements combine to produce the observed regionality of precipitation, including diurnal cycling, in boreal fall. A single diurnal rainfall peak occurs throughout the basin, but the time of maximum rainfall varies within the basin. The rainy period over the lake begins with precipitation over the northern part of the lake near 02Z (0500 LT), so it is not simply nighttime rain driven by lake/land breezes. Onset of the rainy period occurs only when low geopotential heights over the relatively warm lake cause a southward branch of the Turkana Jet to form. The formation of the jet depends on nighttime cooling over the Eastern Rift Mountains, which acts to direct the large-scale, moist flow around the topography. Topography also plays a role in the daytime rainy period over land in the Lake Victoria Basin. Moist divergence over the lake supports convergence and precipitation over the shore regions. Precipitation rates are twice the magnitude over the eastern shore compared with the western shore because daytime warming of the high elevations of the Eastern Rift Mountains allows the large-scale easterly flow to go over the mountains. This easterly flow converges with the lake/land circulation and doubles precipitation rates over the eastern shore.